"I'm NOT a Princess, I'm Izzy!" - May '15 Land/Sea ~ Updated 6/4: Link to Disneyland TR!!!

[amazingact21]

I love caprese, but I do make it at home sometimes, so wasn’t sure if I should get something at Palo that I can make at home. But David highly recommended it, so I ordered it anyway. And it was super tasty! Better than the one I make, even!

Yes! One of the best caprese dishes I've ever had.

And a side of asparagus gnocchi:

That looks delicious!

Of course, we got the legendary Chocolate Souffle:

I would have been upset had you not.

David brought out a small after dinner drink that was a lemon and apple combo of sorts, I think

I remember the one I got was very strange tasting. The waiter told us it was good for "digestion."

We’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I'm so glad to hear you loved your dinner. The food at Palo is just amazing, and I agree with you, dinner is so much better! I also think it's nice to be able to dress up nice and go someplace where there's no kids and just indulge in delicious dishes.

That’s a Palo belly

A Palo belly...this made me laugh. I think everyone would be all right with a Palo belly.

 

[pkondz]

(Also, I remembered what country he was from with my lame joke about being NOT hungry after a meal at Palo ).

I will chose to ignore this... for both our sakes.

I love caprese, but I do make it at home sometimes,

Nice! I never do. Ruby isn't a fan and both DDs don't like tomatoes.

Dug said he heard a guy at the table behind us say, “He’s taking pictures of his food!! Just enjoy it!!” I guess he doesn’t have a trip report to write.

Exactly. I never take food pictures unless I'm writing a TR.

Wish I’d known he was talking about us, because I totally would have taken a picture of him at the table behind us.

Oh, how I wish you had!

As Dug finished telling me about this, he said something like, “Mind your own business!” Just as the guy was walking by.

Good for Dug.

We also ordered wine, not sure if there are pictures, but you know what that looks like.

Liquidy? Perhaps in a crystal glass of some sort?

We loved everything. It was all SOOOOOO good. We didn’t ever want to stop eating.

Glad you liked it!

Of course, we got the legendary Chocolate Souffle:

Whoa, that looks good.

I want to say that I may have gotten a hot chocolate, but there is no photographic evidence of that, nor notes, so maybe I am making it up.

Go ahead and say it.
We'll never know the difference!

Mine, mine, mine!

However, I was distracted by some guys that seemed to be flirting with a girl near us. It was weird and involved a lot of swearing and selfies.

What girl wouldn't swoon over some moron uttering expletives?

Just hanging around...

I was uncomfortably full to the point I needed my asthma inhaler to breathe normally (I know, weird).

Yes. Weird. But I'll keep reading... for now.
Anymore weirdness, though.... and you'll be just like me.

Also, my stomach had blown up to the point that it looked like I was about 5+ months pregnant (no, I wasn’t! ):

Food baby!

Izzy was sleeping at pick up and went right back down to sleep in the room, no issues.

Yess!

 

[Imagineer5]

think this was the only time she did actually fall asleep there, but she slept almost the whole time she was there that evening

Woohoo that is wonderful, I would have been worried with the late night!

Clearly, we both were fascinated by the luggage booths.

They look cool!

And it was super tasty! Better than the one I make, even! Drizzled with balsamic vinegar:

Yum, I definitely don't make as good of caprese as I can find at good Italian restaurants (BTW I still remember how delicious that Trattoria al Forno one was!). It's all about the quality of ingredients. I've tried making mozzarella and I just haven't perfected it. Unfortunately our grocery stores just don't carry good enough quality mozz and tomatoes for them to compare!

“He’s taking pictures of his food!! Just enjoy it!!” I guess he doesn’t have a trip report to write

Ugh that's rude! I would have been angry to hear that. You're enjoying it NOW and will remember it all later!! I took pics at V&A and still sad I don't have the photographs of my food from that meal!

Of course, we got the legendary Chocolate Souffle:

OMG that looks AMAZING. One of my all time favorite desserts.

(I think part of our dinner preference was that we didn't have to keep getting up and going to a buffet...it was nice to just DINE. I guess we don't do enough of that these days with a little girl in tow.)

Definitely agreed there, buffets don't hold a candle to really great sit-downs (though we've only done Brunch, would love to try dinner!)

