*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* - From Spain to Space Mountain - Part 6

[Donaldcp98]

Yep, I'm sure they are still trying to sell!! They are probably offering the CM specials now too... they seem to be late in the game, and of course the "dot coms" are all pushing it.

Sorry to disappoint you but CM specials have been done for a while. That is how my DH and friends and I booked. They closed that out a couple of weeks ago. We aren't holding it up.

we are in a small community called Turk, which is outside Bad Reinshenhall (not sure I spelled that right) on a farm! It is so different here than in the states! But at least I am getting good bread, butter and small amounts of chocolate - just no ice!!! First thing I am hitting on the ship - the ice machine on deck 9!

Krisann

Love, love, love Germany. We visited after our EBTA last year and I would so love to go back!

Here's our official countdown:

In 2 weeks we leave for Barcelona!

Can you tell, we're excited????

I looked at the calendar at work and realized that two weeks from today I would be wrapping up my last day of work. I can't wait. I was thinking of PFlamingo today as my boss was trying to say that she only approved a week off for me. Really? A transatlantic cruise and you approved a week? I have the signed paperwork if she was having a "senior moment". I wish I could do what PFlamingo did but unfortunately I need my job.

Didn't feel the earthquake here in Florida obviously but one of my coworkers said his friends in Canada (Toronto I think) felt it. Glad everyone is ok. I am praying that Irene does an abrupt right turn and hits the road. Don't like it being this close.

If you guys are putting together a list of flight info I am afraid I won't be able to add anything. My friend who's buddy passes we are using called me today to say that we might need to go to JFK now and fly to Madrid and take the train to Barcelon This is why I hate flying on buddy passes (but love the price) The down side is the train will cost roughly an extra $170 per person but the upside is that we get to see Madrid and take a train across Spain. Not sure which I am hoping for .

 

[Beauty & the Best]

I know I will put on weight on this cruise and it's no good me trying to tell myself I won't, I intend to enjoy myself and worry later...lol

Me too. I will work out nearly every day and I'll watch what I eat for breakfast & lunch, but will still put on some weight. I just do my best to keep it to a minimum and get back on the bangwagon once I get home.

But what's a vacation without dessert anyway??

 

[Beauty & the Best]

If you guys are putting together a list of flight info I am afraid I won't be able to add anything. My friend who's buddy passes we are using called me today to say that we might need to go to JFK now and fly to Madrid and take the train to Barcelon This is why I hate flying on buddy passes (but love the price) The down side is the train will cost roughly an extra $170 per person but the upside is that we get to see Madrid and take a train across Spain. Not sure which I am hoping for .

We've done this our past 2 cruises out of Barcelona. We did pre-stay in Madrid & took the train, so if you need any advice let me know. In our experience, the train ticket prices go higher and higher as time goes on (and fewer tickets are available) so purchase those as soon as possible.

Madrid is lovely - I think you'll like it a lot if you go. I can post some pictures if you need convincing.

 

[giraffe104]

I have officially booked every aspect of this trip and typed up a complete itinerary for my family. They wanted to know where I'd be everyday, so I put a 10 page packet together with pictures and details I'M SO EXCITED... ITS A REAL TRIP NOW!

 

[krystyneb]

In Rhode Island we felt the tremors, but nothing major. A few building in Providence were evacuated... mostly based on fear. I personally didn't feel it because I was dancing to Thriller with my campers.

And will you be teaching us all to dance on this cruise?

 

[Donaldcp98]

We've done this our past 2 cruises out of Barcelona. We did pre-stay in Madrid & took the train, so if you need any advice let me know. In our experience, the train ticket prices go higher and higher as time goes on (and fewer tickets are available) so purchase those as soon as possible.

Madrid is lovely - I think you'll like it a lot if you go. I can post some pictures if you need convincing.

Any help would be appreciated. My friend asked if we should purchase the train tickets in advance or not. I just was afraid with flying standby of purchasing them and then not getting in on time for them. I would also love to see pictures.

 

[heatherLOVESmickey]

I have officially booked every aspect of this trip and typed up a complete itinerary for my family. They wanted to know where I'd be everyday, so I put a 10 page packet together with pictures and details I'M SO EXCITED... ITS A REAL TRIP NOW!

That's my next project. I don't know that I'll have to be that extensive but I finally finished up all my FE gifts and other things I'm making and all my door decorations. I just tied my last bow. Tomorrow I will start with the organization and maybe even get to packing my carry on! This is starting to become so real to me... I am gettting those butterflies in my stomach like I did when I was a kid on Christmas morning.

