3 Families doin' a Surf & Turf Trip! AKL CL & Dream...Good-Byes

[padawans]

We are late dining. We are late eaters. 5pm for us is cocktail and swim time when we're on vacation.

As far as the discount goes it was kind of suprising. DCL rarely offers Airline employees, travel agent or Cm(according to cm I spoke to) discounts. I guess September was not selling well because DCL discounted all the cruises in September for Airline employees. I couldn't pass it up. The discount was closer to 60-70%. Incredibly unbelievable. 1100 dollars for the four of us. I think I will be taking a Disney cruise every September for the rest of my life if this trend continues. Flights are super empty too. I'm starting to wonder why we always go in May when the flights are oversold(not good when your flying standby) and the prices are higher.

 

[Lisa29]

Not silly at all, decorating the doors. I would want to go along checking all the doors out and reading what was on them! I think they looked great.

I checked with my Mum and she did know what they were but I don't think they are doing any.

 

[hstrickland]

We are late dining. We are late eaters. 5pm for us is cocktail and swim time when we're on vacation.

Us, too! The late dining worked really well, even with a 5 & 6 year old.

As far as the discount goes it was kind of suprising. DCL rarely offers Airline employees, travel agent or Cm(according to cm I spoke to) discounts. I guess September was not selling well because DCL discounted all the cruises in September for Airline employees. I couldn't pass it up. The discount was closer to 60-70%. Incredibly unbelievable. 1100 dollars for the four of us. I think I will be taking a Disney cruise every September for the rest of my life if this trend continues. Flights are super empty too. I'm starting to wonder why we always go in May when the flights are oversold(not good when your flying standby) and the prices are higher.

Good grief!!! Unbelievable!!! Makes me wish I was still flying! Wow! I had no idea they gave discounts like that to airline employees. I was a flight attendant with Delta for 5 years...then had kids I remember many times sitting standby....can be nerve racking when the flights are oversold. Years ago, Bill and I got stuck in Japan when American went on strike. Crazy! Flying for free is certainly nice. Don't blame you a bit for snatching up that kind of deal...$1100!!!! Unheard of. Yall enjoy!!!!

Not silly at all, decorating the doors. I would want to go along checking all the doors out and reading what was on them! I think they looked great.

I checked with my Mum and she did know what they were but I don't think they are doing any.

When you actually think about putting Mickey Mouse all over your door, it does sound a bit ridiculous especially to those who are not Disney Fans!

 

[RGirl]

Great update, Heather. I really liked your verandah sail-away party! I think that would be a great alternative if it looked like the party was going to be super-crowded.

I'm excited to hear about the show and dinner. Did you have early or late dining?

 

[hstrickland]

Great update, Heather. I really liked your verandah sail-away party! I think that would be a great alternative if it looked like the party was going to be super-crowded.

I'm excited to hear about the show and dinner. Did you have early or late dining?

We did late dining...didn't want to be rushed to get to dinner. Worked out surprisingly well with small children....for the most part

 

[hstrickland]

Day 5
Villains Tonight​

We decided early in our planning that we would try the late dining rotation. Our family LOVES to eat, so we didn’t want to be rushed out of the dining rooms OR have to rush to dinner if we were in the middle of enjoying the pool.


The featured performance for the evening was Villains Tonight! I heard good and bad things about it. Of course we were going to check it out for ourselves….On our way, we had to stop and admire the beautiful atrium area of the Dream!

The stage show would take place in….

Just a few quick facts…


*Approximately 50 minutes long

*Comedic revue-style live show

*Plays at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

*Decks 3 & 4


Disney villains starring in the show:

*Ursula from The Little Mermaid (she was AWESOME!!)

*Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmatians

*The Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

*Captain Hook from Peter Pan

*Scar from The Lion King

*Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog

Since we like to arrive ridiculously early everywhere we go, getting to the show was no different. Immediately, I started snapping pictures….surprised, aren’t you??

Notice that the theatre isn’t full at all…..why??? Like I said, we were early…..wanted to get a really good seat. By the time the show started, it was nearly full.


This man to the right of the picture cracks me up ….I’m sure my camera had become quite annoying to him…..click, click, click…snap, snap, snap. He was probably ready to yell “STOP!”

I’m assuming they’re doing a self-portrait….

The theatre is getting full….time for the show!!

The host of the show is Hades….and he’s quite funny! The kids didn’t get some of the humor, but we adults certainly did.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and so glad we went. Now it wasn’t my favorite of the week, but still good. My kids thought it was wonderful, and marveled at all the villains. Definitely worth seeing if you’re a first time Disney cruiser.


