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

[gonecrusin]

Thanks. We're hoping for the best on this one.

The trip is really going to be fabulous. They're really looking forward to it. I'm looking forward to seeing all the pictures!

Best of luck on your tests. Will put you n the prayer list. and a litte pixie dust doesn't hurt either!

 

[gonecrusin]

Last thing left to do is book a hotel in London for Saturday and Sunday night. Any opinion? We were looking at the Marriott in Kensington or the Marble Arch. Thought about using DVC points but they are too high. We are open for suggestions also of what to do and see.

 

[NancyIL]

Does anyone have any car services they've used/been happy with in Barcelona? My folks will probably take public transit once they're there, but they'll need to get a transfer from the port to the Four Points Barcelona Diagonal.

That's the hotel where we are staying. I plan to take a taxi from the port to the hotel when we get off the ship on June 1st.

 

[Tink1987]

Last thing left to do is book a hotel in London for Saturday and Sunday night. Any opinion? We were looking at the Marriott in Kensington or the Marble Arch. Thought about using DVC points but they are too high. We are open for suggestions also of what to do and see.

Kensington and Marble Arch are both good places to stay in. Have you visited London before? I'm happy to help with suggestions on what to do there, as we from the UK we visit London around 7/8 times a year.

 

[kaseyC]

Does anyone have any car services they've used/been happy with in Barcelona? My folks will probably take public transit once they're there, but they'll need to get a transfer from the port to the Four Points Barcelona Diagonal.

We used Barcelona Airport Transfers in 2011. We did 3 transfers with them- Airport to Hotel, Hotel to Port and Port to Airport. Great service. Link below:

http://www.barcelona-airport-transfers.com/

 

[kaseyC]

DS and his girlfriend are thinking of booking this cruise. They are in their early 20's. I am just putting together a budget for them and I have a few questions that may have already be answered, but hoping that someone does not mind answering them.

1. what is the cost for Disney transportation from Houston Airport (Marriott Hotel) to Port?
2. What are the temperatures after you leave CC and arrive in Madeira?

$30 pp and they will pick you up from the hotel. We do not have to go back to the Airport in the morning.

 

[mellers]

That sounds cool, I'm so sorry, I hope my previous post didn't come across as rude, just that I am from the UK and wondered if there was any special draw to Southampton instead of London or other countryside areas

Not to worry, you didn't sound rude at all. The main draw to Southampton is that they will be taking the Queen Mary 2 from the port there, and they'd never seen that part of the country.

Do you have any recommendations for the area, or good places for day trips on the train?

 

[mellers]

Best of luck for Monday! Fingers crossed that everything will be OK. x

Best of luck on your tests. Will put you n the prayer list. and a litte pixie dust doesn't hurt either!

Thanks everyone. Good wishes and pixie dust are always appreciated

 

[mellers]

We used Barcelona Airport Transfers in 2011. We did 3 transfers with them- Airport to Hotel, Hotel to Port and Port to Airport. Great service. Link below:

http://www.barcelona-airport-transfers.com/

Thank you! That's a big help.

 

[mellers]

Last thing left to do is book a hotel in London for Saturday and Sunday night. Any opinion? We were looking at the Marriott in Kensington or the Marble Arch. Thought about using DVC points but they are too high. We are open for suggestions also of what to do and see.

When my daughter was small, I took her to London for some specialized therapy. While I didn't have time or energy by the end of the day to do much sightseeing, I did see the Victoria and Albert Toy Museum, and I thought it was really a neat place, even though it's not on the usual list of tourist attractions.

Can't help much with hotels, though.

 

[NancyIL]

We used Barcelona Airport Transfers in 2011. We did 3 transfers with them- Airport to Hotel, Hotel to Port and Port to Airport. Great service. Link below:

http://www.barcelona-airport-transfers.com/

I checked their prices for port to hotel and hotel to airport transfers for 2 people. They want 95 euros for the port to hotel transfer, and 90.25 euros for hotel to airport transfer! We paid 35 euros (including tip) for a taxi from the airport to our hotel, and 20 euros for a taxi from our hotel to the port in 2010. There's no way I would pay 3 times that amount for a car service!

 

[kaseyC]

I checked their prices for port to hotel and hotel to airport transfers for 2 people. They want 95 euros for the port to hotel transfer, and 90.25 euros for hotel to airport transfer! We paid 35 euros (including tip) for a taxi from the airport to our hotel, and 20 euros for a taxi from our hotel to the port in 2010. There's no way I would pay 3 times that amount for a car service!

No one is asking you to pay 3 times more than a taxi. We are a family of 5 and taxis in Barcelona do not hold a party our size and all of our luggage. Being able to reserve transfers in advance that would accommodate our family and luggage was worth it for us.

 

[NancyIL]

No one is asking you to pay 3 times more than a taxi. We are a family of 5 and taxis in Barcelona do not hold a party our size and all of our luggage. Being able to reserve transfers in advance that would accommodate our family and luggage was worth it for us.

