Thursday June 23 - 29
page 123 - 171 (48 pages)
Chocolate, Diets and Tea
"Have I mentioned how much I just love our DIS group?!? 
Seems I wake up and go to sleep with you guys.... LOL! 
"
"Can I just say that my OCPD is kicking in already and we just booked two days ago! (Obsessive Compulsive Planning Disorder)!!"
ANOTHER REMINDER CUTOFF DATE FOR PIN ORDERS IS JUNE 30, 2011
Just a heads up for everyone who has not ordered or paid for a pin. I need to pay for the pins on June 30, 2011 so that will be the last day I will take payments for pins. If you have not ordered or paid for you pin, please do by June 30.
If you want to order a pin, they are 5 Euros each and must be paid for on my PayPal account which is birkner@needinfo.com and if you indicate the payment is a gift, the only fees you may have to pay is to convert to Euros if your principal currency is not Euros.
I will order a few extra pins but I can not guarantee you will have a pin if you do not order and pay for your pin by June 30!
New Cruisers
seawyse - "Well, here we go again, have just booked the west bound transatlantic, its only a couple of weeks since we got back from the east bound. Currently have a guarantee veranda cabin, will post cabin number when we find out where we are." -
Chris and Yvonne
Donaldcp98 - "WE ARE BOOKED!!! WOOOO-HOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cheer2: can I find anymore smiley's to show my excitement???????????"
Berries97 - "Booked today! Looking forward to this trip so much! It is going to be me and my DS (4), poor husband has a new job and cannot take the time off. Looking forward to meeting everyone! Now to catch up on all the info...." -
Kim
colkath2005 - "This will be our 8th
Disney cruise. We have never cruised with any other company. If its not broke etc. So let me introduce everyone:
Bill (snr) :My dad
Kath :My mum
Colette 32:ME!
Billy jnr (ds): 13 turning 14 on Sep 12th.
Jayden (ds) 11
Keegan (ds) 4
We are from Bristol (south west England).
We love the longer cruises and chose this one over going on the dream for 4 nights in Dec."
Happy Birthday Greetings
Lee -
Pinky166's husband
Looking For
I would love to do the WB TA, but my sailing partner has backed out. I doubt I can pull this one off if I couldn't split the cabin. I'm looking for someone who might be interested in having a roommate. I'm an easy going guy, work with kids during my day job, don't smoke, occasional drinker but not a guzzler. If you are interested, send me a PM.
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
Hotel Atrium Palace
Is anyone else stopping at the same hotel as us? Well I do know of another family actually, but it would be great to have a few more. They do a 10% discount on the cruise rate. Close to Las Ramblas and Placa Catalunya and it has a pool!!! We stayed fairly close to this area last year and it is a great spot.
http://www.hotel-atriumpalacebarcelona.com/en
What Are They Wearing?
For those new to
DCL cruising and don't like to be left out of the loop, here are some thoughts about Special Clothing:
Formal x 2 nights - Finally, a chance to wear your tiara and gloves!
Semi-formal night - think cocktail dress
Villains night - wear
purple and black (DIS tradition, not DCL)
Pirate night - well, they do own the POC franchise and rights to the POC name since they built the ride at DL
Mickey Mouse Club night - wear your Mouse ears, t-shirts can be ordered from Zazzle (this is a DIS event)
PJ Breakfast - (DIS event)
Pub Crawl - shirts available for order
Champagne Girls - PINK + boa + tiara
We'll be wearing lanyards (free - don't forget to order yours from Birkner) - you'll even have a personalized name tag. It really is fun when the crew knows who you are - and you are wondering "how?" until you look down and it hits you.
There will be DISers with personalized t-shirts on - utilizing many of the designs found on this forum. You can also design your own. Also, a great chance to wear all your Disney attire without having your co-workers (and non-Disney family members) roll their eyes.
Violence in Barcelona
My daughter and son-in-law were on the EBTA and I got a first hand report about the situation in Barcelona at the end of May. There had been a large group of economic/political protestors peacefully occupying the Placa Catalunya for a few weeks at the end of May. It so happened that the Barcelona football team (soccer for those of us west of the pond) was playing for the UEFA championship on May 29th (+/- a day) and traditionally the FCB football fanatics would gather and celebrate (or commiserate -- depending on the outcome) their championship on the Placa Catalunya. Apparently the Barcelona authorities, fearing these two groups would clash and violence/chaos might ensue, decided to Move the protest group out of the Placa Catalunya the day before the football game (Saturday, May 28th), which was the day the Magic arrived in port. This attempt to remove the protest group resulted in some violence and chaos.
