Are we finally sailing? The Disney Difference Sep/Oct 2016 it's a wrap!

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

That sounds much more pleasant.



I would have been in heaven with eggs Benedict and steak.



This is a very unusual setting, but it looked great.



That is lovely. I hope that Elsa's migraine cure worked.

Corinna

I am warming to the benefits of protein for breakfast. By the end of the cruise the steak looked good to me too!

The setting was lovely. The cure did seem to help! Thank you Corinna.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Day 11 continued....

We watched the folks get off at Nassau. As usual this being a popular port there were a few other ships also docked....



We then had lunch at Cabanas. It would be shocking if it wasn't good. It was it's usual standard. My head was feeling a little clearer... Mmmm Elsa's chocolate trick might carry some weight.

Then we went up to the concierge deck to relax. Jo got right into it...



I went around to see if I could see the iconic hotel The Atlantis and spotted it. But the photo I took has gone awol from my phone. Most strange. We stayed at The Atlantis once. It is very nice. It has lovely restaurants, dolphins, sharks, sting rays and amazing aquariums, shopping areas. The only negative is they charge for the very air you breath. I recall ordering a coke and asking the bar server to repeat the price as I was too shocked. I said 'I am sorry I thought you said 5 dollars there for a moment for a coke'... This was over 10 years ago. Nearly taking away the prize from the Italians for a lemonade in Venice in the 1990's for about 8 dollars.

We then got chatting to the other British couple Paul and Shirley. They were very nice and we had lots to discuss. They were also DVC owners at AK and VGF. Like us they were staying at VGF after the cruise.

I contacted Lisa to find out about our dog Huey. UK is 5 hours ahead so I figured it would not be too late. Lisa is our cleaner so I gave her time to get home from her cleaning day and settle. The good news was Huey was doing well and had been back to the vet for a check up. Jo and I discussed how amazing Lisa had been and agreed that in addition to the usual payment for keeping Huey we should get her a special gift for the extra worry and stress. Jo rebuked my Disney bling ideas and suggested some Pizza Express ( a restaurant chain in UK ) vouchers and cinema vouchers for her and her 2 kids to enjoy a night out. I thought this was a great idea far more usual than my soft toys and Minnie t shirts.

After a while we decided to go clean up for pre drinks and dinner. The host had left cookies in the stateroom. Jo indulged in one because she said she felt a duty to test it for me. That was most kind.

We saw Paul and Shirley again in the lounge. Here is the food offerings for tonight..




Dinner was at the Animators Palate. Tonight I jumped on the offer of the Crush souvenir mug...




This was a gift for a little lady back home. It was so cute when she got it she called it her dude cup. I asked for empty and clean one after I posed with the display model so that it was new for her.

I had surf and turf which was superb and Jo had the thyme chicken which she liked too. She had the baked potato cheese soup to start and I had a salad. I love they give me mickey kethcup. Being a safe item for me I have ketchup with my ketchup...



Jo then had the cookie dough sundae. I had eye scream on the deck and Jo complained her belly hurt so only had one lol.

Then we went to the stores and no doubt I bought something. Jo encouraged me to have the Dooney cruise line bag. It was not the size I wanted being too large. So I left it. Jo asked if I was sure. I said I really wanted the Haunted Mansion one. She said if they had it in stock it was mine on my birthday when we went to MK. My eyes lit up like diamonds. Resistance is futile. Usually I use this as a stop tactic to stop Jo spending her hard earnt money on me but on this occasion I was excited by this. I love the Haunted Mansion theme. I am weak in it's presence.

We returned to the room and Huey was waiting for us... How thoughtful of the host who had learnt about our poor pooch.



My growing mug collection....



We watched the evenings Disney show being screened on TV. I have to say I don't get the hype...to us it's like the Tiki birds... Maybe it's lost in translation but not my cup of tea. Give me Wicked in the West End any day or Les Miserables but those Disney shows don't tickle my fancy..

I look forward to Frozen on The Wonder at some point. Until then I'll see if the gypsy's are wearing orange on the TV and if it's the new black.....

Next up day 12 Castaway Cay act II without the storm please.

 

[Disneymadhouse]

Hi Polly,

Oh my! Those desserts in the lounge ..... just one plate of each please!!
DD loves her dude cup, thankyou again

Hoping for a calm CC day for you!

