May 26, 2010--5/26/2010 10 Night Mediterranean

[jocjarmom]

My sis-in-law is KLS Georgia. We will be on this cruise as well... DD will be 14 and DS will be 11. Celebrating our parents 50th anniversary... mazel tov, Mom & Dad! My hubby and I have been on a Mediterranean cruise (the NCL Gem) in 2007 , so we feel like we have a handle on how to do this. But it's the kids' 1st trip to Europe and they are so excited! Looks like we're flying British Airways and stopping over in London for one day on the way over. Then 2 nights in Barcelona before hitting the Disney Magic!

However, I'm a little new to the Fish Extenders and Lanyard world. Anybody care to fill me in (or at least, to send me to a link where I can read about them)?

For those looking for family lodging in Barcelona (i.e. rooms that hold 4), we are staying at the Hotel Turin. Does anybody have any experience with this hotel? It looks pretty good, and is very reasonable. Family room is 155 Euros, and it's right around the corner from the Boqueria.

Thanks, and looking forward to an amazing trip full of memories!

 

[BSH]

Hi KLS and Jocjarmom,
I just saw the KLS post regarding group airfare on BA. Did you ever get anything going with that??? We are leaving from Atlanta and would be very interested in looking into a group purchase. We have a group of 8 going. Me, Husband, Son (13) and Daughter (turning 10 during cruise); and parents from both sides. It's been a bit discouraging looking at the airfare prices. We just booked our cruise last week.
Thanks!
-Beth

 

[jocjarmom]

Hi Beth,

My mom is booking the fares, but I don't get a sense there is a group fare on British Airways. I think she said there may be some on Delta, although it's non-stop flights. On British Airways, we are planning to go thru London so we can tour for a day before heading to Barcelona.

Sorry... wish I had better info for you.

Karen

P.S. Just to add to the confusion, both KLS and myself are named "Karen."

 

[DEADEA]

Hello!
We are from Atlanta as well. We are flying Atlanta to Barcelona on May 22nd, arriving May 23 in Barcelona. We ended up using Frequent Flier miles (A LOT of them)!!! If anyone books this flight, let me know. Would love to catch up with you at the gate!

The flight is Delta, leaves around 6pm on the 22nd.

 

[sinnika]

Welcome to all the new posters! It's great to have so many new friends! If you have not already added yourself to our website, please do so. It is so nice to put a face to a name!
http://muchomagico.weebly.com/blog.html

This weekend, I dug out a box of old travel books and found a guide to the Uffizi gallery in Florence from our trip 14 years ago! OK, I'm a packrat! I also found language books for Italian. DH had several Itaian books. Apparently he took a semester of it in college. He's been listening to a radio station from Catania, Sicily at work to practice, and I just saw a charge for Rosetta Stone on our AmEx, so either he's bought the Italian or maybe the French for our Paris trip??? Who knows, but I'm leaving all translations to him!

 

[marlower]

Looks like we have some UK families! My very social DS 12 is looking forward to meeting people from other countries!

Heidi, can we add to the roll call where we are from? Or perhaps another link with more specifics to share? City/State/Country, what we do, kids interests, etc.

Hi Sinnika,

Great idea! I just added the Hometown/State/Country to the Roll Call Entry Form and added those that I knew where you are from on the actually roll call on the website. If you do not want your hometown listed-please let me know and I will remove it. If your name is listed on the Roll Call already and your hometown is not listed, just go to the Roll Call Entry Form and fill out your hometown.

If you want to add more information like Sinnika suggested, you could leave that in the comment section--like what your occupation is or your kids hobbies etc.

Thanks everyone and don't forget to add your name to Roll Call-http://muchomagico.weebly.com/ You can leave as much or as little information as you feel comfortable with.

I have been adding lots of new links--just found the official Corsica tourist website, so I've added a link to that as well. I will be adding info on purchasing advance tickets to some of the biggies (David, Colosseum etc) soon so check back frequently!

 

[speakupjc]

Just booked shore excursions. Our cruise is getting closer. Yeah!!!!

