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

[TotallyAngelic]

oh and just wanted to add, i've had the most wonderful day today
as you may or may not know, i'm a disney cast member, and the company runs a programme called voluntears, which encourages CMs to volunteer in their local communities.
today i've been up in london, visiting two hospitals with mickey mouse and pluto, visiting the childrens wards and giving out toys. its been such a lovely rewarding day, seeing the children's faces light up when they see mickey is priceless. i'm so glad i signed up for it and wouldnt hesitate to do it again
(and as an added bonus, i got a new facebook photo with me and the characters)

Brilliant Karen .... sounds like a wonderful day and well done to you for getting involved for such a great cause.

Sarah (Totally Angellic)

Stevie and I have just been looking through your 2010 WBTA trip report it is bringing back so many lovely memories

I thought you might appreciate this photo

I just had to take a photo of the kilt boys of the cruise and didn't realise that they were your scotsmen on your table

Loving the different tartans on the boys..... of course DHs is the best just by complete coincidence DH and I have the same clan tartan ... spooky

Love this photo ... I didn't manage to get one of all four. I like the way Len has just given a nod to Disney there with his tie, probably not an official kilt accessory

 

[granmaz]

MariIlyn----I feel the same way DH still likes going to brunch however.
I like going with others so we can sit a long long time and eat in steps. Afterwards quick change into comfy clothes and the walking begins......I mean continues

I just keep eating and eating at brunch, can't help it, no self control!!! I feel sick thinking about it now!!!

If you ever get to tea at the Grand Floridian, they have a gorgonzola and poached pear sandwich that is to die for! Sounds totally unlikely and I approached it with trepidation but it was truly lovely.

Oh, we have been there and I loved it, and that sandwich too. I can't get John to go back however. I think he would rather spend the $25 on a proper meal!!

Did enjoy the scones with jam and cream when we did the High Tea last year on the Western Caribbean cruise. A treat for us ex-pats living on the other side of the pond!

As Marilyn said, the dining room was very quiet, which made it a nice relaxing experience. The food is served to you and seconds are offered, making it much easier to decline; unlike the brunch when all of those tasty treats are calling your name.....

They call your name too? I only ever hear 'Marilyn, Marilyn, eat me. Marilyn, over here, eat me too'!!!

 

[karentan]

They call your name too? I only ever hear 'Marilyn, Marilyn, eat me. Marilyn, over here, eat me too'!!!

does your food talk to you too? i thought that was just me!!
in fact i think i hear the dairy milk in the fridge calling my name right now......

 

[granmaz]

does your food talk to you too? i thought that was just me!!
in fact i think i hear the dairy milk in the fridge calling my name right now......

Quick, get those ear plugs in!!!

 

[TotallyAngelic]

I just keep eating and eating at brunch, can't help it, no self control!!! I feel sick thinking about it now!!!

I know .... brunch is so amazing. We didn't even bother with any of the cooked food ..... and we were completely stuffed. I am determined to control myself next time ... just plan to have champagne, smoked salmon and salmon mousse as an appetiser and then head straight for the amazing stollen bread with whipped cream and lots of strawberries, then a cinnamon bun with a nice cup of coffee and finally one of those small desserts. That is exhibiting real self control

 

[karentan]

Quick, get those ear plugs in!!!

hell no! thats one call i'm not blocking!

 

[granmaz]

I know .... brunch is so amazing. We didn't even bother with any of the cooked food ..... and we were completely stuffed. I am determined to control myself next time ... just plan to have champagne, smoked salmon and salmon mousse as an appetiser and then head straight for the amazing stollen bread with whipped cream and lots of strawberries, then a cinnamon bun with a nice cup of coffee and finally one of those small desserts. That is exhibiting real self control

Just one dessert? I will wait to hear if you stuck to that plan!!!

 

[melonz]

does your food talk to you too? i thought that was just me!!
in fact i think i hear the dairy milk in the fridge calling my name right now......

No chocolate gets anywhere near my fridge

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Giraffe; don't think, just book! Never EVER let fears or the unknown stop you from doing any travel you would like to do. EVER! You'ld rather regret something you've done than regretting not doing it. Which is a mute point, as you won't regret doing this cruise. As others have said there is enough to do for all, including nothing if desired. Your age says very little when travelling solo. Your interests and caracter is much more important in having a good time that fits you as the person you are. I've been doing solo trips since I was 18 and basically never did any of the destinations that would fit the stereotype of my age. Had a blast on each and all of the trips! Simply picked a destination that fitted my desired list and had a blast. Did things I'ld always want to do. Great thing about travelling solo is that you can have as much time for yourself as desired. Nobody you have to keep in mind, no need to make compromises. Just ultimate focus on yourself enjoying whatever YOU want. Yet you can have all the interaction you want also. As a solo you'll find it much easier to strike up a conversation. People will be more open to a solo as to a group, I've found. Heck, I've had so many people approach me (in a non pushy way) when on a solotrip or being mistaken as such. While I love travelling with loved ones and friends, I couldn't do without a solotrip once in a while. I love the specialty of the magic of being able to focus on just me and interacting with others a lot easier.


