jns
<font color=cc3366>Tries hard to get the jelly off
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2004
Video Killed the Trip Report Star: A Little Halloween Magic (Western) Complete!!
- Thread starter nenner1
- Start date
anewmac
Ive got nothing planned whats an OCVP to do?
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2007
sounds like a nice relaxing day at sea.. even with the meltdown. Ha love that Sarah fell asleep in the chair, thats awesome! Something I would do (after a few DOTD's LOL)
Oh what I wouldnt do for some of those Chicken Tenders from Plutos right now.
Glad you were eventually able to get some mom and dad time later.
Ron- breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out. Someday you will look back at that and laugh.. someday when he's 30 lol
Oh what I wouldnt do for some of those Chicken Tenders from Plutos right now.
Glad you were eventually able to get some mom and dad time later.
Ron- breath in, breath out, breath in, breath out. Someday you will look back at that and laugh.. someday when he's 30 lol
Mommy Poppins
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2000
Just got back from our western cruise yesterday. Reading your updat4es is like we're still there!!!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
Late afternoon on the last Sea Day means it was time for Friendship Rocks! They changed the DSeaU kids club graduation right after our last cruise on the Magic, so this would be the first time encountering Friendship Rocks! The basic premise is the same, music, slideshow, and of course the characters!
The smaller kids got yellow T-shirts and the older kids, including Savannah, got teal colored ones. Ron had taken Sarah with him to give me an opportunity to get cleaned up for Semi-Formal night, which was wonderful. After the show, they stopped into Mickeys Mates to do a little shopping, and Sarah decided she wanted to see what life was like on the other side of the counter and be a CM
Of course Ron had only turned around for a split second and she was back there the lil' devil! The (real) CM behind the counter was great about it though!
Okay, is this not *the* best plush in the world ever? Totally worth the $40 it costs!! Of course Sarah got one!
One of the best Hidden Mickeys onboard.
I had put together a little list of Hidden Mickeys and the older kids really enjoyed scouring the boat looking for all of the different ones you can find around the boat. I think they found them all!!
Some of the store display windows, and a map of where we had been
We got the kids rounded up and all dressed. For the most part we went slightly more casual than we normally do on the formal nights, at least the boys did. All of us girls were in pretty black and white dresses.
Sarah in her gown, or well, it used to be a gown when we bought it about eight months prior!
We went down and ad some lovely lifestyle pictures taken by our new friend and awesome Shutters CM Claire. She was very patient and got this amazing trifecta of shots out of Sarah. Each of these expressions were just split seconds apart (if that!)!
The lobby had emptied out quite a bit, and this backdrop was not staffed at all so I took these with our camera:
Then we headed back to the show but it had started already. Late again! We were able to get seats probably only due to the fact that the rainy afternoon must have drawn more folks in for the matinee.
The show was just as great as always. This is truly adont miss show!!!
My photos came out uber-bad and our seats were horrible, so here are some older shots from Disney Dreams. (It hasnt changed a bit!).
After Dreams, we rushed to Rockin' Bar D to catch comedian/magician Jason Bishops Family Cabaret performance. It was fun, and he was pretty amusing. The kids in attendance loved the act!!
Right after the show we headed to the Atrium to see what character pictures we could get. We saw Goofy and I rushed to get at the back of his line, waaaaay down the porthole hall near the Promenade Lounge! I was afraid the line would get cut off on us, but it didnt. A CM was working the line pretty good, keeping us neat and orderly and letting everyone know which character it would be by the time they got to the front, also keeping the dinner line separate from the picture line. We were going to make Goofy, but not far behind us was the cutoff and another character would be out. While I stood in line, Ron kept Sarah amused and the other two were running around, talking to friends and basically entertaining themselves.
Finally it was our turn to take a picture with Goofy! But he had to catch Sarah first!!!
The smaller kids got yellow T-shirts and the older kids, including Savannah, got teal colored ones. Ron had taken Sarah with him to give me an opportunity to get cleaned up for Semi-Formal night, which was wonderful. After the show, they stopped into Mickeys Mates to do a little shopping, and Sarah decided she wanted to see what life was like on the other side of the counter and be a CM
Of course Ron had only turned around for a split second and she was back there the lil' devil! The (real) CM behind the counter was great about it though!
Okay, is this not *the* best plush in the world ever? Totally worth the $40 it costs!! Of course Sarah got one!
One of the best Hidden Mickeys onboard.
I had put together a little list of Hidden Mickeys and the older kids really enjoyed scouring the boat looking for all of the different ones you can find around the boat. I think they found them all!!
