May 18, 2013 MAGIC EBTA - Who is with us?

[MandyGirl]

We aren't in our room much either. My nap tends to be by the pool on a lounger!
I installed the Dis iPhone app and trying to figure it out but I like it so far!

I hear ya! Hubby has had his share of melanoma and other skin cancers, so we try to find something in the shade --- otherwise we are relegated indoors. We did find a lounger one day and it was nice! Deck 4 was good too. Of course, we also found loungers taking care of a random book or pair of shoes in the shade for long amounts of time but I am sure those items needed protection from the UV rays more than we did.

I'm a droid user, but wish I had an iPhone to coordinate with my MacBook! Keep thinking when my upgrade time comes....

 

[valbob89]

I just sent Chris various event descriptions he could consider using on the webpage. So glad he is volunteering to be our webmaster!! I included several events just so there is a description out there, even if someone has not taken an event yet. Those descriptions can certainly change once someone takes on each event!


I noticed we have no Farewell Luncheon listed, and propose we add that. It serves a two-fold purpose as we can also do the Secret Mickey Reveal at that time (last sea day - 12:15 Lumiere's). Are there any concerns with adding this as an event from anyone?


Since there is no pre-cruise DCL involvement needed for the following events, can we go ahead and put these down in the following timeslots to help alleviate any double-booking of events? None of these require $$ either and are hopefully arranged to avoid Character Breakfasts and Princess Teas that DCL will have. And of course I do not mind organizing these. Are there any concerns with adding these event times from anyone?

• Embarkation Day Meet-And-Greet (and receive lanyards)
• Pajama Breakfast (and have lanyards available should some have missed meet-and-greet)
• Toddler Meet-and-Greet
• DIS Farewell Luncheon (which usually incorporates Secret Mickey Reveal)

Day 1 Galveston, Texas DIS Meet-and-Greet 3:00
Day 2 At Sea DIS PJ Breakfast 8:45 Lumiere's Toddler Meet-and-Greet Splash Pool 11:00
Day 3 At Sea
Day 4 Castaway Cay, Bahamas 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Day 5 At Sea
Day 6 At Sea
Day 7 At Sea
Day 8 At Sea
Day 9 At Sea
Day 10 At Sea
Day 11 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Day 12 At Sea
Day 13 Gibraltar, United Kingdom 7:30 am 6:00 pm
Day 14 At Sea DIS Farewell Lunch and Secret Mickey Reveal 12:15
Day 15 Barcelona, Spain

General Descriptions:

Embarkation Day Meet-and-Greet onboard -
There will be a brief get together in the Promenade Lounge (deck 3) at 3pm on embarkation day. It will be a great opportunity to put faces to DIS usernames, pick up your lanyards from the Lanyard TEAM, as well as letting us all know of any room changes for those participating in exchanges and events (such as Fish Extenders, Candy Swap, and Secret Mickey - if anyone upgraded at embarkation). No sign-up necessary!

DIS Pajama Breakfast -
Meet for pictures at 8:45 the first sea day followed by breakfast in Lumiere's wearing your G-rated PAJAMAS! This is not a private function but Lumiere's will be notified in advance of our group attending so staffing/table arrangements can be made based on how many sign up prior to May 15. No charge!

DIS Toddler Meet-up -
No charge and no sign-up necessary - Just show up!! An informal "toddler meet-n-greet" for the kiddos too young for Kids Club (under age three) on the first sea day from 11:00-11:30. That way they get a chance to meet, Moms get a chance to meet (and/or Dads), etc. Planning on the area in the shade by the toddler splash area - just a place so that we can meet before lunch/naps/cranky time This will help us recognize one another the remainder of the cruise as well.

DIS Farewell Lunch -
Come & join us for a farewell DIS lunch on the last sea day at 12:15 at Lumiere's. This is not a private function but Lumiere's will be notified in advance of our group attending so staffing/table arrangements can be made based on the number of guests who sign up prior to May 15. No charge!



This leaves many sea days available for the other activities that need to be submitted to DCL, and provides an opportunity to organize their scheduling to minimize any overlapping of DIS activities. Of course there will be things that appear in the Navigators, but at least the DIS activities won't overlap each other.

Thanks with the help with a description of the events. It will be a good starting point. If each person who has agreed to organize an event would draft up what they want on their page, you can then let Chris know. I recommend each organizer let Chris know about a placeholder date and time once we get closer to the actual month of the cruise. Otherwise he will just be updating the site all the time.

