2nd Anniversary + 2nd Chances = Our 2nd Cruise! 7/20 NEWS!!

[disneycruisegal]

I think that I have some answers for a few of your questions. When we stay at the Beach Club, we are picked up around 12:15, so we spend the morning at Epcot and then walk back to the Beach Club to be picked up for our cruise. There are blown glass Christmas Disney orniments on the ships, one is the ship itself, which is nice for the Captains signing. One has Mickey's face poping out of a life preserver, and there are a few others that I can't remember. Sorry, I don't know how much the rafts are to rent for Stormalong Bay. I hope you have a great vacation.

 

[ariel1025]

Thanks for sharing your info....never been on a cruise we are going in November......loved your tips

Oh, how exciting! Which cruise itinerary are you sailing?

I think that I have some answers for a few of your questions. When we stay at the Beach Club, we are picked up around 12:15, so we spend the morning at Epcot and then walk back to the Beach Club to be picked up for our cruise. There are blown glass Christmas Disney orniments on the ships, one is the ship itself, which is nice for the Captains signing. One has Mickey's face poping out of a life preserver, and there are a few others that I can't remember. Sorry, I don't know how much the rafts are to rent for Stormalong Bay. I hope you have a great vacation.

Thank you so much for your help I'm glad to hear that we will be (most likely) be getting picked up in the afternoon. This definitely falls right into our plans of "rest & relaxation" Also, thank you for the information on the ornaments. I will definitely wait to visit the downtown Christmas store so I can wait and see what I find on the cruise!

 

[ariel1025]

Unfortunately there aren't any updates on the "to do" list. We do get to make our Palo & Excursion reservations on Monday so I am very (im)patiently waiting to do that

Since I haven't accomplished any other tasks let's go back to looking at daily plan possibilities

Our next cruise day will be a first for us .... it will be a sea day. We are both very excited to see how much we like this. When we started looking into booking a cruise we couldn't decide if we want a regular Bahama itinerary with a daily stop or one with a sea day. Our last cruise was also a double dip at Castaway Cay but it did not include a sea day so we decided to give it a try!

To be honest, we don't really know what to expect for this day. I have pulled previous navigators that are posted around the web to give us an idea. First and foremost we know we most definitely want to do the Palo brunch!! I'm super nervous about this though because it looks like they only offer this on sea days and they appear to be extremely popular reservations to get. We only have the one sea day so I'm nervous we won't be able to get a reservation We would love to be able to sleep in on this day, but I will take whatever time slot is available - even if that means waking up early

Some other things that are consistently on the sea day navigators we found that sound enjoyable to us are:

* Cooking demonstration
* Animation class
* Art auction
* Margarita tasting
* Wine tasting
* Martini tasting

Some other things that we will probably think about dong are the normal things we are looking at each evening (movie, bingo etc). This day also sounds like a great day to do lunch on our verandah while enjoying the ocean views!

Anybody have any ideas or suggestions for a sea day?

Guess that's all for now ....

Magical Memory of the Day:

Myself, Candi and his parents (we are the four on the left side, middle row). My mother-in-law was so nervous to ride Tower of Terror that right before the drop she goes "I'm so scared my feet are sweating" It was one of the funniest moments of the trip and we all still laugh about it now.

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

I LOVE sea days! DH and I are taking the EB TA and it has six in a row, I can't wait! I am not sure if all those tastings will be offered on just the one sea day, but you should be able to book at least one or two. I would not worry about Palo brunch at all. Even if you don't get it online, DCL holds about half back for people to book when they get onboard. You shouldn't have a problem.
DH and I really love the spa on sea days. It can really break the bank if you are not careful, but I would at least recommend the rainforest room or exotic rassul!
Good luck with the weight watchers, you are off to a great start!

 

[disneycruisegal]

My DH and I love sea days too! You can sleep in, or its nice to have room service deliver breakfast and coffee to your room and enjoy it on your verandah. We've done the wine tasting twice before, we enjoy it. As the last post stated, the spa is always nice, maybe a couples massage, if your hubby is in to that...mine is not. Or, it's always nice to just go up to the Quite Cove Cafe and enjoy a coffee or cocktail in the cushy chairs just outside the cafe, or dangle your feet in the adults only pool. I can't wait for my Med. cruise in May!!

 

[ariel1025]

I LOVE sea days! DH and I are taking the EB TA and it has six in a row, I can't wait! I am not sure if all those tastings will be offered on just the one sea day, but you should be able to book at least one or two. I would not worry about Palo brunch at all. Even if you don't get it online, DCL holds about half back for people to book when they get onboard. You shouldn't have a problem.
DH and I really love the spa on sea days. It can really break the bank if you are not careful, but I would at least recommend the rainforest room or exotic rassul!
Good luck with the weight watchers, you are off to a great start!

