A Mother's Day Cruise on the Fantasy sandwiched between BCV (Complete 10/12, p.33)

[Pinkocto]

Ahhhh that wonderful pizza! The salad looks delicious too.

Both were delicious! They have a fabulous salad bar with all kinds of toppings and dressings to choose from. And everything was so fresh.

Great photos of the walking area, next cruise, we've got to do that. Need to offset the copious amounts of amazing pizza.

The ship looks huge! How much bigger is it than the little Wonder I wonder?

From the DCL website:

Like the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder has 11 massive decks, a total length of 964 feet, a maximum width of 106 feet and a gross tonnage of 83,000. It has the capacity to comfortably accommodate 2,700 passengers, along with 950 Cast and Crew Members to cater to the needs of Guests on each and every voyage, from dawn until dusk.

Building on the classic style of her sister ship, the Disney Dream, the Disney Fantasy™ is the regal fourth cruise liner in the expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet. This 130,000-ton vessel offers:
14 towering decks
1,250 staterooms
The capacity to comfortably accommodate 4,000 passengers—along with the over 1,450 Cast and Crew Members who tend to the needs of every cruise Guest each day
Total ship length of 1,115 feet and a maximum width of 125 feet




I love the size of the Wonder, but the Fantasy is really special. They all are for that matter.

Cute photogenic mama. Joshua says: she looks nice like Pam-ella. Did you get the pic I sent you yesterday? Little skinny kid with the CC hat on?

I did indeed, did you get my text saying hi back? Thank you so much for the photo

Glad your dinner mates didn't mind you taking food pics. We live on those!

They did take notice

 

[Pinkocto]

I can so understand your panic when you could not find your iPad. I would be lost without it.

I resisted getting one but now use it every day. It's so rare for me to misplace something that I really was starting to panic.

I enjoyed all the photos from around the ship. Looks like some of the walking/ jogging trail is even tighter on the Fantasy than this is the case on the classic ships. That must be a real nightmare when runners try to pass walkers.

Corinna

That is a very good point, it was quite tight in some places.

 

[Leshaface]

It wasn't available I was going to check about a reservation on day 1 but mom said she was ok to miss it. I however really missed it. Not next time, no ma'm, we're going to brunch!

I'm really excited to hear about Remy!

I was wondering, because that is so not like you to not go to brunch. Definitely next time!

 

[DWGal210]

Hi there! Welcome

Mom and I have such a fun time together, two big kids. I hope you're able to go for your birthday

I hope I'm remembering this correctly but was it your 10th trip to WDW TR that I was reading? Did you ever finish that?

You know, I will have to go back and look at the TRs I've done...I was bad about updating those and haven't done one in a while. It's very possible that was me! I'm headed down again over Labor Day, I should do one (and finish it this time! )

 

[Angeejoe]

If you love sitting out on the balcony then I would get a verandah cabin.

When is your next vacation? Do you have anything planned?

I especially like sitting on balcony in my pjs , so a verandah maybe be needed.... Now I'm a stretch pants & tshirt type pjs, so nothing obscene, but nothing I'd hang out in on a public deck!

There's no vacation on my horizon, which is so depressing. With everything that went on with my grandpa & his cancer. Then i told you about my FILs cancer diagnosis & 2 surgeries last month. He starts chemo July 8th & it runs for 6 wks then a follow up cysto. We were under the impression that after cysto we'd be re evaluating the next step, but we found out yesterday that the current plan is a cysto every 3 mos to remove any new growths & then chemo every 6 mos for 2 yrs. my FIL is 72& my DH is an only child, so there's a lot for us to help with of course. Luckily my MIL is in good health, but she needs support too.

Our original plan was for a trip in the fall with the inlaws & also to save for DVC, but this was before my grandpa & FILs diagnosis. Inlaws were really interested in doing a cruise as it involved a little less walking than WDW as FIL has cardiac problems as well, that's how I originally found your TRs doing cruise research. Also we've been saving for DVC by cutting back on extras like dining out so often, but since we've spent so much time at hospitals/rehab/hospice we've diverted back to lots of carry out meals to eat at hospitals/rehab/hospice/on the way home after long days. So there went the extra DVC savings. Though one of the really great things of late is that DH got a promotion & raise last wk that goes into effect next wk! which is a little sunshine in my drama filled life.

