Sept 18 2010 WB TransAtlantic Pirates/Capt Jacks Re-Repoing Repossession Cruise Pt.7

[birkner]

Random thoughts:

I do not do the Tux thing, but I will wear a jacket and tie on formal nights. I was unable to book Palo on one of our formal nights, so my wife and I will have 3 formal nights, unless we decide to go to the buffet.

I agree with those who say you don’t need to wear a tux or suit to formal nights. I remember guys in Dockers and a polo shirt on formal night.

My wife and I have started looking at clothes for the trip and I was surprised to find that we are both taking 4 pairs of shoes (I‘m wearing sketchers, bringing running shoes, dress shoes and sandals). My wife has three times the shoes I have in the closet. How about you? How many shoes are you bringing? Guys? Ladies?

Plans so far is that DH will wear Topsiders on the plane. He will take sandals, water shoes, flip flops, black dress shoes and tuxedo shoes.

I will wear sandals on the plane. I will take 2 pairs extra sandals. 3 pair dress shoes, water shoes, flip flops and 2 pair dressy sandals.

to all the newcomers. I was trying to think how it would be to book a cruise just two months before you leave, instead of two years ahead like a lot of us.

I actually booked a DCL cruise on a Wednesday and left on a Saturday. I still packed way too much stuff but since it was a Mexican Rivera cruise, I only had to fly from SF Bay area to Los Angeles. Still took 2 full suitcases and a carry on for me and same for GD.

I have completed most of our planning. My wife does the budgeting and helps with the final decisions for the plans. I have enjoyed the Disney boards for quite a few years now (mostly lurking), but now she is hooked on DIS (She enjoys reading, but not the posting part).

I am the poster and DH is the listener. I am also the financial guru as well but DH is always involved in the final decision making. DH does not read the DIS but expects me to keep him fully informed.

We are both getting excited now that our countdown is below 100 (72 days until we fly to Barcelona).

I got a Kodak (ZxD) pocket video camera for the trip and have been playing with it to figure it out (nervous about our larger camera with the Barcelona theft problems). No case or attachments , just shoot and slip into my pants pocket (with my hand over it, so the pickpocket wont have room for his hand).

We are buying the PacSafe straps for the cameras. Since we have 3 to carry, we want to be extra careful. I think we are pretty much sticking to organized touring so hope that will help somewhat!!

When I have caught up on reading DIS posts , I watch Disney cruise videos on youtube (some people are very talented in editing their videos) and take a walk around Barcelona on Google streetview.

John and I love the Phil, Ben and Emma videos especially. DH was in Barcelona in February for a week so we feel we can navigate pretty well.

We are still working a few other details, like communication. We are going to upgrade our cell phone plan to International Texting and I’m looking into Skype (video) to stay in touch with our grandkids. Our grandkids and our daughter live with us, so my wife and I will miss them , as we will be gone for a month (Travel days, Barcelona, Cruise, and Walt Disney World).

If I remember correctly, DCL blocks Skype on the ship. If I am incorrect, will someone please correct me. I think you may just have to text at least from the ship.

We are traveling to Reno (old hometown) at the end of the month and we will buy Euros for the trip there (Wells Fargo International Banking Center) so there will be no fees.

Love Reno. Drive there often from our summer house in Lake Almanor. Have to get a quick gambling fix periodically at the Atlantis. They have a great new deli there and plus the all you can eat sushi hits the spot.

Is it just me or have some of you printed a deck plan with fellow DISers marked in cabins near you and made a list of names of other DISers from your home state (Oregon for us)?

Thank you all for the multiple pages of posts. My wife and I check all the new posts every night and discuss tips, ideas and other info from this board .

Looking forward to the cruise.

I haven't seen a deck plan but did see one where people were posting on a Google map where they lived.

 

[tig82174]

Are you a gymnastics coach? Both of my daughters are in gymnastics. Haley (7) is in level fun 4 and Bella (6) level 2. They both started when they were 3

Yes I am...I was a gymnast and a cheerleader growing up all the way through college...and now, part time, I work at a gymnastics academy here in Rochester and am the tumbling coach for the cheer program at one of our local high schools (national champions this past year, actually )

 

[BoosGram]

BoosGram - we can decide on a time, depending on the show that night - how does that sound? I am excited!!!

