The Drive, the Dream and DVC - A March 2011 Birthday Surprise TR(NEW 11/9 p. 32 END) [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

Mndisneygirl

04-04-2011, 08:02 PM

Hi everyone!!! :wave:
:welcome:

I hope many of you came over from my PTR, but just in case, let me introduce myself.
I'm Sheree, the mom of two beautiful daughters, Sarah and Paige.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Photo0016.jpg
This is us last summer. At that time, we had NO IDEA we'd be buying DVC or returning to WDW so soon. Believe, me, if I had known, I would have bought Annual Passes!
My husband Dave and I planned this trip as an alternative to our originally planned trip to London and Paris. Yup, this started out as the inexpensive trip since Europe was too costly! It really was a low-cost trip when we started. We had just purchased a small DVC contract and thought we'd go to Florida, visit DH's sister and spend a few days at WDW. If you want all the details, you'll just have to go read the PTR! :laughing:
Suffice it to say, it turned into an amazing trip!
Sarah had wanted to be surprised with our spring break trip since we decided we couldn't go to Europe. So we kept it a secret.
By the time Christmas rolled around, we were all set for a long drive to Florida, a three night cruise on the brand-spanking new Disney Dream, and a five night DVC stay!
We decided to add one night at Pop the night before the cruise, and drive straight through leaving Minnesota on Tuesday, March 8.
After the cruise, we had one night at Saratoga Springs and 4 nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge. All three are new to us!

We decided to participate in the Fish Extender exchange with our cruise mates, so we had more things to keep secret from the girls. We also had to figure out a way to tell the girls about the trip.
They knew we were going somewhere warm, and it was a long drive. They are smart enough to know that probably meant Florida, and at our house, almost every trip to Florida includes a stop at WDW! But we'd been playing it up how expensive it was, and we were trying to spend less since we couldn't go to Europe. I really think they believed we were just going to my SIL's house in southern FL and the beach. They were hoping for WDW, but NEVER suspected the cruise.
Why do I know this? Because when we watched all the coverage of the Dream's christening, all the advertising etc., we kept saying how we'd love to go on it "SOMEDAY". It was way too expensive, we could never get a room so close to spring break etc. We said, maybe in a couple years...

Spring Break for us this year fell on March 14 - 19. Sarah's birthday is March 9, and that was the last day of school before two days of conferences and then break. Paige's birthday is March 24, so the trip really fell right between. We decided to celebrate their birthdays and told them not to expect much in the way of presents. The surprise trip would be their presents.

So we told their teachers we would be needing to reschedule conferences. They were very understanding, and agreed to keep the secret. Luckily, the girls are both good students, and it was no big deal for them to miss one day. It happened to be March 9. So I had to bring treats to school on March 8. Just while I was finishing up all the last minute packing. OY. Sarah's friends were all guessing where we were going!

We had been watching the weather intently. A big storm was expected to hit us just about the time we were to leave, (after school on Tuesday) and we decided that we would pull the kids out early and leave a few hours ahead of schedule to miss the storm.
We packed lots of snacks and some sandwiches in the hopes of avoiding stopping too much and eating too much fast food. The kids each had a pillow, blanket, backpack filled with all their travel "essentials".

So with that - we hit the road on March 8th at 1:44 p.m. with me behind the wheel so Dave could get some rest. He was planning to do most of the overnight driving.:drive:

Next up: On the Road Again! How long does it take? Who gets to sleep? Did we miss the storm? What were the gas prices? How often did we stop?

The answers to those questions, and more...in the next chapter!!!

micandminforever

04-04-2011, 08:27 PM

Joining in to read about your fun trip.:goodvibes

crzyred

04-04-2011, 08:41 PM

I'm here!!!:flower3:

Colleen27

04-04-2011, 09:14 PM

I'm here and looking forward to the ride! Hope you have lots of pics of the Dream and maybe some tips for surviving the drive. :)

Northern Disney Girl

04-04-2011, 09:26 PM

I'm here!!! Now to go back and read!!!!! YAY!!!! You started!!! soexcitedsoexcitedsoexcited!!!!! :cool1:

wigdoutdismom

04-04-2011, 09:27 PM

Made it to page ONE!!!!

Northern Disney Girl

04-04-2011, 09:37 PM

SoonerGirl

04-04-2011, 09:56 PM

Here Sheree! Can't wait to hear all about this trip :woohoo:

Disney Mommy 3

04-04-2011, 10:45 PM

I am here!!

MNTwinsMom

04-04-2011, 10:56 PM

I'm in too and can't wait for your updates! I'm anxious to hear about Spring Break crowds, Saratoga and AKL and of course the Dream!

I've driven from MN to WDW twice, but not with kids . . . I'll take any tips you can pass along!

Pluto_fan

04-05-2011, 01:29 AM

I'm here, Sheree! :banana: Can't wait to hear all about it! :cheer2:

natebenma

04-05-2011, 04:57 AM

Can't wait to hear about your surprise Dream trip!

Charleston Princess

04-05-2011, 05:20 AM

Hi, Sheree! Thanks for the PM! I am here! :banana:

ChattaAlley

04-05-2011, 05:33 AM

To me this sounds 100% better then a trip to Europe (although I would still like to go). I so want to do a cruise then WDW or vise versa.

MeMom

04-05-2011, 05:48 AM

By the time Christmas rolled around, we were all set for a long drive to Florida,
a three night cruise on the brand-spanking new Disney Dream,
and a five night DVC stay!
We decided to add one night at Pop the night before the cruise, and drive straight through leaving Minnesota on Tuesday, March 8.
After the cruise, we had one night at Saratoga Springs and 4 nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

That's a lot of moving around, but just WOW for the whole trip!
I'm excited to see and hear about it all. :)

Dancegrl624

04-05-2011, 06:48 AM

I'm here!

Native NYer

04-05-2011, 07:39 AM

Joining in!
Can't wait to read all about your Disney adventures.

Mndisneygirl

04-05-2011, 09:07 AM

Joining in to read about your fun trip.:goodvibes
:welcome:
I'm here!!!:flower3:
:welcome: :wave: Hi!!
I'm here and looking forward to the ride! Hope you have lots of pics of the Dream and maybe some tips for surviving the drive. :)
:welcome: I have plenty of pictures and lots of tips on driving!!
I'm here!!! Now to go back and read!!!!! YAY!!!! You started!!! soexcitedsoexcitedsoexcited!!!!! :cool1:
Hi Kimmy!!! Made it to page ONE!!!!
:yay:Yay! Hi Anita!OK - you know that I am positively dying to know the answers to these questions, right??? ;) Please tell me you will answer all of them before August 20th??? PLEASE!?!?!?!? :rotfl2:
Yes, my DH is quite wonderful! He's the reason I became a Disney lover in the first place, he needs lots of credit!
I will tell you all these things before August! I better finish this thing by August!!!

Here Sheree! Can't wait to hear all about this trip :woohoo:
: :welcome: I'm excited to tell the story!

I am here!!
Hi Shawna!!!

I'm in too and can't wait for your updates! I'm anxious to hear about Spring Break crowds, Saratoga and AKL and of course the Dream!

I've driven from MN to WDW twice, but not with kids . . . I'll take any tips you can pass along!
:welcome: Oh, there's lots of info!!! First driving tip - bring movies! Second tip - If you can, drive at night when they're sleeping!
I'm here, Sheree! :banana: Can't wait to hear all about it! :cheer2:
Hi!!! :welcome:

Can't wait to hear about your surprise Dream trip!
Hi Dee!! It was so fun!!

Hi, Sheree! Thanks for the PM! I am here! :banana:
Hi Jackie!!!

To me this sounds 100% better then a trip to Europe (although I would still like to go). I so want to do a cruise then WDW or vise versa.
:welcome: My problem is I want to do it ALL!!
That's a lot of moving around, but just WOW for the whole trip!
I'm excited to see and hear about it all. :)
You're not kidding!! It was a difficult packing situation. You'll see.
I'm here!
Hi Meghan!!! :welcome:
Joining in!
Can't wait to read all about your Disney adventures.
:welcome: There were some adventures!

jenjolt

04-05-2011, 09:38 AM

I'm definitely in Sheree!! Can't wait to hear all about the drive!!!

NancyLuvsMickey

04-05-2011, 10:57 AM

I'm here!!! popcorn::

Lovemy3babes

04-05-2011, 12:59 PM

Hey, hey Sheree! :yay: I'm in!

Mndisneygirl

04-05-2011, 02:46 PM

I'm definitely in Sheree!! Can't wait to hear all about the drive!!!

I'm here!!! popcorn::

Hey, hey Sheree! :yay: I'm in!
Hello and :welcome:!!!

The drive was, um, well, interesting!!!

But first -

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Trip Report for this breaking news announcement:
We have just got another DVC contract!!! We spotted a 25 point AKL contract this morning in The Timeshare Store email and it was our use year so I called and voila' !! I didn't even make an offer, just said I wanted it. The guy told me okay, hold on, oh, it might have just been sold, and I started to wail NOOOOO (well, in my head) and then he said," no okay, it's yours. I'm marking it "sale pending"!!!! " :banana: The good thing is it has 25 points from this year (March) still left, so I am totally excited!!! I knew we couldn't afford to add on a big contract, and it's sooner than I planned to add on, but this one is perfect and as you'll see, we LOVED AKV this trip!!!! So now we can own there!

Now back to your regularly scheduled TR...

jacksonsmom

04-05-2011, 03:08 PM

Glad I found this....I, too, am from Minnesota :wave: And we are thinking of driving down to Disney (one day)

Also next year (6/2012) we will be taking our first ever Disney cruise!! Yeah!

Jazzabelle508

04-05-2011, 03:39 PM

I'm in :) Florida must have been nice being from minnesota.

Monny2AE

04-05-2011, 03:58 PM

Hooray for adding onto your DVC points!!!! :banana:

Can't wait to hear how the surprise went!!! :yay:

Mndisneygirl

04-05-2011, 04:11 PM

Glad I found this....I, too, am from Minnesota :wave: And we are thinking of driving down to Disney (one day)

Also next year (6/2012) we will be taking our first ever Disney cruise!! Yeah!
HI! You should check out my prior TRs - I have a report on the Wonder as well. We drive about 1/2 our trips. What cruise are you taking? I wish I could go every year!!! I have the rest of my life planned out in vacations!

I'm in :) Florida must have been nice being from minnesota.
Oh, that Florida sunshine sure felt good!

Hooray for adding onto your DVC points!!!! :banana:

Can't wait to hear how the surprise went!!! :yay:
I'm so excited!!! It really wasn't in the budget, but we can eat Ramen in the dark for a while to make up for it! :laughing:
The surprise was fun - thanks for reminding me - I need to upload the video.

Northern Disney Girl

04-05-2011, 04:46 PM

jacksonsmom

04-05-2011, 04:46 PM

[QUOTE=Mndisneygirl;40612865]HI! You should check out my prior TRs - I have a report on the Wonder as well. We drive about 1/2 our trips. What cruise are you taking? I wish I could go every year!!! I have the rest of my life planned out in vacations!

we are going on the Fantasy! We are SO excited, first cruise ever :banana:
We are heading to the World in 2 months! Can't wait for that, it will tie us over until our cruise ;)

We have always flew to Florida, but seriously thinking of driving next June for the cruise.

Will check out your other trip reports :)

Dancegrl624

04-05-2011, 05:12 PM

Hooray for more DVC points! That is still on our someday to-do list...buying DVC. Friends of ours own at BLT and they loved it when they stayed there in October. They had a 2 bedroom villa (they went with another family) and said we're more than welcome to join them next year when they will have enough points. Oh yeah!!!

Pluto_fan

04-06-2011, 02:55 AM

Yea! More DVC points! :banana::banana::banana:
Congratulations, Sheree!

Charleston Princess

04-06-2011, 07:28 AM

Hurray for more DVC points!!! That's awesome!!!

jeremysdisneymom

04-06-2011, 07:56 AM

Joining in! We just bought DVC as well so I am anxious to hear about your first trip home and especially about your cruise!

Erika

MEK

04-06-2011, 08:02 AM

I saw that 25 point contract and was completely floored because there are NEVER march contracts (my use year as well). I also saw that 100 point contract. I have looked for a 100 point March AKL contract for 2 years and not seen one. Of course, I see it after I buy at VWL. That's OK. I'm still happy! :rotfl:

So, yeah - more points for you. Congrats!!!!!!

I can't wait to read all about it trip. It sounds like it was wonderful!

Native NYer

04-06-2011, 08:44 AM

Yay for more points!!! :yay:

manntra

04-06-2011, 02:31 PM

So happy that you started! Can't wait to hear all about the Dream! It is such a beautiful ship and I can't wait to see her in person someday :goodvibes Great job at keeping the secret from your girls! I would caved well before departure day :scared1:
Yay for new points AKV neighbor! :yay: How funny that you , MEK and I all have March for our use years :rolleyes1
Looking forward to your drive and if you had any fun encounters along the way :goodvibes

Tracy

jenseib

04-06-2011, 10:09 PM

I'm here. I'll play catch up tomorrow and start actually reading. We just got back today. I can't wait to hear all your thoughts about the cruise....wasn't it such a beautiful ship...and so much to do

Mndisneygirl

04-07-2011, 10:46 AM

Woman, ANYTIME, you don't have the ability to use up all those fine points you just give me a holla and we will be more than happy to rent from you!!!!! :lmao: AKL!!!!! :woohoo: Ramen, forget about it, you are eating condiments outside in the snowbanks for this one!!! :lmao: ;)
Oh, I'm sure!!! I'm going to be swiping condiments from the office now!

[QUOTE=Mndisneygirl;40612865]HI! You should check out my prior TRs - I have a report on the Wonder as well. We drive about 1/2 our trips. What cruise are you taking? I wish I could go every year!!! I have the rest of my life planned out in vacations!

we are going on the Fantasy! We are SO excited, first cruise ever :banana:
We are heading to the World in 2 months! Can't wait for that, it will tie us over until our cruise ;)

We have always flew to Florida, but seriously thinking of driving next June for the cruise.

Will check out your other trip reports :)

So much fun planned! Driving is not that bad, but you just have to have something to help pass the time and good weather helps! We managed to do it fairly inexpensively, considering the constantly rising price of gas these days!! I do enjoy having my car with me. The Fantasy as your first cruise ?? Wow, you are setting the bar high! It's going to be awesome!

Hooray for more DVC points! That is still on our someday to-do list...buying DVC. Friends of ours own at BLT and they loved it when they stayed there in October. They had a 2 bedroom villa (they went with another family) and said we're more than welcome to join them next year when they will have enough points. Oh yeah!!!
We waited a long time to buy in, but probably could have and should have done it sooner. Resale was something we didn't know much about back then though. Great deals!!! I hope you get to go with them - it would be fun!
Yea! More DVC points! :banana::banana::banana:
Congratulations, Sheree!
Thanks!

Hurray for more DVC points!!! That's awesome!!!
Thanks! I think we need to settle down now and catch our breaths! Two contracts in 6 months! OY!

Joining in! We just bought DVC as well so I am anxious to hear about your first trip home and especially about your cruise!

Erika
:welcome: Where did you buy? I have lots to tell, and I hope to really get going in the next couple days!

I saw that 25 point contract and was completely floored because there are NEVER march contracts (my use year as well). I also saw that 100 point contract. I have looked for a 100 point March AKL contract for 2 years and not seen one. Of course, I see it after I buy at VWL. That's OK. I'm still happy! :rotfl:

So, yeah - more points for you. Congrats!!!!!!

I can't wait to read all about it trip. It sounds like it was wonderful!
yeah, I had to jump on it. I really wasn't planning on adding on so soon, but I know those little ones with March are rare. I saw the 100 one and thought about it, but it was too much $$ for right now. I think if I hadn't had such an expensive March, I would have been all over it!

Yay for more points!!! :yay:
Thanks!! I've been told that one can always use more points!

So happy that you started! Can't wait to hear all about the Dream! It is such a beautiful ship and I can't wait to see her in person someday :goodvibes Great job at keeping the secret from your girls! I would caved well before departure day :scared1:
Yay for new points AKV neighbor! :yay: How funny that you , MEK and I all have March for our use years :rolleyes1
Looking forward to your drive and if you had any fun encounters along the way :goodvibes

Tracy
Hi Tracy! :welcome: I still can't believe I kept the secret. At least it was only about 4 or 5 months total.
Oh, we had some encounters, I wouldn't go straight to "fun"...

I'm here. I'll play catch up tomorrow and start actually reading. We just got back today. I can't wait to hear all your thoughts about the cruise....wasn't it such a beautiful ship...and so much to do

Welcome home Jen!!! I saw your pics on FB this morning - beautiful! Your daughter is just adorable! I hope you had a great time!!! You haven't missed much, I'm just getting going!

jeremysdisneymom

04-07-2011, 12:00 PM

[COLOR=magenta]:welcome:[FONT=Comic Sans MS] Where did you buy? I have lots to tell, and I hope to really get going in the next couple days!

Bay Lake Tower

Mndisneygirl

04-07-2011, 12:25 PM

Bay Lake Tower

Oh, Duh, I could have just looked at your signature - it is right there!

we stayed there (cash with military discount) in Dec 09. It was so nice to walk to and from MK!!! The studio was a bit cramped for the four of us, but I hear they have rearranged some of it now, moving the bathroom sink to be actually IN the bathroom. We even got to swim (it wasn't warm enough for everyone, but it was 80 degrees out!) - nice pool.

GoofyWife

04-08-2011, 07:37 AM

Mndisneygirl

04-08-2011, 10:26 AM

Wow, this is the first time I've ever been in on a trip report this early - I read one of your trip reports before and loved it and can't wait to hear this one, especially the cruise - my next "wish" in a few years!

Aww, thanks and :welcome: You'll find I'm rather slow at updating, so it won't be hard to keep up! I should have an update in the next 24 hours on our road trip and arrival in Florida! I highly recommend Disney Cruises!!!

Northern Disney Girl

04-08-2011, 04:12 PM

Aww, thanks and :welcome: I should have an update in the next 24 hours on our road trip and arrival in Florida!

WOOT WOOT !!!!! :banana: So excited to hear all about the drive down!!! :cool1: Hope you took excellent notes for me and all the future drivers!!!!:goodvibes

Mndisneygirl

04-09-2011, 11:58 AM

So, where did I leave off? Oh, I was driving. I drove pretty much all the way through Wisconsin. It was rather uneventful. The girls had movies on, they had brought books, crayons, puzzle books, their favorite blanket and stuffed animal. Plus the food bag, it was pretty cozy back there!
We stopped at Exit 185 in Beloit for gas at the Pilot station/Taco Bell at about 6:15. I love how these gas stations are combined with a fast food! All in one stop!! But we didn't actually get Taco Bell. We'd brought some sandwiches and snacks that we didn't want to go to waste. So we ate those.
Gas price $3.46 per gallon.
After this stop, Dave started driving. Timing couldn't have been better (for me!) We had to pay $1.00 toll as we entered Illinois and then the rain started!! Just a little at first, but as we kept going south, it got pretty heavy. I hate driving in rain, and REALLY hate driving in rain in the dark, so it was good that Dave drove. I am the keeper of the toll $. We keep a small tupperware container in the car filled with change (mostly quarters) for all the tolls. When we approach a toll, I dig out the money and hand it to Dave. This trip we opted to avoid Chicago and head south in Illinois on Hwy 39 through Rockford and Bloomington/Normal. A lot less tolls. It kept raining.

And raining.

We stopped at 11:10 p.m. at Mount Vernon to fuel up and take a last bathroom break for the night for the girls. They had been dozing, but woke up for the stop. Gas Price: $3.57/gallon.
DH grabbed a McDonalds Frappe to give him some energy for the night time driving.
I kept checking the radar on my Weather Channel app (very handy!)
Lots of rain ahead.

Still raining.

About the only other people on the road were trucks. That made me so nervous, but DH was fine- he knew that they were going to stay in their lane, and he just passed them quickly. I wanted to sleep, but wanted to watch the road too. I did a little of both.

It kept raining.
At 4 a.m. we stopped again for gas - we'd made it to Monteague (?) Tennessee!! Gas Price $3.43/gallon.

Still raining...

The girls woke up a bit later, and we stopped for breakfast at McDonald's in Adairsville GA. The girls were funny - they kept saying, We know we're in the south, that lady has an accent! Plus, even with the rain, it was noticeably warmer. Of course, just getting to "the south" makes us think we're close to WDW, but Georgia is one LOOOOOOONNNG state to drive through!!

Yup, it's still raining!

We stopped at 10:18 ( I took good notes on the times!) at Macon GA for gas. Here the gas price was $3.49. I think this was the stop where at the intersection for the on/off ramps for the freeway, you NEVER got the turn arrow! People would sit and wait, and wait and two or three cycles of the lights would run through, no left turn arrow. Finally they just went when the green lit for through traffic. It was like the arrow light just wasn't sensing any cars! Very odd.

Sorry about the lack of pictures, but really, anytime I saw anything worth photographing, we were past it in a flash. My phone isn't that quick to set up to take a picture, and the camera was in the trunk (I know, I know, but it was cramped in the car).
As we drove through Georgia, we started to see something wonderful - the SUN was coming out!!! By lunchtime it had finally stopped raining!

Finally, at 1:00 p.m., we saw it!

The Promised Land!!!
We could feel the warmth!
Too bad the girls and I were dressed in mostly black!! That sun was so nice and warm!

The Florida Welcome Center!!!!!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0400.jpg

I sure didn't line that picture up well - I cut off the top of the sign!!!
Another family was waiting to take some pictures, and the older lady (grandma I suppose) was very impressed with Sarah's little show off display of flexibility. I must have been rushed. I normally take the time to get the whole sign in the shot!!
Oh well. We enjoyed some wonderful fresh orange juice which Paige said tasted better than any she'd ever had before (well duh, the stuff at home is not exactly freshly squeezed).
Then we were getting so excited we hopped back in the car. We knew we'd make it to Pop before dinner, which was our hope.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0398.jpg
Getting excited!!

Now by this point, the girls were pretty sure (in fact we might have told them by now) that we were headed to WDW. We would not tell them what resort we were staying at or for how long.

We got on the Florida Turnpike and paid our $2.50 toll.
Hwy 429 also had a toll - $1.25.

We drove past this...
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0406.jpg

Saw one of these...Not for us this time!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0404.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0408.jpg
Almost!!!

We finally arrived at Pop Century at 4:30 p.m.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0409.jpg
The kids were really excited to check out a new resort!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0407.jpg

I had done online check in and noted that it was Sarah's birthday (that day). We were all set in 5 minutes and the CM not only gave her a birthday button, but 3 carnations! She was feeling pretty dang special! I told her that was a reward for being such a trouper in the car! Paige didn't seem too upset that she didn't get anything, but I did tell her that we were going to be celebrating her birthday on this trip too.

Next up: our room, exploring POP and dinner and a swim (maybe!)

I just noticed the date in the pictures is WAY wrong. I used Sarah's camera, but the date had not been reset for a while. These were all on March 9, 2011!

Lovemy3babes

04-09-2011, 12:04 PM

Oh man Sheree! You guys are troopers for doing the long drive from MN. That scares me a little bit. But it sounds like you are pros by now! :) Hurray for Pop!

Dancegrl624

04-09-2011, 12:20 PM

What a drive!!! I can't even stand driving in the car for more than an hour...I go crazy. Your girls seem to do just fine in the car though. So does Madison. When we drove to Annapolis last July, she was perfect. We brought her Nintendo DS, portable dvd player, plenty of books...we hardly heard from her!

As you know, we just LOVE Pop!!! It's such a fun resort.

SoonerGirl

04-09-2011, 12:27 PM

Ugggg, I hate driving in the rain too, I would have been a nervous wreck!!

Being able to stop and get that fresh orange juice at the welcome center is a small consolation for such a long time in the car, but that's one part of our drive that I'm actually looking forward to :thumbsup2

Mndisneygirl

04-09-2011, 12:30 PM

We went looking for our room, which was in the 50's section, room 3236. This was the building with the large statute of Tramp, from Lady and the Tramp. We found it fairly easily and met our next door neighbors as they were on their way out.