DCL Special Requests has to wait until they hear from the cruise direction onboard before then can begin assigning spots and times. That usually is about 2 weeks before the cruise. Sometimes they can't won't assign until you are on the ship. You can request a day and time but they won't confirm.

I'll add an "Until We Meet Again" luncheon to the list of possible activities. Thanks for the idea.

 

[MandyGirl]

Thanks with the help with a description of the events. It will be a good starting point. If each person who has agreed to organize an event would draft up what they want on their page, you can then let Chris know. I recommend each organizer let Chris know about a placeholder date and time once we get closer to the actual month of the cruise. Otherwise he will just be updating the site all the time.

DCL Special Requests has to wait until they hear from the cruise direction onboard before then can begin assigning spots and times. That usually is about 2 weeks before the cruise. Sometimes they can't won't assign until you are on the ship. You can request a day and time but they won't confirm.

I'll add an "Until We Meet Again" luncheon to the list of possible activities. Thanks for the idea.

I supplied a description to events that have no organizers in hopes that a description might help someone step up to take it on. It may help first-time DCL cruises consider taking on an event.

I think the biggest difference of having one webmaster versus a "placeholder" at the start of the thread -- Chris has to make all updates, but with a placeholder on a thread each event organizer made their own updates as necessary on page one. Bless him for taking this on!

I would not foresee the dates/times/locations of these above four events changing between now and May, so hopefully Chris can add their placeholders on the calendar.

For the WBTA we were able to submit requests at 30 days prior to embarkation per the response from DCL. Linked dining, Champagne Girls, etc. Gathering the information prior to then helped the organizers to click "send" on that email right at 30 days out to help ensure getting timeslots on the dates they were hoping for versus other onboard groups. Some events have a minimum and maximum, so we had to juggle accordingly to have it all ready to submit to DCL (such as the tastings - min of 25, max of 50 - so if we had 60 respond we broke into two groups). Prior to flying to Spain, we knew all dates/times of events, which also helped in the creation of the DIS Navigator and allowed folks to print from home before their pre-cruise week in Spain. In fact, in some cases we had a reply the next day after submitting. I really hope they haven't changed it to two weeks - that puts a crunch on whoever creates the DIS Navigator or people printing from home - especially those who are doing pre-cruise time overseas. Fingers crossed!

 

[valbob89]

I supplied a description to events that have no organizers in hopes that a description might help someone step up to take it on. It may help first-time DCL cruises consider taking on an event.

I think the biggest difference of having one webmaster versus a "placeholder" at the start of the thread -- Chris has to make all updates, but with a placeholder on a thread each event organizer made their own updates as necessary on page one. Bless him for taking this on!

I would not foresee the dates/times/locations of these above four events changing between now and May, so hopefully Chris can add their placeholders on the calendar.

For the WBTA we were able to submit requests at 30 days prior to embarkation per the response from DCL. Linked dining, Champagne Girls, etc. Gathering the information prior to then helped the organizers to click "send" on that email right at 30 days out to help ensure getting timeslots on the dates they were hoping for versus other onboard groups. Some events have a minimum and maximum, so we had to juggle accordingly to have it all ready to submit to DCL (such as the tastings - min of 25, max of 50 - so if we had 60 respond we broke into two groups). Prior to flying to Spain, we knew all dates/times of events, which also helped in the creation of the DIS Navigator and allowed folks to print from home before their pre-cruise week in Spain. In fact, in some cases we had a reply the next day after submitting. I really hope they haven't changed it to two weeks - that puts a crunch on whoever creates the DIS Navigator or people printing from home - especially those who are doing pre-cruise time overseas. Fingers crossed!

Ok I think I read you are suggestion each organizer put their proposed date and time for their event on our first posting? I can do that with no problem. So when everyone who has taken the lead on an activity wants to hold a space and time, let me know. Thanks for the suggestion.

When I've worked with DCL on special requests on the WBTA, PC, MR, EC, WC and as recently as May, they would take my requests at any time but I wouldn't hear back with confirmation until right before the cruise. Dorothy, who heads that area, really tries to help us but she can't do anything until those onboard the ship have their schedules complete and sent to her. Of course for those activities that we don't have to wait for DCL we can schedule at any time. However, when I organized the room tour I waited until the DCL had given us their times, which we couldn't move, before scheduling the more flexible activies.

 

[MandyGirl]

Ok I think I read you are suggestion each organizer put their proposed date and time for their event on our first posting? I can do that with no problem. So when everyone who has taken the lead on an activity wants to hold a space and time, let me know. Thanks for the suggestion.

