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

[Tod&Copper]

I'm looking forward to seeing your pics....along with the Med one's!!!! The atrium is jaw dropping, we took a gazillion pics of the atrium & chandelier.


I love Pink, I hope you had an extra glass of bubbly for me


I can't believe he tried to sell a cabana for $300 when you were only docked for a few hours...the cheek!!! Did you ask him about how we do the split Cabana thing so we all get our wristbands? As far as i'm aware the lead party (ie Pat ) has to go to the excursions desk on the ship in advance so we all get our wristbands left in our room the night before? Is this right?

I'll need to get that sorted for you so you can see the med pics, I have been slightly busy and haven't managed yet

The champagne in Pink was gorgeous, I had a glass of pink tattinger with a chocolate pudding of some sorts with it (just for you) and had an "absolutely fabulous" champagne cocktail

TBH I didn't ask about the wrist bands, I had just assumed that it would all be fine Pat sorting out the names at the Port Excursions Desk once we boarded

4 weeks today & I will be on my way to Barcelona!!!!! It's really coming around so fast now!

1 month today until we sail Think that warrants a happy dance even if I can't do a document dance yet!!

dancing with you

We're just going to leave the date as is, moved the time to 8:50 pics / 9:00 PJ breakfast, and will just deal with character breakfast changes for whoever is affected.
Hopefully we WILL arrive prior to 11:15. Definitely prefer more time at Castaway Cay!

We'll just keep our fingers crossed that it doesn't clash with anyone's character breakfast, but we're happy to leave it at 18th

Here's a happy thought: In 31 days at this time (counting the time difference its 3:15 in Barcelona), we will be on the Magic! I will have already gone to Palo and tried for another reservation, had my lunch at Topsiders and now I will be unpacking my things into my lovely stateroom. Ah, that makes me feel so good!!

30 days now

Ok, the lady has got back to me...she must of heard the stress and panic in my voice...lol's

Good news, hope they get back to you both soon for all our drinking sessions, so we can get organised!!!!

For my flight, I have a 8.5 hour layover in London...i've never flown internationally before, does anyone know if they will check my bag through to BCN? It was booked as one flight, and both legs are on British Airways.

Also, anyone that's done a TA before...how is the cell service on the crossing? Will I be able to get a text? My sister is going to find out if she is pregnant sometime AFTER we leave Madeira (of course) and I really, really can't wait to find out!! If texting won't work, what would you suggest as the best way for a quick yes or no...maybe email?

I can't believe in one month, we will be sailing!!!

Mary, just confirming what others have said, BA should check your luggage straight through no problems. We fly with BA internationally quite often to the USA with connecting flights. As Claire said, just check with the check-in desk that they are being checked straight through and that your luggage tags say BCN, then you will know you don't need to pick them up in London.

It may depend on who your cell phone provider is, but we had service most of the way from Barcelona across the pond. My DD telephoned me in the middle of the Atlantic for a chat and also I was receiving texts. My phone picked up the "WMS" world mobile satellite service, it did cost a fortune though.

 

[Tod&Copper]

door bell has just rung..... there's only one person who comes to my door at 8 ish in the morning, the Fed-Ex man

Cruise docs are here

Of course, they are addressed to DH, but I opened them

 

[squitty]

door bell has just rung..... there's only one person who comes to my door at 8 ish in the morning, the Fed-Ex man

Cruise docs are here

Of course, they are addressed to DH, but I opened them

Yay Mary Mine were addressed to DH too I opened ours

 

[Pinky166]

I felt I must say a public thank you to all the 'posters' who have been so helpful to a newbe like me. I, personally, have dealt with Noel, Josh, AuntLynn, Karen, Cliffy97 (whomever you may be), Pinky 166 (ditto)and so many others whos names I can't remember. It is our first Disney cruise experience but all that you have done makes it the best pre-cruise experience we have ever had! Thanks to all! Charlie and Jean

You are more than welcome Jean, we were all new here once upon a time.