My feeling is that while there is some reason for caution, I am not overly concerned about our visit to Barcelona. Of course, as they say on the internet, your mileage may vary.
Regards, Jerry
Churros
Here are links to a few pages that mention where "the best" churros y chocolate places are in Barcelona:
http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com/en/events/christmas/barcelona-chocolate-restaurant.html
http://barcelonafoodgirl.blogspot.com/2008/11/churros-and-chocolate-in-barcelona.html
http://www.deliciousbaby.com/travel/spain/barcelona/listing/granja-xocolateria-la-palleresa/
We had churros and chocolate in Madrid when we were there in May. It is a very thick sort of pudding chocolate that you could drink, but is better with a spoon.
The place to get it is at a Chocolateria. So if you see one of those, pop in for some churros con chocolate.
Here is a photo:
Chocolate
"On the subject of chocolate some of the best chocolate in the UK comes from a place called Hotel Chocolat
http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk
and Thorntons:
http://www.thorntons.co.uk
Both have stores in all major towns and shopping malls in UK and online. You may be able to find Thorntons chocolates in Morissons ( if it is open !! )"
Info on SCUBA DIVNG IN TORTOLA
TxMermaid1 - For those of you wanting to go diving in my group here is the info I received from the dive shop. I have been diving with this dive shop before and was very please with their services. They are located just a couple blocks from the pier. We would walk to the shop and fill out our paperwork, get our equipment and leave from there. I have asked to dive on the wreck of the Rhone. This is a nice and easy dive with lots of fish. I enjoyed this dive. The weather will depend on where we dive. As you know this is Hurricane season so we must watch this closely. Also remember I am a PADI master scuba diver instructor and will take good care of you. I will also be needing a buddy so if you would like to buddy with me just let me know. Here is the info as I received it.
We can take a maximum of 8 divers and the cost per diver is $100 for a 2-tank dive for all certified divers. Or if the group would rather do a 1 tank dive it will be $80. The price includes dive equipment, snacks, drinks and towels onboard our dive boat.
Your ship arrives fairly early so we would be able to leave the dock by 9 a.m. and as we calculate a 5 hour turnaround youd be back by about 2 p.m. You should be able to get to our dive shop at 8.15a.m. to complete some paperwork and be fitted with wetsuits and mask and fins where needed. Please provide us with a list of BCD sizes and names beforehand to help us get the boat set up first thing in the morning. That would be great.
You will be arriving in the middle of the hurricane season so its impossible to guarantee a dive site or even the possibility of diving. I believe, if there is even just a slight chance of a storm your ship will change course. However If the conditions allow it wed be more than happy to take you and your friends to the Rhone. To make a guaranteed reservation we normally require a 50% deposit, however, as its going to be in the middle of the hurricane season we would fully refund this deposit if there is a threat of a storm announced one week prior to your booking. By then your cruise ship will more likely than not have decided to change course.
I have attached a credit card form for the deposit if you wish to go ahead with a confirmed booking. Please let me know if you have any further questions or if there is anything else I can help you with.
I really hope the weather will allow us again this year to take you diving!
PLEASE PM ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED....
Jill
Pub Crawl & t-shirts
"Cliffy 97 (Dan and Bruce) are organizing a typical English pub crawl with a date TBD. Info so far is as follows:
On a sea day those who were interested would meet in one of the bars for ( Traditionally a half pint pounded, I would suggest a drink of your choice) and then visit (Crawl) every other bar on the ship at least once.
As we do not have to worry about anything closing or how we are getting home, I would I would imagine we can spend 20-30 min at each location versus the 5-10 min you have on the monopoly pub crawl in London."
"If you are interested in participating in the DIS Pub Crawl and would like to order a t-shirt commemorating this (burp) momentous occasion, please visit the following site
by Friday, July 22:
Pub Crawl Shirt Order Form
The final design of the shirt can be seen on that site.
Simply enter the size(s) and quantity you would like. I will gather all individual orders into one large order and coordinate from there.
PLEASE include your DISBoards user name in the comments section so I can follow up with you directly on shipping and payment!
When the order closes, I will follow up with you individually to secure payment via PayPal and get your shipping address.
The estimated cost is approximately $15 each (that's if we have an order for 20). A quantity higher than that would bring down the cost even more.
