Could the Dream Turn the Grump into a Believer? Charleston Update 10/13

[SoonerGirl]

ok...so we stayed at the Beach Club our last trip and I did not know there was a lazy river! But in our defense it was 40 degrees the whole time so we missed out on the whole pool experience which upset me because that was one of the reasons we choose that hotel because we knew the little boys would love it!! Lesson learned that we will not go in Feb anymore!! LOL! It was still a little warmer than it was at home since we barely escaped a huge snowstorm!!

Oh no! That stinks that it was so cold that you couldn't enjoy SAB! At least you escaped the snow storm, 40 degrees is better than being covered up by snow!

Great update, Michelle. You are killing me with all of these pictures of AKL. I want it to get here so bad (although I don't want summer to end).

I'm sorry that Jared's ear was still bothering him and hope it was better by the time you got on the cruise ship.

We're going to go to the Bubba's Shrimp we have in Chicago next month as we've never been.

You'll be there soon Kathy I'm afraid CSR might have a little competition for your favorite resort after your stay though!

The food at Bubba Gump's is really good, I've never had a bad meal there. And if you like the movie, you'll love the atmosphere, it's so much fun!

Another great update Michelle. I really love the whole SAB and BC thing....I know I should try other resorts but for location and pool, it really can't be beat!

SAB was great, the kids had so much fun! I want to stay there next trip I take with the kids (or probably just Jared, because Justin has said he doesn't want to go to WDW again for awhile )

LOVED the Poly.... but I did love AKL when we ate there, I guess I am just too afraid of it being so far away.. I think I will look into it when we are going to have a low key laid back vacation..

AKL is further away from everything, and since we didn't hit up the parks I don't know anything about the bus service. I think part of what makes it such a relaxing resort though, is the fact that it's so far away.

Let me know and I'm in!! I want to do food and wine with adults only.. I've been there with my boys, but it was very rushed and NOT ENOUGH WINE TIME!!!

We did a family trip once during F&W too and I felt like I didn't get to experience it at all. Definitely better suited to an adults only trip

you SOOOO made my sons day! I will be getting him that one in November!

Yay!

It's sad isn't it.. but then again, that's the DISNEY DIFFERENCE! I bet it was dirty too.. I always notice trash on the ground whenever I go to any other theme park area.. Disney is always clean!

Even the Grump will admit that Disney's service is second to none!

and what did he say about that..

The comment went completely ignored

However did I get two updates behind??? At any rate, I thoroughly enjoyed both of them! Shopping at DtD is always fun, and I love, love, love your new Christmas ornaments and pins! Makes me excited for the Christmas season -- even though it is still several months away!

I always enjoy photo tours of AKL -- oh, and I fully endorse the yumminess of having zebra domes for breakfast! How nice that you were able to meet up with Anita, Marc, Baylor, and Jen for swimming at the Beach Club. Stormalong does sound like a blast!

Hmpf, not impressed with the Universal parking attendent.

When I came home and unpacked I hated that I had to put away the new Christmas ornaments for 6 months - I want to put up my tree now

Nothing wrong with zebra domes for breakfast

Meeting up with them was fun, and really great that the boys got a chance to hang out and get to know each other before the cruise. They had a great time together. When we were on the ship we pretty much only saw the 3 of them at dinner!

I was quite unimpressed with the Universal parking attendent myself. It certainly didn't give me the warm fuzzies for when we finally do take the plunge and visit there

 

[SoonerGirl]

I'm only finished reading through World of Coke, but I had to say thanks for all the pictures. We have been dying to go to World of Coke since hubby is a Coke Employee and we love all things Coca-Cola (maybe even more than we love Disney. Maybe.) We also have to drive through Atlanta to get to Disney so now I am thinking that our best bet just might be to make Atlanta our stopping point, do World of Coke in the morning and then carry on to Florida. What fun! Unlike you, I would only be scared of spending all my souvenir money there, though. The only souvenir I really bought on my last trip to WDW was at Club Cool, a bracelet made out of Coke bottle glass.

Can you tell me what hotel you stayed at in Atlanta?

