Changes in Lattitude, Changes in Attitude! TR For Wonder 7/10/2008 3 Night

[pixie*duster]

First of all let me say I, DW, 33, am a plan-a-holic. I go right from one vacation straight on to the next. DH(34) and I went to DW with our DN and family back when it was just the two of us...in July, when the Olympics were in Atlanta. Yeah, you can imagine. People everywhere, and HOT! But, I've always wanted my kids to experience it, it's like a rite of passage of childhood, one that I never personally got to experience. So I've been planning a trip to DW since my DS was, well, born. Then, when DD came along, I knew we were going to have to wait until she got big enough to "remember the magic". I've ordered about 3 planning videos since DS was born. So DS is now 9, DD is now 5, and I thought it would be the absolute PERFECT time to take them to DW. Perfect ages, they'll be able to remember the trip well, etc. I even went so far as to get the Disney Visa Rewards card (highly recommended!) last year in anticipation of our trip. I'm also a bargain hunter, so if there is any way that I can save money on average retail, I'm gonna. So, with my most recent planning video, I've got this trip all planned out--made the difficult decision of where we would stay, duration of trip, etc. The cost was doable, so in January of 2008 I presented all my years of planning to DH for final approval. (Yeah, girls, I can hear ya, but I'm a stay-at-home mom who gets what she wants 99% of the time!!) Now, mind you, DH had nodded his head or shrugged a few times as I discussed, well more like told, him of the plans along the way. But now that it was down to the final "all I have to do is press the button to 'book it'!" stage, he threw me for a loop. He said he really just didn't want to go. That he thought that the kids really didn't even know who Mickey Mouse was (!!!) and that it was mainly me that wanted to do DW (!!!!!) and that the kids would be just as happy at any theme park. Ouch. All those years of planning and dreaming where melting like yesterday's popcicle.

We've done two cruises in the past. One in 2002 on the Carnival Fascination for a 3 night when DS was 3. We weren't crazy about the ship, and this being our very first cruise, I was really taken aback by the constant scheduling of everything, I wanted to do what I wanted, when I wanted! Be at deck 10 for ice carving at 4:00, be at the promenade lounge at 3:30 for line dancing, etc. etc. etc. The list and scheduling was endless! But we vowed to cruise again, maybe with a different company. We cruised again on Carnival, this time on the Imagination in 2006 when DS was 7 and DD was 3. This one was better as we had friends with kids along with us and we just generally had a much better time, we even had a balcony suite. We wanted to stay another 4 days, and knew that we would be cruising again sometime in the future. I had looked into Disney cruises both times when deciding on those past cruises, but dismissed them quickly as the cost was nearly double.

So now with Disney World shot down, and almost $500 worth of Disney Reward Dollars at stake, hubby said he'd really like to cruise again. That's when the idea of our Disney Cruise was conceived. I quickly recovered, shifted gears, and got my research underway. I discovered that for roughly the same cost of our 5 day DW vaca, we could take a 3 night Disney cruise. Sorry, no suite this time, but I was assured by DISers that a balcony stateroom on DCL is quite roomy. I was familiar with a couple of DW planning sights, and just a few clicks away on those same sights was lots of cruise information. We had to go in July, this was a certainty (DH farms and this is his only off time of the year) and there aren't many 3 night itineraries to choose from, so picking the right cruise was pretty easy. Now that it was within my grasp, I did a little checking with TAs online for pricing and OBCs. I chose a TA that offered cash back. I presented all this to DH, and he said, "book it"! I immediately e-mailed the TA that had the best deal, and set the trip in stone. This was January 15, 2008. I used the Disney Reward Visa to book it, and got free interest for 6 months. We already had all the $$ saved to take the trip with, but hey, I'd rather keep the money in my bank account as long as I can!

Now, this is where the inexperienced cruiser/planner might think that their job is done. Cruise is booked, so what else is there to do, right?? Ha ha, novices!! I was a member of another cruise message board from our previous cruises, and by way of that board was directed here, to the DIS. This is where I have lived for the past 6 months. If for no other reason than to just "be close" to my cruise. To know that it is going to happen. To read others experiences with it. And just because I'm so darn excited!!

