Disney Magic Eastern, 10/13 - 10/20 2007

[fairfax]

I’ve never written a cruise trip report, so here we go! We sailed on the Magic’s 7 day Eastern cruise from October 13 – 10, 2007. Traveling were me, my husband (DH), daughter age 4 (DD), son age 2 (DS) and also my mom and dad. This was our fifth Disney cruise, but our first time on the Magic.

Saturday morning we were up early and on our way to Port Canaveral by 9:30 AM. Upon arriving, we got an excellent parking spot very close to the terminal. It was only 11 AM, the earliest we’d ever arrived at port. This is one of the best moments of vacation, when I get the first view of the ship . . . knowing the whole wonderful vacation is about to begin. We breezed through Security, then up the elevator to see . . . huge crowds! They must have arrived on the half dozen or so DCL buses we saw earlier. We were given the boarding number 11! Oh well, so much for arriving early. The check in line for Castaway Club members was much longer than the regular check in line, but it moved fairly quickly. Mom and I stood in the line, while DH and my dad stood in line to get my kids’ photos with Captain Mickey. We received our Castaway Club lanyards and pins, very nice!

We didn’t get called to board the ship until around 12:30. At last, our vacation has begun! I tried to get a reservation at Palo, but they were already fully booked. The computers were down, so they wrote my name down for the waiting list. Next, to Guest Services to drop off my kids’ pillowcases, and also for DH and I to sign up for the tequila and beer tastings. My parents signed up for the wine tasting. Time for lunch. We went to Parrot Cay and told there would be a 20 minute wait, but with the kids and our carry on luggage it is worth waiting instead of trying to eat at Topsiders. Lunch was fantastic and by the time we were through, our room was ready. We were in 6538, which is deck six, forward on the starboard side of the ship. Unfortunately, my parents’ stateroom was quite far away, 5644 which is aft and also one deck below us. But, that’s what happens when you book late and wait for Florida resident discounts. I wasn’t complaining, the room was beautiful! This is only the second time we’ve had a verandah room. On or bed was our Castaway Club gifts, a small tote bag with two mesh backpacks, two cups, two rubber bracelets, a pool toy, a magnet, and probably some other things I am forgetting right now.

DH took DD to the pool while I waited on our luggage, tried unsuccessfully to get DS to nap, and then unpacked. Soon, DD and DH were back from the pool to get ready for the lifeboat drill. I took my Bonine as I have a terrible problem with seasickness, but luckily for me we had smooth seas the entire cruise. After the drill, we met up with my parents for the Adventures Away party, which is always a good time. The ship set sail and we headed back to our room to change for dinner. By some miracle, we got the 5:30 seating!! We’ve never been lucky enough to get early seating before. With our children being so young, this made all the difference in the world to us. Instead of having cranky, sleepy kids at the 8:30 seating, we could actually enjoy our dinners. True, you are a little rushed to get ready in time, but to me it’s definitely worth it.

I had gone a little crazy with my daughter’s wardrobe and had bought practically the entire Gymboree ‘Bon Voyage’ line of clothes. That night she wore the red sailor dress and looked adorable, but I saw at least 3 other girls with the same dress over the course of the cruise! It was cute. DS wore a sailor outfit too, I have to enjoy dressing him up while he is still too young to protest! Dinner the first night was in Animator’s Palate. Our servers were Girish and Anastacia, and they were just amazing. They were friendly and fun to talk with, of course, but they also did a fantastic job in keeping our kids happy and getting our food out to us quickly. Our kids have about a one hour window at dinner where we can keep them quiet and happy, so this really helped. Also, my dad is elderly and sometimes has trouble hearing and understanding things, and they were both so patient and kind to him. They were the best servers we’ve had. Dinner was excellent, and the show in Animator’s is always fun. DD loved watching the colors change on the walls.

After dinner, we had some photo ops including Minnie in her sailor dress. Then, a little shopping to check out the on-board merchandise. In Treasure Ketch, DH found a beautiful Bulova watch that was 50% off and bought it (he loves watches and has many more than I do). My dad and I each got one of the $19 watches that were on special that night! Also, there was a ton of merchandise from the Transatlantic cruise that was marked 75% off. We all got shirts (by the end of the cruise, it seemed half the ship was wearing them!) and I also got a mug and few other things.

Off to check out the kids’ club. They were having their Family Night. As soon as we walked in, my kids loved it! We’ve never used or even been in the clubs before. On 3 night cruises there really isn’t enough time. My son is too young to drop off there, but they counselors told me as long as one of us was with him we could bring him in to play. This was a great place to take him for an hour or so to burn off energy during the day. He loved the slide and climbed up the stairs and rigging over and over again. He is much more fearless than his sister was at that age. DD loved the different crafts and coloring that they did. They really do a great job there.

Back in the stateroom, DD was so excited to see the fold down bunk that she was going to sleep in. She could hardly wait to go to bed! That’s a first. Both kids fell asleep quickly. I went back to the shops with my mom for a little while and DH stayed with the kids. When I got back, DH went to Diversions to watch the baseball playoffs. There were so many good movies playing on the in-room TV (Spider-Man 3, Ocean’s 13, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Surf’s Up, Shrek the Third) that I watched for a while and then went out on the verandah to enjoy the beautiful ocean at night.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/captainmickey.jpg

[fairfax]

Sunday 10/14/07 – Day Two (At Sea)

Our character breakfast was at 8:15 AM, so we all had to get up early. We met my parents in Parrot Cay for Mickey’s Island Jam. The characters do not come to your table but instead put on a show and circulate around the room. It was a cute show and DD got up to dance with them a few times. After breakfast, as the day was overcast and drizzly, DD went to see the move “Underdog” in the theater with my mom. My dad went back to the room to nap, and DH and I took DS to the kids’ club where Mickey was making an appearance. After a while, we took DS to the atrium for a photo op with Peter Pan. We waited in the line for 15 minutes, but when it was our turn, DS took one look at Peter Pan and burst into tears! We have a very funny picture of him crying with Peter Pan.

