A long time ago on a Fantasy far far away...Feb 2016 SWDAS TR, 5/17 CRUISE EPILOGUE - The End!

[Dentam]

Wow - that brunch looks amazing! I would feel like I needed to grow a second stomach in order to eat everything - it all looked so GOOD!! How much weight do people normally gain on these cruises?

I'll hop on over to check out your WDW report!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I'm loving your report! I will be on the Fantasy for the 2nd time 2 weeks from tomorrow and cannot wait! Your report is getting me even more excited for it.

Thank you!! You're so lucky to be going on the Fantasy again! I loved that ship!

The Palo brunch pictures are getting me very excited for our brunch there. The chicken parm and lasagna are amazing. I'm usually not even a lasagna fan, but my DH ordered it last time and I couldn't stop eating it. I even chose to finish that off rather than my desserts!

Palo brunch is just so decadent and delicious! The lasagna is really good! I was surprised at how much we all liked it!

We actually brought a bottle of sparkling sake and a bottle of prosecco on our cruise in 2014 The sake is great. We got it at the sake bar in Japan. It wasn't outrageously expensive either. I don't know if DCL will allow people to bring on sake anymore though. It is a rice wine, but it has a higher alcohol content than regular wine. I don't think I could sneak it past them easily, and I wouldn't want to have to forfeit it if it wasn't allowed

Yeah you're probably right - don't want to risk having our precious sake taken away! LOL

Cool! I hope everyone was ok though. We only get insurance on cruises. Most of the time, you can get some of your money back if you cancel, but cruises and tours are pretty strict. I also worry about medical care in remote areas.

Yeah definitely the medical care and the evacuation costs are what would worry me the most.

We did that cruise a few years ago, it was really amazing!! Though I'm sure very different from a Caribbean cruise because well..it's not warm out lol...but there is so much to do inside on a Disney ship that we didn't mind!

Yeah it's gonna be so weird not taking a vacation someplace warm! Did you use the pools at all?

Love the little shrimp cocktails!
That looked really awesome...lots of cheese which makes a good parm!

The food was both pretty AND delicious! Sometimes it's one or the other but at Palo it's both!

Yikes!! Well good to know they do that if necessary!!

I know! I wonder how much that cost though!

Love all the food! We can't wait for our first cruise but I wish they would have some SWDAS during the summer so those of us who cant pull kid's out of school could participate

Thank you! Yes I agree they should offer SWDAS cruises every other week of the year! LOL. And make it 2 days instead of one!

Wow - that brunch looks amazing! I would feel like I needed to grow a second stomach in order to eat everything - it all looked so GOOD!! How much weight do people normally gain on these cruises?

Um, A LOT. Hahaha.

I'll hop on over to check out your WDW report!

Yay, see you there!

 

[TestingH2O]

Thanks for the food porn! I keep trying to convince my parents that they should try and your photos are definitely compelling evidence.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 6 Part 3: Pre-dinner pics and Animation Show at Animator's Palate!

In between the Rainforest Room and getting ready for the evening festivities, DH and I managed to do a few loads of laundry. The launderette seems to be located all the way on the forward end. We didn't find an open machines on the 6th deck so I think we went up to 7. As I was waiting for the dryer to finish, I met and chatted with a lovely lady. Her name was Wendy and she had a really funny dry sense of humor. As we parted I asked if she was on the DISBoards. She said "What's that?" LOL. I guess not everyone thinks the DIS is the center of their universe! Anyways I told her I was chunkymonkey on the boards, so Wendy if you ever make it over here, Hi!!!!

Tonight's show in the Walt Disney Theater was Wishes. I was excited to see it as I've heard a lot about it and the show didn't disappoint! It was a lot of fun, very high energy, and the performances were great. There are a lot of familiar songs in the show so I think everyone will enjoy it. Two thumbs up from me!

We had some time to kill before dinner, so DH went to watch the second half of The Force Awakens in the Buena Vista Theater and CS and I went to take some pictures. It was semi formal night, although that is usually taken rather lightly on the ship and you saw people in all sorts of dress, from super casual to cocktail attire. Captain Mickey was out!