So I decided that I would wait a little while to book the flights, keeping my eye on them and striking when the iron was hot. We live in a great area where St. Louis, Memphis, and Nashville are all about the same distance away, so I had lots of options. After a week or so, I was afraid with the rising fuel costs, they weren't gonna get much better than $158 pp. So 15 days later, I had our flights booked. So much for waiting.

The only non-stop flight came in to Orlando too late for us to make it to the ship all in the same day, so we planned on arriving a day early. Hubby is more excited about seeing Kennedy Space Center than anything, so we have to stay an extra day. Darn. Which leads to more reseach, on where to stay in Cape Canaveral.

So after reading reviews here and on other travel websites, I decided to try out two different ones. We'll be staying at the Four Points Sheridan Cocoa Beach upon arrival. We won't spend much time there, basically just to sleep and get breakfast the next morning, but it really sounded neat and I wanted to try it out. After the cruise we'll try the Radisson Resort at the port, mainly because I've heard great things about the pool and I am expecting to get some down time after Kennedy. We'll be looking for some breakfast there or abouts as well, before we head back to Orlando for our afternoon flight. That part makes me sad. Actually, it makes me sad too that I know this trip is not going to be long enough, and after 6 months of anticipation, it'll be over in 5 days!!

Next thing to plan: transportation. As stated before, I love to save $$, so it was much cheaper for us as a family of 4 to rent a car than to take Disney transportation. Ergo: more research. Which rental car company was best/most convenient, and had the best rates!! I finally settled on Budget for recommendations on another Disney related website and for the price. I've got two one-way rentals: one from Orlando to Cape Canaveral, and the other one vice-versa. I didn't want to have to pay the daily rate when we weren't using the car. It might be a bit of a hassle to have to go back and rent again when we get off the ship, but for $150+, I'd call it worth the hassle. That'll more than pay for my Cabana Massage on CC!!

Alright, so now what?? I've got the cruise, where we'll stay, how we'll get there, everything all decided. Well, gorsh, there's still lots!! That's where this DIS board has really come in handy. Loyal DISers that post pictures, TRs, and Personal Navigators have helped me narrow down what is a must and a must not.

On embarkation day, we're gonna get at the port as soon as it opens. DH will drop us off then go to return the rental car as I check us all in. I'll sign the kids in for the clubs, then just hang-out and anticipate the fun ahead! Once onboard we plan to grab lunch and head for the pool. We've booked the Discover Atlantis tour at Nassau (kids have NEVER seen a large indoor aquarium), and plan on just doing our own thing on CC day, maybe even a bike ride and my cabana massage is my one splurge of the trip! (Well, that and the Mickey Mouse Ice Cream Bars!) I've got all of us (except DH) special outfits for Pirate Night, and other special matching outfits for photo ops. Have I forgotten anything?

So, in about 20 more days it'll all be over with, and I'll be back with a full TR, and hopefully lots of pictures. I'll let you know what went wrong, what went right, and if I over planned it all.

 

[Our2Girls&Disney]

Another Parrothead checking in! At least I assume you are a parrothead from your title. Sounds like a fabulous trip. Be sure to have a wonderful time. Come back with all the details so we can read them

 

[pixie*duster]

More and more as our cruise gets closer, I'm already feeling a bit "let down" simply because our cruise is only 3 nights. It's just not going to be long enough! When expressing this (again) to hubby last Sunday, he surprised me by saying, "See if you can find another cruise that leaves out of PC on the day we return, and we'll just go again!" So I was burnin' up the net all Sunday afternoon trying desperately to find another cruise that we could get on. We could have gotten back on DCL, but would have to pay a pretty price for it only to do the exact same cruise we'd just gotten off of. (For that kind of $$, we'd rather do a 7 day) Depressed, I called hubby & told him that it was a no go. "I tell you what..." he began, and I cut him off, with one more last ditch attempt at the Disney World vacation I had originally dreamed of. "We can just spend a couple of days at WDW instead?" I finished for him, knowing the answer, but trying nonetheless. "No," he quickly replied. "I was going to say see about just staying in Cocoa Beach for a few more days." "OK," I said, let down, but still excited about the prospect of extending our vacation.

He called back 5 minutes later. "Get some prices together for me and see how much it would cost." What?!? You better not be kidding me!!!! I was freaking out--I could have been 9 years old again. So I excitedly got the prices together, phoned the airline to see if we could change our flight, and called hubby back with the verdict. "I don't care," he said. "Book it." Whooooo hooooo!!!