We walked out on the pool deck around 10:30pm and realized we had time to see the pirate show and fireworks.

Wow, what timing!

Izzy was sleeping at pick up and went right back down to sleep in the room, no issues. We were all wiped out and immediately hit the hay.

Yay that worked perfectly!

 

[jarofpickles]

my mouth is watering at the Palo pictures.

I can't believe someone had the audacity to assume (out loud) that you weren't enjoying your meal because you were taking pictures of it. Absurd and illogical. I'm sure they took zero pictures of their experiences on the cruise because they should "just enjoy it" too (not)

 

[Gracefulskinny]

Wish I’d known he was talking about us, because I totally would have taken a picture of him at the table behind us.

I was uncomfortably full to the point I needed my asthma inhaler to breathe normally (I know, weird).

I've had this happen a time or two.

 

[Dugette]

Your meal looked fantastic! Could you dine at Palo as often as you like or is there a limit?

It was fantastic! I suppose you could dine at Palo as often as you wanted, but you'd have to secure the reservations and pay the up-charge each time (which I believe was $30/person).

That towel is pretty funny. I love when housekeeping has a sense of humor.

I agree! It's fun to see what they can come up with.

Your "belly" shots remind me of how I feel at the tail end of a Disney vacation after I've stuffed my face without regret!

Haha, exactly! I always gain a few pounds after time at WDW.

Your dinner looks amazing - especially the entree's - so fancy and just making me hungry

It was really, really good!

Definitely think having a nice sit-down meal as a couple is great to do and makes it really feel like vacation so can totally get your thoughts on the dinner vs the brunch buffet model

Yeah, exactly. The brunch felt more "busy", but dinner was just very calm and stress-less. David took care of everything.

Glad you got to see the fireworks too ... though nothing says "Disney" like trying to pick up a girl using a lot of swearing :|

I know! It was so bizarre and they were right between us and the fireworks, so hard to tune it out.

Yes! One of the best caprese dishes I've ever had.

It was SO good! I was really glad he recommended it.

That looks delicious!

Also amazing. I cleaned up every last bite.

I would have been upset had you not.

Haha, I've learned my DIS must-do items!

I remember the one I got was very strange tasting. The waiter told us it was good for "digestion."

I don't recall this being particularly tasty and I think he may have said something about digestion too, now that you mention it.

I'm so glad to hear you loved your dinner. The food at Palo is just amazing, and I agree with you, dinner is so much better! I also think it's nice to be able to dress up nice and go someplace where there's no kids and just indulge in delicious dishes.

I was so glad we ended up doing the dinner! We originally didn't intend to, but when we couldn't reserve brunch in advance, we reserved dinner as a back-up...and then decided to just keep it anyway, even after we secured brunch. Glad we did!

A Palo belly...this made me laugh. I think everyone would be all right with a Palo belly.

There are worse things.

 

[Dugette]

I will chose to ignore this... for both our sakes.

Probably a good plan. But it sure worked as a memory device!

Nice! I never do. Ruby isn't a fan and both DDs don't like tomatoes.

More for me.

Exactly. I never take food pictures unless I'm writing a TR.

We rarely do, unless something is really interestingly presented or we are apart and showing each other. But if I'm doing a TR, we take all the pics.

Oh, how I wish you had!

I wish I'd had a good chance to!

Good for Dug.

I'm not sure if it was on purpose, but still good for him.

Liquidy? Perhaps in a crystal glass of some sort?

Ding ding ding!

Glad you liked it!

Me too!

Whoa, that looks good.

VERY good!

Go ahead and say it.
We'll never know the difference!

Okay, totally had it then.

What girl wouldn't swoon over some moron uttering expletives?

It was really quite strange.

Just hanging around...

Yes. Weird. But I'll keep reading... for now.
Anymore weirdness, though.... and you'll be just like me.

Food baby!

Indeed! The other night, I must have been looking something like this after a big meal and Izzy was like, "Mommy, I think there's a baby growing bigger in there." And I'm like, "Uh, no, that's just macaroni."

Yess!

Such a relief!

Woohoo that is wonderful, I would have been worried with the late night!

I was, especially after how messy her sleep schedule got on this trip. But she was just so wiped out.

They look cool!

