The Magic is better than the Dream....I'll be the judge of that!!

[tweis]

After our snorkeling adventure, we decided to get rinsed off and head back to the ship. I'm thinking it was maybe 2-2:30 but we had had a full day of fun in the sun.





We went up to the pool deck and I tried the Aqua Dunk for the first time. It was really a lot of fun but my legs were seriously stinging when I got off. Mark and the boys rode the Twist & Spout several times and Mark said it was probably more fun than the Aqua Dunk simply because it was a longer ride.

The boys enjoyed some pool time and Mark and I enjoyed another Sunken Treasure and just sticking our feet in the hot tub. We decided to have a quick snack before it got too late because we had a Palo reservation at 6:00.

I had yet to try the pizza on this cruise but the boys had certainly had plenty so I thought it was worth a shot. I tried the BBQ pizza (I think) and it was rather cold so I decided it was not worth the calories and had a schwarma instead.

We stayed up on deck as late as we could just relaxing and watching the Lion King before we needed to head to our room and get cleaned up for dinner.

More shots of Castaway Cay

 

[tweis]

Castaway Cay from our veranda

 

[tweis]

The boys decided that they wanted to eat in the MDR which according to our KTTW card, was Carioca's. This was Pirate Night so we were expecting the pirate menu. This is why Mark and I had booked Palo on Pirate Night. We pulled up Carioca's menu on the App and were surprised to see that it was not the pirate menu but Carioca's regular menu. The boys made up their mind as to what they would order and we all got ready for dinner. We had not been given the Mickey bandannas which I found rather odd, but ok.

We headed down to Carioca's to get the boys situated before heading to Palo. We were taken to our table and saw that drinks were already there but they did not have our name's on the lids. About that time, a waiter came over and said that there must be some confusion. We went over to the host station and were told that we were in the WRONG dining room!! How could that be when our KTTW card showed we were supposed to be here?! We were asked again for our dining tickets and we explained AGAIN that we had never received them. He looked our stateroom number up and said that we were in Lumiere's tonight. I was not happy about this at all because I was really looking forward to Lumiere's because it is supposed to be like Royal Palace on the Dream which happens to be my favorite MDR. I got a little upset and told him "no, we couldn't be in Lumiere's because I had made my Palo reservation based on us being in Carioca's and that Lumiere's was my favorite and that this pretty much sucked!" I had really tried to have a go with the flow attitude on this trip but it was getting difficult.

Not only was our KTTW card wrong about this night's MDR but it was wrong about the next next also. Actually the only night that was accurate was the first night. Our card showed our rotation as ACCL when our real rotation was supposed to have been ACLA. He finally offered to switch Lumiere's with Animator's but mentioned that we would be experiencing the new animation show where you are able to draw the characters and then they are brought to life on screen. Well obviously, we didn't want to miss out on experiencing that with the boys so we left to take them to Lumiere's.

We apologized to our server for being a couple of minutes late and explained to him the situation with our rotation and also that the boys would be dining without us. He assured us that he would take good care of them but did give us a little flack for not coming to the MDR the night before. We instructed Trystan and Jacob to behave and headed to Palo. Oh yeah, the boys were given their bandannas and our's at dinner. Apparently they gave them out in the MDR this cruise instead of putting them in the stateroom.



They did this themselves and we were delighted to find this in our Shutter's folder.

 

[tweis]

Up next: Palo dinner with pics

 

[tweis]

Mark and I quickly made our way from Lumiere's to Palo. We were greeted and seated in Andre's section. Andre is from South Africa and MADE our visit to Palo. From the get go, it was his intent to make this visit to Palo better than our last visit on the Dream. We were game even though we didn't see how it could possibly be any better!



I always read how brunch is better than dinner because you have no view at dinner.



Andre wheeled over a cart and created this lovely platter for us. The aged parmesan is to die for and I couldn't wait to try it again.


