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

[TotallyAngelic]

Thank you... I dont know if he will be ready for WBTA..

What a lovely dog. Is your dog able to interact with people. I say this because we had a lady with a service dog in the hospital and we were't supposed to pet it or make a fuss of it because it infererd with its ability to do the job.

Colin loved your report of Gibraltar, too funny What was scary about the cable cars?

Hi

In order of scariness

1. Angry monkeys at the top
2. Packed tighter than main street after the fireworks
3. The price
4. They swing about....... A lot
5. They are quite old
6. It's a long way up...... And down
7. There are angry monkeys at the top

Col

I am having second thoughts about this cable car now, especially about the angry monkeys as they terrify me. I was hoping to nip up in the cable car, take some photos of the view and have a leisurely stroll back down without encountering too many of them.

I'd also love to get some flakes and Maltesers etc.

They so sell most types of British chocolate such as cadburys out there, only not as extensive a range as in the UK if I remember correctly .. or maybe that was because the crew and passengers from the Magic had cleaned them out before we got there !!!

 

[Tod&Copper]

Hello -

Well, I put a down payment on this cruise, but until I lock in a really good airfare I must admit I cannot commit 100%. I just joined up on DisBoards - I've been on Cruise Critic before but this thread is AMAZING and HUGE!! Of course, I've only been able to read through a little of it so far, but what I have read is really getting me excited!! I was worried about my kids getting bored on a 14 night, but after reading some things on the boards I think this cruise is going to be a blast!

I will be traveling with my DS 7, my other DS 4, and my DM 78. This will be our first Disney cruise!! I wanted to go before my kids got too much older - I really think they are going to LOVE it! The kids clubs sound great, but I can't tell what the difference is between the Oceaneers Club and Lab. Does anyone know? I am excited that they will be able to play together and won't be separated because of their ages.

I'm considering staying at the Holiday Inn Express in BCN, mainly because they have rooms that hold 4 and I can use my points for free nights. It doesn't look like anyone else is staying there though, which makes me a little nervous that maybe it is a dive?? Anyone heard anything good or bad?

Hi We have stayed in the Holiday Inn Express City 22 on the last 2 trips to BCN for DCL cruises, I think it's not so popular because it's a bit of the way, rather than centrally like a lot of the hotels people are staying at the night before. Plus point for us, it was close to the port, so the taxi ride in the morning wasn't expensive. There are 2 Holiday Inns in BCN, so not sure which one you have been looking at.

We chose this one too because we got it free on points.

HIE City 22 is really new and no complaints. When we were checking in, we saw lots of DCL luggage tags in the luggage storage room.

It is in a quiet area of BCN which is being regenerated. We panicked when we first saw the area, but it was absolutely great, only a 2 minute walk to a fantastic area where everyone hangs out at night with a central plaza with loads of restaurants and cafes and bars and everyone was out at night. It was like a mini Las Ramblas.

The hotel is spotless, as are the rooms, reception area and breakfast is the usual buffet of cereals, pastries, toast, continental meats, croissants

It is just round the corner from Llacuna metro stop, so we hopped into central BCN quite easily.

I hope this helps.

Love it!

I wish they would hurry up and release the DVD/Blueray over here, I can't wait to watch it again......

I know, it doesn't come out until nearly the end of May here

 

[Tod&Copper]

So I got up at 4:50 am this morning to do our ressies for our Dream Double Dipper in August. Straight in, wow one reservation left for Palo brunch, just about to hit the confirm reservation button and the system locked me out with an error

Logged back in and it said that another person in our party was in "my cruise plans" making other ressies and locked me out for 30 mins

Needless to say that it was gone by the time I got back in

There's only one sea day, so looks like we're not getting to eat in Palo on that cruise, will need to just wander up to Palo for a nosey to see what the difference is from the Magic

I'm going to need to go back to bed by lunchtime today I think, I'm feeling shattered already, I didn't get back to sleep when the alarm went off at 6:15

 

[Tod&Copper]

Thank you... I dont know if he will be ready for WBTA..

Hi Mark, what a beautiful dog

 

[Tod&Copper]

I am having second thoughts about this cable car now, especially about the angry monkeys as they terrify me. I was hoping to nip up in the cable car, take some photos of the view and have a leisurely stroll back down without encountering too many of them.