Yum, I definitely don't make as good of caprese as I can find at good Italian restaurants (BTW I still remember how delicious that Trattoria al Forno one was!). It's all about the quality of ingredients. I've tried making mozzarella and I just haven't perfected it. Unfortunately our grocery stores just don't carry good enough quality mozz and tomatoes for them to compare!

This really makes sense. I kept thinking that it's such a simple thing to make with few ingredients, but you are right - the quality of those can be night and day. And Palo's was really delicious!

Ugh that's rude! I would have been angry to hear that. You're enjoying it NOW and will remember it all later!! I took pics at V&A and still sad I don't have the photographs of my food from that meal!

Exactly! It's not like we spent all meal trying get perfect pictures (clearly ), it was just some quick snaps with our phones and then enjoying.

OMG that looks AMAZING. One of my all time favorite desserts.

So good!

Definitely agreed there, buffets don't hold a candle to really great sit-downs (though we've only done Brunch, would love to try dinner!)

Both are great, but we really enjoyed the relaxed dinner setting (and amazing food, of course).

Wow, what timing!

We were happy it worked out so well, as we knew there was a chance we'd miss things (and were okay with that).

Yay that worked perfectly!

Such sweet relief!

my mouth is watering at the Palo pictures.

Me too - makes me want a late-night souffle!

I can't believe someone had the audacity to assume (out loud) that you weren't enjoying your meal because you were taking pictures of it. Absurd and illogical. I'm sure they took zero pictures of their experiences on the cruise because they should "just enjoy it" too (not)

That's a really good way to put it. Some people are so weirdly judge-y. I mean, how much was he enjoying his meal if he was WATCHING us take pictures of ours and commenting on it.

I so wanted to take his picture, but never got a chance with them heading out.

I've had this happen a time or two.

Glad to know I'm not the only one! It was just bizarre and I don't remember having that happen before.

 

[Dugette]

Palo Brunch

We had considered taking Izzy to the “Wake Up with Disney Junior” event at 8:30am this morning, but we ended up deciding to sleep in until about then instead. Something to do next time, I guess!

I put Izzy in her pirate Jake shirt this day, since I’d forgotten to put it on her the previous night for Pirate Night :



Dug and I had Palo’s Brunch reserved this morning and Izzy would be heading back to the nursery. We weren’t sure if we needed to run to Cabana’s to get her some breakfast, so we put in a call to the nursery. Turns out they had bananas, yogurt, etc. and we could send along her thermos of milk for breakfast. Perfect!

Izzy, however, said she “didn’t need to have fun” this morning and wasn’t excited to go back to the nursery. But we headed out anyway. On the way, we saw Princess Minnie out doing meet and greets (sorry for the blurriness):



Dug went straight to Palo and I brought Izzy to the nursery and checked her in:



As you can see, she insisted on bringing Birdie along. And Birdie had some friends there:



She was checked in at 9:54am, still claiming she “didn’t need to play”:



In case you are worried, she ended up having fun and playing after all.

As I walked past the Kids Club (3 and up), I noticed they had Magic Band scanners, just like in the parks:



At the nursery, they just used a handheld scanner on their bands. Because, really, can you imagine trying to get babies to scan their Magic Bands on a fixed post?

I met up with Dug in Meridian and we waited only a moment before David, our waiter from the previous night, came to escort us inside. He showed us that we had the same table as we had at dinner, then led us over to the buffet. He showed us around and then let us go to town.

We filled our first plates and David carried them to the table for us. He also brought out a mimosa for me and sparkling wine for Dug (he gave us the choice).

This was my first plate. Notice I have a sweet tooth but have balanced the plate with some veggies :



And the drinks:



Looks like Dug started with this (yeah, less chocolate than mine…):



And it appears he got some caprese?



It had been dark the night before, so we didn’t know what the view from our table looked like until brunch:



Nice!

David mentioned that we could see Freeport (in the Bahamas) and that the Dream would be spending a few weeks in dry dock there soon, as it was 5 years old and needed some checks. He said he’d be staying on and was excited to see the ship empty, see the bottom, etc. I’m not sure if this is Freeport in the background, but could be:



Soon, I headed up to the buffet for seconds:



Yep, more chocolate. Plus some of those fun colored cheeses and some meats.

We also were able to order freshly-made hot dishes. I went with the tried-and-true DIS recommendations and ordered Chicken Parmesan and a pizza to split, half grape/gorgonzola (of DIS legend) and half spicy Italian sausage.