Are we talking food? Again? Sjeez, that's news. I guess I'ld better not tell some of you that I'm making my own chocolated in all kinds of lovely tastes and specialities? Still trying to digg up the recipy for the "nuts with an Afritude" I got from the AKL concierge lounge, would love to make myself a batch of those.


On a sadder note, a couple of hours ago there was a mall shooting here in the Netherlands. News still is all over the place obviously, but it is not good. Multiple deaths. Too many folks will be in need of some major overload of pixiedust in a long time to come from now to deal with this.



Congrats to those that have gotten themselves one of the new 2012 cruises booked. I lucked out. I knew it was about a sure bet that would happen after seeing what happened when sales opened for the golds and platinums, but got it confirmed yesterday. Both me and TA hunted, but all accessible staterooms on the Hawaiian cruise were gone before one could sneeze. Oh well.

For those on here that would qualify for the military discount; did you guys already notice that there is a special rate for the EBTA? Checked it out, and it gave me a quote for a little over $1000,- for a cat 9 stateroom for a solo. Think it was 9D, but not sure. For comparances; with the MEO-code, my price came down to a little over $1250,- for a 11B for a solo. For the EBTA it wasn't that much of a difference, when I had them price it out for fun. Thus the military discount is a much better one and a huge one at it! Those that qualify; keep an eye out for them adding our cruise. Fingers crossed you'll get a nice price.

 

[susie2]

just read about the shooting, how sad five people killed and eleven injured, their poor families, its terrible to think this could happen when all they had done was go shopping, susie

 

[PFlamingo]

On a sadder note, a couple of hours ago there was a mall shooting here in the Netherlands. News still is all over the place obviously, but it is not good. Multiple deaths. Too many folks will be in need of some major overload of pixiedust in a long time to come from now to deal with this.

That's so tragic. I just don't understand what gets into some people. We'll send prayers and good karma for the victims and their families.

For those on here that would qualify for the military discount; did you guys already notice that there is a special rate for the EBTA? Checked it out, and it gave me a quote for a little over $1000,- for a cat 9 stateroom for a solo. Think it was 9D, but not sure. For comparances; with the MEO-code, my price came down to a little over $1250,- for a 11B for a solo. For the EBTA it wasn't that much of a difference, when I had them price it out for fun. Thus the military discount is a much better one and a huge one at it! Those that qualify; keep an eye out for them adding our cruise. Fingers crossed you'll get a nice price.

I check the military discount site every Monday when they update it - and sometimes during the week, just in case. The second they post the WBTA on there, I'm jumping on it. I still have about 60 days before any penalties kick in, so my fingers are crossed. I did a quick comparison w/ the EBTA discount and if they do the same for ours, it will save us a substantial amount of money. Even if it comes out after the "lose the deposit" phase starts, we would still save quite a bit. I'm hoping with the new itineraries, people will be "jumping ship" from ours, and DCL will offer the military discount to get cabins booked.


Palo brunch?? Pretty much loved everything about it (except when our server seemed to forget we were sitting there waiting for our check - for like half an hour). I love both sweet and savory - as my waist-line will attest - and they had a mushroom soup that was to die for! If I could've gotten away with it, I'd've licked the bowl.


And now for my really good news: I got a call for a job today!!! Okay, don't laugh or go "whaaaat??" but it's a bagger job at the commissary on our Air Force base. I know it doesn't sound great, but this is one of the most sought-after civilian jobs on base. I've been on the wait-list for it since September. The baggers work for tips only and 98% of the people who shop there tip very well. The downside is it's the 4pm-8pm shift - I'll be starting when Dennis is getting off work, but that's okay. He's been hoping they would call me, too, so he won't mind taking over dog-duty (feeding, letting out) in the afternoon. I have to meet with the head-bagger this afternoon and I'll start on Tuesday. I'll have to work this out with the groomer I bathe for on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but she'll be flexible, and I'll have to see if I can rearrange my tutoring client, but I'm sure we can do that, too.

I'm so relieved to get this. Money has been getting pretty tight. I haven't had any clients for my "dog waste management" service - though I'm hoping that will change now that Spring is here, and people actually start to use their yards again. So this may be a sign of things beginning to turn around!

