*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* - From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 5

[smootenloopers]

I enjoy having a long a countdown to my holidays

This made me check out my countdown timer for upcoming cruises. It currently reads, 33, 273, 342, 370 and 440 days!

I plan to book a few dummy dates while onboard since the 2013 dates probably won't be out by then.

 

[birkner]

Hi all!

After months and years of wanting and dreaming of going on a Disney TA I finally was able to book it today!

I have been eagerly reading the boards about this cruise on and off for months, not sure if we could make it or not. We couldn't make the decision because my husband just didn't know if he could do it with work. Well, he finally told me there was no way he could do it and I was so depressed that I just decided to book just for me and our 4 year old daughter! So here we come just the 2 of us!

I know a lot of the deadlines for get togethers have passed, but I hope we can still join in on some things. I'm game for anything and would enjoy the company!

Looking forward to meeting everyone! I've got a lot of planning to do!

Jenny and Filippa

Welcome aboard Jenny and Fillippa!! We are Noel and John and this will be our 5th cruise on DCL. Our last cruise was the 2010 WBTA so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask or PM me.

My DH John and I have created a website for you view other cruisers and sign in with your information. WBTA Website
If you want to add your picture to the website, you can send it to us at nbirkner@yahoo.com
Please check this first page of the thread to orient yourself about the cruise, DIS members on the cruise and all the activities planned.
To help you with all the activities that are planned, here is some information to help you decide if you want to participate:

01. If you are interested in participating in the Fish Extender Exchange (FE), please PM Pat (PFlamingo) with the following details:
Send her your stateroom number, Disboard name, first name of each person in the stateroom, realtionship to you (DH, DW, DD, DS, etc) ages and gender of children. You can cut and paste the format below.
Stateroom #:
Disname:
First name:
Age:
Disname:
First name:
Age:
Cutoff date for joining the FE is August 1, 2011.

02. If people are interested in being in the same area as other DIS'ers to send Dan (Cliffy97) a PM with Lead Passenger name, your booking number and if you are Early or Late seating. Dan was told by Disney today that this is all they need to put folks together. . Linked Dining

03. If you are interested in the Candy Swap, please PM Christina(Just love Eeyore ).

04. If you are interested in Secret Mickey Exchange, please PM Karen (karentan).

05. If you are interest in getting a WBTA lanyard, please PM Noel (birkner). See this lanyard link for example of the previous 2010 WBTA lanyard. Hopefully, a group of DISers will volunteer to underwrite the lanyards as they did last year so they will be free to the rest of the DISers. We already have several people offering to be part of the lanyard underwriting group. If you wish to join, please send Noel (Birkner) a PM. If we get enough members, the cost should be $10 or less per member.

06. If you are interested in a WBTA lanyard pin,please PM Noel (birkner). See the lanyard link above for example of the previous 2010 WBTA pin. Cost will be 5 Euros per pin. Payment is to be made by June 30, 2011 to birkner@needinfo.com on PayPal. Contact Noel (birkner) if you have more questions about pins. * Just a quick note on Lanyard pins. I have ordered a couple extra pins so if you want a pin, pls PM me, first come, first served until the pins are all sold.

07. If you are interested in participating in a Mickey Mouse Club night, please check out this Mickey Mouse club post. Plans are to do this event on Monday September 19 at both early and late seating dinners. We will all wear our Mickey Mouse shirts and ears!!

08. I am organizing two tours in Madeira. West we did last year and also one for East Madeira. Here is the a PDF file that gives more information about the 2010 tour. If you are interested, please send Noel (birkner) a PM.

09. We are also going to do a Champagne Girls meet. The Champagne Girls event originated on the WBPC cruise in 2008. Women get together dressed in pink to drink champagne or non alcoholic bubbly and chat. Pictures of the first meet are in this post and pictures from the last WBTA are in this post. Please PM (Clare)Pinky166 to add you name to the list.

10. If you would like to join in the Scrapbooking Exchange, please PM Clare (Pinky166) with your name and room number. The idea is to give your fellow exchangers some scrapbooking embellishments for use in your scrapbooks after you return home! For more info check this post.

