Do you know where the kids are? Our first cruise with teenagers. Magic Feb, 2014
- Thread starter veggiemama
- Start date
veggiemama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2008
We had lots of fun with our teens - they are great kids
I was so happy with everything that Disney had to offer for our kids. I don't want to give to much away but needless to say - they had a lot of fun. "Best vacation ever" got tossed around a lot! 
Our cruise was the first time to be in the ocean for my kids too. Isnt it priceless to get to watch them have that expereince? So much fun! Love the pictures!
And that calzone is something else, wow!!!
Cant wait to hear about the ship!
It was definitely a highlight for me, watching them in the ocean. The look of shock on their faces the first time they felt the undertow was priceless - wish I had managed to catch that on camera.
that calzone - I know! the picture does not do it justice, I'll have to see if I can find another one - it was huge!!
Thanks
glad you are enjoying it so far.Thank you! Can't wait to start sharing about the ship part of things
So much fun!
veggiemama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2008
Day 3 - Feb 3 - Embarkation day!
I don't have my notes in front of me so lets see how much I remember....
We had booked a shuttle for 10:15 that day as I had a check in time for 11:30am.
We got up that morning, grabbed breakfast at the hotel. and then headed back to the room for a shower and for me to double check papers and bags.
Put the luggage tags on the bags and then went down to the lobby to check out and to wait for the shuttle.
We were all pretty excited though I was feeling a little anxious. I can have a hard time going into new situations (thus the need to plan and organize) I don't like not knowing what to do or where to go. Of course my wonderful DH was calm cool and collected, and reminded me that getting there is part of the vacation too
The shuttle was little late - arrived at about 10:30 am and there were a few others on board as well. We stopped at another hotel to pick up a bunch of 18 year olds who were going on a cruise for the grad trip ( a lot of excitement and energy from that group! LOL ) and then off we went....
We dropped off the grads for their ship and another family by their ship and then FINALLY we got to our drop off!
It was not really busy but there were lots of people around so we were able to figure out where to go. DCL took our bags and we headed to security check in
Got through security with no issues, though DH got a little concerned after reading a bunch of the warning signs because we were bringing water and a couple bottles of wine with us but there were no problems and before we knew it were in the foyer of the port. At this point, I was very glad I had done a bunch of reading or I would have been a little confused for what to do. There were not a lot of people there it (it was just after 11am) but there were a couple long lines but I knew we had to go the check in desks which was off to the left. I was unsure if I could check in already since we had an 11:30 check in time (not sure if they look at that?) but we got in line - with only one family in front of us - and then it was our turn.
No issues with check in. Gotta love online check in. I had all the papers filled out and signed by everyone, had prepaid gratuities and put a 'hold' on the CC for purchases already so we got through the process very fast and then got our KTTW cards - LOVE getting those cards, my own little bit of 
They gave us our boarding number - SCORE!
We had some time before boarding so we wandered around and took some photos.
Then wandered outside to take a few more shots and a few family selfies - We got pretty good at them by the end of the week! LOL
We headed back inside and John found a pressed penny machine. The last time were in WDW he was really into collecting these and had managed to get quite a few. I was not really expecting him to still want these but he was pretty excited to find them and really wanted to get one. Of course, trying to find american quarters and a penny was a little difficult, especially since Canada no longer uses pennies. I did manage to find a dollar bill and got some quarters, but could only find one penny buried at the bottom of my purse so he was only able to get one.
As we were waiting for numbers to be called I noticed a CM by the entrance with what looked to be navigators. Here is where I once again showed my anxious side. LOL I don't know why exactly but I could not work up the courage to go and ask for one - don't ask me why - I have no idea but every now and again I get really issues with new things/people and my guess is that there was so much 'new' going on I was overwhelmed and could not get myself over my shyness/anxiety to go ask for one. My DH kind of teased me a bit about it but my lovely daughter jumped in and just went and got one.
It was only a few minutes until they started calling numbers. The area had filled up but it was not that bad at this point so they got through the first number really quickly. Funny thing - the loudspeaker that was announcing number kept skipping numbers so it went 1, 3 ,4 ....6! Yay! our turn!
Side note - Goodness I do not like shots of my backside!!
Of course, those of you who have done this before knows what happens next.
I made sure not to tell my family what was about to happen....
