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

[pas130]

Thanks Amanda. I am pretty sure she will make the 42 - she is almost there (at almost 6 years old ). Since she doesn't know we are cruising, she is totally focused on reaching the cut-off for Expedition Everest. That is somewhat less likely.......

(BTW, I do realize that 42 inches means that I have to do it too. And, yes, I am totally choosing to block that out right now. )

Willow is petite (but a powerhouse) like my Bree..Bree (at 5 1/2) JUST hit 40 inches..dying to go on the Mountains (including EE) I just realized Space Mountain is 42 inches...poor Princess...I want her to stay itty bitty, but she WANTS SO BADLY to do the big rides

Thanks! We're very blessed to have an awesome family Hopefully the little ones will feel the same one day.




Great.....6 more years of food on the floor, stained clothes....people staring

It could be more than 6 years....I don't see DS11's eating getting any less messy...

And I agree, family is everything, I pray our kiddos stay tight when they get older...

 

[Sue M]

Wow that spa looks amazing. I went up to Whistler this summer on a girls weekend and we booked a morning at The Swedish Spa. Similar, we walked in and got handed robe, locker key, & towels. After our massages you go outside to a beautiful landscaped area with hot pools, cold pools, saunas and steam rooms.

Loved the dinner pics! What a beautiful restaurant. Jesse food faces too funny.

I noticed no more Minnie Ears or doll for Faith? That doll was glued to her in wdw.

I booked YC for August 12 nights (so far) may add another night, we'll see.

 

[amandaw]

Thanks Amanda. I am pretty sure she will make the 42 - she is almost there (at almost 6 years old ). Since she doesn't know we are cruising, she is totally focused on reaching the cut-off for Expedition Everest. That is somewhat less likely.......

(BTW, I do realize that 42 inches means that I have to do it too. And, yes, I am totally choosing to block that out right now. )

I didn't realize she wasn't at 42" yet! She must be close in height to Reid - he's 41". But, he's a big boy - he's always been in the upper percentile for weight & height ever since he was born.

Yes ma'am, you will indeed be riding the AquaDuck! And probably more than once.

Willow is petite (but a powerhouse) like my Bree..Bree (at 5 1/2) JUST hit 40 inches..dying to go on the Mountains (including EE) I just realized Space Mountain is 42 inches...poor Princess...I want her to stay itty bitty, but she WANTS SO BADLY to do the big rides

Awww....poor Bree! I don't think she'll be doing Space on that upcoming trip. But, she'll be able to do BTMRR & Splash!

Erin (DisneyDoc) is boarding the Fantasy today! She'll have lots of info for you when she returns...she's a travel agent, too, so I'm sure she's taking lots of notes This is their first Disney cruise. I am totally like you....very comfortable with WDW plans, but completely out of my element with the cruise thing. As you know, there's so much to do on those ships. You can't possibly see it all. Are yall going to have connecting rooms? I'm guessing yall will be flying and not driving? Are you flying in the day before??

We don't have connecting rooms. They booked a few rooms after us and there were no more cabins in our category left. We're on deck 7 & they are deck 5. The good thing is that our cabins are on the same side of the ship & in the same general area. So, it should be just a short jump away from each other.

We are looking to fly for the cruise. Driving really wasn't bad and I would definitely drive to Disney again. We used our car a lot. But, for the cruise, we obviously just won't need it. But, airfare is insane lately from here. So, if I can't get a price within our budget, we will be driving!

That's so exciting that Erin is getting on the Fantasy today!! I can't wait to hear what she says about it. I hope she does a TR!

 

[hstrickland]

It could be more than 6 years....I don't see DS11's eating getting any less messy...

Nice....so we're looking at another 10 years of this....

And I agree, family is everything, I pray our kiddos stay tight when they get older...

Kinda nice having a big family.

Wow that spa looks amazing. I went up to Whistler this summer on a girls weekend and we booked a morning at The Swedish Spa. Similar, we walked in and got handed robe, locker key, & towels. After our massages you go outside to a beautiful landscaped area with hot pools, cold pools, saunas and steam rooms.

That sounds wonderful!!! I'm all about a spa....not that I get there often, but if the opportunity arrises, we're there! All vacations should include a massage

Loved the dinner pics! What a beautiful restaurant. Jesse food faces too funny.

I noticed no more Minnie Ears or doll for Faith? That doll was glued to her in wdw.

