All I Got Was A Lousy T-Shirt. . .(SleepyD's WetnWild Shower Fan Club -16 Feb 07) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

sleepydog25

10-09-2006, 07:25 AM

Pink Nails in the Sunset

Payback is a. . .well. . .it rhymes with witch. You don’t believe me?
Take a look at this picture.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/5017207_348.ts1160261265017.jpg (http://p/)

Yes. Those are my feet. No. I’m not female. Yes. I am a father. And this won’t be the end of it, either. I can see it now. “Daddy, I want a horse for my birthday” or “Dad, will you take me and all my friends to Disney World for a week?” or even, “Dad, I have my eye on that 2016 Mustang that goes 0-60 in 2 seconds. I want one.” In fact, I can see the following conversation taking place in the, hopefully, distant future.
“Daddy. This is Johnny. I love him, and he loves me. We want to get married.”

“Well, that’s great, hon. Does he have a job?”

“No.”

“What does he do?”

“He goes with The Mocking Heads rock band on tour.”

“Oh, so he’s a musician!”

“Uh, no. He just likes to follow them around and camp out in that VW van over there.”

“I see.”

“Thing is, I want a big, big wedding.”

“But—“

“Dad! You and Mom promised me! You said you’d make it up to me. . .no matter what.”

“Sigh. . .yes, dear. . .”

Let me back up. I can see that I’ve jumped ahead just a little. Time to hit the rewind button. All stories must set the stage. . .give the reader some backdrop against which to judge the experience, to understand the motivations of the characters. So, let’s start with the main players in this saga:

Princess – She of the golden tresses, the winsome smile, the electric blue eyes, and the former (and likely to be again) Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique royalty. She is the focus of the introduction above—age 6

Doc – she is what her name implies. Planning and organization are her strengths. . .that and getting me to do all the grunt work for our trips. She has the vision—I have the shoulders. It was her--some would say--infatuation with going on a Disney cruise that propell(er)ed us to book the trip in the first place. She saw the Travel Channel documentary on the making of the Disney Magic and the rest, as they say, is history. A deer in headlights is nothing like a dear in cruise lights. Trust me. Age: younger than me.

Sleepydog – that would be me. The former superduperysecretagentman (they gave me a number and took away my name, so I quit). Known to some as SleepyD, SunnyD, SD, Dog, Sleepy, and occasionally Haiku Master (hey, I’m just reporting what I’ve read, okay? I’m not saying that it’s true). Like Jeremiah, I also help people drink some wine. . .and I always have some mighty fine wine. Age: unimportant.

Mumma – pronounced MOO-ma (Finnish for grandmother).

Paappa – pronounced BOP-pa (Finnish for grandfather). These are Doc’s parents; they are a wonderful, loving, caring couple. . .and they live minutes away. That is a good thing. No, really.

ZippiDee & DooDah – They are little stuffed animals that Princess gave to us. Their significance will be seen later.

There you have it: the main characters in this epic narrative. Of course, you are no closer to understanding the opening of this report than you were moments ago. . .unless. . .you are very intuitive. Or. You know me. So endeth the prologue. I hope your interest has been piqued just a wee bit, for there will be more chapters to come. . .with pics. . .promise. Next up: Family Doc Seeks Flying Dutchman: How Johnny Depp Cost Me Thousands of Dollars.

Verandah Man

10-09-2006, 07:47 AM

This should be one interesting trip report!!! :lmao:

sleepydog25

10-09-2006, 08:36 AM

That's the idea. . .;)

famof8

10-09-2006, 09:02 AM

msaseifert

10-09-2006, 09:04 AM

Can't wait to read MORE.............

grumpydude

10-09-2006, 09:52 AM

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooh...I am interested

lillygator

10-09-2006, 09:57 AM

nice intro and my hubby has also been subjected to painted toenails....you guys just don't know what you are in for! ;)

TwinkieMama

10-09-2006, 09:58 AM

:wave2:
Wow! so this is the cruise report board (looks around)
Nice. I could get used to this.....

I am here because I think SD is indeed at least a haiku knight if not a full fledged master.... and because I am a sucker for a good narrative drama...

so popcorn::

bring it on....

sheridac

10-09-2006, 09:59 AM

Cripes D!!!!

It took you long enough to get the link in your signature and I'm treated to a vision of your feet???????

Eeeeeeewwwww!!!!!!

Thanks-ever-so-much!!!!

horsegirl

10-09-2006, 10:11 AM

DAWG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome start! :thumbsup2 I love a man that gets in touch with his feminine side! And isn't afraid to show it. You rock, like granite and and the Stones! :banana: :banana: :banana: Now put a little color in that link, so it really stands out!!!!!!!!!!!!

momsully

10-09-2006, 10:16 AM

I can't wait to read the rest!

firstmickey

10-09-2006, 10:28 AM

It's about time! ;) :teeth: :thumbsup2

sleepydog25

10-09-2006, 10:32 AM

okay, you have officially given "Royal Vizier" and "zweihund" a run for their money!! I feel a battle of the TR's coming on pirate: .....all good natured, of course ;)

Let the games begin!!! (and please, please don't take too long :rolleyes1 )

JoyceTo be compared to those two Trip Meisters :worship: is grand company, indeed! I am not worthy. . .though I shall strive to become a grasshopper to their masters. . .and I shall attempt to be worthy of your comparisons.

I am here because I think SD is indeed at least a haiku knight if not a full fledged master.... and because I am a sucker for a good narrative drama...

so popcorn::

bring it on....Welcome and heartfelt thanks, Twinks! And. Yes, there shall be a haiku or two along the way. . .and who said anything about drama? :lmao:

Verandah Man (love that name!), msaseifert, grumpydude, and lillygator, thanks for the initial encouragement and interest. If it helps, there will be plenty o' pics. . .and not all of them feet. . .promise. . .

Cripes D!!!!

It took you long enough to get the link in your signature and I'm treated to a vision of your feet???????

Eeeeeeewwwww!!!!!!

Thanks-ever-so-much!!!!They smell better than they look. . .
DAWG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome start! :thumbsup2 I love a man that gets in touch with his feminine side! And isn't afraid to show it.Now, if I could only stop and ask directions. . .
I can't wait to read the rest!Mom! Yes, you guys will have honorable mentions, too. . .;)

Dsnylndlvrs

10-09-2006, 11:21 AM

Sleepydog, this has got to be the most unusual and intriguing intros to a report that I've read since starting on these boards. So glad I clicked on the link and can't wait to read the rest... :thumbsup2

RoyalVizier

10-09-2006, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by famof8
okay, you have officially given "Royal Vizier" and "zweihund" a run for their money!! I feel a battle of the TR's coming on .....all good natured, of course

To be compared to those two Trip Meisters :worship: is grand company, indeed! I am not worthy. . .though I shall strive to become a grasshopper to their masters. . .and I shall attempt to be worthy of your comparisons.

How did my name get dragged into this? :confused3 I don't personally know sleepydog25, but I'm thinking I may know him by association as I see some familiar faces around here.

I agree... this TR is gonna be good, I can tell. What's not to look forward to with a prologue like that? Bring it! :banana:

curlybop

10-09-2006, 12:02 PM

:lmao: This is gonna be fun. I can tell. I am already laughing at the painted toenails. Simply b/c my 4 y.o. would TOTALLY do that to DH, and I know he'd let her. :teeth:

FatherForce

10-09-2006, 01:01 PM

I'm still wading through the WDW part of our trip, but I'll be up with our TR here from the same crusie too.

I'm surprised that painted toenails are all SD got as penance for what he did to the DD :rotfl2:

Jennifer48

10-09-2006, 01:44 PM

Well I certainly didn't expect painted toe nails in this "lousy t-shirt" TR! :rotfl:

I'm definately in and anticipating more! :hyper:

oybolshoi

10-09-2006, 01:53 PM

OK, I'm biting...how could I not when the hook is baited like this? :teeth:

Looking forward to more...the toenails are a nice touch, by the way!

Ski-and-Sea

10-09-2006, 02:39 PM

Cue the Carly Simon music here......"Anticipaaaation......anticiiiiiipaaation.....".

We're all waiting!!!!!!!

sleepydog25

10-09-2006, 03:08 PM

It's about time! ;) :teeth: :thumbsup2Yeah, your not-so-subtle hints finally got to me. . .well, that and the hook. To quote the song, "the hook brings you back." (Extra credit for naming the group who sang this line.)

Last edited by firstmickey : Today at 10:29 AM. Reason: Came for the pictures and I get FEET! ;) Pretty ones though! She just had to choose bright red, didn't she? I showed Mumma and Paappa last night over dinner and thought I'd have to do the Heimlich maneuver on them! For the record, for posterity, I took one for the team. Let it be handed down through the years like the Headless Horseman, Sasquatch, and alligators in the sewer system. . .I took one for the team.

In the interest of actually advancing this as a TR, I shall give you this peek. . .

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/5072184_348.ts1160421869071.jpg
. . .of the artiste. . .aka Princess. . .

firstmickey

10-09-2006, 03:49 PM

She's adorable! princess: She looks so sweet but I bet she gives you a run for your money.

Could have been worse...she could have used LaPositively Hot. (Hot pink) :teeth: :rotfl2:

famof8

10-09-2006, 03:53 PM

Oh my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!! Your princess is BEAUTIFUL! No wonder you gave in to the red toenails. I'm melting and she isn't even mine!!!

Now....NO MORE TEASING....get on with the report ;)

AshClan

10-09-2006, 03:59 PM

Your princess is beautiful. And she paints quite a toenail. I hope they weren't like that on the cruise!!! For one thing, the professional pedicurists would've had a little anxiety attack or two, me thinks!!

We did the cruise a few years ago and loved it. Can't wait to hear about your adventures!!

outahere

10-09-2006, 04:02 PM

OK......... I'm hooked too!! I had to subscribe to this thread, just in case I don't get back here for a day or two. Can't wait to hear how this plays out.

lexmelinda

10-09-2006, 04:02 PM

Sleepydog! I was wondering when you were gonna be back from the cruise and begin posting the report as promised. I was getting worried! BTW, the princess is lovely and I can see why she's got you wrapped........ ;)

pongoperdigirl

10-09-2006, 04:07 PM

Blues Traveler.
John Popper would be the guy singing.

Nice intro.
Could've done without the feet tho.

dreamcometrue

10-09-2006, 04:33 PM

ohhhhh...*rubbing hands together* This is gonna be a good one! Waiting patiently....

jrose529

10-09-2006, 04:38 PM

What an intro!!! It's shaping up to be a DIS classic.:banana:

Your princess is a beauty!

Lil' Grumpy

10-09-2006, 05:22 PM

:happytv: ..wait, you forgot to tell what the lil piggys did and where did
they all went...after the big dog woke up?

man , what lil' peepers..grandmother has? "woof" in sheep...

oh yeaks, thanks for making your gender clear...for a second i thought
i misjudged you... :lmao:

..on with your show :thumbsup2 ,

unless your related to ..slide show bob [simpsom fame]..,

did you used to own " i go to extremes"...? :smokin:

oh, just so we can get the right mind set...do you mind lookin at this pic.

:moped: ..and revealing what you seeing?

grumpydude

10-09-2006, 05:37 PM

The "hook" would be Blues Travler...stop messing around and start typing. I do not have a patience problem. I do not.

sheridac

10-09-2006, 05:48 PM

The "hook" would be Blues Travler...stop messing around and start typing. I do not have a patience problem. I do not.
Oooh!!!! You're a little grumpy dude!!!!! :teeth:

drebert

10-09-2006, 06:02 PM

Subscribing SD :thumbsup2

Cute feet.

(You might want to shave that big toe though)

dallastxcpa

10-09-2006, 06:59 PM

Ohhh! This is going to be a good one. It's just so sad that my company has the DIS boards blocked. :sad2:

disneypoor

10-09-2006, 07:05 PM

Ohhh! This is going to be a good one. It's just so sad that my company has the DIS boards blocked. :sad2:
I'd have to look for a new job! :lmao: LOL!

dmsbing

10-09-2006, 08:27 PM

Can't wait to hear more!

JDBlair

10-09-2006, 09:36 PM

Blues Travelers! Great song!!!

Yeah, your not-so-subtle hints finally got to me. . .well, that and the hook. To quote the song, "the hook brings you back." (Extra credit for naming the group who sang this line.)

She just had to choose bright red, didn't she? I showed Mumma and Paappa last night over dinner and thought I'd have to do the Heimlich maneuver on them! For the record, for posterity, I took one for the team. Let it be handed down through the years like the Headless Horseman, Sasquatch, and alligators in the sewer system. . .I took one for the team.

In the interest of actually advancing this as a TR, I shall give you this peek. . .

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/5072184_348.ts1160421869071.jpg
. . .of the artiste. . .aka Princess. . .

sleepydog25

10-10-2006, 09:22 AM

Family Doc Seeks Flying Dutchman: How Johnny Depp and the Travel Channel Cost Us Thousands of Dollars, Part I

Damn the Travel Channel. They smirk at me from behind their desks. They leer at me while eating fresh chocolate croissants rushed overnight from Paris and drinking JamaicaBlueMountain coffee flown in from Kingston, served with fresh cream from Wisconsin and turbinado sugar from Maui. They air programming designed to entice and captivate my family. They have no physical product to sell, no inventory to keep, no overhead—no, they are in league with travel companies and tourist destinations around the world with one thing on their collective minds: our bank account. And. They’re good at it. . .really, really good.

It was a dark and stormy night. Wait, wrong story. It was stormy and dark night, and during the infrequent moments of satellite dish reception and constant flipping of channels with the remote by Doc (she can’t help it, having been diagnosed with chronic remotis changerus), she noticed a teaser for a piece about the making of the Disney Magic (no, not the pixie dust kind, Virginia—the ship). Seeing as there was nothing else to watch on the other 179 channels, soon she was settled down on the couch under some blankets with Rye, an 18-lb cat who is, I swear, afraid of his own shadow and whose tail is the size of an earthworm. He settles down only with her, only at night. I feed him and the other three felines, give them fresh water, clean their cat boxes, give them medicines when it must be done, and take them to their annual vet visits. But, nooooo, he won’t settle down with me! Sorry, I digress. . .which I do from time to time, so just steel yourselves for the inevitable. Let’s go back to our regularly scheduled programming. . .

Doc is quickly absorbed into the story behind the manufacturing and launching of the Magic (and her subsequent sister ship, the Wonder). Me? I’m busy reading Wine Spectator, The New Yorker, and Conde’ Nast. Okay, just kidding. I was reading an old Calvin and Hobbes collection (I sure miss them, Mr “I’m Going on Hiatus for the Rest of My Life” Watterson!) and attempting to divine the purpose of popcorn ceilings which we inherited upon moving into our house four years ago. Did someone actually think, “Geez, wouldn’t it be cool to make people’s ceilings look like cottage cheese? Every time they swat at a bug, it’ll make thousands of tiny particles fly into their eye, and they’ll have to vacuum again, too. Heyyyyy, it’ll be so funny to watch them try to paint walls and not get it on the curds or see how they pick those little kernels off the paint roller! This is gonna be so cool!” Devilish type who thought up that concept. . .hmmm. . .wonder if they work for the Travel Channel? Oh, and then I left to go type wine tasting notes. No, really.

See, I love wine, enough that I like to record what I experience--what I taste, see, smell, and what foods with which it pairs well--when I drink it. Plus, there’s the little matter of running a small wine shop in town. So, to the computer I went. Then, it started, what I like to call the Distance Voice.

“Hon!!”

“What?” I respond.

“You’ve got to come see this!”

“What?”

“This show! It’s really cool what they did.”

“I’m sure it is; I’ll be there in a minute,” which was my way of saying maybe she’ll forget all about me if I stay in the study. But, no.

“Huh-onn!! You’re gonna miss it!”

What I’m thinking is, “that’s my pla-a-a-n.” What I say is, “Just a mi-i-i-nute.”

“This is fascinating,” she declares triumphantly as I enter the family room. I see some lug walking around on rebar with a tool in his hand and immediately retort, “Oh, my gosh, yes! An Italian welder!” Yeah, I got the glare for that one. Soon, we were ensconced in the vision, planning, and logistical efforts it took to make the Magic. Okay, she was ensconced. I was present and accounted for. But, I did finish watching the show, grudgingly admitting that it was better than Captain Cavema-a-a-a-a-n on Boomerang. And that, I thought, was the last we’d see of a cruise of any sort. Survey says: “EEEAAAAHHHH! Sorry that’s not the answer we’re looking for.”

In the proceeding weeks, Doc began dredging up the dock-umentary about the Magic (which if you haven’t seen means you ain’t a regular visitor to the Cruise forums) and remarking aloud about what it would be like to take a cruise. I quickly reminded her that we had an upcoming trip to WDW the first week of June, and that her schedule didn’t really allow for two vacation trips of an extended length, nor did our budget include a visit to the Land of the Expensive and a voyage on SS Mo’ Money. She demurred. . .for a time. I thought the topic was DOA. I wanted no part of a cruise.

Before some of you begin slinging tomatoes at your screen and giving me the curse of Davy Jones (no, not the Hey, Hey, I’m a Monkee one, besides, what would that curse be: “Aaargggh! Ye be saddled with a bowl haircut and a perpetual goofy grin fer the rest of yer life! Aaarggh!”), I never understood the allure of cruising the seven seas other than it used to mean you could wear a groovy earring and have scary tattoos. I’m an active guy. I run, bike, hike, play b-ball, and chase after a six-year old. What could a ship offer me? That was my attitude going into this whole notion of cruising that Doc had initiated.

Then came the discovery. It was a clear day: crisp and cool with a hint of spring in the air even though it was early February. My life would change forever. . .

“Hon!” Doc implored, “C’mere!”

As I was doing the dreaded laundry detail, any excuse to leave it was good. “Yes?” I queried.

“Look! The DIS Board has a Cruise Line forum!” she crowed.

Ever been zapped with a cattle prod? Me either, but I’m guessing it’s about like what that statement did to me. Suddenly, the laundry was looking mighty fine as an object of my attention. But, I was trapped seeing as I had willingly responded to her beckoning.

“There is so much information on cruising here! When to go, what to expect, door decorations, dining, wining, excursions, activities, shows. . .and all with pictures!” Doc isn’t easily excited. I was in trouble. . .with a capital T.

Stay tuned to this same bat station, same bat channel, for FDSFD: HJD&TTCCUToD, Part II. . .

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4955113_200.ts1160051974126.jpg

FatherForce

10-10-2006, 09:39 AM

What's wrong with Captain Caveman???

firstmickey

10-10-2006, 09:42 AM

OMG! :eek: You are a clone of my husband. Right down to the Wine Spectator magazine! :teeth: :rotfl2: He thought he would be bored silly on the cruise.

(I bet you're a convert now too, aren't ya?) But that would be jumping ahead......;)

“This is fascinating,” she declares triumphantly as I enter the family room. I see some lug walking around on rebar with a tool in his hand and immediately retort, “Oh, my gosh, yes! An Italian welder!” Yeah, I got the glare for that one. Soon, we were ensconced in the vision, planning, and logistical efforts it took to make the Magic. Okay, she was ensconced. I was present and accounted for. But, I did finish watching the show, grudgingly admitting that it was better than Captain Cavema-a-a-a-a-n on Boomerang. And that, I thought, was the last we’d see of a cruise of any sort. Survey says: “EEEAAAAHHHH! Sorry that’s not the answer we’re looking for.”

Bwahhahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! :rotfl2:

famof8

10-10-2006, 09:42 AM

Okay....forget about the wine shop....get back to your real job of writing this report cause we all know what is important in life!

How can you leave us dangling so! :hyper: Pretend I'm Doc...."Huh-onn....you've gotta come write this!"

jrose529

10-10-2006, 09:43 AM

Okay, so you caught my attention. :dance3: What's next?

Ski-and-Sea

10-10-2006, 09:56 AM

All of us who remember Davy Jones of the Monkees say "aaarghhh".

TwinkieMama

10-10-2006, 10:26 AM

oh people say I monkey around
but I am too busy singin'
to let anybody do--wwn

Oh hello there. Sorry about the burst into song. But I am trying out for Riddle: the Musical.....

anyway... good job Dog!

OK you all seem like a great bunch but I CAN NOT be sucked into the world of cruising... ok? so be interesting,funny and charming but not too much ... thanks in advance!!!!! (Unless of course they ever run a special called "all children cruise free with paying adult" or "buy one stateroom get two free", then please PM me right away)

latoberg

10-10-2006, 10:39 AM

Great stuff Egon!

Who knew you could type AND pull of red toenails so well?

But - bashing two icons of the childhood of many - that's not fair.

Captain Caveman is classic. Low-brow comedy. In the tradition of Scooby and Josie. Without as many syllables.

And Davy Jones. Man that was harsh. He was always the best.

But it is your story, so I shall lay aside my glove of offense. We shall agree to disagree. And I will enjoy what will be an engaging tale of woe and whee!

NAB

10-10-2006, 10:43 AM

I'm glad your writing a trip report SD. I started on the cruise forum too.

Can't wait to read more.

Your princess sure does have beautiful blue eyes. Hope you have lots of pics too. At least more then your feet, they did get our attention though.

--

Minnie_Moo

10-10-2006, 10:51 AM

Oh, I am doomed, SD . . . this is the third cruise report I've read in a little more than a week.

At least this one has the promise of haiku while I continue to tell myself all the reasons why I do not need to go on a cruise!
DH refuses to go on a cruise

Those pesky dress up clothes

Possible seasickness

Um, don't like having my pho-toe taken . . .

That's all I've got. And the first one could just as easily be a "pro" rather than a "con" depending upon who I could talk into going with me.

