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

[sinnika]

MAYBE STUPID QUESTION (or not, since there are no stupid questions on the boards....right? ). We're flying BA from Newark to BCN with a layover in London. Will be have to claim luggage and go through customs in London or not until Barca? This EU thing is confusing...what's internat'l and what's domestic? I've been told that if you change airlines, you have to claim/customs in London, but what about staying on the same one? To complicate things, my DM/DN are on the same flights, but the first leg is a code-share through Iberian. Will that matter either way? OK, you seasoned experts...ADVICE?

We flew Air Canada from Houston via Toronto and did not have to deal with luggage till we hit Barcelona. We did have a quick passport check as an in transit passenger. On the way back though, we went Barca to Brussels, then got routed on another flight to Chicago instead of Newark and had to exit and claim luggage and go thru customs in Chicago (though we didn't have any luggage - it showed up 5 days later, thank goodness it was on the return trip!), then we went back thru security and on to Houston on yet another flight.

Well, we're definitely going to ditch the October cruise in favor of a week at the parks. I may see if we can transfer the ressie - with the onboard booking discount - to another cruise, but if not, we haven't yet entered the penalty phase, so no harm done there.

I've been looking at possible restaurants for our anniversary. It seems Flying Fish Cafe has a new (well, new to me) Chef's dinner. Six courses with wine specifically chosen for each course, and the menu is different every night. Sounds like our kind of dinner! Has anyone done this? We've been to FFC a few times before and have always had a good experience, though the last time we were there I didn't see too many things on the menu that really thrilled me. The sample menus for this dinner looked pretty amazing.

I'm also toying with the idea of doing the Wishes Dessert Party on our last night there. I've wanted to try this since they introduced it but haven't had the time. Any comments on this one? Is it worth the $$?

I may have to call for the ressies, though. I've been trying to book online and when I plug in the dates to see what's available I seem to get the "please wait while we complete your request" in an endless loop.

Another vote for the Flying Fish. Although its been a few years, it is still one of our favorites!
Another special thing to do is the private boat on the Lagoon to see Wishes or the boat to see Illuminations. I arranged this for DH for his 50th BD 2 years ago. You catch it at the Yacht and Beach club for Illuminations, and they provide snacks (chips, sodas) for you. The boat holds 10 people and some friends were staying at the Swan and we went to their pier to pick them up. They even let DS drive the boat for a bit! The boats reserve fast as they are very limited (only 3 or 4 fit for Illuminations), but sometimes you can find people who want to split the cost on the boards as they are pricey!

 

[Fontabel]

MAYBE STUPID QUESTION (or not, since there are no stupid questions on the boards....right? ). We're flying BA from Newark to BCN with a layover in London. Will be have to claim luggage and go through customs in London or not until Barca? This EU thing is confusing...what's internat'l and what's domestic? I've been told that if you change airlines, you have to claim/customs in London, but what about staying on the same one? To complicate things, my DM/DN are on the same flights, but the first leg is a code-share through Iberian. Will that matter either way? OK, you seasoned experts...ADVICE?

Since your final destination is Barcelona and you don't plan to leave the London airport overnight, then no, you won't need to collect your luggage. They should check it from Jersey to Spain. You will likely need to go through passport control in London, to get to your next gate, but your luggage should be transferred automatically.

You may not be able to get all your boarding passes in Newark, but once you get to London you can get one either from a transfer kiosk or at the gate itself. It is still considered an international flight even within the EU, but you are only doing a stopover, so no need to worry about luggage. Usually from America, they tend to give you all the boarding passes, but it really depends.

TSA had instituted new rules for COMING INTO the U.S., you cannot get boarding passes EXCEPT from the airport in which your international flight TO the U.S. originates. Last Dec, we were running through Zurich airport to get a boarding pass because they could not get us one from Skopje (but Skopje is a far cry from London). As far as I know though, this is just going TO the U.S. not out. Since it is a BA flight, they might even be able to print them all in Jersey. Coming in to the U.S. is also a different story about luggage. We make you pick it up and recheck at your first entry point, the switch to domestic. Atlanta, of all places, does this really well. Coming back won't be an issue for us since we will be picking it up at Port Canaveral.