Well you would be in heaven in the World of Coke gift shop then! Really, they had so many cute things, I'm still not sure how I managed to walk out of there without buying anything.

We stayed at the Embassy Suites at Centennial Olympic Park. It was a really great location!

Thanks for reading!

The Beach Club pool really is something! I'm sorry the parking attendant was so rude to you-- we've never encountered that!

SAB was awesome!

Maybe the guy was just having a bad day, or maybe he thought he was being cute, who knows!

I think you got some great pictures with your new camera!

I am so jealous that you got to go swimming at SAB! I want to do that so badly! Miss Wigd loves to share her DVC goodness with everyone doesn't she! She is always so kind in her offers to everyone.

That water volleyball looked really fun too!

I know exactly what you mean about instantly knowing that you aren't in Kansas anymore! We feel the same way. We went to Seaworld during our first Disney trip and it was like stepping into another world. It was quite the rude awakening. No one does it like Disney.

Miss Wigd & Mr Shocker are both very kind people

Disney definitely spoils you doesn't it? We went to Six Flags for the day last summer - talk about culture shock!

Your pictures just confirm why I love AKL so much. It's such a peaceful oasis. I guess that's why that guest thought you were entering his personal space.

You got a lot of great SAB pictures. Way more than I took. Your camera works great. Very cool to have a water proof camera. So great that you had a pre cruise hang out with Wigd and company.

Dinner sounds yummy. I really would like to eat there someday. pomegranted rita

Yep, peaceful oaiss is a great way to discribe AKL

I felt like I didn't take hardly any pictures at SAB, I was just fortunate that the ones I did take turned out ok! I can't believe I didn't get one of the group though

That rita at Bubba Gump's was really good!

 

[Lovemy3babes]

How odd that man sighed and seemed bothered that you and Don had sat down. I'm sure he didn't think he rented the entire resort, did he? Geesh.

And how rude of the parking garage attendant! What happened to customer service? I guess Disney has that down pat.

Yay for Beach Club! Gorgeous!!!

 

[manntra]

How nice that you were able to meet up and spend some time at SAB. Fun place isn't it?

Bubba Gump looks like a fun place to eat. I have looked at their menu before and I could make a good dent there

I am at 80 days today

Tracy

 

[mousetravel]

Well you would be in heaven in the World of Coke gift shop then! Really, they had so many cute things, I'm still not sure how I managed to walk out of there without buying anything.

We are going back to ATL next week, and since we went to the aquarium a couple weeks ago, we are thinking of going to World of Coke. Do you remember if there's any Mickey type stuff with Coca Cola on it?? A few years ago, my aunt went there and she bought Mickey metal tray type thing with Coca Cola on it, but doubt they still have those.

Don and I are going to Charleston next month for our anniversary and there is one there, but I'm not sure I can bring myself to eat at a chain when there are probably much better seafood restaurants in that city.

Have you ever been to Charleston?? I LOVE Charleston!!!!! It's about 3 1/2 hours from us, so we love going there!!!! (I thought I had some pics included in one of my TR's, but then I remembered they're on my FB)



I dread the day when I have to spend a good chunk of my vacation at Universal, I know it coming....

Me too!!!! Even though DD LOVES Disney, she wants to go to Universal for a couple days on our next trip to FL!

 

[jenseib]

I'm loving all the picture overlaod. It's great. Keep them coming. I can't wait to see some of these places in person!!!

 

[princess&her4princes]

I'm here and catching up!!!

Great updates, Michelle! Loving all the pics, the boys are so photogenic and getting so big! How does this happen so fast?

I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing more! Hope you're well!

Btw, I'm on FB, too! You need to look me up!

 

[SoonerGirl]

How odd that man sighed and seemed bothered that you and Don had sat down. I'm sure he didn't think he rented the entire resort, did he? Geesh.

And how rude of the parking garage attendant! What happened to customer service? I guess Disney has that down pat.

Yay for Beach Club! Gorgeous!!!

Well as much as Disney charges for the deluxe resorts, I can see how the guy might have thought he rented out the whole place

Loved the Beach Club, such an awesome resort!

