The Adventures of Mom's Booty - 10/4 Wonder..... NEW UPDATE 7/7! See Ya Real Soon!

[nenner1]

Part 1: Introduction

Hello and welcome everyone!:wave2:

We have just returned from our second cruise on the Disney Wonder, and here is the play-by-play of our glorious three days. If you haven't read my other trip report, well then here is what you can expect: Details. (Lots of Details). And pictures. (BIG ones. I don't like to resize. And besides you can see all of the little-what?-DETAILS! that way.) So if that sounds like your cup of tea, you're in the right place. And if you DID read my other trip report, and you already know all there is to know about the 4-night Wonder cruise, then stick around and find out what happens the other 3 nights! (If you want to read the other report from my Very Merry Unbirthday cruise in March, you can find it right here (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1408036).)

I won't go back through all of the background info on my family again. By the time you finish this report you'll know more than you probably ever wanted to about us anyway. (Hee hee) But if you're interested, it's the first post in the last TR. To refresh everyone on the cast of characters…

Me (Jen) - 33
DH Ron - 33
DS Brendan - (now) 8
DD Savannah - 6

There might be a bit more to that than I just divulged, but I’ll get into that later. :rolleyes1 As I mentioned we just cruised on the Wonder in March, our first Disney cruise – in fact our first cruise period. We had a fantastic time, and shortly after returning re-booked a 7-night Double Dip in September of ’08. At first that didn’t seem too far off, but as time went slowly by we wondered how we would make it that long without getting a DCL fix. Financially and otherwise however, this summer proved very challenging for us. It was the most difficult time our family has had in many years – if ever- for a host of personal reasons. I won’t get into all stuff since it’s a big downer, but suffice it to say when it was all over, a little voice popped in my head that said, “Fredericks family, you’ve just been to hell and back. What are you going to do now?”

You know the answer was “We’re going on a Disney Cruise!”

Ron began pricing the cruises, and some Florida Resident rates were announced for several weeks at the end of September/early October. This was only a couple of weeks away. Since I was starting training on a new position at work on October 15th, we decided to make it sooner rather than later. After a lot of hemming and hawing about the financial implications of this impulse decision, we finally decided to call up and book for the October 4-7th 3 –Night cruise to the Bahamas. When we initially called they had a lot of availability and a lot of options. We were quoted a cost of $1300 for a category 8 room. For some strange reason we decided to just wait one more day before booking. Don’t ask me why. But of course when we called up-literally first thing in the morning the very next day, we were told there were no more 8’s and that the highest (read: cheapest) category available to us would be a cat. 5, for $1700 and change. Though we found that to still be a phenomenal deal, we were hesitant for a few reasons. The additional cost for one thing, and also the fear that we would spoil ourselves into not being able to tolerate a higher category room. I’ve heard once you go verandah you never go back. That said, we finally gave in to temptation and booked the room. We got to choose our location, and very happily selected a port side aft room, 7098. (I will go ahead and say now, IMO this is the *perfect* location on the boat. Right around the corner from the not-as-busy aft lifts, just two flights up to Beach Blanket Buffet (BBB), the drink station, and the Mickey Pool.) Sweet. We requested our desired dinner rotation of APT, and our dinner time of 8:15. It was too late to make Palo reservations online, as it showed fully booked, but I was fairly confident we could snag a ressie on the boat. We began to research shore excursions. We had really wanted to check out Atlantis last time, but it was between that and the Dolphin Encounter and I’ll tell you Flipper won hands down! ;) Now we had an opportunity though, and we were extremely intrigued to discover DCL had added a new Atlantis Excursion – Atlantis Aquaventure.

When we cruised in March and were trying to decide on excursions, they only had the “Discover Atlantis” which consisted of transportation to Paradise Island and a tour of the Aquariums and access to the hotel grounds and casino. It did not include access to the beaches, pools, or waterslides. They also had the “Atlantis Beach Day” which encompassed all of the above including access to the beaches. No pools or waterslides. Now they also offer the “Atlantis Aquaventure” which is full access to the hotel grounds, casino, aquariums, beaches, pools, and waterslides, including the new water park “Aquaventure”. We checked this place out online and it is just incredible. The water park has this new feature where you get in a tube and coast down a lazy river, which then gets rough and has waves of up to four feet. Then – without even exiting your tube- you are swept up a conveyor belt and down thrilling water coasters where jets of water propel you down and up! How amazingly awesome does that sound? :banana: Needless to say we were hooked immediately and – even though it is a really expensive excursion to do through DCL, we gave in to temptation and booked it. The kids were so excited. They searched YouTube for videos of people going down the waterslides, and watched them nonstop. I was a bit concerned that Savannah was only 47 ½ inches tall in shoes on a good day, and the minimum height for the slides was 48”, but we were hopeful it wouldn’t be an issue.

With less than two weeks to sail when we booked, things went really fast. We got our documents in a couple of days. There was a lot of shopping to do…not as much as last time, thank goodness.I quickly requested some magnet designs from our great DISigners, and I spent a whole lot of time at work making magnets of my own. In fact I made way too many. I probably had close to 40 (yes – FORTY) designs personalized and ready to print….and I ran out of magnet paper. So I had to make do with what I already printed. (It turns out that we had more than enough!)Oh, and here’s an amusing story. So I am at work, and I’m supposed to be working. Thankfully I am pretty good at multitasking and toggling between windows! Anyway I put my Castaway Club CD-Rom into the DVD drive of my BRAND SPANKING NEW Gateway Laptop, and then swiveled back to my work computer. When I came back to the laptop and my file window had not opened I clicked on the DVD-ROM drive start menu item. Nothing happened. I look in Windows Explorer. Nothing. So I open up the drive again….and no disk! I look up inside the lapotop innards…nothing. Nada. Guess what gang? It ATE my CC CD Rom. And it’s still in there. Somewhere. :scratchin

I also had to wrack my brain trying to come up with a name for this cruise. Since we sorely needed an attitude adjustment (and as many of you know, we have a Jimmy Buffett thing going on) I decided on the “Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes Cruise”. I thought I should rename it though-at least for the trip report purposes, since there is another trippie out there right now named after a Buffett tune. So I opted for this title instead. The story behind it? Savannah wrote me a cute little picture book a few days before we left on the cruise, and this is what she called it. Now I was never one to allow my bootie to have adventures in the past, but there’s a first time for everything. Besides…booty…bootie? It fits.

As sail date approached, we became a bit concerned about the weather. After a totally dead tropical season with virtually no threat of hurricanes, the tropics finally started heating up right after we booked the cruise. In the days before we sailed a low pressure system developed over the Bahamas. A stationary high pressure out over the Atlantic held the disturbance over the islands, and it threatened to develop. I stayed glued to The Weather Channel, but it didn’t look too good. In fact, the National Hurricane Center was sending reconnaissance planes into it the very day we were to depart. Still we were determined to not let the threat of inclement weather bring us down.

Next thing you know, sail day had arrived. Somehow we had managed to be neatly packed and ready to go in short order this time around. Where last time we had departed with eight full size pieces of checked luggage, this time we wisely thinned down to the essentials, and were only checking five bags. It made a big difference. Everything was going so smoothly I could hardly believe it (and secretly dreaded that it was too good to be true). We excitedly loaded up the car and by 7:30 am were heading east on I-4 towards the happiest boat on earth!

Next up: Déjà vu? (including some visual aids)

[debnkay]

This sounds like fun....keep it coming!

[lunsusie]

Great cruise report! Thanks for sharing your experiences. Looking forward to your next instalment!:sail:

[nenner1]

It is the butt crack of dawn. The day is Thursday October 4, 2007. The time is 7:30 AM. The destination? Where dreams come true. We couldn’t be more excited as we tear across the interstate on our way to Port Canaveral. It’s still pretty dark , but the sky is clear and the air is warm. As is now our tradition, we decided to stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. It’s okay to do this, since we are officially on vacation, and as I’m sure *everybody* knows, it’s illegal to eat at Cracker Barrel unless you are on vacation.

As we got out of the car, we thought back to how cold it was when we were doing this exact same thing in March. Today it’s warm and muggy. But that’s a good thing. Inside we are efficiently treated to a yummy breakfast of pecan, blueberry, and buttermilk pancakes with biscuits and sausage gravy. YUM. And I love it when they load me up with extra little maple syrup bottles to take home! Here are the kids enjoying their pre-cruise entertainment (the peg game and coloring the menu? They are SO easy!)

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Back on the road, and traffic is surprisingly light. We arrived at Port Canaveral a little after 9:30. We were so excited to see the beautiful Wonder again, we missed the exit for the terminal. We got off at the exit for the “B” terminals and drove around for a bit down Mullet Rd which looks like it will take you to the terminal, but…nope. You can’t get there from here. :sad2:
So we had to get back on the turnpike and backtrack to the exit for the “A” terminals. Once we got to the DCL terminal building, there was no lineup to go in, only us and two other cars. We were all promptly sent to wait in the Day Lot, where we were assured they would come fetch us at 10:00.

It was actually a few minutes after ten when we were waved across the street. Just us three cars. We checked in, dropped our luggage off with the porter, and headed back into the parking area. Since there was not a big crowd gathering, we all walked together across from the parking lot, through security and up into the terminal. As we came up the elevators, I was pretty surprised to see the huge expanse of the *EMPTY* terminal. It was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. We headed straight over to the check in lines, and gleefully strode up to the front of the Castaway Club queue. And stood there. For. A. While. Apparently we like, got there before opening or something. It was weird. As Ron stood in the line, I walked around looking for a CM to make sure we did not overlook whoever was handing out the boarding passes. I found the lone terminal employee, and she cheerfully informed me not to worry, that we would be receiving our BP card at check in. “And,” she added, “It will be a number two”. Number TWO? Awesome. So I meandered back to our spot heading the lines. Eventually a few other parties joined us in the queue to wait. It wasn’t too long before we heard some music begin to pipe in. As you may expect, the first song they played was “Hi Ho, Hi Ho It’s off to work we go”, as all of the CM’s came out of the back and took their places at the check in windows. I thought that was hilarious.
We were called right up to check in (but not before the first person in the regular line. What’s up with that??:confused3 ) The first thing we got our paws on was that BP- number 2- just as promised. Then we got our first Castaway Club gifts- lanyards and pins for everyone. I was slightly disappointed to see our chosen room number 7098 on our card. That means no upgrade. Of course there really isn’t far up to go from Cat. 5, so I never really expected one. Oh well. We got our KTTW cards, the pewter CC ones, and were delighted to see that we did in fact get the dining rotation and time we had requested, ATP at 8:15. After check in was complete, we just hung out in the terminal. Relaxing and taking pictures.

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We have arrived!

It got busy pretty quick, and before you know it the OC/OL and Check in lines were insane. Everybody seemed to arrive at once. Pluto came out for another cool photo op:

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We spent the rest of our time people watching. It seemed like there were an awful lot of repeat cruisers (many CC lanyards about). Before we knew it, everyone was gathering at the embarkation ears. We didn’t wait for the announcements to begin, this time we headed over to the group at the ropes and lined up. We were shocked to see how many other BP# 2’s were up there with us. On our last cruise there were virtually no 1 and 2’s and a ton of 3’s. This time there were way too many 2’s. I guess it’s pretty arbitrary how they decide to do that. But HECK, who cares because here comes my favorite voice over the loudspeaker ….“Ladies and Gentlemen…. Girls and Boys!” WOOOO HOOO! Time to get on the boat!!! The Dream family was announced (meh…not us. Maybe next cruise), and into the giant orange mouse ears we went. We stopped for the embarkation pics, which turned out pretty bad this time. We didn’t end up buying it (although I wanted to, even though I looked like crap).

In the blink of an eye we were being welcomed on board, this time to a smattering of applause.

(click on image below to watch video)

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We went straight for Parrot Cay and the buffet. We weren’t really too hungry yet, but we have a system down on how we do these first few hours on the boat. We managed to get a porthole seat, although our view was just the parking lot.

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After stuffing our faces with chicken strips and desserts (what?:rolleyes: ), we headed up to the Deck 9. Like last time, we played some ping pong until it was time to go down and attempt to secure Palo reservations. I was sure we’d have no problem getting what we wanted, until we arrived. I was shocked to see the HUGE line of folks extending from Wavebands out into the stairs/elevator area. Yikes. Thankfully it moved fairly fast and we were soon inside. Lucky for us, most of the folks there were trying to change seatings. As I sat nearby and heard the few choices available for Palo, I began to grow increasingly concerned. When we finally got up to the front, we were able to get the night we wanted (Friday, the Nassau night) but the only time available was 6:00. That’s actually right when Palo opens. It’s pretty early for us, but as it turns out, it was perfect. The kids wanted to make sure they were in the OC for Flubber, and sure enough it was scheduled for 5:45 on Friday. How perfect is that? After getting our Palo business squared away, we bounded back above board to wait for our stateroom to be ready. As you can see, the ship was still pretty much deserted.
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After all how, often do you see that many empty chairs by the Mickey pool?

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The weather was beautiful for the time being. Bright, sunny, and warm. It looked like it was going to be pretty nice after all. Before too long, it was 1:30 and we ran down the stairs to check out our room. When we arrived we found our side of Deck 7 ready, but the poor folks Starboard side were still waiting. Our room was right around the corner from the elevator lobby. We opened the door and squealed with delight! It was big, roomy, and beautiful! And it was so great to have the natural light streaming through the glass doors! It had so much storage. I thought I had read in the passporter that we would not have the big storage trunk, but we did. I *LOVE* that thing. It holds SO MUCH STUFF! And OMG, the split bathrooms were a Godsend! I don’t know how we did without it before.
Here are some pics:

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As you can see we found a second Castaway Club gift on the bed. A tote bag filled with other little goodies like drawstring net bags for beach supplies, kiddie cups with straws, flags, a bath toy and a CC magnet among other things. Very cool. But I wonder if you get the same gift on your third cruise?

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Check out the cool wall art in our room. A map of Castaway Cay. We also had a nice picture of Walt and Lillian Disney too, over our vanity chest.


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Our luggage had not arrived yet, so you know what time that makes it. Yep. Mickey pool time. Last cruise, Savannah was terrified to go on the slide. She promised this time she would, and sure enough she headed straight up there: (video)

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Ahhh. Finally time to chill out with some Bahama Mama’s. I have *so* waited six months for this!

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After a while, the Mickey Pool became insanely crowded. Ron walked over by the Goofy Pool and found it nearly deserted, so we relocated over there for a bit.

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Uh-oh. Look at those clouds looming….

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It wouldn’t be long now before we headed down for the drill, and then to the Adventures Away Party, where our voyage would begin!!

Next Installment: And the rain rain rain came down down down…..

[Babs417]

Great job thank you I cant wait:cutie:

[kors]

Can't wait to read the rest!!!

[granmaz]

I recognised your lovely children straight away! Thanks for the report. Looking forward to the rest.:thumbsup2

[KimmyDisneyNerd]

Yeah! I'm here for the ride. The pictures are just wonderful! I will be on my first cruise in December!!

[LuvtheEars]

Hi Jen :wave2:

Reading this makes me feel like we are all back on the boat! Great report - Can't wait to read more!

[TotallyAngelic]

Brilliant report with loads of detail - and fantastic photos - your children are very photogenic! Looking forward to the next installment!

[BellePrincessBelle]

Great pics. A family member of mine is in one of your pics. We were right down the hall from you. I'll keep a look out for us in more of your pics. My son played with your daughter in the kids club.

[nenner1]

Great pics. A family member of mine is in one of your pics. We were right down the hall from you. I'll keep a look out for us in more of your pics. My son played with your daughter in the kids club.

