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

[Caretames1]

Crush talks to some guests? That is awesome. I wouldn't want to leave either


p.s. I was on photobucket earlier and it asked if I wanted to follow you (so where we going? ) I clicked yes, I hope you don't mind. You can follow me! I'll only warn you that I have no clue where we're going but you'll need mud boots!

 

[jenseib]

Crush talks to some guests? That is awesome. I wouldn't want to leave either


p.s. I was on photobucket earlier and it asked if I wanted to follow you (so where we going? ) I clicked yes, I hope you don't mind. You can follow me! I'll only warn you that I have no clue where we're going but you'll need mud boots!

I did get that email about it. And it asked if I wanted to follow you too and I said yes. ....So this wil lbe like the blind leading the blind then? I'll warn you, you may get into trouble folllowing me!

 

[jenseib]

Claire’s main meal came at the same time that our soups came.

Every so often a Nemo character would float by on the screen. And Crush would come by every so often as well.

Soon the main course arrived.

Mom and I both got the same thing.

Claire’s ice cream arrived soon after.

Dessert was a hard choice, as usual. It all looked so good.

This Sundae was amazing! It had those wonderful chocolate chip cookies in it. I could go for one about right now!

The show continued. Srdjan and Brent also told us not to leave till it was over, so we stayed in place.

While waiting for the fun to start, I took a few more pictures.

Soon a fun show started up with Crush. He wanted to call attention to everyone who was celebrating something. I had TOTALLY forgotten that when I had called to request a 4 top table that they had asked if we were celebrating. I had told her we were kind of celebrating Claire’s birthday belated, since we had to postpone the trip and that it was also my birthday gift, and that Skip was celebrating his 50th in May. I never thought to change it over to Mom when I changed the reservation…her b-day is in May as well.
Soon Srdjan and Brent came out with birthday buttons for Claire and I and a yummy mousse type cake. I took a picture of the cake and accidentally deleted it later on…another mishap.
But if you watch the video you can see it on the table.
Crush led us in some sort of chant. I honestly didn’t pay attention too much. Claire liked it, and I was surprised that Mom was really getting into it too.
I videoed more than what I am posting, but it was on the other card and I switched in the middle of the chanting.



After all the excitement we headed out. Many people still lingered in there, but we like to keep moving.

Here is a copy of the kids menu.

These little light up Dalmatians are on the floor of the restaurant.

We headed down to the Atrium. (bad picture here)

The Atrium was pretty much empty at this point in time so I tried to get some shots of Claire on the stairs….of course none turned out great…most had a slight blur to them.

 

[annmarieda]

I love Claire's "Tiana" dress. I am not sure what it is about that dress... but I love it. Too bad dd doesn't agree with me. I keep asking her if she wants it... and she keeps tell me no.

 

[dizneeat]

Thanks again for the updates, Jen! It's so exciting to get up and check the computer and find such fun things to read.

Animator's Palete is completely different on the Wonder. But this looks fun and interesting as well. The singing at the end reminds me of Chef Mickey and the napkin celebrations!
No wonder, Claire wanted to stay for all the fun!

Love the photos of Claire in the Atrium, such a sweet little princess in training!

Can't believe it is already your last night on the DREAM. And you are so right, a three nighter is just not enough, that's why we do three cruises in a row!

 

[jenseib]

I love Claire's "Tiana" dress. I am not sure what it is about that dress... but I love it. Too bad dd doesn't agree with me. I keep asking her if she wants it... and she keeps tell me no.

Sometimes Claire tells me know about things, so I just buy it and then she loves it...other times it back fires on me. LOL! And sometimes she just "Has to have it" and then never wears it.

Thanks again for the updates, Jen! It's so exciting to get up and check the computer and find such fun things to read.

Animator's Palete is completely different on the Wonder. But this looks fun and interesting as well. The singing at the end reminds me of Chef Mickey and the napkin celebrations!
No wonder, Claire wanted to stay for all the fun!