Claire xx

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Hi Polly,

Oh my! Those desserts in the lounge ..... just one plate of each please!!
DD loves her dude cup, thankyou again

Hoping for a calm CC day for you!

Claire xx

Thank you Claire! Glad DD loves the Dude cup. Such a cute video of her with it you sent. Your DD is such a cute princess. I am hoping a Christmas CC for us all one day! Imagine it worked out CC day was Christmas day...

 

[Flossbolna]

Michael always complains about the quality of the desserts on DCL. He finds most dining room desserts to be rather bland. Now I know where the good desserts are hiding on the ship... Not sure I want to pay for a concierge stateroom to get them though!

I see from the later picture that the straw is placed behind the turtle, but in this picture it does look like you are sucking out turtle brain!!

We returned to the room and Huey was waiting for us... How thoughtful of the host who had learnt about our poor pooch.

What a lovely gesture!! I really love the towel dog and how nice of the stateroom host to use what you shared as inspiration.

 

[Disneymadhouse]

Thank you Claire! Glad DD loves the Dude cup. Such a cute video of her with it you sent. Your DD is such a cute princess. I am hoping a Christmas CC for us all one day! Imagine it worked out CC day was Christmas day...

Here's hoping! That sounds perfect

Claire xx

 

[dolphingirl47]

We stayed at The Atlantis once. It is very nice.

That is on my bucket list, but probably the Dubai one. Have you heard that they are building an Atlantis next to Aulani?

The good news was Huey was doing well and had been back to the vet for a check up.

That is great news.

Jo rebuked my Disney bling ideas and suggested some Pizza Express ( a restaurant chain in UK ) vouchers and cinema vouchers for her and her 2 kids to enjoy a night out.

What a lovely idea.

Tonight I jumped on the offer of the Crush souvenir mug...

That is so cute.

I said I really wanted the Haunted Mansion one.

Good choice.

Corinna

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Michael always complains about the quality of the desserts on DCL. He finds most dining room desserts to be rather bland. Now I know where the good desserts are hiding on the ship... Not sure I want to pay for a concierge stateroom to get them though!



I see from the later picture that the straw is placed behind the turtle, but in this picture it does look like you are sucking out turtle brain!!



What a lovely gesture!! I really love the towel dog and how nice of the stateroom host to use what you shared as inspiration.

Yes concierge is nice but it is expensive! Eye scream was nice and included with your cruise. Plus if you prefer you had to pay for the ice creams in the ice cream palour but they were quite cheap and outstanding.

That turtle was a different one I am sucking out the brains lol. I gave Claire's DD a new one not with my germs on!

The host was wonderful. Really nice guy. Thank you for reading.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

That is on my bucket list, but probably the Dubai one. Have you heard that they are building an Atlantis next to Aulani?



That is great news.



What a lovely idea.



That is so cute.



Good choice.

Corinna

I did see that they were building an Atlantis next to Aulani. I was excited. That will be a great place to dine and entertainment.

I loved my HM back I get later! My first Dooney!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Day 12 Castaway cay act II , Palo dinner

Wednesday 28th September

Looking at the photos for today I recall now I purchased a white DCL jacket from the store the night before. I was getting cold in the MDRs in the evenings and wanted something a little bit smart for Palo. Not my usual hoodie. Well that's as smart as I get folks lol.

I was feeling much better again this morning plus it looked like a nice day too. Things were looking up on this part of the b2b. Castaway Cay yeah!



The usual routine cereal, then Jo wanted to write some post cards as we always post a few from the Post Office is it's open...



At second breakfast there was chaos in cabanas. There were no pancakes. I am not sure how or why DCL ran short of pancakes that day but I am surprised it did not make the national news. People were acting like limbs were being cut off with chain saws. I thought there would be pancake riots. Then this would turn into a National holiday. What are you doing on pancake riot day? Oh just going to the sales the usual....As we were keen to get onto Castaway Cay we left the revolting guests ( read that how you want ) and retrieved some items from the stateroom. As the ship was already cleared we made our way to the gangway. Cast members joked with us the guests did not know about Castaway Cay act I and the storm only days before lets not tell them.