That transfer company might be a good value for 5 people, but it isn't for 2. From what I understand, it's just mellers' parents traveling.

 

[Tink1987]

Not to worry, you didn't sound rude at all. The main draw to Southampton is that they will be taking the Queen Mary 2 from the port there, and they'd never seen that part of the country.

Do you have any recommendations for the area, or good places for day trips on the train?

Leave it with me and I will have a look this afternoon and send you a DM

 

[kaseyC]

That transfer company might be a good value for 5 people, but it isn't for 2. From what I understand, it's just mellers' parents traveling.

Maybe not, but Mellers asked for a company someone used and was happy with their service. She didn't ask for the best value and I didn't discourage her from using taxis. I just provided a link to a company we had experienced. That's all.

 

[NancyIL]

Maybe not, but Mellers asked for a company someone used and was happy with their service. She didn't ask for the best value and I didn't discourage her from using taxis. I just provided a link to a company we had experienced. That's all.

Out of curiosity - I checked the transfer company's rates for 5 people. They charge 78 euros from port to hotel, and 74.10 euros for hotel to airport. If that isn't the most backwards logic I've seen in awhile!

 

[padalyn]

Whew...I was away from my computer for about a week...you folks have turned very chatty (I love it!!)...here are a few comments and observations for the last 11 pages of posts!

Jeepers creepers! This return air is making me have heart palpitations. Any suggestions? Called DVC and found out they won't book air for DVC bookings. This is our 13th Disney cruise and I guess we never tried to let them book the air. Yikes!

A long time ago in a place far far away....DVC used to do air for reservations booked with points - that perk was removed about 3 administrations ago...sorry for the bad news.

I have read that there are wavephones on the Magic...
I thought that they were only at the Dream and Fantasy...

Does anybody know if the alarmclocks are also the same on the Magic as they are on the Dream and Fantasy (the ones with Iphone docking stations)????

There are 2 wavephones per cabin, be careful - if you damage one or loose one - it is about 275.00 automatically charged to your room. If a phone goes MIA or get damaged - report it immediately to avoid this charge.

There are extra phones at guest services, but they are very reluctant to lend them out. If you have a group of 4 adults in one cabin, you might be able to get extras (with a deposit on file I think). We tend to toss them in a drawer (or on top of the cabinets). Just make sure they are off if you do this - the stupid beep of low battery is MOST annoying!

No more propeller-like clocks on the Magic and Wonder?

nope - they are all gone. Landed in property control I understand and sold to cast members over 2 years ago.

I've been reading about those Vista spa passes the last couple of days - are they worth getting at all?

yep, they are well worth it. Sometimes the day passess are sold out for that day (there is a limit to the number of people allowed passes per day)

Hi all! My name is Lauren (34) and my DH is Steven (34). We are debating this cruise, but I am just not sure. We have done the Dream twice and Fantasy once. My kids are 7 and 6. We have never had an issue with sickness but the seas were so rough in October (sailing to Bahamas) after the hurricane that my daughter and I had to go back to the room early.
What can you expect on a TA cruise? I can get a really good deal.. it's so hard to pass up, but the flight from Barcelona back to Maryland is a killer!!! Just not sure yet......

welcome to you and all the other new comers...I have a photo I will link to in another post of the water from the adult pool on on the FIRST TA cruise- it was hitting the bar overhang! Yes, they can be rough. We are a little later in the year (about 1 week) so we may be alright. The east bound cruise tends to be rougher since the winter waters are still present. take candied ginger along and buy some ginger ale in Texas (they do not have it on board at all!) and I suggest you buy some meclizine if you really suspect you will get ill. Medical has given it away in the past, but I am not sure that they are still doing that. I always have the wrist bands - not the stretchy ones (they don't put enough pressure on the nerve to work) the velcro ones. http://www.amazon.com/Bioband-Anti-nausea-Acupressure-Band-Children/dp/B00024VQO8 you have to use two - the website will say one, but it only works with two. They have to be tight also - should leave a small bruise.

If you do get back to Curacao, I recommend the tour of the Ostrich Farm. It was so interesting and fun. I still tell the story of feeding the ostriches to my friends, and I did this seven years ago. Great fun.

Ray

just don't wear a hat with a metal buckle - I got attacked!!! Those bills are hard!!

Chris,

My DH (dado004) Ross, (he isn't on here much and gets his DIS vicariously through me ) said he would be interested, but had a question about gambling being allowed? If it is allowed, he said he would definitely be interested. Maybe you guys could set up a time to go to Diversions 3 or 4 times and just put it on the calendar

Missy in MN

NOPE, in no way. DCL has folks reading all these threads - if they hear of a game being planned they will contact the organizer and tell them that at no time is money to be exchanged. I suggest you make it a "gentlemans" game and use chips. I know of at least two times DCL has contacted folks doing group activities (like scrapbooking, pink champagne girls, roaving poker games, and other activities) that have been contacted and told to either cease and desist - or to make sure that NO MONEY CHANGES HANDS ON THE SHIP - EVER

For those who have been asking about the Funchal Toboggan Ride ... take a peak at this You Tube video (not mine). I found it interesting that you are on active streets ... with cars parked on the side of the road, and cars passing you (each way). Seems very intriguing! Part of me wants to do it immediately, while another part of me suggests I double check my common sense!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN8eY3qIVyU

Steven

HOLY CR*&#E*@#&P....gotta show this to Cathy...we were talking about this...now I am unsure!!!