When I've worked with DCL on special requests on the WBTA, PC, MR, EC, WC and as recently as May, they would take my requests at any time but I wouldn't hear back with confirmation until right before the cruise. Dorothy, who heads that area, really tries to help us but she can't do anything until those onboard the ship have their schedules complete and sent to her. Of course for those activities that we don't have to wait for DCL we can schedule at any time. However, when I organized the room tour I waited until the DCL had given us their times, which we couldn't move, before scheduling the more flexible activies.

Yep - that would be awesome to place the dates/times of these four events on the first page. Thanks so much!

And bummer they are waiting so late now from Special Services. In September, DCL had said we could submit at 30 days out and had everything firmed up shortly thereafter. Literally some emails came back the very next day with it done, meeting the requested day. (Like we knew they most likely wouldn't schedule the alcohol/champagne tastings first thing in the morning, so we organized the room tour during the morning hours so there would be no conflict.) Hopefully we will find out the formal/informal/Villain nights early as well - that helped determine things too.

 

[binkytell]

WE FINALLY BOOKED!!!!! We went for a cat 10c and got cabin 1043. Now off to book flights.

Welcome aboard ,

That's you added to the Facebook group too

 

[dee slack]

thanks!

So excited already

 

[Tink1987]

I may being dumb here but...

Should I now use Mandygirl's great description of the PJ breakfast and post it on here and ask people to PM if they are interested? Then I can update my own page on the great website that Chris has so kindly created?

Sorry I am just so new to this... *embarrassed*

 

[valbob89]

I may being dumb here but...

Should I now use Mandygirl's great description of the PJ breakfast and post it on here and ask people to PM if they are interested? Then I can update my own page on the great website that Chris has so kindly created?

Sorry I am just so new to this... *embarrassed*

Don't be embarrassed, every group does things differently, whatever works for everyone.

The following is just my opinion:
If someone takes on the organization of an event, how they plan and work the organizing is up to them. However, I know I would appreciate any recommendations and insight on what worked and what didn't work in the past from anyone.

Again, my opinion - If you want to use the great descriptions Mandy provided, go for it. I find it really nice to have a place to start from and what Mandy has been kind enough to provide is a great start to a page about an event. If you want to enhance it, fine too. If you want to use the website as a tool to announce, and solicit from the group, send Chris a request to post on the web site. Ask him if he can copy and paste what you want. I think he has also offered to post a form or poll that people can use to send you an e-mail (they don't see the address) with their info.

If you want to post info about your event on our web site, here and on FB that is your choice.


Again this is my opinion not the way it is or has to be.

 

[MandyGirl]

I may being dumb here but...

Should I now use Mandygirl's great description of the PJ breakfast and post it on here and ask people to PM if they are interested? Then I can update my own page on the great website that Chris has so kindly created?

Sorry I am just so new to this... *embarrassed*

That's how I did it last year - and I was new to DCL then too. I know we were told to keep it to a 2-3 line description for the website, so I compressed it. The other thing to take a peek at is this page where we kept it updated on front page for WBTA (post #10):
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2752581

I had inherited organizing the PJ breakfast from someone who had to cancel the cruise, and did not forward a list of names she had collected already. So all who HAD PM'ed their name to her had to do it again for me - like starting from scratch. I'd suggest waiting until after the paid-in-full date so you don't have people as likely to cancel - just maybe add to the description that people will need to PM you after April 1 to register. Plus, since this is something that doesn't have to be set up in advance with Special Services, you can literally take names until it is time for you to leave on your flight and give the information to Guest Services and Lumiere's on embarkation day as soon as you are onboard. (Both right there on Deck 3 lobby) They only need the count/date/time, not DIS names or cabins. (That's kinda how I will handle the Til We Meet Again luncheon -- start taking PMs after the Paid In Full date up until about May 15, then give the details to Guest Services and Lumiere's once onboard for the lunch on the last sea day)

As we got closer to the cruise, I kept the list of names updated online so people could check and make sure I had received their PM. Because I was also coordinating a shore excursion that involved money and a limited number of seats (and a wait list), I just updated both lists weekly and placed a reminder in the thread that we had until x date to sign up, please check for your name on page one.

