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

[GatorMomInNC]

I know many of you are repeat TA'ers so I am hoping you can give me some input. Right now I have the following excursions booked through DCL: Unforgettable West Madeira; Coral Reef Exploration in St. Maarten: Jost Van **** beach day in Tortola.

The Madeira one looks good, but long. WOndering if it might be too long for my 4 and 7 year olds. Also expensive. Has anyone done it.

The Coral Reef Exploration St. Maarten seems a little gimmicky. I would really like to just take a cab to a beach that day - any suggestions?

The Jost Von **** I've decided not to do because it is too expensive and they warn that people with mobility problems (like my mom) shouldn't do it. Has anyone done any of the other (mild to moderate) Tortola adventures through DCL?

 

[Namsupak]

Thanks for all the well wishes for Lorelei's birthday. 2 has come really fast and I imagine it only gets faster from here.

Something that may be of use to you is that Mandygirl is organising a meet for the younger ones on the first sea day so that they can meet some friends for th cruise, I'm not sure of the exact time location (had a trawl but there is just toooo much to read through) but I think it's at 11am at one of the pools

I didn't know we had set a time and place... thank goodness Noel is doing a Dis navigator. I don't know how she keeps up!

Happy birthday to Lorelei! It's so fun to do b-day parties for our cuties isn't it?

It was so much fun and my mom made an awesome cake. I'll have to post a pic later. It was Disney junior themed... so Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, and Special Agent Oso.

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

Claire those pics look so good. I'm so jealous cause we tried to go this July but it was totally booked... maybe next time. Thanks for posting the pics though

 

[GA-yaya]

Okay, I'm back on the DISboards....

My Mother passed away last Saturday after a lengthy battle with MS & ALS...this last month was difficult for her. So sad.... This week was a long, sad one, but it is over. I did find out that I have absolutely wonderful friends...I am so fortunate! Now back to my normal, crazy life. Looking forward to an enjoyable cruise to rejuvenate my spirit.

Jacqueline, glad to see that you finally got your needed op - best wishes for a super-speedy recovery!

It looks as if I am about 50 pages behind in reading....What have I missed? Guess I'll find out as I slowly catch up. Doesn't look like we have our room assignment yet - my husband is obsessively checking every day....it's actually kind of funny!

 

[DISNEYFAN_SD]

Okay, I'm back on the DISboards....

My Mother passed away last Saturday after a lengthy battle with MS & ALS...this last month was difficult for her. So sad.... This week was a long, sad one, but it is over. I did find out that I have absolutely wonderful friends...I am so fortunate! Now back to my normal, crazy life. Looking forward to an enjoyable cruise to rejuvenate my spirit.

So sorry to hear about your loss.

 

[*Flower*]

My Mother passed away last Saturday after a lengthy battle with MS & ALS...this last month was difficult for her. So sad.... This week was a long, sad one, but it is over. I did find out that I have absolutely wonderful friends...I am so fortunate! Now back to my normal, crazy life. Looking forward to an enjoyable cruise to rejuvenate my spirit.

So sorry about your loss.... she'll be with you on the cruise in spirit.

 

[JessicasMom]

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.

Thanks so much for your help. The thought of lost luggage keeps me up at night; our carry-on will be full of FE gifts, and I can't wear them (well, I guess I could ask for a lot of tape and create something wearable, but it might attract a bit of attention )!

in noel's case, TOO much!

Funny, that leaped to my mind, too . To answer the question, DH and I take one suitcase and one carry-on each. Pack whatever you think you'll need, then remove about a third.

Okay, I'm back on the DISboards....

My Mother passed away last Saturday after a lengthy battle with MS & ALS...this last month was difficult for her.

You have my deepest heartfelt sympathy.

 

[birkner]

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?

Hopefully not as much as last time!! Hoping for 2 large suitcases each!!

 

[birkner]

I know many of you are repeat TA'ers so I am hoping you can give me some input. Right now I have the following excursions booked through DCL: Unforgettable West Madeira; Coral Reef Exploration in St. Maarten: Jost Van **** beach day in Tortola.

The Madeira one looks good, but long. WOndering if it might be too long for my 4 and 7 year olds. Also expensive. Has anyone done it.