Some of the store display windows, and a map of where we had been
We got the kids rounded up and all dressed. For the most part we went slightly more casual than we normally do on the formal nights, at least the boys did. All of us girls were in pretty black and white dresses.
Sarah in her gown, or well, it used to be a gown when we bought it about eight months prior!
We went down and ad some lovely lifestyle pictures taken by our new friend and awesome Shutters CM Claire. She was very patient and got this amazing trifecta of shots out of Sarah. Each of these expressions were just split seconds apart (if that!)!
The lobby had emptied out quite a bit, and this backdrop was not staffed at all so I took these with our camera:
Then we headed back to the show but it had started already. Late again! We were able to get seats probably only due to the fact that the rainy afternoon must have drawn more folks in for the matinee.
The show was just as great as always. This is truly adont miss show!!!
My photos came out uber-bad and our seats were horrible, so here are some older shots from Disney Dreams. (It hasnt changed a bit!).
After Dreams, we rushed to Rockin' Bar D to catch comedian/magician Jason Bishops Family Cabaret performance. It was fun, and he was pretty amusing. The kids in attendance loved the act!!
Right after the show we headed to the Atrium to see what character pictures we could get. We saw Goofy and I rushed to get at the back of his line, waaaaay down the porthole hall near the Promenade Lounge! I was afraid the line would get cut off on us, but it didnt. A CM was working the line pretty good, keeping us neat and orderly and letting everyone know which character it would be by the time they got to the front, also keeping the dinner line separate from the picture line. We were going to make Goofy, but not far behind us was the cutoff and another character would be out. While I stood in line, Ron kept Sarah amused and the other two were running around, talking to friends and basically entertaining themselves.
Finally it was our turn to take a picture with Goofy! But he had to catch Sarah first!!!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
As we were getting our pictures with Goofy, the dining rooms opened up and the late diners began filing in. That line took the entire period between the cabaret show and dinner!!
Tonight we were back in Parrot Cay for the Captains Gala Menu. Everything started off well, Sarah was happy for the time being .
I lost an awful lot of pictures from this evening, so if some of these shots look familiar, it is thanks to my wonderful fellow cruisers Ellen and Trisha! Thanks for sharing your food porn with me gals!
Passayu was out quickly with our drinks and bread service. Bread this evening was a Semolina Loaf with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.
For appetizers, I selected the Fresh Fruit Cocktail with Orange Blossom Honey, which was fine, could have used more honey IMO, there was hardly any drizzled on top.
Ron and Brendan had the Herb Sautéed Shrimp on Spaghetti Vegetables drizzled with Garlic Butter which they both thought was good.
Next up was the soup/salad course. Ron chose the Wild Forest Mushroom Soup, which he liked. I had the Garden Fresh Salad with Tomato Chips and Balsamic Dressing. This was just a regular old salad, nothing special, although I did like the tangy sun-dried tomato chips.
The girls meals were out promptly after our soup/salad. Once again, Minnies Mini Burger and Chicken Strips. Sarah wasnt really interested in her food and got fussy quickly.
We tried just about everything but by the time our entrees arrived we know our time was almost up.
I selected the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Sweet Peppers over Fettuccine with Mushrooms in a Cheddar Cheese. It looks pretty .but
It was a poor selection for me, and frankly I have no idea why I chose it. The chicken was a full breast, with skin under the panko/parmesan coat. I dont like skin, so once I peeled that away, so did the breaded coating. The chicken underneath was very moist, but almost too much so, as it seemed underdone for my taste. It was very bland. No flavor at all.
As far as the fettuccine, well I am not a fan of cream sauces, but I was intrigued by the tease of cheddar cheese. I thought maybe instead of a bland Alfredo it may be tangier, heavy on the sharp cheddar. It wasnt, in fact it tasted just like a traditional parmesan Alfredo.
While I was picking at my entrée, Brendan and Ron were digging in to the pies de resistance on the Captains Gala menu the Baked Lobster Tail, served with Lemon Butter, Green Beans, and Oven-Baked Seasoned Rice.
The lobster was fabulous! But by now things had reached boiling point for Sarah and she melted down faster than a molten lava cake. Both Ron and Brendan had received rather small tails. While Ron did not think to ask for two, it was not offered either, and when he spied a gentleman at the next table with two HUGE lobster tails-both of which significantly bigger than his one tail, he was a little bummed. He feared if he asked for a second tail, it might take so long to get that he wouldnt want it anymore or Sarah would have to be taken out.
