A Restful Spring Break? - A March/April 2024 Trip Report

[rdkeim]

Congratulations! A perfect way to celebrate your anniversary!

 

[Stacybaeasm]

I haven't done a cruise yet but my Disney CM friend and his husband have done many. In fact, their honeymoon was a Disney cruise from Miami over to Europe. They also cruise with Virgin so they have a lot of experience. If you have specific questions, I'm happy to pass them on to Scotty and get answers for you.

 

[footballmouse]

You're going to love it!!!!! Disney cruises are so nice, great food, adult only area, wonderful shows. My little tip, when you dock in the Bahamas, stay on the ship. That's a great time to explore the ship and use the ammenities without so many people. Also, check in right at midnight so you can be in the first boarding group. This is when we used the pool and aquacoaster (no lines). Once more people started boarding, we went and got some food. Also, hit up the adult beach at Castaway Cay.

 

[jelona]

Guys!!!! I have a count down!!!

It's our 20th wedding anniversary next year. We have talked ALOT about what to do. We finally decided on doing our very first cruise! A Disney one of course!

We are going by ourselves. We aren't sure how much the girls will like a cruise, so we are saying this is our "test cruise" We are sailing on a 3 Night Cruise on the Wish in February and I am super excited and nervous This will be a first for both of us.

So, we will take any and all advice!!! We will get one park day before we get on the boat, I kind i insisted we do that. Hopefully we should be able to do Festival of Arts stuff. I want to do a pre-trip report but I just don't have the time or mental energy right now. Eventually, maybe... cause we are also possibly going to California in July and I will def need a place to run things past you all!

But for now, I am just happy to have a countdown!!! Woo Hoo!!

So Jealous! I am trying to plan one now and trying to talk my husband into it! Our last Disney Trip was supposed to originally be a disney cruise, but when i compared prices i could do disney world for cheaper and a longer stay than a cruise. My son wants to do another cruise and me and my husband have done a couple and love them, but never a Disney Cruise. I'm trying to convince him that the price is worth it!!

We're from the southeast, so it also hurt for them to take them away from New Orleans... that was only a 3 hr. drive from where we live

 

[vamassey1]

Congrats on your Anniversary Cruise!

I still have yet to try one so I'm really looking forward to what you think of it.

 

[piglet1979]

Congrats on 20 years. Ours is this October and we are going on a cruise too. Just on Norwegian instead of Disney. We have been on 3 cruises 2 before kids and one in 2018 with the kids on Disney. The first 2 I was fine then the 3rd I found out I get sea sick. This cruise will be a test to see how I do with taking meds a head of time and having the patch.

We loved Disney just not the price. The kids had a great time and there was tons for them to do. The shows are great too. I loved going to the adult only area and resting. At night I liked to sit out by the pool (no one was their that late) and watched the movie they had playing. I might have even fallen sleep watching a movie. The crew was great too. One of our waiters saw me the morning (at the buffet) after the dinner I left (darn seasickness) and stopped over to see if I was doing ok and gave me some tricks to help. Everyone was so helpful and nice.

 

[missjackiemcg]

It's our 20th wedding anniversary next year. We have talked ALOT about what to do. We finally decided on doing our very first cruise! A Disney one of course!

YAY!!! We'll be celebrating our 20th in 2026, and we're planning to celebrate with a Disney cruise, too!!!

So, we will take any and all advice!!! We will get one park day before we get on the boat, I kind i insisted we do that.

Woohoo!! I've sailed on 5 cruises (yay! I became a Gold Castaway Club member after the one in March this year) and been on the first four ships. My Mom and I are sailing on the Wish in May 2025 for the first time. I'm excited to see the difference between the Triton class ships and the other four. I am SO excited that you're going on your first cruise!!!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Thanks for all the congrats! I can't wait. It is amazing what having a trip booked can do for your mood!

Congratulations! A perfect way to celebrate your anniversary!

Thanks! I can't wait.

If you have specific questions, I'm happy to pass them on to Scotty and get answers for you.

I am not even sure what to ask at this point! I am sure I will eventually.

My little tip, when you dock in the Bahamas, stay on the ship.

This is what I was thinking of doing but DH said he wanted to see Bahamas since we both have never been there. BUT we will see if he keeps that once he gets on the ship.

