*Sept 10th 2011 WB Transatlantic* From Spain to Space Mountain-Taking the Magic Home

[goofprincess]

Hi Sandy
I remember you now .... I lost out to Shoshie on the age question ... but it was the halloween 2008 cruiseParis?

Ahhhhh that's right!! HalLoween. I have a GIT memory

 

[auntlynne]

Definitely .... I think if we meet up at about 6pm at the Hard Rock on Placa Catalunya, we can chat and have a drinky and then anyone who wants to eat we can book a table / tables for about 7:30 - 8:00. Does this sound about right. Can you add this to the list Noel
...
We are a weird nation .... and let's not even start on the whole lunch / dinner / tea thing

We used to have the difference between dinner (a big meal at either lunch - usually Sunday dinner after church - or in the evening) or supper - that more basic meal served at nightime. If you asked young people the difference now, I think dinner and supper would be interchangeable to them, meaning the evening meal.

Will the HRC be on Friday night? That would mean at least 2 nights in Barcelona pre-cruise so I can go see the Magic Fountains after dark.

...I would think you might get a 2nd brunch, but perhaps need to go on a waiting list at first until those who haven't even got a first booking have them.

Indeed, and John and I were at the very first Geezer and GIT get together on the 2008 WBPC. Lots of fun and laughs. I think last September's TA's group had an even better time though. Nothing too organised, just meet up at Cove Cafe after 10pm and see if anyone else is there.

Though the lower age for GIT's is 50. However we do need some younger dedicated walkers to help us old geezers back to our rooms in case we have forgotten where they are!!!

By the end of the B2B EBTA and Med last year, I was actually getting tired of eating at Palos (yes, that is possible) - did several brunches and dinners. This WBTA still seems to have a lot of available cabins, so I am imagining you'll be at Palo's when you want to. I didn't sign up for my second (or third) visits until later in the cruise - letting others have a first shot at sign-up in Rockin' Bar D on embarkation day.

If you guys are really Geezers, what are you doing up at 10pm? and shouldn't you be asking DCL to shift early dining to early-bird dining at 4pm? or move lunch to 2pm?

I'll qualify for GIT as of June 2 (during my Alaska cruise).

And Afternoon Tea versus High Tea!!!

Palo actually do Afternoon Tea rather than High Tea. High Tea should have more of a light meal content. If we went out for High Tea when I was young we had Ham and Eggs and Chips(fries) or some such like!!

My English neighbors taught me that High Tea was the wrong terminology for afternoon tea - but Americans don't seem to get the whole low table in the drawing room with fancy sandwiches Tea vs. high table (think kitchen height) with "supper" food as being High Tea. High tea "sounds" as though it should be more highfalutin.

Here we go again. Lets hope it is settled before we all start flying. We had this threat last year too, as well as BA strikes which are also in the offing too, plus of course the good old volcano.

We had to re-route last spring due to the ash cloud - ended up ditching our Aer Lingus flights through Dublin and flying Air Berlin through Dusseldorf.

Hi Lynne, welcome aboard. I'm also travelling solo and have also booked a Oceanview guarantee room I was on the WBTA last year and loved Tortola.

Did you bite and do one of the pay-now-can't change anything reduced fares? I did, since it was only about $40 more than the Cat 11C rate.

This is my first solo cruise (7th DCL/any carrier) - but figure I won't be alone with the DISboarders around.

I'm thinking I'll just treat it as camp - and a chance to hang out with friends from the last session.

...The one you came along to last year was rather dire. Nobody we knew was at that one at that time, and that one lady there went on and on and on and on.....about herself..... I was losing the will to live.

and a Geezer does not need to lose the will to live

...Count us in for wine tasting, I have never tried a Mojito !!

I just tasted a Mojito today - my Dad had one at lunch. I said, are you sure there's rum in here - he explained that it was white rum (I don't like dark rum) - and now I think I'll be having one onboard.

Like Lynne I am catching up reading the thread! You guys all sound fun and enjoying the boards.

and she is also pretending to be at work during the day. I'm slogging through while not working and it is still nigh impossible.

...If this a doable event, I will be happy to add it to my "welcome wagon" post.

I love the Welcome Wagon post and the fact that you re-post it when we get new people. I have several PMs to make to get placed on activity lists - when I'm caught up reading, I'll be looking for that WW post to see what's going on.

...since we are going to do a tour of the Fantasy as the shipyard.

That sounds like fun

 

[auntlynne]

I'm doing the same thing. I puttered around a bit too long to get the Expedia sale. But you're totally right, every little bit extra OBC helps.

On the last day of Expedia's $300 OBC offer, I bit the bullet and did the non- refundable GTY rate. Heart was racing a bit, not having any time to toy with the idea, but now I am so looking forward to this cruise (more than I thought I would be).

If you are positive you're going and are in a inside or oceanview room and would like to bump up to oceanview or verandah for less money, check out the OVG or VVG rates. I don't think you can transfer an onboard discount or OBC (but you could check). But this way, I've paid inside rates and have an oceanview guaranteed, not just hoping for the possibility of an upgrade (which hasn't happened to me).