This chicken parm was insanely good:



I can’t really explain it. I’m not even a big chicken parm fan. But Dug tried it too and agreed it was amazing.

We also enjoyed both types of pizza:



The grape/gorgonzola was good, but nothing I’d rush back for. However, I know it has a loyal following, despite being an odd-sounding combination.

The view continued to be lovely:



Dug ordered an open-faced frittata (though there was some poor labeling on the buffet display and he called it by whatever name it appeared to be labeled with at first, but they straightened things out and got him the right one):



He also got Oysters Rockefeller:



I seem to be enjoying my chocolates:



And he was also entranced by the view, it appears:



And another shot of the pizza:



I don’t think we managed to finish that.

But Dug still had room for coffee and some dessert (I’d eaten mine before the entrée, as you saw)





However, he was kind enough to grab me seconds on my favorite little Nutella cup:



Yummy!

As we finished up, David came by to explain how things would work the next morning, as the cruise was coming to an end. He said that he would be in Cabanas and it was open from 6:30-8:30am before disembarking by 9:15am. We also knew that we could go to a dining room with our regular wait staff, but there was some appeal in just grabbing some things off the buffet at our leisure before heading off, so we decided we’d probably do that.

As you can see, we definitely enjoyed our brunch, but it just had a different vibe than dinner. More brunch-y, less date-like, I guess. Still great service – David was fantastic! We left just after 11:30am, so about 1.5 hours total.

We stopped into the restrooms, then headed up a deck to check out the Goofy Golf. We’d considered playing while Izzy was in the nursery, but it seemed pretty crowded, so we decided to check out the shops instead.

I’m not sure where this was, but probably near Goofy Golf:



And on the elevator, I had to capture Star Wars Day at Sea:



Anyway, we perused things in the shops. I thought these slanted smokestack glasses were pretty cool:



We were really looking for a Christmas ornament, though. We generally get at least one to commemorate each of our trips. I thought this one was super adorable (though maybe a little bit creepy?):



But we ended up getting this one:



I’d been considering getting the Chip and Dale cruise plush animals for Izzy, since she loved them so much this trip, but got the ornament instead, as it was so appropriate.

I think we then headed towards the main atrium. I’m not sure why I took this picture, but I love that babies can hang out at the bar on a Disney cruise :



Looks like I found myself in a porthole at some point:



Dug stopped into the restroom and I realized I was near a throne of a different sort, so had to take a princess selfie:



I actually had to wait a while to do that, as a family was taking forever getting all of their pictures there just perfect. Luckily, Dug soon returned and was able to get a non-selfie picture for me:



So, I got one of him too:



He looks thrilled. Or regal? I’m not sure.

Up next: Peeking in on the farewell party and downtime in the room before Mixology!

 

[Imagineer5]

I forgot to quote things from your brunch lol, too caught up I guess, but it all looks fantastic. I don't like gorgonzola, so despite the recommendations I didn't try that (but did try some other sort of pizza.). Dug's frittata looks really good! And I also had ordered the chicken parm, although I remember being a bit underwhelmed (but I don't like chicken parm, I'm really particular about my chicken and need to see the pieces before I eat them LOL). Anyway, glad you enjoyed the desserts hehehe.

Hahahahha that is a little creepy!! I have one similar but it's Mickey hugging a teddy Duffy which seems a bit more appropriate.

Aw I love this!! Although as you know I did buy the stuffed animals for Aria lol. But we didn't have this ornament option otherwise I def would have purchased it!

That looks like something we'd do :-D

Wow, I love that mural! It's gorgeous.

 

[pkondz]

More for me.

I'll let 'em know!

We rarely do, unless something is really interestingly presented or we are apart and showing each other. But if I'm doing a TR, we take all the pics.

Ding ding ding!

Yay me!

Okay, totally had it then.

Knew it!!

Indeed! The other night, I must have been looking something like this after a big meal and Izzy was like, "Mommy, I think there's a baby growing bigger in there." And I'm like, "Uh, no, that's just macaroni."

 

[khertz]

Speaking of these pictures, early on in our meal Dug said he heard a guy at the table behind us say, “He’s taking pictures of his food!! Just enjoy it!!” I guess he doesn’t have a trip report to write.