Love the photos of Claire in the Atrium, such a sweet little princess in training!

Can't believe it is already your last night on the DREAM. And you are so right, a three nighter is just not enough, that's why we do three cruises in a row!

I was an updating fool yesterday! I hope to get a few more today. I want to get this closer to being done before it's time to leave for the next trip....WHICH IS IN 50 DAYS!!!!
I would still love to experience the old style Animators Palate too. I always thought it looked so neat. This one is similar to Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot. It was fun though and Claire just was mesmerized the whole time. She kept watching the screen for any glimpse of him coming back our way or to see whatever little character would float by.

 

[SoonerGirl]

I know, it went too fast. Thats why I suggest for people to do at least 4 nioghts. There is just NOT enough time on the 3 nighter.

Yeah, 4 nights really isn't long enough either, just sayin'..........

Love the decor of Animator's Palate, so cute! And I can see why kids wouldn't want to skip out early on this night, too much fun to be had. Looked like your mom really had fun too.

 

[jenseib]

Yeah, 4 nights really isn't long enough either, just sayin'..........

Love the decor of Animator's Palate, so cute! And I can see why kids wouldn't want to skip out early on this night, too much fun to be had. Looked like your mom really had fun too.

So true...I am hoping to go at least 4 and maybe 5 nights next time. I need ti start planting the hints in Skips head!

 

[jenseib]

We started to make our way back to the room again, stopping off for another picture.
I told her to lay down here and pose…and this is what I got.

I told her to sit up and let’s try it again.

I tried a couple more, but they just weren’t turning out with the lighting and I was rushed a bit too. All of a sudden several people decided to walk down this hallway.

We got back to the room to find another towel friend. See Claire’s hand in action…she is going for the chocolate and I am telling her to wait.

We also found that our Cabin Steward had NOT brought down the bunk bed this evening. Why I don’t know. I am guessing he didn’t want to put it back up the next day when he had to prepare the room for the next set of guests. I asked Claire if she minded sleeping with me, if not I would call to have it pulled down. She was OK with being in my bed, so we didn’t bother calling.

Now I can’t remember the exact order of what we did the rest of the evening, but I know I left the room a couple of times. One time Mom and Claire went off to do some last minute shopping. I know I went and got a copy of our room charges and one for Mom as well. I wanted to be sure most was covered and not much put on my credit card.
I also took these pictures somewhere along the line.

Claire came back from shopping with Adda and had gotten a little prize. She’s a good con artist. She got one a Minnie figurine set with the little plastic dresses…kind of like Polly pockets. The thing is, she has this same set already at home. We got it last trip. But she told me that some of the pieces were missing and if you left Minnie naked, she looked like Mickey, so now she would have Mickey and Minnie. That girl is always thinking. There was also something else Claire wanted, but Adda was NOT buying it for her. She said she would use her own money if I took her, so we headed out again.
I also forgot that Mom had bought Claire a watch the 1st night of the trip. Claire loved it and wore it off and on, but I can’t even tell you where it is now, but she probably knows.

We stopped at Shutters first, since I wanted to get some prints. Mom had a few picked out, and I had my eye on a few. Even though I had bought the CD, the borders do not come on them, so to get anything with a border, you have to buy a print. BUT, since I did buy a CD, the prints were 50% off.

I ended up getting 6 prints. Mom and I each got 3.

Here is what Mom got.

And these are the ones I got.

At the gift shops Claire led me to what she wanted to purchase. It was actually something I had looked at the 1st night while she was at the kids club. It’s a stuffed ship with stuffed characters sitting on top. Very cute. It had Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald. It was also $40! Claire said she wanted it though and was willing to pay for it out of her spending money, so we got it. But this thing was bulky and big.
This is a picture of it that I had taken when we got home.

She was very excited to get this and became a very prized possession to her.