Wow, very cool! :)

Hi Jen :wave2:

Reading this makes me feel like we are all back on the boat! Great report - Can't wait to read more!

I *wish* we were all back on the boat!:lmao: You should check my pics too Tiffany and see if you are in any of them!

[mickeyluv]

Jen...where are ya? I read your first trip report from your first cruise and have been so waiting for you second cruise to end so that I could read this TR!! (I've been almost as excited about your 10/07 cruise trip report as I have been about my own cruise in 11/07!)

So with that being said...come on now girl!! Dont' keep us hanging too long!

I love your pictures and Love your new video installments!!!

[nenner1]

I'm going to try to get a post up today......at latest tomorrow evening.
I forgot to drop off my waterproof cameras to get them devoloped.....ugh.
And you wouldn't believe the amount of laundry I have waiting for me!

It will be in the next day or so I promise!:cool1:

[momof2disprincesses]

Oh reading this is getting me so excited for our cruise in Feb. I was glad to hear about the Castaway Club gifts as this will be our 3rd cruise and our friend's 2nd.

Can't wait to hear more, especially about the Atlantis!

[anewmac]

Oh I cant wait to read more. Love the video addition. And the kids look like they have grown just from the few months from the last cruise! Great start!

[nenner1]

As the afternoon sped along at a pace far too fast for my liking, we enjoyed the atmosphere up on Deck 9. It was all too soon before the ship started clearing out for the evacuation drill. We stalled as long as we could and finally trudged back to our room. Last time, we arrived early to the drill and spent what seemed was a ridiculous amount of time squashed like lines of sardines in the sweltering heat. I was hoping this time we would be lucky enough to have a muster area somewhere inside, one of the restaurants or the theater. Once again, no such luck. I’ll give you this tip though…..Don’t head down to the drill any earlier than you have to. Stay in your cabin until you hear the announcement . We suited up in our jackets and waited in the cool, comfortable cabin as long as we could before going down. When we arrived out at our spot on Deck 4, most all of the cabins had already assembled. We smushed into our place in line, with everyone arranged from shortest to tallest. We only had to stand there miserably for about 5 minutes, however. What a big difference arriving fashionably late made. The Drill team did their thing and in no time we were dismissed. It was *much* more tolerable this time, though If I could’ve got a nickel for every “Titanic” reference I heard, I’d be rich.
You can’t have a lifeboat drill without lifejacket pics.. (can you tell I was miserable? Whoever wore that lifejacket before me was wearing some pretty strong cologne and it was giving me quite a headache!)

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We trudged very slowly back up very crowded stairs, it seemed to take much longer to get back upstairs this time. When we arrived back at the cabin we took a few minutes to begin unpacking some of the luggage, which had arrived before we left for the drill. I also took the opportunity to pimp out our door, putting up my magnets and fish extender. (We only saw two other doors decorated, another one on 7 and fellow Dis’ers Tiffany and Doug on deck 2.)


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With those things accomplished, we headed up to deck 9 for the Adventures Away sail-away party. It didn’t seem as crowded as our last cruise, to me(though we did hear this cruise was fully booked). The party itself is essentially the same as its’ predecessor. Same music, same dancing and such. We headed to our usual spot, on the deck next to the Goofy pool on the port side. There weren’t too many folks crowding down there, like I said less than last cruise. It looked like there were more folks up on deck 10 this time, though so that makes sense. The party was in full swing when we arrived and we had some lively dancers around us …

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(video)
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Before too long though the skies suddenly opened up. It wasn’t *pouring* per se, but raining hard enough for me to have to take cover. (Hey I had the camera, so I have an excuse. Besides, I wasn’t planning on taking another shower before dinner, so I had to go into damage control mode). Eventually Ron and most everybody else on Deck 9 took refuge under the overhang with me. Not the kids though. They stayed out in the rain and had a blast.


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After a little while, the rain subsided enough for us to emerge back into the center of the deck, and for the characters to come back out onstage. Right after they did, the countdown began: (video)
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(I was disappointed the music from the party was so loud it overwhelmed the ship’s horn sounding. You can still hear it if you listen carefully, though!)

As the ship began to pull out of dock and head down the channel, we decided to watch the departure from our verandah (since we’ll probably not be able to do that again!) It was nice to do that in semi-privacy, as many of the families in the cabins surrounding us were doing the same. We grabbed some Bahama Mama refills on our way down. (Tip- there is a convenient little bar setup right outside of BBB in the aft elevator lobby of Deck 9. We found it so convenient to stop there for drinks , as it was always on our way up or down, whatever the case may be. Oh, and another tip, the souvenir glasses are refillable. Just bring your empty along, and the CM’s trade it for a filled glass. I think it only costs $3.95 for a refill on the drink of the day!)

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The S.S. Booze & Gamble (AKA the Carnival Sensation) followed us out to sea, the first of many times in the next few days we would run into them. The kids were really fond of their Christmas-type lights they have strung all over their top deck. It doesn’t do anything for me, though! After we got out into open sea, we finished unpacking- completely…which is something we did not even attempt last time. It was so this time, to be so organized and have extra room after being able to stow away the luggage. The room had *so* much storage room, the “desk” area contained at least 11 drawers, the storage trunk held the equivalent of the same (it had several open shelves), and there was another small vanity dresser by the closet with about six more drawers. It was great.

Once we all got freshened up and dressed, we decided to go down and catch the show. Hercules the Muse-ical was tonight. I enjoyed it very much last time (ok, I admit I like it for the pyro). No, really it is a very funny show. Some of the performers were the same, some were different. Some of the jokes had changed, too. They were more current. There was still a jab at Britney in there, though. We arrived just a few minutes before showtime and had no problem finding a good seat (another indication the ship wasn’t quite as full as DCL claimed). While we were in the show, the boat began rocking pretty good. It didn’t seem as bad as the last cruise, but the curtain was swaying back & forth and it was hard to walk up the steps on the way out.
Before heading to dinner, we stopped in the atrium. I was a bit disappointed to see the only photo backdrop up that night was the white one. We decided to not even stop and have any taken (makes it easier to not have to buy them later that way!). Needing to waste a little bit of time before dinner, we headed into Studio Sea just in time to catch the end of one of the game shows. I had wanted to play bingo, but it had already begun in Wavebands. We spent the rest of the time walking the decks and hanging out in the atrium.

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Next thing you know, it was finally dinner time. Our seating was 8:15 at Animator’s Palate. AP was our favorite rotation restaurant last cruise, the food was absolutely outstanding. We had already found our table while we were at lunch, and were happy to discover it was a four-top. That meant no table mates, which, considering how these kids can be at dinner sometimes, is a good thing. It is my personal opinion also that I can just relax and enjoy my dinner more without having to make idle conversation, or worry about the lack thereof. I’ll probably catch a lot of flames for that, but it’s just our personal preference. As a matter of fact, we observed several of the large tables where the parties seemed uncomfortable together (one was right next to us). By dinner the last evening none of these groups seemed to be there, and we had empty tables all around us. Don’t know if that was due to the seating arrangements, or other issues..
Anyway, it seemed right as we joined the queue building outside the restaurant, it began to move and we were seated quickly. Soon afterwards, we were greeted by our main server, Fortune. He had brought us our basket of bread (a task usually reserved for the assistant server), but he had introduced himself and we knew he was our actual server. After a while, our assistant server, Luis came by and asked for our drink order. We obliged, and he disappeared into the bowels of the ship. We had anticipated this meal highly the last few weeks, and knew what our selections would be. We placed our orders with Fortune and anxiously awaited the delicious food.
Our appetizers came out quickly, before our drinks I might note. Ron and I had both ordered the Wild Garlic Mushrooms, as we had enjoyed it so much last time. They were just as delicious as we remembered, a creamy garlic sauce with mushrooms over phyllo (puff) pastry. We were licking our plates! (The sauce on this mushroom appetizer is the same sauce on the Portobello mushroom at Palo!) Our salads came out right on top of the appetizers. We quickly noted the dining room service did not seem so carefully choreographed this time. We noted several tables around us running either a course ahead or a course behind us. Last time, all of the tables were served the same course at the same time. It seemed a bit haphazard this time around (this did not seem limited tour our servers, we noticed the same thing occurring all over the dining room). Our salads had arrived, and our drinks soon after. There was a mistake on our drink order that was easily fixed since we were the first table served. One of the kids had ordered sprite, the other coke, and two sprites were brought. Luis just handed over a coke from the tray and took back the sprite. That was fine until he got to the next table and the guy who ordered coke at that table didn’t want the sprite! Oh well…
The salad I had ordered was the Confetti Tomato Salad. Once again I had expected whole cherry and teardrop tomatoes , but I had forgotten how this is served. It is a bed of shredded lettuce and cucumber (not mentioned in the description) with a few (literally like 3) slices of cherry tomatoes. It tasted fine, it just wasn’t “tomato” salad as it is described. Some of the lettuce in the bottom was very bitter, also. Ron had the Caesar Salad, and he said it was good. (Not great, just good). Our dinners came promptly afterwards. Fortune asked us if the timing of the courses suited us, and since we are fast eaters, we agreed that the pace was good for us.
Savannah had grown tired and cranky from almost the minute we walked in the door of the restaurant. In fact, she didn’t even make it to dinner before falling asleep in her chair…

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07146.jpg

Since we weren’t straying from what we had known to be good, both Ron and I ordered identical entrée’s. We both ordered the Bacon-Wrapped Filet with Seafood Pastry Shell. Like I had described in my last TR, the “pastry shell” is very good, almost like a phyllo consistency. Flaky and surprisingly tasty. This time around, my fish-shaped pastry shell was too dry, almost too tough to “cut” with a fork. I also got a bite of shrimp that still had shell on it (or casing, or whatever you want to call it. Something crunchy. Our steaks were a bit substandard also. I had ordered mine medium well, and it came out very well-done (not burnt or charred, but dry). Ron had ordered his medium and it came out medium well- to well done. So, needless to say, we were both a bit underwhelmed by the food. Also, Luis had gone missing and our beverages were empty. At least we still had water. Fortune took our dessert order and it was about this time we noticed, the “show” did not seem to be going on this time. We discussed it amongst ourselves, figuring maybe they don’t play the color show on the 3 night cruise. Right after we started talking about it, though we noticed the music come on and the colors began. It was a bit surreal how it began right as we noticed its’ absence. I don’t know if someone forgot to “turn it on” (the music and the lights that is!) or what.
For dessert, we both again ordered the same thing as on our last cruise. Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie for Ron and Boston Cream Pie for me. They were served promptly (still no Luis!), and might I add, right at the same time as our neighbors at the next table got their entrées. The Peanut butter pie was awesome, although tooth hurting sweet. The Boston Cream Pie was suffering from the same ailments as our steaks, too dry. Plus there was too little chocolate ganache on top. I didn’t even finish it.
All in all, the whole experience this evening was disappointing. Brendan wasn’t upset with his delicious dessert choice , however:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07150.jpg

(You can see in this photo the light display had not started yet, but by the time I snapped this photo of Ron, it had begun)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07152.jpg

After our dessert, we sat through the “reveal” part of the show, which took way too long. Actually it just too too long for Fortune to get back to our table to give us the breakfast spiel. For some reason we were the last table he stopped at. Still no Luis, and we never met our head server during this meal either. There definetly seemed to be some bugs to work out for the food service staff both out front and in the kitchen.

It was a long and wonderful day,and we were all very tired. We went up to Deck 9 to get some drinks, and retired to our room. A beautiful swan perched on the bed to greet us.

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The kids jumped happily into their bunks. All of a sudden NOW Savannah is wide awake! They watched Shrek 3 for a little while, and Ron and I enjoyed the beautiful evening sea breeze from our verandah. The perfect end to an almost perfect day!

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http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07154.jpg

Next up: Discovering the Hidden City

[anewmac]

aww im bumbed the food wasnt up to par Hopefully the next day is! cant wait to read more!

[CruisinEars]

Yay! I found you again. I just recently read your other trippie. The Cracker Barrel pics were making me envious. We don't have those up here but I did eat at some when we were on an extended stay in Georgia. Yummo! I also noticed the Captain Underpants and the Ben 10 watch. My ds has those too.:thumbsup2
Can't wait to read more. Also, loved the video clips, especially the horn.

[LITTLEKID58]

TFS pics are great

[LovableGluttons]

Oh wow!

That's it. I'm convinced!

We should do a Florida DISers cruise sometime!!!

You, DreamCruiser, Thundermountainmamma, and everyone else!

[nenner1]

Oh wow!

That's it. I'm convinced!

We should do a Florida DISers cruise sometime!!!

You, DreamCruiser, Thundermountainmamma, and everyone else!


I'm *SO* there!:thumbsup2

[TCB in FLA]

I'm enjoying your TR so far -- your kids dancing in the rain are just too cute!

During our first cruise, AP was a disaster as well, food-wise, timing-wise and server-wise. (However, it all worked out -- the head of food service heard about our multiple problems and sent a whole bunch of Palo desserts to our rooms! :cool1: ) I hope the meals got better as the cruise went on! Looking forward to reading more...

[LovableGluttons]

I'm *SO* there!:thumbsup2

We just have to figure out when. I'm in Land O' Lakes. I think DreamCruiser is in Lakeland, ThunderMountainMomma is over in Trinity.

We could get a hubby to drive us out to the Port


OR

We could hire a limo! Meet somewhere and have the limo pick us up.

Now, we just need to get a few more central Florida DISladies on board!

[Tink rules]

We just have to figure out when. I'm in Land O' Lakes. I think DreamCruiser is in Lakeland, ThunderMountainMomma is over in Trinity.

We could get a hubby to drive us out to the Port


OR

We could hire a limo! Meet somewhere and have the limo pick us up.

Now, we just need to get a few more central Florida DISladies on board!


Only FLORIDA Disers????? :sad1: :sad1: :sad1:

Although that could fill most of the ship...

[nenner1]

We just have to figure out when. I'm in Land O' Lakes. I think DreamCruiser is in Lakeland, ThunderMountainMomma is over in Trinity.

We could get a hubby to drive us out to the Port


OR

We could hire a limo! Meet somewhere and have the limo pick us up.

Now, we just need to get a few more central Florida DISladies on board!


Howdy neighbor!:yay:

We live just a tad bit south of ya! We're in the greater Northdale area...off of Dale Mabry just south of VanDyke Rd! :cool2:

I've been trying to transfer from St. Pete to Land O Lakes for a few years now......:confused3 I make that drive every day...ugh!:sad2:

[Tink rules]

Ok....

Up here...(upstate NY...)

Land O' Lakes is BUTTER!!! :rotfl:

[nenner1]

Ok....

Up here...(upstate NY...)

Land O' Lakes is BUTTER!!! :rotfl:

LMAO!:rotfl2:

Okay, everyone you will have to be patient with me over the next few days.

I'm up to the Atlantis part, but I don't have my pictures developed yet (waterproof cameras). Plus I have to work Saturday (well, and tomorrow too, of course) And Savannah has a competition Sunday.

Hopefully I can get the next segment up this weekend, but if not, Monday evening.....

[mickeyluv]

Your pictures are all so good. What type of camera do you have?

[lovmy2girls]

Love reading your report MORE MORE:goodvibes

[miztigg]

love your TR popcorn:: popcorn::

[nenner1]

Your pictures are all so good. What type of camera do you have?


Thank you! :goodvibes

It's a Canon Powershot S3 with a 12x optical zoom.
It's basically the Canon's top-of the line point & shoot. Its the step below the Canon Rebels-which are fantastic cameras, just pricey (over $600).

We bought this one in March from Best Buy for $395.

[mickeyluv]

Thanks!! I'm going to check this out!

[nokidz]

great report....

[nenner1]

Hi everyone...