I bowed out of pictures after that to go browsing in the stores again. CS meanwhile had a ball.

Seems like Donald is channeling is best Saturday Night Fever!

We all met up at Animator's Palate for dinner! Tonight was animation magic night and we were super excited to do this for the first time!

You can see how DH and I had different opinions of what semi formal meant!

CS bumped into her buddy who had the same dresses as her and guess what?! They were wearing the same thing! It was adorable so I had to take a picture.

BTW, my sister's dress is from Torrid, and my dress is from the Lauren Conrad Minnie Mouse Dots collection from Kohls.

We were one of the first people to enter AP for second seating. It's nice when it's so empty!

Our drawing "boards" were already at our tables.

When we sat down we immediately began drawing our figures so that it could be submitted in time. Here's my drawing. I tried to channel my inner Leia but this was the best I could do. She looked a little stocky and fat. Oh great.

It's obviously my first time doing this! Haha.

DH hard at work!

After we had submitted out drawings we were served the first course! There was a more limited selection tonight and the appetizers were a set trio of dishes, but you could choose not to have one or more if you don't like it.

My sister ordered one of the specialty drinks, a Star-Night I think it's called. I think it had passionfruit, strawberry and pineapple in it. She really liked it!

Bread service: Mixed rolls with a roasted red pepper dip.

And our appetizer. It included Shrimp, a salmon -thing, thing it was a terrine, and smoked duck breast. DH and I opted for the full trio, while CS only got the shrimp.

I thought the trio was ok - not amazing but pretty decent. Next I ordered the mac n cheese n potato soup. It was very interesting. It's like a things carbs in a bowl with some cheese. Nothing wrong with that!

Throughout our first courses, the screens in the room came alive with different animations and cartoons, all Disney of course!

Soon it was time for our main course...we all selected the lobster, of course! And here it is!

Our server, Nyoman shelled the lobster tails for us, which was great!

Nyoman showing DH his expert shelling technique:

Here's the result!

The lobster was pretty good, not like super good fresh from the ocean Maine lobster, but definitely good enough to order seconds! I had one and a half tails, and both DH and CS had two and a quarter tails.

Continued in next post...

​

 

[chunkymonkey]

Day 6 Part 4: Animation Magic and evening festivities

Our dessert was molten chocolate cake. It was delicious! It had a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Yum!

We were all enjoying this night!

After a few moments, Nyoman and Joseph came by singing happy birthday, with my birthday cake and button!

So now I have two desserts!

The birthday cake is really just layers of chocolate mousse. It was only ok, but I don't care much for mousse. But it's the thought that counts and I was really happy!

Here's me with my very own Birthday button!

Nyoman also had some other magic up his sleeve...

He made this cool looking rose from napkins!

Thanks Nyoman!

Our Animation Magic Show started after dessert time. The lights went dark and our drawings came to life!

It was cool to see everyone's drawings. I should have made mine more detailed. But there isn't much you could do with Leia when she has a white dress!

DH's is the 2nd one from the right

And here's me!

I couldn't grab CS's because everyone was moving so fast!

Here are some video of our creations coming to life:

It was all very cool to see!! We had a great time at dinner!

Back in the stateroom we found our new navigator and sadly, our tip envelopes which means our cruise is coming to an end...NOOOOOOO....!!! I was having waaaaay to much fun!

After dinner CS and I decided to hang out in the Atrium and then go to Ooh La La while DH decided to do his own thing and catch the first half of the next showing of The Force Awakens which he had missed this afternoon, LOL.

We hung out and listened to Fine Whines playing and it was great!

Then Captain Mickey showed up again!

We browsed the art in Vista Gallery and also went to check on our Shutters pictures on the digital kiosk. We realized we were missing a few pictures but we thought maybe they would show up the next day.

The Vista Gallery had cool stuff.

We then checked out the print gallery of our Shutters pics.

We had so many pictures they had to keep some in a separate folder. We had to ask a CM to help us with that.

