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

[MikeAndNick]

On the air stuff...guess we got lucky, but our air thru DCL was right about the 1K mark too. That's why I was eager to find/book something on my own. I was able to book on my own for $474 for the BCN home leg, $82 for the home to MCO leg, and $65 for the DCL transfers. So, that's $621 vs. $slightly over 1K. Think I did OK~

Because this is a longer cruise, our PIF date was way more than 90 days out; I just went back to our original invoice--it was 120 days. That included the air. I don't think the fact that you were told you have to pay now to hold the air had anything to do with the suite (I know that's what she said!), I suspect it had to do with the 120 days. In fact, DCL was bugging my TA at the 330 day point because I had booked with myself and "to be determined," and they wanted to know whether I had determined my other guest. Seems they were working on air even that early!

Ah well... the usual rule. If you don't like what you hear from one CM, call back. You'll likely get a different story from the next one.

I book through a Disney Specialty Travel Agent in Florida and got my flight information last month. Worning.... Disney changed my return flight from Delta to American this last week. I had already added my airline miles and got seats on the Delta flights and was lucky I double checked and found the change. I had really bad seats on the return trip that I was able to change.

On the cost... I got it at $1100 and that is $900 cheaper than I can get on my own from Fresno CA (just checked and it is $2,733 USD per person). I was thrilled with the cost... I guess the bargain or not depends on where you are coming from.

 

[mommyto3princesses]

2 formal / 1 semi or 1 formal / 2 semi

Thx.

On the WB PC Repo someone had a backpack that hung from their door for the book exchange and it said "DIS book exchange." It was on the same floor as the laundry room. You just deposited your book and took one that interested you.

The Norwegian Pearl sounds nice. When the girls are older we will definitely try out other cruise lines. We priced a TA with someone else and could not believe the price difference. At ages 3, 5, and 7, we still need the magic!

Still need to:
-book insurance
-book stay at port - 4/9 (will look at priceline deal)
-let schools know about the trip.

Re: excursions. We will hire a driver at all the stops and have a plan of things we'd like to see.

I believe we're going to hire a private tour guide in Barcelona for the morning. We were hoping to bring the kids back to the club for dinner while we go out for tapas. I'm really hoping my mom decides to join us -- I'd feel better about leaving them.

 

[mommyto3princesses]

For anyone who may still be looking for accomodations pre-cruise, the Country Inn & Suites in Cape Canaveral can be had for a bid of $49/night on Priceline.
I know because I just won 2 rooms for the night before the cruise
Total with taxes is $62.10 for the night. Beats any price I've found so far.

Also has anyone here received their airfare arrangements from Disney yet??

CPC

This sounds great! Did you request a 3 star for this hotel? TIA

 

[Yvet]

First i like the idea of the meeting places and times.

I woke up in the middle of the night and realized that we all need to renew our passports. The kids actually need new ones as it has been 5 years. I made an appointment for Thursday and was told it will be 4-6 weeks. I also booked the priceline discounted rooms at the port, rented a car, and booked rooms for our night in boston on the way home. It finally feels like the trip isn't that far away!!!
~Ingrid

Ohw if i woke up in the middle of the night like that, i would be awake for the rest of the day.....

If anyone in Gibraltar wants to do the taxi tour Brooklyn mentioned, I'd love to split a cab and cancel my booked excursions. I like to walk and explore a lot -- fair warning

I would love to share a taxi van!!
We are not huge walkers but a walk does'n't hurt to much (i hope).....

Speaking of mini-navs, are there any people in this group who need larger fonts or special visual accommodations to the nav? No, I don't plan on doing the whole thing in a Disney font, so no worries there!

Wouw that you thought of this!!!!!
I would love to have them in a bigger font.
I'm visualy handicaped, not blind but i do walk with a cane.......
I never would thought of asking for this so thank you so much of thinking about this.

