May 18, 2013 Magic EBTA Part Two - From Tejas to España

[birkner]

Hi all,

I've been reading some conflicting information about the currency used in Gibraltar.

It looks like they have their own (the Gibraltar Pound), but some things I have been reading say they will accept British Pounds as well. The exchange rate looks to be fairly close to each other against the dollar.

I want to get some currency before we leave on our trip (both Euro's and Pounds). My back has actually ordered some Gibraltar and UK pounds for me (don't have to buy them, but they wanted to have them on hand just in case).

I think I'd rather have British Pounds, as from other things I have read, it looks like the Gibraltar Pound is harder to exchange in Europe.

At any rate, I wanted to throw this question out the group, particularly to those of you who have been to Gibraltar before.

Thanks!

British pounds are absolutely fine in Gibraltar and are accepted everywhere.

The only thing I would say about spending in Gibraltar is DO NOT use euros..

They are readily accepted but the general conversion is 1.5 euros to each pound which is a very poor rate.

Paul

Another caveat is DO NOT accept Gibraltar pounds in change as they are NOT usable anywhere but Gibraltar.

 

[wickesy]

I thought I would give the Tremont Rooftop Bar a heads-up of how many to expect just in case they might want to have additional staffing. Could you just reply on the thread if you are planning to attend? Thanks so much!

We don't arrive at IAH until 2:35 but I'm hoping Dad and I might be able to get to the meet before everyone disappears.

 

[Ladyshopper]

Any more updates to add?
Any luck for Lysand for a rideshare from IAH to Galveston?

Hi MandyGirl. Please can you add me to the Houston IAH area. We are staying at Candlewood Suites. Many thanks.

 

[Viking_53]

Another caveat is DO NOT accept Gibraltar pounds in change as they are NOT usable anywhere but Gibraltar.

Thanks for that update as well!!

That was one of the things I was reading, but again, was getting conflicting information about it.

Looks like getting British Pounds is the way to go!

Thanks again everybody.

Chuck

 

[birkner]

Thanks for that update as well!!

That was one of the things I was reading, but again, was getting conflicting information about it.

Looks like getting British Pounds is the way to go!

Thanks again everybody.

Chuck

The reason I know this fact is when I asked at the bank in 2010 to get Gibraltar pounds I was told they are NOT SOLD or usable outside Gibraltar. Don't think that has changed.

 

[p17blo]

Another caveat is DO NOT accept Gibraltar pounds in change as they are NOT usable anywhere but Gibraltar.

Sellers are not obligated to give you GBP Stirling over local £, but most will if you ask them (nicely)

 

[birkner]

Sellers are not obligated to give you GBP Stirling over local £, but most will if you ask them (nicely)

Agree about the nicely! Lucky for us we had exact change when we made a purchase!

 

[MandyGirl]

Hi MandyGirl. Please can you add me to the Houston IAH area. We are staying at Candlewood Suites. Many thanks.

Done

 

[GoofyNewfie]

Also posted this morning on Facebook:
CABIN CRUISERS UPDATE: aka Stateroom tours We have a dozen cabins to view, thanks to all of you! <YAY!> Curiously, no one seems to be occupying an oceanview (porthole) room-- categories 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 5A. If you wish to participate, please LMK by PM me or leave a message below. Also looking for a sideways inside. Date not set yet; the activities for this cruise seem to be front-loaded, so perhaps on the sixth or seventh day. Or eighth... I will let those participating know onboard by message to your fishie clip outside your door. Sound good? We have been graciously allowed the view of a 1BR Suite category T-- anyone in Roy or Walt game?

Do we have a list going for what rooms/categories are going to be used?

We volunteered ours, but I do plan on asking for/paying for an upgrade at the port if it's reasonable. I can try for a porthole room.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

Has anyone booked a bus tour to Montserrat for the disembark day, June 1? One which would allow the EBTA luggage to stay on the bus until after the tour? That would solve the getting in to port early and the hotel not being ready for us...

We're using Barcelona day tours and looked at Montserrat but just did the city tour after. They put the luggage on the bus with you I believe. 1 big bag, 1 carry on if I recall.

They're picking us up at the boat and dropping us at the hotel. Easy peasy. Finger crossed.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

I am literally planning on leaving the Tremont lobby around 5:45am to walk the two blocks, grabbing coffee on the way, and start holding back tears seeing the Magic slowly meander her way into port. I know my husband will remain in bed (he knows I am crazy like this) but if anyone else is crazy like me and wanting to walk down to the pier area, we could definitely meet in the lobby!

I'm down.

 

[birkner]

Has anyone booked a bus tour to Montserrat for the disembark day, June 1? One which would allow the EBTA luggage to stay on the bus until after the tour? That would solve the getting in to port early and the hotel not being ready for us...

We did this is in reverse on the 2010 WBTA and worked perfectly.

 

[gramfrog]

Do we have a list going for what rooms/categories are going to be used?

We volunteered ours, but I do plan on asking for/paying for an upgrade at the port if it's reasonable. I can try for a porthole room.

Yes-- so far it looks like 11B(6141); 10C(2129); 9A(5520); 7A(6142); 6A(6152); 5C(6040); 4A (8524 and 8036); 4B(8502 and 8512); T(8532) and possibly a 5A.

If you have volunteered your room and it is not on the list, please PM me.
Thanks!

 

[kris3kid]

When I was on the phone with Disney last week about transportation they said the only thing listed were the normal shows and a villains night. Nothing about a surprise, even hinted and they said there was nothing posted.

 

[padalyn]

I think the only folks that really know are the entertainment people ON the ship. They keep it pretty close to the vest until the last possible moment. Even then it doesn't always work out, as acts have canceled and the crew had to scramble to fill in!

I say just wait and be surprised - not everything has to be known or planned, right?

 

[MandyGirl]

When I was on the phone with Disney last week about transportation they said the only thing listed were the normal shows and a villains night. Nothing about a surprise, even hinted and they said there was nothing posted.

It's something they usually have to ask about and put you on hold to do so-- they just have access to the same info we see online (formal/informal nights, pirate night) but have to contact someone else to see if Entertainment has put something special out.

You did get more info than I did today though -- I told her I had the published nights like formal/informal/pirates - what is the date of Villains night? I can get it added to the calendar.

ETA: Maybe we just got lucky last time knowing... and it's not normally released info. Or a policy change. Seems DCL has had several policy changes in the past several months. We definitely may be Magically Surprised like they have said

 

[MandyGirl]

We don't arrive at IAH until 2:35 but I'm hoping Dad and I might be able to get to the meet before everyone disappears.

You should be able to make it no problem! Only possible umph might be Houston rush hour traffic so just breeze through customs/immigration and hit the road!

I'm down.

You're up (on the rooftop!) hehehehehe

 

[kris3kid]

They would not give me three date for villains, they said it is still pending but it is written down.

 

[MandyGirl]

They would not give me three date for villains, they said it is still pending but it is written down.

Thanks!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Also posted this morning on Facebook:
CABIN CRUISERS UPDATE: aka Stateroom tours We have a dozen cabins to view, thanks to all of you! <YAY!> Curiously, no one seems to be occupying an oceanview (porthole) room-- categories 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 5A. If you wish to participate, please LMK by PM me or leave a message below. Also looking for a sideways inside. Date not set yet; the activities for this cruise seem to be front-loaded, so perhaps on the sixth or seventh day. Or eighth... I will let those participating know onboard by message to your fishie clip outside your door. Sound good? We have been graciously allowed the view of a 1BR Suite category T-- anyone in Roy or Walt game?

Great! Thanks for organizing!
Bobbi