The plate also included aged bresaola, prosciutto, marinated olives, artichokes and peppers, and parmesan reggiano with an aged balsamic. Delicious! I don't seem to have a picture of our bread basket but it included Grissini Sticks, Olive and Ciabatta Rolls and Focaccia Bread. I had zero bread because I didn't want to fill up too quickly. Everything on the antipasti platter was divine. I actually enjoyed the bresaola a little more this time than I did on the Dream. It was really good.

Next up, Andre came over and discussed what items we had enjoyed on the Dream. We told him and then he proceeded to go over the menu with us and did a fabulous job of describing everything with great detail. He then asked what we were leaning towards and we told him. All very good choices but did we not want to try any of the wonderful lobster ravioli? DH and I neither one are big fans of lobster, so we both declined. We both had the tuscan white bean soup on the Dream and absolutely loved it so we had to have it again.


I wish I could describe how delicious this soup is but I couldn't possibly do it justice. It is a rich, velvety, smooth and utterly delicious party for your taste buds. Mark is really not a fan of beans but absolutely loves this soup. We have looked forward to this soup for a year and it did not disappoint.

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Hi OP! Catching up on your review.

Your comment about being too full for dinner is exactly why we book 8:15 dinner. We always end up getting something around 6-7 and then are ready for a nice dinner after 8.

Last time, I said I was going to make it to Pirate Buffet...nope... still WAY too full from dinner (and OGills nacho bar...ok ok it was really the nacho bar, but sometimes you just WANT junk food ya know?) And I didn't even miss it. I also said I would get pizza before midnight this trip, never did that either! The only late night snack was our cheesecake dessert from MDR that we didn't have time to wait for before Pirate Night so we took it back to our room, and then after midnight, we went up to the top deck close to cabanas, with our whole group, and we all made hot tea and ate our cheesecake then. It was really fun except that they were trying to wash the deck at the time and staying up late and enjoying the sea breeze on deck is one of our favorite things to do, especially with a lazy sea day the next day. But whatever!

I still think I would prefer late dining, as we always had plenty of seats for our 6:15 shows. We could come when we wanted with Villains (by the time we got to the theater, Ursula was up anyway so we had skipped the stuff we didn't like anyway) we just sat on the side and like i said, there were plenty so it really wasn't much of an interruption.

Glad you saw Twice Charmed! We really enjoyed the sophisticated set and costume and Prince Charming, where did they get that guy?!

I think if we were in your place at Atlantis, we would have ordered up and eaten right there and stayed as long as we could have. Our idea is that if we have already spent that much, why leave early for free pizza? But we don't have kids either. Also, my husband turns into the Hulk if he gets hungry so we have a much more enjoyable trip when we budget for food. An even bigger plus if our tour/excursion already includes lunch...

Let's see what else I find to comment back on... we also saw dolphins leaving the port, that was first in ALL my cruises! We already talked about Quest and 80s and Andy. Oh on the mixology, it was scheduled during our time at Quest and my husband would have had a MUC MUCH better time with us than he did with the others at mixology. I have learned I won't book him for any up charged food or drink ever anymore. (However, we loved having Andre for Palo brunch!) But my honey honestly likes the rest of the free food better. He wasn't that impressed with Palo brunch. Speaking of which, the Pork Wellingtons on the first night AP menu were VERY VERY well received! I was so glad Dad liked it because they hadn't had the best day getting on the ship and then weren't wowed by their room (as we know) and so at least dinner was off to a good start...

Funny story about the Rasul. I would NEVER EVER get my husband to do anything like that anyway. He only does massage or facial, nothing with mud like that, (other than the ridiculous 5k Mud Run we did last week, which I think makes us crazy but we missed our Castaway 5k and this was the next event the next week in our town) anyway good to know the real scoop on it. Folks like different things I guess!

As far as dining, Cariocas was HANDS DOWN our FAVORITE meal of the entire time (and they were all good.) The guys got the big JOSE thing with all the meats on the skewers, we all ordered the avecado salad twice and shared around, I got the goat cheese salad (woohoo! Anyone who knows me knows that THAT IS what I eat every day at home and I LOOVVVED it!) and the dessert was also the best one and GF that we had all week. I could have eaten there every night!