This is Hazel just so you know who's opinion this is lol.

I totally agree.

I am trying to personalize my FE gifts, I have sent some Pm to people that I don't have, Please check if you were one. If someone else is personalizing gifts and have last names please pm and maybe I can get them from you. Thanks Cindy

I have most surnames for the Barcelona & Madeira groups so PM who you need & i'll check my list.

cliffy97 is Dan, from greater London, and Pinky166 is Claire (I'm going with memory here - from Herts, England - don't know where that is, though - another excuse the look up something on Google).

Herts = Hertfordshire, which is in the South East. We are about 45 minutes drive North of London.

Wow. That's just so wrong. (I mean the 11 yr old and the school worker were wrong, not bringing them to court.)

I wonder, too, how many of the rioters really are the "frustrated unemployed" and how many are just using this as an excuse for bad behavior.



Totally agree with you!

This is one of our pet peeves at WDW (among other places). I'm not talking about kids being kids, or letting little kids get in front of me to see a parade. (Kids, yes. Whole family who shows up at the last second, no.) I'm talking about kids who are allowed to be holy terrors because "we don't want to hurt their self esteem by correcting them." Sorry, I do not want your child visiting my table during dinner to do his/her little song and dance, no matter how cute you think he/she is. And if he/she starts screaming, please take him/her out (completely open to interpretation). Unfortunately, I think we're at the point where many of the parents were told they were the center of the universe when they were children, and now they're treating their children that way.

Show of hands: "No one gave a rat's behind about my self-esteem, and I turned out okay."


Honestly, though, I was taught that self-esteem comes from working hard and trying your best - no matter how "menial" the task may seem. You don't always win, or get the job, or get the guy/girl, but you don't get mad and give up, either. And you always treat people with respect - even if they don't treat you that way, others will notice how you behave and respect you for it.

I really do appreciate the way everyone discusses so respectfully here!

It really is crazy this morning the newspapers are full of more stories, one girl who lives with her parents in a $1.6m house! etc is really is a case of they have used it as an excuse to run amok.

That is one of my pet peeves too.

Claire yes it was Dorothy Hope you get a response soon.

I think i'll email her again today.

I'll need to get that sorted for you so you can see the med pics, I have been slightly busy and haven't managed yet

The champagne in Pink was gorgeous, I had a glass of pink tattinger with a chocolate pudding of some sorts with it (just for you) and had an "absolutely fabulous" champagne cocktail

TBH I didn't ask about the wrist bands, I had just assumed that it would all be fine Pat sorting out the names at the Port Excursions Desk once we boarded

I was only teasing you.


I had the Absolutely Fabulous cocktail too, very nice.


Ok thank hun, i'll send Pat a message.

 

[Pinky166]

door bell has just rung..... there's only one person who comes to my door at 8 ish in the morning, the Fed-Ex man

Cruise docs are here

Of course, they are addressed to DH, but I opened them

Hopefully all the others will be received today to.

 

[auntlynne]

WEEKLY RECAP
Thursday August 4 - August 10
Pages 122 - 170 (48 pages)


Yeah, 'cause I really want a snack after looking at dead fish.

...but I have seen a pack of wild turkeys out my window... (I guess she got an oceanview room)

I have found a happy place, a new zen regarding my lack of room assignment

but I just can't fathom a world where my grandkids grow up without balloons. Total bummer!


WELCOME NEW CRUISERS

CruisingSwedes
Jenny and Filippa

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!

...This is my 3rd Disney Cruise. We did Magic in the Caribbean twice with our older daughter, and also with my sister and nephew. We loved every minute of it!


SHE HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY

PFlamingo - Dennis gave me a beautiful orchid (I told him about the clear pot thing, Claire), and at the moment we are sitting around drinking champagne (yes, actual champagne, from France) after eating a delicious appetizer of portabello mushroom caps stuffed with crab and shrimp that he picked up on his way home from work. We're about to fire up the grill to cook the steak and lobster. The dogs are all cuddling up with us on the couch. Does it get any better than this?


