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

[PFlamingo]

What part Orlando? My family moved there in 1972 when WDW opened and my dad got a job there. I lived there for 35 years and even though I wasn't born there I consider Orlando my hometown. It is weird to go back sometimes and things have changed, even in just 5 years... I miss my friends, my pool, my old job, but most of all, I think, I miss not paying state income taxes!

What part of Orlando did you live in? What school(s) did you attend?

My family lived in East Orlando - Azalea Park, to be specific. I went to Bishop Moore HS and UCF. My folks now live in the house next to the one where I grew up. No pool for us, but I do miss being so close to WDW and an hour from Cocoa Beach. We always knew someone who worked at WDW - back in the day when CM's could sign people in. Of course, that was when WDW was the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary, and the Poly. Fort Wilderness was there, and River Country. (Okay, seriously dating myself.) I think Epcot opened the year I graduated from UCF.

Ugh, when did I get to be so old??? The big 5-0 is Saturday. Eew.

 

[Pinky166]

Throbbing and swelling .... I don't like the sound of that. Poor Lee .... I hope you are giving him some TLC

Yeah I have been looking after him. His a bit concerned as the top and side of the foot is really hurting now too, even though it was just the toe he knocked. Maybe the force of it has bruised inside too?

I couldn't tell you as my flower pictures were from Epcot!

I would never have known. They were still beautiful all the same.

I just want to preface this by saying that I have an injured tendon in my ankle and have been prescribed steroids for the last week. The doctor warned me it would make me irritable and anxious and boy was he right - plus, I can't seem to sleep more than a few hours a night - my mind is racing with things I need to do...Of course, that could the 5 weeks window before we leave for Barcelona, and not the steroids

I hope you are feeling better soon.

When we were at a beach resort in Australia many years ago, we had a possum wander into the cabin one evening. Also, one morning we saw a jogger out for a run, who was being followed by a line of kangaroos! We've always regretted not having our camcorder handy as I'm sure it would have been selected to be shown on America's Funniest Video!

That is so funny Lorraine, I can picture the kangaroo's bouncing along with the runner.

http://www.visitlondon.com/travel/airport/london-city-airport hope this helps! Its connected by the tube via the docklands light rail. I don't exactly know what that means... first time londoner as well

The Docklands Light Rail (DLR) is just like a regular train but doesn't do long routes or go fast.

Yeah, try as I might, I couldn't get the darned thing to go through - I tried too many times to count and tried with other sheets from the same pack, it was an exercise in futility. Lucky for me I got a very sweet call from my nieces earlier in the day so I resisted the urge to smash the printer into a million pieces.

Today we picked up another 2 sets of 3 sheets from Walmart, so I will try it again tonight before bed. *crosses fingers*

We went to DSW today and Joe found a pair of Keens that he really liked and I found......nothing! I had to pinch myself b/c it is so unlike me, but they just didn't have any styles I like I was looking for in my size.

Tomorrow we are getting our air conditioning completely re-done. It has been a long time coming and we are going to be so glad to have cool air blasting out of every vent in the house - what a luxury

Night-night everyone!

I hope the new magnet sheets worked ok.

I'll have to google Keens as I don;t know what they look like.

LOL! I know! Just priced out easyjet and it is considerable less(like half price) but not the fab deal that we got last year. It's 85 euro each plus the 40 for the Eurostar. It would be out of CDG so thats not too bad but it would take twice as long. Ugh!

I think your best bet would be British Airways out or either London City or Heathrow. (We are going BA from H/row on the 7th) Easyjet will be from Gatwick or Luton which will add even more cost & time to your journey. Plus as Lynne already pointed out Easyjet charge extra for hold luggage and are very strict on only allowing one piece of hand luggage.

The prices for all flights seem to be higher this year, no real sales on anything that i've seen within Europe.

 

[auntlynne]

yes DH I remember it well, sitting on the cliffe edge with a glass of wine watching her go by at the end of last summer.... and now it's almost our turn and I can't wait.... just so excited now. We went to see the magic docked at Dover and see where our cabin was

margaret

I read through this quickly and thought, how many people on this cruise lived in a place to see that. I missed the "DH" on the first go-through.

Were you booked for this cruise nearly a year in advance?

 

[Pinky166]

Were you booked for this cruise nearly a year in advance?

I know you were asking Margaret but I booked last September when the Magic was doing the WBTA, I was sat at home really fed up as i've always wanted to do a Transatlantic crossing but DH wasn't too keen but I managed to talk him round and booked it asap! Really glad we did that back then and didn't wait for 2012's!!!

