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

[liesbeth1012]

Welcome to all new cruisers.
We are Liesbeth en DS Paul (24) from the Netherlands and go on our first cruise.

6)Is there transport planned for Port Canaveral to MCO or MLB...or...WDW?
I rented a car from MCO to Port Canaveral in May in order to stock up prior to the cruise but this time I am thinking I may not need a vehicle. What are others doing post cruise? Noel do you have a list of names & what they are doing/organizing?

Nancy

We booked by DCL the transfer from Port to our hotel/resort in WDW for $ 35,- pp. To the airport it was more expensive. You can phone them for price and book it.
The free Magical Disney Express is only from airport to hotel/resort and back.

 

[auntlynne]

Great memory Claire! I couldn't remember if it was Josh or Blake. ...

You can take Disney transfers direct from the cruise ship to your resort. We are doing this. I believe it is $35 per person, but IMO it is worth it b/c we will be able to have our luggage and everything just move in a smooth transition - no stress. ...

If Josh is giraffe*, who is Blake? (and I don't mean Carrington).

Didn't know you could do a port-to-resort transfer; that's good information.

 

[Pinky166]

Hazel and I have been thinking that it might be nice as there seem to be several people in the Kent area of the UK, to try and have a meet up for a drinkie before the cruise gets here. We are in West Kent, I know a few of you are further over but we don't mind a bit of a drive.

Just a thought so that we can put some faces to names before we sail, especially for first time cruisers like ourselves!!!!!

We are about 90 mins away so could drive up for a meet depending on when it is.

We usually opt for Budget but watch out for the fuel thing as we just got stung ... we said we would fill up our petrol and return it full, but when we drove back to Orlando Airport via the Florida Greenway Toll Raod we couldn't find any petrol stations at all, and we ended up being charged for a full tank of petrol at ridiculous rate - cost us $172 at the airport
Next time I will pre-pay the tank of fuel if going back to the airport.
When we dropped off at the DoubleTree on Hotel Plaza Boulevard it was easy as there were lots of petrol stations nearby.



Great mask ... will need to start looking for a couple of these.Where did you find yours? Love the embellishment too

That is crazy!!!!!! I always fill up at Hess on property then drive to the airport and it still shows a full tank, i've never had an issue with it. from empty it's never cost more than $40 to fill up the same type of car you had. I would definitely send an email to complain if I were you.


Re the masks, I bought a couple of plain black one's on ebay and have decorated them myself.

 

[auntlynne]

I did post those pictures of the Tower of London & Tower Bridge to entice Josh to visit.

While I am flying to London pre-cruise (& pre-DLP), I am not doing a lot of "London" time. I'll have two nights at the Atheneum Hotel in Mayfair and will visit Buckingham Palace (and get over jet lag after flying from Huntsville - JFK - Frankfurt - London Heathrow : all this to save money and fly on Singapore Airlines, even though it is an overnight flight). My brother says he'd fly anywhere just to fly Singapore Airlines; it's on his bucket list.

Then my niece and I will drive to Bath for the weekend, stopping at Stonehenge and Salisbury (to see one of the 3 copies of the Magna Carta - she is a law student). After a weekend taking the spa, a comedy walk, lovely views, and Jane Austen's Regency Tea Room (the best restaurant cakes I've ever had - my sister says possibly the best cakes, anywhere and she bakes a mean cake), we'll head to Windsor Castle.

Two nights stay at a new hotel on the west side of London on the estate of the Duke of Northumberland, Syon Park, giving me Monday to visit Kew Gardens and Hampton Palace, then it's off to DLP x 2 nights and then Barcelona x 2 nights. I've got 5 reservations of 2 nights apiece before settling in to my Magical stateroom; I'll be glad to settle in for a while.

Keeping a tradition that amuses my nieces, I've been sure to include several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this visit: Stonehenge, Kew Gardens and the entire City of Bath - three in one visit.

 

[Seraphine]

Welcome to all the new cruisers!

We're Dawn and Steve from Scotland - this is our first TA and our first Disney cruise


I've been making a list of all the things I still have to buy/make/arrange before the cruise... whew, I'd better get a move on! Well at least now its all written down and I can start

I can't wait to meet all of you!

 

[smootenloopers]

I liked to give cash as tips instead of from my credit card. I believe the cash is more appreciated than the amount they receive from the credit card.

This question was actually asked on the DCL forum a few weeks ago. Someone asked whether the CMs prefer cash or credit card (which goes to their paycheck). Several current and former CMs as well as several people who were good friends with CMs and asked them all reported that in general, they prefer the tips to go to their paycheck. Two main reasons given were 1) many CMs send the money home to their families and it was much easier if it was in their check rather than having to transfer the cash. 2) They didn't have to find a way to secure large amounts of cash onboard. However, all that being said, I'm sure they prefer a cash tip to no tip!