I'll keep following and then see what else makes me think to chime in....

 

[tweis]

Your comment about being too full for dinner is exactly why we book 8:15 dinner. We always end up getting something around 6-7 and then are ready for a nice dinner after 8.

Last time, I said I was going to make it to Pirate Buffet...nope... still WAY too full from dinner (and OGills nacho bar...ok ok it was really the nacho bar, but sometimes you just WANT junk food ya know?) And I didn't even miss it. I also said I would get pizza before midnight this trip, never did that either! The only late night snack was our cheesecake dessert from MDR that we didn't have time to wait for before Pirate Night so we took it back to our room, and then after midnight, we went up to the top deck close to cabanas, with our whole group, and we all made hot tea and ate our cheesecake then. It was really fun except that they were trying to wash the deck at the time and staying up late and enjoying the sea breeze on deck is one of our favorite things to do, especially with a lazy sea day the next day. But whatever!

I still think I would prefer late dining, as we always had plenty of seats for our 6:15 shows. We could come when we wanted with Villains (by the time we got to the theater, Ursula was up anyway so we had skipped the stuff we didn't like anyway) we just sat on the side and like i said, there were plenty so it really wasn't much of an interruption.

Glad you saw Twice Charmed! We really enjoyed the sophisticated set and costume and Prince Charming, where did they get that guy?!

I think if we were in your place at Atlantis, we would have ordered up and eaten right there and stayed as long as we could have. Our idea is that if we have already spent that much, why leave early for free pizza? But we don't have kids either. Also, my husband turns into the Hulk if he gets hungry so we have a much more enjoyable trip when we budget for food. An even bigger plus if our tour/excursion already includes lunch...

Let's see what else I find to comment back on... we also saw dolphins leaving the port, that was first in ALL my cruises! We already talked about Quest and 80s and Andy. Oh on the mixology, it was scheduled during our time at Quest and my husband would have had a MUC MUCH better time with us than he did with the others at mixology. I have learned I won't book him for any up charged food or drink ever anymore. (However, we loved having Andre for Palo brunch!) But my honey honestly likes the rest of the free food better. He wasn't that impressed with Palo brunch. Speaking of which, the Pork Wellingtons on the first night AP menu were VERY VERY well received! I was so glad Dad liked it because they hadn't had the best day getting on the ship and then weren't wowed by their room (as we know) and so at least dinner was off to a good start...

Funny story about the Rasul. I would NEVER EVER get my husband to do anything like that anyway. He only does massage or facial, nothing with mud like that, (other than the ridiculous 5k Mud Run we did last week, which I think makes us crazy but we missed our Castaway 5k and this was the next event the next week in our town) anyway good to know the real scoop on it. Folks like different things I guess!

As far as dining, Cariocas was HANDS DOWN our FAVORITE meal of the entire time (and they were all good.) The guys got the big JOSE thing with all the meats on the skewers, we all ordered the avecado salad twice and shared around, I got the goat cheese salad (woohoo! Anyone who knows me knows that THAT IS what I eat every day at home and I LOOVVVED it!) and the dessert was also the best one and GF that we had all week. I could have eaten there every night!

I'll keep following and then see what else makes me think to chime in....

Hi Mermaid

We tried late dining on our 2013 cruise and it just didn't work for us. I really wish DCL offered something around 7:00. I think that would work much better for my family.

We didn't make the Pirate Buffet this time either because we were still stuffed from Palo. My boys did end up going back up to bring pizza back after the fireworks though.

Atlantis was wonderful and we felt like we definitely got our money's worth from our time there. Since this was not a DCL excursion we wanted to allow plenty of time to get back to the ship but still have lots of time there and I think we were able to accomplish both. We were ready to head back about the time we started getting hungry so we could either grab a cab and head back for pizza that we have already paid for or we could spend $50 on something very similar. If we had been staying later then we definitely would've grabbed lunch.