Please PM me with questions. Thanks!
- Chris&Jeremy
If you are located outside of the USA and want a t-shirt, please PM Chris&Jeremy and he will send you the artwork so you can have your own shirt printed locally.
For non-beer drinkers, you might like this design:
http://i.imgur.com/bcApu.png
photobucket:
Dolphin Tour in Gibraltar
"I am afraid I am having great difficulty with communication with this company. I have been sending them emails daily stating that I need to know what they are doing about the time, whether we can go back to the 10:15 time slot as originally arranged and basically just wanting to know what is going on. Apart from one email about 2 weeks ago which said they were trying to accomodate us on the 10:15 trip, but they had been approached by a cruise ship which was why they wanted us to move in the first place. They said they would get back to me the following day and I have heard absolutely nothing, despite me sending almost daily emails and it is becoming a bit stressful to be honest.
It appears to me that they have had a better offer from a cruise ship and they are not really interested in honouring our original agreement." -
TotallyAngelic - Sarah
Don't Forget a Whiteboard for Messages
Pixie Dust for Me! - I found Disney character whiteboards today at Target at the $1 spot! I bought several with the intention of using them as FE items but now with everyone searching for them I'm wondering if I should just offer them up here instead? They're all either Toy Story or Cars themed! -
Keri
Day Bag for Embarkation
"Another question for previous cruisers.....I was reading through some old posts and some people dont get their luggage delivered to their cabins until after dinner in the evening, so my question is, Is this normal procedure?
If so is it better to put things for the afternoon/evening in a carry on bag so that you have things with you when boarding?
having never cruised before this is all completely new to us so want to make sure we know whats what before hand!!!
Also for people who have stayed in inside cabins before, are there any tips for helping with the complete lack of natural light in the room?? Or is it something you get used to after a little while?"
Pack It in a Day Bay to Carry Onboard if
- It's Valuable (money, jewelry, medication)
- It's a Large Amount of Liquid (like bottles of drinks - more than 3 oz)
- You might need it before / for dinner (swimsuits, dinner outfit)
Alcohol Prices at Barcelona Port Terminal
Tod&Copper - "Hi all who queried the prices, DH confirmed that it was approx 9 for a litre bottle of vodka, 7 for a bottle of cava and the wine prices started from 6 upwards. There was a good selection of wines and spirits."
Tip #1 for Surviving an Inside Cabin
"Turn your tv onto the channel that shows the live camera at the front of the ship, and simply turn the sound off. When the sun comes up, it gradually lights up the screen, just like a window. Free, and works like a charm!"
"Sorry, but just a heads up that this NO longer appears to be an option...
I was on the Magic for 25 days this yr (ebta & med) and now they have changed to a fireworks type display after dark.
We tried to sleep with it but the constant fluctuating bright lights were impossible...add to that the fact that they didn't switch to the bridge cam quickly enough........impossible!!"
More Discussion About Barcelona Transfers
- "We arrive in Barcelona a few days before departure and will be staying at one of the recommended Disney hotels in Barcelona - but not booked through Disney. My question is: Can we get Disney transportation from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the cruise in Barcelona? And if so, does anyone know how much that would cost?"
- "Peggy, why don't you guys just take a cab? They line up at the airport & your hotel can call one for you on the morning of the cruise. That way you won't be arriving w/ a bus load of people to check in.
If you're nervous about the cab at the airport, just write down your hotel name & address and the directions in spanish (usually found on the hotel's website) and then you just give it to the driver."
- "Thanks Liz! We were just wondering about the Disney transportation, since we will be staying at a Disney recommended hotel. Last year we took taxis with no problem at all...just wanted to explore the Disney option. (Plus, we're going to be carrying a LOT more stuff along to the cruise ship - both clothes & booze!) Another thought...would the Disney transportation to the cruise ship also include them delivering ALL of our stuff directly to the room, where we wouldn't have to lug it to the ship? Just wondering..."
- "I know that they have offered this in the past. We did their transfers in London last year at one of their designated hotels. The cost will be different because they were taking us all the way to Dover, so you'll have to check with them on that, but the benefits were many, actually.
Yes, they took the bags away and we did not see them until they appeared in out stateroom. But even more helpful was the fact that they checked us in for the cruise - KTTW cards & all! There is always a desk or area designated for DCL to take your bags, do check in, answer questions...
So you just check the bags & keep the carry-ons with liquids for them to put underneath the bus temporarily for you.