He was right on one count. Sarah did not last long at all. Since I was not really enjoying my dinner, I volunteered to be the one to take her back to the room and put her to bed. I asked if Ron could bring me back dessert to the room since I was still hungry.
Meanwhile, Ron and the kids were able to relax and enjoy the rest of their meal. While only about 5 bites, the lobstah was tender, flavorful, and delicious!
But if you think that was good...just wait. This is absolutely, positively the number one best dessert onboard the Magic (aside from the Palo Chocolate Soufflé): Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Double Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream!!
True to their word, Ron and the kids brought one back to the room for me, which I ate immediately. It was still amazing, even all that time later! As Ellen says, it was the bomb-diggity!!!
Savannah was pretty tired, so she stayed with Sarah, who had fallen asleep almost as soon as we got back to our room. Our towel animals in both rooms? Monstah lobstahs of course!
With the girls all taken care of, Brendan headed up on deck to catch the Edges pool party up at the Mickey pool. We saw this going on as we stopped by the drink station for some soda and tea; it looked like a lot of fun, so with him all situated we headed on down to the Adult Cabaret show by John Charles in the Walt Disney Theater.
This was now the fourth time we have seen John Charles perform, so there was some rehashed material. We much preferred watching the cabaret show in the Walt Disney Theater as opposed to Rockin Bar D. It was much more comfortable and a lot easier to see (although admittedly John Charles act does not depend much on visual cues). It was a lot of fun, and we saw so many of our cruise meet thread friends in attendance.
After the show, we headed back down to our stateroom and did some of the packing. I always hate having to rush back from Castaway Cay to pack, so we took care of what we could, before we collapsed.
Up Next: Taking the Plunge!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
It did, and I really had no idea exactly what she was going to do to Sarah's hair, she isn't the most verbally expressive lady!
Great Photo
Thanks! My camera actually does that, it isn't Photoshop. I was trying to read a book about my camera before the cruise to improve my pictures and that was one of the few technical settings I actually remembered! I took a lot of pics around the ship like that but most of them didn't come out too good, as the sensor that determines the colors sometimes allowed some "bleeding". But I liked it a lot too!
I think he's wishing he could get away in the Edge about right now too!
I know right? I could totally do it without the DOD's I think..man that girl ran us ragged!
Word! I keep eating these valentine chocolates but that's what I really want!
mmmmm......I'm not so sure...
Thanks so much for stopping by to read, I'm glad it helped take you back!!!
MAGICFOR2
Condimentessa
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2005
Don't know why, but I never saw your updates - Bad DISfriend! I'm up to the Beer tasting - Looks like you're having a great time - can't believe all the work you went to - Lanyard lady AND TOT Queen! You are so sweet!
Your KW day sounds like our quest to get to DTD from AK one time
I'll be back to read - Happy Valentine's Day!!!
Your KW day sounds like our quest to get to DTD from AK one time
I'll be back to read - Happy Valentine's Day!!!
livingis2me
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2008
You know it's really not fair that Shutters takes photos like this.
How am I supposed to stay within our photo budget? 
: Another great update!
Ron
anewmac
Ive got nothing planned whats an OCVP to do?
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2007
Late afternoon on the last Sea Day means it was time for Friendship Rocks! They changed the DSeaU kids club graduation right after our last cruise on the Magic, so this would be the first time encountering Friendship Rocks! The basic premise is the same, music, slideshow, and of course the characters!
Im so glad we got the las DSeaU then as I have saved the mickey graduation hat for when the boys graduate high school (maybe thats when we will Disney Cruise again?? lol (at the prices of the Dream and Fantasy... they may have to get jobs on the boat)
The smaller kids got yellow T-shirts and the older kids, including Savannah, got teal colored ones.
ohh my favorite color teal!!!
Of course Ron had only turned around for a split second and she was back there the lil' devil! The (real) CM behind the counter was great about it though!
got to love that they are so relaxed and cool about it
Okay, is this not *the* best plush in the world ever? Totally worth the $40 it costs!! Of course Sarah got one!
ohh how adorable!
One of the best Hidden Mickeys onboard.
Cant wait to see the ones on the new ships.. you know.. somedy
I had put together a little list of Hidden Mickeys and the older kids really enjoyed scouring the boat looking for all of the different ones you can find around the boat. I think they found them all!!
Great idea, if we are ever on it again Im gonna ask you for it
Sarah in her gown, or well, it used to be a gown when we bought it about eight months prior!
still looks cute!, like skorts.