Just leave your door open. Trust me between the wind and or ocean sound you will be fine. I know we never closed our door when we had a balcony. Just bring a bungee cord or door stop with you.

Um, DCL specifically asks people to not do this.

 

[fly4free2]

[

QUOTE=auntlynne;41907044]If Josh is giraffe*, who is Blake? (and I don't mean Carrington).

Didn't know you could do a port-to-resort transfer; that's good information.

[/QUOTE]

Now aren't we showing our age I loved Blake Carrington

 

[smootenloopers]

So, I've just been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea and will go on July 29 for the sleep study which determines CPAP settings. Then they wanted to schedule the follow-up for..........September 13!

With a great deal of jealousy, they rescheduled it for September 1!

 

[fly4free2]

My brother says he'd fly anywhere just to fly Singapore Airlines; it's on his bucket list.

They are a class act. I have flown on them a couple of times, even coach is elegant. You will love it, crew is very nice.

 

[fly4free2]

[

QUOTE=Seraphine;41907388]Welcome to all the new cruisers!

We're Dawn and Steve from Scotland - this is our first TA and our first Disney cruise


I've been making a list of all the things I still have to buy/make/arrange before the cruise... whew, I'd better get a move on! Well at least now its all written down and I can start

I can't wait to meet all of you!

[/QUOTE]

I am Evelyn from Chicago, I have been on several crusies but this is also my first Disney Cruies. Everyone on the boards here are so very welcoming, its going to be a good cruise.

 

[time2cruise]

Once you experience DCL it will be tough to sail on any other line! This will be our 3rd DCL cruise in the last 9 months...we are addicted!

 

[giraffe104]

I have not booked airfare yet as I may decide to visit another city before getting to Barcelona. London is at the top of my list. Is anyone going there pre-cruise? I love the theatre and would enjoy going to see a musical or two.
Well, looking forward to chatting, planning, oh and I guess I need to work some to make some spending money for the trip!

Hi! I am going to London probably for the night of the 8th, all day on the 9th and flying to Barcelona via London City airport on British air on the 10th in the AM. I also might be taking a stop in Iceland, since the cheapest flight from Boston is Icelandair, and they have a 9 hour layover with their flight.
It looks like the entire city of london is connected very well with the underground (subway) so staying anywhere in a hotel shouldn't be a problem.
Lynne has succeeded in persuading me with her pictures as well.

 

[giraffe104]

I dont remember who it was but we live in London. Maybe we can have a meet on Thurs/Fri if ppl willbe around like the BCN guys.

I'm totally in. I should be in Heathrow by 8p Thursday and around all day friday. Leaving from london city at 7a on saturday...
3 things i have on my to do list is -Doctor Who Experience, -Buckingham Palace, -Tower of London tour
Will definitely love a precruise London meetup!

 

[sinnika]

Hi! I am going to London probably for the night of the 8th, all day on the 9th and flying to Barcelona via London City airport on British air on the 10th in the AM. I also might be taking a stop in Iceland, since the cheapest flight from Boston is Icelandair, and they have a 9 hour layover with their flight.
It looks like the entire city of london is connected very well with the underground (subway) so staying anywhere in a hotel shouldn't be a problem.
Lynne has succeeded in persuading me with her pictures as well.

Yes, the subway system (the tube as I think they call it) is great! My kids and I took it everywhere last summer after the repo, and we took an express tube to Heathrow to fly back to the states. We made it in time from Dover to see the Queen's birthday last year and the trooping of the colours. That was amazing!

I dont remember who it was but we live in London. Maybe we can have a meet on Thurs/Fri if ppl willbe around like the BCN guys.

If I come to London, count me in!

 

[JessicasMom]

Hello

My name is Nancy and my daughter is Nancy-Paris. We are from Toronto Canada. This will be our 3rd DCL

WELCOME !!!! We're Pat, Larry and Jess, traveling with my DM and DNiece. Larry and I did the EBTA last year and had the time of our lives, but I'm still trying to find those lost six hours! That was exhausting, but well worth it! It's the first DCL cruise for the other three...they don't know what fun they're in for .

Well, good news and bad news... first the bad news. My friend who I wanted to cruise with is unable to go due to health issues. But the good news is that I have taken up Evelyn's offer (fly4free2) to be her roomie and will be joining ya'll!!!
A little about me: My name is Taina (rhymes with China). Its a Fnnish name as is Sinnika, my mom's alias name she would call herself sometimes. She is from Finland. My father is from Peru, and my parents immigrated to Baltimore in the late 50's where I was born and raised (one of 8 kids). I now live in the BIG state of Texas in a very small town where everyone knows each other.
We're near Houston (about 40 miles west of the city) so I just say I'm from Houston!