I'm sorry I haven't got the next installment up yet.
My laptop crashed and I had to take it to Best Buy for repair. They had to send it to Gateway. Hopefully I will have it back in about a week. Til then, please hang tight. I will get something up as soon as I can!

Sorry!!!!

[anewmac]

Hi everyone...

I'm sorry I haven't got the next installment up yet.
My laptop crashed and I had to take it to Best Buy for repair. They had to send it to Gateway. Hopefully I will have it back in about a week. Til then, please hang tight. I will get something up as soon as I can!

Sorry!!!!

NNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooooo lol:scared1:

Hope it gets fixed quick I know whats it like to be without your "lifeline" LOL

[mickeyluv]

Oh I am very sorry to hear about your computer crashing!! I can relate. I depend on my computer for my job (I work from home) and about two years ago my hard drive crashed! Dell sent me a new one and a really good friend of mine who knows computers in and out basically, recovered all of my files. Recently, about two weeks ago now, I had to have the mother board replaced in my computer, not my laptop but my desktop, the one I actually depend on for work on a day to day basis. I feel your pain. I hope everything works out for you and the can fix it fairly quicky. I was really hoping to see another installment today/tonight, but I do understand!

On the other hand, :sad1: :sad1: just hurry up with it though okay? :rotfl2: :rotfl: (just kidding there!)

[CapnJackGroupie]

:surfweb: :surfweb: We'll be waiting!! :goodvibes

[mickeyluv]

Just wondering if I need to call Gateway and explain to them about our crisis of the "Jen's TR withdrawal syndrome"? Hope everything is working out with your computer.

[Milla]

Hi
Just new in your trip report!!!I loved the first one and can't wait for more about this one!!!!!!:surfweb:
I booked a 4 night cruise for january and your reports are being very useful to make me even more excited about my trip!!! :woohoo: I will even make my own trip report!!!!Can't wait!!!!!:cool1:
That's it!!!Can't wait for more!!!

[Tink rules]

Thank you! :goodvibes

It's a Canon Powershot S3 with a 12x optical zoom.
It's basically the Canon's top-of the line point & shoot. Its the step below the Canon Rebels-which are fantastic cameras, just pricey (over $600).

We bought this one in March from Best Buy for $395.

[QUOTE=mickeyluv;21500498]Thanks!! I'm going to check this out![/QUOTE

Amazon's got the S3 in the $290 range and the new S5 is about $60 more... I'm going for the S5 - more features I'm told over on the Photog. board and the price isn't too much more...

(my last camera is a 2mp from 7 years ago!!!)

[nenner1]

My mom just got the S5.......I'm jealous! :P

Okay so it has been a week....and....nuthin. No call from Best Buy. I checked my email (which I hadn't seen in a week) and I had 1540 emails awaiting me.......yikes!

I have access to a computer at work but b/c I am so busy during the week I can only get on Saturdays and everyone else needs to use it then too.

I have my old dell.....which I broke the LCD on. About 1/3 of the screen is useable, so I just size my windows to this awful 3 inch wide by six inches long and do what I can with it. Its a lot of scrolling. So I don't even bother with it except to go to online banking and pay my bills....

By mid week If I don't hear from them they'll be hearing from me. So hopefully we can get this show on the road before Thanksgiving!!!!! :lmao: :scared1:

[mickeyluv]

I really do feel for you because I know what it's like (and I'm sure there are others out there also). Maybe it won't be too much longer! We are setting sail on our 1st cruise on 11/25 so maybe you'll have a new installment before then.:goodvibes

[nenner1]

Oh gosh, I'd better have the next part up by then.

I'd like to have it completely done by then....the biggest installment is going to be the next two...Atlantis.

I could have been using this downtime to write, however...unfortunately my pics are on the computer and that's how I keep my event timeline straight...by writing around the pictures.

They told me my data is fine and they *should* be able to recover it, but I'm terrified that everything will be gone when I get it back. A couple of days after I took it in there was a big expose article in the paper about CC and BB and how they handle computer repairs...like how one person's personal files ended up on someone else's laptop. etc. So hopefully the pictures will be on the hard drive, and they'll be mine! LOL! (not to worry, I have 35mm pics of Atlantis and CC so it won't stop the TR!)

Let's all keep our fingers crossed. :rolleyes:

[mickeyluv]

Ohhh... that would be terrible if your pictures got lost!! That's kind of like when there's a fire in someone's home. Furniture and material things can be replaced but pictures (memories) can't!! I really hope everything turns out okay!

I'm excited to hear that your next installment will be about Atlantis. We took advantage to the deal on Travelzoo for the $129.00 + fees for a room at Atlantis for our port day in Nassau and we're really excited about that. :cool1: I hope it will be warm enough to use the slides and get in the pools!

I look forward to reading your next installment!!

[disneyfan551]

Great report!! :thumbsup2

[nenner1]

OK gang, I'm back!!!!!:cool1:

Sorry about the delay, long story short Best Buy, Gateway and UPS thought they lost my laptop!!!:scared: I did some panicked sleuthing and discovered that it was sitting on the shelf at Best Buy the whole time!!!!!:mad: I'll tell you what, though I was just so glad to get it back (intact!!!) that I'm not even angry about it!!!:rolleyes:

Anyhoo, I am working on the next segment even as I type this. I hope to get it up tonight, but if not, tomorrow.. I promise!!!:goodvibes Thanks everyone for hanging in there!!!!



I'm excited to hear that your next installment will be about Atlantis. We took advantage to the deal on Travelzoo for the $129.00 + fees for a room at Atlantis for our port day in Nassau and we're really excited about that. :cool1: I hope it will be warm enough to use the slides and get in the pools!

I look forward to reading your next installment!!

Wow, that is a great price!!!!! I'll tell you what you will *LOVE* Atlantis, it really is a beautiful resort. One thing though, only being there one day won't give you enough time...there is just WAYYYYY too much to do there! I've got some advice though....first of all do as much research as you can on it before you go...read every page of their website, study the pictures....remember what the pools look like. Memorize the property layout map (as best as you can!). If you can, print it out and mark on it the locations of the features, pools, slides, etc. you want to make sure to see. The place is just *SO* amazingly big, you won't believe it! Next, make sure you get there as early as possible. The pools, beaches, slides aren't as busy in the morning. Come lunch time though, it's a mad house. Also if you are doing the waterslides, make sure to do the Mayan Temple slides first thing. (Those are the older slides that have been at Atlantis a while, as opposed to the newer Power Tower slides at Aquaventure). We never even got to go on the Mayan Temple slides cause by early afternoon the waits were several hours long!!!!! The power tower never had waits like that! Also, the power tower, you can ride the belts up or walk up. If you ride the conveyor belts, you end up on the lower level of the power tower (there are two water coasters on this level). A lot of people don't know that you can get out and walk up to the upper level (that's the only way to get up there) and there are two more slides up there that have virtually no wait!

Hope that helps you in your planning. I should have the whole Atlantis day done before you leave for your cruise next week!!!! :thumbsup2

[mickeyluv]

Thanks Jen for all the tips and advice! I have been so looking forward to you getting back online. After reading your 1st TR from your 1st cruise I feel like I've known you my whole life (never mind me...I'm wierd like that)! You just seem so down to earth and very much like myself.

Another question for you...I've been researching the Canon S3 camera. Was it complicated to use? I'm just so confused on what to do. There are so many choices out there but I've read such great things about the S3 and S5. I know I won't have much time to play around with it before our trip and was just wondering if I just used the automatic settings and didn't mess with alot of the manual settings if my pictures would still turn out good.

Looking forward to your next post!

[nenner1]

Thanks Jen for all the tips and advice! I have been so looking forward to you getting back online. After reading your 1st TR from your 1st cruise I feel like I've known you my whole life (never mind me...I'm wierd like that)! You just seem so down to earth and very much like myself.
LOL! Thanks!!! :rotfl2: :cutie:

Another question for you...I've been researching the Canon S3 camera. Was it complicated to use? ]I'm just so confused on what to do. There are so many choices out there but I've read such great things about the S3 and S5. I know I won't have much time to play around with it before our trip and was just wondering if I just used the automatic settings and didn't mess with alot of the manual settings if my pictures would still turn out good.

Looking forward to your next post!

No, the S3 is so simple. I bought it right before the last cruise and skimmed the manual while waiting in the terminal. I never touched the manual settings, what you see in the pics I took are all point & shoot w/ automatic focus!! It is super simple to use!!

And now....On with the show......:teeth:

[nenner1]

I awoke very early the next morning to the sight of dawn breaking through the verandah doors. I was the first one awake, and panicking that we may miss the sunrise I began yelling to wake everyone up! (We had forgotten to pack our digital alarm clock, and unbeknownst to me, Ron had set the propeller clock alarm)…it rang “when you wish upon a star” about ten minutes later! Nobody seemed upset about the rude awakening, although it was only 6:35 AM. With the exception of sleepy head Brendan that is, who didn’t even wake up until after sunrise! Ron made the trek up to the drink station to grab coffee and hot chocolate, and we sat out on the verandah watching the sun come up on an absolutely wonderful day!
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We could already see Nassau approaching in the distance:
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Although we had plenty of time – we didn’t have to meet for our excursion until 9:15, we were very excited and rushed to get ready. With everyone showered and dressed, we headed up to Beach Blanket Buffet (BBB) for breakfast. Now, I won’t hesitate to tell you my favorite part of the buffet breakfast is the meat! I just help myself to a huge pile of sausage and bacon, and maybe throw in a Mickey waffle for good measure, and I’m good to go! Of course as you can see, my children prefer more of a variety (hmm, guess that’s a good thing!)

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Some of the other offerings in the buffet include fresh fruit, chocolate and vanilla mickey waffles, pastries, croissants, and doughnuts, hash browns (similar to Mc Donald’s style) made-to-order omelets , which are made with real eggs, not the fake stuff the scrambled eggs are made out of. There are also cereal and yogurt bars around the perimeter. At the end of the line, there are juices, sodas, and coffee (but no ice machine…so if you want ice be sure to being some in from the drink station)
After breakfast, we headed down to Diversions, where our Atlantis Aquaventure excursion was meeting. We were surprised at how many people had opted for this excursion, as it was really pricey ($150/adult and $105/child) We were also surprised to see such a wide variety of ages, both very young babies and elderly folks(and everything in between)…considering the only difference between this excursion and the other Atlantis ones was the inclusion of the water slides and about $100 per person! There were lots of folks there, Diversions was standing room only. I’d say at least 100 people. (Do the math on that one….Cha-Ching!) Once we were all signed up and issued our sticky blue Simba fashion statements, we headed down to the dock. Always impatient, we were first in line. We followed the Atlantis guide out, where she assembled us on the pier and handed out lunch coupons. We were surprised to find out lunch was included, as we thought we would have to fend for ourselves. The tickets included an entrée (sandwich or pizza for instance), fries and drink at one of two counter service restaurants at Atlantis. It took a little while to get tickets passed out to everyone in the group, so we spent the time taking some pictures.

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Once everyone was ready, we followed the guide down the dock and through Festival Place (Nassau’s welcome center) out to the buses. Since we were first in line, we were first onto Bus #1. It was just a large passenger bus that had about 7 or so rows that seated three per row. Some rows had these little fold down seats that folded down over the aisle so you can sit four across. We ended up in the back and our row was like that. I got the special seat that had no back rest. After loading the bus, we headed off towards Paradise Island. Always at the very least amusing, I can say our bus ride to Paradise Island was placid enough to facilitate me taking photos through the bus windows. Downtown Nassau:
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Here’s a neat shot of the PI bridge:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07098.jpg

It was a short ride, only about 5-8 minutes, and in very short order we were disembarking at the Paradise Island bus station. After waiting for Bus # 2 to catch up, we took the short two block walk up to the Atlantis compound. It was getting pretty hot right about now, and even though it wasn’t a long walk, some of the party was lagging behind. As we arrived at the casino doors, there was a cooler outside and Atlantis staff handed each of us a 12-oz bottle of water. That really hit the spot, and we were soon walking through the hotel gift shops, and by the casino. Our guide brought us back outside, where we were overlooking a snorkeling area filled with some pretty big fish! The scenery, the lush tropical foliage and sparkling waters was just beautiful.

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The guide continued to lead us across the grounds (which were enormous, btw). She showed us the two restaurants where we could eat, and then brought us to the cabana for towels. We were each issued big striped beach towels to use while we were onsite. You can take as many as you need. Then she took us to the locker area where we could purchase lockers to use. They had small medium and large, and I think they cost $5, $7, and $10 respectively. We chose a small, which was about 1 foot by 1 foot, and it was big enough to hold four pairs of shoes, all of our clothing, a hat, wallet, and Overland Donner bag full of stuff. After that the guide set us loose. Now that we were finally on our own, it was time to enact plan: Atlantis. Now I’m often teased about the detail to which I plan out my trips, excursions, etc. I account for everything we plan to do and schedule it right down to the minute. I’ll tell you what, this time it was a good thing. Atlantis is just such a huge resort, and given only a few short hours to experience everything, well….it just can’t be done. We knew immediately we’d have to settle for getting to as much as we could, there would just be no way to see it all. I had already made myself familiar with the property layout to an extent. There’s only so much looking at a printed map can do before you actually see it and put it in perspective. But I had a general idea of where everything was. I had planned-with adventurous children who love waterslides- to do the aquarium first and get it out of the way. We had to do a bit of backtracking to get to the area where The Dig (that’s the aquarium) was located, but there was plenty to look at along the way.

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You can opt to either take a guided tour of the aquarium or to see it at your own pace. We decided to do it ourselves, since we tend to move pretty fast, and were anxious to get in as much as we could. There are two entrances, one inside the hotel (where you would go if you wanted to do the tour), and one from outside. If you are going on your own, you can go either direction.
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Once inside, we were shocked to see HUGE fish and rays, some as big as we are! The aquarium is really beautiful. It is set up as a huge excavation dig. You walk along underground and view into tanks that in some cases stretch from floor to ceiling. They had all kinds of tropical fish and sea life, just about anything you could imagine was there. Jellyfish, stingrays, sharks (the predators were not in the same tanks as the other sea life, of course), sea cucumbers, conchs, shrimp, seahorses, you name it.

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There was a neat little area where you can touch and pick up conchs, sea cucumbers (I think!), and starfish, which the kids really enjoyed.
Here you can see the “touch tank”:

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The kids liked the eels (the green things coming out of the pots!)

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Look at the huge ray behind Ron!

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What is that thing, a grouper? It’s mammoth!!!

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The shark and predator aquarium is actually a separate area unto itself. It is housed in the original aquarium first built at Atlantis. It isn’t as breathtaking as the main Dig, but is still worth seeing. There are underground walkways where you can look up to see sharks swimming above you (like the Shark Encounter at Sea World). I love this shot, as you look up you see the hotel through the water!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07167.jpg



More gigantic groupers (or whatever!)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07173.jpg

The suspended bridge (along the back of the property toward the beach)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07184.jpg

The landscaping is just gorgeous:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07171.jpg


Up next: Not just an adventure....an AQUA-venture!

[mickeyluv]

Loving it!! We are going to enjoy the Dig site. Looking forward to your next post...Aqua-Adventure! Did you guys happen to run across their dolphins there? Because we booked an actual room with Atlantis they sent me an e-mail about their Dolphin Adventure...rather pricey though but we'll see. She said we can take a look at it when we get there.:goodvibes

[nenner1]

Loving it!! We are going to enjoy the Dig site. Looking forward to your next post...Aqua-Adventure! Did you guys happen to run across their dolphins there? Because we booked an actual room with Atlantis they sent me an e-mail about their Dolphin Adventure...rather pricey though but we'll see. She said we can take a look at it when we get there.:goodvibes

No, we didn't see the area with the dolphins. I think they have their own special area...? We never found our way over there....the place is just immense! I didn't even know they offered a dolphin encounter until I was checking out the website prior to our cruise. It looks pretty similar to the Dolphin Encounter at Blue Lagoon Island. Sounds neat!!! Even though I've already done a dolphin encounter, I would *love* to do another!!!!:thumbsup2
I'll be posting an update shortly.....:goodvibes

[nenner1]

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After we were done viewing all of the fabulous sea life in both The Dig and the Predator aquariums, we walked across the back edge of the property (near the beach access) to get back over to the lockers and changing area.