After the show, we had plenty of time to roam around the ship….dinner wasn’t until 8:30. On our way out, we literally ran into Goofy! Not sure where he was going…

Yes….I know…it’s just an elevator. But aren’t they gorgeous?! I just kept marveling at the fact of how crisp and clean everything was kept.

We decided to head to the cabin to freshen up and relax out on the verandah. Even though the skies were gray, the ocean was rather calm. No tossing and turning….thank goodness!!

Time for Animator’s Palate!!! I’m starved!!!!!! We had to head back down to Deck 3 in the aft. While waiting to go in, we were by a great photo spot….

As we moved down the long hallway, the kids became more restless….and lots more silly!

I never did get a really good picture of my children….sensory overload for them!!! If it wasn't one being silly, it was another....so I gave up!

Up next…..Animator’s Palate!




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[WDWaddictt]

We loved Villians tonight, very funny.

The Dream is beautiful and very well kept.

How did you like Animator's Palate? We enjoyed it, but not our fav from the trip. We celebrated my son's 6th birthday supper there though and they brought him out a special dessert and sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Pixie dust

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Just taking a break from and I find a wonderful update! I think the villains show looks great - can't wait!

I appreciate all the pics - even the elevators!

Well, back at it!

 

[hstrickland]

We loved Villians tonight, very funny.

The Dream is beautiful and very well kept.

How did you like Animator's Palate? We enjoyed it, but not our fav from the trip. We celebrated my son's 6th birthday supper there though and they brought him out a special dessert and sang "Happy Birthday" to him. Pixie dust

The lady who played Ursula was absolutely fabulous!! And had a wonderful voice. I thoroughly enjoyed the show...and would see it again!

We liked Animator's Palate, especially our location. We were right in front of one of the TV screens. Crush came out and actually spoke directly to me...lots of fun! As far as the food, it was good. We all agree, though, that the signature restaurants at WDW are better. But, we still really enjoyed it.

Just taking a break from and I find a wonderful update! I think the villains show looks great - can't wait!

I appreciate all the pics - even the elevators!

Well, back at it!

Painting!!! When you're finished with your bathroom, come to GA and paint my kitchen and dining room....it's in desperate need!

And don't miss Villains...or the Golden Mickeys!!! We missed GMs and I soooooo regret it!!!

 

[DisneyDoc5]

When you're finished with your bathroom, come to GA and paint my kitchen and dining room....it's in desperate need!

buy me a plane ticket and I'm there! Payment in wine, peach cobbler, and girl time! Maybe I will just drive my Ferrari suburban!

 

[amandaw]

Glad y'all liked Villains Tonight....I loved that show!

Love the photos in the porthole windows outside of Animator's.....those are great!

I'm very interested to see how the late dining worked out for y'all. Since we moved our 2013 cruise back a couple of weeks, we couldn't get the early dining. We have late dining but are wait listed for early.

 

[hstrickland]

buy me a plane ticket and I'm there! Payment in wine, peach cobbler, and girl time! Maybe I will just drive my Ferrari suburban!

Drop the kids off at school in the morning, then hit the road Brett can watch them for a few days!

Glad y'all liked Villains Tonight....I loved that show!

Love the photos in the porthole windows outside of Animator's.....those are great!

I'm very interested to see how the late dining worked out for y'all. Since we moved our 2013 cruise back a couple of weeks, we couldn't get the early dining. We have late dining but are wait listed for early.

My kids are use to eating late. It's unusual that we eat before 7pm, so there really weren't any issues with being 'hungry' before our dining time. Or maybe that's because we were always snacking And for the most part, they didn't seem too cranky or tired. When we do another cruise, I'm sure we'll do the late dining.

 

[DisneyDoc5]

Brett can watch them for a few days!

This takes weeks of preparation and coaching, not to mention a detailed list of instructions. I guess the painting at your house will have to wait!

 

[princess_momma]

Your pictures make me so excited!! Thank you for all the details, I'm sure if that guy in the theater knew how helpful you are, he wouldn't have minded all the camera clicking at all!

Disney is the best with how clean and pristine they keep the ships! LOVE IT!

 

[pas130]

Just catching up Heather...didn't forget about ya...promise

 

[RGirl]

We did late dining...didn't want to be rushed to get to dinner. Worked out surprisingly well with small children....for the most part

Wow - I'm not sure that we could handle the late dining - I just don't think DD could do it. I wonder if we would be better at seeing the shows though if we had the late dining. Hmmmmmm

Loved the update. The show sounded great, and the pictures were wonderful. I just loved the one of the atrium.