Just remember that if you are updating the website page you may also want to update the thread as well because some folks may not check the website daily for updates like they would see on here.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

For all of the organizers out there or anyone else that would like to let me know about something on the website, you can now use the Contact the Webmaster form on the website or email me direct if you have my email. PMing me is fine too, but it's a little hard to keep track of messages with that mechanism.

https://sites.google.com/site/onamagicaltransatlanticjourney/contact-the-webmaster

I've also added a poll on the Lanyards page as per MandyGirl's request. Please express your interest so she can start getting an idea if we're a go or not.

https://sites.google.com/site/onamagicaltransatlanticjourney/home/lanyards

 

[MandyGirl]

I've also added a poll on the Lanyards page as per MandyGirl's request. Please express your interest so she can start getting an idea if we're a go or not.

https://sites.google.com/site/onamagicaltransatlanticjourney/home/lanyards

Great - Thank you!! I won't order them until probably February-ish as the ones I have found have a pretty quick turnaround time, but the poll will give us an idea of how many are interested --- including those who book the cruise in the next 6 months or so. I will be able to do non-commital work prior to then, such as price comparisons, designs for nametag inserts, etc.

 

[fast43]

Any hints as to how to book our return air fare from Barcelona? We are either going to fly home 6/1 or do the first Mediterranean cruise and return on 6/8. What options do we have? Should we book both legs of the flight and just not use one of them? Or just book a one way? What carriers do you recommend? I have heard that Air Lingus, Turkish airways or Virgin Atlantic are some of the better airlines. Any suggestions? We are new to this international travel. Thanks

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Kirbo]

Wow. I didn't check in for over a month and had 20 pages to read to catch up. That'll teach me

Thank you to all of you who are putting so much effort into all of this.

And Val, whatever you design, I want a shirt of yours!

Hope a happy 4th was had by all (And that it was a very nice day for all those not in the US.)

 

[kris3kid]

I was wondering if anyone has been able to book an extra night in barcelona through Disney yet? I have been looking at prices for air using a May date and am finding that Aer Lingus would be the cheapest with a stop in Dublin. We would still need to fly from Sacramento to Houston and stay overnight, I hope in Galveston. I think looking at the prices for air on the disney site for other airports in Californina they are running $1162. I am thinking that if the air is the same for Sacramento we will use disney because once I add up the $600 Euro for Aer Lingus, Southwest $270, hotel one night pre-cruise, and transportation to airports it seems to be cheaper for us.
Thank you to alll those who are setting up fun things to do on the cruise, I can't wait to meet everyone.

 

[kris3kid]

I was wondering if anyone has been able to book an extra night in barcelona through Disney yet? I have been looking at prices for air using a May date and am finding that Aer Lingus would be the cheapest with a stop in Dublin. We would still need to fly from Sacramento to Houston and stay overnight, I hope in Galveston. I think looking at the prices for air on the disney site for other airports in Californina they are running $1162. I am thinking that if the air is the same for Sacramento we will use disney because once I add up the $600 Euro for Aer Lingus, Southwest $270, hotel one night pre-cruise, and transportation to airports it seems to be cheaper for us.
Thank you to alll those who are setting up fun things to do on the cruise, I can't wait to meet everyone.

 

[heatherb819]

Made a few updates to the Facebook page. There's a tab on there called Files and a document to put your Disboard name - Facebook name, just makes it easier to figure out who's who. Also a helpful hints document, feel free to add your tips & tricks.

 

[Kirbo]

Val, I really like the idea of your shirts having the bottom border and the large logo on the back. I definitely want one! My husband won't want one, but I will. I'd also love to get ones for my girls but realize that there may not be enough interest for the kids' sizes. My kids are tall and will be almost nine, so I'm guessing they need the size 9/10. I'm hopeful that enough folks will also want that size!

I'd also be up for a tee-shirt if someone else does those as well. And my husband would probably take one, too. I just love the idea of them, both the shirts and the tees, as souvenirs.

 

[Kirbo]

Made a few updates to the Facebook page. There's a tab on there called Files and a document to put your Disboard name - Facebook name, just makes it easier to figure out who's who. Also a helpful hints document, feel free to add your tips & tricks.

Just did the DisBoard/real name update. Thanks.

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

I was wondering if anyone has been able to book an extra night in barcelona through Disney yet? I have been looking at prices for air using a May date and am finding that Aer Lingus would be the cheapest with a stop in Dublin. We would still need to fly from Sacramento to Houston and stay overnight, I hope in Galveston. I think looking at the prices for air on the disney site for other airports in Californina they are running $1162. I am thinking that if the air is the same for Sacramento we will use disney because once I add up the $600 Euro for Aer Lingus, Southwest $270, hotel one night pre-cruise, and transportation to airports it seems to be cheaper for us.
Thank you to alll those who are setting up fun things to do on the cruise, I can't wait to meet everyone.

It's amazing how much cheaper it is to book a flight to JFK, then find something else domestic. From London to Houston is almost $1400 per person, London to JFK using Icelandair is only $552, with an extra 200 on jet blue to get home to Houston!