Oh, shoot! I just exposed you all to the nerd in me...

 

[Namsupak]

It occured to us both last night that we really now need to get everything organised before we leave. I have started having dreams that i get on the cruise and forgot to buy cat food, didnt take my fe gifts maybe i should call them nightmares!!

I always have those too before every trip I go on. Good to know I'm not the only one.

per the suitcases in WV - if it had happened 2 weeks ago we flew into Charleston to visit family and could have brought them to you as far as Fairmont! Where in Charleston do they live - I have family in Lincoln county (do I want to admit that???) but I was born, and my mother's mother's family and my father's family are all from Mannington (outside Fairmont - still in Marion county).

My husband's family owned the Chesterfield House in Kanawha City and my family is from South Charleston. I grew up in Manassas, VA but James and I have landed in Morgantown. At least you're family isn't in McDowell county j/k Too bad we didn't get get a chance to meet up while you were in Mannington. James works in Fairmont.

Dennis just called MIL & BIL in Delaware. They didn't feel anything there, but they never do. (I should be nicer, but I'm not.)

Wow... I have now seen my future. I think I'm living your life several years in the past or you are living my future.

 

[JessicasMom]

I think at that time we only went 3 or 4 times and stayed a few days during the summer. She is now 95 and has dropped down weight wise to a little old bony lady. She has never been massive whilst I have known her but did have a slight problem. She was always a little odd with me and made numerous just slightly upsetting comments but now she is quite nice actually and wants me to visit with John as I keep the conversation going. Hard to believe I know!!

Larry's mother has always been "a little odd", too, and has made many "slightly upsetting" comments over the years, but I just chalked it up to undiagnosed mental illness (and I truly have empathy for those with mental health issues, but when it's your MIL.....). For example, she used to wrap up left-over household items as Christmas gifts, so that people would have more to unwrap (along with a couple of nice gifts). I'm talking things like unused medical equipment after a hospitalization (bedpans, etc.), lightbulbs, ancient knick-knacks. When Larry was in high school and wanted an archery set, he received a child's set, suitable for a 5 yr. old. She always treated her family like they were second to friends/co-workers, whom she was always helping with favors and money (substantial amounts over the years). I won't even get into the BIL/SIL; let's just say Larry is the "good one," which is why we now handle her finances and medical issues. I will say, now that she has dementia and forgets to complain about the same things over and over, it's not so bad . After all the MIL comments on #5, Larry said he was surprised I hadn't posted...I told him I was now in my "happy place" and thankfully other MILs were worse than mine! But, sometimes you just have to share . I'll spare you all the details. Of course, he can't complain about his MIL; she'll be on this trip!

Did anyone else around here (NC and VA) feel that? So weird, I have never felt an earthquake before, not even in all my visits to California!

Yes, we felt it here in the Poconos. I was sitting in a meeting at work and felt this very strange sensation on my back; I thought it was a coworker touching me, but when I turned, no one was close. Apparently the chair moved somewhat. Larry was at home on the computer and felt the shaking more clearly; the computer even made a squeal as it was jolted.

Hope everyone is ok! Sounds scary.

On a positive note I've eventually finished my FE for the Candy Swap, it's taken me ages to do. As promised I would post a photo of it.

Very nicely done

We aren't holding it up.

Sounds a bit defensive! You're not afraid of a few GTY'ers, are you??? Not that we're getting desperate and may be considering extreme measures or anything.....

 

[Donaldcp98]

Larry's mother has always been "a little odd",

Sounds a bit defensive! You're not afraid of a few GTY'ers, are you??? Not that we're getting desperate and may be considering extreme measures or anything.....

My FIL is a bit odd too. Luckily he lives in Texas so we almost never see him. SIL is nice though we get along with her and her husband. Luckily my DH loves my parents. He always says he got the better end of the deal.

Defensive? Me? Just because I have no sympathy for you GTY's who actually decided to book real flights and steal my seat because I decided to be cheap to afford this flight and now have no idea when, where or how I am getting to Barcelona but at least I have a room number? Defensive? Never!!! Just kidding. Before mine got assigned I was checking several times a day. So glad mine got assigned. Would be driving me bonkers if I didn't have it yet.

 

[JessicasMom]

My FIL is a bit odd too. Luckily he lives in Texas so we almost never see him. SIL is nice though we get along with her and her husband. Luckily my DH loves my parents. He always says he got the better end of the deal.

