Vow Renewal on the Double Dipping Western Magic 11/14 - TR (Updated 3/14)

[mommyarewegoingback]

All of you have inspired me to give back and write a Trip Report. Your TR's have helped me dream, plan and pass the time while I wait for our 1st ever Cruise.

Background:
My DH and I are avid Disney folks. I dreamed of a DFTW when we first got married in 1999, but I wanted a traditional Chinese wedding, so we opted for just a WDW Honeymoon. We wanted to sail on DCL then but there were only 3 / 4 day cruises. We really didn't want to do a split vacation with only 3 / 4 days at sea, so we said we'd do it in the future when the 7 day was available. We stayed at the Beach Club and it was absolutely on of the best resorts. But alas, post wedding stress leads to being sick on my honeymoon (3 days in bed, facing the beautiful lagoon) :( So I owe'd my DH a second honeymoon. And as life goes we have two beautiful children, visit WDW several times a year, but DCL was always on the back of our minds, but I really wanted to kids to be potty trained and willing to say bye bye before we did DCL, because I wanted a second honeymoon ;) Well, our 10 year anniversary was coming up, our DS would be 8 and DD would be 5. It's perfect. Let's do it. We planned in 4/08 to do this double dip, because although this was a cruise, we wanted to do cruise disney style, with a double stop at CC. We have watched the DCL special on Travel Channel and lurked on the boards long enough to know that we'd have to do it twice! So we found ourselves a TA through the Disboards and booked our 11/14/09 Double Dip at CC Western Carribbean cruise! Contacted DFTW and booked a Vow Renewal, scheduled to be at "secret deck" 7 on thursday night! We are on our way! Yeah!

Cast:
DH - Andy (42) is an avid disney fan also, but he visits the "other" board, wdwmagic, but is excited to meet disboard members at our dis meet onboard
me - Virginia (38) also avid disney fan, first trip to WDW in 1971, long time disboard DCL board lurker
DS - Dakota (8) has been to WDW around 15 times
DD - Madison (5) the princess I dreamed of having before I even got married :)

I hope I haven't bored too much folks out there. I'll add some pictures in future posts. Thanks for reading!

PreTrip Vow Renewal Information (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33759467&postcount=16)
11/13 - What we have to go to school? Then we're going???? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34729760&postcount=21)
11/14 - When are we leaving the Radisson and getting to the Terminal?? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34729944&postcount=22)
11/14 - There's the boat! What do you mean we have to wait? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34729944&postcount=26)
11/14 - Yikes! Boarding, Parrot Cay, DisMeet, Muster Drill! When is the Party? (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34729944&postcount=31)
11/14 - Sailaway! (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34729944&postcount=38)
11/15 - First Stop Castaway Cay (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34991001&postcount=41)
11/15 - CC dissappointment & Meeting Wedding Coordinator (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34991001&postcount=41)

[smye1stdisneycruise]

Hey Virginia I'll see you there! :banana::banana:This will be our 2nd Disney Cruise and we too are so excited about the double dip portion! I look forward to reading more of your trip report!:thumbsup2

Marnie

[29apr00]

Hi Virginia!

We are doing our VR on the 3nt 12/10!! I'm so excited to see your TR! Hurry back and post lots of pictures as we leave about 2 weeks after you get back! :rotfl:

[wcw57]

Looking forward to reading more about the Magic...we're booking her for 2011 (yeah..a looooong time from now!) subscribing

[taraandmike]

Virginia, had to subscribe since We will be on board with you! You are going to have a fabulous time.

[Silly Little Pixie]

How exciting! I'll be on the 11/7 Magic, doing a Castaway Cay vow renewal.

I can't wait to read more!

[mommyarewegoingback]

Thanks for following. I can't wait to meet y'all on the same cruise. And I can't wait to hear about everyone's Vow Renewal. We were trying to do the VR on the second stop at CC, since the first was taken, but decided against it when we weren't sure where the location would be because of the construction at CC.

Next up our Itinerary:

Fri 11/13 Drive to Port Canaveral and stay at the Radisson
Sat 11/14 Board the Magic (can you believe all the early shuttles are booked already, so we'll probably cab it to port)
Sun 11/15 First stop at Castaway Cay - Father/Son Parasailing, looking to enjoy the Konk Cooler that I've heard so much about, explore!
Mon 11/16 At Sea - 10:30 Palo Brunch with Dis Friends, 3:30 Exotic Rasul
Tues 11/17 Grand Cayman - nothing booked, maybe do Boatswain on our own
Wed 11/18 Cozumel - nothing booked, planning on Chankannab on our own
Thur 11/19 At Sea - Vow Renewal Day!
Fri 11/20 2nd stop at Castaway Cay - Stingray, Snorkling and maybe Serenity Bay if we can persuade the kids to go to kids area
Sat 11/21 Debark and go to POFQ
11/21 - 11/28 Stay at POFQ, we have booked, Crystal Palace, Coral Reef, Akerhaus, Le Cellier, Kouzzina, Boma and Chef Mickey for Thanksgiving. I want to do the Horse Carriage Ride, Fishing and also do the Pedal Boat thing while at POFQ, but haven't determined if I've planned enough to know when I should make the reservations for.