 

[sinnika]

Hi Sinnika,

Great idea! I just added the Hometown/State/Country to the Roll Call Entry Form and added those that I knew where you are from on the actually roll call on the website. If you do not want your hometown listed-please let me know and I will remove it. If your name is listed on the Roll Call already and your hometown is not listed, just go to the Roll Call Entry Form and fill out your hometown.

If you want to add more information like Sinnika suggested, you could leave that in the comment section--like what your occupation is or your kids hobbies etc.

Thanks everyone and don't forget to add your name to Roll Call-http://muchomagico.weebly.com/ You can leave as much or as little information as you feel comfortable with.

I have been adding lots of new links--just found the official Corsica tourist website, so I've added a link to that as well. I will be adding info on purchasing advance tickets to some of the biggies (David, Colosseum etc) soon so check back frequently!

Thanks Heidi! Appreciate all your hard work!!!

Just booked shore excursions. Our cruise is getting closer. Yeah!!!!

How exciting!!! Can't wait till our booking window opens!

 

[jocjarmom]

We are pretty much booking private tours everywhere: Malta, Tunis, Naples, Rome, and La Spezia. In Villefranche, my family will be taking a private tour as well (just the 4 of us). Because there are 11 of us, it's almost impossible to make everybody happy. Some days, half of us are doing one thing and the other half are doing another. Makes things complicated, but also very exciting.

I feel so fortunate to be a part of this trip... Mom & Dad are so generous!

 

[speakupjc]

Posted the dining room rotation/special nights for everyone. Now it is gone. Why? I don't understand. Why would someone have taken it off? Can someone please explain this to me. Thanks!

 

[marlower]

HI speakupjc,

I hadn't seen that post but would love to. Not sure why it would be deleted. Do you want me to add it to the website?

 

[speakupjc]

Got this information from the Conicerge yesterday. Thought it might be helpful to all.

26 - Let The Magic Begin
27 - Formal Night
28- Rotational
29 - Rotational
30 - Rotational
31 - Master Chef
1 - Pirates and Villans
2 - Flavors of the Med
3 - Captains Gala
4 - Till We Meet Again

 

[threebritts]

Hi all and BIG hello to all the new posters!

Im home from Vegas tonight, had a great time but after sitting on plane for 6 hours today cannot imagine how 9 plus is going to be to Barcelona !


Since ive had several questions on people wanting to know about the lanyards I figured id write and explain.
Tom and I are doing the lanyards, we just ordered a box and will make nametags with everyones name on them and the logo tom made for the shirts in the background . What were plannig to do is put your Disboard name and real name on them so when we see each other we stand out. Tom and I are doing this and no one has to pay, the lanyard wont be anything fancy but will have the plastic pocket where youll nametag will be and the nice thing is that you can put your key to the world card in it ( for the new cruisers its basically your room key and card to charge everything with). All I need for everyone is the first names of everyone in the room , even the kids as I will put the parents disboard name and then their name. ( so no kid swapping ).
The fish extenders are pocket holders that go outside your door. Our website for the cruise has links that Marlower put up to show you what they look like and how to order one. I made 2 myself and didnt think it was too hard. What happens is we will have teams or individuals who will go around to everyone participating and put gifts in the FE . There are 10 days and it would be nice to have a " team " for each day! The question do we want to groups, families ,individuls or teams. On our PC cruise last year we had 15 teams with about 5 people in each team so every day was covered and there was some individuals who also put extra stuff in for participating people.
There are so many things you can do. My team did dry erase boards with our logo on it which was pretty cool as people put them on there doors and and left messages and then could take them home. We also passed out some extras to crew members who love little tokens like that as memories for them too. one team ordered magnets with our logo, another one did mousepads and a music cd which starts with the horn blowing of the ship ( for the first time cruisers, the Magics horn plays "When you wish upon a star"). Our problem is leaving from another country and everyone flying over and luggage is usually already a problem so the lighter things would be better. Its just always so much fun to run back to the room and see whats in there.
Marlower has the info on the website on everyone wanting to participate, now the question is how do we do teams? I dont want to break up families and dont want anyone to get missed. What i would do is when I pass out the lanyards is make a list of everyone participating so when it is your day you know which cabins to go to. Im definitly open to suggestions and like I said I dont want to make this a burden for everyone and realize its a long trip to Barcelona so let me know what everyone thinks we should do!