 

[auntlynne]

I was looking online to see about buying tickets for La Sagrada Familia in advance...does anyone know why you can only buy tickets through the 7th? I thought maybe it was only so many days ahead of time, but it's been the 7th for several days...

I think they just do a set up through a certain date - not a rolling one that moves every day/week - probably easier for their IT department. That, or the world will end then and they didn't want to deal with for no-shows.

 

[auntlynne]

Yeah I have been looking after him. His a bit concerned as the top and side of the foot is really hurting now too, even though it was just the toe he knocked. Maybe the force of it has bruised inside too? ...

Well, they don't do anything for broken bones in the foot, either. Ice it 20 minutes at a time, take anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen), keep it elevated and rest it. Pretty much like a sprain - RICE - rest, ice, compression, elevation, but omit the compression.

 

[auntlynne]

I know you were asking Margaret but I booked last September when the Magic was doing the WBTA, I was sat at home really fed up as i've always wanted to do a Transatlantic crossing but DH wasn't too keen but I managed to talk him round and booked it asap! Really glad we did that back then and didn't wait for 2012's!!!

I've booked far in advance for some cruises, too; like Alaska. I think we booked it when it was released, perhaps October 2009.

I was looking back on the Weekly Recaps and noticed people who had just joined this group's thread 6 weeks ago; it seemed like they had been here all along - one of the fun things about DISboards - there really doesn't seem to be "seniority" or "ownership" - new cruisers can join in and be as involved as those around all along. (I didn't book this cruise until March.) giraffe104 didn't officially book and join until fairly recently - and now he's in charge of a Group Palo Brunch

 

[Pinky166]

Well, they don't do anything for broken bones in the foot, either. Ice it 20 minutes at a time, take anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen), keep it elevated and rest it. Pretty much like a sprain - RICE - rest, ice, compression, elevation, but omit the compression.

He's taking ibuprofen but not really able to elevate it during the day as he is at work...i've told him to work from home but he has a meeting today. I will make sure that he ice's it & elevates it tonight & all weekend!!!

Thanks for the info.

 

[Pinky166]

I've booked far in advance for some cruises, too; like Alaska. I think we booked it when it was released, perhaps October 2009.

I was looking back on the Weekly Recaps and noticed people who had just joined this group's thread 6 weeks ago; it seemed like they had been here all along - one of the fun things about DISboards - there really doesn't seem to be "seniority" or "ownership" - new cruisers can join in and be as involved as those around all along. (I didn't book this cruise until March.) giraffe104 didn't officially book and join until fairly recently - and now he's in charge of a Group Palo Brunch

I enjoy having a long a countdown to my holidays as it builds up the excitement, not saying that I would object to a surprise trip to WDW or a cruise (just saying incase Lee happens to read this )

I am not looking forward to coming home after this cruise though as for the first time in years we don't have another holiday booked. I always find it helps with the post WDW/DCL blues as you can immediately start looking forward to the next trip.

I agree the DIS is a fun place to be for everyone.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Hi Matthew,

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.

I just filled out the request online ... I supoose we will just have to wait and see if they have room for us.

I enjoy having a long a countdown to my holidays as it builds up the excitement, not saying that I would object to a surprise trip to WDW or a cruise (just saying incase Lee happens to read this )

I am not looking forward to coming home after this cruise though as for the first time in years we don't have another holiday booked. I always find it helps with the post WDW/DCL blues as you can immediately start looking forward to the next trip.

I agree the DIS is a fun place to be for everyone.

We have nothing booked either .. although I am going to a concert in October which I am really looking forward to. I also have to arrange something for Tony's 50th birthday surprise ... but that will be a last minute trip in October. Next year we have absolutely nothing planned as we are planning an extension on the house which will take all our time and money ... so I imagine the post holiday blues will hit hard in November, coupled with my usual SAD we are in for a grumpy old winter

 

[granmaz]

Thanks for letting me know.

I think there are going to be a whole load of individual reservations appear when all these are cancelled and I am sure you would get another individual one if you wanted once onboard after they have allocated those without either group or individual. I so love the brunch.

 

[susie2]

Is anyone staying in the Renaissance -airport on the 8th/9th?

hi, we are staying there on the 9th

 

[3canadianslovedisney]

IGT/OGT/VGT v. Cat X GTY

Are there any Cat GTY who DON'T have an assignment yet?

Are there any of the special restricted GTY (IGT/OGT/ VGT) who DO have a room #?

