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

[granmaz]

Hi, I think what you guys need is one more Karen to join the group, so .. HERE I AM

My hubby Ed and I are signed up for this cruise. Our longest cruise so far was the 10 night Southern Caribbean back in 06, so we are pretty psyched to spend 14 nights on the Magic.

You must be a chatty bunch to already have three threads going, seems like you also pretty diverse - country-wise. I'm a bit of a misfit myself. My parents emigrated to Australia from England when I was 3, where I lived until I was 20 and now I live in the US with my sweet Yankee Boy.

You can't hear it in my posts but I speak with an American accent (according to my Aussie friends) thats tinged with Aussie (according to my US friends). Sadly the only thing British left in me, is my love of English chocolates, Clotted Cream and the BBC period dramas ... yes I love me some Mr Darcy

Hi and welcome from me, Marilyn and my husband John Yes we are a chatty bunch getting to know one another very well now!!!

 

[magic123]

RE : DLP as everyone says language is not problem, but be prepared to listen to all announcement’s in French and English. Also if you are staying at Sequoia Lodge you can either walk along the canal to the parks or get the shuttle bus, both involve a bit of a walk and there’s not much difference really,and it’s a nice walk by the water. By the way Sequoia lodge has a nice swimming pool I hope you have a lovely time. ( by the santa fe hotel just along the canal there’s a petrol station where you can get some supplies.)

Margaret

 

[Pinky166]

Thank you all for your wishes. You are all such a wonderful bunch.


Karen & Ed. Glad to have you onboard.

 

[auntlynne]

My name is Julie and I liked Disneyland Paris

Hi Julie!

Sounds like you're in an addiction group

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...........

Have you done the London Eye? If you are a big museum fan, the British Museum is always interesting.

We also enjoyed Westminster Abbey, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace,the Tower of London, and Kew Gardens to name a few.

Don't forget to make some time to see, eat and shop at Harrod's!!

John and I have stopped a few times as the Savoy which is now a Fairmont hotel. It is a great hotel for seeing London but a bit pricey!!

Here is a site to get more information.

London Tourist

Tower of London - just across the Thames from your hotel. Let's see, we got to London around noon, checked in, went to the Tower, then back across the Thames to dinner down Bermondsey Street. See - that's an afternoon - I think you might run out of time with just six days.

The Savoy just reopened in October - it is one of the places to have tea. No availability when we were there one week after reopening, but I did enjoy sitting in the lobby.

Will you be doing a play? You saw Wicked in NY, but there's nothing like a trip to the West End to see live theatre. Speaking of which, this time I might get to see Mousetrap - it may be touristy, but I am a tourist.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

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

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

London .... what sort of things are you interested in?
If it's history you will be spoiled for choice.

Great Museums:

The Museum of London - history of London itself through the ages.
http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/london-wall/

The British Museum - A lot of stuff the British nation stole from other nations in the name of the Empire !! Interesting all the same.
http://www.britishmuseum.org/

The Victoria and Albert Museum - mainly art and design museum
http://www.vam.ac.uk/

The Natural History Museum - dinosaur skeletons and all things natural history
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/

Imperial War Museum - Britain during wartime
http://www.iwm.org.uk/


And the buildings:

Tower of London - amazing experience ... so much to see and make sure you do the Yeoman Warder's tour. You can also do the ceremony of the keys at night but you need to book this in advance.

http://www.hrp.org.uk/TowerOfLondon/

Westminster Abbey
http://www.westminster-abbey.org/

St Pauls Cathedral:
http://www.stpauls.co.uk/

Kensington Palace
Buckingham Palace
Hampton Court Palace

Things to do

Hop on Hop off bus tour:
http://www.theoriginaltour.com/

Take a boat trip on the Thames

Walk along the Victoria Embankment

Take a walk in Hyde Park

Definitely go see a Musical in a West End theatre ... an unbeatable experience. Can personally recommend Love Never Dies at the Adelphi, Phantom of the Opera at Her Majestys.

Shopping ... Harrods

Afternoon tea at the Ritz !!

and for an interesting experience visit one of the markets: Camden Lock Market, Portobello Road, Petticoat Lane etc

Do a London Ghost walk.

 

[auntlynne]

Hi, I think what you guys need is one more Karen to join the group, so .. HERE I AM

My hubby Ed and I are signed up for this cruise. Our longest cruise so far was the 10 night Southern Caribbean back in 06, so we are pretty psyched to spend 14 nights on the Magic.

