Back to the Island-Double Dip Delight!Western COMPLETE~Cruising with a baby w/PICS!
- Thread starter nenner1
- Start date
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
As the Magic slowly headed down the channel and out to sea, we rapidly found ourselves pretty much alone on deck 9. We decided to head up to deck 10 with everyone else onboard to see the sights as we sailed away. Not an easy task. We eventually made it up the elevators and exited outside the Palo lobby. It took forever to get an elevator, but we didnt have too much choice since we had a stroller. We strolled out on the promenade and enjoyed the completely empty aft end of the ship:
Farewell Florida!
We tried to head forward to the bow of the ship, but that wasnt happening as there was a mob up front that we had no chance of penetrating even with the stroller as a battering ram (kidding!) Instead of waiting for things to thin out, we went down to the rooms to clean up just a bit before the show & dinner.
We completely relished having so much extra time that we had this evening by foregoing the huge getting ready and changing for dinner ritual. Ron & the kids would change out of their shorts after the show (before dinner) but other than a quick hair brushing and makeup touch-up we were already ready. That was so nice. We went downstairs and made some quick rounds with the characters, there were hardly any lines (everybody else was getting ready!!!)
After that, we went up to deck 5 and relaxed in the cozy chairs overlooking the atrium. Did I mention how nice it was to not have to rush around, and instead relax and take in the atmosphere?
Strike a pose:
Eventually we headed in for the show. It was packed but we managed to get seats in the center, right where the aisle between the front and back sections of the theatre separate (there was a huge aisle there that made it our favorite place to sit). The show this evening was All Aboard! Let the Magic Begin. We had to leave the stroller outside but brought Sarah in still tucked in her car seat. She slept through this show (big day for the little baby!) so that worked out very convenient, not having to disturb her.
This show is basically an introduction of all the shows to come, and we did enjoy it. It had a little bit of cabaret (with the variety performers), a little bit Broadway, and a little bit Disney (with the characters). We especially enjoyed the teasers of the variety shows. Our cruise featured performances by Freddy Fusion a comedic magician, and John Charles- a comedic musician. John Charles won us over very quickly by playing some Buffett tunes. He mentioned that he was rushed in from the parks by DCL, as apparently the other performer scheduled for our cruise did not make it. (In fact, this was true, as our Navigator for that day stated we would be seeing comedic juggler Ron Pearson! Ooopsie!).
Next up was Freddy Fusion who featured acts of illusion (inserting himself in a balloon inflated by a chainsaw/leaf blower hybrid, anyone?). The kids had a blast with that, and we were anxiously anticipating catching the cabaret shows by these performers later in the cruise.
There was one thing I was more anxious to catch, though and that was dinner! I never did make it over to Plutos for chicken strips... and remember, I had very little lunch and a purposely light-ish breakfast. We stopped by the rooms and found our first FE gifts awaiting us:
After changing out of shorts and feeding Sarah, we were eager to get down to Parrot Cay. This would be our first time in Parrot Cay eating the rotational menu, and we were looking forward to it. As we arrived downstairs at the restaurant, the line had already dissipated and the small foyer area was rather empty. I heard the parrots squawking loud and clear, sending us our greeting. We were taken to table #22; it was in a great location, directly at the end of the main aisle. It was indeed a four-top, and we rejoiced silently. As we situated ourselves, we noticed many familiar friendly faces nearby. It seems like our time and rotation was Dis-filled, and to our surprise there were several more of our DIS buddies seated within yards of us that we never even spotted for the entire cruise!
The parrots that make Parrot Cay "Parrot Cay" (photo by Savannah)
We were soon greeted by our serving team. You know how I mentioned we were afraid we had switched ourselves out of good servers by changing rotations? Well our concerns were for naught. In fact, we won the server lottery!!!
Candice from England introduced herself as our assistant server. She was new to the Magic, having just been transferred over from the Wonder. She was fantastic. Savannah especially took a liking to her. Soon our server Jakub from the Czech Republic came over, and he was great also. It felt like we were getting personal service, and in actuality we were. There was a huge table (12 top) by us that sat empty for most of the cruise (and even the one night when a couple with a baby sat there .strangely enough they had a different serving team). So we did, in fact have personal service. We actually felt bad about it, like they had to bring our team in just to cover us, but hey they did a heck of a job.
