A Disney-addicted mom goes on a "Dream" cruise *update 7/6*
- Thread starter DrMomof3
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natebenma
Beach Club Dee
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More cute pictures! But it is way too early for Jessica to have mastered that "look" at you when you are sticking out your tounge. That should be reserved for teens only.
Sorry about the issues you had with the missions. I'm glad to hear you and Tom both found ways to make them more bearable.
Sorry about the issues you had with the missions. I'm glad to hear you and Tom both found ways to make them more bearable.
More cute pictures! But it is way too early for Jessica to have mastered that "look" at you when you are sticking out your tounge. That should be reserved for teens only.
Sorry about the issues you had with the missions. I'm glad to hear you and Tom both found ways to make them more bearable.
Jessica is very advanced.
Truthfully, she had been whining and crying about something (I think fighting with Zachary over the stroller - hmmm, 4 year old with CP vs. able-bodied 6 year old) before the picture.I seriously love the avocado margaritas.
They aren't cheap though....Amanda
We had an early ADR for Tutto Italia so we headed there next. I think we were probably 15-20 minutes early but we were all fading in the heat and humidity. I also think that travel days are just exhausting for everyone. Or at least everyone in my family! 
We were seated right away. The restaurant looks lovely and our server was very nice.
One of the kids took this picture of the oversized glass vase.
Nathaniel must have drawn this on his menu. And took the picture because I don't remember seeing this before.
Dinner was fine. I didn't think it was fabulous. And I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here again. I really liked the server but otherwise it was only ok. And I can't even remember what we all ate!
At this point we were going to head back to the Swan. Tom took the kids while I was paying and headed over to the friendship boat dock near Italy. Unfortunately Zachary was being a bit pokey and they just missed a boat.
A not-spectacular picture of Zachary in Italy
We finally boarded the boat and got off near Mexico. We walked out the International Gateway (still fighting over who was riding in the stroller). Nathaniel wanted to walk back to the Swan and Tom wanted to take the boat. Despite Jessica whining about wanting to ride in the stroller, she elected to come with me. I thought it was an enjoyable walk but there was a lot of grumbling from the peanut gallery (and, remember, it wasn't MY idea to walk at all!). I made up some games (like walking backwards over the bridge that connects to the Swan/Dolphin) and we finally arrived! We beat the boat!!!
The kids got ready for bed and were finally asleep. I set my alarm for 6am so I could get my 7 mile run done in the morning before we had to head to the Port.
Amanda
We were seated right away. The restaurant looks lovely and our server was very nice.
One of the kids took this picture of the oversized glass vase.
Nathaniel must have drawn this on his menu. And took the picture because I don't remember seeing this before.
Dinner was fine. I didn't think it was fabulous. And I'm not sure I would go out of my way to eat here again. I really liked the server but otherwise it was only ok. And I can't even remember what we all ate!
At this point we were going to head back to the Swan. Tom took the kids while I was paying and headed over to the friendship boat dock near Italy. Unfortunately Zachary was being a bit pokey and they just missed a boat.
A not-spectacular picture of Zachary in Italy
We finally boarded the boat and got off near Mexico. We walked out the International Gateway (still fighting over who was riding in the stroller). Nathaniel wanted to walk back to the Swan and Tom wanted to take the boat. Despite Jessica whining about wanting to ride in the stroller, she elected to come with me. I thought it was an enjoyable walk but there was a lot of grumbling from the peanut gallery (and, remember, it wasn't MY idea to walk at all!). I made up some games (like walking backwards over the bridge that connects to the Swan/Dolphin) and we finally arrived! We beat the boat!!!
The kids got ready for bed and were finally asleep. I set my alarm for 6am so I could get my 7 mile run done in the morning before we had to head to the Port.
Amanda
I was up bright and early on Sunday morning to get my training run done. I shouldn't say bright because it was raining when I woke up. I quietly got dressed in my running gear and headed out to run. The Boardwalk are is a wonderful place to run! The path to DHS runs along the water and is lovely. And then there's the Boardwalk itself. There were plenty of other crazies out there in the rain. Everyone from speed demons to walkers. It was a really nice environment, despite the rain. Luckily I had purchased a runDisney mesh cap right before the trip! Sure came in handy...
It was a lovely run and I particularly enjoyed re-tracing the route from DHS past YC and BC (under the SAB water slide!) toward Epcot. It's part of the Marathon Route and occurs late in the race. I don't remember much about that part of the race but I know I will be there again in a few more months.
