*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 4

[Chris&Jeremy]

mary - can you remember whether the prices at the shop inside the terminal seemed reasonable or not?

I am curious as well - if we should go to El Corte Ingles or wait and go to this store on the pier on the morning of embarkation.

 

[smootenloopers]

Yep, quite the connaisseur indeed! I am impressed.

 

[TxMermaid1]

On youtube you can find a lot of the fountain show of barcelona. It gives a little bit an idea, but in real it is much greater.



I felt realy safe in Barcelona, also in the metro. More then in Amsterdam for example. I know you must be always aware of pick pockets. Also here in Arnhem. Especially when it is crowded.
But I never be quick afraid anyway.

ON the EBTA when we were in Barcelona, we found ourselves in the middle of a shoot out between police and protesters... gun shots going off all around us... over 100 people hurt. NO I did not feel safe and cancelled my hotel reservations to stay there for a few days.... I wanted out of there asap. I hope the protest are calming down there but heard they are still protesting.

 

[poohluv2u]

I don't know what other thread you guys normally check on the Dis, but I came across the funniest one tonight. I promise you can't go through this thread with a straight face:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2547660

Thanks for the laughs

We just booked today! Can't wait to get back to Barcelona!!

Welcome

ON the EBTA when we were in Barcelona, we found ourselves in the middle of a shoot out between police and protesters... gun shots going off all around us... over 100 people hurt. NO I did not feel safe and cancelled my hotel reservations to stay there for a few days.... I wanted out of there asap. I hope the protest are calming down there but heard they are still protesting.

Where was that happening?

I hope everyone is having fun at their concerts ... I will be spending the night with Netflix, while Hubby is working late <<yawn>>

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Yum!
I also like Goo-Goo Clusters. "It's a Southern thang..."

it sure is y'all!!!

ON the EBTA when we were in Barcelona, we found ourselves in the middle of a shoot out between police and protesters... gun shots going off all around us... over 100 people hurt. NO I did not feel safe and cancelled my hotel reservations to stay there for a few days.... I wanted out of there asap. I hope the protest are calming down there but heard they are still protesting.

Oh my Jill! That sounds awful! We were in Madrid when there were demonstrations, but they were all peaceful thank goodness.

 

[auntlynne]

Thanks, for your input, I do "clean up pretty good" But, want to be Glamed out like everyone else. Its not often I get to do that I read that there is a "Pirate" night. Do you dress like pirates?

I was wondering them same thing! Is there a specific time that everyone dresses up or is it for the whole evening?

...Just a white frilly blouse with a thin scarf tied round my waist and some jangly jewellery. I think I had black cropped trousers one time and a black skirt another, not sure. ...
Well it is a pirate themed dinner that night so dress for dinner anyway. Afterwards you can change or go to the deck party and fireworks still dressed up. Lots of fun.

I haven't decided whether to save my baggage allowance for other clothing or take my few pirate items. We will see.

I love seeing people in their formal wear, especially since the Disney ships are so elegant themselves. I guess if luggage weight is an issue, you'll just have to decide which one is more fun for you. It might depend on your dining companions, too, whether or not they are a lively bunch of scoundrels or ladies and gentlemen (lively, also).

Could that "white frilly blouse" really be a "puffy shirt?" "I don't wanna be a pirate!" (Thanks Seinfeld show). That, The Dread Pirate Roberts (from The Princess Bride) and The Pirates of Penzance, are the only pirates I really like. (Although I have watched, repeatedly, any of the POC movies when they are on TV).

If you are wearing pirate attire, that's a good time to get photos made with the characters, as they are wearing their pirate costumes, too.

Our pirate bandanas in Alaska had Pirate Mickey on them.

I am glad I booked my hotel a while ago...I just checked the website, and it has gone up 55 euros a night!! and mine sold out after going up

I know we are planning on meeting up at the Hard Rock for Drinks, but I wouldn't mind also planning something for Dinner -- some of the restaurants look really cool, and it's always more fun with a group than alone.

I believe we are going to the Hard Rock - not sure if we will eat there or not, as I would like to go have tapas somewhere - and then maybe to El Corte Ingles for wine shopping!

I wouldn't mind getting something besides Hard Rock for dinner - some good Spanish ham and cheese (perhaps tapas) could be tasty.

After reading Paul's excellent post about Gibraltar, I would be very interested in sharing a minibus tour. Have I missed anywhere where someone is trying to organize one of these? I have a funky knee that sometimes lets me walk for miles, and sometimes makes it a pain to walk at all--getting old sucks.

Kevin & I would be happy to share a bus, and if anyone knows the best site to arrange for one beforehand, please let me know.

Thanks,
Karen (6 of 6--I didn't want to claim any particular number, but I think I'm the sixth one to join the bunch)

We had a taxi tour last year; perhaps 6 of us (minivan full, but comfortable), 22 GBP or 25 euros each, arranged at the cruise port on the spot. Don't know if the price changes as the size changes. Our driver was flexible as far as mobility went, as several of us didn't want to get out and do the caves (I was on crutches by that point of the cruise).

