11/11/06 Double Dip (finally completed!)

[Lauri]

Finally getting aroung to writing this. This was the second DCL cruise for myself, DH, DS 12, and DD 9.

Friday, November 10

Picked the kids up from school early, and drove to the Philadelphia airport. Our Southwest flight left and time, and arrived in Orlando a half hour early! Went to pick up our Budget car, and all they had left was an SUV (we had reserved a full size car). We were on the road to Cocoa Beach by the time we were supposed to have landed. It was about 9 PM when we arrived, and everyone was starving, so we grabbed a quick, late dinner at McDonald's, as this is a treat for the kids when we are on vacation. We then went to check in at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront. We had stayed here last year also, and were pleased. But this year, it just seemed small and dirty. It was also rather noisy (I believe there was a wedding party staying there). We had the great AAA rate of $68 for the night, which was quite reasonable. But I'm not sure I'll be back here next year. We got ready for bed, because I had already warned everyone that I was going to wake them early tomorrow.

Saturday, November 11

The day is finally here! As promised, I woke everyone early. We went to breakfast at IHOP (another precruise tradition) at about 8AM. This was good, as shortly after we arrived, there were long lines. After breakfast, we stopped at Publix to pick up bottled water and a few other things we forgot to pack.

We arrived at the port at 10 AM, and it was already packed! We had to wait about 15 minutes to give our luggage to the porters, as there were so many people already there. While we were on line, we met Spotdude and family. It was easy to meet other DISers, as thanks to Ibouncetoo, we ordered lime green glow-in-the dark wristbands. My DD started chatting with Spotdude's DD, and were then together many other times during the trip.

DH returned the car to Budget while we checked in. Budget was so packed with people dropping off cars, that it took him an hour to get back to the terminal. I'm so glad he dropped us off at the port while he returned the car.

We finally were able to enter the terminal, which was pretty quick. We were given boarding group #4. We went to the Castaway Club line, and went through pretty quickly. (We pre-registered online...I'd highly recommend this.) I inquired about upgrades, as I knew there were over 40 cabins available before we left home. After checking in, we were sent to the supervisor's desk to see about an upgrade. We originally booked a cat. 9, which we were happy with. But we were able to upgrade at the port to a cat. 5, for only $394. We were quite happy.

The terminal had started getting decorated for Christmas. We sailed a week earlier last year, and there were no decorations yet. We took some pictures. Disney has many decorated trees, each with a theme, but not one of them is Disney themed. We stood on line for quite a while trying to register the kids for the lab, but they were having problems with the computers. We wound up waiting till we were on the ship, and it was much quicker.

Boarding started shortly before noon, and we took our boarding picture and were announced into the atrium shortly after noon. Not only did they ask our family name, but also how many previous DCL cruises we've been on. There were several people going into the double digits for number of times sailed! This particular cruise had over 1100 Castaway Club Members, which was especially large considering there were less than 2200 on board. The ship felt empty compared to our last cruise that had 2900.

Upon boarding, the family went to Parrot Cay for lunch, as this is a more relaxed place with seating, although it has the same buffet as Topsiders. When you have you luggage, it's nice to have a table and be able to put your luggage aside. I went for the shrimp, while my kids were happy that they had a kids food station set up. While my family got started on lunch, I went to Rockin Bar D to change our dining rotation and add Palo brunch. Lumiere's is our family's favorite restaurant, so we like to be there for dinner three times. We had also previously scheduled dinner at Palo on a night we were in Animator's Palate, our least favorite restaurant. No problem making either change, and I went back to lunch.

We had a short time till we were able to get into our cabin, so we wandered the ship a little bit. We were allowed into our room before 1:30. Because we upgraded at the port, we did not have any of our things in our room, and called guest services to be sure that they knew of the change. Later in the day, we receive our Castaway Club gift, stateroom credit, and a bottle of wine from our travel agent.

At 3 PM, we went to the DIS Meet in the Promenade Lounge. It was so great putting names together with faces, and my kids met several people their own ages. We took several group pictures of our large group (I'd still like to see some of these pictures if anyone has them). Then it was back to our rooms to get ready for the safety drill.