For fellow first timers I thought I'd note the things we are doing that is only because of Disboard and our disboard friends / group:
1- Fish extender exchange
2- Group Palo Brunch
3- Group Lumiere Brunch
4- Dis Meet
5- Secret Mickey
6- Group Lanyard / ID
7- Some folks are doing excursions together (dolphin or rum point/stingray)
8- Some folks may be linking dining assignments together
9- I think there may be a adult and kid book exchange
10- Group cruise Logo

Other favorite Disney traditions that we are doing:
1- make shirts for several days
2- make magnets for cruise doors and window clings for POFQ
3- make autograph books / maybe photo mat
4- make tip/mousekeeping envelopes

Phew that does seem like a lot. I think it's these extras (mostly the disney friends) that will help make a Disney cruise... a "disney" cruise and magical.
-Virginia

[LindaBabe]

Lovely start - can't wait to meet you!

[DisneyDmbNut]

Another DCL bride!! How exciting!

[mousemom11]

Hi Virginia. I can't wait to meet you and your family on board! A vow renewal on the secret deck - how cool is that? We'll have to raise our glasses in a toast to you and DH at the Palo Brunch.

[pinkcow]

Checking in too! We're getting married on CC 12/8. Can't wait to hear all about it! popcorn::

[mommyarewegoingback]

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I've been getting ready for the cruise! Magnets and shirts. Here are some pictures:

our Dis Meet logo shirt (Embark day):
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/DSC01304.jpg

our Pirate Day shirt (still have costumes for the evening):
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/DSC01309.jpg

and 2 other shirts:
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/DSC01302.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/DSC01310.jpg

I also made hoodies for the cold (front & back):
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/DSC01306.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/DSC01307.jpg

And the magnets for our door so far:
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/DSC01312.jpg

Phew...
I finished the FE's but I'm not going to post since there are some of you on my cruise too. Now I'm working on an autograph book/album.

Then I think we'll be close enough to the trip that I can start packing!!!

-Virginia

[Bamfield]

All your hard work looks great! I really like your pirate shirts.

It is really nice to learn more about your family and can't wait to meet you at the DIS meet.

And by the way congratulations on your vow renewal and second honeymoon!

[glindamood]

All of you have inspired me to give back and write a Trip Report. Your TR's have helped me dream, plan and pass the time while I wait for our 1st ever Cruise.

Background:
My DH and I are avid Disney folks. I dreamed of a DFTW when we first got married in 1999, but I wanted a traditional Chinese wedding, so we opted for just a WDW Honeymoon. We wanted to sail on DCL then but there were only 3 / 4 day cruises. We really didn't want to do a split vacation with only 3 / 4 days at sea, so we said we'd do it in the future when the 7 day was available. We stayed at the Beach Club and it was absolutely on of the best resorts. But alas, post wedding stress leads to being sick on my honeymoon (3 days in bed, facing the beautiful lagoon) :( So I owe'd my DH a second honeymoon. And as life goes we have two beautiful children, visit WDW several times a year, but DCL was always on the back of our minds, but I really wanted to kids to be potty trained and willing to say bye bye before we did DCL, because I wanted a second honeymoon ;) Well, our 10 year anniversary was coming up, our DS would be 8 and DD would be 5. It's perfect. Let's do it. We planned in 4/08 to do this double dip, because although this was a cruise, we wanted to do cruise disney style, with a double stop at CC. We have watched the DCL special on Travel Channel and lurked on the boards long enough to know that we'd have to do it twice! So we found ourselves a TA through the Disboards and booked our 11/14/09 Double Dip at CC Western Carribbean cruise! Contacted DFTW and booked a Vow Renewal, scheduled to be at "secret deck" 7 on thursday night! We are on our way! Yeah!

Cast:
DH - Andy (42) is an avid disney fan also, but he visits the "other" board, wdwmagic, but is excited to meet disboard members at our dis meet onboard
me - Virginia (38) also avid disney fan, first trip to WDW in 1971, long time disboard DCL board lurker
DS - Dakota (8) has been to WDW around 15 times
DD - Madison (5) the princess I dreamed of having before I even got married :)

I hope I haven't bored too much folks out there. I'll add some pictures in future posts. Thanks for reading!

How exciting! I'll be on the 11/7 Magic, doing a Castaway Cay vow renewal.

I can't wait to read more!

In my 9 DCL cruises, I can not remember anyone getting married or having a vow renewal and now, on this b2b there will be one each week. Blessings to both of you.

[mommyarewegoingback]

Lovely start - can't wait to meet you!
Hi Virginia. I can't wait to meet you and your family on board! A vow renewal on the secret deck - how cool is that? We'll have to raise our glasses in a toast to you and DH at the Palo Brunch.
All your hard work looks great! I really like your pirate shirts.

It is really nice to learn more about your family and can't wait to meet you at the DIS meet.

And by the way congratulations on your vow renewal and second honeymoon!
In my 9 DCL cruises, I can not remember anyone getting married or having a vow renewal and now, on this b2b there will be one each week. Blessings to both of you.

I can't wait to meet all of you too! It is such fun to meet you before I meet you! Does that make sense? It's 45 days from today!!! Yeah!