It's not always offered to those who aren't staying at the hotel, from what i understand (maybe a numbers thing), but I would give them a call to find out the specifics."
- "I was told by my TA (and confirmed by DCL) that if you do not book the hotel through DCL, you can not take DCL transportation between the airport and the hotel in Barcelona." - Chris
Shipping a Package to Barcelona Hotel
birkner - "You must go by weight. I can ship a 50lb suitcase w/o insurance through
Luggage Forwarders for $281. 25lbs would have been $168. I ONLY shipped used clothing as I was worried FE gifts might not make it through customs."
"This year it is $168 for 25lbs and $281 for 50lbs. Just checked."
Medications
If you have any medications that might be controlled substances in the countries you are visiting, please make sure you have proper prescription information (including original bottle, quantity of medication appropriate for length of visit, MD statement of medication need if controversial...). What's legal in your home country may not be so in others.
UPDATE - UNFORTUNATELY I HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT BOOKING THE LADIES HIGH TEA.
"I am very sorry to disappoint everyone but it has been impossible to book, even trying to book it through a concierge guest has not worked."
IN THAT CASE...
"We could try to get together in the coffee bar (it's called the Cove on the Wonder, not sure on the Magic) one afternoon, and just do our own thing with beverages and pastries, as someone suggested."
"That's a great idea why don't we pick a sea day and arrange to turn up at, say, 2.30 for an impromptu Cove Cafe DIS Afternoon Tea, I know it's not Palo high tea but, it'll be a great opportunity for a relaxed meet."
Photo Service
"I know Diser's will know this Does Disney have a Photo Pass type of service onboard the ship or is it completely different."
"
The Photo CD was $399. on the EBTA as well as the Panama Canal cruise. So I am sure it will be the same on the WBTA. There is no limit on how many photos go on your CD as long as it is for just 1 cabin. So.... if you plan to buy the CD and if you have kids and can afford it... you should, so take as many pictures as you can."
Gibraltar Taxi Tour
GatorMomInNC - "I have signed up for the Rock Tour Excursion through DCL. However, I also looked into hiring Paul Del Mar based on some recommendations of you fellow DIS'ers. I just heard back from him and here is what he wrote:
Thank you for your email, Iv'e attached for your information our Official Taxi Tour Brochure.
My mini-bus carries 8 people. What I would ask is, if possible, if there are others that would like to do the tour I would appreciate if you would invite them to join us on the tour. Due to the high volume of passengers on the day I would like to fill the mini-bus to full capacity ( if you wish to just go on your own I understand and would still undertake the tour)
The price for the tour's are as follows: (Minimum of 4 persons)
£22.00 sterling or Euros 25.00 (standard tour) entrance tickets included. Lasting approx 1hr 30mins
£30.00 sterling or Euros 33.00 (extended tour) entrance tickets included. Lasting approx 2hrs
So first question: Does anyone know the difference between hiring him and going on the DCL excursion? He is SLIGHTLY more expensive since DCL gives us a break on the kids, but I am hoping that if we have our own minibus we can get a more personalized tour. Specifically, I am trying to limit my mom's walking so I would like to be brought as close as possible to the sights.
Second questions: Would anyone like to join us and fill up the van?"
"
From what I remember we went first drove over across the airport runway, which is so strange to do so have your cameras ready, and had a look at the border crossing to Spain.
We drove through town and went to Europa Point. We also stopped at a huge Gun and mini museum about said gun.
We went right up to the top where the buses don't go and there are fantastic views all the way down to the ship. Great photos.
Now I begin to get muddled!! We went to where the apes are, though you see them all over, and you can get out and have photos taken with them. Siege tunnels and the war tunnels. Again, apes a plenty. I also think there is another spot where you can photo the apes. He leaves you to go into the 2 tunnels on your own, but there is lots of information there for you to read.
All the time Paul is talking about the history and adding lots of interesting bits and pieces. He is a bit of a history buff. He grew up in Gibraltar. Plenty of time for lots of great photos as long as the cloud isn't down. He did suggest a lunchtime set off to us because there is more chance of a clear view and also it isn't as busy."
For Dutch Readers
Con5421 - "I have been on the TA 2010, after that i did the Mexicaanse Rivera whit Disney. If you like you can look on our blog for the picture, the site is in dutch but you can translate it if you like.
