Cast: DD6, DW, DMIL, & "The Pup"
After a good nights sleep (I didn't notice any snoring!), I was awake at 6 am. Time for a trip to Deck 9. First stop coffee & croissant, and then to the hot tubs at the Quiet Cove pool area. I love relaxing in the hot tub with coffee & croissants, watching the sun come up. It's "me time" - it's quiet. No "honey, lets do this", or "Daddy, it's time for...". I love my family, but I enjoy a few minutes to myself.
Since DMIL is also an early riser I told her where I would be each morning, since the rest of the family would be sleeping. She showed up at 7:15. We sat by the quiet cove pool, sipped coffee and watched the ocean pass by. Soon we decided it was time for breakfast at Lumiere's. We both enjoyed eggs benedict. By the time we were finished we agreed it was time to rouse the rest of the family! Soon everyone was up and dressed. Time for breakfast! (It's no wonder I gain weight on a cruise). I especially enjoyed the made to order omelettes at Topsiders.
After breakfast it was time for DD6 hairbraiding appointment. This year, instead of a full head of braids, she only had 9 cornrow braids, which looked very cute. Our little "Bahama Mama"!
DD6 was off to the O Club, DW & her Mom were off to explore the ship, and for me it was time for the DIS Meet. What a great group of people! It was nice putting faces to Dis names. Throughout the week we would see each other, trade stories, say hello, etc. It was like traveling with a big group of friends.
Before long we were docking at Key West. My family got together again, and decided we might as well eat at Topsiders before we head ashore.
As we left the ship it was the first time DMIL got a close up look at the Magic. She was amazed at its size. I'm always amazed at how well they can manuever this ship when docking & leaving port. I can barely manuever our minivan!
We decided to do the Key West Trolley tour. We enjoyed the tour, and the ability to get on & off at various stops. Our first stop was the Hemingway House. DD6 & I had been reading "The Old Man and the Sea". The guided tour was very interesting. However, DD6 thought the best part was the famous "6 toed cats". The guide let her feed one of the 60 cats that freely roam the property. Next it was off to the "Southermost Point" where we had our picture taken with the huge buoy that read "90 miles to Cuba". From there the trolley made its way back toward Duval St. The driver/tour guide mentioned about a street vendor who sold the "best lemonade in Key West". The vendor quickly filled a cup, and passed it to our ever smiling daughter ( although only 6 she knows how to turn on the charm!). She shared it with us, and it really was delicous!
From there we went on to the Key West Aquarium. We found it to be very nice. DD6 very much enjoyed looking at the fish, and other sea creatures. Eventually she ventured to the "touch tank" where you could pick up conch shell (with live conch), starfish, sea cucumbers, etc. They had a guided tour where the woman fed the sharks. My they were hungry! The one just bit the fish in half. Luckily, the tour guide still had her hand. Then she held a nurse shark and allowed the children to pet it. She told them to pet the tail end, and not the head end...Good idea!
We really enjoyed the Aquarium. Last year we went to the Key West Butterfly Museum where the butterfies fly all around you. DD loved this place. If you have young children I can strongly reccomend the Aquarium, and Butterfly Museum.
We were getting tired, but we knew we wanted to see one more thing...The Cat Man! As mentioned DD6 loves cats. Personally, I couldn't even imagine a trained cat doing tricks. (Around me they seem to have a mind of their own!). Prior to entering the medical field, I was involved in radio, and assorted media/entertainment for 14 yrs. I've met a fair share of "odd characters". The Cat Man now tops my list! I was impressed by the cats and their tricks, but the "Cat Man"...well...he's different. Quite frankly, he scared DMIL as well as another woman and her children who were standing nearby. I had to remind DMIL it was just an act. Throughout the week we constantly made jokes about The Cat Man and his actions... "Clap,clap,clap for me; Clap, clap, clap for Oscar; I'm getting very excited!!!!" Key West street theatre at its best.
By the time we returned to the ship we missed our main dining. I mentioned to our server that we might be late so that he wouldn't wait to serve the others at our table. On our way to our room we stopped by Pluto's where DD6 had a hot dog & fries. As the others returned to the room I stayed up on deck 10 to watch the "Famous Key West Sunset". As the sun dipped into the sea you could hear the applause of the hundreds of people who packed Mallory Square. It was quite a sight! After freshening up, DD6went to the O Club, and we proceeded to Topsiders for dinner. This turned out to be a wonderful meal. The lights were dimmed, and overall much quieter than our regular early seating. Our server "Anna" was there to take our order. We went to the buffet line to get our appetizers. Anna brought our drinks, and soon our entrees were served. We then went back to the buffet line and picked up our desserts (yes, plural, desserts...you can't eat just one!) Anna made sure we had coffee, and saw everything was to our liking. Anna deserved an Excellent rating. Mailman and his family showed up soon after and sat near us.We were surprised to meet the Captain, and several officers there. This was our only dinner at Topsiders. Later in the week I made sure I found Anna and passed along a thank you note along with a generous tip.