CONGRATULATIONS

colkath2005 - Colette - Been very busy last couple week with personal trainer exams and i have now qualified as a spin instructor


HOPE YOU GET BETTER

Pinky166 - we suspect (DH) Lee has broken his middle toe! Poor thing is in agony but i've not stopped laughing. He was playing with the dogs when he got in from work last night and chased one of them who playfully ran off with his shoe, as he ran through the doorway he kicked the door frame.

goofieslonglostsis - hoping she's on the mend.

nick262 - Nickole Tell your DH that he is not the only one with a purple toe. I dropped 9 pounds of lead on my right middle toe on Saturday before my dives...This was a solid block weight too, not the "softer" bead kind. I just need one of those Bill Engvall stupid signs.

DING DONG! THE CRUISE DOCS ARE HERE!

Well, for some. And lots of cabins with GTY status, too.


PALO GROUP BRUNCH BUNCH #1

Your brunch is confirmed for 13 Sep at 10:30 am, Deck 10, aft. No jeans, please (or they will send you home to change). Tuesday, second Sea Day, following Madeira; your coordinator is binkytell - Sarah


PALO GROUP BRUNCH BUNCH #2

We are awaiting notification from DCL. Should be any day now.


PALO GROUP BRUNCH BUNCH #3 - BLACK PEARL BRUNCH

Your brunch is confirmed for 11 Sep at 10:30 am, Deck 10, aft. Sunday, first Sea Day; your coordinator is giraffe104 - Josh.


GROUP 4 PALO BRUNCH LIST IS FULL

We will be sending off the group reservation request for the following people:

Cliffy97 (2)
iansgran(2)
berries97(1)
Sorcerer-Mickey (1)
cruisingswedes (1)
2bndisney (1)
and four lucky people from the facebook wbta group.


OUR SUMMER STORY CONTINUES

(TotallyAngelc's daughter Taryn is working in WDW at Disney Hollywood Studios this summer)

She is ok and enjoying it lots but she is always tired .... she works long hours and only has one day off a week. She hasn't been into the parks at all since we left .... on her day off she does laundry and food shopping. I don't think she expected such long hours but she is taking it her stride ... good thing she has been to WDW so many times before, so she isn't missing out. I think Bethan must work shorter hours or be more organised with her home life, as she seems to fit in a lot of socialising. She loves the job though. I think it may well put her off doing the year long programme.

...I have been chatting to her on Skype this evening .. she doesn't mind too much about the long hours as she loves working in DHS, she just misses not having a lot of time off to go and chill. A lot of the others are taking extra days off, because you can give your shifts away if you want, so long as you have someone who will take them for you. She is really enjoying the work and says the people she works with are so lovely. Tonight she is working 6:30pm until 2:30am.


MADEIRA TOUR

If you are signed up for one of the Madeira Tours (East or West), organized by Noel (birkner), make sure you have sent her a PM about the activity at the end of the tour: Blandy's Wine Tasting, downtown shopping, or supermarket visit. You should have received a PM from her requesting this info - if not, let her know that.


FUNCHAL, MADEIRA

- Funchal is the capital town of Madeira and where the ship docks.

- There is a flower market in Funchal which is interesting with the gorgeous flowers including the birds of paradise, but also the sellers wear national costume. Makes for some lovely photos.

If I remember rightly it is towards the old town area. It is known as Mercado dos Lavradores.

You can walk there if you are fairly fit. It is a flat walk, but the market is towards the far end from the ship. Not as far as the cable car, but a street inland. There are hop on hop off buses I believe.

- They also have the fish market where you can see the scary looking scabbard fish laid out on the slabs ... there is a nice bar / cafe on the roof of the market where you can stop for refreshment.