Jakob made origami out of the kids menus and they really got a kick out of that. Candice brought our bread, and let me just tell you right now that the banana bread you get in Parrot Cay is da bomb. It was far and away the highlight of the dinner as far as I was concerned.
Savannah plays with her origami boat as Jakub takes Brendans dinner order:
We got our menus and gave our orders. Before long dinner was in full swing. Ron started with the Spice Island Chicken Wings, which were good, although I dont remember him expressing that they were remarkable. I remember him licking bones clean, however. I did not select an appetizer, since I did not care for the selection, the wings, grilled vegetables, crab Martinique and salmon. For soup/salad, I chose the chilled cream of mango and papaya soup. It was very good, and I practically licked my bowl clean. Ron had Im pretty sure just the mixed greens salad. Savannah did not want a first course, but Brendan was mulling over the fruit salad. He then made the mistake of letting Jakub know how much he liked kiwi, and . Well, you saw this coming a mile away; Jakub brought Brendan his fruit salad, and when he was less than enthused about it, a plate of just kiwi!
His expression says it all, doesnt it?
For entrees he kids both chose Minnies Mini Burger, and this was a pattern that would be repeated for, oh, the next six nights. Jakub always brought their meals out before ours to get them eating quickly, that was very nice. For my main course I had selected the Island Roasted Rib Eye with double baked potatoes and green beans. Ron chose the Mixed Grill, which consisted of a beef tenderloin, lamb chop, bacon wrapped-sausage, and jumbo shrimp with cabernet mushroom sauce. That sounded like way too much food to me, and it was. He was trying to pawn off the bacon sausage on me at one point, but it didnt pique my interest (Lets keep the bacon and sausage at breakfast, kay?) He said the food tasted good, however. My selection was not as successful. It was mostly my own doing, as IRL (in real life, as opposed to in cruise life) the only cut of red meat I will eat is a filet. I dont like fatty cuts, nor can I tolerate my meat cooked anything less than medium (but I prefer medium-well). I had requested my rib-eye be medium well but when it came out, it was medium rare at best. The main issue with it was it wasnt like a rib-eye steak at all; it was more like prime rib. So Ron ate most of it. The double-baked potato and green beans were very tasty, and a filling enough replacement.
While I am sure we had dessert, like many parts of this meal, I dont recall it too well. Im sure I had the Chocolate-Espresso Walnut Cake but why I cant remember it I couldnt tell you. Maybe it was a combination of the Bay Breeze DOTD and our homemade Mai-Tais, I dont know. I can tell you Savannah had a Mickey Bar, however:
As with other facets of this meal that remain beyond recollection, I dont remember much about the dinner show after the meal. In Parrot Cay it is a huge limbo parade, and again, while I am sure we stayed for it, and of course Im certain the kids participated but I, like Sarah as you can see, must have been in my own little world.
I, for one was very tired. As excited as I was to be back onboard, my enthusiasm was no comparison for my exhaustion, and we headed back to the staterooms to collapse. Some cute critters were there to greet us, though.
In the kids room, for Savannah a snake:
And for Brendan, a frog (wow, these were great choices!)
And awaiting us down the hall, a glasses-wearing, chocolate-bearing puppy:
As soon as my head touched the pillow, that was it for me. We had a big day awaiting us tomorrow, our first of two in beautiful Castaway Cay!
Up Next: I hope you understand, I just had to go Back to the Island.
Farewell Florida!
We tried to head forward to the bow of the ship, but that wasnt happening as there was a mob up front that we had no chance of penetrating even with the stroller as a battering ram (kidding!) Instead of waiting for things to thin out, we went down to the rooms to clean up just a bit before the show & dinner.