We all met at Topsiders’ for lunch. DD had enjoyed the movie and sat through the whole thing. After lunch, we took the kids up to the room to nap. I spent more time on the verandah while they slept, either reading, listening to my iPod, or just looking at the ocean. I could do that all day! Even though it was drizzly, the verandah is well protected from the weather.

This was formal night, so soon it was time to get all dressed up. DH had brought his tux. For DS, I had a very cute little captain’s outfit that amazingly he wore the whole night, bow tie, jacket and all. He would not wear the hat, so I didn’t push my luck and just put it away! We met up with my parents’ in the atrium for a round of photos of us in our formal wear. We had the photo in front of the ship’s railing and then Donald in formal attire. Dinner was Parrot Cay, which is a little odd to be wearing formal wear while eating there! But it was another excellent meal. After dinner there was the captain’s reception. They were passing out free drinks and I had a mai tai that wasn’t half bad. We had our picture taken with Captain Tom, who was very nice considering he had to shake hands and smile hundreds of times. Also, my mom had to ask the dreaded question: “If you’re down here, who is steering the ship!” Oh mom! Everyone asks the poor man that! He smiled nicely and said that he has excellent officers that take good care of the ship. More photos: Goofy in formal attire, and the backdrop of the ship. My kids had photo fatigue by this time. My mom and I took DD to the Golden Mickeys (DD’s favorite show) while the men took DS to the kids’ club. The show was wonderful. After the kids were bedded down for the night, I went to Shutter’s to see our photos and start our 6x8 and 8x10 photo packages.

[fairfax]

Monday 10/15/07 – Day Three (At Sea)

We woke up early (6:20), thanks to my early rising kids. Who do they get that from? Not DH or me, that’s for sure. The day was sunny and beautiful. We met my parents for a big breakfast at Lumiere’s. I indulged in my one eggs benedict of the cruise. Wonderful! Next, the pool. I was surprised to find that unlike the Wonder, the Magic does not have the kids splash/play area under the slide. All kids in diapers (DS) had to stay in the one Mickey ear of the pool. DS had to be lifted in and out and they were very strict that he could not walk around the nearby area. I completely understand why they need to do this, believe me, but it was impossible to keep DS in that one ear. So we gave up on taking him to the pool. DH and my mom stayed at the pool with DD and I changed DS and took him to the kids’ club where we stayed an hour or so.

Later, Mom and I went to the Castaway Club party with DS. Unfortunately I once again did not win one of the raffle prizes! But it is always fun to go to.

Our lunch that day was at Topsiders, which had a delicious Asian themed buffet that day. Once again, as the kids napped later I went to Shutters and the shops with my mom, then had my verandah time.

This was the day of the tequila and margarita tasting. My parents picked up the kids and took them to the kids club. The tasting was in Preludes. DH and I had three different kinds of tequila to sample, Jose Cuervo Reposado, Patron Silver, and Patron XO Café. The third one was a wonderful coffee flavored tequila, which sounds strange but was actually very good. They did not sell it on the ship, but I later bought a bottle in St. Thomas. Next, the margaritas. We had a traditional one (small size) and then a strawberry margarita that was way too sweet for me. The Cast Member (can’t remember his name) who was in charge of the tasting explained to us the history of tequila and the process for making it and overall was very funny and interesting.

Back up to the room for a quick change, then time for photos with JoJo and Goliath, Mulan (my daughter’s favorite princess), and Daisy before dinner. Our dinner was at Lumiere’s. After all my tequila and margaritas, I was feeling great! I had the scallops for dinner, again very good. I never had a bad meal on the ship. After dinner the kids posed with Cinderella, Snow White, and Chip and Dale in their nautical outfits. It is easy to see why photos are my major on-board expenditure!

The show that night was Twice Charmed, which I’d never seen before as it is only on the Magic. It was spectacular! DD completely loved it, especially the very handsome young man who was playing Prince Charming. He had a great voice, too. She talked about the prince for days afterwards. I thought the actor who played the Fairy Godfather was fantastic. I liked this show so much I bought the soundtrack.

One more photo after the show – Minnie dressed as a Princess, then it was time for bed for the kids. Verandah time for me and baseball in Diversions for DH.

[fairfax]

Tuesday 10/16/07 – Day Four (St. Maarten)

We woke up in the morning, opened the curtains to our verandah and were greeted by a beautiful sunny day and a spectacular view of St. Maarten! We dressed, met up with my parents for a quick breakfast, and then off the ship. We did not have any shore excursions, as DS is too young, so we took the water taxi over to town. For a few hours we wandered around, looking at the shops. I wanted to buy some of the Patron XO Café that I enjoyed at the tequila tasting, and I found a bottle for only $18 in one of the shops. But, I’d left all my cash on the ship, so I had to pass it up. I almost bought a beautiful tanzanite ring in one of the jewelry stores (Shiva’s, very nice), but my mom talked me out of it. The prices are much better on St. Maarten than St. Thomas, as we would find out later.