This is a really nice site about Madeira and has some lovely photos.

http://www.madeira-web.com/PagesUK/index.html


CHAMPAGNE GIRLS

Here's a design by Hazel:

- "I tried to create my t-shirt at VistaPrint, and the resolution is too low for a good logo. So I'm going to have my DH up the resolution to something that will work and I'll VistaPrint it then. Go to www.retailmenot.com and you can get a link that will take 50% off of the cost of the shirt!"

A little information regarding the Champagne Girls event:

It is looking likely that there will be a $20 per person charge by dcl but that will include champagne, not sure exactly how much yet as I am still waiting for more details. Please note - once I have sent the final information on who is attending the event to dcl then this charge will automatically be added to your stateroom regardless of whether you show up to the event or not.
(The final confirmation won't be sent until a week or so before we depart, I also need to gather more information, state room no's etc, I will request this when I know exactly what info dcl require)

DCL have also said that we need a minimum of 20 (which won't be a problem) but a maximum of 50 participants....so if you want to sign up then please send me (Pinky166) a PM asap as we already have 45 on the list!

I will hopefully have more information in the next week or so, along with a confirmed time & date. I will let you know as soon as I have more information.

In the meantime get those pink boas & tiara's ready ladies!!! We are going to have so much fun!


THE MAGIC SAILED RIGHT PAST MY HOUSE

Sorry for the fuzzy picture but I was updating my avatar with a picture of the Magic sailing past my front door last year.

So I thought I would ask anybody else been able to view the Magic from the comfort of their own home - - Grumpy1234 Dover, England

MADEIRA - SANTA MARIA GALLEON TOUR

"I am calling them on the 17th to confirm my ressie with them. At that time, she will be able to tell me if I can go on the morning or afternoon one. She is waiting for DCL to decide if they are going to charter the whole boat for the morning tour or not. The lady is very sweet and speaks english well. I think her name is Marciella or something similar.

I will book it privately likely as DCL trip will be more expensive for the same thing ... 30 euros per person isn't bad at all."

- "where did you find it to book it privately, we wanted to do this but it was 95.00 dollars each with disney"

http://www.madeirapirateboat.com/

- "They do not care if you are coming in on the ship. I have spoken with them twice and they have been more than helpful. Her only thing was making sure that Disney was not going to charter the entire boat. If they don't, then we can go on the same morning tour. If they do, there is always the afternoon tour which gets back into port by 6pm, well in advance of us leaving at 9:30. Let me know what they say to you tomorrow as she asked me to wait until the 17th to call back as Disney does not confirm until 30 days out."


OCEANVIEW STATEROOMS

Found a post with a picture of a Deck 1 O/V:

Deck 2 (this one has a steamer trunk for storage) - cabin 2590:

cabin 2622 (doesn't seem to have steamer trunk):

Declk 7, cabin 7010:

The back of the couch actually folds down - it doesn't fold out like a sleeper sofa.

Here's a photo of the couch turned down, with a bed rail:

Thanks to those who posted on the Virtual Tour thread.


PRINTING ON MAGNET PAPER

"I had trouble with the second batch of magnet paper I bought too, I got it working eventually though by feeding it one at a time and really pushing it in until the roller picked it up and pulled it through."

"i had this trouble with the first few pages of my glossy magnetic paper, it wouldnt feed through properly.

try changing your settings. when you hit print, in the box that pops up asking printing preferences, one of them should ask about what type of paper you're using. one of my options was "super heavy gloss" or something similar. even if you're using matt, try using this setting as all it does is feed through slower and compensates for the heavier paper. clicked on that and it worked like a dream"

"I had a little trouble w/ it last night but took a flashlight to the printer and looked inside so I could figure out exactly what the problem was. The magnet paper by Avery (from Walmart) is matte and really thin, so that wasn't the issue - it was that the printer rollers caught the paper and then it wouldn't go up into the printer where it needed to.

So, I took the paper and rolled it up so it would have a natural curl to go up into the printer and it worked. I was very happy that it worked finally!"


SAVE THE MAGNETS

If the magnets I want are full sheet, I print on regular heavy paper and slide the result into a page protector with the magnet sheet behind. presto, interchangable.

