A Most Epic Fantasy DISmeet Cruise-The bitter end 3/21, Bonus Feature, Completed Star Wars Galaxy's Edge 6/20

[SeptemberGirl]

Hi @SeptemberGirl
Don't let us intimidate you! I've yet to see anyone be anything less than gladly welcomed on any of our TRs.

Thank you for the warm welcome!!!

I used to be a PTR and TR writer and reader - and general DISer. In fact, my very best friends in the world are from the DIS! I haven't been as active since we moved the shenanigans to FB. But when you have your group, you don't find new people or read other TRs. I'm just coming back to it.

 

[pkondz]

Thank you for the warm welcome!!!

I used to be a PTR and TR writer and reader - and general DISer. In fact, my very best friends in the world are from the DIS! I haven't been as active since we moved the shenanigans to FB. But when you have your group, you don't find new people or read other TRs. I'm just coming back to it.

You're welcome and welcome back!

 

[PiperGirlInWondrland]

Oh my gosh! Love all the amazing character pics!!!

 

[franandaj]

Some awesome character meets! Too bad though the long delay getting to Castaway!

At least they gave (us at least) something fun to do while we were having extra time at sea!

I'm not a beach person either.
When DW and I first went to Hawaii, I googled and found that one of the "best beaches in the world" was a short drive away. So we went... and saw it... and left. Took all of five minutes.

I'm pretty sure we've had this discussion several times before.

Now you know this won't happen.

I can always hope!

Called Mona Lisa.

That looks like a fascinating restaurant. Quite a few things on that menu I'd eat!

Annnnnndddd.... I immediately started singing "Island Girl" by Elton John in my head.

Funny, that never dawned on me in all my trips to CC.

Not enough. You can still see the paint colour.

Ha!

Again??? This is not like you!

I know, what's up?

So... never having been on a cruise... I thought the tips were just added on to your credit card and automatically charged to you?
So you have to plan to bring cash for the tips then?

Well it's kind of a holdover from the days when you did used to put cash into the envelopes. Really the funds are deducted from your stateroom credit (usually backed up by either a credit card or gift cards), but they give you a piece of paper that is cut/torn into strips with the title of the Crew Member and the amount that you are tipping them. We usually go down to the desk and increase each person's amount above the standard, depending on what kind of service they gave us. Almost always we increase it by at least half, more if they really excel.

One cruise I had a server who realized that I liked the Grand Marnier Souffle so much that he brought it to me on all the subsequent nights, even if they weren't serving it on the menu in the dining room we were seated in. We gave him a big tip just for the effort.

In the case of the stateroom hostess who wasn't ours, but gave me the extra Navigators and information, I think we put a 10 spot in her envelope.

Whoa! That's gonna be expensive.
It's amazing how one person (and I'm not casting blame or anything, simply an observation) can affect thousands.

I'm curious, both you and Liesa commented that the change in plans was expensive, the only thing I can think of was a bit of extra fuel to go out of the way to Turks and Caicos, but other than that, I don't know what would have caused expenditures. Well there is the whole reprinting of the Navigators, but perhaps they hadn't printed the Friday ones yet anyways. I know that they knew about the problem Wednesday night cause the ship was sailing so fast. Remember the stateroom door not wanting to stay closed?

Which would be okay if they were wearing thongs... but noooooooo...

I didn't need that picture in my head!

Hmm... nice that you got in, but... I'm sure you would've preferred a nice quiet, private soak.

Well yes, but I can tune people out easily.

Did you tell her it was mug buying day and you overslept?

Good one! No she was already conscious when I got back to the room.

Did you find out why?

I think just that they didn't make up the time as well as they had hoped.

Like I said... one person can have such a huge impact!

Well, it's nice that Disney takes care of their passengers.

Good plan! Smart!

We is smarts!

I love this!!

I was totally cracking up too!

I noticed her shirt earlier. Glad she got a reaction (or several) from it.

It's one of her favorites and she doesn't wear it often unless she will have an audience or get good reactions.

Not a bad idea.
But... when I'm on vacation, I'm in vacation mode. I have to be post (or pre) vacation to be in the mood to write, usually.

I'm not "writing" especially like you do. I'm just documenting. Went here, ate this...I used to be able to write TRs just based on my pictures, but now in my advanced age (happened when I turned 50), I can't remember a thing if it's not written down. I take cryptic notes when I have down time and then embellish later at the time of actually writing the TR and adding pictures.

