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

[granmaz]

I think Noel and a few others went to a Flamenco and meal they booked privately one evening in Barcelona if anyone is interested.

 

[fly4free2]

Someone on the board - can't remember who- is looking for a roommate if your friends can't go.

That was me, I sent her a PM, thanks for thinking of me . My friend backed out at the last minute, so I know how that can go.

 

[PFlamingo]

Does anyone know enough about Gibraltar to know if we can get a cab to take us to the cable car to go to the top station, then go to see the Barbary Apes, then to see Michaels Cave, and then to either the WWII tunnels or the Great Siege Tunnels? Or do they have an ON/OFF Bus system that goes to these places?

There is also the city bus system. I've checked the routes and you can get just about anywhere using the buses, though you might still have to take the cable car to the top of the Rock. You can also buy a day pass for 1.50 pounds (sorry, can't find the symbol), according to the website. Here are a couple of links to check out:

http://gibraltar.costasur.com/en/bus-malaga-tarifa.html
http://www.gibraltar.gi/tourism/?language=en&category=3&item=40

Okay, I have another question! I know, I know- what can I say? This is the first time in a while going to Europe or the islands (unlike DH) and I wanted to find out if any particular vaccinations are advised for either Spain or any of our port visits.

I have an aversion to needles, and if I find out about it sooner- I can prepare myself for the inevitable.

There may not be any specific vaccinations, but it's a good idea to have a current tetanus shot, just in case. I think they're good for 5 years, so if you haven't had one in that time, you might want to go ahead and get it.

 

[*Flower*]

nah, you'll be ok with spain and madiera, nothing needed there. i presume you dont need anything for tortola and st maarten, otherwise DCL would have told us about it

Thanks Karen! Now I can start planning with a happy heart- and not pull out my piece of wood for my teeth...

(OT) Speaking of Patrick Warburton, who else recites the pre-boarding blurb at Soarin'?? And what BLUE eyes he has...

 

[*Flower*]

There may not be any specific vaccinations, but it's a good idea to have a current tetanus shot, just in case. I think they're good for 5 years, so if you haven't had one in that time, you might want to go ahead and get it.

That's a good thought- we'll definitely need to do that. At least the shots are free...

Now on to exchanging $$.... does everyone do it at their respective financial institutions? I've been looking at the website that Noel (birkner) so thoughtfully provided, and can't quite tell if we'd write a check or just give them cash. Any thoughts from the group??

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Phew, finally got caught up! Pat, thanks so much for the Google Groups FE list. I finally accessed it today....my DS had to give his dear old Mom a tutorial....ah well, learn something new every day.

Now I'm off to get 3 grants done this week as we will be in WDW visiting the mouse this time next week.

Oh, by the way, we saw Harry Potter yesterday (kids say it's awesome, I say I like the book better) and we saw Winnie the Pooh today....it was wonderful, 5 stars! I so hope that it is on the ship as I would love to see it again.

Hope everyone is well. Jacqueline, I am saying prayers for good things for you. It sounds like it's been a bit of a haul for you and, after everything my DH has gone through in the past year, I'm not wholly enamoured with the world of medicine!

Karen

 

[GatorMomInNC]

I just got on the DCL website to see if we had our GTY assignment yet (no, of course, or I would have screamed it from the rooftop). BUT, for fun I checked the prices, and looks like they aren't selling GTY's anymore and so the prices are WAY up. The cheapest is an inside stateroom for more than we paid for a gty ov. Of course, these may have been the non-GTY prices all along, but just thought it was interesting...

 

[Dgentrysim]

I've decided to cheat and take the easy way out in making my "travelling magnet"! I just got a Disney scrapbook page and I'll back it with something sturdy and put magnets on the back. I'm still working on FE's and don't really want another project right now.....hence.....a shortcut! I believe my husband may have done some test messages before (sorry!).

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

nah, you'll be ok with spain and madiera, nothing needed there. i presume you dont need anything for tortola and st maarten, otherwise DCL would have told us about it

DCL could never give out such advice. It's a medical one which they will not (very wisely) burn their fingers on and much more important; advice will differ depending on your country, type of trip, planned activities during it and medical history.

