6/11/09 3 Night Wonder Trip Report-with 500+ Photos!!!

[crred96]

Lovin' the trip report! I've had one of those Tortuga Rum Cakes...YUMMY!

 

[smeecanada]

I wonder if there is a Senor Frogs in St. Maarten or St. Thomas?. My crew would love to have one of those Strawberry Dacquri's. They are all Strawberry Margarita crazy (non-alcoholic of course ). DD and I have seen the photos. Going to keep the "yard glasses" secret. Do you have to order them any special way to get them like that?

 

[Tri-circle-D]

I wonder if there is a Senor Frogs in St. Maarten or St. Thomas?. My crew would love to have one of those Strawberry Dacquri's. They are all Strawberry Margarita crazy (non-alcoholic of course ). DD and I have seen the photos. Going to keep the "yard glasses" secret. Do you have to order them any special way to get them like that?

Sorry, it looks like you had better switch to a Western Magic cruise:


http://www.senorfrogs.com/locations/index.htm

You, too, can get your drink in the Yard glass. Just fork over $12.00. Which isn't that bad, considering you can keep the glass as a souvenir.

TCD

 

[pmama]

Do they have the "beverage coolers" in all staterooms? Did you still have your portable cooler filled with ice daily?

Did the girls get to keep the drink cups @ Senior Frogs?

You all look like such a fun family.

 

[smeecanada]

Sorry, it looks like you had better switch to a Western Magic cruise:


http://www.senorfrogs.com/locations/index.htm

You, too, can get your drink in the Yard glass. Just fork over $12.00. Which isn't that bad, considering you can keep the glass as a souvenir.

TCD

Bummer - but we're possibly doing a Western next round. Looks like a cool place.

 

[ICEMANPAD]

I believe Cozumel has a Senor Frogs too, but that is still a western. I do not recall seeing one in either St. Maarten or St. Thomas.

Chuck

 

[ICEMANPAD]

Well Andrew, we also saw the Junkaroo Labour (their spelling) Day parade, went to Sr. Frogs and went to Tortuga Rum factory where Lisa bought Mango Rum. However, I think we took 25-30 pictures for the trip total.

In August, I am going to post a comparison thread when we take the Liberty of the Sea out of Miami for a week.

Also, in case you are interested, both Lisa and I have separate Facebook pages, and our friends include Lampy, Willie and Doogie. (and if you need the real names, just email me at icelaw21@aol.com).

Chuck

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Do they have the "beverage coolers" in all staterooms? Did you still have your portable cooler filled with ice daily?

Did the girls get to keep the drink cups @ Senior Frogs?

You all look like such a fun family.

Yes, all of the staterooms have beverage coolers. But, if you like your drinks cold, bring a cooler, and have your steward keep it iced down. We do keep water bottles in the beverage cooler. It works well enough for that purpose.

Yes, the girls kept their cups. One of them is now in my oldest DD's dorm room at FSU.

Well Andrew, we also saw the Junkaroo Labour (their spelling) Day parade, went to Sr. Frogs and went to Tortuga Rum factory where Lisa bought Mango Rum. However, I think we took 25-30 pictures for the trip total.

In August, I am going to post a comparison thread when we take the Liberty of the Sea out of Miami for a week.

Also, in case you are interested, both Lisa and I have separate Facebook pages, and our friends include Lampy, Willie and Doogie. (and if you need the real names, just email me at icelaw21@aol.com).

Chuck

Chuck- That's too funny that you and Lisa got to participate in the Labour (with a "u") day parade. So, the Bahamian Labour Day must be the first weekend of June every year.

Thanks for the Facebook invite. So far, I have avoided that. There are people from my past that are in my past for good reason, and it would be best for all concerned to keep it that way. But, if you get a chance, tell Willie, Lampy and Doogie to stop by this thread for a visit. I know that they are all big Pikey fans. Tell them I have an interesting tidbit of Pikey trivia that I have not yet shared on this trip report. For those of you following along, it will be revealed soon. It relates to the day that I am now reporting on, Friday, June 12th. More Pikey pics will be coming right along.