By now the kids were tired of shopping, so we walked to the beach. I can’t remember the name of the hotel, but we got four beach chairs there for $4 each. It was a very nice area. DH liked that the buckets of beer were very cheap! The water was so clear and very calm. DH and the kids played in the ocean. My dad napped under an umbrella. Mom went back to shop more. I stayed under an umbrella (the curse of having frighteningly fair skin), emerging once in a while to take photos of the kids. We had a very fun, relaxing time. By 2:30, the kids were exhausted and ready to go back to the ship to nap. My parents had a surprise for me, they had managed to get a reservation for Palo for DH and I! It was my birthday that day, so I guess my mom told them that and they found a table for us at 6 PM. After the kids’ nap, I dressed them in their pirate costumes (adorable), handed them over to my parents, and then DH and I went to Palo!

Our server was Dragan from Croatia. We had a table at the window with a gorgeous view of St. Maarten. I had a glass of sparkling wine that Dragan recommended. For appetizers, I had the shrimp, DH had the calamari, and Dragan also brought us the portabello mushroom. Next, I had the grilled sea scallops and DH had the beef tenderloin. Dragan also brought us another entrée (can’t remember which one). My scallops were just amazing. Finally, dessert. Dragan didn’t ask us what we wanted, he just started bringing out several amazing dishes including the famous chocolate soufflé! He was so wonderful all night, surprising us with extras like that. After dessert I was so full I could barely move! Dragan came back with another plate with a design in chocolate that said “Happy Birthday” and told me my check was taken care of (he wouldn’t say by who but obviously it was my mom and dad). What a wonderful birthday dinner!

We met up with the rest of the group, my kids had been good for grandma and grandpa during dinner and they had also taken them for photos with Jack Sparrow and Pirate Mickey. We had time for a few more photos, with Pirate Stitch and Pirate Minnie. We then went back to my parents’ room, where they had a bottle of wine for the adults to enjoy while the kids watched one of the Disney movies on TV. My dad could not stay up for the pirate night show, so he went to bed, but the rest of us went up to Deck 10 to watch the pirate show. Unfortunately, DS was wearing out and could not stay awake. So, I took him back to our room. After he fell asleep, I went on the verandah and found I had a perfect view of the fireworks from the starboard side of the ship. They were lovely! It was a great birthday.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/piratemickey.jpg

[fairfax]

Wednesday 10/17/07 – Day Five (St. Thomas)

This was the morning we had to go through immigration in the Walt Disney Theater. Our time was 7:15. I had a hard time sleeping that night and kept waking up worried we’d sleep late and miss the immigration check and get arrested or something. So, we were up early made it in plenty of time. The line was incredible! It stretched from the theater all the way the length of the ship into Shutters. The whole experience was time consuming and not pleasant but had to be done. Back in the stateroom, we had a quick breakfast and then off to St. Thomas!

Our plan was to do the Paradise Point sky tram. As we left the ship and walked in that direction, we were mobbed by people asking if we wanted a taxi, and island tour, etc. Once we made our way through that gauntlet, it was a short walk to the skyway. The cost was $19 per person, but the kids rode free. Each car holds about 10 people and takes you slowly up the mountain. Once at the top, the views are spectacular! We spent much time walking around (there are a few trails) and taking dozens of photos. There are also shops there, and a bar. There was a tropical bird show that we watched, then got a table with a great view and had smoothies (kids) and mango margaritas (mom and me). The drinks were not cheap.

After a few hours, it was back down the mountain. We decided to walk to the nearby Kmart, which supposedly had the cheapest duty-free liquor prices on the island. In retrospect, that was not a good idea. Yes, we saved a few bucks, but we had to walk by more than a few very aggressive panhandlers. Now, I commuted on the Metro in D.C. for many years so this did not faze me, but it upsetted my mom and DD.

The kids had had enough of St. Thomas, so DH and my dad took them back onto the ship. My mom and I shopped at the Havensight mall. We bought t-shirts and pirate flags for the kids. I finally bought my Patron XO Café, but the best price I could find was $25. In general, the liquor prices are better on the ship or St. Maarten. Then, in a jewelry shop I found a tanzanite ring that I loved with a price that I could afford. I had first tried on a gorgeous ring with a much larger stone, but it was way out of my budget. Even after the sales lady kept dropping the price, it was still well out of my price range. But, to my surprise, my mom bought it for herself!

Once I got back on the ship, DH, DD, and DS were all napping. I hadn’t had lunch, so I headed up to deck 9 for pizza and soft serve ice cream. What the heck, I’m on vacation, right? Not surprisingly, I ran into my mom and dad up there eating, too. Dad decided to leave the ship for a while to do some shopping of his own (he bought a St. Thomas polo shirt and hat).

That night I think was the master chef menu. We ate in Parrot Cay once again. I had the orange roughy which was delicious. DD and I wore mother-daughter dresses (so I can embarrass her with the photos someday) and did the Lifetouch portraits, which came out very nicely. We also had photo ops with Sorcerer Mickey and Pinocchio.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/magic.jpg
The Magic taken from the top of Paradise Point.

[chepic]

great TR....thanks for posting. I love reading about everyone's journeys. I love the picture of your son getting his hair cut at the MK. We did that last year, and my son was thrilled....loved the blue die and the mickey confetti that would sparkle in all the inside rides!!!

cheryl

[Babs417]

Good report we are leaving Sat. and this is great to read THANKS

[fairfax]

Good report we are leaving Sat. and this is great to read THANKS

I'm jealous you're leaving Saturday! It was so wonderful I can't wait to go back.

Glad you found it helpful. I will write up the rest tonight and try to post some photos, too.

I love the picture of your son getting his hair cut at the MK. We did that last year, and my son was thrilled....loved the blue die and the mickey confetti that would sparkle in all the inside rides!!!


They do a great job don't they? We went last month and got both our kids hair cut again. I love the sparkles!