Defensive? Me? Just because I have no sympathy for you GTY's who actually decided to book real flights and steal my seat because I decided to be cheap to afford this flight and now have no idea when, where or how I am getting to Barcelona but at least I have a room number? Defensive? Never!!! Just kidding. Before mine got assigned I was checking several times a day. So glad mine got assigned. Would be driving me bonkers if I didn't have it yet.

Yes, my family has their "quirks" (and a black sheep or two), but DH likes my mother, and she adores him. She always told me that if we separated, she would know it was my fault!

If it was just myself and DH, we could handle not knowing our flights (well...maybe), but with DD, DM and DNiece deciding to join us, I had to coordinate everyone's travel to get them all in one place, then all out of Newark on the same flight. Thankfully, we were still able to get reasonable airfare for DM and DN a month after our own reservations were made. I'll take not knowing my cabin # over not knowing transportation details anytime

 

[GatorMomInNC]

We are flying out of JFK to Madrid also - we fly out at about 10pm on Thursday. But we have a flight through to BCN. We are flying on Air Europa Lineas (?). I have never flown on them and I am nervous because it looks like the flight from JFK to Madrid has hardly any seats booked and I'm afraid they are going to cancel...

Yep, I'm sure they are still trying to sell!! They are probably offering the CM specials now too... they seem to be late in the game, and of course the "dot coms" are all pushing it.

Sorry to disappoint you but CM specials have been done for a while. That is how my DH and friends and I booked. They closed that out a couple of weeks ago. We aren't holding it up.

Love, love, love Germany. We visited after our EBTA last year and I would so love to go back!



I looked at the calendar at work and realized that two weeks from today I would be wrapping up my last day of work. I can't wait. I was thinking of PFlamingo today as my boss was trying to say that she only approved a week off for me. Really? A transatlantic cruise and you approved a week? I have the signed paperwork if she was having a "senior moment". I wish I could do what PFlamingo did but unfortunately I need my job.

Didn't feel the earthquake here in Florida obviously but one of my coworkers said his friends in Canada (Toronto I think) felt it. Glad everyone is ok. I am praying that Irene does an abrupt right turn and hits the road. Don't like it being this close.

If you guys are putting together a list of flight info I am afraid I won't be able to add anything. My friend who's buddy passes we are using called me today to say that we might need to go to JFK now and fly to Madrid and take the train to Barcelon This is why I hate flying on buddy passes (but love the price) The down side is the train will cost roughly an extra $170 per person but the upside is that we get to see Madrid and take a train across Spain. Not sure which I am hoping for .

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

My husband's family owned the Chesterfield House in Kanawha City and my family is from South Charleston.

I loved the Chesterfield House. Steve and I lived in South Charleston and then on the West End (Edgewood Drive) many years ago! I used to work for the local Congressman (Bob Wise) and Steve worked at Union Carbide.

Ahhh.....the "good old days."

Keri

 

[auntlynne]

WEEKLY RECAP
Thursday August 18 - 23
Pages 215 (Thread 5) - 9 (Thread 6) [40 pages]


OK, my dear sweet retired Larry is spending way too much time reading these boards ....one of the first things he said to me when I got home from work today (before I even sat down!) was "Well, PFlamingo quit her job." I had to laugh! You'd think we all actually know each other.

All my grandsons are boys...

REAL MEN WEAR MOUSE EARS


WELCOME! THREAD, PART 6


WELCOME NEW CRUISERS

monicaortiz15 - "Was directed by a member to this thread - I'm joining this thread, bear with me, I'm new to this posts and all.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS WENT OUT TO

Neil - Squitty - Michelle's DH


RENT A PRINCE/PRINCESS

The children are invited to a prince and princess tea, they are allowed to be escorted by 2 adults each. The adults can not go with out a prince or princess... so.... Some of us "Fairy God Mothers" are asking to "rent" /escort a child to the tea.

Seraphine - "We'll my children have been spoken for - I took the first 3 responders so we've got Goofprincess, Hazel and Liesbeth!"

binkytell - sue l & sister, PFlamingo
Sue and sister's

Pat's

IansGran - I want to be a FAIRY GODMOTHER! I can sing Bbbity-bobitty-boo (even if I can't spell it) Any takers? Jean

CruisingSwedes - Susie will be joining us to the tea! Now we just have to find out where and when it is!

