May 26 - June 2, 2012 From Reality to Fantasy

[bitlerzx4]

Port Plaza Pool

In the center of the port plaza is a huge salt water swimming pool. We brought swim suits with us and DS really wanted to go in. DD decided she didn’t want to swim in salt water so she and DH went to wander in and out of the stores. DS changed into his suit and took a swim while Lifeguard Perry kept watch and I took photos. I have to say it’s a pretty cool pool, and huge. It has a shallow end with fountains, is deeper in the center, and the Senor Frog restaurant nearby has a swim up bar area. I bet it gets pretty crowded when multiple ships are in port, but today there was tons of room to splash about.

[/COLOR]

I know silly question but did you have to pay for this pool???

 

[Dawncala]

I know silly question but did you have to pay for this pool???

No. It's totally free.

 

[Dawncala]

Yes, I Believe

Tonight’s show in the theater was a new show, created especially for the Fantasy, titled Believe. It’s about a father and daughter discovering what’s most important in life through songs and dances with beloved Disney characters. Another fun-filled, sing-along, tap your toes show that we all enjoyed. The lead cast member who played Jafar in the Aladdin show played the father/scientist character in this show and we really enjoyed his performance again.

 

[Dawncala]

Michael Holly – Ventriloquist: The Family Show

Then we went to see Michael Holly, the ventriloquist do his family show in The Tube. He was pretty funny, but I think geared more toward the younger crowd than a mixed audience, and the kids hadn’t come with us.

 

[Dawncala]

The Captain’s Semi-Formal Affair

Tonight was semi-formal night with the Captain’s Menu and we were dining in the Royal Court restaurant again. The Captain’s menu is one of DD’s favorites because it has lobster tail. DD has always preferred the more expensive foods, which can really tweak the budget on our land vacations, but since all the food on the cruise is included we tell her to “go nuts” and eat as much lobster, filet mignon, sushi, shrimp, etc. as she can handle.

My handsome guys in matching blues

Me and my beautiful DD

Appetizer, soup and salad menu

Aged Proscuitto - DS was in heaven

Oysters Rockefeller on the 1/2 shell

Garden Fresh Salad with Tomato Chips

Wild Forest Mushroom Soup with White Truffle Oil

Dinner menu

Oven Baked Lobster Tail

Pan Seared Venison Medallions with Potato Croquettes

Grain Fed Sirloin Steak (from the lighter note menu)

Dessert Menu

Warm Chocolate Lava Cake

After dinner DD went back to the room to change out of her semi-formal dress and into her bunk. The rest of us went to Shutters to see if any photos had been posted and to hunt for more Aquaduck photos in what we hoped was a substantially smaller pile.

We arrived just as Minnie was coming out in her blue vintage dress (I called it her Fantasy dress) so we got in line for photos.

-End of day 6-

 

[Dawncala]

DAY 7

Tour de France

After breakfast we took DD up to Remy to meet sommelier Christopher. She was eager to take him up on his offer to give her a tour of the wine cellar and offer her a glimpse into the profession. Christopher greeted us warmly and we introduced DD. He started by showing her the expensive vintage wines in the front hall case that we had seen the other night. Then he proceeded to take us to the back side of the case where there were different bottles including several signed by John Lasseter with special labels depicting some of the Pixar movies.

Through his thick French accent Christopher spent about 20 minutes showing DD all the different types of wine storage and explaining all the different types of glasses they use in Remy. Apparently there are like 12 to 14 different shapes and sizes of wine glasses for all the different types of wines and each type needs its perfect shape glass to best bring out its flavors. He also described his basic daily duties as a sommelier in Remy and patiently answered DD's few questions.

DD left feeling a little overwhelmed at how much preparation and knowledge is required for the job, but she enjoyed seeing Remy and learning a little more about what a sommelier does. Thank you Christopher!

 

[MomToPrincePhillip]

Wow, no kidding "thank you Christopher"! That's Disney service for ya! Glad your DD enjoyed it. I'm sad your this installment is called "day 7" I guess it's all coming to a close...

