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

[Pinky166]

You guys are amazing with your posts. One of our American friends offered to look after DD for the weekend as a birthday gift to me, so had a nice quiet, relaxing weekend. However, it's taken me almost all afternoon to catch up!

I hope you had a great Birthday Leanne.

 

[squitty]

Has anyone flown Easyjet and can provide any tips? All I know is that they seem pretty restrictive with luggage and I have to pay extra since I don't have the VISA debit card.

I am flying into Paris on Sept 4 to spend a few days there before flying over to Barcelona. My options for airlines are Easyjet, Vueling and Ryanair but I think Easyjet is the most convenient as it leaves out of Charles De Gaulle airport.

We're flying with them from our local airport to BCN. I've only flew with them once before on an internal flight in the UK. They are a budget airline.

Be sure you buy your weight etc online before you get to the airport as you can just buy a bag with no weight included. At least that's what happened to Julie last year....
They are clamping down as I got this email from them:

Hand Baggage

From April 5th we have updated our pricing policy for hold luggage and for oversized cabin baggage that needs to be checked into the hold.

The following charges apply:
At the airport check-in desk: If you purchase a bag to be checked into the hold and/or we notice that your cabin bag exceeds the maximum allowed dimensions, you will be charged £25 per bag
At the boarding gate: If you go directly to the boarding gate and your one permitted item of cabin baggage exceeds the maximum allowed dimensions you will be charged £40 and your bag will be checked into the hold
Remember: easyJet allows one item of hand baggage into the cabin per person; maximum dimensions are 56 x 45 x 25 cm.

To keep our fares low, be able to board the plane as quickly as possible and ensure your comfort onboard, if you bring more than one piece of hand baggage we'll check the extra piece into the hold. Hand bags, briefcases, laptops and laptop bags are all counted as one piece, so if you have a trolley and, for example, an additional hand bag or laptop bag you'll be asked to put those items into your trolley bag. If you can't consolidate your cabin baggage into one single item, one of your bags will be checked into the hold and we will have to charge you £40. We do this to ensure that we don't delay the boarding process and bring everyone to their destination on time.

To get the best price pre-book your hold baggage online. You can do this when booking your flight or by adding it to an existing booking via my easyJet.com.

It's my youngest DD's birthday tomorrow, she's 18. I am going to try and be good and not eat much cake LOL's then we're off out for dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
Today she's off on a job interview for a part time job to help her as she is at college.

Belated birthday wishes to Leanne.

 

[steamboat will]

Has anyone flown Easyjet and can provide any tips? All I know is that they seem pretty restrictive with luggage and I have to pay extra since I don't have the VISA debit card.

I am flying into Paris on Sept 4 to spend a few days there before flying over to Barcelona. My options for airlines are Easyjet, Vueling and Ryanair but I think Easyjet is the most convenient as it leaves out of Charles De Gaulle airport.

I know that last year a few DISers were looking at the option of the overnight train from Paris to Barcelona, while I'm certain it wouldn't be less expensive than the Easy Jet flight, i somehow have a romantic vision of traveling across Europe via train in the dead of night, I'm sure the reality might not quite match up to dream tho....

SW

 

[birkner]

AMEN to that! DO IT!


Noel, have you posted on the Hawaii thread? I know there is one single female, at least.

Thanks for the tip. I will check it out. I actually received an email this morning from an old friend from the 2008 WBPC cruise who is putting together some single women so that may be my best option!

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Has anyone flown Easyjet and can provide any tips? All I know is that they seem pretty restrictive with luggage and I have to pay extra since I don't have the VISA debit card.

I am flying into Paris on Sept 4 to spend a few days there before flying over to Barcelona. My options for airlines are Easyjet, Vueling and Ryanair but I think Easyjet is the most convenient as it leaves out of Charles De Gaulle airport.

We have flown with them lots .... very budget and everything on board costs ... drinks food etc. Now eight restriction on hand luggage but check your dimensions. And make sure you weigh your hold luggage before you fly as if you need extra kg better to buy in advance than at check in.

I know that last year a few DISers were looking at the option of the overnight train from Paris to Barcelona, while I'm certain it wouldn't be less expensive than the Easy Jet flight, i somehow have a romantic vision of traveling across Europe via train in the dead of night, I'm sure the reality might not quite match up to dream tho....