GatorMomInNC - Fairy Godmothers - my offer still stands... but I do have 2 boys, which I know isn't as neat as having princesses to dress up.
heatherLOVESmickey-"I would be honored to rent one of your sweet boys, if the spot isn't already taken! I have two boys at home. They are now 15 and 10. I miss them being little."
IansGran - "I'll do it! All my grandsons are boys so that's right up my alley. Jean"
"Great! So Heather can be my sons' Fairy Godmother at the Tea! And then either Jean or Josh, we are working it out on the PMs. Will someone step up to adopt one of them?"

middleofamerica - " We also have three kiddos, so if my math is correct we would have 4 spots available if there are any fairy godmothers who have not secured a prince or princess spot!"
- We would be glad to have you - Dgentrysim
So, I am not sure what everyone is planning to do, I was just offering that we could share our extra tickets to the tea since our three kids will have 6 available people to bring and only two parents. I guess when we find out what time and day we go, or maybe it is a one time thing, that we will let you know that information? Maybe some of the others can elaborate on what they are planning to do? It sounds fun whatever it turns out to be!
My kids are 9,7, and 4. My son is the oldest, but he is a big Disney fan!

"I just told Steve about this and he said he'll be at the pub, waiting for Brian Somehow the menfolk aren't as jazzed about this Tea as the ladies are!"

- "I know it was awesome to see the smile on my Princess's face when I brought her a little gift. What ya think Fairy God Mothers?"

- "way ahead of you, I ordered my little Princess something each."


CREATING THAT PRINCESS - PPPP (PRE-PRINCE & PRINCESS PREPPING)

I wonder if all you moms could get together and do a little BBB time with your little girls, and boys if they want something. Take some sparkly spray, hair pins, tiaras, kiddie make up and have a little party. I haven't noticed anything onboard before like BBB but there again I am not normally looking.

Seraphine - I'll bring a bunch of polish and glitter with me to sparkle up our princesses (I can do happy faces on the boys nails if they like?) I even have some Mickey Mouse nail stickers to share

- So.... we don't know what day the Prince and Princess Tea is, do we?

Will it be an afternoon thing, do you think? Is there a large space we could meet up for our "pre princess prepping"? I've never been on the Magic before and don't know where might be suitable. Is there an empty lounge or nightclub or something?

Should we make it for 2 hours before whenever the Tea time is announced, in the pre-decided location? Anyone who wants to help with hair, makeup, nails and general sparkly atmosphere can join us then!

Also, what can we do for the boys so they aren't left out?

- So this is PPP(Pre Princess Prepping) instead of BBB. Or should it be PPPP and pop those little princes in there too? So pleased you are going to do this for the little ones. I am sure you can all do a great job between you and also have some fun too. I hope I get to see your little princesses, and princes of course.


CHARACTER BREAKFAST

The Disney characters visit all the tables at breakfast, allowing for everyone to have photos made (with your own camera - the cast member handling the character will point and shoot - they are well versed in all sorts of cameras).

You will have an assigned time/day (traditionally a Sea Day) - that info should be printed on your dining ticket found in your stateroom on boarding day. Good servers will remind you of the breakfast at dinner the night before. If you need to change the date, please talk with the head server.


FE UPDATE - TORTOLA GROUP

seamour - "in case you haven't looked at an updated copy of the list, my oldest DD will not be able to join us, so under Seamour it should be just me (Mic) and Sarah (13)."


FE GIFTS

"Someone mentioned having irrational fears about her FE gifts, and I'm just going to say I think it's normal 'cuz every once in awhile I think the same silly things. Then I realize that it's the magic of finding something-anything-in my FE pocket as a surprise that is the joy. I could find an old fuzzy q-tip and be excited--because someone thought to give me a lil something."


FE ROOM NUMBERS - MISSING

Here are the people on my list who don't have their room numbers yet:

3candianslovedisney
Berries97
Dgentrysim
Dizneycrazee
dreamscomealive
eeyorelvr10
fontabel
GatorMomInNC
giraffe104
Goofy Adpi
heatherLOVEmickey/TheViking
JessicasMom
KristiLynnG
kthomas618
Liesbeth1012
njmom23grls
PinkPug
ThePicketts
WilliamK99

If you are on this list and have your room number, or if you are NOT on the list and are still waiting for your room number, please PM me and let me know that. PMs will be best as my brain gets more fried the closer we get to leaving, and I'll miss the message if you send it any other way. Thanks!