After dinner we went to Who Wants to be a Mousketeer. DW thought I should be on the experts panel. So when it came time for volunteers I was lucky enough to be chosen! What a blast! I'm pleased to report the panel was perfect! As Dan, the host tried to get the audience excited, the 6 panelist would do "the wave", and yell "woohoo"!!!! We really had a fun time! We were awarded the special "WWTBAM Panelist" pins. As the show ended I had the chance to meet Capt. Mickey! DD6 might be afraid of the characters, but I'm not! After a handshake & hug, it was time to leave the stage, and meet up with my family.
We decided to check out our photos in Shutters. Soon DW & DMIL were getting tired, and they decided to pick up DD6 and return to the room. I went topside to watch the Magic leave port. It amazes me how she can turn on a dime!
I returned to the room where DD6 was wound up after a busy day. I decided the two of us should go for a walk. We stopped at the Promanade Lounge and listened to Kathy & Si. I thought it might settle DD6 down. They were very entertaining and I returned to watch their performance several times throughout the cruise.Soon we moved on and were on the Goofy Pool stage doing our own sailaway party. The two of us danced and danced. As mentioned before, we're not "Fred & Ginger", but we had a lot of fun! She became thirsty so we walked over by Pinocchios where they were happy to serve her a virgin strawberry & bananna daquiri. She thought she was hot stuff! She couldn't wait to tell Mommy about her "fancy drink". On the way back to the room we (ok Daddy) decided we needed Mickey Ice Cream bars (DD6 thought it was a good idea, too!). While she told Mommy, and Nana about her drink, I dialed room service. DD6 & I decided we better wait outside the room for our Mickey Bars to be delivered, because the rest of the family was tired and wanted to sleep! Soon they arrived, and we proceeded to a quiet Atrium where we relaxed and ate our ice cream. It was midnight! DD6 normally goes to bed no later that 8pm. Oh well, that's what vacations are all about. DD6 & Daddy had a night to remember!
After a good nights sleep (I didn't notice any snoring!), I was awake at 6 am. Time for a trip to Deck 9. First stop coffee & croissant, and then to the hot tubs at the Quiet Cove pool area. I love relaxing in the hot tub with coffee & croissants, watching the sun come up. It's "me time" - it's quiet. No "honey, lets do this", or "Daddy, it's time for...". I love my family, but I enjoy a few minutes to myself.
Since DMIL is also an early riser I told her where I would be each morning, since the rest of the family would be sleeping. She showed up at 7:15. We sat by the quiet cove pool, sipped coffee and watched the ocean pass by. Soon we decided it was time for breakfast at Lumiere's. We both enjoyed eggs benedict. By the time we were finished we agreed it was time to rouse the rest of the family! Soon everyone was up and dressed. Time for breakfast! (It's no wonder I gain weight on a cruise). I especially enjoyed the made to order omelettes at Topsiders.
After breakfast it was time for DD6 hairbraiding appointment. This year, instead of a full head of braids, she only had 9 cornrow braids, which looked very cute. Our little "Bahama Mama"!
DD6 was off to the O Club, DW & her Mom were off to explore the ship, and for me it was time for the DIS Meet. What a great group of people! It was nice putting faces to Dis names. Throughout the week we would see each other, trade stories, say hello, etc. It was like traveling with a big group of friends.
Before long we were docking at Key West. My family got together again, and decided we might as well eat at Topsiders before we head ashore.
As we left the ship it was the first time DMIL got a close up look at the Magic. She was amazed at its size. I'm always amazed at how well they can manuever this ship when docking & leaving port. I can barely manuever our minivan!
We decided to do the Key West Trolley tour. We enjoyed the tour, and the ability to get on & off at various stops. Our first stop was the Hemingway House. DD6 & I had been reading "The Old Man and the Sea". The guided tour was very interesting. However, DD6 thought the best part was the famous "6 toed cats". The guide let her feed one of the 60 cats that freely roam the property. Next it was off to the "Southermost Point" where we had our picture taken with the huge buoy that read "90 miles to Cuba". From there the trolley made its way back toward Duval St. The driver/tour guide mentioned about a street vendor who sold the "best lemonade in Key West". The vendor quickly filled a cup, and passed it to our ever smiling daughter ( although only 6 she knows how to turn on the charm!). She shared it with us, and it really was delicous!