SW

It would if it were the Orient Express .. I priced this for Tony's 50th. London - Venice one way for the 2 of us is about £3200 for one night and 2 days. Ouch !! Would love to do it though, but it's 3 times the cost of the cruise !!

 

[birkner]

It would if it were the Orient Express .. I priced this for Tony's 50th. London - Venice one way for the 2 of us is about £3200 for one night and 2 days. Ouch !! Would love to do it though, but it's 3 times the cost of the cruise !!

John and I did the entire trip back in the 1980's. It is really a wonderful once in a lifetime trip but I agree very pricey.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

John and I did the entire trip back in the 1980's. It is really a wonderful once in a lifetime trip but I agree very pricey.

WOW ... did you really I would love to see some photos if you have any.

 

[birkner]

WOW ... did you really I would love to see some photos if you have any.

I am sure we have some around but I am not sure where since it has been so many years. If I come across some, I will be sure to post!!

We got off the train in Paris and almost did not get back on as we could not find it because it moved spurs!!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Hi Liz and Joe. I am Sandy and hubby is Tony. We were on the EBTA last year. My memory fails me if we met. We are from Northern California.

Glad you jumped on board!

Hi Sandy, Yes I don't know if we met or not, I can only remember a few people from that trip. Were you the person who hadn't been to Magic Kingdom before & went there right before the cruise? If so, then we did meet. If not, then that's okay, we'll just have to meet this time!

I was just thinking about that tiring time change I dozed off towards the end of the week sitting in chair just outside the elevators on the 9th forward deck. I awoke startled to see Donald staring at me.......

Goofy was definitely messing with some people who were asleep up in the adults pool area. One of the guys just did not wake up no matter what Goofy did, it was pretty funny.

Thanks everybody for the replies!! I have certainly lost most of my anxiety about going alone. I think I would fit right in! I could care less if I wasn't with my "Age" group... Age is just a number after all!
I am about 96% confident that I will be on this cruise. Just keeping my fingers crossed for a price break by July.
For now, I'll be happy getting to know you all! My name is Josh and I'm from Rhode Island in the states. I've been asking a few friends about what to do in Barcelona. I think I would want to take the Red Eye flight on thursday/friday so I can spend a full day and night in the city. I really want to see some Flamenco and eat some Tapas!!

Josh, I hope you can make it on this cruise! I think you'll find that most of the people cruising on disney are young at heart you know? I think the price will drop at least one other time before Sept b/c the airfare is starting to go up in price.

I find it amazing how many people did the EBTA and are now booked for the WBTA. (We are part of that group) How many of you are doing Hawaii as well? We fell in love with the long cruises with a lot of sea days. We see it as wanting to stay at a great resort with a lot to do. Why bother getting off the ship when ther is so much to enjoy? This will be our 2nd Disney cruise and Hawaii will be our third. Hard to believe our shortest will be 2 full weeks. It will be hard to do a week on the Dream someday.

I think its pretty awesome that there are so many TA repeaters too! We looked at the Hawaii itineraries & though it may be something that we do in the future, my husband just thinks there is too little time in the islands for that cruise (we love Hawaii, we honeymooned there ) But I don't know, if it is the only way to do a longer cruise on disney, we may book it sometime in the future.

Hi everyone! I can't believe this cruise is only 5 months away! I'm super excited, the only thing that still worries me is the airfare...I'm a little afraid to commit that much money so far out...I look every day, the cheapest thing is Pakistan international airlines, which makes me a little leary...but British Airways is now coming up only $600 from Chicago so that's good I think? I've never flown internationally before except to Mexico.

I did book my hotel for Barcelona yesterday, I'm staying at the Praktik Rambala for two nights before the cruise.

I have so much planning to do but I can't wait!!

I also think that $600 is a great price for airfare, so I would jump on that if I was you!

We are Leanne, DH Ken and DD Morgan (8). This is our fist ever cruise and we're very excited!

Hi Leanne, You are going to love this cruise! What a great way to start cruising! Happy Belated!

 

[poohluv2u]

Ok I have a question for you, If you had to choose one would it be High Tea at Palo's or Afternoon Tea at the Floridian? Not as in location, but which did you prefer in terms of the food & overall experience.