ETA: Could everyone please double check their room number on the Google doc and let me (PFlamingo) know (PM) if yours is wrong. If it's right, you don't need to PM me. Thanks!


WRITE THIS DOWN SOMEWHERE & BRING IT WITH YOU

ROOM CHANGES ONCE ONBOARD

If you are lucky enough to get an upgrade / change of stateroom and are taking part in any of the special events, such as the Fish Extender, Secret Mickey, Candy Swap, Scrapbook exchange etc then you will need to notify everyone of your new room number as soon as possible.

Therefore I will put a whiteboard on my stateroom door 6507 as soon as we can access the rooms after boarding, please make your way there asap & leave a message stating your DIS name, old room number & new room number.

Anyone distributing gifts/exchange presents should swing by & check the board before delivering gifts to check on any room changes. I will also have a few spare printed FE lists in my FE just incase anyone forgets to bring a copy with them.

In the unlikely event that I get a room upgrade at the port, I will put my white board on my neighbours doors (Mary, Tod&Copper #6511) as there are several of us in that area of the ship. (I'll clearly mark the whiteboard as room change info so you know it is the right one & not someone's general message board). Pinky166 - Claire


MASTER LIST OF ROOMS

Are we going to have a master list of names and room numbers?

Noel - I am happy to post the info on the website or in the DIS Navigator if we get a consensus. I am also missing many room numbers which I am hopeful people will let me know as if there are any changes on board, it will be difficult for the FE groups, if there is a change to any of the DIS activities or the Madeira tour to contact them to let them know.


SCRAPBOOK EXCHANGE PARTICIPANTS

I have a favor to ask. Right now I'm a disorganized mess! Can you please email me your screen name, stateroom number and favorite character so that I can get my projects done? I thought I had created a spreadsheet with this information, but alas, it is nowhere to be found (guess I only thought about doing it.....).

My email is msklcassidy at hotmail dot com. Sorry to spell it out, but it does avoid those who fish to fill my inbox with spam!


HAS DEB READ THIS ONE ALREADY?

A week or so ago I posted a link to a web-page for a book I thought would be good to read on the trip. I wasn't sure if it would be available to sell before the cruise. Well I got an email from the author and it is posted on Amazon.com. I know they are going to be setting it up on their website to buy it as well but since I know we are leaving soon I wanted to give you a link if you wanted to purchase it before you go.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...books&field-keywords=the+revenge+of+ben+balla

It is called The Vengence of Ben-Balla. I also wanted to state for the record in case anyone was wondering. Neither I nor my husband get anything from the sales of these books. Just trying to help out this budding author. (did that more for the moderators then you guys)


TORTOLA - JVD EXCURSION

Completely full - check Page 1 for info


BARCELONA

Here's an idea of what some folks are doing in Barcelona (might give you an idea):

I think we want to get a T10 and use the metro as we are staying by Placa Catalunya and arriving Thursday morning. I'd like to see the main attractions. I need help. This is the only part of the trip I am still unsure of. I have pulled this from others I have read online. Overkill? Crazy with kids? (And you remember I'm the one who loves hiking and sleeping in tents...)

Day 1 - Thursday - Gaudi
Arrive about 7:30 AM, Aerobus to hotel, hopefully drop off bags
Some sort of food
metro to Sangrada Familia!
Then to a market to get lunch and onto Parc Guell - metro stop Lesseps and bus 24
then bus 24 or metro Diagonal, walk down Passeig de Gracia and see Casa Mila and Casa Batello
My guess is we will be exhausted then, check in, shower, nap.
Dinner: Ciutat Comtal - TripAdvisor top 30 restaurants, great tapas and house wine apparently. Go early since we have kiddos.

Day 2 - Friday
Walk to Las Ramblas
see Palau Guell
shop at the market -Mercat Boqueria
Visit the Placa reial
then Hard Rock 6:30, after dinner up to the magic fountains for 9:30 show, metro Espanya and then walk up the road
...
For Barcelona, this is roughly what Matt has planned for us, family of 5, to try to do on Friday. I don't know how it will turn out until we try it! It might look sort of odd, I copied it from a spreadsheet.

