A Hop, NO Skip, and Many Mishaps to a Disney Dream!

[jenseib]

We cut through Cabanas on our way back to our room.

When we got back to the room, Mom was shocked that Claire was going to swim at such a late hour…I think it was at least 11 then. But I knew it was better to get that swim bug out of her than arguing about it all night. I told Claire it would be a short swim and she was happy with that.

Up the elevator we went!

Look down when you get on or off the elevator. Love the details!

Cutting through Cabanas again.

And out to the pool!

There were only a handful of children in the pool. Claire basically had it to herself for the most part. She had a blast. Toy Story was playing on the big pool screen so I watched the end of that while she swam….and of course randomly took pictures.

I seem to have an obsession of taking pictures of the Aqua Duck sign.

Toys Story ended and I told Claire to do one last splash and it was time to go to bed. We were going to have another very busy day tomorrow.

We got dressed in our jammies and Claire climbed into her bunk.

Look at those bloodshot eyes!

I closed the curtain divider between me and Mom and Claire. I wanted to write up notes about the day…but that only lasted a few minutes. The long day was catching up to me FAST. This bed was just as comfy as the one at Residence Inn. Soon I just gave up and went completely out for some much needed sleep.

It was a wonderful first day on the Ship. We did a lot. Not everything we had planned on doing, but we still had fun and made the best of a rainy day.

 

[jenseib]

Don't stop there! more more more! We're on the dream in 25 days and I am soaking up your details!

two questions: I've read several other places that the Nemo area was never busy at all...did you find that to be true? also, on embarkation day, was the quick-service stuff up on the pool deck (Flo's, etc) open for lunch?

okay three questions. Your pics up on deck at night are great! were you using a tripod?

We never actually visited the Nemo area, but it never did seem busy. But we never had a day at sea either.
I think the quick service stuff is normally open on the 1st day, but I'm not sure if it was the day we embarked. It was so rainy that we never went up there to really explore ealry on. We went up the one time and basically took a couple of shots under cover and went back down, and then the evening we went up for the swim. I didn't walk down to that end of the ship on the deck at all the 1st day. I actually never even found that area till the next day when I went looking for some food for Mom and I.

 

[mom2rtk]

Great shots on the deck Jen!

And I agree. Looks like an amazing day.

 

[jenseib]

Great shots on the deck Jen!

And I agree. Looks like an amazing day.

It was a great day. A Long day, but still not enough time for everything. This is why I suggest a 4 night over 3. It still wouldn't be enough time, but it would at least let you do some other things.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

I think that mosaic wall is absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to see it in person. And I love the sandcastles on the walls too. Your pictures look so good, even at night. My camera just won't do that. A lot of times they are grainy looking. I just use a point and shoot though. I can't bring myself to lug all that camera equipment around on vacation. Maybe one day I will though when DD is older and I don't have to carry so much stuff around for her. Until then, I'll enjoy your pictures!

I don't blame you for going swimming that late. My mom was always shocked too at how late we stayed up at WDW. But it's vacation! No way am I going to bed as early as we do at home. You can sleep when you get back!

And you are right about the swimming bug! It does seem like that is all they care about at that age and they will pester the crap out of you until you let them swim. Did she go down the Aquaduck or was it closed for the night?

I think my DD would be just like yours about the kid's clubs. There is no way she would want me off shopping without her. She is way too nosy to be left behind!

 

[Caretames1]

What was up with the Dis-boards yesterday? I tried to post but couldn't.
Now that I'm at work I can't see you photos

Ugh, I'm so bored.

I can say this though, Kadence wouldn't have gone into the kids club. She would have been wondering what we were up to, and would have wanted to do what we were doing. And then complained she was bored

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Up the elevator we went!

Look down when you get on or off the elevator. Love the details!

Loving your trip report and pictures..I am curious about the metal Mickey plaque in the elevator and I wonder if this is what someone was talking about when they said a mickey ornament was ripped out of the elevators and STOLEN on the maiden voyage.
( Reading about the behavior of some of the cruisers on that voyage really shocked and saddened me. It's like they though that because there is a pirate theme that pillaging on the ship is part of the experience)

 

[mickeystoontown]

The Dis was acting up a bit yesterday and I couldn't post replies or if I did, it would take foreeeeeever. I think I would have been like Claire and would have wanted to hang out with you guys so I could get in on all of the action. But, then again, from the way you describe the kids' club, I may have wanted to just stay there forever.

Cute cute cute sweatshirts. I remembered that you like to get a sweatshirt/hoodie each time you visit Walt Disney World so it was no surprise when you posted that you had bought one.

I am loving all of the pictures of the ship. It's looks so bright and colorful and beautiful.

Yay for Claire getting to swim. Who cares if it was 11:00 p.m.? It's vacation!

 

[jenseib]

I think that mosaic wall is absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to see it in person. And I love the sandcastles on the walls too. Your pictures look so good, even at night. My camera just won't do that. A lot of times they are grainy looking. I just use a point and shoot though. I can't bring myself to lug all that camera equipment around on vacation. Maybe one day I will though when DD is older and I don't have to carry so much stuff around for her. Until then, I'll enjoy your pictures!