 

[Dawncala]

Wow, no kidding "thank you Christopher"! That's Disney service for ya! Glad your DD enjoyed it. I'm sad your this installment is called "day 7" I guess it's all coming to a close...

Disney just keeps amazing us with consistently excellent service and unexpected magical moments.

Yes, this is day 7 and I'm going through vacation withdrawals all over again.

 

[Dawncala]

Fanciest Seats in the House

Since we were there anyway, and this area is practically empty at this time of day, DH and I grabbed a few quick shots of the posh restrooms just outside of Palo and Remy.

The view of the staircase area outside Palo and Remy. The women's bathroom is on the right and the men's is on the left.

Women's restroom door has a global feel which fit in well with Meridian's motif.

Elegant gold sinks, ornate silver mirrors and marble all around.

The larger silver mirror behind the door.

Men's restroom door

The men's sink area definitely gives off a more masculine vibe.

After looking at these photos I noticed that the men’s bathroom has the same black, white and red stripe pattern as the server work area in Palo that didn’t make sense to me. The big difference being that the men’s room is striped in marble while the work area is paint. I guess I see the connection now, but I still think they could have done a better paint job in the work area.

Men's room red, white and black marble striped walls.

Painted effect in Palo which doesn't even come close to having the style or quality of the men's room marble.

 

[petbren]

Ah…The Spa!
Tips & Tricks: Before I end my Spa post I also have a tip for you. (Although on our next cruise I hope I don’t regret telling) The spa has HUGE shower stalls in the bathroom/locker room area. I used one after my treatment and I liked it so much I came back four other times. I even took DD with me a couple of times and we were each able to shower and do our hair at the same time. We never once had to wait for a shower either. [/COLOR]

Just came across your TR, fantastic btw
So, you can just walk into the spa and use the showers? Even if you don't have a treatment that day? No one stops you? You don't have to walk by someone at a desk that asks what you are there for?
DD and I would probably like to do this on formal night at least.

 

[Mom3NY]

Hello great TR! Question how does one mail a package to their stateroom?

 

[Dawncala]

Just came across your TR, fantastic btw
So, you can just walk into the spa and use the showers? Even if you don't have a treatment that day? No one stops you? You don't have to walk by someone at a desk that asks what you are there for?
DD and I would probably like to do this on formal night at least.

Thank you!

Yes. Anyone 18 and older can use the fitness center, locker room and showers for free the entire cruise. There are specialty fitness classes and specialty showers you do have to pay for, but the main fitness center and basic locker rooms are free. Here is a link to the DCL website with info about the Disney Magic spa area. The other ships have similar policies.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ships-activities/ships/magic/fitness-spa/fitness-center/

The first time I used the showers happened to be after my spa treatment, but the next time DD came with me. I figured the worst thing that could happen was they might ask her to leave, but all we got were friendly waves from the spa staff. DD was 13, but is tall and looks somewhat older, so maybe they would have said something if we had brought DS who is definitely too young.

If it had bothered anyone that DD came with me (we shared the same shower stall so as not to inconvenience other passengers by taking up two) or she was acting immaturely and being disruptive, I would have left her to shower in the cabin and come alone. Even one family member using the spa showers frees up quite a bit of time and space for those using the cabin.

 

[Dawncala]

Hello great TR! Question how does one mail a package to their stateroom?

The link below has information just for cruises leaving from Port Canaveral, Florida. I can't seem to find the same information on the official Disney Cruise Line web site though. It was there last year, but I can't find it now. I don't know if that means their policy about pre-shipping a box to yourself has changed or I'm just doing a bad job searching for it.

My best advice could be to call DCL directly for the information.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/cruise-new/cr-plan.htm#shippingaboxtoship

Again, I would absolutely call Disney Cruise Line directly and confirm their policy, the shipping address, and receive dates before you send anything. (There is a cut off date for your package to arrive in order for it to make it onto your cruise)

 

[Dawncala]

Cast Me Away Any Day

Even though we weren’t looking forward to our last cruise day, we were really looking forward to a day on Castaway Cay. We love Disney’s private island and it is definitely the highlight of a Disney cruise. On our first cruise, in January of 2010, it was quite windy and a bit chilly so we didn’t spend much time on the beach or in the water. Our second cruise was to Alaska so no Castaway Cay at all. This time it was June. June 1st to be exact, and we were hoping for sun and fun and lots of beach time.

