This was our 2nd back-to-back on the Magic, and despite the slightly chillier weather this year, we had a "Magical" time. We were celebrating our 30th Wedding Anniversary, and what a great time we had:
Arrived Orlando Fri 25th and stayed overnight at the MCO-Hyatt: 3rd time of staying here, and is just the best idea after a very long journey. Great hotel and highly recommended.
Disney bus to Port Canaveral: we were on one of the first buses to the port, and arrived at the Terminal approx.10.15 - glorious sunshine, and the Magic looked just as inviting as ever! Headed straight to book Palo brunch and dinner, and met a few fellow Dis-boarders - all lovely people. Sadly, didnt get to the meet so didnt have opportunity to chat more. This week we had Chetan (India) as our server and Linda (Germany) as assistant. What a duo! Had a great laugh with them all week.
Key West: lovely sunny day, so our brunch in Palo was just fabulous - watching the water change colour as we approached the Port. This is a great meal to have in Palo - the views are the best. As we had been to KW before, we opted to hire a 2seater electric car and tour the area. What a hoot..........best thing to do! Away from bustling crowds and noise, we had 3hrs of tootling around the area and stopping where we wanted to admire the views.Still had time to shop a little before heading back to our verandah to watch the sun-set. Disembarked again just before Dinner to view the ship all lit up and take photos. Dinner in AP, so was fun to watch all the children's faces as the room lit up.
Sea Day: Lazed about pretty much, and enjoyed a few of the various activities onboard. Rainforest Spa was just wonderful..........and the best place to meet new pals for a chat in the sauna! Also played Bingo: great fun, but very slow and expensive at $35+. Didnt win, but glad we did it just this once. Was Formal Night, but we ate in Palo - so didnt opt for the full-on posh clothes!Wonderful meal - as usual in Palo.
Grand Cayman: Weather started out good, but upcoming weather warnings stopped our excursion in the afternoon. The last tender was due back to the Magic at 3pm, so we just took a taxi tour of the island and went to the Turtle Farm and Hell. Glad we got back to the ship around 1pm, as the last tenders to all the cruise-liners were having enormous problems offloading their guests- due to the sea conditions. Grand Cayman is still suffering from the September hurricane and needs the tourists to boost their income:however, unless you take an excursion, you will find little to do there.
Cozumel: weather better today, so our excursion (Nautilus)was taken in bright sunshine. Good value we thought, although the small children on board were fidgety. Probably best for adults. Got great photos of coral reef and fishes. Avoided Carlos and Charlies' this year, due to severe hangover there last time! Very bustling place, but the shopkeepers tend to hassle you too much. Took long walk along the beach and it was quieter and prettier than I remembered.
Sea Day - Weather got progressively worse, so much of the time spent watching entertainment and having Rainforest Spa treatment. Bliss. Semi-formal Night in Lumier's, so best "bib and tucker" on display! Have to say, 95% of guests really make an effort, but was surprised to see quite so many people who didnt bother. Still, its up to them - no pressure from Disney to be "posh". No prizes for the best-dressed!
Castaway Cay: Well, the weather didn't co-operate much today, but at least we managed to dock. Glad we took out extra sweaters and trousers when we disembarked. Never been quite so cold in the Bahamas! Still, the walk to Serenity Bay warmed us up! Was surprised how FEW people opted to walk there, but we virtually had the BBQ to ourselves at S.Bay. Walked back to the family beach, by which time only the "hardiest" of us guests were left on the island. Sat for a while in a hammock, sipping a cocktail, but eventually the goosebumps were too noticeable and we headed back to the ship.Always fun in the dining room on the Friday nights, and seeing the servers with all the flags of nations brings a lump to anyone's throat............well, except someone had high-jacked the Union Jack, so our national flag was missing! Think they only have one and it was on display in another dining room! Come on Disney..............buy ANOTHER!
Saturday 5th March. Disembarkation for everyone else - but we had another week to go! YIPPEE
Chose to go to Merritt Island Mall for some supplies, and came back to the Terminal approx. 3pm to find some 2000 sitting outside by the road. Some guests had already boarded, but then there was a SMALL security scare and so boarding was halted. We were lucky, as we only had a 30min wait to board again, but some folks had been there 3hrs. Felt bad for them, as they were all hot and tired, and also couldnt get to book various things - ie: Palo/Spa, etc. until later in the day. However, most people managed to get booked during their cruise, and the ship managed to depart only 40mins late.
Sunday/Mon - Sea Days: we love the sea days...........that's why we cruise! Chilled out and enjoyed yet more onboard activities, including wine-tasting....very informative. Galley tour was also very interesting - except for the "dingbat" who kept asking questions......despite having already been told the answers. The kitchens simply shine!Credit to the cleaners and chefs/CM's.
