The Sea Witch Stole My Voice! Our Two Week Land and Sea Adventure! COMPLETE 4/12

[englishrose47]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Yeah, after the MMM Mom and I didn't run into anybody which is so strange as there were so many of us there that week. :confused3

I know that wasweird we were a the same hotel as well !! I ran into other Dissers every day but never you and I was looking !!:confused3

Loved the preview I would hae thought the cat would have been the wildlife :rotfl2:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I know that wasweird we were a the same hotel as well !! I ran into other Dissers every day but never you and I was looking !!:confused3

Loved the preview I would hae thought the cat would have been the wildlife :rotfl2:

I don't know what you are referring to Rosie. :confused3 Now stop trying to give away my TR! I would like to leave some suspense. ;)

[UGAFan0829]

Oh, you tease you!! I can't believe I have to wait that long!:eek::laughing:
That was a great sneek peak though...As soon as I saw the pic of the verandah, a calm just came over me...Aaaaaaggh!:cloud9:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

:listen: :hourglass ....can't wait!!!

[FauntleroyFAN07]

stupid teaser:mad:

[princess_momma]

Love the teaser pics! Now I want the rest even more!!!

[englishrose47]

I don't know what you are referring to Rosie. :confused3 Now stop trying to give away my TR! I would like to leave some suspense. ;)


:lmao::rotfl2::lmao:

[troobabiee7]

Oh noo... crazy stalker lady! :laughing: Yikes, that's kind of creepy. Hopefully it was just a series of strange coincidences thats she was always around, haha! I love your Jiminy drawings, so cute!

[GeminiAngel]

You sure know how to get people excited. Those pictures are beautiful!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Sneaking onto the disboards while Dad and the brothers are gone. They went to pick up Grandma to bring her over for brunch.

Oh, you tease you!! I can't believe I have to wait that long!:eek::laughing:
That was a great sneek peak though...As soon as I saw the pic of the verandah, a calm just came over me...Aaaaaaggh!:cloud9:

The week will fly by, just you see. ;)

:laughing:

:listen: :hourglass ....can't wait!!!

:thumbsup2

stupid teaser:mad:

:laughing: :rolleyes1

Love the teaser pics! Now I want the rest even more!!!

:thumbsup2

Oh noo... crazy stalker lady! :laughing: Yikes, that's kind of creepy. Hopefully it was just a series of strange coincidences thats she was always around, haha! I love your Jiminy drawings, so cute!

Hmmm, I don't know, she was around so often and then other people here remembering seeing her in past years. Seems to strange to be just a coincidence.

You sure know how to get people excited. Those pictures are beautiful!

:littleangel: Thanks, The cruise ship proved to be a real challenge when it came to taking photos. I think I got some good ones to share with you all though. ;)

[FauntleroyFAN07]

welcome back

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

welcome back

:laughing: Not back, still out here on vacation until Tuesday. I have been managing to sneak on for a few minutes here and there. Right now everybody else has gone to sleep so I am grabbing some Dis time. ;)

[englishrose47]

Hi Lessa !!!

[carissanboys]

Lots of great pictures from Star Wars Weekend - especially the parade. My boys would really love to go during that weekend.

And crazy stalker lady - oh my goodness! :scared1:

I am so excited to hear all about the cruise!! :cool1:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Lots of great pictures from Star Wars Weekend - especially the parade. My boys would really love to go during that weekend.

And crazy stalker lady - oh my goodness! :scared1:

I am so excited to hear all about the cruise!! :cool1:

It is a lot of fun, too bad the rain cut the Star Wars activities short. I would have liked to get more character photos and to see the closing show. Oh well, maybe some other year!

[lisalonglash]

Wow! What a teaser for the cruise!! Those pictures are just spectacular! :cool1: I hope your latest adventure was fun! :goodvibes

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Wow! What a teaser for the cruise!! Those pictures are just spectacular! :cool1: I hope your latest adventure was fun! :goodvibes

Yep, we have been having a good time out here in BC. Right now though we are being smothered by smoke from the wildfires. Thank goodness it wasn't like this the whole trip! At least the rain curse has been broken! Well sorta. Since it rarely rains in the Okanagan we get wildfires and smoke instead. :rolleyes::rotfl:

[englishrose47]

Hi Lessa !! Have you made any new plans for the Stepmudda !!!!:rotfl2:

[GeminiAngel]

Yep, we have been having a good time out here in BC. Right now though we are being smothered by smoke from the wildfires. Thank goodness it wasn't like this the whole trip! At least the rain curse has been broken! Well sorta. Since it rarely rains in the Okanagan we get wildfires and smoke instead. :rolleyes::rotfl:

I feel your pain about smoke from the wildfires. Vegas is a brown haze from all the fires in Los Angeles. Its so bad! Can't wait for more! :surfweb:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey guys!

I am back from my vacation and my photobucket account is back up and working so you know what that means? I can start the cruise report!

[princess_momma]

Hey guys!

I am back from my vacation and my photobucket account is back up and working so you know what that means? I can start the cruise report!


:cool1:

yay!!! can't wait to read it!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Saturday May 23rd had finally arrived and I was so excited! I was also a bit nervous. This was my first cruise and even though I had done tons and tons of research and learned everything there was to know about Disney Cruise Line you just never know how things are going to go until you experience it for yourself. So their was the excitement of a new adventure and also a little bit of nervousness to go along with it.

Mom and I had already packed the bags up the night before so all we had to do that morning was shower, eat and then head on out of there.

It was a beautiful sunny day in Orlando. Go figure that the day we leave the weather is beautiful. :rolleyes:

While I showered Mom went down to the food court to pick up some Mickey waffles for breakfast and to fill our mugs up one last time.

Stomachs full it was time to hit the road!

First we had to stop to put some gas in the car (we had only used a half tank of gas the entire week we were at Disney). We filled up at the Hess station at the Boardwalk. It was really weird but you had to enter your zip code to use your credit card to pay at the pump. Well up here in Canada we do not have zip codes, we have postal codes (K7M 6G9 instead 23454). So Mom had to go in and pay for the gas in the store.

That taken care of we were truly on our way.

Port Canaveral is really easy to get to from Disney. You just get on the highway and drive straight until you get there. Easy peasy.

Well remember how I said it was a beautiful sunny day in Orlando? Well the closer we got to the port the darker the skies got. They just kept getting darker and darker the closer we drove and then when we were almost there..... it started to pour! It was torrential, I could barely see due to the rain which made driving difficult. Everybody on the highway was inching forward going really slowly.

Thank goodness once we got into the port it slowed down, but only a little bit, it was still raining pretty heavily but at least I could see.

I found the Budget location really easily. It is right on the main road on the right.

When we pulled in we saw this sign which we thought was hilarious.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8002.jpg

We know that alligators live all over Florida but this was the first time we saw a sign warning people about them.

Mom unloaded all our luggage and waited in the shuttle pick-up area while I went inside to drop off the car keys.

There was already a couple being helped at the desk but I was next in line. While I was waiting to be helped some more people came in to pick up their rentals. Turns out they had just gotten off the Magic so I had a nice little chat with them about their cruise and my upcoming one.

Well remember that couple who was being helped at the desk? Well they were really holding everybody up. They didn't understand why they had to put a credit card deposit down on their rental car if they wanted to pay in cash. The rental agent kept trying to explain it was policy but they kept arguing and arguing. They finally agreed to put a credit card down but the credit card was not in the name of the person renting the car which is also a no-no so they argued some more. Didn't they know I was anxious to get to the port and the rest were anxious to get on their way as well?! So aggravating!

Finally the rude couple finished up and I was able to drop the keys off and head out to meet with Mom.

The reason we chose to rent our car from Budget this trip is because they offer a free shuttle to and from the ship, made everything much easier.

Luck was on our side and a shuttle pulled up almost as soon as I was out the doors. The driver loaded our bags while we grabbed a seat and then we were on our way to the ship. We were the only people on the shuttle and we had a nice little chat with the driver who was also a Disney fan.

It was still raining at this point so my first picture of the Magic as we approached is not all that magical....

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8006.jpg

The shuttle drop-off is right near the terminal, we were super early though and the terminal wasn't even open yet so we had to wait outside in the shuttle drop-off area with the rest of the early birds.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8007.jpg

The area is covered but because of the wind the rain still got to us and everybody standing there waiting was nice and wet and cold. Not a great way to start off a cruise!

It felt like we were waiting forever for the terminal to open because of how cold and wet we were but it really wasn't all that long before the porters started to come around to collect the bags.

Our bags handed over we got in line to pass through security and enter the terminal.

The first step of Security is to show your photo id so that they can check your name on the passenger list. After that you can head into the terminal where your carry-on bags go through a scanner and you go through a metal detector, just like at the airport but without the liquid restrictions.

It was quick and painless and we were through in a matter of minutes.

Next you head up the escalators to the main area of the terminal where you check-in and wait for boarding.

We were some of the first people up there and we were able to snag the coveted number 2 boarding pass! There are only about 10 or so of these and this meant that we would be pretty much the first guests on the ship. The only people who would get to board before us were the concierge(suites) guests and the Family of the Day.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8008.jpg

The boarding pass was given to us when we checked in which was also very easy and quick. We simply handed over our passports for her to check, she needed to see the credit card we wished to use for onboard charging and that was that.

Next step was to go over and get our security photo taken. This was a new feature they had just started to use. The picture is not on your card but it shows up on their security screens when they swipe you on and off the ship in ports and I think it probably also shows up when you charge something on the ship as a way to verify it is in fact your card.

I think the whole check-in/photo process took maybe 10 minutes max.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8015.jpg

So now all we had to do was wait. They usually start boarding the ship around 11:30 and it was now around 10:30.

Mom and I grabbed some seats and then took turns going to the bathroom to try and dry off.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8009.jpg

They had Disney cartoons playing all over to keep the kids entertained while they waited and the seating was very comfy.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8010.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8011.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8012.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8013.jpg

You go through the Mickey Ears to board the ship.

I forgot to mention this earlier in this update but that morning when I went to put on my flip flops I couldn't! My feet were super swollen! Mom's were also really swollen as well. We couldn't figure it out, the only thing I could think of is that it was a result of walking around in the rain for a week.

Here's an example of how swollen Mom's feet were, not very pretty!

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8014.jpg

While waiting to board I saw Captain Mickey come out for pictures so I jumped up and got in line right away. Good thing I did as the line got super long really quickly. Since Mom was not in line with me a nice lady offered to take a picture with my camera.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8016.jpg

There was of course a ship photographer there as well taking pictures but I had no intention of buying photos on the ship as they are super expensive!

After the picture I went back and joined Mom where she was having a conversation with the lady sitting next to us. She was traveling with her sister and mother. We would see her often throughout the cruise and it turned out that she was a Diser! It was funny though as we didn't realize that we "knew" each other from the boards until after we got back from the cruise. :laughing:

Another family sat down next to us, an older couple traveling with their two adult daughters. Well one of their daughters was causing such a scene, yelling at them saying how they ruined the trip already and how they should get a divorce and she would pay for it. It was very uncomfortable having to overhear her talking to them like that. She eventually stopped and after a while the couple started up a conversation with us. We chatted with them until we were called to board. It is rather funny but we saw these two families that we chatted with almost every day. We were always running into the father of the second family. Everywhere we went, there he was!

The terminal was nice and packed now and I knew boarding was going to start soon. Goofy came out for pictures but the line was way too long. Mom snuck a picture of him real quick though.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8020.jpg

Right at 11:30 they started the boarding process. When they called boarding group number 2 Mom and I jumped up and made our way to the Mickey ears. Now here is where I have a complaint and it is a complaint about people in general and that just those at the terminal that day as this happens everywhere.

Mom and I had to fight through a crowd of people who were all crowding around the entrance even though their number had not been called yet. Why do people do this?! Just back off and wait for your turn instead of making it difficult for those whose turn it IS to get to where they need to go. I see this happen all the time at airports too and I don't understand it. :confused3

So Mom and I made it through the crowd and through the ears. They stop you at this point as they have to scan your Key to the World card. You then are stopped to get your embarkation picture taken which you can purchase at Shutters (onboard photo shop).

After that you cross the gangway and you are on the ship!

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33443032&postcount=1298)

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

So far so good! Glad you had a nice vacation, but glad you are back to hear about the cruise!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

So far so good! Glad you had a nice vacation, but glad you are back to hear about the cruise!

:laughing:

[Evette]

Looking forward to reading your TR here as well. We are on the same cruise to Tortola in only 10 days, but we leave for WDW in just 3. :woohoo: Since this is our first cruise too I can appreciate how you felt. Thanks for all the info on checking in at the terminal etc., that way I know what to expect. We won't get to the terminal as early because we will be taking DCL transportation from SSR . I hope we have time to at least look around the terminal.

Can't wait to read more.....:flower3:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Looking forward to reading your TR here as well. We are on the same cruise to Tortola in only 10 days, but we leave for WDW in just 3. :woohoo: Since this is our first cruise too I can appreciate how you felt. Thanks for all the info on checking in at the terminal etc., that way I know what to expect. We won't get to the terminal as early because we will be taking DCL transportation from SSR . I hope we have time to at least look around the terminal.

Can't wait to read more.....:flower3:

I hope that you have a great cruise! It can all be overwhelming at first so make sure that you take time to relax and don't feel like you need to rush around to fit in all the activities.

[DisneyJo]

The photos are back Lessa and I'm all caught up :thumbsup2

Wow stalker lady was strange wasn't she and I'm sorry but I did have to laugh about the members of the public joining in the parade as characters :rotfl:

AKL looks so lovely, I can't wait to stay there in 3 weeks 1 day, not that I'm counting ;), hope I don't overlook the parking lot though :rotfl:

I so agree with you about people and airport queues, why do they not just get out of the way until their number is called?!!!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

The photos are back Lessa and I'm all caught up :thumbsup2

:thumbsup2

Wow stalker lady was strange wasn't she and I'm sorry but I did have to laugh about the members of the public joining in the parade as characters :rotfl:

Yeah I laugh at that too. I think it is cute that all the kids with light sabers get to join in but well lets just say I will never be such an extreme fan of anything that I personally own a costume like those people did that I could join in a parade. To each their own I guess, I can't judge, whatever floats their boat. If that is what they enjoy well good for them. :goodvibes :thumbsup2 And hey Disney got to save some money by not having to hire as many people to be in the parade. :thumbsup2

AKL looks so lovely, I can't wait to stay there in 3 weeks 1 day, not that I'm counting ;), hope I don't overlook the parking lot though :rotfl:

Lucky!

I so agree with you about people and airport queues, why do they not just get out of the way until their number is called?!!!!

Yep, I find it super annoying!

[lisalonglash]

Yay! The cruise part is started! :banana: Yeah, I don't know why people do that either - very inconsiderate to those who are actually supposed to be there! :headache: Can't wait to read more! Awesome pictures, as always :worship:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Yay! The cruise part is started! :banana: Yeah, I don't know why people do that either - very inconsiderate to those who are actually supposed to be there! :headache: Can't wait to read more! Awesome pictures, as always :worship:

Yep, I agree, and it is not like crowding around and blocking others is going to make the boarding process faster if anything it slows things down.

[MaryAz]

Welcome back. You are almost on the ship! I also hate at airports when people crowd to board before their group is called. Poor feet :sad2:

[jordanyosh]

Waiting in the terminal waiting is almost more than one can bear! Can't wait to hear more!

[Mysteria]

Woo hoo!! The cruise part has started. Welcome home Lessa!

Psst...did stepmonster make it back?! :thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Welcome back. You are almost on the ship! I also hate at airports when people crowd to board before their group is called. Poor feet :sad2:

Yep, we were just not having any luck this trip when it came to our feet. :sad2:

Waiting in the terminal waiting is almost more than one can bear! Can't wait to hear more!

:laughing: The wait actually was not that bad. There were things to look at and people to talk to. We were anxious to get on the ship though.

Woo hoo!! The cruise part has started. Welcome home Lessa!

Psst...did stepmonster make it back?! :thumbsup2

Unfortunately she did, I do have lots of stories from the trip. I'll post some pictures etc later on. ;)

[princess_momma]

All you've done is board the ship and I'm already jealous and want to book a cruise right this second! :laughing: Can't wait to hear more!! Glad you're back!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

All you've done is board the ship and I'm already jealous and want to book a cruise right this second! :laughing: Can't wait to hear more!! Glad you're back!

:laughing: I want to book a cruise right this second too! Darn school expenses! :headache:

[FauntleroyFAN07]

and we are cruisin out the gate....love cruise TR's cant wait for the rest of this...show as many and all the pics you want.
:cool1:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

and we are cruisin out the gate....love cruise TR's cant wait for the rest of this...show as many and all the pics you want.
:cool1:

Don't worry, you know I'm NEVER skimpy when it comes to posting pictures. ;):laughing:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I am doing a little write-up of my trip for another forum and I figured I would copy it here too. There will probably be a post every couple of days. Don't worry this won't effect the cruise report. ;)

I know many of you are fans of my brothers and well we went on some amazingly beautiful hikes so I figured you might enjoy reading about the trip.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`~~~

Our first day in BC was going to be a long one. Alek, Erich and I were all working the night before we were set to fly out. Our flight was very early in the morning so we had to leave the house at 3am to get to the Ottawa airport (2 hr drive) on time.

