3 Families doin' a Surf & Turf Trip! AKL CL & Dream...Good-Byes

[amandaw]

Yay! It's cruising time!

I know what you mean about feeling like a fish out of water in the terminal. I felt the same way last year, not knowing where to go or what to do.

Love all of the family photos! You could never bore us with your pictures.

Glad y'all were able to get on the ship quickly.

Your time is drawing very near!!!! How's the running going? Are you making progress??

I'm so excited.....our trip really needs to get here!

I finally finished the C25K program a few weeks ago. And now, I'm running a full 5K when I go run. Only problem now is that we're super busy so I'm only getting to run 1-2 times a week.

 

[Sue M]

Yes, the hording has begun even before WDW !! glad the new H2o is good.

Love the pics, departing AKL must have been a little sad. You sure did a lot in 4 days.
The pic of Faith a little less then happy waiting for cruise is too funny. She was ready to get on that ship.. Hope you post pics of stateroom. And food???

 

[pas130]

heather Love the AKL "Summary"


And you're on the cruise already

 

[cdotla]

Hi Trish!!! Heather and I were just wondering about you, so glad to see you on the boards. Life just has a way of getting busy and complicated sometimes doesn't it. I have had a few board breaks over the years, we all understand. I hope you had a good summer in Canada. You can see from my ticker we are working up to our first DCL this fall. Hope you are doing well! Cheers, Erin

Hi Erin! It is amazing how life can pass by in the blink of an eye, isn't it? But the good news is that as soon as I pop back onto the trip report boards there is already another awesome TR from Heather in full swing!

Too funny that you are doing your first DCL trip this fall for your 40th. We are also doing our 1st cruise in May for my 40th. At least we can get the low-down on all the nitty gritty details from Heather first...I can't wait! You'll have to do a report too when you get back!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Hi Erin! It is amazing how life can pass by in the blink of an eye, isn't it? But the good news is that as soon as I pop back onto the trip report boards there is already another awesome TR from Heather in full swing!

Too funny that you are doing your first DCL trip this fall for your 40th. We are also doing our 1st cruise in May for my 40th. At least we can get the low-down on all the nitty gritty details from Heather first...I can't wait! You'll have to do a report too when you get back!

Well, I always feel super guilty that I haven't done a trip report, but I scrapbook so my 'spare time' goes to that when it comes to my vacations. However, I have been thinking I might do a mini-trip report as a thank you to all of you amazing trip reporters out there! I will for sure share my tips with you in some way, either PM or something. (I do know quite a bit about DCL and cruising - my 'fun' job when I'm not being a physical therapist and mommy is that of a Disney travel agent - I try to not talk about it too much on the boards because the boards for me are my fun, Disney-fan place, not a work place - but I am always willing to answer questions and love giving my dis friends tips if I can help. I have been doing this for about 4 years now and planned 100's of trips, so it's been a great outlet for my Disney obsession!)

 

[Cayenne]

I've really been enjoying this trip report! You have a gorgeous family.

What I specifically posted to ask, though, was what program do you use to edit your pictures? I love all the borders and fonts!

 

[hstrickland]

I guess the only good thing to being the main Disney nut in the family is that you don't tend to get too much grief about the solo trips. Even before I started the solo Disney trips in 2008, I had frequently taken at least 1 trip a year away from the family, even if it meant tacking an extra day or two onto a business trip. The habit has just stuck.

Good habit to have...don't need to break that one!

Solo Disney trips are very different from a family trip...not necessarily better, just different. I enjoy them very much and wld have a hard time giving them up. Yes, I still pass by families like yours on my solo trips and wish for a moment that my family was also there with me. Then again, while enjoying cocktails and long, leisurely dinners and seeing parents dealing with cranky kids trying to wolf down their meals and get their kids outta there, I am so, so happy to be on my own!

Sounds nice! Bill and I had a really great time a few years ago when we went sans kids....very different for sure. We were actually able to go through the Main Street shops at a leisurely pace. I'm dying to that again.

I think doing a short, long-weekend trip, bringing back some great Disney souveniers, and having an upcoming family trip already in the works helps to quell the kids. And having an "excuse" to be there solo, like attending a "conference" - D23 has some great ones - or running at a runDisney event, have also been great selling features for my solo outings.

Financially, a solo trip is also waaaayy easier to justify, especially if you are rooming with someone and/or using DVC.

Just be careful though, because solo trips can be completely addictive!!!

Ha! I can only imagine! Too bad I don't have an excuse like a conference....don't think that one will work for me

As for Carsland...it is simply incredible! Can't even tell you how fantastic it is. You NEED to skip WDW one year and take the family to DL one year instead.

I know!! After reading RGirls TR on DL, I'm really wanting to go. I've never had much interest, but now with all the publicity on Cars Land it's changed my mind. There's tons to do in CA, too...would certainly be a great trip. Of course that would mean paying for flights across country....NOT use to that chunk of change. We're so fortunate that we can drive to WDW with no problems.