Sarah, we took the cable car up the first time and walked back down. We did encounter a few apes on the way back down sitting on various ledges, but they didn't come anywhere near us. We are all doing the dolphin trip first thing in the morning, but someone said to me, the earlier in the day you go the better as they can get more aggitated later in the day. The walk back down was nice, but I would recommend taking a bottle of water with you, the rock is very steep to walk down and takes as much out of you as walking up.

The cable car is not pleasant, I had my eyes shut all the way up and down last year, I just saw it as a necessary evil so that I could see the fantastic views from the top as it was such a clear day. I'll happily give it a miss this time

 

[squitty]

Anyone up for some snorkeling in St Maarten?

We just sent in a reservation with Capt Alan's Snorkeling Tours. We went with him last year and had the BEST time! It turned out we had the boat to ourselves so it was like a private charter. He was a fantastic tour guide and patiently showed us how to snorkel. We had a mud bath and saw some fantastic scenery, and the kids loved it.

Anyone fancy joining us?

Unfortunately I don't do snorkelling either. Thanks for the offer though

Hello -

Well, I put a down payment on this cruise, but until I lock in a really good airfare I must admit I cannot commit 100%. I just joined up on DisBoards - I've been on Cruise Critic before but this thread is AMAZING and HUGE!! Of course, I've only been able to read through a little of it so far, but what I have read is really getting me excited!! I was worried about my kids getting bored on a 14 night, but after reading some things on the boards I think this cruise is going to be a blast!

I will be traveling with my DS 7, my other DS 4, and my DM 78. This will be our first Disney cruise!! I wanted to go before my kids got too much older - I really think they are going to LOVE it! The kids clubs sound great, but I can't tell what the difference is between the Oceaneers Club and Lab. Does anyone know? I am excited that they will be able to play together and won't be separated because of their ages.

I'm considering staying at the Holiday Inn Express in BCN, mainly because they have rooms that hold 4 and I can use my points for free nights. It doesn't look like anyone else is staying there though, which makes me a little nervous that maybe it is a dive?? Anyone heard anything good or bad?

Welcome - hope you manage to find some decent airfare.

So I got up at 4:50 am this morning to do our ressies for our Dream Double Dipper in August. Straight in, wow one reservation left for Palo brunch, just about to hit the confirm reservation button and the system locked me out with an error

Logged back in and it said that another person in our party was in "my cruise plans" making other ressies and locked me out for 30 mins

Needless to say that it was gone by the time I got back in

There's only one sea day, so looks like we're not getting to eat in Palo on that cruise, will need to just wander up to Palo for a nosey to see what the difference is from the Magic

I'm going to need to go back to bed by lunchtime today I think, I'm feeling shattered already, I didn't get back to sleep when the alarm went off at 6:15

That's not fair Mary...hope you get something when your onboard?

 

[TotallyAngelic]

So I got up at 4:50 am this morning to do our ressies for our Dream Double Dipper in August. Straight in, wow one reservation left for Palo brunch, just about to hit the confirm reservation button and the system locked me out with an error

Logged back in and it said that another person in our party was in "my cruise plans" making other ressies and locked me out for 30 mins

Needless to say that it was gone by the time I got back in

There's only one sea day, so looks like we're not getting to eat in Palo on that cruise, will need to just wander up to Palo for a nosey to see what the difference is from the Magic

I'm going to need to go back to bed by lunchtime today I think, I'm feeling shattered already, I didn't get back to sleep when the alarm went off at 6:15

Bad luck for not getting your Palo reservation ... at least you can make up for it on the Magic Did you book anyhting else ??

Sarah, we took the cable car up the first time and walked back down. We did encounter a few apes on the way back down sitting on various ledges, but they didn't come anywhere near us. We are all doing the dolphin trip first thing in the morning, but someone said to me, the earlier in the day you go the better as they can get more aggitated later in the day. The walk back down was nice, but I would recommend taking a bottle of water with you, the rock is very steep to walk down and takes as much out of you as walking up.

