We don't wanna go home!!! Nov 1-8, 2008 Magic Western

[alan_renfroe]

Wow! Those food pictures were AWESOME! That seared Ahi Tuna was right up my alley! Nice pics!

Alan

[nzdisneymom]

Originally Posted by podsnel

Kind of- it was an activity at HHIR last summer, and I signed up the 4 of us but when it came time to make the shirts, the boys wouldn't get out of the pool because there were some games going on. So DH came with me, and did alot of the rubberbanding because my hands were hurting from kayaking (I have an inflammatory arthritis), and then he left and the CMs were making them with me! Then I actually went back and made another one for DS14, but by then I was a pro!

We're going to Hilton Head in the spring - I hope they still do this activity because I love those shirts and would love to make them for / with my kids.

I am really enjoying your report, especially reading about new-to-me things that I've not experienced or read about. We're sailing soon and this is just what I need to be even more ready (BTW, I saw the wrist-watches on your boys and that made me remember that I need to get one for my guys so they'll know what time it is on-board when they are off on their own.)

[MAGICFOR2]

Originally Posted by podsnel

No! It wasn't anything special, I just ordered a glass of sauvignon Blanc- and then she brought out that tray. Really, really awesome.

Thanks for the on my answer to Kara, I was hoping I didn't forget anything. Isn't she in WDW this weekend AGAIN? She really makes me want to move to Florida, lizards and spiders and all, just to be able to go to visit WDW so much!

Hawaii is SPECTACULAR!!!! We went for our honeymoon, and I'm really hoping we'll be able to trade in when the new DVC resort is built there- it opens just in time for our 25th anniversary. My cousins went on that cruise a few years ago and had a blast- you will, too, just spend some time in the specialty restaurants and I bet it will be wonderful. It's not like they're going to be beating you everyday- you're going to be in paradise, for crying out loud!!

I'll have to write that down for next time - our asst server, Alex, was a wine steward or whatever the name is - he kept recommending a SB, but I don't think I had one - I'm usually a red wine drinker.

No, Kara wasn't in WDW this past weekend, I think it's this one - she goes so often it's hard to keep up! And I'm jealous!

Okay, I'll try not to be afraid of the other boat!

I'm finally all caught up on your TR! You all looked Fab for formal night! Your boys clean up real nice! I was thinking your DH is so photogenic that he looks like a game show host!

Your day in GC looked fantastic in spite of the rain! I'm glad you made it a good day! It really is all about attitude! I loved the Cindy show, too - and I cried. They do such a great job with those shows!

Looking forward to your next update!

[Disgirl83]

I've been reading your posts now religiously and love them! You are soo good at writing this. My DH and I will be on the western cruise in May and your post have definitely convinced me to reserve the rasual!!! I'm also considering Palo, but haven't decided on brunch or dinner. Oh the choices!

Keep up the great writing!

[Camster0307]

Ellen - Your pictures are AWESOME! Even though the weather wasn't the best, your day at GC still looked beautiful!

That crab appetizer -- (I love me some cheesy crab!)

So great that the boys really enjoyed the clubs. I've always wondered if Lauren would since she would be by herself.

One question -- did you and Pods sample any of the jello shots?

[podsnel]

Originally Posted by alan_renfroe

Wow! Those food pictures were AWESOME! That seared Ahi Tuna was right up my alley! Nice pics!

Alan

Thanks, Alan!! The tuna was very good!

Originally Posted by nzdisneymom

We're going to Hilton Head in the spring - I hope they still do this activity because I love those shirts and would love to make them for / with my kids.

I am really enjoying your report, especially reading about new-to-me things that I've not experienced or read about. We're sailing soon and this is just what I need to be even more ready (BTW, I saw the wrist-watches on your boys and that made me remember that I need to get one for my guys so they'll know what time it is on-board when they are off on their own.)

Ooooohhh...I LOVE HHI! I'm betting they will still have that Mickey tiedye activity, I think they have had it for a while, and it was VERY popular- I forget, have you been there before? Don't forget to say hi to Dottie in the mercantile- she's great!

I got the boys the wristwatches right before the cruise, and it helped them alot, just be sure to get ones that are ok in the water.

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

I'll have to write that down for next time - our asst server, Alex, was a wine steward or whatever the name is - he kept recommending a SB, but I don't think I had one - I'm usually a red wine drinker.

No, Kara wasn't in WDW this past weekend, I think it's this one - she goes so often it's hard to keep up! And I'm jealous!

Okay, I'll try not to be afraid of the other boat!

I'm finally all caught up on your TR! You all looked Fab for formal night! Your boys clean up real nice! I was thinking your DH is so photogenic that he looks like a game show host!
Your day in GC looked fantastic in spite of the rain! I'm glad you made it a good day! It really is all about attitude! I loved the Cindy show, too - and I cried. They do such a great job with those shows!

Looking forward to your next update!

OMG!!! That line is just soooo funny! Now you know why I made sure he was wearing a tuxedo on formal night and we bought it so I can be sure to see him in it whenever the opportunity arises- . Maybe this weekend I'll have him put it on and we'll all play Jeopardy!

And that wine service is only in Sessions- but, the KCSB is available in the dining rooms, too. Just not with the fun stuff. I'd hate for you to order a glass of wine at dinner and be disappointed when they didn't bring out the cherries and cheese!!