We went down and ad some lovely lifestyle pictures taken by our new friend and awesome Shutters CM Claire. She was very patient and got this amazing trifecta of shots out of Sarah. Each of these expressions were just split seconds apart (if that!)!
ADORABLE!!!!
The lobby had emptied out quite a bit, and this backdrop was not staffed at all so I took these with our camera:
Ya that background never wowed me either
Then we headed back to the show but it had started already. Late again! We were able to get seats probably only due to the fact that the rainy afternoon must have drawn more folks in for the matinee.
No heckeling this time?
The show was just as great as always. This is truly adont miss show!!!
Or in some peoples case, and dont nap show
Right after the show we headed to the Atrium to see what character pictures we could get. We saw Goofy and I rushed to get at the back of his line, waaaaay down the porthole hall near the Promenade Lounge! I was afraid the line would get cut off on us, but it didnt. A CM was working the line pretty good, keeping us neat and orderly and letting everyone know which character it would be by the time they got to the front, also keeping the dinner line separate from the picture line. We were going to make Goofy, but not far behind us was the cutoff and another character would be out. While I stood in line, Ron kept Sarah amused and the other two were running around, talking to friends and basically entertaining themselves.
Wish they could have fast pass's for pics LMAO
Finally it was our turn to take a picture with Goofy! But he had to catch Sarah first!!
OH CANT WAIT FOR THIS!????!!I lost an awful lot of pictures from this evening, so if some of these shots look familiar, it is thanks to my wonderful fellow cruisers Ellen and Trisha! Thanks for sharing your food porn with me gals!
yes thanks for sharing cuz im licking my screen right now.. not sure if you heard but this diet is killing me
Passayu was out quickly with our drinks and bread service. Bread this evening was a Semolina Loaf with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce.
umm red pepper sauce, was it HOT or just had a kick?
Ron and Brendan had the Herb Sautéed Shrimp on Spaghetti Vegetables drizzled with Garlic Butter which they both thought was good.
mmmm looks yummo
I selected the Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Sweet Peppers over Fettuccine with Mushrooms in a Cheddar Cheese. It looks pretty .but
even looks sort of blah color...
While I was picking at my entrée, Brendan and Ron were digging in to the pies de resistance on the Captains Gala menu the Baked Lobster Tail, served with Lemon Butter, Green Beans, and Oven-Baked Seasoned Rice.
thats what im talken about, oh wow so colorful too
He was right on one count. Sarah did not last long at all. Since I was not really enjoying my dinner, I volunteered to be the one to take her back to the room and put her to bed. I asked if Ron could bring me back dessert to the room since I was still hungry.
Hey thats even better you get to enjoy from the comforts of your room!
But if you think that was good...just wait. This is absolutely, positively the number one best dessert onboard the Magic (aside from the Palo Chocolate Soufflé): Warm Chocolate Lava Cake with Double Chocolate Sauce and Ice Cream!!
OHHH EMM GEE, i want some now (diet killing me i think i just gained 5lbs looking at trip reports between yours and El's)
True to their word, Ron and the kids brought one back to the room for me, which I ate immediately. It was still amazing, even all that time later! As Ellen says, it was the bomb-diggity!!!
With the girls all taken care of, Brendan headed up on deck to catch the Edges pool party up at the Mickey pool.
how fun, i always get nervouse when they have those things though im afraid of them swimming and me not being there even though I know there are CMs im just odd LOL
After the show, we headed back down to our stateroom and did some of the packing. I always hate having to rush back from Castaway Cay to pack, so we took care of what we could, before we collapsed.
packing sucks when I win the lotto im gonna pay the CM to pack for me LOL
Up Next: Taking the Plunge!
podsnel
<font color=blue>just skippin' around, amusing mys
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
You get the BEST pics of your family!!! They just LIGHT UP in front of the camera!!!
Love the braids on Sarah- so funny she fell asleep!!
So the frienship rocks thing was new last time? We were the cruise after you in '08, so I guess we were the first show? Timmy got a teal shirt- but he wouldn't perform. Which is VERY un-Tim like, he loves to be on stage and was really excited about it before we went on our first cruise. But in dress rehearsal, some CM scared the crap out of him saying not to touch something on the stage or it would kill him or something....and being 9, he took it literally and wouldn't go back on the stage. When all the kids came out for the show is when we found out about Tim not participating- he was back in the cabin!
I was soooo sad!!
Your family looks great in their dress-up clothes- Brendan, too!
Whata shame about the size of the tails....we had big ones, we were pretty impressed by ours.
And that dessert...mmmmmmm....I think it reminded me of pudding skin- something about the consistency of it...it was sooooooooooooo good!!