We got Claire settled into bed then. It didn’t take long for her to go out completely. I made on last trip out, and not sure what it was for, but I found chocolate covered strawberries on the way back. I grabbed 6 and brought them to the room. Claire was out, Mom didn’t want any at that time, so I dove in. The 1st one was YUCK. I was full and really didn’t need more food, but who could resist strawberries with chocolate. But I guess I could, because that strawberry was mushy. I think I took a bite of another and again, not good and I just ate the chocolate and threw it away. The rest went in our mini fridge. I did try one more in the morning and again, YUCK, so the rest went in the trash after that.


I set the alarm on my phone so I would be up in time to get ready for the next big day and went to sleep very fast. I think I had given up writing in the journal at that point and time.

And that ends Day 4 of our trip. Another long, but fun day. I was sad we would be leaving the beautiful ship the next day, but we still had 3 more full days of fun in store for us as well.

 

[mom2rtk]

Naked Minnie looks just like Mickey?????? Man, she's good. Sharp as a tack, I'd say!

And you know what? I'd probably pay $40 for that stuffed ship. You now..... if I ever went on a cruise....... sigh........

The photos are adorable. I would have had to have those too!

 

[coneygoil]

Hi Jen! I've been lurking reading your TR. It's so exciting! Your pics make me want to go on a Disney cruise so bad. The ship looks amazing. Thanks for the great TR so far! Just wanted to let you know I'm enjoying it

 

[annmarieda]

I love the picture of Claire with the hat and bare feet. She looks like quite the little pirate. Too funny how clever she was in getting her new Minnie set.

I can't wait to read your next update.. .. since I didn't read your PTR, I have no idea where you are headed next. Well, generally... but not specifically.

 

[jenseib]

Naked Minnie looks just like Mickey?????? Man, she's good. Sharp as a tack, I'd say!

And you know what? I'd probably pay $40 for that stuffed ship. You now..... if I ever went on a cruise....... sigh........

The photos are adorable. I would have had to have those too!

She is always thinking. The ship is really cute. I had seen many people eying it, but I think the price was making them think twice, but I guess if you think about it, she got for plushes out of the deal.

Hi Jen! I've been lurking reading your TR. It's so exciting! Your pics make me want to go on a Disney cruise so bad. The ship looks amazing. Thanks for the great TR so far! Just wanted to let you know I'm enjoying it

Glad you are reading along! It was a lot of fun. It's my newest passion right now...to get back on the ship. Of course I would love to be able to have the freedome of going 2 weeks, one on the ship and one at the world. LOL

I love the picture of Claire with the hat and bare feet. She looks like quite the little pirate. Too funny how clever she was in getting her new Minnie set.

I can't wait to read your next update.. .. since I didn't read your PTR, I have no idea where you are headed next. Well, generally... but not specifically.

My PTR was confusing anyways. LOL! We had a lot of changes, so even if you read it, you may not remember the final plans.
I hope to get the next update tonight. I am going away for the afternoon, but plan on working on it later when I get home.

 

[dizneeat]

Wow! Your Claire is a girl after my own heart! I just LOVE last minute shopping and would most likely pick up something bulky as well!

Love the photo of Claire sitting in the window - very cute girl you have got there, just like her mum!

I really hope we don't encounter your stateroom host. Both times we sailed we had just wonderful hosts, being fun and so helpful. Every time we would exit or enter our stateroom and we would meet Arturo we would exchange a few fun words. We even surprised him. The day we were in Nassau he told us that he couldn't leave the ship that day, as he had more work than usual, so we picked up a rum cake for him. Low and behold when we got back we met him in the hallway and chatted and he asked ... "And what did you buy for me?" and we handed him the cake - I will never forget the stunned look on his face!

 

[jenseib]

Wow! Your Claire is a girl after my own heart! I just LOVE last minute shopping and would most likely pick up something bulky as well!

Love the photo of Claire sitting in the window - very cute girl you have got there, just like her mum!