So now we're gonna get off the ship, rent a car and go to KSC for the day, then drive to the Beach Club that night. We're still telling the kids we're leaving the next day. Can't wait to see the look on their faces!!

So I'll be back with a full report of the cruise segment, barring Bertha doesn't mess up this long awaited vacation. 5 days and counting!!

 

[pixidustmom]

Just 5 more days and your dreams and planning will pay off. Looking forward to hearing how things go.

 

[PURTYPAT1]

So far so.......good!!! Hope your having a great time, & can't wait to hear your report when you get back.

Thanks for sharing.

Patricia

 

[pixie*duster]

Just flew in from Orlando last night--and boy are my arms tired!! After things threatened to ruin my vacation--hurricane Bertha, a toothache, my dad being taken to the emergency room the night before we were to leave, and other illnesses, I am happy to say the good Lord took care of us and we had a GREAT time.

Day 1: We had to fly out the day before our cruise set sail due to the available flights. When we got to the airport, our flight was delayed about an hour because of weather. But other than that, it was smooth sailing to Orlando. The kids and I waited for the luggage while hubby went on to the Budget desk to get the rental. When he returned, we still had no luggage, which had me worried as everyone else off our flight was already gone. I went to the Airtran desk to begin the process of locating our luggage, stressing the fact that we would be out to sea tomorrow. The attendant happened to ask if it was a Disney Cruise, and if I had Disney tags on the luggage. Here's where you've got to be careful folks--I was advised here on the board to go on and put the tags on our luggage, even though we weren't using Disney transport to the port. DON'T PUT THE TAGS ON YOUR LUGGAGE UNLESS YOU ARE USING DISNEY TRANSPORT TO GO STRAIGHT TO THE PORT. Our luggage had been rerouted at the sorting facility, going straight to a separte Disney pickup location for transport to the port. Luckily, Disney realized that they shouldn't have the luggage and brought it back to us. So we were happily off to our hotel in Cape Canaveral: The Four Points Sheridan Cocoa Beach. It's a very easy drive from the airport in Orlando to Cape Canaveral/Cocoa. We are VERY picky when it comes to hotels, and admittedly prefer luxury to economy. We didn't do much at this hotel other than sleep, but the kids were very impressed by the outside appearance and the large fish tank inside the surf shop. The rooms had two queen beds and were very nice. Bottom line: I would stay there again and yes I would recommend it to a friend. DS9 was most impressed by the size of the TV in the room. It was HUGE! Stay tuned for Day 2: Boarding the Ship!!

(Sidebar--if anyone can tell me how I can change the original title to the thread to no longer read Pre-TR, I'd appreciate it!)

 

[nomadic]

ohhh...sounds great!! can't wait for more

 

[pixie*duster]