[sasser05]

Good report we are leaving Sat. and this is great to read THANKS

have you heard any info on our cruise, that may be helpful!
Cant wait for SATURDAY:woohoo:

[APOOHFN]

Thanks for posting your trip report! I was also on this cruise and reading your report brings back such wonderful memories (even though I just home yesterday) ;)

We, too, were at the 5:30pm dinner seating w/the APL rotation!

Glad you had fun! We totally lucked out with the weather, didn't we?? Aren't you glad the Castaway Cay downpour didn't last very long?!

[Babs417]

Sasser05 go on Disney cruise meets Oct27 Cruising around the moon

[MiknMinMouse]

It brings back wonderful memories reading everyone's trip reports. We had a blast. The only thing is on the last full day I finally had DS's picture taken with Captain Mickey. Well Saturday morning was so crazy - Shutters was nuts that I forgot that picture. My DD and I had taken Lifestyle pics and she wanted me to get those & the picture with Minnie. I completely forgot about the little guy's pic. And of course it's the one on the camera that didn't come out :upsidedow .

We had the 6:00 p.m. seating in the main rotation which ended up being perfect. Our asst. server, Jessica was wonderful. I have some great pictures of her and the kids. She asked me on the last day if I would email her copies, which I thought was sweet. My DD had written her a thank you note the day before and Jessica told her it was the best souvenier she had. That made DD's day.

[fairfax]

Originally posted by APOOHFN
Thanks for posting your trip report! I was also on this cruise and reading your report brings back such wonderful memories (even though I just home yesterday)

We, too, were at the 5:30pm dinner seating w/the APL rotation!

Glad you had fun! We totally lucked out with the weather, didn't we?? Aren't you glad the Castaway Cay downpour didn't last very long?!

Hey there! It was a wonderful cruise wasn't it? The best for us so far.

The weather was great. The drizzly day on Sunday didn't bother me, and we all huddled under our beach umbrella at CC until the rain passed us by.

I am sorry now I did not check the cruise meets board to see who else was sailing. But we booked so late (end of August).

Originally posted by MiknMinMouse
It brings back wonderful memories reading everyone's trip reports. We had a blast. The only thing is on the last full day I finally had DS's picture taken with Captain Mickey. Well Saturday morning was so crazy - Shutters was nuts that I forgot that picture. My DD and I had taken Lifestyle pics and she wanted me to get those & the picture with Minnie. I completely forgot about the little guy's pic. And of course it's the one on the camera that didn't come out

I forgot one of our photos, too! A family photo taken on the stairs by Lumiere's. The Lifestyle photos are great, aren't they?

Glad everyone is enjoying the TR!

[fairfax]

Thursday 10/18/07 – Day Six (At Sea)

Our at sea day had the usual routine in the morning – breakfast at Topsiders, then pool for DH, DD, and my mom, nap for my dad, and Oceaneer’s Club for DS and I. JoJo was making an appearance in the kids’ club, so that was a fun event.

This was the day of the princess greeting (noon), so I had to get DD back into the room and into her Cinderella dress, shoes, and crown. DH went down at 11 to get a spot in line, there were already about 10 people ahead of him. The princess greeting turned out to be somewhat of a disappointment. On four cruises on the Wonder, we’ve had at least four and once had five princesses at the princess greeting. Here there were only three: Cinderella, Belle, and Snow White. Also, there were no professional photographers, so you had to take photos with your own cameras. This was one of the main reasons I got the photo package, for the princess greeting, so I was disappointed.

After the greeting, my parents got us a table at Lumiere’s for lunch, while I took DD back to the room to change. We had a great lunch, I had the seafood risotto which was one of the best meals of the cruise. Lunch took a long time, so by the time we got back to the room the kids were ready to nap. I read on the verandah for a while, but before long I was dozing off myself so I also took a nap!

We all woke up in time to get ready for our beer tasting at 4 PM in Diversions. My parents picked up the kids and took them to the Oceaneer Club where they were preparing for the Celebrate the Journey show. The beer tasting was fun, there were not very many people there. I think I preferred the tequila tasting, however. We had four different types of beer: Fosters, Sam Adams, Boddington’s, and one other I can’t remember.

Once that was over we raced to the WD Theater, where my mom and dad met us with DS. Time for Celebrate the Journey! The kids all came into the theater wearing their Disney Sea U. t-shirts and Mickey ear graduation caps. We spotted DD and she looked adorable. The ‘graduation’ ceremony is very cute. DD was only in one photo in the video, but she wasn’t in the kids’ club that much. I took many, many pictures.

We had to hurry back to the room to change for semi-formal night. We ate in Lumiere’s that night and had the Captain’s Gala menu. On our way in, there was time for a photo with Mickey in his formal attire. At dinner, I had an Ocean Blue cocktail, the mushroom soup and the lobster tail. My mom and I remarked that the soups on the ship were all excellent and Girish our server told us there is one chef on board who is responsible for all soups and he’d pass on our complements to him. I was really not hungry at all for dessert, but how could I pass up the warm chocolate lava cake? It was awesome.

We had a few more photos, including the “sunset” backdrop with the ship and Mickey cloud. I have to take advantage of having my kids all dressed up! My photo bill was astronomical.

The show that night was “Disney Dreams.” This is DD’s favorite show, and used to be mine but now I think it is in second place behind “Twice Charmed.” DD was excited to see the handsome prince from “Twice Charmed” and Cinderella making an appearance in the show. This is the first time we’ve seen the show since it had been enhanced with new effects and it is really spectacular. Especially fun was the “snow” in the theater during the Beauty and the Beast segment.
http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/belle.jpg
DD with Belle

[Claudine&John]

I think I was standing behind your DH in that Princess line.....I got there pretty early myself and enjoyed a cup of coffee while we waited. We did make it over to Pocahontas (sp?) by the WD theatre right after the atrium thing and she had a prof photographer. One of my DD's was dressed as Pocahontas and it seemed like she may have been the only one....we also somehow lucked out and got a really good spot in the princess Mini line as well....