I'm ready to jump into all the fun! I need to read up on all the activities, plus plan a few excursions!

WELCOME !!!! to you, too. Somehow, I'm thinking this might be another party room .

So glad to have Taina join me It's going to be a great cruise, I can just feel it Can't wait for the festivities to begin

OK, now I'm certain this will be another party room! If you're on deck 6, Oh My!

Got a call from DCL asking if we would be willing to swap room so I asked for our old room back. Evidently a family wanted a side-by-side room so for a bit more we got our original room back.

Now, if they'd just start assigning those GTYs . I NEED TO KNOW! But how lovely it worked out well for both of you.

This question was actually asked on the DCL forum a few weeks ago. Someone asked whether the CMs prefer cash or credit card (which goes to their paycheck). Several current and former CMs as well as several people who were good friends with CMs and asked them all reported that in general, they prefer the tips to go to their paycheck. Two main reasons given were 1) many CMs send the money home to their families and it was much easier if it was in their check rather than having to transfer the cash. 2) They didn't have to find a way to secure large amounts of cash onboard. However, all that being said, I'm sure they prefer a cash tip to no tip!

I never gave much thought to this; I just assumed they would prefer cash. Now, I think I'll ask each one, just to be sure. I find myself skipping over the "tipping" threads, but I just learned something . Never anticipated reason #2. No safes in their cabins?

 

[poohluv2u]

Oh my I just spat my tea out.

I just had to explain to Lee firstly why I was laughing & choking on my drink, then secondly why I am known as the girl with no pants.

(To make it worse, pants in the UK is underwear/knickers - we call pants, trousers over here. )

Oh I knew exactly what I was saying ... I'm a good girl I am

HI Everyone
I am back home from my holiday in Florida and my visit with Taryn my cast member DD. I was also lucky enough to meet up with Karen ( Rikersmom ) and Lauren, James and Lorelei ( Namsupak ) for a drink and a chat while we were out there.
I am now faced with a ton of washing and photo uploading and of course catching up on the meet thread .... you have started on Part 5 in my absence I see I am sure I have missed absolutely loads of stuff and am way behind so I will do my best to catch up. I will also post about the trip in a few days once the jetlag has diminished. Now how many days until the cruise ????

Welcome back Sarah, glad you had a fun time with Taryn and Mickey

Well, I took the plunge and ordered them for $315.00. Now I am just praying they are authentic. They looked authentic, had the Ugg Jimmy Choo label on the heel. Say a prayer they are real. I hate being taken, it really makes me mad. Thanks so much for the link. I will let you know.

Woohoo ... I was sorely tempted to buy the Uggs with the star studs, they are so cute, but I would probably have to buy them used to get them for the price I want to pay

 

[birkner]

WELCOME !!!!
Now, if they'd just start assigning those GTYs . I NEED TO KNOW! But how lovely it worked out well for both of you.

I bet they are getting close to making room assignments as I wonder how many people are still booking. What I got the feeling from the person who called me from DCL is that there was an existing booking that needed another room due to adding more people, not a new booking.

Just my thoughts...

 

[Chirpee]

Well, good news and bad news... first the bad news. My friend who I wanted to cruise with is unable to go due to health issues. But the good news is that I have taken up Evelyn's offer (fly4free2) to be her roomie and will be joining ya'll!!! I'm super excited to be doing a transatlantic at last! This will be my 6th DCL cruise, all on the Magic! Our family did the Med last year, and again this year, and the kids and I stayed on for the repo cruise last year from Barcelona to Dover. All of the European cruises have been amazing!
A little about me: My name is Taina (rhymes with China). Its a Fnnish name as is Sinnika, my mom's alias name she would call herself sometimes. She is from Finland. My father is from Peru, and my parents immigrated to Baltimore in the late 50's where I was born and raised (one of 8 kids). I now live in the BIG state of Texas in a very small town where everyone knows each other.
We're near Houston (about 40 miles west of the city) so I just say I'm from Houston!
I have 2 high schoolers and a DH who will be holding down the fort and taking care of our 3 cats while I'm gone!

I'm ready to jump into all the fun! I need to read up on all the activities, plus plan a few excursions! I have not booked airfare yet as I may decide to visit another city before getting to Barcelona. London is at the top of my list. Is anyone going there pre-cruise? I love the theatre and would enjoy going to see a musical or two.
Well, looking forward to chatting, planning, oh and I guess I need to work some to make some spending money for the trip!