You must be a chatty bunch to already have three threads going, seems like you also pretty diverse - country-wise. I'm a bit of a misfit myself. My parents emigrated to Australia from England when I was 3, where I lived until I was 20 and now I live in the US with my sweet Yankee Boy.

You can't hear it in my posts but I speak with an American accent (according to my Aussie friends) thats tinged with Aussie (according to my US friends). Sadly the only thing British left in me, is my love of English chocolates, Clotted Cream and the BBC period dramas ... yes I love me some Mr Darcy

W E L C O M E

Brookspayne (Burnice) is from Perth - perhaps you know her

 

[birkner]

Tower of London - just across the Thames from your hotel. Let's see, we got to London around noon, checked in, went to the Tower, then back across the Thames to dinner down Bermondsey Street. See - that's an afternoon - I think you might run out of time with just six days.

The Savoy just reopened in October - it is one of the places to have tea. No availability when we were there one week after reopening, but I did enjoy sitting in the lobby.

Will you be doing a play? You saw Wicked in NY, but there's nothing like a trip to the West End to see live theatre. Speaking of which, this time I might get to see Mousetrap - it may be touristy, but I am a tourist.

John and I were fortunate enough to get ressies to have tea, dinner and of course, we had a cocktail in the bar while we stayed in the hotel.

We saw Lion King in London as well as the Mousetrap. We were fortunate enough to meet the previous cast in the bar at the new casts first performance. It was like being in a play just chatting with them.

 

[auntlynne]

John and I were fortunate enough to get ressies to have tea, dinner and of course, we had a cocktail in the bar while we stayed in the hotel.

We saw Lion King in London as well as the Mousetrap. We were fortunate enough to meet the previous cast in the bar at the new casts first performance. It was like being in a play just chatting with them.

You do have quite the adventures, don't you?

I only a 1.5 days in London, a weekend in bath and then another day in London - will have to pick and chose what I get to see/do this time.

I sometimes have to pinch myself when I think of where I've gotten to travel - what a difference a hundred years makes in history, as many of us so casually taking off on vacation, sailing across the ocean for no reason other than fun I was coming home from Hawaii last February, having secured a low-price upgrade to first class, talking with a successful businesswoman next to me. I said that I was just a normal, middle-class American and she said, "oh, I don't think so, you're flying first class from Hawaii." Yeah, not so normal - but very fortunate and thankful.

 

[Chirpee]

Just been catching up with todays posts.....you guys are too fast!

I had some sad news this morning, my 64 year old Uncle died during the night.

Sorry to hear your news; our condolences to you and your cousins.

 

[magic123]

"Can anyone tell me about Disneyland Paris and compare it to WDW? Please no that (like a typical American) I speak only English (and my British friends would say that I don't speak it well either!).
Karen"

First off, I don't remember any problems with my not speaking French at DLP.

You'd be better off comparing it to regular Disneyland, as it's very similar. That said, and I will assume you don't know Disneyland, I'll give my 15 cents worth.

There are 2 parks: DLP and the Studios. DLP is a small Magic Kingdom, (doesn't seem to be so far apart between areas, just like DL). Walk across a plaza and you are at the Studios, which seemed like a very small MGM Studios/ Hollywood Studios - whatever it's called now at WDW.

Very similar rides and shows (won't go into detail here because I was only there one day and you are getting a generalized first impression - Steamboat Will can give you more precise details).

What I remember being different is (1) the longer walk from the parking lot to the entrance. There are moving sidewalks that only cover about 1/2 the distance (now, this is not an extreme walk, but it just seems like you should be there when the moving sidewalk ends); (2) there is a food court at the entrance to DLP, full of people (it was cold when we were visiting in Oct). We ate in the Studios and had a not-so-great Croque Monsieur (ham and cheese); (3) there do not seem to be any decent-price Disney hotels; all were in the $400+ bracket per night and included tickets - as a solo traveler with a DLP annual pass, this was just too high; and (4) NO YEAR-ROUND FIREWORKS! Bummer, dude. I love DL and WDW fireworks - Wishes always brings tears to my eyes and had hoped for some. They seem to do them in the high-volume summer months and a few other special times.

Will be there myself Tues-Wed before our cruise.




It is very easy to shower at the spa - the whole area is rather compact, and the women's changing room has nice large showers (so much bigger than the ones in the staterooms) with liquid soap and shampoo. There are disposable razors, q-tips, cottonballs, hairdryers. I don't know the policy on using the lockers if not having a spa treatment, but they may be available for use during gym workout - with easy-to-set locks. There are lounge chairs in the dressing area, so peaceful you might just kick back and relax in there.