Also, check in right at midnight so you can be in the first boarding group. This is when we used the pool and aquacoaster (no lines).

Good to know! I figured it was based on number of cruises you have taken.

So Jealous! I am trying to plan one now and trying to talk my husband into it!

you need to have your husband talk to the lady we talked to at Trader Sam's.. She totally sold my DH.

We're from the southeast, so it also hurt for them to take them away from New Orleans... that was only a 3 hr. drive from where we live

A ship has to be coming back with all the new ships at some point. I would love to do one from up here in the northeast but they come for a very short amount of time. And it's never a good time.

I still have yet to try one so I'm really looking forward to what you think of it.

I def will! I have found the trip reports for cruises are just not the same as disney world. I am sure part of it is that it is just a different.

We loved Disney just not the price.

That is why we are going just the two of us! I looked at Alaska Cruises and there in no way we would ever be able to afford that! And we are going on a short one... cheaper..

Ours is this October and we are going on a cruise too. Just on Norwegian instead of Disney. We have been on 3 cruises 2 before kids and one in 2018 with the kids on Disney. The first 2 I was fine then the 3rd I found out I get sea sick. This cruise will be a test to see how I do with taking meds a head of time and having the patch

Fingers crossed that you don't get sea sick! I am worried about that but I have no reason to think that I will get it. But we figure a short trip will work just in case one of us does get sea sick.

YAY!!! We'll be celebrating our 20th in 2026, and we're planning to celebrate with a Disney cruise, too!!!

Great minds think alike!!!

'm excited to see the difference between the Triton class ships and the other four. I

you are saying words I don't understand... We are going on the wish mostly because it is the time of year we wanted to go. Ha.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Day Seven: A relaxing finish to our AK morning

We were one of the first folks to get in line. It pained me to just wait so long but we didn’t really have time to do anything else, so we said we might as well get in line. I like the shows but it’s hard to time them with rides and being in the right side of the park.

We sat for a bit and then eventually they let us in to the que. We were right where they would let us in, which was at least out of the sun.

It was very windy already. I was checking the weather, as there was a pretty bad storm coming later and I checked to see when it was coming.

We also talked about the plan for after the show. And decided on a game plan. We had wanted to see the Nemo show but the show times weren’t going to line up.

We were let into the theater around 9:48 AM
We were sat in the first row of regular people. The first 2 rows were for people in ECVs and I assume DAS. It was def good seats!

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I forgot how good this show was. We saw it last summer but it still didn’t have the tumble monkey, fire guy or the flying birds. It was really nice to see again in it’s full show. It was worth the wait!



by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr





After the show we headed to Rafiki’s next. Morgan had requested doing the drawing class and Gwen always wants to see the goats.

10:39 AM: Headed to Rafiki’s Planet Watch
Luggage to Rafiki's

Train has arrived
10:42 AM: Train arrived, so a short wait.

On the Train

We actually saw some Rhino’s in there area. I really thought the animals just knew the weather was going to be bad and just didn’t bother heading out to the savannah.
Rhinos on the way

Ride over

10:52 AM: Arrived at Rafiki’s Planet Watch
We had some time before the next animation class, and Gwen wanted to see the Goats. So, we headed into the affection section.





There was 2 CM, one petting a pig and one talking to her.

The one CM was giving a run down on his legs and hooves. She had a concern about one of the hooves. And Gwen was super excited because it was like we were watching the Animal Kingdom show.


Gwen also wanted to pet the Cow, but the cow we def standing JUST far enough away from the rope to NOT be petted.

We left and came back later, as he looked closer. She was still far away. A different CM came over and called her by her name and she back up to the rope so we could pet her.

As soon as the CM left, though, the cow moved away again.

There was another goat that was literally following the CM around, practically begging to be petted. It was pretty cute.

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These pigs were just living there best lives.

After some time, we headed out and into the building for the drawing class.

We went inside and got in line. There was a few people waiting already but not many.
11:24 AM: Sat for Animation Experience.
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As we were sitting down, we saw that there was actually something happening over in the surgery area. It was one of the doctors from the show. And Gwen got excited. But it seemed like they were literally just wrapping up. So we missed whatever they were doing.

We figured out that we were drawing Dumbo. Morgan loves doing these drawing classes. And this was just as good.
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Morgan was proud of her drawing. Such a change from our first time we did this class, it was back when it was in Hollywood Studios. Morgan cried because her drawing didn't look like the professional animator... she was 7.....