I used to live in North Scottsdale and Gilbert/Higley when I worked for Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa (back in 2001-2003).

 

[birkner]

It is. It's amazing how many people will make the drive from Northern and/or Western Europe to the Meds in the summer. The hundreds of kilometers of trafficjams on the highways during "black saterdays" are a small indication of the huge amounts. It is a very doable drive. I actually think you guys from places like the US, Australia and other large (huge ) countries have a bit of a benefit. As far as I can see, you are more used to long distance drivings, where as we are spoiled little brats on this subject. Now long flights, that's a different subject.

I think you are absolutely correct. I think nothing of hoping in a car and driving for 8 or more hours to get somewhere. I do hate long flights though unless I fly first class. Since I am retired these days, hard to justify paying the almost $10K RT to fly to Europe. If I can upgrade on miles now that is a different story. What is sad though is first class is not like the first class of the 1970's and 80's.

 

[birkner]

As far as the beer, wine, etc, tastings, couldn't we just get together at the ones DCL already has scheduled? I know on our 4-nighter they had beer, wine, mojito (or maybe it was margaritas) and martini tastings. Would that work, if we can't book private tastings, or is the seating too limited?

I think what was really fun about the private tastings is they were very different from the regular ones in that we were only DISers and they really took the time to explain what they were doing. The bartenders told us they were nervous about doing such large tastings and really prepared more than normal. We all got to know each other really well at the tastings!!

 

[birkner]

Will the HRC be on Friday night? That would mean at least 2 nights in Barcelona pre-cruise so I can go see the Magic Fountains after dark.
Last year we went to the Magic Fountains right after the Hard Rock meet.

If you guys are really Geezers, what are you doing up at 10pm? and shouldn't you be asking DCL to shift early dining to early-bird dining at 4pm? or move lunch to 2pm?

We just finished dinner!! Nope, taking my "afternoon" beauty rest then to stay up for dinner

I'll qualify for GIT as of June 2 (during my Alaska cruise).

and a Geezer does not need to lose the will to live

I will have a gold pin waiting for you!!


I love the Welcome Wagon post and the fact that you re-post it when we get new people. I have several PMs to make to get placed on activity lists - when I'm caught up reading, I'll be looking for that WW post to see what's going on.

Let me know what you want to add to the WW post in a PM

That sounds like fun

John and I think it will be a grand adventure driving through Europe.

 

[DISNEYFAN_SD]

Here's a link, hopefully it will work. Says about 12 mins walk, but you would be 2 metro stops away.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sou...41.389093,2.168534&spn=0.007051,0.013003&z=16

It's not far staggering distance !

Thanks for the information

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

What are the magic fountains?

Thanks,

Karen

 

[Goofy Adpi]

On the last day of Expedia's $300 OBC offer, I bit the bullet and did the non- refundable GTY rate. Heart was racing a bit, not having any time to toy with the idea, but now I am so looking forward to this cruise (more than I thought I would be).

If you are positive you're going and are in a inside or oceanview room and would like to bump up to oceanview or verandah for less money, check out the OVG or VVG rates. I don't think you can transfer an onboard discount or OBC (but you could check). But this way, I've paid inside rates and have an oceanview guaranteed, not just hoping for the possibility of an upgrade (which hasn't happened to me).

I used to live in North Scottsdale and Gilbert/Higley when I worked for Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa (back in 2001-2003).

I know! I'm currently booked in a SPH cabin (which I promised to let Pinky166 have first crack at when I switch), but for the lil bit extra for a verandah ... I'm going for it. Only downside I can see is spoiling myself - first Disney cruise and I get to spend 14 days on the Magic and get a verandah

I used to live in North Scottsdale too! I liked it a lot, but was a bit out of my price range when it came time to buy a place. I don't know if you heard, but Banner is playing a giant game of Risk and is slowly taking over all the hospital here in the valley. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

 

[birkner]

What are the magic fountains?

Thanks,

Karen

I was speaking of the Magic Fountains of Montjuic. Here is a link. Magic Fountains of Montjuic

 

[MandyGirl]

Thanks for getting back on this so quickly! I kinda was expecting this answer, but it never hurts to ask and make sure.

Bummer, Jacqueline! But I am still happy you were able to snag an accessible cabin on Magic, even though you had to go through several at DCL to get it! That irked me for you. You NEED the cabin for your wheelchair... yet how many people book an accessible cabin with zero medical need for one... just wanting extra space for selfish reasons... and YOU had to "go to bat" to get your's. So glad you got one (and the rate you got!).

 

[Pinky166]

I know! I'm currently booked in a SPH cabin (which I promised to let Pinky166 have first crack at when I switch), but for the lil bit extra for a verandah ... I'm going for it. Only downside I can see is spoiling myself - first Disney cruise and I get to spend 14 days on the Magic and get a verandah

Thanks.