11 Join us for a Pajama breakfast on September 18 at 10:00 AM at Lumiere's. We will meet outside Lumiere's at 9:50 AM to take group pictures. If you are interested, please PM Mandy (MandyGirl) with the number in your party.
Here is the picture from the PJ breakfast on last years WBTA.

12. Mandy (MandyGirl) is organizing a Tortola Excursion of a group rate day sail on a power catamaran to Jost VanDyke with Tortola Charters. Please PM Mandy with the number in your party if you are interested in being added to the standby list of this full excursion.

13. Squitty (Michelle) is organizing private Mixology and Mojito tastings. If you are interested, send her a PM for details.

14. Karen (Pixie Dust For Me!)is organizing stateroom tours, but we can't do it without you! PM me with your stateroom assignment and room number and we will tour as many staterooms as possible. It would be great to get one in every category!
When: Definitely on a sea day....stay tuned for which day!
Time: TBD
Where: You will be given a list of participating stateroom numbers and categories the day after we embark (to account for all those upgrades, don't you know )
Refreshments: Optional per discretion of stateroom participant.

15. If you want a designed DIS tee shirt for this cruise, follow the instruction in this post. DIS Tee shirt

16. Cliffy 97 (Dan and Bruce) are organizing a typical English pub crawl on Friday, September 16 from 1:00PM until 5:00PM. We can then restart after dinner.
Those who were interested will 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 imagine we can spend 20-30 min at each location versus the 5-10 min you have on the monopoly pub crawl in London.

Tee Shirt Order Site
More details on the pub crawl here: Pub Crawl

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.

17. If anyone wants to organize a postcard exchange, please feel free to start one. What we did las year is bring a postcard from where we lived and left in each other's FE. It is best to limit the number of participants no more than 25 as cost and weight to bring become an issue.

18. If you are interested in joining us for a farewell lunch, contact Claire (Pinky166) to be added to the list.
Come & join us for a farewell DIS lunch on the last sea day. Thursday 22nd Sept at 12.15pm, we are not sure which of the three rotational restaurants will be open on that day, should there be more than one open I have put them in order of preference - 1st Lumiere's, 2nd Parrot Cay or 3rd Animator's Palate.
Please make sure you check your Navigator that morning to see which restaurant is open for lunch as I won't be able to tell you in advance.
Please PM me if you'd like to join us and I will add you to the list, then once onboard notify the restaurant so they can seat us together at some large tables.

19. Hard Rock Cafe Meet. Some of us are hoping to meet up for drinks/a meal the evening of Friday 9th September at 6:30 PM at the Hard Rock Cafe on Placa Catalunya and is being organized by Sarah (Totally Angelic). Please send her a PM if you want to join in the fun!

20. Jane (We'reAliens) is organizing a Book Exchange. The idea is that a large bag will be hung on handrail outside stateroom 7120 available for anyone to borrow and, of course, donate books.

21. Jill (TxMermaid1) is organizing a dive in Tortola. Here is the info on the dive trip for Tortola Group leader lead by Jill Bouska, PADI Master Scuba Diver Instructor. Tortola Dive
(http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41602319&postcount=2002)

22. Nancy (Lionessa) wants to know if anyone interested or know about The Dolphin Royal Swim on Tortola? She is looking at booking it directly and would be very happy to share a taxi (minivan) with others who are interested. If you book ahead of time directly with the company you receive a discount. The Dolphin Royal Swim is for adults & children age 8+. ($149.00 adult) ($129.00 child) For the two, the total would be 278.00- discount= 208.00 US There are 4 shows as possibilities: 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm. Since the ship leaves at 3:45, she doesn't think the last 2 are good possibilities. Please PM her for details and more information.

23. Nancy (Lionessa) is organizing a HealthErcise group which will begin now (you can join anytime) precruise each day until we sail off. Then after we sail off, it doesn't stop there! On-board each day,we meet at a pre-arranged time to exercise together either on Deck 4 or the gym. During this time we support each other day after day until the end of the cruise with our goal of staying healthy with exercise while enjoying our meals and snacks.