Sounds good to me.

Everyone on this thread has been so supportive and generous in so many ways, that I almost want to commit High Heresy....

So, sorry, Cap'n, I was wonderin' if you'd mind if the rallyin' cry of this here cruise became:


GIVE WHAT YA CAN!

and the reply


ACCEPT SUMPTIN' BACK!


I know, I know - it's not the pirate code, but somehow.......

just a thought....

Given the general (and generous) nature of so many of our cruisers, I think you've hit the nail on the head. Good one!

 

[paulasillars]

Random thoughts:

My wife and I have started looking at clothes for the trip and I was surprised to find that we are both taking 4 pairs of shoes (I‘m wearing sketchers, bringing running shoes, dress shoes and sandals). My wife has three times the shoes I have in the closet. How about you? How many shoes are you bringing? Guys? Ladies?

I can actually answer this about the shoes as Robert finally packed his suitcase - can't work out why he was hanging out so long, I've packed and repacked my one already

Anyway, he is wearing his Nike Prestos for travel, and in his suitcase will have 1 pair for wearing to dinner, 1 pair of slip on casual shoes (instead of flip flops) and one pair of canvas sneakers (thats 4 pairs for those keeping count).

I have a shoe collection Imelda Marcos would be proud of and I'm taking, 1 pair of slip on shoes in black and I will wear for dinner (and throw away when done so please don't look too closely ), my Nike Prestos and a pair of sandals. I'm the same shoe size as Mum so might steal a pair of her shoes if I need a change. I wear orthotics so don't like to wear flip flops or sandals for any long periods of time (too painful). Thats 3 pairs

 

[MrsMork]

Hey guys....a quick question for you....we just upgraded our phones at Verizon and we got two $50 debit cards. Can we use them on the ship to pay for things?
What do you think?
Thanks.
Tom

You would have them put on your onboard account to use as you wish.

Everyone on this thread has been so supportive and generous in so many ways, that I almost want to commit High Heresy....

So, sorry, Cap'n, I was wonderin' if you'd mind if the rallyin' cry of this here cruise became:


GIVE WHAT YA CAN!

and the reply


ACCEPT SUMPTIN' BACK!


I know, I know - it's not the pirate code, but somehow.......

just a thought....

You are way too nice!!!

Random thoughts:

I do not do the Tux thing, but I will wear a jacket and tie on formal nights. I was unable to book Palo on one of our formal nights, so my wife and I will have 3 formal nights, unless we decide to go to the buffet.

I agree with those who say you don’t need to wear a tux or suit to formal nights. I remember guys in Dockers and a polo shirt on formal night.

Yes, you can wear jacket/tie or Dockers and it will all be good!! Some of us like to dress up, some not so much.

My wife and I have started looking at clothes for the trip and I was surprised to find that we are both taking 4 pairs of shoes (I‘m wearing sketchers, bringing running shoes, dress shoes and sandals). My wife has three times the shoes I have in the closet. How about you? How many shoes are you bringing? Guys? Ladies?

We will both wear one and take 2 - maybe 3 pair.

to all the newcomers. I was trying to think how it would be to book a cruise just two months before you leave, instead of two years ahead like a lot of us.

I have completed most of our planning. My wife does the budgeting and helps with the final decisions for the plans. I have enjoyed the Disney boards for quite a few years now (mostly lurking), but now she is hooked on DIS (She enjoys reading, but not the posting part).

Dennis posts occasionally, but relies on me to gather and relay the info to him for the most part. I talk so much though that he knows all that is going on and who is who on the boards.

We are both getting excited now that our countdown is below 100 (72 days until we fly to Barcelona).

I got a Kodak (ZxD) pocket video camera for the trip and have been playing with it to figure it out (nervous about our larger camera with the Barcelona theft problems). No case or attachments , just shoot and slip into my pants pocket (with my hand over it, so the pickpocket wont have room for his hand).

When I have caught up on reading DIS posts , I watch Disney cruise videos on youtube (some people are very talented in editing their videos) and take a walk around Barcelona on Google streetview.