After the safety drill, we went up to deck 10 for the sail-away party. We like to be facing the terminal as we sail away to the the Mickey-gloved cast members waving goodbye. As we left the port, we went to the front of the ship to look for dolphins, but we didn't see any. DH and I had a quick snack at Goofy's Galley, and DS and DD has some ice cream, to hold us over till our late seating.

We went back to our room to get dressed for the show and dinner. We saw the All Aboard show, which was good, but not as good as seeing it for the first time. We then went to Studio Sea to see the Mickey Mania game show. None of us were chosen, but we did all get a "prize" at the end.

Next was dinner at Lumiere's. Our server was Sabhash from India, and our assistant was Uri from Peru. They were great. We had a table for 4. It looked like most of the tables in the dining room were tables of 4, except for the very large groups that were obviously together. In fact, the table next to us only had 2. We missed not being seating with another family. Last year, it was great coming to dinner every night and sharing stories of our days. This was one of the ways the ship seemed very empty. Both DH and I had a wonderful beef tenderloin for dinner that night, and I am not even a big meat eater.

After dinner, we went back to our cabin, as we were tired from a long day.

I'm going to take a break now, and will write more later.

Lauri

 

[woody73]

Lovely start. Looking forward to more.

Woody

 

[ibouncetoo]

Yeah! Another double-dip report!

Lauri, PM me your e-mail address and I can forward the three group shots that Jayson took.

The DIS meet was wild and fast, I don't think I got to say hello to everybody, let alone talk with anyone for very long.

Can't wait for your next installment!

 

[TiggerzFan]

Hi Lauri!
Looking forward to the rest of your report. It was great meeting you. Say Hello to Newtown for me!

 

[Lauri]

Sunday, November 12

Woke up early as my DS was not feeling well (he was still getting his sea legs, and he was starving). For the record, you can't get anything to eat before 7AM, but there were some boxes of cereal set up by Goofy's galley, so I took one for him. It was great walking around on deck 9 with no one else around. I think I would like to do this every morning. We went down to deck 3 for him to sit and eat, and surprise! Magically overnight, a three deck high Christmas tree appeared. Gotta love that Disney magic. This was to happen each morning over the next several days.

We went back to the room to wait for everyone else to wake up. We went out on our veranda to watch us sailing into Castaway Cay. What a great view. Then up to Topsiders for breakfast. DS was still not feeling quite right, so I volunteered to take back with him, while DH and DD headed off to play at Castaway Cay. DS hung out in bed watching TV, while I went out on the veranda to read. After a while, he felt better, and we also headed out to our first day in Paradise. We actually managed to find the lounge chairs that DH and DD put their stuff on, and we found them returning from a snorkel (we bring our own equiptment from home.) We had the double dip special rental for floats, and rented a tube and a float for the day.

We had a yummy lunch at Cookie's BBQ, with a highlight being the cookies and cream frozen yogurt that I had read about on the boards. It was really good. After lunch, our family went to the sports beach to play tetherball and newcomb. DH and DS wanted to return to the ship to see POTC2, so we all headed back, knowing that we had another day to return to Castaway Cay later in the week.

While the boys were at the movie, DD and myself went swimming in the goofy pool. DD had wanted to go on the Mickey slide, but it was closed. DD and I sat in the hot tub and watched Cinderella on the Dumbotron. At the pool, we met 2littlemonkeys and had a nice chat.

We went back to the room to shower, and then I went to the gym for a workout and shower. We were in the expanded gym on our last cruise, but it is very adequate for a cruise ship. Last year, I used to like showering in the spa showers as they are larger than the stateroom showers, but this year, I was not as impressed. (However, the towels are much larger and plusher in the spa.)

We watched the sailaway from Castaway Cay from our veranda. We really made use of the veranda--it was a great addition for this cruise.

The show tonight was Rich Purpura, the world's greatest magician (almost). More on him later in the week. After this show, we went to Studio Sea to see Who Wants to Be a Mouseketeer, a family favorite.