Another DCL bride!! How exciting!
It was your thread, TR and Cheryl's TR that got me inspired to do this!


Hi Virginia!

We are doing our VR on the 3nt 12/10!! I'm so excited to see your TR! Hurry back and post lots of pictures as we leave about 2 weeks after you get back! :rotfl:
Checking in too! We're getting married on CC 12/8. Can't wait to hear all about it! popcorn::
How exciting! I'll be on the 11/7 Magic, doing a Castaway Cay vow renewal.

I can't wait to read more!
It's awesome to see all of your here! Many happy thoughts to you all! It's fun to see all the brides on the cruises before and after me!

[mommyarewegoingback]

Vow Renewal Information

Since this TR is suppose to be about our VR too, here's some info about that...

We couldn't reserve/book the VR until we had made reservations for the cruise with a deposit and 1 year out. And we had a couple of choices for location. You could have it at Castaway Cay Beach, Castaway Cay Head's Up Pier, Deck 7 or Cadillac/Sessions. I originally wanted CC, but apparently someone had beat me to it, even though I was reserving at exactly 1 year out, but we had 2 stops at CC, so first Cathy then Brianna were in communications with the captain about doing it at the 2nd stop. Finally they said yes, but then I learned about the construction (we really wanted the beach and Brianna couldn't tell me which "beach" they would be using) and well the economy started tanking. So we pulled back and decided the location to be Deck 7.

Some other decisions that had to be made:
Flowers, Cake, Music, Photography (also champagne, palo reservation, hair appts & spa services)

Flowers - We chose the tropical bouquet. because I loved the "fun"ness of this bouquet. Also added Flower Girl Basket and additional Boutonniere. My DD doesn't remember when she was a flower girl and really wanted to be one. She's been practicing alot!

Cake - We chose the traditional round cake with buttercream icing. Loved Cheryl's Square cake and the new one, but it had fondant on it and two kids just love eating buttercream icing (more than the cake and filling). Hopefully I can get 2 different things for the top and bottom, top with white cake and mango mousse and on the bottom with chocolate and chocolate mousse.

Music- This took the longest to figure out but here's what we choose:
Prelude/Seating (which my DH and I estimate to be 1 minute or 2 :laughing:) - A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.
Processional: Once upon a dream from Sleeping Beauty
Recessional: Theme from Winnie the Pooh (bouncy part like from the ride)
First Dance: And I Love Her from Beatles
Then we wanted a Dance with our Kids: You've Got a Friend In Me from Toy Story
We didn't really choose anything for Cake Cutting...

Photography- We choose the Vow Renewal Package which is the least with 20 5x7s, 5 8x10s, 1 8x10 folio, & 1 hr photography. We want some professional pictures. I'm still trying to figure out how we can get some not professional pictures or video. Tripod? or maybe Wedding Coordinator will help? Still working out that one.

Here's my inspiration board:
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/inspiration.jpg

[DisneyDmbNut]

Hey! That deck shot looks very familiar!

[29apr00]

:thumbsup2

We had originally booked CC also, but like you, with the economy tanking, we switched to Deck 7. now with the news of the construction, i'm glad we did!

I asked for 2 different flavors for my cake and so far have not been told no. I hope it is granted! I was soooo close to ordering the tropical one, but with the colors i wanted, it ended up being WAY too similiar to my original wedding bouquet. :rotfl: so i went with the rose bouquet with pink and ivory roses! Now you're getting me all excited again!! :rotfl:

is that your dress in the inspiration board? It's beautiful! My dd has a flowergirl basket too! She's also getting a rose wand. She keeps telling me she needs time to practice holding the basket and wand in 1 hand and tossing petals with the other one. :rotfl: she's too smart for a 6 yr old!

Re: video....i ended up asking a DIS'er from our cruise meet thread to video tape it. She'll be around and said she would be glad to. it's not professional, but DCL doesn't offer video services so atleast i'll have a copy to watch.

[PJB71]

Hi

Hope you don't mind me posting and asking this question.

We are DCLing on 13th Dec 4night wonder as a celebration for my DP 40th (Ruby wedding anniversary) There are 11 of us in total.

My brother and I have wanted to do something special for them and this could be it!!!

As were from the UK it's a bit difficult to ring Disney direct (plus dear parents live with me and my family!!) which makes it even trickier!! and I cannot find a suitable e-mail address

Would anybody be able to give me a rough cost as to how much the cost is for the deck 7 vow renewal service.

Hope you all have a fantastic time on your forthcoming special renewal day.xxx

[mommyarewegoingback]

:thumbsup2

We had originally booked CC also, but like you, with the economy tanking, we switched to Deck 7. now with the news of the construction, i'm glad we did!

I asked for 2 different flavors for my cake and so far have not been told no. I hope it is granted! I was soooo close to ordering the tropical one, but with the colors i wanted, it ended up being WAY too similiar to my original wedding bouquet. :rotfl: so i went with the rose bouquet with pink and ivory roses! Now you're getting me all excited again!! :rotfl:

is that your dress in the inspiration board? It's beautiful! My dd has a flowergirl basket too! She's also getting a rose wand. She keeps telling me she needs time to practice holding the basket and wand in 1 hand and tossing petals with the other one. :rotfl: she's too smart for a 6 yr old!