If they're small designs, I still print them on heavy paper, cut out the designs and adhere them to the magnet sheet in the most 'papersaving' manner. Then cut them out again. For me, saving expensive magnet sheets is key.

Also, the magnetic backs on giveaway calendars, advertising fridge magnets and the like can be used for smaller things - the entire back doesn't need to be covered with magnet to hold the item up.


LOOKING FOR FUN IN BARCELONA?

Any foodies out there? Anyone considering taking a cooking class? Found this one on Trip advisor - its ranked #1 in Barcelona http://www.cookandtaste.net/ They have half day (3.5 hour) classes at 11am and 5pm. I'm really thinking about doing it. Flight lands at 8:30am so the 11am one might be cutting it close.

And is anyone wanting to go to this Flamenco show Friday night:
www.restaruantenervion.com
Starts at 9pm. Thought it would be fun, but would need to travel back to the Renaissance hotel that night so don't want to do it alone. Maybe if others are interested that are staying at the Renaissance, we could share a cab back. - sinnika

(Hard Rock - I think the plan is to meet up at about 6pm ... it will be very flexible as to how long people stay, but that gives people the chance to do something else later in the evening.)


DANIEL TAXI MADEIRA TOUR (NOEL'S TOUR)

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.

MISC CONVERSATIONS

- Weather predictions TA
- Musicals (Theatre)
- Flights London to Barcelona
- How far in advance did you book this cruise
- Palo pizzas in doggie bag
- Diaper (Nappy) prices in Barcelona
- Light Boxes for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), the winter blues
- Riots in England

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Date ... Day ... Port ... Event

• 10-Sep ... Saturday ... (Barcelona) ... Promenade Lounge meet-up 3pm
• 11-Sep ... Sunday ... (At Sea) ... (formal night) ... toddler meet-up, deck 9 splash area 10am + Group 3 Black Pearl Palo Brunch 10:30am Palo (giraffe104
• 12-Sep ... Monday ... (Gibraltar) ... Morrisons shopping trip! (opening hours approx 9-7pm)
• 13-Sep ... Tuesday ... (At Sea) ... Group 1 Palo Brunch 10:30 (binkytell)
• 14-Sep ... Wednesday ... (Madeira, Portugal) ... Madeira Tour (Birkner)
• 15-Sep ... Thursday ... (At Sea) (theme night - probably villains) ... The Magic Pub Crawl (Chris&Jeremy/Cliffy97)
• 16-Sep ... Friday ... (At Sea) ... (formal night)
• 17-Sep ... Saturday ... (At Sea) ... Champagne Girls!! (Pinky166)
• 18-Sep ... Sunday ... (At Sea) ... Pajama Breakfast (MandyGirl)
• 19-Sep ... Monday ... (At Sea) ... Mickey Mouse Club night
• 20-Sep ... Tuesday ... (St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles) (pirate night)
• 21-Sep ... Wednesday ... (Tortola, British Virgin Islands) ... Tortola Excursion to Jost VanDyke (Beach Day and Snorkeling) (MandyGirl)
• 22-Sep ... Thursday ... (At Sea) (semi formal) ... farewell lunch 12.15pm, location to be decided
• 23-Sep ... Friday ... (Castaway Cay, Bahamas)
• 24-Sep ... Saturday ... (Cape Canaveral, Florida)

WHERE DO I PUT THE SECRET MICKEY GIFT?

You can either find the stateroom host, put it in the FE if there is one, or leave it with guest services.


HALLOWEEN OUTFIT

OOOH, cute (and practical!!!) idea to dress up your little ones for pirate night!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2773399


CONSTRUCTION ZONE

Here is the text of a post I just saw on the main DCL forum:

When we were on the Magic in May/June, they were doing major upgrades in un-sold staterooms. Host told us that they planned to do this all summer as most of the cruises weren't full and it was one less thing that would need to be done in dry dock. It didn't bother our cruise enjoyment at all. They were changing out the tubs, replacing the cooling boxes with real fridges, replacing couches, etc. Another CM told us that the hold was crammed full of "parts" for this refurbishment.