We still don't have ours either, nor do my parents. I'm trying to only look first thing in the morning and only a few times in the evening. DH keeps asking me if it really matters, but for me it will make it seem more real.

I enjoy having a long a countdown to my holidays as it builds up the excitement, not saying that I would object to a surprise trip to WDW or a cruise (just saying incase Lee happens to read this )

I am not looking forward to coming home after this cruise though as for the first time in years we don't have another holiday booked. I always find it helps with the post WDW/DCL blues as you can immediately start looking forward to the next trip.

I agree the DIS is a fun place to be for everyone.

I'm with you. I am already anticipating our trip to Disneyland Paris next year in November.

 

[karentan]

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

Not to burst your bubble, but oceanview cabins can also be found

Deck 6 forward (24 cabins)
Dec 5 forward (20 cabins) - that would be my choice! I love those hallways

if you dont mind me asking, what makes the deck 5 hallways so good? we're right at the front of deck five (unfortunately right over the speakers in the theatre but oh well)

Completely girlyfied. Curt isn't getting his inside stateroom or any "manly" looking FE... poor guy!

i'm sure with a wife and two daughters, he's probably well used to it now!

We still don't have ours either, nor do my parents. I'm trying to only look first thing in the morning and only a few times in the evening. DH keeps asking me if it really matters, but for me it will make it seem more real.

i totally agree, it seems more real since getting our assignment. hope you guys get your assignment soon

 

[Cartmeller]

Aunt Lynne

Tried to PM you but it won't let me!

We tried to update our details on the wbtasep2011 website and it didn't work! Also tried to PM you and weren't allowed! Feeling technically challenged . . .

Will be arriving in BCN late on 8th Sept and staying in Renaissance till sail away day. Stayed there last year before Magic Med cruise and it was fine. There's a small cafe/bar opposite that does food and drinks (Cafe Mas Blau), including great European coffee which is short and VERY strong. Closes at 7 though.

Looking forward to the Magic . . .

Graeme and Margaret

 

[GatorMomInNC]

What a small world!! We weren't too far from Azalea Park. The house my husband and I lived in was in Eastwood, off Alafaya trail. My mom lived off of University and Dean before she followed us up here to NC.

So tomorrow is your birthday!! Congratulations!! So...you must have graduated from BMHS about 1980? I did have one friend from my neighborhood who went there. I grew up in Seminole Co (Maitland) and went to Lake Howell HS and graduated in 1983. I was the youngest of 5 so in the middle of my senior year my parent's downsized and we moved close to UCF, where my mom worked. Since we were now living in Orange Co I should have changed schools, but of course we just didn't say anything so I could graduate from my school.

I went to UCF too!! Do you remember when it was FTU? Took me like 7 years to get a 4 year degree! I wonder if they still call it U Can't Finish because it was so overcrowded you couldn't get your core classes?

We never had a pool growing up and I always wanted one. So fast forward SEVERAL years, my husband and I have bought our first house, had our first child, and we decide to install a pool. It was SUCH a big deal for me because we never had a pool or could afford one growing up. I got to design it, pick out special tiles representing our family (a Gator for me, a lobster for my husband who is from Maine, and a little Nemo fish for my son). I even put a family of four dolphins in the bottom so if we had a second child (which we have) he would be represented also.

Right before they finished my husband got a job in NC and we decided to move up here. We only had the pool for about 3 months I heated that pool and used it and the hot tub every day before we left. It is so weird, my closest friends in the world live in Orlando and I visit them when we're in Orlando, and I miss them a lot but whenever I plan a visit back to Orlando the FIRST thing I imagine (but haven't had the courage to do) is to go by our old house and ask the owners if I can look at the pool. I mean, it is REALLY weird, I am getting misty eyed right now thinking about that pool!

I remember when River Country opened!! Two of my sisters were working at Fort Wilderness and they would take me there sometimes. My oldest sister would sometimes dress as Chip/Dale for the nightly campfire thing they did at FW, and I remember following her back to wherever they would change and the handler would be turning to me and saying, "Chip and Dale have to go home now" and I would be saying "But that is my sister!" In retrospect, I probably got her in a lot of trouble

What part of Orlando did you live in? What school(s) did you attend?

My family lived in East Orlando - Azalea Park, to be specific. I went to Bishop Moore HS and UCF. My folks now live in the house next to the one where I grew up. No pool for us, but I do miss being so close to WDW and an hour from Cocoa Beach. We always knew someone who worked at WDW - back in the day when CM's could sign people in. Of course, that was when WDW was the Magic Kingdom, the Contemporary, and the Poly. Fort Wilderness was there, and River Country. (Okay, seriously dating myself.) I think Epcot opened the year I graduated from UCF.