These little fellas were waiting for us!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0411.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0412.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0413.jpg
Nice flat screen

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0414.jpg
A spot to start piling up our "stuff"

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0415.jpg
Nice view outside from the walkway

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/102_0416.jpg

I noticed there was a wet spot on the carpet near the little table and chairs, but didn't care to fuss about it. Also, there was no shampoo in the shower. Is that typical? I hadn't stayed in a value in some time, but I didn't think they'd deny you some shampoo! Didn't matter, I had some with me anyway.

We unloaded a couple things, we were only staying one night remember, and I had packed so that I knew which bag I'd need to bring in. I was so organized!! (HA!) (This would be a bit of foreshadowing...)

Since it was Sarah's birthday, we'd brought her a present so she'd have something to open. She was told that the surprise was the big gift for both of them, so don't expect much else.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2961.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2963.jpg
Her favorite player on the MN Twins is Joe Mauer so we got her a jersey. We have partial season tickets, so she'll get to wear this to a bunch of games.

We decided to get some food and then hit the pool (the bowling pin pool, since the Hippy Dippy Pool was closed for refurbishment.
We got dinner - nope, no pictures! I don't even know what we had! I do know that it cost $37!!! Yikes! I want the dining plan!! We paid OOP since we were only having one or two meals on this leg of our trip.
Then it was off to the pool!
The water was way too cold for me, so I just sat on the lounge chairs. I had noticed that on the other side of the lake there was some construction going on. I asked a lifeguard and he said it was the new Animation resort. It was hard to tell much from a distance. It sort of looked like a dorm to me!

We saw a lot of clouds rolling in and then we saw lightning in the distance. We headed back to the room and got ready for bed - at 7:00!!! It was a long day (and previous night) and we were all pretty tired. It started raining and I thought, oh no, I hope it's not raining tomorrow when we go to the ship!

Everyone was asleep by about 8:30!! Well, everyone but me, since I wrote that in my journal, I must have been awake then! :laughing:

DH and I had talked about how we were going to surprise the girls with the news of the cruise. We had pillowcases made that were embroidered with their names, the dates of the cruise and the DCL logo. They were going to get autographs on them on the ship. We decided that in the morning we would give them the pillowcases.

I need to check and see if DH was able to upload the video of the surprise so that will have to be our big cliffhanger for today!!

Northern Disney Girl

04-09-2011, 01:13 PM

:worship: YOU SO ROCK SHEREE!!! :thumbsup2 :cheer2: Thanks so much for all your wonderful notes on the trip down!!! So amazingly helpful!!! :hug: :goodvibes I already have mapquest and AAA's triptik trip planner open and I am cross referencing all your stops and exit points!!! :lmao:

Natalie was reading over my shoulder and saw the picture of Paige sitting in the car and said - "Mommy, that's Paigey!!! I really miss her, when will we see them again??" :)

$37 for supper!!!! :scared1: Oh my word - Have to go to my budget sheet for food and make a note about that!! We will staying at AsMo our arrival night before we check into the Poly - that is a surprise for the girls!!! Natalie has always wanted to stay in the Dalmatian building!!! :cutie:

Mndisneygirl

04-09-2011, 01:37 PM

Oh man Sheree! You guys are troopers for doing the long drive from MN. That scares me a little bit. But it sounds like you are pros by now! :) Hurray for Pop!
Well, we've driven to FL at least 3 times with the kids and to VA or NY a couple times too. They know the rules - bring lots of stuff to do and everyone has to "try" whenever we stop! :laughing: The kids are better than me. I always think it's such a waste of precious vacation time, but you can't beat the cost and freedom of having your car and packing whatever you want to bring.

What a drive!!! I can't even stand driving in the car for more than an hour...I go crazy. Your girls seem to do just fine in the car though. So does Madison. When we drove to Annapolis last July, she was perfect. We brought her Nintendo DS, portable dvd player, plenty of books...we hardly heard from her!

As you know, we just LOVE Pop!!! It's such a fun resort.
Yup, keeping busy is the key. I just wish I could read in the car w/o getting sick. I'd be fine then. Pop was fun, I doubt we'll stay there much with DVC now, but I'd do a night here and there if I didn't have the points to spare or something. I was amazed at how busy it was! I shouldn't have been, but I was.

Ugggg, I hate driving in the rain too, I would have been a nervous wreck!!

Being able to stop and get that fresh orange juice at the welcome center is a small consolation for such a long time in the car, but that's one part of our drive that I'm actually looking forward to :thumbsup2

Yeah, it was something fun to look forward to. At least it means we made it to FL!

:worship: YOU SO ROCK SHEREE!!! :thumbsup2 :cheer2: Thanks so much for all your wonderful notes on the trip down!!! So amazingly helpful!!! :hug: :goodvibes I already have mapquest and AAA's triptik trip planner open and I am cross referencing all your stops and exit points!!! :lmao:

Natalie was reading over my shoulder and saw the picture of Paige sitting in the car and said - "Mommy, that's Paigey!!! I really miss her, when will we see them again??" :)

$37 for supper!!!! :scared1: Oh my word - Have to go to my budget sheet for food and make a note about that!! We will staying at AsMo our arrival night before we check into the Poly - that is a surprise for the girls!!! Natalie has always wanted to stay in the Dalmatian building!!! :cutie:

Oh thanks Kim!! If you have any questions along the way just ask! We tried to stop only when we were getting low on gas and with driving at night, the kids didn't seem to need as many pit stops. I just watched my fluid intake, because I seem to be the one with the tiny bladder in the family!

Natalie is so sweet!!! I have to tell Paige what she said. I also have to send you some of the brochures/maps that I grabbed for you! I'll have Paige write to Nat too! Hopefully we can meet up on your way to or from WDW this summer if you come through MN again! I'll certainly let you know if we plan any outings to Duluth - maybe we can meet somewhere up there.

Yeah, I wish I could remember what we ate that was so pricey! I think years ago, DH and I went to WDW for the 2000 celebration and stayed at ASMO and I want to say we had 101 Dalmatians stuff in our room.

natebenma

04-09-2011, 03:38 PM

You made it to POP! Hooray! What a nice break from the drive, and how exciting for you to know there is SO much more to come!

Hope to see the video soon!

crzyred

04-09-2011, 09:07 PM

Love the jersey!!!!

I'm so excited to see how the girls react to the surprise!!

Dugette

04-09-2011, 09:41 PM

Hi, Sheree. I'm here and enjoying hearing about your journey. Can't wait to hear about the girls' reaction to the surprise!

Charleston Princess

04-10-2011, 07:58 AM

Ugh, I hate driving in the rain and dark as well! That Florida welcome sign must have been a doubly wonderful sight after that drive!!!

Nope, they normally give you shampoo in the values! Pop always makes me smile -- it is so colorful and fun! :goodvibes

Can't wait to see the girls' reactions to the news of the cruise!

Mndisneygirl

04-10-2011, 08:00 PM

You made it to POP! Hooray! What a nice break from the drive, and how exciting for you to know there is SO much more to come!

Hope to see the video soon!
Video coming up!!

Love the jersey!!!!

I'm so excited to see how the girls react to the surprise!!

That's right, you're a baseball fan too!! She just LOVES Mauer!! (her and a million other young women!)
The reaction is coming up!

Hi, Sheree. I'm here and enjoying hearing about your journey. Can't wait to hear about the girls' reaction to the surprise!

The video has been uploaded to photobucket! Coming up after these replies!

Ugh, I hate driving in the rain and dark as well! That Florida welcome sign must have been a doubly wonderful sight after that drive!!!

Nope, they normally give you shampoo in the values! Pop always makes me smile -- it is so colorful and fun! :goodvibes

Can't wait to see the girls' reactions to the news of the cruise!

I was really excited to be in Florida! Pop does seem to be a "happy" kind of place. I thought they should at least have shampoo!! They didn't have a bag for laundry either!

Mndisneygirl

04-10-2011, 08:28 PM

Well, Dave and I were talking about our $37 dinner at POP and we think it included a cheeseburger, kids chicken strips and some kind of flatbread. Plus drinks. Still pretty pricey!!

Onward to the big reveal!!!
We woke up around 7:00 a.m. and guess what? IT WAS RAINING!!! Since we used our towels from the room at the pool, we called housekeeping to get more. DH went looking too, and found a housekeeper and asked her for a bag for dirty laundry. He came back with a GINORMOUS plastic bag that would have held a week's worth of laundry!!! It was funny to just put one or two day's worth of dirty undies and t-shirts in it!
We got our Envelope of Doom - it wasn't too bad since it was just for one night (which we paid for with a gift card) and our big expensive dinner!

Once we were just about ready to get going to get some breakfast, we decided to spring it on the girls.
We told them to sit on the bed and we had birthday presents for them.

Here's the video of what happened next: (man I hope this works!!)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/th_clip-2011-03-10032139.jpg (http://s407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/?action=view&current=clip-2011-03-10032139.mp4)

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2968.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2969.jpg
Our Fish Extender

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/Im_Going_Cruising_on_a_Disney_.png
We copied this from one of the DISigners. Dave just saved it on the computer as a possible way to surprise the girls. Isn't it cute?

After the girls stopped flipping out, we had them call Grandma. (My mom) She knew we were going on the cruise and all, but pretended she didn't so Sarah had to call and tell her all about the surprise. That took a little while, and we had to get going to eat and repack a few things and get to the port.

We hustled out to the car and loaded stuff up in the rain. (this rushing would prove to be a problem later - Yup, more foreshadowing)

Then we grabbed some less expensive breakfast at Everything Pop and took some pictures before we left.
We got two kids meals (probably waffles and french toast) and a chocolate croissant for $12.

Oh my gosh, that place was so crowded!!! We barely looked at anything in the store (I wish we'd had a little more time), but all the type of stuff we were looking for like 2011 merchandise would be available later on in the trip.

A few wet pictures around POP
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2978.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2977.jpg

The food court
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2976.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2975.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2974.jpg
No swimming! :(

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2973.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Pop%20March%2010%202011/DSCN2972.jpg

So we hit the road in the rain - again!!
Funny thing is, this is the third Disney cruise we've taken. It's the third time we have driven to the port in the rain!!! I hope someone's not trying to tell us something!! Luckily, the rain seems to have lightened or gone away on our past two cruises by sail away time. Would it this time?? You'll have to wait and see.

So we get on the highway - some toll road that cost us $2.50 (two tolls) and DH says, Oh craparewski! Yes, that's exactly what he said!! I panic, because he doesn't explain the "craparewski" right away. Big long pause until I say,
"what?". About 5 minutes later (or so it seemed), he said, "we need gas. I was going to get some before we got on the toll road." Oh, is that all???
Well, let's stop and get some.
We don't see any nice little signs that say there are gas stations and fast food at the next exit like they have on the interstates. We go through the second toll and ask the lady at the booth. She gave some really weird exit and told us to go by the airport. Uh, no, don't think so.
SO we go a few more exits and get off where it looks like there is some life and businesses.
We see a Publix and some restaurants and find a Hess or something. PHEW! It's a bit after 11, and I really thought it was okay time-wise. It wouldn't do any good to get to the port much before noon anyway.
We filled up at $3.54 per gallon and got back on the road.

Still raining as we drove over the "bridge" causeway thingy that leads to Port Canaveral. It was SO COOL to be able to spot the ships in port through the mist and fog!!! The Dream looked so BIG!!!! It is a lot bigger than the Wonder and Magic!

I'll find those pictures for the next update - if they're any good!!!

SoonerGirl

04-10-2011, 08:58 PM

wigdoutdismom

04-10-2011, 09:15 PM

I caught up just at the right time!
First of all, all of that rain on your trip down.... UGH!
Next I can't wait for our drink of OJ at the welcome center!!
Lastly the video, You look terrific! The surprise turned out just perfect!
I'm anxious to read more!:goodvibes

wigdoutdismom

04-10-2011, 09:18 PM

I'm a little worried that you might have left something important in the room......

I was thinking the same thing too....

Northern Disney Girl

04-10-2011, 09:18 PM

LOVE the video!!! :love: Sarah's little dance was just so adorable!!! What a surprise filled trip you had!!! Hope that the rain lets up for you at some point!!! :goodvibes Can't wait to read more!!! :)

MNTwinsMom

04-10-2011, 09:50 PM

Great start to your TR! I loved the surprise video. It's so fun to watch the kids faces as they figure it out. :)

Sounds like you made good time on the drive despite the rainy weather. I would have had a hard time sleeping while DH drove through bad weather too. I always feel better with another set of eyes on the road.

Love the Mauer jersey too! We have a Mauer fan and a Morneau fan at our house. Hope the jersey and your families presence brings our struggling team a little luck. I know it's early in the season and we already lost our 2nd baseman, but come on guys! :confused3 It's never easy to be a Minnesota sports fans. . .

Looking forward to your first impressions of the Dream. :banana:

Charleston Princess

04-11-2011, 04:34 AM

What an icky, rainy day at Pop, but I love the girls' reactions to going on the Dream (and how they were trying to figure out what the surprise was before)! Great reveal!!! Sarah made me laugh putting the pillowcase on her head -- that's something Chelsea would do! :rotfl:

Monny2AE

04-11-2011, 06:39 AM

Catching up on your loooooooong drive! Those gas prices made me cringe! Glad it went smoothly though despite the rain!

Love the surprise, especially when they start singing that they're going on the Disney Dream...too cute! :cutie:

jeremysdisneymom

04-11-2011, 08:57 AM

Boy, I am behind. Love the surprise for the girls. :thumbsup2 You could tell they were sooooo excited and happy. I wish I could keep a secret and surprise DS like that!

Pop looks like so much fun. I would like to stay there sometime.

Yikes, $37 for a meal! :scared1: I just ran the numbers for our summer trip and eventually decided to do the dining plan. Food can be outrageous at Disney.

Too bad about driving in the rain, but so glad you hit Florida sun!

Can't wait to read more.

Erika

Lovemy3babes

04-11-2011, 09:49 AM

Aw, look at how happy those girls were!! :) Today is "some day". I love that Sheree. What wonderful parents you and Dave are.

Dancegrl624

04-11-2011, 02:47 PM

Love the surprise video!!! You guys stayed in the same building we did in September, except our room faced the pool. Yes, there is usually shampoo in the bathroom at Pop (Tony took it everyday along with the bar soap and put it in his suitcase. He is still using Disney soap!).

Can't wait to see some pics of the Dream!

Native NYer

04-11-2011, 04:43 PM

What a great surprise!
The pillowcases and FE are so cute.

Sleeping*Beauty

04-11-2011, 05:46 PM

Can't wait to hear about your big suprise trip!

mtmbyck

04-11-2011, 06:28 PM

Yours is the first dream TR I've read so I am super excited to follow along. We landed in that rain on the 10th so pretty sure I know how your weather was. Guess you would have been back at the world when we were.

Can't wait for more pics.

MEK

04-11-2011, 06:36 PM

k_reile

04-11-2011, 07:24 PM

just found your report. we are thinking of driving from Ohio to WDW in Nov 2012 and staying at Fort Wilderness with my inlaws big 5th wheel camper! I have NEVER drove to WDW so that should be interesting for me...but I'm really excited about taking a bunch of stuff with us and possibly the dog too instead of limiting what I can take when flying!

Can't wait to hear about the Dream. I want to do a disney cruise when DS is older (he's only 2.5 yrs now)

onejellyshelly

04-11-2011, 09:07 PM

Love to hear more about your wonderful trip.

clayfolks

04-11-2011, 09:17 PM

Subscribing. Can't wait to read more!!

MeMom

04-12-2011, 05:08 AM

That is a nice view.
We love Pop, as you may already know.
It's neat to be able to watch the Animation Suites go up across the lake, too.

Too bad about the rain, but at least you weren't getting on a bus to go to a park in it. Hopefully, you were driving out of it as you went toward the ship.

Never having been on a cruise, I look forward to your pictures. :cool2:

GoofyWife

04-12-2011, 07:41 AM

great job surprising the girls! Can't wait to hear more:goodvibes

jenseib

04-12-2011, 01:07 PM

What a wonderful video of the surprise! I love how it takes a minute to dawn on them. We had rain on our port day as well....and it never went away till late at night.
I also was rushed a lot and left/lost a few things in my haste. I am kicking myself now.

jenseib

04-12-2011, 08:11 PM

I also wanted to add that Pop does supply a shampoo in your room. So you were jipped...sort of. It's a shampoo/conditioner combo and it's pure crap

Disney Mommy 3

04-13-2011, 08:00 AM

What a good surprise you two did!!! LOL!! Aren't the suprises the BEST!!!? I love when you told them today is some day!! The girls are precious as always!!
I can tell you have lost weight too!! Good for you!!!

Mndisneygirl

04-13-2011, 10:59 AM

Love the video of the surprise, put a great big smile on my face! And I must say, I love listening to you guys talk, reminds me of 'home'. My parents were both born and raised in Minnesota and I spent every summer vacation there as a kid visiting relatives. In fact I'm going up next month for my cousin's high school graduation :thumbsup2

I'm a little worried that you might have left something important in the room......

Oh thanks! I definitely have the Minnesota "O" accent going on, although I'm not as strong as some here. (mostly the Scandinavians!) I'm glad you get to come back soon - I hope we have good weather for you! Where about will you be??
No, nothing left in the room...

I caught up just at the right time!
First of all, all of that rain on your trip down.... UGH!
Next I can't wait for our drink of OJ at the welcome center!!
Lastly the video, You look terrific! The surprise turned out just perfect!
I'm anxious to read more!:goodvibes

Whew, I wouldn't want you to fall too far behind the group! Thanks, it was fun surprising them, but difficult too. After the trip I told Sarah there were so many times I just wanted to ask if she'd want this or that. Had to tell a lot of little fibs in the process. She forgave me! ;)

I was thinking the same thing too....

It really wasn't THAT horrible.

LOVE the video!!! :love: Sarah's little dance was just so adorable!!! What a surprise filled trip you had!!! Hope that the rain lets up for you at some point!!! :goodvibes Can't wait to read more!!! :)

I'll let you know now, that weather did NOT cause us any trouble the rest of the trip. Sarah was just so funny!!

Great start to your TR! I loved the surprise video. It's so fun to watch the kids faces as they figure it out. :)

Sounds like you made good time on the drive despite the rainy weather. I would have had a hard time sleeping while DH drove through bad weather too. I always feel better with another set of eyes on the road.

Love the Mauer jersey too! We have a Mauer fan and a Morneau fan at our house. Hope the jersey and your families presence brings our struggling team a little luck. I know it's early in the season and we already lost our 2nd baseman, but come on guys! :confused3 It's never easy to be a Minnesota sports fans. . .

Looking forward to your first impressions of the Dream. :banana:

It seemed to take them a minute to grasp the idea, didn't it? I have a Mauer fan and a Cuddyer fan. It's a lot harder to find the Cuddyer jersey in kid sizes, but I'm looking. It is tough to be a MN sports fan!! They'll come around (I hope) We went to a game on Saturday night and it was windy and so hard to watch them lose. Again.
The Dream is coming up today!!!

What an icky, rainy day at Pop, but I love the girls' reactions to going on the Dream (and how they were trying to figure out what the surprise was before)! Great reveal!!! Sarah made me laugh putting the pillowcase on her head -- that's something Chelsea would do! :rotfl:

Yeah, the rain wasn't great, but it didn't kill our excitement!!! Sarah is such a goofball!! I think they just didn't know what to do!

Catching up on your loooooooong drive! Those gas prices made me cringe! Glad it went smoothly though despite the rain!

Love the surprise, especially when they start singing that they're going on the Disney Dream...too cute! :cutie:

Yeah, that was a long night and day!! They were really funny! I wanted to jump up and down with them!

Boy, I am behind. Love the surprise for the girls. :thumbsup2 You could tell they were sooooo excited and happy. I wish I could keep a secret and surprise DS like that!

Pop looks like so much fun. I would like to stay there sometime.

Yikes, $37 for a meal! :scared1: I just ran the numbers for our summer trip and eventually decided to do the dining plan. Food can be outrageous at Disney.

Too bad about driving in the rain, but so glad you hit Florida sun!

Can't wait to read more.

Erika

It was really hard to keep the secret. I don't know how some people do it for a year! I think Pop is a fun place. The whole atmosphere just screams "FUN". It was a bit crazy/hectic at some points, but if you like the energy, it would be perfect. Dave was not all that excited about it. He has gotten spoiled with the Deluxes and DVC resorts now!
The nice thing about the Dining Plan is that you don't have the surprises - it's paid for, you can order a big expensive steak, or a basic burger. I don't like to worry too much about every last penny and breaking even, but that food court dinner was ridiculous! That one meal was almost the cost of one day for an adult on the DDP!
More will be coming today!

Aw, look at how happy those girls were!! :) Today is "some day". I love that Sheree. What wonderful parents you and Dave are.

Aww, thank you so much. That's very kind of you! I have contemplated sending the video to Disney for the Let the Memories Begin campaign, but decided against it. I doubt I'll get anything in return, and it is just free advertising for them! I do enough of that anyway! Although it would be cool to see my kids on the commercials!

What a great surprise!
The pillowcases and FE are so cute.

Yeah it was fun! Thank you - they are from a seller on Etsy who was just wonderful! If anyone is interested, PM me and I'll pass on the name.

Can't wait to hear about your big suprise trip!

It was just a fabulous trip - we had a lot of fun. I just wish the cruise was a few days longer!
Maybe another time!

Yours is the first dream TR I've read so I am super excited to follow along. We landed in that rain on the 10th so pretty sure I know how your weather was. Guess you would have been back at the world when we were.

Can't wait for more pics.

:welcome: I hope to give you lots of good info and pictures from the ship! We were at the world from 3-13 - 18. We may have crossed paths! There were enough people there for sure!!

Mndisneygirl

04-13-2011, 11:13 AM

Sheree - You guys are amazing. Driving 24 hours straight! :worship::worship: I don't think I could do that. I also hate driving in the rain and the dark. Isn't getter older great? I blame my dark & rain aversion to my aging eyes. I wonder what I'm going to be like 10 years from now.

What a lovely video of the girls. .... "I'm going on the Disney Dream"...... WOOT! That brought a huge smile to my face! Loved it!

I can't wait to see that boat! I hope you have an uneventful arrival and check-in!

It really was all Dave. I would have stopped if he weren't with me. But we had to get to WDW by Wed. night, so we soldiered on!
It is really fun to watch the video again and again. I'm glad I was able to make you smile. Although I hate listening to my own voice. It sounds different to me and I like the one I hear in my head when I'm talking better! KWIM?
The boat will be coming up this afternoon. After replies, I've got to run for a bit and I'll be back! Promise!

just found your report. we are thinking of driving from Ohio to WDW in Nov 2012 and staying at Fort Wilderness with my inlaws big 5th wheel camper! I have NEVER drove to WDW so that should be interesting for me...but I'm really excited about taking a bunch of stuff with us and possibly the dog too instead of limiting what I can take when flying!

Can't wait to hear about the Dream. I want to do a disney cruise when DS is older (he's only 2.5 yrs now)

Wow! Driving a big 5th wheel? That's gutsy! Driving a car or van is enough for me. It really isn't that bad if you plan well and bring things to keep everyone occupied. No one wants to hear "I'm bored" or "are we there yet" every 20 minutes when you have 20 hours to drive! It's nice to be able to bring extra "stuff" that you can't fit on a plane.
The Dream, in a word, is AWESOME! I recommend EVERYONE get to go someday!

Love to hear more about your wonderful trip.
Coming up!! I'm excited to tell all the great stories! We really had a blast!

Subscribing. Can't wait to read more!!

:welcome: I will provide more soon! I'm sure everyone is anxious to see the ship!

That is a nice view.
We love Pop, as you may already know.
It's neat to be able to watch the Animation Suites go up across the lake, too.

Too bad about the rain, but at least you weren't getting on a bus to go to a park in it. Hopefully, you were driving out of it as you went toward the ship.