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In all of our travels, we only saw about three or four of the eleven pools on site. There was just too much ground to cover. As we passed by, we noticed the big main “sun” pool (I call it that since it has a huge sun painted on its’ bottom. Its’ real name is the Royal Bath Pool) was packed with loungers and swimmers. A DJ was out there, playing music and fun games with the kids in the pool. Next we passed the Mayan Temple Pool, which has to be my absolute favorite. It was HUGE, and it had beautiful caves with waterfalls and small slides going into it:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07105.jpg

This pool was right under the Mayan Temple with its’ thrilling slides, the Leap of Faith (that’s the near vertical body slide that you always see pictures of, where you slide out under the “mouth”) and through an acrylic tube that travels through a shark filled lagoon! The Mayan Temple also has several other fun rides. On the side of the temple are the Challenger slides, where two sliders can race each other, and there are clocks at the bottom to take away any doubt as to who was faster. It also has a tube ride where you ride through five stories of twisting and turning and end up going through yet another acrylic tube underwater through the lagoon of sharks. There is a fourth slide in The Mayan Temple, a regular body slide called the Jungle Slide, which also looks like a ton of fun.

The Mayan Temple:

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Our first stop though is going to be Aquaventure. This part of the resort just opened this past spring, and consists of what they call the “Power Tower” a which is a huge green building topped with white tulip turrets, housing several thrill slides and new and innovative water coasters and a surrounding mile long sometimes calm-sometimes rapids river called The Current. We kept on moving back towards the locker pavilion, which is situated at the back of the property near the beach access. By the lockers I spotted this amusing sign:


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07106.jpg

After changing into our swimsuits and putting on our sunscreen, we walked to the closest pool. It was actually just a little inlet where you can enter the lazy river ride, which is actually part of the Current. There were plenty of open lounge chairs in this area, and we “reserved” two for ourselves with our towels (the towels would not fit in the locker). Unlike onboard DCL, this is not taboo behavior, as there are more than enough chairs all over this huge property. We didn’t know at the time that this was one of the entrances to the Current. The Current is the new expansion of the lazy river tube ride that has rapids, huge waves- up to four feet, and takes you to the Power Tower conveyor belts (they call it “Transpotainment” , which to me just sounds so Disney!). You enter anywhere along the river at several entry pools. The entry pools are wide and about three feet deep, with either zero-entry or stairs for you to get in the water and situate yourself in your tube at a depth you are comfortable. There are both single and double tubes. I should note there is a height restriction for all the Aquaventure/Power Tower attractions, which is 48”. We were concerned about Savannah, as she is only 47 ½ inches tall in shoes on a good day! If you have a child that you know can tolerate the power tower water coasters (they are intense!) and is close or slightly under the height limit, do not walk up to the slide entry in the Power Tower. Instead, enter the river on a double tube with your child and ride up to the Power Tower that way. That’s what we did with Savannah.
Girls on the double tube:


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/atlantis6001.jpg


We got on our tubes and right as we floated down the river, we dipped down into a black cave in leaping waves! It was great! After each burst of rough water, there was a nice calm stretch. Every corner though it seemed you dipped down into a cave, or hit a “rapids” patch, or pass this huge wave generator where an Atlantis lifeguard pushes your tube right into a towering oncoming wave! The wave doesn’t engulf you, instead you ride it like a surfer! Your tube goes soaring down the river at a thrilling speed! It’s so much fun!
Coming out of the cave, with the boys just ahead:


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/atlantis4001.jpg

Not long after the big wave, you go around a couple of corners and come up on a backlog of a bunch of tubes. This is where you ride –in your tube- on a conveyor belt up through a cave, and it deposits you into the river system that feeds the Power Tower. If you want to bypass the Power Tower, and simply stay on the river, then keep to the left and avoid any conveyor belts! Once in the Power Tower feed we found quite a big backup of tubes waiting to ride up a second- much steeper conveyor belt to enter the Power Tower itself. It moved pretty slowly and you are in direct sunlight the whole time you are sitting there. Make sure you have plenty of waterproof sunscreen on! Once you get past the bottleneck, you are funneled towards one of two conveyors. You have to ride up this one backwards, and there is an Atlantis lifeguard to help guide your tube in correctly. The belt moves slowly, and as you rise towards the Power Tower entrance you see the path of the water coasters tumbling down next to you! At the top of the belt, you slowly plop back into a little river, now inside the Power Tower.
The ride up the steep conveyor belt into the Power Tower:

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Once inside the Power Tower, you are actually in the lower level. There are two-water propelled tube rides accessible from this level. One is called The Drop, where you go down, then back up via hydro-propulsion, then spiral down into the tower’s dark center. The other is the one we chose to ride this time (it had a shorter line). Once you get dropped off the belt, you paddle your tube into the river-like queue of the coaster you want to go down. You can also walk up to this level from the outside entrance of the Power Tower (be sure to bring a tube with you!) and just find the end of the queue (probably near where the conveyors discharge their passengers) and place your tube in the water and hop in! We stayed to the left after entering the tower, which brought us to the queue for The Falls. This is another inner-tube water coaster. Ride in your tube down a 58-foot drop and then get propelled back up again, in and out of twisting tubes.
Here we are preparing to go down The Falls:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/atlantis5001.jpg

The ride attendant wisely warned me to “Keep (my) butt up”. Good advice. I did not feel the water coursing down the slide at a high rate of speed below me (it looked like water coming out of a fire hose…that much pressure!), but I could imagine it would shave the tender skin right off an unsuspecting bum. I kept mine tucked high up in the tube, and before you know it we were gliding down, and back up again! The ride was so much fun! It was super fast and over in a flash. When it’s over it deposits you-still in your tube- right back into the Current. If you wanted, you could ride back up and go down another coaster, never having gotten out of your tube. We had been in our tubes a while, though and were a bit uncomfortable. Plus, Savannah – though she seemed to enjoy it at the time- was now acting terrified and did not want to go on a water coaster again. So we hopped out at an inlet and decided to grab our lunch.

There were two choices of counter service restaurants where we could redeem the free lunch coupons. For the life of me I can’t remember the name of either of them. One was located close to The Dig, and the other was near the cabana and towel-pick up building. They’re both relatively close to each other and offer nearly the same selections. The one by The Dig had pizza, so we decided to go to that one. It was a good choice too, cause it was much less busy. There were only a couple of people in line ahead of us, but it took for-ev-er. Ron noted that we were back on “Bahamas time”, which was a reference to the fact that everyone and everything moves at a much slower pace on the islands. I can’t remember too much about the offerings, except there were cheeseburgers, hot dogs, conch fritters, chicken nuggets, and pizza. Ron got the cheeseburger, fries and soda, which he said tasted “fine”. It looked pretty good, anyway. Savannah got the chicken nuggets, fries, and soda. The nuggets were awful. They came in a box, four of them (it was a kids meal) and they were quarter sized. They were also a very funky gummy texture. She wouldn’t even touch them after the first bite. Luckily the portion of fries is very hearty, and she filled up on those. Brendan and I both got pepperoni pizza, fries, soda for him and iced tea for me. The pizza was pretty good, it had a lot of cheese, and the serving was two pretty big slices (for adults), and one large piece for kids. It was way more than enough food. I didn’t even eat any fries. The soda dispenser is out in front, self serve. The iced tea was behind the counter. I didn’t like the tea. It had a very funny taste. Metallic, and stale….old, is all I can describe it as. I ended up dumping it for soda, which I don’t drink…it was that bad. There is plenty of picnic table seating nearby, some shaded and with umbrellas, some not. We were lucky enough to snag a shaded table, which was good cause it was *HOT* out there. I was ready to get back in the water.
We headed back towards our chairs, and left our cups there, to refill later. It took some persuading, but we finally managed to talk Savannah into going on The Abyss, which is the regular body slide in the Power Tower. We walked up the outside entrance of the Power Tower, past the height markers. According to those it seemed she was tall enough. Once you reach the lower level of the PT, there are sets of stairs along the outside of the building to walk up to the upper level. This is the only way to get to the upper level, no conveyors go up there. Once up top, there are two choices, the Abyss and also The Surge, which is an inner-tube water coaster similar to the two on the lower level. We got in the short line for the Abyss, which was right in the middle. Once we got around and could see the entrance, it was just a big hole into darkness. I was pretty sure she wouldn’t go on this one either, but she said she wanted to. Not only did she, she went first!! They did measure her too, placed her up against the side of a rock and pronounced her tall enough. I don’t know what they were measuring her against though, since there were no demarcations of any kind on it. In any event she was big enough and down she went. In dead silence. Ron and I looked at each other and were like uh-oh. Savannah always screams on slides. Ron shrugged and headed down after her. He yelled. Brendan went next, and he yelled too. I brought up the rear, and I’ve been on some pretty scary waterslides before- including the now-defunct ten-story Tampa Typhoon at Adventure Island. But nothing I had ever been on looked as ominous as this black hole. When the light turned green I shut my eyes and jumped in. Oh yeah, I was screaming. It was steep, real steep at first. Then it was just a bunch of turns and little bumps. It was over quick, and I didn’t open my eyes until I had splashed down at the bottom. When I came up I was horrified – to see my picture had been taken by a photographer standing in the splashdown pool! She slapped a fluorescent green wristband on me, and off I went. (What a great shot that would be, I could just imagine!) The slide exit was really cool, it emptied out into this underground cave with aquarium tanks inside with alligator gar fish inside. I didn’t see much of them, though because as I exited the water, I noticed Ron and Brendan frantically looking around. They couldn’t find Savannah. (I wondered briefly if she went to the Lost Children sign -lol, but we found her outside the Power Tower.) Apparently she came down and ran straight out of the building! I figured she would say she hated it, but she said she really liked it! Go figure!
Somehow, Ron convinced her to go on another water coaster, even though she was still hesitant. I wondered if her butt fell through and got sanded last time..? Anyway, he told her that the reason it was bad was because I was not heavy enough to balance the tube, so she should ride with him. Such a lie, but hey- it worked. We went to an inlet, grabbed some tubes and walked back up to the upper level of the tower. The other ride up there is the water coaster The Surge. It descends from the higher level and features a camel back drop into a cavern and ends in a flash flood.
Since there are no conveyors up here, you just wait in a regular line with your tube. When it’s your turn, there is a short platform with a belt on it where you place and enter your tube. Here are Ron and Savannah preparing to enter The Surge:


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/atlantis3001.jpg

Brendan followed them in a single tube, and I went down after him, also in a single tube. I don’t remember too much about this ride. After the first big drop, my butt fell through and the water grazed it. In an unfortunate exaggerated reflex move I thrust my pelvis up to get my cheeks out of that torrent below me, but that threw the rest of me off balance. For a horrible second I thought I was going to tip over, but I recovered and ended up spinning. This all happened in a split second, and I was heading feet first- right for the wall of the ride. I hit it straight on, with the bottom and side of my left foot, and shot right back off to careen off the opposite wall. I howled in pain, I was sure I had broken my ankle. Of course, there was nothing I could do in this precarious position. There are lifeguards stationed all along the course of the ride, and I was sure one of them would notice my face contorted in pain, and my guttural moans and stop the ride and sweep me off to an ambulance, but nope. I had to endure the end of this ride (which was somehow much longer than the rest). When it was finally over- or so I thought, I was still spinning mercilessly and was deposited into the Current. But this was a part of the Current I hadn’t been in yet. This was THE RAPIDS! Huge rocky bumps along the bottom propelled my tube up and down and up and down and up and down. I had no more resistance, and my poor raw behind fell through the tube to BANG again and again on the rocky protrusions below me. I’m sure this would have been SO much fun if I wasn’t in so much freakin’ pain! Finally, it ended and I slammed up behind the boys and Savannah, wailing “I BROKE MY ANKLE!” Luckily I did not attract the attention of anyone else around me, what a sight I must have been. Ron saw immediately that my left foot had already swollen up pretty bad and he said “Yeah, it looks like it”. I slid out of my tube and hobbled into the shallow inlet. I reached down to manipulate it, and determined that I did not actually break anything. It was just swollen, and the side and bottom of my foot was already a shiny bruised purple. I went to the locker and took a nice dose of Advil, since it was throbbing heartily.
Savannah didn’t want to go on any more rides and honestly, right now I didn’t either. We headed over to the Mayan Temple Pool. The boys went up the Mayan Temple to go on some of the slides up there. I relaxed in the pool. I was surprised to discover this was a salt water pool. The others by the Power Tower were chlorinated. This was just the neatest pool. Not only did it have caves and waterfalls, but it had all these nooks and crannies connected by short slides. You could actually enter this pool back by the Challenger slides, and follow it, from one little lagoon to the next, connected only via the slides, which eventually empty out into the main body of the pool. Savannah and I amused ourselves for a while doing this. Before too long, the boys came back, disappointed to discover that the waits for all of the Mayan Temple attractions were several hours long. They headed off to tackle the last water coaster over in the Power Tower. I suggested to Savannah that we go over to the kids’ area, Splashers. It’s a big water playground with slides, obstacles, water guns and turrets, and a huge bucket that showers water down on all the kids. She said no, that she wanted to stay on the slides. So we stayed in the Mayan Temple Pool.
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The boys came back from The Drop, which they said was “great”, but didn’t offer any details. It was starting to get pretty late in the afternoon, and we had Palo reservations at 6. We hated to go, but we had to start packing up our things. The kids swam around in the pool while we got everything out of the locker and grabbed our towels and drinks. When we got back to the pool, the kids, of course, did not want to get out, so we let them amuse themselves a little longer.

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Movie of the slides. Click to play:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/th_oct07199.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/?action=view&current=oct07199.flv)

We finally tore them away from the pools only with the promise of a stop at the gift shop. We trekked back through The Dig to get to the little gift shop there. We spent way too much money on T-shirts, Christmas ornaments and stuffed stingrays and sharks! Next we went into the hotel. I wanted to check out the casino. We walked through it (even though the kids weren’t supposed to be inside). It was pretty dead. I had wanted to stop and play some slots, but we really didn’t have much time left. So we just passed through.
There is so much beautiful intricate artwork in the hotel. Here is one glass sculpture outside the casino:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07215.jpg

We bid a sad farewell to Atlantis, and hoped we would find the opportunity to come back and do all of the things we didn’t have time for.
The way this excursion works, you take a bus over and arrive at around 10:30 AM. You can return anytime you want before 5:30, the buses run every half-hour. I believe we made it back to the bus station to make the 3:30 bus. When we climbed on, we saw the bus was almost completely full. There were only scattered seats throughout, not even 2 seats open together. We didn’t want to wait at that hot bus station for a whole half hour, though. We went ahead and split up, all four of us sitting in single seats. Ron and the kids were close to each other in different rows towards the middle of the bus. There was one other seat left in the second row, and the shotgun passenger. I took the second row seat, and we were ready to depart beautiful Atlantis for the mainland.

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Up next: The ride of a lifetime, must have cakes with booze, and Pal-OH!

[mormadsmom]

Hi there, had not posted in quite a while. It's been 8 long months since our April Eastern Cruise.

We are still talking about booking another very soon!