For those of you reading along. Chuck, Lampy, Willie and Doogie are some of my fellow Turkey Day cruisers whom I met on our Thanksgiving Magic cruise in 2005. You can read all about them in the link that I posted at the very beginning of this trip report. Let me tell you, you will never meet a funnier group of characters!

Wow, Chuck, 25-30 photos? I think I took that many before we got on the ship!!! Heck, I might have taken that many in the parking lot before we even got in the terminal.


TCD

 

[HappyGrumpy]

Ok awesome great fabulous..your report is how do you say...perfect! Looking forward to the next installment!

 

[davidls]

TCD, my wife and I have been reading your latest TR. And, I have to say it is one of your best. We enjoy reading all of them.

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Continuing on with the report . . .

Where I last left off, we were enjoying some drinks at Senor Frogs. And, I had spied the Carnival boat approaching.

I also noticed that a storm was blowing in:

We had no rain gear, and I did not want to get stuck in one of the local businesses while a storm passed over, so we all agreed to cut our tour short, and head back to the ship.

But first, we had to pose for a couple more photos:

As we walked back along the waterfront, two young boys approached us and offered to sing a song for a dollar. Each. I politely told them that we were in a hurry, and no thanks. They said that they could walk along with us and sing at the same time, so we wouldn't be delayed. I said no thanks again. Then they said, "But, it's Jesus Loves Me." Well, then I felt bad telling the boys to bug off. So, we stopped and let them sing. In case these boys get on the internet and read the Disboards, I must state that I mean no offense by my next comment, but these boys do not have a future career in music. But, I gave them $2 each, because I admired their persistence. And, hey, I can be a big spender when I want to be. That's 4 bucks I dropped right there! Here are the boys posing with the girls. There was no extra charge for the photo:

I believe that this is a water taxi that goes to Paradise Island, which is where Atlantis is:

Good luck with that.

The storm continued to blow in, so we walked quicker. The Carnival ship was just docking as we headed back on board the Wonder:

It started to thunder and lightning as we got back to the ship:

We made it before any significant rain began to fall:

As we boarded the ship, I noticed this sign:

This is all that I ever heard of the red palm mite issue. But, I wish someone had mentioned this to me before I donned the straw hat that I wore when I was jamming with the Bahamian band in the photo from my last post. Every time I had an itch for the rest of the cruise, I suspected the worst. Now that I have been back for over a week, I can safely report that I was not infested by the red palm mites, but it was a close call, for sure.

The original plan for the day was that we would be hanging out by the pools on Deck 9. Mrs. TCD and the DD that stayed behind were there when we got back on board, but the clouds were blowing in, and it was definitely going to rain. Here are some shots from Deck 9:

Since it was about noon when this was happening, we decided that we would get some lunch, and perhaps revise our plans for the afternoon.

I am not sure what was going on here, but they were doing something to these windows on Deck 9:

I'm not sure if you will be able to see him, but there is an interesting looking gentleman in this photo:

It is weird that on a cruise, there are certain people that you run into over and over again for some reason. This guy was one of them. We called him Cotton Eye Joe. I don't know why. And, in case you are reading this, Cotton Eye Joe, we meant the name affectionately. No offense, OK?

And, we met up with our pal Goofy up here before lunch:

Next up:

Did we get rained out?

And . . .

I take the opportunity to do some behind the scenes exploring on the ship (would anyone like to see some TCD spy pics?)/

And . . .

Don't forget, I have an important bit of Pikey news to report.

All coming your way soon.

Right here on this thread!

TCD

 

[lisa702]

I am really enjoying your trip report. Can't wait for more!