We enter the ship - go through the doors and the the CM's are - just waiting to announce our family and welcome us on board. Brought tears to my eyes. Though he said nothing at the time, later my DH told me just how surprised he was at the welcome.
We stopped to take a quick shot with Mickey
and then headed up to get some food....
Continued later.....
I don't have my notes in front of me so lets see how much I remember....
We had booked a shuttle for 10:15 that day as I had a check in time for 11:30am.
We got up that morning, grabbed breakfast at the hotel. and then headed back to the room for a shower and for me to double check papers and bags.
Put the luggage tags on the bags and then went down to the lobby to check out and to wait for the shuttle.
We were all pretty excited though I was feeling a little anxious. I can have a hard time going into new situations (thus the need to plan and organize) I don't like not knowing what to do or where to go. Of course my wonderful DH was calm cool and collected, and reminded me that getting there is part of the vacation too
The shuttle was little late - arrived at about 10:30 am and there were a few others on board as well. We stopped at another hotel to pick up a bunch of 18 year olds who were going on a cruise for the grad trip ( a lot of excitement and energy from that group! LOL ) and then off we went....
We dropped off the grads for their ship and another family by their ship and then FINALLY we got to our drop off!
It was not really busy but there were lots of people around so we were able to figure out where to go. DCL took our bags and we headed to security check in
Got through security with no issues, though DH got a little concerned after reading a bunch of the warning signs because we were bringing water and a couple bottles of wine with us but there were no problems and before we knew it were in the foyer of the port. At this point, I was very glad I had done a bunch of reading or I would have been a little confused for what to do. There were not a lot of people there it (it was just after 11am) but there were a couple long lines but I knew we had to go the check in desks which was off to the left. I was unsure if I could check in already since we had an 11:30 check in time (not sure if they look at that?) but we got in line - with only one family in front of us - and then it was our turn.
No issues with check in. Gotta love online check in.
I had all the papers filled out and signed by everyone, had prepaid gratuities and put a 'hold' on the CC for purchases already so we got through the process very fast and then got our KTTW cards - LOVE getting those cards, my own little bit of They gave us our boarding number - SCORE!
We had some time before boarding so we wandered around and took some photos.
Then wandered outside to take a few more shots and a few family selfies - We got pretty good at them by the end of the week! LOL
We headed back inside and John found a pressed penny machine. The last time were in WDW he was really into collecting these and had managed to get quite a few. I was not really expecting him to still want these but he was pretty excited to find them and really wanted to get one. Of course, trying to find american quarters and a penny was a little difficult, especially since Canada no longer uses pennies. I did manage to find a dollar bill and got some quarters, but could only find one penny buried at the bottom of my purse so he was only able to get one.
As we were waiting for numbers to be called I noticed a CM by the entrance with what looked to be navigators. Here is where I once again showed my anxious side. LOL I don't know why exactly but I could not work up the courage to go and ask for one - don't ask me why - I have no idea but every now and again I get really issues with new things/people and my guess is that there was so much 'new' going on I was overwhelmed and could not get myself over my shyness/anxiety to go ask for one. My DH kind of teased me a bit about it but my lovely daughter jumped in and just went and got one.
It was only a few minutes until they started calling numbers. The area had filled up but it was not that bad at this point so they got through the first number really quickly. Funny thing - the loudspeaker that was announcing number kept skipping numbers so it went 1, 3 ,4 ....6! Yay! our turn!
Side note - Goodness I do not like shots of my backside!!
Of course, those of you who have done this before knows what happens next.
I made sure not to tell my family what was about to happen....
We enter the ship - go through the doors and the the CM's are - just waiting to announce our family and welcome us on board. Brought tears to my eyes. Though he said nothing at the time, later my DH told me just how surprised he was at the welcome.
We stopped to take a quick shot with Mickey
and then headed up to get some food....
Continued later.....
papertraveller
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2009
Loving your trip report! I am a transplanted West coast girl myself!
We love the Magic, and will be back on her in 2015. Your photos are a terrific way for us to see the changes (and not!) from the drydock.
You have a beautiful family! Thanks for sharing -- can't wait to read along!
We love the Magic, and will be back on her in 2015. Your photos are a terrific way for us to see the changes (and not!) from the drydock.
You have a beautiful family! Thanks for sharing -- can't wait to read along!
veggiemama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2008
Somedays I really wonder why I don't still live on the West Coast - especially when we are buried under snow and it freezing outside!