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

Pat; congrats on the job!! What is bagger? Could use an online dictionary, but am sure you can tell me much more acurate what it is you're going to do. Just kinda hope for you it isn't what the word bagger means in Dutch (it means, well ehm..... garbage/crap/mud).

 

[granmaz]

That's so tragic. I just don't understand what gets into some people. We'll send prayers and good karma for the victims and their families.



I check the military discount site every Monday when they update it - and sometimes during the week, just in case. The second they post the WBTA on there, I'm jumping on it. I still have about 60 days before any penalties kick in, so my fingers are crossed. I did a quick comparison w/ the EBTA discount and if they do the same for ours, it will save us a substantial amount of money. Even if it comes out after the "lose the deposit" phase starts, we would still save quite a bit. I'm hoping with the new itineraries, people will be "jumping ship" from ours, and DCL will offer the military discount to get cabins booked.


Palo brunch?? Pretty much loved everything about it (except when our server seemed to forget we were sitting there waiting for our check - for like half an hour). I love both sweet and savory - as my waist-line will attest - and they had a mushroom soup that was to die for! If I could've gotten away with it, I'd've licked the bowl.


And now for my really good news: I got a call for a job today!!! Okay, don't laugh or go "whaaaat??" but it's a bagger job at the commissary on our Air Force base. I know it doesn't sound great, but this is one of the most sought-after civilian jobs on base. I've been on the wait-list for it since September. The baggers work for tips only and 98% of the people who shop there tip very well. The downside is it's the 4pm-8pm shift - I'll be starting when Dennis is getting off work, but that's okay. He's been hoping they would call me, too, so he won't mind taking over dog-duty (feeding, letting out) in the afternoon. I have to meet with the head-bagger this afternoon and I'll start on Tuesday. I'll have to work this out with the groomer I bathe for on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but she'll be flexible, and I'll have to see if I can rearrange my tutoring client, but I'm sure we can do that, too.

I'm so relieved to get this. Money has been getting pretty tight. I haven't had any clients for my "dog waste management" service - though I'm hoping that will change now that Spring is here, and people actually start to use their yards again. So this may be a sign of things beginning to turn around!

Well done on getting the job. Sounds like it will fit in easily, and bring in some much needed cruise money.

So very sad to hear about the shooting in the Mall in Holland. You just can't imagine what is going through these killers heads when they open fire like that. Scary.

Another think I love at brunch is the blue cheese and grape pizza. Oh it is to die for. You can also ask for one at dinner as an extra.Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

 

[PFlamingo]

Pat; congrats on the job!! What is bagger? Could use an online dictionary, but am sure you can tell me much more acurate what it is you're going to do. Just kinda hope for you it isn't what the word bagger means in Dutch (it means, well ehm..... garbage/crap/mud).

No, different meaning here, but my "dog waste management" service does involve the Dutch meaning!

It means a grocery bagger - person who puts the groceries in the bags and takes them out to your car for you.

Another think I love at brunch is the blue cheese and grape pizza. Oh it is to die for. You can also ask for one at dinner as an extra.Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Oh YESSSSS!! That is, indeed, fabulous. It's one of the reasons I ended up chatting up the pizza chef on the Wonder (the charming Alejandro!) and getting a special delivery pizza on our last night.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

No, different meaning here, but my "dog waste management" service does involve the Dutch meaning!

It means a grocery bagger - person who puts the groceries in the bags and takes them out to your car for you.

Well, nothing wrong with that if you ask me! Gives you the oppertunity to make an honest living and there's no bad thing about that.

 

[goofprincess]

That's so tragic. I just don't understand what gets into some people. We'll send prayers and good karma for the victims and their families.



I check the military discount site every Monday when they update it - and sometimes during the week, just in case. The second they post the WBTA on there, I'm jumping on it. I still have about 60 days before any penalties kick in, so my fingers are crossed. I did a quick comparison w/ the EBTA discount and if they do the same for ours, it will save us a substantial amount of money. Even if it comes out after the "lose the deposit" phase starts, we would still save quite a bit. I'm hoping with the new itineraries, people will be "jumping ship" from ours, and DCL will offer the military discount to get cabins booked.


Palo brunch?? Pretty much loved everything about it (except when our server seemed to forget we were sitting there waiting for our check - for like half an hour). I love both sweet and savory - as my waist-line will attest - and they had a mushroom soup that was to die for! If I could've gotten away with it, I'd've licked the bowl.


