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

[MandyGirl]

Yeah, I'm waiting for them to drop the price or announce a special rate...about 27 minutes after we enter the penalty period. Joy.

I'm watching as well.

 

[Tink1987]

Have just been researching things to do in Galveston for the day and half we are there - we love this kinda of thing just for the history of places so thought I would share the link with you all in case others were interested:

http://www.ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com

 

[MandyGirl]

Have just been researching things to do in Galveston for the day and half we are there - we love this kinda of thing just for the history of places so thought I would share the link with you all in case others were interested:

http://www.ghosttoursofgalvestonisland.com

I haven't done it, but there are several buildings and hotels on the list the tours usually visit or mention!

We did a similar tour in Edinburgh, Scotland and it was pretty cool.

 

[woody73]

Have just been researching things to do in Galveston for the day and half we are there . . .

In 2011, we stayed in Galveston before a cruise. One of the highlights was visiting La King's Confectionery, a candy store and factory where they make candy the old fashioned way right in front of you. Then they toss samples to the customers. We watched them make salt water taffy. La King's

Woody

 

[Tink1987]

I haven't done it, but there are several buildings and hotels on the list the tours usually visit or mention!

We did a similar tour in Edinburgh, Scotland and it was pretty cool.

We love doing these type of things - we did one in Edinburgh too. Did you go into 'underground Edinburgh' ?

 

[Tink1987]

In 2011, we stayed in Galveston before a cruise. One of the highlights was visiting La King's Confectionery, a candy store and factory where they make candy the old fashioned way right in front of you. Then they toss samples to the customers. We watched them make salt water taffy. La King's

Woody

I read about that earlier too! It was on Trip Advisor - it looks great! Thanks for the tip

 

[Cabinfever2013]

Wow! This thread is amazing!

It will soon become obvious that I am new to forums, so I'll be brief.
My name is Sarah. Born and raised in Oklahoma.

I will bring 3 kids with me: DD(8)Grace, DS(6)Tommy, and DD(3)Rue.

I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as we can!

 

[Cabinfever2013]

I am not new to DCL, but this is our 1st TA.

DD(8)Grace and DS(6)Tommy have made 2 prior (3night)DCL trips to Nassau.
DD(3)Rue has never been anywhere offshore.

I am scrambling to figure out FE.
(I have seen the magnets only mandate.)

Last but not least, I am married, but my husband does not cruise with us. (It's like driving; he prefers to be behind the wheel.)

 

[kaseyC]

I am not new to DCL, but this is our 1st TA.

DD(8)Grace and DS(6)Tommy have made 2 prior (3night)DCL trips to Nassau.
DD(3)Rue has never been anywhere offshore.

I am scrambling to figure out FE.
(I have seen the magnets only mandate.)

Last but not least, I am married, but my husband does not cruise with us. (It's like driving; he prefers to be behind the wheel.)

Welcome! From another mom cruising without her DH and just with her kids. I will be traveling with my two youngest DDs 12 and 10. My DH and eldest DD16 will be meeting us in Copenhagen after the cruise.

 

[Cabinfever2013]

Wow, it does feel weird to keep posting to reach 10.

My DH(John) is awesome, and as he is paying for this wild ride, no bad things like (lost family time) shall be spoken.

We are a cruising family, just not on these monster ships. We rent bareboat charter sailboats with our friends and their kids. My top fave trips are the BVI and Bora Bora.

That said:
I am most looking forward to sharing this experience with my little crew. Ok, and the Oceaneer's Club.

 

[Cabinfever2013]

My DH and eldest DD16 will be meeting us in Copenhagen after the cruise.

Hello. Glad to know others do this too!
I am still hoping mine will fly over too, but not holding my breath. (He and his buddies are headed to Africa.)

I have 2 dear friends that live in the Netherlands, and one in Copenhagen. We are planning to spend a week between them before returning home.

I have yet to figure out how to transport 3 kids through Europe. Have you taken your's there when they were small? Are there car seat rules, etc.?

 

[Yvet]

You can ask your friends too and they will know it also but here is what i know.

Here in The Netherlands you have to be in the back seat untill your 12. 12 years and older are allowed to sit in the front seat of a car.
If the child is under 4.5feet then it needs a carseat.

Getting around in Europe with small kids would be flying.
Fly from Barcelona to Amsterdam an Copenhagen.
Keep an close eye to the bagage weight restrictions, most airlines allow the max of 20kg (44 pounds) or some 23kg (50 pounds) in total not per bag.

 

[twopeasonepod]

Happy New Year!

Haven't been here in awhile. Glad to see our thread is hopping!