Dinner tonight was at Animator's Palate. Not our favorite restaurant, but last year, our table was in the back corner, and this year, we were right in the center of the room. The show was OK. If your expecting something totally wonderful from reading these boards, you will be disappointed. But it was nice, and a better experience than last year.

We did some scouting at Mickey Mates (the ship store) after dinner, and then went to bed.

I'm off to book club. More later.

Lauri

 

[ibouncetoo]

Sunday, November 12

After lunch, our family went to the sports beach to play tetherball and newcomb.
Lauri

Oh wow....I haven't played newcomb since summer camp! That's about 45 years ago! Our 'cabin' won the tournament that year.

Can't wait to read the rest of your adventures.

 

[rudyrude]

Hey very curious how was the weather and water temp at Castaway Cay?

 

[rudyrude]

How was weather on Castaway Cay and water temp?

 

[Lauri]

How was weather on Castaway Cay and water temp?

The weather on our first Castaway Cay day was amazing. The water was a little cold getting in, but great once you were used to it.

Jackie,

Thanks for your offer of the group shots Jayson took. I PM'd the source directly.

And my kids play newcomb in camp during the summer, which is why we played that rather than volleyball.

Donna,

Newtown says hello back. Hope you keep the 11/10/07 date for next year, and we'll see you again.

Lauri

 

[GrayFal]

Hey very curious how was the weather and water temp at Castaway Cay?

The first day the temps were high 70's - with a light breeze - very comfortable! We were able to go right in the water without hesitation...really very comfortable for swimming and sitting on the beach.

edited to say OOPS! - we were posting at the same time

 

[Lauri]

Monday, November 13

After waking early yesterday, I decided to do it again to enjoy the ship when it is quiet. We did change the clocks an hour back today, so there were a few more people out. I decided to walk the deck 4 track, as I've heard so much about this. My DS and DD took turns walking laps with me, while DH went to the gym. I would highly recommend walking completely around deck 4 at least once. I expected it to be all outdoors, but the front and the back of the ship are indoors in cast only areas. I'll just describe it as interesting, and worth a peak.

We had our character breakfast and Palo brunch this morning, so after our walk, we just headed to goofy's galley to get a snack to tide us over. I had some of the amazing fresh fruit. Then back to the room to shower.

We had our Parrot Cay Character breakfast at 9:45, but it was really like 10:45, as we had changed the clocks. As we were on the LAPLAPL rotation, most of the people in our dining room were adults, and did not come to the character breakfast. So we had our chance with Minnie, Chip, Pluto, Mickey, Dale and Goofy rather quickly. Each of the characters comes around to your table (Mickey and Minnie with their own photographers). I would recommend having children sit together on one side of the table, and adults on the other. Have cameras and autograph books ready, as they do move around quickly. DH and I just took pictures, and let the kids enjoy their breakfast and the characters.

From breakfast, the kids wanted to go to Mr. Toad's Wild Race in the Atrium, and then they went bach to the cabin to (ugh!) work on homework, where we would meet them after our Palo brunch.

What can I say about the Palo brunch, except that it was excellent. Our server was Noemi from Hungary, and she personally contributed to a few pound weight gain for DH and myself. You start out with a choice of champagne (we chose the Kir Royale), and then get a tour of the buffet stations (cold seafoods, salads, breads, cheeses, desserts, etc.). Then you are shown a sample of the hot breakfasts, pizzas, and lunch entrees. We started with some of the cold buffet items. Everything was really good, but I had remembered the stolen bread with clotted cream and berries from last year, and had been really looking forwards to this. It was OK, but not the pure heaven I remembered--I didn't even finish it! But there were sticky buns, made fresh in Palo, that were to die for.

