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

[RubyBlue]

... we will be spending my birthday at Myrtle beach, and was thinking we would celebrate at The Melting Pot, does anybody know what this resturant chain is like

margaret

Usually a starter with cheese fondue; bread cubes and veggies to dip. Choice of several meats to be cooked in oil or broth; dessert is melted chocolate with various add-in choices, with cake and fruit to dip in. I grew up in the 70's with fondue all the rage in the US and this is much better than I remember as a child

 

[GatorMomInNC]

Oh no! Can you fly out of a nearby airport, like Miami or Tampa?

I think I am going to cry right now. My friend just called to tell me that the Paris flight is oversold now. She is trying to figure out how we are going to get to Barcelona. This is why I hate flying standby.

 

[JessicasMom]

Hi from Mike and Tracy, we look forward to meeting you all on our first ever cruise
we will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary on the trip.

Welcome! This is going to be a wonderful first cruise for you both.

What does everyone else still have to do, or are you all mega organised and sorted already !!

I still have magnets to finish printing and organize. I'm working Sunday and Monday, then busy with family things on Tuesday, so packing will wait until Tues night/Wed morning, I'm afraid. Yes, I'm starting to hit panic mode, but I'm probably more prepared than I think.

My mother and niece arrived today (we had to drive two hrs. each way to pick them up at the airport). So tonight we pulled out our container of last year's EBTA souvenirs, FE gifts, Navigators, etc., etc. to show them. That made it all the more real, and we are definitely uber-excited now .

Dennis can barely work the TV remote.
I can't complain. He's been taking care of all the housework-type things while I've been obsessed with planning. We each play to our strengths - he likes repetitive tasks, and I like researching, planning, organizing, and booking.

That is hysterical...Larry is the same way. Repetitive tasks...yep. Me, the planner/organizer...yep. I can usually figure things out, but not when it comes to game systems . Jess had pretty much every game system out there (and she works for a video game company today...go figure!), but we never really got into them. I did enjoy Sonic though, and some of the Gameboy Mario games.

It was such a beautiful day today that we decided to pop over to Pooh Corner and walk through the woods to visit Pooh Bridge and play some poohsticks.

These are beautiful pictures...thanks for sharing

Of course we have a last minute Walmart run before we go to bed tonight.

Of course! There is always a reason for a last-minute Walmart run. What did we do before Walmart?

 

[MandyGirl]

Honestly I think the cheese course and the dessert course are best - the main dinner course is just a time killer between the two.

Enjoy!

Totally agree!! (Although I could skip the cheese and dinner... and go straight for dessert!!)

Thanks for all the input. It will just be me and the boys on the flight home as mom is staying to do a couple days at WDW with 2 of my nieces. So I really need a row of three seats together, which is why I am more nervous than usual, even with the family boarding. My mom wants to stay on the bus, she just think it sounds like less hassle. I remembered that SWA has an option for $10 per person to get preferred boarding and they check you in automatically, so I opted to do this. I wonder if that is why SWA doesn't participate with DCL, since they offer something of a similar service on their own.

With your 4 year old, I think the age is 5 for family boarding, so just stand in the family boarding area to go after group A. Yep - just asked DH - you are fine. Do that. (Like Evelyn... hubby has been there quite a while... ever since college graduation.) My 4 year old has sat the across the aisle or the row in front of me several times, but also has quite a few flights under her belt (and feels all grown up when she does that). If you are not seated together, ask the flight attendants to help you out. Just do family boarding after group A (unless you have A boarding passes, then board with group A).

It could be worse... you could have tickets on an airline that pre-assigns seats, does an aircraft swap, and re-seats the three of you away from each other, including your 15-month old 11 rows behind you with a phone agent saying there is nothing she can do - to ask at the airport the day of travel. (Which for me has now been resolved - I am at least by the baby and the 4 year old is a row in front of me because I watched the seats online like a hawk.) But in our dozens of flights on Southwest with the girls, we've never had an issue sitting together.

We've never had a problem getting a row of 3 on SWA when you have a small child. You'll be able to get on after the A boarding but before the B. You just usually have to go to the way back... but I like it better back there any way

That's us as well... head past the over-wing exit rows. Usually end up with extra seats in the back so we can spread out better.

All I can say is thank you to the person (s) who recommended the packing cubes. OMG, my packing has never been so neat and so easy. 90% complete now - just shoes and little things.
Only 2 more nights of sleeping at home - I am thoroughly excited!!!