We had such a great time!

[Jaime]

Your trip report is great...we leave next month for our first time on DCL...we are so excited...

[fairfax]

Originally posted by Claudine&John
I think I was standing behind your DH in that Princess line.....I got there pretty early myself and enjoyed a cup of coffee while we waited. We did make it over to Pocahontas (sp?) by the WD theatre right after the atrium thing and she had a prof photographer. One of my DD's was dressed as Pocahontas and it seemed like she may have been the only one....we also somehow lucked out and got a really good spot in the princess Mini line as well....

We had such a great time!


She had on a white Cinderella dress . . . I'll have to try to post a photo of her to see if you recognize her. I do remember your DD as Pocahantas! She looked great!

What a fabulous cruise it was! I'm ready to go again!

[CrazyZeus1]

We, too, were on the boat with you!

Was it your husband that slipped & bonked the back of his neck in the Mickey Pool ear? If it was him, I hope it didn't hurt too much for too long. It was a big fall!

We also had Girish & Anastasia at the 5:30 seating...that's what makes me think it was your family with the Daddy who got hurt at the pool. I remember an adorable little boy at Animator's Palate at the table right behind ours wearing a cute sailor suit for dinner :)

Our DS is 4 and didn't want us to leave him at the Oceaneer Club, but wanted to participate. So DH & I were the two adults always on the floor playing UNO in a corner :) I'm sure the counselors in the club thought we were strange...

Anyway--loving your trip report. Sounds like you all had a great time!!!!

[sasser05]

I think I was standing behind your DH in that Princess line.....I got there pretty early myself and enjoyed a cup of coffee while we waited. We did make it over to Pocahontas (sp?) by the WD theatre right after the atrium thing and she had a prof photographer. One of my DD's was dressed as Pocahontas and it seemed like she may have been the only one....we also somehow lucked out and got a really good spot in the princess Mini line as well....

We had such a great time!

If the graduation is on Thursday what happens on Friday night? Are there shows everynight or comdians?

[fairfax]

Originally posted by CrazyZeus1
We, too, were on the boat with you!

Was it your husband that slipped & bonked the back of his neck in the Mickey Pool ear? If it was him, I hope it didn't hurt too much for too long. It was a big fall!

We also had Girish & Anastasia at the 5:30 seating...that's what makes me think it was your family with the Daddy who got hurt at the pool. I remember an adorable little boy at Animator's Palate at the table right behind ours wearing a cute sailor suit for dinner

Our DS is 4 and didn't want us to leave him at the Oceaneer Club, but wanted to participate. So DH & I were the two adults always on the floor playing UNO in a corner I'm sure the counselors in the club thought we were strange...

Anyway--loving your trip report. Sounds like you all had a great time!!!!

Yes that was my poor DH who fell! His neck and head was sore for a few days but he was OK.

What a coincidence that you were sitting near us! That was my DS in the sailor suit. Thank you for saying he is cute. Someday he will be embarassed by the photos.

I do remember you playing Uno! I spend a lot of time in there myself and should have brought a book or something.

We did have an awesome time, it was especially great that my parents could come with us.

[fairfax]

If the graduation is on Thursday what happens on Friday night? Are there shows everynight or comdians?

Yes there is a show every night in the Walt Disney Theater. We did not go to every show because my DD did not always want to go. If you look on the wdwinfo site, the Navigators there will tell you what is going on each day on the ship. There is always a lot to do so you will not be bored!

[fairfax]

Friday 10/19/07 – Day Seven (Castaway Cay)

When we woke up, we were not very hungry so DH went to Topsiders and brought down some coffee, juice, and some eggs for the kids. We sat on the verandah and watched the ship approach Castaway Cay. It was just as beautiful as we’d remembered. My mom was anxious to get off the ship and get a good spot on the beach. She and my dad took DD and got in the very long line to get off the ship. They found us a nice spot on the family beach. DH and I were behind them in the crowd and got off the ship a little later. We took photos with the ship in the background and DS with various characters including Mickey in his beach clothes and Goofy. Mickey has a larger wardrobe than I have! During the cruise we saw him in his white captain suit, red captain jacket and hat, pirate outfit, formal outfit, beach outfit, and probably a few more I’ve forgotten.

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/castawaycay.jpg

I also stopped to get a photo with Jack Sparrow since I’d missed him on pirate night. He did not really talk or interact much with people but just posed. The photo came out pretty well.

We met my parents on the beach. DD had already met up with another girl her age and was building a sandcastle. She is able to make friends anywhere, she is very outgoing, sometimes almost to the point where I think she is bothering people, so I have to keep an eye on her. The water was clear and warm and we all went in to look at all the fish before the sand made the water too cloudy to see anything.

I love Castaway Cay and it is one of the most beautiful spots on earth. It is bittersweet being there because it means the cruise is almost over. We had gorgeous weather except for one quick but heavy rain shower. We huddled under our umbrellas, but all our stuff got soaked! Oh well, it dried off when the sun came out. DD wanted to go to the “Whale Bone Dig” with the kids club so I took her over there. The rest of us went to get some lunch. Mom bought a round of Konch Koolers for us. Wow, those were fantastic!

Mom picked up DD from the club and took her to lunch. They rejoined us and we stayed on the beautiful beach for hours, until around 3 PM when DS was completely exhausted. We had time to go up to the room, let the kids rest a while as we packed (very sad!) and got ready for dinner.

