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

[franandaj]

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

I have no idea, but Disney is usually pretty good about that kind of thing.

hmmm...

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

The key word was public...

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

Thanks! But I didn't make it. Once we check in to BCV, I have downtime built in since I know my Dad is not an early riser.

Wonders never cease!

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

It used to freak Fran out when people did that, but now she kinda seems to enjoy it.

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

Don't worry, Fran still didn't sleep at all the night before we left. I did!

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

Worked this time!

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

It was only $220, much better than the $1500 last month.

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

My contractor teaches me the proper lingo.

So that's the trick. Be last.

Pretty much no waiting that way.

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

Like 15-20 minutes.

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

Not that bad, I only ran, and it wasn't that fast as it was, for about 1/3 of the ship. I walked the rest of the time.

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

Nah, they were properly tied up on her handlebars.

Is that their official name? That's funny!

Yes that is their official name, since the island opened.

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

Actually they do that for all Cabana guests.

I like how they have your names there.

Makes you feel special.

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.

Yes, it was. And Jill, Karin and Tom took every last soda, bag of chips, and fruit pieces. They ate/drank those for the rest of the weekend at WDW.

She looks pretty content there.

Yes she does.

I found Flat Jenny!

That was a tough one. I gave up on that game, too hard to figure out where to put her!

Why? Just the way it feels? Or unsteady?

Not sure. Don't like getting my feet dirty, it is a bit unsteady. I've just learned that the way I enjoy the beach is from the restaurant on the pier with a drink and maybe something to eat.

You look pretty darned comfy/cozy

I was!

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

From my phone I can't even see the smile.

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

You never know...

Of course she is. Hello! Ice cream!

The greatest thing she misses from the cruises is not being able to order Mickey bars from room service every day.

Ugh.

that is all.

Packing up is the worst!

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

Didn't taste good either.

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

I plan to make it at some point.

Wow! That sounds... amazing.

It is one of my favorite cruise line drinks.

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

Yeah, I'm sure they would be OK with that.

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

Thanks! We have been so far!

 

[SeptemberGirl]

Love the two updates! You two really do Castaway Cay right! Need I tell you about my experience? You can imagine. 6 adults, 2 little girls, one teen...towards the end I went on the shuttle to Serenity Bay and I was like "Why didn't I START here???" Lesson learned!

I really liked the shops on the island, that was one of my favorite parts. I bought this coverup top and bottom that I use as pjs!

The last dinner is SO sad. See You Real Soon - I can feel exactly how that felt to pack up and head out.

Special tips - I tipped the ladies at the spa. I told them my happiest memories from the trip were at the spa! (I really do love my family, I swear).

Love all the pics! Hope your current trip is going well!!!! I got home from WDW two weeks ago and I'm already looking forward to going back "home".

 

[pkondz]

I have no idea, but Disney is usually pretty good about that kind of thing.

True.

The key word was public...

Uh, oh!!!!

Don't worry, Fran still didn't sleep at all the night before we left. I did!

50% of you guys is real, then.

It was only $220, much better than the $1500 last month.

Much better!

Like 15-20 minutes.

Not too bad, then.

Nah, they were properly tied up on her handlebars.

So they were bad for staying behind, so you tied them up. That'll learn them.

Yes that is their official name, since the island opened.

Yes, it was. And Jill, Karin and Tom took every last soda, bag of chips, and fruit pieces. They ate/drank those for the rest of the weekend at WDW.

Smart! I would've left them.

That was a tough one. I gave up on that game, too hard to figure out where to put her!

I feel your pain.

Not sure. Don't like getting my feet dirty, it is a bit unsteady. I've just learned that the way I enjoy the beach is from the restaurant on the pier with a drink and maybe something to eat.

Or relaxing on a chaise lounge.

From my phone I can't even see the smile.

Looks like it to me. Maybe if I zoom in, I'll find out she's not.... so I'm just going to leave well enough alone.

The greatest thing she misses from the cruises is not being able to order Mickey bars from room service every day.

I can see how that would be distressing.

I plan to make it at some point.

Really! Ambitious.

Yeah, I'm sure they would be OK with that.

Problem solved!

Thanks! We have been so far!

Good!!

 

[Steppesister]

Hope you 2 are having a fantastic, magical trip!!

 

[franandaj]

All caught up! Loving all the character pics!

Thanks!

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

I missed it the other day on the rental car we had.

That looks much better!

Nothing like free coffee! What did you get?

Same as all week, and Americano with cream added.

Let the Characterpolooza begin!!

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

The ribs look gooood!!

They were! So was the Mahi Mahi.

That cheese bread..dammm!!