It may have been me... I swear by them! And now I am upset we don't have more. I am able to pack each day in one cube for all four of us. Helpful since we have some time in NYC, then Barcelona, then board the ship. Just pull out a cube for each day instead of digging through allllllllll that luggage. And saved me for those two weeks in Colorado this past July!

I think I am going to cry right now. My friend just called to tell me that the Paris flight is oversold now. She is trying to figure out how we are going to get to Barcelona. This is why I hate flying standby.

Delta, right? We found out that the JFK-BCN flight on Wednesday is overbooked by 20, and that was eight days prior to the flight. That is when Curt started getting worried. We really did not expect flights to be packed during this timeframe! What other routings are you looking at?

 

[PFlamingo]

Delta, right? We found out that the JFK-BCN flight on Wednesday is overbooked by 20, and that was eight days prior to the flight. That is when Curt started getting worried. We really did not expect flights to be packed during this timeframe! What other routings are you looking at?

Really?? I was looking at the seat availability tonight and it looked like there were a few empty. Or do they not assign some seats til people check in at the airport when the flight is overbooked? I was hoping we wouldn't end up on a cattle truck. I just flashed on Arlo Guthrie's "Coming in to Los Angeles" - "Chickens flying everywhere round the plane..."

 

[auntlynne]

There is always a reason for a last-minute walmart run. What did we do before walmart?

I even hit WalMart (ASDA) here in England, looking for underwear while waiting for my delayed baggage. Unfortunately, ASDA is not as big girl friendly as WM in the states, and I ended up at a department store with success.

 

[liesbeth1012]

I think I am going to cry right now. My friend just called to tell me that the Paris flight is oversold now. She is trying to figure out how we are going to get to Barcelona. This is why I hate flying standby.

What a mess. You want with the train to Barcelona then isn't it. I hope you haven't booked that yet. I don't think I would handle that, stand by, while it is important to be in Barcelona in time. If it doesn't matter which day you arrive I would. But here we not so frequently flying so I don't know the principle of standby.

Hazelandannie what a lovely pictures. I would go there sometime.

And I am ready with my FE gifts all sorted and packed. And all my magnets are printed.
Now the only thing I have to do is packing. But when??????
I leave in a few minutes to go to Amsterdam, for a bookfair. All the new books that come in the next period are presented there and the writers are also there. (I go with 2 collegues, we are librairians) Monday work the whole day. Tuesday in the morning work, so I hope to pack in the afternoon.
Wennesday work the whole day. And then the last packing on thursday. And leave to the airport in the afternoon.
Paul is coming home on Wennesdayevening and he must pack everyting yet.
So it will be busy days.

 

[granmaz]

Good morning all. This time next week we will be waking up to our first sea day. Which means of course that we board in 6 days.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Perhaps you can find a nice dress.

From what I recall Margaret is really short on dresses

Finally got all my laundry done... Lorelei is in the bath and after I put her to bed we'll get packed. Of course we have a last minute Walmart run before we go to bed tonight. Way further along then I thought I would be. Thank goodness!

Safe travels to you all. Take care and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday I have the nappies and the wipes on my Barcelona shopping list so we will bring these to the 3pm Promenade get together for you. If you don't make it there we will drop them round for you.

I think I am going to cry right now. My friend just called to tell me that the Paris flight is oversold now. She is trying to figure out how we are going to get to Barcelona. This is why I hate flying standby.

Oh crikey ... you poor things Just take care and keep calm and hopefully you will ge tsome flights sorted as soon as possible. Sending for safe travels

[/QUOTE]

I even hit WalMart (ASDA) here in England, looking for underwear while waiting for my delayed baggage. Unfortunately, ASDA is not as big girl friendly as WM in the states, and I ended up at a department store with success.

They are a bit poor at underwear ... you can never find the more popular sizes either

Good morning all. This time next week we will be waking up to our first sea day. Which means of course that we board in 6 days.

I love that first sea day ... waking up and hitting Topsiders for breakfast in the sun ( hopefully ). Total relaxation day

 

[squitty]

I think I am going to cry right now. My friend just called to tell me that the Paris flight is oversold now. She is trying to figure out how we are going to get to Barcelona. This is why I hate flying standby.

I hope everything works out for you

 

[Pinky166]

Hi Claire,

Is it to late to join? I would be me, DH and DD.

Thanks,
Nickole

Sure, i've added you to the list.

I think I am going to cry right now. My friend just called to tell me that the Paris flight is oversold now. She is trying to figure out how we are going to get to Barcelona. This is why I hate flying standby.

I hope you manage to sort something asap!

Good morning all. This time next week we will be waking up to our first sea day. Which means of course that we board in 6 days.