Originally Posted by Disgirl83

I've been reading your posts now religiously and love them! You are soo good at writing this. My DH and I will be on the western cruise in May and your post have definitely convinced me to reserve the rasual!!! I'm also considering Palo, but haven't decided on brunch or dinner. Oh the choices!

Keep up the great writing!

WOW- thanks for all the kind words- you have made my day!! I will do my best to keep entertaining you...

And DEFINITELY book that Rasul- you'll both come out with BIG smiles on your faces!!

Originally Posted by Camster0307

Ellen - Your pictures are AWESOME! Even though the weather wasn't the best, your day at GC still looked beautiful!

That crab appetizer -- (I love me some cheesy crab!)

So great that the boys really enjoyed the clubs. I've always wondered if Lauren would since she would be by herself.

One question -- did you and Pods sample any of the jello shots?

Do you REALLY need to ask this question??? At one point in my life, I was known as the queen of the jello shots, I made and did soooooo many!! Never would miss one!

[Camster0307]

Originally Posted by podsnel

Do you REALLY need to ask this question??? At one point in my life, I was known as the queen of the jello shots, I made and did soooooo many!! Never would miss one!

Ask a stupid question........................ !
(just another reason to like you!)

[podsnel]

Originally Posted by anewmac

Oh they have friends ship at sea now... not disney univerSEAty lol this will be fun to see the difference.

Todays food porn looks great!

I too am a big Cinderella freak... I knew I liked ya LOL

Oops! I missed you! Yes, it's the Friendship- I know because they gave him the tshirt later, not because we saw the show... ....but that's for another day!

Cindy is a ROCKSTAR!!!!!!!

[TigerKat]

I've been under the weather the past few days and catching up on your TR was the way to spend my time!!!! You and your family surely have the best darn vacations I've ever seen. Your boys are very lucky.

[podsnel]

Originally Posted by TigerKat

I've been under the weather the past few days and catching up on your TR was the way to spend my time!!!! You and your family surely have the best darn vacations I've ever seen. Your boys are very lucky.

Hey Kathy! I hope you're feeling better! I'm glad I was able to help you pass the time...and thanks, we do try to make the most of our time away!

[vanessa3198]

Originally Posted by podsnel

DH had seared tuna-

OOOOOOH!! One of my favorites!!
My cruise needs to get here... QUICKLY!

[podsnel]

Woke up this morning to the pre-coffee delivery phone ring- love to have that coffee delivered first thing in the morning- do you think I could arrange for that once we get home? We could see Mexico in the distance, and it looked like it would be a spectacularly GORGEOUS day- which it was!



Our plans were to go with Boyspapa's family and do the Royal Dolphin Swim at Chankanaab. DH & I had done a dolphin swim once before, when we were in the Bahamas, at the Blue Lagoon. So we were very excited for our kids to have this incredible experience and learn about these intelligent, amazing mammals. We would be docking at about 9:45 in Cozumel, so that left a little time in the morning for me to go up to the fitness center and work-out. I was riding the bike as we pulled closer to the port, and I really could not get over the beauty of Cozumel's water! It is such a deep azure, totally different from what i'm used to seeing in the Caribbean. Really vibrant! Anyway, I just would like to point out again that if I had access to that gym on the Magic at home, I would be in much, much better shape than I am at home working out at the Y! Watching a huge choice of Disney entertainment while the beautiful sea is all around you is a one of a kind experience not to be missed.

We hooked up with Carl & Donna and the boys and headed out into port at about 10:30 or 11, I think.





My kids were very curious about what Mexico would be like- I told them Mexico has a very...ummm...aggressive marketing policy. They're like, what do you mean? In 2 minutes of being in that port, DS11 said, "OH...I GET IT!!" Everyone selling everything and running after you with it was a big surprise, even DH who had never been to Mexico was stunned. It was pretty funny.



So we walk through the mall ignoring everyone, and make our way to the taxis.



Because Boyspapa and I had booked this together, we got got a great deal- included in our swim was roundtrip transportation and admission to Chankanaab, as well as we got a 5% discount off of all our swims. (FYI- DCL did not offer this excursion, they had a dolphin encounter here, or a swim at Dolphinaris, but it didn't include the foot push and was more $$ than the Royal Swim booked on our own). I am so glad we chose chankanaab, the park was really pretty and it offered a lot more than just a swim with the dolphins. We were approached by a guide who offered us a tour of their ruins and gardens, and we decided to do this because we thought it might be a good idea to learn a little bit about this country's culture while we were here. The tour was free, we just tipped him afterwards.







We were taken into a hut and a Mexican woman made tortillas and gave one to each of us with or without salsa- the adults loved them, I think the kids were not as excited!







An iguana poses for a pic-







We kept on thinking, these kids are going to start saying they're bored any second now, but ya know what? They never did! They really listened to everything this guide said! The ruins at Chankanaab are not actual ruins, they are replicas of different ruins from around the Yucatan peninsula. The guide was very insightful, and we all learned something by taking this little tour. I was very proud of all the boys for taking an interest and learning about this ancient culture.



Next...time for our Royal Swim!

[alan_renfroe]

Originally Posted by podsnel

Oh my gosh! This is a perfect picture of paradise!!! Wow...that is breathtaking.

[mismal]

thanks for the spa pics...maybe i will change my spa appointment to this vs a couple massge? Looks awesome...your photos make me feel like we are there! One month, 14 days but who is counting?
thanks again for the post!

[anewmac]

WOW... Those pics are breath taking.

Really think im going to have to get to the gym next time. Sounds like such a cool way to work out.