Im trying to put together a Hidden Mickey Scavenger hunt with some prizes at the end. I wont make it real long as I know people are going to be busy with excursions and such. I may need some volunteers for this and once again if anyone had any idea Im all ears!

We booked our hotel in Paris near CDG airport, not sure of the name as Tom did it. Were going for 3 days after cruise.Its like 20 minutes away from paris but thats ok, we got a good deal there and we'll have a car or use the trains for the day trips into town.

As for barcelona we havent booked a hotel, there are 5 of us so its hard becasue the only thing is apartments or 2 rooms . We may do the cheaper Holiday inn express or an apartment. Were arriving on the 23rd and I think renting a car for 3 days there so we can get around easy.
So many decisions and its coming up fast

 

[traceyjayne]

I would like to take part in lanyards and Fish extenders
I have already started to gather bits and bobs and had a fish extender made with our names on from someone on e bay!
We are

Tracey - Me
Eric- my husband
Luke - son aged 9 This is his first ever cruise ( our second) we did the Alaska cruise two years ago on the NCL Sun after The Canadian Rocky Mountaineer train to Vancouver!!

We have done Disney quite a few times to Florida and also Paris

Our last name is WILSON
I am traceyjayne on this board as jayne is my middle name!!

I have also obtained quite a few door magnets so we plan to decorate the door as well.
We managed to book one of the cheaper navigator's veranda cabin 7620, I read somewhere that that was a good one to get hold of.
I would love a cd of the music!!

We are all big disney fans and looking forward to this very special cruise and visiting parts of Europe that we have never seen before.
Tracey xx

Hi all and BIG hello to all the new posters!

Im home from Vegas tonight, had a great time but after sitting on plane for 6 hours today cannot imagine how 9 plus is going to be to Barcelona !


Since ive had several questions on people wanting to know about the lanyards I figured id write and explain.
Tom and I are doing the lanyards, we just ordered a box and will make nametags with everyones name on them and the logo tom made for the shirts in the background . What were plannig to do is put your Disboard name and real name on them so when we see each other we stand out. Tom and I are doing this and no one has to pay, the lanyard wont be anything fancy but will have the plastic pocket where youll nametag will be and the nice thing is that you can put your key to the world card in it ( for the new cruisers its basically your room key and card to charge everything with). All I need for everyone is the first names of everyone in the room , even the kids as I will put the parents disboard name and then their name. ( so no kid swapping ).
The fish extenders are pocket holders that go outside your door. Our website for the cruise has links that Marlower put up to show you what they look like and how to order one. I made 2 myself and didnt think it was too hard. What happens is we will have teams or individuals who will go around to everyone participating and put gifts in the FE . There are 10 days and it would be nice to have a " team " for each day! The question do we want to groups, families ,individuls or teams. On our PC cruise last year we had 15 teams with about 5 people in each team so every day was covered and there was some individuals who also put extra stuff in for participating people.
There are so many things you can do. My team did dry erase boards with our logo on it which was pretty cool as people put them on there doors and and left messages and then could take them home. We also passed out some extras to crew members who love little tokens like that as memories for them too. one team ordered magnets with our logo, another one did mousepads and a music cd which starts with the horn blowing of the ship ( for the first time cruisers, the Magics horn plays "When you wish upon a star"). Our problem is leaving from another country and everyone flying over and luggage is usually already a problem so the lighter things would be better. Its just always so much fun to run back to the room and see whats in there.
Marlower has the info on the website on everyone wanting to participate, now the question is how do we do teams? I dont want to break up families and dont want anyone to get missed. What i would do is when I pass out the lanyards is make a list of everyone participating so when it is your day you know which cabins to go to. Im definitly open to suggestions and like I said I dont want to make this a burden for everyone and realize its a long trip to Barcelona so let me know what everyone thinks we should do!

Im trying to put together a Hidden Mickey Scavenger hunt with some prizes at the end. I wont make it real long as I know people are going to be busy with excursions and such. I may need some volunteers for this and once again if anyone had any idea Im all ears!

We booked our hotel in Paris near CDG airport, not sure of the name as Tom did it. Were going for 3 days after cruise.Its like 20 minutes away from paris but thats ok, we got a good deal there and we'll have a car or use the trains for the day trips into town.

