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

[giraffe104]

DD Samantha who works now at Cheese Cake Factory in Hawaii had us try that and it was delicious!

Honolulu? that is so exciting. that wine went half way around the globe!

 

[jjb52]

We are Heather and Erik, and we live in Minnesota. Our kids are 15,13 and 10, but won't be joining us for this trip. They will however join us in Disney World in December when we stay at the Bay Lake Tower for the first time, we just became DVC members last year after a stay at Saratoga springs using an RCI exchange.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I've put my wife in charge of making an account here to get to know you all as well, since she is the official Mickey nut, I'm just the adopted one.

We are looking forward to getting to know all of you and meeting up on the cruise! It was kind of a last minute thing for us to book this, we just came across it as an option about 3 weeks ago and decided to book it.

Now I just hope I can find a low milage Delta award in business class to Barcelona, we're currently booked in Economy using my miles, but would love to make it Business class instead.

We'll be staying at Le Meridian in Barcelona for 2 nights, it will be our first time there - I've been to southern spain before, but never Barcelona, its Heather's first trip to Spain.

Thanks for all the great information so far, the summary post with it all in one place was great!

Erik

We are Minnesotans too. And our first trip to Spain(my husband's first trip to Europe) but our 20+ DCL cruise. You will get to be the "kids" on your cruise since yours aren't joining you. Ours are grown so we have been the "kids" for awhile. We too are spending 2 nights in Barcelona but at the Pullman Barcelona Skipper since we want to be close to the water and not right on Ramblas. Going to try and see as much as we can in those 48 hours we are in Barcelona so will be picked up at airport(also flying Delta) and do have a private 1/2 day tour on arrival w/ Barcelona Day Tours. They have a full day small group tour (5-12 people) the next day we are also signed up for to Montserrat and the Cava vineyards. If you are interested check out their website. They were awaiting more participants before they could confirm us. I hope some of the Dis group will check them out so our tour is a go. Welcome to the cruise and all the good information that is shared here.

 

[sinnika]

SMART MAN! Welcome aboard!

Any repeat cruisers know which terminal or dock in Barcelona?

The ship is docked at Cuise Terminal C The address is:
Portal de la Pau, 6
Moll Adossat, Terminal "c"
Barcelona 08039

Good info to have handy for your cab driver if you are taking a taxi to the port!

We are Minnesotans too. And our first trip to Spain(my husband's first trip to Europe) but our 20+ DCL cruise. You will get to be the "kids" on your cruise since yours aren't joining you. Ours are grown so we have been the "kids" for awhile. We too are spending 2 nights in Barcelona but at the Pullman Barcelona Skipper since we want to be close to the water and not right on Ramblas. Going to try and see as much as we can in those 48 hours we are in Barcelona so will be picked up at airport(also flying Delta) and do have a private 1/2 day tour on arrival w/ Barcelona Day Tours. They have a full day small group tour (5-12 people) the next day we are also signed up for to Montserrat and the Cava vineyards. If you are interested check out their website. They were awaiting more participants before they could confirm us. I hope some of the Dis group will check them out so our tour is a go. Welcome to the cruise and all the good information that is shared here.

We loved Montserrat! We visited it on a Sunday after our Med cruise this year. The cable ride was spectacular, and once we got up there we took another cable (the Joan Muro) to another part of the mountains. It was an incredible day! The boys choir was on summer vacation but they should be back in September.

 

[Beauty & the Best]

We are Heather and Erik, and we live in Minnesota. Our kids are 15,13 and 10, but won't be joining us for this trip. They will however join us in Disney World in December when we stay at the Bay Lake Tower for the first time, we just became DVC members last year after a stay at Saratoga springs using an RCI exchange.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I've put my wife in charge of making an account here to get to know you all as well, since she is the official Mickey nut, I'm just the adopted one.

We are looking forward to getting to know all of you and meeting up on the cruise! It was kind of a last minute thing for us to book this, we just came across it as an option about 3 weeks ago and decided to book it.

Now I just hope I can find a low milage Delta award in business class to Barcelona, we're currently booked in Economy using my miles, but would love to make it Business class instead.