I now some people on this forum that's why i post this and for the dutch people on this forum.
http://disneycruise-la-mexico.blogspot.com
I also will make a blog for our next cruise this will be on
RCCL. - Connie
Can't believe all the good info swirling about on this forum! DH and I have a nighttime ritual of trying to catch up--I say trying because it's impossible, lol!
For you foodies, here is what we are doing on the 9th in Barca:
http://www.cookandtaste.net/
I have been on this ship 2x before yet never entered Palo--what is your fave for brunch and/or dinner? We have ressies for both; sadly no tea.
I love brunch-all the seafood and the scones at tea are to die for. I was fortunate to get my ressies for both.
"I looked at the same cooking option for the 9th-the cooking school looks like fun. So far I am signed up for a semi private 8 hour tour with Barcelona Day Tours for Montserrat and Cava. It is 79 Euros and can accomodate 5-12 people. They will let me know when they have the minimum signed up so if anyone is interested check them out at BarcelonaDaytours.com. We are doing a 1/2 day tour with them on the 8th of Barcelona to see the high points. If they can't get enough people to do the Montserrat and Cava tour I would enjoy the cooking class-my husband not so much although he likes the eating part.
Is anyone doing or have you done a flamenco show at the Spanish Village? I don't know how much I can cram into 2 days in Barcelona. Thank goodness the first sailing day is a sea day so I can rest."
Onboard Internet
"I don't mind taking 14+ days, but my boss isn't such a fan! Appeased him by promising to bring the laptop and check in every day. It's not that I'm indespensible, but he's a worrier."
"Good luck on that! You will find there really isn't any internet while we are crossing the atlantic. When you do get a connection, closer to land, it is so slow you usually give up after about 15 min of waiting to bring up a website. We bought the 500 Min. package for $150 and had to get a refund because we just could not get online. We were not the only ones. Please do not depend on getting online, even DCL's computers are bad, actually worse. You may want to tell your boss if he does not hear from you it is not because you are having way too much fun to contact him, but that you tried and it was impossible...... Sorry to be the bearer of bad internet news...."
WiFi in Madeira
I know there's free WiFi in Madeira in the shopping center; I used it last year. The woman beside me was on Skype on her brand-new iPad. I was on an iPod touch.
Cell Phones
I have AT&T, so last year when I did a EBTA, I added International Roaming Voice for $5.99 and then it was 99 cents a minute. But that roaming application only applies while you are in port so you can connect with a tower there, not in open water. It cost much more if you could get a signal. I cancelled the Intl. Roaming when I got home.
I did use my phone, but made quick calls. So check your options with your provider.
Scrapbooking Supplies
poohluv2u...
Just a thought ... although it won't help you much before the cruise. I have bought scrapbooking supplies from
http://www.scrapyourtrip.com/disney.html before and they have lots of cool stuff for Disney and cruising. They are located in Florida and are super helpful, I'm sure they could arrange for stuff to be sent to your hotel. That way you could avoid expensive shipping fees and custom taxes."
Booking Excursions
"And another question... we can book excursions, but if we are not 100% sure yet, we can cancel up to 3 days prior to embarkation, correct? And these are charged to our onboard account, right? (That's what I'm thinking... want to verify though!)"
"This is what DCL answered me when I mailed them with the same question.
All pre-reserved services can be booked or cancelled up to 3 days prior to saildate via our website. After that time, all reservations are final and the cost of the pre-reserved port adventures will be charged to your shipboard account onboard."
SIGN-UP
Just a reminder to everyone that I am still taking sign ups for the Champagne Girls meet, the Farewell Lunch, the Ladies only High Tea and the Scrapbook Exchange. All details on Page 1!!!!
Please remember you must PM me to join. -
Claire Pinky166
I now have a huge selection of teas in my drawer at work.
Tea and drink WAY too much of it!!! I don't think the kettle every truly cools down in our house. So 2 weeks without decent tea is almost too much to bear. Last year I took my own tea bags, but the water onboard isn't ideal for tea. This year I might grab a BIG bottle of mineral water from Morrisons and pack my travel kettle.
We called him "Dogzilla." He seems to be fine when he shares a crate with Luna. He has stayed with my parents a couple of times and didn't have a problem. They have a dog about his size and the two of them like to "fight" over the squeak toys. But the longest we've left him is a week, and he's never been to a boarding facility. Mom and Dad vetoed taking him for three weeks, so he has to board with the rest of the gang.
thumbsup2
), that is our main place.
I'm off to peg out the next lot 
Lucky you being able to just drive down there 