Sounds like someone's got sour grapes.

It's amazing how many people are cranky on the Happiest boats on earth!

And. Did he?

I don't know. A comment like that, and I start to breathe out my mouth just in case!

This is such a great shot. I think it's my fave (although you with Donald is pretty good too.)

I like this one. I should put it in the frame.

Why?

Cabanas is a HUGE buffet. I'm not sure what to compare it to, but there are two sides to it and it extends for a large part of the ship on that deck. I'd say it probably takes up a third of Deck 11. Enchanted Garden is just a somewhat small dining room, like say maybe the size of the main dining room in Be Our Guest, but without the vaulted ceiling. There were probably tons more choices up at Cabanas whereas Enchanted Garden had a fairly limited menu of the things that they would have moved off ship to the island. Which is precisely what I wanted for lunch that day.

People must've thought you were pretty hungry.

Or a pig. oink. oink.

What is that, Alison?

I'm not sure, it wasn't as good as it looked. I think it was some kind of lemon cheesecake type thingy.

Oh, man... that's a tough one.
Yes and no?

Love reading the updates but don't want it to end!

I'll probably wrap it up when we're at WDW when I'm sitting around waiting on everyone else to go somewhere. Though I'll probably get the next update posted before I go. As soon as I get all caught up on replies the next one goes up!

And don't worry I have plenty of updates on escapades with Jenny and Jill out at DL!

 

[pkondz]

I'm pretty sure we've had this discussion several times before.

I'm pretty sure you're right!

That looks like a fascinating restaurant. Quite a few things on that menu I'd eat!

First time there. Won't be my last.
Well... won't be free next time either, though.

Funny, that never dawned on me in all my trips to CC.

Now you won't be able to not think of it.

You're welcome.

Well it's kind of a holdover from the days when you did used to put cash into the envelopes. Really the funds are deducted from your stateroom credit (usually backed up by either a credit card or gift cards), but they give you a piece of paper that is cut/torn into strips with the title of the Crew Member and the amount that you are tipping them. We usually go down to the desk and increase each person's amount above the standard, depending on what kind of service they gave us. Almost always we increase it by at least half, more if they really excel.

Oh, okay! Thanks for the info.

Heh... My... shall we say spendthrift mother actually went and demanded her tips be reduced.
Former teacher. I think that says it all.

One cruise I had a server who realized that I liked the Grand Marnier Souffle so much that he brought it to me on all the subsequent nights, even if they weren't serving it on the menu in the dining room we were seated in. We gave him a big tip just for the effort.

Nice.

In the case of the stateroom hostess who wasn't ours, but gave me the extra Navigators and information, I think we put a 10 spot in her envelope.

Nice of you.

I'm curious, both you and Liesa commented that the change in plans was expensive, the only thing I can think of was a bit of extra fuel to go out of the way to Turks and Caicos, but other than that, I don't know what would have caused expenditures. Well there is the whole reprinting of the Navigators, but perhaps they hadn't printed the Friday ones yet anyways. I know that they knew about the problem Wednesday night cause the ship was sailing so fast. Remember the stateroom door not wanting to stay closed?

Well... if they hadn't already printed them (I assumed they were printed before the ship even sailed) then I suppose no extra expense there.
Perhaps there was a late fee for docking though? No clue.

I didn't need that picture in my head!

So... not particularly buff, Chippendales types, huh?

Well yes, but I can tune people out easily.

Good ability to have.

Good one! No she was already conscious when I got back to the room.

Darn.

I think just that they didn't make up the time as well as they had hoped.

okay

Well, it's nice that Disney takes care of their passengers.

If I'm going to take a cruise... pretty sure I know which line I'd like to pick.

I'm not "writing" especially like you do. I'm just documenting. Went here, ate this...I used to be able to write TRs just based on my pictures, but now in my advanced age (happened when I turned 50), I can't remember a thing if it's not written down. I take cryptic notes when I have down time and then embellish later at the time of actually writing the TR and adding pictures.

Ah. I take notes usually in the evening... maybe during the day a bit.

I don't know. A comment like that, and I start to breathe out my mouth just in case!

I like this one. I should put it in the frame.