As for your family, not sure I understand. They are on the same flights as you from start to finish? Then they should have the same conditions. Code share does not matter about luggage--its just a way for more people to get on flights using different airline partners. Their tickets should be from Jersey to Barcelona as should be the luggage.

Macedonia does not have its own airline so we always code share with Austrian, Swiss, Croatian, etc. We have always been able to check our luggage directly to the final destination--and this from an airport with only two gates and even less sophistication than any Western European or U.S. airport.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have additional questions, have too much experience with airports outside the U.S.

Amanda

 

[DISNEYFAN_SD]

That is because the Brits have been booking and you know what they are like about desserts!!

I forgot about thatWe have done it in the past and it was wonderful.

 

[granmaz]

There's one at Mall at Millenia

Yes, I knew about that one. I thought I had mentioned it, but I remember now deleting to re write but forgot to do that. We wandered past once but had just eaten somewhere else and we weren't sure if we could just pop in there for cheesecake.

 

[Pinky166]

I'm happy to say Lorelei's party went off without a hitch! It was a little hot but the kids and adults had so much fun. We always wait to open presents till everyone's left though and she was so tired she only opened 3 and gave up. I guess we'll do the rest today. Maybe she just wants to extend her birthday fun Now we can focus on the trip more.

Glad to hear Lorelei had a great birthday.

Well, we're definitely going to ditch the October cruise in favor of a week at the parks. I may see if we can transfer the ressie - with the onboard booking discount - to another cruise, but if not, we haven't yet entered the penalty phase, so no harm done there.

I've been looking at possible restaurants for our anniversary. It seems Flying Fish Cafe has a new (well, new to me) Chef's dinner. Six courses with wine specifically chosen for each course, and the menu is different every night. Sounds like our kind of dinner! Has anyone done this? We've been to FFC a few times before and have always had a good experience, though the last time we were there I didn't see too many things on the menu that really thrilled me. The sample menus for this dinner looked pretty amazing.

I'm also toying with the idea of doing the Wishes Dessert Party on our last night there. I've wanted to try this since they introduced it but haven't had the time. Any comments on this one? Is it worth the $$?

I may have to call for the ressies, though. I've been trying to book online and when I plug in the dates to see what's available I seem to get the "please wait while we complete your request" in an endless loop.

We've never been to Flying Fish but a 6 course meal sounds fab, I am sure it will be special way to celebrate your anniversary.

We did the Wishes Dessert party a few years ago, it was good but we weren't that hungry so it wasn't worth the $$'s on that occasion but if you go hungry and have a very sweet tooth then I am sure you'll eat your monies worth. It is nice seeing Wishes from a less crowded area but it's strange seeing how far away the fireworks are, compared to standing infront of the castle. I don't think i'd rush to do it again but i'm glad we did it once.

I'm a bit excited .... just booked a night away in London with Tony for next weekend, staying at a Holiday Inn in Bloomsbury ( virtually free using priority club points gained from our Orlando trip ). Outward train fare upgraded to first class for £4 extra each and booked tickets to go see "Love Never Dies" before it finishes in August. Can't wait for next weekend now

How fab.

Hi guys. Quick post, op went well but havent been able to eat or drink really anything since. Darn hosp sent me home cause protocol is home in 2 days. Was thursday afternoon, ambulanced to own hosp satmorn. Back on ivfluids and trying rebuild my feedings. At least proper care here. Not Sure when can go home.

Candyswap; sign up in my pm, but answer not coming soon, sorry! If box is full, contact me via MY facebook. Can be found on wbta facebook.

Sorry for language, phone and brain not working.