We stopped at McDonald's on the way out of town but they only had salads and muffins available as they were cleaning their grills and fryers. We said "No Thanks!" and figured we would just have to grab something at Tim Hortons when we got to the airport.

The drive up made me a bit nervous as it was pretty foggy in some places. We arrived at the airport safely though, hugged Mom goodbye and then watched her drive off.

After dropping our one checked bag off we went and grabbed some breakfast at Tim's.

Our flight to Toronto was uneventful. We had a hour and a half layover in Toronto where we would catch our connecting flight to Kelowna, British Columbia. Well all I can say is that the Toronto airport SUCKS! There was nowhere to get anything to eat other than a Starbucks or a newstand that only had candy. This is really surprising at this is the biggest airport in Canada.

Erich did take a picture of this sign which he thought was hilarious.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P001.jpg

Again the flight was uneventful. I did find out that I had forgotten my ipod and camera at home. :no: So no tv on the plane for me. Luckily Erich had his camera so there were no worries about not being able to take pictures. :wink:

As we approached BC Alek began looking out the window to see if he could spot any fires. In case you didn't already know BC has been up in flames pretty much since the beginning of July. We didn't see anything though which was good as the fires could have really limited what we did during our visit.

Dad was there and waiting for us when we arrived. It looked as though he had lost some weight since we last saw him. Makes sense as he hikes every week with the Vernon Outdoors Club.

Hugs all around.

Once our checked bag arrived we walked out of the airport. The temperature was so nice! It was warm but there was no humidity so it felt absolutely perfect!

We told Dad that we were starving so we stopped at A&W to get some food. This would be our first of many trips to A&W that week. Don't know when Dad became such a fan but he has to have his root beer! :lol:

The drive to Vernon from Kelowna was less than an hour and it was a beautiful drive right along the Kalamalka and Okanagan Lakes.

We had decided to go visit Grandma before heading to Dad's house. We figured this would be best since we were really tired and had no idea how long we would last once we got to his place.

I was really impressed with Grandma's nursing home. The place is set up into "cottages". Each cottage holds about 10 patients. Everybody has their own private room and private bathroom and the rooms are really spacious. There is also a large kitchen, living room, tv room and garden.

Grandma was really happy to see us. We were happy to see her too and that she was doing well. She had lost weight since we saw her last summer. Dad told us she only weighs about 80 pounds now. She is in fairly good health but her short term memory is pretty bad and she can not move quickly and needs the support of a walker. She is 87 years old though so that is wonderful for somebody her age.

We only visited for about 30 minutes. Visits really wear her out so we never stayed longer than 30-45 minutes.

We hugged Grandma goodbye and told her we would be back each day to see her.

Back in the car it was finally time to go "home". I was very interested to see Dad's house. This is the house we are due to inherit and he is always talking about how we should move out there and live with him. Well I don't care how nice the house is there is no way I could ever live in the same house as Maria(step-mother). :whistle:

Well Dad drove us up to his house which is located in a new neighbourhood that is being developed on a hill that overlooks the town. I was impressed, it looked really nice and had great views. It wasn't a cookie-cutter neighbourhood either. Each house complemented the other in appearance and colour (earth-tones) but each one was a different design. I hate neighbourhoods where each house is exactly alike.

Maria greeted us when we arrived and presented us with a big lunch. Well despite the fact that we had just eaten Alek and Erich dug in. They are always hungry. :rolleyes: We ate out on the balcony that is off the living room and kitchen.

Here's the view

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P005.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P008.jpg

It was beautiful! You can see the whole town of Vernon laid out below and three lakes. Swan Lake, Kalamalka Lake and Okanagan Lake. Then of course you have a great view of the surrounding mountains.

After eating Dad gave us a tour of the house and then we sat and chatted in the living room for a while.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P012.jpg

We didn't want to stay still for long though or we would fall asleep so Dad took us outside to check out the yard.

Well remember how I told you the Okanagan Valley is classified as a desert? Well because of that they do not get much rain and water is really expensive where Dad lives as they have to pay an extra fee living up on the hill as the water has to get pumped up there. As a result they do not have a lawn but instead have a "rock" yard that they had somebody come in and landscape for them.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P014.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P015.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P016.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P017.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P018.jpg

They also had a little vegetable garden growing off to the side. Because they live right on the edge of the hill they did not have much of a yard but what they did have was really nice. Only bad thing, lots and lots of wasps. Apparently they are a big problem out there. It was decided that we would pick up some wasp spray the next time we were out and go nest hunting.

Next Maria suggested that we go check out the "mall" and also make a stop at the grocery store to pick up a few things.

Oh yeah, we had been at the house for a few hours so far and had yet to see Angelica (step-sister). Dad says she was home but I guess she was hiding from her scary step-siblings. :lol: Dad told us that apparently she thinks we are snobby and stuck-up. Ummm, has she not met Alek and Erich? They are the farthest thing from stuck-up that you can get. Sure I can be described as snobby and stuck-up (Dad trained me well) but certainly not Alek and Erich.

So back down the hill we went and headed into town to do some shopping. Dad took us to the Outdoors Store that he shops at and gets all his hiking gear. I was tempted to pick up some hiking shorts but decided against it. I figured the clothes I brought would do the job.

At the grocery store we hunted down the wasp spray and picked up some other necessities like skim milk for me.

Back at the house Maria went inside to start preparing dinner while Dad and Erich got ready to go up on the roof to start killing the wasps.

I spotted this random sunflower growing on the edge of the hill next to Dad's house.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P026.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P027.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P029.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P030.jpg

After getting my sunflower pictures I went inside. I didn't want to stick around and get stung if the wasps got angry. Alek stayed outside for a bit and got a couple pictures of the mighty warriors.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P031.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P032.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P033.jpg

Alek figured it was wise to hide inside as well, he is very allergic to bee stings.

Here's some pictures of the view that Erich took while wasp hunting.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P034.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P036.jpg

Dad and Erich came in after half an hour. They had run out of spray but they say they found 5 nests on the roof and there were still more up there. :eek:

We had a leisurely dinner out on the balcony where we got to see this lovely sunset.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P037.jpg

We outside talking, I am amazed at how late we stayed up considering we had all been awake since the morning of the day before.

The city of Vernon below

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P041.jpg

We eventually all went to bed around 10. I fell asleep right away, I was tuckered out!

[FauntleroyFAN07]

thanks for all the cool pictures, it is so pretty to see those.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

thanks for all the cool pictures, it is so pretty to see those.

Glad you liked them, just the tip of the iceberg. Really it is the pictures from the last two hikes that are the most beautiful.

[bluechic03]

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!:thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Can't wait to hear more!!!!!:thumbsup2

Another cruise update coming tomorrow morning. :thumbsup2

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

What a beautiful view!!!!!!!!!! And for the record...I do not find you snobby AT ALL!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

What a beautiful view!!!!!!!!!! And for the record...I do not find you snobby AT ALL!

:laughing: Thanks, it was a wonderful view, too bad the smoke obstructed it the last two days we were there.

I can be a bit snobby from time to time. I blame Dad, he can be stuck-up as well. :snooty: :laughing:

[jordanyosh]

I can't wait to visit Canada! You have such a beautiful country!

How did your mom do while you were gone? I wonder if she gets lonely?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I can't wait to visit Canada! You have such a beautiful country!

How did your mom do while you were gone? I wonder if she gets lonely?

Well while we were gone Mom threw a dinner party, met a guy through one of her sorority sisters and hung out with him a bit.

I suspect that she probably enjoyed the peace and quiet of Erich and I not being in the house screeching at each other and squabbling like we were 5. It is sad but true. :rolleyes:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

"Welcome Aboard to the **** Family!"

After you are announced there is a line of CM's waiting to greet you in the lobby. They are there to answer any questions you may have and to direct you to where you need to go. The staterooms are not available for your use until 1:30 so your options are the two lunch buffets, the pools or you could just wander the ship.

Well I already knew what our first order of business was upon boarding the ship. We had to head over to Rockin' Bar D to try and snag a Palo Brunch reservation. These are nearly impossible to get online before the cruise unless you have sailed previously (you get to book Palo and excursions earlier). I had already successfully booked a dinner at Palo before the trip but what I really wanted was the champagne brunch! Palo is the adults only restaurant on the ship. It offers dinner, brunch on sea days and also a special tea.

We found Rockin Bar D no problem and got in line. There were already a few people ahead of us. I was so anxious, would they have a reservation available for us? I was told that they keep spots available for onboard booking but I wasn't 100% sure.

Well lucky us, when we got to the desk they had a spot for us! Hurray! The CM helping us looked up our dining rotation to make sure that the brunch would not interfere with our character breakfast and booked us appropriately. We were scheduled for the first brunch seating on our second sea day.

We walked out of the bar victorious, we were now on our way to Parrot Cay for the Welcome Aboard lunch buffet. We saw the Dis lady we had been talking to in the terminal in the Palo line as we walked out so we waved hello.

Parrot Cay is one of the three main "table service" restaurants. It is one of two lunch buffet options when you board the ship. The other option is Topsiders which is a traditional buffet but most of the seating is outside. Since it was raining Mom and I opted to go to Parrot Cay.

One of the hallways on the Magic. This one runs alongside Lumiere's which is another of the restaurants on the ship.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8021.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8022.jpg

When we got to Parrot Cay there was a CM there at the entrance handing out antibacterial wipes. You had to wipe your hands down with these each time you enter a restaurant.

We were then greeted by a host who lead us to a large table that we were sharing with a family of three. A mother and father traveling with their teenage son.

Dining in the restaurants is a communal affair and it is very rare that you have a table to yourself, especially if you are traveling in a small party. The way this works with Disney is that for the dinner rotations each restaurant you go to you will be seated with the same tablemates and your waiters follow you from restaurant to restaurant.

The family was very friendly and we chatted with them while we ate.

Parrot Cay was set up as a buffet for lunch so Mom and I headed up to get our food after placing our drink order.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8033.jpg

My first plate

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8034.jpg

Strawberry soup, some kind of cheese, salad with raspberry vinagerette dressing.

It was all very good although the strawberry soup was not as good as the one offered at the Grand Floridian in 1900 Park Fare.

Mom's dessert plate

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8035.jpg

My dessert plate

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8036.jpg

I could not eat all of the food on my plate but I sampled a bit of each.

So I had Strawberry cheesecake, white chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, a brownie, chocolate chip cookies and jello.

By far my favourite dessert at that meal was the white chocolate mousse. Yum yum!

Our meal finished we wandered out of the restaurant and checked the time. It was just after 1pm so we decided to just head up to deck 6 and wait for the staterooms to become available.

This is the lobby/atrium. I have better pictures of it later in the trip.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8037.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8038.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/IMG_4524.jpg

You know how it is nearly impossible to find anything Goofy related in the parks? Well there is Goofy artwork all over the Magic.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/IMG_4526.jpg

Here's Mom reading the Welcome Aboard Navigator that we were given at check-in.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/IMG_4527.jpg

Deck 6 Mid-Ship elevator lobby

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/IMG_4528.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/IMG_4529.jpg

If you walk behind the elevator bank you will see a mural that is three decks high.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8044.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8045.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8047.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8048.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8046.jpg

Looking up you can see the mural overlooks on the higher decks.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8049.jpg

Right at 1:30 they dropped the ropes that prevent you from entering the hallway that leads to the rooms.

Our room was 6054, a category 6 verandah room. It was very close to the midship elevator lobby which was very nice when it came to getting around the ship with ease.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8051.jpg

Mom had me pose for a picture opening our door....

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8052.jpg

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33476749&postcount=1341)

[jordanyosh]

Did you notice a difference between being on the DCL and being at WDW? More relaxing? Less relaxing?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Did you notice a difference between being on the DCL and being at WDW? More relaxing? Less relaxing?

The cruise ship was definitely more relaxing for us but I could easily see how people could make it jam-packed full of activities and running around just like at WDW.

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I am so excited to be on this cruise!!! (You know....living through your wonderful memories!!)

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I am so excited to be on this cruise!!! (You know....living through your wonderful memories!!)

:laughing: I'll try to be a good cruise director and not bore you then. ;)

[FauntleroyFAN07]

noooo, the update is over, more more more more more more more more


very good start, what if you dont like the people you have to sit with, can you ask to be reassigned?

is it still kinda private that it would not be weird if they were not talkative?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

noooo, the update is over, more more more more more more more more

:laughing:


very good start, what if you dont like the people you have to sit with, can you ask to be reassigned?

Yes you can ask to get reassigned if there is a clash or if you don't like your dining rotation. You just need to go to guest services or dining room manager.

is it still kinda private that it would not be weird if they were not talkative?

I guess it would really depend on how your table is designed. Some are round, some are rectangular and long. It would also depend on how many your table seats. We had four different traveling parties (8 people) at our table so if one group wasn't talkative well then the others made up for it.

There are also lots of different options for eating on the ship if you really are not comfortable in the dining room. I'll get more into how dinner worked out later. ;)

[jordanyosh]

The cruise ship was definitely more relaxing for us but I could easily see how people could make it jam-packed full of activities and running around just like at WDW.

Can't wait to read more!

[MaryAz]

Ah, you left us hanging at the door.....Brings back great memories! Can't wait to read the next update.

[emmaca]

I can't wait to visit Canada! You have such a beautiful country!

How did your mom do while you were gone? I wonder if she gets lonely?

Finally someone asked what mom got up while the kids were away! It's about time

Well, I had thought about writing a mini report like Alek and Erich, but I thought nah, no one would be interested, Well I guess I was wrong.

I dropped the kids off on Tuesday morning and met up with this really handsome guy, that evening popcorn:::surfweb::cool1:(one of my sorority sisters set me up with). (His name is Steve, he is in the Army ( bomb disposal expert), and he rides a motorcycle!). Yeah, I am a wild and crazy gal LOL I like a man in uniform and leather LOL!!

Wednesday Steve and I met up for dinner and pool. Yes, he paid!!, and I won 2/3 games. Actually he won, but when he shot the 8 ball into the pocket, the white ball followed I won by default. Sorry I don't know all the pool lingo.

Thursday I met up will a girlfriend for dinner, and talked about men:rolleyes1:rolleyes1

Friday - Steve came over:3dglasses:woohoo:popcorn:: Hey, this is the censored version:sad2:, you will have to go over to another thread to r:scared1:read the uncensored version

Sat - I was in the kitchen all day preparing for a dinner party that I was having that evening.

Sunday, My sorority sisters(Beta sigma Phi) went up to Tamworth to tour a formal garden and have lunch, met up with Steve that evening:thumbsup2

Monday - was a quiet day. No activity - Just work. I had to laugh, I have accepted a new position at work providing support to 5 Major Gift officers in the hospital foundation where I work, well they are having a hard time finding my replacement, every offer they make, the people say "no, not interested." Currently I work in Gift admin, processing gifts and dispersing funds back to the area hospitals. Ok, I did chat with Steve.

Tuesday - I slept in and drive up to Ottawa to get the kids.

Yes, even moms can have exciting times while the kids are away:cool1: Thanks for asking Jordan!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Ah, you left us hanging at the door.....Brings back great memories! Can't wait to read the next update.

Yep, had to leave you at the door. I am trying to build some suspense. ;):laughing:

[englishrose47]

Finally someone asked what mom got up while the kids were away! It's about time

Well, I had thought about writing a mini report like Alek and Erich, but I thought nah, no one would be interested, Well I guess I was wrong.

I dropped the kids off on Tuesday morning and met up with this really handsome guy, that evening popcorn:::surfweb::cool1:(one of my sorority sisters set me up with). (His name is Steve, he is in the Army ( bomb disposal expert), and he rides a motorcycle!). Yeah, I am a wild and crazy gal LOL I like a man in uniform and leather LOL!!

Wednesday Steve and I met up for dinner and pool. Yes, he paid!!, and I won 2/3 games. Actually he won, but when he shot the 8 ball into the pocket, the white ball followed I won by default. Sorry I don't know all the pool lingo.

Thursday I met up will a girlfriend for dinner, and talked about men:rolleyes1:rolleyes1

Friday - Steve came over:3dglasses:woohoo:popcorn:: Hey, this is the censored version:sad2:, you will have to go over to another thread to r:scared1:read the uncensored version

Sat - I was in the kitchen all day preparing for a dinner party that I was having that evening.

Sunday, My sorority sisters(Beta sigma Phi) went up to Tamworth to tour a formal garden and have lunch, met up with Steve that evening:thumbsup2

Monday - was a quiet day. No activity - Just work. I had to laugh, I have accepted a new position at work providing support to 5 Major Gift officers in the hospital foundation where I work, well they are having a hard time finding my replacement, every offer they make, the people say "no, not interested." Currently I work in Gift admin, processing gifts and dispersing funds back to the area hospitals. Ok, I did chat with Steve.

Tuesday - I slept in and drive up to Ottawa to get the kids.