We completely relished having so much extra time that we had this evening by foregoing the huge getting ready and changing for dinner ritual. Ron & the kids would change out of their shorts after the show (before dinner) but other than a quick hair brushing and makeup touch-up we were already ready. That was so nice. We went downstairs and made some quick rounds with the characters, there were hardly any lines (everybody else was getting ready!!!)
After that, we went up to deck 5 and relaxed in the cozy chairs overlooking the atrium. Did I mention how nice it was to not have to rush around, and instead relax and take in the atmosphere?
Strike a pose:
Eventually we headed in for the show. It was packed but we managed to get seats in the center, right where the aisle between the front and back sections of the theatre separate (there was a huge aisle there that made it our favorite place to sit). The show this evening was All Aboard! Let the Magic Begin. We had to leave the stroller outside but brought Sarah in still tucked in her car seat. She slept through this show (big day for the little baby!) so that worked out very convenient, not having to disturb her.
This show is basically an introduction of all the shows to come, and we did enjoy it. It had a little bit of cabaret (with the variety performers), a little bit Broadway, and a little bit Disney (with the characters). We especially enjoyed the teasers of the variety shows. Our cruise featured performances by Freddy Fusion a comedic magician, and John Charles- a comedic musician. John Charles won us over very quickly by playing some Buffett tunes. He mentioned that he was rushed in from the parks by DCL, as apparently the other performer scheduled for our cruise did not make it. (In fact, this was true, as our Navigator for that day stated we would be seeing comedic juggler Ron Pearson! Ooopsie!).
Next up was Freddy Fusion who featured acts of illusion (inserting himself in a balloon inflated by a chainsaw/leaf blower hybrid, anyone?). The kids had a blast with that, and we were anxiously anticipating catching the cabaret shows by these performers later in the cruise.
There was one thing I was more anxious to catch, though and that was dinner! I never did make it over to Plutos for chicken strips... and remember, I had very little lunch and a purposely light-ish breakfast. We stopped by the rooms and found our first FE gifts awaiting us:
After changing out of shorts and feeding Sarah, we were eager to get down to Parrot Cay. This would be our first time in Parrot Cay eating the rotational menu, and we were looking forward to it. As we arrived downstairs at the restaurant, the line had already dissipated and the small foyer area was rather empty. I heard the parrots squawking loud and clear, sending us our greeting. We were taken to table #22; it was in a great location, directly at the end of the main aisle. It was indeed a four-top, and we rejoiced silently. As we situated ourselves, we noticed many familiar friendly faces nearby. It seems like our time and rotation was Dis-filled, and to our surprise there were several more of our DIS buddies seated within yards of us that we never even spotted for the entire cruise!
The parrots that make Parrot Cay "Parrot Cay" (photo by Savannah)
We were soon greeted by our serving team. You know how I mentioned we were afraid we had switched ourselves out of good servers by changing rotations? Well our concerns were for naught. In fact, we won the server lottery!!!
Candice from England introduced herself as our assistant server. She was new to the Magic, having just been transferred over from the Wonder. She was fantastic. Savannah especially took a liking to her. Soon our server Jakub from the Czech Republic came over, and he was great also. It felt like we were getting personal service, and in actuality we were. There was a huge table (12 top) by us that sat empty for most of the cruise (and even the one night when a couple with a baby sat there .strangely enough they had a different serving team). So we did, in fact have personal service. We actually felt bad about it, like they had to bring our team in just to cover us, but hey they did a heck of a job.
Jakob made origami out of the kids menus and they really got a kick out of that. Candice brought our bread, and let me just tell you right now that the banana bread you get in Parrot Cay is da bomb. It was far and away the highlight of the dinner as far as I was concerned.
Savannah plays with her origami boat as Jakub takes Brendans dinner order:
We got our menus and gave our orders. Before long dinner was in full swing. Ron started with the Spice Island Chicken Wings, which were good, although I dont remember him expressing that they were remarkable. I remember him licking bones clean, however. I did not select an appetizer, since I did not care for the selection, the wings, grilled vegetables, crab Martinique and salmon. For soup/salad, I chose the chilled cream of mango and papaya soup. It was very good, and I practically licked my bowl clean. Ron had Im pretty sure just the mixed greens salad. Savannah did not want a first course, but Brendan was mulling over the fruit salad. He then made the mistake of letting Jakub know how much he liked kiwi, and . Well, you saw this coming a mile away; Jakub brought Brendan his fruit salad, and when he was less than enthused about it, a plate of just kiwi!