Wanted to comment on your Sunrise Photos of Savanna. Awesome. You did an absolutely great job in snagging that picture. You ought to enlarge and frame that thing on your wall or something.

[lillygator]

great photos...looks like you all had a blast!

[nezy]

This is great!
I am planning a day at the Atlantis for our trip next Sept.-5-day w/2 a CC and a nassau day. I have been looking for some DETAILED info and suggestions.

Where can i get a map of the Atlantis?
Also we are getting a room for the day at Comfort Suites, it is cheaper and includes use of Atlantis pool and Aquaventure. I was wondering if you know where that is located in proximity to where the Aquaventure slides are.
Hope your foot is ok! and how did you keep your camera dry?

[naner]

Great TR!!!!

[devalsam]

Loving your report and pics!! :goodvibes Hope you come back soon!

[kalel29]

You have great pics of your trip!! :thumbsup2 Especially of the ride. I definitely have to try them the next time we go. Quick question...what all came with the excursion you booked?

[nenner1]

Wow...sorry I left ya'll hanging!
It wasn't my intention, It's just how things worked out.....but I'm glad what I did get done is so useful for everybody!
Thanks for all the great comments!!!!:thumbsup2
In fact I didn't even know there had been posts here, I thought this thread was purged a long time ago!!

I see it's not too late to answer you nezy... the Atlantis website- Atlantis dot com has a map you can look at. I found it doesn't help too much before you arrive, the complex looks pretty different in person and it is so large, it is hard to get aquainted with the entire property. In fact we were only in the Aquaventure and it's surrounding areas, we missed a whole lot. The Comfort Suites is right next to (to the right of) the main Atlantis towers, and even though it is right next door, the place is immense so my best guess it that it would take about a 20-25 minute leisurely walk to get to the Aquaventure area from the CS building. The area behind both hotels is connected (there are gardens, pools, etc. there). As far as cameras go I totally recommend getting a waterproof casing for whatever kind of camera you have. All of the pics from the slides were taken with a disposable waterproof and the quality is not great as you can tell. I used my regular camera to take some video and some shots from the pool decks, but a casing would have been nice to have.

kalel29- this is what came with the excursion..it is the Atlantis Aquaventure one that is available directly through DCL for $155/adult, $105/child. It offers:
-transportation by bus shuttle to and from the resort. You can leave Atlantis anytime you want prior to 4:30, the shuttles run every 1/2 hour
-guided walk to the resort grounds from the bus stop (its not far)
-a 12 oz bottle of water per person during the walk
-guided orientation of hotel grounds including the shops, casino, the DIG aquarium, pools, and Aquaventure slides.
-towels as needed for each participant
-Full access including guided tour (if desired) at The Dig aquarium
-Full access to all beaches and pools on the resort, including the children's play area and the salt water Mayan Temple Pool which kas several lagoons connected by short water slides
-Full access to the Aquaventure water slides and all water attractions on property including the Mayan Temple slides (Leap of Faith, Challenger slides and several other slides), the rapids river, and the POwer Tower attractions including the three tube coasters and the body slide the Abyss.
-Lunch of your choice provided at either of two counter service restaurants located on the grounds outside near the pools

About the only things I can think of that it *doesn't* include is the Dolphin Cay dolphin encounter/swim, gambling in the casino, and beverages other than what is provided for on your lunch ticket.

Hope that helps you..thanks everyone for the comments...maybe one of these days I'll fininsh this TR.....when I am on Maternity leave maybe...:rolleyes:

[solgent]

Loved the photos & detailed description of Atlantis. We are going on our first cruise at the end of Aug & I have booked a room at Comfort Suites to get access to Atlantis. It looks AMAZING.

[tam012864]

Awesome report!!! My 10 yr old and myself are doing this in June!!! Your info is greatly appreciated!!!!!:banana:

[Disney owl]

great report & photos

[Deweysgirl]

Hi Jen, thanks sooo much for the trip report thus far! We are so psyched, we are leaving next Sunday on The Wonder and we also booked at CI for access to Aquaventure. Your details and pictures are fabulous! Do you know or in your opinion would you say there is much shade at Aquaventure? In the current is there any shade or is it full sun? How about by the chairs or umbrellas? My concern is 2 full back to back days of sun (hopefully) between this and CC and we have some winter white skin right now, lol!!

[nenner1]

Hi Jen, thanks sooo much for the trip report thus far! We are so psyched, we are leaving next Sunday on The Wonder and we also booked at CI for access to Aquaventure. Your details and pictures are fabulous! Do you know or in your opinion would you say there is much shade at Aquaventure? In the current is there any shade or is it full sun? How about by the chairs or umbrellas? My concern is 2 full back to back days of sun (hopefully) between this and CC and we have some winter white skin right now, lol!!


Hi Liz....
There is lots of shade around the Atlantis grounds...however most of the areas directly near the pools are in full sunlight. There are some lushly landscaped areas around, and as I recall quite a few chairs in partial shade near the Mayan Temple Pool....but in the area immediately surrounding Aquaventure (ie the Current and the Power Tower) is pretty much in direct sun. As I mentioned there were certainly ample chairs and it seemed plenty of umbrellas, however we weren't trying to get one so they may be harder to get than I implied. It may depend on how early you get out there and get set up.....If you can do it by 11 am you should be in good shape but we noticed a huge increase in population by the pools between appx 11 and noon.

As for the Current there is virtually *no* shade...there are little caves you go through but you are traveling pretty fast through those so it would be really hard to linger underneath. There is also shade in the first conveyor area, but again you are moving through, so not a lot of respite from the sun. The long conveyor up to the Power Tower (the one I have a picture of) I remember was *ridiculously* hot b/c you are pretty much out of the water for about the 20 minutes it takes to get through the bottleneck at the bottom and up to the entrance at the lower level of the PT. Once inside the PT you are in shade but we were only inside for about 5-8 mins before getting to the slide itself.

The reflection of sunlight off the water only intensifies the sun's rays, and it can get pretty darn hot, even while in the water. I would certainly recommend a fairly powerful (at least 30 SPF) waterproof sunscreen, and do not hesitate to reapply it after an hour or two. By the time you feel the sunburn on your skin, it is to late and you may be burned pretty bad. I had an OK tan when we went and still got a bit burnt, even though I used sunscreen. It was most uncomfortable the next day at CC, which is your exact concern. As nice as it is to brown up on vacation, it won't be worth the pain and suffering when you are trying to enjoy CC the next day (the ropes of the hammocks on burnt backs....owch!:headache: )

And it always bears repeating....hit the Mayan Temple slides first, those lines get so ridiculous by early afternoon, while the Power Tower lines seemed to stay steady (and fairly manageable) throughout the day.

Hope this helps you and have a fantastic cruise!!!:thumbsup2

[Deweysgirl]

Thanks Jen! Awesome information, exactly what I needed to know. :thumbsup2 We will slather up with the SPF 50 all day to be safe, we'd rather be winter whities than burnt lobsters! :blush:

Thanks again! ;)

[pixidustmom]

Jen, I have just finished reading both of your TR. Or at least what you have been able to finish of the 2nd one. ;) So my question is were you pg on this last cruise or was this another souvenir you brought home?:confused3 :rotfl:
Do you know what you are having? Will the new baby be going on it's first cruise with you this year? I wonder if you will have time to finish this TR while on maternity leave? Well, maybe with Savannah helping. I bet she will be a nice little helper. Congrats by the way. I know you are just in your third trimester but I just got done reading about you. Great job:thumbsup2

[nenner1]

Jen, I have just finished reading both of your TR. Or at least what you have been able to finish of the 2nd one. ;) So my question is were you pg on this last cruise or was this another souvenir you brought home?:confused3 :rotfl:
Do you know what you are having? Will the new baby be going on it's first cruise with you this year? I wonder if you will have time to finish this TR while on maternity leave? Well, maybe with Savannah helping. I bet she will be a nice little helper. Congrats by the way. I know you are just in your third trimester but I just got done reading about you. Great job:thumbsup2

Hi! Thanks for the compliments!
It turns out I *was* already pregnant prior to the cruise...but I didn't know it until a week after...I was already two weeks at the time, wish I had known cause I would have oh.....gone on less crazy water slides and had a few less bahama mama's and konk koolers...but what can ya do...;)
Baby # 3 is a girl, her name is Sarah. And even though she isn't due til June, I think maybe I can get the next installment up before then.
Better late than never, right?

:rotfl:

[pixidustmom]

Hi! Thanks for the compliments!
It turns out I *was* already pregnant prior to the cruise...but I didn't know it until a week after...I was already two weeks at the time, wish I had known cause I would have oh.....gone on less crazy water slides and had a few less bahama mama's and konk koolers...but what can ya do...;)
Baby # 3 is a girl, her name is Sarah. And even though she isn't due til June, I think maybe I can get the next installment up before then.
Better late than never, right?

:rotfl:

Your correct what can you do. I mean when our moms had us they didn't know as quickly as we do. So who knows what things they did before hand.:confused3 If you would have know you wouldn't have had all that fun, not to mention it didn't hurt anything, thank goodness. Best wishes on having a the next few months uneventful.
Looking forward to more TR.

[nenner1]

I promised an update, and I am good for my word!

Enjoy!!!


When I left you last, we had packed on to the shuttle bus taking up back to the Port from Paradise Island. It was pretty full but we did not want to wait ½ hour for the next one because we had rather early (for us!) Palo reservations. So we had to all split up. No big deal, right? Heh. So now if you recall, on the way TO Paradise Island I was snapping pictures out of the window and we were all sightseeing. Not on the way back. One did not have the opportunity on this ride back to do anything but clutch the seat white knuckled and pray for your safe return to the mainland. This driver drove so fast, and that’s fine, except that all of the traffic in front and around him did not, so we were constantly slamming into the seat ahead of us as he stopped on a dime, or leaning into the people we were next to as he took a squealing corner. :scared: The bus was virtually silent, everybody was just looking at each other expressing our fear of certain death or dismemberment with our eyes. :eek: Those of us who had our eyes open, anyway. If we weren’t all scared for our lives, it would have been a fantastic, fun ride! Thankfully we all made it back in one piece and as we disembarked the bus gave each other knowing nods, survivors! :rolleyes:

Now back in Nassau proper, we decided to hop into “town” to buy some souvenirs for our family. Okay who am I kidding, I needed RUM CAKE. The kids did not go into Nassau last time, so we thought they would have fun seeing the sights a bit.

Here they are on “our” street, Frederick ST:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07217.jpg

Since we did not have a whole lot of time, we just went straight for the Tortuga Rum Cake factory. While I picked out not nearly enough of those delicious delights to bring home, the kids enjoyed gulping down the samples. (Hey. It *is* Pirate Night, after all. What harm will a little cooked up rum do?) Then we hightailed it back to the boat so I could shower and get ready.

Kids with the Rum Pirate:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07218.jpg

While I showered and fussed, Ron stayed behind to get some pics of our verandah from outside. Pretty cool!

Up close:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07224.jpg

And afar:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07227.jpg


And taken from the verandah of Nassau:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07236.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07238.jpg

After I was all dressed, we got the kids cleaned up too. Even though it was Pirate Night, this was the night Ron & I were dressing up so we wanted to try and get our lifestyle photos after our dinner. That…..was not such a good idea (ohh look how nice and bloated we are…!) Not such a great planning move. Anyhoo with the kids clean, we dropped them at the lab for –again- their favorite thing Flubber. I’m so glad they aren’t tired of it yet, cause they’re going again this year….lol!)


We headed up to deck 10 aft, and one of our favorite places on the Wonder, PALO!We were right on time for our 6:00 reservation, and were about 3rd in line (They open at 6). As he did before, Ron requested a window seat and we were prompty led to one of the best tables in the house, overlooking the starboard side and Atlantis.
Oh and the oblivious lovers looking off the deck! LOL!
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07241.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07245.jpg

Now last time we were here, we also had a window seat, but that was a late resssie, so it was already dark out. What a difference it made being there early so we had all the scenery to look at. We ordered our drinks, a draft for Ron and Toblerone martini for me. Sweet, smooth and sinful as the swiss chocolate bar itself, I could have drank about 10 of these.
Me and my chocolate sin:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07248.jpg

We’re pretty boring when it comes to our cuisine choices at Palo. We know what we like and that’s what we get. Last visit we got a Margherita pizza, which was fantastic but we skipped the appetizer pizza this time to make more room for soufflés. Of course there is the complimentary antipasto- prosciutto, mozzarella, olives and bread basket with dips. We both chose the wild garlic mushroom appetizer, and it was just as good as we remembered. For entrees, again same ol’ same ol’…Beef Tenderloin Palo for both of us.

It’s making me drool even now:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07249.jpg

Our server was Zoran (from Croatia I think) and he was very, very good. Though he did not bring us a bonus dessert. We both got our chocolate soufflés and they were divine. And I wasn’t too upset about not getting anything extra because it’s Pirate Night and to me that means one thing: Dessert Buffet!!!

As our dinner drew to a close, so did the day. Twilight turned to dusk, turned to night. Right at the beginning of dessert, the Wonder pulled away from the dock and sailed out to sea. Look how gorgeous:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07250.jpg


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07252.jpg

Whoops, there's the SS Booze & Gamble!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07257.jpg

After dinner we took a short stroll on deck before going to retrieve the kids from the club. We wanted to get those formal pics done and catch the Golden Mickey’s. when we got down to the club we were shocked by the hundred or so little pirates running amok:


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07259.jpg

Did I mention we had formal photos to go take?????:scared1:

Up next: HOW many dwarves? And Yo Ho, Yo Ho some chocolate cake, and pudding, and cookies, and more cake, and pie, and other sweets for me!

[pixidustmom]

Jen, I am jonesing for some more TR and pics. :surfweb: :confused3
How are you feeling. Not too much longer until "birth day". Having any troubles with swelling with the heat?

[nenner1]

Jen, I am jonesing for some more TR and pics. :surfweb: :confused3
How are you feeling. Not too much longer until "birth day". Having any troubles with swelling with the heat?

Very close....I may be induced this weekend! :woohoo: :yay:

Luckily even though it is HOT down here right now, I haven't swollen up too bad. I mostly sit at work so that has helped a lot, though on long busy days I do end up with sausage feet. :lmao:

As far as the next segment.....I broke my laptop power cord...still waiting on Best Buy to ship me out a new one, so I can't get to the pics. Maybe I can get another one done prior to baby day, I'll have to see how things go the rest of this week. In any event I''l have plenty of time on my hands in the weeks to come, so it won't be tooo terribly long until the next update.

:thumbsup2

[pixidustmom]

Wow, you will get to be induces a little early huh? That's good for you though, at this stage is when we wish it would just be over already.:lmao: I can relate to the sausage feet. I have been a surrogate mom and have had them a few times. Oh that isn't fun. Stay rested keep the feet up and drink lots of water, as if you don't know that already I'm sure.:thumbsup2
Sorry to hear about the power cord, that happened to my moms too. Can't wait to read more when you have the time. Best wises on a easy delivery and a healthy baby.

[PerTrainer]

Jen,
My name is Ashley and I am new to this site. I am taking my first Disney cruise with my 9yo son this September. I have been doing so much research and wanting to be very prepared when the time for the cruise comes. I have enjoyed your detailed memoir of your family's trips. I was wondering about the Tortuga Rum Cake Factory in Nassau...how do you get to it from the port? My family would love the cakes as a souvenir from our trip!

[Monica D]

Good luck Jen! Coming from another Sarah mom, I'm wishing you all the best!! :goodvibes

[nenner1]

Jen,
My name is Ashley and I am new to this site. I am taking my first Disney cruise with my 9yo son this September. I have been doing so much research and wanting to be very prepared when the time for the cruise comes. I have enjoyed your detailed memoir of your family's trips. I was wondering about the Tortuga Rum Cake Factory in Nassau...how do you get to it from the port? My family would love the cakes as a souvenir from our trip!