We'll be staying at Le Meridian in Barcelona for 2 nights, it will be our first time there - I've been to southern spain before, but never Barcelona, its Heather's first trip to Spain.

Thanks for all the great information so far, the summary post with it all in one place was great!

Erik

Hi Erik, Since you're on disboards now, you'll have to check out the DVC threads and my personal favorites - the Theme Park Attractions & Strategies and the Restaurants threads. I've learned SO much from these boards.

Best of luck on upgrading your airfare! We have always flown coach b/c we just can't bear to spend 2 to 3 times as much for upgraded fare, but my sister who joined us on our most recent trip (back in May) upgraded to first class over to Spain and I think she is spoiled for life

I went to Cheese Cake Factory this week for dinner with a few coworkers and they had chicken with Madeira wine sauce... i had to order it. And it was delicious.

LOVE Cheesecake Factory!!! My fav dish is the Chicken Bellagio (on the promotional menu) - it is so yummy! My sister's fav is also the Chicken Madeira.

What cheesecake did you have? The Reeses one is my vice (not the peanut butter one, but the REESES one, they are different) but also their chocolate cake sundae is good.......wait, who am I kidding, everything is good there!

 

[Rikersmom]

I also am a big fan of Cheesecake Factory's Chicken Madeira. I found the recipe on the internet--supposedly the "official" one. Hmmmm. I wasn't happy with my sauce, but the flavors weren't bad--just not like the one served in the restaurant.

Dumb question: Is Madeira wine less expensive in Madeira? (I ask this from years of experience with expensive peaches in Georgia and expensive citrus in Florida.)

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

We are Heather and Erik, and we live in Minnesota. Our kids are 15,13 and 10, but won't be joining us for this trip. They will however join us in Disney World in December when we stay at the Bay Lake Tower for the first time, we just became DVC members last year after a stay at Saratoga springs using an RCI exchange.

Welcome aboard, Heather & Erik!

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

Jeremy's favorite dish is the Louisiana Chicken Pasta - it so soooo good but I am sure soooo fattening as it has a cream-based sauce.

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

Dumb question: Is Madeira wine less expensive in Madeira? (I ask this from years of experience with expensive peaches in Georgia and expensive citrus in Florida.)

True story: I was once in a Publix in Clearwater and couldn't find any orange juice!!

 

[tojam]

True story: I was once in a Publix in Clearwater and couldn't find any orange juice!!

Agreed! We lived in Maine for a year and never had a great lobster!!!!

 

[seamour]

I had great fun last night, DH was doing some work on his laptop so I sat and decorated my mask for villains night, i'm really pleased with the outcome.

sounds super cool!

just booked our 3 night stay after the cruise at WDW

YAE!

Hi everyone,

Got my first FE item done! Don't know why but it makes me feel so much better (and less overwhelmed)! Now, to figure out Pirate Night stuff.....

Keri

I don't even have IDEAS narrowed down yet, heck I don't have my stuff for my AK cruise which is first! So WTG!

I am also staying 3 nights after the cruise. I am staying at Pop Century, I had a bounce back in April when I was there for the flower and Garden Festival. I made it for August so I called and changed it to after the cruise. I agree, I just need a place to lay my head down at night, doesn't have to be fancy. I like it at Pop, only 1 bus stop and easy to get to everything. I usually rent a ECV scooter, due to my bad knees and its so easy to get on the buses there with it. Maybe we can party on

YAE! More Disney is always good!

 

[seamour]

I am really excited about seeing the list of early diners. It is nice to know that we will be seated with exceptionally nice people instead of wondering who will end up at our table.

For those who have done this before, did you end up with very large tables--or did they just try to seat us all in a general area? I prefer not to be at tables of 10-12--it just takes so long to take orders and be served. Just curious how this works. I know that most of the tables are 6-8 for groups.

Thanks for any information,
Karen

we linked tables with I do not know how many but a bunch of DIS people for the EBTA, we ended up with 9 at our table. And it was great! The two tables right next to us were DIS people as well. They had about the same amount of people I think.

I just noticed they are not selling Cat 5C with Verandah ( which is what I have) any more, it was there yesterday. Does that mean its sold out, or maybe they are upgrading some folks?????:

we are 5C GTY as well

We are booked and ready to go!!! This is our 1st Disney cruise (but def not first cruise)! This is a special trip for just me and my ds10... we have had such a hard year the first time it has been just us and I am just a little nevous about that...