You're right...no doll! I told Faith that Sophia WAS NOT under any circumstances going to the Kid's Club, etc.....too much to keep up with. We came to an agreement that Sophia would have a much better time and be much safer in the room Thank goodness she agreed.

I booked YC for August 12 nights (so far) may add another night, we'll see.

I'm guessing you'll add another night or two when the time gets closer So AKL is out of your system now?? Trying other things? Us, too.

We don't have connecting rooms. They booked a few rooms after us and there were no more cabins in our category left. We're on deck 7 & they are deck 5. The good thing is that our cabins are on the same side of the ship & in the same general area. So, it should be just a short jump away from each other.

We were on Deck 7, too, more towards the aft....loved the location because it was an elevator ride away from Cabanas. Erin's family is on Deck 7, also but opposite side of what we were....I think....

We are looking to fly for the cruise. Driving really wasn't bad and I would definitely drive to Disney again. We used our car a lot. But, for the cruise, we obviously just won't need it. But, airfare is insane lately from here. So, if I can't get a price within our budget, we will be driving!

Flying would be lots easier, especially since you won't be needing a car. Take this advice for what it's worth...fly in a day early. Ya never know what might happen. Of course lots of people fly in the day of the cruise, but that would make me super nervous.

That's so exciting that Erin is getting on the Fantasy today!! I can't wait to hear what she says about it. I hope she does a TR!

Yep...they had a beautiful day to set sail! Very exciting! I'm hoping she'll do one, too...TR that is. Maybe we can twist her arm

 

[emma212010]

Jesse's airplane face!!!! How cute!

Wow, Enchanted Gardens looks beautiful! That food looks yummy too!

Great pictures of you all! Faith is beautiful with or without food on her face!! Jesse is too cute with his Mickey Bar all over his face. They are pretty difficult to eat, ya know!

Minnie is so pretty in that dress!

 

[hstrickland]

Day 7
A Day in Port….Nassau​

Surprising as this may be, we were up early. I know…it’s vacation, but I can’t help it. I always think I’m going to miss something. Pulling into port is always interesting to me, so I was ready to go before we even hit Nassau.

As you can tell, the weather isn’t what I would call ideal, but no worries….I had no intention of getting off the ship. Nassau….been there, done that….

It honestly was very cool to watch this boat come in…then some guy jump off onto the boat…then pull into port.

Once again…another reason we loved having this balcony…..

You may or may not find this fascinating, but they can turn a big ship like the Dream on a dime….completely around!

And there’s the Atlantis in the distance…

After we docked and half the ship disembarked, we had a little breakfast with a view….

Bill and I were going to take advantage of a fairly empty ship and explore….but not before letting the kids have their play time in the pool. Stephen was already in the Tweens Club…couldn’t keep him out!


If you want to know what the pool really looks like….get up with the chickens….

If you don’t mind crowded, wait until 10ish….actually the pool wasn’t crowded at all while in Nassau. But the day we were at sea….WOW!!!!

Even though this is for smaller kids, Faith and Jesse spent a fair amount of time in here….go figure. They basically went from Nemo’s Reef, to the pool, to the slide….a continual rotation. Lucky for me, I had a great lounge chair in between all the madness.

This is a super cool area, however during the middle of the day it’s CRAZY!!! Be warned!!

There was this little slide ( I thought Faith would have turned her nose up at it) however, she LOVED the thing. Basically, when she slid down, it was super-fast and would send her flying across the entire floor.

Jesse spent a good part of his morning getting in and out of the pool….my eyes were going crossed!!

He must have done the slide 15 times….over, and over, and over, and over again.

Now that the kids are good and tired….it’s time for them to head to the Oceaneer’s Club…and time for us to do a little adult exploring!!


Up next….the others explore Nassau on a glass bottom boat!




​

 

[Ciciwoowoo]

Joining in... Love your trip report so far!

 

[WDWaddictt]

That's so cool...next time we go I would like to just stay on the boat. When we went we took the kids to swim with the dolphins, which they enjoyed, but it would be cool to stay on the boat and miss some of the crowds.

 

[hstrickland]

Jesse's airplane face!!!! How cute!

Wow, Enchanted Gardens looks beautiful! That food looks yummy too!

Great pictures of you all! Faith is beautiful with or without food on her face!! Jesse is too cute with his Mickey Bar all over his face. They are pretty difficult to eat, ya know!

Minnie is so pretty in that dress!