(((wheels turning)))

lexmelinda

10-10-2006, 11:42 AM

You do laundry AND allow your toenails to be painted??? You're a stay at home dad, aren't you sleepydog??? There's no wine shop. BTW, how does Johnny Depp enter into this scenario? Staying tuned to same bat channel as instructed.........

grumpydude

10-10-2006, 11:59 AM

And Davy Jones. Man that was harsh. He was always the best.

To quote Marsha Brady..."he is the grooviest!!!"

sleepydog25

10-10-2006, 12:30 PM

OMG! :eek: You are a clone of my husband. Right down to the Wine Spectator magazine! :teeth: :rotfl2: He thought he would be bored silly on the cruise.

(I bet you're a convert now too, aren't ya?) But that would be jumping ahead......;)

Bwahhahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! :rotfl2:Yes, that WOULD be jumping the gun. . .;)

OK you all seem like a great bunch but I CAN NOT be sucked into the world of cruising... ok? so be interesting,funny and charming but not too much ... thanks in advance!!!!! Ha! That's what I thought! I'll see what I can do about your request. . .

FatherForce & berg: Okay, I'll admit to being a wascally wabbit wuvver, so CC and his cwub, er, club never quite appealed to me in the same way as the classical music on the Warner Bros. cartoons. As for Davy Jones, well, I will admit he was a bit of an icon in his day. . .waaaaayyy before my time. . .

Oh, I am doomed, SD . . . this is the third cruise report I've read in a little more than a week.

At least this one has the promise of haiku while I continue to tell myself all the reasons why I do not need to go on a cruise! DH refuses to go on a cruise

Those pesky dress up clothes

Possible seasickness

Um, don't like having my pho-toe taken . . .

That's all I've got. And the first one could just as easily be a "pro" rather than a "con" depending upon who I could talk into going with me

Say it with me, "Come to the dark side. . ." You may just want to read further to see how these issues are dealt with. :teeth:

You do laundry AND allow your toenails to be painted??? You're a stay at home dad, aren't you sleepydog??? There's no wine shop. BTW, how does Johnny Depp enter into this scenario? Staying tuned to same bat channel as instructed.........Ahhh, grasshoppah, your diligence will be rewarded. . .in due time. . .

Jennifer48

10-10-2006, 12:42 PM

Sleepydog, you are fuuuunneee! :rotfl:

dreamcometrue

10-10-2006, 02:11 PM

is this the first trip report in history that is on page 4 and we haven't even booked the cruise yet?? :rotfl:

sleepydog25

10-10-2006, 03:35 PM

is this the first trip report in history that is on page 4 and we haven't even booked the cruise yet?? :rotfl:Ummm, maybe. . .lol But, I promise that the next installment will get us to Day 1 of the trip. . .really, I do. . .

At least more then your feet, they did get our attention though.
Who knew so many people found feet intriguing. ;)

sheridac

10-10-2006, 04:15 PM

Hey! You stink!!! I was lured in by promises of Johnny Depp.

WHERE'S JOHNNY???????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RoyalVizier

10-10-2006, 04:35 PM

I was reading an old Calvin and Hobbes collection (I sure miss them, Mr “I’m Going on Hiatus for the Rest of My Life” Watterson!) and attempting to divine the purpose of popcorn ceilings which we inherited upon moving into our house four years ago. Did someone actually think, “Geez, wouldn’t it be cool to make people’s ceilings look like cottage cheese? Every time they swat at a bug, it’ll make thousands of tiny particles fly into their eye, and they’ll have to vacuum again, too. Heyyyyy, it’ll be so funny to watch them try to paint walls and not get it on the curds or see how they pick those little kernels off the paint roller! This is gonna be so cool!” Devilish type who thought up that concept. . .hmmm. . .wonder if they work for the Travel Channel

:rotfl2: :lmao: :lmao: :rotfl2:

Ditto that!

You absolutely have a knack for this... for sure! :thumbsup2

FatherForce

10-10-2006, 05:35 PM

[Who knew so many people found feet intriguing. ;) [/QUOTE]

You don't spend much time on the Internet then, huh?

dallastxcpa

10-10-2006, 07:41 PM

Patiently waiting for the next installment..........

Grammyof2

10-10-2006, 07:53 PM

Well, I am a little nervous.

1st - I have that shade of polish
2nd - I have the Best of Calvin and Hobbes
3rd - I love a good wine :rotfl2: :rotfl2: Though I will admit to loving the ice wine I had in Canada last week. Probably didn't make your swill list :rolleyes1
4th - I had a poster of Davey Jones on my bedroom wall :love:
5th - I happen to like feet, in a strange sort of way, but you do need to get a razor to those toe knuckles

And the Princess is a Beauty :yay:

oybolshoi

10-10-2006, 08:08 PM

Still enjoying your report although I'm beginning to wonder if you really took a cruise.... :teeth:

BTW, I vote for Peter as the cutest of all the Monkees! :thumbsup2

suzij13

10-10-2006, 08:09 PM

Wow this is a great report. You've deffenitly got me hooked.

dawn8226

10-10-2006, 09:10 PM

I'm hooked. Now I need more! Please! popcorn::

tjeagle

10-11-2006, 09:21 AM

:thumbsup2 AWESOME!

sleepydog25

10-11-2006, 12:47 PM

Day 1: Movie on Wheels

The morning dawned with a nip in the air, like a fall morning should, with the eastern horizon magically awakening.
http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/5126792_348.ts1160570920985.jpg

Flaming crimson sneaks

Fingers to grasp cyan cloak;

Porch lights wink, soften.

Day 1 of our trip was here. . .and we were raring to go.

Wait. This isn’t where I left off is it? Well, I wanted to let you know there actually IS a trip report with pictures coming. In case you wondered. We now resume our regularly scheduled programming. . .

Family Doc Seeks Flying Dutchman: How Johnny Depp and the Travel Channel Cost Us Thousands of Dollars, Part II

Yeah. Doc had discovered the DIS Boards. Oh, she knew of their existence but had never paid much attention to them outside reading responses to my last TR about our visit to WDW in June. (Available upon request!) No, she DISCOVERED them, as in she realized their full potential. I had a sinking feeling (it’s okay, you can groan). For the next few weeks, she succeeded in immersing herself, me, her parents, our friends, the cats, stray dogs, and two proselytizing types who came to our door. . .they left as fresh Disney acolytes. When Doc throws herself into something, she does it full bore. Either you’re along for the ride or you’ll wish you were.

Then there was the whole Pirates of the Caribbean thing. Doc and I remembered Johnny Depp primarily for one thing up until that movie: 21 Jump Street. Yeah, he had made a few movies, but they mostly weren’t of mainstream appeal. Then POTC hit. And Doc loved it and Depp. I mean, how could you not? (Side note: I actually fell asleep watching POTC the first two times I saw it on DVD.) Just the very thought of Depp in the movie made Doc think a cruise was a great idea. I don’t get the connection, but it’s there. Soon after, it was announced that the Flying Dutchman was going to be anchored at Castaway Cay. Thus, a doable trip just got upgraded to probable.

Still, I was still being a cruiseaphobic. It simply didn’t appeal to me. Every time she would bring up the topic, I gave her the old, “yes, dear” supplemented with a few agreeable nods. Note to future self: don’t absent-mindedly go along with an idea with which you actually disagree. Not only did the cruise idea germinate, it sprang from the ground like Jack’s proverbial bean stalk. Naturally, I brought up the expense idea, defense strategy #1.

“You know, dear,” I gently prodded, “this cruise would cost a lot, AND we are going to Walt’s World in June.” But Doc is a cagey woman with a mind much sharper than my own. I never saw it coming.

“Yeah, that’s true. So, what are we going to do with our leftover DVC points?”

“I dunno. We could go back to HHI,” I dumbly responded.

“Mm-hmm. They have a nice beach there.”

“Yep. And you like to relax under the sun,” I gushed, seeing a way free from the cruise.

“Ohhhh, and there are some good restaurants with superb wine selections,” she continued. I had her! “But, did you know there are four restaurants on the Wonder (Yikes! She had already chosen a ship?), each with good wine? And there’s an adults-only coffee bar with lattes, an adults-only pool, a spa with full-body massages, and adults-only beach, AND an adults-only restaurant with a really good wine list?”

“Uhhhhh. . .well, I, uhhh. . .” I was stunned into mumbling.

“And we have enough points to cover the cruise.” I was losing, wasn’t I? Then the kicker, “Did I mention the adults-only options?”

“Oh, yeah, you did,” stubborn to the end was I going to be. She arched an eyebrow and waited for my feeble brain to compute her last sentence.

“Ohhh. . .” The light bulb appeared above my head, “OHHHHHHH!” I smiled. Broadly.

As quick as that, I was sold on the cruise. I’m stubborn, but not a complete moron. Now the question before us was, how do we tell Princess—the veteran PSB patron, autograph seeker, and lover of all things Disney--that we are going on a Disney cruise without her? Answer: leave out one key word. . . oh, yes we did.

“Princess! Mommy and Daddy are going on a cruise, on a big ship that sails in the ocean for a few days, and you can’t go because you’re in school, and we’ll bring you presents, and even better than that, you get to stay with Mumma and Paappa!” All in one breath. The tension was high.

“Really?! Woohoo! I get to stay with the-e-em! I get to stay with the-e-em!” Whew! Crisis averted. Time to get down to planning. . .and no one plans any better than Doc. . .okay, maybe her parents. I mean, the gene has gotta come from somewhere.

The dates of the cruise were set: 28 Sep – 1 Oct. Now all that was left was a little prep work. . .for the next five months. First things first, Doc simply had to go shopping. The acres of clothes in her closet coughed up only two things she could wear: a beach pullover and one pair of shorts. She went with her mother for a three-hour tour. . .I saw them eight hours later, exhausted but successfully happy. Doc had bags o’ plenty while Mumma bought a top and a belt, reminding me of Charlie Brown’s Halloween: “All I got was a rock.” In all fairness, Doc rarely shops—she deserves it. And she enjoyed spreading her bounty across the room. . .off every single knob of every single drawer in our bedroom, not to mention a few doors, the footboard of the bed, and two chairs. I felt like I was at the mall every time I dressed.

In the meantime, Doc diligently searched the DIS Cruise forums for tips, hints, and TRs. This woman was gonna be prepared. We had a notebook filled with printed pages of every imaginable scrap of information she could glean from those forums. (Yes, we will ship copies to you for a mere $19.95, shipping and handling charges not included.) I made her get her own ID (DocLovesDis) after her umpteenth request to “ask this question for me” on the cruise forums. The woman was dedicated. She even figured out the tipping guidelines! (Did you know it was customary to tip your dining service manager even though you may never see him except to ask, “How was everything?” I figure it cost us about $2 per word to hear that.) The forums were also where we met future shipmates FatherForce, momsully, fallon, castlegazer, mickey4diane, bethsg, and a few others. Yep, we even set up a meet.

Of course, there were the typical “other” items to secure and do: update wills, (Mumma was NOT gonna let us go without them), POAs for our cats (I told you she was a planner!), passports, reservations for Palo, excursions, and spa packages. Oh, and let’s not forget the bribery for Princess. For each day of our absence, we left a small goodie bag for her to open. It was our way of being there while not actually being there. Finally, after months of planning—and taking time away from that for a WDW trip with Princess—the first day of our trip arrived.

On deck: More on Day 1: Movie on Wheels

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4955113_200.ts1160051974126.jpg

firstmickey

10-11-2006, 01:31 PM

would you hurry up!!!!!! I wanna sail already!!!!!!!!!!! :teeth: :banana:

tjeagle

10-11-2006, 01:53 PM

As quick as that, I was sold on the cruise. I’m stubborn, but not a complete moron. Now the question before us was, how do we tell Princess—the veteran PSB patron, autograph seeker, and lover of all things Disney--that we are going on a Disney cruise without her? Answer: leave out one key word. . . oh, yes we did.

NO YOU DINNINT!

HaleyB

10-11-2006, 02:30 PM

would you hurry up!!!!!! I wanna sail already!!!!!!!!!!! :teeth: :banana:

Rome was not built in a day.

So when did Princess catch on that it was a Disney cruise? hmm? 'Cause she is one smart little cookie and I bet she did, hence the large wedding in her future.

Our little tyrant Sophia decided (she is 8, time to start planing) that she wants to get married at the Grand Floridian and stay in a concierge suite. We can stay there too if we want to. She wants to use Cindy's carriage (they do that in FL don't they? They do in CA) because that should be less expensive (than what, I am not sure). Oh, and a chocolate fountian, too. So far that is all she has in the works...

firstmickey

10-11-2006, 03:04 PM

Rome was not built in a day.

I don't wanna go on the Med.....I wanna go to the Bahamas!!!!! ;) :teeth: :rotfl:

famof8

10-11-2006, 04:53 PM

YOU

WENT

WITHOUT

PRINCESS!!!!

Oh, please tell me this is all a dream....I can't stand the thought!
I just see that beautiful face in the picture and I just ASSUMED that was taken on the boat! Oh my, I think I'm going to faint! :guilty:

Ski-and-Sea

10-11-2006, 05:18 PM

You are lucky you got away with just painted toenails.

thomprod

10-11-2006, 06:04 PM

Reading your so-called report gave me the best laugh I've had in a week. :rotfl2: Your pacing would never make it in broadcast journalism, but I love your wording, teasing and humor. :blush: Bravo! :yay: BTW, I have also been blessed with a toenail job performed by my princess, so I can empathize with you. Can't wait for the next installment!

DocLovesDis

10-11-2006, 07:05 PM

Ok - I have to respond... you see - I am Doc.
Overall Sleepy has been pretty accurate on his reporting (occasionally he has taken some literary license) :)
A few things that I do want to add:
1. yes, I am a lucky woman to have sleepy in my life. :love: Although I work my tail off so we can go on vacations and so he can have his wine "collection". But I do need to note, that despite his cooking, caring for princess and do the laundy, he hates to do dishes and fold clothes. I guess I need to train him a bit better :rotfl:
2. yes - we did leave the princess at home. But it was for a very good reason. We had not taken an adult only vacation in the past 6 years!! We needed a little time for us. Plus we needed to do reconnaisance of a Disney cruise to ensure that the Princess would enjoy herself. The last thing I would want is to end up on a cruise that does not appeal to "our pride and joy" - can't really leave and try something new onboard a ship.
3. for those of you who do not know about DVC - it is great! It makes me take vacations! It is perfect for those work-a-holics out there (or for those married to the work-a-holics). Plus it was great to finally have the opportunity to see what cruising is all about. :sail:
4. The last thing (don't want to say too much and spoil sleepy's tale - remember I have to live with him) is that the Dis Boards are great. It allowed us to meet people on our cruise prior to sailing (was great to bump into friendly faces on the first day) as well as having a forum to ask questions. I knew that I would get great answers and none of the questions would be deemed "stupid". :disrocks:

By the by - this trip report is how sleepy normally tells his tales. He describes a lot of detail and takes awhile to get to the meat of the subject. I often need to prod him along. I will hopefully get him to post about our drive and boarding of the ship tomorrow. I will do my best ... no promises. :rolleyes1

firstmickey

10-11-2006, 07:09 PM

AHA! Now we get the real scoop! :teeth: :banana: :banana: :wave:

pppiglet

10-11-2006, 07:10 PM

Glad I found this thread before it got to 40 pages!

HaleyB

10-11-2006, 07:11 PM

Doc!!! Nice to meet ya!

Grammyof2

10-11-2006, 07:59 PM

Hi Doc :wave: This is my normal greeting - "I'm Grammy, nice to meet ya."

Finally we will get the real scoop :banana: :banana: Gotta love a tag team :rolleyes1

DiaLady

10-11-2006, 10:48 PM

Sleep & Doc!

Thanks for great report (and verification) so far . . . love your creative application of the English language. Can't wait to read the rest. You also remind me why I am thankful to have two wonderful BOYS! Princes tend to be less challenging then princesses, but hey some day they'll marry a princesses and I'll have to figure it out . ..LOL

Keep up the great work!

jamal

10-11-2006, 11:05 PM

sleepydog25

10-12-2006, 07:27 AM

Since a few of you have requested links to my previous TR from the WDW trip in June mentioned in this TR, I've hastily attached the links. The report was from my superdupersecretagent days with the "company." ;)

Sleepydog Does Disney - Day 1 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1149170&referrerid=&highlight=sleepydog+does+disney)

Sleepydog Does Disney - Day 2 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1150053&referrerid=&highlight=sleepydog+does+disney)

Sleepydog Does Disney - Days 3 & 4 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1151016&referrerid=&highlight=sleepydog+does+disney)

Sleepydog Does Disney - Day 5 and Day 6: The Final Moments (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1152314&referrerid=&highlight=sleepydog+does+disney)

Sleepydog's Supery-Dupery Secret Agent Blog on Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1156476&referrerid=&highlight=sleepydog+does+disney)

Bethipooh4

10-12-2006, 08:05 AM

Hi to both of you!!!

I love the TR so far, and am looking forward to reading more.
Our little princess is 22 now(hard to believe) so I know what you go through.

And yes, a wedding at WDW is her wish as well.

lexmelinda

10-12-2006, 08:12 AM

despite his cooking, caring for princess and do the laundy, he hates to do dishes and fold clothes You wash but don't fold? That's just wrong...get to folding....and writing this trip report. I'm beginning to wonder if you actually went on a cruise. ;)

UtahMama

10-12-2006, 09:06 AM

I was sent here by the LINK! I couldn't help myself!
You ALWAYS make me laugh...and this is no exception!

I really want to cruise now! THANKS ALOT!

Love, :sunny:
UtahMama

Stinasmom

10-12-2006, 07:01 PM

I'm hooked! Can't wait for more!

DocLovesDis

10-12-2006, 07:18 PM

Hi D,
Well I finally saw the little link in your siggie among all the humor so here I am. I am ready to set sail!!

Get on the boat and tell ALL tales.

Oh. You KNOW this TR is useless without pho-toes.

Hello Doc!Hi, jamal! Hey, the cruise forums can be interesting, too. They're just like the regular forums. . .only on water! :)

I'm hooked! Can't wait for more!I'm prodding! I'm prodding! He decided to take a day off. Look for more tomorrow!

firstmickey

10-12-2006, 07:34 PM

sleepydog25

10-13-2006, 11:22 AM

The aroma from the Kenyan AA coffee (fresh ground that morning, naturally) filled the kitchen, jostling for room with the nervous excitement we shared about the upcoming drive. . .a 10-hour drive. It was either that or pay three times the amount it would cost us to drive (including our first night’s hotel room expense). As we packed our last few items, Doc uttered those inevitable words: “I need you to pack a few things for me.” Uh-oh. I glanced to where she was pointing.

“ALL of that?!” I was mildly incredulous. Just mildly.

“Yeah!” she scoffed, laughing at my feigned indignity. . .only, it wasn’t feigned.

In prepping for our trip, she had asked if we should carry a few snacks to take into the shows on board the ship. I thought, sure. Not for an instant did I know we’d be taking enough for us and the families seated around us and for the cast party afterward. My god, the bag weighed more than my clothes! And that wasn’t all. We had travel-sized containers (and some that weren’t) of things such as shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant. . .and more: conditioner, mouthwash, talc powder, ibuprofen, toothbrushes, hair spray, hair gel, hair mousse, hair net, nail clippers, file, scissors, soap, perfume, ear plugs, gum, tape, gauze, band-aids, Pepto-bismol, glass cleaner, wrinkle release spray, hand sanitizer, Tide stain remover stick, sunscreen, hand lotion, body lotion, Nyquil, Dayquil, vitamins, Bonine, razors, pill cutter, Tums, nasal spray, Safe Sea (sunblock that also provides protection against sea lice—I kid you not!). . .okay, I’ll stop. But, you get the idea, right? (I immediately thought of opening up a black market shop on the Wonder—“Pssst! Need some antacid? Two for a dollar.” I could so be the Ferengi, Quark.) Using a dolly, I took my newly (jam) packed suitcase downstairs for loading into the Pilot. Sadly, Doc’s suitcase still weighed more than mine. I thought briefly about handing out an insurance card along with my tip to the porter. Still, we were packed and ready to go. Only one small task remained.

Princess was heading to school. And we had to say goodbye. Now, understand this trip was only for five days, and Princess would be staying with Mumma and Paappa with whom she had spent several nights before. She would be safe, secure, and having a great deal of fun with them. She knew we were going on a cruise, too, though somehow it never quite slipped out of our mouths that it was a Disney cruise. Oops. Nonetheless, Princess was abundantly happy that morning in her inimitable style: bouncy, cheerful, and ever optimistic. She was eager for school just so Paappa could come pick her up and let her run wild in the playground after classes. We shared a big hug, a long kiss, and several “I love you’s.” As much as this was an adult trip for us—for the first time in over six years—it was even more of a poignant realization that Princess was growing up.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4894764_348.ts1159890439854.jpg
This is a "Turn off the d*** camera and let's hit the road!" kind of smile. . .you know what I'm talking about. . .

Precisely at 8:48 a.m., with a temperature of 49F and sunny skies, Doc and I drove down the hill from our house. And drove. . .and drove. . .and drove some more. Here’s how this worked, taken from a conversation early in our planning.
“Woohoo!” Doc cried. “I got Depp. . .I mean, I got POTC on DVD. And The American President.”

“I’m thrilled beyond words, dear.”

“What else can I watch?” she asked.

“Well, there’s a whole buttload of TV shows you’ve DVR’d. . .”

“Noooo! I mean, what else for the trip?” she interrupted. “See, you’re gonna be driving. . .I’m gonna be watching movies.”

So, there we were speeding down I-95, and I can only imagine the looks we were getting from other drivers as they saw some woman in the back seat laughing her a** off while the man in front is grooving to music. The Pilot has wireless headphones for the viewers in the back two rows which allows them to watch a DVD while the driver can listen to the radio or CDs. It’s a bit unnerving to be concentrating on the road while hearing cackles and snorts from the back seat for no apparent reason.

