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

[Tink1987]

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.

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.

Thanks very much both, you have put my mind at rest.

Just been on the google website to do the polls, great idea to see what people are interested in!

 

[kaseyC]

I'm looking to book our flights from Barcelona, but wanted to check what time to go for as we'll be using Disney transfers. What time do the transfers start, and do you have a specific time reserved or is it just wait for the next available coach if one is full? Thanks!

Usually they suggest that you do not book a return flight earlier than noon, the BCN airport can be chaotic at times especially if there are few ships in port that day.

 

[dee slack]

Usually they suggest that you do not book a return flight earlier than noon, the BCN airport can be chaotic at times especially if there are few ships in port that day.

Thanks for that, I'd better go for a mid or even late afternoon flight to be safe.

 

[Berries97]

Hi Everyone!

It looks like we will be joining you on this cruise! It will be me, DH, and DS6. Really looking forward to it. DS6 and I did the WBTA last fall.... we talk about it so much, poor DH gave me the green light to book another one....... as long as he could go too!

If no one has volunteered for the Secret Micky... I would be willing to do it. Looking forward to seeing some old friends again and making new ones!

Kim

 

[valbob89]

Hi Everyone!

It looks like we will be joining you on this cruise! It will be me, DH, and DS6. Really looking forward to it. DS6 and I did the WBTA last fall.... we talk about it so much, poor DH gave me the green light to book another one....... as long as he could go too!

If no one has volunteered for the Secret Micky... I would be willing to do it. Looking forward to seeing some old friends again and making new ones!

Kim

Welcome and hello! Thanks so much. I've added you as organizer for the Secret Mickey, will pass the info on to Chris, our web master. We are trying to get as many different people as possible taking on the organization of the events and activities.

 

[MandyGirl]

Hi Everyone!

It looks like we will be joining you on this cruise! It will be me, DH, and DS6. Really looking forward to it. DS6 and I did the WBTA last fall.... we talk about it so much, poor DH gave me the green light to book another one....... as long as he could go too!

If no one has volunteered for the Secret Micky... I would be willing to do it. Looking forward to seeing some old friends again and making new ones!

Kim

We are doing the Happy Dance here!! And Sarah is super excited as well!!

 

[MandyGirl]

We are trying to get as many different people as possible taking on the organization of the events and activities.

Thank you so much for clarifying that! We were beginning to think nobody had noticed me offering the previous times to help fill slots. I'll just stick with Lanyards (if it is decided we do that and it's properly funded) and pray that whoever coordinates the embarkation meet-and-greet lets me distribute them there. Hopefully those who have not volunteered for organizing something will find some sort of use in the descriptions I had supplied previously, and get an idea of something that is a good fit for them.

 

[valbob89]

Thank you so much for clarifying that! We were beginning to think nobody had noticed me offering the previous times to help fill slots. I'll just stick with Lanyards (if it is decided we do that and it's properly funded) and pray that whoever coordinates the embarkation meet-and-greet lets me distribute them there. Hopefully those who have not volunteered for organizing something will find some sort of use in the descriptions I had supplied previously, and get an idea of something that is a good fit for them.

Thanks Mandy for taking on all you are doing. The Lanyard project is HUGE and I am sure you'll do a great job.

I don't know if you use or have access to photoshop or any other graphic software but if I can help in anyway with the graphics for your name tags let me know. If there is anything on the Flicker page that is of use, feel free to copy it. If you find a graphic you want edited and/ir moved to Flicker let me know and I'll try to help.

Of course you might just want to surprise us all with what you come up with and that would be fun too.

 

[MandyGirl]

Thanks Mandy for taking on all you are doing. The Lanyard project is HUGE and I am sure you'll do a great job.

I don't know if you use or have access to photoshop or any other graphic software but if I can help in anyway with the graphics for your name tags let me know. If there is anything on the Flicker page that is of use, feel free to copy it. If you find a graphic you want edited and/ir moved to Flicker let me know and I'll try to help.

Of course you might just want to surprise us all with what you come up with and that would be fun too.

LOL - the lanyard project will be a learning project for me, but I am excited.

I really wish I had some graphic software, as I have only used whatever came standard on my MacBook. I'm also trying to look through the DISign boards which is where I pulled our tshirt designs from before. I just wish Milliepie was still DISigning - loved her style! Anything I find, I'll pass along to you for the graphics folder.

Back to work in the morning. Where does the weekend go?

 

[padalyn]

Whew - well my life has been pretty busy - but I am finally caught up once again on this VERY active thread..here are my comments/observations on a few posts:

Since we seem to be getting so many potential events set up I got to wondering how tough it's going to be to gauge interest on a topic.