I don't have any experience with DCL but last year we have several young children (from 2-12) do our all day Madeira tour with Daniel Taxi. If you want to PM me, I can give your their DIS names for advice

The Coral Reef Exploration St. Maarten seems a little gimmicky. I would really like to just take a cab to a beach that day - any suggestions?

The Jost Von **** I've decided not to do because it is too expensive and they warn that people with mobility problems (like my mom) shouldn't do it. Has anyone done any of the other (mild to moderate) Tortola adventures through DCL?

There are others on the board here who may have better ideas for you in St. Maarten.

 

[birkner]

Okay, I'm back on the DISboards....

My Mother passed away last Saturday after a lengthy battle with MS & ALS...this last month was difficult for her. So sad.... This week was a long, sad one, but it is over. I did find out that I have absolutely wonderful friends...I am so fortunate! Now back to my normal, crazy life. Looking forward to an enjoyable cruise to rejuvenate my spirit.

My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your mother. I have lost both of my parents so appreciate your feelings of loss. Glad to hear you have such supportive friend and family.

I am sure this cruise will be a welcome one and the opportunity to make lots of new friends.

 

[Rikersmom]

Peggy,

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hope you can find comfort in remembering all the good times.

I look forward to meeting you,
Karen

 

[seamour]

Peggy so sorry for your loss.

 

[STLUCIELADY]

Hi Y'all!
Hope I'm on the right thread now. You guys are fast! My daughter and I have finally booked. We did the last Med cruise last year and begged to be able to continued on to Cape Canaveral...no room at the Inn. Oh well. We are doing it this time!! Woohoo!!!
My name is Lisa, 47 and my daughter is JoAnna, 27. We are from Florida. I think it is our 9th Dis cruise but daughter thinks it's out 10th. Booked into a Cat 9 GTY room. Already contacted Pat about the FE. Still trying to figure everything else out with meetups, excursions, tshirts etc. We are going to be flying into London for a few days pre cruise and then off to Barcelona for a night. BTW, if anyone else is going to London. LivingSocial has a 1/2 price 3 hours double decker bus tour for 8 pounds today, roughly $13 I believe. Here's the link they gave me if you need it. http://livingsocial.com/deals/68975?ref=conf-jp&rpi=20171237

So excited about the cruise but now we have to hurry up and book stuff, I hate that. Thank you to whoever put the London link on the first page. Very helpful. I hope to see some of the people from last year on this cruise. It was an incredible cruise!

 

[Brookspayne]

I just checked out the desert party at MK after the cruise thru the evening of 28th and there was no availability left

So sorry, think we scored the last booking for that date, had confirmation last Monday for 8pm.

Do you want me to see if I can change the booking to add you, happy to do so if you like to share a table.

Burnice

 

[birkner]

Hi Y'all!
Hope I'm on the right thread now. You guys are fast! My daughter and I have finally booked. We did the last Med cruise last year and begged to be able to continued on to Cape Canaveral...no room at the Inn. Oh well. We are doing it this time!! Woohoo!!!
My name is Lisa, 47 and my daughter is JoAnna, 27. We are from Florida. I think it is our 9th Dis cruise but daughter thinks it's out 10th. Booked into a Cat 9 GTY room. Already contacted Pat about the FE. Still trying to figure everything else out with meetups, excursions, tshirts etc. We are going to be flying into London for a few days pre cruise and then off to Barcelona for a night. BTW, if anyone else is going to London. LivingSocial has a 1/2 price 3 hours double decker bus tour for 8 pounds today, roughly $13 I believe. Here's the link they gave me if you need it. http://livingsocial.com/deals/68975?ref=conf-jp&rpi=20171237

So excited about the cruise but now we have to hurry up and book stuff, I hate that. Thank you to whoever put the London link on the first page. Very helpful. I hope to see some of the people from last year on this cruise. It was an incredible cruise!

Welcome aboard Lisa and Johanna!! We are Noel and John and this will be our 5th cruise on DCL. Our last cruise was the 2010 WBTA so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask or PM me.