CS and I then went over to the Europa section so we could go to Ooh La La since CS didn't come with Dh and I last time. On the way in, I realized there was a buffet of food set up right outside La Piazza.It's near where O'Gills and Ooh La La is, right where that corridor starts that leads you to Skyline and The Tube.

I was too full to get a plate, but it all looked really tasty. I may have sneakily snuck an egg roll into Ooh La La though...

CS was very impressed with the decor at Ooh La La. She thought it was super cute.

I ordered my usual Moet Ice with a twist, and CS says she wanted something sweet and fruity, with emphasis on sweet. So the bartender whipped her up something with a lot of fruit and berries.

CS took a sip of hers and said it was too sweet! LOL. She did like mine a lot though!

After we finished our drinks we walked back to the stateroom...passing by D lounge on the way. They were having some family karaoke in there.

We would have joined in but it looked a little too tame for us. Maybe adult karaoke would be better. Especially after Mixology. Maybe they could do a Mixology/Karoake session? Buahaha!

At the midship elevators, I told CS to walk up the steps with me but she was having none of that so she took the elevator. I made it up before her!

Here's the proof:

Tomorrow is sadly our last day of the cruise, but it was Castaway Cay day!! Stay tuned...​

 

[chunkymonkey]

Thanks for the food porn! I keep trying to convince my parents that they should try and your photos are definitely compelling evidence.

Thank you for reading! I too get seduced by food porn so it definitely works!! Hope you get to cruise soon!

 

[TestingH2O]

Thank you for reading! I too get seduced by food porn so it definitely works!! Hope you get to cruise soon!

We board a week from tomorrow! Mom & dad just can't understand what the fuss is about with brunch. Lol

 

[bcwife76]

Is there a more fun, creative restaurant than Animators? I don't think so! It's so awesome! I love AP on the Wonder but I wish it were more like the one on the Fantasy....I wonder if they will alter it during dry dock this Fall?

Haha, I love that CS found her 'dress twin' double trouble, double cute!!

Sad your cruise is nearly over

 

[SixtoMouse]

I love your sisters dress. Where can I get one?

We also booked Alaska in September not sure yet if we will end up going. My parents didn't seem to want to go and we need help traveling with our special needs son. We have time to decide.

Love all the food pics.

 

[soniam]

I didn't know they served food in La Piazza We never went to Oooh La La. I love champagne bars though. After doing our Mixology class in Skyline, we liked it so much that we mainly spent time there. We got one of the passports and had to finish all of the drinks We hung out at the pub a bit too. The guitarist in there one night was really good, and we were the only people in there I plan to hit all of the bars at least once on the next trip. I also plan to get more soft-serve. You have been an inspiration and a role model I still have my picture from AP from 2014. It was terrible

 

[buteraa]

I'm late to the game but catching up. Great Trip Report!

 

[DnA2010]

Have read this whole report off and on throughout the day! Love love love your writing style, your pictures are great! You are all so photogenic and such great outfits and costumes . Your report sure made us relive the awesomeness of the Fantasy

Off to your other reports now!

 

[Dentam]

You and your sis have the cutest dresses!!

The lobster and your molten chocolate dessert looked SO good!

Sad that your cruise is coming to an end but at least you're heading to WDW next!

 

[chunkymonkey]

We board a week from tomorrow! Mom & dad just can't understand what the fuss is about with brunch. Lol

OMG have a great trip! I think you need to convince them to go to brunch! Are you able to join them? (what is the age cut off?) We had an amazing time and they will love it!

Is there a more fun, creative restaurant than Animators? I don't think so! It's so awesome! I love AP on the Wonder but I wish it were more like the one on the Fantasy....I wonder if they will alter it during dry dock this Fall?

I just love that restaurant! Both in the Magic and Fantasy! Is the one on the Wonder just like the Magic? I know the Magic made some changes to AP during their drydock but I'm not sure what it was since the first time I was on it was last year. I really wonder (pun intended!) what they will do during Wonder's drydock! I have hopes for a more Dream-class like rainforest room! On the Magic they still had the old Rainforest and it didn't look that fun.