The trip down was uneventful, otherwise. . .except for the lovebugs. I ain’t talking the Herbie kind, either. I don’t know what they call these little critters in other states, but where I grew up in east Texas, we called them lovebugs. Why? Because they seem to be copulating all the time. And in their mutual bliss they are completely oblivious to death streaking toward them at 80 mph. My god, they’re everywhere this time of year! They make bunnies look sterile. And they made my Pilot look as though it had zits. . .hundreds upon hundreds of zits. What bloody purpose do these suckers serve, anyhow? They stink to high heaven; they don’t match unless you think black and orange are a good idea outside of Halloween; and you’d think if they were fodder for birds, the skies would be dark with winged creatures. All I know is when we arrived in Ron Jon, FL--oops, I mean Cocoa Beach—at the Hilton, I dubbed the Pilot “Fuzzy Wuzzy.”

For those of you wondering about where to stay overnight before boarding a Disney cruise, there are many options in CocoaBeach and the surrounding area. One of the more popular places is the Radisson Resort less than a mile from the port. It was full. . .a couple of months ahead, in fact. Well, we can recommend the Hilton. It’s fairly new, very clean, very friendly, and sits. . .on. . .the. . .beach. We got there at 7 p.m. and were walking hand-in-hand along the lovely beach just as the sun was settling in for the evening in the western sky.

Of course, you gotta have a place to eat on the night before, and we had heard Grills Seafood Deck and Tiki Bar was good, plus we had a 10% online coupon they offered. Grills sits in the port terminal on the water, and as they claim in their advertising, come join them and watch the cruise ships go out. Getting there was another thing. Sometimes Doc’s instincts for directions aren’t much good, while at other times they’re downright awful. Okay, so I tease. . .a little. We turn off A1A into the terminal area and have only one choice—left or right. We chose right. We chose incorrectly. And it was dark. Very. You need to know where to smuggle illicit goods into the country? We found it. Mental note: Contact Homeland Security. I kept expecting Tubbs and Crockett in their pastel t-shirts and rayon jackets to pull us over at any minute with guns drawn and choppers hovering over us: “No, officer, I do not know where that suitcase full of candy and travel-sized amenities came from! Ask her!” I didn’t really get worried until we passed a man looking a lot like Rod Serling.

So, we went back the way we came until we neared the original intersection of choice, and Doc inexplicably said, “go straight.” Now, we’ve been married long enough that I know not to trust her orienteering instincts. On the other hand, we’ve been married long enough that I also know not to argue with her when she’s in “the zone.” She was in the zone. So, I went. . .straight. And five minutes later, we got our first look at where we wanted to go. . .the next morning! To be fair, Doc was working with an online map that apparently was drawn by a drunken gnome. Again, we backtrack and chose the only other option left to us—that initial left turn. Miraculously, we were parked and walking into Grills three minutes later. As we approached, there was a Don Ho wannabe on the lanai singing, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” while shooting us with his forefinger extended and his thumb in the air as if to say, “Hey, dudes!” We had entered karaoke hell.

As it turned out, Dude Man was THE entertainment that night. . .they had actually paid him to play. When asked if we wanted to sit inside or out, we startled our hostess with an in unision, “Inside!” Actually, the atmosphere was pretty cool—very nautical, Jimmy Buffett-ish, casual, yet brimming with confidence of honest-to-gosh good food. And it was. As this isn’t a food review report, I’ll suffice it to say our meals were both excellent, especially my sushi-grade, sesame-seared tuna with wasabi and pickled ginger. We highly recommend this place. Oh, and try their Double O drink. :thumbsup2

Soon after our meal, and minus any confusion on getting back to the hotel, we settled in. The first day of the voyage was nearly here. After months of planning, searching, researching, lists, and reservation-making, our very first cruise was mere hours away. And here to comfort us, in lieu of Princess, were ZippiDee and DooDah. She had given them to us: one for me and one for Doc. Princess told us that they would keep us from missing her so much, and that they would be good company in bed with us each night.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4894786_348.ts1159890564840.jpg

As if that wasn’t sweet enough, Princess had given both of us a “book” of drawings she had made to read to Zip and Doo before going to sleep every night. With those comforting thoughts (and a call to Princess, of course), off to bed we went. . .zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Tune in Monday for Day 2: Whadda You Mean We’re Too Early?!

drebert

10-13-2006, 11:30 AM

Doc, you are beautful!

Why are you hanging out with this guy? Pity? :teeth:

J/K This post was awesome! However, there is still a lack of pictures of a sleepydog!

HaleyB

10-13-2006, 01:14 PM

Doc, you are beautful!

Why are you hanging out with this guy? Pity? :teeth:

J/K This post was awesome! However, there is still a lack of pictures of a sleepydog!

What, feet don't count? :confused3

Grammyof2

10-13-2006, 01:26 PM

Ummmmm, Dog??? This was actually a good read. Did you write it???? :rolleyes1

Now, do we get on the boat in the AM????? I read one other cruise report so I am in the know as to where the sunrises :banana:

This was great and the Doc, a beauty. Let's see more pics and not of your toenails, kay.

BTW, Karaoke makes me want to :dance3: :dance3: as well as a coupon for 10% off :rolleyes1

RoyalVizier

10-13-2006, 01:36 PM

Yay to getting to the night before!!

I agree... more pics! :thumbsup2

tink38

10-13-2006, 03:50 PM

lexmelinda

10-13-2006, 05:56 PM

1. And in their mutual bliss they are completely oblivious to death streaking toward them at 80 mph. AND 2.To be fair, Doc was working with an online map that apparently was drawn by a drunken gnome. My two personal favorites here....laugh-out-loud-good stuff.
Well, we can recommend the Hilton. It’s fairly new, very clean, very friendly, and sits. . .on. . .the. . .beach. Stayed there on my honeymoon so maybe not that new but definitely well located. In fact we were married very near by in Merritt Island. But again I ask.........is there a cruise in here somewhere? ;)

firstmickey

10-13-2006, 07:38 PM

We chose incorrectly. And it was dark. Very. You need to know where to smuggle illicit goods into the country? We found it. Mental note: Contact Homeland Security. I kept expecting Tubbs and Crockett in their pastel t-shirts and rayon jackets to pull us over at any minute with guns drawn and choppers hovering over us: “No, officer, I do not know where that suitcase full of candy and travel-sized amenities came from! Ask her!” I didn’t really get worried until we passed a man looking a lot like Rod Serling.

Now that's funny! :teeth: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

As if that wasn’t sweet enough, Princess had given both of us a “book” of drawings she had made to read to Zip and Doo before going to sleep every night.

Awwwwwwwwwwwww....how sweet!

sleepydog25

10-13-2006, 07:50 PM

You are lucky you got away with just painted toenails.:lmao: Okay, that nearly made me spew a fine cabernet all over the screen. No fair! And, yes, you are correct. Methinks I won't remain so lucky in the future.

Reading your so-called report gave me the best laugh I've had in a week. :rotfl2: Your pacing would never make it in broadcast journalism, but I love your wording, teasing and humor. :blush: Bravo!No, I don't have the 60-90 second soundbite thing down, and as "some woman I may know" intoned, this is how I tell stories. I'm Irish. I blarney. . .a lot. . .;)

NO YOU DINNINT!Yes, Lucy, we did. . .I'll 'splain it to you as we go along. . .:teeth:

YOU

WENT

WITHOUT

PRINCESS!!!!Shhhhhhh. . .not so loudly. . .some may not have figured it out yet.

Grams, 1stMick: Whadda you mean "now we get the REAL scoop?" Am I not a believable guy? I mean, who else would bare his toes in front of strangers such as I did? Doesn't that count for something? Sheesh. Next time I guess you're gonna want to see the Spidey undies, eh? Note to self: stop thinking out loud when drinking wine.

Glad I found this thread before it got to 40 pages! Yeah, or you might have had to go buy a 'puter with more memory! lol ;)

Sleep & Doc! Thanks for great report (and verification) so far . . . love your creative application of the English language.Many thanks for your kind words. Hang on. . .Doc says, "yes, that is what I mean, too." :banana:

Hi D,
Well I finally saw the little link in your siggie among all the humor so here I am. I am ready to set sail!!

Get on the boat and tell ALL tales.

Oh. You KNOW this TR is useless without pho-toes.

Hello Doc!
Did I actually say we were going to sail? My bad.

It's more like, "Get on the boat and tell 90% of the tales." Trust me.

Doc says, "Good evening. Thank you for your kind salutation and warm greetings that elevate my spirits." Okay, she actually said, "Yo, jam-mama!"

And yes, a wedding at WDW is her wish as well.For the love of pete, don't give her anymore ideas! Did you not see what she did to my feet!?

You wash but don't fold? That's just wrong...get to folding....and writing this trip report. I'm beginning to wonder if you actually went on a cruise. ;) Et tu, lex? For the record, I do not hate to fold clothes and wash dishes. I am politically opposed. I seek asylum from them.

I was sent here by the LINK! I couldn't help myself!
You ALWAYS make me laugh...and this is no exception!

I really want to cruise now! THANKS ALOT!

Love, :sunny:
UtahMamaUma, have I not asked you to stop making fun of my feet? I can't help it if I have the Sasquatch gene. . .

And. You're welcome. I suggest you go on the 10 or 11-day Mediterranean cruise. . .it costs more. . .;)

I'm hooked! Can't wait for more! I'm like mold. . .
J/K This post was awesome! However, there is still a lack of pictures of a sleepydog!You think there might be a reason for this? You've seen my feet; do you really believe the world is ready for my face?
What, feet don't count? :confused3 You got my back! Just like on MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. . .:thumbsup2
I agree! Dawg. You married "up", dude. :thumbsup2Oh, great! Now I've started an "I love Doc" fan club. . .just my luck. . .
Last edited by firstmickey : Today at 07:41 PM. Reason: Monday???? hellloooooo???? that's two days away? Maybe three? Only you are married to the DIS. And what are you using, maelstrom math?

To RV, Grammygramgram, dawn8226, and lexluthor: Pics and the actual cruise report ARE coming. . .at some point. . .in the not-too-distant-future. . .promise. . .

pppiglet

10-13-2006, 08:35 PM

Pics and the actual cruise report ARE coming. . .at some point. . .in the not-too-distant-future. . .promise. . .

Ok....RoyalVizier promised he'd write again in 3 days on one of his replies on his TR and it was more like 1-2 weeks! We can't have that happen again. As long as you can check in once a day or so I think we can hang! (well most of us anyways....you might have a few irrate readers to deal with though!)

Bethipooh4

10-13-2006, 10:09 PM

For the love of pete, don't give her anymore ideas! Did you not see what she did to my feet!?

Sorry, I personally think our darling DD is scoping out her plans for a wedding when we go to WDW this Dec. I pity her poor BF. And daddy's wallet. I will send pics so you can have a peek into your future :rotfl:

[] Pics and the actual cruise report ARE coming. . .at some point. . .in the not-too-distant-future. . .promise. . .[/size][/font][/QUOTE]

You mean I have to wait for more?? Oh no say it isn't so..... :surfweb:

RoyalVizier

10-14-2006, 06:43 AM

Ok....RoyalVizier promised he'd write again in 3 days on one of his replies on his TR and it was more like 1-2 weeks! We can't have that happen again.

Sleepydog... a word of advice from someone who knows. DO NOT let a 72 hour time span go by without posting an installment of your trippie. If you can't post an installment in that time frame, post something... anything. Beg for forgiveness, and whatever you do... don't threaten to give up and throw in the towel before the trippie is complete. Take it from me. You'll become riddled with guilt over the angst that you've caused your readers and you'll also develop a horrendous rash. You don't want that.

;) :) :teeth:

sleepydog25

10-14-2006, 07:01 AM

Sleepydog... a word of advice from someone who knows. DO NOT let a 72 hour time span go by without posting an installment of your trippie. If you can't post an installment in that time frame, post something... anything. Beg for forgiveness, and whatever you do... don't threaten to give up and throw in the towel before the trippie is complete. Take it from me. You'll become riddled with guilt over the angst that you've caused your readers and you'll also develop a horrendous rash. You don't want that.

;) :) :teeth: My primary thought in waiting until Monday was that the boards tend to be slower on the weekend. Plus, the break would give me time to catch up on ignored tasks around the house such as, say, the 3 Cs: clothes, cleaning, cooking. Still, I see there has been some trauma in your life and your words ring sincere. I will take your words to heart and post an interim update over the weekend, perhaps. So, how's your rash doing? ;)
Sorry, I personally think our darling DD is scoping out her plans for a wedding when we go to WDW this Dec. I pity her poor BF. And daddy's wallet. I will send pics so you can have a peek into your future :rotfl: It's that "daddy's wallet" thing that has me worried. :scared1:
Ok....RoyalVizier promised he'd write again in 3 days on one of his replies on his TR and it was more like 1-2 weeks! We can't have that happen again. As long as you can check in once a day or so I think we can hang! (well most of us anyways....you might have a few irrate readers to deal with though!)And I see that he is mentally scarred from that dereliction of duty. . .have you heard he has a rash? ;)

horsegirl

10-14-2006, 08:22 AM

firstmickey

10-14-2006, 08:27 AM

Hey! That was false advertising. You posted this morning that there was a new installment. And there most definitely was NOT! :confused3 ;)

sleepydog25

10-14-2006, 10:50 AM

DOC!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are a beauty! And welcome officially to the Dis, but we know you have been on for a while.... :thumbsup2

No wonder princess is such a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ANd I think it is great you two went alone! I bet she had just as great a time getting spoiled by her mumma and pappa....

Dawg. Why is there no quote from Doc? Ehem....a little respect for the numero uno queen!

I just have to say this....I hate crusies. The thought of them. Why would people want to put on fancy clothes, gorge themselves until their waistbands are too tight in said finerie and then get seasick!!!!!!!!!!!! Remember to lean over the LEWARD side! :rotfl:

Okay, all that being said....I could be converted to the whole cruising thing. Well, what I mean is, at least reading a trippie or two on the crusie boards. And heck, I logged over 12,000 miles at sea....in my time. So maybe, just maybe, I want be converted by your literary genius. ;)

There were too many funny things to quote...needless to say I had to put down my Kona, to read this.... :thumbsup2

Keep it up you dashing bon vivant!!!!!!!! :yay:You are correct in that there is no quote from Doc (though I did mention her in one of my replies). I make amends below:
1. yes, I am a lucky woman to have sleepy in my life.:teeth:
Hey! That was false advertising. You posted this morning that there was a new installment. And there most definitely was NOT! :confused3 ;)Mea culpa, mea culpa. In my original post I included the phrase "from yesterday's posting." I thought it seemed unwieldy, grammatically speaking, so I left it out figuring anyone who saw the time of my post would pick up on the fact that I could not possibly function well enough that early in the morning--pre-coffee--to write a lucid installment to my TR and would, therefore, assume I meant yesterday. It was an abject failure of mine to realize that those who would be reading said post might also have incoherent thought patterns before their coffee kicked in. I won't let it happen again. . .;)

firstmickey

10-14-2006, 11:08 AM

Of course it had cream in it.... :teeth: ;) :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

Grammyof2

10-14-2006, 11:48 AM

Crap Dog - even I added cream this morning. NOT BAD :teeth:

Backstage_Gal

10-14-2006, 01:42 PM

Dog, what they all said above! You are soooo funny and Doc's a beauty, etc, etc, etc........

ThePhantomsGirl

10-15-2006, 09:39 AM

Oh gaaaawd...now you have me hooked! Get thee to a computer and finish this!

sheridac

10-15-2006, 09:54 AM

The trip down was uneventful, otherwise. . .except for the lovebugs. I ain’t talking the Herbie kind, either. I don’t know what they call these little critters in other states, but where I grew up in east Texas, we called them lovebugs. Why? Because they seem to be copulating all the time. And in their mutual bliss they are completely oblivious to death streaking toward them at 80 mph. My god, they’re everywhere this time of year! They make bunnies look sterile. And they made my Pilot look as though it had zits. . .hundreds upon hundreds of zits.
STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is DISGUSTING!!!!! Not quite as disgusting as, oh, let’s say cream in coffee. But. A VERY close second!! Eeewwww!!!!

And.

What’s WRONG with karaoke??? It doesn't make you want to La La??? :teeth:

Disneygrl36

10-15-2006, 10:38 AM

Coming along for the ride..........
Getting so excited for my own trip on the Wonder & your trippie will help me pass the time & build the ANTICIPATION.
When are we gonna get to see your face????? PS you might want to send princess to pedicure school so your tootsies will look a little less SCARY. :rotfl:

NAB

10-15-2006, 01:31 PM

We are not even on the boat yet......

What a sweet princess you have. I know she painted your toes but she at least she has a playfull side too.

How can one get there to early.....unless the termial isn't open yet. We have done that by 15 minutes.

Minniespal

10-15-2006, 02:37 PM

Can't wait to read more :thumbsup2

MagicMe

10-15-2006, 03:51 PM

Wow - eight pages into it and you're not even on the ship yet??!!! Can we try to wrap this up in two weeks - I have somewhere to be!

sleepydog25

10-15-2006, 04:24 PM

Fear thee not! I will have an installment--that includes "action" from the ship--by tomorrow's morn. This weekend was difficult re: posting as Princess has been suffering from a cold and slight fever while Doc did work on the computer. But, tonight I'll be penning something. . .to include the The Attack of the Marshmallow Pillows. . .;)

fallon

10-15-2006, 06:38 PM

Good Lord SleepyD!
It seems like you had more fun getting to the ship than on it, and I was on it! :thumbsup2 :teeth:

Can't wait to read the next installment.

:wave: Big wave to Doc.

grumpydude

10-15-2006, 10:56 PM

You need to change your name from SleepyDog to MILKMAN because you are certainly milking this report. :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass :hourglass MOOOOOOO

smwf71

10-16-2006, 06:54 AM

tHIS IS GREAT FUN - THANKS!

sleepydog25

10-16-2006, 10:01 AM

Call it excitement over the cruise. Call it habit. Call it serendipity. But, we woke early on that Thursday morning, just before 6. And what a sight it was to behold a day dawning just like the previous one had ended: sunny, clear, and gorgeous. To wit:

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4894809_348.ts1159890651593.jpg
Irritatingly, we also woke to a simple annoying alarm, not the perpetually perky Mickey one we were used to on our Disney trips. Oh yeah, we were already expecting the “magic.” Is that not pathetic? Part of me wanted to go for a run along the beach. Part of me wanted breakfast. None of me wanted the swill that likely passed for coffee here. I’m very leery of coffee in hotels. Sure, they call it fresh brewed, but I figure if I’m one of a few hundred jonesing for java that they aren’t apt to be brewing a fresh pot just for me and almost assuredly it won’t be stronger than coffee sopped up with a wash rag then rung out. I’m picky that way. Doc has learned to live with me despite my coffee angst. Bless her.

I opted against the run primarily due to the rising tide of anticipation for getting on board the Wonder. . .and due to The Attack of the Marshmallow Pillows. I applaud the Hilton for actually having four huge pillows on our bed. Usually you get those small pieces of foam that remind you of CampItchybuggy. Not these suckers. They were the size of a Chevy Metro. As we settled in to watch a little TV before hitting the sack, I propped up a pillow against the bed board and leaned back. . .until I felt my spine impact the wall. I used a second pillow and was quickly swallowed up. Not to be defeated, I stole one of Doc’s and leaned back yet again. Five seconds later I knew what it felt like to be in a bag of giant marshmallows. And so I wrestled with my pillows all night. You couldn’t get on top of the pillows—you were either under them or IN them. I could see the headlines: MAN SUFFOCATED BY STAY-PUFT MARSHMALLOW PILLOWS. But, I digress.

Since we were on vacation, we ordered room service for breakfast, each of us having the almond French toast. I figured they meant the batter would have almond extract or maybe even amaretto in it. Nope. The French toast had almonds scattered on top. Period. Truthful, sure. Tasty, not so much. Glad I didn’t order their coffee. As we picked at breakfast, we alternated getting ready and repacking the few items we had unpacked the night before. And we watched the local news. No one eaten by a gator the day before. Traffic was bad. Florida was in the throes of a record-breaking cold spell! Omigod, it was 63F! I quickly wondered if Ron Jon’s sold parkas as I thought back that when we drove off yesterday, the temp at home was 49F.

Though the news was scintillating, it was time to brush my teeth, shave, and get out of Dodge. And as I was brushing, an epiphany struck me.

Florida has no cold tap water.

I’ve visited this state numerous times during all seasons, and I have come to realize that Florida has no stinkin’ cold tap water! Want hot water? Got it. Want tepid water? In abundance. But, if you desire water cooler than your blood temperature, buckaroo, do not move to the Land of the Perpetual Tan. Funny, it’s never mentioned in the tourism ads: Come to Florida! Where the water never hurts your teeth. Despite this glaring oversight by the state tourism board, we get packed and walk out the door. And. It wasn’t even 9 a.m.

So, like any good coffee drinker does when he hasn’t had his morning hit, I turn on my javadar. . .which leads us straight to a Starbuck’s in the Ron Jon mega-megaplex just a few blocks down and on our way to the port. Okay, it led me. Doc tolerates my addiction which this morning meant a quad venti latte with two raw sugars. That was like pouring lighter fluid on a smoldering fire, but it was damn good. Doc is more of a tea person and had hers during breakfast, so this was a solo drinking experience. Seared tuna with wasabi and ginger the night before and a quad venti latte the following morning? Now this is what I call a vacation!

I was sipping my latte as we cruised over the bridge leading to the Disney terminal, and there we got our first glimpse of the Wonder.
http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4944791_348.ts1160013902225.jpg
Yes, it’s a cliché, but I’ll be darned if we didn’t both go, “wowwww.” We were two goobers from Virginia in awe of a single ship. (Sorry, Doc says I’m a goober, she’s not.) We had seen pics of the ship, had watched video, but nothing prepares you for the moment when you first see that gorgeous boat. I would like to say that we held up traffic to take this shot above, but we didn’t. And therein lies a story.

