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Mince Pie In The Sky - A Hopeful Pre-trip Report
- Thread starter dolphingirl47
- Start date
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
Although I am a little sad that I don't get to stay onsite this time round, I am looking forward to going back to this hotel.
Just joining in
We will be there in December as well
There are going to be quite a few people I know from the boards around when we are there.
Corina
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
I have been neglecting this pre-trip report. I had earned a new installment on Sunday, but I have been crazy busy. I should have my trip report all written up by this time next week and then I can give this report my full attention.
Corinna
Corinna
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
Disney Magic
This is the part of the trip that is still completely up in the air, but also the part that I most desperately want to happen. This will be a huge shock to the system for us as we vowed some time ago that we would never do a cruise shorter than 7 nights again and this will only be 5 nights. Still, a 5 night cruise is better than no cruise. It will also fulfill my dream to see one of the ships completely decorated for Christmas. It will also be interesting to see what they have actually done to the poor old girl. I am highly suspicious of most of the so called upgrades.
The ones that I hate based on the information provided (all photos courtesy of Google Images):
You have an iconic pool like the Mickey pool and you replace it with something generic that could be on any cruise ship in the world. Why? The only positive thing I can say about this that the slide is billed as a family slide. I would not say no to having a go on this.
The Aqua Dunk: This is way to steep for me and ruins the classic lines of the ship. If the concept art is anything to go by, it will look like the Magic has grown a wart.
The re-imagineered atrium: I will never forgive them that they will remove the beautiful Chihuly chandelier and replace it with something so boring. I kind of like the chandeliers on the Dream and the Fantasy, but this just looks awful. I also not sure what they were thinking when they decided to remove one of the atrium staircases. If they wanted to go down that route, they should have decided to remove both.
Elements that I am on the fence about:
Carioca's: I love how bright it looks and the whole concept, but I will be very sad to see Parrot Cay go.
Palo: I am not sure if the make over will either add anything to or detract from the experience. The words "Don't fix it if it is not broken" come to mind.
The Vista Spa: I have always loved the way this looked, but I also kind of like the new look.
The entertainment venues: They maybe do need brightening up, but I have always had a soft spot for Sessions and Studio Sea and will miss those.
Things I absolutely love:
The new beds and bedding. I have been able to enjoy the new bedding on the Wonder since October 2011 and as much as I love the old throws, the new bedding is so much more comfortable than the present set up on the Magic. I also love the look of the new beds.
Animators Palate: This was long overdue an overhaul and I am looking forward to the new show.
The improvement that I am most excited about though is the change from Topsiders to Cabanas. I never liked the buffet set up on the classic ships and this will make this a much more pleasant proposition.
So, it is a bit of a mixed bag, but I am still really looking forward to being on the Magic again. Apart from the Christmas decorations I am also really excited about the tree lighting ceremony and the special outfits for the characters.
Corinna
This is the part of the trip that is still completely up in the air, but also the part that I most desperately want to happen. This will be a huge shock to the system for us as we vowed some time ago that we would never do a cruise shorter than 7 nights again and this will only be 5 nights. Still, a 5 night cruise is better than no cruise. It will also fulfill my dream to see one of the ships completely decorated for Christmas. It will also be interesting to see what they have actually done to the poor old girl. I am highly suspicious of most of the so called upgrades.
The ones that I hate based on the information provided (all photos courtesy of Google Images):
You have an iconic pool like the Mickey pool and you replace it with something generic that could be on any cruise ship in the world. Why? The only positive thing I can say about this that the slide is billed as a family slide. I would not say no to having a go on this.
The Aqua Dunk: This is way to steep for me and ruins the classic lines of the ship. If the concept art is anything to go by, it will look like the Magic has grown a wart.
The re-imagineered atrium: I will never forgive them that they will remove the beautiful Chihuly chandelier and replace it with something so boring. I kind of like the chandeliers on the Dream and the Fantasy, but this just looks awful. I also not sure what they were thinking when they decided to remove one of the atrium staircases. If they wanted to go down that route, they should have decided to remove both.
Elements that I am on the fence about:
Carioca's: I love how bright it looks and the whole concept, but I will be very sad to see Parrot Cay go.
Palo: I am not sure if the make over will either add anything to or detract from the experience. The words "Don't fix it if it is not broken" come to mind.
The Vista Spa: I have always loved the way this looked, but I also kind of like the new look.
The entertainment venues: They maybe do need brightening up, but I have always had a soft spot for Sessions and Studio Sea and will miss those.
Things I absolutely love:
The new beds and bedding. I have been able to enjoy the new bedding on the Wonder since October 2011 and as much as I love the old throws, the new bedding is so much more comfortable than the present set up on the Magic. I also love the look of the new beds.
Animators Palate: This was long overdue an overhaul and I am looking forward to the new show.
The improvement that I am most excited about though is the change from Topsiders to Cabanas. I never liked the buffet set up on the classic ships and this will make this a much more pleasant proposition.