Re: video....i ended up asking a DIS'er from our cruise meet thread to video tape it. She'll be around and said she would be glad to. it's not professional, but DCL doesn't offer video services so atleast i'll have a copy to watch.

Great idea! Maybe a Dis'er reading this on the 11/14 cruise is available on the thurs at either 4:30 or 5:30 for about 45 mins? I'll provide camera or video camera and cake, champagne, something else? Any takers? Please???


Hi

Hope you don't mind me posting and asking this question.

We are DCLing on 13th Dec 4night wonder as a celebration for my DP 40th (Ruby wedding anniversary) There are 11 of us in total.

My brother and I have wanted to do something special for them and this could be it!!!

As were from the UK it's a bit difficult to ring Disney direct (plus dear parents live with me and my family!!) which makes it even trickier!! and I cannot find a suitable e-mail address

Would anybody be able to give me a rough cost as to how much the cost is for the deck 7 vow renewal service.

Hope you all have a fantastic time on your forthcoming special renewal day.xxx

The cost for 2009 is $1500 for onboard and $2500 for Castaway Cay. They have a max of 3 ceremonies per cruise. So your best bet is definitely to call Disney Fairytale Weddings and see if there is availability. Otherwise maybe, email Brianna. I will send you a PM with her email info. Good luck!

[mommyarewegoingback]

Wow. It's been a whirlwind since boarding the Magic (week on board, spent a week at WDW, thanksgiving and then getting ready for xmas). This is the start of my official first TR!

Usually we have our house and outside done up the day after Thanksgiving, but since we would be away, my DH insisted on getting the tree up before we left so that we'd have it up when we return. So on 11/12 we got our tree up.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_13_09_pretrip/DSC01506.jpg

Our trip officially started on Friday 11/13. We wanted the kids to go to school half day, before we took off so that they would get marked attending (we were taking them out of school for officially 7 days). Here are the kids bursting with excitement while waiting to board the bus that morning.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_13_09_pretrip/DSC01514.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_13_09_pretrip/DSC01515.jpg

We left Atlanta at 1pm, down 75 and finally to the Florida Turnpike, darn we forgot to get a sunpass again! We did pick on up at 7:05pm, at the rest stop on the Florida Turnpike, but it was too late to call to activate it. Oh well, we'll have to remember to do that before we return home. We drove past the exit to go to WDW, so we have an hour right?? It's suppose to only be an hour from WDW. But man, that was a long hour ride on the Beachline Expwy. In the dark, you see nothing, there are no lights, no towns. Quite creepy. We went over on bridge, we definitely must be getting closer. And finally we did arrive at the Radisson around 9pm. Checkin was a breeze. They told us our room was all the way round back on the 3rd floor? or 2nd floor? It was the top floor. Unfortunately there were no elevators in that building, but in the one next to it. And after some winding, small outside hallways we found our room. It was a small, updated room. We did not get a suite. We finally got the kids down into bed (which we liked the pillows, blankets and linens - for a motel). http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_13_09_pretrip/DSC01522.jpg
But you know how it goes, both the kids, DH and I were thinking and feeling "I'm too excited to sleep".

[mommyarewegoingback]

11/14 - Saturday

We're boarding our first Disney Cruise ever today! We all woke up our normal time around 6:30am. We got showered and dressed in the first our matching shirts! The kids were bouncing off the wall, so we walked over to the main building for breakfast. I think we were the second ones there. The breakfast buffet was not bad for a free breakfast (we got 2 adult vouchers with our room, my DD (5) was also free, but we did pay for our son). There was the scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, danishes, cereal, bagels. We had orange juice and coffee. We were surprised that they were also making omlettes to order and waffles too. The staff there were super nice. Someone actually asked how long my DH had been working for DCL? My DH was surprised, but then realized our shirts had "Tom's" DCL name tags. So he explained that we made them.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_13_09_pretrip/DSC01528.jpg
We finished breakfast pretty quickly, by 8am. Our shuttle wasn't scheduled until 10:30 am (which were to arrive by 10am back to the front desk). So we went back to the room. Andy put the luggage tags on. We had 3 large suitcases to check in, a small carryon (which held swimsuits, things to keep the kids entertained when we were waiting to board, and my CPAP), and my laptop backpack.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_13_09_pretrip/DSC01523.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_13_09_pretrip/DSC01525.jpg
Then we had to wait..... All of us, including myself were bouncing off the walls.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_13_09_pretrip/DSC01529.jpg
So the kids started on some of the school work we brought along. We had scissors, glue, pencils, crayons, markers and lined paper. We were all set weren't we? (Note we forgot a pencil sharpener. We did get one on board in one of the stationary sets).

[gomagic]

It was great meeting you and your family on this cruise. My mom & I also enjoyed the time we spent with you and your daughter during lunch the first day at Castaway Cay.

[WDBRDWLK]

Just found your TR. sounds like you had a great time...can't wait to hear more! It's been 4 years since our VR on the Wonder and lots have changed! We had a choice of Cadillac Lounge or Deck 7, Deck 7 was our first choice with the lounge as a backup in case of rain. CC was not an option then!