Postcard much

Thanks!

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

Yes they were.

Holy Hannah!! That sounds very scary!

I know. I didn't find out about it until after.

Heaven, she's in heaven!!

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.

Glad he made it back on the ship!

I'm so drooling at my desk over this!

Definitely delicious!

and this! Yummm!!

Hope you are having a blast! Mickey waffles!

Mmmmm. Mickey waffles!

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!

 

[thumper*]

Hope your present trip is going phenomenally

Then as i tried to pose with him, he turned me around so the front of my shirt was facing away from the photographer.

LOL

Our Cabana was fully stocked.

Nu Uh I don't see any adult beverages ( i do know their not included) that would be a must for me in a cabana

I had an Amaretto Cheesecake as my dessert.

Looks yummy was it?

It's so sad, the last night on the ship.

 

[jedijill]

Let me tell you my near death experience was scary! I thought I was going to be able to stand and I misjudged! I swallowed a whole lot of ocean water! Tom was my hero and found my sunglasses. I needed a couple of Konk Koolers to settle my nerves! Karin and Tom convinced me to get back in the water later in the afternoon and it was really pleasant! Lots of starfish and stingrays swimming around.

Super fun day in the Cabana!

Jill in CO

 

[pkondz]

Let me tell you my near death experience was scary! I thought I was going to be able to stand and I misjudged! I swallowed a whole lot of ocean water! Tom was my hero and found my sunglasses. I needed a couple of Konk Koolers to settle my nerves! Karin and Tom convinced me to get back in the water later in the afternoon and it was really pleasant! Lots of starfish and stingrays swimming around.

Super fun day in the Cabana!

Jill in CO

That doesn't sound fun at all.
But glad you're okay and even more glad that you were able to get back in the water and enjoy it.

 

[franandaj]

Love the two updates! You two really do Castaway Cay right! Need I tell you about my experience? You can imagine. 6 adults, 2 little girls, one teen...towards the end I went on the shuttle to Serenity Bay and I was like "Why didn't I START here???" Lesson learned!

Other than stopping at the shops we now head straight to Serenity Bay. When I first went on the cruise, back in the first couple years the Wonder was in service, we snorkeled in the bay. Fran was a lot healthier then and didn't need a scooter. Ever since we go right there first the buffet and drinks.

I really liked the shops on the island, that was one of my favorite parts. I bought this coverup top and bottom that I use as pjs!

I really like my cover up that I got at the Grand Californian. They sell the same one on the cruise line, but the logos are different.

The last dinner is SO sad. See You Real Soon - I can feel exactly how that felt to pack up and head out.

I know, it was very sad cause everyone else was going on the WDW and we were going home, but at least we had something good to look forward to at home!

Special tips - I tipped the ladies at the spa. I told them my happiest memories from the trip were at the spa! (I really do love my family, I swear).

There wasn't one person I could have tipped, and no one really did much special it was just nice having the Rainforest room to enjoy.

Love all the pics! Hope your current trip is going well!!!! I got home from WDW two weeks ago and I'm already looking forward to going back "home".

Trip is going well, but I'm getting to the point that I miss my kitties and my own bed.

50% of you guys is real, then.

So they were bad for staying behind, so you tied them up. That'll learn them.

I hope so!

Smart! I would've left them.

I don't know who it was who was smart, I suspect Fran may have taken them if we weren't getting on a plane the next day.

Looks like it to me. Maybe if I zoom in, I'll find out she's not.... so I'm just going to leave well enough alone.

Good idea.

Hope you 2 are having a fantastic, magical trip!!

It's been fun, and different.

 

[franandaj]

Hope your present trip is going phenomenally

It's been fun! Lotsa eating, a mix of rides and family time. All will be revealed in the TR.

Nu Uh I don't see any adult beverages ( i do know their not included) that would be a must for me in a cabana

We took care of that! Unfortunately they cost, and aren't free!

Looks yummy was it?

It was OK, not on the list of top desserts.

Let me tell you my near death experience was scary! I thought I was going to be able to stand and I misjudged! I swallowed a whole lot of ocean water! Tom was my hero and found my sunglasses. I needed a couple of Konk Koolers to settle my nerves! Karin and Tom convinced me to get back in the water later in the afternoon and it was really pleasant! Lots of starfish and stingrays swimming around.

Super fun day in the Cabana!

I'm glad you survived and were able to go back in the water. I showed up after most everything had happened, so I had no idea until we talked about it back in the Cabana.

 

[franandaj]

Day 10 - Saturday


We were already docked when I woke up just before 7AM. Since I only had one outfit left, I put that on and went down to retrieve my drive with the photos from the cruise. I ended up with about 100 photos which brought the “per photo cost" down to about $3 a photo!