Day 2: My family is full of early risers, which works out well for us on vacations. So while I was busy getting the kids ready, hubby went out in search of breakfast. McDonald's is right across the street from the Four Points. Very convenient. I packed my swim bag with our bathing suits to have once on board the ship. Our plan was to be at the port by 10:00, when it opens. The kids wanted to go down to the beach before, so at 9:00 we left our hotel in the rental car and went down to the beach for a few minutes. The kids enjoyed exploring for a bit, then it was off to find the Budget rental car return. After a bit of driving around we found it (we had acually passed it) This was a very easy process, and the Budget shuttle left us at the curb in front of the terminal by 10:00. Security was running a bit behind this morning, so they didn't let us in until about 10:05. We walked right through the security check-point, right up the escalators, and right in the line to check-in. This was at about 10:15. Now, I'm looking at the signs on the windows at the check-in desks that says it doesn't open until 11:00, wondering if I'm gonna have to stand in line for 45 minutes until it opens. But, I can remember reading on the DIS before that employees had opened up the windows early. So it was on this day, they opened the windows up at 10:30 and check-in was a breeze. Here's where I got a bit of pixie dust: This was our first cruise with Disney, but somehow they had us in the computer as return cruisers. The CM just shrugged his shoulders and smiled at me, gave us the Castaway Club lanyards, our boarding number 2, and then we had to just sit back and wait for our number to be called. I got the kids checked in for their clubs and got our beeper, the kids explored the large model of the ship and the outside patio area. The terminal was beginning to get quite crowded, and boarding began at about 11:40. As we boarded the ship, the CM announced our family name and said, "Welcome back!" We were greeted this way all over the ship! We still don't know how this mistake was made, but I was proud to find the Castaway Club gift waiting for us in our stateroom later: a nice tote bag, mesh beach bag, two insulated water bottles, a notebook/pen set, & a pencil pouch with colored pencils, stencils, eraser, and pencil sharpener. I wasn't complaining!!
Once on board, we headed up to deck 9 to grab a quick bite to eat because the kids were dying to swim on board the ship. DD5 chose pizza from Pinochio's, DS9 chose a hotdog from Pluto's, I chose a wrap from Goofy's, and DH chose tacos from Plutos. There's something for everyone on deck 9. There were very few in the Mickey pool when we started. There were times, however, that I saw the pool so full it looked like an overstuffed barrell of fish. So when it began to get a bit too crowded, it was getting close to time for us to be able to go check out the stateroom anyway.
We stayed in a category 6 balcony stateroom. On our last cruise on Carnival, we stayed in a Penthouse Suite. The cat 6 balcony stateroom on Disney was quite comparable to the Penhouse Suite on Carnival. Of course the suite was a bit roomier, but not by much--just more walking room at the foot of the bed. Disney gives you lots of storage in the vanity, large trunk, and additional shelves in the closet. I must admit the Carnival bed was a bit more comfortable--what with the cozy comforters. Disney removes the themed comforter at night and all you have is a sheet and light blanket. We only saw our room steward twice--when we were going to our stateroom for the first time and when he delivered my photo mats to me on the last night. Hubby says no biggie--he did his job and stayed out out sight. I might have enjoyed a bit more intereaction. We had grabbed a Personal Navigator in the main lobby at Guest Services when we boarded, and I decided to attend the "Shopping Talk" presentation--the talk of freebies enticed me. The kids opted to join me, so we made our way to the Buena Vista Theatre. At first we knew our chances would be quite good to win something, as we were nearly the only ones there. Unfortunately, others trickled in as she began. BUT, she chose DD5 to model a Del Sol Tee Shirt which she was allowed to keep, the kids were given Del Sol magic rings, and DS9 was offered a rum cake, which he declined. I was also given coupons for freebies that you could pick up while in Nassau. So it was a pretty profitable hour spent. By the time that was over, it was time to sail away. We headed up to deck 10 (DISers say it is much less crowded) for the Sail Away party. CMs are handing out colorful metallic streamers, the "Party" music starts to play. The horn sounds. It's a truly magical moment, and this is where I began to tear up. I was so glad to have on sunglasses, otherwise I'm sure I would have drawn all kids of stares. Instead I smiled and waved my streamer high!!
Stay tuned for the second half of day 2: Dinner at AP and the Golden Mickey's.

 

[Our2Girls&Disney]

I know how to change the title. Click the edit tab on you #1 post. That will lead you the screen for your first post. You can edit the title right there. Super easy! Any questions, just ask.

 

[pixie*duster]

Before I continue, DS9 wanted to make sure that I mentioned that he was the very first one in the Goofy pool on our sailing.

I was very excited to have the dining rotation APT, I couldn't wait to check out Animator's. The dining room really is quite "animated", down to the black and white chairs and server's vests. Dinner here ran very sloooooow. I don't know if it had to do with it being the first night, or because of the light "show" or what. After a while the kids tired of it and asked to go to the clubs. And really, it wasn't that big of a deal. The walls and pictures just light up, and near dessert time the servers switch to colorful vests. Our main server was attentive, but it was our assistant server Oliver that we truly enjoyed. He has a super personality. The best thing on the menu is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. You have GOT to try it.

The first night's show was the Golden Mickey's. It started out kinda slow, but got better. Anything with the characters involved is going to hold a captive audience. Still, it isn't really a memorable show IMHO. After the show, DD5 wanted to go to the main lobby to meet Cinderella. We stood in the line for maybe 10 minutes and got great photos. DD was so excited to get to meet her.