I got back to the room around 8-ish and found Zachary in bed with Tom watching tv. The other 2 kids were sound asleep in the connecting room. Tom got up and went to the gym while I showered and dressed and started packing our stuff. It was a little bit of a challenge packing - yet again - to have some carry-on stuff for the cruise ship and figuring out what we wanted delivered to our room. I had a decent but imperfect system. But it worked out ok.
Once everyone was dressed and ready, we headed over to the Dolphin to find some breakfast. We intended quick-serve at Picabu and ended up at Fresh Marketplace on our way (we got a little lost!). We decided to just sit-down there and eat. It ended up being a really good decision! The a la carte menu is not worth it at all but the breakfast buffet was GREAT! There were made to order eggs in addition to the buffet scrambled eggs. Made to order Mickey waffles and pancakes. A juice bar. With 4 different selections. That were all good! The food was fresh and healthy and delicious. The service was good. The waitress even gave me full coffee cups to go at the end.
Nathaniel made friends with the hostess by teaching her everything there is to know about Picasso. She actually stopped me on my way out to tell me how impressed she was.
Then it was back to our rooms to get ready for the cruise transfers. We called bell services and they came quickly and were great! Arranged the bags in an organized way so I could find what I needed. They brought our stuff down to the lobby and set it aside while we waited for the bus. I was very impressed.
We met a group of DISers in the lobby. Everyone was nice but there weren't a lot of children. One of the minor "issues" with DIS events. Generally a big more adult-oriented. Nathaniel did make one friend who was traveling with his grandparents. The 2 boys sat together on the bus to the cruise.
The bus ride was uneventful. We met a few nice people. It was a luxury bus complete with a potty. The cruise transfers were seamless and worked out really well.
Amanda
It was a lovely run and I particularly enjoyed re-tracing the route from DHS past YC and BC (under the SAB water slide!) toward Epcot. It's part of the Marathon Route and occurs late in the race. I don't remember much about that part of the race but I know I will be there again in a few more months.
I got back to the room around 8-ish and found Zachary in bed with Tom watching tv. The other 2 kids were sound asleep in the connecting room. Tom got up and went to the gym while I showered and dressed and started packing our stuff. It was a little bit of a challenge packing - yet again - to have some carry-on stuff for the cruise ship and figuring out what we wanted delivered to our room. I had a decent but imperfect system. But it worked out ok.
Once everyone was dressed and ready, we headed over to the Dolphin to find some breakfast. We intended quick-serve at Picabu and ended up at Fresh Marketplace on our way (we got a little lost!). We decided to just sit-down there and eat. It ended up being a really good decision! The a la carte menu is not worth it at all but the breakfast buffet was GREAT! There were made to order eggs in addition to the buffet scrambled eggs. Made to order Mickey waffles and pancakes. A juice bar. With 4 different selections. That were all good! The food was fresh and healthy and delicious. The service was good. The waitress even gave me full coffee cups to go at the end.
Nathaniel made friends with the hostess by teaching her everything there is to know about Picasso. She actually stopped me on my way out to tell me how impressed she was.
Then it was back to our rooms to get ready for the cruise transfers. We called bell services and they came quickly and were great! Arranged the bags in an organized way so I could find what I needed. They brought our stuff down to the lobby and set it aside while we waited for the bus. I was very impressed.
We met a group of DISers in the lobby. Everyone was nice but there weren't a lot of children. One of the minor "issues" with DIS events. Generally a big more adult-oriented. Nathaniel did make one friend who was traveling with his grandparents. The 2 boys sat together on the bus to the cruise.
The bus ride was uneventful. We met a few nice people. It was a luxury bus complete with a potty. The cruise transfers were seamless and worked out really well.
Amanda
ddluvsdisney
DIS Veteran
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- 5,240
It must be really nice running around there. I wouldn't mind taking in that scenery every morning.
Sounded like a smooth morning to the cruise.
Sounded like a smooth morning to the cruise.
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
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It looks like I didn't comment on your previous update about dinner in Italy.
I have never eaten in Italy: Tutto or the restaurant before that (Alfredos?) or Via Napoli.
Sound like once you got back tot he room you had a nice, peaceful night.
Great start to your cruise day!
I'm impressed!!! A run for you and the gym for Tom!!!
Breakfast sounds like it was a wonderful experience!
Looking forward to your arrival at the dock and boarding!
I have never eaten in Italy: Tutto or the restaurant before that (Alfredos?) or Via Napoli.