How nice that you were able to meet up and spend some time at SAB. Fun place isn't it?

Bubba Gump looks like a fun place to eat. I have looked at their menu before and I could make a good dent there

I am at 80 days today

Tracy

Hummmm, you were at 80 days yesterday, which means I was at 79, which means today I am at 78. The day is almost over too, so lets just say 77!

We are going back to ATL next week, and since we went to the aquarium a couple weeks ago, we are thinking of going to World of Coke. Do you remember if there's any Mickey type stuff with Coca Cola on it?? A few years ago, my aunt went there and she bought Mickey metal tray type thing with Coca Cola on it, but doubt they still have those.

Have you ever been to Charleston?? I LOVE Charleston!!!!! It's about 3 1/2 hours from us, so we love going there!!!! (I thought I had some pics included in one of my TR's, but then I remembered they're on my FB)

Me too!!!! Even though DD LOVES Disney, she wants to go to Universal for a couple days on our next trip to FL!

I don't remember any Mickey stuff in the Coke store and I think I pretty much looked at everything. If I had seen Coke/Mickey together I know I would've caved and bought it!

No, we've never been to Charleston. I'm soooo excited to go there!

I'm loving all the picture overlaod. It's great. Keep them coming. I can't wait to see some of these places in person!!!

Well, I can't hold a candle to the queen picture taker!! btw, that's you

I'm here and catching up!!!

Great updates, Michelle! Loving all the pics, the boys are so photogenic and getting so big! How does this happen so fast?

I'm looking forward to seeing/hearing more! Hope you're well!

Btw, I'm on FB, too! You need to look me up!

Hey Kristen! How the heck are you?!

Yes, the boys are getting big. Justin is taller than Don now, it's nuts!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Friday June 3rd - Finally, time to board the Dream!

The plan for this morning was simple. We had a 7:45 ADR for breakfast at Boma, then we would finish up our packing and head for the port. We anticipated being there around 10:00 or a little after. That was the plan anyway.............

At around 6:00 in the morning, we hear Jared cry out. I got up to check on him. I guess Justin had rolled over and inadvertently hit Jared's ear. Well, crud, if it's hurting so much as to wake him from a dead sleep when someone touches it, then there is no way we can in good conscience board the ship without having it looked at first. Jared calmed down pretty easily and went back to sleep. Don and I laid in bed for awhile and discussed our 'new' plan for the morning. Eventually I got up and got into the shower and Don got out his phone and started looking for minor emergency clinics in the area.

We decided that there was no reason to skip breakfast, we were going to need to eat anyway, so after we were all ready we went down to Boma for our ADR. I had heard many great things about breakfast here and let me just say that it did not disappoint. It was easily the best on-site breakfast we have ever had - no doubt about it! Everything was so flavorful, it was just scrumptious. My only complaint, we weren't hungry enough to really take advantage of it!

Here's my plate

Justin had an omelet and a waffle

Jared an omelet and some fruit

Don's

And we all had some of that super tasty juice, only Jared didn't like it - WHAT? No worries, I drank his for him

Don and Jared ate quickly and then the two of them left to take Jared to the doctor. Justin and I were full after our first plates, but we decided to get a little something sweet anyway. We shared these

I wanted more, but I had no room in my belly for more, so we reluctantly asked for the check. I took this picture of the ceiling inside Boma while we waited

Once the check was settled we went back to the room to pack up the last of our stuff, we were mostly ready so that didn't take long. I asked Justin if he wanted to go for a walk, but he said no, he was tired (teenagers are always tired ). He laid down and before I knew it he had fallen back to sleep, so I grabbed my book and went out onto the balcony to read.

It seemed like forever before I heard from Don, but when I did he said that it was a good thing we had taken Jared in. A couple more days and he would have been miserable. He had very bad swimmer's ear. The doctor wrote him a script for 2 antibiotics, one to be taken orally and one that was drops to be put into his ear. Don said he had stopped at a CVS next door to the clinic, but they didn't have a pharmacy. Huh?? I thought that's what a CVS was, a pharmacy! We don't have any around here that aren't. Anyway, he had found someplace else, maybe a Walgreens, and was waiting for it the prescriptions to be filled, then they would be on their way back.

