Day 9...Let the Cruise Begin!
We had departed from Orlando about a half an hour past the time we normally would have due to being the flag family.
We still arrived WAY before they started boarding...however, we were definitely not in the first group to go after the suites. We were in group number 5. The way
DCL boards the ship is to pass out numbers as you enter the terminal. That way you can go about your business, checking in, getting your kids' club beeper, buying snacks, relaxing, etc WITHOUT having to worry about standing in a huge long line to board.
Going through security was NOT my favorite part of our cruise. I had all four boys because dh was parking the van. I was trying to get all of my stuff through screening while holding a wiggling (and poppy diapered...thanks for choosing that moment in time to do your business) baby and pushing a stroller that was holding stuff instead of our baby. I was holding him to try to keep him from starting to cry (who can blame him for being unhappy sitting in that). To say I was feeling a bit stressed was pretty accurate. **TIP...Do not try to get through security by yourself with an infant, all of your carry on stuff, three other boys and a stroller. Do yourself a big favor and wait for your spouse to help schlep through it. **
Finally we actually entered the terminal and I ran for the bathroom so that we didn't stink anyone out of the registration line (and so that my poor baby would have a fresh diaper after waiting for almost 10 minutes to get through security with a not so fresh one). Once I had that taken care of we saw dh. He grabbed our boys and took a seat. We got the very last large groups of chairs (remember we had 11 in our party at this point when you count our friends family). Here you see Goofy and Cinderella excited that they were just about to embark on a high seas adventure.
While dh was holding down our claim on the chairs, I made my way to check in and then to pick up our kids' club beeper. Lucky for me, I was able to get the boys' attention and call them down to me when I realized that you needed your kids to get the beeper (they had to put bracelets on them and match the beeper number to the tracking bracelet on the child). **TIP:Take your kids with you to the kid club's sign up area.**
By the time I got back, they were already starting to call boarding pass numbers. Before long...our number was called and we were really on our way!
How I love those golden Mickey ears! Walking under them means that we are about to sail off on one of the happiest ships on the seas.
This was our third cruise aboard the Disney Magic and all of us couldn't wait to get back on board!
Here is a quick look at all of the crowds behind us. SCARY! I am glad that we were getting out of the terminal before it got even more jam packed. **TIP: ARRIVE EARLY! There is debate on this advice but I think it's sound. You get to the terminal in time to secure seating (a hot commodity as the time to board draws near). You get an earlier boarding number which lets you get on board and to the venue of your choice for lunch (each time we have cruised I have seen long lines waiting for us (the general us, as in those who had boarded first) to leave Parrot Cay before they had room to be seated). It also allows you to get over and book spa appointments that you didn't prebook, book Palo meals that you were not able to prebook and be done BEFORE everyone else makes their way over to those areas.** Now here is that look behind us.
And yes, the people were almost wall to wall behind us.
How much do I love this?! When you walk over it...you are almost 'home'!
And seeing this sign made us all smile miles wide.
Here you see
Stitch (acting like a goof ball),
Snow White, Cinderella and
Goofy on our way into Parrot Cay for lunch. Parrot Cay is one of two places open for lunch on embarkation day. We chose to eat at Topsiders our first cruise. It was nice...but Port Canaveral is not the most scenic of ports, FL is HOT and muggy for deck sitting and although Parrot Cay is also a buffet, they wait on you as far as drinks. That is a big help when you have all of your carry on luggage in tow. So, for us, Parrot Cay is our top choice for our first lunch onboard.
Most of the same foods are offered both places. Peel and eat shrimp, crusty french bread, salad, Greek pita wraps (VERY GOOD), pasta salad and even a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie rounded out my plate. There was a large assortment of goodies to chose from and all of us left totally satisfied.
While we were eating, Mrs. Friend went to check on a Palo brunch. They were all taken.
We were sad, but she put us on a waiting list and we hoped for the best. I had previously tried to sign up in the middle of the night as soon as our booking window opened up. I had no luck then either.
Once we finished up our meal, we left Parrot Cay and walked past the long line of people waiting to be seated. Once past the line, I left dh with Mr. Friend, our boys and their kids. Mrs. Friend and I were on a mission...we needed to make spa appointments!
I already had an exotic rasul, alone time and a pedicure booked. I wanted to add in a reflexology massage, scalp massage and manicure. I was lucky enough to be able to add everything I wanted and was even able to cancel the pedicure I had scheduled for later in the week. My GF spa pedicure was still looking great and I would rather enjoy the other offerings at the spa.
When we were done booking our spa appointments we collected our husbands and kids and headed down to check out our state rooms.
Here is our
Little Prince exploring the pack and play that was already set up in our room.
He gave it his seal of approval.
To be continued...
We need pictures!
I'm on my way to World Market!!!!!!!
Can't wait to hear about the cruise!
He's so much fun. Getting to take part as the flag family was a real treat. Disney has a knack for making the ordinary extraordinary. Our minutes on the roof were truly spectacular (and not just the sights either).
Thanks for remembering Barb!
By the time I went to bed that night great huge strips of the polish (I had clear put on, so at least it wasn't that horrid looking) were peeling off. The procedure itself was very relaxing. Or at least it would have been without everyone and their mother's sister's uncle's cousins touring the spa facility. It's sort of hard to totally relax with people touring the spa and looking at you getting it done. I don't mind people looking at me...but when I am there to just relax and zone out and be pampered...I don't want to be on display. 
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