There wasn't much left to do in the room except toss a few odds and ends into our carry ons and head down to breakfast. The suitcase I had chosen to keep behind was not a hard sided suitcase like all our others, but it was brand new. We had a similar suitcase that we had used on previous trips, but Fran didn't like the way that one wheeled, so she had me get a new one out of our garage. She had bought a couple suitcase sets at bargain prices a few years back, and they have been unopened in their boxes in our garage, so I got this one out before the trip. After wheeling it a few feet out of the stateroom, I realized that it was even worse than the suitcase it replaced. It didn't want to wheel at all and I was literally dragging it the whole way.

Since our last dinner was at Enchanted Garden, this is where our “get off the ship" breakfast would take place. The nice thing about Enchanted Garden is that they have a scooter parking lot outside the restaurant, so Fran pulled in there and I followed her around the corner with my suitcase and carry on. Just as I rounded the corner the zipper of the new suitcase split wide open, and my stuff started to spill out onto the floor. Great. Just great.

I ran into the restaurant to tell our companions that I would be delayed, order me coffee and V8 for Fran and I, and we'd be in as soon as we could.

Meanwhile Fran got us some packing tape from one of the Crew members. I was able to get the zipper back on track, but there was no way we were gonna check this bag. I taped it around sufficiently to last to the airport, and we went in to breakfast.

Fran got a chocolate Croissant from the pastry tray.

I got a raspberry danish.

She ordered the Route 66.

I got eggs for the road with scrambled eggs. Our server didn't get that we wanted hash browns. We didn't ask for them cause we thought they were included and he didn't think we wanted them since we didn't ask. But that situation was quickly fixed. But I guess in the confusion I missed the picture of my breakfast.

Once we finished our breakfasts, Jill, Fran and I said our goodbyes, and we went off to fetch our luggage and go through customs. We were all taking Disney transportation and decided we better get going. Karin, Tom, Pamela and JJ had their own cars (rental or personal), so they could take their time. Teresa had texted us just a few moments before that they were still on their bus waiting to leave.

After customs we said goodbye to Jill as she was taking a bus to the resort and we were taking one to the airport.

Such a sad sight.

Once at the airport, first stop was to get our new suitcase. I certainly wasn't going to check this:

I was amazed at how many different stores actually sold luggage, the Harley store had some, so did Sea World, even Disney, but in the end Samsonite won out for their durability and a 10 year guarantee on the suitcase. It set us back about $250, but if it lasts until 2028, that’s good!

I repacked the suitcase there in the store, and they disposed of the dead body.

Next we headed to Southwest to check our bags and get the scooter checked in. Once we were free of our suitcases we headed to lunch. Fran had chosen Chilis over Italian, but when she saw that by Italian I meant the “Macaroni Grill.” She said, that’s not Italian, we can eat there.

We started off with the obligatory bread.

With olive oil for dipping.

We split the Bibb and Bleu salad.
Bibb leaves, gorgonzola, walnuts, crispy prosciutto, crispy onions, pickled red onions, buttermilk ranch.
$11.00

I can't find what we ordered on the online menu, but we had the same thing just a couple months ago. Combination of Fettucine Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, and Lasagne.

After lunch we headed to the gate. There wasn’t much else to do. We boarded and I got settled in. On Southwest Wifi is only $8 for the whole day, so I figured why not? And all the way to Chicago I caught up on the Disboards and Facebook.

When we landed in Chicago, I’m not sure if our plane was late or not. We had 50 minutes until our next flight left. I had ordered a wheelchair for Fran to get her between the gates, and once we got her settled in the chair the attendant wheeled her up the gangway.

The attendant left Fran in the wheelchair at the top of the gate and went back for another person. By this point I looked at the time and our next flight was going to be boarding anytime now. We were at gate B3 and our plane was leaving from B26. We had no choice but to try and make our way on our own. Fran held two of our carry ons, I had my purse over my shoulder while I was pushing her with my hands and "dribbling" the other carry on like a soccer ball. A different attendant saw us and took pity. He pushed Fran while I struggled to keep up with their pace. When we got to the gate, the attendant burst through all the A list people yelling "clear for preboard!" Or something like that."

We were able to get on before the other passengers, although the passengers from the previous leg had all moved up to the first few rows, so we had to go back a little farther than normal. Usually I like around row 7, but this time we were like row 12. No biggie.

This was a packed full flight, so no refund of miles for this leg. And to make matters worse the pilot announced that the WiFi on this plane was broken. I was bummed because I had planned on using it since I paid on the previous flight. So instead I just played Mahjong and listened to my Disney playlist.

