BEAUTY & THE BEAST ( & Lindy Loo!) Wonder 15th -19th Oct 06

[Lindy Loo]

Thank you for taking the time to read this trip report, its my first ever one, so be easy on me please :)

We are from England, and although we are fortunate enough to come to Florida for the past 3 years we have only ever done " the parks". The cruise was my idea. Hence all the DISing, to get every single detail. :teeth: I soooooooooooo wanted this to be magical for all of us. :wizard:

Our family consists of me, Linda ( Lindy Loo,) my Husband Wayne ( the Beast, by his own admission :rotfl2: ) and of course our Daughter Elouise, who is 4..... the "beauty" princess: ................... :rolleyes:

We are on holiday from 7th to 28th Oct, going on the Wonder on the 15th to 19th.

Before I start to ramble on, I have jotted a few observations we found as a family.

We liked

1. The terminal and the process of checking in. All very easy and calm.

2. Our room, (6135, inside cat 11) we werent really sure if it would be too small. but for the 3 of us, who were hardly in the room anyway, it was fine and it meant we could spend the $s on other things. :thumbsup2

3. The kids club, was brilliant. Elouise LOVED it and it was hard to get her to come out some times! :rotfl: open 9am till midnight or 1am. It had loads of activities in a safe clean enviroment.

4. Room service, this was a huge hit for Elouise. She adorded tipping the waiter, as he elaboratly took of the silver dome, to display a plate of cookies. Chocolate milk and cookies became a 5pm treat each day. :teeth:

5. The best was meeting all the DISERS. :disrocks: and having a great load of table mates. This and all information I got from the DIS, truely made the cruise the most magical 4 days of our holiday. THANK YOU


Things we were not so thrilled about

1. NO Photopass!! We knew this before we boarded, however we sad to find out that Shutter photos only came in the sizes they displayed the photos in. So we had a fantastic photo of Elouise with Formal Minnie ( in sparkilng dress) but Shutter would only sell in a too big 10 x 8. ???
We werent allowed to stack pictures, so "lost" some, so in the end gave up and didnt buy any! ( Still Wayne was happy, I had budgeted about $400 for this.) Actually we took just as good pictures with our digital.Thought the borders on the pictures did look nice. On the photopass in the parks we got 335 pictures on a CD for $99! Bargain :cool1:

2. Pirate party was OK, very very packed and a bit dangerous for small kids. Wayne had to pick her up on his shoulders. The fireworks were a lovely touch, but I wouldnt rush to do again. Yes, you've guessed we booked a 7 nighter, whilst on board. We go on the Magic on 20th Oct 07.

3. No live band???? I have cruised before, and was expecting a steel band when in the caribean, but no nothing??? Shame, the partys ( sail away and Pirates) lacked atmosphere a bit, as it was just "dj's" which were a bit loud and repetitive at times ( Scream louder the Wonder!!!)

I will post lots of photos next, if I can get my camera to down load.

[Lindy Loo]

Heres Elouise in the terminal meeting Pluto, She was VERY excited!
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0047.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Thank you MJ, I can now put on PHOTOS!!! :teeth: :banana: :teeth: :banana: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc

now there will be no stopping me ! :cheer2:

[thmar]

What a great picture!! Your daughter is adorable!! Looking forward to the rest... :thumbsup2

[oybolshoi]

Hooray, Lindy Loo Who is doing a trip report!

Keep writing - I've never been on the Wonder so I'm counting on you to bring it to life for me.

No pressure. ;)

Brenda

[Lindy Loo]

Oybolshoi, you KNOW it wont be a funny as yours. I sadly dont have that skill, however I will try my best! I dont think its that bad, never been on the Wonder, as it means you must have always done 7 night cruises! ( not 3 or 4 !) :thumbsup2

Thmar thanks for your kind words about Elouise. Like most kids, shes adorable.... especially when asleep ! :rotfl:

Elouise hugging Mickey to death !

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0049.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

The sign I had dreamed about seeing!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0051-1.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

We were lucky enough to bump into MJ Mouse and her daughter ( Allie ) and friend ( Janet) and Sue88 at the terminal. They noticed Elouise dancing and prancing around as we went into the terminal. Wayne was parking the car, so we were waiting just before the X ray machine. I was pleased to see them, after all we had been "chatting" on the DIS for months. They were so friendly from the first moment, it was brilliant. Elousie loved tickling the girls, and they let her chase them around a bit. ( She desperatly needed to burn off some "over excitment!") come to think of it so did I ! :teeth:


We all sat in the same area in the terminal, and it was fun to queue to see the characters together. The line did get quite long, and as we queued for Mickey, we got to the front by about 5 people,and he went for a "break!".... crisis! Pluto came out, which was fine! Phew! We got Mickey later ( after our boarding card 4 was called, but Elouise was in the queue for Mickey, so we waited!. Guess the boat wasnt going any where with out us!, as Elouise explained, it couldnt *** Mickey was driving!! :goodvibes

I had seen the photos of the Mickey's ears tunnel on the DIS, however, I still got tearful as we went through.

Heres Wayne and Elouise
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0052-1.jpg

[Bethipooh4]

Your name caught my attention, our DD Lindsay has the nickname of Lindsay Loo, or Lindy loo who....

Love your trip report and the pictures are adorable.

[Lindy Loo]

DISCLAIMER!!!!

IF ................. no, WHEN............................I dont write a correct fact, please excuse me, I didnt take notes!

Read Janes,( MJ5Mouse) trip report 4 woman, 4 days of Wonder. Its much more accurate! and as her family ( Sue 88, her sister, and her daughter Allie, and her daughters friend Janet) were our table mates, the meals info is excellent. I love the way she describes how we "borrowed" the menu from Tritions! :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

Hello :wave: to Saratoagirl ( Jules and Ian, from Wales) who became our drinking partners on a couple of nights :teeth: and Sparkelly ( Kelly and Jake) who were our honeymooners. These great guys also shared our table !

[Lindy Loo]

Bethipooh4 thanks for the comments. LOADS more photos to come !!! We took over a 1000 pictures in the 3 weeks holiday. about 300 are of the cruise :teeth:

Heres a picture of the Mickey pool. Before it was open. *GREAT tip* about having your kids swimsuit on under their clothes, so many people, when Elouise and about 4 others kids were in the pool, asked me, had I got my case already? I said no, we wore our swimsuits on ! :thumbsup2 I THOUGHT all these "tips" wouldnt work, as everyone would be doing it. But when you think I estimate only 40 people on the whole cruise were Disers, I guess these "tips" really do help out!
and make you more organised that others. :)
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0059-1.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Heres Elouise in the pool !
She loved the slide, and it was very safe and easy to see your child queuing up the stairs. It was fun for us adults to see her "whoozing down" as she describes it ! :rotfl:

I was surprised even on sea day it didnt get over crowded, busy but managable. I am always very careful around water, so I sat on the side of the pool and watched her. Even though its only about waist height on her ( shes 41 inches tall, we know this *** she needed to be 40 inches for Terror towers, and was so peased to be tall enough! ) I was shocked how many parents seemed to allow their kids to run wide, while they sunbatched perhaps on a sun lounger quite a way away. Twice that day, I helped "lost" chidren.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0066-1.jpg

[tchrmom]

YEAH!!!!

Lindy Lou.............I was thinking about you the other day, as we just came off the Magic on Saturday. I was wondering how your cruise was. Remember me? I sent Elouise the postcard about the trip.

I loved looking at the pictures.........a picture is worth a 1000 words!
Fran

[Lindy Loo]

Tchrmom, Hello.... how are you??? THANK YOU soooooo much for sending Elouise the post card, the build up to the cruise was sooo much fun. We "played in forward" and posted soame Castaway Cay postcards from Florida for other DISers kids. I had great fun doing this !

Here's Elouise receiving her postcard "Mickey" sent. You know what, she has it in her "precious" box in her room. And even talked to Mickey in Magic Kingdom about how kind he was to send a post card to her. !!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0105.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

I forgot to mention, we loved the announcement of our family as we entered the attrium. Elouise said she felt like a princess, *** they said, welcome to Elouise and with her the Noakes family!