Somewhere to think about visiting in Barcelona, perhaps after the hard Rock Cafe meet. The magic fountain of Montjuic. I know some groups went last year, though it did rain then. I have seen some amazing photos. Shows only Friday to Sunday evenings.

http://www.bcn.cat/parcsijardins/fonts/EN/magica.html

Here in Arnhem(Netherlands) also Rain, rain and rain and cold. Not summer wether. I hope it get's over soon...
I don't have realy formal wear. I have a nice normal dress and one maxi dress, not a formal dress. and that is more than I usely wear.

We're in a drought and could use more rain. I think we have been behind for years. It has rained nicely this week, which should help the water table.

...This cruise is a good chance to put on those dresses, ladies. And we don't need pantyhose, either, so even better.

We have seen the magic fountain about 10 years ago and we liked it. We are also at the Hard Rock Cafe. Perhaps we can go afterwards, after diner?

That is when quite a few went last year. Should be a great end to the evening.

We are looking at going to the fountains after the Hard Rock. Does anyone know if it is close, within walking distance, or would it be a taxi ride away?

I want to be in! The only significant walking would be from Plaza Espanya to the fountains (and up the stairs). Checking Google maps, the walk should be about 10 minutes (and it is a basically flat road). The stairs appear to be a couple dozen or so. (I think I even spotted escalators on the sides). I remember this area from the HOHO bus tour last year - wide open area, so just don't let anyone close to you. (A bit harder on the subway, though). About 17 minutes (including walking) by subway.

The bigger issue is returning to hotels afterwards. It's not that far for those at the Universal or Parallel (there's another one in that block that someone is staying at - maybe LindaBabe and friends?)

Anyone staying at the Hilton Mar can come back from the Fountains with me on the subway.

Thanks for that tidbit.

Are the fountains worth the trip? We always end up watching the Bellagio fountains in Vegas -- curious how they compare.

I love the Bellagio fountains - I stood and watched them for the entire hour to get the complete cycle.

I am curious as well - if we should go to El Corte Ingles or wait and go to this store on the pier on the morning of embarkation.

As I've said before (as well as others), visiting foreign supermarkets is an event in itself. I can't remember if you like it or if it reminds you too much of your work.

Moon pies are yummy! Especially with a grape Nehi soda or an RC cola
On my trip to the Blue Ridge I bought two extra moon pies and two extra Nehi grapes for my mom....

I always heard the combo RC cola and a moon pie - my dad mentioned the Grape Nehi recently; that was the first time I'd heard that - and now you mention it I can't do chocolate and soda together - too much of a shock to the system. Nothing like a Goo Goo Cluster Supreme with pecans in place of the peanuts. Yum. Haven't had one in over a decade, though.

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

As I've said before (as well as others), visiting foreign supermarkets is an event in itself. I can't remember if you like it or if it reminds you too much of your work.

I get a kick out of it. I liked going to Tesco in the UK to check it out - and I like stocking up on the Cadbury chocolate varieties they have there that we can not get in the States. I noticed that the UK also has a lot of different flavors of potato chips that we do not have here.

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

I saw the first draft of the pub crawl T-shirt design from my graphic designer friend tonight and am excited to pass it on for everyone. We've gone back with some changes but I should have a final version by the end of the week.

The logo integrates mickey ears and cocktails in a fun way.

Stay tuned!

 

[pkicinski]

Am interested in linked dining with DVC members. We are two "young" 60s and would love to sit with other DVC couples. Cannot give info you request until we've posted 10 times

 

[auntlynne]

You can easily make 10 posts.

Each one can be one word or a sentence.

Tell us a little bit about yourselves.

make each brief - you only need 6.

try not to make your posts the epics that I somehow cannot avoid creating.

 

[PFlamingo]

I saw the first draft of the pub crawl T-shirt design from my graphic designer friend tonight and am excited to pass it on for everyone. We've gone back with some changes but I should have a final version by the end of the week.

The logo integrates mickey ears and cocktails in a fun way.

Stay tuned!

That sounds exceedingly cool!! Do we have a ballpark price yet?

 

[Schmendrick54]

No, not everyone dresses up to the nines. It does seem these longer cruises that more do, but the vast majority are just in very nice, as you say, clothing. Last year's WBTA was the first cruise I have worn a long dress and that was our 6th cruise. I called it a formal dress but really it was a dressy maxi dress!!!

John refused to cruise for donkey's years because of the thought he would have to dress up, but he loved the one time he wore a tux. Ah, all those lost years we could have been cruising!!! He just wears a suit now as he doesn't own a tux and we don't want the added expense of renting one. However he looks fantastic in one. I think all the guys do actually.

Don't stress and just enjoy.