To give you an idea; The general advice for the Virgin Islands -and thus Tortola- from our national vaccination advice institute is to get a Hep. A and DTP (which includes tetanus) shot. Besides that; the advice to discuss personal situations regarding tyfus and being aware of Dengue.

St. Maarten? Travellers residing in a Yellow Fever country MUST be vaccinated against it or are not allowed entry.

Madeira; see St. Maarten.

Castaway Cay? It might be "privat" but falls under the Bahamas when it comes to these things here. Results in; awareness for Dengue, and some areas of the Bahamas are malaria risk. Obviously CC isn't a high risk by far, but there isn't a 0% possibility guarantee unfortunately as far as our institute views it. It will not be a bit thing for most of DCl cruisers (if they even are aware to begin with), but for some it might be a much more risky thing in their total package of factors. (not including safety and paranoïa here for convenience )


And those are just the general advices handed out here with a pretty extensive national vaccination program. Besides that it is adviced that each situation is looked at individually as personal factors can influence what might be needed or might in fact turn out to be a counterindication to get a standard recommended vaccination.

In 2009 we looked into this (same advices back then) and it was decided we'ld be doing the smart thing and get me the Hep. vaccins and a few others that aren't generally advices but based on personal info.

Whenever travelling abroad it always is a smart thing to look into this subject.

 

[sinnika]

Just checked the stuff i kept from last cruise and you're right, the flamenco and tapas was a Gibraltar excursion, it was $69 and took you over the border. Wonder why they're not doing it again this year?

I know the border crossing is over the airport runway and sometimes traffic can really get backed up in both directions. That's a shame as it would be nice to see authentic flamenco in its region of origin. I got to see some great Flamenco in Jerez while visiting the Rota Navy base in Southern Spain. We also went to the Tablao de Carmen Flamenco at the Poble Espanol when we were in Barcelona last week. Wow, sounds wierd to say that, last week!

 

[jjb52]

I know the border crossing is over the airport runway and sometimes traffic can really get backed up in both directions. That's a shame as it would be nice to see authentic flamenco in its region of origin. I got to see some great Flamenco in Jerez while visiting the Rota Navy base in Southern Spain. We also went to the Tablao de Carmen Flamenco at the Poble Espanol when we were in Barcelona last week. Wow, sounds wierd to say that, last week!

I read about this show-what did you think of it? Did you do the dinner w/ show or just a show and if so what was offered for dinner? Cost? Book in advance? How long of an evening? Any other details about when to arrive, how to get there-I have a bad knee so alot of walking is not good, what else to do in the immediate area-2 adults, no kids. Thanks

 

[birkner]

I think Noel and a few others went to a Flamenco and meal they booked privately one evening in Barcelona if anyone is interested.

We went to a wonderful Flamenco show that included a buffet in Barcelona last year. A picture of the DIS group and the dancers is below:

Here is a copy of email I received from Sharon Amor (info@barcelonadaytours.co) from Barcelona Day tours:

Dear Noel,

I am happy to confirm that we have availability for you for the best flamenco and dinner show in Barcelona .
The flamenco show venue is considered in the top 3 of all of Spain !

Please find your reservation details:

Flamenco Show and Dinner Reservation
Date: Sept 16th
Reservation Name: Noel Birkner
Number of people: 4
Dinner: 7:00 PM
Show: 8:15 PM
Price: 68 Euros per person

* Please note - I secured your reservation so that you are sitting together!

Since the flamenco venue is very popular and small, the organizers require a full payment to hold the reservation.
Please use the link below to complete your payment online in order to keep your reservation.

Please enter your reservation name “Noel Birkner” and update the total amount to 272 Euros. You can pay with any credit card (including American Express) and if more than one person/card is used please enter the same reservation name for each payment:

http://www.SpainDayTours.com/Payment-Page.html

(double click or copy/paste into your browser)

PLEASE NOTE

There is a FULL REFUND in the event that:

(1) You cancel the reservation for whatever reason with at least 48 hours notice
(2) If you are unable to attend due to international transport issues (for example flight delays)

We do not charge any commission or fees for these tickets - this is a free service to our customers and the lowest prices you can find.
I will email you a final confirmation with the exact address of the show along with a map and directions.