Don called when they got close and Justin and I met them out front with all of our luggage. We were finally on our way! Considerably later than we had hoped, but it was a delay that was well worth it to have a happy and well child for the duration of the cruise. It only took about 24 hours before his ear didn't hurt anymore.

At about 11:30 the Dream came into view

We all cheered as we watched it get closer

and closer!

We followed our GPS to the port. Don't do that........follow the directions that the Disney Cruise Line sends you. We had to turn around.........

Eventually, we made our way to the guard shack, the gentlemen directed us to the next available baggage handler where Don dropped off our luggage and his passengers. They told us to go ahead and go into the terminal and let Don park the car and meet us there. They also made sure that I had Don's passport so that I could check all of us in.

We're here!!!!!

We had two carry on's , one with swimsuits and other essentials for the day and one that was full of bottled water. We went through security without much of a wait, then proceeded into the terminal. WOW were there a lot of people in there! We went to the check in line and were given a boarding pass number as we entered the line. It was #19 - yikes!

The line to check in was relatively short, and I had previously checked in on-line so it was pretty quick and painless. We all got our picture taken, and Don arrived just as we were finishing up so he could get his picture taken then too. Then we took our #19 boarding pass and went into the herd to await our boarding time.

I decided that since we obviously had plenty of time, I would go ahead and get Jared's bracelet for the kid's club. I had pre-registered him, but we still had to get him tagged While Jared and I went to do that, Don and Justin found Marc, Anita and Baylor. They would be boarding just a little before us, they had #17.

Jared and I saw Minnie as we made our way over to kid's club area

But there was no time to stop, we had to get into that massively loooooooong line before in got any longer. Seriously, it was nuts and there were so many people around that I wasn't sure who was in line and who wasn't. It took awhile but we finally found the end of the line. Good thing we had time to kill.....

The whole time that we were standing in line, Jared was telling me that we were wasting our time. He wasn't going to go to the kid's club. He was just a few months shy of being 11 and he was afraid that the 3-10 year old club would be too babyish for him. I asked him to just try it and if he didn't like it, he didn't have to go back.

When we finally got to the front of the line I asked the CM if it would be possible for him to go to the Edge instead. She said that I would have to discuss that with the Edge counselors on board, but that she didn't really think it would be a problem given Jared's age. I'll tell you right now that we didn't do this, and I'll also tell you that you won't get any information from me about the kid's clubs......

Continued in the next post

 

[SoonerGirl]

So, once we were tagged we saw that Mickey was out greeting guests. We, meaning me, wanted to get a picture, so I drug Jared over and sent Don a text to have Justin come over too. They both complained that they were too old to have their picture taken with characters I can't even begin to tell you how sad this made me. And I can also now tell you that you won't be seeing a lot of character pics in this report....... They sure smiled great for these pictures though

If I had remembered when I bought all our pictures from the cruise that we had taken this photo with my camera too, then I wouldn't have purchased this one, but I had forgotten. At least the border is cute!

After our meet with Mickey we went back to find our group. We chatted for awhile, but soon Anita's number was called and they left us.

Waiting for our turn, watching all the early arrivals board before us.....

Honestly, it didn't take that long before we heard our number being called

Boarding the ship at 1:22

We had to stop for a quick photo, which actually turned out pretty cute so I bought it

Soon we were giving our name to the crew member and we were announced and welcomed aboard. First thing I saw was that amazing chandelier

Second thing I saw was Daisy and Donald waving hello

We were pulled aside and given the run down on where we could go for lunch and we were also told that our stateroom would be ready very soon, if it wasn't already. We had reserved a cabana for our Castaway Cay day and we wanted to add Anita's family to it, so I asked the CM where we needed to go to do that. He said we would have to go up to deck 5 and do that at the excursions desk. We decided to go ahead and get that done before we went to eat.