When we got back to the room we decided to order the room service cookies. This was one of our kids' favorite part of the entire cruise. DS9 even took a picture of the cookies--nearly the size of the plate! We had a fabulous first day and were looking forward to the next two. We forewarned the kids that they would be staying in the clubs the next morning while mom and dad took a quick shopping trip on Nassau. Wall-E would be playing in the theatre the next day at 2:00, so we didn't want to miss that!

 

[MTMom]

Anxiously awaiting your next TR installment. We leave in 3 days for our WDW trip and cruise. And we are also staying at the BC. I hope that you'll finish your report before we leave on Friday morning!!!!

 

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

Hi Pixie-Duster! My family and I were on that cruise with you. Also, we too rented from Budget and took their shuttle to the terminal early on Thursday morning. By chance, could your family have been on the shuttle with my family? We rode to the terminal with a family of 4...Mom,Dad, son and daughter Ours was a group of 6, Mom,Dad, 2 DD's and my Mom and Dad. Can't wait to hear the rest of your report!

 

[pixie*duster]

Mandy--Was that you with the two cutie pie girls in the matching Gymbo outfits!?!? Ya know, I wondered if you might be a fellow DISer, by getting to the port so early! That is too cool. Hope you guys enjoyed your trip as much as we did, we just hated to see it end!!

 

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

That was us!! I questioned too could you be a DIS'er. How cool!! Yes, we had a blast and like you guys did not want it to end. Time flys when you are on that ship. We did decide we want to do a longer cruise next time. This was our 2nd Disney and while we love cruising with them, we want it to be longer Can't wait to hear the rest of your report! I am working on mine, I am working odd hours this week at work and while I should be getting ready I am on here....LOL. Hey by any chance did you see the couple onboard with the Dashaund (?spelling?) dog? DH and I seen them on several occassions taking pics with Mickey and Minnie. Have you started planning for your next family vaca? I started in the airport on the way home

 

[pixie*duster]

Nassau Day--Again, early risers that we are, I was able to go up and get a work out in before breakfast while DH stayed behind with the still sleeping kids. The fitness room is great--each piece of equipment has it's own television, and you have a wonderful panoramic view of the ocean and bow of the ship. So I did my time on the machine and had planned ahead to just shower there in the spa area--had heard great things about the showers here on the DIS board. So as I left the fitness area I saw a sign that said showers and followed it down a hall to a large room with lounge chairs, a sauna, and two showers. Now, I am a bit modest so I took off my clothes IN the shower--the room felt a bit big and without much privacy. The shower head was nice with alot of water pressure, but this room just didn't feel as "frilly" as most spas I've been to. Starting to feel uncomfortable, I hurriedly finished up my shower, dried off, and quickly put on my clothes. As I walked out I quickly realized the reason for my discomfort--I had showered in the MEN'S shower room!!! (I can't believe I'm even admitting it!) So lesson learned--don't just head for the first shower sign that you see--if I had only looked to the left as I was leaving I would have seen the Women's Shower sign--and I'm sure it woulda been a bit nicer!! I'm thankful no one came in--at least as far as I know!!

So when I got back, it was DHs turn. He headed out in search of breakfast while I finished getting ready, got the kids up and ready, then went to the buffet for breakfast. Kids were easy enough--they both chose cereal. I had some Mickey waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. There went the morning's workout!! At 8:30 this morning, DD had the chance to meet all the princesses, so we finished up breakfast, DS headed back to the room, and she and I stood in the line for about 10 minutes ahead of time. She got autographs and her picture made with all of em'--Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, and Princess Aurora. This was the highlight of her trip--hopping and skipping from each princess. They each made her feel very special and as if she were a princess herself. (She acts like she thinks she is anyway!!) She is still a bit scared of the costumed characters--we didn't get a single picture with Mickey or Minnie. But by the end of the cruise, she was at least calling out to them and waving from a distance. DS didn't care anything about standing in the line for the photo ops with the characters, so we didn't bother. Then, the kids were off to the club's and DH and I had a few moments of peace. After yesterday's shopping talk I was anxious to check out these rare blue diamonds that they sell on the island. We disembarked and headed into town.

