Nobody EXPECTS the Spanish Reposition!!! Taking the Magic Back to the Med 4/10/10

[adedward]

It's making me crazy that all I would have to do is have DCL move my return flight out a couple of weeks and I could add the 11 day for such a reasonable price. Boy work sure can get in the way of fun. Just can't see why a request for a month off should be an issue . . . At least once the deadline to modify our flights passes in a couple of days it will no longer be an option and I can stop checking that cruise out on the website.

 

[auntlynne]

Ann - What would the plants do without you for a month?

I couldn't pass up that rate of $999 pp. Rome has been on the top of my Places to Visit for a very long time. Still need to get to Bermuda - maybe a new Disney ship will encourage them to take it on.

First, Bermuda was my choice for a honeymoon - haven't gotten married yet. Then it was for my 40th B'day - I had just started a new job in a new town (Phoenix - wrong side of the country). Maybe my 50th - again, no; I've scheduled us for DCL Alaskan Inner Passage. Perhaps a random trip will work out better.

You are the early riser; will we be seeing you lounging with a cup of coffee in Cove Cafe in the early hours?

Lynne

 

[auntlynne]

Here's your reminder:

 

[auntlynne]

Still wondering if anyone can answer my questions....feeling a little ignored

Did you get your questions answered?

I saw a couple of responses to the Secret Mickey part; do you know the general concept of FE exchange?

We haven't set the parameters for ours, yet. It may be everyone in one group (ugh!) or smaller groups. Tossing around cut-off dates for sign-up so people will know for how many people to prepare.

Lynne

 

[CDN Prince Charming]

For the area it says Coco Beach - Merritt Island, FL and for city area it says Cape Canaveral...it's the only area I clicked. But my amount comes up as slightly different at $62.11...do you think this is the same hotel. I really want the Country Inn. that is such a great rate!

Thats right. You bid $49 and when the taxes and fees are added in later, the total room cost will be roughly your quoted cost.
Make sure to select only "Cape Canaveral" and 2.5*

For example, I bid on 2 rooms. My bid was $49/room and after taxes and fees, it cost me $117.52 or $58.76/room. So a little more than your quote but still cheaper than anywhere I've seen and this hotel seems to be one of the hotels of choice among Dis'ers

CPC

 

[kcashner]

The 3 pm in the Promenade Lounge has become a fairly standard "Dis" thing. I'd hesitate to go thru "Special Functions" as these are the people who assess charges and make things Official. We've never done it thru anyone; just all show up at the Promenade Lounge about 3 as it is an open public area.

As to telling what books I'll be bringing--I won't be planning that far in advance. I read 3-5 books per week normally, and it's a matter of what looks good and is available in the $1 from the library the week before the cruise. Occasionally I start 2-3 weeks ahead to be sure I get a few good things, but the problem with that is keeping myself from reading them before I fly!

Cape Canaveral doesn't have many hotels on Priceline/Hotwire, so the Country Inn is one of the common ones people get. The nice thing about them is that for $20 they'll let you do cruise parking even with a discounted price. Some hotels don't allow the cruise parking with ANY discount including even small discounts like AAA rates. People are typically paying about $60 including taxes and fees for the Country Inn. It's a nice place.

 

[grlzmom]

Hello to everyone, and welcome to anyone new!


Woody - thanks for telling me about Norweigan Pearl. We look forward to trying it in the near future.

Lynne - also wondering about ok flight times for departure from Barcelona. Please post if you get any further info.

We are Kindle people so no books but love to read. My dd18 loves to knit, so would love to hang in the Cove Cafe with other knitters/crocheters.

Obviously way out of the loop on what's popular because I just really don't like Alfred and Seymour. My kids like the family show ok but seriously just not for me. I'm totally excited for Villians but wish they weren't replacing Golden Mickeys.

Last month concierge told me they thought we would have a "quick change" artist on the TA but never got any confirmation on that.

Stephanie, hope your crew is feeling better and do you know if I will be able to get my whole family (8) in one taxi/van at Gibraltar?

Hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful week, going to go back and try and catch up on this thread!

 

[auntlynne]

Taxis in Gibraltar

per the Gibraltar Taxi Association:

Taxi Rental

Taxis may be booked or hired on an hourly basis. If the client requests to visit the Upper Rock Nature Reserve then entrance tickets will be charged as an extra to the client. Tickets into the Nature Reserve cost £8.00 and this needs to be paid at the entrance to the Nature Reserve.