Cabanas is a HUGE buffet. I'm not sure what to compare it to, but there are two sides to it and it extends for a large part of the ship on that deck. I'd say it probably takes up a third of Deck 11. Enchanted Garden is just a somewhat small dining room, like say maybe the size of the main dining room in Be Our Guest, but without the vaulted ceiling. There were probably tons more choices up at Cabanas whereas Enchanted Garden had a fairly limited menu of the things that they would have moved off ship to the island. Which is precisely what I wanted for lunch that day.

Ah. So just convenience, then.

Or a pig. oink. oink.

I'll probably wrap it up when we're at WDW when I'm sitting around waiting on everyone else to go somewhere. Though I'll probably get the next update posted before I go. As soon as I get all caught up on replies the next one goes up!

Yay!

And don't worry I have plenty of updates on escapades with Jenny and Jill out at DL!

Looking forward to that!

 

[Dis_Yoda]

I love Fran’s shirt!

Have fun on your WDW trip! Are you doing any 2020 cruises? We booked Alaska!

 

[Steppesister]

The hostess for the staterooms nextdoor had been really helpful to us all week, in fact we saw her more than our own stateroom host. She had introduced herself earlier in the week, and we came to her on several occasions for extra Navigators, and other questions. So on our way to dinner that previous night I mentioned we had not received the one for the next day. She told me that because of the change they were printing new ones. What they had done was pretty much turned the entire morning into a character meet and greet and they would be out non stop from 9AM to 11AM and then we would be allowed off the ship after that.

Nice of her to help you out!

I'm impressed by how they can change it up on the fly (or is that float?) so quickly!

they have a loyalty card. If you purchase five beverages (they stamp your card for every purchase) you get the sixth one for free.

That's generous. All of mine around here are Buy 10, Get 1.

In fact as i approached him, he pointed at me and gave me the thumbs down. Then as i tried to pose with him, he turned me around so the front of my shirt was facing away from the photographer.

That's so funny! Great character interaction!

In all these lines, I spend the time updating the TR on my phone, so it is time put to good use!

Excellent multi-tasking!

 

[skier_pete]

That's cool that they had all those character meet - though I bet a lot of people were disappointed to lose 1/2 the day at CC. Did they stay a little longer, or did it end at the standard time.

 

[franandaj]

All caught up!

Such a fleeting feeling....

So you've got that going for you, which is nice.

Yay! Glad to hear it!

It's about time.

Nice. I like the color.

Me too.

Aw, how come? I know you've been itching to go back.

It would make for a very very very long day. And the fact that we've just flown three hours backward two days before, we decided to chill and take it easy. She wants to go to the outlets, and I'm thinking about the idea of an airboat on the Everglades.

She and Scotty have that in common.

Cool

Man, she had a rough go of it on this cruise.

Well now that we know she can't eat like she wants to things are a lot better. We do a lot more sharing and taking home of leftovers. We went to Claim Jumper Monday night and ended up getting two more meals out of the leftovers cause their portions are so huge!

Bleh.

Although it was probably good for your heart.

Not very good for Fran back in the room!

Yeah, that's...not good.

It was disappointing but we made the best of it.

If it's free, it's for me!

I love it.

It was quite funny!

Good for Donald.

All the characters liked that shirt.

Rookie mistake!

Totally

Hey, you do whatever you need to do!

I think I'll do another update when I finish replies and wrap it up while I'm on the next trip waiting for folks in the room to get ready to leave. It will be inevitable.

 

[franandaj]

Thank you for the warm welcome!!!

I used to be a PTR and TR writer and reader - and general DISer. In fact, my very best friends in the world are from the DIS! I haven't been as active since we moved the shenanigans to FB. But when you have your group, you don't find new people or read other TRs. I'm just coming back to it.

Many of my best friends are made on the DIS too! Let me know if you start writing again and I'll pop on over to your TR!

Oh my gosh! Love all the amazing character pics!!!

It was a super fun way to spend the morning!

I'm pretty sure you're right!

First time there. Won't be my last.
Well... won't be free next time either, though.

Well we can go there when I visit in the summertime!

Now you won't be able to not think of it.

You're welcome.

We'll see. That wasn't one of my most favorite songs of his.

Oh, okay! Thanks for the info.

Heh... My... shall we say spendthrift mother actually went and demanded her tips be reduced.
Former teacher. I think that says it all.