I took tons of photos, though I did my research, having never been on Magic before I don't know if I got all of the changes, but I sure tried to photograph every nook and cranny! LOL
So glad you are enjoying things so far. It took a bit to figure out if a cruise would be the right choice for us but we decided in the end that with teenagers who wanted more freedom to explore but we didn't want them just going off on their own in a new city that this would be a great compromise and as you will see as we get farther along, it really worked well for us.
.... for the most part 
Yup! even knowing what would happen I still got all choked up!
I've been reading along, thanks for providing such a fun Trip Report!
This is the first I've read of DCL finally having a PRESSED PENNY machine at port - DH and DD will be sooo excited, I think I won't tell them until we are at the port in March
Thank you! I'm having fun reliving our time away - especially since it is still cold and snowy here!
Glad I could give you a new thing to look forward to on your next cruise
If I remember correctly they had one for each ship and 1 or 2 that were just DCL.chasingthedream
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2010
Great report. Thanks so much for sharing! I love your daughter's "Infinity and beyond" shirt! It's very cute & clever.
veggiemama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2008
Thanks
She really liked that shirt too, though she did not appreciate me singing songs from Toy Story. Just found you TR and really enjoying it. We sail the Magic in April so I'm really looking forward to hearing how you enjoyed it.
We loved Magic - nothing else to compare it to, but we loved it
My DH was talking to some CM at one point and they were saying how much quieter Magic is compared to the other ships and how on Castaway Cay it is much easier to get around and find chairs etc.
veggiemama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2008
Day 3, Feb 3, Continued...
So we started making our way up to deck 9. Having done my research I knew to go to Cabanas to get food. It didn't take long though for me to start feeling slightly nauseous, I stopped and put on my sea bands right away.
I had been concerned before our trip that I was going to have problems with sea sickness/ motion sickness. I have had a number of health issues over the years and a recurring issue has been a side effect from getting colds where I end up with cysts in my inner ear wells. They are extremely painful and there is not a lot I can do about them. I put heat on it to draw out the pain and eventually the burst. They have put holes in my ear drums and have caused a loss of hearing and now are starting to effect my balance. SO I was concerned that my balance was going to be totally off on the ship. I was not really happy with the idea that I could feel the boat moving when we were still in dock!
I had to kind of give myself a pep talk about being ok....
So up to deck 9 we go to find food. And here is where there is another potential issue for me. I am vegan - have been for years and for a long time I had a life threatening allergy to milk, milk proteins and eggs. In WDW I was always able to call ahead, make reservations and talk to chefs to make sure I would have the food I need. I always have protein bars packed for a 'just in case' measure as well. Thankfully about 2 years ago, after living 'clean' for 10 years I started introducing milk and eggs into my diet again. I am no longer needing an epipen Yay! but if I take in too much milk or eggs then I start getting pretty sick again. I seem to be more sensitive to eggs than milk. BUT I also don't eat meat - and haven't for 15 years and have no desire to eat meat - just a preference for me. I don't like the taste or texture anymore. My DH lovingly calls me his rabbit - and his cheap date! Since I mostly eat salads.
My long winded way of saying....
Yes, I was able to find food! Not all vegan - there were lots with butter but there was always a salad bar and steamed veggies.
So I found...
for myself
We managed to find a table outside and we enjoyed our lunch and basked in the sunshine
As we were sitting the CM's were coming around offering drink of the day (which we declined) and water packages - which we declined because we brought our own water on board. Made our carry ons kind of heavy, which my family didn't like but I was ok with
View from our seats
Once we were done eating we wandered over to the family pool, taking lots of pictures as we went.
The kids wanted to see Vibe, the teen hang out, but the doors were still locked.
Since we still had about an hour and a half until our room would be ready we decided to find some chairs by the family pool and check out the slide. Now before we left the kids were very excited to go on Aquadunk, I figured I would do it once and my DH was very sure he would NOT do this. He does not like confined spaces.
We found some chairs and changed into our swim suits and whose the first one to go on the slide....
My husband!
Of course, once he had gone we all had to go so we all tried it out.
Craziest thing for me - as I went down this slide, my contacts slipped - not out, but out of place in my eye! So once I was down the slide I couldn't see a thing - the CM is telling me to get out - but I'm just trying to get my contacts back on my eyes!