So, it is a bit of a mixed bag, but I am still really looking forward to being on the Magic again. Apart from the Christmas decorations I am also really excited about the tree lighting ceremony and the special outfits for the characters.
Corinna
Pinkocto
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2011
I didn't realize they're changing the atrium so drastically, this makes me quite sad. I have not been on the Magic yet, and won't before all the changes are done, but I love the atrium on the Wonder just as it is and hope they don't change it. The new chandelier is quite boring I agree.
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
This is a really sore point with me. If you have such a fantastic public space, why mess with it? You also have something in this space that really sets you apart from most other cruise lines and you replace it with something generic. I fear that eventually the Wonder will go the same way which is why I took so many photos of the Chihuly chandelier this time. However, the Wonder will not go for her remodel until the Panama Canal extension is open as she would no longer fit through the existing lock gates after this.
Corinna
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
SeaWorld
SeaWorld has always been my favourite park. There have been trips to Orlando before we became DVC members when I did not go to Walt Disney World at all, but went to SeaWorld for at least a couple of hours every day. So it filled me with considerable horror when I realised that I had not been back to SeaWorld since October 2009. I also realised that I have hardly any photos from SeaWorld. I suppose I did not really get into photography as a hobby until 2010. So this is two things I intend to put right on this trip. I am planning two days and one evening at SeaWorld.
The biggest draw for me are of course the dolphins. I could spend hours observing the dolphins at Dolphin Cove and at the Dolphin Nursery. I also love Blue Horizons and hope to see this at least once on every visit.
There are a bunch of new things that were not there on my last visit and I can't wait to experience them. One Ocean was not there when we last visited. The killer whale show then was still Believe, which I never really got so I can't wait to see the new show.
I am also really curious about Turtle Trek and Antarctica. As far as Antarctica is concerned, I am glad that we will have the complimentary quick queue as I have heard that this draws serious queues.
We also get a complimentary behind the scenes tour as we are staying at a partner hotel. So we have to see how we can fit this in.
I am really looking forward to see the Polar Express make over for Wild Arctic again. I really loved this when we saw this in 2007. I am also really looking forward to all the other holiday offerings.
Corinna
SeaWorld has always been my favourite park. There have been trips to Orlando before we became DVC members when I did not go to Walt Disney World at all, but went to SeaWorld for at least a couple of hours every day. So it filled me with considerable horror when I realised that I had not been back to SeaWorld since October 2009. I also realised that I have hardly any photos from SeaWorld. I suppose I did not really get into photography as a hobby until 2010. So this is two things I intend to put right on this trip. I am planning two days and one evening at SeaWorld.
The biggest draw for me are of course the dolphins. I could spend hours observing the dolphins at Dolphin Cove and at the Dolphin Nursery. I also love Blue Horizons and hope to see this at least once on every visit.
There are a bunch of new things that were not there on my last visit and I can't wait to experience them. One Ocean was not there when we last visited. The killer whale show then was still Believe, which I never really got so I can't wait to see the new show.
I am also really curious about Turtle Trek and Antarctica. As far as Antarctica is concerned, I am glad that we will have the complimentary quick queue as I have heard that this draws serious queues.
We also get a complimentary behind the scenes tour as we are staying at a partner hotel. So we have to see how we can fit this in.
I am really looking forward to see the Polar Express make over for Wild Arctic again. I really loved this when we saw this in 2007. I am also really looking forward to all the other holiday offerings.
Corinna
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
Project Princess
I had planned to wait with this until I had posted something about all the things that I am hoping to do this trip, but I could not resist any longer especially as the first item has now arrived.
Those of you who have followed my trip reports or know me in person know that I love nothing better than playing princess. Indeed, I like to joke that I was born to be a princess. My search for the perfect gown began with my first cruise and I suppose I still have not found it as my search continues. From the beginning, I found Ebay to be a fantastic source both in terms of price and choice. Initially I went with ready made gowns, but then I was looking for something special for or Transatlantic cruise in 2010 and branched out to custom gowns. I have not looked back since. This has become another outlet of my creativity and I love working with the manufacturers to make my ideas happen.
So as soon as we were discussing a December trip and a possible pre-Christmas cruise, I knew that I wanted to have a Christmas-inspired gown for the dress up night. I soon fell in love with this style. This is just a prototype so to speak. My gown will still have the red parts, but the white fabric in the photo will be replaced with dark green fabric. I have asked for the embroidery to be either gold, which would be my preference, or matching the green. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Of course, a gown that beautiful needs a tiara. I got into tiaras during the Transatlantic cruise 2010 and since then have put together a small collection. The problem is that they are all silver and for this I really wanted a gold tiara and also something that looks a bit Christmassy. I really fell in love with this. Unfortunately it is out of stock at the moment, but I still have plenty of time:
The last item I got and the one that has already arrived was both a happy accident and a complete bargain. I was looking for something completely different on Ebay and it turned up on my start screen as a suggestion. I only paid £20 (about $30) for it to. The colour fits perfectly with the Christmas theme and I will wear this for our Palo night.