 

[RylanzDad]

Wow, love the pictures and report. I am only a few minutes from you here in Clearwater. I will be on my first Disney Cruise on Nov. 1st. aboard the Wonder. So much good info here. I also see your a Rays fan, I was at the game last night vs the Marlins, and have been a fan ever since going to the inaguaral game in '98.(even the ugly years!)

I will need to read your other TR's for more tips. But one question, when you pack you own beer and stuff are you allowed to bring them out by the pool or are you only allowed to keep them in your room?

Also wondering is it a huge hassle getting over to Atlantis while in Nassau to spend the day over there? Is water taxi the best way?

 

[Iron Man]

WOW!

You guys look like you had a blast and it really gets me excited to go on my first disney cruise.

Me20, DSIS24, Bff19, CUZ21, and college buddy19

Your trip report and awesome pictures kinda make me wish you guys were on my april 8th 2010 cruise, and btw the six pack of rum cakes sounds delicious.

Can't wait for your next entry.

future cruiser,
Iron Man

 

[davidls]

TCD, your TR is GREAT. One question, DW and I saw in one of your photos of your cabin door, an oval Disney Cruise Line magnet with you names in the middle. As you can see by my post I have the oval Disney Cruise Line day count down ticker. I have been trying to use this to make magnets for myself DW and our granddaughter. Our granddaughter accompanies us on all of our Disney Cruises. She is 10 years old and a hoot!!! She is as big a Disney fan as we are. But, back to the magnets. I haven't had any success in making a nice large magnet the size of the ones you made. Can you tell me how you did this. I would be most greatful if you could. Thanks. Keep writing!!!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Wow, love the pictures and report. I am only a few minutes from you here in Clearwater. I will be on my first Disney Cruise on Nov. 1st. aboard the Wonder. So much good info here. I also see your a Rays fan, I was at the game last night vs the Marlins, and have been a fan ever since going to the inaguaral game in '98.(even the ugly years!)

I will need to read your other TR's for more tips. But one question, when you pack you own beer and stuff are you allowed to bring them out by the pool or are you only allowed to keep them in your room?

Also wondering is it a huge hassle getting over to Atlantis while in Nassau to spend the day over there? Is water taxi the best way?

1. Go Rays! Last night makes in four in a row!

2. You can drink your beer whenever and wherever you want. On the first day, I brought my cooler right up to Deck 9 with us, and popped the first beers right there. You can walk around the ship with a beer. The only no-no is that they (understandably) do not want you walking around with a glass bottle. Bring cans or aluminum bottles.

3. Getting to Atlantis is easy. Did you see all those guys standing outside of Festival Place? They will all offer to drive you. Or you can take the water taxi, which I believe is both cheaper and more scenic. But maybe not safer. I have been to Atlantis plenty of times. The casino is nice, and the grounds are amazing to look at, but it is expensive. There are a lot of folks here on the Disboards who suggest renting a room for the day at the adjacent Comfort Suites. That gives a party of four access to all of the Atlantis' pools and aquariums, which are impressive. Personally, I am fine with staying close to the ship, and then enjoying all that the ship has to offer. If I want to visit a water park, we have plenty of those around our part of Florida.

WOW!

You guys look like you had a blast and it really gets me excited to go on my first disney cruise.

Me20, DSIS24, Bff19, CUZ21, and college buddy19

Your trip report and awesome pictures kinda make me wish you guys were on my april 8th 2010 cruise, and btw the six pack of rum cakes sounds delicious.

Can't wait for your next entry.

future cruiser,
Iron Man

Thanks for reading along! Your cruise is still a ways off, but it is getting closer all the time. Are the folks you listed who is cruising with you : A 24, 20, 21 and two 19 year olds? Wow! You guys are going to have fun!