Ugh, when did I get to be so old??? The big 5-0 is Saturday. Eew.

 

[sinnika]

I think your best bet would be British Airways out or either London City or Heathrow. (We are going BA from H/row on the 7th) Easyjet will be from Gatwick or Luton which will add even more cost & time to your journey. Plus as Lynne already pointed out Easyjet charge extra for hold luggage and are very strict on only allowing one piece of hand luggage.

The prices for all flights seem to be higher this year, no real sales on anything that i've seen within Europe.

We found flying out of Heathrow very convenient last year. We stayed in Sussex Gardens and it was a 2 block walk to the train station to catch the Heathrow Express (can't remember the name - was that Victoria station?)

I've booked far in advance for some cruises, too; like Alaska. I think we booked it when it was released, perhaps October 2009.

I was looking back on the Weekly Recaps and noticed people who had just joined this group's thread 6 weeks ago; it seemed like they had been here all along - one of the fun things about DISboards - there really doesn't seem to be "seniority" or "ownership" - new cruisers can join in and be as involved as those around all along. (I didn't book this cruise until March.) giraffe104 didn't officially book and join until fairly recently - and now he's in charge of a Group Palo Brunch

We've booked opening day for the Fantasy in June 2012 (thank goodness as rates have more than doubled! ), and have moved reservations numerous times. Last year's Med started out as a 12 nt Baltic booked on opening day cat 6 for about $14,000, then we moved it when Kids sail free (KSF) came out for the May 2010 Med cruise, same cat for $8700, then I downgraded us to a cat 11c when the $999 rates opened up and somehow for a few short days the KSF could be combined, so for about $2200 for 4 we were going to sail the Med. Several lucky families got this deal on those May meds. But then the military rates came out and DH wanted a veranda, so we moved up to a cat 4 for $3600. This years military rate was about $1000 more per category, which is one of the reasons we opted to sail on Deck one but get 2 rooms. We paid about $4600 for both rooms. Just like airfare on SWA, if you are willing to spend the time to re-shop rates, you may be able to snag some great deals!!! I spent 2 days straight on the computer trying to snag one of those cat 11c deals, that's really what it takes - time and patience! Now for the Bacelona to Dover cruise, kids and I booked it about 2 weeks before we left for the Med and that had to do with the British Airways airline strike which our flight got affected outbound. They let us change our flights for no charge including travel date, and city (flew out of London instead of Barcelona). DH flew out of Barcelona. No military deal on the repo cruise since DH was not sailing, can't remember what I paid, but on our 2nd or 3rd day of sailing on the Med cruise, we got a letter in our stateroom announcing an unbelievable deal to add the repo cruise - $350 pp and if our stateroom was not already booked, we could stay in it. I emailed my TA and DCL was nice enough to honor the rate and refund me the difference.
There were at least 5 other Dis families that stayed on for the deal - the other advantage was if they were flying BA, due to the strike, BA did not charge any extra for the flight changes. Last year was truly an anomoly. Don't think we'll ever see deals like that again!

Ugh, when did I get to be so old??? The big 5-0 is Saturday. Eew.

Hey, didn't you hear, 50 is the new 40! Welcome to the club! 50 and FABULOUS!!!!

 

[fly4free2]

My grandson Ian is now 7 years old and has 5 cruises under his belt 2 on Disney! Need you ask his favorite line? That's the incentive for us. Charlie and Jean

[/QUOTE

I am, I arrive from Chicago on the 8th. I am Evelyn and also retired, isn't it wonderful. My roommate Taina will arrive on the 9th.

I do not have my plans firmed up yet as to what I am going to do in Barcelona. I have friends who live in London who may come over, but don't know yet.

We can get together at the hotel if you would like or after you have 10 post you can PM me with your thoughts.

Welcome to the Dis

 

[IansGran]

We live in east Orlando - Andover Lakes, but Ian (and family) live in Eastwood! 7 miles from door to door. You're certainly right about a small world! Our church - St Stevens Presbyterian was originally founded in Azalea park, but is now located on Lake Underhill. Unfortunately Ian will not be sailing with us this time, but we'll be taking a short cruise with him on the DREAM in Jan. He wants to show us the aqua duck ( or human straw) in action.

 

[IansGran]

This subject may have already been covered, but I didn't see it. What is the weather like crossing the southern Atlantic? My last transatlantic crossing was from Southampton to New York in 1953 and we had a hurricane at sea!