So long story short , It's hard to plan a trip when there so much unknown, though we really could use it. Though I keep thinking if we did RO we could cancel within 5 days, but then I think shouldn't we save that money for DVC? My inlaws really need a break too..

Thanks for letting me vent ....

 

[Pinkocto]

I especially like sitting on balcony in my pjs , so a verandah maybe be needed.... Now I'm a stretch pants & tshirt type pjs, so nothing obscene, but nothing I'd hang out in on a public deck!

There's no vacation on my horizon, which is so depressing. With everything that went on with my grandpa & his cancer. Then i told you about my FILs cancer diagnosis & 2 surgeries last month. He starts chemo July 8th & it runs for 6 wks then a follow up cysto. We were under the impression that after cysto we'd be re evaluating the next step, but we found out yesterday that the current plan is a cysto every 3 mos to remove any new growths & then chemo every 6 mos for 2 yrs. my FIL is 72& my DH is an only child, so there's a lot for us to help with of course. Luckily my MIL is in good health, but she needs support too.

Our original plan was for a trip in the fall with the inlaws & also to save for DVC, but this was before my grandpa & FILs diagnosis. Inlaws were really interested in doing a cruise as it involved a little less walking than WDW as FIL has cardiac problems as well, that's how I originally found your TRs doing cruise research. Also we've been saving for DVC by cutting back on extras like dining out so often, but since we've spent so much time at hospitals/rehab/hospice we've diverted back to lots of carry out meals to eat at hospitals/rehab/hospice/on the way home after long days. So there went the extra DVC savings. Though one of the really great things of late is that DH got a promotion & raise last wk that goes into effect next wk! which is a little sunshine in my drama filled life.

So long story short , It's hard to plan a trip when there so much unknown, though we really could use it. Though I keep thinking if we did RO we could cancel within 5 days, but then I think shouldn't we save that money for DVC? My inlaws really need a break too..

Thanks for letting me vent ....

I'm so sorry so much has been going on. Please remember, this too shall pass. I'm not trying to be insensitive but you've got to think about that or you'll be bogged down by all that's going on.

When you can try to get away, it's good for the soul.

Congrats to DH and his raise

 

[Pinkocto]

Ok people, let us commence with the evening. Remy is coming but we did some things in the mean time.


After our exhausting single lap around the Promenade we decided a dip in the pool was necessary. Well, I did, mom agreed and came along.

I know I’ve said this before but everything about the ship is gorgeous.




I managed to not take any pictures of the pool area but we were there for about half an hour. We saw a bride and groom taking pictures above which was fun. Sorry Mary Ellen, no photos.

I had bought us some waterproof watches before the trip, ingenious idea. Both of us have gotten away from wearing watches, but on the ships you can really lose track of time. I figured waterproof ones so we didn’t even have to take them off in the pools or if we went into the Rainforest Room. Not only did it help us but I was able to help several people during the trip with the time. This was one of those instances and I was quite pleased I had thought of the watches. And no, we decided we didn’t need the Rainforest Room passes this trip. The weather was absolutely splendid and we were able to enjoy the outer decks a lot more than previous cruises.

After our delightful dip in the pool we headed back up to Satellite Falls to dry off in the sun.







Around 5:45 we headed back to the room to get ready. Remy was scheduled for 7:15. We stopped down at the DVC podium before going to dinner, mom wanted to see what the present of the evening was. It was the same picture of Walt and Lily I had just gotten on the Wonder. I almost gave mine back but the DVC lady said I could always give it away.

The first two are the Future cruise desks and the third one is the shopping desk



Mom wanted to pose again, she looked so pretty in her dress up clothes. You can see the pictures from DVC in her hand



A close up



We walked Aft through the club area. This is one of the family clubs





Beginning of the adult only areas





In-between clubs



The Tube is another of the family clubs, this is also where we had the DVC meeting



Walking to the elevators



The excitement was quite palpable. We were seated pretty much immediately.