Never having been on a cruise, I look forward to your pictures. :cool2:

Yes, you are the Queens of POP! I'll be curious about those suites when they open. The rain didn't really phase us too much, but we were thinking, it seems every time we go on a ship, there is rain to start our journey!
The pictures probably won't do it justice, but I'll try! There was just so much to see!!

great job surprising the girls! Can't wait to hear more:goodvibes

Thanks! It was fun - more is coming along shortly!

What a wonderful video of the surprise! I love how it takes a minute to dawn on them. We had rain on our port day as well....and it never went away till late at night.
I also was rushed a lot and left/lost a few things in my haste. I am kicking myself now.

I also wanted to add that Pop does supply a shampoo in your room. So you were jipped...sort of. It's a shampoo/conditioner combo and it's pure crap

Yeah, the reaction is why I keep watching the video. That may have been the ONLY thing we videotaped the whole trip!
I just hate being rushed for anything - it always leads to trouble later!
Dang rain! It can be such a pain. I hope it didn't take away too much of your trip. Are you doing a TR? I have been looking at all your cruise pics on FB- your daughter is adorable!

Yeah, I didn't really WANT the shampoo, it was just the principle of the thing. It was supposed to be there, and it wasn't. So I feel a little jipped, but it wasn't the worst thing. It did make me think perhaps the service was a bit lacking.

What a good surprise you two did!!! LOL!! Aren't the suprises the BEST!!!? I love when you told them today is some day!! The girls are precious as always!!
I can tell you have lost weight too!! Good for you!!!

Shawna - it was so much fun! Thank you - Of course after the cruise and the parks, the weight is creeping back on. I need to get out and walk. So glad it's spring finally!!

SoonerGirl

04-13-2011, 11:51 AM

Oh thanks! I definitely have the Minnesota "O" accent going on, although I'm not as strong as some here. (mostly the Scandinavians!) I'm glad you get to come back soon - I hope we have good weather for you! Where about will you be??

They live in a small town in the SW part of the state, about an hour and a half from Sioux Falls, SD. I guess the closest decent sized town to them is Marshall. I hope the weather is nice too! I've gotten used to warmer weather already here, it's been in the 80s for most of the past 2 weeks. :yay:

No, nothing left in the room...

Well thats good, I hope.....

Also, I forgot to mention before, my youngest son is a catcher and he LOVES Joe Mauer! He would be quite jealous of Sarah's jersey.

Mndisneygirl

04-13-2011, 12:39 PM

They live in a small town in the SW part of the state, about an hour and a half from Sioux Falls, SD. I guess the closest decent sized town to them is Marshall. I hope the weather is nice too! I've gotten used to warmer weather already here, it's been in the 80s for most of the past 2 weeks. :yay:

Well thats good, I hope.....

Also, I forgot to mention before, my youngest son is a catcher and he LOVES Joe Mauer! He would be quite jealous of Sarah's jersey.

Ah, Marshall! I have a friend from law school from that neck of the woods. I was born and lived in New Ulm until I was 9.

We could manage to find him a Mauer jersey if you want. We have partial season tickets and get a discount on stuff at the pro shop. Something to think about. Although you can find Mauer jerseys at every Target store around here too.
Was it you that has a son that's a big Percy Harvin fan? I remember someone talking about him in a past TR. I'm so confused with people lately!:confused3

Mndisneygirl

04-13-2011, 08:55 PM

I found a couple more pictures from our drive down that were in my phone.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0245.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0244.jpg

Okay, so we are driving in the rain toward Port Canaveral!!!
We cross the bridge and are looking a bit to the left and what do we see????

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0247.png
Can you make it out?

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0249.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0250.jpg
Is it there??
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0251.jpg
I think I see the stacks!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0254.jpg
Oh yeah!! That's her all right!!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0255.jpg
We are almost there!!!!

We drive around to the port and are directed by some staff to the drop off location by the terminal. We show our ids and are waved along.
Dave drops us off on the curb and after I determine we have the right luggage (remember I packed the cruise bags separately) we put the luggage tags on them (3 bags) for our stateroom, leave them with a porter (and tip him) and the girls and I head into the terminal. Dave goes to park the car and he has to meet us later.
We go through a metal detector and scanner for our carry on bags just like at the airport. Then it's up the escalator!! At the top is a big model of the cruise ship and either Mickey or Minnie posing for pictures. We don't wait in line for that, but head right to the check in for Castaway Club members! Oh yeah, we're special!!! Us and a gazillion others - it just means we have been on a Disney Cruise before and there is a separate line for us! :laughing:
I check us in after waiting maybe for one person! It took all of about 9 minutes. They gave us our boarding pass # (9) and our Silver Castaway Club lanyards (we now have two sets!). On DCL you are a silver member until you have cruised more than 5 times. Then you move up to gold (and get gold lanyards for another 5 cruises!). Someday we would love to be Platinum members!!! I think that's for over 10 cruises.

So we decide we'll go get the kids all checked in for the Oceaneer's Club/Lab while we wait. We keep an eye out for Dave, who has to join the big long line of people at security who just got off a DCL bus! We find out much later that one of the families in line by him is a DISer who is part of our fish extender exchange group and we'd see them a lot!!!
He finally gets up to us and the kids' club line is not moving at all. But, they call our boarding number, so we are heading on board!!!

They scan your KTTW card and you have to have your picture taken (we did it at check in, but Dave didn't). This way they know you are the person on the card every time you get on and off the ship.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2979.jpg
Not the best picture, but these are hanging all along the way in.

First order of business:
The boarding picture!
Of course, I don't have this picture in digital form so you'll have to believe me when I say it is a good picture of all of us! :laughing: Then it's up the gangplank we go!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2980.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2981.jpg
Too bad her eyes were closed!!

Look what else is in port nearby!!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2982.jpg

When you board a Disney Cruise ship, they ask your last name and the CM announces - please welcome the ***** family! And they all clap and cheer. So of course I gave them my best parade wave! :wave2:

Our rooms weren't ready (not til at least 1) so we headed up to Cabanas for lunch. Cabanas is set up as a multi-station buffet, but when you go up there, they ask how many in your party and find a table for you. It's a little nicer than getting in line and wandering around aimlessly with a huge tray of food and kids trailing behind, all of you lugging carry on bags! Of course, every time you go to a meal, there is a CM handing out hand wipes. No germs will be spread in these restaurants!!!

So the food - there was a station with seafood - crab legs, shrimp and oysters!, meats - carved hot meats, all the side dishes in the world, salad bar, kids food, and OH the desserts!!!! Holy Cow!!! I'm not sure I even saw it all! Everything we had was really good - but I did not take pictures of the food at this meal.

Here's some shots around Cabanas (when it was empty later!)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3010.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3011.jpg
HUGE mosaic!! Very cool!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3012.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3013.jpg

There seems to be a lot of Finding Nemo type stuff and decor on this ship. Not that I mind!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3219.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3218.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3217.jpg

So by the time we finished pigging out (I think we each had about 5 desserts!), our room was ready. We went down to deck 9 and found our stateroom - 9102. You really had to press down hard on the door handle to get it open, and then we got our first glimpse of our Deluxe Family Stateroom - with Verandah!!!!
OH MY GOSH!! It was just beautiful!!!
Somehow I neglected to take any picture of my room number, the door, the fish extender, or the door covered with magnets that we used to decorate!!! We even got two Welcome Home DVC Member magnets from DCL!! We did not use DVC points for the cruise.
Anyway - our stateroom has a split bath, the first one has the sink and toilet. The second has a sink and bath/shower.
Then there's the queen size bed, a separator curtain, and a couch that folds into the lower bunk and the pull down upper bunk. On the right was a HUGE long, desk/dresser.
Room pictures in next post (I'm worried there will be too many in this one)

Mndisneygirl

04-13-2011, 09:19 PM

oops.

Mndisneygirl

04-13-2011, 09:20 PM

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3072.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3071.jpg
There was a new towel friend each night!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3073-1.jpg
The bunk beds - I think we were just got back from dinner and kids' club time.

lounging
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3018.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3017.jpg

a very comfy bed and pillows!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3015.jpg

Looking out from the verandah
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3014.jpg

looking in from the verandah
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2984.jpg

hanging out on the verandah ( I love saying verandah!)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2983.jpg

After we checked out our room we went to the DVC Member meeting. We met Sarah's email buddy Chloe and her family there. They had been exchanging emails, (thanks to their DISer moms) and Chloe was nice enough to help us keep the trip a surprise. They talked about their common interests and love of Disney. Chloe told Sarah that she hoped they could go to Disney at the same time someday and meet. So we told Sarah that Chloe was on the same cruise that morning and she spent a lot of time looking for her! She spotted her at the member gathering. What a nice family!! They gave away a bunch of prizes and I won a bag. Plus they gave us all lanyards (I've got quite a collection now) and hats. Then on the way out, another reusable tote bag.
Then we went to a shopping presentation. Hoping to win more prizes, but we were shut out. Chloe's family was there too, so Sarah was happy!
Next it was time for the lifeboat drill. We had to find our muster station and line up. Very close together. So of course, we started chatting with our "neighbors". I don't know exactly how it started, I think Sarah asked me if they were DISers. So I asked. Turns out, they WERE! In fact, they were part of our FE group! Jodywgirl! Ken, JoAnn and their daughter Mikaila (sp?). They would turn out to be another family we bumped into often on this trip! Remember that family that Dave was in the security line with? Turns out it was them!!!

So by the time all that was done, the kids wanted to go see the kids' clubs. It was an open family time and we got their wrist bands. They have an electronic scanning device on them (yes it can get wet). So they scan the kids in and out and check them against our KTTW cards. Plus we have to use a password. Quite secure.
Wow, that place is amazing!!! We ended up staying in there so long we missed the first 1/2 of the sail away party and missed meeting up with our FE group!
We were supposed to meet our FE group at 4 at the Wavebands bar, but by the time we got up there, they were gone - all at the party. So we made our way down to watch the end of the dancing fun.

Oceaneers' Club/Lab
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2993.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2995.jpg
Lots of stuff from Andy's Room in Toy Story!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2996.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2997.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2998.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3000.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3001.jpg
Sarah's "look like Mike" with one eye!

Only Disney could have a kids' area with so much cool stuff. There were tables that were giant ipads to play games on, a light up dance floor, craft rooms, games, video games, a place you can "drive" the ship, it was just ridiculous!

Sail Away Party (not too many pictures since we missed most of it!)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3002.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3003.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3004.jpg
lots of people around
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3006.jpg

It was funny - they did at least one of the exact same dances on this ship as on the Wonder - Hey Baby. So the girls and I did the dance with them!!

The show on our first night was The Golden Mickeys. We'd seen it before on the Wonder, but I read they changed some and added some things from some newer movies, so we decided we'd see it. We had late dining (at 8:30), so our showtime was 6:15. Prior to the show, we delivered some of our FE gifts.

The show, shopping and dinner at Artist's Palette coming up next...

jenseib

04-13-2011, 10:15 PM

wigdoutdismom

04-13-2011, 10:57 PM

I'm thinking that's just what our stateroom is going to look like! Thanks for the preview!

Have I missed a picture of your FE?
I know it's late, maybe I've forgotten...

MeMom

04-14-2011, 04:17 AM

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3218.jpg

I'd like to go on the ship just to see this. Very cool! ::yes::

I'm glad your room had and outside space. I would never, ever, ever be able to stay in a room that was totally closed in with no outside 'escape'. :eek: Looks very nice, and I know all the people who have already scheduled cruises are very excited about seeing what they are in for. :cool1:

NancyLuvsMickey

04-14-2011, 08:07 AM

WOW!!! The kids club totally rocks!!! :banana:

And what a huge room you got... I've never stayed in a room with a Veranda... After seeing your room, I'm thinking a Veranda is the only way to go!!! :thumbsup2

Love the updates so far... And can't wait to read more!!! popcorn::

Disney Mommy 3

04-14-2011, 08:13 AM

Love the update!!! Very cool pictures!!!

AGPrincess

04-14-2011, 09:12 AM

Subbing! I love seeing the pics from the Disney Dream, how cool! And I love the pillowcases and the fish extender, so cute!! :goodvibes

polyforme

04-14-2011, 09:38 AM

jenseib

04-14-2011, 09:50 AM

jeremysdisneymom

04-14-2011, 09:54 AM

Wow, what a great post on the Dream!!!

Love the verandah room! It looks so big. I think you helped me decide for our cruise next year! :thumbsup2

Good to know that they seat you at Cabanas. That makes it easier then having to worry about getting a table with food in hand. I love the theme of that restaurant. I have to ask--Did the birds say Mine?

Wow, you got on board quick? I have read something about checking in beforehand. Did you do that or how does that all work?

The kids club looks fabulous. I am planning a trip for next year as it would be DS last chance to go there due to age requirement.

Awesome update! :thumbsup2 :surfweb:Can't wait to read more.

Erika

polyforme

04-14-2011, 10:11 AM

You have plenty of time to get passports if you sail in Aug. But do it soon as the price is going up again soon. I think you need to allow at least 30 days, more is better, but they told me they are processing them in about 2 weeks right now. We did sail with Birth Certificates though becuase basically my DH was too cheap to buy the passports. We had absolutely NO problmes at all. But I would still recommend getting them.

Thanks so much for the info. I will go get their pictures at AAA this weekend for the application.

polyforme

04-14-2011, 10:13 AM

Reading this trip report I am getting so excited to go!! What time did you get there to check in and what time do they start boarding?? Thanks
p.s. love.love love all the pictures!! I also can't wait to hear about AKV since we just bought points there and will be going April 2012.

Lovemy3babes

04-14-2011, 10:41 AM

Oh wow, that is really, really cool Sheree!!! I love all the photos you took as it feels like we were getting on board with you all. :) Your room is very nice!

Mndisneygirl

04-14-2011, 11:16 AM

Yes, I will be doing a TR. I am doing a dining review first (link in my signature so this is what a dream taste like).
I love your first day. Seeing the ship as we were driving in was so awesome too. I was amazed by the size.
you room looks like it might be a little bigger than ours. We were on deck 7. I loved the verandah too. I can't imagine sailing without one now. We didn;t make it to the kids clubs much. Well only once. Claire was too worried we would do something fun without her. I hope next time (and yes there WILL be a next time) she will lighten up and go more often. She did have fun, but was just worried that we were having more fun than her. :laughing:
I think we had a shortened sail away party as it was raining and they did it indoors. But it was still a lot of fun. We enjoyed Golden Mickeys. I think it was my favorite of the 3 shows.

I can't wait to hear more.
I really loved the verandah, but just last night I told Dave that if I could go on a longer cruise, I'd sacrifice the verandah! I agree with Claire - you don't want to miss out on anything! Lucky for our kids, the only thing we did while they were in the club was eat at Palo or just wander the ship and take pictures!
I have visited your Dining reviews! YUMMY!!!

I'm thinking that's just what our stateroom is going to look like! Thanks for the preview!

Have I missed a picture of your FE?
I know it's late, maybe I've forgotten...

I'm happy to give you a preview! I hope you love it!
The FE picture is right around where I posted the video - p. 4, post 55.

I'd like to go on the ship just to see this. Very cool! ::yes::

I'm glad your room had and outside space. I would never, ever, ever be able to stay in a room that was totally closed in with no outside 'escape'. :eek: Looks very nice, and I know all the people who have already scheduled cruises are very excited about seeing what they are in for. :cool1:
There are other big beautiful mosaics around the ship too. I'll have more pictures!
Oh, it was really nice to be able to open that door and smell the sea air and look at the ports. But if I could go on a longer cruise, I'd forego the verandah (ow) and save the money!

WOW!!! The kids club totally rocks!!! :banana:

And what a huge room you got... I've never stayed in a room with a Veranda... After seeing your room, I'm thinking a Veranda is the only way to go!!! :thumbsup2

Love the updates so far... And can't wait to read more!!! popcorn::
Oh, definitely. Disney knows how to do the kids' clubs! I would have liked to spend some time in there too! That verandah - ahhhh!

Love the update!!! Very cool pictures!!!
Thanks! There's plenty more where those came from!!

Subbing! I love seeing the pics from the Disney Dream, how cool! And I love the pillowcases and the fish extender, so cute!! :goodvibes
Hi!! Oh, there is so much cool stuff on that ship! I wish I could take credit for the pillowcases and fish extender, but someone with more talent and a fancy sewing machine from Etsy made them! I think they're so cute too! I have the FE hanging up so I can see it everyday! I should use it to put things in for the girls that I find around the house so they go grab their stuff to put away.

Mndisneygirl

04-14-2011, 11:38 AM

Hi everyone!!
Love your trip report!! What a great surprise. We are taking our three kids on the Dream in August and I was wondering about check-in. I am nervous that the birth certificates won't be enough but now I don't know if I have enough time to get them passports. I think you have to send in their birth cert. with the application and what if i didn't get them back in time?? Any suggestions? Thank you
:welcome: Thanks!
You have plenty of time to get passports if you sail in Aug. But do it soon as the price is going up again soon. I think you need to allow at least 30 days, more is better, but they told me they are processing them in about 2 weeks right now. We did sail with Birth Certificates though becuase basically my DH was too cheap to buy the passports. We had absolutely NO problmes at all. But I would still recommend getting them.
What she said! :)
We had gotten passports for all of us a couple years back for our first cruise. It's nice to have, but for kids they only last 5 years, so it's an added expense. We're hoping to use them one more time to go to Europe next March before they expire in July 2012. I like having it so I can leave the birth certificates at home where they belong. But it is unnerving to have to mail them in. I wish you could just take it to an office personally.

Wow, what a great post on the Dream!!!

Love the verandah room! It looks so big. I think you helped me decide for our cruise next year! :thumbsup2

Good to know that they seat you at Cabanas. That makes it easier then having to worry about getting a table with food in hand. I love the theme of that restaurant. I have to ask--Did the birds say Mine?

Wow, you got on board quick? I have read something about checking in beforehand. Did you do that or how does that all work?

The kids club looks fabulous. I am planning a trip for next year as it would be DS last chance to go there due to age requirement.

Awesome update! :thumbsup2 :surfweb:Can't wait to read more.

Erika

Yeah, we didn't stand around too long. I think if (when) we go again, I won't be in a hurry to even get to the port before noon. Then you can just walk right on after the mad rush! We did do the online check in and it does save time. They generally ask that everyone does that, and it is really quick when you check in at the port. You show them your IDs (passports for us), give them a signed contract (you won't sue, accept risks, terms etc) and smile for the little web camera. Then you get your boarding pass and that's it! Very slick!

Cabanas was nicely organized. They had staff milling about clearing tables and telling the host/hostess when they had space. No, the birds didn't say "mine" although that would have been funny!! it was a nice theme and although crowded, and some of the seating was tight (the chairs should NOT have arms!), it was pretty relaxed.
The kids club - your son may age out of that but there is a tween club area too. I didn't see it up close, but it's a little more loose in terms of restriction. I think you can give your child freedom to come and go if you choose.
I haven't even mentioned the wave phones yet! I'll have to remember that in the next update! It's the new way to keep in touch with the clubs, your family etc. There are two in the room.

Thanks so much for the info. I will go get their pictures at AAA this weekend for the application.
See, if you get passports now, you can do more international traveling since they will already be done and paid for!! Good luck! I know they are faster than when they first changed all those travel rules a couple years ago. I don't think there's as much a backlog.

Reading this trip report I am getting so excited to go!! What time did you get there to check in and what time do they start boarding?? Thanks
p.s. love.love love all the pictures!! I also can't wait to hear about AKV since we just bought points there and will be going April 2012.

We arrived at the port a little before noon I think. They start the boarding somewhere around noon, 12:30. It all depends. So it doesn't necessarily pay to get there too early. You can sign up for the kids' club on line (which we did), but you still have to go get wristbands either at the port or on the ship. I suppose that would kill some time. The rooms aren't ready until 1:30, so you have to carry your bags (carry on) with you to lunch. I'm tempted to go really late, go straight to the room, and then go get food, but I don't know how late they keep the lunch buffet open for sure. I'm sure it says on my navigators; I'll check when I'm home.
Pictures - thank you. I thought I took some of pretty much everything, but there is so much I missed. I guess I have to go back! :laughing:
AKV - LOVE it LOVE it!!! I will have lots of info on that as well, but it will be a while.

Oh wow, that is really, really cool Sheree!!! I love all the photos you took as it feels like we were getting on board with you all. :) Your room is very nice!

Thanks! I wish you guys had been getting on board with us! Can you imagine how much fun we'd all have? The room was really quite awesome! I have been so spoiled!

Dancegrl624

04-14-2011, 11:57 AM

Great pictures! I really want to do a Disney cruise sometime...maybe next year?? They will be sailing out of NYC next year, so it's always an option. :goodvibes Flights from Buffalo to NYC are super cheap and an 8-night cruise to the Bahamas would sure be nice. :thumbsup2

SoonerGirl

04-14-2011, 01:54 PM

Ah, Marshall! I have a friend from law school from that neck of the woods. I was born and lived in New Ulm until I was 9.

We could manage to find him a Mauer jersey if you want. We have partial season tickets and get a discount on stuff at the pro shop. Something to think about. Although you can find Mauer jerseys at every Target store around here too.
Was it you that has a son that's a big Percy Harvin fan? I remember someone talking about him in a past TR. I'm so confused with people lately!:confused3

Nope that one wasn't me! We're Adrian Peterson fans though since he went to school at my alma mater :thumbsup2

I might get him a Mauer jersey for his birthday, but that isn't until September. I'll let you know if I have trouble finding one. Thanks for the offer!

I loved this latest update!! I'm getting so excited to go on the Dream myself! We have a Deluxe Family Stateroom w/ Verandah as well so you gave me a nice preview of what we'll have. It looks like a great room.

Disney Mommy 3

04-14-2011, 04:30 PM

Subbing! I love seeing the pics from the Disney Dream, how cool! And I love the pillowcases and the fish extender, so cute!! :goodvibes

hey emma!!! I haven't seen any TRs from you lately...I didn't miss any did I? Last one was your European Vacation...miss reading your stuff...you are almost thru with school,right?

Mndisneygirl

04-14-2011, 05:44 PM

Shawna - Emma's got one going now from her summer trip - including the POLY and Yacht club!! You have to go read it! She has some awesome pictures!!

MEK

04-14-2011, 06:07 PM

I really enjoyed reading all about your arrival and your first few hours on the ship. What a lovely room!

That kid's club is amazing! What the heck - I could play there all day. I am really impressed.

What a great kick-off to the start of your cruise.

Thanks for the great updates!

Jump4Joy8390

04-14-2011, 06:33 PM

Hi Sheree!

I'm loving your TR so far! It's bringing back so many great memories! Congrats on the DVC add-on....I hear it's contagious! Chloe was so excited to see your video and then to read about herself when you mentioned meeting us! Makes us feel like celebrities! :cool2: We really enjoyed meeting you guys, too. Hopefully, we'll meet up with you again someday....

Can't wait to check out the rest of your TR.....

Disney Mommy 3

04-14-2011, 08:44 PM

Shawna - Emma's got one going now from her summer trip - including the POLY and Yacht club!! You have to go read it! She has some awesome pictures!!

Oh good! Thanks Sheree! i will head over there and read all about it!

Mndisneygirl

04-21-2011, 09:53 AM

I know it's been forever since an update, I just have not been motivated to do it! Isn't that awful? I have been enjoying some "work at home" time lately, and getting the house organized and pulling things for my garage sale. So I've been doing things, just not DIS things! I was trying to get my Dolphin Encounter photo CD uploaded so I could post them, but I think I may have a bad CD. Neither my Mac or PC seem to like it much. The PC will read the disc, but I can't copy the pictures. I might scan a couple for you guys to see. They are really cute.

Great pictures! I really want to do a Disney cruise sometime...maybe next year?? They will be sailing out of NYC next year, so it's always an option. :goodvibes Flights from Buffalo to NYC are super cheap and an 8-night cruise to the Bahamas would sure be nice. :thumbsup2
Thanks Meghan - I think everyone should try a Disney cruise! The ship is so wonderful, it almost doesn't matter where you go!!