We went up to the BB buffet, and I was impressed with the choice of food. We grab a few bits of everything, and them went outside in the sunshine. The food was good, and we loved the self serivce soda too. The waiters work very hard to clear the tables and keep the place clean. so much so, Elouise and Wayne went upstairs to "explore" while I soaked up the atmosphere. Elouise yelled with delight that she had found the pool. Wayne came to sit by our carey ons, so I could go up the stairs. in the short "swop over time" my plate was taken, with half a cookie still on ! Hey, I might starve I thought!!!! (NO chance I hear all the experienced cruisers shout! )
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0072.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Whoops thats not the right photos, Waynes got his beer class, which he didnt get until 3pm, when we meet up with all the Disers by the Mickey pool Thanks Ian the beer mug was a great tip !!! Buy a beer glass once and the refills were very cheap.... under $3??? :confused3 ( Remember I have no journal to refer too) Ive asked Wayne and his useful reply was " Havent a clue, but it was a good deal !" :)

[Lindy Loo]

We were the first cruise after DRY DOCK, so we had the large TV screen on deck 9 and the great little splash area for the toddlers, by the Mickey pool. There were teething problems with this area, and it had to be turned off on the first afternoon as very hot water was coming out of the water jets. It was soon sorted and lots of little ones seemed to be enjoying this area.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0062.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0070.jpg

[oybolshoi]

Linda, I have to ask....how long did it take Wayne to find and buy that DCL beer mug after you guys boarded the ship? :teeth:

[Lindy Loo]

I think we boarded about 1pm and he had it in his sticky mit ( hand ) by 3pm !!!! so not bad! :teeth: He is actually drinking out of it now, whilst on the X box 360 !!! Hard life these men have eh?

Im bummed I didnt get a photo of the four of us at the Grand Floridian now, I could have added it onto my TR.

Whilst talking drink, we LOVEd the fact we could bring on our own wine, and i will find the picture of Wayne setting up our "bar" ( 3 litre box of wine) on our room.for reference we brought one bottle of wine on the first night ( $63!) then we drank the 6 litres we had in the stateroom! :thumbsup2 Believe me we will be doing this again on the 7 nighter .

[oybolshoi]

Linda, when you have time, PM me with your email address and I will send you a copy of the picture that that nice man took with our camera so you can have a copy. It turned out pretty good, but I wish we would have taken more than one.

BTW - if Jason and I (mainly me!) didn't scare you guys off, let me have your reservation number and I'll add you guys to our table for dinner on the cruise, too. We've got extra room and would love to have you!

B. :goodvibes

I think we boarded about 1pm and he had it in his sticky mit ( hand ) by 3pm !!!! so not bad! :teeth: He is actually drinking out of it now, whilst on the X box 360 !!! Hard life these men have eh?

Im bummed I didnt get a photo of the four of us at the Grand Floridian now, I could have added it onto my TR.

Whilst talking drink, we LOVEd the fact we could bring on our own wine, and i will find the picture of Wayne setting up our "bar" ( 3 litre box of wine) on our room.for reference we brought one bottle of wine on the first night ( $63!) then we drank the 6 litres we had in the stateroom! :thumbsup2 Believe me we will be doing this again on the 7 nighter .

[Lindy Loo]

We were in room 6135, cat 11 inside room. It was fine for the 3 of us, we werent in it that much to be honest. I was surprised we had more storage space than expected.Thought it was a tight fit to get our 2 Delsey suitcases under the bed!

We were VERY VERY pleased and surprised to get a free gift from DREAMS UNLIMITED!!!! Thanks very much, we emailed to say thanks! Its a lovely gift box, with a photo frame in. Elouise decided this was hers straight away!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0076.jpg

Our room
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0074.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0075.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Its 2.50 and I'm at guest services dropping in Elouises pillowcase to be signed by the Princesses ( Another great tip off the DIS!) Will post photo, when I can find it, it was brilliant.

I am also trying to get tickets for Wendy Darlings Tea party on Wed, ( Sea day) another piece of info from the Dis :thumbsup2 however sadly guests services dont know about this ???? Six people at the GS desk say its only on the 7 nighter??? Now im confussed, the DIS cant be wrong ? Can they????............. :confused3
Later the next day, we get a call yes there is a Tea party and they have us tickets! I whizz down to GS, to ask for 4 more for our Dis friends, Kyle and Nicole, Jennifer and Mike :grouphug:

Wayne and Elouise are by the Mickey pool for 3pm and meet Mike, Jennifer, Kyle, Nicole, Jules Ian, Belinda and family, Sue, Janet, Jane, Allie, Kelly and Jake and Jen cels family. Hello everyone, sorry if Ive forgotten anyone. I rush up to find them all swopping gifts. THANK you Jane your fantastic lime green gift bags got back to UK ok! Elouise was completly spoilt with stickers, magnets, hair brushes etc.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0073.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Its 4pm and off for the drill. Life jackets on !!!

We had to meet at AP, it was busy and hot and stciky, but I know its an important thing to do. Heres our family picture , first time I had used the delay timer!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0078-1.jpg

[LITTLEKID58]

I love your report so far.. I am so glad you all had a great time

liz

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Awesome report and fantastic pictures!!! I am anxious to read the rest.
When I read the part about you missing the steel drum band I wanted to tell you that many of us disers feel the same way . We really miss it and want Disney to being them back again. Many of us have written to DCL asking them to please bring them back because we really miss them.
I hope you will join us and let DCL know that you missed them too!!

Every letter helps the cause. Maybe we can get them back beofr eyour next cruise!!!
Here is the address where we write:

dcl.guest.communications@disneycruise.com

Your great report makes me anxious for our next cruise to get here, we are only 2 1/2 weeks out!!!

mom x4,grandma x4

[Lindy Loo]

Hi Mumx4 grandma x 4. Letter written and sent ! :thumbsup2

[Lindy Loo]

Heres the pillow case we got signed. Elouise was THRILLED to find it on her bed on the last night. To be honest I had forgotten about it, so it was a surprise for me too !

You just ask on a note, who you would like to sign and kindly they did just as I asked. We included the pen, *** I wanted it to be in lilac.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0113-1.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

OK drill over, and back to the room to put them away, hoping we wont ever actually need them!

Wayne decideds to open the wine .......................... what took you so long, I ask ???

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0105-1.jpg

[saratogagirl]

This is brilliant Linda, cant wait for more .....

Ians Big Beer Cup became his new best friend, we even christened it Neil, in honour of his real best friend.

We had a fab time, and were proud to be your drinking partners in crime ...

[Lindy Loo]

We went to discover the OC ( kids club) with Elouise. We were only there, settling her in for about 20 minutes, when she said " Its ok ive made friends, you can go now !!!" We looked at each other quite shocked. Elouise is quite confident and chatty ( like me :teeth: ) I was surprised she had settled quite so quick. Wayne was sad to go, as he was almost beating a 5 year old on the computer game !!! :rotfl2:

Here are a few pictures of the club, I know I worried about this more than most things about the cruise, but it all was very safe and clean, and friendly.


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0095.jpg

There was a large dressing up trunk too, wiht loads of dressing up clothes in. Elouise had a ball with this !!!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0094-1.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Jules, any chance you and Ian might be our drinking partners again on the 20th oct ???????
PLEASE..................... :worship: :worship: :worship: :worship:

4 nights were just toooo short to get to know each other really well.

Why did the time fly ???

[saratogagirl]

you are mad :rotfl2: :rotfl2: you are not going to give up until I book are you ??

it did go very quickly, it seemed to fly by :confused3, we had a great time and loved meeting you ...

we have been talking about next year a lot since we got back, to try and get us over the Disney Blues, I promise you will be the first to know when we have sorted things out :grouphug:

[Lindy Loo]

We ate at Tritions on the first night. We ate at 8pm each evening, which was perfect for us. One thing I do wish, I had taken more photos of our table mates and the resturants. I guess we were just having sooo much fun :thumbsup2 we forgot !