I did not get a picture of the whole room which I’m still kicking myself about, but we were seated in the Gusteau room.

Yep, we were excited!



Everything was themed to perfection, even the napkins had R on them for Remy



The room was not big, but it was perfect. It felt very private in there. One other party was there when we started and two others came in during the evening.



A little stool for the pictures and my camera, too cool!





Can you see the little Remy on the left of the bread plate?



Valentina from Italy was our waitress and she was superb. They had a special vegetarian menu for mom, and then Valentina went over the entire regular menu explaining at length which dish had what and which ones were safe for me to choose from. I could choose from the regular menu and the vegetarian menu.

Usually they make a champagne cocktail, but for us they made a special ‘Linguini’ nonalcoholic fruit cocktail. It was heavenly.



This is Valentina making the regular cocktail tableside for some other guests. I’m glad I took this because it’s the only one I have of her.



Then we were given something before an amuse bouche, Alison, help me on this, do you know the name? A petit bouche? We were told to eat it immediately, it was fried tomato soup.



They first freeze the tomato soup, then cover it in bread crumbs, then fry it. It was amazing.

 

[Pinkocto]

Then we were given some bread. Mom chose the same kind or I would have taken a picture of hers too.



Lovely little butter and salt carafes



For our amuse bouche we were given something special.


Ratatouille




Do you see all those miniscule onions and peppers?



Mom happily ate mine for me, she said it was delicious! We traded plates quickly and Valentina was none the wiser.




Then we were offered more bread, we both chose some rosemary fluffy bread



For the next course mom had some kind of risotto, I can not remember for the life of me what flavor. Split pea or mint maybe?





I had a fish dish with artichoke sauce and a fried artichoke on the side. I believe it was black cod but I really can’t remember. I didn’t think to take a picture of the menu





Each course we were given new silverware. If it was a hot dish it came out covered and if both dishes were hot they would uncover them at exactly the same time. Nothing was rushed; each course had quite a bit of time between the other. Plenty of time to chat and absorb all the flavors. It was an experience.

Enough time to get a picture of the carpet, you know how I love the carpets



Next course mom had a Mediterranean salad. Teeny tiny miniature vegetables, with such flavor she said.







I had a giant scallop with coconut curry sauce. Mom ate the curry and vegetables when she saw I wasn’t going to finish it. Out of this world delicious she said.





Looks like the people behind us were having their cheese course



Our view was just lovely



Next course we both had the mushroom gnocchi from the vegetarian menu. This was the most delicious course of the night. The gnocchi were perfectly cooked, and the flavor was to die for.





For the ‘main’ course they made mom vegetable cannelloni. I tried my darndest to get a good picture of this but the light was getting dim and I didn’t want to bother the other guests by using the flash. She said this was amazing. The outside ring of vegetables was so delicious, everything in miniature. Like they were picked from a miniature garden, and perfectly cooked.










My main on the other hand was nothing special. I had salmon. Now usually I love salmon, but this was not an out of this world piece of salmon and I’m sad I didn’t try something new because I can get salmon all the time. I only ate about half of it.

 

[Pinkocto]

Then it was time for our cheese course. Marco from France was the master of cheese or some such title. He knew his cheeses, and happily could have talked about cheese all night. Very cute and very nice.



We skipped the blue cheeses but tried everything else. They also gave us some crackers to spread them all on. Everything was delicious and what fun to try all kinds of different cheeses.




You’d think by this time we’d be too stuffed to move, but the time between courses was long enough and the portions small enough that we were both still comfortable.

They cleared everything after we ate our cheese and got us ready for dessert.



Mom had some coffee






Now dessert might be the only disappointing part of the whole evening. The only options were chocolate. I thought of Corinna’s Graham who can’t eat chocolate, there should be more options than this. And as I’m writing it occurs to me there probably were other options that we weren’t privy to. They were able to provide mom with an extravagant vegetarian meal, I’m sure they’d be able to provide different offerings for everybody.