Nope that one wasn't me! We're Adrian Peterson fans though since he went to school at my alma mater :thumbsup2

I might get him a Mauer jersey for his birthday, but that isn't until September. I'll let you know if I have trouble finding one. Thanks for the offer!

I loved this latest update!! I'm getting so excited to go on the Dream myself! We have a Deluxe Family Stateroom w/ Verandah as well so you gave me a nice preview of what we'll have. It looks like a great room.
Ah, we are big into AP too! DH worked the Vikings games and met his dad one time. Very nice man!
You let me know if you need help with a Mauer jersey.

Oh- I'm glad you could get a preview! It was a really nice room. I had very little to complain about. (I can always find a little something!).

I really enjoyed reading all about your arrival and your first few hours on the ship. What a lovely room!

That kid's club is amazing! What the heck - I could play there all day. I am really impressed.

What a great kick-off to the start of your cruise.

Thanks for the great updates!

Yeah, the whole ship is just amazing and beautiful! I can totally understand that parents say their kids did not want to leave the club! That's why I'd like to take a longer cruise. The kids could spend a day in there, I could enjoy more adult activities and areas! I'll try to get some more updates up soon!

Hi Sheree!

I'm loving your TR so far! It's bringing back so many great memories! Congrats on the DVC add-on....I hear it's contagious! Chloe was so excited to see your video and then to read about herself when you mentioned meeting us! Makes us feel like celebrities! :cool2: We really enjoyed meeting you guys, too. Hopefully, we'll meet up with you again someday....

Can't wait to check out the rest of your TR.....

Hey Corrinne!!! Thanks - isn't it fun to remember? It makes me wish I had something else planned, but that's okay. That DVC! I think they do something to you when you are there and hypnotize you into buying more points! It's addicting!
Oh, Chloe is so sweet! You guys are in our trip quite a bit!! Sarah is quite jealous that you have two more trips planned already and wanted to know if we could go then too. Unfortunately, I had to tell her no. :sad2: And this time I was being totally honest.

We are considering trying to use our points (the ones we're allowed to) for Disneyland Paris in March. That way we could have a few days in Paris with no cost for hotel. Of course, when we add park tickets, it will be more expensive than paying for the hotel!! :laughing:

GoofyWife

04-21-2011, 01:18 PM

Mndisneygirl

04-21-2011, 01:35 PM

I've never cruised so I have two questions - I know some people stay at the Residence Inn and you can leave your car there while on the cruise - but if you don't do that - where do you leave your car - is there a parking area? Also, I really like the look of the rooms with verandas and I noticed that on they offer rooms with verandas on different decks - are some decks better or nicer than others or does it matter? Thanks!

When we drive, we park at the port. They now have a large parking ramp there. It costs $15 per day to park, you pay when you leave. I think a number of the hotels in the area offer the option of leaving your car.

There are a couple different category rooms that have verandahs, so that may play a part in which deck they're on. I think the suites are up on higher decks and probably have bigger verandahs. We liked being a bit higher, but for some people it is more important to be near the decks where they spend more time. The dining rooms are lower on 3 (If I recall off the top of my head), Cabanas and pools are up on the high decks. Kids clubs are on 5. Otherwise, I think it doesn't matter. We booked so late, that we didn't have any options! We were very happy with our location. I like midship - seemed convenient. I would be fine on deck 7 or 8 too! I'd look at the deck plans and see where things are that you might be interestd in being near (or far!). Some people are concerned about being too near noisy places (like having a dance club above your room!).

Hope that helps!

GoofyWife

04-22-2011, 07:12 AM

It does, thanks!

Mndisneygirl

04-22-2011, 10:02 AM

After we delivered a few FE gifts, we wandered toward the Walt Disney Theatre for the 6:15 showing of The Golden Mickeys.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN2988.jpg
We enjoyed the show. At the beginning, while you're waiting they do a "pre-show" with a reporter type lady out in front of the theater and have people walk the red carpet, and she interviews them a bit. They broadcast that inside the theater. It's cute and the little kids are pretty funny when they are asked where they're from etc. They had added some portions and music from Princess and The Frog I think, and from Tangled. Most of the rest was the same. Next time I would probably do something else instead, just so I could enjoy more new things!
Inside the theater:
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There's a few little substitute dwarves!

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http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3025.jpg
this is a cruddy picture - but that's Rapunzel up in the box on the side.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3032.jpg
sing it with me - Beauty and the Beast~ :rolleyes1
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After the show we went shopping a bit - I bought an ornament and some pins. I'll show those later. I kept looking at the D&B cruise bags. So cute, but SOOOO expensive! Did I really need one? I didn't buy one then, but kept looking throughout the cruise. You'll have to wait and see if I got one.

We delivered a few more FE gifts on our way to dinner and then had to wait a while before they opened the doors for seating. I have to learn to take my time going to dinner. No reason really to get there early.
Waiting
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3041.jpg
Such bad lighting - I have to figure out how to use my camera!! Should have had the flash on!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3043.jpg
I love the decor in here - lots of cute details!
We were seated at Table 7
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trying to decide what to order - HA! She's pretty much always gotten chicken strips, or chicken fingers, or chicken tenders, or chicken nuggets...maybe a hot dog.
Cute chairs, but hard to move in and out from the table!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3047.jpg
We were seated a couple tables over from Crush's big screen! He was pretty funny.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3054.jpg

cont. in next post - the food!!!

Mndisneygirl

04-22-2011, 10:27 AM

I ordered an appetizer of truffle pasta pockets, which were amazingly good, the butternut squash soup, which I just wanted to try, since it seems popular everywhere (it was okay - not my thing), and a shrimp pasta dish. It was delicious!!!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3056.jpg
There were a few big shrimp, but a bunch more smaller ones underneath.
DH ordered the potato cheese soup and the veal trio.
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He surprised me with that one, he usually gets a regular steak or filet. He said it was good.
Both of us ordered the brownie cheesecake for dessert.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3058.jpg
Okay, I'm no food critic, but why, oh WHY do they have to always swipe some kind of sauce on the plate and try to make it look artsy? This wasn't so bad because it was fruit (raspberry), but when they do that with a chocolate sauce, oh that is not attractive!!!

My notes tell me that both girls ordered the minnie burger - which is shocking for Sarah! I guess they ate it! I have no pictures!
Paige decided to go with the Dine and Play plan. At about 9 p.m. (for the 8:30 dinner) the CMs from the Oceaneer's club/lab come to the dining room and take whatever kid would like to go play and not sit through the long dinner. You tell the server at the beginning and they bring out the kids' meals early - at about the time you would get an appetizer. So then they can eat and leave, and you can have a nice leisurely dinner. That is a BRILLIANT plan!!! Sarah wanted to wait for dessert - she wanted apple pie! So after dinner (around 10:15!) we took her up to the club for a bit. It was crazy looking back - they never stay up that late at home! But they were so happy! DH and I wandered around the ship exploring a bit. Took a few pictures. I wish we had gone to the adult nightclub section! Those places were down on Deck 4, and we mostly roamed up top on 11 and 12 that night. Oh well - next time right?

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some signs around the pool area
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we couldn't eat another bite, but we'd be back here!!

Looking down at the adult pool
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3063.jpg

These are the "windows" where they are always serving food - sandwiches, pizza, salads etc up on Deck 11. Cars themed, obviously!
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Luigi's - Pizza

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/DSCN3065.jpg
Tow Mater's Grill - Burgers, chicken, YUMMY fries!

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Fillmore's Favorites - wraps, sandwiches, fruits (like sliced melon!) and salad

This area up on deck 11 was a great place to grab a bite while hanging out at the pool or just wandering around. We tended to eat something late afternoon or around 5 since our dinner was not until 8:30. The burgers and fries were really good, the pizza was good, the ice cream - Yumm! you could put chocolate and/or caramel syrup on it, the wraps were good, and Paige loved getting watermelon slices!

Anyway - we went and picked up the girls at around 11. They ask for the password and scan the little wristband device on the kid, and off you go! We got back to the room and discovered the thing I forgot in my hasty rainy packing up from Pop!!
The kids and i had NO PAJAMAS!!!
I forgot to switch them from the little Pop suitcase to the cruise suitcase!!! We had another set in the WDW suitcase, but that was in the car too! DANGIT!
So what did we do? We shopped of course! :laughing:
We raced down to the store (which was open for about 15 more minutes) and bought the girls each a set of cute little PJs. I got a big t-shirt to wear and then DH could have it afterwards. That was some unplanned extra $$ spent!!

Finally to bed a little before midnight! All in all, a great first day on the DREAM!

Tomorrow ~ Nassau, Dolphins and Palo!!! :yay:

RinkyTinkyTinky

04-22-2011, 11:29 AM

MeMom

04-22-2011, 11:50 AM

I would really enjoy seeing the shows.

The brownie cheesecake looks good. http://bestsmileys.com/eating1/10.gif

Mndisneygirl

04-22-2011, 12:37 PM

Hey there! I just found this and I can't wait to read all about your trip! It sounds great so far. We are going on the Dream in October so I'm counting on you to educate me! :laughing:

All your food looked really good. A shrimp pasta dish is one of my favorite meals. I think I will order that for sure! And you have my interest peaked on the next update. I'm hoping you did the dolphin swim at Nassau b/c I'd love to see your pictures! I really want to do something like that. I just don't know if we should do a dolphin excursion through DCL or wait until we get to WDW after the cruise and go to Discovery Cove. The price is about the same but they both have plusses and minuses so I keep going back and forth.

So how did your girls like the kid's clubs? Did they like the Toy Story areas or the lab areas more since they are older?

And another question (sorry so many :rolleyes1), did you get passports or just use birth certificates? The passports are so expensive that I'm hoping the BCs will be fine.

Can't wait for more!!!
Hi! and :welcome: I'm glad you found me! Congrats on going on the cruise! How many days?
We did our Dolphin Encounter at the Blue Lagoon and you can only book it through DCL as an excursion, you can't book directly with Blue Lagoon. They have the encounter, where you get in and do what we did, or you can actually swim with them where they push you out in the water etc. There is also one through Atlantis that my neighbor is doing in May. I'll be telling you about ours in the next couple updates. I've never done Discovery Cove, so I can't compare. One thing is that we didn't have anything else we wanted to do in Nassau, so it was either that or stay on the ship (which a lot of people do).
My kids LOVED the club/lab. They went back and forth between the club and lab, and whenever we went to pick them up, they were in the lab. Now they allow them to go back and forth (they're connected) so the age thing isn't as big of a deal.

We already had passports that we'd gotten from a previous cruise in 2008 when they were first changing the rules. However, you do not need one for DCL. Jenseib just went at the end of March with only birth certificates. As long as the cruise starts and ends in the US, I believe you do not need passports. At least for now...the rules are always subject to change. Kids' passports expire after 5 years too. So unless you are planning another international trip in the next few years, there's no need to spend the money. We are planning Europe next year, so it's a good thing we have them - less $$ to spend on that trip!
Don't be shy about questions! I'll happily answer anything I can!

I would really enjoy seeing the shows.

The brownie cheesecake looks good. http://bestsmileys.com/eating1/10.gif

The shows are so good - very high quality performers - I would say they could be in Broadway shows! Lots of great music!!
Oh anytime you combine cheesecake and a brownie, I'm a happy girl!!

jenseib

04-22-2011, 01:08 PM

Northern Disney Girl

04-22-2011, 03:09 PM

WOW Sheree!!! :cool1: That ship looks SOOOOO amazing!!!!! :woohoo:

I am sooo wanting to try a Disney Cruise sometime! After this trip in August I think are going to wait until 2013 to go back to WDW so may a cruise in 2012???? ;)

The food looks fabulous! Yummers to the max! :yay:

Mndisneygirl

04-22-2011, 03:20 PM

Weird - double post!

RinkyTinkyTinky

04-22-2011, 03:30 PM

Hi! and :welcome: I'm glad you found me! Congrats on going on the cruise! How many days?
We did our Dolphin Encounter at the Blue Lagoon and you can only book it through DCL as an excursion, you can't book directly with Blue Lagoon. They have the encounter, where you get in and do what we did, or you can actually swim with them where they push you out in the water etc. There is also one through Atlantis that my neighbor is doing in May. I'll be telling you about ours in the next couple updates. I've never done Discovery Cove, so I can't compare. One thing is that we didn't have anything else we wanted to do in Nassau, so it was either that or stay on the ship (which a lot of people do).
My kids LOVED the club/lab. They went back and forth between the club and lab, and whenever we went to pick them up, they were in the lab. Now they allow them to go back and forth (they're connected) so the age thing isn't as big of a deal.

We already had passports that we'd gotten from a previous cruise in 2008 when they were first changing the rules. However, you do not need one for DCL. Jenseib just went at the end of March with only birth certificates. As long as the cruise starts and ends in the US, I believe you do not need passports. At least for now...the rules are always subject to change. Kids' passports expire after 5 years too. So unless you are planning another international trip in the next few years, there's no need to spend the money. We are planning Europe next year, so it's a good thing we have them - less $$ to spend on that trip!
Don't be shy about questions! I'll happily answer anything I can!

Thanks for all the info! I had asked Jenseib about the passports too and she told me the same thing you did. I'm just paranoid about it I guess. I'd be soooo ticked if I got there and then couldn't board the ship! :scared1:

I'm having the same issue with Nassau. If we don't do the dolphin swim there, then I don't want to get off the ship. I have NO interest in going into Nassau. I've read too many reviews that say it's a dump and people don't feel safe there. NOT FOR ME!

We booked the 3 night cruise... I wanted the 4 night, but I got our cruise for $1400 (which was a fantastic price for 3 people) and the cheapest 4 night was $800 more... hard to justify spending that much more for just one extra night without an extra port stop. What I REALLY wanted was the 5 night double dip :cloud9::cloud9::cloud9: but they don't offer that in October. :sad2:

So anyway, since we only have 3 nights on the ship, staying on at Nassau would give us more time to do ship activities. I also think we would get more for our money at Discovery Cove (which also includes admission to Seaworld, Aquatica, or Busch Gardens). But on the flipside, I have shipboard credits that I can use to offset some of the cost if we do the dolphin swim in Nassau. And Blue Lagoon lets you take your own pictures and video, but DC doesn't. Big money saver there. See what I mean... back and forth, back and forth. :rolleyes1 I really hope your review of it will help me make up my mind!

What did you think of the 2nd dinner seating? We have that too, but I'm not thrilled about it. It's seems really late to be eating all that food.

Glad to hear your kids liked the clubs. When they start to get a little older, you just ever know what they are going to be too cool for! :rolleyes:

A Dinsey cruise to Europe next year.... :cloud9: You can count me in on that TR too!!! ;)

Lovemy3babes

04-22-2011, 04:12 PM

I love the photo of the girls waiting to go into dinner. They're so pretty Sheree! :) I love the idea of the Dine and Play plan.

momoflizandains

04-22-2011, 05:45 PM

Enjoying your TR...waiting for more. Thanks for sharing!

jenseib

04-22-2011, 05:55 PM

RinkyTinkyTinky

04-22-2011, 07:20 PM

Rinkytinkytinky
We had second seating and were very happy with it. We could see the show and relax a bit if we wanted. if you are running late you can shower for dinner between the show and dinner. I never had a problem eating that late either. I swear the days are so busy that you just don't really realize it is a late dinner. You're more like, "wow time for dinner already"

Yeah I can see how the time would fly by. I guess I just worry about going to bed so full, and after reading your report, I know we will be stuffed! That just doesn't sit too well with me lying in bed, full to the brim now that I am older. :rolleyes1 But we are night owls, so it is possible that we will be up long after 8:30 anyway, just like you were. I hope it will turn out to be a good thing in the end. How can I really complain when I'm on a Disney cruise anyway??? :thumbsup2

Mndisneygirl

04-22-2011, 09:04 PM

Reading this is bringing back the memories. I loved the Golden Mickeys. It was my favorite of the 3 shows. We sat in the balcony each night and I was a liitle sad we didn't enter where all the action was going on, but we can do that next time (and there WILL be a next time! :laughing:)
I love seeing your food. It's nice to see what other options there were.
You are so right about those chairs in Animators. I swear once you sat down it was like the cemented themselves to the carpet.
I think Claire was upt to at least 11 everynight too. We just had so much going on and who wants to sleep with all the fun.
I have forgotten PJ's before too. When I was pregnant for Claire we went to Niagra Falls for a few nights, and I realized I forgot to pack mine. I wasn't huge at that point, but it was still hard finding a big enough shirt to be comfy in. Then when I brought it home and washed it it shrunk a ton. But it was worth it for the time being.

I can't wait to read more and hear your take on the Dolphin Encounter. (though you already told me some of it already! ;))
Thanks! It is fun to read your TR and food TR too and compare notes!
As much as we stayed up late - we still got up fairly early. But we slept SO WELL!! The beds were really comfy and we were just so tired! The kids did really well - never got really cranky from being tired or anything. We were all having too much fun!

WOW Sheree!!! :cool1: That ship looks SOOOOO amazing!!!!! :woohoo:

I am sooo wanting to try a Disney Cruise sometime! After this trip in August I think are going to wait until 2013 to go back to WDW so may a cruise in 2012???? ;)

The food looks fabulous! Yummers to the max! :yay:

It is a very elegant and beautiful ship! I hope you get to go on one someday! Let me know when - maybe we can book too! :laughing:

Thanks for all the info! I had asked Jenseib about the passports too and she told me the same thing you did. I'm just paranoid about it I guess. I'd be soooo ticked if I got there and then couldn't board the ship! :scared1:

I'm having the same issue with Nassau. If we don't do the dolphin swim there, then I don't want to get off the ship. I have NO interest in going into Nassau. I've read too many reviews that say it's a dump and people don't feel safe there. NOT FOR ME!

We booked the 3 night cruise... I wanted the 4 night, but I got our cruise for $1400 (which was a fantastic price for 3 people) and the cheapest 4 night was $800 more... hard to justify spending that much more for just one extra night without an extra port stop. What I REALLY wanted was the 5 night double dip :cloud9::cloud9::cloud9: but they don't offer that in October. :sad2:

So anyway, since we only have 3 nights on the ship, staying on at Nassau would give us more time to do ship activities. I also think we would get more for our money at Discovery Cove (which also includes admission to Seaworld, Aquatica, or Busch Gardens). But on the flipside, I have shipboard credits that I can use to offset some of the cost if we do the dolphin swim in Nassau. And Blue Lagoon lets you take your own pictures and video, but DC doesn't. Big money saver there. See what I mean... back and forth, back and forth. :rolleyes1 I really hope your review of it will help me make up my mind!

What did you think of the 2nd dinner seating? We have that too, but I'm not thrilled about it. It's seems really late to be eating all that food.

Glad to hear your kids liked the clubs. When they start to get a little older, you just ever know what they are going to be too cool for! :rolleyes:

A Dinsey cruise to Europe next year.... :cloud9: You can count me in on that TR too!!! ;)

I'll fill in more details about the Dolphin Encounter soon. But we did end up bringing an underwater camera and not really using it because we were all in the water together. We sucked it up and paid $119 for the photos/album/CD package. You can buy less pictures for less money of course.
Nassau is okay. There have been lots of stories of robberies, but we've only noticed that there seem to be a lot of people milling around. The business/shopping area is okay - very busy and they definitely rely on the tourism business. There's a lot of women asking to braid hair, but are very nice if you say no thanks. The guys are offering rides/tours around the city. On our first trip there, we took a private taxi to Atlantis and just looked around. That's where all the rich people have homes - Paradise Island. I have some pictures coming up from our boat ride to Blue Lagoon that will show the beachfront estates and yachts!!! The straw market - if I were you, I'd avoid it. It is a big building with lots of "booths" for selling handbags and souvenirs. They are more aggressive and want you to buy and will bargain with you. It can be a bit unpleasant unless you are strong about saying no and walking away.
The second dinner seating worked out well for us. I was worried, because that is my kids' bedtime at home! But with all the activities, plenty of food to eat earlier if we were hungry, it didn't phase them at all! Since we stayed up until 11, eating at 8:30 - 9 wasn't too bad. I liked having more time in the afternoon and early evening to finish swimming or whatever before having to clean up for dinner. Otherwise we'd have to quit at 3:30 or so to go shower and change.
I should clarify - next winter we are planning on going to Europe, but no cruise! :( My friend is living in London for a few years, and we are going to stay with them for a while and then go to Paris for a few days. We hope to use our DVC points for Disneyland Paris and be able to stay without more $$ for a hotel (just park tickets!). I'll still do a TR though! Someday I do want to do a Mediterranean cruise and see Italy! Let's hope the US dollar gains again soon!!

I love the photo of the girls waiting to go into dinner. They're so pretty Sheree! :) I love the idea of the Dine and Play plan.

Oh, thank you so much Kelli! The Dine and Play was nice - it gave them the opportunity to enjoy the clubs more and not miss out on other activities, since we were just eating dinner anyway. I think it's genius!!

Enjoying your TR...waiting for more. Thanks for sharing!
Forgive me I don't remember if you've been here yet, so if not - :welcome:
Thank you for reading - I hope it won't be so long between updates now!

Rinkytinkytinky
We had second seating and were very happy with it. We could see the show and relax a bit if we wanted. if you are running late you can shower for dinner between the show and dinner. I never had a problem eating that late either. I swear the days are so busy that you just don't really realize it is a late dinner. You're more like, "wow time for dinner already"

Yeah, I agree.

Yeah I can see how the time would fly by. I guess I just worry about going to bed so full, and after reading your report, I know we will be stuffed! That just doesn't sit too well with me lying in bed, full to the brim now that I am older. :rolleyes1 But we are night owls, so it is possible that we will be up long after 8:30 anyway, just like you were. I hope it will turn out to be a good thing in the end. How can I really complain when I'm on a Disney cruise anyway??? :thumbsup2

It seemed like time was almost unimportant. We wanted to try to get to things at a certain time, but you could decide to eat at 3 pm, swim at 10 am, shop at 11 pm, etc. So normal meal times got very relaxed. We just ate when we were hungry during the day. As much as I ate, I never really ate so much that I was really uncomfortably full. The portions are not really huge, and sometimes I didn't finish everything. But there is a lot of good food to try! You have to walk a lot to get places - it's a big ship after all - so you can walk it off a bit after dinner, even if it's after 10. If you're up late anyway, there's plenty to do and see!
You can always make a request to change your dinner seating and see if they can switch you.
You're right - there is only one thing to complain about on the Disney Cruise - it's not a long enough trip!!

Pluto_fan

04-23-2011, 03:45 AM

I am enjoying your TR SOOOO much, Sheree! :cool1: I would love to do a Disney cruise someday.

I should clarify - next winter we are planning on going to Europe, but no cruise! :( My friend is living in London for a few years, and we are going to stay with them for a while and then go to Paris for a few days. We hope to use our DVC points for Disneyland Paris and be able to stay without more $$ for a hotel (just park tickets!). I'll still do a TR though! Someday I do want to do a Mediterranean cruise and see Italy! Let's hope the US dollar gains again soon!!

Just an FYI, since I read along on the Disneyland Paris board of the DIS...everyone I've read who has looked into using their DVC points for DLP has decided it's not worth it. For the number of points charged, and then they still have to buy park tickets, it's a better deal to book a room & ticket package and pay out of pocket. Some people decide to rent out their DVC points and use that money to pay for the DLP package, so they're not out any extra. It's strange, but then, the DLP pricing is weird. Even people with APs sometimes buy a package with tickets, because it's cheaper than making a room-only reservation with AP discount. :confused3

Can't wait to hear about the dolphin encounter! :banana:

Charleston Princess

04-23-2011, 05:48 AM

Oh, I can't believe you forgot to pack pajamas! :laughing:

Love all the pictures from the show, dinner, and afterwards! So much fun to be had on that boat! I am afraid I would want to eat from morning until night with all those yummy options available! :rotfl:

jenjolt

04-23-2011, 07:40 AM

Oh what yummy looking food!! I'm definitely sold on doing a cruise!! I hope to get on one summer 2012!!!!

YAY for finding PJs!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!