Thank you very much for your reservation and we look forward to being part of your wonderful holiday in Spain !


Kind regards,
Sharon Amor

 

[birkner]

Does anyone know enough about Gibraltar to know if we can get a cab to take us to the cable car to go to the top station, then go to see the Barbary Apes, then to see Michaels Cave, and then to either the WWII tunnels or the Great Siege Tunnels? Or do they have an ON/OFF Bus system that goes to these places?

We took the number 4 bus and walked everywhere last year.

We prepurchased our tickets which included a FREE Gibraltar one day bus pass from the Gibraltarinfo kiosk, located on the Spanish side of the frontier by walking to the end of the street where we caught the bus to the frontier. What we bought was the SkyWalk Combo which included Dolphin World for 17.5 GPH each.

Tour info:

If you have more time and you want to enjoy a stroll around the Nature reserve then try our 'Skywalk' ticket which combines the exhilaration of the Cable Car ride with access to the Nature Reserve including the other attractions. Take that 6 minute ride up to 412m above sea level and enjoy the multimedia tour, the views all in the company of our friendly but wild apes. After a hot or cold drink and a light snack return the Multimedia unit and head off 800m downhill towards St Michael's Cave. After marvelling at it's splendour you can continue your walk a further 900m where you can visit with some more apes at Apes Den. The choice then is to catch the Cable Car back down to town or continue northwards another 2km in the direction of the Great Siege Tunnels. If you feel up to the walk you will be rewarded by a fantastic piece of tunnelling that is more than 200 years old and marvel at the work of the soldiers who lived, worked and slept in them.
Alternatively if you are not interested in St Michael's Cave you can head north 1.6km straight to the Great Siege Tunnels from the Cable Car Top Station and then walk down into town. The no 4 bus also makes it's way up to Moorish Castle.
See maps page for details.
SkyWalk includes:
Cable Car ticket (options single or return and child or adult)
Multimedia Tour (hand held guide included in adult ticket only and for use exclusively within the Cable Car Top Station)
Apes (The apes are wild animals and roam freely throughout the Upper Rock area. However they are usually seen at both the Cable Car Top and Middle Station otherwise known as Apes Den.)
Nature Reserve entrance ticket - Entrance to: St Michael's Cave, Great Siege Tunnels, City Under Siege Exhibition, Moorish Castle and 100 Ton Gun. (this ticket must be redeemed at the Cable Cart ticket office BEFORE entering any of the sights.) The Nature Reserve ticket must be used on the same day as the Cable Car ticket, see below.)
FREE Gibraltar Bus Pass (adult or child one day bus pass). This must be collected from the Gibraltarinfo kiosk on the Spanish side of the Gibraltar/Spanish land frontier.
The SkyWalk ticket can be used on any given day within 12 months from the date of purchase. E-ticket must be exchanged at the Cable Car ticket office and is valid for the day of exchange only. The Nature Reserve ticket must be used on the same day as the Cable Car ticket.

 

[birkner]

That's a good thought- we'll definitely need to do that. At least the shots are free...

Now on to exchanging $$.... does everyone do it at their respective financial institutions? I've been looking at the website that Noel (birkner) so thoughtfully provided, and can't quite tell if we'd write a check or just give them cash. Any thoughts from the group??

I gave cash as I don't think they take checks. At least they did not at the location where I purchased.

 

[sinnika]

I read about this show-what did you think of it? Did you do the dinner w/ show or just a show and if so what was offered for dinner? Cost? Book in advance? How long of an evening? Any other details about when to arrive, how to get there-I have a bad knee so alot of walking is not good, what else to do in the immediate area-2 adults, no kids. Thanks