His expression says it all, doesnt it?
For entrees he kids both chose Minnies Mini Burger, and this was a pattern that would be repeated for, oh, the next six nights. Jakub always brought their meals out before ours to get them eating quickly, that was very nice. For my main course I had selected the Island Roasted Rib Eye with double baked potatoes and green beans. Ron chose the Mixed Grill, which consisted of a beef tenderloin, lamb chop, bacon wrapped-sausage, and jumbo shrimp with cabernet mushroom sauce. That sounded like way too much food to me, and it was. He was trying to pawn off the bacon sausage on me at one point, but it didnt pique my interest (Lets keep the bacon and sausage at breakfast, kay?) He said the food tasted good, however. My selection was not as successful. It was mostly my own doing, as IRL (in real life, as opposed to in cruise life) the only cut of red meat I will eat is a filet. I dont like fatty cuts, nor can I tolerate my meat cooked anything less than medium (but I prefer medium-well). I had requested my rib-eye be medium well but when it came out, it was medium rare at best. The main issue with it was it wasnt like a rib-eye steak at all; it was more like prime rib. So Ron ate most of it. The double-baked potato and green beans were very tasty, and a filling enough replacement.
While I am sure we had dessert, like many parts of this meal, I dont recall it too well. Im sure I had the Chocolate-Espresso Walnut Cake but why I cant remember it I couldnt tell you. Maybe it was a combination of the Bay Breeze DOTD and our homemade Mai-Tais, I dont know. I can tell you Savannah had a Mickey Bar, however:
As with other facets of this meal that remain beyond recollection, I dont remember much about the dinner show after the meal. In Parrot Cay it is a huge limbo parade, and again, while I am sure we stayed for it, and of course Im certain the kids participated but I, like Sarah as you can see, must have been in my own little world.
I, for one was very tired. As excited as I was to be back onboard, my enthusiasm was no comparison for my exhaustion, and we headed back to the staterooms to collapse. Some cute critters were there to greet us, though.
In the kids room, for Savannah a snake:
And for Brendan, a frog (wow, these were great choices!)
And awaiting us down the hall, a glasses-wearing, chocolate-bearing puppy:
As soon as my head touched the pillow, that was it for me. We had a big day awaiting us tomorrow, our first of two in beautiful Castaway Cay!
Up Next: I hope you understand, I just had to go Back to the Island.
TheDisneyGirl02
<font color=navy>I found my Disney Prince!<br><fon
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2006
Yay!!!! Another update!!!!! Loved the pictures again!!!!!!! 
How's the family?
How's the family?
disneyfan551
Focusing on the FIGHT and not the FRIGHT! 🟠🙏
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2002
One of the 6yo's in our group adored the banana bread from PC! Surprisingly, a basket showed up on our dining table every single night for us! Good stuff!! 
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
One of the 6yo's in our group adored the banana bread from PC! Surprisingly, a basket showed up on our dining table every single night for us! Good stuff!!
Wow!We totally should have commented on how much we liked it, then!
I'll remember that next time
Thanks for reading!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
Thanks!Yay!!!! Another update!!!!! Loved the pictures again!!!!!!!
Good, good. The performance this weekend was a lot of fun.
Here are some pics..... (not the greatest photography, but you get the idea!
)You guys stay warm up there!!
Mary Jo's Performing Arts Acadmeny
Universal Movement Dance Company
Showtime "B" Perfomance Group
(5, 6, & 7 years old)
Guavaween 2008
Ybor City, FL...Saturday October 25, 2008
"Shout"
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
Hi Jen~ I just subbed in - having lots of fun so far!I hope things were good after the initial couple of hours! Can't wait to read more!
Welcome Aboard, Tammie!