What a jerk! He'd hate to see DH & I on vacation. We take pictures of everything! lol

Izzy was sleeping at pick up and went right back down to sleep in the room, no issues.

Woo hoo! That's always a plus!

I’m not sure why I took this picture, but I love that babies can hang out at the bar on a Disney cruise :

 

[pkondz]

I put Izzy in her pirate Jake shirt this day, since I’d forgotten to put it on her the previous night for Pirate Night :

Never too late for pirate shirts.

Turns out they had bananas, yogurt, etc. and we could send along her thermos of milk for breakfast. Perfect!

Nice.

Izzy, however, said she “didn’t need to have fun” this morning

Heaven forbid she should have fun.

In case you are worried, she ended up having fun and playing after all.

Oh, no! The poor thing! Having fun against her will!

As I walked past the Kids Club (3 and up), I noticed they had Magic Band scanners, just like in the parks:

huh.

He also brought out a mimosa for me and sparkling wine for Dug (he gave us the choice).

mmm... mimosas....

This was my first plate. Notice I have a sweet tooth but have balanced the plate with some veggies :

You're on vacay.
Skip the veggies.... just shove 'em over to the side, honey.

David mentioned that we could see Freeport (in the Bahamas) and that the Dream would be spending a few weeks in dry dock there soon, as it was 5 years old and needed some checks.

Interesting. I would've thought they'd do that in the States.

He also got Oysters Rockefeller:

Oh, man! I've been looking for those!
I had them 26 years ago... and haven't found any since then.

I seem to be enjoying my chocolates:

It's chocolate. How could you not?
You sure look happy!

As we finished up, David came by to explain how things would work the next morning, as the cruise was coming to an end.

Boo! No! It can't end!

I thought these slanted smokestack glasses were pretty cool:

I thought this one was super adorable (though maybe a little bit creepy?):

creepy. that's the right word.

I’m not sure why I took this picture, but I love that babies can hang out at the bar on a Disney cruise :

Belly up to the bar, babe.
Brings a whole new meaning to that.

Looks like I found myself in a porthole at some point:

Very pretty.

So, I got one of him too:



He looks thrilled. Or regal? I’m not sure.

Well, he just sat on that other throne, so it can't be that.

 

[Dugette]

I forgot to quote things from your brunch lol, too caught up I guess, but it all looks fantastic. I don't like gorgonzola, so despite the recommendations I didn't try that (but did try some other sort of pizza.). Dug's frittata looks really good! And I also had ordered the chicken parm, although I remember being a bit underwhelmed (but I don't like chicken parm, I'm really particular about my chicken and need to see the pieces before I eat them LOL). Anyway, glad you enjoyed the desserts hehehe.

I think he enjoyed the frittata quite a bit. I'm not a big chicken parm lover in general (I never order it anywhere), but something about this was just addictive. I definitely enjoyed the selection of desserts - one of the best benefits of a buffet!

Hahahahha that is a little creepy!! I have one similar but it's Mickey hugging a teddy Duffy which seems a bit more appropriate.

I agree, yours sounds much less creepy. I think when you see the plush Captain Mickeys in the store, this one makes a lot more sense. But, on its own, fairly creepy to be hugging a miniature Mickey.

Aw I love this!! Although as you know I did buy the stuffed animals for Aria lol. But we didn't have this ornament option otherwise I def would have purchased it!

I was really close to buying the stuffed animals when I saw the ornament. I'm glad we went with that. Izzy has like 700 stuffed animals overtaking her room.

That looks like something we'd do :-D

Wow, I love that mural! It's gorgeous.

It was really pretty. As was much of the ship.

I'll let 'em know!

Yay me!

Knew it!!

What a jerk! He'd hate to see DH & I on vacation. We take pictures of everything! lol

I know, doesn't he read DIS TRs? I'm sure he thought we were posting food pics to Facebook or something. (Though even if we were, he really wouldn't need to comment loudly about it). But we can't leave Palo food photos out of a TR!

Woo hoo! That's always a plus!

So glad that it worked out so well, since much of the trip was sleep issues.

Never too late for pirate shirts.

Fair enough.

Nice.

Saved us some time and trouble that they were ready to feed her there.

Heaven forbid she should have fun.

Oh, no! The poor thing! Having fun against her will!