And I think we've had this discussion before as well.....

Well... if they hadn't already printed them (I assumed they were printed before the ship even sailed) then I suppose no extra expense there

They print them daily on the ship. All kinds of things can change. I know one of the ships had an engine breakdown (they have multiple) and couldn't go fast enough to go to CC on the last day, so the ship just kind of "limped" back to port and had to use all the available days left on the cruise to do so.

Perhaps there was a late fee for docking though? No clue.

They OWN the island, so I don't think so!

So... not particularly buff, Chippendales types, huh?

I'm not sure I want to any guy prancing around in public in a thong!

Darn.

And I told her yesterday all about your "quick way to get her out of bed."

And she said, "Even when I'm half asleep, I have a good enough command of what is happening on which days, so I wouldn't fall for that!"

If I'm going to take a cruise... pretty sure I know which line I'd like to pick.

The other cruise lines offer more varied itineraries and some are less expensive, but I'm going to have a hard time prying myself away from Disney. The standard of service is so high.

Ah. I take notes usually in the evening... maybe during the day a bit.

Let's say that my brain is somewhat dead in the evening, so I have to do it during the day when things are less "fuzzy."

 

[franandaj]

I love Fran’s shirt!

Have fun on your WDW trip! Are you doing any 2020 cruises? We booked Alaska!

Thanks! We booked the Mexican Riviera in April 2020. Used the dummy placeholder that we bought on this cruise.

Nice of her to help you out!

I'm impressed by how they can change it up on the fly (or is that float?) so quickly!

They have a whole printing press on the ship and print the Navigators daily. You never know when there is going to be a change due to weather or who knows what else.

That's generous. All of mine around here are Buy 10, Get 1.

Well since most cruises are 3-7 days, no one would get 10!

That's so funny! Great character interaction!

We did have some really great interactions that day!

Excellent multi-tasking!

I got to! Too busy otherwise!

That's cool that they had all those character meet - though I bet a lot of people were disappointed to lose 1/2 the day at CC. Did they stay a little longer, or did it end at the standard time.

I'm sure people were disappointed, but most everyone in my group agreed that if they were the injured party they would want Disney to go above and beyond for them.

They did stay and extra hour or so, but we didn't take advantage of it, as you will see in the next chapter.

 

[franandaj]

Two days until the next trip, and you’ll never believe this, 99.9% of our stuff is in the suitcases! I gave Fran and deadline, if she wanted to play Magic, The Gathering with Margaret tonight, I told her we had to be packed and lo and behold by yesterday afternoon she had picked out everything that she wanted to take!


Not much left to do now, put the tags on the suitcases, make sandwiches for the plane tomorrow. Pick up the big car from the shop (they finally figured out what was causing the check engine light to come on and it’s only a three figure fix!), load the car, and sleep before we leave!


I’ve got one more update after this one, and I’m sure during the week there will be some “hurry up and wait” time where I will have the chance to post it. I can’t go an entire week without the computer in case some disaster happens at our buildings. We had an angle stop blow in a bathroom the last time we took my parents to WDW and had to deal with water damage and such from across the country. Fun times. So anyways, those of you on FB may see some of the shenanigans (or not). I’ll save some things for the TR, which you know will be happening but not until I get back. I’ll post a link here when I do get started.


By the time that we were exiting the ship at Castaway Cay there was no line and it was really easy. We got to our first photo op situation and Fran reached for her canes and they weren’t there. I didn’t want her going without canes even if we were just spending the day in a Cabana, so I had to go back and get them. Unfortunately they were not letting folks board via the Aft exit where we had come out, and I had to go all the way back to Midship. I did my own little 5(K) on deck 6, although it was probably more like 5M as I couldn’t jog very far! While I was in the room I also grabbed the picture of flat Jenny so she could join us in the Cabana.

Luckily I was still able to exit the ship via the aft exit and Fran was waiting for me right there. Canes acquired we headed back to the photo op.

And then to the next one.

We got on the tram to Scuttle’s Cove where the main beach and gift shop are located.

We were taking pictures of Mt. Rustmore when Fran found the PP photographer lurking in the shade and she came out for some photos.

After checking out the wares in the shop, we found nothing that tickled our fancy so we went on. There's a short path that takes you past several bars, the family lunch area, a Bahamian craft market, and finally to Pelican Point where one catches the shuttle to Serenity Bay.