We were posting at the same time last night....totally missed ya. Yep...Jesse's face was interesting. Not sure exactly what the Cast Members were trying to paint Faith and Jesse both agreed that it was an airplane...who knows?!

Joining in... Love your trip report so far!

Hi there! Glad to have you jump aboard!

That's so cool...next time we go I would like to just stay on the boat. When we went we took the kids to swim with the dolphins, which they enjoyed, but it would be cool to stay on the boat and miss some of the crowds.

I bet the dolphine experience was totally worth it! The last time we went to Nassau, we did go over to the Atlantis and took a little boat tour, did the straw market....and it was fun. But...that was enough for us. Just wanted to basically do nothing this trip ...relax...eat...relax some more. And the kids were perfectly fine with the kid's club....thank goodness

 

[amandaw]

I don't blame you one bit for staying on the ship in Nassau. That's what we had done too & I felt it was time well spent. Can't wait to see your pictures from y'alls ship exploration time!

We were on Deck 7, too, more towards the aft....loved the location because it was an elevator ride away from Cabanas. Erin's family is on Deck 7, also but opposite side of what we were....I think....

I think Deck 7 is going to be a good location. We're mid-ship but closer to the forward section. My aunt & uncle are in the same general location, just on Deck 5. So, it should be easy to meet up & such.

Flying would be lots easier, especially since you won't be needing a car. Take this advice for what it's worth...fly in a day early. Ya never know what might happen. Of course lots of people fly in the day of the cruise, but that would make me super nervous.

Yeah, I think we're going to fly in on the Friday. My aunt & uncle have already booked their airfare & are going in on that day. I'm like you - I would be beyond nervous flying in that Saturday.

Yep...they had a beautiful day to set sail! Very exciting! I'm hoping she'll do one, too...TR that is. Maybe we can twist her arm

Yes! I'll help you beg, plead & twist to get her to do one!

 

[Sweetpeamd]

WHAT??!! Are you kidding me?! Another trip! Didn't you just go?? Or maybe I'm confusing you with someone else??? I'm green with envy. You could always stop by on your way down and pick me up I totally know what you mean about commando....when we're doing the parks, we're up at the crack of dawn! Rope drop or die!! Crazy isn't it?! I'm guessing you're at BLT??

We were there for Spring Break. We're trying to get another trip in to make our AP's worth it!! We won't be able to go for Spring Break this year b/c our break is the week before Easter. Even we are not brave enough to visit the world during Easter week!

Our kids have Fall Break next week, we try to visit every year for that break. It is such a nice time of year to visit: F&W, great weather, fairly low crowds. I'm getting excited to go just talking about it, if only I didn't have so much packing ahead of me! Aren't you in Savannah? We could totally grab you on the way!!! Yes, we are staying at BLT. We are actually staying at VWL the first night (no availability at BLT that nt) and I'm looking forward to it. We have wanted to try VWL for a long time. We usually hang out at the resort and pool the first day so the kids are super thrilled about swimming at the beautiful WL pool and seeing the geyser.

 

[Sue M]

N









You're right...no doll! I told Faith that Sophia WAS NOT under any circumstances going to the Kid's Club, etc.....too much to keep up with. We came to an agreement that Sophia would have a much better time and be much safer in the room Thank goodness she agreed.



I'm guessing you'll add another night or two when the time gets closer So AKL is out of your system now?? Trying other things? Us, too.



:

Well, that was our 2nd time staying at AKL. We enjoy trying new resorts, and also going back to old favs. We loved BC, so looking forward to trying YC to compare.

 

[hstrickland]

We were there for Spring Break. We're trying to get another trip in to make our AP's worth it!! We won't be able to go for Spring Break this year b/c our break is the week before Easter. Even we are not brave enough to visit the world during Easter week!

Me either!! Our Spring Break last year was great becaue it fell in April way after Easter. We went to the beach for a week....just perfect. Not this year, though. It's like yalls

Our kids have Fall Break next week, we try to visit every year for that break. It is such a nice time of year to visit: F&W, great weather, fairly low crowds. I'm getting excited to go just talking about it, if only I didn't have so much packing ahead of me! Aren't you in Savannah? We could totally grab you on the way!!! Yes, we are staying at BLT. We are actually staying at VWL the first night (no availability at BLT that nt) and I'm looking forward to it. We have wanted to try VWL for a long time. We usually hang out at the resort and pool the first day so the kids are super thrilled about swimming at the beautiful WL pool and seeing the geyser.