Oh, and DREA- at paying the CMs to pack for you when you win the lotto- ROTFLMAO!!!!
Love the braids on Sarah- so funny she fell asleep!!
So the frienship rocks thing was new last time? We were the cruise after you in '08, so I guess we were the first show? Timmy got a teal shirt- but he wouldn't perform. Which is VERY un-Tim like, he loves to be on stage and was really excited about it before we went on our first cruise. But in dress rehearsal, some CM scared the crap out of him saying not to touch something on the stage or it would kill him or something....and being 9, he took it literally and wouldn't go back on the stage. When all the kids came out for the show is when we found out about Tim not participating- he was back in the cabin!
I was soooo sad!!Your family looks great in their dress-up clothes- Brendan, too!
Whata shame about the size of the tails
....we had big ones, we were pretty impressed by ours. And that dessert...mmmmmmm....I think it reminded me of pudding skin- something about the consistency of it...it was sooooooooooooo good!!
Oh, and DREA-
at paying the CMs to pack for you when you win the lotto- ROTFLMAO!!!!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
LOL! It's OK, I don't always get the email notifications and sometimes I get behind too!
Aw thanks, it was wonderful and a whole lot of fun!!! I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but I'll ave to think of something creative since we are not on a holiday cruise next time. Hmmm....
LOL! Thanks Tammie, hope you and Jim had a wonderful V day too!Your KW day sounds like our quest to get to DTD from AK one time
You know it's really not fair that Shutters takes photos like this.
Another great update!
Ron
So you freely admit here for all to see that it's not just ME buying out Shutters...!?!?
Wow - the Shutters pics are fabulous! (of course the subject matter(s) are pretty darn cute too ...)
Aww thanks!!!!
LOL, the HM list, I do have it and it was very comprehensive for the Magic. As far as the dream goes....that would be a big undertaking! that thing has so many HM's onboard it makes my eyes cross! Love it!
The funny thing about the ship with the Mickey sunset background...If you look closely when there is nobody in front of it you can tell the photo of the ship was "flipped" horizontally. Look at the "Wonder" on the side...LOL! You can see it in the pic with just the kids!
ITA about the graduation hats- those are the BEST! I have several of them around, if B has a 5th grade graduation ceremony this year I will be sure to remind him he can wear that!
Awww...thanks hun!
SO not what I was expecting. Ron and I just stood there looking at each other thinking "Really?!?!?"
So the frienship rocks thing was new last time? We were the cruise after you in '08, so I guess we were the first show? Timmy got a teal shirt- but he wouldn't perform. Which is VERY un-Tim like, he loves to be on stage and was really excited about it before we went on our first cruise. But in dress rehearsal, some CM scared the crap out of him saying not to touch something on the stage or it would kill him or something....and being 9, he took it literally and wouldn't go back on the stage. When all the kids came out for the show is when we found out about Tim not participating- he was back in the cabin!
Yep we had one of the very last DSeaU's in '08. This story is very fresh in my mind because I was bored recently and wanted something good to read so I reread your old trippy.
I agree that is very un-Timmy like, but heck I don't blame him a bit! Getting told that would freak me out too! Such a shame that had to happen. Your family looks great in their dress-up clothes- Brendan, too!
Whata shame about the size of the tails
Yeah, under normal circumstances he wouldn't have hesitated to ask for a second one, but Sarah was just ballistic by then. The lobster tasted delicious though (so the boys said. I've never been huge on lobster but I wish I had ordered it too, or at least chicken strips..ha!)
And that dessert...mmmmmmm....I think it reminded me of pudding skin- something about the consistency of it...it was sooooooooooooo good!!
Oh so I'm not the only pudding skin conosseiur?
I don't make pudding too often but when I do (and I'm not making it from scratch where I can jack up the chocolate content) it has to be the cook & serve so it gets a nice thick SKIN! I think I may have been the pudding skin bandit back in the day, ask Ron if he ever came home to scraped pudding cups in the fridge. LOL! 
Oh I am so there with you, D! I am totally surprised they don't offer this service to the concierge in the Walt & Roy at least. My Aunt & Uncle one were on a RCCL cruise in one of their top of the line suites and they had a butler that would do that sort of thing.Oh, and DREA-
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
Somehow we have found ourselves on the last full day of the cruise!!