There was no problems at baggage claim, the trip to the parking lot and drive home were uneventful.


Day 11


I thought I might as share this short little bonus feature since it altered the course of the trip that I have just completed. As you may know the reason for our hasty return home was that John Williams was playing 3 nights at the Hollywood Bowl. When Fran realized that he was playing this weekend of the cruise she was ready to cancel the whole thing. I compromised by getting tickets for Sunday night, which is why we flew directly home.

The only thing we had to do was pick up some dinner and go to the concert, so we had a lie in with the cats.

For the first time in 10 days I was forced to prepare my own coffee again.

Since I was now relying on my own cooking for culinary satisfaction, I decided to ease my way back into real life by making my very best morning delicacy, Breakfast Pot Pie. And Fran’s caffeinated beverage of choice.

After breakfast I picked up provisions for dinner at the grocery store. And then we were on our way to the Bowl.

We have some particularly nice seats, not season tickets, but the Accessible seats we like to choose are pretty similar to the box seats that people “will” to their children.

That's the view backwards from our seats. Most people we know sit in the “nosebleed” seats.

Dessert...

The program opened with the Herald trumpets playing the Olympic Fanfare and Theme.

I stole this copy of the program from a friend’s FB account, she was there on Friday night. The parts with film were really cool. I just love how the orchestra syncs up and plays right in time!

John Williams didn’t take the stage until the 2nd half.

At which point Steven Speilberg joined him.

Even though they didn’t play anything from Star Wars, the crowd came fully ready with their light sabers.

I believe that when the Herald Trumpets came back they played the Imperial March which is why everyone got their light sabers out. Now that I remember it was quite impressive to hear these trumpeters playing, “Dun, dun, dun, dun, de dun, dun, de, dun. Dun, dun, dun, duh, de dun, duh, de, dun. Da, duh, da, de, dun, da, duh, do dut…..” you get the gist.

And everyone took a triumphal bow with their lightsabers.

I think this was actually the best John Williams at the Bowl that I have ever seen, and we have been coming over the past 20+ years, maybe not every year, but pretty darned close!


And you’ve already heard about most of what I did when we got back so now all there is to do is shift the bonus features to this TR and wait for the next one to start which will be in just a few days now!


Our flight home is tomorrow!

 

[jedijill]

I didn't know Spielberg was there!!!!!! We missed you over the weekend but you made the right choice in seeing Spielberg and John Williams!

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

All caught up. I had completely forgotten about Jill's near drowning at CC. Thanks for reminding me ....... yip, still writing out that TR.
It was sad that we already had to say goodbye to you and Fran after the cruise. And OMG, I remember the "burst" suitcase quite vividly, but had to LOL when I saw it all taped up right here.

Concert looked great, bet it sounded even better than it looked and I was in awe to see that Steven Spielberg was there too. Well, I guess if one lives in LA one gets to see the interesting people. Nothing like that here.

Can't believe your flight home is tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!! Good thing you have another one planned.

 

[pkondz]

I don't know who it was who was smart, I suspect Fran may have taken them if we weren't getting on a plane the next day.

That works to.

We were already docked when I woke up just before 7AM.

Another "sleep in" day for you!

Since I only had one outfit left, I put that on

The alternative might've gotten you arrested.

I ended up with about 100 photos which brought the “per photo cost" down to about $3 a photo!

Whoa!

I got this one out before the trip. After wheeling it a few feet out of the stateroom, I realized that it was even worse than the suitcase it replaced. It didn't want to wheel at all and I was literally dragging it the whole way.

Not good.

this is where our “get off the ship" breakfast would take place.

Oh! See, I didn't know that. I just assumed that the ship docked and you had to get off. No food service.

Just as I rounded the corner the zipper of the new suitcase split wide open, and my stuff started to spill out onto the floor. Great. Just great.

Okay... Really not good!

I got a raspberry danish.

I'll take that over the chocolate croissant every day. Not a huge fan of chocolate croissants. I find them to be a bit on the dry side.

. Our server didn't get that we wanted hash browns. We didn't ask for them cause we thought they were included and he didn't think we wanted them since we didn't ask.

Odd. but at least you got it straightened out eventually.

Once we finished our breakfasts, Jill, Fran and I said our goodbyes,

Such a sad sight.

Once at the airport, first stop was to get our new suitcase. I certainly wasn't going to check this:

Nope! That thing looks sad.

I was amazed at how many different stores actually sold luggage, the Harley store had some,

Bingo! Done! No need to continue!

but in the end Samsonite won out for their durability and a 10 year guarantee on the suitcase.