Oh my goodness, how exciting to be able to do the EBTA We would never be able to get that much time off work, but someday we will take a trip like that Will you be doing a TR about it?

I almost hope they won't be doing all those tastings .... I wouldn't know which ones to choose and definitely am a "light weight" so couldn't do them all

My DH and I love sea days too! You can sleep in, or its nice to have room service deliver breakfast and coffee to your room and enjoy it on your verandah. We've done the wine tasting twice before, we enjoy it. As the last post stated, the spa is always nice, maybe a couples massage, if your hubby is in to that...mine is not. Or, it's always nice to just go up to the Quite Cove Cafe and enjoy a coffee or cocktail in the cushy chairs just outside the cafe, or dangle your feet in the adults only pool. I can't wait for my Med. cruise in May!!

We will definitely be sleeping in I think and then just doing whatever sounds good at the moment. Room service on the verandah sounds heavenly

 

[ariel1025]

First I am so excited because we are now officially in the eighties ..... only 89 days to go

Since yesterday marked our 90 day point I stayed up until midnight to book our Palo and excursion reservations. That of course brought about some changes ....

Once we board the ship we will, of course, enjoy lunch and the Adventure's Away party. Oh, and let's not forget that drink of the day However, the early evening will have us enjoying some spa time

We will be checking in in the early evening and then are off to enjoy 50 minutes of bliss with the Exotic Rasul

I've heard a lot about it on the Dis and am quite looking forward to this little adventure. I'm not a girl that's afraid of a little mud and getting messy; plus I love steam rooms and trying tons of spa products. So if you top that off with being "trapped" with my husband for almost an hour, I think that equals a small piece of heaven

I was originally trying to book our spa time on our sea day, but there just weren't any time slots that seemed appealing to us. Plus, we are now calling departure night our super, duper date night and this ties in perfectly with that The only (minor) downside is that our Rasul ends right before the early show and we will be eating dinner during the late show. I'm guessing that since it's a 5 night cruise that the first night's show will be a variety show Although it would be fun to catch this I am not going to stress myself out trying to rush to get to it. As long as we catch the "main" shows I am more than satisfied.

Following our spa time we will catch the show if time allows. If not we will go back to the room and spend extra time getting ready for dinner which will be at

I really, really wanted to make reservations here for our first night because that's what we did on our first cruise. I'm going to make it a cruise tradition from now on!

The plan is to follow up dinner with a late night stroll on the ship ......

 

[DisneyCruiser83]

YES, I really hope to write up a trip report with TONS of photos.
Your plans sound great, I love big date nights like that. I am not sure if you will make the show, but my guess is that it will be a variety show...not mjch to miss.
It's great your plans are coming together!

 

[tinkmom2]

My impression of the spa when I first saw it was that it really is smaller than it looks on the pics I've seen lol! On our last cruise I booked an appointment to get a polish change and was able to do that but missed out on my rainforest room time. We had the kids in their programs and promised them that we'd go to the pool. On the Dream though I am planning on some spa time for sure and brunch at Palos!
I am excited for you!

 

[Jennifer48]

If I remember correctly, the first stage show is usually a variety so you won't be missing one of the "big" shows. I can't wait to hear about the Rasul!

 

[ariel1025]

YES, I really hope to write up a trip report with TONS of photos.
Your plans sound great, I love big date nights like that. I am not sure if you will make the show, but my guess is that it will be a variety show...not mjch to miss.
It's great your plans are coming together!

I can't wait to read your trip report!!!!

My impression of the spa when I first saw it was that it really is smaller than it looks on the pics I've seen lol! On our last cruise I booked an appointment to get a polish change and was able to do that but missed out on my rainforest room time. We had the kids in their programs and promised them that we'd go to the pool. On the Dream though I am planning on some spa time for sure and brunch at Palos!
I am excited for you!

I've never been to a spa before, so I won't have anything to compare it to, but I'm super excited. Too bad about missing out on the rainforest time, but I'm sure you're kids loved ya for it

If I remember correctly, the first stage show is usually a variety so you won't be missing one of the "big" shows. I can't wait to hear about the Rasul!

I'm hoping it's the variety show, that's what everyone keeps saying!

 

[ariel1025]

Happy Saturday Everyone! I don't know about you, but this weekend is more than needed It's been a long, long week and I am so glad to have some time to kick back and relax!

I just have to say, I'm so sorry that I haven't been around lately. But, I'm so excited to tell you about all the awesome changes and life events that have occurred.