You know, Disney generally prides itself on providing plenty of info for visitors and travelers to its many attractions. Further, the DIS Boards have just about any tips you could want regarding the same. But, for the love of pete we couldn’t find any direct reference about when to show up to board, other than an oft-repeated notion that “sometime around 10” would suffice. Well, neither Doc nor I are the types to be late to anything; in fact, we know being early can have its rewards. So, by golly, we showed up at 9:20. We did a U-turn at the end of the street, pulled up to the curb, and we jumped out. I mean, the line was already stretching down the entire length of the drop-off area!

Doc grew strangely quiet while I unloaded the luggage—all of it. “I think these people are leaving, “ she muttered. I looked up and sure enough--these folks had a calm look about them. There was a woman in uniform sitting in a lawn chair next to a huge wrought iron gate where an occasional employee car passed through. “Excuse me, but what time does the loading start and is this the right place?” I might as well have asked her to solve the square root of pi. After she mumbled something totally incomprehensible (and I speak fluent Idiocy), I found a nearby CM who was able to answer my questions. In essence, we were way too early and needed to park across the street until they started letting vehicles in around 10. So, for those skimming this report, IT’S OKAY NOT TO SHOW UP UNTIL 10 A.M. TO GET ON A DISNEY CRUISE. I swear I’m going to start my own thread on the Cruise Line forum entitled, Don’t Show Up until 10.

At this point, I saunter back down to Doc who is waiting impatiently at the Pilot. There is no cool way to casually saunter in front of dozens of people who have not only just seen you unload the entire contents of your SUV onto the sidewalk, but they know full well you are going to have to load it back into said SUV right in front of them. “Yes, we are novices!” I wanted to shout, “and for our next act, I am going to ask that man who helped me for his autograph!” Instead, I sheepishly loaded the bags back into the Pilot. Doc is a wonderful woman with many amazing qualities—she doesn’t do sheepish well. She was in the Pilot. Smart woman.

Soon, however, it was 10. And we saw cars with families being let in from our lookout across the street. A minute later we were through the gate and dropping our bags at the correct location this time. Doc got out while I drove to the long term parking lot and got a great tip from the attendant: park near the white canopy. It reduces the walk time to and from the terminal. For those of you who missed it, I just gave you another tip. See? This really is a trip report. Moments later, I joined Doc and entered the terminal. We sailed through security, grabbed our carry-on bags, stepped to the escalator, and were handed our boarding card. . .THE famed boarding card often mentioned in hushed computer tones on the threads. And. We got the coveted. . .

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/5267861_348.ts1161005157719.jpg

. . .#2!!!

For those of you not in the know, the boarding card indicates when you will be allowed on the ship. Generally speaking, those with the number 1 on their card are the concierge level guests or a very special gathering. On this day, the #1 group was made up almost entirely of a wedding party. We found out later they were to be married at Castaway Cay. A number 2 on your card means you will be in the next group to be called, followed by those with 3, 4, 5, and so on. Sooooo, my earlier cool saunter was justified!

Of course, being one of the first few on the ship isn’t really a big deal (okay, that’s what we told all the people around us :thumbsup2 ). However, seeing as how we had never been on a cruise before, we were anxious to look around. Before that moment came, though, you had to check in much like you do at a Disney resort. And that process didn’t start for another 30 minutes, about 11 o’clock. Doc and I are good stand-in-liners. That’s one skill the U.S. military teaches well. As we stood there making small talk with each other and admiring the unique look of the terminal, I spied a couple of green wrist bands on the couple behind us, and I heard the husband tell his wife, “. . .and we can look for the green bands on the others.”

Just so happens that we had met several folks on the DIS Cruise Meets sub-forum who were going on the same cruise, and green wristbands supplied by one of our meetmates was one way to identify each other. I turned around and introduced myself as Sleepydog and Doc as, well, Doc. Turns out the husband was FatherForce, and right in front of us was another online friend, Momsully. We had been on Disney property less than 10 minutes and had already met people we knew. It was another one of those moments that those who relish Disney have come to anticipate and appreciate. In fact, it reminds me of the military in that you are never really a stranger but part of a larger family of like-minded souls. Well, okay, a small percentage of them are like the black sheep in the family and no one wants to hang around with them, and they show up unexpectedly and uninvited-ly for Thanksgiving, and they do really weird things like take their pet boa constrictor on vacation with them, and they eat nothing but tofu and organic peanut butter with jalapeno jelly. . .still they are family.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4894875_348.ts1159890817008.jpg
http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/tp.gif
A very detailed Disney Magic. . .which is nearly identical to the Wonder. How do they fit people on that thing when it sails? The first of many questions I had.

Around noon, embarkation finally began. We had been up for six hours already, had been planning the trip for over six months, and now we were just moments away from actually being on a cruise. The announcement came: “We will now be boarding those guests holding a boarding card with the number 2.” We were off! Naturally, this being Disney, you don’t just enter a doorway. You enter a Mickey doorway.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4894927_348.ts1159890932662.jpg
http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/tp.gif
It was by complete accident that Doc matched the wall color behind the giant tubas. Those are tubas, right?

As you enter through the boarding gate, you are welcomed warmly then announced to the ship at large. No kidding. “The Disney Wonder welcomes the Black Sheep family!” It’s no big secret how they know who you are—they ask you. Five or six CMs are floating harmlessly around the grand foyer, and they begin clapping for you, along with the odd stranger or two milling about. I know some cruisers find this entrance to be wonderful, and I certainly wouldn’t argue that it’s memorable. Yet, I find it a bit surreal considering that two hours later they’re STILL doing the same thing for every family who enters the ship. Besides, I just knew that someone, somewhere was looking at us whispering, “Look! It’s that couple who unloaded their bags in the wrong place!” I had that #2 boarding card ready to whip out and show them, though. Ha!

Truly, entering the Wonder was magical, much like the first time--who am I kidding?--every time we travel to WDW and walk into the lobby at WL or walk down Main Street at MK. Disney succeeds because they make us smile, whether we’re 3 or 93. They have some serious mojo goin’ on. And there we were, drinking it all in: the grandeur of the atrium/lobby, the friendliness of the staff, the tears on grown women (I had heard of this phenomenon but didn’t believe it until I saw it—I heard one woman saying that she couldn’t believe she was crying like a baby and laughing while she said it. Hmm, come to think of it, maybe that’s the Disney magic.), and the excitement in the children’s faces. Yes, we missed Princess, but we knew we’d be back one day with her in tow. . .for now it was time to enjoy the cruise. . .

Stay tuned for more. Coming up: Day 2: Day-Glo Orange Isn’t My Color

Grammyof2

10-16-2006, 10:12 AM

Nice work, Dog!!!! You had me :lmao:

Glad we got on the boat finally, but my DH said a cruise ship is NOT a boat :teeth:

NAB

10-16-2006, 11:36 AM

You do know that only the siggy pics have to be that small right.....

We manged to get on the Magic with no problem :rotfl2: All that water must have shrunk it a little though I remember it to be bigger.

They didn't have those cards when I went 2 years ago. It beats standing in line instead of enjoying the terminal. We also got to use the short line when checking in since we were not U.S citizens and were on the Magic the year before that.

--

HaleyB

10-16-2006, 11:59 AM

Hay look at that, he really did go on a cruise.

Truly, entering the Wonder was magical, much like the first time--who am I kidding?--every time we travel to WDW and walk into the lobby at WL or walk down Main Street at MK. Disney succeeds because they make us smile, whether we’re 3 or 93. They have some serious mojo goin’ on. And there we were, drinking it all in: the grandeur of the atrium/lobby, the friendliness of the staff, the tears on grown women (I had heard of this phenomenon but didn’t believe it until I saw it—I heard one woman saying that she couldn’t believe she was crying like a baby and laughing while she said it. Hmm, come to think of it, maybe that’s the Disney magic.)

Yep, that's the ticket. That is why we all keep going back for more.

MBFergie

10-16-2006, 12:02 PM

I’ve visited this state numerous times during all seasons, and I have come to realize that Florida has no stinkin’ cold tap water! Want hot water? Got it. Want tepid water? In abundance. But, if you desire water cooler than your blood temperature, buckaroo, do not move to the Land of the Perpetual Tan. Funny, it’s never mentioned in the tourism ads: Come to Florida! Where the water never hurts your teeth. Despite this glaring oversight by the state tourism board, we get packed and walk out the door.

I am loving your report but the above line had me in tears! If I need a cool shower I am better off jumping in the pool. ps: i'm a born and raised florida gal who has just realized what's been missing all my life! :rotfl2:

Bethipooh4

10-16-2006, 01:37 PM

WOOHOO another installment!!! :woohoo: :woohoo:

Ok, so when is the next one? :confused3

RoyalVizier

10-16-2006, 02:59 PM

Yay, we're on the boat!! :cool1:

faireygod mother

10-16-2006, 03:36 PM

[QUOTE=sleepydog25]

font='Book Antiqua']At this point, I saunter back down to Doc who is waiting impatiently at the Pilot. There is no cool way to casually saunter in front of dozens of people who have not only just seen you unload the entire contents of your SUV onto the sidewalk, but they know full well you are going to have to load it back into said SUV right in front of them. “Yes, we are novices!” I wanted to shout, “and for our next act, I am going to ask that man who helped me for his autograph!” Instead, I sheepishly loaded the bags back into the Pilot. Doc is a wonderful woman with many amazing qualities—she doesn’t do sheepish well. She was in the Pilot. Smart woman.[/font]

I want to mention that ,I too live in Virginia. I tell you this because I want you to know how far you will have to come to move me into your home as I will be homeless shortly. You ask why would you do that. Well, because I have sat here at work laughing so hard and loud at this paragraph that I cried. I will certainly be jobless shortly thereby needing someplace to stay. I want you to know it is ALL YOUR FAULT.

I cannot get past this paragraph, but so deperately want to finish reading. Thanks for sharing and for your amusing and yet wity style.

firstmickey

10-16-2006, 03:55 PM

Finally....PICTURES!!!! :banana:

sighhhhhh...I love that Mickey (NOT A TUBA!!!) entrance!!!!!! :cloud9:

pppiglet

10-16-2006, 05:00 PM

Hey....you're not a bad looking guy either. I almost didn't click on your link, but went back to it and there you were! That's proof you went on the ship.

lexmelinda

10-16-2006, 05:40 PM

So there is a cruise in this report. Glad I clicked on your picture link because you look.......exactly like I thought you would. Do you think all the DIS peeps look exactly like we think they do? Great pictures and great installment. Looking forward to more from aboard the Wonder......

Disneygrl36

10-16-2006, 06:33 PM

:banana: :banana: Yeah a new installment & a link to pics too.........You are da man!! :banana: :banana:

NAB

10-16-2006, 07:44 PM

Thanks for making the pictures bigger. I thought we were looking at a rock on the beach for that first one. Boy was I wrong. It was the cute teddies.

I know it is alot of work getting pics. posted thanks sharing them with us.

DiaLady

10-16-2006, 10:14 PM

Hi ya, Sleepdog --

ROTFL . . .my sleeping kids are wondering why mom is making these loud giggling noises . .. LOL

Can't wait for more . ..

Oh and isn't it a FORD metro?? Or a GMC metro?? Certainly not a chevy . . .

Off to bed for me, too.

DeloreanGirl

10-17-2006, 12:15 AM

Oh and isn't it a FORD metro?? Or a GMC metro?? Certainly not a chevy . . .

Off to bed for me, too.

Sadly yes, it is a Chevy....
http://www.carrentalexpress.com/images/vehicles/chevy_metro.jpg
:rotfl2:

curlybop

10-17-2006, 09:52 AM

Alright now....it's a very chilly rainy day in my part of Virginia today. Seems like a GREAT day to continue a trip report......... :rolleyes1 :)

FatherForce

10-17-2006, 02:52 PM

My DW portion TR is done Sleepy, so I'll be joining you on the boat tomorrow.

sheridac

10-17-2006, 03:51 PM

Call it excitement over the cruise. Call it habit. Call it serendipity.
Call it morning??

I’m picky that way.
And yet you drink it with additives and preservatives??? And doctor it up is such a way that it, in fact, no longer TASTES like coffee????

Truly, entering the Wonder was magical, much like the first time--who am I kidding?--every time we travel to WDW and walk into the lobby at WL or walk down Main Street at MK. Disney succeeds because they make us smile, whether we’re 3 or 93.
Without a doubt. Without. A. Doubt. Also makes us open our wallets. But smile while we're doing it!

ktpbell

10-17-2006, 05:15 PM

:banana: :banana: Yeah a new installment & a link to pics too.........You are da man!! :banana: :banana:

What picture link? I can't find it! I'm still not convinced he actually went on the trip. I need photo proof! ;)

TSBRN

10-17-2006, 05:28 PM

Loving the report!!
But where is the picture link others are talking about?
:sunny:

Ski-and-Sea

10-17-2006, 05:37 PM

I thought I was the only one who couldn't find his picture. Whew.

drebert

10-17-2006, 06:20 PM

Oh he's there alright. And he is mighty handsome! Doc you did okay! :thumbsup2

He actually pretty much what I expected. Which is weird because most of the people on here that I've met don't look like what I expect.

You got the funny man!

tjeagle

10-17-2006, 06:53 PM

Where is the link........anyone?? :confused3

E&BMom

10-17-2006, 07:12 PM

The link was on page 8, post 114 but it looks like it has been removed. Maybe Sleepy will let us know what happened???? :confused3

TSBRN

10-17-2006, 07:23 PM

Thanks E&B mom.
At least I know I'm not going crazy! :badpc:

E&BMom

10-17-2006, 07:30 PM

No problem...I thought I was when I went bacl looking for it?? Then I saw it had been edited so it must have been removed. It had been under the pic of Doc before she went onto the ship(by the tubas as Sleepy called them) . They were good pics!! Hopefully he will but the link back up!!

Madisonznana

10-17-2006, 08:13 PM

I am so glad I found this group. This is the 3rd (yet unfinished) TR I've read and I am enjoying them all! I just signed up last night and have been reading all afternoon.
Can't wait to go on our cruise!!
Thanks Sleepy, you are making this day very enjoyable! :surfweb:

firstmickey

10-17-2006, 09:16 PM

:hourglass waiting for the next one!!!! ;)

sleepydog25

10-17-2006, 10:26 PM

Okayokayokay! First things first: no, there was never a link to my pictures.

Second, I lied. Yes, I did have a link, two actually, to my pics. . .ALL my pics. So, for those of you who saw it then didn't see it, you aren't going crazy. Well, you may very well be mentally unstable, I do not know for certain. But. You aren't trippin' on THAT particular item.

Third. For those of you who heard about it and missed it, tough noogies. Okay, not really. The pics will re-appear, but doled out along with my future episodes. I am not a technical wizard by any stretch of the imagination--I just learned how to use a microwave last year. Don't even get me started on the DVR thingamajigaheebiejeebie. Satan's work there. So, the fact that I had provided a link to all my pics was news to me. Despite 1stM's assertion that she advised me not to put the link in the trippie, I had no frickin' (nof) idea I had! Help after the fact isn't help, missy, it's hubris. You may look that up. ;) :teeth:

Fifthly (I don't like the number 4 much), we've had seven (7) power outages since sometime around 10:30 this morning, and though none has lasted over 30 seconds, each one POWERS DOWN THE COMPUTER. And--wait for it--loses what I've been typing. I had nice responses to everyone's comments from the last episode nearly completely done (and this took some time because I do read each and every comment closely) when the first drop occurred. Happy not was I. So sayeth Yoda. Amen. As the outages continued without warning through the day, I opted not to retype said comments. But, please understand, I truly do appreciate them all, even the smart-ssa ones. . .well, especially those if I'm in cantankerous mood. And I will try to always answer each one, or at least the majority of them. I owe you that much for tuning in. Honestly, I've been shocked at the wonderful response to my admitted verbosity. Cripes, I can't even type this thank you without taking my own sweet time!

Finale. Due to the aforementioned outages, I did not work on my TR today, though as curlybop mentioned, it was a grey, cool, rainy day here in the Old Dominion. I will get to work on it as soon as I can unlock my fingers from the keyboard and this note. I shall be posting another eppie soon. . .with pics. . .

And. I shall endeavor to reward your patience. . .
Your humble (well, sort of) servant (okay, more like freelance help),
Sleepy

firstmickey

10-17-2006, 10:34 PM

Hubris or hybris (Greek ,) according to its modern usage, is exaggerated pride or self-confidence, often resulting in fatal retribution. In Ancient Greek hubris referred to actions taken in order to shame the victim, thereby making oneself seem superior.

It was definitely NOT hubris...I was trying to be helpful! Honest!

sleepydog25

10-17-2006, 10:54 PM

sleepydog25

10-18-2006, 01:28 PM

Day 2: Day-Glo Orange Isn’t My Color

Did I mention the crew were very friendly? After ogling our surroundings for a few minutes, I wanted to take a shot of Doc sitting in a huge porthole window. I know, I know. Not a good idea due to sunshine streaming in, but I liked the idea. As I lined up the picture, one of the ship’s staff walked up and offered to take a shot of both of us. So, here it is, the first pic with me in it. Can you see me? :teeth:

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4895005_200.ts1159891082853.jpg
Aarrgghh! We be sitting in a porthole off the main lobby of the Wonder. When can ye start drinking, cap'n?

Our very next stop was Guest Services, a place we frequented often. . .as do many others on cruises. It’s there that you can get all sorts of information and help, and not once do they look at you like the lunkhead you are for wanting to know which side is port and which is starboard. Doc had come across some good ideas of ways to show Princess that we loved her and did miss her. One of the best was dropping off a pillow case for the characters to sign. Doc had hand sewn a lovely Disney princess appliqué onto the pillow case, so it was very unique. However, she’d read where the autographing of such items had gotten so time consuming for the characters, that it was no longer a sure thing they would do it. Have I mentioned Doc is a planner? We spied a ranking staff member at Guest Services, walked right up, and explained to him our request. In the XL plastic bag along with the pillowcase were four pens—red, green, blue, and purple. Doc had also enclosed a cardboard backing so that the colors wouldn’t bleed through when they signed their names. There was a large card addressed to the characters with our information, a thank you note for their time, and an explanation why Princess wasn't tagging along on this trip with us. Most importantly, there was a huge bag of Hershey’s kisses for the characters to share. How could they say no? The officer smiled and gladly accepted the case. He chuckled out loud at seeing the chocolate kisses. We were so in! :thumbsup2

Now, I know lots of first-time cruisers prefer walking around the ship instead of eating after first boarding. Not us. We were hungry. Remember the almond French toast? Uh huh. A quad venti latte with two raw sugars can only take one so far in terms of nutrition. Leaving Guest Services, we noticed the general crowd flow was headed toward Carrot Cay. Wait, make that Parrot Cove. Crap. I still can’t get the name of that restaurant right. As others have mentioned, there is always someone(s) stationed outside each restaurant with wet wipes, as well as these little stations where you can place your hands underneath a device that dispenses a small squirt of (I hope!) hand sanitizing gel. What everyone else has failed to mention is that just within your peripheral vision stands Guido. He wears a dark pinstripe suit and wears brass knucks. Moral: Sanitize or be sanitized. :smokin:

Actually Carrot Cove was the restaurant we had decided not to visit for dinner during our cruise. The reason is we wanted to do Palo—the adults only restaurant on Deck 10. So, getting to eat at ParrotCave for our first meal was good karma. Plus, the other lunch option, Beachcombers Blanket Bingo Bonanza Buffet (something like that) was to be our choice each day for breakfast. We walked in still rubbing our hands with the wet wipes (I HAD seen Guido) and were promptly seated. Remember the wedding party I mentioned? Well, for some reason, it was assumed we were with them. Granted, Doc could pass for an angelic blushing bride or bridesmaid, but I look too. . .mature. . .to pass as anything but the father of the bride. We got a few odd looks from the actual wedding party guests as we were seated near them, but since there was enough room, all was well.

The food was quite tasty, too. The buffet was filled with delightful treats from ham salad (no, really GOOD ham salad with slivers of ham with olives, roasted red peppers, etc.), to baked salmon, to pork escalope, to chicken, to fresh fruit, to desserts such as tiramisu and cheesecake. We didn’t want to eat too much since we were still up in the air about our dining plans. Though we had made the Palo reservations prior to the trip, we knew we needed to tweak our ressies based on the dining rotation printed on our Key to the World cards we got at check-in. At any rate, we might be eating around 6, so moderation was the key for lunch.

Since our room wasn’t going to be ready until 1:30 (actually, it was ready at 1:27), we wandered around the ship to get our first good look at our home for the next three days and nights. It’s still amazing to me just how open and spacious the Wonder felt. Our first stop was at Wavebands to get our dining plans in order. We had reserved Palo for Friday night; unfortunately, our dining rotation called for PTA (that’s cruise talk for Parrot Grotto, , Triton’s, and Animator’s Palate) –remember, we didn’t want to include Carrot Key for a dinner experience. It was an easy fix. In short, we wound up with Palo on Friday night as planned , with Animator’s Palate tonight and Triton’s on our last night. Does that make any sense? ::yes:: Do you need a scorecard? From there, it was more ship exploration.

My javadar apparently was still on scan mode because soon we found ourselves in the Cove Café, or as I called it, a slice of heaven café. It’s an adults only coffee and drink bar. We introduced ourselves to Veronika from the CzechRepublic who was not only friendly, chatty, and cute (Ouch! Doc just whacked me. I simply made a journalistic observation, dear), but who also turned out to be a marvelous barista. She was my favorite CM. . .she held cay, er, key to my morning existence. . .quad. . .lattes. . .with. . .two. . .raw. . .sugars. . .and mochaccinos for Doc with a cute little heart made out of straw wrappers.