I did find a shirt that I liked at the shop here and Fran started to contemplate a shirt that she had seen at this store and the first one.

We caught the tram to serenity bay and were greeted by the Cabana host. We told him the Cabana number and he gave me a ride on his golf cart while Fran followed behind him on her scooter.

We ended up pushing her scooter up the sandy hill after putting it in neutral since it didn't get traction on the sand. Jill was sitting in the Cabana while Karin and Tom were in the ocean.

Our Cabana was fully stocked.

And spacious.

We had an excellent view.

Fran was just taking it all in.

We couldn’t forget Flat Jenny

We ordered a drink from the bartender, whom the Cabana host brought back on his golf cart. Jill got a Konk Kooler while I ordered a Blue Skyy. I didn’t know the name of the drink, but I described it to the bartender and he knew exactly what I was talking about.

Once I had my drink I got brave and decided to try going in the ocean. I changed into my suit and made my way down to the water. I really don't like walking on sand, and once I took my shoes off and entered the ocean all the little sea shells and stuff felt really weird on my feet. I ducked down so that my shoulders were submerged and walked out to where Jill, Karin, and Tom were in the water. It seemed that Jill had been on an inner tube, lost her sunglasses, did not estimate the depth of the water properly, and suffered a near death drowning experience.

At that point, Jill had had enough and my little dip had done enough to cool me off, so we all decided to go back to the cabana. I finished my drink, ate some chips and we all just sat enjoying the nice breeze. At some point Karin and Tom ran off to find a geocache, and returned rather quickly.

We ordered another round of drinks and just sat and relaxed.

Because of our late arrival time, they had pushed all aboard time to 6PM. However Fran and I wanted to be back on board by 5:30 if not sooner. At quarter to 4, we summoned the cabana host to bring us back to the tram stop. Fran followed along behind me as I rode on the golf cart.

She had decided that indeed she did want the shirt she had been eyeing so we stopped into the shop at Pelican Point and purchased it. Then we caught the main tram back to the ship.

While in line to board the ship we ran into a gentleman who lurks on my TRs if you're reading, you know who you are!

I showered immediately and then sat on the bed updating the TR some more. Since our first meal of the day had been so early and dinner wouldn’t be until 8:15, we decided to order a little bit of room service.

Fran is definitely happy!

I took some snaps of Castaway Cay from my porthole as we pulled away.

[Continued in Next Post]

 

[franandaj]

[Continued from Previous Post]


Then came the tedious task of packing up our stuff. I had already packed up two suitcases the day before and they both weighed 50 lbs already, now I had two left. We had the quandary of how to pack the Nautilus from Trader Sam’s. We had decided to put it in a suitcase and hold that suitcase back from putting it out in the hall the night before disembarkation. The baggage handlers at the port can be rather rough on bags, so I decided to carry it off the ship myself. I got just about everything packed up, and had my clothes to wear off the ship and an outfit to wear to dinner. Pretty much everything else was packed, so I sat down to sort out our tip envelopes and put all the little slips of paper into the correct ones for our servers and stateroom host. We also put $10 in an spare Host/Hostess envelope that I had grabbed from Guest services for the hostess down the hall who answered so many of our questions.

We went down to dinner at the Enchanted Garden, where we were greeted by our servers that Fran and I had barely seen in the last few days. Not that they were elusive, we had been eating in all the specialty dining rooms for the past three nights!

The dipping sauce for tonight was a sun dried tomato sauce.

I ordered the seared ahi tuna which was very good.

And the broccolini soup, which wasn't so good.

For my entree nothing on the menu sounded all that great. I liked the idea of shrimp and pasta, but I didn't want it in a red sauce and asked if they could make it with a white wine and garlic sauce. What I got was more like an Alfredo sauce, but that was fine. It was a huge portion and very tasty. I couldn't eat all the shrimp, much less all the pasta.

Fran had the Beef Wellington which is always a favorite of hers.

We were given a dessert menu.

I got a Creme Brulee drink.

I had an Amaretto Cheesecake as my dessert.

Fran had yet another Mickey bar, second for the day.

Mickey said that he had never had a Mickey bar so we ordered him one.

We said our goodbyes to Teresa and Mickey as they planned on going directly to the busses to WDW instead of joining us for breakfast. We told them there would be plenty of time for breakfast and that the buses would not leave them behind, but it was ultimately up to them.