Another Formal Night, so yet another posh outfit got an airing. Must say, it's great to see so many little-one's in their "Sunday Best" or favourtie Disney outfits.
St. Martin: (Our Anniversary). What a day! Champagne, cards, cake and sunshine! The CM's and Disney did us proud. We decided to take a taxi to Maho beach to watch the planes! Yes, I know it sounds boring, but the beach was lovely - and right next to a great bar! Hubby is a plane "anorak" - and this is just the best ever place to watch the huge planes landing. They literally skim the fence and we were all waving to the passengers and pilots!If you want a day at the beach, but with great shopping/relaxing opportunity, then go here. Was the best day of our holiday, without doubt. Back to the town in time for some shopping, before taking the water-taxi back to the ship. Dinner in Palo (of course), was just fabulous.
St.Thomas: another beautiful day in Paradise! Took a taxi to Paradise Point where we travelled in the cable-car. Great views over the island and just the place for those digital cameras to get the best shots of the week. Nice cafe at the top, where we enjoyed a cooling beer, before walking back from the cable-car into town.......just a 20min walk along the beach - so not too bad. Not so impressed with the shops here, thought St. Martin was better for those "bargains". Also, the Magic now docks in Crown Bay, so beware you have to take a taxi into the main shopping area now. ($3.50) Had to be back on ship approx 4pm for sailing, and wondered why we didnt leave on time...........until............from our verandah we witnessed a family just lazily wondering along the dock. Thought they must be guests on the other cruise-ship next to us, but NO! Couldnt believe it when the woman started running and shouting "That's my ship.......I should be on it!". Well, had sympathy at first..........but not for long. It was hilarious.......we thought it had to be a joke. Taxi-drivers were laughing and clapping, as were fellow passengers. Quite WHY they weren't aware of the sail time is beyond us..........you are told MANY times over the tannoy and it is written on the daily Navigator in bold letters! The other 2500 passengers got it right, so it must have been clear! Anyway, the parents and the poor children were virtually thrown into a small boat and it sped off in our direction. Thankfully, we had only just left the port: another 10mins and the ship wouldnt have been visible to her behind other islands. The Captain apparantly had tannoyed several times onboard for the family to contact him, as they hadnt been "swiped" back on the ship. This must be a lesson to all.......make sure you know what time to embark each day!
Last Sea day for us!: Weather took a turn for the worse, but still no bother, as we again found more to do onboard. Watched "Disney Dreams" for the 4th time.........and it was still just as good! (Better than Hercules..........which was pretty awful...........mainly due to a technical fault earlier in the week).
Castaway Cay Again!: Better news today.............sunshine, and NO sweaters and jeans. Last opportunity to get a tan before heading back to chilly UK. Again walked to Serenity Bay and this time was able to soak up the rays...........and a few drinks/BBQ. Clouds eventually appeared and we opted to take the tram back to the Family Beach, where we got those last minute gifts from the shop. Always a sad time when heading back to the ship on last day, but we had been luckier than most - having two weeks onboard. Dined in Palo again................as many folk didnt bother to turn up! Think Disney should charge people $25 if they dont turn up on their designated day. SO many people were unable to eat in Palo this week, and were very disappointed. ALWAYS call Palo, just to see if they had last-minute cancellations. It is worth it.
Disembarkation: What can I say. This is just so smooth. Disney have got it just about perfect. Ate at Topsiders, then off the ship and back to the airport. Had the BEST time, and got the photos to prove it!
Complaints? NONE. The weather is NOT Disney's fault.
Hints: Eat plenty. Sleep as often as you can. Sanitize your hands before eating (always machines available). Do as you are requested at Drill: takes only 10mins if everyone concurs. Do everything you have time for. Only complain if it is REALLY necessary. (We heard some truly ridiculous "complaints" - 99% rubbish.) Use launderette at midnight. See "National Treasure" and "The Incredibles", but DONT see "Around the World" and "The Pacifier". Dont take too many suitcases. Take twice as much money as you think..........those photos are very tempting! Remember your camera. Dont play Bingo, unless you are prepared to lose a lot of money. If you play every day, you could end up spending $100's. You MAY, win, but we never have in 6 cruises. Have at least one go in Rainforest Spa. Tip your Servers well................they work exceptionally long hours.(Their basic pay is VERY poor, so they rely on tips. This is the case on ALL cruise-ships, not just Disney).This also applies to Palo Servers........the $10 fee is NOT their tip. Dont moan about Immigration: we all have to do it, and if the officials are late, it is nothing to do with Disney. Lastly, see the shows.......and cabarets. If you havent had fun onboard, then you've either been very unlucky for some reason, or you dont know how to have fun! Nat
Arrived Orlando Fri 25th and stayed overnight at the MCO-Hyatt: 3rd time of staying here, and is just the best idea after a very long journey. Great hotel and highly recommended.