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This was Gwen's drawing.

After we finished the class, we headed back to go to the “main land”

We got a train back at 12:09 PM

We had ONE last thing we wanted to do. I had suggested playing a game in Dino Land. We had never done that and it will be going away.

There was a Photopass CM with no one taking pictures. So, we stopped and got some photos.
2024-04-03 - Disneys Animal Kingdom Park - Africa at disneys animal kingdom theme park_8

2024-04-03 - Disneys Animal Kingdom Park - Africa at disneys animal kingdom theme park_8

2024-04-03 - Disneys Animal Kingdom Park - Africa at disneys animal kingdom theme park_8

2024-04-03 - Disneys Animal Kingdom Park - Africa at disneys animal kingdom theme park_8 b

We made it into DinoLand around 12:28.
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We purchased game tickets for the girls
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And I have to complain…. What is Disney thinking!?!? It was $6 a ticket. 1 ticket per game. Yes, there is a winner every game but YOU aren't guaranteed to win!

Morgan and Gwen did want to try and play just the 2 of them so they would get a prize. So, they decided on the ball rolling game as no one was over there.

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Morgan ended up winning. And since there was just 2 of them, they had to a choice of 2 small plush.
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Gwen was a good sport with Morgan winning. We did talk about getting 4 tickets so they could play twice but they said they were good just playing once.

We headed into the gift shop by Dinosaur as well. Gwen wanted to see if they had any of those plush in the store. But they did not.

We also took a bathroom break while in that area.

After that, we started to head toward the entrance of the park. I really wanted to get the Buffalo Chips while we were in Dinoland, but Morgan said to stay strong, we were headed to lunch.

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Good Bye Dinoland! That was probably the last time we will be in that land. I have to think they will start some construction before we come back.

-----------------------------------------------------------Up next... My Favorite Meal!!! -----------------------------------------
I'll give you one hint where we are going..... Untitled

 

[vamassey1]

FOTLK is so much better with all the entertainers performing.

You really had an interesting time with the petting area. I don't know if I have ever seen the CMs out there interacting with the animals.

Both girls did so good with their drawings. I can see why they like it.

Dennis and Danielle love playing the games in Dinoland, they are really going to miss this. They both also love Dinosaur.

 

[missjackiemcg]

I also love doing the Animator's class!! (They have it on the cruises, too, in case it's something you and Andy enjoy, too!) I remember reading back then when Morgan was so sad her drawing wasn't professional looking--well, look how talented she is now!!! Both girls' drawings are beautiful.

I'm kind of sad we don't have a WDW countdown anytime soon because we won't get to see Dinoland one last time. Last summer, when it was all just rumors, I did take some extra pictures and make Jimmy go on Triceratop Spin just in case it was true...guess I'm glad I have that!

Also, not that you asked, but for your cruise--you will definitely want to try to attend Mixology or any of the martini, beer, etc. tastings. You guys will love them! And I think because you like different kinds of beer, the beer mug deal would be another thing you may want to purchase. (I know I'm probably speaking more words you do not understand yet! But let me know, and I can explain better!)

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Dennis and Danielle love playing the games in Dinoland, they are really going to miss this. They both also love Dinosaur.

We didn't ride Dinosaur for so long becuase we had heard it was scary and when we finally rode it we were so suprised how much we enjoyed it.

I also love doing the Animator's class!! (They have it on the cruises, too, in case it's something you and Andy enjoy, too!)

Oh!!! That is good to know. I assume that is something you just find out when you get on the boat? If they do a few of those, Morgan would just do that all cruise.

Also, not that you asked, but for your cruise--you will definitely want to try to attend Mixology or any of the martini, beer, etc. tastings.

Oh!!! Def! Do you have to sign up for those ahead of time or is that a just show up thing? We def will want to do one of those.

And I think because you like different kinds of beer, the beer mug deal would be another thing you may want to purchase. (I know I'm p

I was looking at that! I was also looking at the wine packages. It seems like not too bad of a deal, if we both want to drink wine at dinner.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Oh!!! That is good to know. I assume that is something you just find out when you get on the boat?