I don't blame you for going swimming that late. My mom was always shocked too at how late we stayed up at WDW. But it's vacation! No way am I going to bed as early as we do at home. You can sleep when you get back!

And you are right about the swimming bug! It does seem like that is all they care about at that age and they will pester the crap out of you until you let them swim. Did she go down the Aquaduck or was it closed for the night?

I think my DD would be just like yours about the kid's clubs. There is no way she would want me off shopping without her. She is way too nosy to be left behind!

It really wasn't a big deal carrying around the camera for the most part. I jsut hated how my camera bag rubbed my shoulders so bad. I need to line it with something more comfy. LOL! I usually just carried on extra lens with me most days. Sometimes 2.
Yes, the swimming bug needs to be taken care of! When she couldn't swim at Residence Inn, I knew we had to get her to swim as soon as we could. I think we were out about 20 minutes or so, but it was enough to make her happy about it. She loves to swim...I hate to swim...unless it's really hot and then I just kind of stand in the pool.
Claire just never wants to miss out on any thing I might do. I'm not that exciting, but at times she must think I am. Other times she could've cared less what I was doing...if she was off with Grandma..Or Adda (pronounced Odd - a) as she calls her.

I can't remember if the Aqua Duck was open at that time or not. I want to say yes, but I could be wrong. Or it might've had the line cut off. We did eventually ride it and it was fun. But the water is COLD!!!!

What was up with the Dis-boards yesterday? I tried to post but couldn't.
Now that I'm at work I can't see you photos

Ugh, I'm so bored.

I can say this though, Kadence wouldn't have gone into the kids club. She would have been wondering what we were up to, and would have wanted to do what we were doing. And then complained she was bored

I don't know, but I couldn't get on at all. It kept timing out or redirecting me to Bing. Every so often I could get a page to open, but it was too much of a hassle, so I gave up.
Luckily Claire didn't give me the "I'm Bored" too much on the trip. But we were very busy most of the time. She didn't even gripe at the Shopping talk...and I think that was probably the most boring thing she did.

Loving your trip report and pictures..I am curious about the metal Mickey plaque in the elevator and I wonder if this is what someone was talking about when they said a mickey ornament was ripped out of the elevators and STOLEN on the maiden voyage.
( Reading about the behavior of some of the cruisers on that voyage really shocked and saddened me. It's like they though that because there is a pirate theme that pillaging on the ship is part of the experience)

I don't know, but now that you mention it, I do remember reading about that. It was disgusting what some people did. I was telling my Mom about some of that too. She was amazed about it.

 

[jenseib]

The Dis was acting up a bit yesterday and I couldn't post replies or if I did, it would take foreeeeeever. I think I would have been like Claire and would have wanted to hang out with you guys so I could get in on all of the action. But, then again, from the way you describe the kids' club, I may have wanted to just stay there forever.

Cute cute cute sweatshirts. I remembered that you like to get a sweatshirt/hoodie each time you visit Walt Disney World so it was no surprise when you posted that you had bought one.

I am loving all of the pictures of the ship. It's looks so bright and colorful and beautiful.

Yay for Claire getting to swim. Who cares if it was 11:00 p.m.? It's vacation!

I think if Claire had known other kids she would've wanted to be in the club more, but she was probably being shy at first and didn't meet to many friends...though she did say she met 2 girls that were fun.
11 PM...Thats EARLY for us.
The ship was very colorful.

And yes, I love sweatshirts. And I use them all the time too. I really liked the one I got for Claire,but I wasn't sure if she would...but she does. In fact she has worn it a lot. Sometimes I have to tell her to wear a nice coast to places and she wines that she wants to wear her "Dream" coat!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Gorgeous night time pics!

I think that mural in Cabanas is really cool too, can't wait to see it for myself.

Do you remember how late the pools were open? I know my boys would appreciate swimming late when there aren't as many people around, as would I!

 

[jenseib]

Gorgeous night time pics!

I think that mural in Cabanas is really cool too, can't wait to see it for myself.

Do you remember how late the pools were open? I know my boys would appreciate swimming late when there aren't as many people around, as would I!

I looked on the Navigators for times listed, but it says the pool was only open till 11 on that night...I know thats wrong because we swam later than 11.
I know on pirate night it was closed for the party though.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I looked on the Navigators for times listed, but it says the pool was only open till 11 on that night...I know thats wrong because we swam later than 11.
I know on pirate night it was closed for the party though.

Hmmmm, maybe they kept it open later since it was raining earlier in the day and people didn't get as much of a chance to use it

 

[bubba's mom]

Great first day....way to make the best of a rainy first day!

Can't imagine you were tired after that day? Really?

 

[FortWorthLeonardFam]

I think we sat at the same table at that restaurant back in March 2009 before our Wonder Cruise. It's a Small World After All!!! Lol!