We next went on to our pizza course. I'm not a big fan of thin crust pizza, but the pizza in Palo is fabulous. We shared a pizza, and had it divided into two different types. We skipped the breakfast foods, as they are just not as special as everything else, and you do have to pace yourself. We had decided to split a pasta and broccoli dish, but Noemi insisted that she would bring us a small sampling of all of the entrees. We were not unhappy with this! We tried to sample a few of the desserts (most are bite sized portions), but we were just too stuffed. A wonderful meal, and worth every penny we paid. Oh, and we had a nice table bu the window, so we got to watch the seas as we sailed.

Back to the room to rescue the children from their homework! We took them to Topsiders, as they had to eat too. Warning--there is a children's buffet line at Topsider's for lunch, but my picky eaters could not find anything they liked there. They preferred the adult buffet line foods.

The kids and I went back to Mickey Mates. This time, with our purchase, we were given a two-pack generic lanyard, each with a pin. The kids have become big time pin traders, so this made them very happy.

Next, we went to the kids magic show with Rich Purpura. He was going to teach the kids to do some tricks, and had them all sit on the floor in front of the stage at Rockin Bar D. He gave each child a raffle ticket as they walked in to win some magic tricks at the end of the show. It was cool that he showed us how he actually did the tricks, but the wow factor was still there. I should tell you that my son loves magic (Disney and otherwise), and this was his top pick of activities for this trip. Well, my son was totally thrilled when Rich picked him out of the audience to go on stage to help him with a trick (they played catch with Houdini's spirit). Then, it was time for the raffle. Rich had a grandmother from the audience pick a raffle ticket and call out the numbers. With the last digit to go, about 10 hands were still up. And she called my son's number. He was over the moon. He won a plastic magic hat, filled with tricks and a magic wand. For anyone who didn't win, they sold the tricks after the show. (Does it remind you of WDW, where all attractions empty into a gift shop?)

From the magic show, we had to run to the Buena Vista Theatre to see Cars, where DH was waiting for us. (This was a priority for DH to see on this trip). The theater was absolutely packed, with several people standing. I have to say that on our last cruise, it seemed there were movies scheduled more continuously, and at better times. I think the theater was as packed as it was due to poor scheduling. DH really enjoyed the movie, the rest of us thought it was OK.

Went back to the room to rest up for formal night. DD and DS got dressed up for formal night, but DH didn't want to put his Tux on yet, so I waited to get dressed later with him. We went to the show of the evening, The Golden Mickey's. DD was interviewed on the red carpet prior to the show. This is a good show, but my least favorite of the three big Disney productions. After the show, we went back to change for dinner.

Then, picture time. We were more selective in the backdrops we had our picture taken with this year. We did the ship, the captain, and several with the beautiful Chrisatmas tree. This was also the night for free drinks (adult-mai tais, kids-shirley temples). Our formal dinner was in Parrot Cay. Althought everyone wants their formal to be in Lumiere's, it really doesn't matter which restaurant you're in, eveyone is all dressed up and beautiful.

After dinner, the kids had some reading to do before bed (those teachers are so mean ), so DH and I changed back to normal clothes and went to the Golden Mickey's after party in Rockin Bar D with Rich Purpura. Very funny. Then we went for our nightly stoll up on deck 9, and headed off to bed.

To be continued...

 

[Hannosmom]

Enjoying your trip report, Lauri! I love walking around deck 4, too .

 

[Pluto 2]

excellent trip report

 

[Lauri]

Here's more...

Tuesday, November 14

We woke up and watched the ship dock from our veranda (loving that veranda upgrade!) We were not in much of a hurry today, as we were in Costa Maya last year thanks to hurricane Wilma. Last year, we went to the Chacchoben ruins tour with David and Ivan, and that was the highlight of our trip--a not to be missed experience (even my kids, DS 11 and DD 8 last year, really liked this). But I'll leave that report for those who went this year to tell about. We also spend some time in Mahjahula last year, and we didn't really want just another beach day, when we have two wonderful days in Castaway Cay.

This morning, we went to breakfast at Parrot Cay. It has the same items as Topsiders, but in a much nicer atmosphere. I don't remember every having come here for breakfast before, but we will definately choose this option in the future on the days that it is open (it is closed for the character breakfast on three mornings).