As 1:30 approached, we went to our room and saw that it was ready for us and met our steward, Oliver. The first thing we noticed was the gift basket. Yep, we had ordered one and it was waiting for us, overflowing with wine, chocolates, cookies, cheese, and crackers. We cracked open the wine and sipped on a very nice shiraz while gnoshing on the cheese and crackers.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4895236_348.ts1159891706875.jpg
A present aweigh-ts us. . .

We got our first look at the stateroom and once again thrilled at the roominess of our accommodations. Disney did their homework. We had a Cat 6 room which means a verandah. There was ample closet and drawer space. We had brought an over the door shoe holder for extra storage, but for 2-3 people, we found there was plenty of space. Add another adult or two, however, and we could see how the shoe holder would come in handy. (See? Another friendly tip brought to you this time by Doc.) The bathroom is actually two small rooms with a sink and mirror in each—one has the toilet, the other holds the shower/bath. Closer toward the verandah was a couch that could be pulled out for a separate sleeping arrangement and a vanity area with mirror, along with a small TV and a cooling unit for drinks, etc., cleverly hidden in a cabinet. The crowning touch was a sliding glass door leading to the verandah which held two deck chairs and a small table. We paused to lean against the railing, reflecting about the good times that were to follow in the next few days. Doc touched my arm, turned me around, and looked deep into my eyes.

“You know,” she said softly, “we are going to be in sooooo much trouble when we tell Princess where we were.”

“Oh, yeah.” I chuckled. . .the chuckle of a man soon to be walking with painted feet. . .

About that time, Doc remembered the door decoration she had made for the voyage. Apparently, a lot of cruisers make signs to hang or stick via magnetic tape to their stateroom doors. Doc took it as a personal challenge to do it up right. And she did. Here’s proof:

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4933753_1024.ts1159992168399.jpg
Okay, I have to give all the credit to Doc for this. And it's the best one I saw on the whole ship. Have I mentioned we left Princess at home?

We had agreed to meet with our online friends at 2 p.m. by the Mickey pool, so we quickly headed up. By the way, we decided that having a stateroom on the 6th deck was serendipitous. Easy access to any deck of note. Want to go to a bar? Three decks down. Want Cove Café? Three decks up. Since the elevators tend to be very busy during normal hours, we walked nearly everywhere, and three flights of stairs is easy. Anyway, we met our friends Momsully, FatherForce, Fallon & hubby, Mickey4Diane, and Bethsg. Some were there with kids, others with a spouse or friend. None of our dining schedules seemed to match up well with each other, nor excursions either. As it turned out, this was the first and last group meeting, but it was still delightful to put faces with names and get to know each other a little better. It was also rather cool to bump into friendly faces during the cruise and to hear about their experiences. Speaking of, FatherForce, where were you and the missus on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. after your "spa" treatment? Weren't you guys headed to the wine tasting? (Quick plug: FatherForce has done his own TR to include a pre-trip to WDW. http://www.disboards.com/images/misc/subscribed.gif Bloat and Float Trip 06 (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1241106) Go check it out—he’s a funny man!)

After the meet, it was back to the room to check on our luggage. Mine had arrived. . .as in Doc’s had not. Uh-oh. I reminded her that we were told it could be as late as 5 p.m. which soothed her not given that we planned to go see the 6:15 show of Hercules, The Muse-ical. For you non-cruisers, the show times and seatings at restaurants coincide, so that if you have a late dinner ressie you can make the early show and vice versa. A more pressing issue was that the mandatory lifeboat drill was dead ahead at 4 p.m. which would cut into the time needed for Doc to unpack and get ready to go out. Besides, the Sail-Away Party follows immediately after the drill, and Doc didn’t want to miss out on the booty shaking. Me, either. ;)

Sure enough, the announcement for the lifeboat drill began playing over the intercom and through the TV, voiced by our cruise director, Christiaan. “Welcome aboard the Disney Wonder! This will be the last time that I use the overhead intercoms located in your rooms.” Well, that’s good to know! Naturally, I began to wonder if there were cameras, too. . .hmmmm. . . Christiaan continued:

“Please take a moment to locate your life jackets.” What he really meant to say was, you can’t miss the day-glo orange blocks of Styrofoam sitting in the closet, and yes, you will look silly in them.

“Once you’ve put them on, please note the location of your muster stations on the ship and the directions on how to get to them.” No one is listening, so blah, blah, blah, and I know almost none of you know aft from forward or port from starboard. Just get out to the hallways, and we’ll have people telling you where to go.

“This is a mandatory drill. Though we don’t expect to have any problems on the cruise, we want you to know that safety is one of our paramount concerns.” We know you’ve seen the video of a competitor’s ship nearly tipping over, so you really don’t want to miss this little demonstration now do you?

“Please place your vests on BEFORE you assemble at your muster stations.” If you wind up in a real emergency, you ain’t gonna want to be fooling with the strap while climbing into a boat.

“With everyone’s cooperation, this drill won’t take long, and we can proceed to dancing and drinking Bahama Mamas at the Sail-Away Party!” No matter what I say, some people are going to ignore my comments, but that’s okay, we’re used to it, and we can proceed to dancing and drinking Bahama Mamas at the Sail-Away Party!”

For the record, the life-jackets are low-tech, so I was able to figure out how to put them on. Doc has no comment on the matter. Of course, what’s a cruise trippie without proof that you, too, can look attractive in bright orange.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4895397_348.ts1159892024344.jpg
These jackets are sooooo cute. Are they sold at Macy's?

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4895474_348.ts1159892180619.jpg
C'mon up and see me some time. . .I'll be your personal flotation device. . .

After donning our gay apparel, we hoofed it to our muster station. Surprisingly, the crew not only knew who belonged in their area but whether or not you had showed up. So much for me bellowing an “aye, aye, Cap’n!” when my name was called. The hardest part was scooting in close to your fellow cruisers. I mean really close. It wasn’t that I was afraid to breathe, just that I couldn’t. Sardines have it easy comparatively. As advertised, the drill was short-lived, and soon we were back in our cabin. . .no new luggage.

To calm Doc’s anxiety, we headed up to catch the Sail-Away Party. And to shake our collective booties. A little. By the time we got there, the festivities had begun which included, ironically enough, a Shake Your Booty contest between three men. One we’ll call Frat Brother, the second is dubbed Forever in Blue Jeans, and the third is Gramps. First up was Forever in Blue Jeans, and he did, well, just okay. For all the agitation going on in his pants, he had all the rhythm of an arthritic T-Rex. Frat Brother was next, and he was a good 15 years or so younger than the first competitor. Obviously, he had been watching wayyyy too many Beyonce videos. Just imagine Fred Flintstone doing the grind. Finally, there was Gramps (so dubbed by the DJ), the prohibitive dark horse in this contest. It looked like he had to put down his Marlboro and Schlitz beer before starting, but he was startingly. . .not bad. And. He was the crowd favorite by a large margin. What did they get for all their public display of humor? Free spa packages from Vistas Spa! Crap! Next time, I’m there down on the front row!!

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4895546_348.ts1159892349004.jpg
Digital card for camera: $36 Digital camera: $225 Dancing Disney characters: Priceless (okay, not really--these trips are expensive!)

Naturally, the crowd was urged to sing, dance, and drink. Yes, drinking is a common theme even on board a Disney cruise. Several Disney characters joined in the revelry as the Wonder slowly slipped into the sea (okay, I know it’s an ocean, but I wanted some alliteration). Doc and I stepped over to the railing and watched Port Canaveral sliding by. Hey, there’s Grills! And some of the diners are standing at their tables waving big Mickey hands! Cool! Oh, and there’s Dude Man playing “In-A-gadda-da-vida” and shooting at us with his index finger! Again.

As the port area slipped farther and farther behind us, we heard the ship's horn blast the first few notes of "When you wish upon a star. . ." Now if that doesn't give you chills as you're standing on the deck anticipating your first cruise, then check your pulse. pixiedust: It was time to stop our daydreaming and get back to the task at hand--seeing if Doc’s luggage was waiting for us in our stateroom. Still, it had been a great day already. We were actually cruising. . .

Next episode, experience the excitement, feel the heat, explore the Wonder with Doc and Sleepydog in Day 2: Guess Who’s Going to Dinner? and Other Muse-ings

firstmickey

10-18-2006, 02:17 PM

I disagree...>I think Day Glo Orange is sooooooooo your color! ;)

Grammyof2

10-18-2006, 02:26 PM

Dog - Great - we are on the ship :cheer2:

Loving the pictures, but remember I am a Grammy, so could you make em a little bigger next time. Pretty please, with Catsup on top :teeth:

sheridac

10-18-2006, 02:30 PM

D~

Thank you soooooo much. For that. No, really. Thanks. A lot.

One thing's for sure.

I will NOT be going on a cruise. ANY TIME SOON.

I would sooooo not be caught dead in one of those!!!

Eeeek!!

FatherForce

10-18-2006, 03:10 PM

"Speaking of, FatherForce, where were you and the missus on Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. after your "spa" treatment? Weren't you guys headed to the wine tasting? "

Uh, I, I mean we, uh...

I'm writing our Cruise report now, but some of that time might not be included.

curlybop

10-18-2006, 03:19 PM

Once again, another great installment. Oh, it's nice to see you did actually go on a cruise too. :teeth: Doc, the door signs look marvelous! :thumbsup2

I am just waiting on how you told Princess where you went, and how she reacted - besides the painted toenails of course.

dallastxcpa

10-18-2006, 03:56 PM

Another Great episode. Sounds like a great start to a Wonderful cruise.

RoyalVizier

10-18-2006, 04:00 PM

The crowning touch was a sliding glass door leading to the verandah which held two deck chairs and a small table.

Nice description of the room! :thumbsup2

I don't know if you realize or not, but you provided another handy dandy tip to your readers regarding the verandah door. It slides, people. Slides! I'm just saying... :rolleyes1

pppiglet

10-18-2006, 05:34 PM

I don't know if you realize or not, but you provided another handy dandy tip to your readers regarding the verandah door. It slides, people. Slides! I'm just saying...

Hee Hee...I remember!

Ski-and-Sea

10-18-2006, 06:01 PM

Sleepy,

You never would have been able to pose like that with the old lifevests DCL used to have. ;)

Cheers to person at DCL who ordered the new lifevests....and is that an approved use of a PFD???

grumpydude

10-18-2006, 06:10 PM

Dog

Your TR is most remarkable. Undoubtedly one of the better ones I have read. I am humbled by your museings.

Grumpy Dude

miztigg

10-18-2006, 06:53 PM

I need the next installment PLEASE

Backstage_Gal

10-18-2006, 07:27 PM

Dog, most excellent report, but we need more Cowbell!!! Umm, I mean pictures, yeah, that's it!

sleepydog25

10-19-2006, 08:42 AM

I disagree...>I think Day Glo Orange is sooooooooo your color! ;)I disagree with your disagree. I think day-glo lime green is my color. . .

Dog - Great - we are on the ship :cheer2:

Loving the pictures, but remember I am a Grammy, so could you make em a little bigger next time. Pretty please, with Catsup on top :teeth:
Ever hear of glasses? ;)
I will NOT be going on a cruise. ANY TIME SOON.

I would sooooo not be caught dead in one of those!!!

Eeeek!!You've got it all wrong. The idea is to be caught alive in one of those. . .silly Irish woman. . .
Uh, I, I mean we, uh...

I'm writing our Cruise report now, but some of that time might not be included. :rolleyes1
Once again, another great installment. Oh, it's nice to see you did actually go on a cruise too. :teeth: Doc, the door signs look marvelous! :thumbsup2

I am just waiting on how you told Princess where you went, and how she reacted - besides the painted toenails of course.I have a good editor. ;) And. Thought it was gonna be false advertising, eh? And. Just a hint. . .Princess was, well, ummm. . .no hint. . .you gotta keep reading. . .:teeth:
Another Great episode. Sounds like a great start to a Wonderful cruise Thank you! It was and it was! :)
I don't know if you realize or not, but you provided another handy dandy tip to your readers regarding the verandah door. It slides, people. Slides! I'm just saying... :rolleyes1Actually, it was completely inadvertent. Doc had to fill me in on the back story. Umm, and did said people also have an issue with the cooler? I mean, there were two doors on that sucker! :lmao:

NAB

10-19-2006, 10:31 AM

I'm glad I have a face to the name now.....Even though the life jacket was almost all that you saw. And the first one your halo was so bright I couldn't see either. :rotfl2:

Our room was on the first floor the both times we went. First time they gave us that room and the second time we requested it. We didn't mind all the stairs up to the 9th. Good exercise since we ate to much.

firstmickey

10-19-2006, 12:37 PM

I disagree with your disagree. I think day-glo lime green is my color. . .

We are gonna need pics for proof. :thumbsup2

sleepydog25

10-19-2006, 02:22 PM

Quote:
I don't know if you realize or not, but you provided another handy dandy tip to your readers regarding the verandah door. It slides, people. Slides! I'm just saying...

Hee Hee...I remember!From personal experience?! :teeth: ;)
Sleepy,

You never would have been able to pose like that with the old lifevests DCL used to have. ;)

Cheers to person at DCL who ordered the new lifevests....and is that an approved use of a PFD??? Even chunkier styrofoam in use back in the day? ;) We used them for an extra coffee table.

Dog

Your TR is most remarkable. Undoubtedly one of the better ones I have read. I am humbled by your museings.

Grumpy Dude I am humbled by your humbleness. Really. I do appreciate the kind comments. As Doc has mentioned, I can be a bit, ummm, detailed, but therein usually lies a story, hopefully worth reading. I thank you for your continued patronage. :)

I need the next installment PLEASENNBM, is cowbell a euphemism for installment? :teeth:

I'm glad I have a face to the name now.....Even though the life jacket was almost all that you saw. And the first one your halo was so bright I couldn't see either. Therein lies a clue as to my thought processes, dearie. You were quick to catch on. . .pirate:

We are gonna need pics for proof. :thumbsup2 Well, all I have are glow-in-the-dark ones. . .and I don't think you want to go there. . .;)

Bethipooh4

10-19-2006, 08:11 PM

Well, all I have are glow-in-the-dark ones. . .and I don't think you want to go there. . .;) [/font]

OH MY...... :blush: ;)

JDBlair

10-19-2006, 09:01 PM

Your TR is longer than some of those who went on 7 day cruises. Any plans for a 7 day cruise? That way, you could write a book and become a Best Seller because I'd buy it. And I don't think I'd be the only one in line to purchase. They'd make great holiday gifts!!! :woohoo:

DocLovesDis

10-19-2006, 09:37 PM

JDBlair

10-19-2006, 09:58 PM

You're assuming he'll be done by Christmas. . . :teeth:
Good point. He could start shopping his book to the publishers now and then maybe we'd be set to go for Christmas 2008? Is that asking too much? :goodvibes

sleepydog25

10-19-2006, 09:58 PM

OH MY...... :blush: ;)Uh huh. . .pirate:

Your TR is longer than some of those who went on 7 day cruises. Any plans for a 7 day cruise? That way, you could write a book and become a Best Seller because I'd buy it. And I don't think I'd be the only one in line to purchase. They'd make great holiday gifts!!! :woohoo:I don't know why, but this struck me as hilarious. :rotfl2: At least water is easily wiped off a computer screen! No plans for a 7-day, but a 4-day is a real possibility. . .think that's long enough for a novella?

You're assuming he'll be done by Christmas. . . :teeth: That just hurts. . .

JDBlair

10-19-2006, 10:04 PM

Uh huh. . .pirate:

I don't know why, but this struck me as hilarious. :rotfl2: At least water is easily wiped off a computer screen! No plans for a 7-day, but a 4-day is a real possibility. . .think that's long enough for a novella?

That just hurts. . .

Oh sure! And sorry for getting your screen wet but I have enjoyed your TR's and find them to be the highlights of my day. I have even forgiven you for going without Princess. DH wanted to take a cruise without the kids but I refused - it'd break my heart to leave them behind. I managed to sell him on DCL with the promise that we'll lose the kids in the clubs. So, if you hear of a woman going overboard in September 2007 - it was me because the kids refused to leave our sides! :rolleyes:

DiaLady

10-19-2006, 10:40 PM

Yikes . . . I missed three pages . . Way to go again, Sleepdog. It's a great read while watching the NL finals.

The basket was fabulous. Where did you (or Doc) order it from?

Looking forward to Day 2 . . .

sleepydog25

10-20-2006, 09:54 AM

Day 2: The Tub O’ Death and Between the Madding Crowds

(Yes, I changed the title. . .author’s prerogative)

Shortly after the last echo of the ship’s horn, we bounded down the stairs to our stateroom. Hercules: The Muse-ical was next on our agenda at 6:15, followed by dinner at Animator’s Palate at 8:15. We had packed nice clothes for each of our dining experiences since, to us, dressing up is part of the excitement. Only, there was one problem. No luggage for mama, though she had the foresight to pack a dress in her carry-on bag. You may be asking yourself, “why not just wear that one?” If you did, then you are a man.

The clock was pressing toward 5 p.m., the latest time we were told to expect said luggage. Every bump in the corridor meant I had to open the door to check for her suitcase. Oliver must have thought I was playing a human version of whack-a-mole. Once. . .twice. . .thrice. . .nothing. Finally, right at 5 we heard a loud thump—it was here! Thank god. Again, you may be asking yourself, “if the case arrived at 5, and the show isn’t until 6:15, what’s the problem?” Again, you would be a man. To be fair, we did want to unpack before the show and dinner to make more room in the cabin. The cabins are reportedly spacious by cruising standards, but that doesn’t mean you’ll mistake them for a suite at VWL. And the last thing we wanted to do was unpack at midnight after knocking back the gift wine, more wine at dinner, and then martinis at the Cadillac Lounge.

Break, break! If you have stuck with me this far into my TR, then you deserve a bonus picture. . .and here it is!

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4895279_348.ts1159891855301.jpg
Goofy and Donald. Oops. I mean Doc and Donald. He asked if she was a quack. (Bada-boom! Thank you, thank you! I'll be here all week!)

With her first night’s outfit secure in our possession, all we needed was to freshen up. For me, it meant lolling on the bed, a quick shower, and dressing. For her, it meant shower, make up, hair, clothes, and jewelry. I don’t know how you women do it. I’m so glad to be a man (though the painted toes have grown on me). Hats off to the DCL ship designers, too. That split bathroom idea is great—obviously a woman figured it out. A guy would’ve just had an extra urinal on the verandah. The cool thing was that Doc could complete her routine in one bathroom while I bathed in the other. The effects of the previous day’s long drive combined with the excitement of experiencing a grand cruise for the first time led me to choose a soaking bath over a stand up shower.

I started running the bath and even figured out how to operate the deceptive gizmo that gives you hot or cold water. At my house, a half turn to the left means hot, a half turn to the right means cold. This sucker had to be spun like the Wheel of Fortune. Within moments, however, I had a calming tubful of soothing bath water, and that’s when I made my first mistake. . .I got in. My second mistake was leaning back. You see, I’m a relatively tall man; whereas, that bath wasn’t big enough to wash two My Little Ponies side-by-side. “Do not drop the soap,” I thought. “Bobbing for it is not an option.” Idiot that I was, I decided to lay as flat as I could, the result of which approximated a large worm in a test tube. I still had yet to get clean, so I started doing the booty shake thing just to slosh water around a bit hoping the sudsing action would work just like in a washing machine. Gramps from the Sail-Away party would’ve been proud.

Numbness began setting in. I needed to get out. Naturally, being a man, I couldn’t ask for help. Next she’d be wanting me to ask for directions! On the other hand, I could picture Doc sitting in a therapy group, quietly whispering, “Hi, I’m Doc. I married a doofus.” There was no room to turn on my side and grasp anything outside the tub, nor was the space big enough for me to do a sit up. I was floundering like a hooked marlin. So, I stuck my left leg over the side of the tub as a brace, grabbed the Wheel of Fortune knob with my right hand, slid my left hand under me, and pried my way out of the tub o’ death. “You okay in there?” Doc queried. “Just peachy!” I replied. . .while showering. Shortly after that episode, we were ready to go. Doc looked lovely. And even I can clean up decently.

We arrived early for Hercules. We can’t help being early; it’s our way—immaturus adventus. So, we had to wait a few minutes before the doors opened. The ship offers beverages and snacks in Preludes, just outside the theatre, but we opted not to buy anything. Remember, we had purchased a butt, er, boatload of candy and snacks for the very purpose of taking them into the shows thus avoiding the exorbitant prices the ship charges. However, we discovered something, another travel tip if you will. Depending on your eating habits, you don’t need snacks. With the shows and restaurants timing meshed, you’re going to be snacking shortly before dinner or immediately after dinner. Either way, we found snacks unnecessary in the shows. Furthermore, food seems to constantly be available on the ship, somewhere, some time, in some form. And this is a good time to talk about food on board the Wonder.

Part of the cost of your passage is the food. It’s prepaid. They know it. You know it. And they are willing to roll out the feed bags, people. In addition to the previously mentioned restaurants, you also have the Cove Café (pastries) open from 6:30 a.m. to midnight; Pinocchio’s Pizzeria open from noon to midnight; Pluto’s Dog House open from noon to 9:30 p.m.; Scoops (ice cream and light snacks) open from noon to 3:30 p.m.; late night snacks at Route 66 lounge from 11 p.m. to midnight; a 24-hour beverage station; and even 24-hour room service! Do not, I repeat, DO NOT come near a DCL trip if you’re even thinking about losing a few pounds. Even Wimpy could be sated on board the Wonder. There is anecdotal evidence of all this in the pages ahead. For now, just remember. . .you don’t need to bring snacks.