Mom had a baked chocolate mousse



And I had a chocolate torte with apricots





After our overdose of chocolate we were both expecting the bill to be brought. Oh no Valentina said, there’s more! More? We just had dessert how could there be more?


This was the last course, petit fours.



Homemade marshmallows and some egg custard treats



And in here were all sorts of little desserts. We couldn’t eat them all so Valentina wrapped them up for us.



Before leaving we were each given a long stemmed rose. We were also given MORE food to take with us, a box of chocolates. We saved these for later in the trip and every single one of them was divine.








You can see mom at the back of this photo, she’s writing in the guest book about how amazing our evening was



We were as happy as clams walking back to our room. We decided to stop by guest services on the way to check on the time for Cozumel the next day. We would be meeting a friend on the island and we had been told to turn our clocks back an hour. I wanted to see if we would be on the same time as Cozumel or a different time. It was verified that we’d be on the same time as Cozumel which was good, I’d hate for our friend to be waiting for us the next morning. While we were there we told the CM what an amazing meal we had just had and he sadly said that CMs are not allowed to eat in Remy. They can go to Palo on their days off but Remy is only for guests. How very sad indeed.

Mom wanted to stop and take a picture with Walt. Wasn’t he so handsome!



The theater where the main shows and certain variety shows are played



Back up to the room where our newest creation from Sam was on display.



We had run into one of our tablemates in the hallway, the one whose mom was sick the first evening and skipped dinner. She was still sick and had spent the whole day in their cabin again. What a terrible beginning of a vacation.

What an evening, what an evening! Mom says it was the best vegetarian meal she has ever had. At some point during dinner the chef came out and asked us how we were enjoying everything. Praises upon praises. He asked about our favorite dish and it was the mushroom gnocchi for both of us. He chatted with us for a little bit and said that he really enjoys when guests come in with different requests, it’s fun to make different things. I would imagine it does get monotonous doing the same menu all the time. We asked about the brunch and would there be anything for mom to eat, and he said they would do the same thing as tonight, they would have a special menu. So before we left the restaurant we asked about brunch, they were booked but they would put our name on the waitlist.

I made sure to journal about everything before going to sleep, I wanted to recall everything when it was fresh in my mind. And even then I forgot some things.

Tomorrow would bring a very busy day, we were going to Cozumel bright and early.

 

[Angeejoe]

I'm so sorry so much has been going on. Please remember, this too shall pass. I'm not trying to be insensitive but you've got to think about that or you'll be bogged down by all that's going on.

When you can try to get away, it's good for the soul.

Congrats to DH and his raise

You don't sound insensitive at all Pam! It's nice to have someone's perspective outside of my situation. It's very helpful, thank you. I've been living the motto "one day at a time" recently. My problem is that I'm a social worker in a hospital on the cancer floor, I feel like cancer has taken over my life. When I'm not with family in a medical setting I'm working in it. My grandpa was in my hospital rehab, then he was a patient on my floor (I did not do his care though for ethical reason), and his hospice was right next to my work- I drive past it every time I work to get to the employee parking lot. Now to watch my FIL start a similar process with cancer care, i feel like im stuck. I just tell myself "deep breath."

I'm so very happy for DH & his promotion, thank you for the congrats! He's worked hard & deserves it!

I have to tell you that your mom looked so pretty in that beautiful dress! I love the embroidery on it, very elegant! Your dinner together looked wonderful! Remy has some really pretty dishes. I can't wait to read more!

 

[Leshaface]

Was that amuse-bouche that you had, was it some type of cheese or something that just burst into your mouth? I remember our server had served us something like that and we were told to eat it in one bite, because it would go all over the place.

Wow, for vegetarian meals, everything looked SUPERB! And you're right about the salmon, that's something you can get anywhere. Too bad there wasn't other options for dessert besides chocolate. But at least the extra desserts made up for it! Isn't it crazy, you think you're done eating and nope, they keep bringing out stuff Too bad we don't have backup stomachs for events like these

And your mom looks AMAZING in her dress!

 

[DWGal210]

What an incredible Remy meal! Your mother looked lovely, and I bet you did as well!