The cable car is not pleasant, I had my eyes shut all the way up and down last year, I just saw it as a necessary evil so that I could see the fantastic views from the top as it was such a clear day. I'll happily give it a miss this time

The cable car in Madeira actually felt quite safe as it wasn't swaying or anything and it only seated 4 persons so no crowded feeling. I actually videoed the ride up so I could focus on doing something and not on the fact that we were suspended millions of miles above the ground.

Agitated apes ... not good. But I really want to get up there to take some view photos. As we missed it last time due to the wind I am really keen to try and make it this time as we might not be back to Gib in a hurry ( no more WBTA cruises )

 

[karentan]

Kinda like this??

We have those in Australia too only they're oval and we call them Meat Pies. So does Morrisons sell pasties and sausage rolls too?

LOVE the photo! so funny!
they have a bakery counter full of pastry coated things that stick to your ribs!

I used to go to Busch Gardens Williamsburg ("The Olde Country") as a kid - I grew up in Virginia Beach so it wasn't a far drive in the summertime. Now I live in Sarasota FL

sarasota is all over our news at the mo, two british tourists got shot there a couple of days ago, and its all over the news.

Hello -

Well, I put a down payment on this cruise, but until I lock in a really good airfare I must admit I cannot commit 100%.

hope you can get good airfare and come cruising with us!
and welcome to our meet thread i'm karen and i'm cruising with my husband gary

I wish they would hurry up and release the DVD/Blueray over here, I can't wait to watch it again......

you've got til 23rd may to wait

only not as extensive a range as in the UK if I remember correctly .. or maybe that was because the crew and passengers from the Magic had cleaned them out before we got there !!!

thats the much more probable option!

 

[granmaz]

Oh not me, sorry, I am petrified of that type of thing I love swimming in the sea, but face under water just doesn't happen DH tried to get help me get over my fear on Castaway Cay a few years ago, he gave up when I got mildly hysterical, he was so embarrassed

Me too! Head fully out of water and I need to know I can stand up if needs be!!!

Hello -

Well, I put a down payment on this cruise, but until I lock in a really good airfare I must admit I cannot commit 100%. I just joined up on DisBoards - I've been on Cruise Critic before but this thread is AMAZING and HUGE!! Of course, I've only been able to read through a little of it so far, but what I have read is really getting me excited!! I was worried about my kids getting bored on a 14 night, but after reading some things on the boards I think this cruise is going to be a blast!

I will be traveling with my DS 7, my other DS 4, and my DM 78. This will be our first Disney cruise!! I wanted to go before my kids got too much older - I really think they are going to LOVE it! The kids clubs sound great, but I can't tell what the difference is between the Oceaneers Club and Lab. Does anyone know? I am excited that they will be able to play together and won't be separated because of their ages.

I'm considering staying at the Holiday Inn Express in BCN, mainly because they have rooms that hold 4 and I can use my points for free nights. It doesn't look like anyone else is staying there though, which makes me a little nervous that maybe it is a dive?? Anyone heard anything good or bad?

Welcome.

The cable car in Madeira actuallt flet quite safe as it wasn't swaying or anyhting and it only seated 4 persons so no crowded feeling. I actually videoed the ride up so I could focus on doing something and not on the fact that we were suspended millions of miles above the ground.

Agitated apes ... not good. But I really want to get up there to take some view photos. As we missed it last time due to the wind I am really keen to try and make it this time as we might not be back to Gib in a hurry ( no more WBTA cruises )

The cable car in Madeira is really nice and some fantastic views too!

You can always take a taxi trip up the Rock in Gib. None of our group actually got out at the main place the apes are, but we still got lots of great photos. You have to stand completely still, not encourage them or feed them. Basically they are after food, but will take anything in case there is food in it!!!

 

[Seraphine]

Woo hoo - I got our confirmation for Captain Alan's tour this morning (St Maarten)!!!



Tod & Copper - I was terrified of water as well, but this was so good. You start out really shallow, and everything just looks so interesting down there that you want to see more and go deeper. Plus, we just stayed on the surface with a float (a lifejacket around our waist, not tied on) and we could see so much.

The boat charter takes you to some private little islands and we painted ourselves in mud and laid out on the sand until it dried. Best sea scrub ever! My parents were with us and even though my dad has mobility issues, he managed just fine. The kids were 5 and 1 and thought it was a fantastic day.