So, I thought I'd try out hooking up a poll to our website. Please have a look at the Pub Crawl page. I've added a poll. It's sort of just a trial run, but if a few people agree that it makes sense to add to the other topics, I can. (please do comment in thread if you think I should take it further or not)

https://sites.google.com/site/onamagicaltransatlanticjourney/home/pub-crawl

Also, for any of the other organizers that are wondering how to collect names and such, there are now examples of a Poll on the Pub Crawl page and a email submission page on the Roll Call Page. I can set up similar things for any of your pages as well if you think it will help. For the email submissions, I can set it up to be your email address it sends to.

Well done!!!! This will make it a LOT easier for organizers in general!

Anyone else looking into going to Disneyland Paris post cruise? Anyone who has been there that can lend advice for planning?

Yes, we are...going to use DVC to stay, and are looking into airfare now.

We haven't been either. I've been trying to do some planning, but its a little daunting. I'm hoping someone else on here has been & can provide some insight to help with planning.

I can say you will need three days to see everything. Please be sure to LOOK UP! there is as much going on above your head as in front of it! Also, be sure to walk the whole path to the Mansion, there is an amazing little restaurant in the Agarbar section that has awesome food (at least it did when I went 2 years ago)...also keep your ears open - the music shifts very slowly from one area to another. I fell in love with DLP and am so looking forward to showing my fiance (Cathy - Halloween_Gryl) all over it! I wish we could make time for Paris city, but that will have to wait.

Chris, great job on the website. I just spent some time looking at all the information and am very excited.
My TA was able to book a room in barcelona after the cruise with Disney. Does anyone know if Disney takes care of your bags from the ship to the room and then to the airport after your stay if you book with them? I am trying to see if it is better to book on our own or if the perks with Disney are worth the price. For those who have done this cruise before did you do an after cruise tour of Barcelona with Disney? Do you feel it was worth the price or is the hop on hop off bus a better choice? I have done the bus in the US and like it but am not sure if it works as well and is as easy as I have found.

Thanks for any help.

I think so on the luggage question, but you will want to make sure you have all your important stuff with you of course.

As far as sightseeing - do the HO/HO bus...I have been to Barcelona 3 times so far, and found I could explore almost the whole city this way. I also reccommend a Segway tour - easier than walking and you can see a lot of the city that you might otherwise miss. English is spoken by almost everyone, Spanish is the official language, but all the locals speak Catalan first and Spanish second.

I know I have replied with my personal interpretation of descriptions of various events when it was posted here on the board asking for input, such as here and here. I am curious exactly what the "book exchange" and "white board" are as events.

From my one and only DCL cruise (WBTA 2011), this is what I interpreted:

Book Exchange - A set person/stateroom would place a box outside their door for people to swap books to read on the cruise. No sign-up necessary, no lists to make, no money to exchange, and it was honor code. No other work was required of the Book Exchange event organizer than to place a box outside their room during pre-set hours and share their cabin number on DIS in advance of the cruise.

White Board - A set person/stateroom would place a whiteboard (such as a Dollar Store whiteboard) on their magnetized stateroom door and leave it there for the duration of the cruise. If a DIS member who is participating in an event, such as Fish Extender, Secret Mickey, etc - that requires people knowing their stateroom number changed staterooms upon embarkation (upgrade, mechanical failure in room, etc) --- then that person would write their old/new stateroom number on the whiteboard. Before participants delivered gifts, they would check the whiteboard to make sure none of their gifts had a new cabin number, which helped ensure gifts made it to their correct cabins. No other work was required of the White Board event organizer than to place a whiteboard outside their room and share their cabin number on DIS in advance of the cruise. (No pre-cruise sign-up, no money to exchange --- simply bring a whiteboard and place it on your door, sharing your cabin number in advance.)

Can some of the more experienced DCL cruisers share feedback if I am way off base here? Or is there a different expectation for this cruise? I did not see descriptions on the webpage, and am just asking a question for my own understanding of the events. Thank you in advance for anyone who can clarify what these events might be. I have been posting on this thread since January, but don't think I have seen a description of these for EBTA, or I may have overlooked descriptions. THANKS!

Book Exchange - you got it...been part of it twice and found a couple of really good books I hadn't read. I contacted the "giver" to ask if I could keep them actually. I can only add that the donator should put a post it or some other way of letting the borrower know who to thank

White Board - this is usually done by someone midship and middecks...I will take this on - we are in 6040 between mid and forward elevators. I will get a whiteboard and put it on our cabin door - all changes can be posted there - I will occosionally "clean them up" - rewrite them in case they become illegible or other comments are made (had kids write some unDisney-like sentiments one time)

About the Jelly Bracelets - I will share my information (PM me whoever takes this on)...I did them for my FE gifts, my biggest issue was weight. The two batches of them (two different cruises and a B2B group as well) weighed over 30 pounds! I had them in my carryon bag - TSA was NOT impressed. Seems they looked a little odd on the xray. I would do them again, but I already have my FE gifts figured out!