I can relate to bouncing off the walls and being too excited to sleep! I still feel that way today! 65 more days until our next Wonder cruise!

We created a scrap book for all our memories and its a good thing we did because after almost 5 years it's hard to remember everything!

I love the Disney luggage. I bet you can find it quickly at the baggage claim!

Looking forward to seeing the pictures!

Happy Holidays to you and your family...

[mommyarewegoingback]

It was great meeting you and your family on this cruise. My mom & I also enjoyed the time we spent with you and your daughter during lunch the first day at Castaway Cay.

Us too! We enjoyed running into the two of you throughout our cruise. I was just looking at pictures from our meet and saw your picture. :)

Just found your TR. sounds like you had a great time...can't wait to hear more! It's been 4 years since our VR on the Wonder and lots have changed! We had a choice of Cadillac Lounge or Deck 7, Deck 7 was our first choice with the lounge as a backup in case of rain. CC was not an option then!

I can relate to bouncing off the walls and being too excited to sleep! I still feel that way today! 65 more days until our next Wonder cruise!

We created a scrap book for all our memories and its a good thing we did because after almost 5 years it's hard to remember everything!

I love the Disney luggage. I bet you can find it quickly at the baggage claim!

Looking forward to seeing the pictures!

Happy Holidays to you and your family...

Your VR / pictures was one of the first ones I read! That's why I'm writing this and hoping it helps someone else too!

[mommyarewegoingback]

11/14/09 - cont.

We arrived in the lobby of the Radisson with plenty of time to spare. (Oh I forgot to mention that apparently they told us to park in the way back lot, which we had done anyway. This is important to note, because when we came back on the shuttle, they dropped us off in that lot, so we were real close to our car.) And although our reservation was for 10:30, they put us on a shuttle at like 10am. I was originally all nervous about the bags being in a cart behind the shuttle, but it was quite easy. For those that are wondering... make sure you have your luggage tags on the luggage, bring your luggage to outside the lobby main entrance, they will then start to call out names. The driver will tell you which shuttle to get on. The driver also helps take your luggage and load it into the cart behind the shuttle. The drive to port is like literally 5 minutes? It was quick. When we arrived at port, the driver takes out the luggage and puts it on the curb. The porters there give a little information, basically they will take your bags in and it will be delivered to your cabins, but keep important documents and such with you. Also they are only paid by tips (which I did not know). So then they took our luggage. And we walked in with our carryon and backpack. There is a first check point (outside, as soon as you walk past the loading area) to make sure we are on the cruise (so you need your cruise docs). Then we walked towards the terminal and it was a little confusing, maybe because of the construction, because there were 2 entrances and people inside the terminal were kinda crammed in together while we waited for a security check. Ok so finally we made it in and boy we were earlier than expected. Probably around 10:30. We got in line for new cruisers. Actually there was no line, we walked right up to the desk (we got our boarding number 7 as we got to the queue area). We checked in, they verified our information from our cruise documents, checked our passports, and printed out our 4 KTTW cards (with no pictures). After we checked in we went to another queue to get our pictures taken for id purposes. Note, no pictures are actually on the cards, but in the system. So whenever you reboard the boat later and they scan the card, they verify it against the picture. Okay that was done. Now we waited on another queue for the kids club. We met another disboard family while waiting (I think it was Steven) and his family. We then got our pager. We were able to identify our disboard members by our logo shirts. Kinda cool. :cool1: Phew! Alright I think that's it for the official stuff! We can now go find elderfam and get our beautiful lanyards and enjoy the terminal.

We met elderfam and got out awesome lanyards by the tv's. Then right around there we met disboard members sandiegosusie (san diego susie, not sandi gosusie :) ) and woobie. We started talking to woobie's father in law then and continued to talk to him throughout the cruise since we sat the table next to them. Now it was a waiting game until our boarding number got called. Here are some pictures:

Our first view of the ship from the shuttle
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01530.jpg

Usual terminal pictures plus christmas decorations!!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01536.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01549.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01539.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01531.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01540.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01538.jpg

[big jack 2002]

This is the start of a great trip report. We were just a few doors down from your cabin on this trip. We had such a great time. I'm glad your VR was great. Barbara:goodvibes

[praisehisname]

I'm joining and love it so far!

[Leanne1977]

Great start to your TR.:thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more and see more from your VR.:cool1:

[mommyarewegoingback]

This is the start of a great trip report. We were just a few doors down from your cabin on this trip. We had such a great time. I'm glad your VR was great. Barbara:goodvibes
You look like you had a great group. You know, for lunch on boarding day at Parrot Cay, we were the couple next to you with the "ring", and we also saw some of your party at POFQ after the cruise at checkin :)
I'm joining and love it so far!

Great start to your TR.:thumbsup2 Can't wait to read more and see more from your VR.:cool1:

Thanks for joining me!

[mommyarewegoingback]

11/14/09 - cont.

I forgot to mention that were suppose to meet our VR onboard coordinator at the terminal (per our email from Brie), but at the terminal we were told that we were going to meet her onboard.