Sound like once you got back tot he room you had a nice, peaceful night.
Great start to your cruise day!
I'm impressed!!! A run for you and the gym for Tom!!!
Breakfast sounds like it was a wonderful experience!
Looking forward to your arrival at the dock and boarding!
It was lovely! I also enjoyed running at Fort Wilderness. It was so peaceful there.
It looks like I didn't comment on your previous update about dinner in Italy.
I have never eaten in Italy: Tutto or the restaurant before that (Alfredos?) or Via Napoli.
Sound like once you got back tot he room you had a nice, peaceful night.
Great start to your cruise day!
I'm impressed!!! A run for you and the gym for Tom!!!
Breakfast sounds like it was a wonderful experience!
Looking forward to your arrival at the dock and boarding!
We like Via Napoli very much. I'm not sure we ever ate at Alfredo's but I know my parents used to like it (they went on a few trips with my youngest brother when I was in college and med school). We had eaten at the old Tutto Italia a few years ago and it was fine. I wouldn't pay Disney prices for Italian food that's only decent.
Tom and I both did well with our fitness on the trip!
Breakfast was lovely. I would go back.
Amanda
Twoboysnmygirl
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- Aug 31, 2008
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Ahhhh, running on the Boardwalk...someday! Not only do I have to get to Boardwalk, I need this darn PF to clear up so I can run again! Sounds marvelous! Can't wait to hear more about the cruise! 
moparop
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2007
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- 2,184
Hi there! I'm joining in. We are also a family of 5 and I am a new runner trying my hand at the Princess this winter. It's always good to read of other moms to 3 who have been there, done that. Do the kids come on race trips with you? You mentioned your DH went to the gym. Is he a runner as well?
Doing a Disney cruise and trying a Ft. Wilderness cabin are on my Disney bucket lists but I am apprehensive about both. Looking forward to hearing your reviews!
Doing a Disney cruise and trying a Ft. Wilderness cabin are on my Disney bucket lists but I am apprehensive about both. Looking forward to hearing your reviews!
Twoboysnmygirl said:Ahhhh, running on the Boardwalk...someday! Not only do I have to get to Boardwalk, I need this darn PF to clear up so I can run again! Sounds marvelous! Can't wait to hear more about the cruise!
I hate that you can't run. It makes me sad for you!
moparop said:
Welcome!!!
I'd really like to run the Princess. I was hoping my DH would agree since it's during the kids' Feb break but he's worried about $$$$.
The kids have Ben to Marathon Weekend the past 2 years. My DH didn't want to bring them for the Goofy. He felt like he'd be a single parent for too much time! I'm running the ToT 10 miler without the family (I have a DIS roommate) and I have a different runDisney friend who's my roommate for the Goofy.
Tom is a new runner. He registered for the Half in 2011 but didn't train at all so he didn't start. In 2012 he trained some and made it around mile 10 before his ankles were hurting too much to continue. The sweeper team was quite nice and gave him the option to try to finish or not. He's recently attended a Fitness Retreat and is super motivated to get in shape and lose weight. I think that maybe by 2014 he'll be ready to run a half marathon for real!
The cruise ships are amazing (although you'll hear the good, the bad, and the mediocre!) and I truly loved Fort Wilderness. With the caveat that I don't think I would have liked it without e golf cart and a rental car. Which adds a lot to the nightly cost.
Amanda
It was really exciting because we could see the Dream from the bus as we approached the Port. She is one BIG ship! The bus driver tried to take us to the "bus only" area and was forced to turn around since we weren't an official Disney bus. We did get to the right area eventually.
We got off the bus and they had us leave all of our "check" bags curbside. It made me a wee bit nervous but they were appropriately tagged. We then headed over to the terminal.
I know it sounds stupid but I didn't realize we'd have to go through security at the terminal. We were a little stressed out about the whole boarding thing since it was new for us. And the security thing added a small layer of stress. Once we got upstairs to the terminal (which was VAST!), we were directed to the check-in counter. I had our passports ready. And then they asked for my signed cruise documents. Which I had printed out and signed. And left in the desk drawer in New York. Ooops.
One thing I noticed about check-in is that it wasn't super friendly. It was more "official." Which added to my stress a little. We finally got pictures taken and our boarding documents, despite my mistake. We then headed over to the kids clubs check-in area to get wrist-bands for our children. Tom was stressing out on me a bit. The kids were acting out a bit. And this was not a highlight of the trip.