Claire, sadly I've never done High Tea at Palo's, hoping for that experience this time. Our experience at the Floridian has always been great. We have had the same server on several occasions, and she always remembers us, and the fact that we don't drink tea, and brings us hot chocolate with whipped cream on top without us even asking for it. The tea sandwiches are delish, cucumber with cream cheese and watercress, pear with gorgonzola, and others. They also offer devonshire cream with their scones, we always ask for extra cream All served on beautiful Royal Albert china ... it's the quintessential tea to me.

I found this review if your interested, http://http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2010/09/01/guest-review-afternoon-tea-at-disney%E2%80%99s-grand-floridian-resort/ Not sure why the reviewer thought service was slow, I love to take my time over the 'Tea' experience

For those thinking of going by train to Montserrat from Barcelona, I came across this useful Web site on the different train ticket options that are available: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/tour/barcelona-montserrat.html

Thanks, I'm off to check that out

Glossing gives me a headache too....i'm hoping as I have helped out so much already that Lee might let me off & do it himself.

What is glossing? Sounds like you have been doing a lot of work on your home. Do you have any before and after pics ... I just love looking at that kind of thing.

I know that last year a few DISers were looking at the option of the overnight train from Paris to Barcelona, while I'm certain it wouldn't be less expensive than the Easy Jet flight, i somehow have a romantic vision of traveling across Europe via train in the dead of night, I'm sure the reality might not quite match up to dream tho....

SW

I have that same romantic vison.

It would if it were the Orient Express .. I priced this for Tony's 50th. London - Venice one way for the 2 of us is about £3200 for one night and 2 days. Ouch !! Would love to do it though, but it's 3 times the cost of the cruise !!

Orient Express has long been a dream of mine, but the price always has me looking at some place else I'd love to visit

 

[Tod&Copper]

Has anyone flown Easyjet and can provide any tips? All I know is that they seem pretty restrictive with luggage and I have to pay extra since I don't have the VISA debit card.

I am flying into Paris on Sept 4 to spend a few days there before flying over to Barcelona. My options for airlines are Easyjet, Vueling and Ryanair but I think Easyjet is the most convenient as it leaves out of Charles De Gaulle airport.

I have flown with Easyjet and Ryanair regularly and they are much the same. The only down side with Ryanair is the fact that they fly into the smaller rural airports near Paris e.g. Beauvais, which is quite a bit out of the way with connections only available by Terravision coaches (in conjunction with Ryanair).

If I had the choice, I would stick with Easyjet so that you are sticking within central Paris and CDG airport

 

[m_kasch]

Thanks everyone for the advice on the airfare!! I actually was a little leary of the website that the $600 fare was through so I kept looking...and found a site where the same flight was a "secret carrier" for only $545...so I booked it! I'm flying on British Airways, with a 10 hour layover in London so I guess I can check that city out for a few hours anyway!

Karen -- I guess you can put me on the confirmed list now, since i've purchased my airfare!!!

 

[Tod&Copper]

Love the white sunglasses look, i've had that many a time! How is your face feeling? I hope it doesn't hurt, I hate sunburn.

Glossing gives me a headache too....i'm hoping as I have helped out so much already that Lee might let me off & do it himself.

It is lovely and sunny here today. Not that i've had time to sit and enjoy it yet as i've been out & about running erands.

My face is fine today, the redness has gone down overnight and I now have freckles and the sunkissed look, but drastic way of doing it though lol, was nipping last night

Fingers crossed Lee finishes it off

It ended up with rain showers here all day.... I think Scotland had it's summer last weekend, it got up to 23 oC

What is glossing? Sounds like you have been doing a lot of work on your home. Do you have any before and after pics ... I just love looking at that kind of thing.

Hiya

Glossing is when we paint the internal woodwork in the house with usually a high gloss white (shiny) durable paint which has high fumes. As Claire and I said, it usually gives you a headache, so best left to the boys


belated birthday wishes Leanne, sound like you had a lovely one

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

A few of us are meeting up at the Hard Rock Cafe the evening before the cruise, so we would love to see you there.

I'm pretty sure we'll be at the HRC meet-up!