 

[hstrickland]

Your pictures make me so excited!! Thank you for all the details, I'm sure if that guy in the theater knew how helpful you are, he wouldn't have minded all the camera clicking at all!

Disney is the best with how clean and pristine they keep the ships! LOVE IT!

You're very welcome! I know you're excited about planning all the small details for your trips. Wish we had one to plan...or let me rephrase that...a WDW trip that was closer than a year and a half away

Just catching up Heather...didn't forget about ya...promise

One might think that I've forgotten about my own TR!! Another post coming up soon....I hope

Wow - I'm not sure that we could handle the late dining - I just don't think DD could do it. I wonder if we would be better at seeing the shows though if we had the late dining. Hmmmmmm

Loved the update. The show sounded great, and the pictures were wonderful. I just loved the one of the atrium.

Well...the trip is a year or so out, right? So Willow will be a year older. Sometimes that makes a huge difference. Maybe she'll be able to keep her eyes open a bit longer. It was amazing what a year did for Faith.

 

[hstrickland]

Day 5
Animator’s Palate



After enjoying Villain’s Tonight!, we were super hungry!!!!



Just a few quick facts about Animator’s Palate and the dining rotation…..



Location: Deck 3, Aft

Cuisine: Pacific Rim/American

Dress Code: changes nightly. Check the Personal Navigator for more information while onboard. However, you are requested to not wear tank tops, swim wear or shorts for dinner.

Rotational Dining: occurs nightly during your cruise. When you book your cruise, you will be asked to select a dinner and live show time based upon availability. Requests to change these assignments may be made during the booking process or upon boarding the ship. Once onboard, check the dining tickets that can be found in your stateroom for assigned dinner and show seating times, restaurant schedule and table number.

The dining area is like being immersed in an animator’s studio….character sketches, light boxes, paint brushes, colored pencils, computer work stations and other tools of the animation trade. Scenes and characters from popular Disney films adorn the walls—creating a one-of-a-kind experience sure to captivate the entire family.


Notice the animated picture on the screen….within a short while, all of this will change.

Very cool table settings that go perfectly with the theme….

Our table was in the perfect position for viewing the big computer/tv screens! Couldn’t have asked for a better location.

This is our waiter! Awesome!!!! I had a horrible time pronouncing his name, though. I slaughtered his name every time it came out of my mouth...

While we have TONS of food pictures, unfortunately I don’t remember what was what. Between 11 people eating different appetizers, entrées and desserts, my memory has become a bit foggy


We’ll start with appetizers/salads…..

Not sure if this was an appetizer or entrée????

I can say that what I ate was very, very tasty!! No complaints at all. And remember….you can order one of everything if your heart desires…or if your stomach will allow!


Since there was so much going on, the kids did very well during dinner. I was a bit concerned about the children being really sleepy, but no worries! The animated drawings on the screens started coming to life….more entertainment for the kiddos!

The head waiter made our family feel like we were the only family in the dining room! He was very accommodating…especially with our children.

Just thought I would throw in a picture of my wonderful hubby…the one who agrees to all of my Disney Drama!

While we were chatting and enjoying our dinner, Crush decided to make an appearance! It was just like the show at Epcot!....so cool! Crush starting conversing with those in ear shot….and yep…he starts talking directly to me. Stephen thought it was the best!

Not sure how Disney does this….but it’s always fun to see what the characters are going to blurt out.



Main Course

There were not many shrimp in this dish, so mom asked our waiter to bring some more and he did!

The children’s meals were good….or at least I assume they were. Our waiter made the meals kid friendly by giving them a Mickey Mouse….

Once again, more action from the Nemo characters….this time it’s Bruce doing the entertaining.

Continued to next post…..




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[hstrickland]

...continued from previous post (too many pictures)

Even though I was completely stuffed, I had to have dessert!!! It’s my favorite course!!

They wanted Mickey Bars, of course….and notice that they are still smiling, even at 9:45pm!!

Ivy had something different, but not sure what it was. She and Jonah have food allergies….if I’m not mistaken, Stephanie didn’t have any problems with the food. The Disney staff was super accommodating for them

I was a bit disappointed that crème brulee was not on the menu. Well….our very friendly waiter said he could make it happen. He not only brought one for me….he brought THREE!!! How nice was that??!! And yep….every ounce was eaten! Not ashamed to say it!

After dinner, we were all very tired from the long day. It was straight to the stateroom for us!!! Waiting there was our towel animals and the Daily Navigator for the next day.

Good Night!!



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[WDWaddictt]

How awesome...I remember it all now, like it was yesterday after reading that. Makes me wish I can go on another Disney Cruise...oh well, maybe one day.