DIS MEET IN ENGLAND

Friday, August 13, 8pm, meet at the Disney Store in Bluewater.


LINKED DINING

I will be sending the final list to DCL on Thursday Morning. So this means that Linked Dining requests will close at 8am UK time on Thursday 11 August.

Please let me know by PM if you would like to join.

Dan (cliffy97)


TIPS FOR BARCELONA

Thought I'd post a couple things I'd wish I'd known before we cruised from Barcelona in June. Not sure if these have been brought up before, but hopefully these will help someone - they would have helped me!

Luggage Transfer - there is a company that has a stand at the luggage carousel at the port after the cruise that will bring your bags to the airport for you. They meet you just outside the terminal. The charge was about 10euros per bag. This was a lifesaver as we had planned to actually take our bags to the airport and put them in a locker, then head back in to Barcelona for a day touring. It was so convenient and when we got to the airport the company van was waiting for us where they said they would. Saved us such a hassle!

Aquarium - there are also big lockers here that can hold small suitcases, carry-ons and duffle bags. Wish I'd also known that when trying to figure out what to do with the bags for the day!

Hop on Bus - the shuttle from/to the cruise ship is right where a Hop on Bus stop is. You can buy tickets at the stand right by the cruise terminal. They also give you a coupon book that has a discount for the Aquarium among other things.

...cabs in Barcelona charge about 2 euros extra per piece of luggage (including hand carries, strollers, big shopping bags). I had a fold up umbrella stroller that I put on my lap and my teenage daughter kept her smaller carry on on her knees and we were still charged the 2 euros for each of those pieces!


IN YOUR SPARE TIME

I'm thinking of getting one of these books for our trip, as I always seem to collect bits & bobs of stuff ... & pretty much anything that has Mickey on it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PFsArr4Z1s&feature=related

http://www.scrapyourtrip.com/8032011.html


SCUBA DIVERS

Here is a list of who I have going on the dives. If anyone has been left out or wants to go, please PM me. Also if anyone is on the list and does not wish to go, please also PM me. TxMermaid1

I need everyone on the list that needs gear to please send me sizes you need for BCD, Fins (they are usually footed fins) and wet suit.
I am looking forward to blowing bubbles with you underwater!

Scuba Tortola

TxMermaid1 Jill
Jinxleprechaun, Micheal
The Pickets, Damian
Karentan, Karen, Gary
Nick262 Nickole and Dom
babydiver Richard

St. Maarten’s Shark Dive

TxMermaid1 Jill
Chirpee Paul
Thepicketts Damian
Nick262 Nickole & Dom


CELLULAR AT SEA

What about the cellular at sea? I thought they turned that on once you leave port...I just wasn't sure how far away from land it works. I'm pretty sure it worked on our sea day on the Dream, saw some people with their phones...but not sure about the middle of the ocean. I may just have to have her email me...but I will be addicted to my phone that day!!

- Actually, DCL subscribes to the "Celluar at Sea" service which is basically a satellite link up to cell service. However, it is very expensive (several dollars per minute I believe) and is in addition to whatever charges you cell phone provider charges. You do need to be sure your cell provider also participates in the service.

- I agree that the communication is challenging once you start across the pond...

I did get a few random texts out there on the Atlantic...but who knows when they were sent!

I should mention too though that for about 5 or 6 days, the Internet was almost non-existent too....sorry! Most people were getting extensions of minutes and/or money back in May.

But have them try a text first, then email as a backup. With Verizon, it's 5¢ to receive (50$ to send), phone charges are $2.89 per min., and i don't remember a roaming charge on top of that actually, but there could have been (?)

I'm going without my family so I'm getting an internet plan and will text...it works pretty well for the first few ports & then again in the Caribbean....just has a big blank spot over the Atlantic crossing.