You can exercise any amount of days you wish when we are cruising---one day, four days, or all the days. We will discuss what times and where (indoor or outdoor) are best to meet for exercise once we sail. Please PM her if you need more details and to join.

 

[cliffy97]

Can you take me & DH off the list please, we have a Palo High Tea reservation on the 13th so won't be able to do the pub crawl.

I will take you off, but you can always join us when we you are done

 

[JessicasMom]

Hi all!

After months and years of wanting and dreaming of going on a Disney TA I finally was able to book it today!

I have been eagerly reading the boards about this cruise on and off for months, not sure if we could make it or not. We couldn't make the decision because my husband just didn't know if he could do it with work. Well, he finally told me there was no way he could do it and I was so depressed that I just decided to book just for me and our 4 year old daughter! So here we come just the 2 of us!

I know a lot of the deadlines for get togethers have passed, but I hope we can still join in on some things. I'm game for anything and would enjoy the company!

Looking forward to meeting everyone! I've got a lot of planning to do!

Jenny and Filippa

How exciting for you ...is this your first Disney cruise? Welcome aboard!

 

[birkner]

Attention Daniel Taxi Madeira Tour Members

A couple of questions that I have answered may be ones that other tour members may have which have been answered by Eusebia.

1. If you want to take the toboggan ride, you MUST ride the cable car.

2. Yes, the Euro meal price includes one glass of water, plus one glass of wine or soda drink or juice. (this juice is not of the freshly squeezed type, it’s of a commercial brand). Coffee is also included. As they have juice as well, I think they’ll probably add it to the children’s menu. They will also provide milk, if necessary.

3. As far as tipping is concerned, it’s not compulsory here, but your waiter or your driver will thank you for it, however tip only if you feel like it. Up to 10% of the bill, is what is, usually, given here. I’m sorry, but here the tip is not added to the bill, you either give it to the waiter or leave it on the table.

 

[MandyGirl]

We live 1 hour from NYC so we go in a lot. We see about 2-3 shows a year. Les Mis is my absolute favorite. Saw it 4 times. Phantom twice. Loved, loved, loved Wicked. We recently saw the Cirque Du Soliel show at Radio City. WE usually see the Radio City Christmas Spectactular. We alternate every other year with the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. My favorite. DH, not so much but I drag him anyway. I love to see the tree in Rockerfellar Center every year. It's been a tradition since I was a kid. Sometimes we just go in for dinner on a Sat or Sun. We love Little Italy. great places to eat. I love going into the World of Disney store in Times Square once in a while to get a mini Disney fix.

We are spending two nights in NYC prior to the hop over the pond to Barcelona, but also hoping to "take it easy". With two little ones, I think we are going to be just doing the FAO Schwartz to Empire State Building area, plus a view of the Statue of Liberty. Gotta work in our naps sometime.... But do you have any "must sees" for a 1 year old and newly-turned 5 year old? Oh - and souvenirs must be kept to a minimum LOL.

I think we will be hitting El Corte Ingles afterwards for "supplies" - they are open until 10pm!

We are too... wine and diapers I believe. I read they have Pampers and Huggies, and if packing room is too tight, it will be a wine-n-diaper run there!

Hi all!

After months and years of wanting and dreaming of going on a Disney TA I finally was able to book it today!

I have been eagerly reading the boards about this cruise on and off for months, not sure if we could make it or not. We couldn't make the decision because my husband just didn't know if he could do it with work. Well, he finally told me there was no way he could do it and I was so depressed that I just decided to book just for me and our 4 year old daughter! So here we come just the 2 of us!

I know a lot of the deadlines for get togethers have passed, but I hope we can still join in on some things. I'm game for anything and would enjoy the company!

Looking forward to meeting everyone! I've got a lot of planning to do!

Jenny and Filippa

Congratulations, Jenny and Filippa!! You will definitely have to meet my little Sarah. She turns five the week we board the cruise. The four of us are on our first Disney cruise (she has a baby sister), our first Transatlantic, and the first cruise for the kiddos. Super duper excited!!! Gotta run to go play a round of Princess Go Fish.... knowing I'll probably get beat!

