Day 3 dawned sunny, mildly cool, and on an ocean of glass. It was a stark contrast to the previous day, and we agreed that only Disney magic could make the weather so gorgeous on what could arguably be the most important port of call of any
Disney cruise. Our captain had no doubt rushed us through some pretty rough weather last night to get us to this paradise, so my worries of missing
Castaway Cay were over.
I had spent the second night on the Murphy bed, which was better than my first night on the sofa. Note to self: Request a lot of extra pillows from the start. Up until this point, my cough was being pretty stubborn. It woke me up a few times, but I felt more rested on this day (which was good, for reasons I will explain later). However, I realized that I was still not at 100% and at times, it made an impact on my energy/enthusiasm level despite my iron will to not let it hold me back. It could've been
a lot worse, but it still royally stank to still be somewhat sick during something that I had literally been looking forward to for years. Don't worry, I kept my hands clean at all times and coughed into my elbow, so hopefully no one went home with an unpleasant souvenir.
When I looked out over the verandah, it appeared as if we still weren't moving. Then suddenly we could tell we were moving. Then suddenly we weren't. We never felt
any movement in our room, except for maybe some slight rocking during the rough patches. Room service arrived right on time, and we got prepared for our beach day.
While munching on my chocolate croissant (OMG), I looked out at the verandah and noticed that, seemingly out of literally nowhere, we were alongside some ... rocks? Very small little islands? It was like they just surfaced from the water like whales! Quick, we turned on the bridge view on the TV only to see ... nothing. Just the ocean ahead of us.
Well, once we decided to pop our heads out ... we realized we were already there! Castaway Cay! HOW DID THIS MAGICALLY APPEAR?!
We could tell we were just about docked, but otherwise we didn't feel any indication we were moving at all. Being starboard, we had an excellent view of the island. The giant not-palm tree antenna looks really silly but in an amusing way. My parents were already pleased that we were docking and didn't have to tender like the other cruise lines have to do at their private islands. Being Floridians, beaches are no novelty to us. We don't get very excited over it; nevertheless, we really do enjoy the beach.
Here's where we foreshadow future events! I packed us up for the day. Mom decides to just bring her swim suit and change on the island instead of wearing it under her clothes. It's around 8:30 or so ... maybe a little closer to 9. I applied sunscreen to us all, which was the only time I had to since we spent so little time in the sun on this trip--so much for buying that extra bottle! For the past 2 nights, our servers were insisting we go and see them in the Enchanted Garden for their breakfast buffet. This was our plan for this morning, however, the path we took ended up flowing right into the Royal Palace. Here, you order breakfast from a menu. We were seated immediately, and a waiter whisked a plate away from me when he saw a chip in the gold inlay! He apologized about the dishwashers, and replaced it with a fresh and unblemished plate! How super fancy--we almost had better service for breakfast there ... everything we have ever experienced in dining rooms on cruises was present right away: napkin placement, immediate service, cleanliness, etc.
The breakfasts on the menu were pretty big. They had healthy options, and I ended up getting what I thought would be some sort of yogurt parfait but it was more like a smoothie. It was an interesting mix of both textures. Also, at this point, it was imperative that I get to enjoy my favorite--and so far, lacking on this trip--Mickey waffles. My stomach can't handle a lot of rich, heavy foods early in the morning. The best way to get my Mickey waffle fix was apparently by ordering off of the children's menu. I can't recall right now if it came with any sides, because when I ordered, I asked if it were possible to just get the waffles and a side of bacon. My request was not questioned, but I did get a slight eyebrow raise. Look, I
know I'm not the only adult who has not only ordered off the kid's menu, but requested Mickey waffles. We're all on Mickey's boat, for goodness sake, it's a given. I have no shame, nor regrets. When my food arrived (quickly), it was delicious and just right.
Being in the Royal Palace for breakfast also allowed me to take photos in better lighting!
The details! Love them! It's what sets this dining room apart from it's otherwise common cruise ship style
My breakfast of champions
Check out the yogurt/parfait smoothie
By the time we were finished, I would say it was getting close to 10 AM. You could tell much of the ship was already off and settling in on the island. We could see Captain Hook and Smee greeting guests off the gangplank, and they had quite a line:
Then after a stop at the restrooms and a photo in an otherwise empty lobby:
We got off the ship with no wait! By then, Hook and Smee were already gone. Stitch was out, but he had a long line, too. Since characters were a low priority and not worth waiting long for, we passed Stitch and passed Chip and Dale who were doing photos at the post office with an equally big crowd. However, there was
no wait for a Photopass photo with the ship in the background, so we got that done.
