2/28 Western Magic - Day 3

mississaugamom

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Nov 4, 2003
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Cast: myself, DH (Martin), our 7 yr old DD (Lara), and DH’s Aunt and Uncle (both 81)

Day 3 – AT SEA

We had to be up bright and early this morning for our character breakfast at Parrot Cay. Lara had her Snow White dress and hairband all ready for the occasion. The breakfast itself is fine, but we found the character interaction to be VERY rushed. If you're used to character meals at Disney World, this is nothing like that. It appeared designed for the professional photographers to get their pictures, and if you could manage to snap one as well, OK then. We had a bit of a problem because Auntie and Uncle wanted photos with some of the characters as well, and they were totally ignored. We made a point of asking one of the character handlers as Dale moved onto the next table and were told “he had already visited our table”! However, she said if there was time, she would bring him back (which she did about 20 minutes later). I would suggest enjoying the experience for what it is, and save the “character interaction/autograph books” for another time when you can meet the characters individually. We felt better once we realized that and explained it to Lara. By the way, we did end up buying a few of the professional photos that were cute (including one of Auntie and Uncle with Mickey) so they never know where the market might be!

After breakfast we all split up – Auntie and Uncle to wait for Bingo, Martin to wander around the deck for awhile, and Lara and I to Family Team Trivia in the Promenade Lounge. There were only about 12 teams for Trivia (which, by the way, is general knowledge instead of Disney-based). Martin arrived before the game started. Jbix and his family were also there and sitting beside us. It was fun, but we finished second (only 16 of 25 answers correct!). There was veggie-car racing coming up next, but Lara wanted to go to the pool with Daddy again. It felt too cool for swimming for me, so I joined Auntie and Uncle at Bingo instead. We didn’t win Bingo, but Auntie did win the raffle prize which was a day at the Rainforest Spa. Since neither of them were interested in trying it, I was the lucky recipient!

We all met again for lunch at Topsiders (Asian buffet this time). It wasn’t quite what my Japanese husband considered “authentic” but lots of it was tasty anyways. Unfortunately, Lara started to not feel well during lunch, so I took her back to the cabin for her Sea Bands. (She couldn’t have felt too bad, though; she wanted to go back via Scoops, assuring me that she just needed fresh air and ice-cream!) When Martin came back to the cabin she was fine again so we headed out to enjoy the “not-so-secret” deck on 7-aft. Relaxing only lasts about 15 minutes for Lara, though, so she and Daddy went to get drinks for us. We then decided to catch the matinee performance of the Golden Mickeys. We loved this show – it was good we were going to get to see it again!

After the show, it was time for our “Tea” with Wendy Darling. Lara enjoyed this, and made a big production out of being the one to pour our (iced) tea. We were right behind Mamagriz and Sammy to get autographs and photos with Wendy. Talked briefly – they were enjoying their trip so far as well. After Tea, it was time for Lara’s hairbraiding. She lost her nerve to get the cornrows hairband, though. Another little girl at the Club said that it hurt, so she opted for three microbraids and beads on each side. This looked cute too, and she was happy. However, the bill was only $6.00! I was embarrassed, and added a generous tip for the hairbraider.

Tonight was Formal Night. DH had shocked me by buying a Tux before leaving home, so I brought along a long gown for myself. Lara had a long white gown with a lace jacket and white sandals with 3-INCH platforms! (Who knew they made these in size 1!?!) She was thrilled with her “ensemble” and we lined up to get all our photos taken.

Next up were the “Golden Mickeys” again. Lara knew the drill from the matinee, and wouldn’t go to the theatre until the “photographers” were out on the red carpet! She didn’t want to tell Auntie and Uncle we had been in the afternoon while they were napping, so she just kept darting in and out of the store until they were “ready for her closeup”. (LOL) She was thrilled to be the first child interviewed by “Rona Rivers” and that people in the theatre recognized her when she came in. A friendly gentleman in our row asked if he could have her autograph later. She looked thrilled at this. (Although it turned out she thought it was Plutospup. When I told her it wasn’t, she wanted to know why a complete stranger wanted her autograph!)

After a visit to the Hot Tubs on Deck 9 for Lara and I, we headed for bed, dreaming of the fun we would have in Grand Cayman tomorrow.
 
Lara was so cute being interviewed by Rona Rivers. We were clueless about the "reporters" on the red carpet. When they asked if they could interview Sammy, she got shy :blush: so we hurried in without the interview.

Every time we went out to the "secret" deck 7, it was empty. The most we ever saw out there was one other person, and there are at least a dozen deck chairs! Kind of cool.

I felt rushed at the character breakfast too, it was simply a forum for getting pictures with characters by the professional photographer. If you had your camera ready, though, they would wait. I was disappointed that Chip and Dale's pictures with the kids were not available at Shutters. I looked for them and they were the only characters that weren't put out to view. I don't know if they printed them and put them somewhere else?
 
I would love Lara's autograph! She's such a star!! From the big smile I saw on her face throughout the cruise I know she had a great vacation.
 

Wow, great reports!

Sorry, you might have mentioned this earlier, but how did you get a reservation for hair braiding while on the ship? I had trouble with this last summer.

Also, who was running bingo for you on your trip? I was ADDICTED last summer, even though I didn't win!

Your trip sounds great, I wish I could get into the hot tub right now!!!
 
Steve (I think) and Q were running the Bingo on this trip, but they were going on holiday directly after.

PapaGriz
 
When I went to Bingo, Andy was the Bingo King (but starting his vacation March 6) and Que was taking over. (Que was "King" one day in Rockin' Bar D when I played.)

Hairbraiding appointments were available on the first day (Saturday) between 5:30 and 6:30 pm. When we missed that due to the "rocking" of the ship, I went to the Hairbraiding Station on Deck 9 right at 9 am Sunday morning as they were opening and checked for available appointments.

I'd love to be in a hot tub too!

Arlene
 
Thx! Hopefully, I will get the hairbraiding on the ship next time!!! Que was really great last summer and so was Andy. Is Karen still on the ship, she was from Britain and was also fun at Bingo!
 

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