Friday dawned partly cloudy and significantly cooler than when were last in the vicinity of Florida on the previous Sunday. As per our routine, Ron and the older kids were up first and headed down to breakfast, bringing back a tray for me and Sarah. When they awoke we were still on approach to Castaway Cay:
We werent really in a hurry to get onshore, but we still managed to disembark obviously fairly early. The cool winds were really cranking up, you can tell in thie picture how windy it was, and there was a briskness in the air, less humidity for sure.
We have a bunch of pics like this but who was to know this would be among the last?
As we left the ship there were towels being provided, but instead of a big bin to grab out of for yourself, there were CMs counting out the numbers in your party and handing a strict one towel per person. We arent greedy or anything but we do like to have one or two extra, for instance one to fold up and use as a pillow while you lay on another in a lounge chair, and to just always have at least one dry one. I think because Ron took from the CM on the left and I took from the lady on the right, we managed to get one extra.
Things have changed substantially at Castway Cay since our last visit. The expansions to the island to better accommodate the Dream and Fantasys increased passenger loads were now complete and fully operational!
These expansions included a whole new family beach area (past the Heads Up bar where the Teen Beach used to be), the Pelican Plunge waterslides and water play platform, Spring-A-Leak kids splash zone, the private beach cabanas, and a second lunch buffet pavilion Cookies Too, among the new offerings.
I had thought a lot about how and where to set up on the beach. We had decided that most folks would flock to the new family beach area, given its proximity to Pelican Plunge (and we were right). So our plan was instead to stay to the far end of the old family beach, near the Heads Up bar, but still close to the new beach and Pelican Plunge. So we hopped a tram and headed for the Pelican Point Tram Stop.
The tram had even changed up its stop order, instead of the closer Scuttles Cove stop first, it went directly to Pelican Point, much to the delight of all of the passengers who were heading to that part of the beach.
As soon as we disembarked the tram, we grabbed a wagon. These are so great, not only will they tote around your crazy kid for you, also all of your towels and stuff. They are free for your use and are available near where the tram empties out!
The first stop was at the new gift shop near the expansion beach, aptly called Buy the Seashore. I needed to get more batteries for my larger camera. After doing that, we headed right off into the expansion area to check it out. When we saw it we threw away all of that research and decided since there were still plenty of good spots here to just snag one, and we did get a convenient spot on the end by the pathways right by Pelican Plunge.
Our first spot (the orange umbrella right behind the family you see in this picture)
The problem was, this area of beach isnt too pretty. It is just an expanse of sand, not many palms or foliage. It seemed flat, exposed, and well barren and got VERY crowded VERY quick. Ron decided we made a mistake by not going with our pre-determined plan , and on his own he went over to the other side- the original family beach and scoped out a great spot, even with a hammock. Problem was I didnt realize he was doing this, and he couldnt leave the spot or else it would get claimed. The kids were off running around so unfortunately he ended up leaving the spot to find me and tell me, and sure enough we did lose it. But we spotted another one we liked, the only problem was it didnt have an umbrella. It did have a palm tree though and seemed shady enough (it wasnt a very sunny day anyway)
Theres an old Buffett song with the lyric Under my lone palm and thats what both of us thought about our new nice spot on the very sparsely populated older family beach. It was still right across the path from Pelican Plunge and right next to restrooms, and of course just steps from the Heads Up bar. I totally recommend going to this area if you want to be so close but yet so far from all the activity.
This was our closest neighbor:
Our very own private crab race!
We spent a little time relaxing on the beach. The water seemed SO cold at first. We had a front row seat for a wedding taking place on the beach. It looked very beautiful, I wish we had realized there were options like this when we got married way back when.
We wanted to go check out the new kids water splash area Spring-A-Leak before it got too busy. So after buying Sarah a red castle sand pail (yeah were suckers) we took her over to S-A-L. She absolutely LOVED it!!
Friday dawned partly cloudy and significantly cooler than when were last in the vicinity of Florida on the previous Sunday. As per our routine, Ron and the older kids were up first and headed down to breakfast, bringing back a tray for me and Sarah. When they awoke we were still on approach to Castaway Cay:
We werent really in a hurry to get onshore, but we still managed to disembark obviously fairly early. The cool winds were really cranking up, you can tell in thie picture how windy it was, and there was a briskness in the air, less humidity for sure.
We have a bunch of pics like this but who was to know this would be among the last?
As we left the ship there were towels being provided, but instead of a big bin to grab out of for yourself, there were CMs counting out the numbers in your party and handing a strict one towel per person. We arent greedy or anything but we do like to have one or two extra, for instance one to fold up and use as a pillow while you lay on another in a lounge chair, and to just always have at least one dry one. I think because Ron took from the CM on the left and I took from the lady on the right, we managed to get one extra.