Not bad. I'd probably have done the same, tbh.
Our suitcases have lifetime warranties... but we paid for the privilege.

I repacked the suitcase there in the store, and they disposed of the dead body.

Fran had chosen Chilis over Italian, but when she saw that by Italian I meant the “Macaroni Grill.” She said, that’s not Italian, we can eat there.

Um... what?

On Southwest Wifi is only $8 for the whole day, so I figured why not? And all the way to Chicago I caught up on the Disboards and Facebook.

Good use of it.

We had no choice but to try and make our way on our own. Fran held two of our carry ons, I had my purse over my shoulder while I was pushing her with my hands and "dribbling" the other carry on like a soccer ball.

Oy...

A different attendant saw us and took pity.

... but I'm glad someone had the decency to help you guys out.

When we got to the gate, the attendant burst through all the A list people yelling "clear for preboard!" Or something like that."

Did they part like the Red Sea? They did that for us when Elle was pushing me through the terminal.

And to make matters worse the pilot announced that the WiFi on this plane was broken.

Well... poop. Hey! How about a refund!

This is such a fun photo. Bet they were glad to see you guys.

For the first time in 10 days I was forced to prepare my own coffee again.

The horror!

That looks interesting. What is that?

That's the view backwards from our seats. Most people we know sit in the “nosebleed” seats.

You've got great seats! Guess you'd call them "floor seats"?

I stole this copy of the program from a friend’s FB account, she was there on Friday night. The parts with film were really cool. I just love how the orchestra syncs up and plays right in time!

Sounds like it was a great show.

At which point Steven Speilberg joined him.

Who?

Even though they didn’t play anything from Star Wars, the crowd came fully ready with their light sabers.

 

[KathyM2]

I was amazed at how many different stores actually sold luggage, the Harley store had some, so did Sea World, even Disney, but in the end Samsonite won out for their durability and a 10 year guarantee on the suitcase. It set us back about $250, but if it lasts until 2028, that’s good!

I guess suitcases busting on trips must be pretty common lol. Glad you got it sorted and a great new case to boot!!

Really enjoyed reading about your cruise! Thanks for sharing!

 

[rentayenta]

Your phone!

 

[pkondz]

Your phone!

 

[jedijill]

Your phone!

ROFLMAO!

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

OMG!!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Huh. I thought I was all caught up, but maybe that was only in my mind. Anyway, I hope you had a great time in Florida!

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

I did my own little 5(K) on deck 6, although it was probably more like 5M as I couldn’t jog very far!

That's funny, I don't care who you are.

Almost a perfect shot right there.

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.

Yikes! I think you buried the real story here!

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!

Hi!

Oh, wait--I wasn't on Castaway Cay. Never mind.

Then came the tedious task of packing up our stuff.

We had the quandary of how to pack the Nautilus from Trader Sam’s.

Now that would be a tough one to figure out.

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

Good job. Can't go through life without a Mickey bar.

Just as I rounded the corner the zipper of the new suitcase split wide open, and my stuff started to spill out onto the floor. Great. Just great.

Ugh.

I got eggs for the road with scrambled eggs. Our server didn't get that we wanted hash browns. We didn't ask for them cause we thought they were included and he didn't think we wanted them since we didn't ask.

That's weird. I saw them on the menu. You'd think it would be hard to mess that up.

Yikes! It's like a mummy bag.

Fran had chosen Chilis over Italian, but when she saw that by Italian I meant the “Macaroni Grill.” She said, that’s not Italian, we can eat there.

Um...what?

We were at gate B3 and our plane was leaving from B26.

I hate when they do that to you.

As you may know the reason for our hasty return home was that John Williams was playing 3 nights at the Hollywood Bowl.

That's so awesome! He came to conduct the Philadelphia Orchestra recently and I tried to get tickets, but they were all snapped up by subscribers and us peons never even had a chance.

Most people we know sit in the “nosebleed” seats.

That's where I'd be! Hope you can still hear something from there.

The program opened with the Herald trumpets playing the Olympic Fanfare and Theme.

That's fantastic.

The parts with film were really cool. I just love how the orchestra syncs up and plays right in time!

It's amazing how much music really adds to a movie.

At which point Steven Speilberg joined him.

So awesome!

Even though they didn’t play anything from Star Wars, the crowd came fully ready with their light sabers.

That's even more awesome!

I think this was actually the best John Williams at the Bowl that I have ever seen, and we have been coming over the past 20+ years, maybe not every year, but pretty darned close!

Sounds like a great night! I'm amazed he's still performing concerts. Would be a dream to see that.