MEK

04-23-2011, 01:16 PM

Your dinner looks like a lot of fun. The food looks yum! What cute theming. I love the dine and play idea. That is a fabulous idea for the kids.

OMG - can't believe you forgot your jammies. That is so something I would do. Oh well - a good excuse for some Disney merchandise.

Mndisneygirl

04-23-2011, 04:03 PM

I am enjoying your TR SOOOO much, Sheree! :cool1: I would love to do a Disney cruise someday.

Just an FYI, since I read along on the Disneyland Paris board of the DIS...everyone I've read who has looked into using their DVC points for DLP has decided it's not worth it. For the number of points charged, and then they still have to buy park tickets, it's a better deal to book a room & ticket package and pay out of pocket. Some people decide to rent out their DVC points and use that money to pay for the DLP package, so they're not out any extra. It's strange, but then, the DLP pricing is weird. Even people with APs sometimes buy a package with tickets, because it's cheaper than making a room-only reservation with AP discount. :confused3

Can't wait to hear about the dolphin encounter! :banana:
Wow, thanks for the info Pluto! I will have to look into that. We'd have to borrow a few points to stay as long as we want anyway. Heck, you're in Europe - maybe they'll get back over there again - do a Med cruise!!! It doesn't look like they're doing any this summer after May or so.

Oh, I can't believe you forgot to pack pajamas! :laughing:

Love all the pictures from the show, dinner, and afterwards! So much fun to be had on that boat! I am afraid I would want to eat from morning until night with all those yummy options available! :rotfl:

It seems there must be something forgotten every trip! At least it was something that could be replaced easily. Not like glasses or something!

There is so much food available and it's all GOOD!!! The saving grace is that you have to walk around a lot to get it, so you burn some of it off!!

Oh what yummy looking food!! I'm definitely sold on doing a cruise!! I hope to get on one summer 2012!!!!

YAY for finding PJs!!!!!

Can't wait to hear more!

Jen- you know they are going to be sailing out of Galveston soon!!! That can't be too far can it? The Caribbean is awesome for cruising!! Great weather (except during hurricane season!) THey even have a great gym (not that I ever used it), so you can keep up with your great routine!!

Your dinner looks like a lot of fun. The food looks yum! What cute theming. I love the dine and play idea. That is a fabulous idea for the kids.

OMG - can't believe you forgot your jammies. That is so something I would do. Oh well - a good excuse for some Disney merchandise.

You know, there are just some things that Disney does better than anyone! Decor, theming and taking care of kids are just few of them. I think even the food has improved. When we sailed on the Wonder (twice in 2009), I was not nearly as impressed with the food. It was good, but the Carnival food was better. Now, this ship, I thought was much improved!
I had planned to buy plenty of Disney merchandise - PJs were not on the list!! It was a bit annoying to me only because we had two other sets of PJs in the car!!!

Mndisneygirl

04-24-2011, 12:00 PM

HAPPY EASTER, EVERONE!!!!!!!!! I wanted to put a cute picture here but I can't copy any on this dumb iPad! Oh yeah, it's the coolest thing ever- not! Not for people who type normally and use a mouse ! Grr! Well happy Easter anyway!

MEK

04-24-2011, 03:16 PM

jenseib

04-24-2011, 07:21 PM

Happy Easter to you too!!!!!!

Mndisneygirl

04-26-2011, 01:43 PM

WE PASSED ROFR!!!!!
MORE DVC POINTS ARE OURS!!:cheer2::yay:

SoonerGirl

04-26-2011, 02:55 PM

Congratulations!!!!! :banana::banana::banana:

Native NYer

04-26-2011, 03:08 PM

Congrats!:banana:

MeMom

04-26-2011, 06:03 PM

WE PASSED ROFR!!!!!
MORE DVC POINTS ARE OURS!!:cheer2::yay:

Very nice! :dance3:

jenseib

04-26-2011, 07:05 PM

WE PASSED ROFR!!!!!
MORE DVC POINTS ARE OURS!!:cheer2::yay:

:dance3:

RinkyTinkyTinky

04-26-2011, 07:07 PM

Very awesome!!! :yay:

Charleston Princess

04-27-2011, 04:33 AM

Hurray for getting more points officially!!! :banana::banana:

GoofyWife

04-27-2011, 07:40 AM

I love how much information you can learn on these trip boards - storing it all up for my cruise in the next year or so! BTW, your daughters are beautiful! I read that you want to do a Med cruise - may daughter did one about four years ago right after she graduated high school - she went with her girl scout leader and daughter (the mother is really well traveled and helped them plan this trip as "frugally" as possible!); they went to England and Scotland (which my daughter wanted to visit) and then went on a 3 or 4 day cruise from Italy to Greece and back - she loved it! She really enjoyed the stop at the Greek island, loved Rome, didn't like Athens so much, but she said she would definitely do it again, but longer.

jenjolt

04-27-2011, 07:57 AM

Congrats on passing ROFR Sheree!! That is so awesome!!! WOOT WOOT :cool1:

Mndisneygirl

04-29-2011, 10:51 AM

:rotfl2: Well at least you got one!!!!! I am sure it will get easier (although I have to say that I am still struggling with texting on my iphone - I need to feel the keys - A Sign of my age!)

Happy Easter!
My DH bought the iPad - so technically it's his. There are just some things I find easier to do on a regular keyboard etc. I am a traditional typist, so I really miss having the "WHOLE" keyboard right there.

Happy Easter to you too!!!!!!
Thanks - it was a nice day.
Congratulations!!!!! :banana::banana::banana:

Congrats!:banana:

Very nice! :dance3:

:dance3:

Very awesome!!! :yay:

Hurray for getting more points officially!!! :banana::banana:
Thank you all - I'm excited!!! Now to start planning how to use these points!!!

I love how much information you can learn on these trip boards - storing it all up for my cruise in the next year or so! BTW, your daughters are beautiful! I read that you want to do a Med cruise - may daughter did one about four years ago right after she graduated high school - she went with her girl scout leader and daughter (the mother is really well traveled and helped them plan this trip as "frugally" as possible!); they went to England and Scotland (which my daughter wanted to visit) and then went on a 3 or 4 day cruise from Italy to Greece and back - she loved it! She really enjoyed the stop at the Greek island, loved Rome, didn't like Athens so much, but she said she would definitely do it again, but longer.
These boards are awesome for sure!!
Thank you about my daughters! They clean up well, don't they? :laughing: They do take great pictures - it's they're way of compensating for when they misbehave. It's like no one would believe me if I told them how whiny they were or how much they fight.
What a great experience for your daughter! Before I got married I traveled to England and Scotland to visit a friend who was teaching in Scotland. I definitely got the travel bug then!
Next year we are planning for London and Paris. The med cruise is going to have to wait a few more years. It is so hard, I have so many places I want to go, and I'm impatient. But they are all pricey trips!

Congrats on passing ROFR Sheree!! That is so awesome!!! WOOT WOOT :cool1:
Thanks Jen!!!

jeremysdisneymom

04-29-2011, 11:49 AM

:banana::banana:Yay for more points! Congratulations!

RinkyTinkyTinky

04-30-2011, 09:33 PM

Ok... so we are waiting to hear about what you are planning to do with these new points??? Another cruise maybe??? :surfweb: popcorn:: :rolleyes1

Mndisneygirl

05-09-2011, 01:06 PM

oops

Mndisneygirl

05-09-2011, 01:07 PM

:banana::banana:Yay for more points! Congratulations!
Thanks!!
Ok... so we are waiting to hear about what you are planning to do with these new points??? Another cruise maybe??? :surfweb: popcorn:: :rolleyes1
Well, we don't know! Because we're going to go to Europe next March, we may just bank them and wait to use them. I've been told that cruises are not a good use of points, and I doubt we'd have enough for it anyway. I wish I could use them in Disneyland Paris, but we're not sure.

I want to apologize to everyone for my lack of updates lately! I've been so busy, had a garage sale last week and Mother's day fun and need to get my photos more organized. Working on our dolphin encounter pictures has proven to be more work than it should! Plus I have a few on our disposable waterproof camera that hasn't been developed. So, depending on how this week goes, I will proceed either with or without them and add them later!

So thanks for hanging in there with me! Maybe now I can get rolling again!:)

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-09-2011, 02:11 PM

I want to apologize to everyone for my lack of updates lately!

You don't need to apologize for anything! You are not obligated to post anything here. We are glad that you do, but don't ever feel like you are on a time clock here. I'm am SUPER, SUPER excited to see your pictures, but we can wait! :thumbsup2 Hope you had a great Mother's Day!

jenseib

05-09-2011, 07:54 PM

Take your time. I've been busy too!

Mndisneygirl

05-24-2011, 01:49 PM

Okay so now that a month has gone by between updates, I sure hope you're all still out there! I finally got some dolphin pictures ready!!

We left off when we had to go buy PJs at 11 p.m.!!
FRIDAY MARCH 11
We woke up around 7 and we had not yet reached Nassau. Looking out from our balcony (I love saying that!), we could see the island in the distance, it was warm and sunny already!
We went to Enchanted Garden for breakfast. They seated us, and took drink orders, then we went to the buffet. It was nice, they had Mickey waffles, chocolate croissants, eggs, bacon, sausage and Krispy Kreme donuts! We were all satisfied with that! It was so nice to eat in there - it's like eating in a big solarium!
We must have gone back to the room before our meeting time for the excursion because I took a few pictures from the balcony as we approached and the time stamp is before our meeting time.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3074.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3075.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3076.jpg

We met for our tour in the Buena Vista Theater. It was a pretty organized process, we checked in (one person per family please) got stickers and wristbands for our excursion. There were some other ones there, like the Blue Lagoon Beach Day and Blue Lagoon Dolphin Swim. Basically we were all going to the same place.

While we waited around,
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3077.jpg

look who stopped in!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3081.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3080.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3079.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3078.jpg

He hadn't even bothered to get dressed! I think he was still a little sleepy. He put the arms up on the seats and just plopped down next to Paige! It was so funny!
We ended up leaving the ship about 10:30 and were escorted along the little bridge to the customs building. We walked past, not through it, along the side and turned left to the marina area. We had to wait for a second boat, but it was waiting to pull up. We had a really windy ride out to Blue Lagoon, about 30 minutes.

Looking back at our "home" and a Carnival ship.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3089.jpg

Along the way, we saw some of where the other half lives - beautiful beach front mansions, yachts...Oh, and Atlantis too.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3088.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3104.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3105.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3106.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3108.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3109.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3110.jpg
Not too shabby, eh?

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3090.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3091.jpg
Who wants to see some dolphins???
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3092.jpg
WE DO!!

cont. No really, I will have Dolphin Encounter pictures!!! I promise!

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-24-2011, 02:07 PM

Oh my! Those Goofy pictures are priceless! Pajamas! I :love: it!

That water in Nassau is just calling my name! Gorgeous! I cannot believe you are still dangling that dolphin carrot in front of my nose! :lmao: Shame on you! :rotfl: I'll be right here popcorn:: :surfweb: until you get back!

Mndisneygirl

05-24-2011, 02:10 PM

IT'S DOLPHIN TIME!!!

The first thing we did was gather in a "classroom" and learn about the dolphins and the Blue Lagoon facility and programs they have there. It was interesting, but there was a young toddler who just couldn't behave and it appeared there was only one adult with her and a couple other children. The girl kept fussing and whining and running around and finally the instructor asked if they would step out. Thank goodness!
Anyway, we learned about the dolphins and also spotted a cat who lives there, before going to our encounter area.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3094.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3095.jpg

We were with a couple other families in our little U shaped section. Our trainer was so great - I wish I could remember his name! Very entertaining and funny. We sat around the water with our feet dangling in. The water was COLD!!! They had wetsuits available, but we thought we'd tough it out! One of the other families got them, but said the water was still cold! They were from Texas and we kept seeing them all over the ship! Very nice people - they had three kids, and we must have had similar interests since we were doing the same things!

We took a couple pictures with our underwater disposable camera, but then just bought the package of pictures/album/CD. Unfortunately, I never got the CD to work right, so we just did the redneck thing, and took pictures of the pictures, so I apologize if they are kind of blurry or whatever! They are the ones when we are in the water.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/00000007.jpg
Waiting to get started - notice how Paige looks really excited? Um, that changed as we went along...

Our awesome trainer
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/00000006.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/00000005.jpg

Meet our dolphin friend - Auntie Vee!!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/00000004.jpg
These look like my feet!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/00000003.jpg

That thing in the water to the right is the platform that we would stand/kneel on. Each of the families took a turn to get in the water. I think we went second of the three. They had the adults kneel on the platform. Paige was TERRIFIED! The water was really cold and she was kind of being moved, swaying around in the water. Then she was really nervous about being that close to a big dolphin! She survived, and even managed to smile, but she had to hang on to one of us for dear life!
The first thing we did was get together and get the "kiss" picture.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0262.jpg

Then we each got to hug and kiss Auntie Vee.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0263.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0264.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0265.jpg
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http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0267.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0268.jpg
As you can see, Paige opted out of the kissing. She sort of hugged with me.
When Dave kissed the dolphin, he said "she tastes salty". The trainer gave a command and Auntie Vee splashed Dave!

Then we got to feel her teeth and rub her belly. We learned that dolphins have belly buttons, they can make a "lovely" noise with their blowhole (think gas). We also got to dance with her and feed her a little fish.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0269.jpg
feeling her teeth - Paige looks thrilled, doesn't she?

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0270.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0271.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0272.jpg
just a little freaked out!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0273.jpg

Dancing time
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0274.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0275.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0276.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0277.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0278.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/IMG_0279.jpg

All in all, we had a great time! We had to wait for our pictures and album to be ready, so we just roamed around and looked in the gift shop. We saw lots of dolphins in the water penned areas. We could see a bit where they were doing the dolphin swim too. That looked cool. We got our album right before the boat came. I will have a couple more pictures of the area in the next post. We left the Blue Lagoon about 1:15 and headed back to port.

Mndisneygirl

05-24-2011, 02:23 PM

Here's a few more pictures from Blue Lagoon.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3103.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3101.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3100.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3099.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3098.jpg

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3096.jpg
Yup, we had fun!!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3111.jpg
We stopped in the Tortuga Rum store and picked up some rum cakes before heading back onto the ship about 2:30.

This was inside that customs building we went through on the way back to the ship.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3115.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3116.jpg

We now have three pictures like this!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3117.jpg
But only one like this:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3118.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3119.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3120.jpg
I love that - Welcome Home!

We found these in our room:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3121.jpg
It's Pirate Night!! Here's a bandana for each of us, and an invitation to the Pirate parties and fireworks!

We went up to Deck 11 to get some food where all the windows are (Flo's V8 cafe). We tried pizza, a ceasar wrap, fries, ice cream etc. OH MY, the fries were so good!!!
We tried to do the Midship Detective Agency game, but the kiosk wasn't working, so we thought we'd try some other time.
We went to the 4:00 show of Villains Tonight since we were going to Palo at 6:30 and would miss the show otherwise. It was pretty fun, sort of an odd storyline, but the guy who plays Hades (from Hercules) was HYSTERICAL!!! Having not seen Hercules, we didn't know initially who he was, nor did we recognize Pain and Panic, but we figured it out from the context. Now that I've seen the show, I could skip it if I did another short cruise, mostly so I'd have time to do other things that I didn't do this time.
After the show, we were able to get the Detective Agency Badge and did 2 parts to it. It involves running around the ship and looking for clues that are hidden in some pictures and things. It's pretty cool, and Sarah loved doing it.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3142.jpg

We told her she could finish another time since we had someplace special to go...Dinner for two at Palo!!!!

SO we dropped the kids off at the club and told them we'd be back to get them for dinner at 8:30.

Up Next - Palo and Enchanted Garden - Two dinners???? Are you kidding me??????

jeremysdisneymom

05-24-2011, 02:45 PM

Wow, love the update! The dolphin experience looks like so much fun! The water in Nassau is just beautiful.

Can't wait to hear about Pirate Night!

jenseib

05-24-2011, 02:51 PM

You had the same trainer that we had too! he was great and funny.

And some of your island pictures are ones I took too (and are lost on the lost card).

I had the same thoughts about Villains tonight too. I'm glad I saw it once, but I don't care if I see it again or not. That guy was really funny though. He was Claire's favorite...and he was the Genie the next night and he was good in that part too.

I love your dolphin pictures. You should email them and see if the ycan get you another CD that works. I would be mad if I couldn't get it to work after paying all that money.

manntra

05-24-2011, 03:06 PM

So happy that you enjoyed your time with the dolphins!! So much fun! I have many of the same pictures of the mansions and yachts on the way out to the island ;)
Ughhh I would contact them also and see if they can send you another CD.....the excursion and the pictures aren't cheap!!
Mmmm looking forward to your Palo dinner :thumbsup2 And you have me wondering if I could eat back to back dinners :confused3;)

Tracy

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-24-2011, 03:12 PM

Disney Mommy 3

05-24-2011, 03:40 PM

Loved the pic of y'all feeling her teeth...look at Paige's little hand!! :rotfl: She is not even close!! yeah...she looked a little tad afraid, did she not?! Bless her heart! Love the pictures and update!!

Lovemy3babes

05-24-2011, 04:07 PM

Goofy in his pjs is hilarious!! Ha! :)

Look at all those huge mansions! Wow!

Your pictures are great Sheree! How neat to get so close to a dolphin. What an experience for sure!

kid-at-heart

05-24-2011, 04:27 PM

Wow, the Dolphin gig looks like it was a lot of fun. I will add that to my someday wish list. OT regarding the Dolphin experience, but I wanted to say, I love your hair style. It makes you look like your entire face is smiling.

:goodvibes

Native NYer

05-24-2011, 05:14 PM

Great update! Your report is tempting me to book a cruise!
The dolphin encounter looks like fun. My nephews did one while they were at Harborside (the timeshare next to Atlantis). My older nephew(7) LOVED it, and the little one (2) couldn't get out of the water fast enough. :rotfl:

The whole detective agency thing sounds like so much fun!
Can't wait to hear about your Palo dinner.

MEK

05-24-2011, 09:46 PM

I love your picture, even if they are copies. All the poses are so cute and it looks like so much fun! It must cool to be that close to a dolphin. Looks like a great way to spend the morning.

Two dinners???? I sort of remember you saying you were going to do this. I can't wait to hear about dinner at Palo. I am sure it was wonderful.

Fun update. Looking forward to more.

Northern Disney Girl

05-24-2011, 09:56 PM

Way wicked updates Sheree!!!!! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 Double Thumbs up for you Girl!!!!! :cool1:

Poor Paige - she looked sooo totally freaked out by that dolphin!!! :eek: I am not sure how I would do to be honest - I love me some dolphin - have even touched one - but not so sure I would enjoy being smooched by one! ;) I will have to try it someday!! :)

Nassau (or at least the Blue Lagoon area) looks sooo beautiful! That Detective Agency thing sounds like something my kids would love too! Glad you guys got to try it!

Thanks again for driving over to meet me! It was sooo nice to se you again! How was your cheesecake?? What kinds did you get?? I had a piece of Key Lime and it was delish!!! Yummers to the Maxx!!! :cheer2:

Can't wait to hear all about your romantic dinner for 2!!! ;)

Charleston Princess

05-25-2011, 06:40 AM

Hi, Sheree!!! Nice to see you back on the DIS! :goodvibes

Love all the dolphin pictures! What a great experience to get to hug and kiss one!!!

That Goofy!!! I think I will follow his lead and not get dressed for awhile. :lmao:

Mndisneygirl

05-25-2011, 10:59 AM

Wow, love the update! The dolphin experience looks like so much fun! The water in Nassau is just beautiful.

Can't wait to hear about Pirate Night!
Thanks! It was a fun time - I wish it was longer, but that water was cold!! It is very pretty in some areas! Pirate Night - I hate to say it, but we did miss a good portion of the activities!

You had the same trainer that we had too! he was great and funny.

And some of your island pictures are ones I took too (and are lost on the lost card).

I had the same thoughts about Villains tonight too. I'm glad I saw it once, but I don't care if I see it again or not. That guy was really funny though. He was Claire's favorite...and he was the Genie the next night and he was good in that part too.

I love your dolphin pictures. You should email them and see if the ycan get you another CD that works. I would be mad if I couldn't get it to work after paying all that money.
Funny that we had the same guy! If you want to copy any of my pictures, you are welcome to! I still feel bad about your lost card every time I see your TR and you say, well there WERE pictures, but they were on that card! :(
The guy who played Hades and Genie is definitely one of their top talents.
I might just email Blue Lagoon about the CD - but Dave put it in the DVD player and you can see the pictures just fine that way. I guess it's good that way! Maybe I'll try a different computer (PC) that works better too.

So happy that you enjoyed your time with the dolphins!! So much fun! I have many of the same pictures of the mansions and yachts on the way out to the island ;)
Ughhh I would contact them also and see if they can send you another CD.....the excursion and the pictures aren't cheap!!
Mmmm looking forward to your Palo dinner :thumbsup2 And you have me wondering if I could eat back to back dinners :confused3;)

Tracy
I guess we all wanted to see how the other half lives! I wonder how much those places cost??
Well, Palo was definitely a highlight of our trip.
Now I didn't say I actually ATE two dinners, now, did I??? ;)

Love the dolphin pictures! I can't believe Paige was scared! That has me wondering if my DD will chicken out on me. :idea: I hope not. But between the COLD water and a VERY big animal, she might. She is not very adventurous. Personally though, I can't wait! :hyper: Your pictures around the island are great. Do you think it is worth hanging around for a while or just going straight back to the boat? I've seen pictures of the beach area there and it had tons of cool blow up water things (like an obstacle course in the ocean). But I haven't heard from anyone who has actually gone over to the beach area.

I'm with Jen, I'd be calling them and asking for a new CD if it didn't work! :headache:
The dolphin encounter was unanimously one of the best things about our whole vacation - even Paige says so!! I bet she will do at least some of it! I hope the water is warmer for you!!
We did look around a little since we had time to kill. I saw the beach, it looked nice enough. The inflatables area was restricted to those who had a wristband that indicated you had to pay for it. I guess it might be part of the Beach Day excursion? But we were free to go to the beach if we wanted to. I wanted to get back on the ship and do more stuff there, knowing we'd have the whole next day at Castaway Cay to enjoy beach time.
Dave reminded me last night that the photo disc worked in our DVD player, so maybe it's okay for that reason. I'd still like to get them on the computer for more backup and options for sharing.

Loved the pic of y'all feeling her teeth...look at Paige's little hand!! :rotfl: She is not even close!! yeah...she looked a little tad afraid, did she not?! Bless her heart! Love the pictures and update!!
She cracks me up! I doubt I will ever be able to figure that girl out. She was very brave as a baby - climbing on things, running into the street etc. She definitely has her own mind about some things. But then she's afraid of quite a bit too. :confused3
She keeps me on my toes guessing!

Goofy in his pjs is hilarious!! Ha! :)

Look at all those huge mansions! Wow!

Your pictures are great Sheree! How neat to get so close to a dolphin. What an experience for sure!

Yeah, Goofy really is goofy! It was a fun surprise!
I've never been a person who loved or was obsessed with dolphins, but that was one of the coolest things I've ever done!

Wow, the Dolphin gig looks like it was a lot of fun. I will add that to my someday wish list. OT regarding the Dolphin experience, but I wanted to say, I love your hair style. It makes you look like your entire face is smiling.

:goodvibes
I hope you get to try it sometime.
You are too sweet! When I read this comment, I thought, wow, what a nice thing to say! You certainly didn't have to say that, but it meant a lot. It made me really happy, so now my face really is smiling! Thank you so much for that! BTW, I need a haircut - so it sure doesn't look as good now! HA!

Great update! Your report is tempting me to book a cruise!
The dolphin encounter looks like fun. My nephews did one while they were at Harborside (the timeshare next to Atlantis). My older nephew(7) LOVED it, and the little one (2) couldn't get out of the water fast enough. :rotfl:

The whole detective agency thing sounds like so much fun!
Can't wait to hear about your Palo dinner.