My DH John and I have created a website for you view other cruisers and sign in with your information. WBTA Website
If you want to add your picture to the website, you can send it to us at nbirkner@yahoo.com
Please check this first page of the thread to orient yourself about the cruise, DIS members on the cruise and all the activities planned.
To help you with all the activities that are planned, here is some information to help you decide if you want to participate:

01. If you are interested in participating in the Fish Extender Exchange (FE), please PM Pat (PFlamingo) with the following details:
Send her your stateroom number, Disboard name, first name of each person in the stateroom, realtionship to you (DH, DW, DD, DS, etc) ages and gender of children. You can cut and paste the format below.
Stateroom #:
Disname:
First name:
Age:
Disname:
First name:
Age:
Cutoff date for joining the FE is August 1, 2011.

02. If people are interested in being in the same area as other DIS'ers to send Dan (Cliffy97) a PM with Lead Passenger name, your booking number and if you are Early or Late seating. Dan was told by Disney today that this is all they need to put folks together. . Linked Dining
03. If you are interested in the Candy Swap, please PM Jacqueline (goofieslonglostsis).

04. If you are interested in Secret Mickey Exchange, please PM Karen (karentan).

05. If you are interest in getting a WBTA lanyard, please PM Noel (birkner). See this lanyard link for example of the previous 2010 WBTA lanyard. Hopefully, a group of DISers will volunteer to underwrite the lanyards as they did last year so they will be free to the rest of the DISers. We already have several people offering to be part of the lanyard underwriting group. If you wish to join, please send Noel (Birkner) a PM. If we get enough members, the cost should be $10 or less per member.

06. If you are interested in a WBTA lanyard pin,please PM Noel (birkner). See the lanyard link above for example of the previous 2010 WBTA pin. Cost will be 5 Euros per pin. Payment is to be made by June 30, 2011 to birkner@needinfo.com on PayPal. Contact Noel (birkner) if you have more questions about pins. * Just a quick note on Lanyard pins. I have ordered a couple extra pins so if you want a pin, pls PM me, first come, first served until the pins are all sold.

07. If you are interested in participating in a Mickey Mouse Club night, please check out this Mickey Mouse club post. Plans are to do this event on Monday September 19 at both early and late seating dinners. We will all wear our Mickey Mouse shirts and ears!!

08. I am organizing two tours in Madeira. West we did last year and also one for East Madeira. Here is the a PDF file that gives more information about the 2010 tour. If you are interested, please send Noel (birkner) a PM.

09. We are also going to do a Champagne Girls meet. The Champagne Girls event originated on the WBPC cruise in 2008. Women get together dressed in pink to drink champagne or non alcoholic bubbly and chat. Pictures of the first meet are in this post and pictures from the last WBTA are in this post. Please PM (Clare)Pinky166 to add you name to the list.

10. If you would like to join in the Scrapbooking Exchange, please PM Clare (Pinky166) with your name and room number. The idea is to give your fellow exchangers some scrapbooking embellishments for use in your scrapbooks after you return home! For more info check this post.

11 Join us for a Pajama breakfast on September 18 at 10:00 AM at Lumiere's. We will meet outside Lumiere's at 9:50 AM to take group pictures. If you are interested, please PM Mandy (MandyGirl) with the number in your party.
Here is the picture from the PJ breakfast on last years WBTA.

12. Mandy (MandyGirl) is organizing a Tortola Excursion of a group rate day sail on a power catamaran to Jost VanDyke with Tortola Charters. Please PM Mandy with the number in your party if you are interested in being added to the standby list of this full excursion.

13. Squitty (Michelle) is organizing private Mixology and Mojito tastings. If you are interested, send her a PM for details.

14. Karen (Pixie Dust For Me!)is organizing stateroom tours, but we can't do it without you! PM me with your stateroom assignment and room number and we will tour as many staterooms as possible. It would be great to get one in every category!
When: Definitely on a sea day....stay tuned for which day!
Time: TBD
Where: You will be given a list of participating stateroom numbers and categories the day after we embark (to account for all those upgrades, don't you know )
Refreshments: Optional per discretion of stateroom participant.

15. If you want a designed DIS tee shirt for this cruise, follow the instruction in this post. DIS Tee shirt

16. Cliffy 97 (Dan and Bruce) are organizing a typical English pub crawl on Friday, September 16 from 1:00PM until 5:00PM. We can then restart after dinner.
Those who were interested will in one of the bars for ( Traditionally a half pint pounded, I would suggest a drink of your choice) and then visit (Crawl) every other bar on the ship at least once.
As we do not have to worry about anything closing or how we are getting home, I would imagine we can spend 20-30 min at each location versus the 5-10 min you have on the monopoly pub crawl in London.