I sent my info for the roll call, and am looking for the FE exchange list - I sent a PM ages ago, but don't see a list.

Cayla

 

[padalyn]

I have just done some of Chris's surveys - maybe he should ask HOW many lanyards to each cabin???

Also, the scrapbooking has been done by SeaULater (Linda) she isn't sailing on this cruise.

Jewelry has been done by a few folks in the past.

DCL is adamant that NO MONEY CHANGE HANDS ONBOARD. I know that Linda got a phone call prior to the Hawaii sailing regarding this - also the "roaming poker game" got cabashed by DCL

any other cribbage players out there? Cathy and I love to play - and would love to play with others!

Cayla

 

[MandyGirl]

Book Exchange - you got it...been part of it twice and found a couple of really good books I hadn't read. I contacted the "giver" to ask if I could keep them actually. I can only add that the donator should put a post it or some other way of letting the borrower know who to thank

White Board - this is usually done by someone midship and middecks...I will take this on - we are in 6040 between mid and forward elevators. I will get a whiteboard and put it on our cabin door - all changes can be posted there - I will occosionally "clean them up" - rewrite them in case they become illegible or other comments are made (had kids write some unDisney-like sentiments one time)

About the Jelly Bracelets - I will share my information (PM me whoever takes this on)...I did them for my FE gifts, my biggest issue was weight. The two batches of them (two different cruises and a B2B group as well) weighed over 30 pounds! I had them in my carryon bag - TSA was NOT impressed. Seems they looked a little odd on the xray. I would do them again, but I already have my FE gifts figured out!

I sent my info for the roll call, and am looking for the FE exchange list - I sent a PM ages ago, but don't see a list.

Cayla

Welcome back from the whirlwind of life!! Thanks so much for taking the time for feedback!

I'm sure Val and Chris will see you volunteering for Whiteboard - Thank you!

I don't think Sarah (binkytell) has started taking FE info yet. She just volunteered for it within the last week I think. So hang tight - I imagine the input will be incorporated into the new website if I were to guess.

I have just done some of Chris's surveys - maybe he should ask HOW many lanyards to each cabin???

Lanyards - I think right now the poll was to see if there was even an interest with this group. After that is determined, then we will get the details after we are closer when some more have booked the cruise. Then that will give us more details to work with. Noel ran into a glitch with WBTA lanyard company (she already told me which one to avoid), so I want back-up time!

Sheesh... no money changing hands... the little neighborhood Bunco group we have here would be getting in big trouble if we did a group cruise like we have tinkered with!! Our little five bucks causing big problems.

 

[Tink1987]

Hi Everyone!

It looks like we will be joining you on this cruise! It will be me, DH, and DS6. Really looking forward to it. DS6 and I did the WBTA last fall.... we talk about it so much, poor DH gave me the green light to book another one....... as long as he could go too!

If no one has volunteered for the Secret Micky... I would be willing to do it. Looking forward to seeing some old friends again and making new ones!

Kim

Welcome Kim!

 

[Tink1987]

I called DCL last night to ask about adding airfare on - I was told they aren't offering airfare for passengers from Europe to Galveston......

It isn't a major problem for us but thought I would let the other British/European travellers on here know!

How do I add ground transportation from Houston online? I can't see the link anywhere on my planning centre? :/

 

[MandyGirl]

I called DCL last night to ask about adding airfare on - I was told they aren't offering airfare for passengers from Europe to Galveston......

It isn't a major problem for us but thought I would let the other British/European travellers on here know!

How do I add ground transportation from Houston online? I can't see the link anywhere on my planning centre? :/

Is DCL at least allowing European travellers to book air to Houston --- IAH or HOU? Somewhat how people fly to MCO Orlando but use DCL to get to Port Canaveral.

I haven't even logged into the planning center yet, but we should be able to add ground transport until pretty close to the cruise if I recall correctly. I think there will be a lot of us needing transport of some sort as the two commercial airports are Houston Hobby HOU (about 45 min from port) and IAH Intercontinental (about 90 min from port). You will need to be sure to specify the airport with DCL since they transport from both, which international will probably be IAH. The good thing with IAH is that if they drive a straight shot versus the loop around Houston, you drive right by downtown Houston, so you at least get to see the skyline. (I used to live about an hour outside of Houston, and now that I'm not there we usually just fly when going there and rent a car.)