Yes, even moms can have exciting times while the kids are away:cool1: Thanks for asking Jordan!!
You go Gal !!!!!:banana::banana:Uniform and Leather :rolleyes1 What have the Bros said about this !!:lmao: More importantly has Steve met them :rolleyes1

To heck with Lessa's Mountain Clembing I wanna hear about Steve !!!!:lmao:

Just kidding Lessa I wanna hear if you pushed stepMother in front of any Bears !!:rotfl2:

[englishrose47]

Lessa I love your cruise already !!Oh wait a minute I had a preview !!!!:lmao:I kept the secret soooooo wel!!!:rotfl2:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

You go Gal !!!!!:banana::banana:Uniform and Leather :rolleyes1 What have the Bros said about this !!:lmao: More importantly has Steve met them :rolleyes1

To heck with Lessa's Mountain Clembing I wanna hear about Steve !!!!:lmao:

Just kidding Lessa I wanna hear if you pushed stepMother in front of any Bears !!:rotfl2:

Lessa I love your cruise already !!Oh wait a minute I had a preview !!!!:lmao:I kept the secret soooooo wel!!!:rotfl2:

No, none of us have met Steve.

And no unfortunately the Stepmother is still alive and kicking. :headache:

[emmaca]

You go Gal !!!!!:banana::banana:Uniform and Leather :rolleyes1 What have the Bros said about this !!:lmao: More importantly has Steve met them :rolleyes1

To heck with Lessa's Mountain Clembing I wanna hear about Steve !!!!:lmao:

Just kidding Lessa I wanna hear if you pushed stepMother in front of any Bears !!:rotfl2:

Hi Rosie, Erich met Steve the other night, but not by choice, Erich was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and mom asked him to come into the living room, poor Erich :confused:, he was stuck. I do not think they got a good look at each other as the room was dark:scared1:,:rolleyes1 I think Lessa was sleeping, too bad for her, usually the kids stay clear. Last year I had a male friend over and Erich crawled along on the floor as he didn't want to be seen.:rotfl2::rotfl2:.

[IluvXU]

Ahh...such wonderful updates. The boarding procedures have changed in the past nine years.... and I barely remember that part. Love all the pictures

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Ahh...such wonderful updates. The boarding procedures have changed in the past nine years.... and I barely remember that part. Love all the pictures

Glad you are enjoying the read. It must be interesting to see how things have changed over the 9 years.

[OhMari]

Hi Leesa,
I've been sneakily reading the cruise portion, over on the cruise board.
But I finally caught up tonite on the rest of your days at WDW.


This is a beautiful picture.
It instantly made me want to go back to WDW.
I thought my date to return was far off 2011 and
then I read you are planning to return in 2012 and then I remembered you are going back to college. How is that going.
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2021st%20-%20Hollywood%20Studios/Image387.jpg

I can't believe the difference in terminals from WDW compared to Royal Caribbean. I think I saw 1 chair at the entrance of the terminal. There was no waiting area, except for outside. We had to check our luggage in outside, and we had to walk in with our passports or ID. Then we had to talk with really crabby people to check in and give our credit card. Then it took over an hour to get our "Sea Pass card" the same one that had all your info on it, and it opened your room, you could charge with it and use it when you left the ship for excursions. We still took our passports with us, because if anyone got hurt, I heard horror stories if you ended up in a hospital, or would miss your ship. But someone was late for our ship in Cozumel, and we waited for them, 1 1/2 hours.

We pulled out ahead of the Disney Wonder and I heard "When you Wish Upon a Star" twice, it brought tears to my eyes, my dd's thought I was nuts.

Looking forward to reading the rest of your cruise.
And I'm sure you saw how the Disney Wonder picked up the guy yesterday, that jumped off the Carnival Cruise Ship. What a schmuck.

[englishrose47]

Hi Rosie, Erich met Steve the other night, but not by choice, Erich was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and mom asked him to come into the living room, poor Erich :confused:, he was stuck. I do not think they got a good look at each other as the room was dark:scared1:,:rolleyes1 I think Lessa was sleeping, too bad for her, usually the kids stay clear. Last year I had a male friend over and Erich crawled along on the floor as he didn't want to be seen.:rotfl2::rotfl2:.

I can picture Erich crawling along the floor !!!:lmao:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

This is a beautiful picture.
It instantly made me want to go back to WDW.
I thought my date to return was far off 2011 and
then I read you are planning to return in 2012 and then I remembered you are going back to college. How is that going.
http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2021st%20-%20Hollywood%20Studios/Image387.jpg

Hi Marissa!

Yes 2012 feels really far off but Alek and Erich were a bit tired of going to Disney every year (sacrilege I know). They feel that it loses the magic if you visit too often.

Haven't started back at school yet, classes start for me this coming Wednesday.

I can't believe the difference in terminals from WDW compared to Royal Caribbean. I think I saw 1 chair at the entrance of the terminal. There was no waiting area, except for outside. We had to check our luggage in outside, and we had to walk in with our passports or ID. Then we had to talk with really crabby people to check in and give our credit card. Then it took over an hour to get our "Sea Pass card" the same one that had all your info on it, and it opened your room, you could charge with it and use it when you left the ship for excursions. We still took our passports with us, because if anyone got hurt, I heard horror stories if you ended up in a hospital, or would miss your ship. But someone was late for our ship in Cozumel, and we waited for them, 1 1/2 hours.

We pulled out ahead of the Disney Wonder and I heard "When you Wish Upon a Star" twice, it brought tears to my eyes, my dd's thought I was nuts.

Looking forward to reading the rest of your cruise.
And I'm sure you saw how the Disney Wonder picked up the guy yesterday, that jumped off the Carnival Cruise Ship. What a schmuck.

The check-in doesn't sound too different other than the indoor waiting area. The porters still collect your bags outside at the Disney terminal.

We had the same type of card, used it for everything. Room, charging, boarding etc.

[Mysteria]

So much to catch up on so here the short version

Love the rock garden at dad's. I have to show mil those pics because she wants to do something like that.

Had to laugh at cruise "rope drop". Leave it to Disney. :rotfl:

Emmaca - Sounds like you had a grand time! :thumbsup2 There's an uncensored version?! :rotfl:

I so wish we could all get together (Lessa, mom, me, my mom) when I am in TO in a few weeks.

eta: brothers too. didn't mean to leave them out of the wish. :rotfl:

[kaysmommie]

Loving the cruise portion of your TR so far :goodvibes. Well except the rude people who crowd the entrance for no reason. Hoping you come back to post the room soon. Cliffhangers drive me nuts :laughing:. We were booked in a Cat 6 last fall but then I had to cancel. Anyway the food looks great. Definitely see a cruise in my future. Thanks for telling us how everything works with the terminal :goodvibes and stuff like that.

[GeminiAngel]

I am super FAR behind!

The view from your Dad's house is amazing!
Wasps :scared1:, You snobby :rotfl:
Your Dad is good looking :thumbsup2
Love the brothers as always.

A little action while the kids are away :thumbsup2
Men in uniform :woohoo:
Floor crawling :lmao::lmao::rotfl::rotfl:

That ship is beautiful! Thanks for yet another cliff hanger, you snob. :snooty:
Can't wait for more!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Loving the cruise portion of your TR so far :goodvibes. Well except the rude people who crowd the entrance for no reason. Hoping you come back to post the room soon. Cliffhangers drive me nuts :laughing:. We were booked in a Cat 6 last fall but then I had to cancel. Anyway the food looks great. Definitely see a cruise in my future. Thanks for telling us how everything works with the terminal :goodvibes and stuff like that.

I think your family would have a lot of fun on the cruise.

I'm trying to add as much detail as possible so that those who have never gone know how it all works. :thumbsup2

I am super FAR behind!

The view from your Dad's house is amazing!
Wasps :scared1:, You snobby :rotfl:
Your Dad is good looking :thumbsup2
Love the brothers as always.

A little action while the kids are away :thumbsup2
Men in uniform :woohoo:
Floor crawling :lmao::lmao::rotfl::rotfl:

That ship is beautiful! Thanks for yet another cliff hanger, you snob. :snooty:
Can't wait for more!

Yuck, my Dad is not good looking. :scared1:

The ship was amazing, I loved it. As you walk through the halls you can hear Disney music quietly playing in the background. :thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

So much to catch up on so here the short version

Love the rock garden at dad's. I have to show mil those pics because she wants to do something like that.

Had to laugh at cruise "rope drop". Leave it to Disney. :rotfl:

Emmaca - Sounds like you had a grand time! :thumbsup2 There's an uncensored version?! :rotfl:

I so wish we could all get together (Lessa, mom, me, my mom) when I am in TO in a few weeks.

eta: brothers too. didn't mean to leave them out of the wish. :rotfl:

Oops, I almost missed replying to you Myst!

Yeah, I chuckled too about the rope drop on the cruise ship.

What are your TO dates again?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I woke up pretty early, my body must still have been on Ontario time which was three hours ahead of BC.

I poured myself a bowl of cereal and had a nice breakfast out on the balcony.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P043.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P045.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P047.jpg

This is Dad's super fancy telescope. His old one was broken by the moving company so they paid for this one. Dad is in love with this thing and uses it almost every night.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P048.jpg

Our Aunt Orla (Dad's sister) and Uncle Rob were in town, they were driving home after a vacation in Banff. They were going to come over to the house for brunch and we were going to pick Grandma up and bring her over so she could spend time with the family out of the nursing home.

I stayed at Dad's while he, Alek and Erich went to get Grandma. Angelica (step-sister) came into the computer room while there were gone and asked if Alek, Erich and I would like to go to the water park with her and her friends. Well unfortunately we hadn't brought our swimsuits so I had to tell her no. That was pretty much the last time that Angelica initiated contact with us during our visit. The rest of the week she was either in her room or in the rec room watching tv.

Aunt Orla and Uncle Rob arrived just seconds before Dad got back with Grandma.

We had a nice visit with everybody. Maria made way too much food as always.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P053.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P060.jpg

Grandma couldn't stay at the house for too long, she gets overwhelmed and tired easily. I think she only stayed for about two hours before we had to take her back. I went with Dad and Alek to take her back and then we stopped at the grocery store to get more wasp spray.

Back at the house we chatted with Aunt Orla and Uncle Rob for a while. Erich fell asleep at one point and started snoring REALLY loudly which had us all in stitches. He was only out for a few minutes and didn't even realize it.

After Aunt Orla and Uncle Rob left to drive the rest of the way home Dad decided he was going to take us on a hike to Bluenose Mountain. It was only a thirty minute drive from his house. He said this was going to be a test hike to see how we did so he could plan the rest of our hikes for the week.

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http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/B008.jpg

Well the hike was very steep! I had a bit of a hard time since I am so out of shape so I was lagging behind them all by a few minutes. They would stop every once and a while to wait for me to catch up.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/B009.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/B017.jpg

Unfortunately due to the firest fires in BC our views and thus our pictures were somewhat hazy due to the smoke.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/B019.jpg

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Here's Erich trying to give me a heart attack by straddling a crevice in the rock.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/B031.jpg

I seriously felt like I was going to be sick watching him do this. Alek and Erich though it was great fun.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/B036.jpg

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All in all the hike took about three hours.

We returned to the house where Maria once again made copious amounts of food. I don't know why she always made SO MUCH, there was no way we could eat it all.

After dinner we went downstairs and watched Taken and then retired to bed. Tomorrow we were planning to drive two hours to go hiking in Revelstoke National Park.

[englishrose47]

Awesome pix of the mountain hike !! I see the Bros don't behave around Dad either:rotfl2:They are soooo much fun !:lmao: I can't wait to meet them in 2012 !! I wanna get in on some of their antics:worship::lmao: Grandma loks sweet !!
Of course I am looking forward to meeting you and Beth again , I really feel we are close friends now :cloud9: I loved meetingyou both after all the time we spend chatting on these boards !!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Awesome pix of the mountain hike !! I see the Bros don't behave around Dad either:rotfl2:They are soooo much fun !:lmao: I can't wait to meet them in 2012 !! I wanna get in on some of their antics:worship::lmao: Grandma loks sweet !!
Of course I am looking forward to meeting you and Beth again , I really feel we are close friends now :cloud9: I loved meetingyou both after all the time we spend chatting on these boards !!!

Now see if only Maria had that attitude about us. I swear she does not know how to have fun but I will get into that later.... :rolleyes1

We really enjoyed getting to meet and spend time with you too Rosie. Some of my favourite trip pictures are from our shared encounter with Pooh and the gang. :goodvibes

[emmaca]

Hi Rosie, I look forward to meeting you again as well, it is so true it seems like we are life longs friends at are separated by distance only to meet up at Disney LOL

By the way Lessa I am at Linda's, got back from Sandbanks (Beach), no I am not at Steve's!! :sad1:he is at the CNE in Toronto this weekend (Canadian National Exhibition) like a state fair. Karen will be bring me home, should be home by 9 tonight.

[GeminiAngel]

:goodvibes Someone's got a boyfriend! Picture please? :rotfl:

[ladybugmom]

Hi Lessa!! I'm all caught up!! I am so excited to read more about your cruise!! I have never been on a Disney cruise but it's definitely on my list of things to do!!

[emmaca]

:goodvibes Someone's got a boyfriend! Picture please? :rotfl:

You asked and you shall receive, these are the only photos I have, not the best, but they will have to do.




http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww46/emmaca/Steve.jpg

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww46/emmaca/Steve2.jpg

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww46/emmaca/Steve3.jpg

[GeminiAngel]

Nice job! Love a man with facial hair. I'll stop there, its a family board. :laughing:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hi Lessa!! I'm all caught up!! I am so excited to read more about your cruise!! I have never been on a Disney cruise but it's definitely on my list of things to do!!

I definitely recommend a Disney Cruise, so much fun and lots and lots of stuff for the girls onboard. :thumbsup2

[kaysmommie]

Love the pictures from the hike. Your brothers would have given me :scared1: a heart attack. I'm so scared of heights.

[englishrose47]

Way to Go Beth!!!!!:thumbsup2Important question what does he think about Disney?????:confused3

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Love the pictures from the hike. Your brothers would have given me :scared1: a heart attack. I'm so scared of heights.

Yeah, I am kinda weird when it comes to heights. I can do roller coasters no problem, plane rides I am only scared during take off, landing and bad turbulence but stick me on the side of a mountain and I am crying for fear that I am going to slip and fall and die. :confused3 I also feel sick when I am high up in a tall building and I look out the window. I know I am strange. :confused3:rolleyes:

[DisneyJo]

The ship looks lovely Lessa and wow all those desserts :faint: they look delicious!

Beth your new man looks lovely :goodvibes

Less I'd be freaking watching your brothers too :eek: :rotfl:

[emmaca]

Way to Go Beth!!!!!:thumbsup2Important question what does he think about Disney?????:confused3

LOL, I guess that will the deciding point of this relationship LOL,

Hey, Rosie have a great trip, is there room in your luggage for me? LOL

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

The ship looks lovely Lessa and wow all those desserts :faint: they look delicious!

Beth your new man looks lovely :goodvibes

Less I'd be freaking watching your brothers too :eek: :rotfl:

The desserts definitely did not disappoint on this trip! I am not a huge dessert person but wow did I love my desserts this trip. :thumbsup2

Yeah, Alek and Erich continued their cliff dangling antics on the rest of the hikes. Their response to why was "So Mom will freak out when she sees the pictures.". :headache:

[Mysteria]

Lessa I am there Sept 26-Oct. 3.

Beth- looks like a good catch! :thumbsup2 As long as he can do Disney!

Love the hiking shots. Were your bros. partaking in a re-enactment of some old warrior stick battle? :rotfl: Btw, I would have been real nervous with someone standing in that crevice too. BAD BROS!! :mad:

[englishrose47]

LOL, I guess that will the deciding point of this relationship LOL,

Hey, Rosie have a great trip, is there room in your luggage for me? LOL

Thanks Beth !! I wish there was room for you !!:thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Lessa I am there Sept 26-Oct. 3.

Beth- looks like a good catch! :thumbsup2 As long as he can do Disney!

Love the hiking shots. Were your bros. partaking in a re-enactment of some old warrior stick battle? :rotfl: Btw, I would have been real nervous with someone standing in that crevice too. BAD BROS!! :mad:

Marking it down. :thumbsup2 We'll see if Mom and I can pull off a day trip to TO once I get my school and work schedule all sorted.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I opened the door and got my first glimpse of the room that was going to be our home for the next week.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8053.jpg

We had booked a Cat 6 stateroom which can sleep up to four people. The queen sized bed can be separated into two twin sized beds, the couch can be turned into a bed and there is another bed that can be pulled down from the ceiling by the stateroom attendant.

I was very pleased. I was a bit afraid ahead of time about how big the room was going to be but really I didn't think it was small at all. It was nice and roomy, plenty of space in there for Mom and I both to spread out and have personal space.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8054.jpg

There was also lots of storage room for all our stuff, no worries on that front. The closet had lots of room, there was a dresser and steamer trunk and then the desk also had lots of storage space as well.

This is the steamer trunk

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8056.jpg

The only part of the room that was a bit cramped was the entry hallway, only one person at a time in that area of the room.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8057.jpg

The tv was great. It was on a pull-out stand and could swing around for better viewing according to where you were in the room. So you could adjust to watch from the bed, couch, verandah. Also under the tv is a mini-fridge that was pretty small but could hold a couple bottles of water etc.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8058.jpg

Almost all of the rooms on the Disney cruise ships feature what they call split-bathrooms. Basically you have two bathrooms in your room. One has the toilet and a sink and the other has the shower/bath and a sink. This makes it much easier for getting ready in the morning/evening.