"In other words, this is nature. It's out to get you and it's not our fault."
(For those who may not know, they give you towels once you're off the ship. No need to bring your own, either from your stateroom or from home.)
Here's an interesting observation. Prior to our trip, I had seen countless photos of a photo-op set-up with a giant fish with a fishing pole. Well, either it's gone or I couldn't find it anywhere because I didn't see it. I saw a place that looked like that had been where it was, but most of the decorations were gone. Not sure why or if it'll be back or what.
My parents insisted on hopping on the tram (they were very happy for the tram services, which put another plus in Disney's cruise favor with them) so we got on board and ended up just getting off at the first stop. I'm not sure why, but CC was
a lot bigger in real life than I had imagined. It felt like a hike to get everywhere. Sure, not being 100% doesn't help, nor does having parents who can't walk long distances without breaks or at fast speeds. Mom was excited for the little shops, but I was dead-set on getting my snorkel gear and into the water. My anxiety to see and experience
everything was at a peak, and never has a day seemed so short before!
So we're walking in earnest and I see a short line and notice Minnie taking photos. Briefly, I had the thought to get in line for her since that would make a unique shot with the ship in the background on the beach. But she was leaving, and then who should I notice waiting on the fringes but
Pluto. Well, once people were told Minnie was leaving... most people got out of line, and I was zipped right up for a photo with my favorite on the beach!!
From there, we walked past Mount Rustmore--which surprised me with how small it actually is. Amazing how photos make that spot look much bigger! Mickey was doing photos there at that moment with a huge line, so I passed it up and took a walking photo (I perfected this technique at
Disneyland because I had actually become one of
those tourists who feel compelled to photograph everything, lol).
First impressions of CC: Now, I had heard plenty about this private island and the hoards of fans it has and how people go out of their way to book "double-dips" and back-to-backs to have more than one visit to this island per cruise. While I expected it to be nice, I didn't think it would be the nirvana people praised it to be. I mean, it's just a beach. Now that I have seen it in person, I can honestly say I can understand why. Never have I been to a
cleaner beach before! The island is kept immaculate. Everything about it is pristine. Convenience for guests is also clearly evident in everything. My parents and I loved it. While my mother still felt that people who get angry over missing the island due to weather are ridiculous, I know I'd be disappointed to miss it.
When I realized we had walked past the snorkel gear pick-up place, we decided to just get some chairs to park it in front of the snorkeling lagoon. Now, I know I could snorkel anywhere, but I had it set in my mind to find the underwater statues and stuff--and figured that's where they were. We had no problem whatsoever in getting some chairs in a shady spot in view of the lagoon. The beach was busy, but not busy enough to bother us. I put our stuff down only to realize ...
I forgot my underwater camera back in the room.
It may not seem such a big deal to run back to the ship to get something. But it's not such a quick jaunt as one may think. However, we had searched our area stores for a disposable underwater camera and I brought it for the purpose of snorkeling alone. To my utter frustration, I realized that I just had to have it. I told my parents to stay put and I'd just run back as fast as I could.
But my mom decides oh hey, I'll go with you.
Nooo, I wanted to run back quick and come back quick! If Mom came, we'd have to walk slow and take breaks and all sorts of time-consuming things! I stressed to her that I wanted to be quick, but she decides to use the opportunity to change into her suit back in the room, too. GYAAAH.
So sure enough, we set out and meander along. Mom wants to detour into the gift shop. I whine line a 4 year-old but follow her in. I liked the shirts and a few other bobbs but otherwise the selection was few and the prices just as theme park high as everywhere else. So we ended up with no CC souvenirs other than a pin I had bought on board.
Mom decides she wants to ride the tram back. However, we caught the tram before it stopped at the second stop. So add on several extra minutes to this "quick" trip back.
To speed things up a bit, I shall simply tell you that it took us at least 30 or so minutes to get back to the ship, back to the room to grab the camera (boarding the ship was quick, as was getting upstairs to the room)--giving my mother several minutes to change and break on the verandah--get back
off the ship, board the tram back to the first family beach, and finally rondevu with Dad back at our spot. This delay did allow opportunity for photos in iconic places that had been crowded before but were deserted now.
Here's a note: They sell canned soda at stations along the sidewalk. Don't do this, like my mother did. It costs money. Why I didn't remember to point out to her that we could've just gone to Cookie's to the soda fountain, I don't know.
I have to end here for now, but the best part is coming soon in Day 3, Part 2: Polar Bear Swim!
...Cant wait to hear all about the Atlantis tour..we plan on doing this ourselves!
thank you!