No, its not the same as the real thing, but I'll getcha as close as I can!
You know, all of the little things weren't such a big deal as the cruise went on. That 3 night cruise before us...whoo doggie, they had it a lot worse. I think just when the ship was in dry dock they were so focused on engine mechanics and the like and just got to the superficial stuff in the end. She is still such a gorgeous ship, and the crew, they were totally phenomenal at every turn....it was impossible to not have good time!
Thanks for reading!!!
TheDisneyGirl02
<font color=navy>I found my Disney Prince!<br><fon
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2006
OMG! She looks so grown up!!!!! Thank you so much for posting the pictures! Made me think about my days in my dance company!
jollytammy
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2003
Hey we had table #22 on our first Magic cruise and we just loved the location. I was so worried about eating with others, and then it turned out we got a table with just us four. It was a nice location!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
OMG! She looks so grown up!!!!! Thank you so much for posting the pictures! Made me think about my days in my dance company!
I have to laugh, though. Its the stripper makeup.
But let me tell you, I did it RIGHT. I did it just like Carlos, makeup artist to the stars TOLD us to. He told us to cake it on like Tammy Faye. (Yes, we (the parents) actually had to take a mandatory stage makeup class.
I did what they told me to, I'm just sayin'......
)You just don't even want to know what a pain in the rear those false eyelashes are....
Still waiting for your next update...you guys aren't even on the boat yet!!!!
Oh I am the same way. On top of my post-cruise depression, my updates have slowed quite a bit also 'cause I'm too lazy to lug the laptop to work with me anymore.
Reading all of ya'lls reports does make me feel better, though. So no dipping out on me! I totally agree. And it was great in all three restaurants.
We were very, very happy with our dining situation!
Thanks for reading!
TheDisneyGirl02
<font color=navy>I found my Disney Prince!<br><fon
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2006
I have to laugh, though. Its the stripper makeup.
But let me tell you, I did it RIGHT. I did it just like Carlos, makeup artist to the stars TOLD us to. He told us to cake it on like Tammy Faye. (Yes, we (the parents) actually had to take a mandatory stage makeup class.
You just don't even want to know what a pain in the rear those false eyelashes are....
OMG, I remember those days! All of that make up...I like your description of stripper make up! LOL!!!! Never had to deal with fake eyelashes, but I have had to deal with the crystals that get glued to your face next to your eyes...fun times! What we do for the love of dance!
SamIAm21
Mickey's #1 Fan
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2005
I visited Ybor City a few years back. What a great part of town. I loved the authentic food restaurants. Yummy! I actually stumbled upon it after getting lost leaving the Aquarium, which is also way cool!
I love getting lost and finding something really really different.
Savannah looks amazing although I will say it took me a minute or two to pick her out of the first picture. They all look like teeny tiny Rockettes!
I love getting lost and finding something really really different.
Savannah looks amazing although I will say it took me a minute or two to pick her out of the first picture. They all look like teeny tiny Rockettes!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
Oh, the jewels....ugh.....OMG, I remember those days! All of that make up...I like your description of stripper make up! LOL!!!! Never had to deal with fake eyelashes, but I have had to deal with the crystals that get glued to your face next to your eyes...fun times! What we do for the love of dance!
(They don't have a ripping-out-my-hair smiley on here, do they?) Yes, Ybor is very distinctive. Its a fun place. Can I say....I live here and we have not made it to the FLorida Aquarium yet??? Crazy I know. We haven't been to Busch Gardens in about 3 or 4 years either, and its 15 minutes away.
Strange how that is. And we have Adventure Island annual passes, too (the water park right here next door to Busch) so we are right there all the time. Rockettes! Too funny! They DO look like them, what is so crazy is how some of those girls can kick like them...they're 5 years old and they can wrap their leg around their neck they are so flexible!
Next installment will be coming soon, but I have to get my underwater pics...we took them to get developed about 2 weeks ago and keep forgetting to pick them up...of course they probably look just like last years water pics, but I digress.....
