*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 3

[granmaz]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to confirm that we will in fact not be able to go now this year. The adoption we are in the process of will not be final and we are unable to take the children out of the country until it is. Hopefully there will be another transatlantic next year. If not, I think the children we have are much more worth missing a cruise!

Well it is a great reason to have to postpone a cruise. I hope the process is finalised very soon though for all of you and you can celebrate. Hopefully there will be a few of us onboard next year too!!!

 

[squitty]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to confirm that we will in fact not be able to go now this year. The adoption we are in the process of will not be final and we are unable to take the children out of the country until it is. Hopefully there will be another transatlantic next year. If not, I think the children we have are much more worth missing a cruise!

That's a lovely reason to postpone your cruise. Good Luck with everything.

 

[steamboat will]

Hi all

Here is a little info on Disneyland Paris which some of you guys visiting before the cruise may find interesting. Please don't hesitate to post or PM me with any specific questions you may have regarding anything DLP related.


Resort overview



Disneyland Paris lies 32km East of Paris. Its close location to the city centre, and excellent train service, makes it a simple, and ideal, place for a day trip. Commuting between the city and the resort is simple, quick and efficient and I would encourage anyone visiting the city to take a trip to Disneyland or vice versa if time allows.

The resort consists of two theme parks the Disneyland Park (which is based on the original Disneyland in California and Walt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom) and the Walt Disney Studios, a theme park modelled on Disney Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

There are also six Disney owned and and operated hotels, a shopping and entertainment area "Disney Village", a golf course and campground. Unlike Walt Disney World in Florida almost the whole result can be visited on foot, although complimentary bus services do run between all but one of Disney resort hotels and theme parks. The golf course and campground are short drive away and therefore require private transport to visit.

The train station and bus terminus for the resort are located at a central location a few minutes walk from the gates of both of the theme parks and the Disney Village. Travelling between the two theme parks is much simpler than in the Walt Disney World resort as their entrances are a short 4 min walk from each other.

Disneyland Park

For those familiar with either the Disneyland Resort in California or Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Florida. There is plenty familiar, although also plenty new, to explore at the Disneyland Park. Below is a list of just some of the notable similarities/differences between the park in Paris and its American cousins.

Main Street U.S.A.

Disneyland Paris has the most beautiful version of Main Street of any Disney Park in the world. Imagineers really pulled out the stops here to create a highly immersive and detailed land. Unique to this area are two Victorian style gas-lit arcades which run behind to the shops on both sides of the street. This makes passing between the stores easier during rainy days. Another notable addition here is a table service restaurant situated on the upper floors of one of the buildings along Main Street. "Walts an American Restaurant" pays tribute to the life of Walt Disney and the park he created. The individual dining rooms within the restaurant each represent a different land from the Disneyland Park. Why not consider booking a table here during one of the afternoon parades for a different perspective, Several of the dining rooms overlook Main Street U.S.A. and give a great birds eye view of the passing floats.

Frontierland

Frontierland is certainly the most immersive and cinematically beautiful version of any Frontierland at any Disney park. Don't miss Phantom Manor, Paris's version of the Haunted Mansion. Big Thunder Mountain is also very popular, a unique element of this version is that the ride sits on an isolated island, in order to reach it, guest board the ride vehicles on the mainland, which then dive beneath the Rivers of America through bat filled mineshafts and emerge at the centre of the island, after completing the ride they pass back through the tunnels to the unload station.

Adventureland

The exotic bamboo and palm trees of Adventureland feel even more exotic due to their European location. Here you will find Pirates of the Caribbean, one of Disney's headliner attractions, and certainly one of its most detailed and technically advanced versions. Another unique element found in this Adventureland are the Labyrinth of caves and tunnels situated on Adventure Isle. Children will love exploring the tunnels, rope bridges and searching for hidden treasure in the passageways which weave their way beneath the island.

Fantasyland

Many of your Fantasyland favourites are here, from Peter Pan Flight (hugely popular, use Fastpass) to the Mad Hatters Tea Cups. It's a Small World has its own unique feel and is in my opinion the best version of this ride anywhere. Don't forget to make time to visit Sleeping Beauty's Castle, on the upper floors you will find beautiful stained glass windows, and tapestries retelling the classic Disney tale, while in the dungeons beneath the Castle you'll find a sleeping dragon who wakes momentarily to scare passing guests.