The theatre itself wasn’t crowded which we found surprising. Sure, it was nearly full but not jam-packed like some Disney venues can be at the World. Within a few moments, the show started, and it was hilarious. The production values were quite good, the performers topnotch, the songs witty, and the writing quite topical—everything from “It’s Hard to be a Pimp” (recent Oscar-winning song if you didn’t know), to “Deal or No Deal,” to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Indiana Jones, Taxi Driver, and dozens more. Parts of the stage could be raised or lowered hydraulically; they used wires to “fly” some of the entertainers (though not in Hercules Doc wants me to note); and the backdrop and sets of all the shows were amazingly detailed. We left this show (and each of the others) thoroughly impressed with their quality.

We had about an hour to kill before heading to Animator’s Palate, so we browsed the two main shops—Treasure Ketch and Mickey’s Mates—on both the port and starboard side of the ship just aft of the theatre. (I’m slingin’ some nautical terms now, baby!) The gift shops had the usual suspects re: trinkets, shirts, sweats, toys, and whatnots. Actually, the selection is decent, and if you want a watch, they have those, too, featuring several well-known and pricey companies such as Swiss Army. Guess my Timex Ironman sport watch will have to do me another few years.

The shopping venues were crowded. Apparently, every person not currently dining, slamming back Bahama Mamas, or puking over the side of the ship decided to shop right that moment. You know, I don’t mind shopping. Ask Doc. I go with her on occasion, and I have been known to encourage her to buy more things, say if she’s on a trip to update her wardrobe. Hell, I’ve even given advice to women I don’t know. “Your husband will love that,” or “Those horizontal stripes are not flattering,” and “You’ll want flats with those pants not heels.” I’m helpful that way. Shopping is a dirty necessity sometimes, and being at WDW or on a DCL ship is no different. But, for. . .the. . .love. . .of. . .all. . .that. . .is. . .sane, people, please, PLEASE learn how to move around in tight quarters without completely gumming up the aisles and walkways.

Digression alert! In my TR about our visit to WDW in June (hint: there are links to said TR earlier in this thread), I mentioned that folks have a terrible habit of gathering in the worst of places. It’s 8 a.m., EMH at the MagicKingdom, and the ropes are dropped. What’s the very first thing people do when they step just inside the archways leading to Main Street? They stop. They gather their forces. They set their plans—in the bloody entrance! All I ask is one side or the other before we pile up behind you like limp noodles in a strainer. End of digression, except. . .

. . .the same thing happened in the shops on the Wonder! Ahh, Mom sees THE sweatshirt she’s been dreaming of the past six months. Not only does she go over to the rack, but so does her pre-teen daughter reeking of eau de lavender, her twin sons who are channeling Beavis and Butthead, her husband who is digging fingernails into his wallet, two cousins twice removed re-enacting the famous Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker light saber duel , an aunt with halitosis, her uncle’s best buddy from high school who has sinus congestion, and her in-laws who look as if they’d rather be back in Florida drinking tepid tap water from a hose. Once they descend upon the ground where you stand, your only options are to a) become one of their cousins, b) take the sweatshirt and run, or c) duck under the rack directly behind you and crawl to daylight. We chose c).

We decided to walk around the ship a bit more instead of fighting the hordes of gift and souvenir seeking passengers. There would be plenty of time to shop later. Since we had yet to explore all the ship, a familiarization tour of sorts was in order. Truly, the attention to detail was impressive, as evidenced by the following photos.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924887_348.ts1159971868468.jpg
Here's the famous glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling. I believe the artist's name is Chihuly. This work is massive!
http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924950_1024.ts1159972033363.jpg

Notice the detailed trim that went around the bottom of the railing of Deck 4 in the atrium. I tried to get closer, but security took a dim view of me hanging off the railing like Terk.

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4925015_348.ts1159972180165.jpg
What makes Disney, well, Disney? Attention to detail. Why have a regular arrow pointing out floor numbers when you can have Mickey's hand? Only those heavily inebriated types thought Mickey was signaling a bird.

Though, initially, I had resisted Doc’s interest in cruising, I will admit for all posterity that I was slowly being converted. In a word from our current youth, “kewl.”

Coming up next: Day 2: What Are the Odds?

curlybop

10-20-2006, 12:04 PM

Tub o' death :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Absolutely hilarious once again. Keep on going. I'm loving the photos also. :thumbsup2

FatherForce

10-20-2006, 12:32 PM

outahere

10-20-2006, 01:07 PM

SD wrote.......

What makes Disney, well, Disney? Attention to detail. Why have a regular arrow pointing out floor numbers when you can have Mickey's hand? Only those heavily inebriated types thought Mickey was signaling a bird.

Trivia alert..........

The elevator Mickey hands on both ships were designed by Don 'Ducky' Williams. Ducky is the Senior Character Illustrator for WDW and we have had the pleasure of sailing with him on 2 out of our 3 DCL cruises. He does an excellent presentation and draws characters as he talks (about 20 drawings). Those drawings are then given away in a raffle at the end of his presentation. If you're ever on a sailing when he is, be sure to go listen to his talk.

Back to our regularly scheduled TR.........

Bethipooh4

10-20-2006, 01:33 PM

Tub o' death :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Absolutely hilarious once again. Keep on going. I'm loving the photos also. :thumbsup2

Remember, we must not confuse the Tub o' death with the super -suck- o -matic.... :rotfl2:

I don't think I am ever going to be able to call Disney bathroom fixtures by their normal names again....

sleepydog25

10-20-2006, 01:46 PM

Know what's funny?

When I first saw that tub, I says to the wife, I says " What kind of a Maroon would try and take a bath in a tub this small?"

Now I know.

For the record, her answer was, "Someone much smaller than you"

Amen on the Shops' size.
My observations in my TR will be pretty similar to yours it seems...:rotfl2: Doc saw this post and just had to call me on my cell phone. She was laughing so hard she could hardly speak, and I had to pull into a parking lot! You're killin' me!! :lmao: :thumbsup2 They call me, Mr Maroon!

Trivia alert..........

The elevator Mickey hands on both ships were designed by Don 'Ducky' Williams. Ducky is the Senior Character Illustrator for WDW and we have had the pleasure of sailing with him on 2 out of our 3 DCL cruises. He does an excellent presentation and draws characters as he talks (about 20 drawings). Those drawings are then given away in a raffle at the end of his presentation. If you're ever on a sailing when he is, be sure to go listen to his talk.

Now how cool is that? I'm envious of you, out. We'll definitely look to see if he's along for the ride next time we cruise! :thumbsup2
Tub o' death :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Absolutely hilarious once again. Keep on going. I'm loving the photos also. :thumbsup2 Sorry for the large size of the one photo, but Doc and I thought it would be easier to see the detail in the filigree.

Oh sure! And sorry for getting your screen wet but I have enjoyed your TR's and find them to be the highlights of my day. I have even forgiven you for going without Princess. DH wanted to take a cruise without the kids but I refused - it'd break my heart to leave them behind. I managed to sell him on DCL with the promise that we'll lose the kids in the clubs. So, if you hear of a woman going overboard in September 2007 - it was me because the kids refused to leave our sides! :rolleyes:Cool! Disney entertainment at its finest! ;)

Yikes . . . I missed three pages . . Way to go again, Sleepdog. It's a great read while watching the NL finals.

The basket was fabulous. Where did you (or Doc) order it from?

Looking forward to Day 2 . . .You missed three pages at my glacial pace? Ohhh, because you were watching the Cards miraculously win the NL crown. All is understood then. :thumbsup2 As for the basket, I'll have to let Doc tell you from whom she ordered it. I know there's a link somewhere, but being the highly efficient person she is, I know she can find it much more quickly than can I.

Lil' Grumpy

10-20-2006, 02:20 PM

gotta sweat it out, you are writing a "howling" good report. woofie, i think
we are in the same age bracket...when forgineer was the .."warm up the
crowd", band for marshall tucker?..actually seeing them playing at local
..pubs. you probably have a disneyland guide book from the 50's?

* calvin & hobbes..well since i had children during his tenure, i "had'
to get them ever..last..oneie...woof! actually, the publisher own the rights..
in the begining...& while he fought for control..they did released some
legimate items..and that's why you can see me wearing a "calvin& hobbes"
tie...during formal nights..[there's only so much --dressing"up" codes, one
wild man can tolerate....just saying..mine are not boot-legged!

while i thinking about it,...you never told "the rest of the story" regarding
your new trend..painted toe nails? c'mom admitt it!!! not the furst time,
& "i 've been waiting"..for ..for the free love generation..to have return.
neato, the lil things you did ..on your cruise..and sneaky too!...having
drinking material delivered to your room....worst...acting all sentimental
with your lil miss...by your accounts, it is self evident..that you are using
sleepy dog as a cover for being nuthin but a hound puppy? why do i
think you was the juke box winner? p.s..wondering what kind of "rewards"
or disney dreams were bestowed upon you when the cabin lights dimmed..

well you could reveal how many wishes did the genie..from the bottle ,
granted ? ..l am betting more than 3, hemp doggie??? :genie:

ok, i am messing c you..well what do you expect...?

you rookie!!! loading,unloading, loading...shake it up...are you sure your lil
missy wasn't in the front seat snickering? i sorta know how you felt...
thru my own lil experience...

once upon a time, i used to lived at cocoa beach..it's amazing how much
it has changed. i also used to romp over merritt island,melbourne & the likes..
if you ever get a chance, drive down {south} , on a-1a. great places to find the "lion & the coconuts."

ha! while you doing your luggage, we were across from you on the wonder...
so you was the entertainment out in front? we never received a loading pass,
however, we never arrived until after 2pm...we sorta do our cruises a lil
different then most...& have our own timetables. we did get a different type
of ticket..inside our luggage..a notice of baggage inspection by the
transport. security admin. ...probably from my wife's one suitcase filled with
alot of the items you listed...even more! sooo, i just like to .. :welcome:
you to the order of pack mulies orginzation. [based on ..you're going to do
more cruises?]

yep, your comments about clothing and the significance to women is a
proven fact...that no man can ignore, if committed!

hey,dude..just so you know..i never entered our room 1-1/2 hrs before
dinner...[we always done early dinners]...too many things i can end up
doing wrong...and i hate the gi upsets before eating.. ;) ..ha,ha, what a
great preformance..you gave...[clapped,clapped]..right up there with
alfred hitch clock 's shower scene..pssssst..there's some other hidden
showers around the ship...i only used ours during early mornings...

just thinking..your "rubb a dubb- duckie" shower show would make a great
disney 's variety show..if you wore your speedo's...for..ladies' nights..
i'll bet all the melly stormers' :bride: would be lining up for this..specaility
cruise...p.s..i run the bubble machine if you get me on free?

:smooth: car pics..yes, i do the same type..and i can't believe my wife
reacted the same way as yours.... :blush:

can't figured out how you did his with your princess: behind :confused3
i then realized, i made the mistake of taking her from the begining..ours
have being doing disney cruises since she was 2 y/o...see? once they learn
what it is about...there no ways for us to sneak off now..dwatts..i envy
you guys..what a special time for couples..however, we ususally have 2
rooms, and know how to "work' the clubs...

:smokin: slick about adding lil kisses in the booty...did you get any returns
with lipstick? :wizard:

when we arrived and they anounced our names..another family came over..
yep..they had the same last name...& were :shamrock: too boot! funny
thing i realized after reading your report, i made alot more women friends
than guys...

your lil princess: is just a lil younger than ours...she indeed, has her
mother's sweet lil face but from your report, alot of your character..
that was such a neat lil thing she gave you guys..not wanting you to
get bored? are you going to post the drawings...and what did you get
her?

shopping...expert?..yeah right..you trouble maker! well, just so you
know, i have developed the survival skill of redirecting...you're not
the only one that can offer suggestions...before this cruise, i had lil
gold booties made up that had "hidden mickey" bows in our children's
birth signs....and even tinker bell's earring/necklace for our daughter...
needless to say...lots of :love2: ,without costing mega$$$.

Disneygrl36

10-20-2006, 06:34 PM

Oh my gosh........the pictures this conjures in ones head.

QUOTE:
so I started doing the booty shake thing just to slosh water around a bit hoping the sudsing action would work just like in a washing machine. Gramps from the Sail-Away party would’ve been proud.

You are a funny, funny man even if you are a Maroon. :rotfl2: :happytv: :rotfl:

NAB

10-20-2006, 06:41 PM

The first thing I thought of when you said you took a bath was....where.

That was just way to funny.

Yes we found ourselves eating way to much. It was hard to get back into our jeans to go home.

--

firstmickey

10-20-2006, 07:37 PM

I could picture Doc sitting in a therapy group, quietly whispering, “Hi, I’m Doc. I married a doofus.”

:teeth: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

You know, I don’t mind shopping. Ask Doc. I go with her on occasion, and I have been known to encourage her to buy more things, say if she’s on a trip to update her wardrobe.

Well, at least now we understand why she married the doofus! ;) :rotfl:

What’s the very first thing people do when they step just inside the archways leading to Main Street? They stop. They gather their forces.

the Disney Lemmings! :teeth:

Truly, the attention to detail was impressive, as evidenced by the following photos.

the same could be said for this trip report! ;) :thumbsup2 :teeth:

CruiseBoundnKY

10-20-2006, 08:27 PM

Ok, I gotta chime in here and let you know that I'm tuning in. Not only me (who by the way is cruising with her family for the first time in May on the Magic) but my co-worker. We check the board daily while the boss is out of the office.

I must say, "Hats off to your incredible writing talents. You are very entertaining".

Keep it coming. Karen

DiaLady

10-21-2006, 12:24 AM

This was so good that I had my dh put sports center on mute so I could read him the good parts .. .LOL.

Can't wait to the next installment (and so is dh!!)

zweihund

10-21-2006, 09:10 AM

To be compared to those two Trip Meisters :worship: is grand company, indeed! I am not worthy. . .though I shall strive to become a grasshopper to their masters. . .and I shall attempt to be worthy of your comparisons.

I'm a trip meister??? Sweeeeet!
I love your report. I am going to have to read it twice.

purplern

10-21-2006, 09:34 AM

Great report. :thumbsup2

RoyalVizier

10-21-2006, 11:36 AM

:rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :lmao:

Your experience in the tub may indeed be the classic moment in trip report history!

sleepydog25

10-21-2006, 12:38 PM

[/size][/font]

I'm a trip meister??? Sweeeeet!
I love your report. I am going to have to read it twice.Now, this is what I call a coinky-dink. Just this morning I reread the first few installments of your most excellent TR, and I subsequently decided that I was going PM you to see if you minded including a link to it. No kidding! Now that you have posted here, you've done the work for me. :thumbsup2 And for any of you who have not read zweihund's Geeks on a Boat report, get thee to her site post haste. You will not be sorry that you did. . .promise.

gotta sweat it out, you are writing a "howling" good report.
When I figure out the rest of what you wrote, I may send along my thanks. . .;)

Oh my gosh........the pictures this conjures in ones head.

QUOTE:
so I started doing the booty shake thing just to slosh water around a bit hoping the sudsing action would work just like in a washing machine. Gramps from the Sail-Away party would’ve been proud.

You are a funny, funny man even if you are a Maroon.
There I was close to death, and you laugh? My wife thinks I'm funny, too, just not the ha-ha kind. . .;)

The first thing I thought of when you said you took a bath was....where.

That was just way to funny.

Yes we found ourselves eating way to much. It was hard to get back into our jeans to go home
You have the same smarts FatherForce has. . .that, or I conveniently missed the tip where someone said, "Do not attempt under risk of death or mutilation."

Ok, I gotta chime in here and let you know that I'm tuning in. Not only me (who by the way is cruising with her family for the first time in May on the Magic) but my co-worker. We check the board daily while the boss is out of the office.

I must say, "Hats off to your incredible writing talents. You are very entertaining".

Keep it coming. Karen Obviously, you need a new boss. . .:teeth: My sincere thanks for your kind words. :)

This was so good that I had my dh put sports center on mute so I could read him the good parts .. .LOL.

Can't wait to the next installment (and so is dh!!)I temporarily replaced SportsCenter? Are you nuts? Is your husband?! ;)

Great report. :thumbsup2Well, RNs do have an odd sense of humor. . .:teeth:

Your experience in the tub may indeed be the classic moment in trip report history!One of my many 3 Stooges moments of which I'm supremely proud. And, oh by the way folks, if you haven't likewise visited RV's trippie, I suggest you do so now. The preceding PSA brought to you by the Maroon of the Year Award Nominating Committee.

DocLovesDis

10-21-2006, 12:52 PM

For those of you who were asking about the gift basket that Sleepy and I sent ourselves, here is the contact info. I used Shirley at The Perfect Gift. I called 1-800-950-4559. I spoke with Nona (very nice) and told her that we wanted to have a nice bottle of wine and some snacks for the room. Wow - what a great package she made. Wonderful wine, cookies, chocolates, glasses, corkscrew.... she thought of everything. It was "perfect" :cloud9:
Thanks Shirley and Nona!!!!!

For those of you waiting on the next installment... I am working on getting Sleepy motivated. I can't believe we are on page 13 and haven't even gotten to dinner on departure day. :lmao: Aren't you all glad this is only a 3 day cruise and not a 10 day! :rotfl: I will see what I can do about getting Sleepy to post relatively soon. He is one of those literary types who writes when the mood strikes. Oh well, he is a good balance :love: to my analytical, planner, type A personality. Stay tuned.. :happytv:

taeja71

10-21-2006, 02:35 PM

Patiently waiting for the next intallment. Hey, Doc, why don't you slip Sleepy a drink. Maybe that'll motivate him. :rolleyes1

Babyjustrun

10-21-2006, 05:10 PM

this is the first trip report i have been able to read the entire thing.
i congratulate you for fixing my attention span.. momentarily.

LCTsMom

10-21-2006, 05:23 PM

sheridac

10-21-2006, 05:35 PM

You may be asking yourself, “why not just wear that one?” If you did, then you are a man.
Well, duh!!!!

Again, you may be asking yourself, “if the case arrived at 5, and the show isn’t until [/font]6:15[font=Book Antiqua], what’s the problem?” Again, you would be a man.
And. Again I say, well, duh!!!!

Uumm, I'm gonna just skip right over the whole tub scene since it has the potential to conjecture images which may give me nightmares for years to come, thank-you-very-much!!!!

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924887_348.ts1159971868468.jpg
Here's the famous glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling. I believe the artist's name is Chihuly.
I LOVE that piece!! I believe I saw that very same Travel Channel special and, if memory serves (which it doesn't always, I freely admit!)they highlighted the artist and that particular piece??

zweihund

10-21-2006, 07:43 PM

Truly, entering the Wonder was magical, much like the first time--who am I kidding?--every time we travel to WDW and walk into the lobby at WL or walk down [/font]Main Street[font=Book Antiqua] at MK. Disney succeeds because they make us smile, whether we’re 3 or 93. They have some serious mojo goin’ on. And there we were, drinking it all in: the grandeur of the atrium/lobby, the friendliness of the staff, the tears on grown women (I had heard of this phenomenon but didn’t believe it until I saw it—I heard one woman saying that she couldn’t believe she was crying like a baby and laughing while she said it. Hmm, come to think of it, maybe that’s the Disney magic.), and the excitement in the children’s faces.

Amen to that.

I never knew I was a sap until it happened to me. :confused3

Great trip report, by the way. :thumbsup2

tksbaskets

10-21-2006, 08:08 PM

I'm enjoying your trip report. After we sail on NYE I'll just post a simple "We went on the cruise and it was fun." Tough acts to follow here. Thanks for sharing.

zweihund

10-21-2006, 08:16 PM

Hey Sleepydog...would you consider a reunion cruise with your DD in summer 2008? Zweihund, TaeJa71, Purplern and some of our other DIS pals our hoping to set something up when the dates are posted. Your DD will be the same age as TaeJa71's and mine.... We'd love to have you (with DD and DOC of course!!!)

Maybe you and Zweihund can even collaborate on your next TR? :goodvibes

I second that! But we have to bring RoyalVizier, Oybolshoi and GrumpyDude too - it will be the longest and funniest report in DIS history :woohoo:

Did I mention I am loving your report?

RoyalVizier

10-21-2006, 08:33 PM

I second that! But we have to bring RoyalVizier, Oybolshoi and GrumpyDude too - it will be the longest and funniest report in DIS history :woohoo:

I'm all for that! :banana:

Note to the remainder of the population... that would NOT be the cruise to book if you're looking for rest and relaxation. There would be antics and meyhem beyond your wildest dreams with all of us on one cruise.

No tub or verandah door would be safe! :eek: ;) :rotfl2:

Bring on the next installment!

MagicMe

10-21-2006, 09:46 PM

:rolleyes1 Hey, I have someone place to be next week and I was hoping to hear more about your trip - it was just a three day, right? :confused3

grumpydude

10-22-2006, 12:02 AM

I second that! But we have to bring RoyalVizier, Oybolshoi and GrumpyDude too - it will be the longest and funniest report in DIS history :woohoo:

Did I mention I am loving your report?

Me thoughts you was at The World for food and booze fest. Eh??

sleepydog25

10-22-2006, 06:35 AM

Patiently waiting for the next intallment. Hey, Doc, why don't you slip Sleepy a drink. Maybe that'll motivate him. :rolleyes1Don't you think it would look a bit weird for me to be sipping a cabernet at 6 a.m.? ;)

this is the first trip report i have been able to read the entire thing. i congratulate you for fixing my attention span.. momentarily.See?! I have done my good deed for the week. Who says DISers don't contribute to society?

Hey Sleepydog...would you consider a reunion cruise with your DD in summer 2008? Zweihund, TaeJa71, Purplern and some of our other DIS pals our hoping to set something up when the dates are posted. Your DD will be the same age as TaeJa71's and mine.... We'd love to have you (with DD and DOC of course!!!)