 

[*Flower*]

DH has kind of decided to try to go to the Pub Crawl (now that it's not on a Formal Dining night) and I'd like to try to use the art on the 'official' shirts (he thinks my martini glass is too 'girly').

Can anyone post the Beer Glass Pub Crawl logo for me?
I'm doing a t-shirt order as I post, and would like to get his ordered with mine!

TIA......

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Is that El Cortes Ingles a store in Barcelona where you can buy liquor and groceries? We are doing a minivan tour of Barcelona the morning of the cruise with Namsupak, and both of us need to stop somewhere and buy some diapers. I also need to buy some various sundries, like suntan lotion, that I don't want to haul overseas in my checked back. And, of course, liquor. I really want a bottle of Kahlua and a bottle of vodka. So, if any of you know, would that be the place to go for ALL of that, or will we need to go to 2 stores? I'm not even sure I can buy Kahlua in Spain at a grocery store...

 

[Namsupak]

Hi all!

After months and years of wanting and dreaming of going on a Disney TA I finally was able to book it today!

Congrats and Welcome aboard! We're Lauren, James, and Lorelei. This is our 6th Disney cruise but DH and DD's first time in Europe. We're heading to Disneyland Paris prior to the cruise and can't wait! If you have a hotel prior to the cruise PM me and I can add you to the list.

No room assignment as of 5:48 Eastern Standard Time. It just dawned on me that they likely do not assign rooms over the weekend. More anticipation....

Time to start drinking!!!!!

Sounds like a drunken weekend for you I hope they get your room assignments to you soon! I wouldn't be able to stand not knowing.

 

[Namsupak]

The binky fairy is coming tonight... in preparation for this trip. I didn't want to have to buy new binkies and keep track of them for 3 weeks. So far so good. We told Lorelei that the binky fairy was coming to take her binkies and give them to little babies that didn't have any. She pulled the binky out of her mouth and looked so concerned. She held it out to me and said, "I give binky to babies I not need it" So keep your fingers crossed for us this works out cause she was/is quite the addict We're gonna let the blankie addiction continue however so maybe that will help.

 

[MandyGirl]

The binky fairy is coming tonight... in preparation for this trip. I didn't want to have to buy new binkies and keep track of them for 3 weeks. So far so good. We told Lorelei that the binky fairy was coming to take her binkies and give them to little babies that didn't have any. She pulled the binky out of her mouth and looked so concerned. She held it out to me and said, "I give binky to babies I not need it" So keep your fingers crossed for us this works out cause she was/is quite the addict We're gonna let the blankie addiction continue however so maybe that will help.

Good luck!!! Neither of my girls were binky girls... we had to figure out how to get rid of the thumb. (fingernail polish worked the first try... but it was almost age four for her!)

Is that El Cortes Ingles a store in Barcelona where you can buy liquor and groceries? We are doing a minivan tour of Barcelona the morning of the cruise with Namsupak, and both of us need to stop somewhere and buy some diapers. I also need to buy some various sundries, like suntan lotion, that I don't want to haul overseas in my checked back. And, of course, liquor. I really want a bottle of Kahlua and a bottle of vodka. So, if any of you know, would that be the place to go for ALL of that, or will we need to go to 2 stores? I'm not even sure I can buy Kahlua in Spain at a grocery store...

Yes - from what I have read, yes. They even have a nursing mother's room. The common brands I read when googling were Pampers and Huggies. Of course, with the Euro exchange rate... I'm almost wondering if it is almost as decent of a deal to use BabiesTravelLite. I would just hate to show up to our stateroom and our's be the one order that got messed up. I guess there is always Morrison's if that happens.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

My back up plan is Morrisons, and we have a lot of time in Gibraltar, but I'm worried about the holiday issue. I am also thinking of taking a cab ride to a store in Barcelona on Friday night from the Renaissance - I will probably be less rushed then than on Saturday morning when we are paying the big bucks for a tour before heading to a cruise ship....maybe some of us from the Renaissance (who aren't heading up to Hard Rock ) can share a cab for a supply run to the store?