It is normal practice that the drivers pay for these tickets and the client pays for these at the end of the hired period.



Prices

1st Hour (or part of) £90
2nd Hour (and each additional hour after the 2nd hour) £60

Vehicles will carry a maximum of 8 passengers with a minimum amount of luggage per person.

All of our drivers are Licenced Guides and are approved by the Gibraltar Tourist Board.

The Official Rock Tour will take between 1½-3 hours to complete depending on your time constraints. Please contact us for more information.

Standard tours are available from most of our taxi ranks and they range around £18-25 or €25-35 per person (minimum of 4-6 passengers) for a standard 4-5 stop tour. The prices depend on the seasonal demand and length of tour. The standard tour will last around 1hr 15 min – 1 hr 30 min approximately.

During the months of May-November it is sometimes very difficult to find a taxi for Rock Tours due to the sheer demand. Cruise ships create great demand especially the largest vessels that visit Gibraltar regularly during these months.

To avoid disappointment and time wasting it is strongly recommended to book a tour directly with us via our web page especially if you are arriving in a large cruise liner, if you are travelling with children, elderly persons or persons with disabilities.

Our cars will be ready to pick you up from the port or any other location of your choice and give you a memorable tour you will treasure for ever. Your holiday is our business, our priority and it is of utmost importance to us that you thoroughly enjoy our product.

You may pre-book one of our vehicles via this web page for extended VIP tours which will give you great insight to our Rock. These tours will take a minimum of 2 hours to complete but shorter tours are also available on request.

Conditions:

These prices are suitable for up to EIGHT passengers travelling together and all prices are EXCLUSIVE of entrance tickets to the sites that make up the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, the 100 Ton Gun and Parson’s Lodge.

All prices are quoted by the hour. Incomplete hours will be charged at the full hourly rate.

A typical Rock Tour will take a minimum of 1 hour 30 minutes to complete.

Tours will be planned at point of contact with the client unless the client requests specific sites via e-mail through this site.

It is possible to arrange other tours via the Gibraltar Taxi Association including Dolphin trips and the Second World War Tunnels.

On booking, the client must state the number of hours that the vehicle is required and will be based on a minimum of 2 hours per Rock Tour. If you wish to retain the vehicle for more time this may be arranged with the driver at the rate stated above.

Please notify us if you request any baby car seats for your party as these will be provided to you for the duration of the taxi hire at no extra cost to you.

 

[Michelle2]

Thats right. You bid $49 and when the taxes and fees are added in later, the total room cost will be roughly your quoted cost.
Make sure to select only "Cape Canaveral" and 2.5*

For example, I bid on 2 rooms. My bid was $49/room and after taxes and fees, it cost me $117.52 or $58.76/room. So a little more than your quote but still cheaper than anywhere I've seen and this hotel seems to be one of the hotels of choice among Dis'ers

CPC

Thanks for that priceline info! I have stayed there before (in fact, before the last TA in 2007) and loved it! I know how much of a savings that it can be off of the regular rooms.

Jeanne, when we were in a private can in Gibraltar, I think we had up to 7 or 8 people in our van. Me, Jared, Chase and 2 or 3 other couples. They tried not to leave without filling it up as much as they could.
It ended up being a great tour though!
We did notice that the farther away from the Rock that you were (on the walk to the Rock) and the later in the day it was, the cheaper the price. We were meeting some CMs that didn't get off the boat until later, and their prices pp were alot cheaper than we did ours, but their time constraints were a little bit more of a crunch. Easy walk to and from the ship though, and went through a really neat street that had lots of tourist shops!

 

[Michelle2]

Sorry, made a comment about the entertainment, but then noticed it was for LAST TA that I was on....thought it was for this one. I am very relieved. I hope that they don't get Jimmy Tamley again. LOL

 

[grlzmom]

Thanks for that priceline info! I have stayed there before (in fact, before the last TA in 2007) and loved it! I know how much of a savings that it can be off of the regular rooms.

Easy walk to and from the ship though, and went through a really neat street that had lots of tourist shops!

Michelle2, so glad you guys are staying at same place precruise More excited! And, let's coordinate the shopping time. I know if you liked them we will too. Are you going to do the Rock again or something different?

Lynne, thanks for the taxi info! And while I'm thinking about it, very jealous of your upcoming Hawaii trip.