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
Sunday morning dawned as we slept soundly. I’m not sure when we awoke, but it was after sunrise. I’m guessing around the 7:00 hour. We did hear some noise from adjoining cabins and the hallway of people stirring, or at least I did. As I awoke, the first thing I noticed was that I was in a lot of pain, stiff neck and back from the super firm mattress. I probably should have just asked Calvin to change it out (from reading all the saggy mattress complaints on the Dis, I’m sure it could have been traded with someone who wanted more firmness and support) but I thought I would adjust to it after a day or so. Boy was I wrong!
From the porthole we could see Castaway Cay in the distance, and I anticipated a lovely family beach day. Since this was a double dip cruise, we would have two days on CC. This would be the shorter of the two days, as we had all aboard scheduled for 2:30 PM.
Ron decided to go up to the Fitness Center for some exercise, while I got Sarah fed and everybody dressed in their beach attire. Some of our Dis group were meeting mornings on deck 4 for walking/jogging but Ron thought he would enjoy finally making it up to the Spa. He did take pleasure in the breathtaking view and the appearance of “running” into Castaway Cay as the island slowly drew nearer.
When he returned from his workout, we gathered our mass of beach gear (snorkels, floaties, etc.) and headed up to deck 9 to grab some quick breakfast. The lines for Topsiders were long and the restaurant inside looked full, so we just grabbed some pastries, fruit and cereal from Goofy’s Galley.
The kids pose from Deck 9 with the Island behind them:
We were in a hurry to get off the ship, hoping to snag a spot on the beach near a hammock. It was still fairly early, and we headed down to disembark shortly after the all ashore announcement was broadcast. Obviously we weren’t the only ones with this idea, as there was a mass exodus off the boat. As we walked onto the dock, we went over to the CM’s handing out towels. Boy, were they stingy. One towel per person, they stood there and counted them out. I probably should have just asked for a couple more but instead just accepted what they had to give in order to hightail it out to the family beach. As luck would have it, a tram was pulling away just as we reached the loading area, so we decided to take the short walk. We had Sarah in the stroller and it was LOADED down with stuff anyway, so that was the best decision.
Besides, I never get tired of this photo op:
Right past the Dutchie, we found the line of people for Cap’n Jack. I was surprised to see a lineup so early in the morning, as our experience on the Wonder had been that he does not come out until 10 or 10:30. I briefly considered stopping to wait in the line, since Cap’n Jack was the only character we had inadvertently eluded on our previous cruises. But the queue was LONG and the masses were disembarking and moving in throngs to the beach, so we decided against it.
We found someone with no line right up the road, though:
We arrived at the first family beach access path, right by She Sells Sea Shells. After pushing the stroller about three feet into the sand, we quickly realized we weren’t going to get far that way. Ron went back to the stroller/wheelchair area near Mt. Rustmore and grabbed a wagon, which was great, we popped Sarah’s seat in it, collapsed the stroller, and stuffed the rest of our beach junk in the other end. It was still hard to pull, but easier than the stroller, that’s for sure!
As we canvassed the beach it was readily apparent that we had arrived too late for a hammock spot. They were all taken, even the ones on the far outskirts of the beach area. Oh well, no big deal. We were very surprised to see that there were far less hammocks out than on our last visit to the island. There had been a bunch of hammocks in banana frames right in the main drag down the middle of the family beach by the water last time…this time there were none of the portable ones.
We finally decided on a spot with an umbrella near Cookies near the lifeguard stand. The kids went running for the water while I unpacked and susncreened up myself, Ron and Sarah. Eventually the other kids made it back for sunscreen too.
Sarah is ready for her first beach experience!
We went straight out to the water, I wanted to let Sarah encounter the sand and sea before the sun became too overpowering. We sat at the shoreline for a while. She loved the approaching waves.
It got hot quick and it was floatie time!
Sarah enjoyed the water a lot. A Shutters photographer came by to take her picture, which I was happy about. It took a little while to get her situated right so I could step out of the frame (I’m shopped out of the one above, lol) but he finally got two shots, and I anticipated at least one of them would come out nicely.