I really hope we don't encounter your stateroom host. Both times we sailed we had just wonderful hosts, being fun and so helpful. Every time we would exit or enter our stateroom and we would meet Arturo we would exchange a few fun words. We even surprised him. The day we were in Nassau he told us that he couldn't leave the ship that day, as he had more work than usual, so we picked up a rum cake for him. Low and behold when we got back we met him in the hallway and chatted and he asked ... "And what did you buy for me?" and we handed him the cake - I will never forget the stunned look on his face!

Claires a shopper, thats for sure.

Thats so nice of you d obuy your guy something. I don't know if I evere even saw ours. I'm not sure if he was the one who handed us the pillowcase and tote or not. It was such a fast exchange I never paid attention.

 

[Kathy Jetson]

Hi Jen! I'm just getting around to catching up on my threads and I spent the entire afternoon catching up on yours I was determined not to get up until I got to the end and I did it

I'm so happy you got your trip approved

Happy late b-day to Paige I love the pic of her making a funny face.

Your pillow case and tote bag turned out great!

Sorry you didn't have the best steward. That would leave me with a bad feeling too knowing he had taken the gift card.

I loved all of your pictures from the cruise and I can't wait to hear about the rest of your vacation!

 

[jenseib]

Hi Jen! I'm just getting around to catching up on my threads and I spent the entire afternoon catching up on yours I was determined not to get up until I got to the end and I did it

I'm so happy you got your trip approved

Happy late b-day to Paige I love the pic of her making a funny face.

Your pillow case and tote bag turned out great!

Sorry you didn't have the best steward. That would leave me with a bad feeling too knowing he had taken the gift card.

I loved all of your pictures from the cruise and I can't wait to hear about the rest of your vacation!

I was just thinking of you this morning and wondered if you made it back. How was your trip? Are you going to do a TR?

I can't wait for the next trip. It wil lbe so different, and fun in a whole new way. I just started writing up the next day, but I am sleepy, so I might have to take a pre-bedtime nap. LOL!

 

[jenseib]

Day 5 ~ April 3rd, 2011, Sunday


I awoke before the alarm went off.
I went and looked out the widow to see if we were in Port…and we were. So I quickly got ready and turned my phone back on…no service. I walked up to the top and checked out the service and it was iffy. Not sure if it was taking my phone awhile to adjust back or if the ship was doing something to block service. On departure day, we never had a problem with service, so I found it weird that it was not working well now. I kept trying to beep Skip, but it would lose service. I was able to leave a message on the barn phone and a little later he called me back.
It was nice to hear from him again. He was missing us, that was clear. He even admitted it! Things were going OK at home, but he was having problems with his youngest brother who works for him. (he has since quit and no longer will even speak to any of us at this point and time) Claire got to talk to Skip too at some point and time and was happy to hear her Daddy’s voice again.
I headed up to Shutters pretty early so I could pick up our CD. It was pretty easy to get and I am glad I went before the mad rush.
I think I took a few pictures with my phone this morning, but from what I see they are repeats from what I had taken already. I’m sure I posted them to facebook at the time.
We got all ready and everything packed and one last swoop of the room.
Mom had the TV on watching the debark talk playing over and over. She mentioned that they suggested a Porter, and I told her I agreed. Everyone I have talked to have had good things to say about it, so we decided we would get one. We tried to decide on a tip. I said at least $10, and Mom agreed, then she debated and said she would put a $20 in her pocket too and if he was really good, we would give him $20.
We made sure our forms were filled out and we had all our proper paperwork with in easy reach.
I am racking my brain trying to remember what time we were supposed to eat breakfast, but I am drawing a complete blank. I know we were 2nd seating, and it was in Animators palate. I’m thinking it was for 7:45 AM.
We gathered everything up!

Everyone had their share of things to carry, even Claire.

We got to Animators Palate and many people were lined up and waiting. It was kind of like a huge camp out. Bags all over, people lying around, waiting to get in. It appeared that the 1st session was running very late.

We all used the bathroom near there while we waited. It was pretty. I hadn’t ever been in that one before.
Finally they opened the doors and we were let in. They told us that if we remembered where our table was from the night before to just head there, which we did.