Our plan for the day was just to stay in the port area. From what I read and remembered, there was a giant saltwater pool, with swim-up pool bar. Surrounding this are stands that sell excursions (for less than Disney charges), and numerous stores, selling everything from jewlery and crafts to alcohol and over-the counter prescription drugs. Last year, there was an amphitheatre where there were native music and dances performed. I was looking forward to this.

The Magic was the first of three ships to dock in Costa Maya, so it was very easy geeting off the ship and down the dock to the port village. It is a little walk, but there is a free tram that will take you both ways if you want. Before we entered the village, there were some people dressed in "native" garb, whom we took pictures with. Unlike on the ship, they won't take the picture with your camera, as they are trying to sell you these pictures.

We walked around the village and did some shopping. We didn't go swimming, but we walked on the beach and swung in the hammocks. I really wanted to see the shows, but the amphitheatre was gone! The kids were hot and bored, so we headed back to the ship. Not a very exciting port if you don't have an excursion of some sort planned. As I said before, if your coming to Costa Maya, go see the Chacchoben Ruins.

Back on board, we went to lunch at Topsiders. The kids couldn't find anything to eat on the buffet line, so I took them out to Pluto's doghouse to get chicken fingers and fries. On our way back to Topsider's with their food, we ran into our server, Sabhash, who noted the chicken fingers. We all agreed that the kids would have to eat something different this night.

Our fourth day on this ship, and we finally convinced the kids to go to the lab. My DD was only a few months shy of 10, but she did not want to be with her big brother. We signed them in, and it only took a few moments. We did give them both sign in and out privledges, as they are very familiar with the ship, responsible, and they only check in and out together.

Meanwhile, DH and I headed back out to the port, but it was really just a walk, as we did not find much we wanted to see or do there.

We came back to the ship and went to secret deck 7 (Aft). There was no one there, but the way the ship was docked, you could see right into the other two shipped docked there. We read for a while, and then I went to the gym.

We picked the kids up from the lab, and watched the sailaway from our veranda. The most shocking thing was that as we left, people on the other two cruise ships were taking pictures of us. (I guess they had ship envy!)

The show tonight was Twice Charmed. We've seen this before, but I still really like this show. A few months ago, my DB and DSIL said they heard that Disney is coming out with a new straight to DVD movie that is a twist on the Cinderella story. I thought they were talking about Twice Charmed. Anyone out there have any inside scoop on this?

Tonight was Seafarer's Saga in Studio Sea. My kids really enjoyed this, but I thought it was a bit silly. Dinner tonight was once again in Lumiere's our favorite (and the kids did not have chicken nuggets.)

Before I end this day, I just have to say thank you to the mystery people who sent the Mickey's Movie Munchies. This was a cutely designed bag filled with assorted snacks. Enjoyed by all, especially the bag of Mickey colored M&M's. As we had changed rooms on this trip, we just had these delivered today by guest services, so I'm not sure when they were delivered. But THANK YOU!

I will also say thank you now to Fairygodmother. She (and her son) perpared a wonderful 6 page Double Dip DIS Navigator. The front page included a map of the ships course, info on DIS Meets and DIS Tag, and a special surprise, which I will talk more about on the sea day. Everyone's DIS names and real names were included, as well as the ages of the kids and other peolpe traveling with us. There were maps of the decks showing the highlighted cabins of the DIS members. A drink list was included. And most important to the writing of this trip report, was a page listing each day, where the ship would be, the special theme for the night, and lots of room for notes. Which I took throughout the trip. Thanks to all the DISers who helped to make this trip special.

Coming up next...Cozumel.

Lauri

 

[woody73]

. . . Back on board, we went to lunch at Topsiders. The kids couldn't find anything to eat on the buffet line . . .

LOL!!

 

[TiggersPal]

Thanks so much for your trip report, I am immediately brought back to the trip and still well up with tears. I enjoyed this cruise (my first and FAR from my last) so much I am amazed. Not sure if I just needed some quality time with my sis - or loved the sea ... probably both. I also had some great life moments (dolphins) - and meeting some great new friends! Again thanks, for taking the time to write!