TCD, your TR is GREAT. One question, DW and I saw in one of your photos of your cabin door, an oval Disney Cruise Line magnet with you names in the middle. As you can see by my post I have the oval Disney Cruise Line day count down ticker. I have been trying to use this to make magnets for myself DW and our granddaughter. Our granddaughter accompanies us on all of our Disney Cruises. She is 10 years old and a hoot!!! She is as big a Disney fan as we are. But, back to the magnets. I haven't had any success in making a nice large magnet the size of the ones you made. Can you tell me how you did this. I would be most greatful if you could. Thanks. Keep writing!!!

Making magnets is easy. All you need is a computer (which you already have), printer, and magnet paper. You can get that at Office Depot for sure, because that's where I buy mine, but Staples probably has it too.

For designs, you can find just about anything you might want here on the Disboards. That's where I found the design for the graduation hat ears that you see on our doors. The name-tag magnets came from this thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1936740 . If you send the OP on that thread a PM, he will make the whole thing for you, and PM it back to you. Then, all you have to do is print it. Easy.

TCD

 

[Iron Man]

hey, me again.

It's true that all of us are older than 18, and all of us(except my CUZ) will be a year older come cruise time.

so on the cruise it will be ME21 DSIS25 BFF20 CUZ21 and college buddy20

Now i'm looking forward to getting some delicious rum cakes. I will be turning 21 when we get to Castaway Cay.

Still looking forward to seeing your next series of pictures, and will be sure to go to senor frogs when We land in Nassau.

 

[dotty dot]

I am loving reading your reports - we go on the wonder in sep for the first time and your pics are great - you can not write them quick enough for me - more please

 

[MagicMe]

Really enjouing your report. I've done two 4-day cruises on the Wonder and one 7-day on the Magic. Now looking forward to a 14 day TA on the Magic!!!

We hit the Tortuga Rum Factory on our 7-day when we stopped at Grand Cayman. A big difference from your encounter!! They had several cakes for tasting and you could sample multiple times (you helped yourself). Additionally, they had bottles of rum (various flavors) that you could also sample (numerous times). Believe me - we all had a great time in there!!!!

And Senor Frogs - I know that they easily wanted to serve my 16 year old nephews!!!

 

[Tri-circle-D]

Those of you who have read my trip reports on the Camping section of the Disboards know that one of my calling cards, so to speak, is to explore and post photos of little seen and even backstage areas of WDW.

The Disney ships drive me crazy. There are so many backstage areas that are marked “Castmembers Only,” and I always wonder what is back there. So, on this cruise, I vowed to poke around a little bit to see what I could see.

On every cruise, I have admired the crew pool that you can see from the very front of Deck 10. Here is what it looks like:

The design on the tiles spell out the letters D-C-L based on nautical flag code:

The yellow object that you see at the front of the deck in the first photo is the ship’s anchor.

Wouldn’t it be cool to check out the crew deck up close and personal?

I thought so too.

So, on Friday afternoon, while the storm was rolling in, I decided to do a bit of exploring.

I found my way to this part of the ship:

This bulletin board was set up outside the Human Resources office for the ship:

There were all kinds of signs on this door warning that it should be kept shut at all times. Of course, it was wide open when I found it:

And, just like that, I was on the crew deck, by the crew pool!

See?:

Here are more warnings about keeping the door shut:

And a last peek back toward the pool:

Here is the Human Resources office:

And a training schedule:

Since it was raining a little, one of my DD’s and I went down to Diversions, and played some checkers:

The game went on too long, so we called it a draw. But, had we kept playing, I would have won.

While in Diversions, we peeked into some of the doors that lead into this area.

This hallway was interesting:

Afterwards, we headed back up to Deck 9. As luck would have it, the sun came out, and Pikey and Frankie came out to DJ from the stage in front of the Goofy pool. They hosted the Eco Quiz, and narrated an ice carving demonstration. We enjoyed nice, sunny, weather for the rest of the afternoon.

It was here that we learned of an interesting tid-bit about Pikey, and a fun event that we would pop in to later that night. I will provide the details about that in my next post.

TCD