We got settled in and ordered. The strange thing, it was Brent doing everything. Usually we saw Srdjan 1st, then Brent would come around later.

Claire kept asking where he was. I told her I didn’t know, but maybe he had the day off. She looked hurt. She needed to see him one last time. I think she had a crush on him. She loved how he always called her Princess.

And then out of no where he appeared and we had a happy little girl. They got a few pictures together and then he gave her a kiss on her cheek.

At some point and time I had asked both Brent and Srdjan how long they had been working with Disney.
Srdjan was working his first contract, and we were amazed at how good he was and how well he and Brent worked together. I think Brent had been with Disney about 9 years, if I remember right.
Food started to arrive and we dove right in.

Once done with breakfast we headed out. No need to linger, we had another busy day scheduled.
Mom decided to use the bathroom before we got off, so Claire and I stood with our bags and I gave Dad a call. He was in the area. He had parked at Residence Inn to wait for our call. I let him know that we were now heading off the ship and I would estimate about ½ hour till we were out. He said Ok and we hung up and headed off the ship. It was depressing, but at least we weren’t going home.

We walked down the stairs and several Porters were standing there. We said yes, we would like help and a young guy came over to us. He was super nice…and ironically his parents used to live near us. We found our big bags and loaded them all and went through the line. It was long, but kept moving steadily. The porter was super friendly and we talked about several different things while waiting. He told us some stories of things people have tried taking through the line and not claimed. It was kind of funny. And then of course we talked about Ohio and some of his family that still lived there too.
We breezed through customs. The agent barely even looked at our stuff. I mean just a glance at best. We were on our way. I gave Dad a call and told him which pick up number to find us. Our Porter (I can’t remember his name, but I think it was Steve), dropped the bags off in front of that number and we waited for Dad. He was great, so we did tip him $20. Dad had come around once, but since we weren’t there he made the loop again.
Of course as soon as we dropped our bags on the side walk a stretch limo comes and parks there and just sits and waits. And then someone in a van didn’t seem to have a clue what they were doing and just parked in the middle of the roadway.
Dad pulled to the curb, but way down at the other end, as he couldn’t get closer, so we dragged our bags down to the van.
We got the van loaded and I took the drivers seat. I had to dodge some crazy drivers on the way out…like that other van that had just parked in the middle of the roadway and then just started driving without looking to see if anyone was near them….and off to the highway we went. I kept glancing back at my ship. She was so beautiful sitting there, and she looked so sad to see me leave!
I want to say it was around 9:30 when we got on the road, heading to our next destination…..Pop Century at WDW.
About halfway there, Claire needed a potty break, so we found a gas station and stopped. Word of warning, there are NOT many places to stop along the way, so be sure to go before you make the trip. Claire’s tummy was hurting which means she need to go potty or at least give it a try and then she usually feels better, and sure enough, she was back to he perky self as soon as she got back in the Van.
I also was keeping my eye out for a Walmart. I needed to either buy a new CF card, or get pictures put on a CD. As we got closer though, it just became to hard to follow directions to Pop and try to locate a store, so I gave up for now.

The drive itself was quite educational. Dad gave us a play by play of his few days with his sister…I am guessing he could be the king of TR’s if he could remember long enough to write one. LOL! And when I say play by play, I mean it took ½ hr to get through to half of day 1 of his time there…including his bathroom schedule…ahem…yes, I learned more than I ever needed to know that trip.
At 10:30 this sign came into view!!!

And then this one!

And then this one!

And then this one!

 

[bubba's mom]

Love Claire's "princess pose" on the stairs.

Hard to believe the cruise is over already! Heck...I thought (so did Bubba) that the 4 nighter was too short! ...couldn't imagine only 3

Lookin forward to the rest....

 

[jenseib]

I forgot to add that Claires note for the day was this one.

I think her gift was a muppets pack of writing supplies.