I can't see a thing without my contacts and I didn't want to lose them completely, plus the force of that water had my swim suit all messed up 
So I looked completely nuts I'm sure trying to get out of the slide and get all straightened out as well! LOL
Bethany did the slide right after me and son John did the slide just before me.
Our thoughts on the slide?
We liked it, it went really fast, couldn't see anything because of the force of water. None of felt like we really needed to ride it again. And we never did. I think if John was a little younger he probably would have ridden it many many times.
Now it was almost 1:30 so we thought we would start finding our way to our room and see if it was ready yet.
Up next - our room....
So we started making our way up to deck 9. Having done my research I knew to go to Cabanas to get food. It didn't take long though for me to start feeling slightly nauseous, I stopped and put on my sea bands right away.
I had been concerned before our trip that I was going to have problems with sea sickness/ motion sickness. I have had a number of health issues over the years and a recurring issue has been a side effect from getting colds where I end up with cysts in my inner ear wells. They are extremely painful and there is not a lot I can do about them. I put heat on it to draw out the pain and eventually the burst. They have put holes in my ear drums and have caused a loss of hearing and now are starting to effect my balance. SO I was concerned that my balance was going to be totally off on the ship. I was not really happy with the idea that I could feel the boat moving when we were still in dock!
I had to kind of give myself a pep talk about being ok....So up to deck 9 we go to find food. And here is where there is another potential issue for me. I am vegan - have been for years and for a long time I had a life threatening allergy to milk, milk proteins and eggs. In WDW I was always able to call ahead, make reservations and talk to chefs to make sure I would have the food I need. I always have protein bars packed for a 'just in case' measure as well. Thankfully about 2 years ago, after living 'clean' for 10 years I started introducing milk and eggs into my diet again. I am no longer needing an epipen Yay! but if I take in too much milk or eggs then I start getting pretty sick again. I seem to be more sensitive to eggs than milk. BUT I also don't eat meat - and haven't for 15 years and have no desire to eat meat - just a preference for me. I don't like the taste or texture anymore. My DH lovingly calls me his rabbit - and his cheap date!
Since I mostly eat salads.My long winded way of saying....
Yes, I was able to find food! Not all vegan - there were lots with butter but there was always a salad bar and steamed veggies.
So I found...
for myself
We managed to find a table outside and we enjoyed our lunch and basked in the sunshine
As we were sitting the CM's were coming around offering drink of the day (which we declined) and water packages - which we declined because we brought our own water on board. Made our carry ons kind of heavy, which my family didn't like but I was ok with
View from our seats
Once we were done eating we wandered over to the family pool, taking lots of pictures as we went.
The kids wanted to see Vibe, the teen hang out, but the doors were still locked.
Since we still had about an hour and a half until our room would be ready we decided to find some chairs by the family pool and check out the slide. Now before we left the kids were very excited to go on Aquadunk, I figured I would do it once and my DH was very sure he would NOT do this. He does not like confined spaces.
We found some chairs and changed into our swim suits and whose the first one to go on the slide....
My husband!
Of course, once he had gone we all had to go so we all tried it out.
Craziest thing for me - as I went down this slide, my contacts slipped - not out, but out of place in my eye! So once I was down the slide I couldn't see a thing - the CM is telling me to get out - but I'm just trying to get my contacts back on my eyes!
I can't see a thing without my contacts and I didn't want to lose them completely, plus the force of that water had my swim suit all messed up So I looked completely nuts I'm sure trying to get out of the slide and get all straightened out as well! LOL
Bethany did the slide right after me and son John did the slide just before me.
Our thoughts on the slide?
We liked it, it went really fast, couldn't see anything because of the force of water. None of felt like we really needed to ride it again. And we never did. I think if John was a little younger he probably would have ridden it many many times.
Now it was almost 1:30 so we thought we would start finding our way to our room and see if it was ready yet.
Up next - our room....
jenseib
Mommy to Claire
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2006
I am glad you could find food that you were able to eat. I have heard others who were vegans were pretty satisfied as well.
I am still debating on the Aquadunk when we go in March. I am not a water slide person much, but I do want to give it a try...just to say I did. I always have the issue with water in my face and my swimsuit rearranging itself too.
I am still debating on the Aquadunk when we go in March. I am not a water slide person much, but I do want to give it a try...just to say I did. I always have the issue with water in my face and my swimsuit rearranging itself too.
veggiemama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2008
I am glad you could find food that you were able to eat. I have heard others who were vegans were pretty satisfied as well.