You also asked about where we are staying next month....the Beach Club. Again. It is my husband's hands-down favourite, and it also tends to be where I end up most solo trips as well, especially if it is coinciding with F&W. This trip the highlights are going to be F&W, Lou Mongello's event (at American pavillion at Epcot), Epcot's 30th, the D23 event (at Epcot) and the Tower of Terror run (with the finish line and after party at DHS, walking distance to BCV). BCV was therefore a complete no-brainer for this trip.

Ok...so that sounds like an AWESOME trip...jam-packed with excitement We've yet to stay at BC. We're throwing around BCV or BWV...2 bedroom. Who knows?! It will change 100 times before I actually make a ressie.

Oh I love all your Mickey pictures, and you all look so excited I can feel it! Your report is taking me there...can you feel me with you?
Sorry...you asked me some questions before...I am distracted! No, we don't go in August, DH is on call for his work a lot over the summer, so we are going just after the kids are back in school. I know...bad parents...don't hate me! And yes, I am getting very excited. VERY!

Don't blame you a bit! It's the off season...less people! Wish we could do it, but not even a remote chance that would happen....since I am a teacher Not sure I would have a job when we returned

AWESOME UPDATES HEATHER!!!! I am getting so excited!!! Love the picture of Jesse looking up at Mickey in the cruise terminal, precious! I was just reading about 'rules' that parents give their kids on the ship on the cruise board. Did you let Stephan walk around by himself much? Did you give them rules? (other than the obvious, be polite stuff). I was thinking that many of these made sense and I am going to give a link to the other readers: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2976383

keep up the good work! Loving the pictures and details! Erin

Did Stephen walk around??!!! Ha!! We should have put a leash on him! He basically lived in that tweens club! He had a ball!!! And ya know, I never really worried too much. Bill and I would give him times to check in and he did a great job with that. I never saw that link....probably would have been useful for sure.

Yay! It's cruising time!

I know what you mean about feeling like a fish out of water in the terminal. I felt the same way last year, not knowing where to go or what to do.

Love all of the family photos! You could never bore us with your pictures.

Well....I could.....really. But, I won't. I might lose yall if I posted all 2500 pictures

I'm so excited.....our trip really needs to get here!

I finally finished the C25K program a few weeks ago. And now, I'm running a full 5K when I go run. Only problem now is that we're super busy so I'm only getting to run 1-2 times a week.

GOOD FOR YOU!!!! That's awesome! Don't skip a week, though....keep going

Yes, the hording has begun even before WDW !! glad the new H2o is good.

Love the pics, departing AKL must have been a little sad. You sure did a lot in 4 days.
The pic of Faith a little less then happy waiting for cruise is too funny. She was ready to get on that ship.. Hope you post pics of stateroom. And food???

Stateroom pics, you say?? Let's see...I believe between my dad, Stephanie and me, I have PLENTY....too many actually. And food???? What do you think? My poor brother-in-law probably got sick of me saying...."WAIT! Don't eat yet!....let me get a picture!" He's not use to traveling with me, bless his heart.

heather Love the AKL "Summary"

And you're on the cruise already

We're there!!! It took forever, but I finally made it to day 5!

Too funny that you are doing your first DCL trip this fall for your 40th. We are also doing our 1st cruise in May for my 40th. At least we can get the low-down on all the nitty gritty details from Heather first...I can't wait! You'll have to do a report too when you get back!

You're turning 40, huh?!! Guess I beat both of you! I'm assuming that you will do a TR for your cruise??!!! You have to, Trish...it's not an option.

Well, I always feel super guilty that I haven't done a trip report...

Hmmmm.........guilty?? No you don't...do one!!! A mini TR on the Fantasy! ....please

I've really been enjoying this trip report! You have a gorgeous family.

What I specifically posted to ask, though, was what program do you use to edit your pictures? I love all the borders and fonts!

Thanks so much! The program is Photobucket. The basic program is free or you can upgrade for like $30 a year which allows you to store as many pics as you want. It's really simple to use....a little getting use to, but not hard. If you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to walk you through.

 

[ohboyx3]

Subscribing

 

[debrapagliasotti]

Cant wait to see all the pics of the Dream!!

Captain Mickey is too cute

 

[mommy2mb]

Joing in!! Just found your report, love all your pics

 

[hstrickland]

Subscribing

Cant wait to see all the pics of the Dream!!

Captain Mickey is too cute

More pics coming up....hopefully soon

Joing in!! Just found your report, love all your pics

Never too late! Hope you enjoy it.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 5
Disney Dream Facts!....then it’s time for lunch!​

Want some fast facts about the beautiful Disney Dream???!! Of course you do


*Overall length - 1,115 feet

*Ships Registry - The Bahamas

*Home Port - Port Canaveral

*Staterooms - 1250

*Decks - 14



Just some FYI…..