We are so excited and can't wait!!!

Welcome aboard, I am travelling with my DD (13)

 

[giraffe104]

LOVE Cheesecake Factory!!! My fav dish is the Chicken Bellagio (on the promotional menu) - it is so yummy! My sister's fav is also the Chicken Madeira.

What cheesecake did you have? The Reeses one is my vice (not the peanut butter one, but the REESES one, they are different) but also their chocolate cake sundae is good.......wait, who am I kidding, everything is good there!

I had the reeses one, that is benefiting a charity... 6 of us split it. it was crazy delicious and still too much.

Dumb question: Is Madeira wine less expensive in Madeira? (I ask this from years of experience with expensive peaches in Georgia and expensive citrus in Florida.)

That's a fantastic question... I think french wine is cheaper in France... so I'd assume Madeira wine is cheaper in Madeira? because you don't pay an excise tax on it?

Jeremy's favorite dish is the Louisiana Chicken Pasta - it so soooo good but I am sure soooo fattening as it has a cream-based sauce.

Yumm, I literally could not decide between anything on the menu. I knew i needed fried mac and cheese as an app... and from there, I had no idea.

 

[seamour]

I need to find a good small fan that will travel, too. Neither of us can sleep in silence - it really is deafening. We have to have background noise! Need to test out the ones at Target to see if they are loud enough to make a difference.

I picked up a small one at Walgreens, try there as well.

Hello
I have just spent the last 2 days reading your past threads 2010 to catch up and acquaint myself. We booked this WBTA while on the EBTA in May 2011, but confirmed it a few days ago, making sure we could swing it with vacation dates.

I was on the EBTA as well with friends, this time travelling with my DD (13). Welcome aboard! Glad you found a way to make it work.

 

[seamour]

Based on the EBTA we were just on all 3 currencies will be needed. If you run out you can exchange at GS on the ship. I found their rate of exchange to be just as good if not better than on the streets at the port.
Nancy

Nancy did you get GBpounds from guest services? They told me they did not have any, only euros.

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!
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.

so glad that it worked out and you can join us! I have been told my oldest DD's name is Finiish as well (Talena).

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.

note to self, bring something to keep door from sliding back and forth!

5)Does anyone know why our ship arrives so late into CC?

6)Is there transport planned for Port Canaveral to MCO or MLB...or...WDW?

7)Can we set up something for the kids to get together on the first day to all meet each other? There is little traffic in the kids thread for this cruise, so perhaps we parents should have something since there will be fewer than normal numbers of children.

10) Does anyone know if Ducky Williams will be on board this WBTA?

11) Will Alfred & Seymour be one of the performers? We LOVE their performance every time!!

Thanks again for the warm welcome.

Nancy

Curious about 5 & 6 myself. good idea for 7. And I have heard Ducky will not be onboard as he has a DVC thing going on but who knows. Alfred and Seymour are a HOOT! They are currently on the Dream.

 

[seamour]

B) Should we have a tour planned for Gibraltar to go up the mountain to see the monkeys or is this over-rated? I have heard the taxis can be expensive and the walk back is long. It could be great exercise though!

Nancy

Well worth it but do NOT set up a tour ahead of time with Mark from Gibraltar Tours. Bad bad experience by my group and another on the EBTA.

Kevin & I are looking to rent a car at Port Canaveral and drop it at WDW. If anyone can recommend one rental company over another, I'd be happy to hear it.

Thanks,
Karen

Hertz and Budget are closest to the port I believe, Enterprise is also an option.

Maybe this will cheer you up:

He's watching the sea, keeping an eye out for your return across the Atlantic.

It cheered me up

We like the TV on too, DH was fed up last WBTA as I had all the Lost re-runs going all night

Love having all Lost all the time on, BUT what is up with it getting SUPER loud during the commercials?????