Oh - I hope you can!!! We love cruising! Although I have to say, budgets being what they are, and my strong desire to travel so much, it looks like a Disney cruise will not happen again any time soon. We're likely to book with another line (GASP!) because it's just SO much different in price! We'll be back to DCL sometime.
I think the really little kids seemed more intimidated but older ones seemed to really take it all in and have fun.
The detective thing was a neat idea - Sarah really enjoyed it.
Palo. Oh Palo. DH and I talked about it last night after he read my update. Now I really miss it. I'll try to do that update soon.

I love your picture, even if they are copies. All the poses are so cute and it looks like so much fun! It must cool to be that close to a dolphin. Looks like a great way to spend the morning.

Two dinners???? I sort of remember you saying you were going to do this. I can't wait to hear about dinner at Palo. I am sure it was wonderful.

Fun update. Looking forward to more.
Thanks Mary Ellen! I guess it's better than nothing, right? It was just awesome!
Well we attended dinner twice. Can't say that we actually ATE twice...
Palo is amazing!!! If you ever go on DCL, I say it is an absolute MUST DO!!

Way wicked updates Sheree!!!!! :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 Double Thumbs up for you Girl!!!!! :cool1:

Poor Paige - she looked sooo totally freaked out by that dolphin!!! :eek: I am not sure how I would do to be honest - I love me some dolphin - have even touched one - but not so sure I would enjoy being smooched by one! ;) I will have to try it someday!! :)

Nassau (or at least the Blue Lagoon area) looks sooo beautiful! That Detective Agency thing sounds like something my kids would love too! Glad you guys got to try it!

Thanks again for driving over to meet me! It was sooo nice to se you again! How was your cheesecake?? What kinds did you get?? I had a piece of Key Lime and it was delish!!! Yummers to the Maxx!!! :cheer2:

Can't wait to hear all about your romantic dinner for 2!!! ;)
Aww, thanks Kim! Wicked is such a cool word isn't it? I had a friend in college from Cape Cod and she said wicked ALL the time!
I've said it before and I'll say it again - the dolphin encounter was GREAT! The scenery and water is just beautiful there!
I really had fun visiting with you - even for a short time! I took home a piece of Oreo and a piece of Carmel Turtle Pecan (or something like that). The Oreo was better, but both were good! I made the kids wait until I got home from work the next day, then we ate them BEFORE dinner!! Key Lime sounds good to me! I'm glad you had a good weekend!

Palo will be in the next update! Another amazing meal!!

Hi, Sheree!!! Nice to see you back on the DIS! :goodvibes

Love all the dolphin pictures! What a great experience to get to hug and kiss one!!!

That Goofy!!! I think I will follow his lead and not get dressed for awhile. :lmao:

Hi Jackie!! I've been reading a lot,but not posting much. By the time I read all my subscriptions, I'm just too tired to update! I have to do my updates first I guess! Now I should have a little more time and can get this thing moving again!
You guys should do a dolphin encounter - I bet Chelsea would LOVE it!

I guess you can just stay in your PJs! Now that school is DONE FOR YOU!!!! Lucky girl! Dare I ask if you've started packing for your trip? When do you leave again?

Pluto_fan

05-25-2011, 12:13 PM

jenjolt

05-25-2011, 12:20 PM

What great updates Sheree!! I have missed you!!! Loved the pictures of Blue Lagoon...just looks stunning!! WOW!!!

I cannot wait to cruise next year, I'm dying to go on one!!!!

Two dinners...with all that good food?????!!!??? Very interested in what you had and how it all turned out!

Mndisneygirl

05-25-2011, 02:28 PM

Great updates, Sheree! :banana:
The dolphin encounter looks like so much fun. :goodvibes I'm not at all a fan of cold water, though! The water around Nassau is so beautiful. I'm looking forward to taking another Caribbean cruise someday! (DH and I went for our 5th anniversary...in 1996! Time flies!)
Thanks Kathy! The water in the Caribbean is definitely warmer. Maybe you could do a dolphin encounter there? So you're celebrating your 10th this year? I think that calls for a cruise, don't you? :laughing:

What great updates Sheree!! I have missed you!!! Loved the pictures of Blue Lagoon...just looks stunning!! WOW!!!

I cannot wait to cruise next year, I'm dying to go on one!!!!

Two dinners...with all that good food?????!!!??? Very interested in what you had and how it all turned out!

Thanks - I'm glad to be back on track with this TR! I hope to do another update in the next day!
It sounds like you are planning to book for next summer? It is so much fun!!! The food is wonderful - it's hard not to eat yourself sick!!
Just wait and see!

MeMom

05-25-2011, 05:52 PM

jenseib

05-25-2011, 09:01 PM

Love the dolphin pictures! I can't believe Paige was scared! That has me wondering if my DD will chicken out on me. :idea: I hope not. But between the COLD water and a VERY big animal, she might. She is not very adventurous. Personally though, I can't wait! :hyper: Your pictures around the island are great. Do you think it is worth hanging around for a while or just going straight back to the boat? I've seen pictures of the beach area there and it had tons of cool blow up water things (like an obstacle course in the ocean). But I haven't heard from anyone who has actually gone over to the beach area.

I'm with Jen, I'd be calling them and asking for a new CD if it didn't work! :headache:

I was just going to say what Sheree already told you, you have to pay to use the blow up things. You can add it on there I beleive, but I don't know if it would be worth it. Well, Claire probably would've liked it, but I wanted to get back and do something else as well. We never did get to tour any of Nassau though, like I wanted to, but we still had fun.

Charleston Princess

05-26-2011, 06:26 AM

Hi Jackie!! I've been reading a lot,but not posting much. By the time I read all my subscriptions, I'm just too tired to update! I have to do my updates first I guess! Now I should have a little more time and can get this thing moving again!
You guys should do a dolphin encounter - I bet Chelsea would LOVE it!

I guess you can just stay in your PJs! Now that school is DONE FOR YOU!!!! Lucky girl! Dare I ask if you've started packing for your trip? When do you leave again?

Chelsea and Connor would be all about a dolphin encounter. When I told the kids I had booked a dolphin tour at Tybee, their first question was whether they would get to touch the dolphins -- sadly, no, it's against the law.

I have started making piles of stuff, if that counts. :laughing: We leave on Monday! :woohoo:

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-26-2011, 08:16 AM

I was just going to say what Sheree already told you, you have to pay to use the blow up things. You can add it on there I beleive, but I don't know if it would be worth it. Well, Claire probably would've liked it, but I wanted to get back and do something else as well. We never did get to tour any of Nassau though, like I wanted to, but we still had fun.

Ok, I was wondering b/c the DCL website says this:

"After your interaction, explore the rest of what Blue Lagoon has to offer before taking the 30-minute return trip back to the ship. Note: Guests booked on the 9:30 a.m. departure will have the option of remaining at Blue Lagoon Beach after the Dolphin Encounter and taking one of the later ferry departures back to the pier."

To me, that sounded like you could stay and go to the beach if you wanted, but I guess since that is a separate paid excursion, you can't? :confused3 I think that is pretty confusing. What else then would there be to do there that wasn't part of a paid excursion? :confused:

jenseib

05-26-2011, 08:58 AM

Ok, I was wondering b/c the DCL website says this:

"After your interaction, explore the rest of what Blue Lagoon has to offer before taking the 30-minute return trip back to the ship. Note: Guests booked on the 9:30 a.m. departure will have the option of remaining at Blue Lagoon Beach after the Dolphin Encounter and taking one of the later ferry departures back to the pier."

To me, that sounded like you could stay and go to the beach if you wanted, but I guess since that is a separate paid excursion, you can't? :confused3 I think that is pretty confusing. What else then would there be to do there that wasn't part of a paid excursion? :confused:

You can go to the beach, you just can't use the blow up stuff.

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-26-2011, 10:59 AM

Ok. They really should clarify that. Thanks for letting me know. It's probably best that I avoid that area altogether if that's the case. I know my DD would want to play on all that stuff if we walked down there, and I don't need that drama. :sad2:

Mndisneygirl

05-26-2011, 12:23 PM

The dolphin encounter is a cool experience for the girls to be able to talk about. :goodvibes
Such a beautiful place!

I've never caught Goofy hanging out in his jammies. Very rare picture! :thumbsup2

So glad I got to get caught up with your report this evening.
They were excited to tell a neighbor about it the other night. She is going on the Dream TODAY! Goofy in jammies - Aren't we lucky? Stay tuned, I have another rare character encounter coming up later!
I'm glad you got caught up too! I hope to keep it moving now - no more long delays!

Chelsea and Connor would be all about a dolphin encounter. When I told the kids I had booked a dolphin tour at Tybee, their first question was whether they would get to touch the dolphins -- sadly, no, it's against the law.

I have started making piles of stuff, if that counts. :laughing: We leave on Monday! :woohoo:
Oh, well at least they can see them!! Piles count for me! I do that before actually putting things in the luggage! Monday will be here before you know it!

Ok. They really should clarify that. Thanks for letting me know. It's probably best that I avoid that area altogether if that's the case. I know my DD would want to play on all that stuff if we walked down there, and I don't need that drama. :sad2:

Yeah, it would be nice to know ahead of time. I don't think I knew they had the blow up stuff there before we went, and the kids did ask and we said no, that wasn't part of our excursion. Plus, you just got to PLAY WITH A DOLPHIN!!! ISN"T THAT ENOUGH???? :laughing: They were fine with that!

Mndisneygirl

05-26-2011, 01:02 PM

While we did the detective agency thing, I snapped a few random pictures.

This is a view from inside a glass elevator
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3123.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3124.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3125.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3129.jpg

Not yet, we'll be here later tonight
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3126.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3128.jpg

So we dropped the kids off at the club and got all dressed up to go to our big date night dinner at Palo!! I could've sworn I took a picture of the entry with the sign, but have no idea where it could be! Well, it says PALO!

We were seated in a cozy round booth that faced the window. We could see Nassau as we sailed away from port! The lights of the city, the sun setting, it was BEEEEEYOUTIFUL! (yes, that's how you spell it when you say it that way!)
Our server was a lovely woman from Argentina - Cecilia. She brought out bread and antipasti.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3143.jpg
I had a glass of wine - Malbec. Very good!
For our appetizers I ordered the Mushroom Risotto with grilled portobello and DH had Tuscan White Bean soup.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3144.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3145.jpg
Sorry the pictures are so orange! lighting and using the flash are just beyond me I guess!
This was the artwork next to our table.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3147.jpg

For our main course - I ordered the lobster ravioli and DH ordered the Filet Mignon.
Here's a good picture of DH's Filet
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3152.jpg

And here's a not so good picture of my ravioli
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3150.jpg

Clearly, the flash was helpful!

Our charming server took this for us
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3153.jpg

Me with our charming server Cecilia
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3154.jpg
Seriously, ask for this server if you can! She was amazing - helpful, sweet, not too overbearing, but there when we needed her!

Of course, we had to have dessert!! I had heard so much about the chocolate souffle at Palo, we already knew we'd be getting that! We also tried the Tiramisu. We shared. Oh. My. Gosh!!!!! WOW! Melt in your mouth scrumptulescent good! (my co-worker uses that word. It's real!)
The souffle with white and chocolate sauces - another cruddy picture.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3155.jpg

The tiramisu
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3156.jpg
I've tried a lot of tiramisu before and I almost always like it, but NOTHING I have ever eaten compared to this, this...slice of heaven!!! I may never order it anywhere else again! (eh, maybe)

This was definitely a highlight of the cruise for me. It was quiet, but not TOO quiet, beautiful and elegant. DH and I had so much fun there and the food was perfect! For the cost (I think it was $20 per person) we more than got our money's worth!! We probably ate $200 worth of food!

Here's a picture I copied from the DIS to show the tables. On the right is right next to the windows. We were in a curved booth up to the left. You can see the artwork way in the back where our table was.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/600-Palo2.jpg

I wish I could go on another Disney cruise soon just to go to Palo again! It will be a must do for us in the future!!

When we finally decided we should leave before they kicked us out, we rolled ourselves to the door and picked up the kids at about 8:05. They were both playing games and had made some friends. Paige had made cookies too!

Disney Mommy 3

05-26-2011, 01:16 PM

That looks amazing!! And what a great picture of you and Dave!! It's beautiful!!! I am glad it was all that you hoped it would be...made me hungry! LOL

jenjolt

05-26-2011, 01:54 PM

WOW okay if I wasn't completely sold on a cruise that review did it for me!! Palo sounds and looks amazing...I have always wanted to try a souffle before...I'm going to get one LOL!!!!

Another amazing review Sheree!! Can't wait for more!!

Northern Disney Girl

05-26-2011, 02:52 PM

WOW!!!!! What an amazing meal!!! You two look sooo adorable!! So snazzy in your dress up clothes!! That dessert looks positively sinful! I would go to Palo just for that! Yummy! :)

Lovemy3babes

05-26-2011, 04:10 PM

Oh yum! Your food sounds like it was delicious. Great picture of you two. :)

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-26-2011, 04:33 PM

Well don't you two look all fancy! Very nice picture, and your dress is beautiful! The food looks really good too! I am a huge fan of tiramisu so I am drooling over your description and picture! :cloud9: Sounds like a wonderful evening! I bet the view was absolutely awesome too!

jenseib

05-26-2011, 08:43 PM

You look fabulous!!!!
I have always said I would never eat at Palo because it wasn't included, but lately I keep reading about it...and I might change my mind! ;)

MNTwinsMom

05-26-2011, 10:34 PM

Great cruise updates. Goofy in his pajamas is awesome! One of those moments you could only get on a Disney cruise! I love hearing about how Disney continually impresses people by offering unexpected "plusses" to their vacations.

I appreciate the dolphin encounter info. I have a dolphin-lover in our family, but I don't think he'd be up for swimming with them yet. What you did looks more his speed. The boat ride from Nassau looked fun too! I'm trying to decide if I should fit in a Sea World day on our next trip to Orlando or wait until he can see dolphins for the first time in a more natural setting. (So far his only dolphin experience is with the MN Zoo dolphins . . . so basically just watching them swim around a concrete tank.)

I am in no-way a foodie, but your description of Palo makes me want to add it to my Disney Bucket List! Looked like an incredible date night.

Pluto_fan

05-27-2011, 01:42 AM

Ooh, you two look lovely! :lovestruc
And the food...WOW! I think tiramisu is DH's favorite food in the whole world. Whenever he eats it at a restaurant he always loyally says mine is better (which it's not), but I think this would change his mind! :laughing:

jeremysdisneymom

05-27-2011, 12:52 PM

You and hubby look wonderful for Palo! Palo looks so nice and the food looks wonderful. So glad you had a nice evening!

So, are you going to leave us hanging? Did you have another dinner?

Mndisneygirl

05-28-2011, 09:12 AM

Good Morning!!! I hope you are all going to have a good holiday weekend and good weather too!!

I'll be back to do responses and an update but I had to share this with you.
Last night we had tickets to the Twins game. It was kind of cool and damp (it had rained on and off during the day) and I didn't want to go. So Dave took Sarah and went.
They finally came home around 11:30. Twins lost (again -the bullpen blew a 5-0 lead).

This is what they brought home.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/DSCN3970-1.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/DSCN3971.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/DSCN3972.jpg

Isn't that cool?? They have a big Mickey statue at the ballpark too that we've taken pictures of as well. I love how Disney has teamed up with Major League Baseball! Apparently there is a series of 6 pins. But they're $10 each, so we only got two. Next game, I will be collecting more!

And yesterday Paige had a garage sale at school. They could sell and buy small items. She brought me home a small plush Minnie Mouse that is dressed as a Rock n Roll Princess!!! I've got these kids trained well, haven't I? :laughing:

Mndisneygirl

05-28-2011, 09:31 AM

That looks amazing!! And what a great picture of you and Dave!! It's beautiful!!! I am glad it was all that you hoped it would be...made me hungry! LOL
Aw thanks! It was pretty cool!

WOW okay if I wasn't completely sold on a cruise that review did it for me!! Palo sounds and looks amazing...I have always wanted to try a souffle before...I'm going to get one LOL!!!!

Another amazing review Sheree!! Can't wait for more!!
You must book your cruise and go to Palo Jen! I KNOW you would love it!!!
Thanks - more is on the way. Although won't you be at WDW soon??? You should be packing girl!!

WOW!!!!! What an amazing meal!!! You two look sooo adorable!! So snazzy in your dress up clothes!! That dessert looks positively sinful! I would go to Palo just for that! Yummy! :)
Thanks Kim! WE don't dress up much. Dave wears a tie about once a year! You certainly don't have to dress up that much, although they recommend men wear a tie or a jacket. I think you could go just for dessert, wouldn't be quite as well worth the money then. But we debated doing that if the times required it. Like if we could only get in at 9:30 or something. I just really wanted to go!

Oh yum! Your food sounds like it was delicious. Great picture of you two. :)
Oh, it was! I wish I could have some tonight! My neighbor and her daughter are on the Dream right now and I can't stop thinking about them.
Thank you - we don't get a lot of pictures of the two of us, since one of us is usually behind the camera. That's the nice thing about the cruise, if you want them to, they'll always take your picture!!! Of course, they want you to use the ship's photographers and pay for them...

Well don't you two look all fancy! Very nice picture, and your dress is beautiful! The food looks really good too! I am a huge fan of tiramisu so I am drooling over your description and picture! :cloud9: Sounds like a wonderful evening! I bet the view was absolutely awesome too!
Yeah, good thing you can still recognize us, eh? HA! Thank you. I love that dress. I bought it in 2008 for our first cruise when we went on Carnival and there were two formal/semi formal nights. I'm just thrilled it still fits! When you cruise, you should see if you can get the tiramisu even if you don't go to Palo. Sometimes they can do that. It was AMAZING!!! Dave and I still talk about that place and the evening there.

You look fabulous!!!!
I have always said I would never eat at Palo because it wasn't included, but lately I keep reading about it...and I might change my mind! ;)
Thanks Jen!!
I thought the same thing - why pay more when there's all this other food. But OH MY!!! It's a pretty small amount of money to add on for that food. Seriously, it would easily be a $200 meal at a nice restaurant at home.
I think you and Skip would deserve (and love) a nice little date on your next cruise, don't you???

Great cruise updates. Goofy in his pajamas is awesome! One of those moments you could only get on a Disney cruise! I love hearing about how Disney continually impresses people by offering unexpected "plusses" to their vacations.

I appreciate the dolphin encounter info. I have a dolphin-lover in our family, but I don't think he'd be up for swimming with them yet. What you did looks more his speed. The boat ride from Nassau looked fun too! I'm trying to decide if I should fit in a Sea World day on our next trip to Orlando or wait until he can see dolphins for the first time in a more natural setting. (So far his only dolphin experience is with the MN Zoo dolphins . . . so basically just watching them swim around a concrete tank.)

I am in no-way a foodie, but your description of Palo makes me want to add it to my Disney Bucket List! Looked like an incredible date night.
Thanks! I agree, even though I don't know when I'll be able to afford another Disney cruise, they do find lots of little ways to make it special and above expectations.
The dolphin encounter was really fun, and I thought it was worth the money, although a little short for time with the dolphin. This didn't bother me too much, since the water was cold! My girls would not have enjoyed it as much if they were a few years younger, but they were more afraid to do things then, so I guess it depends on the child. It is so much cooler than just watching a show! But maybe a nice first step would be Sea World. My friends are swimming with dolphins at Atlantis on their cruise (well, they were supposed to do that yesterday) so I'll be anxious to hear how that was!

I'm no foodie either, although I love food, (no kidding!) and trying new things. It was just perfect. Putting that date in the middle of our family vacation was so great! Just what we needed. Definitely put it on your Bucket List!!! I'm putting it back on mine again! HA!

Ooh, you two look lovely! :lovestruc
And the food...WOW! I think tiramisu is DH's favorite food in the whole world. Whenever he eats it at a restaurant he always loyally says mine is better (which it's not), but I think this would change his mind! :laughing:
Thanks!
Oh, get your DH to Palo and see what he says! And then send me some of your tiramisu! Sounds like I should try it!!!

You and hubby look wonderful for Palo! Palo looks so nice and the food looks wonderful. So glad you had a nice evening!

So, are you going to leave us hanging? Did you have another dinner?

Thanks! I really think Disney hit the nail on the head by including places like Palo for adults only. Just beautiful and elegant and a nice break from all the "kid" stuff.
No, I'm not going to leave you hanging!! Update coming up!

crzyred

05-28-2011, 09:41 AM

Everything looks so fun! The dolphin encounter looks amazing.
Love the Mickey pins! Where is that Mickey statue at the stadium? I just may have to find that in Aug.

Mndisneygirl

05-28-2011, 09:42 AM

Enchanted Garden

Well, even though DH and I were rather stuffed, we still needed to feed the children. Aren't we good parents? HA!
We headed to the beautiful Enchanted Garden. This dining room is made to look like you're dining in a solarium with beautiful flowers and a lovely water fountain in the middle. We had a round booth when we had breakfast there, but for dinner we were seated at a four-top off to one side.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3127.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3130.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3164.jpg

Here are some shots of the menu:
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3132.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3133.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3134.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3135.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3136.jpg

The menu was actually posted outside the dining room and I took those pictures earlier in the day when we were roaming around.
While the kids were at the club, they got some pirate tattoos and face paint for pirate night. Goes great with their dresses, don't you think?
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3166.jpg
sitting on a bench outside the entry.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3167.jpg
Arrrgh Matey! (those are our hooks!)
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3159.jpg

cont. in next post

Mndisneygirl

05-28-2011, 10:06 AM

Enchanted Garden continued...

SO I looked at that amazing menu and thought, I HAVE to try something! Our server, Mirchea was running around like a crazy man. He is so funny. He told us that with the new ship and rotating dining he has had to learn where the tables are located in each dining room. It sounded tricky. Since the dining rooms are all laid out so differently I can understand.
Dave didn't order anything.
Sarah got the usual chicken strips, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
Paige got pizza and white chocolate cheesecake.
Me - I decided just to try the spinach salad. (what was I thinking? I should have had more dessert, but I knew nothing could compare to my new favorite things - souffle and tiramisu!) really, I should have tried the sea scallops. I love scallops! Never make them, just order them! I should have done so in the name of research - to provide a good, complete review for all my loyal readers! My apologies!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3158.jpg
While this was a good salad, it was completely unnecessary for me to eat! It must have sounded good!
Paige's cheesecake
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3162.jpg
Sarah's strawberry shortcake
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3163.jpg
I didn't figure you needed to see chicken strips and pizza!!

It seemed to be a pretty quick meal (considering DH and I didn't really eat, I guess it was) and we were out of there by 9:15.
We had missed the early pirate party, but that was okay. They had a Pirates in the Caribbean celebration at 7:45 - 8:05. They were going to do the Buccaneer Blast (fireworks show) at 10:30 and we definitely wanted to see that. But first, we swung through the atrium to meet our pirate friends!!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3168.jpg
Okay, it's not a pirate, but Admiral Donald is always in the atrium!

There was a short line for Mickey and then we saw Chip and Dale. DH got in line for Minnie and we "barely" caught up to him while he was having HIS picture taken with her!!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3170.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3171.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3172.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3174.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3175.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3177.jpg
Since DH was getting his picture when we got there, the CMs were nice enough to let the girls jump in and get a picture quick. I sort of felt like we were cutting the line, but no one objected (that I noticed!) and we were very quick about it.
DH's picture was only with the ship's photographer and we didn't end up buying it, so you'll have to take my word for it - it was really cute!!!

We headed up to see the fireworks from Deck 11 or 12. It was really windy and had to wear jackets up on Deck 12! But the fireworks were great. Then Captain Jack Sparrow himself came and dropped down from above (by one of the stacks) and they had more entertainment and dancing. It was fun, but we were pretty tired from our long busy day!
Apparently we didn't take any pictures of the party or fireworks (I've all but given up on trying to get good fireworks pictures until I learn to use my camera better!)
We headed back to our cabin and found this little guy.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3178.jpg
It was after 11 by the time we went to bed. All in all, I'd say it was one of our BEST DAYS EVER!:cheer2:

Northern Disney Girl

05-28-2011, 12:03 PM

what an awesome evening! :cool1: Sooo much food!!! My goodness! :rotfl: Looked like a pretty fantastic day to me!! Glad you had a good time! :)

Charleston Princess

05-29-2011, 04:00 AM

Palo does sound out-of-this-world delicious!!! I love tiramisu, so I can only imagine how good yours had been! Yum!