Sailing Itinerary

June24 – Sunday
Port Canaveral
Onbaord 3:45


June 25 – Monday
Castaway Cay
Ashore 8:30am
Onboard 4:30pm


June 26 – Tuesday
Nassau
Ashore 9:30am
Onboard 6:00pm


June 27 – Wednesday
At Sea


June 28 – Thursday
Castaway Cay
Ashore 8:30am
Onboard 4:30


June 29 – Friday
Port Canaveral
Disembarkation begins at approximately 7:30am



…..now, on with the pictures!


Getting on the ship was so super exciting….I really can’t put it into words. In fact, I was so thrilled that I didn’t know which way to look….what pictures to make….where to go!!! CLUELESS!!!

Thank heavens Pop was coherent enough to quickly snap some shots….

I feel quite certain that our appearance just screamed “Disney Cruise Novices”! We totally looked like the ‘tacky tourist’...or should I say my immediate family. Pop and Hopie looked very nice!

I’ll probably say this a hundred times, but the pictures don’t do the ship justice….

Because a dear friend gave me some great advice, we knew exactly where to go first! Erin (DisneyDoc) said to head straight for Cabanas for lunch….so that’s exactly what we did. Jump on the elevator and go straight up to the 11th floor, then head to the aft of the ship.

We passed by the Mickey Slide on the way…..you can see how rainy and cloudy it is. However, this didn’t stop some of the die-hards from taking a dip in the pool.

At first glance, Cabanas was a bit confusing because it wraps around the back of the ship. I didn’t realize the restaurant was so big. Erin’s advice was spot-on!!! We snagged some GREAT tables by the window and out of the way from traffic.

One of the things we all noticed immediately was the cleanliness of the ship! Unbelievable!!! Tables, floor, buffet…..CLEAN!

Unfortunately I didn't get any great shots of food during lunch....but have no fear....there are better pics to come

I don’t remember exactly what was on the buffet, but it was really good and there were plenty of options….and let me reiterate “plenty”!


Seafood…..crab, shrimp and more crab….and more shrimp!!

And my favorite….dessert!

Bill had his share of crab!!!

We kept seeing Disney buses pass by….wish I had been counting. There were TONS! Stephanie and crew text me to say they were here and getting on the ship!

This castmember was so attentive to our every need! So friendly and helpful. They were constantly cleaning up and tidying the table. It almost makes you feel guilty to see the wait staff working so hard.

You can see from the picture how high up we were….super cool (for me anyway) to watch all the Disney traffic.

Well….the other 1/3 of our travel party finally made it!! And they were a bit hungry, too.

We couldn’t get into our rooms until 1:30ish, so we just took our time and ate, relaxed….ate a little more, chatted….and ate some more. Why not, right??


And here’s our tacky tourist #1….aka….the Closet Disney Fan and DisBoard Lurker...

After lunch, it was time to do a little exploring!!!

Up next….an overview of the Oceaneers Club & Lab




​

 

[jennyjinx3]

Wow...just wow!! Crab legs...yummo! Hey it's okay to look like tacky tourists!! It's part of the fun! I will now file the tip about Cabanas to the back of my brain for later use too!

 

[RGirl]

Fabulous updates, Heather!!! We were blown away by how organized the boarding was in Seattle too (although the space Disney has there is a bit crowded).

I thought you got some amazing pics with Mickey and the family. VERY nice!

Lunch looked great, and I am so excited to see all your pics of the Dream!!!

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Yippee! You are on the ship! Did Cabanas seem crowded by the time you left?

 

[amandaw]

Walking onto that ship for the first time is such an overwhelming feeling. It's just so beautiful & hard to take it all in. You're really making me miss it right now.

I wish we had done Cabanas for lunch when we had embarked on the Dream. We will definitely do that for lunch when we get on the Fantasy.

 

[shan23877]

The Dream looks beautiful, and it sounds like you were off to a great start.

I love that last photo-what a cool perspective of the ship!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Because a dear friend gave me some great advice, we knew exactly where to go first! Erin (DisneyDoc) said to head straight for Cabanas for lunch….so that’s exactly what we did.

And here’s our tacky tourist #1….aka….the Closet Disney Fan and DisBoard Lurker...

glad to have helped my #1 dis-friend! This pic had me giggling out loud - too bad my DH is trying to sleep! Wow, I am beyond excited - the pictures are so awesome. Faith looked adorable and how cute with her plate of fruit and the cast member! What a great day to remember!

 

[pas130]

I love the VIP treatment the kiddos seem to get on the cruises...well everyone gets..the pic of Faith reminded me of Roni's Willow getting pampered by Doulson

 

[psac]

Wow, that last pic looks incredible. I like how you can even see Cinderella (I think) by the elevator landing.