 

[adedward]

Those who think everyone else has gotten their DCL flight information, you are not alone. I think the suites, who had a 120 day cancellation policy, have theirs, those of us in steerage, who have a 90 day cancelation policy, haven't hit the 90 day yet, so they can't book us on air until that passes, or they might get stuck holding the bag. I bet it won't be too long now before we hear.

 

[Brooklyn]

So I have been in bed for 2 days straight just feeling awful!!! Madison's ear drum ruptured on Monday and Brooklyn was up all night throwing up! Oh just sooooooo much fun! Not one of us in the house has the same symptoms!

I have to take Madison to her ENT doc today. I am praying that the damage on her ear drum is not bad. This ear in particular has been in question before. We were days before have to have the ear drum skin graphed from damage. That meant that her ear would have to be detached from back and skin taken from her neck to help repair the damage. We were able to avoid that last time but I am so worried that this may have caused more damage than before. Between both girls we have had about 7 ruptured ear drums so this is not something new here. I just wish it was not her bad ear!!!

So on Monday I posted how happy I was about my Give a day get a day opportunity. Well I get an email yesterday that says we have gotten too much interest so we are no longer participating in this program with Disney. Oh ok, so let me start searching again. There was NOTHING left in SD County. I was one of the first ones to sign up on the 1st so the lady called me and said if I turn in all my stuff by TODAY I can still qualify. Ok great....lets figure out how to make 6 birthday bags. Oh did I mention when I do anything it is not small! I had so many ideas but at this point I just may not have the time or resources to pull off most of it.

SO while I figuring out how to get these bags done Madison's ENT doc fit her in at 1:00 and the only time I could get with our Ped for Brooklyn was 1:05. Hummmmm, how to be at 2 places at once at the Naval Hospital?!?!?!?!? Waiting to hear if DH can be of any assistance but it is probably not likely. He usually can't get away from work during the day.

Oh just another day in paradise!

 

[CDN Prince Charming]

This sounds great! Did you request a 3 star for this hotel? TIA

Make sure to select "Cape Canaveral" area only. This area only has 2* and 2.5* options. Pick the 2.5*, put in $49 as your bid and you're good to go.

Sounds like we might have a DIS meet goin' on

CPC

 

[dee47]

Dee, thanks for volunteering.

We did something similar on our South America cruise. But with so many consecutive sea days, the person who handled the exchange had many days where no one showed up.

Our cruise has eight sea days: Days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13.

I suggest having five book exchanges on Days 3, 6, 8, 10 and 13.

The other suggestion I have is at the end of the cruise, we donate the extra books and magazines to the crew instead of to Cove Cafe. We did this on prior cruises. We could print some extra lanyard tags, paste them as bookplates inside the front cover, and, where the name usually goes, write something like, "To the best crew ever. Thank you for a Magical Transatlantic cruise."

Woody

I love those suggestions. I think they're great, esp. the crew book plates! Not having the exchange every day also gives people more time to actually read the books, and gives me a chance to sleep in sometimes

 

[dee47]

Those who think everyone else has gotten their DCL flight information, you are not alone. I think the suites, who had a 120 day cancellation policy, have theirs, those of us in steerage, who have a 90 day cancelation policy, haven't hit the 90 day yet, so they can't book us on air until that passes, or they might get stuck holding the bag. I bet it won't be too long now before we hear.

No, I'm a Cat 12 GTY and got mine way before Christmas. BUT, I'm a CC Gold Member, and that may be part of it.

 

[dee47]

So I have been in bed for 2 days straight just feeling awful!!! Madison's ear drum ruptured on Monday and Brooklyn was up all night throwing up! Oh just sooooooo much fun! Not one of us in the house has the same symptoms!

I have to take Madison to her ENT doc today. I am praying that the damage on her ear drum is not bad. This ear in particular has been in question before. We were days before have to have the ear drum skin graphed from damage. That meant that her ear would have to be detached from back and skin taken from her neck to help repair the damage. We were able to avoid that last time but I am so worried that this may have caused more damage than before. Between both girls we have had about 7 ruptured ear drums so this is not something new here. I just wish it was not her bad ear!!!