I was speaking of the Magic Fountains of Montjuic. Here is a link. Magic Fountains of Montjuic

I can't wait to see them, they look fab.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Will the HRC be on Friday night? That would mean at least 2 nights in Barcelona pre-cruise so I can go see the Magic Fountains after dark.

yes it would be on the Friday night .... we are only there for the one night this year, we are adding the extra day at the other day. You would be able to go to see the Magic Fountains either after the meet up or on the previous night I would imagine.

 

[auntlynne]

I know! I'm currently booked in a SPH cabin (which I promised to let Pinky166 have first crack at when I switch), but for the lil bit extra for a verandah ... I'm going for it. Only downside I can see is spoiling myself - first Disney cruise and I get to spend 14 days on the Magic and get a verandah

I used to live in North Scottsdale too! I liked it a lot, but was a bit out of my price range when it came time to buy a place. I don't know if you heard, but Banner is playing a giant game of Risk and is slowly taking over all the hospital here in the valley. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

I was in inside cabins the first four cruises - then upgraded at port from a Cat 11 to a Cat 3 (one-bedroom suite) for an 11-night Med cruise. My niece and I were doing B2B with the EBTA - so we were happy to have a little more space and "own space" for the second half.

I may even be checking on availability of a verandah when I check in at Barcelona. An ocean view to a verandah (if available) should only be $500 or less, I would think. Less than the current difference of OVG and VVG.

I was in 2 different apartments for the 2 years I lived in Phoenix. The first year was sort of like resort living - it was the Grayhawk neighborhood. The landscaping alongside the roads was spectacular and the view of Pinnacle Peak was as great the last time as the first time I saw it. The second apartment, on Guadalupe near Power Road, allowed me the opportunity to drive toward the Superstition Mountains as I made my way home from work in the morning.

I considered buying a home there and settling in, but ultimately chose to come home to be near family and look after my parents. When I left in 2003, new homes were still available under $200K, but that quickly changed. I had picked out a house for $135K and 6 mos later, it had gone up $30K; can't imagine what it would be now.

Banner was a good company to work for; but I'm not fond of monopolies. The hospital here is nearly the only game in town, and it doesn't seem to benefit employees or patients.

Actually going back to Phoenix next month when my brother is attending a librarians' software users' conference. Will play with my SIL during the day - see the things I never visited while working nights 40 hours/week. Then heading up to the Grand Canyon for brother's first view, then back through Sedona.

 

[auntlynne]

yes it would be on the Friday night .... we are only there for the one night this year, we are adding the extra day at the other day. You would be able to go to see the Magic Fountains either after the meet up or on the previous night I would imagine.

Had hoped to see the fountains between the EBTA and the Med last April, but chose to stay onboard and see the fireworks.

Did you have any fireworks when leaving Barcelona last year? or were you already out to see and on the way to Gibraltar by the time it was dark?

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Had hoped to see the fountains between the EBTA and the Med last April, but chose to stay onboard and see the fireworks.

Did you have any fireworks when leaving Barcelona last year? or were you already out to see and on the way to Gibraltar by the time it was dark?

No we didn't have any fireworks leaving Barcelona. The ship set sail in the evening. In fact we were in dinner when we realised we were moving. The sailaway party was still in the afternoon so it was a bit strange having a non-sailaway party !!!

 

[Tod&Copper]

I can't wait to see them, they look fab.

Wow, the magic fountains look great. Why did I not see them in my guide book from the last couple of visits to Barcelona? Too much focus on gaudi lol.

We won't manage to see them before the WBTA, so will have a look when we are there in June for our 10 night cruise

 

[Tod&Copper]

No we didn't have any fireworks leaving Barcelona. The ship set sail in the evening. In fact we were in dinner when we realised we were moving. The sailaway party was still in the afternoon so it was a bit strange having a non-sailaway party !!!

Yeah, we thought it was a bit strange too. The most exciting part was waving to the other ship who WERE sailing away The EBTA gets fireworks when it arrives in Barcelona I think, unfair

 

[Tod&Copper]

No we didn't have any fireworks leaving Barcelona. The ship set sail in the evening. In fact we were in dinner when we realised we were moving. The sailaway party was still in the afternoon so it was a bit strange having a non-sailaway party !!!

Yeah, we thought it was a bit strange too. The most exciting part was waving to the other ship who WERE sailing away The EBTA gets fireworks when it arrives in Barcelona I think, unfair

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Wow, the magic fountains look great. Why did I not see them in my guide book from the last couple of visits to Barcelona? Too much focus on gaudi lol.

We won't manage to see them before the WBTA, so will have a look when we are there in June for our 10 night cruise

We didn't see them either ... and won't be this time as we are only there for one afternoon / evening. Speaking of Gaudi, this time the one thing we want to do is make it to Parc Guell .. last time we saw the houses and the Sagrada Familia, but didn't get time to do it all. So once we check in we hope to rush to see Parc Guell and then get back in time for the HRC get-together. After dinner in the HRC we hope to wander a bit in the Gothic Quarter.

I don't think we will rush to the terminal in the morning, last time we were there at about 9:30 ish and there was a lot of waiting around. This time we may just wander and do some shopping in the morning, and just make our way to the Magic in time for lunch