Never used a spa pass, only did a port-day special massage, which included the rainforest room on a ladies-only night.



Never cruised Cunard, but have looked at its site. One big difference I noticed is that on DCL everyone from steerage to penthouse (not official terms) have the same dining rooms and menus. There is no differentiation other than that the 3 most expensive categories (on the Magic & Wonder) can order from the restaurants and eat in their cabins. No special bars or areas closed off on the Magic & Wonder (different on the Dream where Concierge rooms have their own lounge and deck area).

Also, except for Palo, you will not be kept out of the dining room based on failing to meet the dress of the day - ie, formal night is not enforced. Palo may send you back to your room if you are wearing jeans.

Yes with Cunard it is noticeable that passengers are graded by status of cabins, which in this day and age feels a little alien ( we were in steerage ), and although the staff were polite in every way the same could not be said of some of the passengers who seemed to be quiet rude to some of the staff. And I am hoping Disney will be more like a family just like this forum, and yes one of our table mates was refused entry into the dining room because he lacked a tie. But that’s how they market themselves. So I am expecting a few interesting comparisons . I must admit it was frustrating having to navigate around the grill passenger only sections, so glad they don’t exist on the magic
margaret

 

[birkner]

You do have quite the adventures, don't you?

I only a 1.5 days in London, a weekend in bath and then another day in London - will have to pick and chose what I get to see/do this time.

I sometimes have to pinch myself when I think of where I've gotten to travel - what a difference a hundred years makes in history, as many of us so casually taking off on vacation, sailing across the ocean for no reason other than fun I was coming home from Hawaii last February, having secured a low-price upgrade to first class, talking with a successful businesswoman next to me. I said that I was just a normal, middle-class American and she said, "oh, I don't think so, you're flying first class from Hawaii." Yeah, not so normal - but very fortunate and thankful.

John and I have traveled a great deal for both business and pleasure. My grandfather on my mother's side was British and never became an American citizen though he lived in America for over 70 years. We are close with all of his family who live both in the UK and New Zealand.

My Grandparents use to go the UK quite frequently from the 1920's until the late 1960's. When I was a small child, the steamer trunk would come out, be packed and be taken to the ship by the steamship company. I never saw this but I saw pictures of when they would take their car to the UK aboard the ship.

Yes, we do take travel quite for granted these days especially with the ability to upgrade with miles. I have traveled many, many miles aboard airplanes since I was a child. When my children were small, I use to take them to Hawaii for the weekend on Pan AM Flight #1.

However, flying first class these days is nothing like flying first class in the 1970's and 80's though I do admit Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is quite special. When my DH's company went public in 2000, we treated ourselves to that adventure from San Francisco to London.

 

[Pinky166]

However, flying first class these days is nothing like flying first class in the 1970's and 80's though I do admit Virgin Atlantic Upper Class is quite special. When my DH's company went public in 2000, we treated ourselves to that adventure from San Francisco to London.

I Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, i've upgraded (without DH knowing - it is afterall our 10th anniversary treat ) our flight back from Miami after this cruise to VA Upper Class. Plus the luggage allowance 3 x 32kg each which is good for my spending habits.

 

[magic123]

Pinky166, I just want to say I am so sorry to hear about your loss, it must be so unbearable to think of children losing both parents at any stage in their life, and without any warning. My heart goes out to you and your family
margaret

 

[Pinky166]

Pinky166, I just want to say I am so sorry to hear about your loss, it must be so unbearable to think of children losing both parents at any stage in their life, and without any warning. My heart goes out to you and your family
margaret

Thank you Margaret. It has been an awful day for extended family members, so I just don't know how on earth they are managing to cope with it.

 

[susie2]

Thank you Margaret. It has been an awful day for extended family members, so I just don't know how on earth they are managing to cope with it.

so very sorry to hear about your loss, susie

 

[magic123]

I Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, i've upgraded (without DH knowing - it is afterall our 10th anniversary treat ) our flight back from Miami after this cruise to VA Upper Class. Plus the luggage allowance 3 x 32kg each which is good for my spending habits.