I know, the horrors! I mean, YET ANOTHER DAY of having fun?!

huh.

Might as well really utilize the tech you have, I guess.

mmm... mimosas....

Mmmmmm!

You're on vacay.
Skip the veggies.... just shove 'em over to the side, honey.

Ha, I actually do like asparagus! (and many other veggies) I just like sweets more, apparently!

Interesting. I would've thought they'd do that in the States.

I think the ship is registered in the Bahamas, if I remember right.

Oh, man! I've been looking for those!
I had them 26 years ago... and haven't found any since then.

Well, I guess you'll need to book a Disney cruise.

It's chocolate. How could you not?
You sure look happy!

Chocolate makes everything better.

Boo! No! It can't end!

At least we had another 4 nights at WDW to console us.

creepy. that's the right word.

Yep.

Belly up to the bar, babe.
Brings a whole new meaning to that.

Very pretty.

Thanks!

Well, he just sat on that other throne, so it can't be that.

 

[pkondz]

I know, the horrors! I mean, YET ANOTHER DAY of having fun?!

Probably scarred for life now.

Ha, I actually do like asparagus! (and many other veggies) I just like sweets more, apparently!

I don't even know how you can say asparagus and sweets in the same sentence.

Well, I guess you'll need to book a Disney cruise.

Incentive #553.

At least we had another 4 nights at WDW to console us.

Somehow, I feel less sorry for you.

 

[Dugette]

Probably scarred for life now.

I don't even know how you can say asparagus and sweets in the same sentence.

Well, one makes me feel better about the other...

Incentive #553.

Somehow, I feel less sorry for you.

Ha, we were very deliberate in planning more park time after the cruise to avoid the post-cruise-depression. Of course, after having been run ragged this trip, we probably wouldn't have minded that much if we had to go home and sleep in our own beds right after the cruise.

 

[Dugette]

Character Party

After testing out the throne, we headed up to Deck 4 to check out the character dance party that was starting on Deck 3 at 12:15pm. This was the crowd on Deck 3:



Easier to see from Deck 4, so that's where we went:



There was some music playing and this family below us (very bottom of the picture) was really getting into it:



I was creepy and took a snip of video, as I loved watching the dad and his two kids having such a great time together:

(click to watch)

Soon enough, the characters began appearing and making their way down the grand staircase:











I have some video of the characters coming out and then dancing to YMCA:

(click to watch)

Izzy would have enjoyed seeing the characters appear and the dance party that followed, but I’m sure she’d have to be restrained or pried off of Minnie. You can see Minnie down in there (along with other characters):



As we took the elevator back up to our floor, we could see more of the party. I got some video of that unique view (and at the end, you can see some of the character art in the elevator shaft):

(click to watch)

When we arrived back at our stateroom, we were greeted by departure information and luggage tags :



Earlier that day, we had also received Tomorrowland flyers on our Fish:



Yes, that was a new movie at the time.

We got changed into more comfy clothes for the rest of the day, then I headed out at 12:30pm to get Izzy from the nursery:



Just happy to be walking around the Disney Dream.

I headed into the It’s a Small World Nursery and here’s a glimpse of it:



Izzy was eating lunch when I arrived, but they happily packed it up for her to bring back to the room (they provided the lunch, by the way). The CM said she’d been great, went potty, was happy to eat, played nicely with others and a real pleasure. Not bad for a kid that “didn’t need to have fun.”

She wanted to drive the boat again before we left:



I got her to head out with the promise of possibly catching some of the character dance party. We did indeed catch a bit of the party and Izzy enjoyed watching from near the elevators on Deck 3, while munching on her lunch leftovers, as the characters ascended the staircase to Deck 4.

When we got back to the room, I showed Izzy that we’d received a container of bubbles in our Fish Extender. She was excited about that, so we took them out to the balcony, along with leftover lunch, and enjoyed the outdoors for a bit:



That blue water is so gorgeous :



Around 1pm, I brought Izzy back inside and she drank some more milk, then wanted to try to use the potty. Naturally, this did not result in anything.