Breakfast at hotel
Sagrada Familia
Placa de Catalunya (L2 from Sagrada Familia to Catalunya )
La Rambla
La Rambla (Granja Viader)
La Rambla/Mercat
La Rambla/Mercat
Barri Gotic (Carrer de Ferran from La Rambla)
Barri Gotic (end at Jaume I)
Travel to Montjuic(Metro L4, L1, L2/Funicular)
Montjuic
Travel to Parc Guell (L2/L3). Stop Lesseps, then Bus 24 to Parc entrance
Travel L3 from Lesseps to Diagonal
See Gaudi homes in area
Head back to hotel (L4, L1 to Glories)
Eat
Font Magica at Palau Nacionale (every 30 minutes from 9pm to 11pm)
Head back to hotel (L1 from Espanya to Glories)

...
Up and down stairs are hard for me, and I'm thinking I'd rather be above ground anyway, so although our plan is very similar, this is what i'm proposing.

Wednesday Arrive 10 am BarcelonaTaxi (van, preordered) to Hotel Paral-lel
dump luggage, check in if possible
Brunch (quimet Quimet)
Walk to Placa Espanya
Get hoho bus (with the EYE on it) (2 day ticket bought in advance on line)
Ride around red line (Stops not in order)
• •Placa de Catalunya 
•Casa Batllo - Fundació Antoni Tàpies 
•Passeig de Gràcia - La Pedrera 
•Francesc Macià - Diagonal 
•Estació de Sants 
•Creu Coberta 
•Placa d'Espanya 
•Caixa Forum - Pavelló Mies Van Der Rohe 
•Poble Espanyol 
•MNAC 
•Anella Olímpica 
•Telefèric de Montjuïc 
•Fundació Joan Miró 
•Miramar - Jardins Costa i Llobera 
•World Trade Center 
•Colom - Museu Marítim 
•Port Vell 
•Museu d'Història de Catalunya 
•Port Olímpic 
•Platja del Bogatell-Cementiri de Poblenou 
•Parc de la Ciutadella - Zoo 
•Pla de Palau 
•Barri Gòtic

Get off to see sights if desired or switch to blue line if time.
Supper - somewhere

Thursday
Ramblas
breakfast Mercat Bouquera (spelling)
Back on the bus (blue line - sights not in order)
• •Placa de Catalunya 
•Casa Batllo - Fundació Antoni Tàpies 
•Passeig de Gràcia - La Pedrera 
•Sagrada Familia 
•Gracia 
•Parc Güell 
•Tramvia Blau - Tibidabo 
•Sarrià 
•Monestir de Pedralbes
•Palau Reial - Pavellons Güell 
•Barcelona Football Club 
•Francesc Macià - Diagonal 
•MACBA - CCCB

Stopping for SURE at Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell as well as anywhere else someone wants. Picasso?
Lunch - probably near Sagrada Familia in a park - I have a place listed to acquire food, and this was MomE's special request -
Corte Ingles?
Supper Somewhere - Magic fountains? Saldana - where did I see that listed?

Friday
Breakfast between hotel & Placa de Espanya
EARLY train to Funiclar to MontSerrat
Sightsee and hear boy choir
train back
Montjuic - Miro exhibit and/ or Botanical garden (my special request)
Corte Ingles if we don't make it Thursday
Hard Rock? IF we make it.
Supper somewhere.

Saturday
Breakfast at a place near St Paul de camp
Pack out- Barcelona Taxi (Van, preordered) comes at 11.
check in
board ship
collapse.

....
The plannings of Barcelona looks pretty good.
We arrive thursday in the evening. We are planning on friday to do the Sagrada Familia first. And we will buy our tickets in advance, at least that is what my son has decide, whit a friend who is also in Barcelona that time. We also want to Parc Guell. I am not sure of it, but if we go by metro there is a street where they have escalators close to a entrance of the parc.
And then we will see how much time we have left over. (Ramblas, Boqueria, etc.)
At 6.30 pm the Hard Rock Cafe and then the magic fountains.
Saterday is our port arrival also between 10.30 - 11.00 pm.
We are not planning to do the HOHO bus, but if you have 2 days it is a good alternative. You get to all the interesting places and can see them without getting of the bus.
...
Exciting to hear all the plans for Barcelona! It is a beautiful city and so much to explore! Regarding the weather, we had temps in the 80's in the end of June and in July after the cruise, and it was hot! The sun is very strong there! Its a more dry heat than what I am used to in Houston. The evenings were lovely!
For those with limited time, you can visit the outside of Sagrada Familia and spend 20 to 30 min just seeing all the work! Its amazing! And free if you don't go in. Park Guell is also another free and relaxing place to visit. The castle at the top of Montjuic is a nice area to also explore, though the hike up there was referred to as the "death march" by DH! We discovered the cable once we got up there and rode it down! The Gothic Quarter is another beautiful area to visit, and the cathedral is free before 12:45pm.
And don't forget a stop at the Boqueria on the Ramblas!