Disney bus to Port Canaveral: we were on one of the first buses to the port, and arrived at the Terminal approx.10.15 - glorious sunshine, and the Magic looked just as inviting as ever! Headed straight to book Palo brunch and dinner, and met a few fellow Dis-boarders - all lovely people. Sadly, didnt get to the meet so didnt have opportunity to chat more. This week we had Chetan (India) as our server and Linda (Germany) as assistant. What a duo! Had a great laugh with them all week.
Key West: lovely sunny day, so our brunch in Palo was just fabulous - watching the water change colour as we approached the Port. This is a great meal to have in Palo - the views are the best. As we had been to KW before, we opted to hire a 2seater electric car and tour the area. What a hoot..........best thing to do! Away from bustling crowds and noise, we had 3hrs of tootling around the area and stopping where we wanted to admire the views.Still had time to shop a little before heading back to our verandah to watch the sun-set. Disembarked again just before Dinner to view the ship all lit up and take photos. Dinner in AP, so was fun to watch all the children's faces as the room lit up.
Sea Day: Lazed about pretty much, and enjoyed a few of the various activities onboard. Rainforest Spa was just wonderful..........and the best place to meet new pals for a chat in the sauna! Also played Bingo: great fun, but very slow and expensive at $35+. Didnt win, but glad we did it just this once. Was Formal Night, but we ate in Palo - so didnt opt for the full-on posh clothes!Wonderful meal - as usual in Palo.
Grand Cayman: Weather started out good, but upcoming weather warnings stopped our excursion in the afternoon. The last tender was due back to the Magic at 3pm, so we just took a taxi tour of the island and went to the Turtle Farm and Hell. Glad we got back to the ship around 1pm, as the last tenders to all the cruise-liners were having enormous problems offloading their guests- due to the sea conditions. Grand Cayman is still suffering from the September hurricane and needs the tourists to boost their income:however, unless you take an excursion, you will find little to do there.
Cozumel: weather better today, so our excursion (Nautilus)was taken in bright sunshine. Good value we thought, although the small children on board were fidgety. Probably best for adults. Got great photos of coral reef and fishes. Avoided Carlos and Charlies' this year, due to severe hangover there last time! Very bustling place, but the shopkeepers tend to hassle you too much. Took long walk along the beach and it was quieter and prettier than I remembered.
Sea Day - Weather got progressively worse, so much of the time spent watching entertainment and having Rainforest Spa treatment. Bliss. Semi-formal Night in Lumier's, so best "bib and tucker" on display! Have to say, 95% of guests really make an effort, but was surprised to see quite so many people who didnt bother. Still, its up to them - no pressure from Disney to be "posh". No prizes for the best-dressed!
Castaway Cay: Well, the weather didn't co-operate much today, but at least we managed to dock. Glad we took out extra sweaters and trousers when we disembarked. Never been quite so cold in the Bahamas! Still, the walk to Serenity Bay warmed us up! Was surprised how FEW people opted to walk there, but we virtually had the BBQ to ourselves at S.Bay. Walked back to the family beach, by which time only the "hardiest" of us guests were left on the island. Sat for a while in a hammock, sipping a cocktail, but eventually the goosebumps were too noticeable and we headed back to the ship.Always fun in the dining room on the Friday nights, and seeing the servers with all the flags of nations brings a lump to anyone's throat............well, except someone had high-jacked the Union Jack, so our national flag was missing! Think they only have one and it was on display in another dining room! Come on Disney..............buy ANOTHER!
Saturday 5th March. Disembarkation for everyone else - but we had another week to go! YIPPEE
Chose to go to Merritt Island Mall for some supplies, and came back to the Terminal approx. 3pm to find some 2000 sitting outside by the road. Some guests had already boarded, but then there was a SMALL security scare and so boarding was halted. We were lucky, as we only had a 30min wait to board again, but some folks had been there 3hrs. Felt bad for them, as they were all hot and tired, and also couldnt get to book various things - ie: Palo/Spa, etc. until later in the day. However, most people managed to get booked during their cruise, and the ship managed to depart only 40mins late.
Sunday/Mon - Sea Days: we love the sea days...........that's why we cruise! Chilled out and enjoyed yet more onboard activities, including wine-tasting....very informative. Galley tour was also very interesting - except for the "dingbat" who kept asking questions......despite having already been told the answers. The kitchens simply shine!Credit to the cleaners and chefs/CM's.
Another Formal Night, so yet another posh outfit got an airing. Must say, it's great to see so many little-one's in their "Sunday Best" or favourtie Disney outfits.