Lovely picture of you and DH, and I love the girls in their dresses and pirate make-up with all the characters for Pirate Night.

Pirate Night sounds like a blast!!! :goodvibes

I love the Twins pin with Minnie and the hot dog! That's why I like to go to baseball games -- for hot dogs and getting to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the seventh inning stretch. :lmao:

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-29-2011, 07:49 AM

The Enchanted Garden menu looks really good! I think I will go with the scallops myself! I love scallops too, but never cook them at home. You'd think the best ones are served at a seafood place but the best I've ever had by far were served at a Japanese Hibachi restaurant like Teppan Edo!!! YUM!

Love all the characters in their pirate costumes! How in the world will we get it all done! How do you eat dinner, see a show, go to Pirate Night, and meet the characters! :laundy: Am I wrong.... is there no theater show on Pirate Night? I don't know how you could do it all if there was! I think this where the 4 night cruise would have it's advantages! :thumbsup2

The girls look very cute in there pirate stuff, even with dresses on! Hey, it just looks like they were headed to a nice dinner when the ship was taken over! :laughing:

jenseib

05-29-2011, 06:40 PM

The scallops were pretty good. you shoud've got them! :rotfl: But I'm not an expert either.

I keep calling the 1st show the Buccaneer blast, but that was Pirates IN the Carribean party. I don't know why I keep mixing them up! :rotfl: We stood on deck 12 in front of the funnel, so we never saw Captain Jack Sparrow. I am kind of disappointed we missed him. We couldn't hear well there either. I will know for the next time.

Love all the characters in their pirate costumes! How in the world will we get it all done! How do you eat dinner, see a show, go to Pirate Night, and meet the characters! :laundy: Am I wrong.... is there no theater show on Pirate Night? I don't know how you could do it all if there was! I think this where the 4 night cruise would have it's advantages! :thumbsup2

:

On the 3 night, Villains Tonight is the show.

RinkyTinkyTinky

05-29-2011, 09:09 PM

On the 3 night, Villains Tonight is the show.

Duh! I just read about that on your TR!!! :rolleyes: Sometimes it is hard for me to keep up with time on these TRs since an entire day of the trip isn't posted all at once. But wow, that seems like a lot to cram into one night! I may need to make up an itinerary for this cruise or I will never stay focused enough to get everything done that I want to do!

MEK

05-30-2011, 02:06 PM

Can I just say that both Palo and the Enchanted Garden look wonderful. Palo sounds like a wonderful experience all the way around. You both look wonderful in your picture!

Yes, I think you should have tried the scallops for research purposes. They sound so good.

The girls look adorable in their pirate faces!

jecskc

05-30-2011, 02:10 PM

We are sailing on the Disney Dream next April and I am super excited. I can't wait to read more and see more pictures !!

Mndisneygirl

05-31-2011, 12:29 PM

what an awesome evening! :cool1: Sooo much food!!! My goodness! :rotfl: Looked like a pretty fantastic day to me!! Glad you had a good time! :)
Oh, most definitely a good time! Reliving it now makes me want to do it again!
But other adventures await!
Palo does sound out-of-this-world delicious!!! I love tiramisu, so I can only imagine how good yours had been! Yum!

Lovely picture of you and DH, and I love the girls in their dresses and pirate make-up with all the characters for Pirate Night.

Pirate Night sounds like a blast!!! :goodvibes

I love the Twins pin with Minnie and the hot dog! That's why I like to go to baseball games -- for hot dogs and getting to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the seventh inning stretch. :lmao:
You'll have to put it on your list of things to do Jackie!
Thank you - it was fun to dress up for a date!
I think Pirate Night can be even more fun if you participate in all the activities. I remember on the Wonder there was a bit more to it. Or maybe we just got to more of it!
The ballgames are fun - more food options than there used to be! We really like our new Twins stadium!

The Enchanted Garden menu looks really good! I think I will go with the scallops myself! I love scallops too, but never cook them at home. You'd think the best ones are served at a seafood place but the best I've ever had by far were served at a Japanese Hibachi restaurant like Teppan Edo!!! YUM!

Love all the characters in their pirate costumes! How in the world will we get it all done! How do you eat dinner, see a show, go to Pirate Night, and meet the characters! :laundy: Am I wrong.... is there no theater show on Pirate Night? I don't know how you could do it all if there was! I think this where the 4 night cruise would have it's advantages! :thumbsup2

The girls look very cute in there pirate stuff, even with dresses on! Hey, it just looks like they were headed to a nice dinner when the ship was taken over! :laughing:
As Jen says - there is the show every night on the 3 day. It's hard to squeeze it all in for sure, but they try to schedule things so that almost everyone can get to the big stuff. I didn't think I'd want to see as much of the characters, but they wear such cute stuff, it's hard to resist. We lucked out and didn't have super long lines. Luckily, they put every event and appearance on the navigator so you can plan what to do.
Ha - that's funny! I had to laugh when I first saw their makeup, but figured, hey, it's a theme night! All in the name of fun!

The scallops were pretty good. you shoud've got them! :rotfl: But I'm not an expert either.

I keep calling the 1st show the Buccaneer blast, but that was Pirates IN the Carribean party. I don't know why I keep mixing them up! :rotfl: We stood on deck 12 in front of the funnel, so we never saw Captain Jack Sparrow. I am kind of disappointed we missed him. We couldn't hear well there either. I will know for the next time.

On the 3 night, Villains Tonight is the show.
Okay, I better go back and try those scallops!!
It is hard to know where to be to see and hear all the stuff going on! Sometimes it's just hard to find a place to stand that's not super crowded!

Duh! I just read about that on your TR!!! :rolleyes: Sometimes it is hard for me to keep up with time on these TRs since an entire day of the trip isn't posted all at once. But wow, that seems like a lot to cram into one night! I may need to make up an itinerary for this cruise or I will never stay focused enough to get everything done that I want to do!
You'll be fine! Just know that it will be busy and if you want to do a lot, you will not be sitting around relaxing much. You just have to make your choices. That's the big problem with the three day! Just not enough hours. But on the plus side, when you do get to bed, you'll sleep like a baby! You'll be super tired and the beds are super comfy!

Can I just say that both Palo and the Enchanted Garden look wonderful. Palo sounds like a wonderful experience all the way around. You both look wonderful in your picture!

Yes, I think you should have tried the scallops for research purposes. They sound so good.

The girls look adorable in their pirate faces!
Thank you! Seriously, I need to go back to eat scallops!!!
The girls had so much fun on this cruise - the kids' clubs really know what they're doing!

We are sailing on the Disney Dream next April and I am super excited. I can't wait to read more and see more pictures !!

Oh, Yay! Are you doing a 3 or 4 day? I'll have more coming up soon. I wish I could go again soon, but I'm determined to do other things too. Plus I don't have the funds required to do half of what I want yet! I really want to go on a longer cruise. Three days is just too dang short!

Momof2Disneyboys

05-31-2011, 12:59 PM

Lovemy3babes

06-01-2011, 02:24 PM

Well, even though DH and I were rather stuffed, we still needed to feed the children. Aren't we good parents? HA!

This made me laugh out loud. It's soooo my humor! :lmao:

What a lovely night! Dinner and fireworks. Perfect. :goodvibes

Mndisneygirl

06-01-2011, 09:20 PM

Sheree!! :cool1: How did I miss this TR this far?????

:confused3

I'm so sorry! I was out of the loop there for awhile and must have missed when you started it.

Great TR!! :goodvibes Love all the pics. It looks like the cruise was wonderful! :cloud9:

We are trying to decide between a cruise, going to DL, or somewhere else for 2013 - our 15th anniversary.

Can't wait to read more! :yay:
LOL! Don't feel bad! I should have sent you a special invitation!!! Now you've got your PTR going - busy busy!
I think you should do the cruise. It is SO worth it!!!! But make sure you do longer than a 3 day. That's just ridiculously short. So start saving cuz they ain't cheap!

This made me laugh out loud. It's soooo my humor! :lmao:

What a lovely night! Dinner and fireworks. Perfect. :goodvibes

Yeah, we're always thinking about the kids! I'm glad you get my humor.
It was a great night. One more big day left on the cruise! :upsidedow

Monny2AE

06-02-2011, 08:38 PM

stayhomemom77

06-09-2011, 01:38 PM

Just found you.

I have no idea why it took me this long.

Sorry.

Going back to read now.

:thumbsup2

Mndisneygirl

06-09-2011, 02:56 PM

Finally catching up!

Blue Lagoon... :cloud9: I think I want to live there now after seeing those pics. Just breathtaking.

And lay off the food pics for a while will ya!! :laughing: Palo and Enchanted Garden look scrumptious!

I love that you took so many pics of the ship decor. Disney puts such detail into everything!
Plenty of time to catch up. I've been slow lately!
That's the thing. There are so many details to take pictures of! Sorry the food pictures do tend to make one hungry, eh?

Just found you.

I have no idea why it took me this long.

Sorry.

Going back to read now.

:thumbsup2
Hi Julie! :welcome:
You're just lucky I haven't gone on an updating binge yet! We were so busy with yard work and dance recitals last weekend, I had no chance. But I plan to update soon so get all caught up! Sorry I don't do links!

I will post some dance pictures too!

GoofyWife

06-10-2011, 07:26 AM

I love the MLB Mickey pins and the Mickey bobblehead (of course it would be better in Yankee pinstripes, just saying!):rotfl:

MeMom

06-10-2011, 07:41 AM

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Nassau%20March%2011/DSCN3177.jpg

It was after 11 by the time we went to bed. All in all, I'd say it was one of our BEST DAYS EVER!:cheer2:

Great picture! I love Minnie's pirate outfit.

One of your best days ever. Makes me smile. :)

Mndisneygirl

06-10-2011, 01:39 PM

I love the MLB Mickey pins and the Mickey bobblehead (of course it would be better in Yankee pinstripes, just saying!):rotfl:
I'll bet you can get those!!

Great picture! I love Minnie's pirate outfit.

One of your best days ever. Makes me smile. :)

Aww, thanks! The different outfits the characters were the only reason we bothered to stand in line. Plus the lines were short!

So my girls had their dance recitals over the weekend. They did not allow pictures or video during the actual recital, so any pictures on stage were from dress rehearsal. Of course, we had to buy the professional videos too!!

Sarah in action!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Spring%202011/DSCN4004.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Spring%202011/DSCN3997.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Spring%202011/DSCN3983.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Spring%202011/DSCN3982.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Spring%202011/DSCN4015.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Spring%202011/DSCN4021.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Spring%202011/DSCN4042.jpg
Hanging out backstage during recital
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Spring%202011/DSCN4030.jpg

Okay, that's enough of that. They were in different shows, so we got to go twice. They both did great and it was a lot of fun, but took up a lot of time over the weekend.
Now school is out. Yesterday was the last day. I went with the 2nd graders to the park during the day. Today I took the day off and have decided to get this TR rolling again!! It's time for CASTAWAY CAY!!

Mndisneygirl

06-10-2011, 02:05 PM

So we were up and at 'em pretty early. About 7 - 7:30! We were not quite to Castaway Cay yet. It was partly sunny, but our Cruise Director Ray told us the high was expected to be around 70! That's not what I would call great beach weather - Id rather it be 80. But it was still at least 30 degrees warmer than home, and the sun would feel warm.
Paige was ready for a fun day!!
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Sarah wanted to make plans for the day - let's check the Personal Navigator
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Approaching the dock
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We got up and went to Cabanas for breakfast today. It was pretty good. They had lots of donuts! We had fried eggs, fruit, bacon...All good stuff!

We decided to stay on board a bit and swim. There weren't many people in the little Mickey pool. It was cold to me - and breezy on deck. WE went into the spa/hot tub with the glass bottom - that was cool! You could see straight down to the water. It wasn't super hot, and there were a number of kids in there. Or should I say in and out of there! Since we were in the water, I didn't have the camera -so no pictures of that.

The Aquaduck and slide were not open. Too early I guess! Sarah loves the Mickey slide and we probably would have done the Aquaduck too. Maybe not Paige - she was scared.
Sarah and Dave went do do the rest of her Midship Detective Agency and Paige and I met up with them later. We tried to use the phones, but I had a hard time figuring it out! Technology is not my strength! Plus there were no instructions! If I have instructions, I can figure out most anything!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3184.jpg
This is one of the interactive pictures.

So we decided after they were done with their mission, (oh, wait, that's KP at Epcot!), well, whatever...we were going to head to the beach at CC!
But, we weren't sure we were going to get in the water. So we decided to put our suits in a bag and carry them along. We left the ship, and had pictures taken by the ship's photographer out on the dock area with the ship in the background. Of course, none with our camera! I think we bought one of the pictures. I'll have to check.
But I took plenty along the way!
See the guys cleaning?? The real guys, I mean!
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I don't recall if we took the tram or just walked the path down to the beach. But as soon as we got to the family beach area, they wanted to swim. So we went into the restrooms to get changed. Uh, something's missing from the bag...
Mommy forgot something REALLY important!

Sarah's swim suit!!!! Oh, she was so mad!!!! I accepted full responsibility, took a phone and my KTTW card and started the trek back to the ship!!! Good thing they dock right on the island and it's not a tender! I ran into our new friends, Chloe and family, on the way back. I'm sure they saw me coming and thought I was nuts going back so soon!
I hoofed it back to our room, interrupted the room steward for a minute, made sure I had both a TOP and a BOTTOM for Sarah, and headed back out! I definitely had gotten my exercise for the day and was ready to park it on the beach!! I was so thirsty, and sadly, there was no drink waiting for me!
DH had gone and rented floats/rafts for the girls ($6 each for the day). So I waited for a server to come by my beach chair and got myself a pina colava and tried to relax while DH and the girls went into the water. I actually got a little bit sunburned! Oops.
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This is one of the bars

The view from our spot on the beach
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We went and had lunch up at Cookies Too/2. They have added a second location since they expanded CC for the larger volume of guests with the bigger ships. BBQ is the basic them for lunch at Cookies. Ribs, corn, burgers, chicken, mahi mahi, cookies, fruit, chips and ice cream. DH LOVES it!!!

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This is the new Pelican Plunge slide
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Water play area
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We decided to head back to the ship around 2:30 or 3 and go to the pools. I did not buy ANYTHING at CC! Can you believe it?
We got a little treat before leaving the beach though.
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cont.

Mndisneygirl

06-10-2011, 02:10 PM

Shoot, I had more pictures in a reply and they disappeared! I have to go get a hair cut - I'll be back with more later!

Northern Disney Girl

06-10-2011, 03:06 PM

Wow!!! Looks like you guys had a great time on Castaway Cay!! The more I read the more I am convinced that a Disney Cruise WILL be in my future!! :goodvibes

Mndisneygirl

06-10-2011, 04:32 PM

Okay - here's more pictures on the way back to the ship.
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Look who we saw on the dock!!
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We've never seen Max anywhere before! I was pretty psyched about that one!
Wandering through Cabanas on our way back to the pool
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Mine, Mine, Mine!
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So back on the ship the kids went to the pool and Sarah went on the Mickey slide a bunch of times. Paige just braved the crowds in the little Mickey pool. It was super crowded now and the line for the aquaduck was ridiculous!!
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Can you see Paige's head over by Mickey's nose?

A little closer
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Crazy line
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for a fun ride.

This is the other, deeper pool. Not terribly roomy.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3228.jpg

More pictures...

Mndisneygirl

06-10-2011, 04:44 PM

I can't remember if I posted these from Cabanas before or not! So you get them again!

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We went up to the top deck and played mini golf. It was a lot of fun, even though it was windy and busy up there. We had a good time and I'm so glad we took the time to do things on the ship like that. I still felt like we missed so much!

Around 4:30 I think, they had a "see ya real soon" presentation in the atrium.
It was sort of like the good bye thing they did on the Wonder the last night of the cruise. The characters came out for pictures and then they sang a little song.
Each character was announced from upstairs and came down to greet people and have pictures. There were no ship photogs there, just us. We happened to stand where the CM told us that Daisy would be so we were first in line for her!
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The lovely chandelier in the atrium.
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After the show, we got all cleaned up and dressed for dinner before our show. We were hoping to get some nice pictures taken of us all dressed up.
We went to see the new show Believe. Oh my gosh, it is so great! It was my favorite one of all. It's just a great story, and the performers were top notch talented! So sweet!!
We did go stand in a short line to have our pictures taken. I had to make sure the photographer didn't get the girls' feet in the picture. They only had their cheap old flip flops (well, Paige had new pink Mickey ones!). Doesn't go well with the formal outfits and fancy backdrop. Again, this was one we bought, so I'll see if I can scan them in and post them for you.

Up next, our last dinner - Royal Palace!!

MEK

06-10-2011, 08:05 PM

Disney Mommy 3

06-11-2011, 12:40 AM

Awesome update!!!! Looks like a wonderful place to be!!!!!

Charleston Princess

06-11-2011, 06:44 AM

Great dance pictures!!!

Love your day at Castaway Cay -- well, except for having to run back to the room to get the bathing suit. :rolleyes:

MeMom

06-11-2011, 06:51 AM

That ship is HUGE! Seeing the men out there cleaning, and then envisioning the size of my house, if they were cleaning it, and then multilplying that by a great big number.... WOW!

We'll have to get ourselves over just to see that ship from the outside someday, if that can be done by non-cruisers.

The mosaics on the walls are too cool. The characters in their cruise gear - very cute!

I need the big pelican from Cabanas in my den. It would be a fun addition to my Old Key West themed decor.

Thanks for rhe great update. I doubt I will ever see Castaway Cay in person, so I love seeing it in pictures.

Momof2Disneyboys

06-11-2011, 09:29 AM

WOW awesome update Sheree!! :goodvibes It looks like you guys had such a good time and were able to do so many different things all in one day! Love all the pics! CC looks fabulous! :cool1:

PetersonFamily

06-11-2011, 10:36 AM

This is a great TR! Thanks for all of your pics of the cruise. We hope to take the cruise one day and seeing your pictures is very exciting!

jenseib

06-11-2011, 11:51 AM

I love your update. You got so many more pictures of the "Mine mines". I don't even think I saw all of those.
I love your CC pictures. I am just starting working on mine too.
I also love your shorts...what kind are they? I need new shorts, but most taper down and I can't wear those kind with my big fat thighs. :rolleyes1

Mndisneygirl

06-11-2011, 07:42 PM

I love the update!!!!! What a great day at CC (despite forgetting the bathing suit and having to go back). It looks so awesome. And the ship looks SO BIG! It's amazing. What an action packed, fun filled day! Looking forward to dinner!
Thanks! CC was so fun. Part of me wished we'd stayed longer and done more like bike ride or something. But we had to cram a lot into those couple days!! Dinner - Royal Palace is so great! Just wait!
Awesome update!!!! Looks like a wonderful place to be!!!!!
Oh, it is a wonderful place!!! I could spend about a week just staying there and be very happy!
Great dance pictures!!!

Love your day at Castaway Cay -- well, except for having to run back to the room to get the bathing suit. :rolleyes:
Thanks!! The dance recitals were fun. I was walking so fast because I didn't want to waste time. By the time I got back, I really NEEDED a cold drink!!

That ship is HUGE! Seeing the men out there cleaning, and then envisioning the size of my house, if they were cleaning it, and then multilplying that by a great big number.... WOW!

We'll have to get ourselves over just to see that ship from the outside someday, if that can be done by non-cruisers.

The mosaics on the walls are too cool. The characters in their cruise gear - very cute!

I need the big pelican from Cabanas in my den. It would be a fun addition to my Old Key West themed decor.

Thanks for rhe great update. I doubt I will ever see Castaway Cay in person, so I love seeing it in pictures.
Yup, she's a big ship!!
One of the best places to see the ship going in or out is from Cocoa Beach. Last summer we ate dinner at a place called FishLips (not the best chicken strips for sure according to my DDs) but all the ships go RIGHT past it. You can see dolphins and manatees in the water right there too.
WOW awesome update Sheree!! :goodvibes It looks like you guys had such a good time and were able to do so many different things all in one day! Love all the pics! CC looks fabulous! :cool1:
Oh, Thanks Shelly!! We did have a great time. So much to do, so little time! I'd like to go on one of the cruises that has a double dip at CC! I'd explore more of the island, rent bikes etc.

This is a great TR! Thanks for all of your pics of the cruise. We hope to take the cruise one day and seeing your pictures is very exciting!
Have I properly welcomed you? :welcome: if I haven't!
Thank you!! I hope you get to take a Disney cruise - I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't enjoy it!! I'll have a more pictures coming up!!

I love your update. You got so many more pictures of the "Mine mines". I don't even think I saw all of those.
I love your CC pictures. I am just starting working on mine too.
I also love your shorts...what kind are they? I need new shorts, but most taper down and I can't wear those kind with my big fat thighs. :rolleyes1

HA! I totally didn't realize all the pictures I had! It's funny - I just realized that I haven't even finished the cruise, and still have 5 nights at WDW to report on!

My shorts - glad you like them! I went back to the shorts drawer and checked. They are St. John's Bay from JC Penney. Super comfy! I actually have a few other pairs from there that are more straight bermuda shorts that are stretchier. These were a bit shorter, but very comfy!
I should mention that I probably bought them a year or two ago.

My girlfriend just called me tonight to tell me about her recent WDW trip - they spent 5 or 6 nights for her DD's 10th b-day (she's my goddaughter). She wore the birthday button and counted all the times anyone wished her a happy birthday. Total - 169!!!! Only at WDW! I'm so glad they had fun. She is the one who first introduced me to the DIS and look at me now!!!

SoonerGirl

06-12-2011, 01:52 PM

Hey Sheree! Just getting caught up, I think I was almost a month behind, with my trip in MN and then our vacation, I haven't been on the boards much! I've loved reading your updates, sounds so much like the trip I just took :goodvibes

Mndisneygirl

06-12-2011, 03:48 PM

jenseib

06-12-2011, 09:12 PM

I like St Johns bay, they usually fit me better than other brands...thanks

Lovemy3babes

06-13-2011, 04:29 PM

Wow Sheree, great update!! Lots of wonderful photos! :) You took tons! I love that. The pictures from the beach are my favorite. How gorgeous are those?!!!

manntra

06-13-2011, 05:52 PM

Caught up and ready for my cruise!! I agree that when I was on the Wonder...it all went by too quick and I feel like I missed out on so much. Not so now....I would eat at Palo and Remy's and spend a lot of time getting to know the ship!
Great updates...your girls look like they are having the time of their lives!!:goodvibes

Tracy

nowellsl

06-13-2011, 07:59 PM

We'll have to get ourselves over just to see that ship from the outside someday, if that can be done by non-cruisers.

I have a friend that has a condo on Cocoa Beach and she took us down to where the locks are that let the ships in and out. You could drive right up to them (the locks) almost. It was really neat, there several manatees in the area. You could easily see the ships. I wish I could tell you how we got there, but I have no idea :confused: I'll be sure to ask next time I see her!

Mndisneygirl

06-17-2011, 09:27 AM

So we were all dressed up, had a picture taken, had some packing done, and were ready for dinner with plenty of time to spare. So we wandered around a bit and took a few more pictures!
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Look who was hanging around?
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I think we saw him on our Dec. 09 cruise too. He was in the little alcove between the elevators (on the Wonder) and he laid on the floor propped his head on his elbows for pictures with the kids next to him! Very cute.

Ready to eat!!
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The Royal Palace is a beautiful dining room with pictures of the princesses all around and all these cute details. We sat in a section with Belle artwork, which was perfect, as she is Paige's favorite. Always has been. The window treatments look like a crown, there are carvings on the back of the chairs like a rose, a glass slipper etc. Very elegant dining room for sure!
Because our assistant server was leaving the ship the next day (his contract was up and he was going home) we only had our main server working. The poor guy was running all over the place and while he was very nice and apologetic, dinner did move a lot slower that night!