 

[Lauri]

It's been a busy few days. Here's more...

Wednesday, November 15

Got up early for my usual early morning walk. It's great to be one of the few on deck. Because we were docking in Cozumel today, the deck 4 walking track was closed in the forward section, as that is used for mooring. I still walked, with just a lot of changes in direction.

We had breakfast in Parrot Cay again this morning. I really prefer this location, but it's only open as a breakfast buffet on port days.

Today was to be our first time in Cozumel, as it was a cancelled port on our Western cruise last year due to the hurricanes. My plan last year was to go to Chankanaab State Park for snorkeling, beach time, and a walk through the gardens and the mock Mayan ruins. But even a year after Wilma, this park is not back to what it used to be.

We docked at the Punta Lugasta pier. As you walk to the end of the pier, everyone was sent up an escalator to cross the street, which led into the Punta Lugasta shopping mall. (We were later able to just cross the street and avoid the mall.) Our first stop was to be an educational stop for the kids, as they were missing school. We walked to The Museum of the Island of Cozumel, which was a walk north along the waterfront. Admission was $3pp, and took about a half hour to see all there was to see. It was an OK diversion. The kids liked the money room the best. They had currencies from around the world. Interestingly, the representative currency from the United States was a $2 bill.

Next stop was shopping at Del Sol. We all loved this shop, especially the kids. Here, we bought T-shirts, a bag, color changing nail-polish, and color changing rings for my neices.

Then we went to Cozumel Mini Golf. This is a beautiful, tropical course. As we were playing, we had turtles on the greens, and we saw iguanas sunning themselves near the waterfalls. There were two other groups playing here with us, and they were all DISers. You can order drinks while playing golf, and they have music playing for you too. It was very hot while we played, and then the kids wanted to go back to the ship.

We had lunch at Topsiders, and then the kids went to the lab. DH and I went back out to do some more shopping. DH had to get a Cuban cigar to have on the veranda later (he's not a smoker, just wanted to see what the whole Cuban cigar thing was about).

Back on board, we got ready for our evening out at Palo. But first, we went to see the movie "Santa Claus 3." None of us were wowed by it, but it was nice to see a movie in the Walt Disney theater.

Our kids felt very comfortable with our servers, so the plan was for them to go to dinner at Animator's Palate, while we went to Palo. First they went to see the Walk the Plank game show in Studio Sea. Then they had an enjoyable dinner, where they were well taken care of, by our servers as well as the two nice couples at the table next to ours. They were given pirate bandanas, and enjoyed playing some games in the dining room.

Meanwhile, adult night in Palo. Noemi, our server from brunch the other day, was swamped, so we had another server (I can't remember her name, but she was great) from Romania. Dh and I again shared a pizza (Palo pizzas are the best), as well as two appetizers that were very good. We had a pineapple intermezzo. DH had tuna, and I had sea bass. Both were excellent. We each ordered the chocolate souffle for dessert, and we shared the pana cotta, which was recommended to us by our head server in the dining room the previous night. Loved the souffles; the best part of the pana cotta were the delicious berries that came with it. When we left Palo, we were given bandanas, as it was pirate night.

After dinner, we met the kids back in the cabin, and changed to get ready for the pirate deck party. Unlike most people, we are not hugh fans of pirate night. However, the kids perked up for the fireworks, which are pretty aweome,especially considering they are shot right off of the second stack on the ship. We were too full from dinner to eat at the pirate buffet, but the kids always have room for dessert, so they had some chocolate chip cookies, and some pirate booty (gold chocolate coins).

We went back to our cabin to go to sleep, but it was pretty warm in there. We turned the air conditioner all the way up, and tried to sleep. About 3 in the morning, DH and I still couldn't sleep; it was so hot. My travel alarm clock has a thermometer in it, and the room temp. was in the low 80's. DH went to guest services. Maintenance said the problem was not at their end, and they would send someone to fix it in the morning. We did not get much sleep that night, but first thing in the morning, maintenance replaced our cabin's thermostat, and the heat problem was solved after that.