Welcome Ashley! :goodvibes

Tortuga is really easy to find...though it isn't easy to explain. When the boat docks in Nassau, you have to walk through a big yellow "welcome" building. When you come out the other side of the building (straight through as if you were walking straight from the boat towards inland.) You will encounter a street running left and right (sorry no idea which way is north/south/east/west) Turn right and follow this road. You are walking in the direction of the Straw Market (which is a big white tent, you can see it from the boat) and Senor Frog's. When you get to Frederick St. turn left and it is the second shop on the right. Its about a 5 minute walk from the boat. It is on the maps they hand out at the shopping talk and that come with your Navigators. Hope that helps you a little bit...if it doesn't confuse you more! ;)

Enjoy your cruise!

PS FWIW my fave is the original, I guess cause it has nuts in it. Yum-MY! :thumbsup2

And thanks for the well wishes everyone...I have 13 days to go....plan is to induce on the 20th! :cutie:

[MagicMe]

Jen - Just made it through your trip report (or at least what you've posted so far). I'll be on your next cruise (the DD in SEP08). Can't wait to read the rest of your report and of course, to meet little Sarah!

[pixidustmom]

And thanks for the well wishes everyone...I have 13 days to go....plan is to induce on the 20th!
__________________
Best wishes to you.

[nenner1]

Jen - Just made it through your trip report (or at least what you've posted so far). I'll be on your next cruise (the DD in SEP08). Can't wait to read the rest of your report and of course, to meet little Sarah!

Hi!:wave2:

Have you checked out our meet thread? What a wonderful bunch of cruisemates we have!!!

Here's hoping I have a nice box waiting on my porch for me when I get home (with a power cord inside). Its so frustrating not having my computer. Can't get *anything* done at work....not anything important, like shopping and reading TR's and such.....sigh.....:rolleyes:

:laughing:

[PerTrainer]

Jen
Thank you so much for getting back to me.....I know you must have so much going on with a little one coming soon!! I am hoping the rum cakes taste as good as everyone has said. I have also gotten some great info for preparing me for our trip and I thank you for sharing so that us new to be cruisers can have a better planned trip. Thanks!!!

[nenner1]

Mouths agape at the shock of finding our adorable little pirates on “Lifestyle Picture Night” (note to self: better planning next time), we headed back up to the stateroom to clean up. It didn’t take all that long, and we found a new little friend hanging out waiting for us.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07268.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07267.jpg




After our photo shoot, we headed down to the Walt Disney Theater to snag some seats for The Golden Mickey’s. As we approached we noticed we were too early for the paparazzi. Hm. Its unusual for us to be early for anything! We walked in on the left side entrance and saw the theater was only sparsely populated. Nice. We could even be in the front row if we wanted. Then I saw the small group of kids sitting in the front far left and remembered…the dwarves!!!! This is the show you want to get to early if you have kids ‘cause they use little volunteers as part of the show! I quickly counted the kids down there, SIX! They have room for one more. We hightailed it down there and plopped down right next to the group. Before too long, the CM gathered up the children to go backstage and as he did I approached and inquired if he already had all the dwarves selected for tonight’s show. He said he did indeed, and I counted again. One, two, three, four, five, SIX. Are there not SEVEN dwarves? Humph. They scurried off and left me there to sulk, too late again. (Nah, I didn’t sulk but I sure didn’t get why only six. I would figure it out later.) Meanwhile the pre-show began and Ron went up to deck 9 for the drink run. It took him quite a while, he barely got back before the show started. I found out it was because for some reason they had CM’s “staffing” the drink station and would not allow you to serve yourself. I don’t know why they sometimes decide to do this, both on the island and on CC, but it’s a little frustrating as I like my tea with a certain amount of ice. And since you have to queue up to wait for service it takes quite a while. By far this is the most frustrating thing I encountered on DCL, and I guess if that’s the worst it gets I don’t have much to complain about, do I?

Too cute to be a dwarf anyway:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07261.jpg

Anyway Ron made it back and we enjoyed the show immensely as always. When the highly anticipated Snow White scene began and the parade of adorable little dwarves marched out, I finally discovered why they only select six “extras”. Seems the “real” Dopey leads the parade. Ah ha! After the show we trekked back upstairs again to change into more comfortable clothes for the Pirate Party. But first a photo shoot on the verandah:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07285.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07287.jpg


On our first cruise, the kids were too tuckered out and passed out dead asleep before the deck party. We heard the fireworks go off from our stateroom and swore we would not miss it next time. So up the stairs we headed in our semi-pirate regalia. Grabbed the drink glasses and switched them out at the oh-so-convenient bar outside of BBB. I chose the colada-margarita swirl, and after a few sips determined I got stuck with a virgin. Ron said he would go back and switch it but by this time we were out on deck amongst the masses and throngs of pirates and wenches so I decided it was fine, as it still tasted good. The party was in full swing and we headed out to find ourselves a spot on deck. It had been raining earlier in the evening and Captain Tom had made announcements that he would try very hard to find a calm area so that the party could go off. He succeeded after only a short delay (which worked out to our advantage since we crammed so much activity into our evening). The decks were a little wet and it was pretty windy but that didn’t stop anyone from having a great time:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07299.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07298.jpg


Love how this guy accessorized:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07305.jpg

My little pirates:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07325.jpg

After the giant mouse sailed in to save the day, fireworks rained over the boat. It was great fun. After the show in the sky the party continued on deck with more dancing. Time for the buffet! It was huge, lined up along the Port edge of the ship. We joined the line at the forward end, which brought us to the desserts first. It all looked gorgeous, and I probably grabbed one of everything.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07329.jpg


Ice sculpture, bac pic sorry:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/oct07330.jpg


After the dessert table, we hit the main food table, but most of the savory eats were fairly well depleted. I know there was some sort of beef being carved, what looked like it used to have been a fajita bar, lots of rice and bread. That’s all I remember. My plate was loaded with desserts. We grabbed more drinks (this time the drink station was self serve) and battled the gale winds with our full hands back towards the stateroom to relax. On the way we saw the empty Mickey pool, more resembling a wave pool!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/th_oct07291.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/?action=view&current=oct07291.flv)


Once back in our room we changed into PJ’s and sprawled out in our beds with our towering dessert plates to relax. Unfortunately most of the desserts looked better than they tasted. But we filled our tummies and spent a little time watching Savannah’s favorite TV channel: “The 11 show” (it’s on
channel 11)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/th_oct07331.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/?action=view&current=oct07331.flv)

Off to a good nights sleep, for tomorrow is our day on the island paradise of Castaway Cay!

[PerTrainer]

Jen
I hate to keep bothering you with questions, but again let me say I am new to the boards (last week) and am taking my very first cruise on September 14th. I am not sure how to go about posting something new to ask questions that anyone could reply to. It says at the bottom "you may not post new thread". I have no idea what that means. Hopefully I will learn quickly!!
Anyway, what I am needing to know about is this.....I am a single mom (33yo) that will be taking a cruise with my 9yo son in Sep.. I am looking forward to time with my son but know that he will want to do his own thing for quite a bit of time while on our trip. My question is, Will it be awkward for me to be alone? I know that I won't be able to experience Palo since that is a "couples" romantic kind of thing. I plan on having sometime to lay in the sun and read, but it just seems that most of the reviews about the cruise are "families" (husband, wife, and children). I guess I am just nervouse since this is my first cruise and vacation where it is just my son and I.
thank you for your patience and help with my seemingly neverending questions.
Ashley

[mkmommy]

Jen
I hate to keep bothering you with questions, but again let me say I am new to the boards (last week) and am taking my very first cruise on September 14th. I am not sure how to go about posting something new to ask questions that anyone could reply to. It says at the bottom "you may not post new thread". I have no idea what that means. Hopefully I will learn quickly!!
Anyway, what I am needing to know about is this.....I am a single mom (33yo) that will be taking a cruise with my 9yo son in Sep.. I am looking forward to time with my son but know that he will want to do his own thing for quite a bit of time while on our trip. My question is, Will it be awkward for me to be alone? I know that I won't be able to experience Palo since that is a "couples" romantic kind of thing. I plan on having sometime to lay in the sun and read, but it just seems that most of the reviews about the cruise are "families" (husband, wife, and children). I guess I am just nervouse since this is my first cruise and vacation where it is just my son and I.
thank you for your patience and help with my seemingly neverending questions.
Ashley

Ashley not Jen, but I did a trip with my girls alone and no time did I feel awkard, below is a link to my trip report. We had a great time and you will cherish the time you get to spend alone with your son. Cannot wait till March when we will go alone again.

[PerTrainer]

Thank you for responding to my post. I am enjoying reading about your trip! I am having to run out to train a couple of clients but am looking forward to getting back and continue reading!
Thanks!
Ashley

[nenner1]

Jen
I hate to keep bothering you with questions, but again let me say I am new to the boards (last week) and am taking my very first cruise on September 14th. I am not sure how to go about posting something new to ask questions that anyone could reply to. It says at the bottom "you may not post new thread". I have no idea what that means. Hopefully I will learn quickly!!
Anyway, what I am needing to know about is this.....I am a single mom (33yo) that will be taking a cruise with my 9yo son in Sep.. I am looking forward to time with my son but know that he will want to do his own thing for quite a bit of time while on our trip. My question is, Will it be awkward for me to be alone? I know that I won't be able to experience Palo since that is a "couples" romantic kind of thing. I plan on having sometime to lay in the sun and read, but it just seems that most of the reviews about the cruise are "families" (husband, wife, and children). I guess I am just nervouse since this is my first cruise and vacation where it is just my son and I.
thank you for your patience and help with my seemingly neverending questions.
Ashley

Hi again Ashley! Don't aplogize.....I love answering questions.....sharing the info, it's what it's all about, so we can all learn from each other and make the most out of our trips!!! :cool1:

I would not worry about feeling uncomfortable about being alone at ALL. Of course you can do the solitary things like lay by the pool and read. There is just sooo much to do. If your son wants to go hang out with friends in the Lab, then you could do so many things if you wanted to....schedule a behind-the-scenes tour (I know they have the Galley Tour, plus they used to have an animation class and a cooking class where you learn to prepare a DCL signature dish, not sure about availablity or what lengths of cruises thses are offered on) There is also the Buena Vista Theatre, take in a first run movie...The Spa and fitness center, if you're into that sort of thing. I was thinking about getting a rainforest room pass just for myself on our next one since DH is not interested, that is something relatively cheap you can enjoy on your own. But reaslly, just sitting around...hanging out...up top by the pool, or on the nice chairs on deck 4 you shouldn't feel uncomfortable. I spent a lot of time by myself by the pools, reading and just people watching...so much fun. And even things like the deck parties, everyone just lets loose and has a great time. The people are just so nice! Of course you *could* go to Palo if you wanted to. There are many large parties in Palo, it isn't just couples, and I wouldn't blink twice at someone sitting alone there. It is just an elegant restaurant atmosphere.
Of course it goes without saying that you should search out the meet thread for your particular cruise. You will meet other wonderful Dis'ers from your cruise and maybe there will be someone else in your situation to hang out with!
Hope that does help you a little bit. I know you and your son are going to have a blast!!!! :thumbsup2

PS...to post a thread, make sure you are on the main DCL forum, not just the trip report section! Then yes, just click on start new thread and there you go. LOL I did not know for almost a year that there was a main DCL forum, I thought all there was was trip reports and meets. :laughing:


Oh and a general note...I am working on next install, CC so it will be a goodie! Hoping I can get it up tonight......:rolleyes1

[PerTrainer]

Thanks Jen
I cannot wait until the next install from your trip!!! I have thought about the spa but am going on a budget! I will look into the rainforest room. I am a personal trainer/nutritionist in my daily life so the fitness center isn't where I am going to want to spend a lot of my vacation...;) I am just so excited about taking a vacation and especially it being a cruise....I love traveling! Thank you for all your suggestions; it has definitely put my mind at ease!
Ash
PS. Anxiously awaiting CC report!!!!

[PerTrainer]

Jen
I want to thank you for your suggestion of me finding a thread for my cruise. I have and have already communicated with many that are going on the same cruise! There is even a single mom going with her two kids (her son is the same age as mine). Thank you soooooo much for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!

[nenner1]

Jen
I want to thank you for your suggestion of me finding a thread for my cruise. I have and have already communicated with many that are going on the same cruise! There is even a single mom going with her two kids (her son is the same age as mine). Thank you soooooo much for all your help!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome!!!!!!:cool1: :thumbsup2 :banana:

[PerTrainer]

Jen
When are you going to get the CC part up your trip up for us to read? I cannot wait to read about it! You do so well telling about all the details...it is always a fun read!
You are soon to add to your wonderful family aren't you? I hope all goes very well for you!!

[nenner1]

Jen
When are you going to get the CC part up your trip up for us to read? I cannot wait to read about it! You do so well telling about all the details...it is always a fun read!
You are soon to add to your wonderful family aren't you? I hope all goes very well for you!!


I'm sorry! I shouldn't make promisies I can't keep, lol! I thought I could get the first part of CC up the other day but got busy. I only have two paragraphs written. And quite a few more things pressing before Tuesday.....

Yes, Tuesday is the big day! We are very excited.....lots to do. I just popped on for a bit tonight but maybe tomorrow when I need to take a break from assembling baby gear I can finish up that segment! :rotfl:

Right now, I'm off to pack my bag and fold tiny onesies.

But hang in there...I do have some good stuff forthcoming!! :rolleyes1

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Hi, I've been lurking, enjoyed your last tr as well as this one, not expecting another update on the TR since you should have had the baby 2 days ago - but want a quick update on the baby- how are you and she doing? let us all know and post a picture of your new addition soon :grouphug: :angel:

[nenner1]

:welcome: to our newest princess:

Sarah Elisabeth Fredericks

Born Tuesday May 20, 2008 at 4:19 PM EST in Clearwater, FL
7 pounds, 0.4 ounces, 19 1/2 inches

Sarah is still in the NICU under the phototherapy lights for jaundice. She is doing fine and we are hopeful she can come home in the next couple of days. I am well and out of the hospital but the several times-daily commute back and forth (80 miles round trip) is taking its toll on us. I think she is just spoiled and demands round the clock concierge service.:laughing:

I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. I actually wrote about one more paragraph of the next installment when I was still in the hospital, hopefully I'll get that done next week, lol!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/1CA13NSCA.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/1CAYGS73A.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/sarah118.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/sarah126.jpg

[JDBlair]

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy. :goodvibes She's very precious!! You and your family are deeply blessed.

[RLccweems]

What a sweetie she is....

[taraandmike]

You have a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations!

[disneyfaninaz]

Congratulations. Another new DCL fan comes into the world!!

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

:welcome: to our newest princess:

Sarah Elisabeth Fredericks

Born Tuesday May 20, 2008 at 4:19 PM EST in Clearwater, FL
7 pounds, 0.4 ounces, 19 1/2 inches

Sarah is still in the NICU under the phototherapy lights for jaundice. She is doing fine and we are hopeful she can come home in the next couple of days. I am well and out of the hospital but the several times-daily commute back and forth (80 miles round trip) is taking its toll on us. I think she is just spoiled and demands round the clock concierge service.:laughing:

I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. I actually wrote about one more paragraph of the next installment when I was still in the hospital, hopefully I'll get that done next week, lol!