As for barcelona we havent booked a hotel, there are 5 of us so its hard becasue the only thing is apartments or 2 rooms . We may do the cheaper Holiday inn express or an apartment. Were arriving on the 23rd and I think renting a car for 3 days there so we can get around easy.
So many decisions and its coming up fast

 

[sinnika]

I am trying to get together a second list for the Palo brunch. I have 4 so far - need a min of 12 to submit (max 14). If you are interested in dining as a group in Palo, please email me your full names and your DCL ressie #'s. This is an adults only restaurant. You can PM me or my email is: tainapo@comcast.net

 

[threebritts]

I need to answer some people on some posts but got a call from friend this morning whom I went to HS with and we both became nurses and have worked together since. Her BF of 10 years had massive heart attack last night and she found him on kitchen floor when she came home last night. He was 46 and a real sweety! Im not trying to bum anyone out but all she kept saying this morning on the phone was we had so many plans and places they wanted to go but she said we just never did. I think about how Tom and I discussed this cruise and can we really afford it and should we and just makes me feel even better about it. I always say life is too short and you have to enjoy it but you never really undertsand that until something like this
happens.
Im glad everyone has decided to do this and take their families because all that will be worth it when we see all the smiles on the kids and adults while were cruising and making magical memories .
Ok sorry for the somber post and I will try to get back to everyone as soon as I can on their questions.

 

[MKJEcruisers]

I need to answer some people on some posts but got a call from friend this morning whom I went to HS with and we both became nurses and have worked together since. Her BF of 10 years had massive heart attack last night and she found him on kitchen floor when she came home last night. He was 46 and a real sweety! Im not trying to bum anyone out but all she kept saying this morning on the phone was we had so many plans and places they wanted to go but she said we just never did. I think about how Tom and I discussed this cruise and can we really afford it and should we and just makes me feel even better about it. I always say life is too short and you have to enjoy it but you never really undertsand that until something like this
happens.
Im glad everyone has decided to do this and take their families because all that will be worth it when we see all the smiles on the kids and adults while were cruising and making magical memories .
Ok sorry for the somber post and I will try to get back to everyone as soon as I can on their questions.

I am so sorry to hear this news. How sad for her :-(

I agree with you about enjoying life. It seems that at the end of the day the list of "things I should have done" is always longer than "the things I got done". Enjoy life. It is short.

 

[Pluto 2]

they have cat 12 at 999 a person again. i know someone was looking for this for a friend

 

[cra33f]

Got this information from the Conicerge yesterday. Thought it might be helpful to all.

26 - Let The Magic Begin
27 - Formal Night
28- Rotational
29 - Rotational
30 - Rotational
31 - Master Chef
1 - Pirates and Villans
2 - Flavors of the Med
3 - Captains Gala
4 - Till We Meet Again

Hello everyone! This question is for whoever wants to answer it.
There are only 3 rotational nights, where do we dine the other nights?
This is our first Disney cruise. Thanks.

 

[sinnika]

Hello everyone! This question is for whoever wants to answer it.
There are only 3 rotational nights, where do we dine the other nights?
This is our first Disney cruise. Thanks.

There are 3 main restaurants on the ship: Luimiere's, Parrot Cay, and Animator's Palate. You will rotate restaurants each night along with your wait staff who will follow you, so you will have the same servers for the entire cruise. When you board, you will know your dining rotation, and on the 10 night, I'm assuming that we will visit each restaurant at least 3 times. Not sure what "rotational nights" means. You will be at the same table # in all 3 restaurants, seated with the same tablemates. If you are a family of 4, there is a good chance that you will be seated with another family. If there are 2 of you, you may be seated with other pairs of 2. Tables can be as large as 18 but that is usually only because a large group requested it that way. If you meet people on this board and you are dining at the same time (1st or 2nd), you may consider requesting to link dining reservations with them. Then you will be seated together. I would recommend NOT linking though until everyone has booked excursions as that can mess up ressies somehow.

BTW speadupjc, did you get any info on what the show schedule was for each night? Would be nice to know ahead of time, esp if trying to book Palo's for dinner. Thanks in advance!