So it looks like my family is a Gibraltar van unto itself. That at least is one plan finished.

 

[auntlynne]

Jeanne - Didn't you just do a 7-night cruise?

When was the platinum/gold crew mixer?

Don't want our Brunch Bunch to conflict with this.

 

[Brooklyn]

Dee, I'm going to call tomorrow and see if I can get any more info on the shows, etc... I didn't realize that you guys had a brunch date set, sorry. We'll move ours, no problem!

Brooklyn, just thinking...if someone has to back out of the Palo dinner at the last minute, are they still charged? They said it had to be 12, but no more than 14 ppl.

We have always had an alternate list so people were easily replaced. I think though by time of sailing everyone will be pretty set.

The brunch is going to request a time. I think you were able to nail down a time bc you are staying in a suite. I think if Dishy24 already changed things bc of this date being set I say we just keep it as it. It is one of the only things we know for sure...or do we?!?!?!?!? Thank you for all of your work with this!!!! Lynne, Maybe you should be mommyto3princesses as our fearless leader of the Palo dinner. I just collected the names, she is doing the rest!

I think some people are getting a little tuchy... We all have opinions... my opinion is old fogie... Does not mater if I am right or wrong as long as I get my opinion (ps I am older than you so it is not a age thing it is a opinion thing).

“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it” - Voltaire

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss

I think it goes back to it is not what you say it is how you say it?

...and in front is "Bound for Barcelona," in a close second is "Bound for Barcelona."

With 4 of the 5 entries being...TA DA - "Bound for Barcelona," I think we know which will win.

Guess what we'll put on our lanyards? Hmmm..."Bound for Barcelona" ??

I love Donald running. Perhaps I can see myself running to catch the boat (although that might apply more on the Med cruise). But also the simplicity of the design. And Donald gets so left out of stuff. But he is really the sailor of the gang. Think of his shirt and hat. (Not to mention orange and blue are my college colors - War Eagle.)

I love Mickey, Minnie & Goofy in their nautical attire showing through the portholes. Plus that great boat with gold scroll work.

How do you decide? You don't really have to. If you get a lanyard, it's going to probably be medium blue with white lettering, saying "Bound for Barcelona" (with additional words to the effect of 2010 Disney Magic Eastbound Transatlantic April 10-24). [Okay, Krisann?]

Why do I say that? Because medium blue goes with both the vote front-leaders and the Cap'n Mickey logo.

I'll make multiple nametags for anyone who wants them. It's 14 nights; I'll need a change at some point. And I WANT to wear both of them.

As long as everyone has seen the couple of options, they should be able to recognize the various nametags (since the lanyards will be alike).

And we know we'll be seeing everything as a magnet somewhere.

Are you lobbying? I feel like I am a part of a politcal campaign. Is there this much thought going into these logos???

Personally I think if you are going to have a logo then have a logo. The two don't even remotly match (I am big on matching).

The thought of running after the ship is NOT for me! Have you seen those you tube videos...... I would hate to feel like that!

I really do feel like I am in the middle of a polical campaign

Secret Mickeys or as I like to call them... Secret Scrooges

What is it with you and DUCKS!!!

Okay, now I'm concerned. My flight out is 10:45. Three hour lead time at the airport puts us there at 7:45. Half-hour to get there - off the boat getting a taxi at 7:15.

Are we sure that the port authority has us cleared for passenger exit already since we are in port?

Somebody who has their DCL flights already - what time are you flying?

Our flight left at 9:00 AM last TA. We were fine but DCL went out of their way to get us all there bc THEY booked us that early.

I think though for the MED you may be cutting it close. BCN has to be one of the worst airports we have even been in. Traffic to get there can get back too. When I spoke to DCL they said that the doors to get off the ship may not open until 9 in BCN by the time they clear customs and such. For the TA you could fly out the night before but with the Med the ship won't arrive in BCN till the AM.

Hello to everyone, and welcome to anyone new!

Stephanie, hope your crew is feeling better and do you know if I will be able to get my whole family (8) in one taxi/van at Gibraltar?

We were a party of 6 and then we picked up 3 DISers at the top and still plenty of room to spare.

Taxis in Gibraltar

per the Gibraltar Taxi Association:

Lynne, you should be a librarian....we ask and you research! Thanks!

 

[auntlynne]

...Are you lobbying? I feel like I am a part of a politcal campaign. Is there this much thought going into these logos???