Sounds like bliss!!!!!!

 

[fly4free2]

[

QUOTE=liesbeth1012;42502155]What a mess. You want with the train to Barcelona then isn't it. I hope you haven't booked that yet. I don't think I would handle that, stand by, while it is important to be in Barcelona in time. If it doesn't matter which day you arrive I would. But here we not so frequently flying so I don't know the principle of standby.

Lizbeth, flying standby is a "perk" for people in the travel industry. It does not mean flying free a lot of the time, but you can get a reduced rate from time to time. You don't have a "confirmed" seat, so you must wait to see if there are un-sold seats left on the plane if so, then you get them. Those of us who do this have to be able to "think on our feet" so to speak. Meaning must have plan "A", then plan "B", and a backup plan "C" . I have done it so many times that you just get used to it (if you can). I did buy a ticket to come for the cruise, I am getting to old to stress this one

Evelyn

 

[granmaz]

I love that first sea day ... waking up and hitting Topsiders for breakfast in the sun ( hopefully ). Total relaxation day

Topsiders is the place we always go the first morning too.

 

[granmaz]

Safe and speedy travels to all leaving or are waiting for stand by flights. I hope you all get away without too much hassle.

I know Laura(Eeyorlvr...) is having a bad time on her stand by journey. It seems to be taking ages with overnight airport stays. She waited all day yesterday in Atlanta(again) but no go so today they hope to get to Brussels. I think this is the 3rd leg. All the best to her.

 

[fly4free2]

Safe and speedy travels to all leaving or are waiting for stand by flights. I hope you all get away without too much hassle.

I know Laura(Eeyorlvr...) is having a bad time on her stand by journey. It seems to be taking ages with overnight airport stays. She waited all day yesterday in Atlanta(again) but no go so today they hope to get to Brussels. I think this is the 3rd leg. All the best to her.

Oh No.... I feel for her, it is not fun to have to stay all night at the airport, no sleep . Does it look good to get out today to Brussels? If she can get to Europe then she can figure out how to get to Barcelona. Is she traveling alone?

 

[Tod&Copper]

Ok, I am taking deep breaths so I calm down and tell you the latest saga in the lanyard fiasco.

Oh dear Noel, count to ten ..... I think we all owe you a really large one onboard for your efforts

who was the person who likes Capt Morgan? My room mate Eilean is concerned she won't have anyone to share Cocktails with, Since her room mates don't, for the most part , indulge.

That would be me! Eilean is welcome to join us anytime

Ok folks, this is the list of all those coming to the DIS Farewell lunch, please check you are on the list, if you want to come & are missing please let me know asap.


Thursday 22nd Sept at 12.15pm at Lumiere's.

This is the FINAL list for the Champagne Girls, looking forward to seeing you all in your PINK Boas & Tiaras!

Cove Cafe Scrapbook coffee & chat:

Hey ladies, now that we have the dates for all the DIS organised events, I propose we meet on the 19th at 10am for our scrapbook chat.

I am sure that this time won't suit everyone but I am hoping it will suit the majority. Please let me know if you are still able to attend, anyone else want to join us for an hour or so?

Thanks for organising all this Claire can't wait now !!

Hi from Mike and Tracy, we look forward to meeting you all on our first ever cruise

we will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary on the trip.

Staying in Barcelona the night before and we have a couple of days in Orlando toget our land legs before heading home to Scotland.

Booked for Christmas & New Year in Orlando but all on land.

Hi Mike and Tracy, what a fantastic way to celebrate your anniversary and also your first cruise ever - you will absolutely love it We celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary last year on the WBTA and it was an amazing day.

We are Mary and DH Stevie from Scotland too, where are you from?

What does everyone else still have to do, or are you all mega organised and sorted already !!

I've got everything purchased now, Stevie's case is packed. I'm 3/4 there, but just need to try and strategically fit everything in I won't be able to carry my hand luggage at this rate, it will be so heavy!!! Thank goodness BA don't weigh your carry ons

Yesterday was my last day in work. Although I've got tons still left to do before we leave for BCN, at least I'm now on vacation! Doing my happy dance...