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0016.jpg

The food was all very nice, the service was good, but may be not as outstanding as I have read on the boards. Perhaps this is the down side to doing too much reasearch? You get to know and expect things, and then if they dont happen, you are miffed? I so wanted Wayne to get a plate full of "Nothing" when he was asked if he wanted a pudding. I had seen waiters bringing out a plate with "Nothing" written in chocolate sauce. I thought this would be sooooo funny, but it was never to be. :confused3

We fully intended to have a big night at Wavebands, but after the meal, we had a wander around the boat, getting use to where everything is. We popped into the bar, couldnt see our table mates, so went and collected Elouise at 11.45pm and went exhausted/ with full tummys back to our lovely room. The towel animal waiting for us (and the chocolates) were very welcome.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0104.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

A great tip from the DIS was for our inside room , we left our TV on the port cam, it gave us just the perfect lighting, and was fun to watch in the mornings.

We got Mickey to give us a wake up call at 7.30am. I THOUGHT Elouise would love to hear this, however every morning, she was far tooo asleep to move the few feet to answer the phone! :rotfl2: In fact on the boat she slept the best and longest she ever has!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0112-1.jpg

We go up to BB for breakfast,and enjoy watching us pull into Nassau. I have been to the Bahamas before, but its new to Wayne. He can see the "pink palace" as Elouise calls it.... the Atlantis to you and me! It was getting hot, and we even moved inside to finish our breakfast, as Elouise has very pale skin, and I didnt want her to burn.

Elouise pleaded to go in to the club again. I was a little worried about leaving her on board, but she was happy to see us go, and waved us off quickly, so she could go and dress up!
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0005-2.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

So off we go, quite excited to get a few hours "adult time" !!! We grab a taxi to the hotel for $4 each, and we get there in about 10 minutes. The hotel is impressive and we have a look around the shops. We know we cant swim, thats fine, we will swim tomorrow at Catasway Cay! The shops were lovely however of course quite expensive!
We paid $29 each and went through The Dig. I think this was worth it, if you go with a tour guide, which is included in the price. We learnt lots of info, and we then went back on our own and had a good look around ( after a few Pina Colada's) Heres our pictures. In summary nice hotel, glad we came and saw it but wouldnt have a desire to stay there. Too big and impersonable, for us. Didnt win anything at the casino. :guilty:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0113-2.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0115.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0116-1.jpg

Heres Zeus, the biggest stingray I had EVER seen !!! He was huge!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0125.jpg


now I really must get ready for work, more tomorrow..................

[Lindy Loo]

Heres a picture of the SHARK slide, it looked like fun, you whizz down a tube and of course out the end bit shown here, either side of you are small sharks swimming around the pool. I saw people go down in the tubes in rubber rings too.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0111-1.jpg

[Sue88]

Really enjoying your report Linda! It is nice to see things from a slightly different perspective. We did the dig too but we didn't get a guide. Glad to know that the manta ray was named Zeus! :rotfl: I am glad you are posting so many piccies, they are really good! :thumbsup2

[MJ5MOUSE]

Linda,

Loving your trip report, Wow you just started yesterday and already have more pages than mine. :rotfl:

You (or was it Wayne) have a great eye for photos. I love the ones you took by the Mickey pool. :thumbsup2

Elouise is an Angel as always. Looks like she had a blast at the OC. and I adore the Pic of her sleeping with Minnie. :cloud9:

What? No photos from shutters :confused3 Yes they are expensive but it must have been difficult to say no. (BTW we stacked ours)

Wasn't Atlantis Beautiful :sunny:

Know what you mean about the men and souviner glasses. I haven't even got to use mine once since we got back and my DH didn't even go on the cruise.

I am not buying Wayne as A beast. :sad2:

Keep those pictures coming. You certainly had the best subject to click.

[thmar]

Looking forward to reading more...love all the pictures :thumbsup2

Oh, and I loved the idea about the pillowcase...I didn't realize you could do that!!

[MrJimmyDale]

Wonderful information....thanks very much!!!!

[Lindy Loo]

Now *** I didnt write a journal like MJ5mouse, I forgot a few bits. :guilty: Mainly the sail away party! This was straight after the drill, at 4pm.

Elouise had made friends with Kyle and Nicole, before the party, at the goofy swimming pool ( which was open before the Mickey one) Goofy swimming pool was very small and very very crowded. It must be about 4 foot deep ( certainly my 4 yr old couldnt touch the floor) it was such a zoo, I had to go in there with her. The big bold letters on the side of the pool say "NO JUMPING! but you can guess it cant you, there were loads of 8 to 12 years olds jumping in all over the place! Quite dangerous IMHO.

Kyle and Nicole and Elouise became firm friends in under 5 minutes :) they had been sending each other smilies on the Dis Thread meet, so it was great to actually meet them and their parents Mike and Jennifer. Hi there :wave:

Sorry, this is from Elouise to the girls, :cheer2: princess: :grouphug: :woohoo: :yay:

The sail away party was fun, but I was surprised at no band or steel drums? Shame, we are off to the Carribean, surely we should have some steel drums to get us " in the mood"? It was like a disco, with lots of "scream louder, The Wonder" which was ok. The show was neat, and Elouise loved seeing all the characters. Kylie Nicole and Elouise had a blast dancing around, and eating sweets and blowing bubbles ( which we brought with us )

Here are the girls " dancing and posing" on their stage !!! What a show of Elouise is ! :teeth:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0079-2.jpg

Heres the girls in " the hot tub" which was soooo much fun for Elouise. As it wasnt actually that hot ( these were the ones by the Goofy pool, so are designed for kids) In the Uk no children are allowed in these until over 16. So this was her first time. ( sadly we aren't rich enough to have a hot tub in our garden) When she eventually got out, she couldnt stop laughing at her fingers, they were so wrinkly !! :rotfl:

From left to right. Kylie Elouise and Nicole.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0057-2.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Heres a few shots from the sail away party. If you want to be down in the action, go to Deck 9, if you want more of an over view stay on deck 10. Wayne did some great filming from up there, as you can zoom in on the characters. SPOLIER!!!!!.................. at the end of the disco bit, loads of streamers burst out from the sides of the dance floor, I guess from the floor of deck 10, so they fall down on the people on deck 9. The girls loved, grabbing the streamers. Elouise still has her "string" and is in her keepskae box.

THANK YOU MJ for your PM, now all my photos can be upright! What a techincal whizz you are :thumbsup2
Heres Mickey at the Sailaway party

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0090.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Heres Minnie, there was Chip and Dale and pluto too, I wont bore you with any more of these photos.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0088.jpg


Where ever you are, the massive TV screen behind the show, means you can see the characters very very easy!

[Lindy Loo]

This report is so "all over the place" I PROMISE on future cruises to take notes. Ive loved reading others trip reports, but its not as easy as it looks ............... honest!

Anyway, back to the dig. I know Jane said the previous night, she was intending to have Conk salad when she got ashore at the Bahamas. So when we were in the dig, and Wayne saw a "conk?" in the petting area he thought I should take a photo of it, in honour of Jane. Now warning, this is NOT a flattering picture of me, and I really wouldnt want it to be seen by anyone, let alone the whole of the DIS. However I'm being honest, I was actually very proud of myself to be able to pick it up. ( Im such a baby, I know!)