- It may depend on who your cell phone provider is, but we had service most of the way from Barcelona across the pond. My DD telephoned me in the middle of the Atlantic for a chat and also I was receiving texts. My phone picked up the "WMS" world mobile satellite service, it did cost a fortune though.


WHERE'S THE MAIL?

"Hmmmm... A few years ago I noticed that our mail was rather erratic. I would get notices in my mailbox that they tried to deliver something and that I wasn't here on days when I had been home watching the mailman put the notice IN my mailbox- he just didn't bother to walk up to my door (my house is up a slight hill!)

After that I always thought the mailman was slightly incompetent, but a lot of people in my neighborhood just loved him and thought he was so nice - which he was. We had a little girl in our neighborhood with leukemia and he would really go out of his way to bring her little surprises, etc.

Well, it turns out he couldn't physically handle the job and was not delivering any of the "junk mail" , but instead he was keeping it in his garage or burying it in his yard. He ended up being convicted of a felony: http://www.wral.com/news/state/story/3986500/

Of course, we all felt sorry for him and everyone rallied around him - I mean, all he did was not deliver the junk mail - and it was sad to see things end like that for him.

But anyway, I'm just saying, you never know what is going on with your mailman!"


BINKY FAIRY

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.

F/U: Thanks for all the well wishes with our binky fairy attempt. Mission completion as the Little Einsteins would say. When she got up it was the first thing she asked for but I took her to the empty basket where she left them all and she found her new Pooh Lego set from the binky fairy. She didn't even want to eat breakfast because she was having so much fun playing with it. She asked for binky several times today but only before nap time was it an issue. She started crying her eyes out when I reminded her binkies were all gone. We used a lot of distractions today every time she would mention it and that seemed to work. By bedtime tonight she didn't even ask for it!


DON'T FORGET YOUR MAD MONEY

 

[granmaz]

Yes, we got ours today. They don't include the cruise contract now. I didn't print it because it used to be in this new booklet, but I guess I better had now, if I still can. Saving money on their printing I guess.

 

[granmaz]

Did most people get High Tea reservations?

I was hoping not to have to go to Rockin Bar D when we board as I just want to head for some food. However I have been conversing with DCL regarding special diets and they want me to go there. I think I might just forget. Well, I probably will anyway.

 

[hazelandannie]

Just called virgin to see if they were holding our cruise documents hostage and the lady explained that we would receive them 7-10 days before we travel!!!!! Not happy about that thinks I.
So I ask do you actually have them in your possession as people are receiving theirs and I would quite like ours.

"hang on a minute and I'll have a word with the ticket people"

Off she goes, few minutes later she comes to explain they have to send things out in date order and they are still sending summer holiday tickets out. BUT her ticket lady said she will kindly post them either today or tomorrow so we can have them early!!

Woohoo! Glad I called now

 

[karentan]

thats what i hate about virgin, we booked our wedding with them and asked them to book the magic kingdom photo shoot, well they didnt do it when i asked them to, they were going to leave it til a month or so before the wedding, and it'd have been booked up by then. plus lots of other errors, they're really not good with customer requests. havent booked a package holiday since.....


can't wait to meet everyone tomorrow night, should be good fun

for those on the airport transfer, i've received confirmation from the company so we're all set.

 

[liesbeth1012]

I just double checked the excursions. They now have the original one i was looking at. A down hill mountain trek into the rainforest... my cup of tea! I'm hoping to see a few green monkeys. Now i'm wondering should I do the Gibraltar cable car on my own, or do the DCL one with a good tour guide... i like being told stories but its double the price... decisions decisions

We are going on our own in Gibraltar. And you can have audiotour on the top.
Here is a link http://www.gibraltar.com/gibraltar-tours-and-activities/the-cable-car-ride-gibraltar.html
And you are lucky that the down hill mountain trek was open again to book.
My son is going to mountain bike on St Maarten.