St. Martin: (Our Anniversary). What a day! Champagne, cards, cake and sunshine! The CM's and Disney did us proud. We decided to take a taxi to Maho beach to watch the planes! Yes, I know it sounds boring, but the beach was lovely - and right next to a great bar! Hubby is a plane "anorak" - and this is just the best ever place to watch the huge planes landing. They literally skim the fence and we were all waving to the passengers and pilots!If you want a day at the beach, but with great shopping/relaxing opportunity, then go here. Was the best day of our holiday, without doubt. Back to the town in time for some shopping, before taking the water-taxi back to the ship. Dinner in Palo (of course), was just fabulous.
St.Thomas: another beautiful day in Paradise! Took a taxi to Paradise Point where we travelled in the cable-car. Great views over the island and just the place for those digital cameras to get the best shots of the week. Nice cafe at the top, where we enjoyed a cooling beer, before walking back from the cable-car into town.......just a 20min walk along the beach - so not too bad. Not so impressed with the shops here, thought St. Martin was better for those "bargains". Also, the Magic now docks in Crown Bay, so beware you have to take a taxi into the main shopping area now. ($3.50) Had to be back on ship approx 4pm for sailing, and wondered why we didnt leave on time...........until............from our verandah we witnessed a family just lazily wondering along the dock. Thought they must be guests on the other cruise-ship next to us, but NO! Couldnt believe it when the woman started running and shouting "That's my ship.......I should be on it!". Well, had sympathy at first..........but not for long. It was hilarious.......we thought it had to be a joke. Taxi-drivers were laughing and clapping, as were fellow passengers. Quite WHY they weren't aware of the sail time is beyond us..........you are told MANY times over the tannoy and it is written on the daily Navigator in bold letters! The other 2500 passengers got it right, so it must have been clear! Anyway, the parents and the poor children were virtually thrown into a small boat and it sped off in our direction. Thankfully, we had only just left the port: another 10mins and the ship wouldnt have been visible to her behind other islands. The Captain apparantly had tannoyed several times onboard for the family to contact him, as they hadnt been "swiped" back on the ship. This must be a lesson to all.......make sure you know what time to embark each day!
Last Sea day for us!: Weather took a turn for the worse, but still no bother, as we again found more to do onboard. Watched "Disney Dreams" for the 4th time.........and it was still just as good! (Better than Hercules..........which was pretty awful...........mainly due to a technical fault earlier in the week).
Castaway Cay Again!: Better news today.............sunshine, and NO sweaters and jeans. Last opportunity to get a tan before heading back to chilly UK. Again walked to Serenity Bay and this time was able to soak up the rays...........and a few drinks/BBQ. Clouds eventually appeared and we opted to take the tram back to the Family Beach, where we got those last minute gifts from the shop. Always a sad time when heading back to the ship on last day, but we had been luckier than most - having two weeks onboard. Dined in Palo again................as many folk didnt bother to turn up! Think Disney should charge people $25 if they dont turn up on their designated day. SO many people were unable to eat in Palo this week, and were very disappointed. ALWAYS call Palo, just to see if they had last-minute cancellations. It is worth it.
Disembarkation: What can I say. This is just so smooth. Disney have got it just about perfect. Ate at Topsiders, then off the ship and back to the airport. Had the BEST time, and got the photos to prove it!
Complaints? NONE. The weather is NOT Disney's fault.
Hints: Eat plenty. Sleep as often as you can. Sanitize your hands before eating (always machines available). Do as you are requested at Drill: takes only 10mins if everyone concurs. Do everything you have time for. Only complain if it is REALLY necessary. (We heard some truly ridiculous "complaints" - 99% rubbish.) Use launderette at midnight. See "National Treasure" and "The Incredibles", but DONT see "Around the World" and "The Pacifier". Dont take too many suitcases. Take twice as much money as you think..........those photos are very tempting! Remember your camera. Dont play Bingo, unless you are prepared to lose a lot of money. If you play every day, you could end up spending $100's. You MAY, win, but we never have in 6 cruises. Have at least one go in Rainforest Spa. Tip your Servers well................they work exceptionally long hours.(Their basic pay is VERY poor, so they rely on tips. This is the case on ALL cruise-ships, not just Disney).This also applies to Palo Servers........the $10 fee is NOT their tip. Dont moan about Immigration: we all have to do it, and if the officials are late, it is nothing to do with Disney. Lastly, see the shows.......and cabarets. If you havent had fun onboard, then you've either been very unlucky for some reason, or you dont know how to have fun! Nat
I'm curious to know which itinerary you preferred more, Eastern or Western?
Like she needs any ideas!!!!