The bathrooms were rather small but that is to be expected on a ship, if it had just been one joined bathroom there would have been more room but then you would have lost the advantage of the split bathrooms.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8064.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8065.jpg

There was a sign over the toilet reminding you to always close the lid before flushing. If you think that Pop Century has turbo toilets just wait until you see these ones!

There was also lots of storage room in the bathrooms.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8076.jpg

The blowdryer however is pretty ineffective. Especially for somebody like me. It takes at least 30 minutes to dry my hair with a regular blowdryer. So ladies, if a blow dryer is important to you bring your own!

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8077.jpg

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http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8067.jpg

The bedside lamps

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8069.jpg

We went out onto the verandah and were so happy to see that it had stopped raining!

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8074.jpg

View of the room from the verandah

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8086.jpg

The closet

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8085.jpg

The safe was located in the closet as well as the lifejackets for the room.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8055.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8059.jpg

You can see what I mean about Port Canaveral not being all that pretty....

That is the Kennedy Space Center you can see off in the distance. If it had been a nicer day we would have had a better view of it.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8061.jpg

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http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8073.jpg

Continued in next post.....

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33476768&postcount=1342)

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8075.jpg

More of the bathroom

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8078.jpg

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http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8084.jpg

When you first enter your room you will find waiting for you on your desk the Daily Navigator for the day (schedule of activities), excursion tickets if you booked any before boarding, Onboard credit chits (cash that you can spend onboard that has been placed there by you, your travel agent, Disney etc). We had two chits one from Dreams Unlimited for booking our cruise through them and another from Disney as we had made the reservation through their online booking system. Also there will be a schedule of the movies that will be showing in the movie theatre during your cruise and also a list of the movies that will be showing in your stateroom.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8087.jpg

Since I had taken a picture of pretty much every corner of the room we decided to go sit out on our verandah and look over all the information we had been given so far.

We saw Disney buses arriving with more passengers.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8090.jpg

So people were just arriving at this point and Mom and I had already boarded, arranged our Palo dining, had lunch and were now relaxing in our room. The advantages of renting a car and arriving early.

The room service menu

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8088.jpg

You can also order items not on the menu, for instance you can get Mickey ice cream bars through room service and as you can see they are not on the menu. Room service is free of charge and offered 24 hours. There are select items that carry a charge and that will be noted on the menu. So all room service costs you is the tip unless you want one of the "premium" items.

While Mom and I were reading over our info our bags arrived at the room. That was quick!

Mom was going crazy because pelicans and hawks kept flying by and Mom just loves pelicans.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8089.jpg

By the time Mom and I had finished going over all the reading material we had been given it was time to get ready for the mandatory safety drill. The ship can not sail unless every passenger attends and is accounted for.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8092.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8093.jpg

You can see the big letter F on our jackets. That meant we had to report to muster station F. The directions on where to go are clearly marked in your room.

Oh yeah, I had also taken a moment to decorate our door at some point with the magnets I made. I did not go all out like some people do but I did get a lot of comments on it from people passing in the hallway. People really liked the Mickey ears I had made for the door.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8094.jpg

I had made an extra pair of ears in case mine got stolen as I had read here on the boards that kids (adults too probably) like to take them from time to time. Luckily that never happened. I had also put our room number on all the magnets to discourage somebody from taking them. Again we didn't experience any sort of problem with people stealing or messing with the magnets.

So Mom and I went off to find our muster station which was located on Deck 4. We were the first people to arrive at our station. We were lined up, tallest in back by cabin number. Since Mom and I were first we got to be at the end of the row and were given the very serious task of not moving an inch no matter who told us to. We soon saw the reason for this as everybody else started to arrive, that deck was packed and each muster group only had a limited amount of space.

I think the drill only lasted a total of 5 minutes, it was really fast and easy. As soon as they released us Mom and I were hurrying back to our room. We had to dump the life jackets in the room and then we were going to hustle on up to deck 10 to grab a good spot for the sailaway party.

[stacopp]

Great update- looking forward to more!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Great update- looking forward to more!

Thanks!

[GeminiAngel]

YEA! The real fun is about to begin! How in the world do you make your own magnets? Those are so awesome.

:surfweb: Can't wait for more.:banana:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

YEA! The real fun is about to begin! How in the world do you make your own magnets? Those are so awesome.

:surfweb: Can't wait for more.:banana:

It was pretty easy actually. All you need is to go to your local Staples or similar type of store and in the printer paper aisle they will have packages of magnet paper. Then all you have to do is pop it into your printer and print out whatever you have designed.

I will admit that the name magnets and one of the others was actually designed for me by a very nice person on the cruise boards. :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

Do you think cruising will become part of your travelling plans now?

We love to cruise on the DCL, but it's so expensive. We went on the 7 day Eastern in 05 and are not going again until 2012......

I LOVE the rooms. You have to expect small, but really with the privacy curtain, you can separate the living space from the sleeping space.

The bathrooms are so handy with more than 1 person.

I'm glad you took a ton of pix of the room

[wvdislover]

Hey, Lessa! Sorry I've been gone so long, but life has been crazy for the past several weeks. Looks like I've gotten back just in time for the cruise portion of your TR! We went on the Wonder last year, and stayed in a Cat. 6 cabin, too...in Cabin 6054!!!!! What a small world!!! We LOVED the location! Can't wait to hear all about your cruise...we're planning on doing a 7 night to the Western Carribean next time we cruise!

BTW, I posted a link to my PTR...we leave next week for the World!!! (Not sure how to do it with just the title, though ;))

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Do you think cruising will become part of your travelling plans now?

We love to cruise on the DCL, but it's so expensive. We went on the 7 day Eastern in 05 and are not going again until 2012......

I LOVE the rooms. You have to expect small, but really with the privacy curtain, you can separate the living space from the sleeping space.

The bathrooms are so handy with more than 1 person.

I'm glad you took a ton of pix of the room

I definitely plan on cruising again, don't know when we will get to go again though what with my school expenses. Hopefully it won't be too long a wait!

Really, I didn't think the cabin was all that much smaller than a room at Pop.

Hey, Lessa! Sorry I've been gone so long, but life has been crazy for the past several weeks. Looks like I've gotten back just in time for the cruise portion of your TR! We went on the Wonder last year, and stayed in a Cat. 6 cabin, too...in Cabin 6054!!!!! What a small world!!! We LOVED the location! Can't wait to hear all about your cruise...we're planning on doing a 7 night to the Western Carribean next time we cruise!

BTW, I posted a link to my PTR...we leave next week for the World!!! (Not sure how to do it with just the title, though ;))

:laughing: How funny that you were in the same cabin but on the Wonder. It was definitely a great location, right near the mid-ship elevators.

We will probably do a Western next time as Mom wants to try new ports. We loved the ports that we went to and I would love to return but Mom likes to mix things up.

I'll have to check out your PTR. :thumbsup2

[ladybugmom]

Your cabin looks nice and bigger than the cabins on the 2 cruises I've been on (Royal Caribbean and Norweigian). Girl--you are REALLY making me want to go on a Disney cruise!! Can't WAIT for another update!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Your cabin looks nice and bigger than the cabins on the 2 cruises I've been on (Royal Caribbean and Norweigian). Girl--you are REALLY making me want to go on a Disney cruise!! Can't WAIT for another update!!

I remember reading that Disney is one of the leading cruise lines when it comes to room size. They are often praised for their room design and also for the split bathrooms. :thumbsup2

[princess_momma]

I love a man in uniform as well!! My guy is deployed for the army right now and we're going on a Disney cruise when he gets out! :love:

I'm loving this cruise! It looks awesome! I can't wait to go on one!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I love a man in uniform as well!! My guy is deployed for the army right now and we're going on a Disney cruise when he gets out! :love:

I'm loving this cruise! It looks awesome! I can't wait to go on one!

I loved the cruise, just wish they were cheaper so I could go more often. I suppose I could always settle for an inside room. :eek:

[Mysteria]

Makes me want to go cruising too seeing all the pictures and hearing of your adventure so far....and you haven't even left port yet! :rotfl:

[Disneyland_Mama]

Fantastic, Lessa! :thumbsup2 I love all the tiny details you've included!

Your TR really makes me want to book a cruise, ASAP! :goodvibes

[englishrose47]

Great Update Lessa !!! The cabins are much nice and bigger than when I went on the Crnival Cruise !! We did the Western one !!Stopped at Cozumel, Grand Camon and Jamaica !!All I can say about Jamaica is DON"T DO DUNN FALLS!!!!:scared1: Well acually Iliked th rest of the Jamaica tour !!:thumbsup2 In Caymon we did the Turtle Farm Island tour and wet to HELL!!!:lmao: I do wish we had done the tour of the ruins in Mexico but we didn't !! So if I ever do a Cruise I would want to do the Eastern or if the family goes will prolly do a 4 day one !!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Makes me want to go cruising too seeing all the pictures and hearing of your adventure so far....and you haven't even left port yet! :rotfl:

:rotfl: Don't worry, we leave port in the next update. ;)
Fantastic, Lessa! :thumbsup2 I love all the tiny details you've included!

Your TR really makes me want to book a cruise, ASAP! :goodvibes

You know you can always count on me for ALL the details. :laughing:

Focker cruise?:cutie:

Great Update Lessa !!! The cabins are much nice and bigger than when I went on the Crnival Cruise !! We did the Western one !!Stopped at Cozumel, Grand Camon and Jamaica !!All I can say about Jamaica is DON"T DO DUNN FALLS!!!!:scared1: Well acually Iliked th rest of the Jamaica tour !!:thumbsup2 In Caymon we did the Turtle Farm Island tour and wet to HELL!!!:lmao: I do wish we had done the tour of the ruins in Mexico but we didn't !! So if I ever do a Cruise I would want to do the Eastern or if the family goes will prolly do a 4 day one !!

I want to do a Western cruise and would definitely do the ruins in Cozumel. I have read and seen pictures of Hell, I know if I ever visit Grand Cayman I will definitely be going to Hell. ;)

[princess_momma]

I loved the cruise, just wish they were cheaper so I could go more often. I suppose I could always settle for an inside room. :eek:

An inside room?! Scandalous!!! You had a verandah right? I don't know if I'd could do just a porthole, even on the outside!!

I need more updates ASAP!! I leave Thursday...but no pressure. LOL

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I was away all weekend...had some catching up to do!!! More great pix from your dad's and the cruise is moving right along! Can't wait for more! Glad to hear that safety thing is short...it would drive me crazy if it were long!

[FauntleroyFAN07]

what and how much is a cruise chit?

how did you get one for booking with dreams unlimited, and with disney, if you book with dreams, what did you book with disney?

[jordanyosh]

Lessa,

Inside staterooms aren't bad depending on which deck you get. I had one close to the elevator banks on Deck 7 and it was only a short walk up to the SPA and the Adult Pool. In addition if you look at the deck plans, my room (7009?) was near the end of the hallway. We had very little foot traffic go by our room. It was pretty quiet.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

An inside room?! Scandalous!!! You had a verandah right? I don't know if I'd could do just a porthole, even on the outside!!

I need more updates ASAP!! I leave Thursday...but no pressure. LOL

:laughing: I'll be updating tonight at work (I'm working the midnight to 8am shift).

I was away all weekend...had some catching up to do!!! More great pix from your dad's and the cruise is moving right along! Can't wait for more! Glad to hear that safety thing is short...it would drive me crazy if it were long!

Yep, it was pretty short, it really depends on how long it takes all your fellow passengers to arrive and report in. Once everybody has then they let you go.

what and how much is a cruise chit?

how did you get one for booking with dreams unlimited, and with disney, if you book with dreams, what did you book with disney?

Okay the cruise ship is a cashless society so anything you buy on the ship including your excursions, drinks, meals at Palos and merchandise gets charged to your room account.

Several travel agents (mostly online ones) will offer an onboard credit (they put money into your onboard account) as an incentive to book your cruise through them. They do this as Disney does not allow discounting of the rooms. So what happened with us was that Disney was offering a $50 onboard credit if you booked your cruise with them online. So that is what I did, I booked the cruise online with Disney and made sure everything was the way I wanted. Then I saw that Dreams Unlimited was offering $200 onboard credit if you booked/transferred your reservation through them. So since I had already made my reservation I simply transferred control of it over to Dreams Unlimited and they gave me their onboard credit. I had no problem doing this as I had already booked everything just the way I wanted so I knew the TA couldn't screw it up.

So I had $50 from Disney for booking the cruise through them online and $200 from Dreams Unlimited for transferring my reservation over to them. That means when we boarded the ship we had a $250 credit placed in our onboard account so basically the first $250 worth of stuff we bought was "free". It pretty much paid for our excursions.

I have also read that you can call up Disney and place money in your onboard account ahead of time if you wish to do so that way the onboard bill doesn't seem so shocking at the end of the cruise. ;):laughing:

Hope that all made sense! :cutie:
Lessa,

Inside staterooms aren't bad depending on which deck you get. I had one close to the elevator banks on Deck 7 and it was only a short walk up to the SPA and the Adult Pool. In addition if you look at the deck plans, my room (7009?) was near the end of the hallway. We had very little foot traffic go by our room. It was pretty quiet.

:laughing: I just don't know if I would like the "cramped" quarters of an inside room and the fact that there is no natural light. But as I said if I want to cruise bad enough I could always go for the much cheaper inside rooms. ;) My funds will be limited the next couple years. :sad2:

[FauntleroyFAN07]

yep it made since, very cool, if you dont do excursions, that money just goes toward alchol and gifts right, is all the food free on board?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

yep it made since, very cool, if you dont do excursions, that money just goes toward alchol and gifts right, is all the food free on board?

Yep, the money can go towards whatever you want.

All the food on board is free except for Palo which carries a $15 surcharge.

[englishrose47]

I'm waiting fo the cruise to beginpopcorn::

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

Trust me when I say this it will be very hard to go back a room category after you get used to a higher one. I got upgraded from a 9 to a 6 for the trans Atlantic and found it very hard to used to only having a 9 for the panama canal cruise. so going t5o an inside from a balcony would really be a change.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I'm waiting fo the cruise to beginpopcorn::

Where have you been Rosie? It has already begun. :confused3:rolleyes:

Trust me when I say this it will be very hard to go back a room category after you get used to a higher one. I got upgraded from a 9 to a 6 for the trans Atlantic and found it very hard to used to only having a 9 for the panama canal cruise. so going t5o an inside from a balcony would really be a change.

Oh I believe that! It was so nice having a verandah.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Mom and I hurried back down to our room to drop off our life vests. We didn't even take the time to put them away in the closet we just chucked them on the bed and then we were out of there again.

The sailaway party "Adventures Away" takes place on the stage on deck 9 where the family pool is located. They have a deck that they can put over the pool so that there is lots of room for people to gather. Mom and I however were not headed to deck 9. Instead our goal was deck 10, one deck above. We didn't want to be down in the crowd, instead we wanted to grab a spot overlooking the party. This way we would get to enjoy the festivities without being crushed in the crowd.

Well lucky us, we were able to grab a table and two chairs that were set up right along the railing overlooking the family pool. There were only a few of these available and they were all taken quickly. Mom and I settled ourselves into our chairs and then I realized that we had forgotten the second camera in the room. I went down to grab it so that we could take pictures and video of the party. Mom was in charge of the video and I was in charge of the pictures.

Some shots I got of the artwork around the ship when I went back to the room.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8095.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8096.jpg

I also took a moment to stow away the life jackets since we had secured our viewing spot already and I wasn't in as much of a rush.

I hustled back on up to deck 10 and rejoined Mom. There were CM's stationed around handing out streamers for everybody to wave around. They came in three colours, red, gold, and blue. Hey those are my school colours! "Go Gaels! Oil thigh na Banrighinn a'Banrighinn gu brath!"

The crowd had started to grow while I was gone.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8097.jpg

I also saw that Mom had ordered a drink while I was gone.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8099.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8100.jpg

As the time for the party got closer more and more people arrived. I soon became very glad that we had grabbed the table as people were crowding all around us but we had enough personal space because of our chairs and table. We also didn't have to worry about anybody blocking our view.

Soon the sailaway party started. It started off with the cruise staff being introduced.

First the kids clubs leaders

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8104.jpg

And then the cruise staff that lead the family and adult events.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8106.jpg

They led the crowd in some dancing and then Brent Davies our cruise director came out. He is Australian and has an awesome accent.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8111.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8112.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8114.jpg

Then up on the screen we got a "live" feed from the bridge. It appears that Goofy was causing some trouble up there.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8115.jpg

Well they thought it best that Goofy go down and join the party and leave the sailing of the ship to the captain and crew.

So Goofy left to join Mickey and the gang as they came down to party to lead the crowd in some more dancing.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8118.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8124.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8125.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8126.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8127.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8131.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8132.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8133.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8135.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8143.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8144.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8145.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8146.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8149.jpg

Continued in next post

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33501786&postcount=1369)

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8150.jpg

They started to count down to sail time. "10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1" and then we heard the horn go off to the tune of "When You Wish Upon A Star". It was insanely loud but very magical. I am sure that Mom shed a tear, she is nice and sappy like that. ;)

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8153.jpg

Here's a 30-second clip that I took from our recording of the party. I'll post the video from the whole party separately once I get it all loaded onto Youtube.