Lucky you Lorraine, have a great week getting organised and safe travels to you too, I'm still in work until Friday lunchtime

I went to the Tweedmill today ( a factory outlet store nearby ) where I was looking for pink sandals, having resigned myself to having to wear my purple formal dress for both formal night and villains night, so imagine my surprise when I happened upon a pink formal dress, one left in my size, which fitted perfectly and was reduced from £75 to £24.99. I am so chuffed

Didn't find any sandals but you can't win them all

Well done on the purchase Sarah, I'm a great believer in fate, that dress was waiting for you yesterday You might walk past a shop in Barca with some lovely sandals there? I am not going near any more shops now, I ended up buying another dress yesterday, which will be for Villians night I think

We celebrated our 30th anniversary yesterday and I swear it is because we have never had a game system in our house! That doesn't mean to say he doesn't play games on his ipod

Congratulations on your anniversary I hope you had a lovely day. It's our 20th on 28th September, so we will be celebrating onboard too

Yes ... she made it to Seattle in one piece and negotiated the aircraft change at Minneapolis. It was the longest 12 hours for me though!

At least you can relax now that you know she is okay

Topsiders is the place we always go the first morning too.

We usually go to Topsiders too, but decided to do Palo brunch on the first morning this time

 

[MandyGirl]

Really?? I was looking at the seat availability tonight and it looked like there were a few empty. Or do they not assign some seats til people check in at the airport when the flight is overbooked? I was hoping we wouldn't end up on a cattle truck. I just flashed on Arlo Guthrie's "Coming in to Los Angeles" - "Chickens flying everywhere round the plane..."

It was the Delta flight at 6:00 from JFK. Coach oversold by 20, about 10 in first class available, plus a list of standbys. A girl in Curt's dept is married to a Delta employee and she looked up loads for him. So coach would have some free upgrades going on at the gate with that oversell... but they are still short ten. Maybe assume some no-shows, but you still have the standby list. Orbitz didn't even list the flight when searching Economy seats last night, but you could see it when searching Business seats.

Our AA flight - as of August 30 - my friend had sent me this: 6 open in first class and 14 in coach but 17 stand-by booked (doesn't look promising 20 open and 17 stand-by already booked). And I don't think Curt/Jill were even listed. Most people list for standby just a day or two in advance. Often on AA you can book a rsvp but no seat assignment until at the gate since they save so many for "preferred" customers.

Safe and speedy travels to all leaving or are waiting for stand by flights. I hope you all get away without too much hassle.

I know Laura(Eeyorlvr...) is having a bad time on her stand by journey. It seems to be taking ages with overnight airport stays. She waited all day yesterday in Atlanta(again) but no go so today they hope to get to Brussels. I think this is the 3rd leg. All the best to her.

I hate to hear that. Hopefully since she is just a single, she has Pixie Dust coming her way. So much harder flying standby with a family - you often have to split up since extra seats are so sprinkled here and there.

 

[granmaz]

Oh No.... I feel for her, it is not fun to have to stay all night at the airport, no sleep . Does it look good to get out today to Brussels? If she can get to Europe then she can figure out how to get to Barcelona. Is she traveling alone?

Well I believe her son is on the cruise with her. Just read that they are together at the moment but might have to split.

 

[sinnika]

All I can say is thank you to the person (s) who recommended the packing cubes. OMG, my packing has never been so neat and so easy. 90% complete now - just shoes and little things.
Only 2 more nights of sleeping at home - I am thoroughly excited!!!

I swear by my ebags packing cubes and ebags luggage! They are the best thing since sliced bread!

I think I am going to cry right now. My friend just called to tell me that the Paris flight is oversold now. She is trying to figure out how we are going to get to Barcelona. This is why I hate flying standby.

I just looked at the www.1800flyeurope.com site and you could get one way tickets on either Wed or Thurs for $650 pp to BCN from Orlando with one stop. You do have to change airports in London, but maybe take advantage of a little sightseeing there. I booked thru them and was pleased with my price.

I even hit WalMart (ASDA) here in England, looking for underwear while waiting for my delayed baggage. Unfortunately, ASDA is not as big girl friendly as WM in the states, and I ended up at a department store with success.

Oh, no! Are you still waiting for your luggage? That's my fear, that I won't get my luggage before the ship sets sail (I have a 55 min connection time in Philadelphia). I'm packing several days of clothes in my carry on for that reason!

 

[Namsupak]

I think I am going to cry right now. My friend just called to tell me that the Paris flight is oversold now. She is trying to figure out how we are going to get to Barcelona. This is why I hate flying standby.

Hope everything gets sorted for you soon! We will see you Saturday I'm sure

Of course! There is always a reason for a last-minute Walmart run. What did we do before Walmart?

I can't imagine a world where I can't do a 10 PM walmart run.

Safe travels to you all. Take care and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday I have the nappies and the wipes on my Barcelona shopping list so we will bring these to the 3pm Promenade get together for you. If you don't make it there we will drop them round for you.

Thanks so much Sarah! We'll be there at the meet unless something crazy happens