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/1CA13NSCA.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/1CAYGS73A.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/sarah118.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/sarah126.jpg

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!:hug:

Sarah looks as though she is preparing for a day of sunbathing at Castaway Cay!!!:rotfl:

[PiratePug]

Congratulations Jen!!! Your daughter looks precious. :cutie:

I just returned from my Wonder cruise tonight and had to log on to tell you thank you so much for your helpful information about Atlantis and getting to the Tortuga Rum Factory. Every thing you said was spot on. I'm so grateful I had your notes to read and plan ahead before we did the aquaventure excursion.

Thanks again and CONGRATULATIONS!!! :butterfly

[PerTrainer]

Congratulations Jen!!! Your daughter looks precious. :cutie:

I just returned from my Wonder cruise tonight and had to log on to tell you thank you so much for your helpful information about Atlantis and getting to the Tortuga Rum Factory. Every thing you said was spot on. I'm so grateful I had your notes to read and plan ahead before we did the aquaventure excursion.

Thanks again and CONGRATULATIONS!!! :butterfly

I notice that you just returned from a trip on the Wonder. I am going to cruise for the first time in Sept. on the Wonder. I was wondering if you knew anything about the banana boat excursion being cancelled? If so, is it a temporary thing. Also, will you be posting a trip report?

[nenner1]

Congratulations Jen!!! Your daughter looks precious. :cutie:

I just returned from my Wonder cruise tonight and had to log on to tell you thank you so much for your helpful information about Atlantis and getting to the Tortuga Rum Factory. Every thing you said was spot on. I'm so grateful I had your notes to read and plan ahead before we did the aquaventure excursion.

Thanks again and CONGRATULATIONS!!! :butterfly

You are so welcome!!! I'm glad I was able to help!! Sorry I didn't get the CC segment up in time to help you.....it is coming soon! Glad you had a great time!!!:thumbsup2

I notice that you just returned from a trip on the Wonder. I am going to cruise for the first time in Sept. on the Wonder. I was wondering if you knew anything about the banana boat excursion being cancelled? If so, is it a temporary thing. Also, will you be posting a trip report?

I saw that post on the main forum...wow we are so upset. We were planning on doing the banana boat again on our next cruise, especially since now Brendan is old enough to ride. What a bummer. I really hope they manage to find another operator to run this excursion, especially now that I know that people are *supposed* to fall off the boat!!! It's a shame....:(

[PiratePug]

I notice that you just returned from a trip on the Wonder. I am going to cruise for the first time in Sept. on the Wonder. I was wondering if you knew anything about the banana boat excursion being cancelled? If so, is it a temporary thing. Also, will you be posting a trip report?

I just read the posts on that, too. I'm sorry I don't know anything about why it's been cancelled. I saw people riding the banana boat while we were at Castaway Cay and I thought it looked like a lot of fun.

I will definitely be posting a trip report, hopefully at least the beginning by this Sunday. This was a fantabulous trip - the best vacation I've ever had!! Lots of wonderful surprises along the way, exquisite service, beautiful weather...and I met so many lovely people. Stay tuned... :)

[nenner1]

After another good night’s sleep, dawn broke on another clear, beautiful morning.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07002-1.jpg

What is even better than that gorgeous sunrise? Well…..THIS

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07003-1.jpg
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07009.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07007.jpg

Land Ho, mateys! We hurried to get ourselves presentable. (It’s a beach after all, I can get away with not doing my hair or putting on any makeup right?) We all threw on swimsuits and cover-ups and I gathered all the beach goodies. Meanwhile, the kids proudly showed off the flubber they created last night:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07018.jpg

It still seemed fairly early to me (it was eight-something) when we headed up to BBB for the beef breakfast buffet (loooove that bacon and sausage!). The place does not seem too busy, we walked right into the serving line and fairly easily found an indoor table. I was a bit surprised…where was everyone? (We. Would. Soon. Find. Out.)

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07008.jpg

Any Dis’er knows that in order to procure a nice family beach spot on CC, you have to get out there early. To me, we did not seem any earlier debarking than we did on our last cruise…but when we went down to deck 1 to debark….there was a huge line. It took a few minutes to get past the throngs lingering around the gangway and get out on the island. And then of course I had to stop and get my pic at the Post Office, the one I wish I worked at:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07020.jpg

That having been done, we saw a tram approaching and decided that last time we had missed the “Disney Experience” by walking to the beach instead of riding the tram. And since Captain Jack wasn’t due out til 10 am (still have not managed to make the elusive Cap’n Jack photo op) we figured why not ride. There is a very Disney-typical spiel on the tram. I had to video it (the file is too large to upload….sorry!) As we jumped off the tram, the kids spotted some sort of neat chameleon/iguana/lizard/reptile-ish thing in the bushes. I was loudly paged over to the strange-color-changing-reptile viewing area to photograph it, and sadly he/she/it scampered away as I approached. Oh well. No flash photography on the wildlife please…hee hee hee.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07024-1.jpg

We headed over to the beach to grab a chair with an umbrella, and were ecstatic to discover that since our previous cruise last March (ahem….’07) that Disney had added many new hammocks out with the beach chairs all along the beach! Last time we had been there, there were only a handful of hammocks and they were located at the extreme ends of the beach or high up towards Cookies/the shops. Now there were many hammocks on banana frames right out at the chair line. (Or what the chair lines are that early in the morning, before everyone has dragged theirs down into the waterl!) So we skip-a-dee-dooh-dah’ed down the beach in search of an open one to chill in….but they were all already taken. Bummer. In fact the beach was pretty darn full for before 9 AM. All of the umbrellas centrally located on the family beach (by Cookie’s) were already taken too. So I found one further down by the play area. After I set everything up, Ron came by and said there are still a few empty hammocks at the faaaar end of the beach near the snorkeling area. While the location left a little to be desired, we had no excursions or plans for the day…just to chill out on the beach, so a hammock would be a good thing to have. We picked up camp and relocated back down to the other end. Sure enough there were still a few hammocks over there, and umbrellas, plus there was plenty of shade. It turned out to be a nice spot.

<<Con't in Next Post>>

[nenner1]

And so it was finally play time!!!
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07030.jpg

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http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07077.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07057.jpg
(Thanks to the nice lady who took this pic....I guess she knew how much I *really* wanted to be in it...;) :lmao: )





The obligatory “feet pic”:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07060.jpg


I could not believe how busy the beach seemed this time around. Don’t know if it was the uninformed 3 night cruise clientele (less repeat cruisers and Castaway Club members, plus less Dis’ers), or the gorgeous weather, or our location right at the beginning of the beach, or what but we saw many, many parties stumbling around looking for beach chairs. I don’t know if they were just picky (wanted/needed a hammock or umbrella or what-have-you), but it just seemed like there were too many families looking for a chair. All of the chairs around us and as far as we could see filled up pretty early, like well before eleven.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07062-1.jpg


Before too long I headed out to take a swim. In March the water seemed so cold, I could hardly enjoy it, so I was really looking forward to the WARM summer bath water. Eh. Nope. It was still cold. How in the world this shallow water in the baking early Oct. heat could still be so brisk is beyond me. So I took a short dip and headed back to the warmth of the hammock. Ron and the kids headed out to snorkel.

A Konk Kooler made it my way, and it was heavenly. I found myself napping in the breeze in paradise. Ahhhh.

Before I knew it, Brendan was running up to me screaming at me to follow him. Ron was right behind him yelling to hurry up. What in the world was going on? A fire? So I jumped up and stumbled after them. I hadn’t even stopped to wonder where Savannah was. We approached the pavilion near Cookie’s, and there she was…in a circle with other kids wearing a curious hat…
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07083.jpg

(sorry, not a great pic, I know. Things were beginning as I approached) And this thing I speak of was…the Castaway Cay hermit crab race FINALS! How exciting! I guess how this goes is kids who want to play get assigned a number and get to wear a cute crab hat and their numbers correspond to a particular crab (Savannah’s was #4). If their crab is the first one to the outer ring, well….they win! You had to be there? Okay, here’s the video!

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/th_Oct07082-1.jpg (http://s152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/?action=view&current=Oct07082-1.flv)


So…she didn’t win, but it was still pretty exciting. I figured since we were up (since I was up…out of the hammock, lol) we might as well grab lunch at Cookie’s before it got nutty. Isn’t it funny how, just like the ticket booths at the park, all the traffic goes to the center lines, and the ones on the end were empty. We headed to the empty left hand (end) line for our grub. I don’t know what Ron had to eat…probably one of everything. Last time I had the blackened fish sandwich – which would have been wonderful had it not been for the generous amount of mayo slathered all over every sandwich (they are pre-assembled). I *hate* mayo. So this time I just grabbed two plain hot dogs. Nice and charred, just the way I like ‘em. I also grabbed a bunch of cole slaw forgetting it has pineapple in it, which I don’t like (not in my slaw anyway, I’ll take it in a foo-foo alcoholic drink any day). Probably some corn, and a piece of the apple bread and a cookie for sure. Here’s what the kids had:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07084.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07085.jpg

I enjoyed the food more this time. The dogs were good. The only issue I had was there were CM’s staffing the drink station again. Does this mean there was an illness outbreak? It never makes much sense, b/c noone was there earlier in the day and nobody was there later, just at the lunch rush, which totally does not help the traffic flow. And I don’t get my tea the way I like it. Meh. But I am so on Castaway Cay right now, do I seriously have a right to complain??? We left plenty of room for our fave dessert, which was awesome as always:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07088.jpg


A hidden cookie dough Mickey:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07089-2.jpg

We headed back out to the beach for a little while. It was blistering hot and a lovely CM happened by to refill our KK’s. We also asked for a few waters and this fast talker sold us on a DCL soft sided cooler filled with like 10 waters and ice for $20.00. Actually it was a nice cooler, larger than the average lunchbox style one yet not too bulky and cumbersome. And, though not free, it was nice to have the convenience of having an ice cold bottle of water at arms reach.

We hung out on the beach for a couple of hours longer….til I had enough of the heat.
How wonderful is this beach???
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http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07075.jpg

Finally we decided to head back onboard. The kids wanted to hit the Mickey Pool, we had to stop by Shutters, the Reservation Desk, and maybe catch the Disney Dreams Matinee and later Bingo. It was to be a busy evening.

We hitched the tram back and as we approached the ship again marveled at how the near gangway had a line about 200 people long and the gangway at the far end of the ship had maybe 20 people queued up. As we strolled over to the short line, we caught a glimpse of this rat trying to stow away:


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07090.jpg

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07091.jpg


Still to come: The last hurrah (The 3-night cruise is way too short!) And this TR took way too long!!! ;)

[PerTrainer]

I have so looked forward to your CC section! I hope you and the baby are doing well and happy!!!:love:
I do have a question though.....how do you assure the safety of your things while you are on CC? I have been wondering about this for some time. I do not want any of our things taken while we are enjoying the island.

[disneygirl1972]

Jen- would you happen to have a picture of the cooler?

[nenner1]

Jen- would you happen to have a picture of the cooler?
Sorry Disney Girl, I do not. I went back and scanned all of my pics and did not find even a corner of it in any of them, I am so sorry. I would go get it and take a picture of it now, but it seems one of us misplaced it. And I am so not happy about that. Loved that cooler. I'd say it is about 12"x 12" x 12" square, navy blue nylon, thinly padded (insulated)...soft sided. No extra compartments inside or out ...just the main one. Zip around top. It has a navy blue woven nylon strap, I'd say about 2" wide...I don't think it was adjustable. The only decoration is the DCL logo on the front. Very nice, highly recommended for the $20 (with all the ice and waters!) :thumbsup2


I have so looked forward to your CC section! I hope you and the baby are doing well and happy!!!:love:
I do have a question though.....how do you assure the safety of your things while you are on CC? I have been wondering about this for some time. I do not want any of our things taken while we are enjoying the island.

Ashley,
I haven't worried about it too much. The only thing of any value we had with us was the camera, and I was using it most of the time. When I wasn't and none of us were near our chairs, I would bury it in the bottom of our beach bag and pile towels on top. So if someone wanted to go for it they would have to do a lot of digging.:rotfl2: And if you spend a lot of time at the chairs you see your "beach neighbors" and they see you..so really I can't imagine someone would have the nerve to conspicuously dig through other ppl's stuff right infront of others nearby. So really I wasn't too concerned. :goodvibes

[pixidustmom]

So glad to see your little princess is doing well. I am guess you are all home and adjusting to the new schedule. She is so precious :lovestruc.

Very glad to see more pi cutes/TR. Again your very good at this. I wonder if I will do one after mine. I have been thinking about it. I will need to take many notes though as my brain will get the days all mixed up.:rotfl2:

[wilma-bride]

Loving your trip report and congratulations on your new arrival - she is gorgeous.

[nenner1]

So glad to see your little princess is doing well. I am guess you are all home and adjusting to the new schedule. She is so precious :lovestruc.

Very glad to see more pi cutes/TR. Again your very good at this. I wonder if I will do one after mine. I have been thinking about it. I will need to take many notes though as my brain will get the days all mixed up.:rotfl2:

Loving your trip report and congratulations on your new arrival - she is gorgeous.

Thanks, Thanks!:goodvibes

Pixidustmom...yes go for it! Write a TR! Its so much fun to re-live everything!And yeah, taking notes is a good thing. I can totally see all the details I forgot by taking so long to get this done. Since my other two cruises were short I managed to get by wi thout taking notes but next time on the 7 night I will have to I think!

[drag n' fly]

Congrats what a cutie your baby is! Luvin the TR updates thx!:goodvibes

[IcePrincess467]

Your back Jen! Yayy! I sent you a PM...take care :)

[PerTrainer]

Hey Jen!
Do you have any more of your trip report?! I check back many times each day....they are just so fun to read and help with those of us who have never been on a Disney cruise. I find a lot of helpful things while reading your TR.
Hope you and your family have a safe and fun 4th!!!

[nenner1]

Hey Jen!
Do you have any more of your trip report?! I check back many times each day....they are just so fun to read and help with those of us who have never been on a Disney cruise. I find a lot of helpful things while reading your TR.
Hope you and your family have a safe and fun 4th!!!

Gosh, yes....I do....
I've been working on it. The last few weeks have been really busy with Savannah's dance recital....rehersals, company auditions, blocking, and -ugh- the costume sewing. That took two whole weeks in and of itself. ;)Plus we had our 90 day mark for booking our next cruise Palo, excursions, etc. right smack dab in the middle (oh and I forgot we had a wee bit of drama with our booking-lost our cruise partner who had Sarah booked in her room-and had to scramble and grab another stateroom) and I spent a lot of spare time researching the things we will be doing next time. All of that in between feedings so I've been keeping myself busy for sure.

That having been said, the next segment is about 1/4 done. It's a long one though, as I am going to go ahead and try to squeeze the rest of the cruise into it.

I can pretty much guarantee I won't finish it tonight, however as we are off to the pier for fireworks.

Happy Independence Day to all my American friends!:goodvibes

[nenner1]

It was only early afternoon when we re-boarded the ship after a delightful (if a bit hot) morning on Castaway Cay. Since we were already wet and “beach-y’ we figured this was the perfect opportunity for some pool-hopping, DCL style. We dropped the kids at the Mickey Pool (surprisingly busy, since ‘most’ people were still on CC).

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07113.jpg

We headed over to the Quiet Cove pool. Ron stopped in Cove Café for two mochacchino’s , and I hopped in the pool. I’m a fan of “clean” chlorinated water after a day in salt water. Ahhh. This pool was not dead either, there was a ring of adults hanging all around the perimeter chillin’:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07092-1.jpg


We enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere for a while, until we figured if we waited too much longer the kids might be wreaking havoc down aft, so we packed up and went back down towards the Mickey Pool. Halfway down, this is what greeted us:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07097.jpg


Satisfied that they did not damage any property or cause undue bodily harm, the kids went back into the pool, and we looked for chairs. Savannah found some friends:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07096-2.jpg

And had some fun in the splash area….The *only* kid I saw in there the whole cruise, I might add.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07098-1.jpg
Hopefully that is purified water, not recycled!!