So our story continues:

Our boarding number was finally called and we were ready! As per my previous discussions with my DH, we'd go to Guest services first and get Tea with Wendy and then lunch at Parrot Cay. I was a little nutso, thinking of all the "things" I wanted to do based on reading the Disboards. I needed to make sure we weren't weighted down for our embarkation photos, I wanted to videotape our boarding (and when they called our name), I wanted to take pictures, I wanted to do lunch at Parrot Cay, I wanted to sign up for Tea with Wendy. Geesh I was going nutso. Luckily I did have my Palo reservations done, Spa done, and excursions thought of. Ok here we go!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/IMG_0001.jpg
Boy, that was great walking onboard the first time. It was really kinda cool when they announced your name. As soon as we boarded, a Cast Member came up to us (and walked with us), welcomed us onboard, told us about lunch options, asked if we had questions. I really like this, because I had said, I was kinda overwhelmed and she helped calm me down a little. Yeah, the Christmas decorations were up. The lobby did seem smaller in person, than all the pictures and video we've seen of it. My DH and the kids waited on the chairs, while I got in line for my Tea tickets. I waited a little, not too bad. Maybe it's a little obvious, but I hadn't thought of it. Tea is on At Sea days at 3pm. Unfortunately, we had Spa reservations for our first at sea day for 3:30, and our Vow Renewal was 4:30 on our second at sea day. Hmmm, what to do? I booked for the first at sea day and kept the spa reservation for now. Yeh!! That was done, onto lunch! We got to Parrot Cay, we were given sanitizing wipes, which we really appreciated. It was also a constant at EVERY dining venue during the week. Note that if you didn't take it, the CM would kinda called you out and almost insist that you take one. This was great! We are hand sanitizer crazy with bottles on our backpacks, purses, waistbelt, car... Here is a quick pictures of the buffet and the cute chocolate piano on top of the buffet.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01553.jpg
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The food was good. The kids buffet was actually at a separate table at the end of the main buffet line. There was a CM that asked what you wanted and gave it to you. I don't remember everything on it, but there was Mac A Cheese, Chicken and Pasta. Which is what my kids had. We were definitely glad to be onboard, sitting down and having lunch.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01555.jpg
After lunch we were close to 1:30 so we went to wait for our rooms. We met fivepin (judy) and her DH and boys while waiting. They were only a couple doors down from us. Yeah! We get to go to our rooms. When we entered, we found, our baskets from Shirley, an envelope / letter from our onboard Wedding Coordinator, our excursion tickets, our dining tickets and our navigator.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01559.jpg
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To our surprise when we checked the door, 1 of our luggage arrived. Cool! The kids opened their baskets, I unpacked a little, checked out the bathrooms. Now it was time for our Dismeet in the Promenade. There were lots of folks, we met lots of our disboard friends there. Denise (hypermommy) and Linda (lindababe) took the initiative to start. Elderfam also talked.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01577.jpg
Someone made and gave our going away streamers to the kids. I'm sorry, I forgot who did it. But they were awesome! The kids had a blast with them. We then went around to find a place to take a group photo, tried the theater, but we were kicked out so we settled on the foward staircase. Does anyone have a picture to share? Afterwards, we went back to the room to get ready for our Muster Drill. Kids were a little nervous about the whole thing. The rest of our luggage arrived! So I continued to unpack, decorate the door and then onto our drill in Animator's Palate (through the back door, cool!).
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01599.jpg
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Next up Castaway Party!

[King Charming]

The ship was pretty, the weather real nice, but it was friendly folks like you that helped make it a great cruise. We are really enjoying your TR/photos, and look forward to more.

PS: Thanks for including a pic of me in your TR. I'm the fool w/ the hat sitting behind Hypermommy.

[TotallyAngelic]

Really enjoying your trip report so far .... love all the T-shirts you have made ... they are stunning :thumbsup2
Looking forward to reading all about your vow renewal and the rest of your trip.

[MassDisLovers]

Great Trip Report and photos!

[Tinkerkell123]

subbing... Can't wait to read more! :surfweb:

[29apr00]

:rotfl: keep going, get to the good part!

[praisehisname]

I was a little nutso, thinking of all the "things" I wanted to do based on reading the Disboards. I needed to make sure we weren't weighted down for our embarkation photos, I wanted to videotape our boarding (and when they called our name), I wanted to take pictures, I wanted to do lunch at Parrot Cay, I wanted to sign up for Tea with Wendy. Geesh I was going nutso.

I remember being the same way! I just wanted everything to go smoothly and be perfect! :rolleyes1

Great job so far!