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0129-1.jpg


I asked Jane that night at dinner if she got her conk to eat, sadly she didnt !!! ( if only I had know, I could have popped this one in my handbag for her :teeth: )

Wayne, is much braver than me, and picked up a crab. I cant remember its name, I will edit in later ( sorry dizzy moment.... again, that journal would have come in useful :rotfl: )

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0127.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Here are some pictues of The Atlantis building,

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0131.jpg


the "lucky chair" outside the casino. Tip There is a photographer by this chair charging for pictures, however if you ask nicely, they will use your camera and take it for free :thumbsup2

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0132-1.jpg

and here I am with some policeman, on the harbour front by the straw market. They were very very polite and happy to pose for a picture.
I think this is where Belinda saw me, as she was on a boat, off on or coming fro her snorkelling trip.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0133.jpg

We popped into the straw market for about 10 minutes. I thought it would be an open air type market, but to be honest its a tented, very crowded, and with narrow aisles. Each store sold the same stuff, so once you have been and looked at about 4 stalls, you had seen the lot. Now normally I can shop for England, but there wasnt really anything that caught my eye. Sure lots of little bags etc that Elouise would like, but she has so many already, and we have the lugguage allownace to think about. We were very polite to traders, who I didnt think were pushy at all. We just said "no thanks" with a smile and kept walking. Now I suppose some of you will think im a soft touch, but i did give 2 women, $10 each, for their babies. I was looking at their stall, trying to find something to buy, to help them. I really didnt need anything, so just said quietly , "please buy your family something with this" and passed the notes over. They seemed very happy about this, and I felt it wasnt alot, it would help in some small way. ( since ive had Elouise I have become so much more moved by things)

We also had a look in Senor Frogs. (notice our "Wonder"... :goodvibes )

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0001.jpg




Now we would have stayed longer but the karakoe (spelling?) that was being belted out was terrible !
At dinner Jules and Ian said they were in there, drinking yards of booze, ( or was it them singing ??? :rotfl2: ) now we would have been up for that ( remember Elouise is safely on the boat, in the OC!) if we had known they were in there.
Instead, we decided to go back to the boat, to see how much Elouise had missed us. ..................... answer. " Please dont take me out of the club, I'm having tooooo much fun!!!"

[Lindy Loo]

Now ask Elouise what was the best bit of the cruise, and she would shout "ROOM SERVICE"........................ she loved this ! :love:

She would ask every day to have her tea by room service and then go into the club. She even got to use the phone and order her meal, on her own. She would sit all excited, waiting for the knock on the door. She would then rush to answer it. Every waiter we had, was wonderful, saying "Hello princess", they would put down the tray and make a big thing about taking off the silver cover. She would the gasp and clap her hands in delight, at the plate of food ( pretending she didnt know what was coming :confused3 ) she would then say thank you and curtsey ???????? she then tipped them $2. ( being English we dont tip very often at home, so she loved doing this) so much so for next years cruise she has asked for $1 bills for her to put into her own purse. So now each time she gets a star at school she gets a $1 bill :thumbsup2 ready for room service.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0098-1.jpg

This was such a highlight, that when we got back home Elouises favourite game is "rooom service". Where me or Daddy is "phoned" via her Barbie phone, she requests tea, and we bring it to the table on a tray, the plate covered with a silver saucepan lid :rotfl2: ( I know its soooo funny, we havent got a proper silver dome, so a saucepan lid will have to do !)

[A fat english gent]

Now where do all these yanks get the idea us Brits are all barking?....great report LL,i love the fact it's all over the place and your far braver than me for writing it.... :rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl:

[MJ5MOUSE]

I was actually very proud of myself to be able to pick it up. ( Im such a baby, I know!)

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0129-1.jpg


I asked Jane that night at dinner if she got her conk to eat, sadly she didnt !!! ( if only I had know, I could have popped this one in my handbag for her :teeth: )


Yes, sadly no conch salad available in Nassau :sad2: If I had seen your little critter I would have chopped him up right then and there. Yummmmm!

Wayne, is much braver than me, and picked up a crab. I cant remember its name, I will edit in later ( sorry dizzy moment.... again, that journal would have come in useful :rotfl: )

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0127.jpg

That is a horseshoe crab. They are very common in Florida. I was braver than either of you. Alie wanted to touch the sea cucumber but was afraid so she begged me to touch it. It felt like wet suede. Ewwwww.

[SparKeLLy]

Love your report Linda. Elouise is so adorable. Even Jake thought so as he told my parents what a wonderful little girl she was. Can't wait to read more. Maybe I'll have to do my own, but I'm not much of a writer.

[Sue88]

You were very brave to touch the conch, Linda! I am enjoying the reports so much! I am glad you got a picture in the giant chair. We walked thru the casino and somehow missed seeing the chair. I knew about the chair from a workmate who has been to Atlantis a couple of times. I am really going to miss it when you, Jane, Alie, and Belinda are finished with the reports. :sad1:

Kelly-I would love to read your experience on the ship! :love:

[Timon]

Linda,

Thanks for posting your trippie and photos!! They are getting me through some cold, snowy days here in Calgary! I've been so busy with doctors appts and lab tests etc, today I decided to put my feet up, grab the laptop and finally read your TR and relax!

Looks like you guys had lots of fun!! Can't wait to read about the rest!!! :cool1:

[TinkNanny]

and here I am with some policeman, on the harbour front by the straw market. They were very very polite and happy to pose for a picture.
I think this is where Belinda saw me, as she was on a boat, off on or coming fro her snorkelling trip.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0133.jpg




I knew you were up to no good.... :thumbsup2 Belinda

[TinkNanny]

Linda,
You are doing a great job!! I need to finish my report. I can't seem to get back to it, I'm afraid I will forget!!!

Keep up the good reports!!

To Ellie: :grouphug: She probably doesn't remember me, but I kept seeing her everywhere and she always smile and acted like she knew me. She is friendly, like her Momma :teeth:

Belinda

[Keggy]

Thanks for your trip report so far - who cares if you didn't take notes! I took notes for a whole one time! I never had time to go back and update them!

I love the dress you wore in Nassau, very cute!

Kelly

[cntkg1]

Lindy Loo Hoo....

Lovin' the TR!! Great job girl!!! The pictures of Elouise are priceless. I really love the one with the postcard in her hands.

Now when Brenda PM's you with the picture of the 4 of you, we want to see it too. Please share.

Keep up the good work,

Nancy :wave2:

[Lindy Loo]

OK, I THINK we are on to formal night ??? Thats the 2nd night on the 4 night cruise, after the day in the Bahamas.

We were in AP for this night ( and tomorrow Pirates night) on a 4 night cruise you each in the same place for 2nd and 3rd night. This is OK as there is a different menu for pirates night anyway. However be warned the "show" is only on the first time you go to AP. I had read so much about the show, however this was a bit of a let down for our family. It just wasnt as " amazing" as we thought.

Here is one of the pictures that change colour as you eat. Though the picture by our table just went from black and white to colour and that was it. I expected the room to change in time with each other, but it seemed more random.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0023.jpg

Not a great " in focus" photo, but sadly one of the few where we are all in it. (We can blame one of the waiters for the fuzzy picture! :teeth: )
One thing ive promised myself next cruise, is to take to take more pictures of our friends/tablemates.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0024.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

I loved the puddings here, I ordered the strawberry shortbread, but Wayne had the chocolate and peanut pie ( it tasted like a heavenly Snickers bar) so i had one of them too !


Photos below.... WARNING, just looking at these will make you put on a few pounds!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0026.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0025.jpg

In the shop on board I noticed you can buy the plates the choc & peanut pie came in, which was kind of a neat idea. But I near brought them ( may be next time !?)

I only really took these pictures, *** all the rest of my crazy tablemates took a picture of everything they ate! :confused3 only joking you know I love you all :grouphug:

[Lindy Loo]

Heres our waiters, who made us "napkin hats".

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0027.jpg

Later on I will proudly tell you and show you photos on my lessons on napkin folding. ( which is at Studio seas on the 4th day)

[Lindy Loo]

On formal night, Minnie and Mickey are out in the attrium. We got there 20 minutes before the time on the Navigator. It was busy, so a big hint, get there early. Its no autograpghs, but a great op for photos. :thumbsup2

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0020-1.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0017.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Here's Elouise in "The Lab" ( for the older kids) this is the docking simulator, which even the adults wanted to play with. ;)

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0012-1.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Castaway Cay day!!!


At last, everything Ive been waiting for. We love this island, its so pretty.

Tip, check your navigator for times the characters are out. We managed to get all the main ones, on the way to the toilet! :teeth: by sheer fluke.

I did queue for Jack Sparrow though, while Elouise and Wayne chilled in the hammock. (This was so funny, watching people trying to get in to and out of them !.................. sorry to be mean, but it was really really funny seeing people tip out of the other side :rotfl2: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Heres the Wonder, docked.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0002.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Tropical Mickey was great fun, and with The Wonder in the background, it makes a fab picture.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0014.jpg


Jack Sparrow was really good, even sounding like him.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0024-1.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

The BBQ was very good at the family beach. there were bugers, ribs, salad, crisps, ice cream, fruit and lots of drinks. lWe met up with Mike Jennifer and Kylie and Nicole :thumbsup2

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0027-1.jpg

Elouise kept running off to play with the hula hoops!