Things have changed substantially at Castway Cay since our last visit. The expansions to the island to better accommodate the Dream and Fantasys increased passenger loads were now complete and fully operational!
These expansions included a whole new family beach area (past the Heads Up bar where the Teen Beach used to be), the Pelican Plunge waterslides and water play platform, Spring-A-Leak kids splash zone, the private beach cabanas, and a second lunch buffet pavilion Cookies Too, among the new offerings.
I had thought a lot about how and where to set up on the beach. We had decided that most folks would flock to the new family beach area, given its proximity to Pelican Plunge (and we were right). So our plan was instead to stay to the far end of the old family beach, near the Heads Up bar, but still close to the new beach and Pelican Plunge. So we hopped a tram and headed for the Pelican Point Tram Stop.
The tram had even changed up its stop order, instead of the closer Scuttles Cove stop first, it went directly to Pelican Point, much to the delight of all of the passengers who were heading to that part of the beach.
As soon as we disembarked the tram, we grabbed a wagon. These are so great, not only will they tote around your crazy kid for you, also all of your towels and stuff. They are free for your use and are available near where the tram empties out!
The first stop was at the new gift shop near the expansion beach, aptly called Buy the Seashore. I needed to get more batteries for my larger camera. After doing that, we headed right off into the expansion area to check it out. When we saw it we threw away all of that research and decided since there were still plenty of good spots here to just snag one, and we did get a convenient spot on the end by the pathways right by Pelican Plunge.
Our first spot (the orange umbrella right behind the family you see in this picture)
The problem was, this area of beach isnt too pretty. It is just an expanse of sand, not many palms or foliage. It seemed flat, exposed, and well barren and got VERY crowded VERY quick. Ron decided we made a mistake by not going with our pre-determined plan , and on his own he went over to the other side- the original family beach and scoped out a great spot, even with a hammock. Problem was I didnt realize he was doing this, and he couldnt leave the spot or else it would get claimed. The kids were off running around so unfortunately he ended up leaving the spot to find me and tell me, and sure enough we did lose it. But we spotted another one we liked, the only problem was it didnt have an umbrella. It did have a palm tree though and seemed shady enough (it wasnt a very sunny day anyway)
Theres an old Buffett song with the lyric Under my lone palm and thats what both of us thought about our new nice spot on the very sparsely populated older family beach. It was still right across the path from Pelican Plunge and right next to restrooms, and of course just steps from the Heads Up bar. I totally recommend going to this area if you want to be so close but yet so far from all the activity.
This was our closest neighbor:
Our very own private crab race!
We spent a little time relaxing on the beach. The water seemed SO cold at first. We had a front row seat for a wedding taking place on the beach. It looked very beautiful, I wish we had realized there were options like this when we got married way back when.
We wanted to go check out the new kids water splash area Spring-A-Leak before it got too busy. So after buying Sarah a red castle sand pail (yeah were suckers) we took her over to S-A-L. She absolutely LOVED it!!
nenner1
<font color=darkorchid>I must've been distracted b
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2007
We didnt spend too long at S-A-L, just long enough to get a little taste. The big kids were on Pelican Plunge, over..and over again! They loved it, even if the water was extrememly frigid. The line was not too terrible, about 5 minutes wait. It probably got to 10 minutes at worst.
And from one splash area to another. You know what I'm talking about- Pelican Plunge!
There are two slides, you have to be able to swim out to the platform to get to them. The water is not too deep where you swim over, but the area where you get deposited by the slides (depending on the tides) can be very deep. Of the two slides the enclosed tube one is faster and by all accounts more fun, but you have to watch out for that plunge at the end, it can send you flying into the water and the water flying up your nose. Here is a video of Savannah flying out:
(Video: click to play!)
Now it was time for one of Castaway Cays must dos... a Konk Kooler! We headed out to enjoy the sights and tastes of the Heads Up bar!
It's worth the walk out here just for the spectacular views!
Ron got a Konk Kooler, but I was in the mood for something sickeningly, cloyingly sweet so I chose a Raspberry Colava! Yummy!
We saw what looked like some nasty looking clouds moving in from our vantage point out on the boardwalk, so we decided to head in and grab some lunch!
Up next: Ribs to the left, ribs to the right
And from one splash area to another. You know what I'm talking about- Pelican Plunge!
There are two slides, you have to be able to swim out to the platform to get to them. The water is not too deep where you swim over, but the area where you get deposited by the slides (depending on the tides) can be very deep. Of the two slides the enclosed tube one is faster and by all accounts more fun, but you have to watch out for that plunge at the end, it can send you flying into the water and the water flying up your nose. Here is a video of Savannah flying out:
(Video: click to play!)