Our last meal on the ship was Til We Meet Again in Animator’s Palate. I had the lobster bisque (excellent) and the chicken wellington. How would I ever go back to eating regular food again? We said goodbye to Girish and Anastacia, also our head server Fitz who was also very kind (he got a hot dog for DD one night when she wouldn’t eat anything else). We knew there was no way we’d make the 6:30 AM breakfast the next morning.

DD wanted to go to the Oceaneer’s Club one last time, so we took the kids up there. They were having ‘Make Up’ night, where you could make up any craft you missed. DD wanted to color another pillowcase. I ran up to the room to finish packing. On our bed were the pillowcases we’d left to be signed. I was a little disappointed to find they only had a few signatures: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Daisy, and Donald. There was a lot of empty space. I had asked for all characters, but the Guest Relations person had just taken the pillowcases and did not fill out a slip. Anyway, I saw a lot of people on the cruise carrying the pillowcases with them to have the characters sign the pillowcases at the character greetings, and I think I’ll do that next time so I can be sure to get more signatures.

My mom, DH, DS, DD and I went to the ‘Til We Meet Again party in the atrium at 10:15. We managed to get a spot in front and were first in line to see Belle. As all the characters came out and down the staircase, DD noticed the young man who played the prince in “Twice Charmed” and “Disney Dreams.” He was not dressed as the prince but rather in a costume that looked like it was from the Golden Mickeys, but she still recognized him and said "Look, it's the Prince!." After we got several autographs and photos including Alice, Snow White, Stitch, and Minnie, DD wanted to go see the Prince. He was upstairs on Deck 4, helping with autograph books in the line for Chip and Dale. I bypassed the line for Chip and Dale and went over to the ‘Prince,’ who looked surprised when I asked him for his autograph and photo with my daughter. He was very nice. It turns out his name is Kyle Taylor. I told him how much DD and I enjoyed the show and that he was wonderful in it. He was very gracious and thanked us and was very sweet with DD, who was thrilled. I asked if it was him singing on the CD I’d purchased, but he said no, it was the first cast. I know it’s silly but I felt a little starstruck talking to him!

We ended up getting in line for photos with Chip and Dale as well, then back downstairs where DD got a photo with the actor who played the Fairy Godfather in Twice Charmed, but I couldn’t get his autograph as her book was full and the character greeting was over so he had to hurry. We stayed for the final goodbyes of all the characters and DD of course had to collect some of the pixie dust that fell from the ceiling.

On the way back to the stateroom, DD said “I’m so sad to be leaving the Disney Magic.” I told her we were all sad but would come back someday.

We got the luggage out on time and all stayed up way past midnight watching movies on tv and having the last verandah time.

Waking up the next morning, it was very sad to feel the ship not moving and know we were back in Port Canaveral. As we drove away, DD said “Goodbye Disney Magic, we’ll be back soon!”

[Claudine&John]

"I'm wearing this dress because I got married".....that white dress was really a big hit with both of our girls, she is precious! By the way...I think your DH was actually second in line and I was third, it just turned out that the guy that was on front of us had been saving the spot for 10+ people....:confused3

If your DH was the one that fell, my BIL was the guy that was right there when he did, apprently a lifeguard came to his aid and she slipped as well. I'm glad he's doing better, my BIL is a first repsonder so if he could fall in front of somone I guess you could say he was in the right place..

We are looking forward to a possible CC double dip in 09 when the dates come out we can't wait!...

[fairfax]

We got that white dress a few years ago, it is the Cinderellabration dress from the show the MK did for the Happiest Celebration on Earth. DD was imagining she married the handsome prince from "Twice Charmed!"

We saw that guy who was in front of us at line a lot during the cruise, he and his family were also seated near us at dinner!

It was lucky your BIL was there as well. This is the second time DH has slipped at the pool area. Maybe he should come with us on every cruise!

We're hoping to get a 3 day on the Wonder in January or February, depending on the FL resident rates . . . but it will seem so short after a 7 day! The CC double dip would be fantastic.

[frdeb1999]

Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Love reading trip reports, makes the waiting time more bearable for the next upcoming cruise! :)

[Claudine&John]

We saw them everywhere as well...we also has the same dinner rotation as them however they were on the other side of the room.......we were lucky enough to snag the private room at Palo on thursday when 11 of us ate till we dropped....

We are headed to WDW in January for the marathon so it should be a good little tease (with a torture test stuck in there), and by then the fall 09dates should be out!!!! I hope they start cruising out of NYC that way maybe we could get a NY discount???? wishfull thinking.

[fairfax]

I figured out how to add pictures! I've posted some into the text of the report. I'm going to add some more later.

[fairfax]

we were lucky enough to snag the private room at Palo on thursday when 11 of us ate till we dropped

Oh my gosh that must have been amazing! I'd love to do that someday.

We are headed to WDW in January for the marathon so it should be a good little tease (with a torture test stuck in there), and by then the fall 09dates should be out!!!! I hope they start cruising out of NYC that way maybe we could get a NY discount???? wishfull thinking.

Good luck in the marathon! Maybe when the new ships come online one will be based in NYC . . . you never know. I selfishly want to keep them all here in Florida!!

[MiknMinMouse]

Thursday 10/18/07 – Day Six (At Sea)
Also, there were no professional photographers, so you had to take photos with your own cameras. This was one of the main reasons I got the photo package, for the princess greeting, so I was disappointed.