I had planned to wait with this until I had posted something about all the things that I am hoping to do this trip, but I could not resist any longer especially as the first item has now arrived.
Those of you who have followed my trip reports or know me in person know that I love nothing better than playing princess. Indeed, I like to joke that I was born to be a princess. My search for the perfect gown began with my first cruise and I suppose I still have not found it as my search continues. From the beginning, I found Ebay to be a fantastic source both in terms of price and choice. Initially I went with ready made gowns, but then I was looking for something special for or Transatlantic cruise in 2010 and branched out to custom gowns. I have not looked back since. This has become another outlet of my creativity and I love working with the manufacturers to make my ideas happen.
So as soon as we were discussing a December trip and a possible pre-Christmas cruise, I knew that I wanted to have a Christmas-inspired gown for the dress up night. I soon fell in love with this style. This is just a prototype so to speak. My gown will still have the red parts, but the white fabric in the photo will be replaced with dark green fabric. I have asked for the embroidery to be either gold, which would be my preference, or matching the green. I can't wait to see the finished product.
Of course, a gown that beautiful needs a tiara. I got into tiaras during the Transatlantic cruise 2010 and since then have put together a small collection. The problem is that they are all silver and for this I really wanted a gold tiara and also something that looks a bit Christmassy. I really fell in love with this. Unfortunately it is out of stock at the moment, but I still have plenty of time:
The last item I got and the one that has already arrived was both a happy accident and a complete bargain. I was looking for something completely different on Ebay and it turned up on my start screen as a suggestion. I only paid £20 (about $30) for it to. The colour fits perfectly with the Christmas theme and I will wear this for our Palo night.
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
Can't wait to see the finished dress Corinna
Hopefully I will have the red and green dress by the end of the month. This is one of the drawbacks with the custom gowns. The waiting seriously stinks.
Thanks. I have just tried on the gold one and it is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to get to wear it.
Corinna
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
Project Princess Take 2
I shared the new things that I have got for this trip or hope to get yesterday. However there are a few things that I already have that will go perfectly with the colour theme.
I have had a couple of gold gowns over the years. As due to an ankle injury in my teens, I can't really wear any heals so I looked for years for some flats that would go with my formal wear. I finally found some gold Indian flats that just fit the bill. I like to refer to them as my princess slippers. They will get worn with both gowns.
And off course no cruise would be complete without some custom jewellery from my favourite jewellery artist. I have commissioned two pieces this time round: a necklace to go with my Pirate outfit and a set to go with the red and green gown. We are in the very initial stages of bouncing ideas about, but I will share more once the project takes shape.
However, I already have an amazing set of jewellery that I had made for our Western Caribbean Cruise in 2009 to go with my first ever gold gown. I normally wear predominantly silver jewellery so this was a huge departure for me. I really love it and as it also has a bunch of little stars included in it, it is perfect for a Christmas theme.
I shared the new things that I have got for this trip or hope to get yesterday. However there are a few things that I already have that will go perfectly with the colour theme.
I have had a couple of gold gowns over the years. As due to an ankle injury in my teens, I can't really wear any heals so I looked for years for some flats that would go with my formal wear. I finally found some gold Indian flats that just fit the bill. I like to refer to them as my princess slippers. They will get worn with both gowns.
And off course no cruise would be complete without some custom jewellery from my favourite jewellery artist. I have commissioned two pieces this time round: a necklace to go with my Pirate outfit and a set to go with the red and green gown. We are in the very initial stages of bouncing ideas about, but I will share more once the project takes shape.
However, I already have an amazing set of jewellery that I had made for our Western Caribbean Cruise in 2009 to go with my first ever gold gown. I normally wear predominantly silver jewellery so this was a huge departure for me. I really love it and as it also has a bunch of little stars included in it, it is perfect for a Christmas theme.
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
Kythryne is an absolute pleasure to deal with. Have you seen my Alaska jewellery that I wore on semi-formal night? This actually started off with me sending her a photo of Tracy Arm Fjord and told her I wanted some jewellery inspired by this. What are you hoping to get?
Corinna
Pinkocto
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2011
I just went back and looked, I had to zoom in on the ipad. It's gorgeous. What are the jewels? It gets fuzzy when I zoom too close. I asked her for a necklace with silver and rosegold wire all twirled together, a bit drippy/wide and asked her to pick the jewels. I am absolutely entranced with the way she twirls the wire so beautifully. We'll see what she says.
dolphingirl47
In Search of the Tag Fairy
- Joined
- Dec 25, 2007
Aquamarine, apatite and chandelier crystal.
I love the idea of mixing rosegold and silver. I can't wait to see the end result.
Corinna
Pinkocto
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2011
I will definitely post a picture. She's already gotten back to me and we're trying to figure out the jewels. In my quote request I had mentioned that I admired friend from the U.K.s jewelry, she guessed immediately that it was you. She said she has a lot of fun making your pieces
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