Glad to hear the op went well and that you are now being looked after properly. Hopefully you will be eating & drinking soon. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

 

[liesbeth1012]

Hi guys. Quick post, op went well but havent been able to eat or drink really anything since. Darn hosp sent me home cause protocol is home in 2 days. Was thursday afternoon, ambulanced to own hosp satmorn. Back on ivfluids and trying rebuild my feedings. At least proper care here. Not Sure when can go home.

Candyswap; sign up in my pm, but answer not coming soon, sorry! If box is full, contact me via MY facebook. Can be found on wbta facebook.

Sorry for language, phone and brain not working.

Glad the operation went well. Hope you get home soon to recover at all for the cruise begins. Whis you good luck.


I have been working on a photoalbum from our Disneyland Paris trip the whole day. It is finished and send to the store. I hope it is what I expect from it. This is a little test for the album(s) we gonna make after the cruise and WDW. These albums get much bigger.

 

[Pinky166]

Pat - Here are our photos from the Wishes Dessert party....

We only had one plate each but you could go back up as much as you want.

This is what I mean about how far the fireworks are set back, don't get me wrong it's still a fab view, just different to seeing them from Main Street.

ETA: Sorry about the photo size, photobucket won't let me resize them.

 

[tojam]

Sorry if I am asking a question that has already been answered. Not much time to keep current on the boards.

Has there been an initial meet and mingle set for the Dis'ers once on board? We are a GTY room and no assignment yet. Do we need to make arrangements to pick-up pins and lanyards?

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Can't wait to meet you all!

 

[JessicasMom]

Since your final destination is Barcelona and you don't plan to leave the London airport overnight, then no, you won't need to collect your luggage. They should check it from Jersey to Spain. You will likely need to go through passport control in London, to get to your next gate, but your luggage should be transferred automatically.

You may not be able to get all your boarding passes in Newark, but once you get to London you can get one either from a transfer kiosk or at the gate itself. It is still considered an international flight even within the EU, but you are only doing a stopover, so no need to worry about luggage. Usually from America, they tend to give you all the boarding passes, but it really depends.

TSA had instituted new rules for COMING INTO the U.S., you cannot get boarding passes EXCEPT from the airport in which your international flight TO the U.S. originates. Last Dec, we were running through Zurich airport to get a boarding pass because they could not get us one from Skopje (but Skopje is a far cry from London). As far as I know though, this is just going TO the U.S. not out. Since it is a BA flight, they might even be able to print them all in Jersey. Coming in to the U.S. is also a different story about luggage. We make you pick it up and recheck at your first entry point, the switch to domestic. Atlanta, of all places, does this really well. Coming back won't be an issue for us since we will be picking it up at Port Canaveral.

As for your family, not sure I understand. They are on the same flights as you from start to finish? Then they should have the same conditions. Code share does not matter about luggage--its just a way for more people to get on flights using different airline partners. Their tickets should be from Jersey to Barcelona as should be the luggage.

Macedonia does not have its own airline so we always code share with Austrian, Swiss, Croatian, etc. We have always been able to check our luggage directly to the final destination--and this from an airport with only two gates and even less sophistication than any Western European or U.S. airport.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have additional questions, have too much experience with airports outside the U.S.

Amanda

Very Helpful! Thank you...answered all my questions (and more...good information in case I'm ever flying through Macedonia ). Another reason I love the Disboards .

We've only flown non-stop to Europe before (and it's been awhile), so the layover threw me. After last year's EB, it was a straight shot home from Barca. With the EU, I considered the possibility that the London to Barca leg might be domestic, triggering a visit to customs before boarding. I'm spending far too much time thinking about this trip .

 

[birkner]

Sorry if I am asking a question that has already been answered. Not much time to keep current on the boards.

Has there been an initial meet and mingle set for the Dis'ers once on board? We are a GTY room and no assignment yet. Do we need to make arrangements to pick-up pins and lanyards?

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Can't wait to meet you all!