Disney Sailaway (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oT-Qi_XMPJE)

As soon as the horn sounded the ship started to move and we were off!

I scurried over to the side of the ship so I could watch as we sailed away. Mom joined me soon after. The CM's at the Disney terminal stand outside and wave goodbye to you.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8157.jpg

We moved further up the deck towards the front of the ship aka forward deck.

The Adult pool "Quiet Cove" and the bar "Signals"

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8163.jpg

This is a popular restaurant/bar in Port Canaveral that people like to go to and watch the cruise ships sail away.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8165.jpg

The Carnival ship that sailed out ahead of us

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8171.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8172.jpg

We passed a campground where families watched as we sailed by and waved goodbye.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8176.jpg

We passed the beach and we were officially out at sea!

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8178.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8181.jpg

We walked deck 10 relishing the fact that we were finally on the cruise.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8184.jpg

This is the Mickey pool, kids only! I think it is rather unfair that only the kids get to use the waterslide. I hope on the new ships that the adults get a fun slide to use as well.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8185.jpg





Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33516610&postcount=1389)

[GeminiAngel]

:woohoo::woohoo: Off we go! I thought the horn sounded kinda creepy :rotfl: What a fun kick off show.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

:woohoo::woohoo: Off we go! I thought the horn sounded kinda creepy :rotfl: What a fun kick off show.

You thought the horn was creepy! :eek::sad2:

[Gabes_mommy]

I am so excited that you are on to the cruise portion of the trip. Can't wait for more. :goodvibes

[englishrose47]

Where have you been Rosie? It has already begun. :confused3:rolleyes:



Oh I believe that! It was so nice having a verandah.

Lessa you are still docked I mean get out to sea !!!:lmao:

[englishrose47]

Now you have started !!!!!:lmao::thumbsup2

Hi Beth!!:cool1:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

YAY!!! We're sailing!!!!! :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

[FauntleroyFAN07]

they should have a slide that goes from teh top of the stack to the pool it just keeps going around the stack till it hits the bottom, now taht would be awesome.

[ladybugmom]

Love the new pics and video!! I showed Claire and she was dancing to the video and she said "funny" at the end!! We watched it several times. Oh--and your cruise director looks like Anthony from The Wiggles!!

[princess_momma]

Your mom is a sap from tearing up while being there? Then I must be one heck of a sap because I teared up just looking at pictures!! (I can't even watch videos on this computer.) Ok...I'm going to go find a support group or something for my sappiness!!

SO EXCITED that we've just sailed away!! I'm not sure if you will update before I leave again, so don't think you've lost me!! And don't completely finish without me! :laughing: I love your tr!! See ya real soon! :goodvibes

[emmaca]

Yes, I did shed a tear, to be honest I shed a few tears during the two week holiday, what can I say Disney has this effect on me.

Hi Rosie, the big count down is on!!

[Mysteria]

Love the horn! What beach is that?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I am so excited that you are on to the cruise portion of the trip. Can't wait for more. :goodvibes

Hopefully I can keep updating at the steady pace I've been at all summer. We'll see now that school is back in. Don't worry though, I won't diisappear and this report will keep on going.

Lessa you are still docked I mean get out to sea !!!:lmao:

:rolleyes: That is still on the cruise! :laughing:

Now you have started !!!!!:lmao::thumbsup2

Hi Beth!!:cool1:

:rotfl:

YAY!!! We're sailing!!!!! :woohoo::woohoo::woohoo::woohoo:

Those were my sentiments. :cutie:

they should have a slide that goes from teh top of the stack to the pool it just keeps going around the stack till it hits the bottom, now taht would be awesome.

I agree, that would be a total blast! I can't wait to find out what the new ships are going to be like. :goodvibes

Love the new pics and video!! I showed Claire and she was dancing to the video and she said "funny" at the end!! We watched it several times. Oh--and your cruise director looks like Anthony from The Wiggles!!

:laughing:

Not sure what Anthony looks like. I wonder if he has a cult following on the Dis like Brent does? :laughing:

Your mom is a sap from tearing up while being there? Then I must be one heck of a sap because I teared up just looking at pictures!! (I can't even watch videos on this computer.) Ok...I'm going to go find a support group or something for my sappiness!!

SO EXCITED that we've just sailed away!! I'm not sure if you will update before I leave again, so don't think you've lost me!! And don't completely finish without me! :laughing: I love your tr!! See ya real soon! :goodvibes

Yeah, Mom is super sappy but being sappy is okay. ;) I find that I am getting sappier as I get older. The horror!

Have a great trip! Don't worry, there is no danger of me finishing any time soon. I am only on day one of 8 after all! :laughing:

Love the horn! What beach is that?

Don't quote me on this but I think it may be Cocoa Beach.

[DisneyJo]

Your room looks lovely, did you and your Mum share the main bed or did one of you sleep on the sofa?

How great to be able to order room service and the party looks cute, I think I would have preferred to be on the higher deck too :thumbsup2

[jordanyosh]

Don't you love that feeling when the ship begins to move:thumbsup2

Mom drinking already....;) I should talk......

It's so dangerous not having cash or plastic on the cruise....I always checked to see what my balance was.

[MaryAz]

Such great pics. Can't wait to show the girls. I always shed a tear when I hear the horn. Have it as my ringtome on hubby's phone. Girls love to call him so they can hear it.Have you started school? Nursing right?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Your room looks lovely, did you and your Mum share the main bed or did one of you sleep on the sofa?

Now now, let's not get too far ahead of the TR. ;) You'll find out the sleeping arrangements soon enough. :cutie:

How great to be able to order room service and the party looks cute, I think I would have preferred to be on the higher deck too :thumbsup2

Yep, I preferred the higher deck as I didn't want to be too crowded and I knew I wasn't going to be dancing around.

Don't you love that feeling when the ship begins to move:thumbsup2

Mom drinking already....;) I should talk......

It's so dangerous not having cash or plastic on the cruise....I always checked to see what my balance was.

I know what you mean. We were always checking our balance not only to watch our own spending but to also make sure that things were not getting charged to our account by accident. For instance I noticed, especially around the pools, that when you ordered a drink they just asked for your room number and didn't actually swipe a card.

Such great pics. Can't wait to show the girls. I always shed a tear when I hear the horn. Have it as my ringtome on hubby's phone. Girls love to call him so they can hear it.Have you started school? Nursing right?

That's so cute!

My classes started today. I am in one year pre-Health Sciences program that leads into a BScN degree program.

[Mysteria]

Don't quote me on this but I think it may be Cocoa Beach.

That's what I was thinking it probably was too, but even though I quoted you, don't quote me on it either. :rotfl:

[englishrose47]

Evening Lessa !! How was school??

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

That's what I was thinking it probably was too, but even though I quoted you, don't quote me on it either. :rotfl:

:rolleyes::lmao:

Evening Lessa !! How was school??

Hi Rosie, school is going well so far. I'm pretty tired as I am still adjusting to getting up early in the morning for 8:30 classes but hopefully I will get used to it soon.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Here are the videos of the sailaway party. The whole party should be there unless Youtube cut the videos short again. I have been having problems with that recently. :headache:

Part One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yveKg5uRwjo)

Part Two (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHclKr5qidI)

Part Three
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFyW5C_qWdw)

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33536082&postcount=1398)

[emmaca]

Your room looks lovely, did you and your Mum share the main bed or did one of you sleep on the sofa?


How great to be able to order room service and the party looks cute, I think I would have preferred to be on the higher deck too :thumbsup2

Good morning Jo, all I can say for now is that I slept like a baby (Well), and that the room stewards know how to make a proper bed!!

[emmaca]

Don't you love that feeling when the ship begins to move:thumbsup2

Mom drinking already....;) I should talk......

It's so dangerous not having cash or plastic on the cruise....I always checked to see what my balance was.

Good morning Jordan, didn't Lessa mention that her mother was a bit of a lush LOL, hey I almost drink my way around the world at Epcot, this was only one drink of many! I certainly did not need a reason to celebrate, to name a few: I was sharing a wonderful vacation with my beautiful daughter, my first cruise, Disney, celebrating not being at work!!, not to mention all the Hot men I got to look at:cool1::thumbsup2:cool2::idea::angel:::yes:::mag nify:, LOL

[emmaca]

Don't you love that feeling when the ship begins to move:thumbsup2


It's so dangerous not having cash or plastic on the cruise....I always checked to see what my balance was.

Tell me about it!!, I was bad on on the cruise, and no it was not all spent on the drinks of the day LOL. Should I say that my portion of the bill was :scared1::rolleyes1. I think Lessa was happy that it was my credit card that was placed on the room account.

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Lessa! I'm back and all caught up - loved your SWW day at DHS. That stalker lady is really scarey. I almost think you should email your pic to security or something, just so they can keep an eye on her. Oh, they probably are.

I'm so excited you've finally sailed away!:banana: We sailed with Jordan in 2005 and we had a Cat 6, too. I was trying to go back and find our cabin number, but it was wasting too much time. I think it was 6056 though.

I loved the sailaway video! I also get a tear when I hear that sound. It is so magical! We're planning to sail again in 2012 for the big Birthday Bash with Jordan - hope you can join all of us!

I can't wait to read the rest of your report to see what Tortola is all about - sounds so "pirateish.":lmao:

[jordanyosh]

Hi Lessa! I'm back and all caught up - loved your SWW day at DHS. That stalker lady is really scarey. I almost think you should email your pic to security or something, just so they can keep an eye on her. Oh, they probably are.

I'm so excited you've finally sailed away!:banana: We sailed with Jordan in 2005 and we had a Cat 6, too. I was trying to go back and find our cabin number, but it was wasting too much time. I think it was 6056 though.

I loved the sailaway video! I also get a tear when I hear that sound. It is so magical! We're planning to sail again in 2012 for the big Birthday Bash with Jordan - hope you can join all of us!

I can't wait to read the rest of your report to see what Tortola is all about - sounds so "pirateish.":lmao:

Yay!!! Tammie's going on the Peep Fest Cruise!!!

I think I was in 7009 or somewhere around there. I think the cruise director was the same or maybe it was a woman.

I can't wait to hear about Tortola as our Eastern Itinerary didn't stop there.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hi Lessa! I'm back and all caught up - loved your SWW day at DHS. That stalker lady is really scarey. I almost think you should email your pic to security or something, just so they can keep an eye on her. Oh, they probably are.

I would think they have to be aware of her. If she caught our attention then for sure she had to have been on Disney's radar.

I'm so excited you've finally sailed away!:banana: We sailed with Jordan in 2005 and we had a Cat 6, too. I was trying to go back and find our cabin number, but it was wasting too much time. I think it was 6056 though.

I loved the sailaway video! I also get a tear when I hear that sound. It is so magical! We're planning to sail again in 2012 for the big Birthday Bash with Jordan - hope you can join all of us!

I can't wait to read the rest of your report to see what Tortola is all about - sounds so "pirateish.":lmao:

Not sure if we will be doing the cruise portion in 2012 as Alek and Erich are not too keen on the idea of a cruise. Plus I am really going to have to scrimp and save in order to afford a big vacation in 2012. Stupid school. :headache: At least once I finish school I will be able to land a job that will pay me enough money that I well have tons to spend on vacations. ;)


Yay!!! Tammie's going on the Peep Fest Cruise!!!

I think I was in 7009 or somewhere around there. I think the cruise director was the same or maybe it was a woman.

I can't wait to hear about Tortola as our Eastern Itinerary didn't stop there.

Tortola was a special port for 2009. It will be interesting to see if they keep it and St Croix around in future years. I know Disney is releasing their 2011 itineraries tomorrow afternoon.

[englishrose47]

Hi Lessa!! This may be my last post before I go to Disney !!:cool1: Who am I kidding I will prolly be on the Dis when we walk out the door !!:lmao:
Beth what was most enjoyable the drinks or the HOT men !!!!:rotfl2:

[MAGICFOR2]

Yay!!! Tammie's going on the Peep Fest Cruise!!!

I think I was in 7009 or somewhere around there. I think the cruise director was the same or maybe it was a woman.

I can't wait to hear about Tortola as our Eastern Itinerary didn't stop there.

I'll try not to sleep through the meets this time! :rotfl2: Our cruise director WAS Brent - cute enough for me to remember! :rolleyes1

I would think they have to be aware of her. If she caught our attention then for sure she had to have been on Disney's radar.



Not sure if we will be doing the cruise portion in 2012 as Alek and Erich are not too keen on the idea of a cruise. Plus I am really going to have to scrimp and save in order to afford a big vacation in 2012. Stupid school. :headache: At least once I finish school I will be able to land a job that will pay me enough money that I well have tons to spend on vacations. ;)




Tortola was a special port for 2009. It will be interesting to see if they keep it and St Croix around in future years. I know Disney is releasing their 2011 itineraries tomorrow afternoon.

We may be doing a Western from the West Coast that year - celebrating Jim's cousin's graduation - it was brought up at one point - I just have to tell Jim he needs to get a second job! :rotfl2:

Hi Lessa!! This may be my last post before I go to Disney !!:cool1: Who am I kidding I will prolly be on the Dis when we walk out the door !!:lmao:
Beth what was most enjoyable the drinks or the HOT men !!!!:rotfl2:

:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:Why don't you tell US when you get back? :rotfl:

Have a great trip Rosie!! Don't forget to :3dglasses the peeps!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

We enjoyed the view as we sailed out to sea, after a while though we knew that we had to head back down to the room to get changed for that nights show and of course dinner.

We had enough time to unpack all our stuff and get organized before getting dressed.

The dress code for the night was cruise casual so I wore a pink and white skirt with a white lace camisole and a pink sweater over top.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8187.jpg

This is the hallway leading to the theatre. It is also where the shops are located.

We made our way down to the Walt Disney Theatre super early, we were so early that the doors were still locked and we were some of the first people there.


My feet started to ache again while we waited for them to open the doors, thankfully we did not have to wait too long.

When we entered the theatre we headed for the seats that were in the dead centre. We thought that they would be the best view and also they had the most leg room as there was an aisle that runs in front of them.

So we took our seats and waited for the show to start. Slowly other guests began to trickle in and fill up the room. Also waiters came by every few minutes to ask us if we would like to order a drink. This got a bit annoying after a while. I don't like to be waited on hand and foot just ask once and then bugger off. :laughing: Now granted most of the time it was a different waiter asking so they didn't know that we had already been asked but still it was a little much.

The theatre was absolutely packed! Good thing they have the show twice. The way it is set-up is that the people with the "late" dinner assignment see the show before dinner and the people with the "early" dinner assignment see the show after dinner. We had chosen late dining so that on our port days we did not feel rushed when we got back to the ship to get ready for dinner.

The show had several parts to it. They had a traditional type of stage show with the Disney characters and the Disney Magic performers. The "story" was about three different types of families arriving onboard the Magic for their cruise and they sang and danced around talking/acting out everything they hoped the cruise would be. The main story arch was about a "little boy" who dreamed of being the captain of a ship. He was the one who had the most interaction with the characters. The Disney characters also danced around with the performers and acted out typical things that would be done on a cruise. Very entertaining.

The second part of the show involved comedians who we would be able to see down in Rockin Bar D later on in the cruise. They were hilarious. There was a Hannah Montana bit which had me nearly peeing my pants and then there was a bit where the comedian had some audience participation. He has the kid run around the theatre in slow motion with a football while he tried to catch him, also running in slow motion. Totally hilarious, hard to describe though, you just had to be there.

Now you remember how Mom and I thought we had the perfect seats? Well we didn't. They were terrible for picture taking as there was a bar in the way that ran against the back of the front section of seats. So I apologize in advance for the not so awesome pictures. They do get much better!

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8188.jpg

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http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8235.jpg

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33578335&postcount=1435)

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i think your pictures turned out really good, did you have any of the football chase?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

i think your pictures turned out really good, did you have any of the football chase?

Nope, I didn't take any pictures of the variety act part of the show. It would have been hard to catch on camera anyways unless I took a video and videotaping is prohibited.

[DisneyJo]

So I need to wait and see what the sleeping arrangements were huh? ;) :rotfl:

I think your photos came out great Lessa :thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

So I need to wait and see what the sleeping arrangements were huh? ;) :rotfl:

I think your photos came out great Lessa :thumbsup2

:laughing: Yep, can't give away details in advance. ;)

[GeminiAngel]

Your pictures turned out great! Nice hallway. Beautiful ship.

[englishrose47]

I second what Jo said te pix look great to me !!Told Ya I'd be back:rotfl2:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Your pictures turned out great! Nice hallway. Beautiful ship.

I second what Jo said te pix look great to me !!Told Ya I'd be back:rotfl2:

Thanks guys. They turned out "okay". I knew that I could get better though.

[MaryAz]

Sounds like a cute show. I think the pics were pretty good.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Sounds like a cute show. I think the pics were pretty good.

Thanks, it was very cute. I wasn't sure how I would like the variety acts and I was pleasantly surprised, very entertaining.