The gangway is quite steep for a person with a rollator. I was starting to think I should have brought my wheelchair and had Jo push me down. Even with the breaks on I felt this ride should have a Fast Pass lane. Once on the ground I thanked the maker and we made our way to the tram. I was walking very slowly as I had bitten off more than I could chew. I had not estimated the distance properly despite Jo's warnings it is 'further than you think Polly' ringing in my ears. I spotted Captain Jack and my energy was boosted like a computer game energy pack. Jo saw I had spotted him and knew it was too late.

He signed my autograph book. I didn't have the Captain yet so I was thrilled. I feel I should walk the plank for those legs of mine though.



We then posted the post cards in the Post Office. They just arrived in the UK. They took a month!

Jo found a spot for us on the beach. Not too far in as I don't move well on sand. Plus I really don't care for it. Jo is beach baby. She loves it. She went for a swim in the sea. She said it was delightful. I was pleased for her.



I got a new plushy for my rollator a Nemo on a chain from the she sells seashells store and I got Jo some postcards as she likes to collect them. I also spotted a nice sun visa for a friend.

The day was just perfect like paradise. What a difference from before! I felt blessed.

We chilled out until we got hungry and as we don't eat from the BBQ we went back to the ship for lunch. But we passed a snowman on the way as you might expect on a hot island...





To be continued...

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Day 12 continued...

We got the tram back to the ship. It was really hot by this time. I think Olaf had melted. The return gangway was right at the back of the ship but we begged to come on the first gangway where we had disembarked. No way my legs would make it that far. At first they refused as they did not have a security scanner then with some stiff words from Jo they let us on. I think it was when she said they were going to be responsible for my untimely death...

They did a quick manual search and we went up to Cabanas for lunch. Pancake panic seemed to have been cooled and replaced by the usual offerings. On Castaway Cay days they only open one side of the buffet area and seating because most people enjoy the Cookies BBQ on the island.

We had received an invite from conceirge for a surprise character meet and greet up on the conceirge deck at 5:30 for today. We wanted to make that and then hit the lounge before our Palo dinner. We were looking forward to this after we missed the first.
We sat for a while on on the private sundeck. Jo went into the hot tub. I checked in on Huey. Lisa said he was ok but slightly off his food. Probably the medication he was on. I tried not to worry which is impossible. Then Jo distracted me and suggested we went for a look around the ship...



Jo spotted the life boats doing their training and said one was probably hosted Tracey our concierge host. Later she confirmed she was in the boat furthest away and that she had now completed and passed her training...



We then decided to get clean for the meet and greet and dinner. I was wondering who it might be! Last time it was the lovable rogue Stitch.

Here is Jo...


It was Goofy! He was a sport and held Minnie...



Then we hit the lounge. I love the expresso machine in here.

Jo said she was not partaking in nibbles as she wanted room for Palo. I said don't macaroon me on the island.. She laughed and got me beloved strawberry macaroons and a few items for herself I noted and said finger food did not count.

Soon it was time to go to Palo. First we sat in the Meridian bar. The chef kindly came and asked me what I could/couldn't eat. I decided on some Canadian scallops , vegetables and salad. I really fancied some potatoes tonight he said he would do some. Even the rest rooms near Palo are nice... Jo liked the Jack and Jill sinks.


Next up food porn...

 

[Pinkocto]

Your Anna and Elsa M & G looked great. How creative to use the screens in AP like that.

Glad this stateroom had better climate control.

When told to eat chocolate by a princess resistance is futile!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Day 12 continued...

We were seated by the window at Palo for a lovely view.



Our server was from Scotland and very nice...



First he gave some meat offerings with olives and breads. Then I had a lovely salad...note I insisted on a paper Halloween cup lol..



Jo had calamari.... She liked it but did not like the large shrimp it came with. She said the batter was most odd in taste.



Then my scallops...



Jo had the beef...



Sadly the chef forgot my potatoes I was looking forward to.

Then the Palo signature dessert...



The chocolate soufflé... Jo was not interested in the non chocolate option.

I had strawberry basil sorbet which was excellent...






I then had a lovely cup of tea as us Brits do. We thanked our server for a wonderful meal. Tomorrow we had a brunch booked! So parting would not be such a sweet sorrow. Jo said her meal was superb. I enjoyed mine but I have had better meals there. The scallops were quite plain and before when we had eaten there the chef had gone to town making me sauces I could eat. It was quite bland. Plus without the potatoes I was leaving Palo still hungry.. What! My favourite meal so far was the meatloaf in Enchanted Garden. I think I may have this on Death row when I am convicted as they eventually found my gadget graveyard in the garage of all items I so needed but never used and they perished alone... In the dark..