After a while, we headed back up on the beach. We ordered some Konk Koolers, which arrived quickly and were strong, strong, strong. Did I mention they were strong? Boy. Walking in the thick sand is hard enough for me under normal circumstances…after having a drink that tasted like it had half a bottle of rum in it? Forget it!
My favorite beach in the whole wide world:
Ron took the kids snorkeling (we brought our own gear).
He found the sea life similar to our last visit.
Some of the other undersea props were different, though (or at least we did not see them last time). He discovered the sunken subs from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (so sad, I’m a nostalgic sap for the WDW rides of the past).
In fact, I think we rode in Seaworthy Sue!!!
And look! Minnie!
(Is this new? She sure looks nice!)
Since we had such a light breakfast, we headed to Cookie’s early (for us), around noon. The kids grabbed burgers, chips and the big ‘ol island cookies. I had hot dogs, banana bread (not as good as Parrot Cay’s!)and cookies. I also tried the couscous salad, which was just OK. Ron had chicken and the mayo-laden fish sandwich.
Sarah wasn’t interested in the food:
Afterwards the kids stopped for chocolate-chip cookie dough cones, and I surprisingly passed on one. I had other ideas in mind, and headed for the Conched Out Bar.
I was actually going to get another Konk Kooler, hopefully one that tasted like a Konk Kooler this time, and not like Cruzan straight out of the bottle. But once we got up there, I saw a Mudslide drink and decided on that instead.
It’s OK for kids to sit at the bar on Disney’s island, right?
Look at this chocolatey, creamy, boozy deliciousness:
We lazed in the sun (or shade) for a little bit longer before deciding to pack it in.
We're Here to "PUMP YOU UP"
Even though it was nowhere near 2:30 yet (probably only about 1 PM) we were surprised to see everyone packing up and heading back onboard. We are usually back on the boat early so it was strange to feel like some of the “last” ones on the island. Even though we had hundreds around us, it seemed to be emptying out quick!
We finally packed everything up and headed in.
I was looking forward to a lazy afternoon and Palo that evening, Ron wanted to head to Diversions to watch the Bucs play Green Bay, and the kids were chomping at the bit to get into the Mickey pool. It was a beautiful day at Castaway Cay, and the best part was that in just a few days, we would be back!!
Up Next: Perrier Blues
From the porthole we could see Castaway Cay in the distance, and I anticipated a lovely family beach day. Since this was a double dip cruise, we would have two days on CC. This would be the shorter of the two days, as we had all aboard scheduled for 2:30 PM.
Ron decided to go up to the Fitness Center for some exercise, while I got Sarah fed and everybody dressed in their beach attire. Some of our Dis group were meeting mornings on deck 4 for walking/jogging but Ron thought he would enjoy finally making it up to the Spa. He did take pleasure in the breathtaking view and the appearance of “running” into Castaway Cay as the island slowly drew nearer.
When he returned from his workout, we gathered our mass of beach gear (snorkels, floaties, etc.) and headed up to deck 9 to grab some quick breakfast. The lines for Topsiders were long and the restaurant inside looked full, so we just grabbed some pastries, fruit and cereal from Goofy’s Galley.
The kids pose from Deck 9 with the Island behind them:
We were in a hurry to get off the ship, hoping to snag a spot on the beach near a hammock. It was still fairly early, and we headed down to disembark shortly after the all ashore announcement was broadcast. Obviously we weren’t the only ones with this idea, as there was a mass exodus off the boat. As we walked onto the dock, we went over to the CM’s handing out towels. Boy, were they stingy. One towel per person, they stood there and counted them out. I probably should have just asked for a couple more but instead just accepted what they had to give in order to hightail it out to the family beach. As luck would have it, a tram was pulling away just as we reached the loading area, so we decided to take the short walk. We had Sarah in the stroller and it was LOADED down with stuff anyway, so that was the best decision.