We enjoyed talking to Mike and Jennifer and were very jelous to learn they have a swimming pool at home and a beach not too far away from their home too !

The girls wanted to go back to the beach, so we were up for that. We spent a hour or so sitting in the chairs, letting the waves go over our feet. Wayne and Mike took the girls out to the play area in the sea. They loved jumping off the building into the sea.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0028.jpg


The sea was warm and it was a wonderful way to spend some time.. Sadly we didnt ever use the kids club on the island, though we walked past and it looked fun. TIP they wont put sun screen on your child, so if you do put your child in there, make sure they have plenty of sunscreen already on.

The beach is quite a novelty for our family.
TIP buy your own sandtoys, before you cruise, they are soooo expensive on the boat or in the shop at Castaway cay.

Heres Nicole and Elouise enjoying the sea.
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0029.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

To me today was very hectic. Our dream day of Castaway Cay, from 9am till about 3pm. We then tried to get Elouise to sleep, this only worked when Wayne pretended to go to sleep with her. Emmmm think when I went up to Deck 9 to get some drinks he did a pretty good job of "pretending! :sunny:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0032.jpg

Anyway we got a quick nap in, and then it was dress up time, for Pirates night, off to Golden Mickeys, Pirate meal and then pirate show (phew, even now im exhausted!) We brought from the UK, some chocolate coins and glow sticks for Elouise to give out to other children. We didnt realise that in USA your gold coins are generally plastic ones, we have chocolate in ours. So if she gave a choc coin to an American Child, of course she had to open another one and eat it, to demonstrate! :lmao:

Heres a group picture of us

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0036-1.jpg

[oybolshoi]

Linda, love the pirate pictures but why do you and Elouise have moustaches and Wayne doesn't? :teeth:

Glad you had such a great time!

[grlzmom]

What a wonderful trip report. I love reading.

[thmar]

Great picture of you and Jack!! :thumbsup2 I also thought the picture of your family in the pirate garb was cute. You've done an awesome job! Thanks!

[LITTLEKID58]

You did a great job enjoyed reading your report

Liz

[iwannabeminnie]

I loved reading your report. It makes me sad I wasn't on the boat with you!

[Lindy Loo]

Thank you so much for all the kind comments, it does make it so worth doing a trip report, I was worried people wouldnt read it, or if they did they would laugh!

Now Pirate night was great fun. It was particually good *** of our fab table mates. They spoilt Elouise with pirate treats, and we all dressed up and entered into the fun of things. FYI I estimate about 10% of the boat dressed up, and about another 60% who wore the pirate bandana ( given to them free at dinner) many ladies tucked them into their trousers at the hip. There is pirate stuff to buy on the boat, but I would suggest to save a few $s to bring it with you. Elouise has just reminded me to thank Allie and Janet who kindly gave her their gun ( after the pictures with Pirate Mickey and Minnie) She is still "shooting" everything! :rotfl2:

TIP again, get there EARLY if you want a picture with the characters, they were all in the attrium.

Heres nearly all our tables mates ( sadly we missed Jules and Ian, who might have been in the bar??? ;) and Wayne who took the picture!)

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0043-1.jpg

We had such fun getting this picture, as I dashed over to Kelly and Jake,w ho were in the queue for the lifestyle pictures, and got them to come in with all of us. There were lots of "arghs!!!" and pretend swigging of booze! ( Allie ;) )

[Lindy Loo]

As we were dinner at 8pm, we asked them to speed up the service a bit, as no one wanted to miss the party! In the end we skipped desert, which wasnt a problem, as there was plenty to eat at the buffet ( for some reason I forgot to take photos of that ?)

At Dinner Elouise had been giving out chocolate coins and glow sticks to two boys who sat on the table next to us. They had great fun, and there was a lot of hugging and dancing with each other. It was very sweet. Laughlin was about 5 and his brother Jonathan was about 7. They draw pictures for Elouise, and Elouise drew pictures for them, she even wrote her name on it, and about 8 kisses!! :love: ( Emm Daddy's told you "no boys till you are at least 30 ! :rotfl: )

Here they are with our team of servers


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0047-1.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

As I already said, our table mates were amazing. We were so[I] lucky. They all took it in turn to "entertain" Elouise. (no, im not a bad Mum, they did offer..... honest!) Elouise loved to play with Janet and Allie and heres a great picture of Janet with Elouise.


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0044.jpg

We were allowed to keep the pirate menu, and bandana's, which make nice keepsakes. Thanks Jane for the lovely jug of Sangria, which you kindly paid for, for the table :thumbsup2

We wish we could have had a bigger table, especially on pirate night, so Belinda and family and Mike and family could have joined us. It was great that we still saw them though ( thanks for popping over to say "Hi"!)
Elousie and Kylie and Nicole became firm friends and it was the saddest part of the cruise for me, to see them say goodbye. ( Thats later on, when I will admit to being in tears)
Back to the fun stuff.!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0048.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Here is Elouise with Pirate Minnie. It was fun to get pictures of Minnie and Mickey "dressed up " !

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0039.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

Heres Ian and Wayne................ getting into the spirit of the night :cool1:

I think I've said this before, but one of my regrets is that I didnt take enough pictures of our fab friends. Sadly I cant even find a picture of Jules. Yet, I sat opposite or next to her at dinner, at least a couple of times. This is another reason why, Jules, you and Ian NEED to come and cruise with us on the 20th Oct 07 :teeth:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0045.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

:) OK, ive got in a muddle again !!!!

I should have put in we went to the Golden Mickeys, before dinner. For those of you who read these trip reports to get plans/timescales this is how it was. We saw Minnie and Micket first, then we went to the Golden Mickeys, we then went to dinner and then to the party !!!! phew, and they say a cruise is restful !

Now I should have remembered the Golden Mickeys as Elouise we one of the children picked to be interviewed on the big screen ! We got there early and got seats. Then like most kids, she needs to toilet! :confused3 so off we go. Wayne staying in his seat.
As we go towards the toilets, she gets asked if she would like to do an interview. Im sorry I wasnt sure who the lady in the yellow dress was .... read 4 women 4 nights of Wonder, MJ will know for sure :thumbsup2 anyway a lady keeps an eye on her, while I dash back to Wayne yelling " quick video the screen Ellies on it !" ( proud Mum moment :)
She gets asked her name and where she is from, which she answers OK. Then shes asked her favourtite character, and she says " Sleeping Beauty" not too sure why ?????? but it does change daily ! She then had to do an "argh" which she did very loud and it was so funny! We rushed back to Dad to see if he videod it ................. what about the toilet I ask, ???? "oh yer, I forgot was the reply !

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0038-1.jpg

[thmar]

Oh how exciting!!! I hope the video turned out...what a memorable moment!
Where did you find her pirate outfit...it is fantastic...and she is quite the model!! I love her poses!

Oh by the way...did you feel sea sick at all? I want to go on a Disney cruise but have been hesitant about being sick the whole time!

[Lindy Loo]

Hi Thmar! :wave2: Thanks for the lovely comments, I got Elouises outift from the Disney shop in the UK. strange thing to note but I think the dressing up outfits in the UK Disney shop are cheaper than in USA? :confused3

No one in our family were sea sick, though in our "extended family" ie our DIS table mates, poor Sue felt poorly on the first night, and Allie didnt feel too well on the last night. Now Ive heard that going out of the port and coming back in may get a bit rough. I could feel the movement, but fortunately I felt fine with it. Hope this helps, but I guess each person is different! :)

Will try and post some more tomorrow, its 11.30pm here in the UK, so off to bed. Good night all xxx :grouphug:

[TinkNanny]

You are doing great so far!! I love all of the pictures!
Wasn't it so cool seeing Ellie on screen at the Golden Mickeys? We also saw her on the Jumbo-tron at the pirates party.
I loved your outfits!!