Please beware of the well meaning islanders trying to take you on excursions/taxi rides/scooters etc. Don't make eye contact and just keep walking--throw in a "no thank you" and be on your way, or they'll take up most of your day trying to convince you to buy what they're selling. Walk on down to the far end of the cruise terminal building that you are forced to enter before getting in "town" to avoid all the taxi drivers. It gets a bit annoying after a while, but I guess it's all just part of the experience. So after we got through all that, we headed to the jewelry stores. They try to make you think this jewelry is such a great deal. It's NOT!! It didn't take too much time in their shops to realize everything is WAY overpriced, even in the Coach store, which had a minimal selection. I wanted to check out the straw market before heading back to the ship--so I asked a uniformed officer of some sort, and he pointed us in the right direction. Along the way, there was a local standing along the street, then as we walked by he turned and walked along side us. I got a tighter grip on my purse, and he turned to me and asked if we wanted a smoke or a reefer. I almost laughed, said no thank you, and kept walked. Hubby hadn't heard him, and he asked what was going on. I really wish I had asked the guy if I actually looked like I wanted a reefer. I really don't think I'd fit the mold of a dope smoker, but I guess you never know until you offer. Anyway, the straw market is crowded and hot, but I loved it!! I could have stayed alot longer, but I knew that DH was not exactly loving this place. Girls, you can find any kind of knock-off purse under the sun at this place. Some are better than others, so close inspection is necessary. I didn't buy any, cause I was really trying to get a bargain. ($30 or less) and no one would go that low! If it's more than that, I'd rather just put that $$ toward the real thing. But that's just me!

Heading back to the ship, the locals don't bother you. One thing that I noticed that was different about Disney on this first port of call is that they aren't there to take pictures as you debark the ship. They aren't there when you board the ship. Disney photographers don't generally come to you for photos, you have to go to them. Other than in the dining rooms and on the beach at CC, we were never approached for random photos. Carnival takes shots of you at everything. We got one good family photo of us on this cruise as we were boarding the ship. That was all! DH and I returned to the room for a while to relax, then headed out for a quiet lunch before getting the kiddos. We ate at the buffet, which had a nice selection of foods, and good new foods to try. It was only after we were done with dessert that we saw the pasta chef--making cooked to order pasta dishes. So we had to eat more! That was hubby's favorite meal on board.

DS didn't want to leave the lab, so DD and I headed for the Mickey pool on our own. There were very few people at the pool at this time, and she was able to enjoy it until it was time to go watch Wall-E at 2:00. This movie was shown in the Walt Disney Theatre instead of the Buena Vista Theatre, I guess because it seats more people. DS was willing to leave the Lab to see Wall-E. After the movie, it was time to get ready for dinner at PC and Pirate Night! DD and I decided when we were at the pool that day to get her hair braided. I called the spa, and they told me that it wasn't done through the spa--to go to deck 10 at 4:00. We were there at 4:00--no hair braiders. So I called guest services--they said go to deck 9. We still couldn't find them. I called guest services again, they said deck 9 as well, so we went back for one last look. We FINALLY found them at 5:00--which is supposed to be their closing time, but they worked DD in. $2 per braid doesn't sound bad, until they put in about 13 braids. I considered it worth it though--DDs hair has a tendancy to get in her eyes, and this kept it out of her eyes at the pool and at the beach for the remainder of our trip--even later at WDW. Pirate night is as big of a deal as YOU make it. The kids had pirate tee shirts, I had a dress I picked up just for the occasion. Your place setting at dinner will have a keepsake bandana for you to take home. The pirate "Party" on deck consists of CMs dancing along to music, then the characters come out, a pirate rappels from one of the stacks above, and that's about it. We were going to watch the fireworks from our balcony, but were told not to open the balcony doors, and not to be out there for safety reasons. DD was exhausted, so we didn't make the fireworks. There was a wonderful dessert and BBQ buffet--DH tried out a jumbo turkey leg, and it was great! The don't miss part of this evening is Toy Story the Musical. It was great! The kids loved it, and DH even admitted that he enjoyed it. The sets and costumes are amazing.

Stay tuned for the day we've all been waiting for: Castaway Cay!!

 

[pixie*duster]

Mandy--Yes, we did notice and wonder why the dog was on board the ship. It certainly wasn't a seeing-eye dog or anything. We were certainly curious! Can't wait to read your trip report and see what all you guys did. I'm jealous that this was your second Disney cruise. Our next one will have to be longer too!!