We are still working a few other details, like communication. We are going to upgrade our cell phone plan to International Texting and I’m looking into Skype (video) to stay in touch with our grandkids. Our grandkids and our daughter live with us, so my wife and I will miss them , as we will be gone for a month (Travel days, Barcelona, Cruise, and Walt Disney World).

Our son and grandson also live with us and grandson (10yo) keeps telling me that I really need to take him with us. I tell him he needs to get a job to pay for it.

We are traveling to Reno (old hometown) at the end of the month and we will buy Euros for the trip there (Wells Fargo International Banking Center) so there will be no fees.

Is it just me or have some of you printed a deck plan with fellow DISers marked in cabins near you and made a list of names of other DISers from your home state (Oregon for us)?

We lived in OR for 21 years, just 2 years ago moved "home" to Montana. Dennis worked at several pharmacies in Roseburg over the last 7 or 8 years we lived there.

Thank you all for the multiple pages of posts. My wife and I check all the new posts every night and discuss tips, ideas and other info from this board .

Looking forward to the cruise.

 

[KrisannB]

I am only on page 18 - trying to catch up!

Wich desgin wount you like? I have send already some desgin to a pinmaker to get a price. The more we buy how cheaper the price.

Let me now what you like.

Connie

I would like to do this also - one for each of the 4 of us.

For many, naps prolong jet lag, rather than reduce it.

Woody

Hubby jumps right into normal life at home when he comes home - does things at the proper times here - he amazes me with how well he adjusts - and no naps for him - even after 24 hours on flights/layovers (not including time changes)

Are people participating in more than one FE group? Just noticing some double

Yes I am in 2 (and willing to be in more)

Lucky we have magical express to the airport after our WDW stay this time!

This is one of the reasons we take disney transportation - I don't want to have to deal with transporting the bags!!!

The other theme night, going on what I have read, is likely to be a "Villains" night. No dressing up, but a parade in the atrium of guests wearing masks "made" earlier in the day. There is a Villains show in the theatre, and presume a Villains menu? Thought maybe wearing black for that night?

Have fun planning! I like making ..............lists...........loads of lists...........
Lyn

I like the idea of wearing black on villian night - had not thought of that - will add that to my packing list.

OK so a few people have asked how the postcard exchange is going to work.

The idea is that people buy postcards of their area/country/town/city etc and deliver a postcard to each person on the list. They don't need to be written on or anything but I'm sure people would like to have something on there to let them know who it was off. If people do want to write a little note on their about their country or town then thats OK too.

So far we have around 15 people taking part and you don't have to be in the Fish Extender Exchange to join in - but please let me know if you don't have an FE as then I can make a note on the list so people know not to expect one and can place the cards directly in the Fish Holder (they are built to hold letters etc anyway).

If anyone would like to take part that isn't on the list let me know. Currently we have:

- Gismo1554
- cruzdirectorkaren
- steamboat will
- Mrs Mork
- birkner
- pilk
- yukongirl123 (Trevor)
- Witherbark
- Bareacuda
- Disney Sweetie
- Buckeye Gal
- TheDisneyGirl02
- roseburghughes
- Sparky47 (no FE)

I would like to do this - I headed it up on the WBPC in 2008 and had a great time with it. So please put us down!

I'm afraid this will be the last reminder for Secret Mickey as I want to get it all sorted this weekend. Anyone who wants to join in please check out my post on PAGE ONE !!!!!

Thanks

I am so ready to get my assignment! i keep looking at things to do for it and say - I must wait - paitence!

For anyone participating who does not have a FE, how do we deliver postcard?

By using the "fish"

I was thinking maybe we could have 1 person per fish extender group with a noteboard on their door that would say the room changes for that group. If they themselves moved rooms they would need to notify just the people in their groups so not too many, and the others in the group would be able to find the rooms easily by starting off here.

Any volunteers?????

Also would need one for the list of Secrete Mickey Participants and one for the Postcard Exchange I guess as well

I would be glad to keep a list on my door - let me know if you still need people (as I am way behind I still have 10 pages to go and you may already have all the volunteers now)

I am not thinking super formal. As I already did on our other cruises.