Unfortunately, I don't have time to tell you all about them tonight. I have a super cute Hubby and a super yummy green chili cheeseburger calling my name

However, I want to give you a little tease about things to come .....

Where am I headed and why am I so excited?????

 

[ariel1025]

Good Afternoon Everybody

I don't even know where to begin - there has been so much going on lately!

Work has been absolutely hectic - we are in the process of opening 3 new stores by May 1 Sounds like fun right? Well, I am in charge of hiring and need to get a total of 65 people hired .... by May 1 Have I mentioned that this vacation will be a much needed one!!!!

I am also working on planning my sister's bridal shower It isn't actually until September, but there will be a ton of people there and I want it to be perfect!!

My Sister and her Fiance


It is going to be an Alice in Wonderland theme which is definitely right up my alley. Here is what I have planned so far

The basic of the invitation; I wish I could take credit for designing it, but it was actually purchased from somebody on Etsy. I am still working out the wording ...

Main portion of the centerpieces. There will also be some other items on the table. I am in the process of finding inexpensive vintage pocket watches ...

I am going to make tags similar to these for the drinks and some of the edible items ....

Not sure how to incorporate him yet, but he was too cute to pass up

The overall colors are navy blue, baby blue with accents of red. The gift table is going to a white rabbit themed table and the food table is going to be a mad hatter themed tea party table. I am also on the hunt for a mad hatter cake that can be purchased where the shower is taking place.



On the vacation front we have gotten a few things accomplished as well ...

We were in desperate need of a new suitcase - we've had our set for several years and while the carry ons are in good shape the checked pieces are hanging on by a thread - literally So, while looking through Overstock (one of my favorite websites) I found this little beauty

On sale for $43.99 with a free shipping discount code. Can we say SCORE

We also booked our hotel for after the cruise .... I was lucky enough to receive a PIN code for 40% off deluxe hotels. Because of this we are so thrilled that we will be staying at a hotel we never, ever thought we could afford to stay at ...........

Yep, the Grand Floridian!! You guys have no idea how super excited we are about this. We visited the Grand on our trip last year and absolutely fell in love with it. However, you can't stay there on DVC points and it is just WAY out of our price range to pay in cash. However, when I got the PIN code I called and it fell within our price range.

We have a Garden View room which I think is in this section The super awesome CM, Lincoln, on the phone first quoted me on a theme park view room, but it was still too expensive. Although it would be nice, I am just thrilled to be staying at the Grand. I can't wait to walk into the beautiful lobby and call it home for the night

Well,that's all I have time for right now ..... here's another hint about why I went missing temporarily ....

 

[Time4disney]

Hey there! I just found this thread today and I have to say I enjoyed reading every bit of your report. My husband and I will also be on the May 30th cruise and we just can't wait! I have a feeling that we were on your honeymoon cruise in 2008.......4 night Douple Dip on May 31.........that was our first Disney cruise and the weather was perfect..........I have a similar sunset picture that you posted!! The cruise director on that cruise was Clayton and he was the best!! I still remember his happy dance..........

I am sure you will enjoy every second of this cruise. We will be staying at VWL for 4 nights after the cruise. It's a good way to work off the extra pounds. Have you joined our cruise meets thread? I am looking forward to reading more of your pre-trip reports.

 

[Jennifer48]

How great about the GF! You are going to love it.

Hmmm....did you go to Vegas?!

 

[ariel1025]

Hey there! I just found this thread today and I have to say I enjoyed reading every bit of your report. My husband and I will also be on the May 30th cruise and we just can't wait! I have a feeling that we were on your honeymoon cruise in 2008.......4 night Douple Dip on May 31.........that was our first Disney cruise and the weather was perfect..........I have a similar sunset picture that you posted!! The cruise director on that cruise was Clayton and he was the best!! I still remember his happy dance..........

I am sure you will enjoy every second of this cruise. We will be staying at VWL for 4 nights after the cruise. It's a good way to work off the extra pounds. Have you joined our cruise meets thread? I am looking forward to reading more of your pre-trip reports.

Hello Yep, you were on our honeymoon cruise ... I absolutely adored Clayton! I agree that the weather was perfect, I'm crossing my fingers for such luck the second time around

I have joined the cruise meets thread, but I have to be honest, I am really bad about remembering to go chat over there

Hope to meet you on the cruise .... 61 days and counting

How great about the GF! You are going to love it.

Hmmm....did you go to Vegas?!

Thank you - we are beyond excited about GF ... this is probably the one thing that will keep us from being completely bummed about the cruise ending

Hmmmm.... we shall see, we shall see .....