Keep up the good work on your report.

P.S. Where was the buffet at the pirate party? I never saw it!

[cntkg1]

Great job Lindy!! I'm enjoying every word of your TR!!! Don't forget about us on the "Konked Kruisers" thread. We're missing you over there. :love:

[thmar]

Thanks for getting back to me LindyLoo...guess I'll just have to stock up on motion sickness pills and hope for the best!

[Lindy Loo]

Thmar, you should stock up and then book the crusie for the 20th Oct 07!

*** that when we go again :sunny:

There is an amazing bunch of disers going on this cruise, its sure to be great fun. We are proud to have had over 1000 messages, with over 11 months to go :thumbsup2 see we are a chatty lot :chat: ! :teeth: Even (Nancy ) Cntkg1 is chasing me to do my bit. Hi Nancy :wave: Ive jsut been on there and put a message for you.

Tinknanny the buffet was on the left, if you were looking at the Dumbertron, kind of under the deck on the left hand side. It had 100s of lush looking puddings, but sadly we didnt try any ???? :guilty: Yes Elouise was thrilled to be on the "big screen" at the party, we caught it on video :sunny:

I will try and write some more trip report tonight, got some spellings to do with Elouise.

[Lindy Loo]

We were the first cruise to have the dumbertron ( big TV screen) on the Wonder, and it was great fun for the pirate party. As it helped people at the back or on deck 10 get a close up view of the characters. Every now and then the camera would go to the crowd. Elouise was on Waynes head, whne they went to them, she was waving like crazy! :rotfl2:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0057-3.jpg

[Jennifer48]

LindyLoo,

Thanks for sharing your TR. Your daughter is such a cutie-patootie! I love how she poses for all of the pictures. :goodvibes

Your pictures are fabulous, keep up the good work! :thumbsup2

[Lindy Loo]

When we got back to our stateroom at about 11.30pm, we found out towel animal waiting for us . We love this and Elouise and I would try and guess what animal would be there that night. Wayne bought me a gift of a towel folding book ( from the ships shop) which shows you how to make the monkey etc. I had visions of making these each morning, for our own bathroom .......................... emm as you can guess that hasnt happened. But I think it will be a fun game to play over christmas, with our crazy friends............ especially after a few drinks :drinking1 :rotfl:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0058.jpg


Off to the land of nod, ................with our TV switched to the port hole camera... this just gave us enough light in the room.

[Lindy Loo]

Hi Jennifer48, thanks for the nice comments. Yes, Elouise is SUCH a poser... and loves her picture being taken. But she is much more photogenic than me, so thats cool ! :thumbsup2

anyway I guess kids are small and cute for such a short time, that I love the fact thats she wants to dress up etc. She did the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Down town Disney ( the make over place for littel girls) twice ! Once before the cruise and once after. She LOVED it, and really "worked it", when they were taking her photos! :rotfl:

Wednesday 18th Oct, day at Sea.... apparently a "rest" day. ??

Well we get up and have a wonderful breakfast up on deck. I think it was 11am, and I was off to napkin folding, at the studio seas.
I had great great fun doing this, and we got to keep the instructions and a napkin. I impressed Mike later in the day, with a "Belle rose" :thumbsup2

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0066-2.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0065.jpg
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0064-2.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

While i was doing the napkin thing, Wayne and Elouise swam, then she blew him out for the kids club!! :rotfl2: So he went off to investigate deck 7's secret deck. See I told him the DIS is soooooo useful for info! and guess what????? no one was there! So he had a quick sun bathe for a while, but it did get VERY hot there! can you see him, having to sneak into the shade?

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0068.jpg



coming up next, the BIGGEST giggle of the cruise.................. dont miss this ............... :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[Timon]

Lindy Loo Hoo,

Awesome report!! Love the photos! Really looks like you all had so much fun!! Elouise is gorgeous as well as photogenic!! Loved all the pirate night photos!! Can't wait to hear about "the biggest giggle"!! :cool1:

[Lindy Loo]

Just remembered this............... I have to share, apologises if I'm talking about you, but...........

I was coming out of the lift ( I think on the sea day) and I bumped into the characters from Alice in Wonderland, fortunately I had my camera and managed to get a photo. TIP ... always carry your camera, you never know who you may bump into :sunny:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0067-1.jpg

As I was putting my camera away, a very "loud" lady shouted to her son to get a photo taken, he was about 10 and really wasnt very keen. so she yelled " Why am i paying all this money for a Disney cruise, and then you wont have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny?"

Honestly I nearly chocked, trying to keep my laughter in, :rotfl2: :rotfl:

a guy who jumped into the lift couldnt hold it in, and he collapsed in tears of laughter. The lady walked off in a strop, with her son following a few feet behind.

Honestly ................. the Easter bunny! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

[Jennifer48]

As I was putting my camera away, a very "loud" lady shouted to her son to get a photo taken, he was about 10 and really wasnt very keen. so she yelled " Why am i paying all this money for a Disney cruise, and then you wont have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny?"

Honestly I nearly chocked, trying to keep my laughter in, :rotfl2: :rotfl:

a guy who jumped into the lift couldnt hold it in, and he collapsed in tears of laughter. The lady walked off in a strop, with her son following a few feet behind.

Honestly ................. the Easter bunny! :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

:lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: :lmao: :rotfl2: :rotfl: omgosh that is hysterical!! Thanks for adding that in. I needed that laugh this morning!

[Lindy Loo]

Wendy Darlings Tea party.

This was on the day at sea at 2pm. We had got tickets from guest services for Elouise, and Kylie and Nicole. Elouise had been sooo looking forward to this, as Grandma had made a "Wendy" dress ( seems Disney dont make one?. guess not that glam?) Anyway we were the first outside Studio Seas, raring to go. :cool1:



http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0069-1.jpg

Its a cute set up with tables laid out for afternoon tea, of tea and cookies ( biscuits if you are Wendy darling!) Wendy comes in and choses 2 children to sit up on the stage with her and have tea "properly"!. I was so thrilled Nicole was one of the children choosen. Elouise and Kylie stayed at their table. Wendy went through putting your serviette (spelling?) on your lap, pouring tea and eating biscuits properly. :sunny:
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0071-1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0073-1.jpg

It lasted about 30 - 45 minutes, and the girls had a blast. Peter pan came in at the end for photos.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0074-1.jpg

[Lindy Loo]

We had time for a quick swim, then it was off for graduation. i was very excited about this, and it is nice, but I;m not sure we would bother with it again. Basically all the kids that have been in the kids club go to the club at 4pm and they prep them for a mini graduation in the theatre. Adults go to the theatre about 4.45pm, it was packed ! Thanks to Jennifer and Mike who held us two seats ( no flames please, they were not prime seats,and no actually asked to sit there!) any way the kids come down from the back,both sides of the aisle. Its nearly impossible to spot your child,as they all have grey t shirts and black caps on! We used the video on zoom, to find her! Great tip ! There were sooooo many kids. We thought Disney did a good job hiding them all, till this show :rotfl2:

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0079-3.jpg

This is a picture of Elouise on stage, zoomed in loads, .

They show a slide show of kids doing activites from the cruise, then Mickey and Minnie come down with a scroll. All the parents cheer and clap. Its cute, but too crowded for me, and we saw a lot of smaller kids crying as they were "herded" around. A bit too much perhaps?
http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0080.jpg


My suggestion to DCL, would be could you do one graduation for 3-7 yrs and then one for older kids??

TIP dont even TRY and get your kids after the show, for at least an hour. It was a ZOO!!!! We went and packed ( in peace!) then came and got her. It was a nice touch to keep the cap and t shirt.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0082.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0083.jpg

[Sue88]

pixiedust: Enjoying every word! :wizard:

[Bella8286]

Lindy Loo - I have been following your trip report and it's great! So informative and I love all of your pictures.

Question - I have never heard about the Tea Party. My dd7 would love this. How do you find out about it and do you need reservations?

Thanks!