Maybe you and Zweihund can even collaborate on your next TR? :goodvibes
Hey, now that's a heck of a fun idea! When do they usually set the dates? We are definitely looking at another cruise in 2008, though we're primarily considering the 4-day Wonder this time around. But, we'd certainly be amenable to suggestions. :thumbsup2

Uumm, I'm gonna just skip right over the whole tub scene since it has the potential to conjecture images which may give me nightmares for years to come, thank-you-very-much!!!!

I LOVE that piece!! I believe I saw that very same Travel Channel special and, if memory serves (which it doesn't always, I freely admit!)they highlighted the artist and that particular piece??Nightmarish to some, dreamy to others. :teeth: Yes, I believe they did highlight Chihuly for a moment or two. One of the tidbits I remember was that he created his own Wonder atrium with the exact dimensions in order to ensure the sculpture would fit.

I never knew I was a sap until it happened to me. :confused3

. . .we have to bring RoyalVizier, Oybolshoi and GrumpyDude too - it will be the longest and funniest report in DIS history :woohoo:

Did I mention I am loving your report?I know I'm a sap; I just never like to admit it. . .pirate: We might truly have to look into making said TR into a book! lol And thank you for your generous words. :)

I'm enjoying your trip report. After we sail on NYE I'll just post a simple "We went on the cruise and it was fun." Tough acts to follow here. Thanks for sharing. Exactly my thoughts after reading zweihund's TR prior to our cruise. But, I have a feeling you'll be plenty inspired to write your own upon your return. You'll want to share the magic (perhaps even the Magic ;) ), and you'll find your own voice, which is the real key to writing. Have fun! And we'll await your trippie in '07!

Note to the remainder of the population... that would NOT be the cruise to book if you're looking for rest and relaxation. There would be antics and meyhem beyond your wildest dreams with all of us on one cruise.
How about this deal? I let all of you be the saps, maroons, and doofi (plural of doofus in case you wondered), and I just write about it? Huh? Good idea? Huh? :thumbsup2 :teeth:

:rolleyes1 Hey, I have someone place to be next week and I was hoping to hear more about your trip - it was just a three day, right? :confused3 Yes, but look at it this way. . .we'll still be here when you get back. :banana:

zweihund

10-22-2006, 10:19 AM

Me thoughts you was at The World for food and booze fest. Eh??

Yar, I be indeed. Well, I will be on Saturday. Just back from MNSSHP this weekend. Considering TRing it but I think it would be too short..... :rolleyes1

FatherForce

10-22-2006, 11:23 AM

"Don't you think it would look a bit weird for me to be sipping a cabernet at 6 a.m.? "

Might take the heat off me for writing about my 8AM WL Showerbeer.

Babyjustrun

10-22-2006, 12:12 PM

For some reason this cruise report is now consuming my life.
I was distraught this morning because I couldn't get a family member off the pc, and therefore could not check this thread.

JLSE50

10-22-2006, 08:52 PM

http://preview.sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924887_348.ts1159971868468.jpgHere's the famous glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling. I believe the artist's name is Chihuly. This work is massive!
His webpage is: http://www.chihuly.com/
He has a permanent installation at the Indianapolis Children's Museum which is amazing. http://www.childrensmuseum.org/themuseum/fireworks_ofglass/index.htm
Jan :earsgirl:

LCTsMom

10-22-2006, 09:49 PM

Hey, now that's a heck of a fun idea! When do they usually set the dates? We are definitely looking at another cruise in 2008, though we're primarily considering the 4-day Wonder this time around. But, we'd certainly be amenable to suggestions. :thumbsup2
!

I have heard rumblings that summer 2008 dates could be announced any time now. Some say it will be by the end of this year, some say early next year.
I second that! But we have to bring RoyalVizier, Oybolshoi and GrumpyDude too - it will be the longest and funniest report in DIS history :woohoo:

I'm all for that! :banana:

Note to the remainder of the population... that would NOT be the cruise to book if you're looking for rest and relaxation. There would be antics and meyhem beyond your wildest dreams with all of us on one cruise.

No tub or verandah door would be safe! :eek: ;) :rotfl2:

Bring on the next installment!
The more the merrier! It sounds like it would be a BLAST! :dance3: :thumbsup2

pppiglet

10-22-2006, 10:51 PM

Gee, my computer goes down for a few days and you're still not having your first dinner. Glad I didn't miss too much, but had to catch up on 4 pages!

My DH has been called a maroon by me for years. You could take us on your next cruise and write about him!

UtahMama

10-22-2006, 11:28 PM

Dog!
Man you're making me want to cruise!
The shows, the decor/art, the shopping (yay!), and the FOOD!
How much did you gain? Sorry, that's personal....
I would have to diet before and after.
Keep it up! Spare no detail! Well I guess if your willing to share about your
bathtub adventures, there's no sacred topics! I like that about you!

Holly&Joesmommy

10-22-2006, 11:52 PM

I just found your TR tonight :surfweb: , been reading for........ popcorn:: well lets just say FOURTEEN PAGES, and I have laughed so hard I had to take a break to wipe the tears :rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao:
DH is tryin to sleep, but I keep waking him :lmao: shhhh! :guilty:

THanks for the journey,...can't wait for more :Pinkbounc

sleepydog25

10-23-2006, 10:20 AM

Day 2: What Are the Odds?
I thought about providing a brief recap to this point for those just joining the thread. Then I realized, I do nothing briefly, and you would be better served to just read the past episodes on your own when you have time. . .lots and lots of time. :thumbsup2 Without further adieu, on to the story, already in progress. . .

Finally, our seating for Animator's Palate arrived. We were greeted by the usual sanitizing squad (sans Guido) then promptly escorted to our table where we waited with great anticipation for the meal and the dinner show. As mentioned previously (for all you regular cruisers, please allow that some who are reading this installment have yet to go on a cruise, so bear with me), dining on board a Disney cruise ship is done on a rotational basis. You are assigned a particular restaurant each night, and your servers follow you around. . .as do the other people seated at your table. When we sat at Table 52, we had no idea with whom we would be dining nor, obviously, who our servers would be.

The latter answer came quickly as we were warmly welcomed by Chintana (Thailand) and Joacir (Brazil). One of the larger aspects I enjoyed about cruising was the opportunity to meet folks from outside the U.S., especially the crew members. Both Chintana and Joacir were friendly and appropriately chatty as they introduced themselves and wished us happy dining over the next three nights. Naturally, we informed them that we’d be skipping tomorrow night’s scheduled meal at Parrot’s Carrot Grotto Cay Cove in order to dine at Palo. I detected no sense of sadness or disappointment, and I owed it to the fact that word of our early arrival faux pas had reached them. Chintana then told us that we would be joined by two other couples.

No sooner had she uttered those words when one of those couples magically appeared. At first glance, they seemed pleasant, friendly, and experienced. As we began to talk, we found out that Ann and Randy had, indeed, cruised before. Soon after, the typical small talk questions and answer session began: what do you do? where are you from? do you have kids? What do you think of the bathtub in your room? Etc., etc. And here’s what we learned: Ann and Randy lived in a small town less than two hours from us. Both of them are docs (she, ophthamologist; he, veterinarian). They had Palo reservations for the next night, too. And. One of Ann’s partners had actually gone to med school with Doc! We had planned this trip for months, traveled 10 hours, boarded a cruise ship bound for the Bahamas, switched our dinner ressies around, and we wind up dining with folks sharing common interests and almost in our neighborhood! Too funny. Best of all, they were extremely nice and great conversationalists—traits not to be overlooked if you wind up sharing dinner with them throughout a cruise. For the record, the other couple didn’t show up that evening--more about them later, however.

As we talked, the hubbub surrounding dinner continued apace. The service was excellent, and the food delicious. Doc had the bacon-wrapped filet mignon with a Caesar salad while I dined on veal chops w/risotto and stuffed baked tomatoes. Both were good to very good; alas, we failed to take pics, so you’ll just have use your imagination. For dessert, Doc got a chocolate concoction of some sort, and I had the peanut butter & chocolate pie—an excellent choice! Somehow, some way, the servers know you. . .or at least think they do. The only other time we had eaten on the ship was at lunch earlier that day during which time I had tried the coffee on board and found it, well, lacking. It wasn’t bad, just not what I’d call real good, either. Doc had hot tea. As Joacir cleared our dishes, Chintana said, “So, you (looking at me) like tea and your wife enjoys coffee.” Close. She seemed confused when we corrected her, especially when I said I didn’t want coffee but Doc did. And when she brought out the coffee, she triumphantly added, “And you (looking at Doc) like cream and sugar.” Not quite, as Doc drinks her coffee black. That really threw Chintana for a loop. Still, I was left wondering how she knew what she did and if she had my social security and PIN numbers, too. . .;)

Of course, the big treat about Animator’s Palate is the dinner show. If you’ve seen the piece about it on TV and read about it on the DIS boards, you know that the restaurant starts out in stark black and white. Here’s a shot from our table.

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924246_348.ts1159970483346.jpg

SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE THIS RESTAURANT! SKIP AHEAD TO THE NEXT PARAGRAPH, PLEASE! REPEAT, DO NOT READ FURTHER IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN TO ANIMATOR’S PALATE! SKIP AHEAD!! You can’t say I didn’t warn you. During the course of the meal, the walls “change” to color, the overall hue of the room alternates depending upon the course being served (the music being played cues the servers), and various screens around the restaurant play snippets of Disney movies and cartoons. So, if you’re still with me, here’s what I thought—it was just okay. It’s a great concept, and it was fun watching the screens play the bits and pieces of animation. But. It just wasn’t all that for us. Perhaps we had come to expect more based on the TV special and glowing reviews on the boards. Perhaps we were just tired from all the excitement. Perhaps I was saddened by the lack of a good cup o’ joe. Whatever the reasons, we were underwhelmed. Yes, it was unique, and we’re glad we saw the show, but it didn’t meet our expectations. However, if you haven’t been to AP and you ignored my advice and read this paragraph anyway, we still recommend you go and see for yourself. And, I might add, this was the only disappointment we had the entire cruise, and it was minor at that.

After the show, the room is left looking like this.

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924300_348.ts1159970628408.jpg

We left feeling a bit tired, though full, and it’s no wonder given that it was already past 10 p.m. We said good night to our servers and table guests and found ourselves walking toward the gift shops again. Though crowded, they were nothing like before, and we made some mental notes of things to buy on another day.

Not wanting to end this magical day, our steps led us to the Cadillac Lounge with Bobby Hamilton playing a baby grand and singing the blues, some jazz, and some big band era favorites. There were only a few people inside, and despite having just finished a large meal with dessert, we opted for an after dinner drink. Doc had a chocolate martini while I, on the other hand, in keeping with the theme of the place and the cruise, tried a most excellent drink called the ’53 Coco Cadillac. It is a cold, martini-ish drink that hints at coconut and pineapple. Very nice. We enjoyed our brief stay at the Cadillac Lounge, but soon the bed was calling our names. On the way to our room, we passed by the mural below.

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4925108_1024.ts1159972446432.jpg

Doc used this mural (which covers the wall behind the midship elevators for, I believe, three decks) to orient herself for which side of the ship we were on. On either side of Ariel (and not shown) are Flounder and Sebastian. According to Doc, we were on the Flounder side. Me? I just looked which way the ship was pointing. Call me crazy.

Upon arriving at our room around 11, the first of three night time creatures visited our room. Zip and Doo had been joined by Terry the Dog.

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924384_348.ts1159970756390.jpg
How appropriate that a dog is our first towel animal, eh? He looks like a pet for the X-Men. And he has friends! Eeek! Mutant mini bears!!

Even though we’d been to WDW three times before and HHI once, this was our very first towel animal! After admiring the handiwork, we slipped out onto the verandah and stared up at the moon and stars. It doesn’t get much finer than to feel the wind in your hair, the smell of sea spray, and the gloriously lit sky above while on a cruise. A wonderful first day had come to a close.

Tomorrow: Self-Indulgement 101

Blythep

10-23-2006, 10:37 AM

Wow, thanks so much Dog!! I am enjoying your TR so much. It is really preparing me for our cruise in May. DH and I are renewing our vows and our teenage boys will be with us, but your discriptions are so great. In looking at my countdown on my wall at work, I realize that I still have almost 230 days until we sail. Thanks again for the great report!! :thumbsup2

FatherForce

10-23-2006, 11:00 AM

I noticed you didn't mention that that was your SECOND trip to the Cadillac lounge that evening. :banana:

Bethipooh4

10-23-2006, 11:44 AM

Totally off topic....

I LOVE the little bouncing pumpkins....And how do you get one?

But what the heck is being boo'ed?? :confused3

curlybop

10-23-2006, 12:00 PM

That is so neat about the table mates. Who would've thought it turned out that way? I'm just waiting to hear about the addtl people who didn't show up that night. :teeth:

Holly&Joesmommy

10-23-2006, 12:15 PM

Totally off topic....

I LOVE the little bouncing pumpkins....And how do you get one?

But what the heck is being boo'ed?? :confused3

DITTO! I've been seeing them and they are so cute,...
I WANT ONE! :Pinkbounc

GREat report today, :thumbsup2 but I hope you get the rest done by Thurs : popcorn:: ,... cause I leave for our 7 day eastern :woohoo: , and I would hate to have to wait 9 days before I could finish this tale!

Blythep

10-23-2006, 12:18 PM

Totally off topic....

I LOVE the little bouncing pumpkins....And how do you get one?

But what the heck is being boo'ed?? :confused3

Bethipooh4 - check your PM - You have been boo'd!!

Jennifer48

10-23-2006, 01:45 PM

Its nice that you were seated for dinner with two other couples. When my DBF and I went back in April, they seated us with a family of 3 with a young daughter (I believe she was 8). Granted she was the cutest girl and so much fun to listen to the cruise experience in her eyes, still, adult company would have been fun too! :goodvibes

Bethipooh4

10-23-2006, 04:13 PM

Awesome trip installment as usual, makes me want to cruise again....
One small thing is keeping us from it....MONEY!!!! :rotfl2:

pppiglet

10-23-2006, 04:29 PM

I have to agree with the Sleepydog....AP was a letdown for us too after all the hype on the boards. We were expecting a lot more.

Disneygrl36

10-23-2006, 05:28 PM

Wax on sleepydog, wax on..........
I can't wait to feel the breeze in my hair too!!

After admiring the handiwork, we slipped out onto the verandah and stared up at the moon and stars. It doesn’t get much finer than to feel the wind in your hair, the smell of sea spray, and the gloriously lit sky above while on a cruise. A wonderful first day had come to a close.

Amlee

10-23-2006, 05:38 PM

I'm loving the report!!

It's strange how small of a world it is. On my Sept cruise one of our table mates works with a girl that was part of a group, that I went to Fiji with last year. I went to the theater one day and there stood a lady I went to Scotland with in March. None of us knew the other would be on the cruise.

sheridac

10-23-2006, 08:39 PM

The latter answer came quickly as we were warmly welcomed by Chintana ([/font]Thailand) and Joacir (Brazil[font=Book Antiqua]).
WHAT??!! You made those names up, didn't you?? Come on. You know you did. 'Fess up!!!!

pppiglet

10-23-2006, 11:51 PM

WHAT??!! You made those names up, didn't you?? Come on. You know you did. 'Fess up!!!!

Now THAT'S funny! I was thinking when I read who his waiters were that those were the weirdest names I had ever seen on the DIS! :rotfl2:

MagicMe

10-24-2006, 06:56 AM

Actually, we had Chintana and Joe (we just called him Joe) on our trip in August. We loved her!!! We tried to smuggle her home (she should have fit in one of the bigger suitcases!)

They had our table and one smaller table with three people. Our table had 15 people :rotfl: . She did an excellent job and always surprised us as to how much she remembered about us and what we liked!

Another excellent installment - glad we made it through the first day!!! Two more days to go! :banana:

sleepydog25

10-24-2006, 10:44 AM

"Don't you think it would look a bit weird for me to be sipping a cabernet at 6 a.m.? "

Might take the heat off me for writing about my 8AM WL Showerbeer.Good point. Mine is weird. Yours is frightful.

For some reason this cruise report is now consuming my life.Odd. I was thinkin the same thing. ;)

His webpage is: http://www.chihuly.com/ In case anyone missed it the first time around.

I have heard rumblings that summer 2008 dates could be announced any time now. Some say it will be by the end of this year, some say early next year.Have I mentioned we got our Castaway Club papers and IDs yesterday? :thumbsup2

Dog!
Man you're making me want to cruise!
The shows, the decor/art, the shopping (yay!), and the FOOD!
How much did you gain? Sorry, that's personal....
I would have to diet before and after.
Keep it up! Spare no detail! Well I guess if your willing to share about your
bathtub adventures, there's no sacred topics! I like that about you!What's not to like? Come to the dark side, Uma. . .:darth: I think my weight gain was minimal seeing as it was offset by the tub o' death and other such incidents. And, yes, I will spare no detail. You probably noticed that already, huh? :teeth:

I just found your TR tonight , been reading for........ well lets just say FOURTEEN PAGES, and I have laughed so hard I had to take a break to wipe the tears
DH is tryin to sleep, but I keep waking him :lmao:Welcome aboard! Is it only 14? Geez, it seems so much shorter than that! :jester: And, spouses are made to be awakened with trivial stuff. Just ask Doc. ;) As for leaving--in what is it, 8 days now?--see my answer to Blythep below. :sunny:

Wow, thanks so much Dog!! I am enjoying your TR so much. It is really preparing me for our cruise in May. DH and I are renewing our vows and our teenage boys will be with us, but your discriptions are so great. In looking at my countdown on my wall at work, I realize that I still have almost 230 days until we sail. Thanks again for the great report!! :thumbsup2230 days, you say? Cool. I should be done by then. ;) Stick around, 'cuz there will be even more tips as we go.

I noticed you didn't mention that that was your SECOND trip to the Cadillac lounge that evening. :banana:Third.
That is so neat about the table mates. Who would've thought it turned out that way? I'm just waiting to hear about the addtl people who didn't show up that night. It was quite ironic we went to those lengths to hunt down an old classmate of Doc's. As for the other couple, it's a few pages away, say, next month? ;)

Its nice that you were seated for dinner with two other couples. When my DBF and I went back in April, they seated us with a family of 3 with a young daughter (I believe she was 8). Granted she was the cutest girl and so much fun to listen to the cruise experience in her eyes, still, adult company would have been fun too! :goodvibes That was our thinking, but we didn't know if we might not be with kids for the two nights we did the rotation, which would have been just fine. Hence, one reason we opted for Palo which we'll definitely do again since it was so enjoyable. But, that's jumping ahead, isn't it? ;)

Wax on sleepydog, wax on..........
I can't wait to feel the breeze in my hair too!! Let's not forget to wax off. . .;) There were several moments like that, and I hope to capture just a little of them in my writing. Thanks!

I'm loving the report!!

It's strange how small of a world it is. On my Sept cruise one of our table mates works with a girl that was part of a group, that I went to Fiji with last year. I went to the theater one day and there stood a lady I went to Scotland with in March. None of us knew the other would be on the cruise Thank you! I'm loving writing it. And some day, in a different forum and thread, I will have to relate one of the best of those "small world" stories that happened to my dad some 30 years ago. It's a truly wonderful anecdote.

Awesome trip installment as usual, makes me want to cruise again....
One small thing is keeping us from it....MONEY!!!! There's always the option a life of crime to pay for your cruises. Just a thought.

shermanic=WHAT??!! You made those names up, didn't you?? Come on. You know you did. 'Fess up!!!!

pppigletto=Now THAT'S funny! I was thinking when I read who his waiters were that those were the weirdest names I had ever seen on the DIS! :rotfl2:

Actually, we had Chintana and Joe (we just called him Joe) on our trip in August. We loved her!!! We tried to smuggle her home (she should have fit in one of the bigger suitcases!)

They had our table and one smaller table with three people. Our table had 15 people :rotfl: . She did an excellent job and always surprised us as to how much she remembered about us and what we liked!

Another excellent installment - glad we made it through the first day!!! Two more days to go! :banana: Ha!! Proof that a fertile imagination is no substitute for the truth! :teeth: Two more days and lots more adventures.

Thanks for the compliments, one and all! I'm working on the next installment. . .promise. . .I'm hurrying. . .;)

firstmickey

10-24-2006, 10:59 AM

Awww...you faked me out...I thought you had posted the next installment! :teeth:

Bethipooh4

10-24-2006, 11:02 AM

Awww...you faked me out...I thought you had posted the next installment! :teeth:

I know, I thought the same thing, all though his replies are alot of fun to read too...

Of course my first thought was WHAT A TEASE!!! :wave2:

PhotoLisa

10-24-2006, 11:56 AM

As I am recuperating from surgery and anticipating my 4th Disney cruise, I am thoroughly enjoying your trip report. The 15 pages so far have been extremely entertaining to someone confined to bed with a laptop and TV!

Holly&Joesmommy

10-24-2006, 12:03 PM

photolisa:....pixie dust and a speedy recovery!

Holly&Joesmommy

10-24-2006, 12:06 PM

Az Pirates

10-24-2006, 03:22 PM

230 days, you say? Cool. I should be done by then. ;) Stick around, 'cuz there will be even more tips as we go.

(slight snip here)

Thanks for the compliments, one and all! I'm working on the next installment. . .promise. . .I'm hurrying. . .;)

Hurrying within the context of a 3 day trip report slated to be completed in somewhat under 300 days or so (at least we hope) ;)

Just got off the Magic on Saturday and it's fun reading your report while cruisin' memories are fresh in my mind.

BTW, my 8 yr old DD took a bath and complained about the tub being too small!
'nuff said. :rotfl:

Great TR!

LisaSp

10-24-2006, 04:53 PM

...I am totally hooked on this AND FatherForce's Trip report. They are hilarious! We did a 7-day eastern in March, and hope to do another in early '08. But as time slowly passes till then, I love reading good trip reports...these are fantastic!!