And now for my really good news: I got a call for a job today!!! Okay, don't laugh or go "whaaaat??" but it's a bagger job at the commissary on our Air Force base. I know it doesn't sound great, but this is one of the most sought-after civilian jobs on base. I've been on the wait-list for it since September. The baggers work for tips only and 98% of the people who shop there tip very well. The downside is it's the 4pm-8pm shift - I'll be starting when Dennis is getting off work, but that's okay. He's been hoping they would call me, too, so he won't mind taking over dog-duty (feeding, letting out) in the afternoon. I have to meet with the head-bagger this afternoon and I'll start on Tuesday. I'll have to work this out with the groomer I bathe for on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but she'll be flexible, and I'll have to see if I can rearrange my tutoring client, but I'm sure we can do that, too.

I'm so relieved to get this. Money has been getting pretty tight. I haven't had any clients for my "dog waste management" service - though I'm hoping that will change now that Spring is here, and people actually start to use their yards again. So this may be a sign of things beginning to turn around!

Congratulations on the job

 

[TotallyAngelic]

And now for my really good news: I got a call for a job today!!! Okay, don't laugh or go "whaaaat??" but it's a bagger job at the commissary on our Air Force base. I know it doesn't sound great, but this is one of the most sought-after civilian jobs on base. I've been on the wait-list for it since September. The baggers work for tips only and 98% of the people who shop there tip very well. The downside is it's the 4pm-8pm shift - I'll be starting when Dennis is getting off work, but that's okay. He's been hoping they would call me, too, so he won't mind taking over dog-duty (feeding, letting out) in the afternoon. I have to meet with the head-bagger this afternoon and I'll start on Tuesday. I'll have to work this out with the groomer I bathe for on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but she'll be flexible, and I'll have to see if I can rearrange my tutoring client, but I'm sure we can do that, too.

I'm so relieved to get this. Money has been getting pretty tight. I haven't had any clients for my "dog waste management" service - though I'm hoping that will change now that Spring is here, and people actually start to use their yards again. So this may be a sign of things beginning to turn around!

Excellent news on the job !! Well done

 

[madscrapper]

Hi all, Sorry if this is a hijack of your thread but I have a question and thought perhaps I should ask here.

Since DCL is not returning to Europe in 2012 as we were hoping, we are seriously considering the WBTA! We did an 11 night Med last year and loved it. My major concern is that there will not be enough kids on board to keep my kids - 2 DD 15 and 12 - happy and occupied. I have seen a few kids signed up on roll call which is good to see.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,

Jeannine

 

[Pinky166]

And now for my really good news: I got a call for a job today!!! Okay, don't laugh or go "whaaaat??" but it's a bagger job at the commissary on our Air Force base. I know it doesn't sound great, but this is one of the most sought-after civilian jobs on base. I've been on the wait-list for it since September. The baggers work for tips only and 98% of the people who shop there tip very well. The downside is it's the 4pm-8pm shift - I'll be starting when Dennis is getting off work, but that's okay. He's been hoping they would call me, too, so he won't mind taking over dog-duty (feeding, letting out) in the afternoon. I have to meet with the head-bagger this afternoon and I'll start on Tuesday. I'll have to work this out with the groomer I bathe for on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but she'll be flexible, and I'll have to see if I can rearrange my tutoring client, but I'm sure we can do that, too.

I'm so relieved to get this. Money has been getting pretty tight. I haven't had any clients for my "dog waste management" service - though I'm hoping that will change now that Spring is here, and people actually start to use their yards again. So this may be a sign of things beginning to turn around!

Congrats on the new job.

So sad to hear about the shootings in Holland. I don't know what is going on in this crazy world at the moment. It seems to be one thing after another.



Hope your all having a great weekend.

This afternoon we have finally got the first coat of paint on the walls in the Kitchen....it seemed to be taking forever to get all the preparation done but hopefully now we will get it done quickly.

 

[steamboat will]

Hi all, Sorry if this is a hijack of your thread but I have a question and thought perhaps I should ask here.

Since DCL is not returning to Europe in 2012 as we were hoping, we are seriously considering the WBTA! We did an 11 night Med last year and loved it. My major concern is that there will not be enough kids on board to keep my kids - 2 DD 15 and 12 - happy and occupied. I have seen a few kids signed up on roll call which is good to see.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts,

Jeannine

Hi Jeannine,

No need to apologise 'hijack away'

There is no denying there were very few children on last years WBTA and it looks like the same will be true this year, but this certainly didn't stop those onboard from having a great time! I think there were maybe maybe 20 or 30 teens onboard but from what I could tell this meant they they all bonded really well and seem to have formed great friendships, I would often see little groups of teens wandering around the ship and a couple of groups turned up to ultimate Disney trivia most nights.

I certainly don't think a smaller number of teens resulted in less of an experience for them, there was still a full shedule of stuff for them to enjoy on all those lazy days at sea.


SW