 

[ariel1025]

Well, I don't have anymore updates on the cruise, but I thought I would post a mini trip report about our little getaway

If ya'll remember, Candi is a major sports fanatic ... most importantly, a MAJOR MAJOR New Mexico Lobos Basketball fan. For anybody who isn't aware they had a really good season this year. In fact they were #1 in the Mountainwest conference leading into the championship and ranked a 3 seed in the NCAA

Ok,now that you know more than you ever wanted to about the NM Lobos .....

It was a pretty typical Friday at work (we both work at the same place) when I got this fantastic idea in my head. But, like any good planner I got online - during my lunch break of course - to see if I could make it happen. I had to get our good friend Erin on board and then it was all smooth sailing from there. I got permission for both of us to leave early, and convinced Candi we should take advantage of such a nice offer, then proceeded to sit in the car (almost) the whole way home with a goofy grin on my face. Finally, when we were around the corner from the house I said "you better go home and pack fast because we are going to Las Vegas for the conference tournament"

I swear this is a real happy face

Oh, and as a sidenote, yes I am a big 'ol dork that keeps a point and shoot camera in my purse at all times But, hey, it allows me to capture moments like this

We got home and packed as fast as we could, while still double-checking to ensure we weren't forgetting anything. A quick change to put on our Lobo shirts for luck and we were out the door to pick up Erin. She was ready to go when we arrived and then we were on our way ....

Ok, not on our way as much as making a pit-stop for gas and food, so by the time we actually hit the road it was already getting late for a road trip

We still had an 8 hour drive ahead of us

I also need to stop here and mention that the Lobos had won round one against Air Force, but still had to win that night's game against SDSU to ensure that they would be playing in the championship the next day. We, of course, turned on the radio and spent the next few hours cheering our Lobos to victory ............. or did we???????????

 

[ariel1025]

When I last left you we were cheering on the Lobos and honking at all the cars we passed along the way who had their windows painted for the Lobos. It was such a good time and an amazingly close game. Unfortunately, it was not in our teams favor and we lost the game by 3 points

This messed with my plans quite a bit, since the whole point was to go to Vegas to watch them play. However, how can you be bummed when you have a weekend in Vegas to look forward to? In the words of Candi, "It's not Disney but it's still a distraction!"

After the game ended we listened to our very favorite satellite radio station - 90's on 9 and all got very into singing along to some old time favorites and reliving their dance moves. Come on, we aren't the only ones who bust it out to N'Sync while driving at one in the morning

We had been on the road for over 6 hours and Candi was determined to make it the whole way to Vegas

However, he just couldn't make it any longer, no matter how much he willed himself, his eyes just weren't cooperating with what his mind wanted. We pulled over to fill up for gas and Erin took over driving. I would have been more than willing to help out with the driving, but I am night blind and, well, we all wanted to actually make it to our hotel

With Erin in the driver's seat and Candi snoring in the back, we decided to shut off the radio and play stupid car games. Since there weren't many people on the road and not much to see outside we played 20 questions. I learned on that day that if Erin could have lunch with anybody in the world - past, present or future that it would be Abraham Lincoln

After three rounds of 20 questions I saw one of the happiest sights in the whole wide world

Nope it wasn't the Vegas lights .... nope, we didn't drive too far and end up in Disneyland It was........

Yep, that's right at 4:00 in the morning I was ecstatic to finally get to see the Hoover Dam Now, you have to understands, that one of my life goals is to see a whole list of major landmarks, national parks etc and this was one I could officially cross of my list!

We are offically entering Nevada time!

Ok, now with that excitement out of the way, it was on to Vegas Baby!

The time actually flew by pretty quickly and before long we caught our first sights of the Vegas lights

We were staying at the Planet Hollywood Casino & Hotel, which Erin had stayed at several times so we didn't have any problems finding our way to the correct parking garage.

I forgot to take a picture of the time we arrived, but I can assure you that it was after 5:00 AM!!! We were all completely pooped and on an energy high all at the same time

Now, the tough question ... hit the beds or hit the slots???????

 

[Jennifer48]

I was right! Vegas baby!

Too bad your team didn't win though. I'm sure that would have really made Candi's day!

I'm loving this TR within a PTR

Hmm...my guess is that you hit the slots!

 

[ariel1025]

I was right! Vegas baby!

Too bad your team didn't win though. I'm sure that would have really made Candi's day!

I'm loving this TR within a PTR

Hmm...my guess is that you hit the slots!

Yeah, he was pretty bummed that his team lost, but the team that beat us went on to do really well. And, as hard as it is to admit, they deserved the win

Hmmmm....we shall see if you were right on my next update