So on Monday I posted how happy I was about my Give a day get a day opportunity. Well I get an email yesterday that says we have gotten too much interest so we are no longer participating in this program with Disney. Oh ok, so let me start searching again. There was NOTHING left in SD County. I was one of the first ones to sign up on the 1st so the lady called me and said if I turn in all my stuff by TODAY I can still qualify. Ok great....lets figure out how to make 6 birthday bags. Oh did I mention when I do anything it is not small! I had so many ideas but at this point I just may not have the time or resources to pull off most of it.

SO while I figuring out how to get these bags done Madison's ENT doc fit her in at 1:00 and the only time I could get with our Ped for Brooklyn was 1:05. Hummmmm, how to be at 2 places at once at the Naval Hospital?!?!?!?!? Waiting to hear if DH can be of any assistance but it is probably not likely. He usually can't get away from work during the day.

Oh just another day in paradise!

I'm sorry. No words of wisdom but sending lots of good vibes your way!

 

[katypop]

Dee, thanks for volunteering.

We did something similar on our South America cruise. But with so many consecutive sea days, the person who handled the exchange had many days where no one showed up.

Our cruise has eight sea days: Days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13.

I suggest having five book exchanges on Days 3, 6, 8, 10 and 13.

The other suggestion I have is at the end of the cruise, we donate the extra books and magazines to the crew instead of to Cove Cafe. We did this on prior cruises. We could print some extra lanyard tags, paste them as bookplates inside the front cover, and, where the name usually goes, write something like, "To the best crew ever. Thank you for a Magical Transatlantic cruise."

Woody

Great suggestions Woody I like the idea to donate the books to the crew.

 

[dee47]

I would love to share a taxi van!!
We are not huge walkers but a walk does'n't hurt to much (i hope).....

Sent you a PM

 

[Brooklyn]

Since I was on my desktop this morning (no designing on my laptop) I thought I would adjust the one design that has become in the running for a logo. That blank space under Mickey's hand was driving me crazy.

I wish I felt better to make it look better but at least it is something. It looks more complete to me for those who would like to use it even if it does not become the cruise logo.

 

[Mrs. Gumdrop]

Dee, thanks for volunteering.

We did something similar on our South America cruise. But with so many consecutive sea days, the person who handled the exchange had many days where no one showed up.

Our cruise has eight sea days: Days 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 13.

I suggest having five book exchanges on Days 3, 6, 8, 10 and 13.

The other suggestion I have is at the end of the cruise, we donate the extra books and magazines to the crew instead of to Cove Cafe. We did this on prior cruises. We could print some extra lanyard tags, paste them as bookplates inside the front cover, and, where the name usually goes, write something like, "To the best crew ever. Thank you for a Magical Transatlantic cruise."

Woody

Woody -- I agree with Dee and katy, this is a great and thoughtful idea. I for one love group activities and sharing, but wouldn't want to be tied down with too many meeting times. Plus honestly, I don't read that fast.

Re: excursions. We will hire a driver at all the stops and have a plan of things we'd like to see.

I believe we're going to hire a private tour guide in Barcelona for the morning. We were hoping to bring the kids back to the club for dinner while we go out for tapas. I'm really hoping my mom decides to join us -- I'd feel better about leaving them.

Do you have a specific resource you are willing to share for private tours? I think this is what my family is looking for too. Thanks!

Brooklyn -- So sorry to hear you are having tough day. You are such a trooper. I hope you and the girls feel better soon!

 

[Dishy24]

So I have been in bed for 2 days straight just feeling awful!!! Madison's ear drum ruptured on Monday and Brooklyn was up all night throwing up! Oh just sooooooo much fun! Not one of us in the house has the same symptoms!

I have to take Madison to her ENT doc today. I am praying that the damage on her ear drum is not bad. This ear in particular has been in question before. We were days before have to have the ear drum skin graphed from damage. That meant that her ear would have to be detached from back and skin taken from her neck to help repair the damage. We were able to avoid that last time but I am so worried that this may have caused more damage than before. Between both girls we have had about 7 ruptured ear drums so this is not something new here. I just wish it was not her bad ear!!!