My mom, dad and daughter:

Calum, with Captain Alan, learning how to snorkel:

Me and the kids, on the way back (excuse the flat hair!)

I just told Calum we were going again and he was thrilled. It was such a fun day! They've got rave reviews on Trip Advisor - we found them after a recommendation on Cruise Critic and it was well worth it (it's about $69/adult, kids are half price, and there's a taxi service to the dock at a reasonable price)

 

[LindaBabe]

Well said, Debra. Both Roger & I are so glad he didn't hop into a chair by us - you handled it very well. He was acting super-ADHD and quirky ...very strange. It was a moment to remember...we're still laughing about it.

Peter Pan IS ADHD - and so is the Mad Hatter! He was just acting in Character

Mark, That reall is an adorable photo of you and the fluffy dumpling dog. Makes me feel really sorry I'm allergic to dogs because s/he looks SO lovable.

I'm considering staying at the Holiday Inn Express in BCN, mainly because they have rooms that hold 4 and I can use my points for free nights. It doesn't look like anyone else is staying there though, which makes me a little nervous that maybe it is a dive?? Anyone heard anything good or bad?

I'm feeling the same about my hotel - the Paral-lel - but the price was right and it does sleep three in three beds, which is right for us. So, I guess we'll see . . .

Re the Nursery - we've had friends use it successfully but no personal experience. One day in the hallway, I met SnowWhite on her way into the Nursery, so I guess even the babies get princess attention.

 

[Tod&Copper]

That's not fair Mary...hope you get something when your onboard?

Thanks Michelle

Bad luck for not getting your Palo reservation ... at least you can make up for it on the Magic Did you book anyhting else ??

The cable car in Madeira actuallt flet quite safe as it wasn't swaying or anyhting and it only seated 4 persons so no crowded feeling. I actually videoed the ride up so I could focus on doing something and not on the fact that we were suspended millions of miles above the ground.

Agitated apes ... not good. But I really want to get up there to take some view photos. As we missed it last time due to the wind I am really keen to try and make it this time as we might not be back to Gib in a hurry ( no more WBTA cruises )

I booked my compulsory manicure and pedicure, but even then, the best slots were almost gone, there must be a lot of platinum or concierge people cruising that have snaffled all the ressies I booked a Palo dinner, but I might cancel it because we don't like excluding Rachel from an evening meal, even though we are cruising with family friends with children, who easily said they would keep her entertained while we are at Palo.

I didn't mind the Madeira cable cars so much as they just seemed a lot more newer, serviceable and sturdy BIL and I just looked straight ahead on the way up and not down it was a fantastic trip up to the top of the hill looking across Funchal to the Magic, wouldn't have missed it for the world. The cable cars in Gib and Madeira are worlds apart

Me too! Head fully out of water and I need to know I can stand up if needs be!!!

Marilyn, I'm the only person I know who can swim and have dry hair I'm okay with treading water, as long as I know that I'm not too far away from being able to stand up

Woo hoo - I got our confirmation for Captain Alan's tour this morning (St Maarten)!!!



Tod & Copper - I was terrified of water as well, but this was so good. You start out really shallow, and everything just looks so interesting down there that you want to see more and go deeper. Plus, we just stayed on the surface with a float (a lifejacket around our waist, not tied on) and we could see so much.

The boat charter takes you to some private little islands and we painted ourselves in mud and laid out on the sand until it dried. Best sea scrub ever! My parents were with us and even though my dad has mobility issues, he managed just fine. The kids were 5 and 1 and thought it was a fantastic day.

My mom, dad and daughter:

Calum, with Captain Alan, learning how to snorkel:

Me and the kids, on the way back (excuse the flat hair!)

I just told Calum we were going again and he was thrilled. It was such a fun day! They've got rave reviews on Trip Advisor - we found them after a recommendation on Cruise Critic and it was well worth it (it's about $69/adult, kids are half price, and there's a taxi service to the dock at a reasonable price)

That's fantastic Dawn, it looks great. Fabbie photos, Calum looks like he's having a ball Well done on booking that Stevie and I weren't far into the lagoon and I could stand up, I just couldn't get my breathing right and took a bit of a panic attack, a woose I know lol. DH and DD love snorkeling on Castaway Cay as they have lots of hidden treasures in the lagoon.... sadly I will never know

P.S Dawn, after a beach/snorkelling day, your hair still looks fab, wait to see mine after a beach day..... GHDs required

 

[granmaz]

Marilyn, I'm the only person I know who can swim and have dry hair I'm okay with treading water, as long as I know that I'm not too far away from being able to stable up

If I ever feel like I might not be able to stand up, even if I actually can stand, I panic!!