Discoveryland

Discoveryland is Disneyland Paris's version of Tomorrowland the original (but now somewhat lost) concept was that the area would pay homage to the European visionaries of the past, as well as looking ahead to the future. The headline attraction here is Space Mountain which unlike its American versions features onboard stereo sound and several inversions and a rocket powered launch system.

Walt Disney Studios

The Walt Disney studios are loosely based on Disney's Hollywood studios at Walt Disney World. However this park was built during a tough economical time for the resort and is noticeably, and considerably, smaller than its American counterpart. However guests wishing to the experience everything here should still plan a full day in this park.

Crush's Coaster is a wild, spinning, indoor rollercoaster based on Disney, Pixars Finding Nemo. Its small capacity and popularity always ensure it always has the longest lines in the park, it should therefore be your first port of call when visiting the Studios.

Another popular attraction is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror which will be familiar to any guests who have visited Disney Hollywood Studios, although this version is more similar to that found in Disney's California Adventure.

Disney have attempted to combat earlier criticism that there was little for children to do in the Studios by adding Toy Story Playland which features 2 rides suitable for smaller members of the family, also new here is RC Racer a rocking rollercoaster attraction which
offers thrills for the teen market.

Other attractions such as Rock'N'Roller Coaster, The Backlot Tram Tour and Lights, Mouters, Action Stunt Show are somewhat similar to those found in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Don't overlook Cinemagique, this film which pays homage to 100 years of the cinema has a few twists and surprises along the way and is possibly one of my favourite Disney attractions anywhere.

Disney Village

Close to the gates of the park "The Disney Village" offers shopping and dining and includes such favourites as Planet Hollywood and The Rainforest Cafe. There are also a selection of Disney shops here which open after the regular operating hours of the theme park, making this a great after-hours place to shop and dine.

Hotels

As I mentioned all the Disney Hotels are within a short walking distance from each other, so if time allows during your visit it can be enjoyable to wander around the other parts of the resort as each has its own theme and ambiance.

SW

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Absolutely brilliant and spot on review of Disneyland Paris Warren

 

[sue l]

I just bought a pretty new dark purple cocktail dress for Vilians Night. Ebay is a wonderful thing. I just hope it fits. If I knew how to post pictures I would post one. Technologically challenged.

 

[steamboat will]

Welcome Karen and Ed. We are Sandy and Tony from California Bay Area. Have done the longer cruises and absolutely love it!! Ask plenty of questions if you need information this group totally is knowledgeable and friendly

With that said---UK help needed. Six days in London----suggestions please.

So far doing Buckingham Palace, Bath, a play, tea...........

6 days in London is quite a long Time you should be able to fit loads in and still have time for a few side trips!

You could easily catch the train to somewhere like Oxford for the day if you'd like a break from city life.

In London I'd suggest afternoon tea at The Woolsey, shopping in Camden Market, Fortnum and Masons and Liberty. Half price tickets for a west end show or 2 from TKTS.

I would be very interested in this too .... I can recommend any of Dan Brown's books for the mystery thriller type of book, and also Pillars of the Earth and World Without End by Ken Follett but they are more historical sagas than anything else ( but there is romance involved !! )

How funny I was going to suggest the same books as you!!!! We must be psychically linked!!! love Dan Brown, and was enjoying Pillars of the Earth till I got distracted by other things now I need to go back to it, think I might start again from the beginning though as it is so good!!!

Are e-readers making onboard book-swaps a thing of the past?

We did a book swap on last years WBTA!! I still love books, and second hand book shops!!! Shame there are no second hand kindle shops

At the end of the cruise I think all the leftover books were donated to the onboard crew library.

SW

 

[TotallyAngelic]

I just bought a pretty new dark purple cocktail dress for Vilians Night. Ebay is a wonderful thing. I just hope it fits. If I knew how to post pictures I would post one. Technologically challenged.

Oooohhhh ... pics please. You have to upload them to a photobucket site and then paste the link over here.

I have been trying to buy on Ebay but I keep getting outbidded at the last moment

 

[steamboat will]

Absolutely brilliant and spot on review of Disneyland Paris Warren

Thanks hon, I didn't realised it was quite so long till I posted it

sorry

SW

 

[steamboat will]

Seriously people!!!!!