Yes, I was very happy to not have to go without and I was always fed well and taken care of.
I am still debating on the Aquadunk when we go in March. I am not a water slide person much, but I do want to give it a try...just to say I did. I always have the issue with water in my face and my swimsuit rearranging itself too.
I say try it once! It was not bad - the floor dropping out was a little freaky but it is over so fast you barely have time to get 'scared'
Thank you!
Glad you are enjoying my report so far. So exciting to be taking the 'first' cruise! I'm almost sad our first is over.... though who knows, we may just have another one in the future!
veggiemama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2008
Day 3, Feb 3 - Continued.... Our Stateroom
It was about 1:15 now and so we decided to see if our room was ready. We grabbed our stuff and starting working our way over to the elevators. Kids wanted to see if Vibe was open yet....
But no - not yet.
We decided to take the stairs down - much faster! As we headed down we saw that the open house for all the kids areas was on so we decided to take a quick peak at everything since we figured we would not be able to look later one.
I got a little lost as we made our way around the areas so I'm not sure what sections these all are....
DH and Bethany are HUGE Marvel fans so this was a cool room for them - they really wished they could do some of the interaction stuff....
Once were done looking around we made our way to our room.... continued in next post
It was about 1:15 now and so we decided to see if our room was ready. We grabbed our stuff and starting working our way over to the elevators. Kids wanted to see if Vibe was open yet....
But no - not yet.
We decided to take the stairs down - much faster! As we headed down we saw that the open house for all the kids areas was on so we decided to take a quick peak at everything since we figured we would not be able to look later one.
I got a little lost as we made our way around the areas so I'm not sure what sections these all are....
DH and Bethany are HUGE Marvel fans so this was a cool room for them - they really wished they could do some of the interaction stuff....
Once were done looking around we made our way to our room.... continued in next post
veggiemama
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2008
And Finally - we made it to our stateroom.
6546 - Family room with verandah
They already had the bunk beds set up -which was great because I was very curious how this worked
The all important bathroom LOL - loved that it was a split bath, sure made it easier for all of us.
Our bed was super comfy - my only complaint was that there was not a lot of room between the end of the bed and the wall and I constantly bumped my leg or stubbed my toe as I wen around the bed!
Kids said that their beds were comfortable. Son John only had one restless night where he lost his pillow in the middle of the night and it fell to the floor. John's only complaint was that the bedside light on the wall was too bright so when he was reading at night it was so bright and in his eyes that it made it a little uncomfortable for him.
DH lost no time in finding his favourite quiet spot to read! We LOVED having our verandah and spent a lot of time just sitting out there
Nice little desk area - the kids used the drawers on the sides to put there clothes.
Funny thing - we were told by our drivers that we 'must' have cruised before because we did not come with a ton of bags! LOL We had only 2 large suitcases and one small suitcase/carry on.
I was curious if we would find this room small - considering that we are all tall and basically adults -would 4 people in one room feel small... glad to say it never did -though I'm sure it helped that we were barely all 4 in the room at the same time! LOL
Our bags had not been delivered yet so it was time.... FINALLY.... to go check out Vibe!
6546 - Family room with verandah
They already had the bunk beds set up -which was great because I was very curious how this worked
The all important bathroom LOL - loved that it was a split bath, sure made it easier for all of us.
Our bed was super comfy - my only complaint was that there was not a lot of room between the end of the bed and the wall and I constantly bumped my leg or stubbed my toe as I wen around the bed!
Kids said that their beds were comfortable. Son John only had one restless night where he lost his pillow in the middle of the night and it fell to the floor. John's only complaint was that the bedside light on the wall was too bright so when he was reading at night it was so bright and in his eyes that it made it a little uncomfortable for him.
DH lost no time in finding his favourite quiet spot to read! We LOVED having our verandah and spent a lot of time just sitting out there
Nice little desk area - the kids used the drawers on the sides to put there clothes.
Funny thing - we were told by our drivers that we 'must' have cruised before because we did not come with a ton of bags! LOL We had only 2 large suitcases and one small suitcase/carry on.
I was curious if we would find this room small - considering that we are all tall and basically adults -would 4 people in one room feel small... glad to say it never did -though I'm sure it helped that we were barely all 4 in the room at the same time! LOL
Our bags had not been delivered yet so it was time.... FINALLY.... to go check out Vibe!
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