Then we headed to deck 3 to see what was going on there. It was Pirate/Halloween night. This is why we book Palo's for this night. We don't care for the Pirate menu. I was hoping to see the characters in cute Halloween outfits but we had missed them. We did see saw some crew in their nice white uniforms and one Barbara from Italy recognised us from a precious cruise we were blown away! Told us what stateroom we were in and when we last sailed. Welcomed us back. I recall we did talk to her before. I think she may be the cruise director. She certainly knows her ship. Super impressed. She hoped we would be back on The Dream soon. We said we would as we wanted to book a placeholder with the hosts for another conceirge 4 night. Jo says she would rather sail DCL less often and do conceirge if poss. I agree. Although we have now booked a Royal Caribbean cruise for next August sailing to and from England for 6 nights. We haven't used RC before but Corinna's TR have sold me into trying it. It can't hurt to dangle your toes and see. They offer cheaper prices in Europe and more itineraries for us. When we come to US it will be DCL all the way.



Then we hit the stores. I looked at the Dooneys again and nearly crumbled on a red wallet sized one with Mickey's on. But I held off for Haunted Mansion.

Then went back to this strange creature...



Then we watched an episode of Shark Tank. Who will invest tonight? We have a UK version called Dragon's Den which we like. Similar theme. Buisness tycoons invest in start up businesses or rip poor souls to shreds that have not got their figures right. Don't they watch the show before? Tonight a guy had invented a pair of chairs that goes on the back of a truck. As he claimed so many people sit in the back of trucks without safety restraints this made the flatbed truck a 4 seater and safer. One shark did invest the rest thought it would not catch on. People would not pay $600 to sit in the back of an open truck with a seatbelt. They like the thrill of rattling around. I now picture rodeo truck journey. See how long you can stay in.

Tomorrow day 13 unlucky for some not for us as we have Palo brunch ....

 

[Pinkocto]

We also skip Nassau now. I can't count the times mom has complained how dirty and unsightly the docks are. I love how empty the ship is on port days, that to me is fabulous.

The desserts at the lounge, oh my goodness!!!

How lovely to get Lisa some extra gifts for her care of Huey. That was a very kind thought.

Goodness gracious about the price of things at Atlantis!

The Crush cup is too cute.

 

[Pinkocto]

Hooray for CC day act 2 being a success

That Captain Jack is easy on the eyes.

Cute Olaf enjoying the sun. The details they do just make me happy.

How disappointing about Palo dinner. The server should have asked if he could bring you anything else. To leave Palo hungry is a travesty.

That is a very nice picture with the officers.

Congratulations on the RCL cruise! I agree, can't hurt to try it. Corinna has me sold as well, just when to squeeze one in is the problem.

I LOVE that blanket octopus!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

We also skip Nassau now. I can't count the times mom has complained how dirty and unsightly the docks are. I love how empty the ship is on port days, that to me is fabulous.

The desserts at the lounge, oh my goodness!!!

How lovely to get Lisa some extra gifts for her care of Huey. That was a very kind thought.

Goodness gracious about the price of things at Atlantis!

The Crush cup is too cute.

Oh yes Mom is right now I recall Jo rushing to wash her hands as she returned on the first cruise from Nassau. Fifthy she said.

Hooray for CC day act 2 being a success

That Captain Jack is easy on the eyes.

Cute Olaf enjoying the sun. The details they do just make me happy.

How disappointing about Palo dinner. The server should have asked if he could bring you anything else. To leave Palo hungry is a travesty.

That is a very nice picture with the officers.

Congratulations on the RCL cruise! I agree, can't hurt to try it. Corinna has me sold as well, just when to squeeze one in is the problem.

I LOVE that blanket octopus!

Thank you for reading. The desserts in the lounge on the way back Jo grabbed for me helped after Palo but it was wrong on so many levels! I hear Remy is now $95 pp what!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Quick photo the notebook I got Jo from the store when we got Cogsworth. She was using it last night.

 

[stephensmum]

Hi Polly, hope it's alright to call you Polly as I feel I know you. I read your last trip report and have just found this one as I don't often venture of the uk part.