I anticipate that pre-cruise, most of us will be in three geographic locations:

• IAH
• HOU
• Galveston

Hence three different pre-cruise meet-ups possible. In Barcelona it was so nice - great public transportation, so no matter where we stayed, we could all easily get to the pre-cruise meet at Hard Rock. With the limited public transportation we have here in Texas, you are either renting a car or relying on the hotel shuttle to do things around the area. Texas is pretty behind in the major cities with public transportation.

 

[kaseyC]

Book Exchange - A set person/stateroom would place a box outside their door for people to swap books to read on the cruise. No sign-up necessary, no lists to make, no money to exchange, and it was honor code. No other work was required of the Book Exchange event organizer than to place a box outside their room during pre-set hours and share their cabin number on DIS in advance of the cruise.

I will be happy to do the Book Exchange. I use a Kindle so I will not be contributing but our stateroom is right outside of the midship deck 8 elevators and stairs... so very easy to get to.

On our 2007 WBTA we just used a plastic bag hung on the door. I'm thinking maybe a canvas bag or a reusuable shopping bag.

 

[Tink1987]

Is DCL at least allowing European travellers to book air to Houston --- IAH or HOU? Somewhat how people fly to MCO Orlando but use DCL to get to Port Canaveral.

I haven't even logged into the planning center yet, but we should be able to add ground transport until pretty close to the cruise if I recall correctly. I think there will be a lot of us needing transport of some sort as the two commercial airports are Houston Hobby HOU (about 45 min from port) and IAH Intercontinental (about 90 min from port). You will need to be sure to specify the airport with DCL since they transport from both, which international will probably be IAH. The good thing with IAH is that if they drive a straight shot versus the loop around Houston, you drive right by downtown Houston, so you at least get to see the skyline. (I used to live about an hour outside of Houston, and now that I'm not there we usually just fly when going there and rent a car.)

I anticipate that pre-cruise, most of us will be in three geographic locations:

[*]IAH
[*]HOU
[*]Galveston

Hence three different pre-cruise meet-ups possible. In Barcelona it was so nice - great public transportation, so no matter where we stayed, we could all easily get to the pre-cruise meet at Hard Rock. With the limited public transportation we have here in Texas, you are either renting a car or relying on the hotel shuttle to do things around the area. Texas is pretty behind in the major cities with public transportation.

Nope, no flight options at all coming from the UK

We are thinking of flying out on the Wednesday 15th May to Houston, spending 2 nights there and then spending a night at Galveston Island because it looks a pretty cool place! Someone correct me if I am wrong!

Thought it would be nice to get up on the Saturday morning all refreshed, swing back the curtains and just see the Magic there in port!

There's premium outlets in Houston so we may even rent a car from the airport and then drop it in Galveston on the Friday. I really need to get to Cheesecake Factory, Hot Topic, the Disney store and a sneaker place before we leave the US. Things are just so much cheaper over there!

Gives DB a refresher as well on driving in the US before our big road trip in Dec 2013 - he hasn't drove in the US since 2010. Should be fine though because we drive in Europe a lot and they are on the 'wrong' side of the road compared to the UK.

 

[MandyGirl]

For a one-way car rental, look into Enterprise. Their one-ways usually have to be booked via phone (not online). And I hear ya about having a list of places to get to!! (ETA: Enterprise is pretty much the only major car rental company in Galveston right now --- the others left after the last hurricane)

The Strand (historic) area of Galveston is my favorite. The beach is nothing compared to what you have in the Caribbean, but is still okay. Several hotels have not come out with rates yet -- like Tremont, Harbor House, etc - part of the Wyndham chain. When I called on group rates, they were kinda pricey, so I thought I would call back in September, which is when they told me they anticipate releasing May rates.

 

[MandyGirl]

I will be happy to do the Book Exchange. I use a Kindle so I will not be contributing but our stateroom is right outside of the midship deck 8 elevators and stairs... so very easy to get to.

On our 2007 WBTA we just used a plastic bag hung on the door. I'm thinking maybe a canvas bag or a reusuable shopping bag.

AWESOME!! Thank you! I'm sure Chris and Val will see this to update the website and front page.

 

[Tink1987]

For a one-way car rental, look into Enterprise. Their one-ways usually have to be booked via phone (not online). And I hear ya about having a list of places to get to!! (ETA: Enterprise is pretty much the only major car rental company in Galveston right now --- the others left after the last hurricane)

The Strand (historic) area of Galveston is my favorite. The beach is nothing compared to what you have in the Caribbean, but is still okay. Several hotels have not come out with rates yet -- like Tremont, Harbor House, etc - part of the Wyndham chain. When I called on group rates, they were kinda pricey, so I thought I would call back in September, which is when they told me they anticipate releasing May rates.

Thank you, think we will definitely look into getting the car then.

I know Houston is one of the largest cities, is it that scary to drive in??

Thanks