We really enjoyed the pork wellingtons for dinner also. We never actually had dinner in Cariocoa's so I can't comment on the menu but we did enjoy the atmosphere for embarkation lunch.

I'm pretty sure I will never be able to talk my husband into another spa treatment. Well maybe a couple's massage but that would be about it...

 

[tweis]

Andre insisted that we have a small pasta course before our entree. Last year on the Dream, I had the chianti braised beef ravioli and Mark loved it so of course that is what he ordered this time.

Excuse the mess he made.


He had actually eaten one of the raviolis before I could take the pic. These are really rich and delicious.

I wanted to order the ravioli also, but changed my mind since Mark ordered it. He stole my order!! I decided to try the mushroom risotto. I do not like mushrooms at all so I have no idea why I got this but I thoroughly enjoyed it.



This was really good except for the tomatoes.....they really didn't go with the dish. The texture and flavor were wonderful though.

After our pasta course, it was time for a little palette cleanser.



About this time, Andre came over and asked Mark if he could bring him some lobster ravioli. Mark said sure and Andre said he would bring it out with our entrees. Andre also told us that this was our lucky day because THE pastry chef that normally rotates between the ships was on the Magic and that our chocolate souffle would be spectacular! It was delicious on the Dream so I really wasn't sure how it could be better but heck yea!

Andre came back to our table and said he told the chef that Mark had said that the lobster ravioli was delicious on the Dream and he didn't think it would be as good on the Magic so the chef was trying to make the most delicious lobster ravioli EVER! Mark did have the lobster ravioli on the Dream but he did not tell Andre any of that. Andre was wonderful and so funny and helpful throughout our dinner.

The EPIC lobster ravioli


Even thought we aren't lobster fans, this was good. If we were lobster fans, this would have been spectacular. The sauce was thick and rich and the pasta itself, was cooked perfectly. The ravioli had some really large pieces of lobster in them that I'm sure lobster lovers would adored.

 

[tweis]

It was now time for the main course and we both chose the tenderloin.




You have your choice of a red wine sauce or a Gorgonzola sauce to compliment your steak but we asked for them both to be on the side. Generally, I do not like any type of sauce on steaks but I did try the red wine sauce on the Dream and enjoyed it but I don't think I ended up putting any sauce on mine. DH added a small amount of each to his and loved it. I have a small allergy to Gorgonzola so I didn't risk putting any on mine. The tenderloin was cooked perfectly and was absolutely delicious.

Next up was the famous chocolate souffle.



Andre was so excited for us to try these since they had been made by THE pastry chef. He quickly added the two sauces and urged us to give them a try. They were spectacular! My taste buds rejoiced! I didn't think they could be any better than they were on the Dream but they truly were. I couldn't eat very much of it because I was stuffed and Andre thought I didn't like it. How could I not like that warm, chocolate goodness? I told him it was better than it was on the Dream and he was very pleased.

We really enjoyed having Andre as our server and you could tell that he truly enjoys his job. He takes such pride in working in Palo on the Magic. He was also very excited for the new itineraries offered on the Magic for 2015 and tried to talk us into sailing to Norway next year. I would LOVE to sail Norway in 2015 but it just isn't in the cards (nor the budget ).

I almost forgot about this. Scorpino with calvados and limoncello

 

[tweis]

We waddled from Palo down to our room. The boys had called us a couple of times to keep us in the loop on where they were. They had dinner in Lumiere's and then went off exploring and of course up to the pool deck for pizza.

We collected the boys and headed to do a little lite shopping. We bought the boys a couple of plastic swords for the pirate show but that was it. In my opinion, they did not have enough DCL t-shirt choices but maybe that's just me.

The show for the night was The Magic and Illusions of Scott Pepper. The show was "ok". The kids enjoyed it but I actually dozed off. Of course, that could have been because it had been a very long day and I was tired.

After the show, we headed to our room to get on our pirate gear. We had picked up a couple of pirate shirts for the boys while we were at Downtown Disney and we still had eye-patches and earrings left from our last cruise.