All of the activities (animation, trivia, cooking demonstrations, towel folding, etc. literally hundreds of activities!) are listed in the DCL Navigator app each day of your cruise, or you can pick up a paper copy at Guest Services. The nice thing about the app, is you can "like" your favorite activities and it will send you notifications to remind you before each activity starts, so you don't miss anything you wanted to attend. Once you're booked and have your reservation number, you can download the app and see your cute cruise countdown, too.

Oh!!! Def! Do you have to sign up for those ahead of time or is that a just show up thing?

The drink tastings have to be booked ahead of time and there is an extra charge that gets added to your onboard account once the activity takes place. So, you don't pay for it at the time of booking. These become available to book when your booking window opens. Since it's your first cruise, yours would be 75 days out from your sail date.

I was looking at that! I was also looking at the wine packages. It seems like not too bad of a deal, if we both want to drink wine at dinner.

Definitely worth it! You can also bring on either two bottles of wine (each of you) or a 6 pack of beer each. If you bring your own wine, they will charge an uncorking fee, but I know some people pour it in their room and just bring it to dinner, too, which is also allowed. You just have to ask your room steward for wine glasses.

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

hese become available to book when your booking window opens. Since it's your first cruise, yours would be 75 days out from your sail date.

Good to know!

mind you before each activity starts, so you don't miss anything you wanted to attend. Once you're booked and have your reservation number, you can download the app and see your cute cruise countdown, too.

I love the countdown! Why don't they do that for Disney World trips?!?! It is so cute!

Definitely worth it! You can also bring on either two bottles of wine (each of you) or a 6 pack of beer each. If you bring your own wine, they will charge an uncorking fee, but I know some people pour it in their room and just bring it to dinner, too, which is also allowed. You just have to ask your room steward for wine glasses

I wasn't sure if it was 2 each or total. Hmmmm, we could bring 4 bottle for a 3 night cruise! I fear I won't remeber this trip! Ha. But seriously... that reminds me that they recommend you bring your own cup on the cruise. What kind do you bring?

I think I need to start a pretrip report... Andy has already tired of talking about plans. He just likes to show up.

 

[missjackiemcg]

we could bring 4 bottle for a 3 night cruise! I fear I won't remeber this trip! Ha. But seriously... that reminds me that they recommend you bring your own cup on the cruise. What kind do you bring?

I think I need to start a pretrip report... Andy has already tired of talking about plans. He just likes to show up.

LOL! Yep, 2 bottles each! We have brought our own, but honestly didn't find that we refilled it often enough to make it worth it. We just brought plastic tumbler cups with straws when we did bring them. I found we refilled our water bottles more often than we used the fountain drinks.

YES, do it!!!! I'll come along and throw in all the tips I can think of!

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

Hi Everyone! I did it, I started a pre-trip report! If you want to follow along with my planning on both the cruise and our July family vacation come on over!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/2...sney-cruise-and-a-trip-to-california.3953027/

 

[StarWarsMomofGirls!]

I left us off headed to lunch! We were headed to Sanaa for lunch if you couldn't tell by my photo. This has become one of my favorite places in Disney! And we tened to eat here on our Animal Kingdom day. So, this was no different!

We arrived at Kidani Village around 1:25.We had some time to kill before we could check in. So, Andy, Morgan and Gwen found a bench and sat down to relax and wait.
Untitled by Ariella Saucier, on Flickr
This is how Morgan and Gwen were relaxing...

I headed outside to see the animals for a bit.
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The weather was def about to take a turn for the worse. And the animals on the savannah def looked like they could sense it.

I was able to check in via the app once I came back inside. (Apparently being at the look out point is too far away to check in)
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Once back inside I checked out some of the artifacts in the lobby while we waited.

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We were called to our table early! YEAH!

We got a table in the middle but still close enough to see out the windows and see some of the animals. So we were happy. I didn't ask for a window seat this time, regardless.

We started with some drinks.
Gwen wanted to try the Mango Lassi.
Mango Lassi Smoothie
A traditional frozen blend of Mango Purée with Nonfat Yogurt
She really like this, and really it just tasted like a Mongo Yogurt drink. They can be a little tart but this one wasn’t. And she enjoyed it.

Andy ended up with just a Diet Coke.
And Morgan ordered a Lemonade.