[mommyarewegoingback]

Alright!! We are on our way! It's time for the Sailaway Party! We went the closest staircase (aft) but it there was totally a ton of people! So we walked from deck 2 to deck 9. Phew! I was out of breathe. But luckily this was the only time we had to do that. We were able to take the elevators the rest of the week when we went up to deck 9. Anyway. We arrived at Goofy's pool. Much to my surprise it was relatively empty. I thought it would be packed. We saw Judy and her family up there too! We had Clayton as our Cruise Director. I was just slightly disappointed, I have heard so much about and seen video and pictures of Brent. But it was cool. We didn't much get to see Clayton during our trip. The "When you wish upon a star" horn blew! We are leaving port. Since it was our first time, the deck party was fun.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01613.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01619.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01608.jpg
After the party, we went up to deck 10 and watched as we came out of port. It was a beautiful afternoon.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01623.jpg
We explored the ship a little bit before we had to get ready for dinner. Now, I'm use to WDW, where if you see a character walking bye, you can only wave hi, they don't stop to take pictures or anything. Well when we saw Goofy coming, we waved, but the CM was like, does anyone have a camera? Cool! Goofy stopped and took pictures with the kids.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01581.jpg
We checked out the Club and Lab. Dakota was excited that they had Cup Stackers (it's weird, he really loves doing that. We have a set at home.
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Now it was time to get ready for the "famed" dining. We couldn't wait to meet our servers. We have heard so much about the dining and service onboard DCL. We loved our assistant server, Griselle. And frankly our server was unmemorable. We actually don't even remember his name. We arrived in Parrot Cay. Before the cruise a bunch of us from our thread, linked our reservations together so that we could dine together (in the same area). So in and around our section, we saw folks we knew. woobie and her family sat next to us. We also saw around us Hypermommy / KingCharming, sandiegosusie, fivepin. It was alot of fun knowing people around us. When we arrived at the table, we saw this
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01626.jpg
Griselle, our assistant server, was totally awesome and friendly. Dakota had chicken nuggets and the first of a weeklong mickey bar for dessert.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01629.jpg
And I had a trio for dessert :)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01631.jpg
We were exhausted after dinner. We did not make it to anything that night. We finished unpacking watched channel 263, which our family loved all week. It was Pixar movies every 2 hours. We love Pixar! Anyway we went to bed. It was Castaway Cay tomorrow yeah!!

[praisehisname]

Since it was our first time, the deck party was fun.

We've never done the deck party, but it sounds like fun!


And I had a trio for dessert :)
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_14_09_portcanaveral/DSC01631.jpg

They've updated the desserts since our last cruise. Looks good!

[IceSk8ersMom]

Great trip report. I cannot wait to hear all about the vow renewl ceremony. My parents renewed their vows on the Magic in 2008, and it was magical. I love those red shirts. Your family looks great in them. That dessert trio looks yummy. I cannot wait to try it, but I have a long wait. We do not sail until this December. Keep it up, and I look forward to reading more!!!!!!!

[mommyarewegoingback]

11/15
It's Castaway Cay day 1! We all woke up early today, around 6:30. We were walking out the room at 7:15 and checked that our FE was full, Again! What a great group of Dis'ers. We went up to Topsiders for breakfast. Food was ehh. Didn't like it too much. Standard buffet stuff. We actually didn't find the omelettes until the next morning (which is around the corner). The drinks at the end of this line is different that outside at the drink bar. So the kids were excited. We were pulling into CC while we ate breakfast outside. It was a little windy, since we were backing into CC. It was a beautiful site to behold. It was so quiet and peaceful out there. It was picture perfect.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/DSC01632.jpg
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We quickly finished breakfast and went back to our room to change into our swimsuits, water shoes and get off! Fastest I've seen my kids change the whole time we were there. CM's were handing out towels as we got off. That sure is handy! We took the standard picture with the hanging fish.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/DSC01643.jpg
We then took the tram to the family beach. We were so excited to get there that we missed the sign that said that parasailing was cancelled for the day. We followed folks advice and walked a little way before hitting the beach. The kids were just itching to be on the sand. We finally got there and got chairs at the front. But little did I realize, the floats are all the way at the beginning of the beach. We rented 2 floats for 2 days. We brought the tickets (that had been in our rooms when we first got there). I went to get the floats and DH and kids went into the water. There are 2 different floats. A round donut and a flat foam one. I got one of each, but the kids did not like the flat one. It was still relatively quiet on the beach, but we stayed for about 1.5 hours, doing beach stuff. We don't live near a beach in Atlanta so it was way exciting for the kids and us. DH even drew a mickey on the sand.
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Afterward we went off to find the bikes. Hit the bathrooms on the way, also rinsed the sand off our feet. Really, really loved the tip about water shoes. We wore them everywhere! We saw lots of construction at the other end of the family beach and we saw the new slide being put in (darn it, it's not open yet). We have got to come back! Things we didn't know but wished we knew before... There are water dispensers before the bike rental booth. The barrels of bike helmets before the bike rental booth are not the only barrel of helmets, there is more. They don't really time you (at least that I noticed). Also got the 2 day rentals on these bikes. The kids both found bikes. My DS, although 8, still did not ride w/out training wheels, so it is very good that they had boy bikes for slightly larger kids with training wheels. Also my DD was excited that there were pink bikes too! DH and I also picked up a bike. Tip, I figured out for the next time. It's a pain to carry a bag on the bike, so I saw another person get a bike with a kid seat and put their bag on that. I did that the 2nd day and that worked out well. Alright, ready to go finally. This I have to say was one the best times we had on the trip. It was quiet, just us, biking and chatting. The path to the lookout felt secluded and in the middle of nowhere, but with Disney thoughtfulness (waterbuckets along the way, flat path, good signs). There were a few other people. The weather was amazing, it probably will get really hot during the summer. We got to the lookout and it was just amazing.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/DSC01659.jpg
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[gomagic]

Great TR so far. After seeing your pictures from the first day at CC I really wish I were back there right now!