A lousy picture of the back of the chair
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They had a big roll/bread in this cute bread basket!
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Sarah's plate - she loves everything on it, except that cauliflower! They always poured ketchup for the girls in the shape of the Mickey head! They ask us to do it at home sometimes too! Of course we oblige!
I think these were cupcakes. Sarah was not that impressed.
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Paige got pizza
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and a banana split for dessert!
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I ordered escargot, an avocado citrus salad and a filet. I also got the Grand Marnier souffle for dessert. That, my friends, is a VERY good meal! Although the filet was just okay - I sort of remember it was a little tough for a filet.
DH had duck appetizer, Wild Boar (!) and creme brulee for dessert. Must have been feeling like eating game! He had asked the server about the Peanut Butter mousse, and he told DH that it wasn't superb, but he brought one out anyway to try!
Apparently, I did not take any pictures of my or DH's dinners! I'll have to check again because that seems odd.

As you enter Royal Palace:
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Of course, I took it on the way out!

Cool light fixture! I love the details and the glass slippers!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3289.jpg

The girls ate fast and were off to the Oceaneer's Lab. We finished our food, paid our tips and went to see about any pictures we should buy. Then we went to pack up the rest of our stuff :sad1:. Our luggage had to be outside our room by 10:30 or we'd be lugging it ourselves in the morning!

This was waiting for us in our room. That customs document can only mean one thing: They are making me leave the ship tomorrow!!!
:sad:

We picked up the girls, but had to do some more shopping. Paige broke her flip flop!! Since it was her only pair, we had to buy her something to wear. Of course, hers had been those $2 type from Target or somewhere. What did I buy her?
A pair of $10 pink Mickey flip flops of course! She does wear them all the time still!
I was pretty sure I would go back to Shutters (the photo place) in the a.m. to buy some pictures. I guess I figured I could stay on the ship a little longer that way! ;)
So we headed to bed around 11:15. We were scheduled for breakfast at Royal Palace at 8:00 a.m. On the Disney cruises, you eat breakfast on the last day at the dining room you had the night before.
One sad thing we had to do before bed was turn the clocks ahead one hour! It was the night of the change for Daylight Savings time! We got gypped an hour of cruise time!!! :mad:

Up next - the last morning sadness. Plus, more Royal Palace pictures!

Mndisneygirl

06-17-2011, 08:50 PM

Awesome update!!!! Looks like a wonderful place to be!!!!!
Yeah, I wish I was there about every other day!

I like St Johns bay, they usually fit me better than other brands...thanks
You're welcome! I like their stuff too.

Wow Sheree, great update!! Lots of wonderful photos! :) You took tons! I love that. The pictures from the beach are my favorite. How gorgeous are those?!!!
It's funny, I wish I had taken more in other areas of the island too. I'll just have to go back! It's a fabulous beach!

Caught up and ready for my cruise!! I agree that when I was on the Wonder...it all went by too quick and I feel like I missed out on so much. Not so now....I would eat at Palo and Remy's and spend a lot of time getting to know the ship!
Great updates...your girls look like they are having the time of their lives!!:goodvibes

Tracy
Yeah, those three day cruises are just kind of mean! I swear it's a Disney teaser to get you to go again!
The girls have just loved that beach - they're not good swimmers, but they always love being in the water!

I have a friend that has a condo on Cocoa Beach and she took us down to where the locks are that let the ships in and out. You could drive right up to them (the locks) almost. It was really neat, there several manatees in the area. You could easily see the ships. I wish I could tell you how we got there, but I have no idea :confused: I'll be sure to ask next time I see her!

Cool place to watch the ships I bet! We were at Ron Jon's Cape Caribe resort last summer and saw a bunch of cruise ships going out, including the Wonder.[/COLOR]

Mndisneygirl

06-17-2011, 09:31 PM

We got up at 7:15 on Sunday. We were a bit pressed for time so we skipped the usual showers and I went up to Shutters to buy pictures. I bought 4 of them (total $80).
So we went to breakfast in Royal Palace. It was rather chaotic.
Pedro, our assistant server was done and gone, so it was just poor Mirchea working his tail off!
The meal was good - waffles were okay. Bacon - eh...
We weren't able to get any pastries - for some reason Mirchea either couldn't find them or they were running out. Whatever. I'd eaten enough over the last two days to last me a while!
A few parting shots of Royal Palace from breakfast time - they're not the greatest - I was trying to take some pictures when we were walking out!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3299.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3298.jpg

This is the mirror on the wall next to our table
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3297.jpg

The "crown" window treatment!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3296.jpg
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3295.jpg

Beautiful floor!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3293.jpg

I'm not sure what all the people were in line at Guest Services for. Maybe to pay tips?
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3292.jpg

We left the ship close to 9. I walked VERY S L O W L Y on the way off.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3291.jpg
Gosh, I hope so!!

When you leave the ship, you go down to the terminal and there are lots of porters to help you find your luggage. The night before, the room steward gives you luggage tags that are color and character coded. Ours were purple Tinkerbell I believe. Then each area in the luggage claim is separated by signs with that color/character. Our porter helped us find our bags in a few minutes and then walked with us through the customs checkpoint. The customs agent took a slight glance at our form and passports - and I mean BARELY glanced at them - and we were on our way to the car. The agent did not ask us one question. I'm convinced it's because we had the porter with us. For a $7 tip (for our three bags) that was well worth it!
We paid our parking fee ($15 a day totaling $45) and we were on the road to WDW!!

Where are we going next??? Well we will start our WDW stay at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa!!!

Charleston Princess

06-18-2011, 04:54 AM

Your cruise is already over??? :( Remind me again, did you do the three-day or the four-day? Thank goodness you are headed back to Disney for a little bit more magic! :goodvibes

MEK

06-18-2011, 05:58 AM

Oh No! I hate that your cruise is over. It was so wonderful. Love the girl's dresses. They both look so beautiful!

Your dinner sounds amazing! Yum Yum Yum!!!! Too bad the filet was a little tough.

Breakfast does sound hectic. It must have been so tough to walk off that boat. But I am so glad you are heading over to SSR for a little more fun. Did you also go to Vero?

SoonerGirl

06-18-2011, 08:07 AM

I think I had the exact same meal as you at Royal Palace, but I'll have to go back and look at my pics to be certain - my filet was very tender though.

Bummer that your cruise is over already! I agree, that was much too short!

I hate to burst your bubble, but having the porter wasn't the reason you got through customs so quickly - we had the same experience and we handled our own bags. Our agent asked for the customs form but really didn't even look at it, never opened our passports and sent us on our way, I was shocked!

Mndisneygirl

06-18-2011, 12:55 PM

Your cruise is already over??? :( Remind me again, did you do the three-day or the four-day? Thank goodness you are headed back to Disney for a little bit more magic! :goodvibes
Yup, that was it! THree nights. It really amounts to about 2 1/2 days. That's why we just HAD to have more WDW time!

Oh No! I hate that your cruise is over. It was so wonderful. Love the girl's dresses. They both look so beautiful!

Your dinner sounds amazing! Yum Yum Yum!!!! Too bad the filet was a little tough.

Breakfast does sound hectic. It must have been so tough to walk off that boat. But I am so glad you are heading over to SSR for a little more fun. Did you also go to Vero?
I hated it too! The girls were excited to have "fancy" dresses for the cruise!
You know, I'm not sure what was the deal with the filet. My notes just say "ok". So I'm guessing it might have been tough. What else could be wrong with it?
No, we stayed at WDW for 5 nights. One at SSR and four at AKV.
We own at Vero, but have yet to stay there.

I think I had the exact same meal as you at Royal Palace, but I'll have to go back and look at my pics to be certain - my filet was very tender though.

Bummer that your cruise is over already! I agree, that was much too short!

I hate to burst your bubble, but having the porter wasn't the reason you got through customs so quickly - we had the same experience and we handled our own bags. Our agent asked for the customs form but really didn't even look at it, never opened our passports and sent us on our way, I was shocked!

Overall the food was good. I am usually not to fussy. Funny that we ate the same things!

Dang, I was sure that $7 saved me some hassle! But you're probably right. It didn't seem to be taking anyone all that long. They must be in a hurry to move us out of there! I still wouldn't have managed to carry our bags though!

MeMom

06-18-2011, 03:05 PM

Where are we going next??? Well we will start our WDW stay at Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa!!!

I'm liking the idea of leaving one vacation and starting another one. :thumbsup2

On to Saratoga! :woohoo:

Mndisneygirl

06-18-2011, 09:31 PM

Ain't that the truth MEK!?!

This weekend was Sarah's mid-season softball tournament. It's right here in town, so it's convenient. They played their first game on Friday night and lost - badly. They were all so down. They played their second game this morning at 9. They were GREAT! Sarah got a single, a double (on an overthrow) and a walk. She also pitched a good inning. We had a mix of sun peeking through the clouds and a few sprinkles of rain.

They were about to start their game at 11:30 and it sprinkled some rain. They were on the second batter and the skies opened up!!! We ran for cover with puny umbrellas. They thought it would pass in an hour and they could play. So I ran home to get dry clothes, a sweatshirt and towels for Sarah. The team waited it out in the dugout. I came back 1/2 an hour later and they called it off. They still have two games to play. So they will be playing them tomorrow.
You're probably wondering why I'm telling you all this. :rolleyes:

You see, DH came home from work around 1:30 and we had NO plans for the rest of the day! He was interested in driving over to a suburb called Bloomington to look at a used truck at a dealer. (it was a good deal and a nice truck, but we didn't do anything but look).

Some of you may know, that Bloomington is also the location of the Mall of America. We shop there pretty regularly. It's about 20 minutes from our house. Some of you may also know that the Mall of America has a DISNEY STORE!!!

I was feeling the need for a Disney fix since I saw some Disney store pictures on a few of my fellow DISers P/TRs.

Guess what? They were having a sale!!!!

:cheer2:

Guess what else? I found some bargains!!!

:yay:

Wanna see what I found???? Well, I can show you what I brought home with me!

They were really pushing the Cars 2 stuff. They had these little passports and have been having events on the weekends the kids can go to and get stamps. The CM just gave them to the girls all stamped up through today (we didn't make it to any of the events though!) If you get them all stamped, you can get a free Cars2 puzzle. We'll see if we get back there next weekend. That mall is crazy on the weekends, especially in the rain (nothing else to do).
They also had something new (at least to me) a fragrance collection called Disney Imagination. They had hand cleaner, lotion, candles, room spray. I thought it smelled nice - fresh and clean. Kind of reminded me of WDW, but that might just be my imagination (silly pun not really intended!) But some other woman walked past and said "Eww". I guess it's not for everyone!! I want to say each was around $10 or more. I just don't remember!

So you still want to see what I bought?

Well, if you insist!

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/summmer%202011/DSCN4054.jpg

You will notice a lovely journal ($5.99). My family tells me that Target has some with vintage Mickeys too. They are the same price. Mine is cuter! I will save it for our London/Paris/DLP trip!
The girls got some small stuffed animals. Paige picked Marie. She had picked Marie as one of her first trading pins ever and refused to trade it. It's funny because we've hardly seen the Aristocats and only have it on VHS.
Sarah picked Lady and the Tramp. She claims she's paying for them. She had her money out, but in order to get 10% off with my Disney Visa, I had to have a few more things to get to $50. So I paid for it all. That girl always wants to spend whatever money she has, and somehow gets to keep it half the time. The plush was 2 for $15 or 8.50 each. Amazingly, we didn't get 4 to get the twofer deal on all of them!
I also purchased a cute pitcher with Mickey head ice cubes. ($9.99).
Then we picked up the two mugs - $3.99 each!! There was a cute red mug with Mickey heads sort of in a raised pattern, but that was still $8.50 and not on sale. That one stayed at the store.
A little closer look at the mugs. The Tink mug has glitter so I'm sure that will be coming off quickly. I try to only hand wash all my Disney mugs so the designs don't come off.
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/summmer%202011/DSCN4055.jpg

Of course, I had to buy a cute reusable bag for $2.50! I chose Minnie! The girls were pushing for Tinkerbell but since I just paid for their stuffed animals (that I really don't want more of in the house), I overruled them.

We wandered around the mall a bit, checked out the Lego store (I'd just gotten rid of all the Duplos and all of sudden they are back interested in legos!), and a couple of my favorite clothing stores, and had dinner at the food court.
Guess what I saw on the way to the food court??? A new store is coming to MOA. A good store. A really good store! Almost as good as Disney.

http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/summmer%202011/IMG_0319.jpg

Guess when it's opening?
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/summmer%202011/IMG_0320.jpg
OH, that mall is getting more dangerous all the time!!!

Then I wanted to check out Old Navy, and they waited for me outside. Across the aisle from Old Navy is a DANGEROUS candy store!! Guess where I found them? Oh yeah, filling bags of random candy! Oh well! We ended up with gummies, jelly bellies and a random supply of chocolate treats!!
Funny thing is, I was at a candy shop yesterday on my lunch hour buying Father's Day gifts for DH and my dad. Luckily, we didn't duplicate anything. DH will find out tomorrow!

So, that is why I had to tell about Sarah's ball tourney. Tomorrow we will be playing the two games and then heading off (late) to the Twins game! Hopefully they will all be wins!!!pixiedust:
I'll let you know!

SoonerGirl

06-18-2011, 10:28 PM

Charleston Princess

06-19-2011, 05:46 AM

Great finds at the Disney Store!!! :goodvibes

See, my dilemma right now with a Disney cruise is that there are two the week we are off for Thanksgiving in 2012. One is the three-night and the other is the four-night. Charles wants to do the four-night, but it is $1400 more than the three-night. I am pushing for the three-night, and then we can do something else -- either add days on for Disney or take a Disney trip that is separate or something like that. Decisions, decisions.

jenseib

06-19-2011, 06:47 AM

We got a porter too. We thought it was well worht it to not to handle our bags. One was pretty heavy and I just wasn't in the mood to drag it. LOL! We went through customs very fast as well, but I have heard of others getting stopped...but the conclusion seems to be that you rarely get stopped if you have a porter.

Love the buys. I have been trying to stay away from our Disney store AND looking online too. It can be dangerous! :worship:
I sitll need to do Fathers day shopping...and yes it is the morning of Fathers day...I'm just last minute! LOL! :rolleyes1

RinkyTinkyTinky

06-19-2011, 07:55 AM

jenseib

06-19-2011, 08:15 AM

I'm so sad to see the cruise end! What a bummer! But your evening at RP looked really nice. We are dressing up that night too. The girls looked really pretty in their dresses!

So I am a little confused on the luggage? You have to sit it out by 10:30 the night before even if you are driving? Do they take it to your car for you the next morning? If so, that's a nice bonus! DH would very much appreciate that. And how do you get a porter? Do you have to ask in advance for someone?

So do we get to see the pictures you bought on the ship?

I can answer some. You set your luggage out and the next mroning you find it in the terminal. You then take it theough customs with you and to your car or bus, or whatever. The porters are al lwaiting at the bottom of the stairs for you and just say yes I would like help...they will ask, believe me. :laughing: they cart it through while you go through the customs line and to the agent. Once through they did cart it to the pick up spot where my Dad was picking us up and then they just drip it off there. (I'm not sure if they help load, because my Dad was still circling at that time and wasn't there at the moment. I also am not sure if they will take it all the way to the parking garage, or if they drop it off at pick up spot and someone may need to go get the car and pick it up? Sheree can tell you hat one, I'm sure.

Monny2AE

06-20-2011, 08:26 AM

Oh my gosh..Disney Store and Vera Bradley in the SAME mall!!!! How ever is a girl to resist that!

And I know I'm not the only that immediately started wondering if this would fit in my purse without anyone noticing! :rotfl:
[FONT="Comic Sans MS"][SIZE="3"][COLOR="Magenta"]
They had a big roll/bread in this cute bread basket!
http://i407.photobucket.com/albums/pp159/Mndisneygirl/Disney%20Dream%20March%202011/Castaway%20Cay%20March%2012/DSCN3281.jpg

jenseib

06-20-2011, 08:44 AM

jeremysdisneymom

06-20-2011, 09:31 AM

The details in Royal Palace is just amazing!

Great finds at the Disney Store. We are getting a new interactive Disney store in Cincinnati this fall. :banana: We have been without one for several years so I am looking forward to it.

Can't wait to hear about SSR.

Northern Disney Girl

06-20-2011, 12:28 PM

Hey Sheree!!! :goodvibes

All caught up now!!! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to hear about SSR and AKL!!! :)

I saw the stuff for the new VB store when I was there in May!! VERY dangerous!!! ;)

Lovemy3babes

06-20-2011, 12:38 PM

You had a lovely last night aboard the ship. It's always so deflating though, the last evening/morning of vacation. Bummer.

I love the things you picked up at the Disney Store. I too love my Disney mugs! I cannot wait to hear about your next trip! :)

Momof2Disneyboys

06-20-2011, 01:03 PM

The Royal Palace looks just beautiful! :cloud9: I'm so sad the cruise part of the TR is over. But I'm looking very forward to the WDW part that is coming up!!

:cool1:

Love all your Disney Store stuff. Looks like you got some great bargains! :thumbsup2

Mndisneygirl

06-20-2011, 03:11 PM

Great finds! We have a Disney store here but they never seem to have much of anything - lots and lots and lots of princess stuff and plushes, that's about it.

Good luck to Sarah on her games tomorrow!
Thanks! It's sometimes hit or miss at the store! Luckily I caught a sale!

Great finds at the Disney Store!!! :goodvibes

See, my dilemma right now with a Disney cruise is that there are two the week we are off for Thanksgiving in 2012. One is the three-night and the other is the four-night. Charles wants to do the four-night, but it is $1400 more than the three-night. I am pushing for the three-night, and then we can do something else -- either add days on for Disney or take a Disney trip that is separate or something like that. Decisions, decisions.
That big cost difference must be for the holiday? That's partly why we went for the 3 day, it was a LOT cheaper. I would say it's too short just by itself, you MUST add a few days extra at Disney!! HA!

We got a porter too. We thought it was well worht it to not to handle our bags. One was pretty heavy and I just wasn't in the mood to drag it. LOL! We went through customs very fast as well, but I have heard of others getting stopped...but the conclusion seems to be that you rarely get stopped if you have a porter.

Love the buys. I have been trying to stay away from our Disney store AND looking online too. It can be dangerous! :worship:
I sitll need to do Fathers day shopping...and yes it is the morning of Fathers day...I'm just last minute! LOL! :rolleyes1
Yeah, it's so much nicer not to have to lug a heavy bag - which mine were, thanks to trying to cram everything into them and getting so much more stuff onboard!
I bought my father a gift the night before (I'm such a planner). But I didn't end up seeing him yesterday, so it has to wait until tonight!

I'm so sad to see the cruise end! What a bummer! But your evening at RP looked really nice. We are dressing up that night too. The girls looked really pretty in their dresses!

So I am a little confused on the luggage? You have to sit it out by 10:30 the night before even if you are driving? Do they take it to your car for you the next morning? If so, that's a nice bonus! DH would very much appreciate that. And how do you get a porter? Do you have to ask in advance for someone?

So do we get to see the pictures you bought on the ship?
Oh, thanks on the girls' dresses! They get a kick out of dressing up for special occasions.
I'll try to get those pictures scanned soon. It's been a crazy weekend!

I can answer some. You set your luggage out and the next mroning you find it in the terminal. You then take it theough customs with you and to your car or bus, or whatever. The porters are al lwaiting at the bottom of the stairs for you and just say yes I would like help...they will ask, believe me. :laughing: they cart it through while you go through the customs line and to the agent. Once through they did cart it to the pick up spot where my Dad was picking us up and then they just drip it off there. (I'm not sure if they help load, because my Dad was still circling at that time and wasn't there at the moment. I also am not sure if they will take it all the way to the parking garage, or if they drop it off at pick up spot and someone may need to go get the car and pick it up? Sheree can tell you hat one, I'm sure.

You do leave your luggage outside your room the night before. Be sure to keep essentials with you (in a carry on). Plus clothes for the next day!!! People have forgotten and were forced to leave the ship in their PJs! Yes, the porters are waiting for you in the terminal and will help you find your luggage and cart it through customs and all the way to your vehicle and load it for you! It's wonderful! No heavy lifting!

Oh my gosh..Disney Store and Vera Bradley in the SAME mall!!!! How ever is a girl to resist that!

And I know I'm not the only that immediately started wondering if this would fit in my purse without anyone noticing! :rotfl:
It's a good mall to have around. Unless you're trying to save $$.
Oh - I'm sure a few things would have looked great at my house!
On the Maiden Voyage People were stealing these and other things left and rigt.
It's true! I have heard stories about the stuff that disappeared from the ship! Crazy!! Disney will catch on and figure out a way to sell them and make $. They already had the red pillows from the bed for sale.

The details in Royal Palace is just amazing!

Great finds at the Disney Store. We are getting a new interactive Disney store in Cincinnati this fall. :banana: We have been without one for several years so I am looking forward to it.

Can't wait to hear about SSR.
So typical Disney - all that detail!
Our Disney store was renovated not that long ago, and I wonder if they'll change it to the interactive deal anytime soon. It's just got a big video screen in back by the stuffed animals. I'm sure it will be nice to have your store back!

SSR - hopefully I'll get an update together soon!

Hey Sheree!!! :goodvibes

All caught up now!!! :thumbsup2 Can't wait to hear about SSR and AKL!!! :)

I saw the stuff for the new VB store when I was there in May!! VERY dangerous!!! ;)
Well, Kim! Nice to see you again! :) It's funny, I'd been so busy writing about the cruise (and taking so long to do it) I almost forgot we have 5 more days at the parks to talk about!!! This will keep me busy all summer at this rate!
There is a little gift shop near me that sells VB and I've looked there before, but a WHOLE VB store???? WHOA! I'm sure I'll find SOMETHING!

You had a lovely last night aboard the ship. It's always so deflating though, the last evening/morning of vacation. Bummer.

I love the things you picked up at the Disney Store. I too love my Disney mugs! I cannot wait to hear about your next trip! :)
I'm just glad I didn't have to go straight home from the ship! That would have been awful!
My Disney mugs are slowly replacing all other mugs. I have a few that I won't part with from special places/people, but all the plain ones that match my dishes are packed away or sold! My mom requested that I keep one older one for her to use when she's over because she was worried that she'd drop one and break it!!! Isn't she thoughtful? Worrying about my Disney mugs like that!

The Royal Palace looks just beautiful! :cloud9: I'm so sad the cruise part of the TR is over. But I'm looking very forward to the WDW part that is coming up!!

:cool1:

Love all your Disney Store stuff. Looks like you got some great bargains! :thumbsup2
The Royal Palace was wonderful - a little cramped in our section, but just a lovely place to be!
Big fun is coming up at WDW!!!
Thanks - I love finding things that cost less than $5 or $10 at Disney!

Well, we managed to get our games in on Sunday morning! Sarah's team lost the first game, but then played for third place. They won and Sarah did really well in both games! She made a great play in the field and got on base (more in the first game!). She had fun, and they got medals (which is very important!).

We high tailed it out of there after her game and headed to downtown Minneapolis to watch the Twins play. We got there about the 4th inning and had to boot some people from our seats. Funny thing is, we do not have great seats. Upper level, all the way down the third base line looking at left field. Who would want those seats? Maybe theirs were top row.?:confused3
We had fun, and after the game (Twins won!) the girls got to go down on the field and run the bases. They do that after every Sunday afternoon game. This was their second time. It's cool because we walk down to the field with them and enter through a maintenance type door in left field and walk ALL the way around the outfield (on the warning track only thank you very much) to first base where they start running. We meet them at home. Lots of picture taking going on. I have to upload some from my phone and DH's phone.
We made it home and just hung out. DH cut the grass. Poor Sarah's feet were killing her - having spent most of the weekend in her cleats, some of that time with wet feet, the bottoms of her feet were pretty beat up.
I hope she's better today because she has a two hour dance class followed by another softball game tonight!!!