A Merry Mickey Christmas ~ Day 6

[Ware Bears]

Tuesday December 22nd 2009
Weather ~ cloudy at first but soon turned out hot and

A Merry Mickey Christmas INDEX

Yet again we had a wonderful night's sleep and after breakfast at Beach Blanket wandered round taking lots of photos whilst we waited until it was time to disembark on Castaway Cay.

This was our next door neighbour

and this is the royal suite on the port side

 

[Ware Bears]

As soon as we disembarked we were met with a huge Christmas tree and yes, it was snowing.

It was a bit nippy first thing and we do look rather cold in this photo!

As this was our first visit to Castaway Cay (hope it won't be our last ) we didn't want to miss anything so decided to walk rather than catch the tram.

We went to the shop to see what exclusive Castaway Cay merchandise they had and bought a couple of pins, christmas decorations, T-shirts and of course my obligatory fridge magnet!

 

[Ware Bears]

We decided to cycle round the island ..... or I should say Bryan, Samantha and I did. Danielle and Francesca found a hammock where they could lie whilst they waited for Cookies to open and we went off to collect bikes.

It was a very easy route up the old runway to the look-out tower although it must be very hard work in the summer months! There are plenty of water stops.

I'd read that less than 10% of the island has been developed and it was nice to see how the rest of it looked. Next time I'd like to do the kayaking excursion to see more of the natural habitat.

We'd built up quite an appetite by now so returned our bikes, found Danielle and Francesca relaxing on their hammocks, and went to join the queue at Cookies. It had become really hot by now and we were just looking for a table in the shade when I. (our dining server) appeared and led us to one. Danielle and Francesca said when they'd visited Cookies while we were on our bike ride he'd been looking after them, such a lovely man.

After lunch we relaxed on loungers for a couple of hours then decided to do a spot of snorkelling. We'd brought our own masks and snorkels so only needed to collect flotation vests which are free. The water was so warm, it was like relaxing in a hot bath! I understand there are Mickey and Minnie statues hidden under the water but we never found them although we did find these which I believe may be from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

As we didn't have flippers it was pretty tiring work so we just had to have another little relax when we came out the sea before reluctantly making our way back to the ship.

 

[Ware Bears]

I think Francesca's face says it all

We showered and got ready for our last evening onboard and I spent a lovely, relaxing half-hour reading on the verandah. Many people don't think a verandah is worth the extra $, especially on such a short cruise, but I loved having it and would always book one again, provided I can afford it, that is!!

The show tonight was Disney Dreams:An Enchanted Classic which was lovely, although my favourite of the cruise was The Golden Mickeys.

Our last restaurant was the one I'd been looking forward to the most ~ Animator's Palate.

I finally lost the plot here and didn't take photos of everyone's food so here are the ones that I did take.

Bryan had Wild Mushroom Risotto and Porcini twist served with parmigiano-reggiano and black truffle oil

whilst Samantha, Danielle and I chose Smoked Salmon and Trout with Goat Cheese Salad on baby greens with toasted almonds and a cranberry-balsamic vinegar dressing

For our main course Danielle and I had Lemon-Thyme Marinated Chicken Breast on top of sour cream mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and grain mustard jus

For dessert Bryan chose Bucked Warm Apple Crumble

Danielle and Francesca chose Double-Fudge Chocolate Cake with caramel-orange chocolate sauce

I had Strawberry Sable with passion fruit cream

whilst Samantha chose Animator's Sweet Temptations a trio of strawberry sable, cranberry and orange cheesecake, and double-fudge chocolate cake

Drink of the day was Stingray.

I loved this restaurant and am so glad it was the one for our last night.

Us with I. and Panda

Inbetween the show and dinner we'd had photos taken by the Christmas tree so we had to hurry to Shutters to buy them along with the others we wanted

before getting back to see 'Til We Meet Again in the atrium

then rushing back to our staterooms to finish our packing and get our suitcases outside which we managed by the skin of our teeth!

Our last towel animal sob sob I just didn't want tonight to end.

 

[strawberry blonde]

Yay, you've started again.

Fantastic photos Elaine. I've only ever seen people's photos of the beach or the bar Didn't realise there was so much more to do.

Love the photos of Walt and the ship looks amazing. We seriously need to think about a cruise.

Can't wait for the next part . Repeat after me... I WILL NOT TAKE THE DOGS OUT TO THE FOREST TOMORROW UNTIL I HAVE FINISHED CASTAWAY CAY

 

[Ware Bears]

Phew finished at last! I am so full of admiration for those of you who have their trippies up within days of getting home. I still have an unfinished DLRP one from 2008 to complete!

Now I can take my poor neglected dogs out!

 

[Jets fan]

Elaine your pics are brilliant, thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next installment.

Tina

 

[buzz for boys]

Brilliant pictures !!
I too never realised how much there was to do and see at a castaway cay !!
Thanks for sharin x

 

[strawberry blonde]

Thank you Elaine You can have my Thorntons chocolate at our next coffee time

Beautiful photos of the family at Xmas. Hope you've got them framed

 

[mandymouse]

I lurve all your Castaway Cay photos Elaine, I can't wait to be back there in a few weeks time

Another great day

 

[PJB71]

Your pictures are lovely Elaine

Oh I sooooo wish I was on that beach right now

We were lucky enough to spend an afternoon in the "Roy Disney" suite (a friend we had met through the DIS invited us for "Cocktails")

Thanks for sharing your trip with us

 

[Chilly]

Lovely photos by the tree.

 

[fizz13]

really enjoyed reading and seeing all those lovely photos, very jealous!

 

[irongirlof12]

amazing Elaine, I love the family photo's around the tree and exploring on bikes what a fun filled day.I am not surprised you didn't want to depart.

 

[florida sun]

Great day Elaine, and lovely to see parts of the Island I havent seen before, lovely pictures

 

[jackieleanne]

Great photo's I really wanna do a cruise now.

 

[Ware Bears]

Thank you for your kind comments everyone.

We were lucky enough to spend an afternoon in the "Roy Disney" suite (a friend we had met through the DIS invited us for "Cocktails")

How lovely if I ever win the euromillions I'll be booking it!!

 

[suzycute]

Great trip report - we love Castaway Cay so it's fantastic to see it again through your report and pics!