I want to pack veeeery light. And even consider only packing for about one week and then use the washing machines.

But I came up with this idea of buying me a "Dirndl" for one of the formal nights. A typical Bavarian dress...

You guys know what I mean?

So, maaaaybe. I'll do that.

I had a Dirndl when I was a little girl! I wish I had one to wear now -that would be fun! We are visiting Austria the week before the cruise - could probably pick one up

On the EBTA, we had one centrally located dry erase board for cabin changes and other announcements. Cabin changes were noted:
Unfortunately, some other cruisers (either accidentally or on purpose) smudged the information. This happened often.

We found it was better to have the cabin changes on a sheet of paper (held with a magnetic clip).


Woody

Yes it worked much better when I wrote all the changes down on a written piece of paper.

OK, so I have been takinga ll my PM;s and exporting them and then clearing the inbox and sent... Someone volunteered to take the last minute FE signups - and I can't find who that was!! If if was you, please let me know - I have one person and I think there could be others that want to join!!

Safe and happy 4th to all my US DIS family!!

That is me!!!

Someone volunteered to do this - I am trying to find the PM with who...

That is me!!

If you are ready for me to take it on - I am ready!

 

[TheDisneyGirl02]

I know it's only 1:35 am EST, but I wanted to say Happy 4th of July to everyone who celebrates the 4th! I hope everybody has a safe and wonderful holiday!

 

[KrisannB]

I am still trying to play catch up but wanted to comment on the list thing before I forget or fall asleep.

I like the idea of having a change sheet at ONE designated door in each group - as it would keep things more simplified to me when delivering items for that group. It would be easy - just assign one cabin in each group as the "GO HERE FIRST" cabin and then when that FE or candy bar group starts to deliver they can see the list if there is any changes within their group.

Just my thoughts . . .

Krisann

 

[birkner]

I know it's only 1:35 am EST, but I wanted to say Happy 4th of July to everyone who celebrates the 4th! I hope everybody has a safe and wonderful holiday!

Only 10:57 PM here!!

 

[paulasillars]

Happy 4th of July to my US friends. Have a safe celebration!

(its 6.40pm on the 4th here )

 

[TotallyAngelic]

HAPPY 4TH JULY

to all of our American friends !!!!!!

Hope you enjoy your celebrations today

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

HAPPY 4TH JULY TO MY AMERICAN FRIENDS!

The Australia White and Black Backed magpies are indigenous to Australia but have been introduced to New Zealand. They aren't related to the similarly named birds in the Europe/US but are in fact related to the Crow family. They are very territorial which makes them aggressive especially in the nesting season.

The got named by the early european settlers who wanted things to remind them of "home" so just because they were black and white, they got so named. They are very good mimics and even when "tamed" they can be aggressive and do not make very good pets.

My parents have had a series of disabled and rehomed adult pet magpies over the years, they can not be rehabilitated back into the wild or introduced to a new family group due to their territorial natures.

They only have 2 left now, Josie is 20+ years old and Bruce is about 8. I lived with Josie for over 10 years before I left home and she attacked me on a daily basis - usually only once per day just to ensure I knew where I belonged in their strict heirachy.

Lesson over

Thanks Paula, I wasn't sure if they were Australian or not, probably could have google it....too lazy
Sounds like Josie was a very loving pet

My wife and I have started looking at clothes for the trip and I was surprised to find that we are both taking 4 pairs of shoes (I‘m wearing sketchers, bringing running shoes, dress shoes and sandals). My wife has three times the shoes I have in the closet. How about you? How many shoes are you bringing? Guys? Ladies?

I have completed most of our planning. My wife does the budgeting and helps with the final decisions for the plans. I have enjoyed the Disney boards for quite a few years now (mostly lurking), but now she is hooked on DIS (She enjoys reading, but not the posting part).

