May Med Magic - May 15 2010 - Meet thread

[disneyuncle]

Hi Jane! I am not able to send you a PM in response to your message. I have not posted 10 times on the board as of yet. THis will make number 6. I will keep trying until I can. Or, would you like for me to respond here?

Ray

 

[rashdecision]

I'm sure this had been discussed, but has there been any consensus on the best way to covert dollars to Euros? Can I convert $2000-3000 in US dollars to Euros at a bank in Barcelona? Do they charge a conversion fee? I assume the rates at banks are the best. Are the airport currency conversions a rip-off rate wise? Can you convert that amount on the ship, and has anyone found out what Disney's rate is compared to a bank and any conversion fees tehy charge? Lastly, do US banks typically offer Euros here in the states? I've never checked. Thanks to all in advance to can offer some guidance.

I have an email to the ships concierge about the current transaction rate. My TA has recommended using our ATM cards at the local banks since the conversion rate and fees are about comparable when everything is said and done. She is going to order approx $200 worth in euros for traveling overseas. As soon as the concierge responds on the rate, I will let you know.

 

[pooh & tinker]

we are 3 adults.. dh 67 me 65 and gd 21

 

[dfsc]

Anyone skipping Florence and Pisa to visit Cinque Terre? My dear friend loves Florence and does not want me to miss it, but with a 2 1/2 hour transfer each way DCL's "do it on your own" gives us approx. 4 1/2 hours in the city. Is this enough time to enjoy the city? Do you know if the drive is scenic so the time passes quickly? I'm debating because I would also love to hike Cinque Terre.

 

[jedijill]

Anyone skipping Florence and Pisa to visit Cinque Terre? My dear friend loves Florence and does not want me to miss it, but with a 2 1/2 hour transfer each way DCL's "do it on your own" gives us approx. 4 1/2 hours in the city. Is this enough time to enjoy the city? Do you know if the drive is scenic so the time passes quickly? I'm debating because I would also love to hike Cinque Terre.

I'm going to the Cinque Terre. I've been to Florence (2007) and you can't touch what the city has to offer in 5 hours. I spent 3 days and barely scratched the surface. The drive should be typical Tuscany. Vineyards and farms. I watched the Rick Steves show on Cinque Terre and fell in love. It look so beautiful.

Jill in CO

 

[Jeff Spencer]

Hey, Jeff! I met your 3rd child today! ;-) You know, the adopted one!

She's pretty sweet. I had a lovely time!

Sayhello

Good! You came back alive so in all likelihood she's not an psycho axe murderer.

 

[Jeff Spencer]

Yeah! Cruise Docs arrived today.
(unfortunately our names were not spelled correctly.)
We called DCL and they said there was no surcharge for exchanging money but she didn't sound very confident. Hopefully one of the Med cruises before us will be able to confirm this.

I think it's a matter of semantics. In 2007 they definitely charged a premium on top of the going exchange rate. There was no surcharge or fee of a set amount added to that premium. I'm sure we'll hear more from the 4/24 and 5/5 cruises.

 

[sarahgirl]

Good! You came back alive so in all likelihood she's not an psycho axe murderer.

Nah, axes are too messy.

 

[Jeff Spencer]

It's my understanding that on various places aboard the ship and on the excursions that Disney has photographers to take your pictures. I have also heard that you can purchase a picture package for a flat rate. Is that true?

Hi Tracy,

Yes, this is true. DCL photographers are out in full force for the formal and semi-formal evenings with backdrops set up around the atrium area and nearby. Additionally, there are photographers that roam the restaurants in the evenings, always at Palo, and at key points on the shore excursions. You'll also see them on the Pool Deck and pretty much anywhere where there might be a good chance for a saleable photo. On the excursions, we had a DCL photo taken at Trevi Fountain and the Collosseum in Rome, Pompeii and at the Leaning Tower in Pisa. You can do this whether you're there on a DCL tour, private tour or DIY. Here is a post on the DIS boards about the packages. The DCL site is currently down or I'd link you to the info there.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=14027180&postcount=11

 

[Jeff Spencer]

Anyone have any suggestions on private tours on our stop at Villefranche? We would like to see Monte Carlo, Monaco, and Eze. We have a DCL trip booked but not sure if we are going to keep it. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Gary--Apple Guy

Hi Gary,

The only companies I'm familiar with are Dream Tours, Revelation Tours and Azur Guides. All get excellent ratings from their guests. I personally have used Michel at Revelation and he's awesome. I tried to book Sylvie de Cristo at Azur Guides and she was already booked on our port day.

The reality is that if the above is all you want to see, it is easily done yourself. There is a bus that runs between Nice, Villefranche, Eze and Monte Carlo. Here's a link to check out:

http://www.eportreviews.com/Europe/France/TravelingtheFrenchRiviera.htm

 

[Jeff Spencer]

Nah, axes are too messy.

GULP!

 

[Travelbee]

Anyone skipping Florence and Pisa to visit Cinque Terre? My dear friend loves Florence and does not want me to miss it, but with a 2 1/2 hour transfer each way DCL's "do it on your own" gives us approx. 4 1/2 hours in the city. Is this enough time to enjoy the city? Do you know if the drive is scenic so the time passes quickly? I'm debating because I would also love to hike Cinque Terre.