That sounds wonderful, and what fun you will have filling up that luggage allowance (and hopefully a great nights sleep on the way home ) But enough of that because there's a great holiday and cruise that awaits first,

 

[Tod&Copper]

Oooooh yes some women too !!!! my wife "Tod and Copper" could sleep on nearly ever flight we have been on, many times before the doors even closed, she is that bad the crew thought they had a engine problem on take off, however it was only Mary snoring. It not pretty sleeping with your mouth open, my daughter and I have been known to entertain ourselves with a little game of who can throw the first item in the "hole"

God help you on deck 5 sideways cabins, white noise monitors at the ready

Don't you just love my DH for giving away my snoring habits

I've been known to snore a bit, too, but Dennis wins the prize! We're aft on Deck 5, so that should even out any quaking of the deck or window rattling!

he's got a cheek, with his snoring, sounds like we are going to have a dawn chorus on deck 5

Hope the noise doen't rise up through the floor !!!

I had some sad news this morning, my 64 year old Uncle died during the night. So sad as he was found by his youngest daughter (15yo).
No one knows what happened, he hasn't been ill, he was fine yesterday. It is such a shock and so sudden. I really feel for my four cousins as their mother died several years ago of Breast Cancer and now their dad has been taken too.

I think someone may be getting a slap when Mary reads that.

My DH could have written that about me too. Hopefully Mary & I will drown out the whole of Deck 5.

Yes Claire definitely got into trouble for being cheeky on here Deck 5 forward will be a noisy place, my zzzzz's seem to get a bit louder after a few

Joking aside though, so so sorry to hear your sad news. Stevie and I are thinking of you and sending big to you, Lee and your family. It doesn't bear thinking about losing your parents so young, our thoughts are with you all

Reminds me of an Everybody Loves Raymond episode when Ray and Robert throw popcorn into their dad's open mouth whilst he slept in a chair. You could try Maltesers!!

We love Everybody loves Raymond and DH and DD do think of me when watching that one on repeats

Hi, I think what you guys need is one more Karen to join the group, so .. HERE I AM

My hubby Ed and I are signed up for this cruise. Our longest cruise so far was the 10 night Southern Caribbean back in 06, so we are pretty psyched to spend 14 nights on the Magic.

You must be a chatty bunch to already have three threads going, seems like you also pretty diverse - country-wise. I'm a bit of a misfit myself. My parents emigrated to Australia from England when I was 3, where I lived until I was 20 and now I live in the US with my sweet Yankee Boy.

You can't hear it in my posts but I speak with an American accent (according to my Aussie friends) thats tinged with Aussie (according to my US friends). Sadly the only thing British left in me, is my love of English chocolates, Clotted Cream and the BBC period dramas ... yes I love me some Mr Darcy

Welcome Karen and Ed, we are Mary and DH Stevie from Scotland. We have done quite a few DCL trips and did last year's WBTA. A fantastic bunch on here, so ask away any questions and queries

 

[Tod&Copper]

I Virgin Atlantic Upper Class, i've upgraded (without DH knowing - it is afterall our 10th anniversary treat ) our flight back from Miami after this cruise to VA Upper Class. Plus the luggage allowance 3 x 32kg each which is good for my spending habits.

OMG you're mental !!! Upper Class !!! I thought I could spend for Britain, but you take the biscuit

That must have cost you ££££££s

It's our 20th wedding anniversary - we are getting VA economy flights home which were free on airmiles..... bargain

 

[MandyGirl]

Hi, I think what you guys need is one more Karen to join the group, so .. HERE I AM

My hubby Ed and I are signed up for this cruise. Our longest cruise so far was the 10 night Southern Caribbean back in 06, so we are pretty psyched to spend 14 nights on the Magic.

You must be a chatty bunch to already have three threads going, seems like you also pretty diverse - country-wise. I'm a bit of a misfit myself. My parents emigrated to Australia from England when I was 3, where I lived until I was 20 and now I live in the US with my sweet Yankee Boy.

You can't hear it in my posts but I speak with an American accent (according to my Aussie friends) thats tinged with Aussie (according to my US friends). Sadly the only thing British left in me, is my love of English chocolates, Clotted Cream and the BBC period dramas ... yes I love me some Mr Darcy

Welcome aboard!! Glad you found the rollcall, and bummer about your B2B. That was such a mess. Did anyone ever figure out what company chartered the ship that week?

God help you on deck 5 sideways cabins, white noise monitors at the ready

We're your nextdoor neighbors... got the white noise monitor! Or at least for me for sleep apnea... that little cpap machine make a soft hum. Not enough to ever bother Curt, but good enough for me to help drown out miscellaneous noise.

 

[GA-yaya]

got the white noise monitor! Or at least for me for sleep apnea... that little cpap machine make a soft hum. Not enough to ever bother Curt, but good enough for me to help drown out miscellaneous noise.

I Love my husband's CPAP! My husband has one for his sleep apnea, and I sleep like a baby from the white noise that it makes.