IF we carry on posting at this rate we'll be on WBTA board number 9 or 10 by the time this cruise comes along


Then again, I guess posts like this aren't helping matters

LOVE IT keep up the hard work

SW

 

[cliffy97]

Ok so I'm not trying to start any arguments with this post as I know it is a touchy subject...


But how formal is formal on DCL. Some Cruises we have gotten away with a suit and others we needed a tux to fit in.

We can each bring a few suits, however if that is "too casual" for Formal Night we will rent a few tuxs from Cruise line formal.

Thoughts?

 

[MandyGirl]

Ok so I'm not trying to start any arguments with this post as I know it is a touchy subject...


But how formal is formal on DCL. Some Cruises we have gotten away with a suit and others we needed a tux to fit in.

We can each bring a few suits, however if that is "too casual" for Formal Night we will rent a few tuxs from Cruise line formal.

Thoughts?

Our plan is a suit for Curt. And I am less formal as well due to packing limitations, post-preggo body, etc... I did think of renting a tux for him to save on packing, but not sure if he's up for that. I've only seen him in a tux once...
Heck, what am I saying. We married BAREFOOT on the beach! We're laid back.

ETA: We've only been on 8 cruises, and were "short" at 7 nights each... but on different lines. HAL, Celebrity, and NCL. We've seen quite the assortment of dress, so learning how longer cruises and DCL are.

 

[Tod&Copper]

Ok so I'm not trying to start any arguments with this post as I know it is a touchy subject...


But how formal is formal on DCL. Some Cruises we have gotten away with a suit and others we needed a tux to fit in.

We can each bring a few suits, however if that is "too casual" for Formal Night we will rent a few tuxs from Cruise line formal.

Thoughts?

It's not a touchy subject, but each to their own really. We love to go with the dress code and wear appropriate. When DH was in the RAF he wore his mess dress uniform, since he retired last year he had worn a tux, but I bought him the full kilt outfit for last years WBTA.

I have to say from memory on last year's WBTA, the majority were dressed formal as it was a special cruise and we had 2 formal nights. We got friendly with an American couple last year who turned up for dinner in cruise casual and felt so out of place, they went back to their cabin, they regretted not making the effort.

All the previous DCL cruises we have done have either been christmas or a 7 night and again most people did make the effort. I have heard though that some people don't make an effort on the 3 and 4 night cruise, but certainly on the long cruises, the formal wear is definitely in the majority.

If you don't have a tux and want to wear a shirt and tie, then I think that's up to the individual what they are comfortable with.

I love seeing everyone looking gorgeous, but that's just me, wouldn't criticise anyone who didn't want to wear it or the other side of the coin, couldn't afford to buy formal wear.

 

[birkner]

Ok so I'm not trying to start any arguments with this post as I know it is a touchy subject...


But how formal is formal on DCL. Some Cruises we have gotten away with a suit and others we needed a tux to fit in.

We can each bring a few suits, however if that is "too casual" for Formal Night we will rent a few tuxs from Cruise line formal.

Thoughts?

John has a regular and white tux that we will bring. Some do dress up and some do not. I know that some men find it easier to rent a tux as saves room in packing. I don't think a suit is "too casual" personally it is just we like to get dressed up. Plus, I love the pics!!

I make my SIL and GK's dress up for the pics!! Here is one of my three "men" on a NYE cruise in 2007.

 

[JessicasMom]

Ok so I'm not trying to start any arguments with this post as I know it is a touchy subject...


But how formal is formal on DCL. Some Cruises we have gotten away with a suit and others we needed a tux to fit in.

We can each bring a few suits, however if that is "too casual" for Formal Night we will rent a few tuxs from Cruise line formal.

Thoughts?

We are also very laid-back people, but DH felt comfortable in a sports jacket, nice slacks, dress shirt (had to buy new cuff links...I know there's an old pair around here somewhere!), and tie. He took two different shirts and ties for variety, which was plenty. With packing limitations, everyone understands if you wear the same thing more than once. More men wore suits than tuxes, but all were acceptable. The people who made no effort to dress up did stick out in the crowd.

 

[auntlynne]

Well done on the 3lbs Pat. I've lost the plot this week, will start again on Monday I think! Onwards and downwards......
...

Again with the British slang - what does "I've lost the plot" mean?

Ok so I'm not trying to start any arguments with this post as I know it is a touchy subject...