[Mysteria]

WTH?! I would have sworn I replied to this earlier. :confused3 :rotfl:

Anyway I said something like great pics and update. :dance3: I also didn't know the shows were first come, pick your seat. Then again I know diddly squat about cruising. :rotfl:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

WTH?! I would have sworn I replied to this earlier. :confused3 :rotfl:

Anyway I said something like great pics and update. :dance3: I also didn't know the shows were first come, pick your seat. Then again I know diddly squat about cruising. :rotfl:

Yep, I mean there are no "bad" seats but if you want the "better" seats make plans to show up early. Of course that was no problem for me and mom as we are chronically early for pretty much everything. It is impossible for us to be late.

I actually tried to be late to work once to teach a co-worker a lesson as he was always showing up 10-15 minutes late. Well I only managed to arrived on time (I'm usually 10 minutes early). How pathetic is that?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey guys, just wanted to let you know now that I am back in school I may have to cut this down to two updates per week. I'll try my best to make it three a week like usual but we will just have to see how it goes.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Fantasyland Expands!

Have you all seen this? Apparently it was announced/is being announced at the D23 expo. If it is true it will be freaking awesome! Supposedly it will be done by 2012.

http://wdwpress.com/twitter/fantasyland_9938.html

If you want to read all about here's the link to the discussion thread on the Dis.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2282586

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/overallfantasyland945.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/fantasyland_plans250k.jpg

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Here's the Youtube video of the official announcement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08W5Os-Wnj0

Be Our Guest Restaurant

Gaston's Tavern

Cinderella, Belle, Aurora each get their own areas

Twin Dumbos in a new area and more!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

BC Trip continued

We woke up super early (6am) as Dad wanted to be out the door and on the road by 7am. We were going to be driving 2 hours to go hiking in Revelstoke National Park. Dad was going to take us on the Eva Lake trail as he had hiked it a few weeks before with the Vernon Outdoors Club and he said the views and hike were magnificent.

It was painful getting up that early but what can you do. I made sure to fill my water bottle up and I threw an apple, some carrots and a granola bar in my bag to eat for lunch. The rest of the family was going to be eating egg sandwich for lunch. Yuck!

We hit the road shortly after 7. The ride was nice, very scenic.

We arrived at the park and began the winding drive up the mountain. The views were spectacular although a bit obstructed due to the smoke hanging over the valley.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R003.jpg

Up, up, up we went until we arrived at the parking area where you can then catch a shuttle that takes you up to the start of the trail.

One of the MANY signs warning us that we were in bear country.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R018.jpg

The hike was just as beautiful as Dad said it would be. The only annoying thing were these flies that kept buzzing around me. The shuttle driver said it was due to the wildflowers and the flies pollinate. Dad said when he had been there a month earlier there were no flies at all. Just our bad timing I guess.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R019.jpg

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http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R046.jpg

The above pictures were taken at the shuttle drop-off area, now we were finally setting off on the hike.

Being the slow-poke that I am I was always behind the rest of the group. Dad and my brothers would stop and wait for me from time to time but Maria (the step-mother) never did. She just kept going. I guess she was too good to hike with us. :snooty:

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R051.jpg

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http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R111.jpg

That is Alek and Maria. You can't really tell in the picture but they were really far ahead of us.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R114.jpg

It took about two hours to get to Eva Lake which was the main destination of the hike, It was absolutely breathtaking. Definitely worth the exertion to get there. Pristine natural beauty.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R120.jpg

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http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R153.jpg

We stopped here for lunch and to just take in the serene beauty that was surrounding us. The only thing disturbing the peaceful nature of the day were those darn flies that would just not leave me alone! Dad says it must have been the smell of my shampoo that was attracting them as they did not bother the others as much as they did me.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R154.jpg

After lunch we made a full circuit around the lake.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R160.jpg

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http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R170.jpg

That little building you see in the distance is a basic shelter they built in case you get caught out there when a storm or something moves in.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R174.jpg

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Alek endangering his life

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R203.jpg

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http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R205.jpg

They just loved doing this type of thing and making me anxious. I seriously felt like I was going to be ill every time they pulled stunts like this.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R207.jpg

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Dad decided that we should do a little add-on to the main hike and go down the path to Miller Lake as well.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R227.jpg

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[Lifelong_Dreamer]

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Miller Lake was just as beautiful as Eva Lake and I was glad that Dad suggested we hike over to it as well. It was lovely and peaceful up there.

I was so tuckered out as we started to hike back. I just wanted to lay down and take a nap. ^_^

This little guy took a liking to us and hopped along with us for several minutes.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R268.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/R270.jpg

I was grateful when we got back to the car. The hike had been very wonderful but also very tiring. I think we were out there for 5-6 hours climbing down and then up and then down and then up. It was worth it though as you can see by the pictures.

Maria once again insisted on driving and she drives like a mad woman. I seriously thought we were going to die driving down off that moountain. The road curves a lot and is pretty narrow so you can't really see if there is a car coming from the other direction. Dad had to tell her to slow down. Crazy lady!

We stopped to grab some food at A&W. Dad says it is a tradition to get A&W after a hike. I guess he wanted us to eat back all the calories we had just burnt off. I think we had A&W almost every day we were out there, it was ridiculous and this was especially surprising as Dad usually hates paying to eat out.

On the two hour drive back to Vernon we had what I dub "The Great Egg Debate of 2009". I have no idea how it even got started but pretty much we argued/debated for two hours about the proper way to make scrambled eggs and if scrambled eggs taste different from fried eggs. Alek as insisting that they taste the same, I beg to differ, they taste totally different!

Back in Vernon we stopped in to see Grandma. We even got her involved in the egg debate. :lol:

We saw this massive quail family outside Grandma's nursing home.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P064.jpg

We stayed for about 30 minutes and then went back to Dad's house.

We has this view of a giant plume of smoke from a forest fire when we pulled up to his house. The fire was over an hour away.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P068.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P069.jpg

While Alek and I were taking pictures of the smoke Erich and Dad were back on the roof hunting wasps again.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P070.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P073.jpg

Alek from some chalk on the side of the road and decided to revert back to his childhood.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P075.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P078.jpg

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http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P082.jpg

We all went to bed fairly early that night, the long day hiking had worn us all out. The next day was our day off from hiking so we would have plenty of time to rest and recover.

[ladybugmom]

Fantasyland Expands!

Have you all seen this? Apparently it was announced/is being announced at the D23 expo. If it is true it will be freaking awesome! Supposedly it will be done by 2012.

http://wdwpress.com/twitter/fantasyland_9938.html

If you want to read all about here's the link to the discussion thread on the Dis.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2282586

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/overallfantasyland945.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/fantasyland_plans250k.jpg

Ally and I were FREAKING out when we saw this tonight!!! Sooo excited about the princess areas, Pixie Hollow, and "Be Our Guest"!!! It's going to be hard to wait until 2012!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Ally and I were FREAKING out when we saw this tonight!!! Sooo excited about the princess areas, Pixie Hollow, and "Be Our Guest"!!! It's going to be hard to wait until 2012!!

I am excited about the whole thing and especially about the two new restaurants. MK really needs more dining options.

[jcc0621]

Hey Lessa. I'm back! Thanks for the links at the beginning, they saved my eyes some:goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more about the cruise!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hey Lessa. I'm back! Thanks for the links at the beginning, they saved my eyes some:goodvibes

Can't wait to hear more about the cruise!

Welcome back Janet! Glad that your eyes are starting to get better slowly but surely!

[PopArtGal]

I understand what you mean with people waiting to board where they are not supposed to.

It gets to me when they call for adults and children who need assistance, and people who don't need assistance get in line.

[PopArtGal]

Your dad has a great house from what I can see :)

I love the view!

[PopArtGal]

The gang looks so cute in their sailor outfits!

[PopArtGal]

That hike looks like a fun time.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I understand what you mean with people waiting to board where they are not supposed to.

It gets to me when they call for adults and children who need assistance, and people who don't need assistance get in line.

That always irks me as well and they never say anything to these people about it as they don't want to cause a scene. :headache:

Your dad has a great house from what I can see :)

I love the view!

It is very nice, too bad it is getting wasted on the witchy stepmother.



That hike looks like a fun time.

It was except for the dang flies and Alek hanging himself off a cliff. :laughing:

[Mysteria]

Can't wait for the new Fantasyland! About time they did some park stuff instead of more and more DVC. Not that I have anything against DVC but it did seem to be their only focus for awhile.

Now I know we spoke while you were away about Alek hanging himself off the cliff. Now the picture puts it in perspective. Tell him if he were my brother I'd have pulled him up, hugged him and then kicked his butt right back off for making me freak out. :rotfl:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Can't wait for the new Fantasyland! About time they did some park stuff instead of more and more DVC. Not that I have anything against DVC but it did seem to be their only focus for awhile.

Now I know we spoke while you were away about Alek hanging himself off the cliff. Now the picture puts it in perspective. Tell him if he were my brother I'd have pulled him up, hugged him and then kicked his butt right back off for making me freak out. :rotfl:

I know what you mean about the DVC. I hope that the next thing they start working on is an improvement of DHS and then AK. I would like a new country to explore at Epcot as well. Perhaps that is what I should ask Santa for for Christmas? :cutie::laughing:

Alek and Erich took great pleasure in scaring me to death and also annoying me to death. If they weren't scaring me they were making fun of me. I was ready to kill them a few days into the trip. ;)

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Here's a 30 second video I took of our surroundings on the Eva Lake hike.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmB9_1uk7Fw

[OhMari]

Fantasyland Expands!

Have you all seen this? Apparently it was announced/is being announced at the D23 expo. If it is true it will be freaking awesome! Supposedly it will be done by 2012.

http://wdwpress.com/twitter/fantasyland_9938.html

If you want to read all about here's the link to the discussion thread on the Dis.

I think they had to do something, with all the money they are making. LOL.
TSM and Everest was really their last investment.



http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2282586

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/overallfantasyland945.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/fantasyland_plans250k.jpg

I love reading about your cruise.
Especially now that I know, what you are referring too.
As someone posted before, I knew squat too about cruises.
I agree about the waiters constantly asking you if you wanted a drink.
I never did, or I wouldn't have been able to sit still and would have had to get up and go to the bathroom.
I just watched a special on CNN and most ships receive a lot of their revenue off of the drinks. The only thing you could get free was, lemonade, ice tea, or water. They would not let you fill any water bottles though, you could only have this small cup. Oh, and they had Seattle's Best coffee free. My dd-was constantly in thier little shop.

BC Trip continued
Did I miss the first installment of your time spent with your dad. I just usually follow the links on your first page, and happened to stumble upon the mountain getaway with your dad/family. LOL.
Good luck in school.
I've had a few phone calls of tears/fears/laughing.
The 2 youngest wish they were done with school and the 2 oldest wish they were back in college.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I love reading about your cruise.
Especially now that I know, what you are referring too.
As someone posted before, I knew squat too about cruises.
I agree about the waiters constantly asking you if you wanted a drink.
I never did, or I wouldn't have been able to sit still and would have had to get up and go to the bathroom.
I just watched a special on CNN and most ships receive a lot of their revenue off of the drinks. The only thing you could get free was, lemonade, ice tea, or water. They would not let you fill any water bottles though, you could only have this small cup. Oh, and they had Seattle's Best coffee free. My dd-was constantly in thier little shop.

With DCL you can get pop/soda and water for free at meals and at the drink station on deck 9. However if you order pop through room service you have to pay for it (probably because it would come bottled).
So basically you don't have to pay for any of your drinks unless you want to booze it up. ;) Or if you want a specialty drink like a smoothie.



Did I miss the first installment of your time spent with your dad. I just usually follow the links on your first page, and happened to stumble upon the mountain getaway with your dad/family. LOL.
Good luck in school.
I've had a few phone calls of tears/fears/laughing.
The 2 youngest wish they were done with school and the 2 oldest wish they were back in college.

I didn't put links to the BC Trip on the main page since they are not part of the main TR. Here are the links to the first two parts.

http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33430059&postcount=1289

http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33455521&postcount=1323

School is good so far, we haven't actually started into the material too much yet, that will start this week. Hopefully I will do well.

[Mysteria]

I know what you mean about the DVC. I hope that the next thing they start working on is an improvement of DHS and then AK. I would like a new country to explore at Epcot as well. Perhaps that is what I should ask Santa for for Christmas? :cutie::laughing:

Alek and Erich took great pleasure in scaring me to death and also annoying me to death. If they weren't scaring me they were making fun of me. I was ready to kill them a few days into the trip. ;)

Couldn't agree more. Maybe the Marvel thing will come to something in DHS eventually. I know a lot of people were against Marvel at Disney but I think it fits with DHS.

New country (or 2 or 3) I'm right with you there too. I would love to see Greece added. There is just so much history, culture and of course, food!

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

On DCL if the pop/soda comes in a can then you pay, if it's from a fountain it's "free" (included).

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

The show on the cruise looks really cute! Your pix came out fine!

The hike sounds long and very tiring...but those pix are amazing! Glad you did all the hiking for us to see those pix!!!!! LOL :lmao::lmao:

[FauntleroyFAN07]

those were some beautiful pictures, reminds me of some camping trips we take down south from us.

was the lake water cold?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

The show on the cruise looks really cute! Your pix came out fine!

The hike sounds long and very tiring...but those pix are amazing! Glad you did all the hiking for us to see those pix!!!!! LOL :lmao::lmao:

It was long and tiring and a bit difficult for me as I am super out of shape so those inclines were killer. It was very easy for Alek, Erich and Dad though.

those were some beautiful pictures, reminds me of some camping trips we take down south from us.

was the lake water cold?

I didn't step foot in the water. It was not terribly warm up there so I imagine that the water was cool as well. I'll have to ask Erich as he took a drink from one of the lakes we saw on the trip.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

After the show Mom and I headed over to Studio Sea. This area is host to many of the game show type activities that they put on. This night it was a game called Mickey Mania.

Mickey Mania is a trivia game. Four teams are picked from the audience. Each team needed to have one child and one adult. That was a major bummer for me as that meant I couldn't play. It was still fun to watch and there was an audience participation component so adults were not totally left out.

The four teams were dubbed 1)The Red Minnies 2) The Blue Donalds 3) Purple Plutos 4) Green Goofys.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8236.jpg

The game had several different components

1)Trivia questions - the teams had to hit their buzzer to answer
2)Video Clips - they would show a clip from a Disney movie. Each team then had to write down on a piece of paper what happened right after that scene ended. Each team that was correct got points.
3) Image descrambler - A Disney character would show up scrambled on the screen, the image would slowly become clearer, the team would have to hit their buzzer to answer.

After each question was answered by a team a related question was then asked of the audience. Whichever audience member answered the question correctly got to award 10 points to the team of their choice.

You may be thinking that the questions would be easy because there were kids on the teams. Well yes some of them were easy and some of them were really hard! I even hesitated on a few of them. I really wish I could have played though, I totally would have won! :laughing:

The Red Minnies, a father/daughter team, ended up winning. I was glad as the purple Plutos almost won and the daughter on that team was really annoying. ;)

After the game we had a few minutes before our dinner seating so we wandered over to the shops and browsed. There were several items that caught my eye so I made a mental note of them in my head. The one item that I really wanted was a Disney piano book.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8239.jpg

The atrium chandelier was designed by the same artist who did the glass work at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

Our dinner this night was in Parrot Cay. Our dining rotation was PLAPLAP. That means that the next night we would eat at Lumieres and then the night after that at Artist's Palette and then we would rotate back through the restaurants again. The menu changed every night so we were never eating the same thing. The only thing that remained the same were our servers and our tablemates.

So we strolled on over to Parrot Cay and told the host our table number (it is printed on the dinner tickets that are waiting for you in your room when you arrive onboard). We were table 44 in case you were curious. ;)

The host led us over to a table set for 8. There were already two people seated at the table and the other 4 arrived shortly after we did.

Everybody was super friendly and we had no trouble carrying a conversation. Sitting with us were three couples, young newlyweds who were two years younger than me, a married couple in their 40's and a young couple in their 30's, both pediatricians.

It was nice having people around my own age to chat with but I also enjoyed conversing with the others at the table. Mom was in her element, she just LOVES talking to strangers. :laughing:

Now the young doctor put his lanyard on the table beside his plate and what did I spy right away? A lime green Mickey head! I got all excited and immediately asked him if he was a Diser and he was! What a coincidence!

Our servers were very attentive and took our drink orders right away. Mom and I both got waters. You can also order pop for no extra charge.

I explained to everybody at the table that I was going to be taking pictures of my food for a report and they all thought this was great and told me I should take pictures of their food too! In fact on some nights they would have to remind ME to take pictures. :laughing:

I'll do my best to tell you what each dish is. Some of this will be irrelevant as they have since changed the menus onboard. Some of the dishes have stuck around though and you will at least get a general idea of what they serve.

The menu had Soups and Salads to start, then appetizers, then entrees and then of course dessert. I am a super picky eater so often I would not eat every course.

Mom's app

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8242.jpg

Island Jerk Tuna and Conch Ceviche

My app

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8243.jpg

West Indies Caesar Salad

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8244.jpg

Smokey Chicken, Vegetables and Cheddar Cheese Fritters

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8245.jpg

Baked Crab Martinique

Mom's entree

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8246.jpg

Pan-Seared Grouper with baby shrimp lemon butter

My entree

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8247.jpg

Island-Roasted Rib-Eye of Beef

I did not like my steak, it was really fatty so I was cutting off large sections because of that. One of our tablemates said I should ask for another but I was too shy and didn't want to be a bother.