Just to amplify what Marilyn wrote -- I was one of those guys who didn't think I would enjoy cruising, and one small part of that was thinking it was a pain to get dressed up. After going on a cruise with my wife's extended family a few years ago, I discovered I loved it. This WBTA will be my 12th cruise (and second on Disney -- we will also be on the Magic for the August 20 Mediterranean cruise).

As far as dressing up goes, my experience on RCCL, NCL, Costa, Princess, and Celebrity (and I expect no different on DCL) is that some people (including me) wear tuxes (I wear one with tails); but most men just wear a coat and tie. Many more just choose to eat in the buffet and skip the whole dressing up bit.

As far as cost, my wife discovered that many formal wear rental shops sell used tuxes for a very reasonable price. The total cost of my tux was only a little more than the cost of a rental (about $140 versus about $95 to rent.) Since she bought mine I have worn it at least 20 times. And I find it kind of fun to wear. It is almost like going to a costume party. Since I normally wear shall-we-say very informal attire, it is kind of fun to confound my friends when they seem me "cleaned up".

But the main message is not to worry about it. The first rule of cruising is "Don't talk about cruising" -- No wait -- that's Fight Club. The first rule of cruising is "Relax and have fun!"

Regards,
Jerry

 

[Dopeylover54]

I believe we are going to the Hard Rock - not sure if we will eat there or not, as I would like to go have tapas somewhere - and then maybe to El Corte Ingles for wine shopping!

We did a precruise meet on the 2010 WBTA at Tapas Tapas with about 12 Disers, and had a great time. So if anyone is up for a meet let me know, and I will try a put something together.

Tapas Tapas
44 passeig de gracia barcelona

 

[Pinky166]

ON the EBTA when we were in Barcelona, we found ourselves in the middle of a shoot out between police and protesters... gun shots going off all around us... over 100 people hurt. NO I did not feel safe and cancelled my hotel reservations to stay there for a few days.... I wanted out of there asap. I hope the protest are calming down there but heard they are still protesting.

Wow that is scary!!!! Was that after this year's EBTA?

I get a kick out of it. I liked going to Tesco in the UK to check it out - and I like stocking up on the Cadbury chocolate varieties they have there that we can not get in the States. I noticed that the UK also has a lot of different flavors of potato chips that we do not have here.

You'll also find the Cadbury chocolate bars that you get in the US taste quite different from the UK version....ie Milky Way, Snickers etc.

The crisps (potato chips) comment made me laugh as we do have lots of flavours in the UK but my fave is Salt & Vinegar Lays and I crave them between trips!

 

[kentgirl]

I get a kick out of it. I liked going to Tesco in the UK to check it out - and I like stocking up on the Cadbury chocolate varieties they have there that we can not get in the States. I noticed that the UK also has a lot of different flavors of potato chips that we do not have here.

Have to agree about potato chip varieties, but we always have to bring home a case of Cheetos !

 

[granmaz]

Could that "white frilly blouse" really be a "puffy shirt?" "I don't wanna be a pirate!" (Thanks Seinfeld show). That, The Dread Pirate Roberts (from The Princess Bride) and The Pirates of Penzance, are the only pirates I really like. (Although I have watched, repeatedly, any of the POC movies when they are on TV).

You sure can wear a puffy shirt. I think that is more pirate like. Mine was a blouse I had already. Only thing I bought was some cheap big jewellery!!!

Am interested in linked dining with DVC members. We are two "young" 60s and would love to sit with other DVC couples. Cannot give info you request until we've posted 10 times

We are a "young" 60's(well we think so) couple who are DVC members.

You'll also find the Cadbury chocolate bars that you get in the US taste quite different from the UK version....ie Milky Way, Snickers etc.

What on earth does the US do to our Cadbury's chocolate. Please don't think that is the real thing over there.

 

[auntlynne]

I've heard they add parafin (or some edible wax) to keep them solid. Ugh.

 

[squitty]

You'll also find the Cadbury chocolate bars that you get in the US taste quite different from the UK version....ie Milky Way, Snickers etc.

The crisps (potato chips) comment made me laugh as we do have lots of flavours in the UK but my fave is Salt & Vinegar Lays and I crave them between trips!

We love all the Lays varieties Wish they would sell them here.

Have to agree about potato chip varieties, but we always have to bring home a case of Cheetos !

My DD loves the huge cheetos. I always have to bring back some of those for her.

I've heard they add parafin (or some edible wax) to keep them solid. Ugh.

Eugh!! that sounds awful

 

[granmaz]

Yes, I had heard they added a wax to chocolate in hotter countries. YUK!

 

[melonz]

Have to agree about potato chip varieties, but we always have to bring home a case of Cheetos !

They don't even make them into our suitcase. DD 14 is OBSESSED

She has a cunning plan which I've now sussed. She says she'l buy them out of her money but as it's a "food" I say that I'll pay and we can share. The problem is they are GONE before anyone else wants any.

I've heard they add parafin (or some edible wax) to keep them solid. Ugh.

Yummm