 

[jenseib]

Hmmmm, maybe they kept it open later since it was raining earlier in the day and people didn't get as much of a chance to use it

That could be. I know the Aqua duck did run at times it was not listed on the Navigator as well too though.

Great first day....way to make the best of a rainy first day!

Can't imagine you were tired after that day? Really?

I know...why would I be tired?

I think we sat at the same table at that restaurant back in March 2009 before our Wonder Cruise. It's a Small World After All!!! Lol!

Do you mean at Fish Lips?

 

[photographymom517]

I finally caught up!!!

I've been looking at all of your cruise pictures on facebook, but just now went through & read your DIS report (I needed to catch up since before Easter! Oops!)

I had a million comments & questions while reading through the past 10 pages or so -- but of course now I forget!

I love all of your pictures!!! The Easter pics & ones of Claire picking flowers were super cute!!! I'm excited that you got the Dooney Wonder Tote!!! I have it & LOVE it! It was a birthday/Christmas present last year & I am sooo happy with the purchase (although it would've been better to wait & get it $70 off! LOL) I know what you mean about the DCL bags -- I wasn't impressed when I saw others post them on DIS or ebay. They look similar to the material of the Dooney Sketch bag & I actually bought one of those & exchanged it for the Wonder! I just didn't like the white (thought it would discolor too easily) or the material (it did feel like a vinyl plastic).

I've been researching cruise options all afternoon for my birthday cruise next year. I was torn between doing a longer cruise on a cheaper ship or doing a shorter cruise on the Dream. Well, YOU have convinced me, Jen!!!! All of your beautiful pictures have convinced me that I want my first cruise to be on the Dream!!! So, thank you for making up my mind for me!

Are the photographers in the main lobby every night or just the first day? I'm obsessed with photography so of course most of my questions deal with pictures in someway! LOL

I was going to ask you about your luggage but you answered that question already! When you said you went to eat at Cabana's & were walking around the ship, I wondered where your luggage was. Is it similar to ME? Do they bring it from the terminal? Or do they bring it from your resort? We will be flying in & heading directly to Port Canveral next year, so what will they do with it? Sorry for all the questions, this is all new to me! (I need to learn for my cruise clients as well as for myself!)

I'm just curious about the kids club. I am super paranoid about leaving Luke anywhere. Is there some type of door that you have to enter through or is it just a wide open space? I can just see him running out the door when no one is looking or plotting his escape! It really makes me nervous but if we cruise next year, I would like to have some alone time. I think its good for him to be with other kids as well. When we're at home, he asks everyday to play with kids!

I know I said it already, but all of your pictures are gorgeous!!!! The Dream is just so beautiful & elegant!!! I loved the pictures of the show too! I made a note of the lens & settings you used! I just bought a new lens for my Canon Xsi and have been trying it out every chance I get! I want to be an expert before our September trip!

I hope that you & your family had a Happy Easter!!!! Can't wait to hear about Day 2 on the cruise!!!!

 

[Ikaikalani]

Hi Jen & Claire,

Thanks so much for the GREAT trip report and pictures...but I'm ready for the REST OF IT!! I'm at work and should be earning my keep, but your report/pictures were so engaging I spent all morning reading...I REALLY hate to go back to working, so can only hope more info/pictures pop up real soon

 

[Mndisneygirl]

I can answer your questions about the kids club. It's VERY secure! They have "gates" at the two entrances and they are always staffed. You have to ask to pick up your child and you have to give a password that you and they know. The kids have wristbands with little sensors on them and they scan them everytime they go in or out.
when we went to pick up our kids, we told them who we were there for and they said, oh, she's in the lab over here. Then they allowed us to go find her and come back to the gate for the password/scan routine.

My girls LOVED it and did not want to leave. For them, it was way better than shopping!

For the luggage - if you go straight to the port, you bring it with you and put your cruise luggage tags on (they send these to you ahead of time). Then you leave it with the porter (and tip them) and they check it through. You don't see it again until they put it in your room that afternoon.
I believe if you are going from a WDW resort and have booked transfer with DCL, they take it with your tags on it when you get on the bus and then you don't see it again until it's in your room.

We dressed up a bit for dinner - by choice. On all my other cruises (not that many) I would wear black linen pants/capris with a few different tops. This trip I wore sundresses with a sweater. Except I did dress fancy for our dinner at Palo. They have a dress code anyway.
It was really cool that there were lots of opportunities for photo shoots. I think they had them every night.

Jen - how fun for Claire to swim late at night! It was about the only time the pool wouldn't be so crowded!!
Your food at EG looked yummy! That's why I wish we had the 4 night. Then I wouldn't have skipped dinner there to eat at Palo. I was just too full to eat dinner twice even though we took the girls to EG for our late dinner seating.

Dandelions - why is it that they seem to last SO long in my yard, but if they get picked, there's not enough water to keep them alive?

 

[FortWorthLeonardFam]

I don't remember the name but that sounds right. I remember the table and food being the same as what we had. We also stayed at the Residence Inn and I did the same picture taking as you did. Funny stuff, great TR. Waiting til March 13, 2012 for our Dream cruise. Can't wait.