But how formal is formal on DCL. Some Cruises we have gotten away with a suit and others we needed a tux to fit in.

We can each bring a few suits, however if that is "too casual" for Formal Night we will rent a few tuxs from Cruise line formal.

Thoughts?

Truthfully (and sadly), the answer is formal night is not formal. There will be a good number of people in very casual clothes - this is not one of the high-end cruiselines where it is expected (and would make it more meaningful to be surrounded by fashionable people).

Formal night is like going to the theatre or the symphony - those who believe you should be dressed up or those who enjoy dressing up will be decked out in gowns and tuxes. You'll see cocktail attire and suits, dresses and dress shirts and then jeans and jeans.

It's a great opportunity to dress up - and a beautiful venue - (why are we ever so casual on these lovely boats?) - so do what will make you happy. A tux is a lovely thing. If you've already got suits with you, that would work, too.

Thanks hon, I didn't realised it was quite so long till I posted it

sorry

SW

Don't be sorry - I got a lot of useful information from that post. This isn't Twitter with a 120 character limit!

 

[steamboat will]

Last year I took a 1 Tux, with a couple of different dress shirts and bow ties so it was different on each of the formal nights.

I also brought along a few shirts and ties with nice trousers (no jacket) for the semi formal evenings

So essentially just one suit which saved on the packing space,

SW

 

[Tod&Copper]

WOW .... did he have a funny eye back then. Dd you ever imagine he would become such a famous actor !

I have that trouble with zips too .. what is it with those dresses Must be the Caribbean heat makes them shrink.

He was always going to the drama club and we did tease him for always going up there, little did we know we should have hung in there. He was cute back then, but gorgeous now.... someone should have snared him

It certainly has been a rubbish week, we had the autopsy results today...it was a Brain hemorrhage. Hopefully it was quick & he didn't suffer.

Not at all hun, infact I found it quite encouraging. I really need a kick up the backside to get back on it.

Again, thinking of you all I'll kick you up the butt any time you want

Absolutely brilliant and spot on review of Disneyland Paris Warren

Ditto, I did say you were our expert Warren

Oooohhhh ... pics please. You have to upload them to a photobucket site and then paste the link over here.

I have been trying to buy on Ebay but I keep getting outbidded at the last moment

I wait until the last 20 seconds and then jump in with the max I would pay for the item. I have to say I am usually successful 95% of the time. I don't ever bid in the first instance, I only watch the item till the end. If you bid, it just bumps the price up. Hover then pounce

Seriously people!!!!!

IF we carry on posting at this rate we'll be on WBTA board number 9 or 10 by the time this cruise comes along


Then again, I guess posts like this aren't helping matters

LOVE IT keep up the hard work

SW

Our June cruise only has 27 pages of posts No-one is chatting at all

Does the pre-cruise chat give you an indication of what the people you will be cruising with are like and how much fun they will be .... if that is so, god help us in June

 

[auntlynne]

Seriously people!!!!!

IF we carry on posting at this rate we'll be on WBTA board number 9 or 10 by the time this cruise comes along ...

Last week's Recap covered 64 pages of posts (not counting the info pages at the beginning of this thread).

Yep, at that rate, we'd go through about 5 threads before the cruise.

 

[auntlynne]

...Our June cruise only has 27 pages of posts No-one is chatting at all

Does the pre-cruise chat give you an indication of what the people you will be cruising with are like and how much fun they will be .... if that is so, god help us in June

If it's the Med, it is so much a floating hotel from port to port. We dined with another DIS family, so we knew we'd have interaction. Also when traveling to Pisa, Rome... we met people and enjoyed their company. We hooked up with one family and did bits of Pisa and Rome with them - and ended up on the return train with them - my niece, Karen, interacted with the kids while the adults had a relaxing ride back.

There's just something about knowing you'll have sea days with people to want to interact beforehand.

 

[Tod&Copper]

Last year I took a 1 Tux, with a couple of different dress shirts and bow ties so it was different on each of the formal nights.

I also brought along a few shirts and ties with nice trousers (no jacket) for the semi formal evenings

So essentially just one suit which saved on the packing space,

SW

We are always good with the packing space too for Stevie as his kilt weighs so much, but with getting 2 nights out of it for formal wear and then we pack the semi-formal shirt and tie that goes with it as an alternative, we get 3 nights, so the weight isn't so bad. It's fine if you can mix n match