[Lindy Loo]

Hi Bella, thanks for reading my trippie. Glad its been of use.
We did a 4 nighter, and it is on, BUT even guests services werent sure about this at first. You have to go to GS to book your tickets , they are free and we needed tickets for adults and kids( i guess so they can set up the tables) It was on the "sea" day I think at 2pm or 2.30pm

Just ask, and keep asking! I was told it was on the 7 night only ( no thats with Alice) I was told it was a trial ( no its been on for a while I read it on the DIS) I was even told it had NEVER been on???? ehhhhh???
It wasnt even on the navigator on the grid bit, however there was a small mention in the text.


Hope she has a great time, its a good photo op for Peter pan and Wendy.

[Lindy Loo]

On the last evening we were eating in Parrots cay. It was lovely, however Im quite emotional and I was getting sad, kowing that tomorrow we would be saying our goodbyes to all our new friends. Till we meet again show was on at the Attrium, which was cute, many characters were out and there was about a 30 minute time slot, where you could get photos. This is where only having one child, is easier. I queue with Elouise, Dad stands in another line :thumbsup2 , she rushes to dad, I stand in a line !!!!! Exhausting, but it works !

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0096.jpg

Stitch was sooooo funny, playing with her blanket !

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0097.jpg


We saw the princesses and Donald, Hook ( again :) ) and Minnie and Mickey.
Im glad we had packed before the show, and left the suitcases out side the room ( This has to be done by 11pm, if you want them taken off the boat and put in the lugguage area in the port)

[Lindy Loo]

Here are the views from the Till we meet again. The music brought a tear to my eye.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0106-1.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0105-2.jpg

At the end, loads of Mickey confetti is blasted out. Elouise had so much fun picking this up from the floor ( she even begged the cleaner who was trying to hoover, an hour after the end, not to, *** she was still picking up Mickey Confetti ! ) At WDW this is sold for $5 a small bag, so we were happy for her to pick up loads :) .............. EBAY..... I think :confused3 ................... No flames, only joking!

At the show we were looking for Mike and Jennifer, Kylie and Nicole, but sadly they werent there. Jennifer was feeling poorly. Elouise collected lots of confetti for the girls. Also on the table by the GS desk, there were tubs of lugguage tags. So as a keepsake we took one of each. Elouise ran back to get tags for Kylie and Nicole, Lauchlin and Jonathan too. This is a great idea for scrapbookers, and kids, well anyone really !

[Lindy Loo]

We go to bed, and Im not ashamed to say, I started to cry. I Know we have another cruise to look forward to, and its 7 nights not 4, but im still so emotional. Wayne challanges me to drink the rest of the wine box, so I manage that, still sniffing!

We sleep well, except the alarm clock goes off at 5am, as we have to do customs at 6am !!! YES you did read right, *** we are "aliens" we have to go and queue to get our passports back. Elouise slept through most of this, as Wayne carried her. Disney did a good job offering danish pastires and coffee. But the customs people look and act grim. We go through OK. Go back to the room, and dress. Leave tip for stateroom host, and some English Cadburys chocolates with a thank you note.

Breakfast is quite quiet and I feel very very sad, as I have to explain to Elouise that we leave today. She begs me not to, even offering to be good for a whole year !!! yer right ! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

OK I admit it im a big softie and I cried and cried as the girls Kylie and Nicole came over with a friendship braclet and lollipop for Elouise. Elouise kept saying " Your my best friends, come to my house and play next week ". It broke my heart. We gave the our small gifts of Cadburys, Mickey confetti, tags and a little note. ( to be honest we were thrown by how generous their gifts were..... however we will make it up at Christmas, as Elouise spoted these cute necklaces saying "best friends" on, so these will be posted as Christmas gifts.)

Sadly they will cruise on the 13th Oct next year, so they will have the magic the week before us. Still we are still hoping we can meet up some how.

We hugged our table mates goodbye, my throat was so tight, I apolgise if I didnt speak too good ( now that will be a first, I hear you cry!) We are hoping to see you all again soon. You know if I win the lottery, we all come back and cruise as a "table" . Table 2 rocks !

Jules and Ian from Wales, we live quite close, lets not be strangers!! Elouise needs someone to shoot :rotfl2: ( during pirates party, Ian could have got an Oscar for his " being shot" moves !!!)


The table next to us had the boys on. They swopped notes and gifts again. As well as email addresses. Elouise and Laughlin played " weddings" her blanket bring a veil. The characters were their children ... .YIKES! :bitelip: Again........... I was in tears, as Elouise asked if they wanted to come to play at her house.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0115-1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0116-2.jpg
Here with Johnathan, his brother.


We get off the boat at about 8.30am, its an easy operation, but my heart wasnt in it.
Our suitcases were there waiting for us, as I said easy and quick, but sooooo soooo sad. :sad: :sad: :sad:


I hope this information has been fun to read and look at. I had a great time re living all the memories. I am very very very pleased I DISSED for so long before hand,and that we were sooo lucky with all the lovely people we met.

I will write abit more on our travels around WDW US, and IOA, in summary next week, if anyone is interesed.
Thank you
:disrocks:

[TinkNanny]

What a great report Linda!!! :thumbsup2

It sounds like you had such a great time. I hope WDW was just as "Wonder"ful.

Keep in touch!
:tink:Belinda

[GavinsMom]

I LOVED reading your trip report, thanks for sharing!
In February I'm bring my 4 year old son and CAN'T WAIT!!!
It was great to hear about how another 4 year old enjoyed it.

I just PM'd you a question about the DIG.

GREAT TR!~
Amy

[jrose529]

Great TR Linda! Elouise is adorable! I loved all the pics also. I'm glad you had such a wonderful cruise.

[amburger]

Awesome trip report. I really enjoyed reading it. Sure looks like it was a lot of fun. Glad you had a good time. :)

[Minniespal]

Enjoyed ~ Thanx for sharing.

[thmar]

I felt like crying too... that your cruise was over. Thanks so much for sharing :thumbsup2 ...hopefully we'll be able to make one of these trips.

[Sue88]

I thought the same thing Linda! If I win the lottery table 2 will be sailing again! :banana:

[Lindy Loo]

TINKERBELL


Someone on another board asked about how to get Tinkerbells signature, so I thought I would share this info here too, to help others.

We did the Family Magic tour at MK, and its a treasure hunt all over MK, ending up with finding Peter Pan and Wendy in a private garden area. The theme is Capt hook is playing havoc in MK and Mickey has choosen us to help him. Basically you search for Capt Hooks hook, doing crazy things along the way! it lasts about 1 30 mins and at the end you get character time and you go on a ride ( no queue!) we went on Philiamgic. you then get presented with a certificate that Tinkerbell, Peter Pan and Wendy sign. My dd 4 loved this !

Heres so photos. This is a must for boys or girls from 4 to 10 yrs old, IMHO.. Any questions please ask. We did the Alice in Wonderland Tea party at Grand Floridian too, so ask away!

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0055-1.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0062-1.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0060.jpg

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0057-4.jpg

[thmar]

Elouise is SO CUTE!! I love how she poses in her pictures (quite the ham). She'll probably be an actress someday.

[Jennifer48]

Breakfast is quite quiet and I feel very very sad, as I have to explain to Elouise that we leave today. She begs me not to, even offering to be good for a whole year !!! yer right ! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl2: That girl is too cute!

I will keep an eye out for your WDW trip report. You are so much fun to read! Thanks again for sharing your WONDERful stories! :goodvibes

[Lindy Loo]

Thanks for all the kind comments and PMs.

I will try and post the Waking up Tinkerbell pictures in the next couple of days.................. work keeps getting in the way of DISSING!!!! :rotfl2:

[Lindy Loo]

Heres Elouise waking up Tinkerbell, its in Tinkerbells treasure shop, just past the castle on the left hand side opp snow white ride.

We were lucky as another lady and her daughter ( another DISSER) were runnning to do it too. We got there at the same time, so they gave the girls a wand each.

It was a cute thing to do, and Elouise talks about it alot !

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0047-2.jpg


http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0046-1.jpg


You get a certificate to proove you did it too! :thumbsup2

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j214/lindyloo_photos/DSCF0049-1.jpg


Any questions please ask.