 

[pixie*duster]

Castaway Cay Day: Up early again, this time opting to watch the sunrise from the balcony instead of hitting the gym. DH hit the gym, then while he was back showering I brought breakfast back to the room, Goofy's was the only thing open at the time so the kids got cereal again, I got some fruit and a danish. We were in our beach gear and ready to go by the time we docked at CC, and hung out in our room waiting for the announcement that we could debark. We were among the first off the ship, and enjoyed the short walk to the family beach. (Bring the camera!!) Wow--that reminds me--I never did go to shutters to check out the picture that was taken of us with the ship in the background. Oops!! Anyway, another bit of valuable advice received here: Walk on down to the far end of the family beach to "set up camp"--it's much less crowded. Of course at the time, the beach was pretty much desserted. We kept walking and got a nice hammock for DH. There was only a handful of people down there with us--meanwhile the other end of the beach began to look like spring break! This place is absolutely paradise. There are palms as well as umbrellas shading the chairs on the beach. The beach has been "groomed" like a golf course sandtrap. The flowers are beautiful. DH crashed in the hammock for a while, and the kids set to playing. It was the most blissful part of the trip. Of course after a while, DH got bored and took DS kayaking. They were going to rent a jet ski, but DS9 said since he couldn't drive, he didn't want to. Remembering what I had read here on the boards about hammock hogs, I removed our towels from the hammock, thinking that surely since there were still oodles of hammocks elsewhere, no one would want to move right in amongst us. WRONG. It was claimed by someone else's towel shortly thereafter. DH was miffed when he returned from kayaking--he couldn't believe anyone would come right up and take the hammock. We stayed and played until lunch time, building sandcastles and finding shells. I borrowed DS snorkel gear and went for a swim to the snorkel lagoon--saw a few fish and a HUGE starfish. Lunch at cookies was GREAT--Burgers, BBQ ribs, and huge chocolate chip cookies. Word of warning though--the chocolate is all melty since it is hot and outdoors, and the kids had chocolate from one end to the other. Next, we rented bikes and took a ride around the island. DD5 had a bike with training wheels and had trouble keeping up with the guys, so she and I only went half way. The biking is very easy and leisurely--nothing is uphill. After the bike ride, the kids decided that they'd like to go back to the pool on the ship, which was desserted at this time. Along the way back to the ship, Lilo and Stitch were leading a Conga line.(Stitch later becomes one of my DDs worst nightmares at DW on Stitch's Great Escape) After our afternoon at the pool, it was time to get the kids cleaned up and to their respective clubs for the D Sea U graduation. The ceremony isn't that big of a deal other than Mickey coming out in his cap and gown and Minnie in her school girl clothes. BUT, make sure your kids get the tee shirt and graduation cap. The cap is really nice, complete with tassle and Mickey ears! (Like something you'd buy at DW for $15 bucks!) Before DS departed the stage, he got thrown up on by the girl next to him. He was tramatized, and stood frozen on the stage, holding out his arms. I quickly stripped him of his D Sea U shirt (they all had them on over their clothes), trying to use it to clean him up as much as possible. A CM approached us to help out, and he let me check him out right then and there instead of first having to return to the lab. While DS was back in the stateroom in the shower, the CM knocked on the door and handed us a goody bag for him: a new cap and shirt, and a Connect Four game--for no hard feelings. I thought this was very nice of DCL, as it certainly wasn't their fault that the little girl got sick! So we got him cleaned up and then were off to our last dinner at Tritons. The Crepes Suzette was awesome! DS was ready to go back to the lab, DH wanted to just go relax, so DD and I spent a little time in Studio Sea after dinner for the High School Musical Dance party--where she karoke-ed to Fabulous. Shortly thereafter it was time for the show Disney Dreams, which was very entertaining, and has great costumes and special effects. DD was convinced that Tinkerbell had actually spread pixie dust all over our ship! Once this was over, we made or way back to our stateroom to start packing up.

 

[Our2Girls&Disney]

You gave bursting out laughing describing the shower. Too funny. Thanks for sharing.

 

[pixie*duster]

Mandy--I just noticed you guys are from KY too?!?!! What part???

 

[MandyMommytoReaghan]

Boy, Mr. Reefer must have made his rounds that day. DH and I met him too. I too was somewhat offended by him offering to us. After we safely got farther from him , we cracked up and said that we didn't think we looked like we would be "buyers"...LOL.Can't wait to hear more of your trip!