We were upstairs doing the Wendy & Peter Pan greet and they had a photog up there. How strange to have one with them but not the princesses. My DS3 became obsessed with Peter Pan & Captain Hook. We ended up getting two separate pictures of him with Peter Pan and DD9 wanted to see Wendy more than the princesses. We were actually 2nd in line at that one. Now if Ariel would have been there, DD would have had us in line an hour early.

[MiknMinMouse]

Our DS is 4 and didn't want us to leave him at the Oceaneer Club, but wanted to participate. So DH & I were the two adults always on the floor playing UNO in a corner :) I'm sure the counselors in the club thought we were strange...
!

I think we saw you one day. I had DS 3 and DS 16 who helped chase DS3 while I got DD9 settled into the Oceaneer's Club. I don't blame your little guy for not wanting you to leave. On the day were were there, there was one child who was being an incredible bully. He was getting in the kids faces and telling them what to do during the block competition. When someone didn't build his way he started yelling at them. DS3 got very nervous until a kind counselor came along and helped him build.

[fairfax]

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/kidsonformalnite.jpg
Dressed up for formal night

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/tequila.jpg
Tequila tasting

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/stthomas.jpg
St. Thomas

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/viewfromparadisepoint.jpg
View from Paradise Point

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/graduation.jpg
Graduation from the Oceaneer's Club

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/dutchman.jpg
The Flying Dutchman

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/magiccc.jpg
Magic from CC

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/tilwemeet.jpg
Til We Meet Again

[CrazyZeus1]

Those tequlia "tasting" glasses look like A LOT of tequila! Dumb question...did you spit out the tequila or drink it all during a tasting? Thanks for sharing the pics!

Weren't those deep port holes awesome for sitting? Reese loved to sit in them too! ;)

[sasser05]

Does any one have any recent scans of their Magic Eastern Naigators? If so can you put them up Please!:wizard:

[jenny2]

Oh I loved your report! I was on this cruise too (8:30 LAP seating) and I recognized alot of what you wrote. Wasn't it just a wonderful time?

[fairfax]

Originally posted by CrazyZeus1
Those tequlia "tasting" glasses look like A LOT of tequila! Dumb question...did you spit out the tequila or drink it all during a tasting? Thanks for sharing the pics!


Good question! The look large but are actually about 1 oz. So we drank them all! Plus two mini-margaritas! That seems like a lot doesn't it? I was feeling pretty good after the tasting! The tequila was very good quality and went down pretty smoothly :laughing:

Originally posted by jenny2
Oh I loved your report! I was on this cruise too (8:30 LAP seating) and I recognized alot of what you wrote. Wasn't it just a wonderful time?

It was amazing! The best vacation ever. I'm sorry now I didn't do the cruise meets board, but we booked so late. Glad you liked the report!

Originally posted by sasser05
Does any one have any recent scans of their Magic Eastern Naigators? If so can you put them up Please!

I'm sorry but I did not save them. I hope someone else can help you.:goodvibes

[APOOHFN]

I WANNA GO BACK!!!! :sad1: :sad1: :sad1: :sad1:

Beautiful pics, too!!

I have all the navigators but no scanner ~ sorry!

[Babs417]

I CANT WAIT GREAT PICTURES!:thumbsup2 :cutie: :hourglass

[Digichrome]

Great trip report! We were on the same sailing and also thought it was a great trip. We also had the 5:30 APL seating. If you were at table 32 we were the couple that never showed up. ;)

[CrazyZeus1]

That's so funny...we only showed up for two of our dinners too. We REALLY disliked our tablemates...but I won't say our table number in case they read this...

[fairfax]

Well, I was at table 58 and my tablemates were my parents! So no troubles there, lol!

Here are a few more pictures:

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/lookingattheocean.jpg
DD admires the view of the ocean

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/atrium.jpg
The atrium

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/seaplane.jpg
A sea plane takes off alongside the Magic as we leave St. Thomas

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/sailorminnie.jpg
DD with Sailor Minnie in the popular Gymboree Bon Voyage sailor dress

http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc30/fairfax_verde/stitch.jpg
DD with Stitch at 'Til We Meet Again

[Digichrome]

That's so funny...we only showed up for two of our dinners too. We REALLY disliked our tablemates...but I won't say our table number in case they read this...

Oh, I hope I didn't give the wrong impression. We had nothing against our tablemates we just never met them. Didn't dine like we were "supposed to" once on this trip.

For the record: 5:30 APL Table 32 diners on the 10/13 Magic are da bomb!:thumbsup2

[fairfax]

Oh, I hope I didn't give the wrong impression. We had nothing against our tablemates we just never met them. Didn't dine like we were "supposed to" once on this trip.

So what did you do? Topsiders and room service? How did it work out for you? I'm genuinely interested because if we ever get stuck with the 8:30 seating again, we're not going to be dining like we're supposed to either!

[Digichrome]

So what did you do? Topsiders and room service? How did it work out for you? I'm genuinely interested because if we ever get stuck with the 8:30 seating again, we're not going to be dining like we're supposed to either!

Let's see. It kinda worked out like this:

Night 1: Casual food from Goofy's. We had a fair amount at the welcome aboard buffet so weren't that hungry. We were going to do Topsiders casual dinner but realized it isn't open the first or last night.
Night 2: Topsider's casual dinner.
Night 3:Pluto's (we had brunch at Palo so a light dinner was OK with us).
Night 4:Topsider's casual dinner
Night 5: Room Service
Night 6: Palo
Night 7: Room service

I think it's a lot easier for us to dine outside the rotation since we don't have kids but if we did I think we'd just eat at Topsider's every night but the first and last. We're not big fans of the specific dinner times and tables that are typical on cruises. It's particularly troublesome as a couple because we typically get seated with a family of 6 and it feels like we're having dinner at someone else's house. I'm hoping more of the industry switches to something like Norwegian's "Freestyle" setup. I guess we're just unsociable ;)

We *really* like Topsiders dinner b/c it opens when we like to eat (6:30-8:30) and we don't have to waste a lot of time getting ready for dinner since it's pretty casual (yet still elegant).