Up next...our second day at sea.

 

[Lauri]

OK, I'm determined to finish this...

Thursday, November 16

Woke up early again (after a very hot night in our cabin), and went for a walk/run on deck 4. Because it was raining this morning, the deck was a little wet. Met the family, and we went to breakfast at Topsiders (Parrot Cay was for a character breakfast today.)

I left them to go to the adult Art of Entertainment series. I had missed all the previous ones this trip, and really wanted to go. Today's topic was entrees. The chef (from France) demonstrated a few recipes, and then we were given samples. We had a stuffed chicken with a sweet corn risotto and a tomato coulis. Oh, and everyone also gets a sample of wine, which is later described by one of the ship's somliere's.

Today's highlight was a tour of the Disney suites. I met up with DS and DD to go, while DH went to the gym. Thanks to Allibarc (Walt Disney Suite), Suzadrew (category 2), and Hannosmom (midship category 3). We were able to view all of the suites, and were treated to some adult beverages and snacks. It was so nice to meet up with several DISers and have time to actually talk to them, which was much less rushed than at the DIS meet on the first day of the cruise. As far as the suites go, they were very nice, and large, but I'm happy getting my regular old cabin on the ship to get to sail every year.

After lunch at Parrot Cay, DD and I went to the Towel Folding session in Rockin Bar D. I was actually able to make a dog out of two towels. My DD was much better; she could make every animal they demonstrated. Before we went to the towel folding, our stateroom hostess told us to look for her husband there, as he was one of the demonstrators. We found him, and he showed us how to make some other animals, and told us he'd tell his wife that we saw him, and to leave us something special in our room that night. (It turned out that we were treated to an entire zoo, including a peacock, shark, dog, rabbit, and swan. Sorry if anyone on the ship had to go without towels that night .)

The kids then spent some time in the lab, getting ready for the big graduation ceremony. DH went to the galley tour, which he really enjoyed (especially the warm chocolate chip cookie at the end.) I was supposed to go on the galley tour too, but the night before, I received a request to participate in a focus group, held in the Cove Cafe. It was very interesting (no good gossip to tell), and for our time, we were given a $50 shipboard credit.

Next up, was the Walt Disney theater for the graduation ceremony. This is for all the kids, ages 3-12, who particpated in the club and the lab during the week. Each child is given a T-shirt and a Mickey ear graduation hat. Everyone marches up on stage. A video is shown of the kids participating in activities over the past week--my DD made it into several pictures. Then Mickey and Minnie come and proclaim everyone a DSea U graduate, and the kids go back to the clubs.

While DH went to pick up DD, I went to deck 4 for the longest line of all, the rebooking a future cruise line. Overall, I spent about 3 hours on this line during the cruise, once to get rates, and once to actually rebook. Our cruise had a very high percentage of Castaway Club members, and they really needed more than one person to help with this job, and the lines were always very long. We did manage to rebook for an Eastern cruise next year.

Tonight was semi-formal night. We got ready, and then went to see Disney Dreams. This is my favorite show on the ship. We then went to Who Wants to Be a Mouseketeer in Studio Sea, but none of us were picked. Our semiformal dinner was in Parrot Cay. DS broke out of his chicken finger rut tonight, and had lobster tails (so did I, and they were great).

After dinner, the kids went back to the room, and DH and I went to see the Taylor Mason caberet show in Rockin Bar D. His act changed from last year; I think I preferred his previous act better.

At 11:15, was the chocolate dessert buffet. DH and DS didn't want to go, but DD did (she's my chocoholic.) The lines were not too bad, and I was able to take some pictures. My favorite was the Disney Magic made out of chocolate. DD sample a few things, and then we went to bed.

Friday, November 17

Our second day at Castaway Cay . This place really is heaven on earth. After a quick breakfast, we watched the captain try to dock--once twice, and finally on the third try we made it. The crosswinds were very bad, and it was a little cool. However the sun was out, and the day turned into a beautiful one.