 

[tweis]

We headed up to the pool deck to enjoy the pirate party. The party on the Magic is very different than the party on the Dream. O on the Magic felt it had more like a dance party feel with the characters and the staff whereas on the Dream it was geared more towards the older crowd and involved Captain Jack Sparrow where the Magic has Mickey. We were having a great time until an adult couple walked in front of Trystan and completely blocked his view. I gave it a little bit to see if they were going to move on but they did not. I politely got the woman's attention and told her that my son could no longer see the show. She proceeded to tell me that the same thing had just happened to them and when she mentioned it to the "offenders" they flipped her off. I was thinking to myself that she was about to flip me off but instead they stood there a few more minutes before finally moving on. A nice couple that was closer to the stage with their daughter offered to let both of my boys come up front with them so that they could enjoy the show without ADULTS getting in front of them. I'm not saying that adults can't watch the show or even be front row. Heck, we loved the show but I would NEVER knowingly block a child from seeing the show.



Sorry for the bad lighting. That is not fire but a bright light on stage.

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Great trip report!

Wondering if we were on the same double-dip in June 2012? June 10?

 

[tweis]

Great trip report!

Wondering if we were on the same double-dip in June 2012? June 10?

Thank you and

We sure were on the same double dip! Such a wonderful cruise!

 

[tnshsms]

We have only done the dream and fantasy but we are booked on the magic next year so I enjoy reading your report!

 

[4worlds1family]

DAY 2-NASSAU

I set an alarm for 7:00 because I had made Mark and myself a spa appointment. Not just any spa appointment…..an exotic rasul appointment. I had read very “interesting” things about the rasul and I was intrigued. The description from the DCL website described it as this:

This sensual body treatment, applied by you, conditions and nourishes your skin while uniting the 4 fundamental elements of water, fire, earth and air in one spiritually uplifting experience. Aromatherapy massage oils are worked gently into the body, and then you're invited to spread various miracle healing muds of different colors and grain sizes onto your limbs. Body and soul are elevated to a place of ethereal bliss. In the privacy of a secluded chamber and steam room, you can make liberal use of decadent facial care products, exfoliating creams and morer and steam room, you can make liberal use of decadent facial care products, exfoliating creams and more.

I have found it described a little less "G-rated" on these boards. I really wasn't sure what to expect but it was a spa treatment for 2 for $89. We got dressed in swimsuits, set a new alarm for the boys and left them a note instructing them to get ready for the day. I have zero pictures of the spa area.

We made our way to Senses and filled out the obligatory forms and were then shown to a dressing area for each of us. I was given a locker which contained a robe, sandals and towels. I got undressed and put on the robe and then I panicked because I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be FULLY undressed or not! I ended up keeping on my swimsuit underneath the robe.

We were lead to the rasul room and given a rundown on all the products in the room. By the time she left, I had no idea what half of them were nor was I sure what part of the body they were to be used on. I am going to try to describe the rasul room to you the best I can. When you walk in the door you see a tile covered bench with towel swans and rose petals covering it. Que up the cheesy music Everything is tile. To the immediate left is a shower with 3 dispensers inside. To the right is the steam room with 3 benches inside and an area in the middle with 4 sinks (I think) in the middle of the room. The main room had a barrel type thing that had mud and a type of scrub or salts in it.

BEFORE testing any showers or the steam room, DH and I decided to rub the mud all over each other first. HUGE mistake!! I went to rinse off and the first shower was ice cold!!! I couldn't stay in long enough to rinse. DH didn't want to go anywhere near it after I shrieked from the coldness so we decided to move into the steam room because each bench had a shower head and water would come from the sides. Well guess what? That water was freezing also! So here we are, covered in a minty tingly mud that we can't get rinsed off because the water is freezing! I finally pumped my hand full of soap and just bit the bullet and washed it off in freezing water. Once I finally got rinsed, I ventured into the steam room for a bit but it quickly got too hot so I turned on the shower again. This time the cold water felt good but the hot water that ran out of the hose across my bare foot did not! We ended up leaving the rasul room before the attendant knocked on the door. I can honestly say that I will never be tempted to book the rasul again.