Everything looked just delicious. I am seriously considering doing it in September. I'll miss one of the evening rotations but honestly, I think it might be worth it! We'll see.

What a special experience to share with your mom - glad you had a nice time!

 

[MEK]

We saw a bride and groom taking pictures above which was fun. Sorry Mary Ellen, no photos.

.

What? Where were your mad paparazzi skills when you needed them most?

I am speechless about your meal. Words can't describe how delicious everything looks. Just amazing! I guess the only disappointment would be your salmon. That does look a little iffy.

Your mom's dress is beautiful!

Thanks for sharing all those amazing Remy pictures with us!

 

[Misskitty3]

You can really tell that your mom was having a fantastic time! What an awesome surprise! And her dress is absolutely gorgeous!

The food looks amazing! And I love the variety of white dishes. Really neat!

 

[Pinkocto]

Was that amuse-bouche that you had, was it some type of cheese or something that just burst into your mouth? I remember our server had served us something like that and we were told to eat it in one bite, because it would go all over the place.

It was frozen tomato soup. It had to be what you guys had because that's exactly what it did. Very surprising and delicious.

Wow, for vegetarian meals, everything looked SUPERB!

She said it was the best meal ever!

And you're right about the salmon, that's something you can get anywhere.

should have gone for something else. Moms cannelloni looked fabulous.

Too bad there wasn't other options for dessert besides chocolate. But at least the extra desserts made up for it! Isn't it crazy, you think you're done eating and nope, they keep bringing out stuff

I would almost have skipped the chocolate if I knew more was coming. After such a rich meal chocolate was too much.

Too bad we don't have backup stomachs for events like these

I was shocked but neither of us were stuffed. No on Palo night I was too full.

And your mom looks AMAZING in her dress!

I will tell her, she'll appreciate that

 

[Pinkocto]

What an incredible Remy meal! Your mother looked lovely, and I bet you did as well!

Didn't she look lovely, I'll tell her you thought so

Everything looked just delicious. I am seriously considering doing it in September. I'll miss one of the evening rotations but honestly, I think it might be worth it! We'll see.

Very worth skipping the main dining room, it was such a special experience. But you can always do brunch and not missing the main dining room.

It was a three hour event, I forgot to say.

What a special experience to share with your mom - glad you had a nice time!

Dinner was magnificent. A very special experience indeed.

 

[Pinkocto]

What? Where were your mad paparazzi skills when you needed them most?

I know, utter fail

I am speechless about your meal. Words can't describe how delicious everything looks. Just amazing! I guess the only disappointment would be your salmon. That does look a little iffy.

It was amazing! The salmon wasn't bad but not up to par with the rest of the meal. They could have made it a smaller piece and a different flavor and it would have been better.

Your mom's dress is beautiful!

I love that dress, she was trying to choose between two and I swayed her to that one.

Thanks for sharing all those amazing Remy pictures with us!

I'm glad you enjoyed them. I know you and Denny would really enjoy Remy. They have quite a few red meat choices for people too. Maybe not on your first cruise but definitely some day.

 

[Pinkocto]

You can really tell that your mom was having a fantastic time! What an awesome surprise! And her dress is absolutely gorgeous!

The food looks amazing! And I love the variety of white dishes. Really neat!

Mom is going to blush with all these compliments

She definitely enjoyed having the day to look forward to the meal but I think a total surprise would have been fun too.

They had a different plate for every course, maybe even every dish. Very pleasing to the eye. Everything was so delicious!

 

[Leshaface]

It was frozen tomato soup. It had to be what you guys had because that's exactly what it did. Very surprising and delicious.

Yes! After I posted I was thinking that maybe it wasn't cheese but a type of sauce. That sounds right

 

[rentayenta]

Okay, wow, Remy looks amazing. I love the little touches on the flatware and plates, just perfect.


The food looks delicious especially the cheese course. I love cheese and especially the stinky feet cheeses. Bleu is my favorite.


Another vote for your mom looking lovely.


How about that view! WOW! You dined at the perfect time.