So on Monday I posted how happy I was about my Give a day get a day opportunity. Well I get an email yesterday that says we have gotten too much interest so we are no longer participating in this program with Disney. Oh ok, so let me start searching again. There was NOTHING left in SD County. I was one of the first ones to sign up on the 1st so the lady called me and said if I turn in all my stuff by TODAY I can still qualify. Ok great....lets figure out how to make 6 birthday bags. Oh did I mention when I do anything it is not small! I had so many ideas but at this point I just may not have the time or resources to pull off most of it.

SO while I figuring out how to get these bags done Madison's ENT doc fit her in at 1:00 and the only time I could get with our Ped for Brooklyn was 1:05. Hummmmm, how to be at 2 places at once at the Naval Hospital?!?!?!?!? Waiting to hear if DH can be of any assistance but it is probably not likely. He usually can't get away from work during the day.

Oh just another day in paradise!

Geez Stephanie, When it rains it really pours for you! I hope the damage isn't too bad for poor Madison & that you & Brooklyn feel better very soon. 93 days can't pass quick enough for you! Feel better!

PS-- I love the addition to the Logo... I know what you mean about the "blank space" it is perfect now! Again, I hope you are all on the mend very soon!

 

[bound2travel]

I know that HappyGoofy, myself and at least one other was talking about sharing a taxi for the Rock. Some of us can't walk as fast or far as others.

I think we need to figure out who is wanting to share a cab for the Rock and if it should be two groups - faster/better walkers and those with mobility issues.

So here goes, if you want to share a taxi/van for the Rock please send me a pm. Include the following:

name (screen name)
# in your party
whether you have any type of mobility issue
do you want a quick tour of the Rock or be able to take your time

for example:
Kristi (bound2travel)
1
mobility issue - distance, speed and steps
I'd like to take time to see everything


Once I get an idea of whether two types of groups are needed, then we can designate "point" people for each group for those interested to contact.


Hope this helps get the Rock people a bit organized. If I am duplicating anyone's effort, please forgive me. I haven't been able to check Auntlynne's website for several days.

Kristi

 

[mommyto3princesses]

Make sure to select "Cape Canaveral" area only. This area only has 2* and 2.5* options. Pick the 2.5*, put in $49 as your bid and you're good to go.

Sounds like we might have a DIS meet goin' on

CPC

Thanks CPC. The only problem is my family needs bigger than a 2 bd, wonder if they'd upgrade me to the Family Suite for a little more once we got there? Worth a try, right? Thanks again!

 

[mommyto3princesses]

Just spoke with Concierge. These are *tentative* dates, but I thought you'd like to know:

4/12: Formal Night - Prince and Princess Theme
4/16: Villians Menu -- perhaps new show that night??
4/17: Transatlantic Formal Night
4/18: Pirate Night - Madeira
4/22: Semi Formal Capt Gala

tentative dates for Char B-fast: 14, 15 or 16th

Our Palo dinner group is booked on 4/14 a7 6PM. They'll call to confirm 25 days out.

HTH!

 

[Brooklyn]

Just spoke with Concierge. These are *tentative* dates, but I thought you'd like to know:

4/12: Formal Night - Prince and Princess Theme
4/16: Villians Menu -- perhaps new show that night??
4/17: Transatlantic Formal Night
4/18: Pirate Night - Madeira
4/22: Semi Formal Capt Gala

tentative dates for Char B-fast: 14, 15 or 16th

Our Palo dinner group is booked on 4/14 a7 6PM. They'll call to confirm 25 days out.

HTH!

Great! Thanks!

Now lets just hope there is not a good show on the 14th and everyone should be happy!

I kind of wish Pirate Night was when we were out to see. DD never makes it to the fireworks and after a long day in port I doubt she will make this one either.

 

[Yvet]

Sent you a PM

Got it and replied.....