We never did find chairs so we instead settled at the Goofy pool. The kids soon followed. It wasn’t as crazy as we had seen in our prior cruise, which was nice:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07114.jpg


Hot tub to ourselves:
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As the afternoon wore on, we made a trip to “Scoops”. I’m not really too impressed. Its just two soft serve machines, chocolate and vanilla…a couple of squirt bottles with toppings like chocolate sauce (NOT hot fudge, the runny stuff – yech!), strawberry sauce, and caramel, and I think some sprinkles. There aren’t cones (maybe I’ll remember to bring some next time). Not that I really have room to whine about it.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07117.jpg

The scenery:

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07105-1.jpg

As afternoon wore on, time had it’s way with us. We had wanted to see the Disney Dreams matinee but we got back on board too late. And as it turned out we stayed too long up on deck to catch the 6:15 showing. We heded in to make our final selections at shutters. I had promised to cut back this time, and actually I had no problem keeping to our package. There was at least one night we had no photos taken at all. So as we were sprawled out in the corner, photos all over the floor…I felt a tap on my shoulder. I looked up and a nice lady said to me “Are you Jen…?” AH! It was my fellow Dis friend Tiffany and her hubby Doug, who were also on our next cruise. We chatted for a bit, discussed our lonely decorated doors (we only saw one other door decorated other than ours & Tiffany and Doug’s)..I believe I must have apologized profusely for my appearance. Beach Day. ‘Nuff said. After we bid eachother adieu (‘til we meet again in Sept.) we each spent time at the re-booking desk. We had a Cat. 10 booked for our next cruise and decided we were thoroughly spoiled by the Cat. 5 this time, so we had to upgrade our reservations to a Cat. 8. We had a lot of discussion about it and actually left and came back to the desk several times. We *really* wanted at least a Cat. 6 but just could not afford it, so in the end we settled for the oceanview GTY 8 and decided we would just hope for the pixie dust and maybe score an upgrade later on.

Before we knew it, it was time to go get ready for dinner. Since we had no show to go to, we had some time to kill. But that also meant…..we had time to do something new. BINGO!

All dressed up and nowhere to go!
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So we went down to Wavebands, and lucky us, tonight was jackpot bingo. Basically that meant that the highest jackpots of the cruise would be tonight. They had two card options, a red card which had so many bingo grids on it but also had extra chances to win the final game (the jackpot) and the basic purple card which just had six bingo grids on it. We bought the basic purple card and I think it was around $30. (Sorry its been awhile so I forgot the details). There would be four games of random patterns (i.e. straight, four corners, etc.). I found it amusing that when you get to one number away from winning Bingo you have to stand, so everyone is watching you! I found myself standing in the first two games, but did not win. The prizes in both of those were modest, I think about $50 for the first one and $75 for the second. I know the Bingo prizes are based on the amount of card sales per cruise so obviously the 3 night pots are going to be less than the 7 night ones. The third game I knew would be lucky as soon as I heard it was “Postage Stamp” (ya’ll know where I work, right?). Sure enough I soon found myself standing with about 4 other folks. Very next number and I had it…”BINGO!” Except…..well…so did two of the others. Sigh. The crew verified our numbers and sure enough all three of us were winners! We each got around $40. Here’s the winning card:


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07128.jpg
We didn’t even come close to winning the big finale jackpot which was
around $200. And only one person won that one too…so the game I won was the only one where the prize was split. Oh well. It was enough to cover the cost of the card and a couple of bonus drinks!!

We headed to guest services to put the bingo winnings onto our account. (They give you a slip and you can either credit it to your account or take cash). While at GS, I took this picture of the kids and Michael (the little boy on the right). His mom was trying really hard to coerce him out of the picture but I just laughed and said no, that was ok…now Michael will be in our vacation memories forever!


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It was already time for dinner, so we got into the Triton’s line, which was already practically backed up to Wavebands. As soon as we got in the line it headed in, and we were seated quickly. The girls goofing around:

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Fortune greeted us promptly and we waited for Luis for our beverages…then…no Luis! We had a new assistant server, a young female (whose name has escaped me, sorry!) She took our drink orders and kept our drinks full all night…and did a standup job! We asked what had happened to Luis and basically got the “He wasn’t feeling well” excuse so we had to wonder if he was really sick, or fired! As far as food goes, Triton’s is our least favorite restaurant of the three rotational ones. Love the elegant atmosphere, but we always end up leaving here hungry. Maybe it’s the “French” sized portions? For salads, we both ordered the Mixed Garden Salad, and it was fine. Nothing special though. Just regular salad. I liked the goat cheese croutons. Ron got the Shrimp Medley, which was baby and jumbo shrimp cocktail…mostly baby shrimp. I skipped the appetizer as nothing appealed to me. For main courses we both again had Roasted Beef Tenderloin. It is served sliced with gravy and what looked like mashed potatoes-but don’t let ‘em fool ya, they’re rutabagas! We had this downed in about three bites (sans rutabaga of course). I don’t remember what Brendan ate, surely a burger or pizza off the kids menu. Savannah had the mickey pasta, here’s a pic:
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07137.jpg


Tonight we were celebrating Brendan’s 8th birthday (which was the next week). Our serving team brought out the funky jello cake which looks a lot better than it tastes and serenaded him with the birthday song.

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This was the first we had seen of our head server, I think her name was Julie or Julia. We asked her about Luis, since we were so sure they abandoned him in Nassau. She too said he was under the weather (suuuuuuuuure) and not to worry that the tips would be distributed appropriately. She continued to make the rounds to the other tables, but we did notice the ranks had thinned considerably. We had a couple of large tables around us where only half of the party was present and actually every table immediately around us seemed empty. We were not as impressed with the service this time around. While our server Fortune did fine, he did not do any of the “extras” like magic tricks or the sort that we had experienced in our first cruise. We only saw the head server the last night, and of course whatever Luis problem was certainly affected his service. Our assistant the last night was very good. But overall we were not wowed and began to wonder if the service is not as “stellar” for those who have cruised DCL before. Our desserts, the crème brulee, were good but again not nearly enough to fill us up. We look forward to scheduling Palo on our Lumiere’s/Triton’s night on our next cruise.

We skipped the “Til we meet again character party, as the kids were tired and we had that ever-annoying last evening packing to do. We found a bunny waiting for us on our bed.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07130.jpg


We had been trying to assemble a towel animal zoo, but –yikes- it seems the poor monkey met his demise and must have been disassembled to create Mr. Rabbit! Apparently the swan spared detection, so we still had 2/3 of our zoo creatures.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07132.jpg
The packing was much easier this time, being so organized. The extra space and steamer trunk really made a difference for us. We were done early and spent some last lovely moments out on our verandah before retiring for the evening.

The kids were beat.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s183/nenner1/Oct07157.jpg


The next morning we arose and sadly dressed and prepared for disembarkation. I wanted to go to our assigned table breakfast, as I thought they would have better food., so down to Triton’s we went. Again there was a line, and the atrium seemed pure chaos. The early seaters were heading out of the restaurant and off the ship. It took a bit to get seated this time. Even fewer people showed up for breakfast and I think we may have been our regular team’s only table. While service in & of itself was fine, we did seem like they were trying to “rush” us off a bit. As far as the food goes, the only extra additions (that you could not get at BBB) seemed to be pancakes, and that’s what I got. They were nothing to write home to mom about. They were not fresh, obviously a frozen variety and they were a bit cold and rubbery. Also again, not enough food about 3 sand dollar sized cakes and two slices of bacon. I can’t remember what everyone else had but it was unanimous that we preferred the buffet offerings. Since we all had the “cruise is over blues” we said farewell to our team and headed off the ship. Or – tried to head off the ship. We found disembarkation much more of a pain this time. Last cruise we ate at BBB and just walked off the ship when we were done, and that was obviously in the middle of a breakfast seating as we were off quickly. This time quite a few folks were trying to leave at the same time and we were held in the lobby. When they finally opened it up, they only let a small amount of us go..then we were held again in the terminal before the escalators. Frustrating. We figured customs and luggage pick up must be too busy to let us downstairs, and that must have been the case as it was still really busy when we finally did get waved through. We snagged a porter, quickly found our area and our bags and poked through the slow moving customs line. This time our customs guy did not say even a word to us and waved us through. In what seemed like an instant we were across the street, in the car, and driving off with the beautiful Wonder in the rearview mirror.

This marks the end of another truly wonderful Disney Cruise adventure.

Folks, September is just around the corner. I’ll see ya real soon!

[anewmac]

awww so sad to hear this one end.. BUT cant wait for the next edition! :)

[nenner1]

awww so sad to hear this one end.. BUT cant wait for the next edition! :)

Oh...I can't wait either!!!:yay:

[mousebit]

Jen, just wanted to thank you for a great report. Thanx for taking the time to finish it. Really appreciated all your great photos and the information about Atlantis. :thumbsup2

[nenner1]

Jen, just wanted to thank you for a great report. Thanx for taking the time to finish it. Really appreciated all your great photos and the information about Atlantis. :thumbsup2

You're welcome!:goodvibes

Thank you for reading!!!

[Imagoofy1]

Great trip report - just wondering, does everyone get the castaway beach tote ??:confused3

[nenner1]

Great trip report - just wondering, does everyone get the castaway beach tote ??:confused3

All Castaway Club members (returning cruisers) do receive the gift. I've heard it has changed slightly since last year and is now a nicer black & red tote bag with water bottles inside instead of cups. Castaway Clubbers also get complimentary lanyards with a KTTW card holder and two pins as a gift.

Glad you enjoyed the report!! A new one is coming very soon!:banana:

[DisneyMama629]

Well, I just spent my Saturday morning reading both of your trip reports! They were both great! I can't wait for the 7 nighter!

[nenner1]

Believe me, I can't wait either!

T-minus 2 weeks!!!

[mickeyluv]

Hey Jen, you know I love your TR!! We are taking our 2nd Disney cruise in November...11/29 to be exact :cheer2: . This will be our 1st time on the Magic though and we are so excited. I can't wait to read your TR for your upcoming Magic cruise. Will this be your family's 1st time on the Magic? Wondering if you could find out for me who will be the CD on the Magic on November 29th sailing? We had Christiaan last November on the Wonder and absolutely loved him!! Have a great, great cruise and you know we'll all be looking forward to hearing from you!!!

[nenner1]

Hey Jen, you know I love your TR!! We are taking our 2nd Disney cruise in November...11/29 to be exact :cheer2: . This will be our 1st time on the Magic though and we are so excited. I can't wait to read your TR for your upcoming Magic cruise. Will this be your family's 1st time on the Magic? Wondering if you could find out for me who will be the CD on the Magic on November 29th sailing? We had Christiaan last November on the Wonder and absolutely loved him!! Have a great, great cruise and you know we'll all be looking forward to hearing from you!!!
Awww, why thank you! :goodvibes
Yes, this is our first time on the Magic, we've spent 7 days on the Wonder (7 months apart)...you know we are so excited!
Are you one of the nana heads? They are famous, yknow!:banana:
I will most definitely let you know who is CD, though I am pretty sure I read in the Repo thread that it is not Christiaan (is he on the Wonder now? I think that's what I read???) but anyway they said Brent was CD over the summer and will continue to be after dry dock, so we shall see.
We will warm the Magic up for you!!!:thumbsup2

[disneypolybride2008]

just wanted to say thank you for putting in this link to my question on Aquaventures! You did a great job describing everything! Great pics too! I cant wait for the dessert party!

What were the hours of the pirate party? We're in the later dinner seating and we'll probably be full from dinner.

How was water temp at the ports in March? Warm enough to enjoy? :)

[nenner1]

just wanted to say thank you for putting in this link to my question on Aquaventures! You did a great job describing everything! Great pics too! I cant wait for the dessert party!

What were the hours of the pirate party? We're in the later dinner seating and we'll probably be full from dinner.

How was water temp at the ports in March? Warm enough to enjoy? :)
You are so welcome, I'm glad it helps you!!:goodvibes

Water temp...at Atlantis the the most of the pools were heated (we were there in Oct, so it was HOT anyway, but we could tell which ones were heated (the main pool by the Mayan Temple) and which ones weren't (the Current and all of the water coasters/everything in the Power Tower.)

In March...it was a bit chilly, both in CC and Nassau. I am really sensitive to cold water though (I like my pool like a bath!) so while I personally found it cold, I may not be the best unbiased opinion on how tolerable it really is. It was uncomfortable cold only when first getting in, once I was in and used to it...it was still cold but not unbearably so. I got used to it for the most part. At first I was just wading wth the water to my waist and to me that was worse than when I just bit the bullet and dove in and snorkeled (same day a little bit later). In fact had I not gone on the banana boat (which they don't have anymore:sad2: ) I may not have stayed in the water. But once I did I was fine. I snorkeled for about an hour and then got back out...then as I warmed up I found it hard to get back in the water! It was too hoton the beach and too cold in the water...to me.:confused3 But like I said I'm really sensitive.
We also did the dolphin encounter and you can almost see our teeth chattering in the picture (me and the kids, DH loves it cold). Although I think they said the water was 71 degrees? Which doesn't sound too bad....

Hope that helps you a little! Have a wonderful cruise!!:thumbsup2

[nenner1]

What were the hours of the pirate party? We're in the later dinner seating and we'll probably be full from dinner.



Sorry! I forgot to answer this one!

The Pirate Party is at 9:45, which, since you have late seating like we did...is RIGHT after dinner. On this past cruise we did Palo that night and took an early ressie so we were hungrier at the Pirate Buffet. The first cruise we just basically grabbed desserts. (Well DH did, I was way too tired..we actually missed it the first time.)

[anewmac]

woohoo we get to start the party soon!!! Im in your lovely state now! :)

[nenner1]

woohoo we get to start the party soon!!! Im in your lovely state now! :)

Glad you made it down safely!
In a mere 36 hours I will be on Deck 9 with a bahama mama (or whatever!;) ) running down my throat, and you'll be right there with me! Wooo Hooo!:banana:

[disneypolybride2008]

thanks for answering my questions, you're very helpful.

:thumbsup2

[outlander]

Just found your trip report....linked from somewhere....can't even remember what I was initially reading about! I read through the entire thing because it was so informative and well put together. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience.
Belated congratulations on your new addition and have an awesome trip!:banana:

[nenner1]

thanks for answering my questions, you're very helpful.

:thumbsup2
You are so welcome. I'm glad it was helpful!:goodvibes

Just found your trip report....linked from somewhere....can't even remember what I was initially reading about! I read through the entire thing because it was so informative and well put together. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience.
Belated congratulations on your new addition and have an awesome trip!:banana:
Thank you for reading!! :thumbsup2
Sailing away in 25 hours! Can't wait!!!!!!!:banana:

[disneypolybride2008]

i was looking at DCL wonder videos on youtube and found out there is a Toy Story musical, is this on the 3 night cruise?

[nenner1]

i was looking at DCL wonder videos on youtube and found out there is a Toy Story musical, is this on the 3 night cruise?

Yes, it is only on the Wonder. It just started showing this spring, in May I believe, so I have not yet had the opportunity to see it. I have heard it is really great. The sets are supposed to be fantastic.:thumbsup2

[disneypolybride2008]

great, i cant wait to see it!

[nenner1]

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to let all my loyal subscribers know that I have started a new trip report covering our 7-night Alternate Western Double Dip aboard the Magic. We just got off the boat Saturday and we had a fantastic time!

Hope to see you all there! Here is the link:

Back to the Island *~* Double Dip Delight! Alternate Western 9/27-10/4!!! (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1978223)

Jen