Hmmm Shoes, well...there are 4 of us, the girls will be taking crocs, silver sandals, haviana's and formals ballet flats, so that's 4 each = 8. DH will take his Timberlands, his sneakers, his black dress shoes, crocs and haviana's, so add another 5 = 13. And I will take sneakers, crocs, haviana's, sparkly sandals and heels, so add another 5 = 18.
OMG 18 pairs of shoes, that's like a whole suitcase, WOW!!! Is it OK to wear bright red crocs with a formal gown? How about haviana thongs with a dinner suit? Maybe not.........
As for clothes, we are really going to have some problems with luggage, I have done a trial pack and it was , so I am trying to re-access what we actually NEED!

As for the planning, reading, organising, budgeting, deciding......that's all me, me, me, DH doesn't want to know about it until we're on the plane on our way to Barcelona. Too busy at work to think about it.

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

Is there anyone else who is booking their port excursions, palo, spa, etc on July 5th......or is it just me?
Question, Is it 12:01am Eastern time? Which makes it 2pm 5th July my time?

 

[LittleDisneyLovers]

PJ Breakfast
@ Lumiere’s, sea day 27th September

tinker1bell - Terry
orlandothebeagle - Lynne and Len
birkner - John and Noel
Bareacuda - Ann and Howard
Steffy - Stephanie
TheCooksLuvDisney - Dan, Cheryl and Daniel
alexandmaddie - Kristi and Gerald
tig82174 - Jason and Eric
Disney Sweetie - Pam and Mike
Buckeye Gal - Kimberly
OCD for WD - Kimberly
acourtwdw & acourtwdw2 - Annette and Amanda

Please PM me if you want to come, Thanks!
Hayley

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Good morning from a very windy Wales. Today I hope to get started on organising the Secret Mickeys ... so all you participants .... watch your in boxes. It is also my plan to actually win one of the 84 dresses I am watching on Ebay today ... I keep missing out by being off the computer and forgetting about them, or they go for more than I am prepared to pay.

OK - Heres the deal... Hopefully this will stop the confusion...

As I have most of the people due tot he FE lists, I have created a master listing of who is doing what. It has DIS name, room number, a spot to list a new room number, and then what all you are doing. Click here to see it.

I will print enough copies for EVERYONE and will also publish a PDF file that people can download. The PDF will be posted here (via link) and the printed copies will be in an envelope in our fish. On the outside of the envelope will be a copy of the list that people can use to make changes if they upgrade, or get moved, or whatever.

The list has FE, Candy Swap, Secret Mickey, Postcards, Scrapbook - and can hold more - just let me kow what I am missing. If you want more details, just let me know what you want listed.

Did I clear it up or make it worse?

Sounds perfect Sue ... your I.T. skills are phenomenal

Marc was the driver in this area. I LOVE the beach, the heat (yes, I can go to Palm Springs with 120 degree temps (no humidity) and be VERY happy), the lounging by a pool with beverages brought to me by wait staff, the heat, the beach, heat - have I said I love the heat? I moved to L.A. from the U.P. of Michigan with a stopover of 18 months in the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN. ANYTHING, in my mind, is better than those two places weather-wise.

Marc, while happy in L.A., is not a "heat" person at all. He gets redder than a beet if he's out in the sun for more than, oh, 5 minutes. He's put up with me for 24 years now (2 of those married - the anniversary was yesterday!) and when he was talking about retirement he mentioned that he had been looking around for a place to retire that would be both economically feasible and a wonderful area. We both love Mexico (me the beach, he the mountains) and it was time for me to realize that this all wasn't about ME! If he could put up with me and all my foibles for this length of time, I sure as heck could learn to love any place that we decided to light down.

San Miguel de Allende (SMA) is a jewel. He researched it, bought books about it, put them down where I could pick them up and read about it, read blogs about it, and it didn't take much to convince me!

Our first time there was early March of this year. We spent 3 days there and loved it! Met one of the ladies and her partner of 30-some years who wrote one of the books that convinced us about SMA as well as the blog that we read and we just had a grand time. By the time we got home they had sent an e-mail suggesting a new place for us to think about renting (the first place we wanted, very Gaudiesque, just wasn't right for us) and we were back down there at the end of March to take a look at that; 4 days that visit. The next visit was at the end of April and we were there for 7 days! In total we've only been there 14 days but have become enamored of all things SMA. We've met some wonderful people in our short time there and we know we've made the right choice. Some might say we've chosen hastily and one couldn't argue with them! But we're darn happy right now! Almost gay!