 

[squitty]

We are Heather and Erik, and we live in Minnesota. Our kids are 15,13 and 10, but won't be joining us for this trip. They will however join us in Disney World in December when we stay at the Bay Lake Tower for the first time, we just became DVC members last year after a stay at Saratoga springs using an RCI exchange.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I've put my wife in charge of making an account here to get to know you all as well, since she is the official Mickey nut, I'm just the adopted one.

We are looking forward to getting to know all of you and meeting up on the cruise! It was kind of a last minute thing for us to book this, we just came across it as an option about 3 weeks ago and decided to book it.

Now I just hope I can find a low milage Delta award in business class to Barcelona, we're currently booked in Economy using my miles, but would love to make it Business class instead.

We'll be staying at Le Meridian in Barcelona for 2 nights, it will be our first time there - I've been to southern spain before, but never Barcelona, its Heather's first trip to Spain.

Thanks for all the great information so far, the summary post with it all in one place was great!

Erik

Welcome aboard Heather & Erik & Welcome home Neighbour

 

[granmaz]

Thank you. She has wanted to do it ever since she first went to WDW and saw the students working there on the college programme. Her real dream is to be a dancer in the parade or a UK character like Alice in Wonderland. She may yet apply for the year long CRP because if she gets accepted onto that then she can audition for performance roles and face characters if she is the appropriate height.

I hope she gets to live her dream. This period over there should help her chances I imagine.

Hey all!

A friend of mine told me about this forum when I told her that we just booked this cruise as our first disney cruise!

We're going without the kids (me and my wife, both 37) - my wife is the Disney nut of the family, so as we talked about doing a trans-atlantic cruise, and I came across this one, she told me to just stop looking and book it, so I did.

It will be our third cruise, but first trans-atlantic and first on Disney. We booked a guaranteed verandah for this cruise, and are spending 2 nights in Barcelona before the cruise.

Look forward to reading through the massive amount of posts about this cruise and get to know other Disney fans!

Hi and welcome. We are Marilyn and John and were on last year's WBTA. Loved it so much we rebooked onboard!!

 

[Pinky166]

We are Heather and Erik, and we live in Minnesota. Our kids are 15,13 and 10, but won't be joining us for this trip. They will however join us in Disney World in December when we stay at the Bay Lake Tower for the first time, we just became DVC members last year after a stay at Saratoga springs using an RCI exchange.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I've put my wife in charge of making an account here to get to know you all as well, since she is the official Mickey nut, I'm just the adopted one.

We are looking forward to getting to know all of you and meeting up on the cruise! It was kind of a last minute thing for us to book this, we just came across it as an option about 3 weeks ago and decided to book it.

Now I just hope I can find a low milage Delta award in business class to Barcelona, we're currently booked in Economy using my miles, but would love to make it Business class instead.

We'll be staying at Le Meridian in Barcelona for 2 nights, it will be our first time there - I've been to southern spain before, but never Barcelona, its Heather's first trip to Spain.

Thanks for all the great information so far, the summary post with it all in one place was great!

Erik

Welcome aboard Heather & Erik, we are Claire & Lee from the UK. This is our 3rd dcl cruise but 1st TA.

The ship is docked at Cuise Terminal C The address is:
Portal de la Pau, 6
Moll Adossat, Terminal "c"
Barcelona 08039

Good info to have handy for your cab driver if you are taking a taxi to the port!

Thanks for this, i've made a note as we will be getting a taxi.

Best of luck on upgrading your airfare! We have always flown coach b/c we just can't bear to spend 2 to 3 times as much for upgraded fare, but my sister who joined us on our most recent trip (back in May) upgraded to first class over to Spain and I think she is spoiled for life

Lol, I couldn't agree more. It does spoil you for life.




Yum, we discovered the Cheesecake Factory on our last trip in February, I can't wait to go back.

 

[karentan]

wait a minute - the cheesecake factory does food.....

never been in there for anything other than cake. one slice fills me up, let alone having a full meal beforehand!

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Yum, we discovered the Cheesecake Factory on our last trip in February, I can't wait to go back.

I can't believe we failed to make a trip to the Cheesecake Factory on our visit to Orlando recently ... we didn't make it to Disney Quest and I couldn't remember where the other one was, so after eyeing up your cheesecake photos and drooling I still never managed to get there. I wonder if there is one in St Augustine ... time for google !!