I have spent dozens of hours researching hotels in Barcelona with pools (which are a necessity for me and the boys -- DH, not so much haha). I am freakishly thorough, even going on the Trip Advisor message boards and talking to Barcelona locals. If anyone has any questions, let me know.

What is the magnets only mandate?

We were PIF on the 2nd! Costco's date was 1/4. Perhaps that is why a lot of people are PIF already?

Regarding flights, my biggest suggestion would be to use miles for the homebound journey if you have them. We got a great deal on United -- only 30K miles instead of a $1200+ ticket back to IAH (we are purchasing RT from HNL to IAH). And since I normally use between 40-80K to fly RT in the states, I think 30K is awesome!

Aside from miles I am no help, since we use United exclusively so we can earn more miles haha.

Hope all is well with all of you!

 

[Kirbo]

In 2011, we stayed in Galveston before a cruise. One of the highlights was visiting La King's Confectionery, a candy store and factory where they make candy the old fashioned way right in front of you. Then they toss samples to the customers. We watched them make salt water taffy. La King's

Woody

I love those kinds of candy shops! We visit one in Cannon Beach, OR (Bruce's Candy Kitchen, family owned) every year that is very similar. Love watching them pull taffy and then hand it out! We're doing Disney Air, so I'm guessing we'll miss La King's.

You can ask your friends too and they will know it also but here is what i know.

Here in The Netherlands you have to be in the back seat untill your 12. 12 years and older are allowed to sit in the front seat of a car.
If the child is under 4.5feet then it needs a carseat.

These are recommendations in the states, but not law. A lot of parents follow them, though. Much safer for kids.

 

[MandyGirl]

In 2011, we stayed in Galveston before a cruise. One of the highlights was visiting La King's Confectionery, a candy store and factory where they make candy the old fashioned way right in front of you. Then they toss samples to the customers. We watched them make salt water taffy. La King's

Woody

That looks quite intriguing, Woody!! I will be putting it on our list, as I know hubby loves salt water taffy and it's just a block over from our hotel.

We love doing these type of things - we did one in Edinburgh too. Did you go into 'underground Edinburgh' ?

Yep!! Loved it!

Wow! This thread is amazing!

It will soon become obvious that I am new to forums, so I'll be brief.
My name is Sarah. Born and raised in Oklahoma.

I will bring 3 kids with me: DD(8)Grace, DS(6)Tommy, and DD(3)Rue.

I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as we can!

Welcome aboard!! Which part of Oklahoma? Hubby is an OSU Cowboy, and his parents and grandmother live outside OKC. He's a transplant to Texas now. We will have our two daughters with us - one who will be almost 7 and one turning 3 the week after we disembark. Also - If you are needing a room for the four of you in Galveston, we have a group rate at the Tremont. $159 for two queens in a 500 sq ft room. I can get you the info if needed.

 

[Tink1987]

Wow! This thread is amazing!

It will soon become obvious that I am new to forums, so I'll be brief.
My name is Sarah. Born and raised in Oklahoma.

I will bring 3 kids with me: DD(8)Grace, DS(6)Tommy, and DD(3)Rue.

I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as we can!

Welcome

 

[Yvet]

What i posted about car seats and sitting in the frint seat isn't a recommadation here.
In the Netherlands it's the law...
No car seat or to young and in the front seat will mean a fine.....

 

[Ladyshopper]

Paid in full yesterday.

Flights to Houston - check
Flights from Barcelona - check
Hotel in Houston - check
Disney transfers from Houston to Port - check

All I need to do is sort out our ESTA's, which I will do nearer the time, and also travel insurance.

And the biggest thing - lose loads of weight!!!

I lost 3 stone for my cruise last year which was great - sadly I have put 2 back on. So, need to get a grip and get started.

 

[Kirbo]

What i posted about car seats and sitting in the frint seat isn't a recommadation here.
In the Netherlands it's the law...
No car seat or to young and in the front seat will mean a fine.....

 

[Cabinfever2013]

You can ask your friends too and they will know it also but here is what i know.

Here in The Netherlands you have to be in the back seat untill your 12. 12 years and older are allowed to sit in the front seat of a car.
If the child is under 4.5feet then it needs a carseat.

Getting around in Europe with small kids would be flying.
Fly from Barcelona to Amsterdam an Copenhagen.
Keep an close eye to the bagage weight restrictions, most airlines allow the max of 20kg (44 pounds) or some 23kg (50 pounds) in total not per bag.

Thank you.
She just had a new baby, but I will.

I was afraid I'd be hauling car seats, rats!
40 pound bags will be a challenge, but hey, that is what makes it fun. I may be joining the laundry party, often.