What makes it even better is we've got to work a bit while there. Our Spanish is horrendous! Our neighborhood is a working-class Mexican neighborhood. There is one other gringa on our street and that's it. We can't retreat behind our housing walls and expect to make it. We've GOT to get out and meet the folks.

One could live in a palace down there, but you don't need to! Yes, there are enclaves of expats in million-dollar homes but that is so unneccesary for us. We've got a great home at a great rent (4 months rent there = 1 month mortgage here) for a house more than twice the size of what we have now, LOTS of cultural stuff going on every single month, and, if we need to, we can get back to the states easily - or just take the $20 airfare I just found from Guadalajara to Cabo and spend a few days at the beach.....

We're gonna have fun! Life, no matter WHAT they tell you, IS an adventure!

You are so right ..... what a wonderful story

Smiley central on the web. Aren't they fun?

Very entertaining Noel

Random thoughts:

I do not do the Tux thing, but I will wear a jacket and tie on formal nights. I was unable to book Palo on one of our formal nights, so my wife and I will have 3 formal nights, unless we decide to go to the buffet.

I agree with those who say you don’t need to wear a tux or suit to formal nights. I remember guys in Dockers and a polo shirt on formal night.

My wife and I have started looking at clothes for the trip and I was surprised to find that we are both taking 4 pairs of shoes (I‘m wearing sketchers, bringing running shoes, dress shoes and sandals). My wife has three times the shoes I have in the closet. How about you? How many shoes are you bringing? Guys? Ladies?

Shoes ..... yikes Decisions decisions! Until I finalise the dresses I cannot commit on shoes. But DH is taking: trainers ( wearing to travel ) deck shoes, sandals, casual shoes for dinner and black dress shoes.
Hopefully will get heavier shoes in the hand baggage to reduce weight in the checked in cases.

 

[TotallyAngelic]

Does anyone think it is worth gettng up at 5am tomorrow ( d-day minus 75) to see if we can book Palo brunch. Are there likely to be more openings available?

 

[lyn9856]

Happy 4th July to everyone!
Hope everyone has a great day


Lyn and Bob

 

[UKANGEL]

On the Disney Cruise Line thread, there are a couple of different posts about magnets. I have had good luck googling characters, too. Then I copy the image to either my photo folder onmy desktop or to Microsoft Windows page. Then I can change the size add text, etc.

It's a lot of fun

Thanks Connie

Aha I know about this! In great detail actually

The Australia White and Black Backed magpies are indigenous to Australia but have been introduced to New Zealand. They aren't related to the similarly named birds in the Europe/US but are in fact related to the Crow family. They are very territorial which makes them aggressive especially in the nesting season.

The got named by the early european settlers who wanted things to remind them of "home" so just because they were black and white, they got so named. They are very good mimics and even when "tamed" they can be aggressive and do not make very good pets.

My parents have had a series of disabled and rehomed adult pet magpies over the years, they can not be rehabilitated back into the wild or introduced to a new family group due to their territorial natures.

They only have 2 left now, Josie is 20+ years old and Bruce is about 8. I lived with Josie for over 10 years before I left home and she attacked me on a daily basis - usually only once per day just to ensure I knew where I belonged in their strict heirachy.

Lesson over

They sound like our British magpies....black and white and members of the crow family? (I think) They're largish and aggressive so they sound very similar!

Does anyone think it is worth gettng up at 5am tomorrow ( d-day minus 75) to see if we can book Palo brunch. Are there likely to be more openings available?

I was wondering that too Sarah!

 

[UKANGEL]

Happy 4th July to all my U.S. friends!


Have a lovely day everyone.....what do you all have planned for your day?

 

[tinker1bell]

DH plays with a local marching concert band. They do parades, concerts in the park and one big concert in the spring. This weekend he is in three concerts. Tonight they will perform their usual July 4th concert. It is always fun to go and listen. They always end with Stars and Stripes which gets to me every time they play.

It is the second oldest Community Concert Band in the US.