Firstly I want to say how sorry I am that you have had a particularly bad time this year, in hospital and recovering. Secondly, how inspirational you are in manageing to keep positive. Your humour comes across in your writing and is so honestly written.
You & Jo have such a great relationship, with all your health issues, she is very protective of you( understandably) but I find you are also very protective of her too. I am so glad that you have each other & wish you both much joy.
Wanted to make some comments about your report but don't want to waffle on too much, so will just say thank you.

 

[Pridemom]

View attachment 205049

Day 12 continued...

We were seated by the window at Palo for a lovely view.



Our server was from Scotland and very nice...

View attachment 205051

First he gave some meat offerings with olives and breads. Then I had a lovely salad...note I insisted on a paper Halloween cup lol..

View attachment 205052

Jo had calamari.... She liked it but did not like the large shrimp it came with. She said the batter was most odd in taste.

View attachment 205053

Then my scallops...

View attachment 205054

Jo had the beef...

View attachment 205055

Sadly the chef forgot my potatoes I was looking forward to.

Then the Palo signature dessert...

View attachment 205057

The chocolate soufflé... Jo was not interested in the non chocolate option.

I had strawberry basil sorbet which was excellent...

View attachment 205064




I then had a lovely cup of tea as us Brits do. We thanked our server for a wonderful meal. Tomorrow we had a brunch booked! So parting would not be such a sweet sorrow. Jo said her meal was superb. I enjoyed mine but I have had better meals there. The scallops were quite plain and before when we had eaten there the chef had gone to town making me sauces I could eat. It was quite bland. Plus without the potatoes I was leaving Palo still hungry.. What! My favourite meal so far was the meatloaf in Enchanted Garden. I think I may have this on Death row when I am convicted as they eventually found my gadget graveyard in the garage of all items I so needed but never used and they perished alone... In the dark..

Then we headed to deck 3 to see what was going on there. It was Pirate/Halloween night. This is why we book Palo's for this night. We don't care for the Pirate menu. I was hoping to see the characters in cute Halloween outfits but we had missed them. We did see saw some crew in their nice white uniforms and one Barbara from Italy recognised us from a precious cruise we were blown away! Told us what stateroom we were in and when we last sailed. Welcomed us back. I recall we did talk to her before. I think she may be the cruise director. She certainly knows her ship. Super impressed. She hoped we would be back on The Dream soon. We said we would as we wanted to book a placeholder with the hosts for another conceirge 4 night. Jo says she would rather sail DCL less often and do conceirge if poss. I agree. Although we have now booked a Royal Caribbean cruise for next August sailing to and from England for 6 nights. We haven't used RC before but Corinna's TR have sold me into trying it. It can't hurt to dangle your toes and see. They offer cheaper prices in Europe and more itineraries for us. When we come to US it will be DCL all the way.

View attachment 205062

Then we hit the stores. I looked at the Dooneys again and nearly crumbled on a red wallet sized one with Mickey's on. But I held off for Haunted Mansion.

Then went back to this strange creature...

View attachment 205063

Then we watched an episode of Shark Tank. Who will invest tonight? We have a UK version called Dragon's Den which we like. Similar theme. Buisness tycoons invest in start up businesses or rip poor souls to shreds that have not got their figures right. Don't they watch the show before? Tonight a guy had invented a pair of chairs that goes on the back of a truck. As he claimed so many people sit in the back of trucks without safety restraints this made the flatbed truck a 4 seater and safer. One shark did invest the rest thought it would not catch on. People would not pay $600 to sit in the back of an open truck with a seatbelt. They like the thrill of rattling around. I now picture rodeo truck journey. See how long you can stay in.

Tomorrow day 13 unlucky for some not for us as we have Palo brunch ....

Your blanket animal must be Davey Jones from Pirates of the Carribean! http://disney.wikia.com/wiki/Davy_Jones

I have enjoyed your trip report. As someone with an autoimmune disease, although I am very well controlled now, I appreciate your tenacity and desire to travel. I have told my husband that I will do as much as I can for as long as I can.

 

[Pinkocto]

Jo's journal is lovely. Thank you for the picture.

Remy is now $95? Very disappointing. One day I hope to eat there again though, it was a magnificent meal. Sadly I'm not sure when we'll be back on the Dream or Fantasy.