I was going to just get a Diet coke, but they had some different drinks on the menu and one was calling to me.
Prickly Pear Mule
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VUSA African Vodka, Belle de Brillet Pear Liquer, Prickly Pear, Ginger Beer and Lime.
I love mules and this was def different. It was good but not stirred, so my first sip was pretty much Vodka. It had a punch!

We of course started with
Indian-style Bread Service
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Five Breads and with all Nine Accompaniments - Traditional Naan, Garlic-Ginger Naan, Spiced Naan, Onion Kulcha, or Paneer Paratha. Accompaniments - Cucumber Raita, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Mango Chutney, Tomato-Date Jam, Tamarind Chutney, Coriander Chutney, Garlic Pickle, Red Chile Sambal, or Spicy Jalapeño-Lime Pickle

I really wanted to just have this, but I also needed to share with the other people with me. Sadly… I did this on our ast trip for my birthday, and it was hard to eat all of the bread by one person!

This was amazing as always… Morgan and Gwen had some of the bread but none of the dips.

In an effort to leave more bread service for me, Andy ordered the Samosas as a app as well. (you can see that in the pic above as well)
Potato and Pea Samosas with Tamarind and Mango Chutney
These were good. Nothing special, your basic samosas. If you are new to Indian, I def recommend! They are not to spicy, and potato is a familar taste.

You can also see Gwen's Mango Lassi in the picture above. I didn't try it but she liked it. Lassi's do tend to have a tang to them.

Morgan saw that they had her beloved Tomoato Soup on the menu. So she ordered it as part of her meal.
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It’s a Indian Spiced Tomato Soup with Paneer Cheese. She loves it! And again if you aren't familar with Indian food, I highly recommend this as well. It is a familar tomoto soup taste with a slight twist with some indian spices. And Paneer Cheese isn't very flavorful. So, it won't kill your taste bus.

Gwen ordered Mac and Cheese and double grapes. Basically the kids meal, but no dessert. This has become her go to here.
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I will say it is good mac and cheese. It is clearly NOT kraft mac and cheese.

Andy got the Sanaa Burger
Spiced Mustard and Peppadew-Goat Cheese served with Sanaa Chips and Pickle Spear
He said he really enjoyed this. It had just enough spice in the burger to be indian. And the goat cheese was a nice accent.
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And he REALLY liked the spiced potato chips. He said they were really good.

Morgan and I shared the Potjie Inspired
Choose one from the Journey - Goan Seafood Curry, Butter Chicken, Braised Beef, or Pork Vindaloo. Choose one from the Harvest (Plant-based) - Rajma Masala, Chickpea Wat, Sukuma Wiki, or Lentil Daal served with Scented Basmati Rice
And we choose Butter Chicken and Rajma Masala.
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The Rajma Masala was just ok. But it wasn’t spicy so if you don’t like spice this might be a good one to try. We did leave a decent amount of this not eaten.

We always love the butter chicken. This version is very mild as well. Butter chicken in general is pretty mild but full of flavor. And a good first time choose!

Lunch was delish as always. Sanaa has become a leasure meal for us, and this was no different.

By the end of the meal, it had started to rain. We had hoped to get back to the hotel before it got really bad but it seemed like that wasn’t going to happen.

We finished up and headed back upstairs to get a lyft back to Wilderness Lodge. Andy got one that said it was 11 minutes away. So we sat in the lobby and waited.

I went back outside quickly to see the animals. It was a heavy mist at first but got heavier, so I headed inside.
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Two CM came over to the one side and started playing some bongo like drums. And then they invited 2 little kids up to learn how to play a little. It was really cute.

Finally it was time for our lyft to show up, so we went outside. And it started to just pour! And then our lyft driver, cancelled the ride. So, Andy had to find a new one. And we had to wait more. Sigh...

Finally a driver came and we got thankfully picked up under the car port area and dropped off under a car port, so we didn’t get wet!

We headed up to our room and relaxed. It had been a long morning again, and we were hoping to do Extended Evening Hours tonight, if it stopped raining. So we def wanted to relax!

-------------------------------------------up next.... Will we have some Extended Evening Hours?!? --------------------------------------------

 

[vamassey1]

Lunch sounded so delicious. Looks like everyone got something they wanted.

Sorry the rain put a damper on getting back to your resort.

 

[cheryllarsen]

Great Trip Report!!!

 

[cheryllarsen]

Thanks so much for sharing! I enjoyed reading your post.