I thought it was pretty good but it does cater to tourists. That was all that was there. When you see it with all Spaniards in Southern Spain, it just seems more authentic. Although maybe that's the sangria talking!
There were 2 female dancers, and 2 male dancers, each danced separately, then at the very end they all danced together. Great guitarist and accompanying singers (well, more like singing and chanting - you have to go to experience it). Its very solomn and serious so in that respect it was authentic. We did the tapas and flamenco and I think the cost was 49 euro each. The program is one hour with a 5 min intermission half way. You do get admission into Poble Espanol 2 hours prior to show time, and you can enter the show 45 min beforehand and start enjoying your tapas and sangria. We did not care too much for some of the tapas but there was more than enough to be a meal - I almost wished we had done just drinks or did dinner which we could order from a menu. For tapas, they had 2 different kinds of hams/salamis, potato wedges with a mayonaise/cheese sauce, fried calamari, a cold cheese/tomato sauce bread, what looked liked fried whole small peppers, and fried calamari. Dessert was a Catalunya flan (like a creme brulee but more thin).
We took a cab there from our hotel - it was only a 15 min walk but it was on a slight grade uphill. We walked back and saw the Magic Fountains on the way. They were 5 min from our hotel (Fira Palace) It was still daylight for the 9pm show so if you want to do this at the same time, I recommend going to the later Flamenco show there. Getting free admission to the Poble Espanol was very nice - some great shops and showed the various regions and architecture of different places of Spain.
We heard of another place that has flamenco in the gothic quarter on Friday nights. I saw previews of it on a TV screen while we were having lunch at the restaurant where its held. Oh, and this place had amazing chocolate and churros! That was our dessert!!! YUM!! Can you tell I'm a foodie? When I finish unpacking my suitcases and find the info I will post it. We just got our luggage today! We made it home Monday!

 

[*Flower*]

I gave cash as I don't think they take checks. At least they did not at the location where I purchased.

Thanks for the quick response Noel- That tells me that I'll be comparing exchange rates and looking forward to hitting up Hartsfield's location for a card while we're in transit.

And thanks to Jacqueline, I'll probably head over to the State Department website or the CDC to verify which shots are recommended.

 

[Donaldcp98]

Thanks for the quick response Noel- That tells me that I'll be comparing exchange rates and looking forward to hitting up Hartsfield's location for a card while we're in transit.

And thanks to Jacqueline, I'll probably head over to the State Department website or the CDC to verify which shots are recommended.

Take my dh with you. You know how much he loves needles.

 

[edith75]

Hi, we were also on the EBTA last year & had such a terrific time, we booked while we were still onboard!!! Looking forward to meeting everyone!!!

Lol... Apparently I was lagging behind in thread 4... You people move fast!!

Anyhoo... hello again! I'll save you a repeat from my jammering in thread 4 (that was sooooo 5 minutes ago ) and just say that my family and I will be joining all you lovely people on the Disney Magic in September. This will be our second Disney cruise (the first was also a transatlantic Disney cruise, only the Eastbound one, lol) and we are really looking forward to it. We had such a fabulous time last year!

It will be just the three of us, my husband, my 4 year old daughter (who is already dreaming about the kidsclub) and myself.

Nice to (sort of) meet you!

 

[Beauty & the Best]

Phew, finally got caught up! Pat, thanks so much for the Google Groups FE list. I finally accessed it today....my DS had to give his dear old Mom a tutorial....ah well, learn something new every day.

Now I'm off to get 3 grants done this week as we will be in WDW visiting the mouse this time next week.

Oh, by the way, we saw Harry Potter yesterday (kids say it's awesome, I say I like the book better) and we saw Winnie the Pooh today....it was wonderful, 5 stars! I so hope that it is on the ship as I would love to see it again.

Hope everyone is well. Jacqueline, I am saying prayers for good things for you. It sounds like it's been a bit of a haul for you and, after everything my DH has gone through in the past year, I'm not wholly enamoured with the world of medicine!

Karen

Karen, Did you also see the Lion King 3D trailer? I am curious to see if they offer it on the ship since its a "limited engagement." B/c the release is Sept 16th though, I thought they might....What do you think?

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Karen, Did you also see the Lion King 3D trailer? I am curious to see if they offer it on the ship since its a "limited engagement." B/c the release is Sept 16th though, I thought they might....What do you think?

I saw it! I keep hoping that they will show it. I know the Magic was fitted with 3D a while back. The Lion King has always been one of my favorite movies. My only challenge is that I generally don't care for 3D as it gives me horrible headaches. However, I may have to make an exception for this movie!

Karen (aka Keri)