 

[Tod&Copper]

If I ever feel like I might not be able to stand up, even if I actually can stand, I panic!!

Spot my spelling mistake "stable" instead of "stand" lol.

I love just paddling or wading in up to my chest wherever we go, I'm quite content with that. We can panic together

I used to be a very competent underwater swimmer as a child, until someone held me under the water at the local pool when I was about 10, I've never got the confidence back yet

 

[susie2]

hi, hope everyone is having a good day, i have made adr's for our first day and not sure if i have made our lunch one too early, we are staying at pofq after the cruise and was just wondering what time the disney bus left to take us there, thanks susie

 

[granmaz]

Spot my spelling mistake "stable" instead of "stand" lol.

I love just paddling or wading in up to my chest wherever we go, I'm quite content with that. We can panic together

I used to be a very competent underwater swimmer as a child, until someone held me under the water at the local pool when I was about 10, I've never got the confidence back yet

Well I am not surprised after that! John almost drowned when he was about 15/16 in a lake in Switzerland. Someone rescued him(obviously!!!), but now he doesn't really like being out of his depth either. Both of us prefer an empty pool! I hate people jumping in. We love renting a villa with private pool!

 

[goofprincess]

Good Morning Everyone. Big WELCOMES to the new crew.

I have caught up with postings. Been a bit busy cleaning out my dad and mom's house; it sold within a week (unheard of here in California). So blessed with the people who will now make it their home. Lots of emotions on the close of escrow and giving up the keys.....sweet, sweet memories.

Now DH and I are tackling our garage which is full of dishes, glassware, pre WWI china tea sets, Lionel trains and on and on. Well, i think it will take us months if not till the end of the year to sort and donate and portion out. And who said retirement was going to be boring I am definitely on a mission.

Must confess, however, I am going to Hawaii for two weeks and stay in my relatives townhouse while they are cruising for 42 days!! My plans are very low key----read about London and decide on things to do, watch Disney movies, , do some scrapbooking (bringing one whole suitcase with supplies) walks on the beach, sit in the jacuzzi, etc.. Of course, keeping up with the boards is imperative.

Have a good day everyone.

 

[magic123]

Welcome GatormomIn NY, and also welcome to any others new comers I may have missed over the last few days

I am not that sure if I want to do the cable car in gib although I'm sure the views at the top are wonderful, so may have to go up by taxi

 

[magic123]

opps looks like I need a few mutli quotes lessons again !!!
or maybe I need an afternoon nap

 

[Dgentrysim]

Hello -

Well, I put a down payment on this cruise, but until I lock in a really good airfare I must admit I cannot commit 100%. I just joined up on DisBoards - I've been on Cruise Critic before but this thread is AMAZING and HUGE!! Of course, I've only been able to read through a little of it so far, but what I have read is really getting me excited!! I was worried about my kids getting bored on a 14 night, but after reading some things on the boards I think this cruise is going to be a blast!

I will be traveling with my DS 7, my other DS 4, and my DM 78. This will be our first Disney cruise!! I wanted to go before my kids got too much older - I really think they are going to LOVE it! The kids clubs sound great, but I can't tell what the difference is between the Oceaneers Club and Lab. Does anyone know? I am excited that they will be able to play together and won't be separated because of their ages.

I'm considering staying at the Holiday Inn Express in BCN, mainly because they have rooms that hold 4 and I can use my points for free nights. It doesn't look like anyone else is staying there though, which makes me a little nervous that maybe it is a dive?? Anyone heard anything good or bad?

Hey! My name is Debra and my husband's name is Rick. to a fellow North Carolinian! We are from Louisburg (just north of Raleigh). Where are you from? You and your family will have a wonderful time on this cruise! Your kids will love the Oceaneers Club & Lab and your mom will also have a great time (even if she isn't allowed to play at the Oceaneers Club! )

Look forward to meeting you!