Well we kind of got what we wanted. The temperature was about right; warm enough to swim, but not too humid when you were out of the water. Unfortunately the sun never did choose to come out and it stayed overcast for our entire visit.

NOTE: Overcast does not mean to skip the sun screen. You can still get burned on overcast days. Our kids were not happy that I made them hose them down with lotion.

Family photo by a crew photographer.

There is a tram that will take you from the dock area to the main beach area and the adult-only beach too, but we decided to walk so we could stop to take photos along the way.

Lovely white sandy beaches filled with water toys.

The required photo of the island map + kids.

Jack Sparrow was just leaving his designated photo and autograph area when we passed so we got to watch him run, in his signature Jack Sparrow way, up some sand dunes and then disappear dramatically behind them. We snuck up the dune to see where he was going and we caught a glimpse of him getting into a golf cart and being driven away.

Jack turned and bowed to the crowd at the crest of the dune.

Sailing off in the strangest four-wheeled boat.

After a quick stop to check out some hammocks we ended up on the far side of the beach, near the Heads’ Up Bar, with a great view of the Fantasy across the bay.

I guess this is one way to lay in a hammock

This was about as crowded as the beach was all day.

The view from our lounge chairs.

 

[Dawncala]

They Do

Not long after we settled into our lounge chairs a small group, slightly overdressed for a day at the beach, began to gather nearby. It only took a few moments to realize we were about to be the indirect guests at an island wedding. It was a short ceremony followed by group photos. Then the bride and groom were whisked away on a florally decorated golf cart. What a fantastic place to begin a life together.

Wedding on the beach

The decorated get-away vehicle

Rolling away into their new life together.

 

[Dawncala]

Plunging Pelicans Batman

Pelican Plunge was not open when we were here in 2010 so the kids were eager to try it. You have to be a capable swimmer to use Pelican Plunge because you have to be able to swim out to the platform and then swim back in after you pop out the tube slide. The big thing we learned about Pelican Plunge is that you cannot exit the slide and swim straight back to the platform to go again. You have to swim back to shore first, walk up the beach, go out the exit and then circle back to the entrance again. I assume that this is in case it gets really busy the lifeguards need to be able to regulate the number of kids on the platform. Plus getting back in line again helps everyone get a fair turn. Today Pelican Plunge was not crowded but our kids only went down twice before they decided it was just not worth walking all the way around to queue up again.

The view of Pelican Plunge from the observation deck.

It's DD's turn

Adorable theming with a not-so-hidden classic Mickey.

 

[Dawncala]

Perry on Island Time

Perry took the day off from chasing Dr. Doofenshmirtz to relax on the island with us.

Perry tried lounging for a while,

but eventually he had to get up to make sure everyone was following the rules and staying safe.

Keeping a vigilant eye out for villians.

He tried playing in the sand to distract himself,

but eventually his training took over and he went back to work.

 

[Dawncala]

Fun For Kids Of All Ages

Also new since our last visit were the Spring A Leak splash pads; a nautical themed splash area for the younger set.

This is what the area looked like in January of 2010.

I just wanted to step in to see it, but the call of the water jets was too much for DD and DS and they spent about 10 minutes running from fountain to fountain. The pad surface is soft and porous and provides a non-slippery surface for children to run about on. There are also several benches around the perimeter and some overhead shading for adults to sit and watch and stay dry.

The sign kept with the theme nicely with pipes and other nautical items used for the letters.

Adults as well as children of all ages were enjoying the splash zone.

DS weaving in and out of the many fountains.

 

[MariaJ]

Thank you so very, very much for this awesome report! I have learned so much and and am so appreciative. You are a fantastic writer and photographer, I've really enjoyed reading....

 

[Dawncala]

Thank you so very, very much for this awesome report! I have learned so much and and am so appreciative. You are a fantastic writer and photographer, I've really enjoyed reading....

Thank you!