Yep...in Savannah area! So wish I was going to the World!!! We had Fall Break this past week...back to school tomorrow. The weather is usually nice this time of year, you're right. Several of our friends went down this past week and they said it was great! Maybe the crowds will be low for yall. Enjoy WL...it's Bill's favorite. He loves the atmospher...I'm more of a CR fan.

Happy packing and safe travels to yall! Look forward to hearing about your trip when you return

Well, that was our 2nd time staying at AKL. We enjoy trying new resorts, and also going back to old favs. We loved BC, so looking forward to trying YC to compare.

I've never stayed at BC or YC, however we've been over there numerous times...and it always seems like the BC lobby is crazy with kids....YC, not so much. Who knows?! Maybe it's just my imagination

 

[jennyjinx3]

Ok Heather you are making me lean towards staying on the ship too in Nassau. It does look like a great time to enjoy a less crowded ship.

 

[pas130]

Awww....poor Bree! I don't think she'll be doing Space on that upcoming trip. But, she'll be able to do BTMRR & Splash!

Bree will LOVE BTMRR!!!

Nice....so we're looking at another 10 years of this....


Kinda nice having a big family.

Yep at least 10 years...after dinner I chase him around with a baby wipe...it's kinda funny being he is almost my height....boys never really grow up do they

And I LOVE my big family!!!

I don't blame you one bit for staying on the ship in Nassau. That's what we had done too & I felt it was time well spent. Can't wait to see your pictures from y'alls ship exploration time!

Having the pool slide and the Nemo water area to yourself!!! I would've stayed onboard as well

 

[Sue M]

I've never stayed at BC or YC, however we've been over there numerous times...and it always seems like the BC lobby is crazy with kids....YC, not so much. Who knows?! Maybe it's just my imagination

No, not your imagination, I think it's because of Cape May character breakfast, and it's also very popular with families for dinner too.

I find GF and Poly lobbies very busy too, prob because they have popular restaurants as well.

 

[Sue M]

Fall break? Guess that's cause you go start soooooo early Next break for us is 4 days for Remembrance Day, then it's the long haul till Christmas Break

 

[AvasMommy526]

We just got back from a week on Paradise Island! So I'm getting all caught up!
That spa is heavenly and definitely something I would love to do with the hubby (or myself whichever )
Enchanted Gardens looks beautiful, I love the light fixtures and I love cruise food and how they bring whatever you want and however much you want
I agree about Nassau, we stopped on our cruise and we went for a few hours this trip but just to haggle a bit in the straw market and indulge at Señor Frogs lol! Paradise Island and Atlantis and the Marina on the other hand....a big yes from me!
Can't wait for more updates!!

 

[hstrickland]

Ok Heather you are making me lean towards staying on the ship too in Nassau. It does look like a great time to enjoy a less crowded ship.

It was a great time (the empty ship)...however, there are things to do in Nassau. If you've never been, ya might want to look around just to be able to say "been there, done that"

No, not your imagination, I think it's because of Cape May character breakfast, and it's also very popular with families for dinner too.

I find GF and Poly lobbies very busy too, prob because they have popular restaurants as well.

Didn't think of that...forgot about Cape May. And you're right...the Poly can get quite busy...crazy in fact. Guess I just tend to overlook that since I'm such a Poly fan

Fall break? Guess that's cause you go start soooooo early Next break for us is 4 days for Remembrance Day, then it's the long haul till Christmas Break

Fall Break...then a week at Thanksgiving...then 2 weeks at Christmas. Kinda silly, isn't it?! Some people love it though.....

We just got back from a week on Paradise Island! So I'm getting all caught up!
That spa is heavenly and definitely something I would love to do with the hubby (or myself whichever )
Enchanted Gardens looks beautiful, I love the light fixtures and I love cruise food and how they bring whatever you want and however much you want
I agree about Nassau, we stopped on our cruise and we went for a few hours this trip but just to haggle a bit in the straw market and indulge at Señor Frogs lol! Paradise Island and Atlantis and the Marina on the other hand....a big yes from me!
Can't wait for more updates!!

Hope your week was relaxing and non-eventful!! Did yall have a great time? Any pictures???

 

[Sue M]

Fall Break...then a week at Thanksgiving...then 2 weeks at Christmas. Kinda silly, isn't it?! Some people love

I would love it!! But not the going back in August part we get 2 weeks Christmas too, and 2 weeks spring break.