Besides, I never get tired of this photo op:
Right past the Dutchie, we found the line of people for Cap’n Jack. I was surprised to see a lineup so early in the morning, as our experience on the Wonder had been that he does not come out until 10 or 10:30. I briefly considered stopping to wait in the line, since Cap’n Jack was the only character we had inadvertently eluded on our previous cruises. But the queue was LONG and the masses were disembarking and moving in throngs to the beach, so we decided against it.
We found someone with no line right up the road, though:
We arrived at the first family beach access path, right by She Sells Sea Shells. After pushing the stroller about three feet into the sand, we quickly realized we weren’t going to get far that way. Ron went back to the stroller/wheelchair area near Mt. Rustmore and grabbed a wagon, which was great, we popped Sarah’s seat in it, collapsed the stroller, and stuffed the rest of our beach junk in the other end. It was still hard to pull, but easier than the stroller, that’s for sure!
As we canvassed the beach it was readily apparent that we had arrived too late for a hammock spot. They were all taken, even the ones on the far outskirts of the beach area. Oh well, no big deal. We were very surprised to see that there were far less hammocks out than on our last visit to the island. There had been a bunch of hammocks in banana frames right in the main drag down the middle of the family beach by the water last time…this time there were none of the portable ones.
We finally decided on a spot with an umbrella near Cookies near the lifeguard stand. The kids went running for the water while I unpacked and susncreened up myself, Ron and Sarah. Eventually the other kids made it back for sunscreen too.
Sarah is ready for her first beach experience!
We went straight out to the water, I wanted to let Sarah encounter the sand and sea before the sun became too overpowering. We sat at the shoreline for a while. She loved the approaching waves.
It got hot quick and it was floatie time!
Sarah enjoyed the water a lot. A Shutters photographer came by to take her picture, which I was happy about. It took a little while to get her situated right so I could step out of the frame (I’m shopped out of the one above, lol) but he finally got two shots, and I anticipated at least one of them would come out nicely.
After a while, we headed back up on the beach. We ordered some Konk Koolers, which arrived quickly and were strong, strong, strong. Did I mention they were strong? Boy. Walking in the thick sand is hard enough for me under normal circumstances…after having a drink that tasted like it had half a bottle of rum in it? Forget it!
My favorite beach in the whole wide world:
Ron took the kids snorkeling (we brought our own gear).
He found the sea life similar to our last visit.
Some of the other undersea props were different, though (or at least we did not see them last time). He discovered the sunken subs from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (so sad, I’m a nostalgic sap for the WDW rides of the past).
In fact, I think we rode in Seaworthy Sue!!!
And look! Minnie!
(Is this new? She sure looks nice!)
Since we had such a light breakfast, we headed to Cookie’s early (for us), around noon. The kids grabbed burgers, chips and the big ‘ol island cookies. I had hot dogs, banana bread (not as good as Parrot Cay’s!)and cookies. I also tried the couscous salad, which was just OK. Ron had chicken and the mayo-laden fish sandwich.
Sarah wasn’t interested in the food:
Afterwards the kids stopped for chocolate-chip cookie dough cones, and I surprisingly passed on one. I had other ideas in mind, and headed for the Conched Out Bar.
I was actually going to get another Konk Kooler, hopefully one that tasted like a Konk Kooler this time, and not like Cruzan straight out of the bottle. But once we got up there, I saw a Mudslide drink and decided on that instead.
It’s OK for kids to sit at the bar on Disney’s island, right?
Look at this chocolatey, creamy, boozy deliciousness:
We lazed in the sun (or shade) for a little bit longer before deciding to pack it in.
We're Here to "PUMP YOU UP"
Even though it was nowhere near 2:30 yet (probably only about 1 PM) we were surprised to see everyone packing up and heading back onboard. We are usually back on the boat early so it was strange to feel like some of the “last” ones on the island. Even though we had hundreds around us, it seemed to be emptying out quick!
We finally packed everything up and headed in.
I was looking forward to a lazy afternoon and Palo that evening, Ron wanted to head to Diversions to watch the Bucs play Green Bay, and the kids were chomping at the bit to get into the Mickey pool. It was a beautiful day at Castaway Cay, and the best part was that in just a few days, we would be back!!
Up Next: Perrier Blues
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