[fairfax]

Originally posted by Digichrome:
I think it's a lot easier for us to dine outside the rotation since we don't have kids but if we did I think we'd just eat at Topsider's every night but the first and last. We're not big fans of the specific dinner times and tables that are typical on cruises. It's particularly troublesome as a couple because we typically get seated with a family of 6 and it feels like we're having dinner at someone else's house. I'm hoping more of the industry switches to something like Norwegian's "Freestyle" setup. I guess we're just unsociable ;)

No I wouldn't say unsociable! When we cruised before kids, we had the same problem. I find it uncomfortable to make small talk during dinner with strangers. Even when we cruised with the four of us, we were seated with others and it was stressful because of constantly monitoring my kids' behavior (not that I don't do that anyway, but with people you don't know you have to be extra vigilant they don't get annoyed by your kids, lol). That's why it was nice having my parents and having a table to ourselves. But, I can see us going this route in the future.

[CrazyZeus1]

That's also what we did....Topsiders, roomservice, Pizza or Goofy's choices. We mostly just ate when we were hungry. Plus, DS usually has ants in his pants and 45 minutes- 1 hour is about his limit for eating a sit down dinner. Honestly, so is my husband's!

So we did dinner the first night at AP, then did Pirate Dinner which was also there. That was the only rotation dinners we made it to! I did explain to our servers that it WASN'T them, it was mostly our table mates and also the fact that DS gets antsy after an hour.

Anyway--we never felt like we didn't have enough choices. Sure, they weren't lobster or choices like that, but that was fine with us!

[APOOHFN]

When we made the DCL rezzies, I put in a request for a table for just the 3 of us. Of course when we boarded, I went straight to Rockin' D to make sure we got our own table but to no avail.

Well, as luck would have it, our tablemates happened to be Dis'ers AND from the same Meet board (we called ourselves the Cruisapaloozans!) so I "knew" her already. Wonderful coincidence.

[MiknMinMouse]

Since there were 6 of us we had our own table. We actually ate at our table every night of course I think we had the ideal time 6:00 p.m. We were LAP. The kids just loved our asst. server Jessica so we didn't miss dinner with her. It was great because she saved our wine for us from a previous nite. Also, I had SP water one night and didn't finish the bottle and she had it ready for me the next nite. I almost felt guilty about possibly missing a dinner. I need to learn this cruise thing a bit better because I did really want to eat at Topsiders one nite. However, the family was happy and the kids were very happy so all was well. :thumbsup2

[DisneyForLife]

Great trip report! We were on the same sailing and also thought it was a great trip. We also had the 5:30 APL seating. If you were at table 32 we were the couple that never showed up. ;)

What a small world. I was at table 32, 5:30, APL and we all wondered why the other two never showed. We were 6 adults, all friends and had a lot of fun with our wait staff. This was my third Disney cruise and this was the best service ever. We had Svet and Hilash, both of them couldn't do enough for us all. It is too bad you didn't try one night, we really had a great time. A lot of laughs.
I hope you enjoyed your cruise, I know we sure did.

[jenny2]

We were dining as a couple (we were celebrating our 10th anniversary), and were seated with 2 other couples who were on their honeymoons... it was so much fun!! We ended up hanging out with them occassionally when we'd see them around. It was funny being the "old" ones at the table, lol.

[kpflillirpf]

Thanks so much for posting a trip report. It brought back memories. :) My family was also on the Magic Oct. 13-20. We actually were right across the hall from you in 6539. :) We had a great time and rebooked while onboard. We're scheduled for late 2008 but as soon as the 2009 schedule comes out we're planning to move it to early 2009. :) Again, thanks for posting the report. Your pictures are fabulous and your children are just beautiful! Kristi

[fairfax]

Thanks so much for posting a trip report. It brought back memories. :) My family was also on the Magic Oct. 13-20. We actually were right across the hall from you in 6539. :) We had a great time and rebooked while onboard. We're scheduled for late 2008 but as soon as the 2009 schedule comes out we're planning to move it to early 2009. :) Again, thanks for posting the report. Your pictures are fabulous and your children are just beautiful! Kristi

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the report and of course every mom loves to hear her kids are beautiful! :)

You were right across the hall from us? Really? How cool! Were you the ones with the great magnets on the door? My daughter loved those!

We're hoping to do the 7 day again next fall, depending on FL resident rates. I'd like to try the Western this time, although the Eastern will be hard to top!

[kpflillirpf]

Yes we were the ones with the magnets on the door. My daughter was very proud of those and enjoyed "dressing up" the door. :) Glad to hear your daughter liked them. :) My husband has the thought that you really shouldn't travel to the same place twice so getting him to do the Eastern again right away would have been difficult. This way we still get the ship, we can do other things on the ship this time so it's still new, we get to go to new places and everyone is happy. :) We do what works. :) Anyway, take care and may your next trip be fabulous, whenever it is. :) Kristi

[fairfax]

Your daughter should be proud of those magnets, because my DD loved them so much I'm sorry that I didn't bring something to dress up our door. It makes it more fun and special, doesn't it? You did a great job with yours!

Anyway, take care and may your next trip be fabulous, whenever it is.

Same to you! Any cruise is a good cruise as long as you are on a Disney ship is my philosophy.

[mruhaak]

Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed the photos!

[fairfax]

Glad you enjoyed it! I'm going to try to add a few more photos.