Haha, I love that CS found her 'dress twin' double trouble, double cute!!

Yeah it was so funny, we ran into her a lot and they would always tell each other they have each other's dress! But this was the first time they were both wearing the same thing!

Sad your cruise is nearly over

I know...so sad...but then I can focus full time on my other TR!

I love your sisters dress. Where can I get one?

She got hers from Torrid!

We also booked Alaska in September not sure yet if we will end up going. My parents didn't seem to want to go and we need help traveling with our special needs son. We have time to decide.

Cool for 2017? Are we on the same cruise? I think ours is Sept 7th. I heard sept can be rainy in Alaska though. So I'm always second-guessing whether we should go. It's more expensive than any WDW or DCL vacation we've taken, so when we're spending that much...we kinda want it to be worth it...I'll think about it. I may go over the the dark side and take a different line. For close to what we are paying for the cruise we could sail in concierge in a suite on other lines!

Love all the food pics.

Thank you! I loved doing the eating!

I didn't know they served food in La Piazza We never went to Oooh La La. I love champagne bars though. After doing our Mixology class in Skyline, we liked it so much that we mainly spent time there. We got one of the passports and had to finish all of the drinks We hung out at the pub a bit too. The guitarist in there one night was really good, and we were the only people in there I plan to hit all of the bars at least once on the next trip. I also plan to get more soft-serve. You have been an inspiration and a role model I still have my picture from AP from 2014. It was terrible

When we explored the area during the day I saw the dedicated area for food so I knew there would be something at night. I think it's a great idea as when you drink you always get the munchies! Last year on the Magic they had a small buffet in O'Gills but this one was much better!

I'm late to the game but catching up. Great Trip Report!

Welcome and thank you!!!

Have read this whole report off and on throughout the day! Love love love your writing style, your pictures are great! You are all so photogenic and such great outfits and costumes . Your report sure made us relive the awesomeness of the Fantasy

Off to your other reports now!

Welcome! Thank you so much! Thanks for reading! We love DCL and it's our new favorite way to travel hehe.

You and your sis have the cutest dresses!!

Thank you!! Hers is from Torrid and mine was from Kohl's Minnie Mouse Dots collection.

The lobster and your molten chocolate dessert looked SO good!

They were great! Can't go wrong with them! I now like the 7 night cruises because they have lobster!

Sad that your cruise is coming to an end but at least you're heading to WDW next!

I know...snifff...but at least I can work on my other TR full time!! Writing 2 is hard but it's a lot of fun!

BTW, have a great time at DLR!! I am slated to go this fall, but I haven't been there in about 8 years. I'm not even sure how DLR works now. Do they still have paper fastpasses? LOL. I'm such a DL/DCA amateur!

 

[Dentam]

Thank you!! Hers is from Torrid and mine was from Kohl's Minnie Mouse Dots collection.

I haven't been to Kohl's in years - thanks for the tips!

BTW, have a great time at DLR!! I am slated to go this fall, but I haven't been there in about 8 years. I'm not even sure how DLR works now. Do they still have paper fastpasses? LOL. I'm such a DL/DCA amateur!

Thanks!! I am getting excited!! We will be there for four days. I'm working today and tomorrow and then heading out on Wednesday morning - woohoo!! DL doesn't have magic bands so you grab paper fast passes as soon as you get into the parks. There will be quite a few things closed while we're there, including the monorail and DL railroad, plus Fantasmic since the waterway is drained... but we will enjoy ourselves regardless I'm sure! I'm looking forward to staying at the Grand Californian! We got a great deal for Dapper Days! I'm planning to write a trip report when I get back!

 

[schmass]

I love the show at Animator's Palette so much. I think I even cried a little during it last time. Disney has a way of making me tear up, though.

I need to check out your other TR, as well. We are staying at the Polynesian for 2 nights pre-cruise and I haven't stayed there since I was a child. I can't wait!