My dessert

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8248.jpg

Chocolate S'more Vanilla Cake

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8249.jpg

Overall dinner was good. We were pleased with our tablemates, the servers were friendly and attentive (but not too attentive) and the food was good (aside from my steak).

Just a note on cruise dining. If you can't decide on what you want you can order both! You can also ask for seconds of something that you like or if you don't like what you ordered you can ask for them to bring you something else. They are happy to do this for you so don't be like me and feel too shy to ask.

The whole meal took a long time though, almost two hours! It was nearly 10pm when we exited the restaurant. I think a large part of that was that we were all taking our time as we were chatting so much and so the servers paced our food accordingly. Many tables in the dining room cleared out much faster than ours did.

The adult entertainment that night was "Match Your Mate". I have heard great things about it but Mom and I were so tired so we decided that after dinner we just wanted to go back to our room and go to sleep. I wish we had gone to the game though as the newleywed couple from our table got picked to participate and from the talk we heard around the ship it was a hilarious night.

We were greeted by this towel creation when we got back to our room. The eyes were made out of two bedtime chocolates with the very appropriate Sleepy (Dwarf) on the wrapping.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2023rd%20-%20Embarkation/D8250.jpg

Now Jo gets to find out about our sleeping arrangement, I know she has been so anxious to find out. ;)

Well we assumed that the room attendant would simply separate the queen-sized bed into the two twins. Instead he left the bed intact and made the couch over into a bed. I offered to share the bed or take the couch but Mom said she would sleep on the couch and that I could have the bed. Well if you insist!

The bed was super comfy and after writing out my trip notes for the day and reading a chapter of my book I was sound asleep.

The ship was rocking a little bit that night in the evening and through the night but it didn't really bother Mom or I so I am happy to say that we both survived the cruise without getting sea sick.

Coming up: Our first Sea Day

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33593830&postcount=1452)

[ladybugmom]

Great update!! The food looks so yummy!! And that gameshow looked like a lot of fun. Sorry you weren't able to participate.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Great update!! The food looks so yummy!! And that gameshow looked like a lot of fun. Sorry you weren't able to participate.

The show was fun, don't worry they had game shows that adults could participate in without having kid supervision, it was just that one where the team had to be kid/adult.

[MAGICFOR2]

Hi Lessa, I thought I had posted earlier, but i guess not :confused3 I love your cruise so far!:cool1: It's great that you got such fun tablemates! I think I would like late dinner next time - seems like you get to do more.

Thanks for sharing your hiking pics! They're all so beautiful! I'm glad "the stepmom" didn't drive you off the mountain! :rotfl2:

[jcc0621]

Great update Lessa. I probably wouldn't have asked for another steak either. My response always is it's fine, they are busy, etc... We both need to be more assertive!

Was sinner dressy (do the men have to wear a suit?) IYou may mentioned this earlier, but I kind of skipped the chit chat (sorry!). Just making mental notes for the future ;) How about kids. Were there many at the late seatings?

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I'm glad you guys got along with your tablemates so well! That would've made for an unpleasant cruise if you didn't!!!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Hi Lessa, I thought I had posted earlier, but i guess not :confused3 I love your cruise so far!:cool1: It's great that you got such fun tablemates! I think I would like late dinner next time - seems like you get to do more.

Thanks for sharing your hiking pics! They're all so beautiful! I'm glad "the stepmom" didn't drive you off the mountain! :rotfl2:

Late dinner had its advantages and disadvantages. Honestly I am not one for long drawn out "fancy" dinners. I am just as happy going up to deck 9 and eating chicken strips or ordering room service. It was our first cruise though so I wanted to experience the dining rooms and Mom loves the social aspect of the dinners. To be honest though we were always so tired by the time we got out of the late dinner (nearly 10pm every night) that we had little energy for anything else.

Great update Lessa. I probably wouldn't have asked for another steak either. My response always is it's fine, they are busy, etc... We both need to be more assertive!

Was sinner dressy (do the men have to wear a suit?) IYou may mentioned this earlier, but I kind of skipped the chit chat (sorry!). Just making mental notes for the future ;) How about kids. Were there many at the late seatings?

The dress code changes from night to night. The first night it was cruise casual so the rule is basically NO shorts. Most guys I saw were wearing a nice pair of casual pants and a polo/golf shirt or a nice button up shirt.

On the cruise there is also one formal night and one semi-formal night. Those are the nights where guys might dress up a bit more and wear suits or dress pants and a tie some might even wear a tux on Formal night. It is certainly not required though and they are not going to kick you out of the dining room or deny you service.

There were kids at the late seating, though not nearly as many as at the early seating.

I'm glad you guys got along with your tablemates so well! That would've made for an unpleasant cruise if you didn't!!!!

Yeah it might have been a bit uncomfortable! The good thing with there being four different travel groups at our table is that if one turned out to be a dud chances are that the other three groups would be okay.

[DisneyJo]

What a coincidence that you sat with another DISer, has he posted here?

And thanks for telling me your sleeping arrangements at last :rotfl: Very nice of your Mom to give you the bed!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

What a coincidence that you sat with another DISer, has he posted here?

And thanks for telling me your sleeping arrangements at last :rotfl: Very nice of your Mom to give you the bed!

Nope, I have never interacted with him on the Dis. He posted a few times before the cruise on the cruise meet thread but I didn't really participate there. It was a funny coincidence though that he was a Diser. Although not too surprising, Brent (cruise director) said one night that something like 60% or more of the people on our cruise were returning Disney cruisers so I am sure that a lot of them probably visit the Dis.

Mom actually likes sleeping on the couch. :confused3 Often when we are at home she will curl up and sleep on the living room couch instead of going to sleep in her bed. :confused3

[FauntleroyFAN07]

i think i would order two entrees each night just becaues i could

popcorn::

[PopArtGal]

The shows look good.

I know how you felt "left out" of the game.

I often feel "left out" at Disney. Don't they know adults like to feel special too?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

i think i would order two entrees each night just becaues i could

popcorn::

:laughing: That does not surprise me.

The shows look good.

I know how you felt "left out" of the game.

I often feel "left out" at Disney. Don't they know adults like to feel special too?

I agree, Disney does some wonderful things for adults but they also exclude us from some really fun stuff as well.

[Mysteria]

Very cool that there was another Diser at your table! I was disappointed your steak kinda sucked. It looks so good and I think I was drooling a bit. :rotfl:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Very cool that there was another Diser at your table! I was disappointed your steak kinda sucked. It looks so good and I think I was drooling a bit. :rotfl:

Maybe people who like a little fat in their meat would have had a different opinion on the steak. Me, I always have to cut out every inch of visible fat. :cutie:

[Mysteria]

Maybe people who like a little fat in their meat would have had a different opinion on the steak. Me, I always have to cut out every inch of visible fat. :cutie:

I don't mind some fat, or I guess I should say marbling, because it makes for more tender meat. If it's enough for you to be cutting out and your tablemates to comment on then it's just too much fat.

Pic still makes me drool though. :rotfl:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I don't mind some fat, or I guess I should say marbling, because it makes for more tender meat. If it's enough for you to be cutting out and your tablemates to comment on then it's just too much fat.

Pic still makes me drool though. :rotfl:

:laughing: Well don't worry I had many dishes on this cruise that I loved and I have TONS of food pictures.

[Mysteria]

:laughing: Well don't worry I had many dishes on this cruise that I loved and I have TONS of food pictures.

Then I guess I better keep some napkins by my desk. :thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I thought you all might be interested to see what the Daily Navigators look like and see what kind of activities are available day to day. I'll try to remember and post the navigator for each day as I finish writing it up.

I left the files big enough so that you can easily read them.

Here's some of the documents we were given when we checked in at the cruise terminal.

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/D001.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/D002.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/001.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/002.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/003.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/004.jpg

The Daily Navigator for the first day

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/May23rd001.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/May23rd002.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/May23rd003.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x292/cndnlesser/May23rd004.jpg

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33618279&postcount=1463)

[jcc0621]

[COLOR="DarkOrchid"]
The dress code changes from night to night. The first night it was cruise casual so the rule is basically NO shorts. Most guys I saw were wearing a nice pair of casual pants and a polo/golf shirt or a nice button up shirt.
On the cruise there is also one formal night and one semi-formal night. Those are the nights where guys might dress up a bit more and wear suits or dress pants and a tie some might even wear a tux on Formal night. It is certainly not required though and they are not going to kick you out of the dining room or deny you service.

Info going into the notebook!

There were kids at the late seating, though not nearly as many as at the early seating.

I was just thinking that finishing at 10pm was awdully late for kids. Jimmy would have fell asleep in his dinner:rotfl:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Info going into the notebook!

:thumbsup2



I was just thinking that finishing at 10pm was awdully late for kids. Jimmy would have fell asleep in his dinner:rotfl:

Heck I was falling asleep in my dinner some nights. :laughing:

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

I think after this December's trip...maybe we may have to talk about doing a Disney cruise next adventure?? It looks like it's something not to miss! DH wants to go to the Carib. anyway...then I still get Disney too!

[FauntleroyFAN07]

wow that was alot of good information...thanks alot.

question, i think you already posted the room service listings.

but lets say i wake up and i dont want breakfast, can i get a hot dog, or chicken strips?

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I think after this December's trip...maybe we may have to talk about doing a Disney cruise next adventure?? It looks like it's something not to miss! DH wants to go to the Carib. anyway...then I still get Disney too!

The best of both worlds! The new Disney ship starts sailing the Caribbean in 2011. :thumbsup2

wow that was alot of good information...thanks alot.

question, i think you already posted the room service listings.

but lets say i wake up and i dont want breakfast, can i get a hot dog, or chicken strips?

That is a good question, I have no idea. If it is on the room service menu then I would hazard a guess and say you can get it any time of day that you want. I don't believe it stipulated hours of availability for certain foods. It doesn't hurt to ask though, they aim to please!

[k_reile]

wow that was alot of good information...thanks alot.

question, i think you already posted the room service listings.

but lets say i wake up and i dont want breakfast, can i get a hot dog, or chicken strips?

are you related to my husband?? He is always eating regular food for breakfast!! :lmao:

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

wow that was alot of good information...thanks alot.

question, i think you already posted the room service listings.

but lets say i wake up and i dont want breakfast, can i get a hot dog, or chicken strips?

you might be able to do that.

[FauntleroyFAN07]

are you related to my husband?? He is always eating regular food for breakfast!! :lmao:
haha, maybe, growing up i never liked breakfast and my mom would make me eat somethng before school, so i would have a can of soup, usually veg beef, i say hey im getting my veggies.

she could not really argue with that, so i won and ate soup.

you might be able to do that.
sweeeeettttttttttttt,

every morning hotdog, with a beer on the cruise, that is my goal when i go cruising for the first time.

and with a side of mickey ice cream bar.
:banana:

[FauntleroyFAN07]

That is a good question, I have no idea. If it is on the room service menu then I would hazard a guess and say you can get it any time of day that you want. I don't believe it stipulated hours of availability for certain foods. It doesn't hurt to ask though, they aim to please!

oh i would be pleased with it already, DW not so much i am sure iw ould get in trouble for ordering it, so i would have to wait till she jumped in the shower then i would order it.

:goodvibes

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

haha, maybe, growing up i never liked breakfast and my mom would make me eat somethng before school, so i would have a can of soup, usually veg beef, i say hey im getting my veggies.

she could not really argue with that, so i won and ate soup.


sweeeeettttttttttttt,

every morning hotdog, with a beer on the cruise, that is my goal when i go cruising for the first time.

and with a side of mickey ice cream bar.
:banana:

oh i would be pleased with it already, DW not so much i am sure iw ould get in trouble for ordering it, so i would have to wait till she jumped in the shower then i would order it.

:goodvibes

:lmao: Nothing says breakfast like ice cream!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I woke up around 7am, why on earth was I up so early?! Mom was already up and was watching the news, Mom always managed to wake up before me.

Today was our first sea day and we had no events scheduled. The plan was simply to relax and go to a few of the activities that sparked our interest when we looked over the navigator the night before. The days navigator is always left in your room on the bed the night before, it is also posted in the atrium next to the guest services desk for easy reference if you don't want to cart it around the ship with you.

I went out and sat on the veranda for a few minutes, the skies were cloudy but there was no rain, I was hoping that it would hold off and the weather would improve.

Mom and I headed up to Topsiders Buffet for breakfast after we got dressed. I slipped my bathing suit on under my clothes so that I could head up to the pool area after I was done eating. Since it was so "early", probably around 8am now, there were only a few people there.

Again when you enter the restaurant they hand you a disinfectant wipe for your hands. This happens each and every time you enter a restaurant.

You then grab a tray and proceed down the line. There are two sides you can go down, both are identical so it doesn't matter which way you go. They had lots of fruit, meats, cheeses, pastries, eggs, etc. Think of a breakfast food and they probably had it. There is also an omelet station you can go to that is not part of the main buffet line. You place your order and they give you a number that you leave on your table and they deliver the omelet to you when it is done.

Mom and I loaded up our plates and grabbed a table. We decided to sit inside at one of the comfy tables.

My plate

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9001.jpg

Chocolate croissant, bacon, scrambled eggs, pancakes, french toast, banana. I grabbed a water and also a chocolate milk to drink.

My verdict? Everything was delicious except for the eggs. I just don't like Disney scrambled eggs I guess. They are bad at WDW and on DCL, too runny for my liking.

Mom's plate

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9002.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9003.jpg

As you can see Mom ordered herself an omelet. I wish I had done that as well instead of getting the scrambled eggs. I was full from the other food I grabbed so I figured I would just get an omelet the next morning.

Mom finished her breakfast before I did so she went down to the room to change and we made a plan to meet up at the adult pool once I was done breakfast.

A few minutes after Mom left a little boy, probably about 7 years old, sat down ALONE at the table next to me. I figured his parents must be in the line still getting food but they never showed up. This kid was very friendly, he started chatting up a storm with me about everything he wanted to do that day. I felt sorry for the kid, where were his parents? How could they let him wander around like that all alone?

After breakfast I made my way over to the adult pool and met up with Mom.

As you can see in this picture deck 9 is enclosed on the sides. This is probably for the safety of the guests as it is the main deck where all the activities go on. It also protects you from the wind which is nice as well when you are lying by the pool reading or dining at one of the outdoor tables.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9004.jpg

Since it was "early", 9am, there were lots of loungers still available poolside.

Mom was relaxing on the chairs with a book, I wanted to soak in the hot tub. I was hoping that the hot tub would help relax my feet as they were still in a lot of pain. Not as much as before but still uncomfortable.

I was joined in the hot tub by two older men, a father and son, probably 40's and 60's, and we had a nice conversation about reality tv. A woman also joined us in the tub and joined in on the conversation. We mostly talked about Survivor and The Amazing Race. It was a fun conversation and I could feel my feet improving already.

I think I stayed in the tub for about 30 minutes and then got out and joined Mom. Well almost as soon as I got out it started to rain. Typical! It was a light rain so Mom and I moved to the sheltered seats by Cove Cafe in the hopes that it would only be a brief shower.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9006.jpg

Well it wasn't brief. Mom and I decided to go back down to the room and change and find something else to do.

We lounged around the room for awhile and watched part of The Jungle Book. We could hear a nice big thunder storm going on outside. We hung out in the room for about an hour. I circled two activities on the navigator that I wanted to go to. The first was an animation class and the second was an origami class.

After the Jungle Book ended we decided to go for a stroll around the ship to find out where everything was and of course we wanted to go to the shops again!

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9007.jpg

You will see the line of people, well in addition to the buffet breakfast you can also have a "table service" breakfast in Lumiere's.

We found the movie theatre

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9008.jpg

Animator's Palate

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9009.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9010.jpg

We also checked out deck 4 which is the quiet deck, also used as the running deck. We often saw people doing laps around the ship. People also like to come down here to get away from the noise and activity of deck 9. As you can see they have some nice comfy loungers to relax on with a good book.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9011.jpg

Back inside we went, our goal? The shops!

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9012.jpg

Mom and I were freezing and of course neither of us had packed warm clothing. Who would figure that you would need a sweater on a Caribbean cruise? So since we were so cold we each bought a Disney cruise line sweatshirt. $$$$ Mom was lucky as the one she liked was on sale! In addition to the sweaters I bought a Minnie Mouse pin and we got a rolling duffel for $15 as our purchase was over a certain amount. That duffel came in handy when it came time to pack up all our stuff at the end of the cruise!

We went back up to our room and dropped off our purchases and then made our way back down to deck 4. We had a few minutes to kill before the animation class started so we decided to sit outside.

Well guess what?! It stopped raining! It was still very cloudy though.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9011.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9013.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9014.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9015.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9016.jpg

Animation class was being held in Animators Palate, very appropriate!

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9017.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9019.jpg

I'll tell you more about this very special restaurant when I get to our dinner there.

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9020.jpg

Oscar was leading our class that day. He decided to start us off with a classic Disney character, Mickey Mouse! He asked us some trivia about Mickey and then started the class.