From there we went on to the Key West Aquarium. We found it to be very nice. DD6 very much enjoyed looking at the fish, and other sea creatures. Eventually she ventured to the "touch tank" where you could pick up conch shell (with live conch), starfish, sea cucumbers, etc. They had a guided tour where the woman fed the sharks. My they were hungry! The one just bit the fish in half. Luckily, the tour guide still had her hand. Then she held a nurse shark and allowed the children to pet it. She told them to pet the tail end, and not the head end...Good idea!
We really enjoyed the Aquarium. Last year we went to the Key West Butterfly Museum where the butterfies fly all around you. DD loved this place. If you have young children I can strongly reccomend the Aquarium, and Butterfly Museum.
We were getting tired, but we knew we wanted to see one more thing...The Cat Man! As mentioned DD6 loves cats. Personally, I couldn't even imagine a trained cat doing tricks. (Around me they seem to have a mind of their own!). Prior to entering the medical field, I was involved in radio, and assorted media/entertainment for 14 yrs. I've met a fair share of "odd characters". The Cat Man now tops my list! I was impressed by the cats and their tricks, but the "Cat Man"...well...he's different. Quite frankly, he scared DMIL as well as another woman and her children who were standing nearby. I had to remind DMIL it was just an act. Throughout the week we constantly made jokes about The Cat Man and his actions... "Clap,clap,clap for me; Clap, clap, clap for Oscar; I'm getting very excited!!!!" Key West street theatre at its best.
By the time we returned to the ship we missed our main dining. I mentioned to our server that we might be late so that he wouldn't wait to serve the others at our table. On our way to our room we stopped by Pluto's where DD6 had a hot dog & fries. As the others returned to the room I stayed up on deck 10 to watch the "Famous Key West Sunset". As the sun dipped into the sea you could hear the applause of the hundreds of people who packed Mallory Square. It was quite a sight! After freshening up, DD6went to the O Club, and we proceeded to Topsiders for dinner. This turned out to be a wonderful meal. The lights were dimmed, and overall much quieter than our regular early seating. Our server "Anna" was there to take our order. We went to the buffet line to get our appetizers. Anna brought our drinks, and soon our entrees were served. We then went back to the buffet line and picked up our desserts (yes, plural, desserts...you can't eat just one!) Anna made sure we had coffee, and saw everything was to our liking. Anna deserved an Excellent rating. Mailman and his family showed up soon after and sat near us.We were surprised to meet the Captain, and several officers there. This was our only dinner at Topsiders. Later in the week I made sure I found Anna and passed along a thank you note along with a generous tip.
After dinner we went to Who Wants to be a Mousketeer. DW thought I should be on the experts panel. So when it came time for volunteers I was lucky enough to be chosen! What a blast! I'm pleased to report the panel was perfect! As Dan, the host tried to get the audience excited, the 6 panelist would do "the wave", and yell "woohoo"!!!! We really had a fun time! We were awarded the special "WWTBAM Panelist" pins. As the show ended I had the chance to meet Capt. Mickey! DD6 might be afraid of the characters, but I'm not! After a handshake & hug, it was time to leave the stage, and meet up with my family.
We decided to check out our photos in Shutters. Soon DW & DMIL were getting tired, and they decided to pick up DD6 and return to the room. I went topside to watch the Magic leave port. It amazes me how she can turn on a dime!
I returned to the room where DD6 was wound up after a busy day. I decided the two of us should go for a walk. We stopped at the Promanade Lounge and listened to Kathy & Si. I thought it might settle DD6 down. They were very entertaining and I returned to watch their performance several times throughout the cruise.Soon we moved on and were on the Goofy Pool stage doing our own sailaway party. The two of us danced and danced. As mentioned before, we're not "Fred & Ginger", but we had a lot of fun! She became thirsty so we walked over by Pinocchios where they were happy to serve her a virgin strawberry & bananna daquiri. She thought she was hot stuff! She couldn't wait to tell Mommy about her "fancy drink". On the way back to the room we (ok Daddy) decided we needed Mickey Ice Cream bars (DD6 thought it was a good idea, too!). While she told Mommy, and Nana about her drink, I dialed room service. DD6 & I decided we better wait outside the room for our Mickey Bars to be delivered, because the rest of the family was tired and wanted to sleep! Soon they arrived, and we proceeded to a quiet Atrium where we relaxed and ate our ice cream. It was midnight! DD6 normally goes to bed no later that 8pm. Oh well, that's what vacations are all about. DD6 & Daddy had a night to remember!