...
Another thing to do in Barcelona. We were going to do it last year but didn't and I don't think we have time this year but I would love it. We have done the 2 WDW ones.

http://www.barcelonasegwayglides.com/


LA BOQUERIA IN BARCELONA

SAGRADA FAMILIA ADVANCE TICKETS

"A suggestion for you & any others that are planning on doing a tour inside Sagrada Familia. You can buy your tickets online in advance which is highly recommended as the queue quickly gets to 2+ hours each day!

I ordered mine yesterday from here - "http://www.servicaixa.com/nav/landi...afamilia.cat&utm_medium=link&CODIUSU=P001SF10

"I booked the Audio tour & it said it takes 1.5 hours then after you can continue exploring on your own if you want. You can also just buy a general admission ticket so I suppose it's as long or as little as you want. Hope that helps."


MADEIRA TOUR

The cable car accepts credit cards and I'm almost sure Blandy's does too, but I'll call them on Monday and then I'll let you know.


SEP 11 MEMORIAL

We've established that the first time change doesn't occur until the night that we leave Gibraltar, so there is a 6 hour difference between the east coast the ship.

As the first jet hit at 8:46, I'd like to start gathering at around 2:30 roughly. We're still open to suggestions as to where to meet. However, if everyone would prefer to remember it on their own, it whatever way they'd like- just let me know.


TRAVELING MAGNETS

In case you forgot or didn't know: We are doing traveling magnets. Make your own, stick it on a DISers door, they'll sign it and move it along. You'll get it back at the end of the cruise. Put your name somewhere on it, front or back.


WALKING ON WATER

A couple of months ago, I mentioned here on disboards about a getting a group to go walking each "non-port" day (to help ward off those pesky "evening dinner & FAB'S" lbs that seem to sneak up on us!), and there was a good response. Was just checking in to see if people would still be interested? Since the time is getting closer, just thought I'd ask to those interested if you wanted to meet about 9:00 am in front of Luminere's by the Mickey Statue? I walk fast and do my best walking when I'm talking! Would love to have company if anyone is interested!!!


FORMER TRANSATLANTIC CRUISERS

KrisannB - "Favor to ask! If you were on the EBTA in May of 2011 or on the WBTA or EBTA in 2010 would you please drop me an email at akblair@charter.net - letting me know your DIS name and which cruise you were on. If you do not want to email me you can use facebook. I am trying to do something and want to make sure I do not miss anyone!"


DIS NAVIGATOR

Noel is creating a DIS-specific Navigator, but you will need to PRINT one for yourself - she won't have copies. More details to come.


PHONE TREE

COMMUNITY (MEDICINE) CHEST

karentan - "was just reading last year's awesome DIS navigator and came across an interesting idea - emergency medicine supplies.
would anyone be interested in packing a few spare things in case anyone needs some extra meds? i've always got tons of paracetamol (acetaminophen) with me so i'll always have extra incase anyone needs any. let me know if anyone else is interested in doing this."


STATEROOM TOUR

Stateroom Tour: need some rooms to view: Cats 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 - coordinator: Pixie Dust for Me!


MISC

• Currency exchange
• Transaction fees on credit cards
• Alfred & Seymour to perform on ship
• Upgrading those Restricted-Fare-GTY rooms
• TotallyAngelic & DH attended a reunion of WBTA 2010 cruisers
• Cliffy97 (Dan) went to DLRP
• KrisannB is in Germany pre-cruise with a stop in Ireland next
• Traveling with NO port plans
• Hair Salon in Barcelona - Kinki.es is website (see post on Page 249)
• Craziness of In-Laws
• Onboard Adult Beverage Prices
• 112 DISnames in our group!

GET OUT YOUR HANKIE

Having 2 boys I have NEVER been to the Bibbity Bobbity Boo-tique BUT I have always remembered it because of the way I first heard about it.

A little girl in our neighborhood came down with leukemia when she was 3. It was horrible - one day her parents took her to the pediatrician for what they thought was a cold and the next thing they know the doctor is telling them he has called for a helicopter to airlift her to the children's hospital. It is a heartbreaking story with a happy ending - after a two year battle she beat the cancer and is now a healthy, happy, beautiful 7 yo girl. In fact, I think my son has a little crush on her as she was the only girl he listed on a long list of friends he wants to invite to his first sleepover!!