LCTsMom

10-24-2006, 07:24 PM

Have I mentioned we got our Castaway Club papers and IDs yesterday? :thumbsup2

It's awesome to be an official CC member, isn't it? Can't wait to try ours out on our next cruise! :thumbsup2

secretkeeper

10-24-2006, 07:38 PM

OK you have hooked another....

More Please! :Pinkbounc :bounce: :Pinkbounc

famof8

10-24-2006, 08:36 PM

I am lovin your TR, but I think I still can't get over that you DIDN'T TAKE PRINCESS!!!........

keep it coming and I will work on it :rolleyes:

zweihund

10-24-2006, 09:08 PM

Looking forward to more! :thumbsup2

PhotoLisa

10-25-2006, 10:20 AM

http://lisanealphotography.com/forums/cavey.jpg

Here's for all the Captain Caveman fans out there!

I'm waiting along with the rest of the fans!!

sleepydog25

10-25-2006, 10:32 AM

Day 3: Self-Indulgence 101--Part I, The Morning

[Author's note: Let me just say that with the photo website I'm using, it appears I can either have thumbnail pics, smallish medium pics, or the giant pics I've inserted a couple of times. I can't seem to produce a larger medium pic regardless of what I do. Thus, I've primarily used the smaller medium pics to make them easier to view without resorting to the slide bar; however, if there is a general consensus for the giant shots, I will switch. Thanks for your continued patronage! :thumbsup2 ]

“Ha-HAH! Time to get up! There’s lots to do today!” I can’t swear if these were the exact words Mickey said on the phone because very little of me functions at 6 a.m., at least 6 a.m. without my morning mistress—coffee.

Veronika. I needed to see Veronika.

And I don’t look so good in the mornings. Hell, I don’t look so good, period, but especially in the mornings. Look up any of the following words—bleary-eyed, disheveled, grumpy, and stupor—and you will find a picture of me from first thing in the morning.

Veronika. I needed to see Veronika.

After checking out the Early Morning Verandah (it looked and felt the same as the Late Evening Verandah) and throwing clothes on haphazardly, I stumbled down the passageway and up three flights of stairs to Deck 9, home of the Cove Café. And the damn door didn’t work. “Do not tell me this place is not open!” I screamed. . .inside. I’m grumpy, not a maroo. . .never mind. The door was one of those automatic eye jobbies, and the mechanism controlling it was mocking me. I could feel it. Then. . .

Veronika. Opened the door, she did. . .and apologized for the door sticking. “So, you ARE open?” I asked tremulously. “Yass. You would to come in?” she asked sweetly. Does a dog lick his butt?!

Veronika was perky and chatty, and she had an endearing eastern European accent that seemed to say, “I know coffee.” As she went to work on my quad venti latte with two raw sugars and Doc’s mochaccino, we talked quite a bit about her. As I said previously, the various nationalities we encountered on the cruise was a major plus (excluding Guido the Sanitizer). Veronika was a case in point. She discussed her father at length, that he was recuperating from an illness and had joined her for three weeks’ vacation recently. . .to Cuba. She was thinking someplace warm like Mexico or even exploring the U.S., but her dad wanted to go to Cuba. Why? To show her why communism doesn’t work. That’s what she said. You see, he was under communist control for much of his life living in what is now the Czech Republic. By visiting Cuba he could show her why he believes that form of governing fails the people. Veronika related to me that the vacation was actually enjoyable but that she saw much rationing, shortages, and people who were not knowledgeable about world affairs. It was fascinating to see a third party’s view on Cuba. As much as I wanted to talk further, I had to get back to the room; plus, other customers were trickling in.

Back at our stateroom, we sat on the verandah, sipped our coffees, and munched on a couple of great croissants that Veronika had given me. We were steaming into Nassau, and though the morning was greeting us with some grumpiness of its own, the view was still glorious.

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924463_1024.ts1159970881439.jpg

This shot was taken off our verandah. Notice the other cruise ship to the far right. No, really, it's there, the SS Booz N Gamble.

The sky was clear enough that we wandered up to the Beach Buzzard’s Bucket Bingo Buffet where we found all the breakfast foods you could want: bacon, eggs, sausage, potatoes, cereals (hot and cold), fresh fruit, grits, biscuits and gravy, and best of all to Doc, an omelet station. Doc loves her omelets almost as much as I love my coffee, so she was thrilled. Service here was also quick, efficient, and courteous. I could get used to this kind of life! After the meal, we did a bit more exploring.
http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924520_348.ts1159970992235.jpg
After picking up lattes in the Cove Cafe, we proceeded to wander around the ship prior to docking at Nassau. This was taken off Deck 9. The red box hanging off Doc's neck is her Latte Alert button.

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924595_1024.ts1159971120919.jpg
I thought this gave a great perspective to the length and size of the ship. Pretty good pic for having one hand on the camera and the other on my life-saving quad shot grande latte with two raw sugars.

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924661_348.ts1159971246010.jpg
The famous Mickey Pool, mostly sans kids since it was still rather early. Mickey is grinning 'cause that little kid just tinkled in his left ear. . .

http://sleepydog25.photosite.com/~photos/tn/4924733_1024.ts1159971370509.jpg
Remember that other cruise ship in the sunrise photo? That's her. Yeah, we docked first! Take that you rum runner!

The captain was going to be docking soon, so we wandered around the ship to check out his vantage points. As you probably know, he has four stations—one on each end and side of the ship--where he can use a joystick to guide the boat right up to the pier. And Capt. Andersson is good. As we neared Nassau’s harbor, we attempted to guess where he was about to dock. Then we noticed the ship was swinging around in order to point the stern toward land. He backed that sucker in! I can barely parallel park my Pilot, and this man was cozying up between another cruise ship and a stone pier with a billion dollar ship!? Uh-mazing.

By 9 a.m., folks were beginning to spill out of their staterooms and into Nassau. But not the good Doctor nor myself. See, we had a plan. And it didn’t involve Nassau at all. Oh, nooooooo. . .this was not a shopping vacation, this was an indulgent vacation of the personal kind. So, what was the first thing we did? I know what you’re thinking. . .and. . .you’d be WRONG. I ran and Doc read.

Do I look like I’m kidding?

I can only be cooped up for so long before I feel the need for speed, or in my case, the hots to trot. The day was spritzy, overcast, and relatively cool (as in under 80F). By 9:30, I was in my running gear and stretching on Deck 4. By 9:45, I was striding along the port side and feeling good. The neatest thing about the run was winding my way among the machinery both fore and aft. The walkway narrows and actually has a few twists, turns, and even a couple of slopes! For some reason, I had expected to be running by all these beautiful people playing basketball, laying in the sun on deck chairs, and laughing hilariously as they sloshed down some drinks. I’ve seen the commercials. I know these people exist. What I got instead were two older women gawking at me as though I was mad, four preteens wondering if I was part of the entertainment, a mom with her daughter playing shuffleboard daring me to get in their way, and. . .a freakin’ boat drill.

Did you know that when the ship docks, they have drills? I didn’t. So, imagine the fun I was having weaving my way among a couple of hundred crew members. . .with day-glo orange life jackets. It was like a fingerling potato lost in a sea of carrots. They cared not that I was trying to stay in shape. Some were intrigued by my running. Some made no attempt to disguise their laughing. And one young crewwoman I scared the beejeebers out of. It was in one of the tight turns fore, and she must have thought I was about to mug her because she let out a yelp and recoiled a bit. On second thought, it might have been my Ichabod Crane-like visage. Whatever, I gave up trying to run around the ship and opted to go into Nassau. After grabbing the appropriate ID, I dashed off the ship and proceeded to run up and down the piers where a total of four ships were now docked. No one. . .not a single soul. . .was running anywhere on any ship or anyplace else. . .except me. This run quest of mine was best summed up by two women disembarking from an RC ship:
“Now, that’s what I’m talkin’ ‘bout, honey! That’s exercisin’!”
“Uh-huhhh, and he can exercise for me, ‘cause I’m goin’ to find some booze!”

Which brings me to a rather humorous aside, as told to me by one of our on board DIS friends. She said that her family got off the Wonder and hopped on a bus for an excursion to Atlantis. While waiting for other passengers, the bus driver inquired which ship they were from. When they replied the Disney Wonder, the driver laughed and nodded. “That’s what I thought. The other cruise ships mean drinking and gambling. Disney means activities.” I just found that very funny. :lmao:

And for those of you wondering what Doc did during my run? She actually read while nestled into one of the comfy chairs on Deck 4 (I passed by her once—she, too, laughed at my folly). But there’s more to her story which she has offered to share later. . .involving a place hopefully none of you have visited while on a cruise. . .

After our separate activities, we readied ourselves for one of the highlights of the trip: Vista Spa and Salon. We splurged on this one, ‘cause it ain’t cheap. Based on the time vs. cost ratio, I figure it cost us $5 just to walk in the door. But, the allure of getting your own personal massage was too much for us to ignore. It was the first thing we booked after making our cruise reservations. They have all sorts of choices, too. Quick massages, steam baths (zweihund has a hilarious take on this in her report), and even partner massages (no, YOUR partner). However, we opted for what we felt was the best bang for the buck—the hot stone massage. 75 minutes of full body massaging with oil and, obviously, hot stones.

We showed promptly at 11—okay, so it was 10:57. They were playing nice chamber music in the lobby of Vista, and the chic hostesses looked very European in their white lab coats. Wait. Come to think of it, they were European. Duh. Then they asked us to answer a few questions attached to a clipboard. A few turned out to be a few dozen. They dang near want your entire medical history. And. Trust me on this one. Lie. It’s faster. :teeth:

Within moments, Doc and I were ushered to a separate cubicles with New Age music piped in. At this point, they give you a moment—alone—to, umm, prepare yourself for the massage. Make sure you’ve showered, okay? My massage therapist was Decy, and she was a small, pleasant woman of Filipino descent. In what I can now say was foreshadowing, I briefly glimpsed her hands before my face was smushed into the round donut that allows you to breathe. I remember thinking to myself, “Those are some short, stubby, and powerful-looking fingers on that woman.” While she scanned the sheets of paper I had filled out moments before, Decy began quizzing me on my various answers. See, the whole idea behind finding out what ails you is so the masseuse can attack you. So, if there are parts of you that are sensitive to short, stubby, powerful fingers jabbing into your muscles, DO NOT mention them. Decy will find them. Caveat emptor. Decy was also blunt—nice, but blunt. “This say you 39 (my stock answer for age). You look older. You sick? Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!”

Her next move was to cover my back with a towel, then place small, flat stones-- that had been heating in steaming water--along my spine. That felt dreamy all by itself. I did a quick mental check on my drool level and decided I’d be okay if I didn’t fall asleep. Decy and I chatted a little about her life as she started to massage my right thigh, and I soon found out she was divorced with a child who stays home in the Philippines with grandma and grandpa. No sooner was that mentioned when I felt a grinding pain in my upper thigh down to my calf. The woman was putting her whole weight into her forearm and bearing down. I think she was propping her legs against the wall for leverage! I figured The Rock was going to tag team with her at any moment. If not for the oil, I would’ve been skinned alive, I’m certain.

Now, I know she was using a very typical heavy massage technique, but methinks she was channeling some aggression here, leading me to wonder if her ex were in a hospital somewhere. To her credit, she did ask me if it that amount of pressure was okay. Sensing it was over, I said sure. Well, there’s that. . .and the fact that I’m a man, and just like in the tub o’ death, I wasn’t about to admit I was mortal. What I needed was a chunk of wood I could stick in my mouth like in the old Westerns when they remove a bullet from the soldier’s shoulder and all he has is wood to bite on. My god, the woman was a mini-Hulk! I was hoping I could walk again. Naturally, she switched to the other leg and repeated the same maneuver, and naturally, I was too stupid to say anything! As if that wasn’t enough, did you know that if you try, you too can have your heel touch the small of your back? Oh, yes she did. I’m here to tell you, though, my hammies and calves were relaxed when she finished: flattened with the consistency of Jell-o, but r-e-l-a-x-e-d.

Then came the hot stones on the bare skin. Warm oil + hot stone = tremendous relaxation. I had never had a hot stone massage before, but this won’t be the last time. Decy effortlessly incorporated the smooth stone into her massage techniques, and the results were exquisite. The kneading and rubbing were very soothing, and I found myself in an almost dreamlike trance, on the outskirts of the City of Drool. All of this is followed by a refreshing mint-like essence that seemed to tighten the skin and felt quite refreshing. The same basic routine—with more emphasis on the arms and including the hot stones—continued after I rolled onto my back. It turned out to be the best professional massage I’ve ever had, and despite the early grind therapy, the entire massage was just about my favorite event during the entire cruise.

Too soon, my 75 minutes were up. After I dressed, Decy came back into the room and, of course, had to do the sales thing. If you haven’t done a massage, then you may not know that they attempt to sell you the very expensive oils and essences they’ve been using on you, though they aren’t pushy. Both Doc and I declined graciously, but we did tip well since part of the therapist’s income is derived from commission on the sale of the oils. We were flushed and relaxed to the point that I wanted a ride to our room. Alas, we had to walk, and as we walked, we talked.
“Wow. That was sooooo good, “ I intoned.
“That. . .was. . .great,” Doc agreed. “I didn’t want it to end.”
“Me, either, but I thought Decy was going to cripple me there for a few minutes.”
“Didn’t she ask you if she was pressing too hard?” That sly Doc, always thinking of the right question.
“Umm, nooooo. . .”
“Maroon.”

On deck~~Day 3: Self-Indulgence 101--Palo

zweihund

10-25-2006, 11:27 AM

After picking up lattes in the Cove Cafe, we proceeded to wander around the ship prior to docking at Nassau. This was taken off Deck 9. The red box hanging off Doc's neck is her Latte Alert button.

You mean someone else has one of those too?

Great installment! I ALMOST went for the hot stone massage. I might have to do that one next time. Next time, I will most likely end up spending half a year's pay in there.

MagicMe

10-25-2006, 12:08 PM

Hot stone massages are my favorites!!! Lucky you!

BTW - if you spent any late night time on Deck 4, you would have seen Chintana running! We saw her three out of the four nights on board!

Keep the installments coming!

DocLovesDis

10-25-2006, 12:36 PM

I tell my patients to exercise, I however do not heed my own words. :rolleyes1 So when Sleepy decided to go running, I wanted to continue a relaxing vacation with just that ... relaxation. :cloud9:

I had a good book and had read about the comfy padded Deck 4 lounge chairs. I decided to head there to curl up and read. The sky was a bit cloudy so being under some cover was going to be good.

On the way down the steps, I thought that I might take a quick detour. I am a curious person and wanted to see how the other half lives..... I wanted to see the medical clinic. Yes, you can take the doc on vacation but she will still be drawn to a medical clinic. I always say to patients - "the only people that like to be in a hospital are the docs and the nurses". :goodvibes

The medical clinic is on the 1st deck near where everyone departs the ship at ports (ie Nassau and CC). I slipped through the door marked "medical clinic" and had to wind my way through narrow corridors (wow the crew/maintenance areas are tight - like submarine tight). I ended up in a quaint little waiting area typical of most doc offices. There were 2 nurses chatting who quickly looked up and asked if I was ok. I said I was just fine, which did confuse them a bit. :confused3 I then explained that I was a doc and wanted to see their facility if possible. They were very nice and gave me a tour. They have a kid themed room, a few regular exam rooms, Xray, full labs that would rival most large doc offices/small hospitals, and a trauma room. They also have a room that is for ICU/critical patients and a few quarantine rooms. They told me that they don't just treat scrapes and twisted ankles/hips (occurred when trying to take a bath? :lmao: ) but they often have very sick guests. They had 4 people that needed to be medically evacuated on the cruise before ours, including one with a very low oxygen level. They have had heart attacks, strokes etc. It seemed very efficient and state of the art. Made me feel very comfortable knowing that they have everything to handle any type of emergency. :thumbsup2

For your information, they do not just take care of the guests but they also provide the medical care for the crew. They have sick call first thing in the am. When I arrived at 9:30 ish, they had just finished all the sick call for that day. So in the future, if you have to go to the medical clinic for something other than a quick tour, you may want to wait until 10 or so.

I then went back to deck 4. The chairs were very comfy and my book very interesting. It was nice and relaxing for me. :cloud9: I did, however, get to observe the boat drill that Sleepy mentioned. The crew gathered at the muster stations, where they took 2 life boats out on the water to ensure they worked properly (I assume that they rotate through all the lifeboats on different cruises - I hope that they don't choose the same ones everytime - I wonder what that muster station was... we may need to choose our cabins based on a working muster station... but I digress :teeth: ).
It was interesting to see how the crew drills. They have different horns to respond to, including one to abandon ship. Of course there is an announcement that guests should ignore the horns. I listened attentively and did not have any urge to fling myself off the ship just because of the whistle. :laughing:
They then had a sub-captain (he was in white and seemed important - hence the title) who came around and grilled the crew about proceedures. They were questioned about what to do if the engine on the life boat didn't work, what to do if the steering went out, etc. Very cool to watch/hear.... it reminded me of how medical people practice for emergencies so we aren't fumbling around when it really counts.

It was then time for me to see where Sleepy went. I had seen him run by twice then disappeared. I hoped that I would not have to make a second trip to the medical clinic looking for a "dog" that collapsed :rolleyes: . It did feel very secure knowing that the crew was very prepared to handle any emergency that may occur... medical or otherwise.

Hope I didn't bore anyone too much. Any medical types will probably find it interesting... the rest of you... well thanks for reading. :wave2:

Sue (mom of 3 boys!)

10-25-2006, 12:54 PM

OK, this TR sucked me in faster than dirt into my Dyson vaccum! Which is a big deal, you see, because I have dial up internet (AKA slowww...). I have read every post, and have happily neglected any work to be done. Now I am an official subscriber so I can read the posts as they come out, instead of 16 pages at one time.
(The tub fiasco was the best! My DH took one look at it on our cruise and called it a death trap for anyone taller than 3 feet, LOL)

wndrmite

10-25-2006, 01:23 PM

I have been really enjoying your trip report.. am I going to get one more installment before I cruise saturday??? :thumbsup2

lUVTOGO

10-25-2006, 01:56 PM

Great Trip Report!! Keep them coming!

zweihund

10-25-2006, 03:36 PM

Hope I didn't bore anyone too much. Any medical types will probably find it interesting... the rest of you... well thanks for reading. :wave2:

That's really interesting!
I'm sort-of a medical type....work for ORMC (Central Florida's only level 1 trauma) as a therapist on the rehab floor, so I see alot of broken hips and wrists and such. With cruising seniors and tiny bathtubs ;) it wouldn't surprise me if they see some of the same things! It's good to know that the crew and guests are in such capable hands.

My cousin went on a RCL cruise to Alaska, only to be sent back to shore because she had a kidney stone. They wouldn't let her stay on the boat and just pass it. She is a nurse herself and she was FURIOUS. They did give them a nice compensatory discount towards a future cruise, but still.....can you imagine being on your way to Alaska and then being made to get off the boat? :sad2:

DocLovesDis

10-25-2006, 03:52 PM

My cousin went on a RCL cruise to Alaska, only to be sent back to shore because she had a kidney stone. They wouldn't let her stay on the boat and just pass it. She is a nurse herself and she was FURIOUS. They did give them a nice compensatory discount towards a future cruise, but still.....can you imagine being on your way to Alaska and then being made to get off the boat?

Wow - that would make me mad especially because most people pass stones without problems. She could have just had a few specialty drinks of the day and would have done just fine ;)

The one person the nurses told me about was a man who had an 80% O2 sat. They said he didn't want to get off the boat but they couldn't keep him at that low of a rate. I understand sending off someone who may need to be intubated, but the kidney thing.... just don't get that.
I hope the guy with the low O2 sat is doing ok.
I am glad that your cousin was at least compensated.
You can let her know that after living in Alaska for 4 yrs that the best way to visit is to fly in and then drive to places. Much better scenery and wildlife sightings. :magnify:

DeloreanGirl

10-25-2006, 05:29 PM

They were very nice and gave me a tour. They have a kid themed room, a few regular exam rooms, Xray, full labs that would rival most large doc offices/small hospitals, and a trauma room. They also have a room that is for ICU/critical patients and a few quarantine rooms. They told me that they don't just treat scrapes and twisted ankles/hips (occurred when trying to take a bath? :lmao: ) but they often have very sick guests. They had 4 people that needed to be medically evacuated on the cruise before ours, including one with a very low oxygen level. They have had heart attacks, strokes etc. It seemed very efficient and state of the art. Made me feel very comfortable knowing that they have everything to handle any type of emergency.

Hope I didn't bore anyone too much. Any medical types will probably find it interesting... the rest of you... well thanks for reading. :wave2:

Being a tad of a hypochondriac, I send thanks your way! I hope to never end up there, but I've never heard of anyone actually going down there and walking through it. It sounds MUCH more sophisticated than the other cruise lines I"ve heard about. Thanks! :thumbsup2

itgirl1002

10-25-2006, 08:16 PM

Hi Sleepy & Doc! :wave:

You guys are great at TR's! I loved the story of getting lost on the way to the restaurant the night before the cruise! Too darn funny! Have you made that call to Homeland Security yet?

Also, the tub incident is priceless!!!:lmao:

I felt the same way about Animator's Palette. I figured it would be something really huge, but it wasn't all that great IMHO.

Keep the stories coming!!!

Madisonznana

10-25-2006, 08:50 PM

Okay, so I am sitting here with 80 pages left to read on my book club book, which by the way needs to be done in 25 minutes, and what should I see but a new installment of This Lousy T-Shirt.
I wonder if Book club would mind if I just discussed your cruise??!! :wave2: I have to say I am enjoying this TR much better then this month's book!

sheridac

10-25-2006, 09:43 PM

Hell, I don’t look so good, period, but especially in the mornings.
I have just one question. You can say hell. But I can't say Speedo??? :teeth:

firstmickey

10-25-2006, 09:50 PM