Back in the room, I set three of my four suitcases out to be picked up and taken off the ship, keeping the one with the Nautilus in the room with us. It's so sad, the last night on the ship. Especially when you're going directly back to the airport. Something we have actually never done before, we have always had at least one night after a cruise to chill out and repack our suitcases before flying home.

 

[pkondz]

Well we can go there when I visit in the summertime!

It's a date!

We'll see. That wasn't one of my most favorite songs of his.

Nor mine. A lot of his hits, I'll turn up when I hear them. That one... sometimes I change the channel, sometimes I turn it up. Depends.

And I think we've had this discussion before as well.....

Possibly!

They print them daily on the ship. All kinds of things can change. I know one of the ships had an engine breakdown (they have multiple) and couldn't go fast enough to go to CC on the last day, so the ship just kind of "limped" back to port and had to use all the available days left on the cruise to do so.

Ugh. That'd... suck.
I wonder if people got partial refunds or rebates for future cruises?

They OWN the island, so I don't think so!

Good point!

I'm not sure I want to any guy prancing around in public in a thong!

hmmm...

<scratches off "prance in thong" from the to-do-when-seeing-Alison list>

And I told her yesterday all about your "quick way to get her out of bed."

And she said, "Even when I'm half asleep, I have a good enough command of what is happening on which days, so I wouldn't fall for that!"

The other cruise lines offer more varied itineraries and some are less expensive, but I'm going to have a hard time prying myself away from Disney. The standard of service is so high.

Just as I thought.

Let's say that my brain is somewhat dead in the evening, so I have to do it during the day when things are less "fuzzy."

"fuzzy"... erm, hrm.

 

[DnA2010]

Can I finish before the next trip? Does anyone want me to?

I’ll do a proper reply tomorrow but yes yes yes!

 

[Steppesister]

Two days until the next trip, and you’ll never believe this, 99.9% of our stuff is in the suitcases! I gave Fran and deadline, if she wanted to play Magic, The Gathering with Margaret tonight, I told her we had to be packed and lo and behold by yesterday afternoon she had picked out everything that she wanted to take!


Not much left to do now, put the tags on the suitcases, make sandwiches for the plane tomorrow. Pick up the big car from the shop (they finally figured out what was causing the check engine light to come on and it’s only a three figure fix!), load the car, and sleep before we leave!

Wonders never cease!

By the time that we were exiting the ship at Castaway Cay there was no line and it was really easy. We got to our first photo op situation and Fran reached for her canes and they weren’t there. I didn’t want her going without canes even if we were just spending the day in a Cabana, so I had to go back and get them.

D'oh!!

did not estimate the depth of the water properly, and suffered a near death drowning experience.

While in line to board the ship we ran into a gentleman who lurks on my TRs if you're reading, you know who you are!

Isn't that fun?! I've had it happen once or twice and it' always a pleasant surprise.

Then came the tedious task of packing up our stuff.

Yeah, ugh.

Yeah, that looks just... gross.

 

[pkondz]

Two days until the next trip, and you’ll never believe this, 99.9% of our stuff is in the suitcases!

Holy cow! Where are the real Fran and Alison and what did you do with them???

I gave Fran and deadline, if she wanted to play Magic, The Gathering with Margaret tonight, I told her we had to be packed and lo and behold by yesterday afternoon she had picked out everything that she wanted to take!

So you're starting to figure her out! First the mug trick now the "no Magic, The Gathering" trick.

Not much left to do now, put the tags on the suitcases, make sandwiches for the plane tomorrow. Pick up the big car from the shop (they finally figured out what was causing the check engine light to come on and it’s only a three figure fix!), load the car, and sleep before we leave!

Three figures... that's a lot of leeway. Hoping it's at the lower end of the scale.

We had an angle stop blow in a bathroom the last time

I had to google that. I always just called them "Shut off valves".

By the time that we were exiting the ship at Castaway Cay there was no line and it was really easy.

So that's the trick. Be last.

Fran reached for her canes and they weren’t there. I didn’t want her going without canes even if we were just spending the day in a Cabana, so I had to go back and get them.

Oh, poop. How much did that impact on your time on land? You were late coming off the ship then had to go back.