We're probably going to do Cinque Terre. It's a short train ride from La Spezia to Riomaggiore. Time permitting, we'll try to get to Pisa too, it's the opposite direction of Cinque Terre though. I'll send you a PM with tour info someone gave me on Cinque Terre.

 

[Jeff Spencer]

I'm sure this had been discussed, but has there been any consensus on the best way to covert dollars to Euros? Can I convert $2000-3000 in US dollars to Euros at a bank in Barcelona? Do they charge a conversion fee? I assume the rates at banks are the best. Are the airport currency conversions a rip-off rate wise? Can you convert that amount on the ship, and has anyone found out what Disney's rate is compared to a bank and any conversion fees tehy charge? Lastly, do US banks typically offer Euros here in the states? I've never checked. Thanks to all in advance to can offer some guidance.

Hi snackyx,

The consensus seems to be that to avoid traveling with an excessive amount of cash, either dollars or Euros (or whatever your native currency might be) it's probably better to just wait until to get to Europe and withdraw Euros from ATMs as you need them. We're waiting to see what kind of premium Disney will charge on the ship, but what I saw in 2007 when we first did the cruise was the DCL premium was similar to what my bank charged me locally when I got some Euro ahead of time. As to banks in the states, it really depends. Some seem to handle such exchanges routinely and can do it quickly and with little premium charged. Others have quoted weeks turn-around time to order and receive the currency. I would think that more urban banks would be the easiest to deal with; however, your mileage may vary.

 

[k8e]

Anyone skipping Florence and Pisa to visit Cinque Terre? My dear friend loves Florence and does not want me to miss it, but with a 2 1/2 hour transfer each way DCL's "do it on your own" gives us approx. 4 1/2 hours in the city. Is this enough time to enjoy the city? Do you know if the drive is scenic so the time passes quickly? I'm debating because I would also love to hike Cinque Terre.

We're also planning on doing Cinque Terre on our own. I've been to Florence & Pisa (from port of Livorno--which was a much shorter drive than from La Spezia). I've really love for my mom to see Florence & Pisa, but we decided the 4+ hour drive is just not worth it.

 

[nursemanager]

My DH and I are planning on touring the Cinque Terre for we have also been to Pisa and Florence previously. We shall get in some exercise and see some beautiful sites it looks like!

 

[Jeff Spencer]

Anyone skipping Florence and Pisa to visit Cinque Terre? My dear friend loves Florence and does not want me to miss it, but with a 2 1/2 hour transfer each way DCL's "do it on your own" gives us approx. 4 1/2 hours in the city. Is this enough time to enjoy the city? Do you know if the drive is scenic so the time passes quickly? I'm debating because I would also love to hike Cinque Terre.

Our private tour in 2007 made the trip in 1 hr. 45 minutes and he wasn't even driving fast. The drive is scenic so the time passed quickly for us. Florence is simply amazing. We spent probably 5.5 hours there and loved every minute of it. You certainly can't see everything or do everything...that'd be like trying to do Disneyworld in a day; however, just because you can't do it in a day or 3/4 of a day doesn't mean it isn't still worth doing. Do you think you'll get back to Florence again? If you're not sure that you will, I'd do it. If you're going by yourself, I see leelee9878 still has an open spot on her private tour. Just trying to offer an alternate opinion.

 

[andgon]

Have added them to my master list - i'll be updating the page 1 list in a couple of days when i have received the responses to my questions sent by PM.

Thanks!!!!
I tried to send you a PM but I am not able since I don't have enough "posts"... ???

 

[kehonuamemano]

Hello all,

My husband and I will be on this cruise with our teen son & daughter (18 & 17) and are looking forward to meeting many of you.

We have reserved private driver/tours in Naples and Rome and are looking for any couples or families of 3 or 4 who might like to join us. The company is Driver in Rome (driverinrome.com) is very highly rated and the tours are CVT02 Exclusive Best of Rome (all the major sites - 9hrs) and NAP01 Pompeii-Sorrento-Positano- Amalfi Coast (also 9hrs) We got a special rate, so it will be around 200 euro for a couple or 300 euro for 4 for each of these.

We are a very well behaved group (hubby works for Disney here in Orlando) and this trip is to celebrate our two great kids who are graduating from high school and going off to college in the fall.

Please PM me if you are interested in joining us.
If there is a better place to post this type of thing, I would be happy to be informed. I am a forum posting newbie.

Happy Planning!
Kim

Hi Kim,
My husband and I are interested in two of the Rome spots. I've tried to PM you but I don't think I can because I am still earning my ears. Hopefully you read this and I am sorry if you did get my PM's and this is the third time we are asking you.
It's a little strange because it says the PM is sent but then I cannot find the message in my sent email.

You can email me at kehonuamemano@yahoo.com.
Thank you,

 

[dawne577]

We received our cruise documents yesterday. I think the last 30 days always seems like it passes the slowest.
Was wondering what port are you looking forward to the most/least? Which port do you think will surprise you the most?
For us: Rome/Corsica/Malta

 

[HelenMartinez]

I'm really looking forward to Rome. There is so much history there and I am just amazed that I will be walking along those streets as well. I think Malta will be the most surprising. Italy, Spain and France are so well known but just the little research I have done on Malta has been very surprising. It looks beautiful.

Helen