 

[mlegerto]

I can't believe your cruise is almost over.....nooooooooooooooo! Can't wait to read about your day on CC. I think I've mentioned it before, but I haven't yet been on a Disney Cruise, but DH along with our two best friends (his best friend is dating my best friend...best situation EVER) are waiting for December 2017 itineraries to be released so that we can book our first Disney Cruise for NYE 2018!

Reading your report has made me SO excited. Can't wait for the rest woooooooooooo!

 

[chunkymonkey]

I love the show at Animator's Palette so much. I think I even cried a little during it last time. Disney has a way of making me tear up, though.

Totally! I don't usually cry in movies but I cry in every Disney animated movie... LOL!

I need to check out your other TR, as well. We are staying at the Polynesian for 2 nights pre-cruise and I haven't stayed there since I was a child. I can't wait!

Awesome! What is your next cruise? You will love the Poly! So much fun!

I can't believe your cruise is almost over.....nooooooooooooooo! Can't wait to read about your day on CC. I think I've mentioned it before, but I haven't yet been on a Disney Cruise, but DH along with our two best friends (his best friend is dating my best friend...best situation EVER) are waiting for December 2017 itineraries to be released so that we can book our first Disney Cruise for NYE 2018!
Reading your report has made me SO excited. Can't wait for the rest woooooooooooo!

Wow that's amazing that your BFF is dating your DH's BFF...what are the odds of that happening? Were they dating before you got married? That's super cool!
You will LOVE Disney Cruising! Even if you don't like cruising regularly - I'm ambivalent about cruising and I'd rather take a land vacation if given a choice, but when it comes to DCL, it's amazing. I care less about the itinerary and more about the ship and all the Disney touches! You will love CC and it's beautiful beaches and perfect setting! Plus, characters on the beach! Can't beat that.

NYE sounds like an awesome time to cruise!

 

[KathyM2]

Yeah it's gonna be so weird not taking a vacation someplace warm! Did you use the pools at all?

I think I may have gone in the hot tub once...but it was torturous getting out into the cold! There were kids in the pools all the time though even when the temperature was just above freezing!!

I guess not everyone thinks the DIS is the center of their universe!

That's so funny. I often wonder how many people you meet are on there and you don't know it. And then there's the rest who just think we are all nuts lol

both DH and CS had two and a quarter tails.

That's the great thing about cruise eating lol you can just get more of what you want. I like it though because you can start with a small serving and just get more if you want. Makes more sense than just starting out with way more food than any normal person can eat, like they do at so many restaurants.

Maybe they could do a Mixology/Karoake session? Buahaha!

Now THAT would be a whole lotta fun!

 

[mlegerto]

Wow that's amazing that your BFF is dating your DH's BFF...what are the odds of that happening? Were they dating before you got married? That's super cool!
You will LOVE Disney Cruising! Even if you don't like cruising regularly - I'm ambivalent about cruising and I'd rather take a land vacation if given a choice, but when it comes to DCL, it's amazing. I care less about the itinerary and more about the ship and all the Disney touches! You will love CC and it's beautiful beaches and perfect setting! Plus, characters on the beach! Can't beat that.

NYE sounds like an awesome time to cruise!

Hubby and I are high school sweethearts...we've been together for 13 years. Our best friends have been dating for like 7 years or something crazy like that (time to put a ring on it I think ). It was actually hubby best friend who introduced me to my now best friend, we became close and then they started dating. Such an amazing situation, couldn't have asked for it to be better - well maybe if they get married so we can both have kids in a few years together and take them to Disney, *dreaming*. It's just worked out so perfectly - he was hubby best man, she was my MOH (and able to keep best man on top of his duties), they are our go to travel partners, they were then when hubby proposed in WDW. Everything. It's amazing to get to experience all these life events with such awesome people!

We've been on Carnival to cruise twice. We had a good time, but I'm sure it's not even close to the Disney cruises. My family are DVC members so the "plan" is to go down on Dec 26, do WDW for a few days, then jump on a 7 night cruise. Hopefully it all works out.

Again, thanks for the detailed reports. You're making me so excited for something I need to wait 1.5 years for haha!