Personally I think if you are going to have a logo then have a logo. The two don't even remotly match (I am big on matching)....


I think though for the MED you may be cutting it close. BCN has to be one of the worst airports we have even been in. Traffic to get there can get back too. When I spoke to DCL they said that the doors to get off the ship may not open until 9 in BCN by the time they clear customs and such. For the TA you could fly out the night before but with the Med the ship won't arrive in BCN till the AM...

Lynne, you should be a librarian....we ask and you research! Thanks!

So, red lanyard or blue lanyard?

Apparently it is that big a deal. What are we doing with this logo, anyway? I know there are nametags. Beyond that, does it really matter? I'll have all kinds of backgrounds on my door magnets. I may even include one of a duck.

I get so caught in the conversation of the thread that I forget it doesn't necessarily include me; like the flights and the fact that my return is not after an overnight in Barcelona. I hope that I can do something about changing this.

My brother is a librarian (computer-focused) and I have thought many many times over the years about getting my Masters in Library Science. My favorite job was in college at the Student Union - people would call us for information (they recently showcased this on an episode of the Today Show "10 phone numbers you should know."

Lynne

 

[Brooklyn]

So, red lanyard or blue lanyard?

Lynne

I don't think I am allowed to answer that on the DIS board, am I?

Apparently it is that big a deal. What are we doing with this logo, anyway? I know there are nametags. Beyond that, does it really matter? I'll have all kinds of backgrounds on my door magnets. I may even include one of a duck.

I get so caught in the conversation of the thread that I forget it doesn't necessarily include me; like the flights and the fact that my return is not after an overnight in Barcelona. I hope that I can do something about changing this.

My brother is a librarian (computer-focused) and I have thought many many times over the years about getting my Masters in Library Science. My favorite job was in college at the Student Union - people would call us for information (they recently showcased this on an episode of the Today Show "10 phone numbers you should know."

Lynne

I think that people like a logo for signatures, etc...kind of something that ties us all together. Oh I just got an idea.........

 

[Michelle2]

Michelle2, so glad you guys are staying at same place precruise More excited! And, let's coordinate the shopping time. I know if you liked them we will too. Are you going to do the Rock again or something different?

Lynne, thanks for the taxi info! And while I'm thinking about it, very jealous of your upcoming Hawaii trip.

So it looks like my family is a Gibraltar van unto itself. That at least is one plan finished.

I am DEFINITELY doing the Rock again. It was a highlight for us on the cruise! LOVED Gibraltar! I am sure we will be coordinating alot of things, maybe not the van now, but that's ok!

Jeanne - Didn't you just do a 7-night cruise?

When was the platinum/gold crew mixer?

Don't want our Brunch Bunch to conflict with this.

I did the 7 night cruise with Jeanne in November (the Double Dip one) and I know that the Castaway Club party for gold and platinum was on Monday I think. I did not go because it interfered with my Palo brunch, and I went on Monday. I think the party was at 11:30am or so because my brunch was at 11.

 

[thossink]

Okay, now I'm concerned. My flight out is 10:45. Three hour lead time at the airport puts us there at 7:45. Half-hour to get there - off the boat getting a taxi at 7:15.

Are we sure that the port authority has us cleared for passenger exit already since we are in port?

Somebody who has their DCL flights already - what time are you flying?

Our Flights are out at 10:00am. thru DCL

 

[auntlynne]

...I did the 7 night cruise with Jeanne in November (the Double Dip one) and I know that the Castaway Club party for gold and platinum was on Monday I think. I did not go because it interfered with my Palo brunch, and I went on Monday. I think the party was at 11:30am or so because my brunch was at 11.

That's what I was thinking - avoid first Sea Day for Group Brunch due to the potential conflict. (Doesn't apply to me at this time, as my Silver status drops me out of this activity - but I'll be Gold after the Med).

 

[auntlynne]

Our Flights are out at 10:00am. thru DCL

Thank you. Realized I was getting on a boat, not a plane on the 24th.

 

[auntlynne]

...I think that people like a logo for signatures, etc...kind of something that ties us all together. Oh I just got an idea.........

Signatures?

...Now you've got me curious - get on with the graphic making and show us the funny!

I think we're all tied together
a. because we are Barcelona Bound and
b. we've all shelled out a bunch of money and time to go floating off to sea.