Well my Mickey did not turn out very well, the one I drew at DHS was much better. Mom's Mickey turned out really well and she didn't throw it out this time. ^_^

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9021.jpg

http://i314.photobucket.com/albums/ll421/polnickyhunt/Disney%20May%202009/May%2024th%20-%20Sea%20Day/D9022.jpg

Coming Up: Did our rain curse continue or did the day improve?

Click here to continue (http://disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33664953&postcount=1507)

[jcc0621]

Another great update Lessa. Hope the rain stops for you. It sounds like there is tons to do though, even if the weather is bad!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Another great update Lessa. Hope the rain stops for you. It sounds like there is tons to do though, even if the weather is bad!

Yep, there is always some activity going on and there are tons of things to keep you occupied while the weather is bad.

[stacopp]

Excellent update! Can't wait to read more.

[LOVEMY3KIDDOS]

Bummer about the rain, but it looks like the two of you are making the best of it! You are really selling me on the DCL!!!!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Excellent update! Can't wait to read more.

Thanks!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Bummer about the rain, but it looks like the two of you are making the best of it! You are really selling me on the DCL!!!!

Yeah, the rain really bummed us out. We thought we had left it all behind in Florida but I guess the rain outsmarted us and decided to come along for part 2 of the vacation. :headache:

The way I tried to see it was that the rain gave us the chance to enjoy our stateroom that we paid $$$$$ for and also gave us a chance to explore a bit.

[OhMari]

Did you take a picture of the daily itinerary, or did you scan it in?

If anyone wants to know the difference between Disney Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. DCL, has about 75% more things to do on the ship, than RCL.

I sneaked a peak at your cruise line Trip report over on the cruise board, and I remember reading all the things you wanted to do, and I thought the same thing would be on the RCL. I hope I am not confusing anyone, but I am really blown away, how Disney entertains you on the boat. We did have fun on our cruise, but we sure would of liked to have all those options you were offered. I guess RCL has physical things to do, like the Flow Rider, but you can maybe get on it once a day, because of the lines.

I sure hope the rain stops, I can't believe you had to get sweatshirts. I packed one along, because I remember reading how cold you got.:rotfl: I'm not laughing at you, but I almost threw mine away, because I bought so much on the islands.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Did you take a picture of the daily itinerary, or did you scan it in?

If anyone wants to know the difference between Disney Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean. DCL, has about 75% more things to do on the ship, than RCL.

I sneaked a peak at your cruise line Trip report over on the cruise board, and I remember reading all the things you wanted to do, and I thought the same thing would be on the RCL. I hope I am not confusing anyone, but I am really blown away, how Disney entertains you on the boat. We did have fun on our cruise, but we sure would of liked to have all those options you were offered. I guess RCL has physical things to do, like the Flow Rider, but you can maybe get on it once a day, because of the lines.

I sure hope the rain stops, I can't believe you had to get sweatshirts. I packed one along, because I remember reading how cold you got.:rotfl: I'm not laughing at you, but I almost threw mine away, because I bought so much on the islands.

I scanned all the navigators.

Yeah, we were absolutely freezing! They had the a/c pumping big time inside and because of the rain it was not all that warm outside either. I wouldn't say it was cold outside but with the wind it was definitely not all that warm either. Then again Mom and I get cold easily.

[onelilspark]

I've been lurking. I can't remember if I posted or not...sorry! If I did it was wayyyy back during the WDW part.

I have a general question about the cruise if you don't mind though...when it was stormy like that, did you get seasick at all? Did you have any problems with seasickness? We're going on a (non-Disney, boo!) cruise and I'm worried about that!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I've been lurking. I can't remember if I posted or not...sorry! If I did it was wayyyy back during the WDW part.

I have a general question about the cruise if you don't mind though...when it was stormy like that, did you get seasick at all? Did you have any problems with seasickness? We're going on a (non-Disney, boo!) cruise and I'm worried about that!

Nope neither of us had any problems with seasickness. Honestly that morning even though the weather was not so nice you could not feel the boat rocking at all. Mom had packed some dramamine just in case and we never had to use it. :thumbsup2

[onelilspark]

Thanks :)

[DisneyJo]

I was about to ask if the boat moved much too, glad that it didn't!

Wow that was a lot of info to read through, sounds like there was lots to do and I love the idea of the animation class :thumbsup2

[FauntleroyFAN07]

ohhh how many drawings did you guys get to do?

i love me some some drawing classes

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I was about to ask if the boat moved much too, glad that it didn't!

Wow that was a lot of info to read through, sounds like there was lots to do and I love the idea of the animation class :thumbsup2

Definitely lots to do. Not only are there the scheduled activities that appear on the navigator but there are also other things you can find to do around the ship. Like one of the lounges has board games that you can play. Now I know you don't go on a cruise to play board games but it is just one of those things that are there for you if you want them.

ohhh how many drawings did you guys get to do?

i love me some some drawing classes

We only did the one Mickey in that class but there were more animation classes throughout the cruise.

[kaysmommie]

Great updates Lessa. Love the pictures too. So cool that they have a animation class at Animators Palate. Good job on the Mickey's too.
Thanks for posting the ship activities and shore excursions. It looks awesome!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Great updates Lessa. Love the pictures too. So cool that they have a animation class at Animators Palate. Good job on the Mickey's too.
Thanks for posting the ship activities and shore excursions. It looks awesome!

I was so excited when I saw the animation class on the schedule. I had enjoyed it so much at WDW so I just knew I had to do it on the ship as well.

[Mysteria]

Rain, rain go away!! Can't believe it followed you guys. :sad2:

I'm also very impressed with all there is to do. I had no idea.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Rain, rain go away!! Can't believe it followed you guys. :sad2:

I know, it was so depressing!

I'm also very impressed with all there is to do. I had no idea.

Yep, there is always tons to do. If you are bored on the cruise it is all on you as they certainly go overboard making sure there is always something going on.

[Mysteria]

I've never cruised but I want to! I am afraid of getting seasick. I get such bad motion sickness. I think we are going to try it for our 5th anniversary next year though. Just a 3 or 4 day out of a close port. Will try it with the scopolamine patch. Other friends with bad motion/seasickness have had success with it.

If that works out you can bet your booty I'll be planning a Disney cruise next!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

I've never cruised but I want to! I am afraid of getting seasick. I get such bad motion sickness. I think we are going to try it for our 5th anniversary next year though. Just a 3 or 4 day out of a close port. Will try it with the scopolamine patch. Other friends with bad motion/seasickness have had success with it.

If that works out you can bet your booty I'll be planning a Disney cruise next!

I get motion sickness easily as well, especially when traveling in a car. Heck Mickey's Philharmgic makes me sick (magic carpet scene). I can't even play video games for longer than 20 minutes as they give me motion sickness as well. Can't tell you how many times I felt like I was going to pass out from playing Mario Kart on the Wii. Ridiculous!

So I was a bit nervous about sea sickness but lucky me it wasn't a problem at all! Too bad that didn't stop me from getting sick in other ways....

[puggymom]

Just got all caught up.

THe cruise sounds so relaxing, I would love to sit in one of those lounge chairs with a good book

Hope the feet and weather get better!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Just got all caught up.

THe cruise sounds so relaxing, I would love to sit in one of those lounge chairs with a good book

Hope the feet and weather get better!

The cruise was great and there was so much to do. I didn't get to do half the things I would have liked to, I guess that is why I'll need to cruise again!

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

even with a second cruise you still can't make it to everything.

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Today was our day off from hiking and boy did I need it! Oddly enough it wasn't my legs that were sore, just my knees, made it very painful going up and down the stairs.

We didn't get up to much that morning. Dad played a game of squadleader (ASL) with Alek and Erich. It is a super boring WWII game. Yawn! So while they did that I hung out on the computer and uploaded some photos onto Facebook.

Once they finished the game Dad said that he wanted to take us on a walking tour of the neighbourhood. Well of course the whole neighbourhood is on a hill so I told him so much for our day off of hiking. :wink:

We walked around for about 2 hours just looking around. Dad was trying to convince us that we should move out there. He kept making me take real estate fliers from all the houses that were on sale. Here are two of my prospective houses:

http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=8155337

http://www.realtor.ca/propertyDetails.aspx?propertyId=8300162

Yeah, I don't think I am going to be able to buy a house out there for quite a while.

On our walk we ran into Dad's real estate agent so we had to stand around and talk to him for a while. Dad was trying to sell us future clients. Hmmm, I think dad is grossly overestimating the income of a full-time student.

The further up the hill we got the more undeveloped it was, all the lots at the top were empty and still for sale, the neighbourhood is still in the development stage, Dad said most of the homes were only a few years old. Apparently lots of the teens like to go up to the top of the neighbourhood to party as there is nobody around.

The thing I really like about Dad's neighbourhood is that all the houses are different. I didn't see a single house that was the same. They all have the same type of styling and colour tones but each is a different design. I hate cookie-cutter neighbourhoods where every house is exactly the same, unfortunately that is all they really seem to build now except for the rare exception like this neighbourhood.

We eventually got back to the house, me with about 10 real estate flyers in my hand. Maria had prepared lunch for us. Some kind of pasta with cinnamon and tomato sauce. Once again Angelica was pretending to be invisible and did not eat with us. We could tell that Maria was starting to be in a bad mood as she sat at the table frowning and jabbing at her food.

After lunch Dad piled us all in the car as he was going to take us on a little tour around the Okanagan Valley, we were going to stop at some wineries as well. Maria decided to tag along despite the fact that she said she was not feeling well.

We stopped at the nursing home to visit Grandma before going off on our drive. She was in good spirits as usual and told us that "her mother had 5 children with the neighbour". We were all rolling in laughter at that. Of course what she meant to say was that the neighbour was a midwife and helped her deliver 5 children, I don't think she realized what she had actually said.

After our visit our tour began. Dad took us to the super pricey Predator Ridge neighbourhood. This place is ridiculously expensive. The homes are no nicer than those in Dad's neighbourhood plus the view is not as nice but they all sell for over $1,000,000 because there is a golf course and a health club. Also this super luxurious resort is getting built in the area, Sparkling Hill Resort and Wellness Hotel, the first hotel project in North America to incorporate Swarovski Crystal elements into every aspect of its design. I wonder how much they are going to charge for one night in this place? http://www.sparklinghill.com/

Moving on from Predator Ridge we started to drive around the Okanagan Lake

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P083.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P084.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P085.jpg

At this point Maria told Dad to pull over as he was "too distracted" pointing things out to us and she wanted to drive. I felt much safer while Dad was driving "distracted" than with her driving but he let her. Scary!

We arrived at the first winery, Gray Monk Estate Winery.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P086.jpg

Maria refused to come in and stayed in the car. Why on earth did she come if all she planned on doing was staying in the car being grumpy?!

So the rest of us went in, Dad and I tasted a few different wines, Alek and Erich had no interest so they just browsed the shop and then played their video games.

Alek found this book about Canada's version of a Lake Monster

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P087.jpg

If you are interested you can read about it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ogopogo

Alek and Erich waiting on Dad and I as we picked out some wines. I ended up buying two bottles, Dad got five.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P089.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P091.jpg

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http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P095.jpg

We drove up the hill a little bit more and stopped at another winery. This one was much smaller and we were the only customers there as it was almost time for them to close up shop. Dad bought two more bottles of wine, I didn't get anything here.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P096.jpg

We started to drive back towards Vernon now, this time we were driving along the Kalamalka Lake. I had Maria pull over at an overlook so I could get some pictures.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P097.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P098.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P099.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P100.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P101.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P102.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P103.jpg

The two oddly shaped hills in the center of this picture are where we went on our first hike. You can also see how smoky it is starting to get in the valley....

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P105.jpg

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P106.jpg

Dinner that night was at a small Thai restaurant that Dad and Maria eat at often. The owner is there every night and knows all of her customers by name and greets them with hugs.

I was not looking forward to this meal as I am super picky and well Thai food is a bit too "exotic" for me. I pretty much just ate rice that night. I did enjoy a nice White Russian from the bar though.

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P108.jpg

Here's one where they actually look normal

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P109.jpg

Our dessert that night, fried bananas

http://i659.photobucket.com/albums/uu313/lifelongdreamer/BC%202009/P113.jpg

Alek and Erich were really starting to get on my nerves by this point. They just kept picking on me over everything so after a few days of it I was about ready to snap. That night by the time we got back to dad's house I was in a foul mood. Dad even suggested that perhaps I should come out and visit separately next time to avoid the constant insults that they like to throw my way. I don't know why they think it is so much fun to constantly bring me down all the time.

Everybody went to bed early that night (except for me) as we were leaving early in the morning for another hike that was a two hour drive away. Alek and Erich better watch themselves as they might find themselves getting pushed off a cliff this time instead of dangling themselves off one for fun. Thankfully Maria was not going on this hike so that improved my mood a little bit.

I stayed up probably until midnight reading before I was tired enough to go to sleep.

[PopArtGal]

Thanks for showing us the cruise documents.

It's awesome as I don't think I'll ever do a Disney cruise.

[PopArtGal]

I guess stepfamilies are supposed to be non-pleasant. So don't worry about it. After all, they don't live down the road :)

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Thanks for showing us the cruise documents.

It's awesome as I don't think I'll ever do a Disney cruise.

Awww, any particular reason you don't want to cruise?

I guess stepfamilies are supposed to be non-pleasant. So don't worry about it. After all, they don't live down the road :)

True, but we are stuck dealing with her even after Dad is gone. She is 20 years younger than him. In his will he left 99% of the house to my brothers and I and 1% to her which pretty much means that we will own the house but she gets to live there for as long she wants. :headache:

[Mysteria]

I get motion sickness easily as well, especially when traveling in a car. Heck Mickey's Philharmgic makes me sick (magic carpet scene). I can't even play video games for longer than 20 minutes as they give me motion sickness as well. Can't tell you how many times I felt like I was going to pass out from playing Mario Kart on the Wii. Ridiculous!

So I was a bit nervous about sea sickness but lucky me it wasn't a problem at all! Too bad that didn't stop me from getting sick in other ways....

Sorry to hear you have bad motion sickness as well. It sucks. Must say very glad to hear it didn't bother you on the cruise! Sorry you got sick in other ways too. :hug:

Now off to catch up.

[Mysteria]

Yay for winery tours! We plan on one or two next week in the Niagara region. I haven't thought about ogopogo (mosnster/legend/myth?) in ages. Poor ogo. He's just misunderstood. :rotfl:

Are your brothers sound sleepers? ;)

So stepmonster gets 1% huh? Ok, then tell her she can live in 1% of the house. :thumbsup2

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Yay for winery tours! We plan on one or two next week in the Niagara region. I haven't thought about ogopogo (mosnster/legend/myth?) in ages. Poor ogo. He's just misunderstood. :rotfl:

Are your brothers sound sleepers? ;)

So stepmonster gets 1% huh? Ok, then tell her she can live in 1% of the house. :thumbsup2

:laughing: Unfortunately the way the will is written it doesn't work that way. Basically it says that she is entitled to live in the house for as long as she wants but she will have to pay the taxes/upkeep if she chooses to do so. My brothers and I can not live in/take possession of the house while she lives there. So basically all the will is doing is preventing her from renting/selling the place and taking all the money away from us.

[Mysteria]

:laughing: Unfortunately the way the will is written it doesn't work that way. Basically it says that she is entitled to live in the house for as long as she wants but she will have to pay the taxes/upkeep if she chooses to do so. My brothers and I can not live in/take possession of the house while she lives there. So basically all the will is doing is preventing her from renting/selling the place and taking all the money away from us.

That's too bad. I was picturing you guys giving her a closet under the stars. Kind of Harry Potter style. :rotfl:

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

That's too bad. I was picturing you guys giving her a closet under the stars. Kind of Harry Potter style. :rotfl:

:laughing:

[stacopp]

Sorry to hear about your issues with the step-mother- been there/ done that- thankfully after 20 years they split up! Another great update on the cruise- we are going on a short one in December (3 nights) and your trip report has really helped!

[Lifelong_Dreamer]

Sorry to hear about your issues with the step-mother- been there/ done that- thankfully after 20 years they split up! Another great update on the cruise- we are going on a short one in December (3 nights) and your trip report has really helped!

Unfortunately I don't think we will be so lucky, we are stuck with her for life. :headache:

A december cruise! You will get to see the ship all decked out for Christmas, I bet it will be lovely. :cloud9:

[OhMari]

I was about to ask if the boat moved much too, glad that it didn't!

Wow that was a lot of info to read through, sounds like there was lots to do and I love the idea of the animation class :thumbsup2

I have the worst stomache ever, and the rockin did not affect me at all. My girls to some seasickness pills, and it made them more sleepy than anything. They stopped taking them, and we were all fine.

I don't know if the Disney ship is the same as RCCL, but the big theater was down on deck 3, and it was sort of fun, rockin, while watching the shows.

[Mysteria]

I have the worst stomache ever, and the rockin did not affect me at all. My girls to some seasickness pills, and it made them more sleepy than anything. They stopped taking them, and we were all fine.

I don't know if the Disney ship is the same as RCCL, but the big theater was down on deck 3, and it was sort of fun, rockin, while watching the shows.

More than happy to hear of another person with motion/stomach issues that was fine on a cruise. :dance3:

[FauntleroyFAN07]

REALLY GOOD pics on the drive, if you like wineries, go just over the border in MI, and hit up traverse city MI, they have like 30 some plus wineries, you would like it.