Yes - from what I have read, yes. They even have a nursing mother's room. The common brands I read when googling were Pampers and Huggies. Of course, with the Euro exchange rate... I'm almost wondering if it is almost as decent of a deal to use BabiesTravelLite. I would just hate to show up to our stateroom and our's be the one order that got messed up. I guess there is always Morrison's if that happens.

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

*Flower* - PM me your email address and I will forward you the pub crawl artwork!

-Chris

 

[birkner]

My back up plan is Morrisons, and we have a lot of time in Gibraltar, but I'm worried about the holiday issue. I am also thinking of taking a cab ride to a store in Barcelona on Friday night from the Renaissance - I will probably be less rushed then than on Saturday morning when we are paying the big bucks for a tour before heading to a cruise ship....maybe some of us from the Renaissance (who aren't heading up to Hard Rock ) can share a cab for a supply run to the store?

We are getting into late for the Hard Rock but if you want to go around 7:30 ish, John and I would be willing to share a cab with you. We don't get in til about 5:45 PM so can't be earlier, let me know.

 

[Donaldcp98]

DH has kind of decided to try to go to the Pub Crawl (now that it's not on a Formal Dining night) and I'd like to try to use the art on the 'official' shirts (he thinks my martini glass is too 'girly').

Can anyone post the Beer Glass Pub Crawl logo for me?
I'm doing a t-shirt order as I post, and would like to get his ordered with mine!

TIA......

My DH might decide to join your DH. He's just not sure if he wants to drink a lot of alcohol.

 

[heatherLOVESmickey]

Hi all!

After months and years of wanting and dreaming of going on a Disney TA I finally was able to book it today!

I have been eagerly reading the boards about this cruise on and off for months, not sure if we could make it or not. We couldn't make the decision because my husband just didn't know if he could do it with work. Well, he finally told me there was no way he could do it and I was so depressed that I just decided to book just for me and our 4 year old daughter! So here we come just the 2 of us!

I know a lot of the deadlines for get togethers have passed, but I hope we can still join in on some things. I'm game for anything and would enjoy the company!

Looking forward to meeting everyone! I've got a lot of planning to do!

Jenny and Filippa

Welcome, Welcome! You are going to love it here on the boards with us! I am sort of a newbie myself. I think I have been here just over 2 weeks. My DH and I, Erik, just booked before I logged on. Can't wait to get to know you better!

 

[auntlynne]

Is that El Cortes Ingles a store in Barcelona where you can buy liquor and groceries? We are doing a minivan tour of Barcelona the morning of the cruise with Namsupak, and both of us need to stop somewhere and buy some diapers. I also need to buy some various sundries, like suntan lotion, that I don't want to haul overseas in my checked back. And, of course, liquor. I really want a bottle of Kahlua and a bottle of vodka. So, if any of you know, would that be the place to go for ALL of that, or will we need to go to 2 stores? I'm not even sure I can buy Kahlua in Spain at a grocery store...

There is a Carrefour supermarket < 2 km from the Renaissance.

You also can catch a complimentary shuttle
from the hotel to Las Ramblas at 10 am & 5 pm
and Las Ramblas to the hotel at 10:15 am & 5:15 pm

They have 5 euro per person shuttles from the hotel to Las Ramblas at 12n & 8pm and 12:15 & 8:15pm return

 

[*Flower*]

My DH might decide to join your DH. He's just not sure if he wants to drink a lot of alcohol.

That sounds good to me- does he want a shirt while I'm ordering? They're 50% off- and I'm getting a shirt with a different design so that I can tipple a bit also. Not a bunch- but a little. Let me know!

 

[auntlynne]

My DH might decide to join your DH. He's just not sure if he wants to drink a lot of alcohol.

Since it's a Disney cruise, you can buy your drink in one place and nurse it as you go from place to place. All the bars have the same owner.

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Maybe - our flight doesn't get into until almost 4, I would want to get the kids settled in, so that time would probably be good...It is exciting to think about so many of us from here being at the hotel the night before the cruise!

We are getting into late for the Hard Rock but if you want to go around 7:30 ish, John and I would be willing to share a cab with you. We don't get in til about 5:45 PM so can't be earlier, let me know.