 

[karentan]

airport transfer to the port on the 10th

still two more (possibly four) more places available, PM me if you're interested

 

[Brookspayne]

Just heard from Jacqueline, she is still in hospital and hoping to be out next week.

She has been reading the thread on her cellphone but finds it difficult to type on it but she will be back on the Boards.

Burnice

PS. Jacqueline, lots of pixie dust and hugs coming your way from Perth, have replied to your PM.

 

[auntlynne]

Burnice,

Thanks for the update on goofieslonglostsis. Let's hope this hospital stay becomes unnecessary soon and she can get on home.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

door bell has just rung..... there's only one person who comes to my door at 8 ish in the morning, the Fed-Ex man

Cruise docs are here

Of course, they are addressed to DH, but I opened them

nothing here yet

 

[granmaz]

Just heard from Jacqueline, she is still in hospital and hoping to be out next week.

She has been reading the thread on her cellphone but finds it difficult to type on it but she will be back on the Boards.

Burnice

PS. Jacqueline, lots of pixie dust and hugs coming your way from Perth, have replied to your PM.

Wow, that is a long stint in hospital, poor Jacqueline. I hope she is home next week and feeling so much better.

 

[Tod&Copper]

nothing here yet

I hope they come soon Sarah

My fed-ex man is a right blether, we were chatting for about 5 mins and he said that they are really short staffed with the summer holidays and staff being away, so he is working longer crazy hours to try to fulfil the deliveries. Maybe that's the reason for your delay too ??

 

[LindaBabe]

GOOD Morning, Happy Cruisers!

Hoping today is peaceful and pleasant where YOU are!

The humidity dropped here over night and we have all the doors and windows open this morning. I LOVE days like that

Working on my mask for Villan night and so far, it's been a dismal failure. Doncha hate when you have a vision in mind and the execution turns out to be so much less? Is anyone else trying to premake one?

Jacqueline, hope you are feeling better today!

Happy Day, all!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Oh, I'm reading that now! I'm really enjoying it, too. Doubt I'll get Dennis to go to the movie, so it may be on my own - which is fine.

No way my husband would go either, so it worked out that my group wanted to go see it.

DD and I just got back from the movie too! I cried, I laughed, lots of emotion. I have not read the book but thoroughly enjoyed the film. My MIL was from Jackson, MS and married an Asian doctor in the late 50's. It gave me a better perspective of the racism that existed back then and understand better what she may have had to deal with by marrying a non-white. As a northener (from MD - I know, I know, we're on the Mason-Dixon line) now living in the south (Texas), and a very small town at that, imagine my suprise when I discovered there still exists a white cemetery, a black cemetery, and a hispanic cemetery in our town. No, I'm not joking.

Yes the movie was good. The book was better though, so maybe you'll read it Taina? Sometimes I find reading the book after the movie is better b/c then you won't be disappointed in the movie!

Has anyone seen Crazy Stupid Love? That's next on my list.

door bell has just rung..... there's only one person who comes to my door at 8 ish in the morning, the Fed-Ex man

Cruise docs are here

Of course, they are addressed to DH, but I opened them

Yay Yay Yay for you!!!!!!

Did most people get High Tea reservations?

I was hoping not to have to go to Rockin Bar D when we board as I just want to head for some food. However I have been conversing with DCL regarding special diets and they want me to go there. I think I might just forget. Well, I probably will anyway.

I think most people did NOT get high tea reservations. We logged in that morning and by the time we booked our brunch all of the teas were gone. We've never done the tea before so we were hoping to do it, but actually if we could get another brunch we'd probably be happier w/ that.

30 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hazelandannie]

I know this has probably been covered but can't find any info so wanted to ask.

We have valid esta's from last years holiday.
At the time I was given the option to print mine out but all Hazel could print of hers was the confirmation page.

Now I know we have to take a print out of them to the port for check in but what exactly are they wanting on the printout??

Also doyou have to update the info from a previous trip on it? Eg flight details, address etc. We aren't even staying over in orlando as flying out the same day???

Am just confusing myself now