Wrist bands in place, we got in line to board. Only to have Zachary run off to try to see Captain Mickey. Who had a tremendously long line of people waiting to see him. It was our turn to board while I was retrieving Zachary and Tom lost it a little bit.
Again. Not a highlight.
We finally went through the magical mouse ears and were on our way.
We had our family picture taken (we didn't buy any of the pictures onboard bc they were SO expesnive) and we were finally welcomed onto the Dream! I was smart enough to tell them that our family name was Tom's last name instead of mine.
As soon as we were onboard I ran ahead to try to get Palo dinner reservations (adult-only dinner) and was successful! We then went to the Podcast meet-and-greet area to get our Podcast credentials. It was nice to see Kevin and John (2 of the podcasters that I've met a few times). There was an interactive picture right outside that room and we literally had to drag the boys away to go get lunch.
Kids just got home and are torturing me so I'll finish this later...
Amanda
We got off the bus and they had us leave all of our "check" bags curbside. It made me a wee bit nervous but they were appropriately tagged. We then headed over to the terminal.
I know it sounds stupid but I didn't realize we'd have to go through security at the terminal. We were a little stressed out about the whole boarding thing since it was new for us. And the security thing added a small layer of stress. Once we got upstairs to the terminal (which was VAST!), we were directed to the check-in counter. I had our passports ready. And then they asked for my signed cruise documents. Which I had printed out and signed. And left in the desk drawer in New York. Ooops.
One thing I noticed about check-in is that it wasn't super friendly. It was more "official." Which added to my stress a little. We finally got pictures taken and our boarding documents, despite my mistake. We then headed over to the kids clubs check-in area to get wrist-bands for our children. Tom was stressing out on me a bit. The kids were acting out a bit. And this was not a highlight of the trip.
Wrist bands in place, we got in line to board. Only to have Zachary run off to try to see Captain Mickey. Who had a tremendously long line of people waiting to see him. It was our turn to board while I was retrieving Zachary and Tom lost it a little bit.
Again. Not a highlight.We finally went through the magical mouse ears and were on our way.
We had our family picture taken (we didn't buy any of the pictures onboard bc they were SO expesnive) and we were finally welcomed onto the Dream! I was smart enough to tell them that our family name was Tom's last name instead of mine.
As soon as we were onboard I ran ahead to try to get Palo dinner reservations (adult-only dinner) and was successful! We then went to the Podcast meet-and-greet area to get our Podcast credentials. It was nice to see Kevin and John (2 of the podcasters that I've met a few times). There was an interactive picture right outside that room and we literally had to drag the boys away to go get lunch.
Kids just got home and are torturing me so I'll finish this later...
Amanda
luvpoohandcompany
DIS Veteran
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- Sep 30, 2009
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We like Via Napoli very much. I'm not sure we ever ate at Alfredo's but I know my parents used to like it (they went on a few trips with my youngest brother when I was in college and med school). We had eaten at the old Tutto Italia a few years ago and it was fine. I wouldn't pay Disney prices for Italian food that's only decent.
Tom and I both did well with our fitness on the trip!
Breakfast was lovely. I would go back.
Amanda
We loved eating at tutti and alfredos in the past but I thought it was just ok this year
They've really narrowed the menu down over the last year or two and taken off some of our favourite dishes but we still end up there at least once every trip just to get away from fries
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
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Sorry to hear that the boarding of the Dream was not entirely magical!
When did you realize that you didn't have the documents- when you were looking for them at checkin, or before that? Yikes!
But things seem to be on the upswing. Hooray for your Palo reservation!!!
Looking forward to reading more!
When did you realize that you didn't have the documents- when you were looking for them at checkin, or before that? Yikes!
But things seem to be on the upswing. Hooray for your Palo reservation!!!
Looking forward to reading more!
We loved eating at tutti and alfredos in the past but I thought it was just ok this year
I just can't imagine spending that much money for PASTA. I mean that's my cheap meal at home.
I realized at the check-in counter. Ooops! It was fine but stressful. I guess we didn't really realize that this was all like going through security - fairly serious and humorless. So when the kids were being silly it wasn't much appreciated by the lady checking us in.
Amanda
I think Nathaniel and Tom went ahead and I had Jessica and Zachary. We went to the buffet on the top deck for lunch. The place was HUGE. We walked past the pools on the way. The pools were nice but I thought quite small for a ship this size.