To Cayla from Facebook who showed her list of what was done... Can anyone share on FB as I don't use it and don't want to cross that line and post as my wife.

You're missing transportation from the cruise to your hotel. Me too. I was looking at http://www.barcelonadaytours.com/frequently-asked-questions/ this morning and noticed that they'll pick you up at the cruise and drop you off at the hotel.

Since most of the hotels that I saw had a real late check in time (ie 2-3pm) I figured I'd have to go to the hotel, store the luggage, and then get back there after sightseeing. But, instead, the touring company will store the luggage for the duration while you take a tour with them. So I'm thinking that's what I'll do. And then do the hop-on/off on Sunday.

wow you are quick - I had that list up and down in 10 minutes!!! I changed my mind about the post...but here is the checklist (I have made all my arrangments or done my research on the transfers in Paris):

Limo from NJ to JFK - confirmed
Air from JFK to Hobby - purchased
rental car from Hobby to Galveston - confirmed
Hotel in Galveston - confirmed
liquor pickup in Galveston - order to be placed
WalMart run in Galveston - list done
drop rental car, transfer by agency - confirmed
Cruise - all set - PIF!!!
transfer to hotel in Barcelona - to be a cab at port as of now (about 40 Euro)
hotel in Barcelona - confirmed
transfer to Airport in Barcelona - another cab ride
Air from BCN to CDG - purchased
train from CDG to DLRP - about 12 Euro each - runs all day
resort at DLRP - awaiting booking window to open (using DVC)
transportation from DLRP to CDG - a friend!!
private tour in Iceland (they pick up and drop off at airport) - confirmed, contract is in the works
limo from JFK to NJ - confirmed


whew...that is everything I think...what I do is make a list of how I am getting from one place to another - every step of the way.

I have done a few of these long haul trips - 2011 was a B2B2B for 27 days...did it in one checked, one carry and a laptop bag. Caveat - I shipped 3 boxes home from Seattle. For Hawaii, I shipped from Hawaii (USPS all you can pack boxes are my best friends!). We will NOT be shipping anything home. Hunny Bunny (Cathy) checked on the cost - cheaper to buy an extra bag if we need it. Our only tight spot is Easy Jet - the carry on bags are WAY smaller than standard.

I hope this helps those who are unsure of what, when and how. I am willing to share my packing lists - PM me you personal email and I will send you the excel sheet I use. They are almost done for this trip - I use a master list and cull or add as needed.

Thanks for the tip about the tour operator - is anyone else staying near Las Ramblas? Maybe we could car share!

Cayla

 

[WVURunner]

Hope you can convince him

Good Luck!

I can be quite convincing once I have my mind set on something! And if he says no, I will go alone with my family and pay for it myself!

We were on the EBPC with you. We met on Deck 4 when we were going through the locks. Which of one of you sisters is the tall, artsy one? I was chatting with her while we went through one of the locks.

I remember you! Anyone who can get my sister to pay attention and interested in the locks is my hero! I tried for months with no luck still can't believe she slept through the first set. Haha, tall and artsy describes BOTH of my sisters, if I wasn't tall also, I would really question if we were sisters. My older sister was the one you were talking to, little sis haven't done a DCL yet but it looks like little sister is backing out, she doesn't want to be away from her DH for that long. I will be taking my 3 yro niece without her. Hope you guys decide to book!

Hey Emily - if you convince DH - he can speak computer talk with my son and his girlfriend. They are in college taking a programming analyst course.

As long as the computer programming chat takes place VERY far away from me! Chrissy and Brian walked into the rainforest room while DH and I were there using the day pass we won while making a fool out of ourselves on Match Your Match and Brian, being a software engineer, talked with Michael the whole time about it. So much for relaxing with your wife! After we left, I called him out on our no work agreement and he informed me I already violated it by editing the navigators nightly! FYI: navigators averaged 6 MAJOR mistakes daily and yes, the red pen edited copies were handed in to guest services on the last day! If I saw the country of Colombia spelled as Columbia one more time, I was going to flip out.

You and your DW should join your DS!

 

[Kewz1]

I've been away for months but I'm back to say...we're paid in full!

Now I'm off to get caught up on the thread. Hope everyone's 2013 is going well!

Kristen

 

[Tink1987]

I've been away for months but I'm back to say...we're paid in full!

Now I'm off to get caught up on the thread. Hope everyone's 2013 is going well!

Kristen

Welcome back - it's great knowing you have PIF isn't it!

Enjoy catching up!