 

[magic123]

Thanks everybody for the replies!! I have certainly lost most of my anxiety about going alone. I think I would fit right in! I could care less if I wasn't with my "Age" group... Age is just a number after all!
I am about 96% confident that I will be on this cruise. Just keeping my fingers crossed for a price break by July.
For now, I'll be happy getting to know you all! My name is Josh and I'm from Rhode Island in the states. I've been asking a few friends about what to do in Barcelona. I think I would want to take the Red Eye flight on thursday/friday so I can spend a full day and night in the city. I really want to see some Flamenco and eat some Tapas!!

HI Josh , see you in september I'm sure. There is so much to see in Barcelona, and the metro system is great and also cheap!

Yes I thought that too, you watch as soon as we finish decorating the sun will disappear and that will be our "summer" over.

I know that feeling,we have just started some dreaded DIY for a few days, and the weather forecast says it's set to change by the end of the week,

 

[LindaBabe]

HI Josh , see you in september I'm sure. There is so much to see in Barcelona, and the metro system is great and also cheap!

Tell me about the metro, please? Is it necessary to climb u[ & down flights of stairs, or is there a disabled access elevator? One of my BIG concerns about getting around Barcelona, besides my inability to walk very far or very fast. I can see me making my roommates crazy

 

[auntlynne]

Thanks everyone for the advice on the airfare!! I actually was a little leary of the website that the $600 fare was through so I kept looking...and found a site where the same flight was a "secret carrier" for only $545...so I booked it! I'm flying on British Airways, with a 10 hour layover in London so I guess I can check that city out for a few hours anyway!

Karen -- I guess you can put me on the confirmed list now, since i've purchased my airfare!!!

My first visit to London was a day layover on the way to Zambia. Left the bags at "Left Luggage" at Gatwick, rode in on the Gatwick Express train and did a double decker tour of the city. Amazing what you can do in one day.

Which day are you in London? Several people will be going to/through London on the way to the cruise.

Congratulations on that price!

...Glossing is when we paint the internal woodwork in the house with usually a high gloss white (shiny) durable paint which has high fumes. As Claire and I said, it usually gives you a headache, so best left to the boys ...

We just call it painting. Doesn't matter if it's a latex flat/eggshell/satin coat on the walls or the enamel (often high gloss) used on trim. Often, the enamel is oil-based and a mess to clean up.

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Hi Auntlynne, weren't you on the Eastbound TA last April? I think we've met.

Also, Sarah - I wanted to let you know that I am now reading your WB TA trip report from last year. Its great! I am only to day 3, but I have a question....where is that Arc di Triomphe in Barcelona? I know you said it was on the walk from Sagrada Famiglia and Gothic Quarter, but if you know what neighborhood it is in, please let me know.

 

[m_kasch]

My first visit to London was a day layover on the way to Zambia. Left the bags at "Left Luggage" at Gatwick, rode in on the Gatwick Express train and did a double decker tour of the city. Amazing what you can do in one day.

Which day are you in London? Several people will be going to/through London on the way to the cruise.

Congratulations on that price!

I will be in London on the 8th, from about 10:00am until around 4:00pm. How does customs/immigration work, since I will be getting off the plane and exiting into London? I'm new to this!!

 

[MandyGirl]

Okay - the DISboards finally behaved long enough so I could upload the tshirt photo graphics I used. These should work better than the Facebook photos because Facebook always compresses. These are the generic, unpersonalized photos. I do not remember which DISigner created which one, but ALL came from the shared files linked from members on the DISign forum. Right click, save as to your computer, then create tshirts and magnets! If you want them personalized, you would need to find the original creator from the board by going through each DISigner's link in their siggie, and going from there. One DISigner I really like is on a break from DISigning, and some may be her's. (I had been looking at these for several months, and any time I came across one I liked, I just downloaded it and put it in a DCL folder on my computer. Now I have LOTS in that folder, but no clue where they came from...)

ETA: I googled the file name with each photo just now, and if I found where the original file came from, I listed the link with the photo details (so you can see in the link which DISigner it may be...)

VistaPrint did the $4.75 shirts (printing on front only) plus $5 to print on back. It was a sale that I have found again, and it also offered free uploads. So basically, a tshirt was $9.75 plus shipping (for a white shirt; add $3 for gray)

I have also now tried iron-on transfers from AmyMickey.com and am pleased. I prewashed, did the iron-on, waited 24 hrs, then washed. Of course, the first time my baby wore her's, we got butternut squash puree on it, so it now has some character.

I am hoping this link works to where I uploaded the photos.

http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/u300955-mandygirl.html