Boardwalk, Dream and Animal Kingdom TR A 11 day adventure

[thepops]

For the first part of my first TR, look here (since it's DVC based)
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2759098

 

[thepops]

Day 4 – Off to the Dream
We had thought about using the DCL transfers (especially when the shuttle launch was scheduled on our departure day) but ended up going with Orlando Car Service (OCS). We looked at lots of different ones and the numbers just didn’t work out for us (i.e. once you figured in the tip and fuel charges some had they ended up the same as the DCL price). OCS came in a good chunk below the others. They gave us excellent service on both of the transfers. There on time (if not early), very nice drivers both times and a quick stop to pick up adult beverages on the way to the ship. We arrived at the port about 12:15, and were up in the check in area by 12:30. We got boarding # 25. The lines were not long at all and even with them having some computer issues at the station we were at, our boarding # was called right as we finished up we were on our way through the mouse ears and our boarding picture by 1PM! We were onboard in no time and were told the rooms were ready, so we went to drop off our carry-ons. We went up to Cabana’s for lunch. A very nice spread of food up there. Lots of shrimp, crab claws (or legs), pasta, a couple of carving stations and more. Everyone had enough to eat. We did a little touring of the ship, did the lifeboat drill, grabbed a cocktail at the sail away party and then got ready for dinner. Our Server Pierre (from Peru) and Francia (from the DR) were excellent. After the first night Francia always showed up right after we did with a tray of soft drinks ready for us. Pierre gave us great recommendation on what to have and they were spot on. I though the portions were a little smaller than what we’ve had on other cruise lines, but if we wanted more we got it, there was no problem. Most times it was enough so that by the time we were done, we were full but not that overstuffed feeling. We weren’t in the mood for the comedian, so we just toured the ship a little more and headed back to the cabin to finish unpacking and enjoy our verandah a little. Having the bed high enough to put the luggage under made it much easier to get around in the room (and an absolute necessity in the girls stateroom).

 

[thepops]

Day 5 Castaway Cay
Pulled into Castaway Cay and had a great view of the island from the veranda (we were on the starboard side). Only downside to our veranda is that it is one of the ones with the circle cutout to the side, so you only have about 60% open. I did mention it to Guest services as well as add it in my comments on the survey at the end. Hopefully they will change that to a different category at some point. We decided to do breakfast at Cabana’s. Again they had a good selection and it wasn’t until I was done that I realized that they had an omelet station at the end. Then we were off to the beach. The island was beautiful, the beach white and sparkling. We ended up at the 2nd tram stop just outside of Cookies II and near the Beach Bar. I can’t think of a more convenient landing spot. Lots of sunning, swimming and relaxing. Cookies had a very nice lunch and we were sure to grab some soft serve to take back to the beach. Being it was out first time at CC we skipped the excursions and just chilled. We headed back to the ship to clean up and get ready for dinner. Dinner again was terrific and Pierre and Lucia took good care of us. Then off to the Villains show. It was very good and we had a great time. Made a quick stop in one of the lounges and then off to rest for the next day.

 

[thepops]

Day 6 – Day at Sea …
Our sea day was a pleasure as well. Lots for us to do on the ship. We played a couple of trivia games (look for Trevor, he’s a blast). Our ship was totally full but it never seemed like it was overcrowded. On the sea day, I would have thought it would have felt that way, but it didn’t. I really liked the adult pool area. The way they blocked it off from the other part of the deck with the baffled Plexiglas walls really cut the noise level down to almost nothing. Great engineering job there! The adult pool was really very nice and the 5 of us didn’t have an issue finding lounge chairs. The pool was not very crowded and people were in and out all day. Dinner was at Palo’s and it was outstanding. I had the Chilean Sea Bass and it was the best I’ve had. The chocolate soufflé was also not to be missed. We were off to the Golden Mickey’s after that (a few minutes late since we stopped for family portraits on the way) and then changed and went to hang in the hot tub for a while. There’s a surprise there in the adult tub, but I’ll let you find that one out on your own. (But it’s an unusual view). Then a nightcap and off to slumber.

 

[thepops]

More to come as I get some time...

 

[Harlemgirl720]

Great report so far. Can't wait until my trip in December.

 

[thepops]

Day 7 – Nassau and Pirate night.
Took our time this morning and slept in a little. Grabbed breakfast and then off to Nassau. The ladies had a little shopping in mind and had coupons for a bunch of “freebies” that they had gotten from Whitney, the shopping person on the Dream. After that was done, we decided to grab a frosty beverage at Senor Frog’s. They were all mighty tasty! While we were there, another ship, from the Carnival line, pulled in as well. We finished up the drinks and headed back onto the ship. We decided to grab a quick bite and head to the pools. It was at that point that I realized how BIG the dream was. From our pool deck we looked down at least a couple of decks onto their top deck! (and I wasn’t on our top deck.) After relaxing we changed into our pirate gear and off to pirate night. There definitely is a wide variety of dressing up from just the Disney bandannas to one guy who looked like he was the Jack Sparrow character that was in the pirate show! After dinner, CARS -2 in 3D ! Great movie! Then up to the pirate show on deck and the fireworks and dance party. DD25 decided to buy us a round at the adult karaoke so we gave in. Some were very good, some were very funny and Trevor was a blast again!

 

[thepops]

Day 8 - Castaway Cay second stop
Day 2 of CC and we decide to split up. My youngest DD and I decide to take a look at Serenity Bay and the rest of the crew heads back to our perfect spot at the family beach. Serenity Bay is very nice. Unbelievably quiet, lots of chairs available and the water is crystal clear. (All the kids seem to churn up the sand at the family beach.) My only complaint with Serenity Bay is that it is VERY flat. You can walk a good way out (40 yards or so) and the water was still below my knees! So if you want to swim, you have to head out quite a ways. We stayed there for a while and then headed back to catch up with the rest of the crew. Had another good lunch at Cookies II, some more sun, sand and swimming and then back onto the ship. Time to clean up, and pack so that we can get the bags out after the show. Dinner was at the Enchanted Garden and was again very good. We went to the Believe show which was the best of all of them in my opinion. A great job by all of the cast. Then it was a somewhat early night since we were scheduled for a 6:30 am breakfast ( my DD’s were NOT amused by this).

 

[thepops]

Day 9 - disembark and head to AKV –MK EMH
UP early, finish packing the carryon bags and make last checks of the room. Looking out from the veranda, we can see all of the luggage coming off in large cages to be taken over to the disembarkation area. Down to EG for breakfast (some VERY good omelets this morning) and our final goodbyes to Pierre and Francia and our tablemates. We’re ready to go ahead of my guestimate to the car service (I guessed 9am, but it’s only almost 8 now), but OCS has already left me a message. I call back and there is a car here and waiting and will be out front within 5 minutes of our getting out front with the bags. We get through customs in no time at all (our porter is a great help) and we’re on our way to the Animal Kingdom Villas!
(To continue with our Journey head back to this link)…
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2759098

Feel free to ask questions! I’ll be happy to assist.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Great trip report Can't wait to try out the Dream.