But things were bleak there for a while and her dad kept an online journal for friends and family to keep track of what happened. And that is how I first heard of the BBB. She had been undergoing chemo and had lost all her hair. They decided to take the family to Disney for vacation. Here is an entry her father posted about their first day in Orlando for their family vacation at WDW:

There is something magical about Disney. On Saturday morning we woke up and went over to Downtown Disney to pick up our tickets for the parks and take a quick look around. Kinda ease the kids into it a bit.

We ended up in the Disney Princess store, basically where the sell all the girly stuff. As we were walking around, we noticed that there is a ‘little girl spa’ in the back called Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. It is a place where young girls go and get their hair, makeup, nails etc done and dress up like one of the Disney Princesses. I guess in the under 10 demographic, it is a pretty important place.

So… alone, I walk up to the girl at the ‘completely overrun with young girls and their family’ front desk and ask if they have just nail polish services. She says no, they only do full packages of hair, nails, makeup. I explain to her that Haidyn has no hair. She replies that they can work with fine or thin hair. So I point over to Haidyn, the girl looks, and then… the Magic begins…..
She looks at the girl next to her and says “I need room for a special one.” Then she waves to Haidyn and brings us back into the fancy salon area.
This place is packed with young girls in various stage of princess-ification. Two of the Fairy Godmothers instantly sweep up Haidyn and she is now the star of the whole place. (I feel a little bad for the other little girls - everyone that works there wants to be part of Haidyn’s experience. I counted 5 beauticians and 2 photographers elbowing their way in.)

With her salon cape on, she selects her nail polish, all kinds of makeup, and of course jewelry. (I’ll post a video when we get back) After a good 30-40 minutes of princess-ification they apply her sash, a fair amount of pixie dust to her head and spin her towards the mirror to show her the results.
Of the 30 or so people in the spa, there wasn’t anyone with a dry eye. In all her glory – Haidyn is now officially a Princess. They had taken a girl with no hair and made her the fairest princess of them all.

We had been in Orlando 12 hours and the Magic was already in full swing. Of course there is more, but we are off to dinner so I’ll try to catch up later.


THE MAGIC AT CASTAWAY CAY

 

[squitty]

Michelle your FE turned out really well. It's fab!!!

So cute! Love it! Love it!

Didn't feel the earthquake - I think we are too far from it...I'm glad though, that would really, really frighten me. Glad you are okay!

I'm adding some extra help from my end to help ward off any crazy weather. Positive thoughts for perfect cruise weather!



Michelle, that is Super Cute!!! You did a really nice job!

Felt it here in Upstate NY!

THat IS A VERY cute FE, Squitty!

LOVE those Germany photos Krisann! It really takes me back. (I sent you a friend request

Thank you all for the lovely comments

Fingers crossed we manage to dock at Castaway Cay!


The Magic at CC......

Love that photo Claire

Great recap Lynne

 

[liesbeth1012]

I've made peace with not knowing my cabin #; they could tell me at check-in and I'd think it made a good story to tell, how I had to wait until I got on the ship to find out. Anything they assign me will be good on the Magic.

Ha, ha, ha. We all had to wait till everybody with cabins are on board and then they can see what cabins we get. And then I see everybody with GTY searching for there cabins.
We wait, but it is the first time for us on a cruise, so we are so curious where we stay. It is all new for us.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

On last year's WBTA we nearly never got into CC on the last day due to a storm, luckily we got in and had a beautiful day. The captain did well steering us away from it on the last sea day

Here's some more pixie dust for the same glorious weather and the calm Atlantic the same as last year

I really hope we can be just as lucky with the weather and the beautiful calm seas

 

[krystyneb]

I really hope we can be just as lucky with the weather and the beautiful calm seas

I second that

 

[Pinky166]

Love your FE Michelle.

Great recap Lynne.

was this taken while parascending or something?

No it was taken from the Dream on the Maiden Voyage in January. On our sea day we stopped by Castaway Cay to say hello to the Magic (and have a horn battle of course! )

Oooooh, pretty!!

We have to get to CC, we have a Cabana party to attend!

I know!!!!!!! I will be so disappointed if we miss that.

 

[Tod&Copper]

Fingers crossed we manage to dock at Castaway Cay!


The Magic at CC......

I was just going to ask if that was taken from the Dream fantastic pictures, seeing it from a different angle

We have to get to CC, we have a Cabana party to attend!