We ended up hanging out in the room and singing a bunch of rounds of "Yo Ho" and goofing around. I got some silliness on video:

(click to watch)

(click to watch)

She also enjoyed making goofy faces and cracking herself up:

(click to watch)

We had a good time playing around together:



Around 1:30pm, we convinced her to put on a naptime diaper in exchange for a chocolate coin. She wanted to read Darth Vader and Friends before nap (we’d brought it along), so we did that. Then she wanted to read her other Darth Vader book on her own:



By then, it was about 1:45pm and time for her to get down for a nap, as she was due back in the nursery in a couple hours so that we could attend the 4pm Mixology class with other DIS-ers.

After getting her down in the pack ‘n' play, I was hoping to sit out on the balcony and make notes on our trip while watching the ocean go by. However, I ended up sitting on the couch in the dark instead, since Izzy wanted me there and Dug was napping, so couldn’t help with her. About 30 minutes later, she was finally asleep and I was able to sneak out onto the balcony and work on my notes. I was happy to get some downtime out here:



I was also thrilled that she was actually getting a nap this day.

About an hour later, feeling good about having updated notes (that are currently VERY useful! ), I snuck inside and went up to the pool deck to refill my cup with Diet Coke. I think I probably enjoyed walking around the ship and sipping that a bit before heading back to get Izzy up from her nap and back to the nursery.

Up next: Our DIS Mixology class (aka – can we all pick up our kids from the kids clubs afterwards without falling down?)

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Brunch looks very nice but, at least based on your pictures/updates, the dinner does seem a bit more "special" ... maybe just since we both come from that aspect of the meal serving as a "date night" so having the full sitdown meal just seems like more of a special occasion / "date"

Love the pictures of each of you in the "thrown" - though yeah, not sure what face Dug is making there

 

[Imagineer5]

And photobucket is not working again for me, grr! I am imagining the photos though. Glad Izzy was great at the nursery and was able to take a nap in the room, and you got some relaxing time outside. The mixology class sounds fun, we never did something like that! You sure utilized the nursery a lot, the kid's club is SO great for that too without having to worry about pre-booking. I remember wishing we'd been able to use it more (thanks to Aria not feeling well the first 1/2 of the cruise we didn't). Anyway, looking forward to more!

 

[TheMaxRebo]

oops, missed an update ...

The character dance party looks fun - though I can see it being an issue with kids like Izzy who would want to grab the characters ... and when multiple kids could be some challenges

Obviously there is an extra cost for that feature but really feel like having a balcony is a must when doing a cruise like this - just for those moments you describe of being about to sit out there and relax, etc.

really looking forward to hearing about the mixology class!

 

[pkondz]

Well, one makes me feel better about the other...

This I understand.

Ha, we were very deliberate in planning more park time after the cruise to avoid the post-cruise-depression. Of course, after having been run ragged this trip, we probably wouldn't have minded that much if we had to go home and sleep in our own beds right after the cruise.

I've heard that most prefer to do the parks first so they can unwind on the ship.
Next time, would you do park/ship or ship/park?

After testing out the throne,

It's okay. You don't have to tell us about every little detail of the trip. You may omit the bathroom breaks.

Too busy. Nope!

Love that chandelier, though.

Izzy would have enjoyed seeing the characters appear and the dance party that followed, but I’m sure she’d have to be restrained or pried off of Minnie.

No one else would be able to see her.

When we arrived back at our stateroom, we were greeted by departure information and luggage tags

Now that's just mean.

Yes, that was a new movie at the time.

Wasn't bad. I didn't mind it.
Could've been a lot better.

Just happy to be walking around the Disney Dream.

You sure look like it!

Izzy was eating lunch when I arrived, but they happily packed it up for her to bring back to the room (they provided the lunch, by the way).

Not too shabby!

The CM said she’d been great, went potty, was happy to eat, played nicely with others and a real pleasure. Not bad for a kid that “didn’t need to have fun.”

Around 1pm, I brought Izzy back inside and she drank some more milk, then wanted to try to use the potty. Naturally, this did not result in anything.

Well, of course not. Who do you think you are? A CM at the nursery?

We had a good time playing around together:

Sure looked like it!

She wanted to read Darth Vader and Friends

Darth Vader and Friends? Darth Vader and Friends???? Who are they? Jack the Ripper? Dr. Hannibal Lecter???



And why are you letting your poor little girl read about them?!?!?

Up next: Our DIS Mixology class (aka – can we all pick up our kids from the kids clubs afterwards without falling down?)