Taina! Glad things have worked out for you and Evelyn

Forgive me but I don't chat much and am just getting accustomed to this website. I don't have a photo ( would like one to add on the left side when my name appears & where I'm from--no clue).
I have a few questions--

1) Noel, what is your website for me to check in our information to be added onto your list? I would like to add myself and my DD. I am interested in the lanyard & pin (1 each). Also the Madeira tour sounds great (can we do both)?

2) KJ_connections...great we are both from Toronto. I have had my eye on
AirTransat. I notice they allow 23kg/pp 1 bag to Spain while they allow 50 kg/pp to Portugal for less airfare (?), therefore it will be either landing in Portugal or Barcelona.

4)Has anyone acquired a schedule of the wide body jets landing & takeoff times at St Maarten's airport? I am very interested in this.

6)Is there transport planned for Port Canaveral to MCO or MLB...or...WDW?
I rented a car from MCO to Port Canaveral in May in order to stock up prior to the cruise but this time I am thinking I may not need a vehicle. What are others doing post cruise?


Nancy

Hello Nancy, welcome to our chatty thread. DH and I live in Ottawa. We've opted to use our Aeroplan miles for our flight to BCN. Must check on their luggage allowance....

Here's a website that shows the flight arrivals for the current date, which will at least give you an idea of what flights are coming in along with the types of aircraft: http://www.joyceprince.com/maho_beach.htm

As our flight back from Orlando leaves early afternoon, we've opted to use DCL transportation. We figured there wouldn't be much time available to stop at the outlets, so decided it wasn't worth renting a car for the journey.

Bags are packed again, alarm is set for 3.30 am , having own nurse there has been taken care off. All set to go. Have to say, I'll be beyond glad to get this over with.

Hope everything goes well this time, Jacqueline

.
While I am flying to London pre-cruise (& pre-DLP), I am not doing a lot of "London" time. I'll have two nights at the Atheneum Hotel in Mayfair and will visit Buckingham Palace (and get over jet lag after flying from Huntsville - JFK - Frankfurt - London Heathrow : all this to save money and fly on Singapore Airlines, even though it is an overnight flight). My brother says he'd fly anywhere just to fly Singapore Airlines; it's on his bucket list.

Then my niece and I will drive to Bath for the weekend, stopping at Stonehenge and Salisbury (to see one of the 3 copies of the Magna Carta - she is a law student). After a weekend taking the spa, a comedy walk, lovely
views, and Jane Austen's Regency Tea Room (the best restaurant cakes I've ever had - my sister says possibly the best cakes, anywhere and she bakes a mean cake), we'll head to Windsor Castle.

Two nights stay at a new hotel on the west side of London on the estate of the Duke of Northumberland, Syon Park, giving me Monday to visit Kew
Gardens and Hampton Palace, then it's off to DLP x 2 nights and then Barcelona x 2 nights. I've got 5 reservations of 2 nights apiece before settling in to my Magical stateroom; I'll be glad to settle in for a while.

Keeping a tradition that amuses my nieces, I've been sure to include several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in this visit: Stonehenge, Kew Gardens and the entire City of Bath - three in one visit.

Great itinerary, Lynne You will definitely be needing a rest by the time we set sail. Hope you have a fabulous time

Once you experience DCL it will be tough to sail on any other line! This will be our 3rd DCL cruise in the last 9 months...we are addicted!

to the thread!

 

[birkner]

:
Hope everything goes well this time, Jacqueline

I too wish Jacqueline the best of luck and hope her surgery happens this time and she does well!!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

A great price to go back to our original room choice so really benefited both families!!

Don't you just love it when everybody is happy? Yay!!

If Josh is giraffe*, who is Blake? (and I don't mean Carrington).

Didn't know you could do a port-to-resort transfer; that's good information.

You know, it doesn't seem like DCL publicizes the cruise to resort transfers. I had to go looking on the Dis for the info and then called DCL to set it up. But it is pretty neato that they offer it.

Blake is 2BNDisney. He joined our thread earlier this month - just don't ask me how I remember that! Maybe b/c Blake is not a super-common name.

While I am flying to London pre-cruise (& pre-DLP), I am not doing a lot of "London" time. I'll have two nights at the Atheneum Hotel in Mayfair and will visit Buckingham Palace (and get over jet lag after flying from Huntsville - JFK - Frankfurt - London Heathrow : all this to save money and fly on Singapore Airlines, even though it is an overnight flight). My brother says he'd fly anywhere just to fly Singapore Airlines; it's on his bucket list.

My brother says he'd fly anywhere just to fly Singapore Airlines; it's on his bucket list.

They are a class act. I have flown on them a couple of times, even coach is elegant. You will love it, crew is very nice.

jealous! I want to fly Singapore Air too.