Tee Shirt Order Site
More details on the pub crawl here: Pub Crawl

If you are located outside of the USA and want a t-shirt, please PM Chris&Jeremy and he will send you the artwork so you can have your own shirt printed locally.

17. If anyone wants to organize a postcard exchange, please feel free to start one. What we did las year is bring a postcard from where we lived and left in each other's FE. It is best to limit the number of participants no more than 25 as cost and weight to bring become an issue.

18. If you are interested in joining us for a farewell lunch, contact Claire (Pinky166) to be added to the list.
Come & join us for a farewell DIS lunch on the last sea day. Thursday 22nd Sept at 12.15pm, we are not sure which of the three rotational restaurants will be open on that day, should there be more than one open I have put them in order of preference - 1st Lumiere's, 2nd Parrot Cay or 3rd Animator's Palate.
Please make sure you check your Navigator that morning to see which restaurant is open for lunch as I won't be able to tell you in advance.
Please PM me if you'd like to join us and I will add you to the list, then once onboard notify the restaurant so they can seat us together at some large tables.

19. Hard Rock Cafe Meet. Some of us are hoping to meet up for drinks/a meal the evening of Friday 9th September at 6:30 PM at the Hard Rock Cafe on Placa Catalunya and is being organized by Sarah (Totally Angelic). Please send her a PM if you want to join in the fun!

20. Jane (We'reAliens) is organizing a Book Exchange. The idea is that a large bag will be hung on handrail outside stateroom 7120 available for anyone to borrow and, of course, donate books.

21. Jill (TxMermaid1) is organizing a dive in Tortola. Here is the info on the dive trip for Tortola Group leader lead by Jill Bouska, PADI Master Scuba Diver Instructor. Tortola Dive
(http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=41602319&postcount=2002)

22. Nancy (Lionessa) wants to know if anyone interested or know about The Dolphin Royal Swim on Tortola? She is looking at booking it directly and would be very happy to share a taxi (minivan) with others who are interested. If you book ahead of time directly with the company you receive a discount. The Dolphin Royal Swim is for adults & children age 8+. ($149.00 adult) ($129.00 child) For the two, the total would be 278.00- discount= 208.00 US There are 4 shows as possibilities: 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm. Since the ship leaves at 3:45, she doesn't think the last 2 are good possibilities. Please PM her for details and more information.

 

[auntlynne]

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?

I've got an LLBean large rolling duffle 15" x 30" x 13" (about 5700 cu in) and an Expedition travel pack 22" x 14" x 9.25" I'm not doing FEs and am trying really hard to take clothes off my packing list, not adding them. I've got 10 days in London/Disneyland Paris/Barcelona before I get on the ship, otherwise, I would pack for 7 days and do laundry halfway through.

...Here are a couple of our pictures from Gilbraltar, sorry never had photobucket until today. ...[/QUOTE]

Cheeky monkey (ape).

Congratulations on mastering photobucket.

 

[Brookspayne]

Okay, I'm back on the DISboards....

My Mother passed away last Saturday after a lengthy battle with MS & ALS...this last month was difficult for her. So sad.... This week was a long, sad one, but it is over. I did find out that I have absolutely wonderful friends...I am so fortunate! Now back to my normal, crazy life. Looking forward to an enjoyable cruise to rejuvenate my spirit.

Peggy I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

Burnice

 

[auntlynne]

Okay, I'm back on the DISboards....

Peggy and Roger:

My mother passed away two years ago and it is still doesn't seem real; I expect to see her when I turn the corner. We had a good life together and so I my memories are pleasant. I hope you have the same.

Lynne

 

[Chris&Jeremy]

My name is Lisa, 47 and my daughter is JoAnna, 27. We are from Florida. I think it is our 9th Dis cruise but daughter thinks it's out 10th. Booked into a Cat 9 GTY room.

Welcome aboard!

 

[STLUCIELADY]

Wow Noel! Thanks for all the info. You sure made it easy.

 

[DISNEYFAN_SD]

So sorry, think we scored the last booking for that date, had confirmation last Monday for 8pm.

Do you want me to see if I can change the booking to add you, happy to do so if you like to share a table.

Burnice

Thanks for the offer but I think we will pass DH wants to get a good seat for the parade