This TR has a couple of pictures of the rasul area. It appears they were not give the towel swans and rose petals. lmao /QUOTE]

We are booked for our first cruise next year. I love your pictures and trip report, but the rasul report made me laugh out loud! I now know what not to book!! Keep the details coming

 

[tweis]

We have only done the dream and fantasy but we are booked on the magic next year so I enjoy reading your report!

Thanks and

 

[tweis]

DAY 2-NASSAU

I set an alarm for 7:00 because I had made Mark and myself a spa appointment. Not just any spa appointment…..an exotic rasul appointment. I had read very “interesting” things about the rasul and I was intrigued. The description from the DCL website described it as this:

This sensual body treatment, applied by you, conditions and nourishes your skin while uniting the 4 fundamental elements of water, fire, earth and air in one spiritually uplifting experience. Aromatherapy massage oils are worked gently into the body, and then you're invited to spread various miracle healing muds of different colors and grain sizes onto your limbs. Body and soul are elevated to a place of ethereal bliss. In the privacy of a secluded chamber and steam room, you can make liberal use of decadent facial care products, exfoliating creams and morer and steam room, you can make liberal use of decadent facial care products, exfoliating creams and more.

I have found it described a little less "G-rated" on these boards. I really wasn't sure what to expect but it was a spa treatment for 2 for $89. We got dressed in swimsuits, set a new alarm for the boys and left them a note instructing them to get ready for the day. I have zero pictures of the spa area.

We made our way to Senses and filled out the obligatory forms and were then shown to a dressing area for each of us. I was given a locker which contained a robe, sandals and towels. I got undressed and put on the robe and then I panicked because I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be FULLY undressed or not! I ended up keeping on my swimsuit underneath the robe.

We were lead to the rasul room and given a rundown on all the products in the room. By the time she left, I had no idea what half of them were nor was I sure what part of the body they were to be used on. I am going to try to describe the rasul room to you the best I can. When you walk in the door you see a tile covered bench with towel swans and rose petals covering it. Que up the cheesy music Everything is tile. To the immediate left is a shower with 3 dispensers inside. To the right is the steam room with 3 benches inside and an area in the middle with 4 sinks (I think) in the middle of the room. The main room had a barrel type thing that had mud and a type of scrub or salts in it.

BEFORE testing any showers or the steam room, DH and I decided to rub the mud all over each other first. HUGE mistake!! I went to rinse off and the first shower was ice cold!!! I couldn't stay in long enough to rinse. DH didn't want to go anywhere near it after I shrieked from the coldness so we decided to move into the steam room because each bench had a shower head and water would come from the sides. Well guess what? That water was freezing also! So here we are, covered in a minty tingly mud that we can't get rinsed off because the water is freezing! I finally pumped my hand full of soap and just bit the bullet and washed it off in freezing water. Once I finally got rinsed, I ventured into the steam room for a bit but it quickly got too hot so I turned on the shower again. This time the cold water felt good but the hot water that ran out of the hose across my bare foot did not! We ended up leaving the rasul room before the attendant knocked on the door. I can honestly say that I will never be tempted to book the rasul again.

This TR has a couple of pictures of the rasul area. It appears they were not give the towel swans and rose petals. lmao /QUOTE]

We are booked for our first cruise next year. I love your pictures and trip report, but the rasul report made me laugh out loud! I now know what not to book!! Keep the details coming

Thanks so much! The rasul made me laugh out loud too AFTER the fact! It just did not work out for us.

 

[tweis]

Off to Vegas in the morning for a week guys but I will update when we get back!

 

[princess aleya]

Just found your TR, I'm really enjoying reading it. Oh how we miss Palo, the lobster ravioli is my favorite. I also love the bean soup, can't wait to sail again just to have those two things.

 

[skit72]

Loving your trip report, cruising on Magic in August and reading all the reports really builds the excitement!!