John and I have mentioned before that we plan to be in the Promenade Lounge by 3PM to distribute lanyards and pins.

 

[auntlynne]

Well, we're definitely going to ditch the October cruise in favor of a week at the parks. I may see if we can transfer the ressie - with the onboard booking discount - to another cruise, but if not, we haven't yet entered the penalty phase, so no harm done there....

This sounds like a great anniversary trip. When onboard, they are using a December 2012 Magic cruise out of Galveston as the dummy date - it's pretty far out time-wise and it's not such a high demand that the prices are being pushed up (as was happening when people used the Dream for this purpose). Gives you a little more time to figure out when to do the Dream.

 

[christannj]

I have been away from the boards for a while so this may have already been discussed but I was wondering for those of you who have done this cruise before or something similar in length how much luggage do people tend to bring?

 

[karentan]

John and I have mentioned before that we plan to be in the Promenade Lounge by 3PM to distribute lanyards and pins.

this info is on the front page

We did the Wishes Dessert party a few years ago, I don't think i'd rush to do it again but i'm glad we did it once.

ditto, we did it a couple of years ago, liked it, but agree about the fireworks being off centre, and also it was kinda spoiled by the kid standing next to me throwing up.

I have been away from the boards for a while so this may have already been discussed but I was wondering for those of you who have done this cruise before or something similar in length how much luggage do people tend to bring?

in noel's case, TOO much!

 

[squitty]

Hi guys. Quick post, op went well but havent been able to eat or drink really anything since. Darn hosp sent me home cause protocol is home in 2 days. Was thursday afternoon, ambulanced to own hosp satmorn. Back on ivfluids and trying rebuild my feedings. At least proper care here. Not Sure when can go home.

Candyswap; sign up in my pm, but answer not coming soon, sorry! If box is full, contact me via MY facebook. Can be found on wbta facebook.

Sorry for language, phone and brain not working.

Wishing you a speedy recovery Jacqueline.


Dessert Party - We went last year and whilst we enjoyed it, we won't be doing it anytime soon. I think you have to try things once

 

[TotallyAngelic]

and also it was kinda spoiled by the kid standing next to me throwing up.

Not quite a magical memory there then

 

[Pinky166]

ditto, we did it a couple of years ago, liked it, but agree about the fireworks being off centre, and also it was kinda spoiled by the kid standing next to me throwing up.

Nice!!!

Reminds me of a magical experience we had last year, we were exiting the monorail at MK and walking down the ramp when some kid charged off of the monorail and threw up from the platform at the top all down the wall where we were walking......

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Nice!!!

Reminds me of a magical experience we had last year, we were exiting the monorail at MK and walking down the ramp when some kid charged off of the monorail and threw up from the platform at the top all down the wall where we were walking......

We had a magical moment this time .... waiting in the line for Philharmagic, a little boy threw up good style and the cast members were exceptionally quick to relocate the line, deposit the child over a bucket and cover the affected area with magic sand.

 

[susie2]

Hi guys. Quick post, op went well but havent been able to eat or drink really anything since. Darn hosp sent me home cause protocol is home in 2 days. Was thursday afternoon, ambulanced to own hosp satmorn. Back on ivfluids and trying rebuild my feedings. At least proper care here. Not Sure when can go home.

Candyswap; sign up in my pm, but answer not coming soon, sorry! If box is full, contact me via MY facebook. Can be found on wbta facebook.

Sorry for language, phone and brain not working.

glad to hear the op went well, hope you are feeling better soon and able to return home

 

[Rikersmom]

Thought you'd like to know that the correct Disney term for what you've been describing is a "protein spill." Sounds better when it comes over the radio.

 

[DISNEYFAN_SD]

Here are a couple of our pictures from Gilbraltar, sorry never had photobucket until today. The first one is ape with my DH, I asked my husband to get closer. The one picture is of the ape taking over our van, he would not stop blowing the horn.