[mickeyluv]

mommyarewegoingback...I'm really enjoying your report and would love to hear about your VR and to see your pictures! Please come back soon!! We are thinking of going on the Magic 11/27 but not set in stone yet!

[Disney owl]

great reports & photos

[disneymom1980]

Subscribing as we're talking about doing a cruise VR for our 10 year anniversary (in about 2 years) as well. Can't wait to hear more about your trip.

[mommyarewegoingback]

Hi y'all. Sorry I've been away lately. Surgery and more importantly, I've been planning a new trip to WDW and 5/29/11 on the Dream. So back to CC.

It was now time for the boys' Parasailing reservation. So the boys' headed to their meeting spot. DD and I went to grab some lunch. It was quite crowded. The BBQ was meh. I actually like Animal Kingdom Flame Tree better. Anyway, so things we noted. My DD didn't like anything out in the buffet, but after asking one of the chef, they told us to hang on and went inside and got us some chicken nuggets! So DD had Chicken Nuggets, watermelon and cookies. Cool. Also, drinks are self served in the small cups. Since we were alone, a CM helped us carry a tray. We met gomagic and her mother at the picnic tables. Afterward, we checked out the She Shells. We're not towels kind ob people. And there were sand toys, but we had gotten ours from the gift basket. So we purchased a few shirts, postcard and had it sent back to the room. We found out that the parasailing was cancelled :confused: So we went back to Cookie's to find them. Note: make sure in your bill that they remove the charges. After the boys finished their lunch we got some soft serve. But you know what you have to be quite careful, one of the CM said that snickers was "vanilla" and my DS was allergic to peanuts! :eek: Afterward we went back to the beach and played some more (around 1 or so). We decided around 2:30 to go back to the boat. You see, although the kids don't usually take naps anymore, they were absolutely exhausted the previous day, so we never made it to the evening show.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/DSC01678.jpg
So today we went back to rest and take naps. We did get to the pool first, where dakota found the mickey slides and madison kept on hopping in and out of the ears. Huh? Why did she do that and there were tons of kids in there??? It was rather chilly now, and ears have heated water! That's why they all hung out in there!
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/DSC01681.jpg
So went back and took quick baths and then everyone laid down, watched some of that Pixar channel (love it) and took some quick naps. I called our VR Coordinator and left a message (she had left us a message the previous day to call her when we were back from CC).

I went out for a walk around the boat while kids and my DH rested. I made it to the "front desk" and actually saw a CM talking with a couple. Hmmm. That must be her huh? So after deliberating with myself, I quickly introduced myself (I was right) it was Vanessa, the coordinator. So I went back to the cabin and waited for her. She came and she confirmed our wedding choices. I gave her a CD of all the songs I wanted, even though the musician might already know them. She said she will send us an itinerary tomorrow (of everything from the time Andy has to be on Deck 7 and what time she would get me, what time Palo...) The flowers were going to be delivered the morning of. Then she had us review a binder she had of wedding pictures and told us to tell her if there were specific poses we wanted and she would rely it to the photographer. She also confirmed which cabins we wanted invitations sent to. And finally she took both my dress and my DH shirt and pants to be pressed.
Here's the itinerary (which we got the next day, but I'll include it here.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/IMG.jpg
Here's the invitation:
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/IMG_0001.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/IMG_0002.jpg

We had dinner at Lumiere's that night. We were able to see Cinderella in front of Lumiere's. Maddie was estatic since she was wearing her Cinderella dress.
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/DSC01686.jpg
I wasn't all that "wow!" For all that it was built up to be. Not much else stands out about this meal. We took the kids to the Club for the first time. And then we went to watch Up! in 3D. About halfway through, I was so worried about the kids (since this was their first time in the clubs) that we left and went to get them. I have separation issues. :confused3 Well anyway, it was now time for bed. Tomorrow was Grand Cayman.

Here's a picture of our towel animal & the "Wedding Present" from Disney:
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/DSC01689.jpg
http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l17/vkseid/dcl/11_15_09_castaway_cay/DSC01690.jpg

[chepic]

Maddie and Cinderella could be Twins!!!!!

Great report

cheryl

[chepic]

Great trip report. I cannot wait to hear all about the vow renewl ceremony. My parents renewed their vows on the Magic in 2008, and it was magical. I love those red shirts. Your family looks great in them. That dessert trio looks yummy. I cannot wait to try it, but I have a long wait. We do not sail until this December. Keep it up, and I look forward to reading more!!!!!!!

I know this is off topic....but when in 2008, we were in January of 2008....

che

[heatherlynn444]

we will be on the double dip dream 5/29!

do you plan on finishing your report?

[mommyarewegoingback]

we will be on the double dip dream 5/29!

do you plan on finishing your report?

Thank you HeatherLynn for bringing this up. I had kinda forgotten it. You are right, I should finish this. Especially before our next double dip :cool1: Let me work on the next installment next.

-virginia

[awatt]

How was the weather on CC? Am considering a November cruise.