Our first thing to do today was rent bicycles. They do have all sizes and types (including training wheels and with baby seats), but my DD was between two sizes, and settled for the smaller bike, which made it difficult for her to ride. We rode the entire trail, which consisted of the airstrip leading to the adult beach, and from there, one path along the adult beach out to a lookout point, and another, newer path, which was halfway up the airstrip and was a cirular trail along the foliage. The bike paths are very easy to navigate, but can be bumpy in some places.

We returned our bikes and picked up our floats. The water was a little chillier today. But the water was also amazing in that you could see fish, even while standing at the shoreline. After biking, playing in the water, and snorkling, we worked up an appetite and headed to Cookie's BBQ. The menu was the same as on Sunday, with the exception of salmon being replaced by mahi-mahi (I'm a big fish eater). I also noticed a fruit stand before you get to Cookie's, and had some of my favorites, mango and papaya.

The kids went back in the water, and built sandcastles on the shore. DD had been begging me all week to get her hair braided, so we did that at the Bahamian hair braiding stand. (I was really worried about what it would do to her hair. It is vry long and wavy, and regular hair maintenance can be tricky. She kept the braids in for a little over a week, and although she looked like a witch went we first removed the braids, after a good washing and deep conditioning, her hair was OK.)

A little more playtime on the beach, and then we headed back to the ship . I was able to get a Twice the Magic, Twice the Fun T-shirt at She Sells Sea Shells, but the only size they had was a medium.

We showered up and got ready for the Farewell Show. It is very touching, and I did tear up a few times. Between parts of the show, Taylor Mason performed his ventriloquism, and there was also a Brittish comedian, that we just did not think was funny.

After the show, we went back to our room to start packing , as last year, we didn't start packing till after our late dinner, and almost missed having our bags picked up. We went to shutters and stood on long lines to purchase our pictures. Before we left, I had read on these boards that you could not longer stack pictures. This is so not true. STACK YOUR PICTURES. You will be happy you did, as they take so many, even though I have older children. Some pictures that we posed for, they actually took four or five pictures, and they were all over. Starting on the first night, collect all your pictures together to make them easier to go through.

Our farewell dinner was in Lumiere's, and it was very memorable. This is also tip night, but all our servers were just as good as they were throughout the trip. Stay till the end of the dinner for the final show.

At 10:15, they have a final show called a kiss goodnight, where all of the Disney characters on the ship, as well as some of the performers from the shows, gather together in the atrium for pictures and autographs. no lines, and if there is any character you child just much see, this is the time to do it. At the end, all of the characters gather on the two staircases in front of Lumiere's, and this makes for a good picture.

Then, back to our room to finish packing and put our bags out for pickup. The captain told us that it would only be 58 degrees when we got back to port Canaveral, so we left out our warm clothes.

Saturday, November 18

Fortunatly, we had the latest seating, so our breakfast seating was at 8:15. We had to be out of our staterooms by 8, so this worked out well. One last good breakfast and being served, before we head back to the reall world. This breakfast is quite rushed, but we managed to stay till after 9. Then they did it; they made us leave. The only thing that makes it easier is rebooking and knowing that you are coming back. It was very easy picking up our lugage, as Disney has a great system in place for debarking. Easy to get through customs too.

We went to stand on line for the shuttle back to Budget. We shared a van with another family, who turned out to be another group of DISers that we hadn't previously met. Picking up our car was easy, and we were off to spend some time in Downtown Disney before our flight.
It was freezing there (but even worse when we got home). Nothing like some Disney shopping to prolong the return to reality. But after the nice, relaxed pace of the cruise, Downtown Disney seemed so crowded and rushed. I hope I'm not ruined for the parks after two cruises in a row. We then drove to Tampa for our flight home.

If anyone has read through this whole thing, thank you. If you have any questions, please ask.

Lauri

 

[woody73]

A delightful trip report. Brought back many memories. Thanks for sharing.

Woody

 

[ibouncetoo]

Great report Lauri. I just love reading about what everyone else was doing on the ship! I've added renting bicycles on my next CC visit!