[Sue88]

What happens when you wake up Tinkerbell? I have been in the shop and never known about this. :tinker:

[Lindy Loo]

:thumbsup2

Hi Sue, hope you are well ? :wave:

The first child in the shop each day, gets to use a wand ( girls) sword (boys) to tap the treasure chest in the shop. This is were tinkerbell sleeps at night. The 3 taps, wakes up tink, and she flies around the shop, very quickly ( in little flashing light strobes) until she nips into the big chest of drawers by the door. Here you can peep through the key hole any time of day and you might catch a glimpse of her. :tinker:

This is quite a secret, and the lady in the shop, guessed we were DISSERS! She said all the people who "know" about this have been on the board. Only once in 4 years has she not had a person knowing about it, and then she just asked the first child in, if they wanted to do it.

To stand any kind of chance, you need to eat breakfast at the castle or CP. Straight after breakfast , we went to the roped area under the castle and waited till 9am. There is NO way you could get from the front gate to the shop in time.

IMHO, I think it should be a magical gift for a child who has eaten in the castle that morning. As apparently it can be a real mad mad scrabble with 3 or 4 kids ( and families) wanting to be the first in.

I did tell Elouise WHY we had to run to the store, in case things didnt work out. Thank goodness she was in a co operative mood that morning ! :)

[Sue88]

That is really cool! I am glad I asked! :teeth:

[Lindy Loo]

Just bumping in case our new cruising friends want to read, what a crazy family they will be with, on the 20th Oct Magic !!:)

[kevinsmom]

LINDY LOO: wish i was cruisin with you! sounds like you had a blast... your daughter is ssooooo cute!!! loved your report.... :thumbsup2 we're going on our first disney cruise in 23 days!!! can't you tell i'm a little excited!:dance3: i know i will be making a stop to pick up my wine before i board the Magic! :thumbsup2 Can you post a trip report when you return?? i will try but not sure if it will be as good as some on the DISBOARDS!

[Lindy Loo]

Kevins mom, thanks for the comments............... glad you enjoyed our cruise. Hope there was some useful info there.

Wishing you and your family a fantastic time.............. dreaming we were coming too!:)

Will look forward to reading your trippie and seeing some pictures.

Linda x

[Lindy Loo]

Bumping ........................... for Karen Mouse:)

[disgrits]

Great trippie, Lindy!! I just loved seeing all the pics!

And after reading all of the things y'all did on the 4 night that we didn't on the 3 night, I will always suggest to folks to do 4 days instead of 3 days!

Of course, we can't wait until our 7 night cruise!!!!:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[Lindy Loo]

Thanks Paige (disgrits) i cant wait to cruise with you on the 7 nighter, what fun we will have !

[jockey]

Really enjoyed your report, the pictures are fantastic! We are cruising for the first time this November so would apprecialte your top tips if you have any! :)

[Lindy Loo]

Hi Jockey, thanks for the comments.

My tips would be......

Take a high lighter pen to mark the navagitor.

Talk to kids about the kids club, before the cruise. Explain how much fun it is... we practised/roll played signing her in and out and her asking to use the bleeper to call us ( not that she ever did!)

Take yuor own wine ! saved a fortune!

Take your own sand toys and pirate night stuff and glow sticks.

Take LOTs of photos, we took 100s and in Oct on the 7 night I plan to take even more..... so remember batteries and chargers etc.

Post it notes to leave requests for stateroom host,or each other.

Suction hook, to drip dry swimsuits over bath. We were on an inside room.

DD LOVED room service, so we plan to take more $1 notes this time ( for tipping) she wants to order milk and cookies every day.


Smile at everyone, say hello and take in the experience! :)

Hope this helps, if I think of more I will let you know.

Linda x

[jockey]

Thanks for the tips Linda! I have copied and pasted them into my planning notes! Just trying to think of British and Irish gifts to take for the stateroom host! :)

[Lindy Loo]

Jockey we read on the Dis that most appreciated gifts and consumables, as their rooms are shared and VERY VERY small!
WE brought Cadburys chocolate, Ripples, and Areos, ( ripples and Areos are VERY hard to buy in USA) we left a small bar and a $2 each day, and on the last day the normal tip plus a big bar of chocolate, and a post card from our home town, with a hand written thank you.
We also named our stateroom host on the comment card, as this helps them get payrises and better jobs on board. After all he did fo us, it was the least we could do.

Im sure what ever you think of, it will be apreciated, if given with thought and a smile.

Enjoy your cruise planning, its almost as good as the real thing! ;)

Be warned!!!!!! you might just book another cruise, whilst still onbaord, those discounts and shipboard credits are soooooo tempting !

[Karen Mouse]

Bumping ........................... for Karen Mouse:)


Lindy Loo - Thank you!

I am a terrible mother....... I put my ds to bed telling him he could watch 20 minutes of a movie.... he's just come down - 55 minutes later to tell me the movie has finished:scared1: - I got so engrossed in your trippie I totally forgot to turn his tv off:blush: .......bad mother

A fab trippie and brilliant photos.

[tksbaskets]

Very nice trip report! Thanks for sharing,
TK

[disneydance]

sounds like u had a great cruise i know the feeling of having to get off the boat look at the bright side u will be on the magic soon for even longer

[jockey]

Jockey we read on the Dis that most appreciated gifts and consumables, as their rooms are shared and VERY VERY small!
WE brought Cadburys chocolate, Ripples, and Areos, ( ripples and Areos are VERY hard to buy in USA) we left a small bar and a $2 each day, and on the last day the normal tip plus a big bar of chocolate, and a post card from our home town, with a hand written thank you.
We also named our stateroom host on the comment card, as this helps them get payrises and better jobs on board. After all he did fo us, it was the least we could do.

Im sure what ever you think of, it will be apreciated, if given with thought and a smile.

Enjoy your cruise planning, its almost as good as the real thing! ;)

Be warned!!!!!! you might just book another cruise, whilst still onbaord, those discounts and shipboard credits are soooooo tempting !

Thanks for the ideas!:thumbsup2

[Lindy Loo]

Bumping for our English Tinktatoo.... whos just booked her first ever DISNEY CRUISE!!!:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

[mommykds]

What a great trip report!! I was so sad to see the "til we meet again" part with all the characters...I think I am going to have a hard time with that too.

Your pictures & report was great & your DD is so cute. You have a beautiful, fun family. Thanks for posting the report.

May I ask you, since you did Disneyworld after the cruise, did you have a hard time getting used to being on land again & touring the park? We are doing our land after our cruise & was concerned everyone may not feel up to touring afterwards. Thanks again!

[Lindy Loo]

Mommykds, thanks for your lovely comments.....:love:


We didnt find it too bad going back to the parks, in fact it was cool to take in a few rides and other "park stuff"! We were tired after an early start on the day we got off the boat,so we wouldnt suggest planning/ doing too much that day. The cruise and the parks are two different type of holidays and we love both for different reasons.

When do you cruise?

We go back on the Magic in Oct for a 7 night Western. July 08 we have decided to try Royal Caribbean for a 14 night med cruise. We love Disney, but the H20 area, golf, ice rink and rock climbing wall look far too exciting to misss out on. i think we will watch the Flowrider, rather than do, but then that can be fun too !

[mommykds]

Mommykds, thanks for your lovely comments.....:love:


We didnt find it too bad going back to the parks, in fact it was cool to take in a few rides and other "park stuff"! We were tired after an early start on the day we got off the boat,so we wouldnt suggest planning/ doing too much that day. The cruise and the parks are two different type of holidays and we love both for different reasons.

When do you cruise?

We go back on the Magic in Oct for a 7 night Western. July 08 we have decided to try Royal Caribbean for a 14 night med cruise. We love Disney, but the H20 area, golf, ice rink and rock climbing wall look far too exciting to misss out on. i think we will watch the Flowrider, rather than do, but then that can be fun too !

I am looking at the 4 day leaving 9/28 2008. I would have to take my kids out of school for 3-4 days so I am still thinking it over. I sent your trip report link over to my DH's pc at work so he could read it too. I think it's one of the best reports I have read on the DCL, made me feel like I was there.