It took a long time to find Tom due to the vastness of the buffet. We finally found them and I was able to get food for myself and the kids. The selection was incredible and quite good. The kids loved the crab legs but they were a tremendous amount of work for very little food. Tom was NOT pleased! Our stress levels were still pretty high so no pictures (I'm no good at food porn anyway - sorry!). The meal was good and it was nice to sit down and decompress. After this we wanted to see if our cabin was ready.
We were staying on Deck 10 midship in a family suite with verandah. I have to say I was very impressed with our room.
Dreams Unlimited Travel/Disboards left us a little gift in our room!
When you walked in the room there were closets on the left. The first door on the right was a toilet/sink and the 2nd door was shower/sink. Loved the split bathroom! Plenty of closet space. There was a queen (I think?) bed with little bedside table on either side. Then there was a curtain which separated the adult bedroom from the living room. During the day there was a sofa, a coffee table/storage chest, and extensive desk and drawer space. At night this magically transformed into bunkbeds with a murphy bed perpendicular at the far side of the room (partially blocking the door to the verandah).
Not a fabulous picture but gives an idea of the layout.
The chair in the far right corner is blocking where the Murphy bed came down.
Unfortunately the sail-away party had to be moved into the Atrium due to the inclement weather. This was a huge disappointment for me. We headed to the Atrium and the noise was deafening. Nathaniel immediately announced that he couldn't handle the noise so we missed the party and wandered the ship instead.
This is the huge picture of Walt outside the Walt Disney Theater
The kids loved these portholes.
But at least we were finally at sea!
More to follow....
Amanda
It took a long time to find Tom due to the vastness of the buffet. We finally found them and I was able to get food for myself and the kids. The selection was incredible and quite good. The kids loved the crab legs but they were a tremendous amount of work for very little food. Tom was NOT pleased!
Our stress levels were still pretty high so no pictures (I'm no good at food porn anyway - sorry!). The meal was good and it was nice to sit down and decompress. After this we wanted to see if our cabin was ready.We were staying on Deck 10 midship in a family suite with verandah. I have to say I was very impressed with our room.
Dreams Unlimited Travel/Disboards left us a little gift in our room!
When you walked in the room there were closets on the left. The first door on the right was a toilet/sink and the 2nd door was shower/sink. Loved the split bathroom! Plenty of closet space. There was a queen (I think?) bed with little bedside table on either side. Then there was a curtain which separated the adult bedroom from the living room. During the day there was a sofa, a coffee table/storage chest, and extensive desk and drawer space. At night this magically transformed into bunkbeds with a murphy bed perpendicular at the far side of the room (partially blocking the door to the verandah).
Not a fabulous picture but gives an idea of the layout.
The chair in the far right corner is blocking where the Murphy bed came down.
Unfortunately the sail-away party had to be moved into the Atrium due to the inclement weather. This was a huge disappointment for me. We headed to the Atrium and the noise was deafening. Nathaniel immediately announced that he couldn't handle the noise so we missed the party and wandered the ship instead.
This is the huge picture of Walt outside the Walt Disney Theater
The kids loved these portholes.
But at least we were finally at sea!
More to follow....
Amanda
natebenma
Beach Club Dee
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2008
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- 20,143
Wow, that does look like a great room. That is such a fantastic idea to split the bathroom area and shower area! That way you don't have to wait to shower while someone is using the "facilities" I don't know about the Murphy bed blocking the verandah, though. I wouldn't cruise without a balcony because I need someplace to go with my coffee and book and camera when I wake up early. I wouldn't love having to climb over the Murphy bed to get out there. COULD you even get out there?
Looks like an awesome welcome basket with actually useful stuff.
Crab Legs on the buffet sound like a great idea, but I know what you mean about time consuming. When we ate at the Cape May, we spent so much time helping Ben with his seafood that the boys were onto dessert and ready to go while Mark and I were still trying to enjoy dinner.
Bummer about the inside sail away party.
Looks like an awesome welcome basket with actually useful stuff.
Crab Legs on the buffet sound like a great idea, but I know what you mean about time consuming. When we ate at the Cape May, we spent so much time helping Ben with his seafood that the boys were onto dessert and ready to go while Mark and I were still trying to enjoy dinner.
Bummer about the inside sail away party.
Twoboysnmygirl
DIS Veteran
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- Aug 31, 2008
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- 6,851
I was wondering about the murphy bed too! Could you get out onto the deck without waking whoever was sleeping in it? What size was it? twin?
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