Unfortunately they were not letting folks board via the Aft exit where we had come out, and I had to go all the way back to Midship. I did my own little 5(K) on deck 6, although it was probably more like 5M as I couldn’t jog very far!

Oy. You must've been hustling and pretty pooped by the time you made it back.

While I was in the room I also grabbed the picture of flat Jenny so she could join us in the Cabana.

Yay!

You'd think you'd have the canes in the photo, considering the length you went to get them.

Aww...

We were taking pictures of Mt. Rustmore

Is that their official name? That's funny!

We told him the Cabana number and he gave me a ride on his golf cart while Fran followed behind him on her scooter.

Nice of him, and... after running the 5K, I'm sure very appreciated!

I like how they have your names there.

Our Cabana was fully stocked.

So... I guess this will seem like a stupid question, but... I presume that everything was already paid for. I.e. not like a hotel bar fridge.

We had an excellent view.

Fran was just taking it all in.

She looks pretty content there.

Hi Fran!

I found Flat Jenny!

I really don't like walking on sand

Why? Just the way it feels? Or unsteady?

It seemed that Jill had been on an inner tube, lost her sunglasses, did not estimate the depth of the water properly, and suffered a near death drowning experience.

You look pretty darned comfy/cozy.

I don't know why, but I really like this photo of Fran. Maybe the smile?

While in line to board the ship we ran into a gentleman who lurks on my TRs if you're reading, you know who you are!

Cool! That's never happened to me. Doubt it ever will since I don't post my own photo all that often.

Fran is definitely happy!

Of course she is. Hello! Ice cream!

Then came the tedious task of packing up our stuff.

Ugh.

that is all.

The baggage handlers at the port can be rather rough on bags, so I decided to carry it off the ship myself.

Good to know.

And the broccolini soup, which wasn't so good.

Too bad. It sounds good... but sure doesn't look it.

Fran had the Beef Wellington which is always a favorite of hers.

This is odd... for some reason I've never had it. I have no idea why!

I got a Creme Brulee drink.

Wow! That sounds... amazing.

It's so sad, the last night on the ship. Especially when you're going directly back to the airport.

Boo! Stay on the ship! Go for another spin!


And...

Have a great trip you guys! Have fun!!!!

 

[rentayenta]

All caught up! Loving all the character pics!

 

[DnA2010]

Actually technically it's a him, since Dash is a boy. I like the modern amenities. The whole slide your foot under the rear end and the hatchback goes up will never get old!

Yes right, blond moment...
I really wish I had that kick feature, it would so handy!

That looks much better!

I got my free coffee at the Cove Cafe, for those who don't know, they have a loyalty card. If you purchase five beverages (they stamp your card for every purchase) you get the sixth one for free.

Nothing like free coffee! What did you get?

Nice one Fran!

Looking at the character schedule, there were characters we could meet coming up every 15 minutes until 11AM.

Let the Characterpolooza begin!!

In all these lines, I spend the time updating the TR on my phone, so it is time put to good use!

He doesn't look like he trusts you much here!

The ribs look gooood!!

if she wanted to play Magic, The Gathering with Margaret tonight, I told her we had to be packed and lo and behold by yesterday afternoon she had picked out everything that she wanted to take!

That cheese bread..dammm!!

Postcard much!

I think it's Tom and Karin that like their diet coke, I bet they were happy

It seemed that Jill had been on an inner tube, lost her sunglasses, did not estimate the depth of the water properly, and suffered a near death drowning experience.

Holy Hannah!! That sounds very scary!

Heaven, she's in heaven!!

At some point Karin and Tom ran off to find a geocache, and returned rather quickly.

Funny story- when we were on Castaway, I had brought a couple of travel bugs (trackable things you leave in geocaches) to leave in the cache on Castaway..we were having such a wonderful time I totally forgot about it, till we were packing up and DD was like- oh hey are we going to find the cache? Que DH and I panicking as we've stayed till basically the end! DH ended up literally running to find it while I hobbled back to the ship (I was still on crutches/canes/wheelchair from surgeries on this trip) He did find it and make it on the ship thankfully.

I'm so drooling at my desk over this!

and this! Yummm!!


Hope you are having a blast! Mickey waffles!

 

[KathyM2]

I'm really late for this party as usual, but wanted to stop by and say hi! Loved reading your TR as always though I mostly lurk!