Now it was time for one of Castaway Cays must dos... a Konk Kooler! We headed out to enjoy the sights and tastes of the Heads Up bar!
It's worth the walk out here just for the spectacular views!
Ron got a Konk Kooler, but I was in the mood for something sickeningly, cloyingly sweet so I chose a Raspberry Colava! Yummy!
We saw what looked like some nasty looking clouds moving in from our vantage point out on the boardwalk, so we decided to head in and grab some lunch!
Up next: Ribs to the left, ribs to the right
livingis2me
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2008
Actually the line did get pretty bad at Pelican Plunge after awhile. I tried to go back to try the other slide and it was about a half hour wait. So I recommend doing it as early as you can to avoid crowds. Also, if you keep your KTTW card in your pocket you will most likely lose it when you plunge from the slide. Seems obvious, right? 
Guess who didn't think about that...: me...
In case you are wondering, they will not leave you behind on Castaway Cay if you don't have a KTTW card to present to get back on the ship. Darn!
Ron
Also, if you keep your KTTW card in your pocket you will most likely lose it when you plunge from the slide. Seems obvious, right? Guess who didn't think about that...: me... In case you are wondering, they will not leave you behind on Castaway Cay if you don't have a KTTW card to present to get back on the ship. Darn! Ron
livingis2me
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2008
Awesome update!
podsnel
<font color=blue>just skippin' around, amusing mys
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2007
We were sitting not too far away from you- a little more towards the ship. It was soooo crowded on that new beach when we arrived, but it really made the old beach so much better!! I wonder how CC is on the Dream?
I agree on the water slide time with Ron- it got VERY busy, which is right after we arrived- the kids waited about half an hour for their ride. So go early, or go late- late was great, too! And I DEFINITELY got shot outta there like a canon- totally got my clocks cleaned!
Loved all your pelican pics!!
I agree on the water slide time with Ron- it got VERY busy, which is right after we arrived- the kids waited about half an hour for their ride. So go early, or go late- late was great, too! And I DEFINITELY got shot outta there like a canon- totally got my clocks cleaned!
Loved all your pelican pics!!
MAGICFOR2
Condimentessa
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2005
You know it's really not fair that Shutters takes photos like this.
Another great update!
Ron
Awe, so cute. Ron, you are going to have to budget bigger with those pretty girls to take pics of!
MAGICFOR2
Condimentessa
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2005
Okay, now I'm up to speed. I'm loving your report, Jen!
Random thoughts:
I like chunky peanut butter better than..Oh! I mean thoughts about your updates!
Sarah's braids are so cute - How cute she fell asleep - must have been relaxing.
Great interaction with Mickey for semi-formal night.
Beautiful pics of the kids! Shutters really does do a great job
Nachi Cocum looks like a great day! After reading your report and Ellen's, I am sure I would love to spend our next Cozumel day there! Could you snorkel there, too?
I love the way your own personal room service brought you Mickey waffles every day! I'm going to see if mine will do that!
Even though your day at CC was a little cooler, looking at the pics is warming me up on this snowy day! Thanks for keeping the updates going!
Random thoughts:
I like chunky peanut butter better than..Oh! I mean thoughts about your updates!
Sarah's braids are so cute - How cute she fell asleep - must have been relaxing.
Great interaction with Mickey for semi-formal night.
Beautiful pics of the kids! Shutters really does do a great job
Nachi Cocum looks like a great day! After reading your report and Ellen's, I am sure I would love to spend our next Cozumel day there! Could you snorkel there, too?
I love the way your own personal room service brought you Mickey waffles every day! I'm going to see if mine will do that!
Even though your day at CC was a little cooler, looking at the pics is warming me up on this snowy day! Thanks for keeping the updates going!
knewton64
- May the luck of the Irish always be with you -
- Joined
- Aug 20, 2008
I finally loaded up the last one (I also have my Disney pics on it as well).
The name of the song??
What else but:
"Video killed the Radio Star"
It was fun reading your tr and look forward to many more fun reading from you and your family.
P.S.
WOW! Love the pics from CC and am impressed w/all the changes out there!!
T.T.F.N.
The name of the song??
What else but:
"Video killed the Radio Star"
It was fun reading your tr and look forward to many more fun reading from you and your family
.P.S.
WOW! Love the pics from CC and am impressed w/all the changes out there!!
T.T.F.N.
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