Waiting for the elevator

At the excursions desk we were told that they couldn't help us with that, we would have to go back down to deck 3 and speak to someone in guest services. When I told the lady that we had just been sent up there by the CM greeting us, she apologized and said they would make sure everyone was made aware of the proper policy. I didn't want to go back down to guest services, so we just decided to go get some lunch. It seems like we stopped off at our cabin to drop off our carry-ons because I don't remember dragging them around with us at lunch. Guess that is one benefit to boarding a bit later!

Lunch was in Cabana's. And we stopped on the way to pick up my first drink of the day - a Bahama Mama - yummy!

We grabbed a table outside and enjoyed the lovely weather. We were all a little giddy about being on board! And I guess I was soaking in the atmosphere because I was really bad about taking pictures just after boarding, sorry. The only plate I have a picture of is mine

As you can see, the Dream had the same not so tasty Heinz honey mustard. Everything was pretty good, except the crab was very bland, I kept wishing that they had some drawn butter or something for it since it wasn't seasoned at all.

While we were eating I got a text from Anita, she had been able to get the 4 of us a brunch reservation for Palo, and was also able to move their dinner reservation to ours so we'd be able to enjoy that meal together as well. Score!!

Continued in the next post

 

[SoonerGirl]

After lunch we went back to check out our stateroom more thoroughly. We had a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, cabin #6588, and we were pleasantly surprised by the size of it. I had always heard how small cruise cabins were, but we had plenty of room and never felt cramped at all. Some pictures of our cabin

Justin was already changing into his swimsuit!

The split bathroom - such a nice feature!

I love this pillow, wish they sold them somewhere on board!

Our verandah, it's more spacious than this picture leads you to believe

And our view at the time

We took a minute to decorate our door, and while we were doing that our stateroom host stopped by to introduce himself. I can't remember his name, and we never saw him again, but he took fabulous care of our stateroom during the entire cruise!

Here's a picture I took of our door a little later in the trip

You notice that on the right side there are only 3 porthole magnets instead of 4? Yeah, someone took off Jared's, I found it stuck on another door further down the hall. Obviously the work of kids. Also, you see the one just above the key pad, the "It was all started by a mouse" one. That one walked off and never found it's way back.

At about this time Baylor stopped by and the 3 boys took off to check out the Aquaduck and the sports deck, so Don and I decided to go on a little exploration walk.

Coming up: Exploring the ship, Lifeboat drill & Sailing Away!

 

[Happydog]

GREAT START!!! Loved that you finally got on the boat!!

Okay major kudos to dad for taking poor Jared to get that ear looked at, he would have been miserable!! And I am glad that everyone was thrilled to get on board!!! FUN for you!!!

Hey, my guys wont take pics with characters but barely, and never pose when I want them to, unless serious bribery is involved, so age and not wanting to take pics with characters is a little more understandable... though it may be they get back into it when they are less inclined to think it isn't "cool"!!!

I hope you enjoyed your lunch, we sure did! Matt agreed the crab was "okay" we had different crab claws in February, not sure why, they were the shorter bright red claws, it might be that it was a different season, not sure... anyhow those were better... That DOTD makes it all better!!!

Your cabin looks GREAT! NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Someone took magnets off your door!!!! BOOOO!!!! I cannot believe that!!!! Well, that stinks!

Looking forward to hearing about the story with the kids club, AND can't wait to hear about Palos dinner and brunch review....

can't wait to see more!!!!

 

[princesscinderella]

Thanks for the update I have been waiting for you to come aboard. We leave tomorrow, I can't believe it's finally here, I have just a few more things to pack (mostly all the shoes)

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Yikes. Good thing you got that ear checked out! I can't believe someone would take your magnets! What is wrong with people??

I am really enjoying hearing about the cruise and seeing the pictures. It's definitely on my someday list. And how cool that you get to cruise with friends.

 

[stace208]

Poor Jarred! Glad you got his ear checked and he starts to feel better.

Great start to the cruise! I'm so excited for mine and I've still got forever to go.
Looking forward to more!

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Oh my! I was giddy when I saw you had posted your first cruise update! Does that make me a nerd...

Glad you liked breakfast at Boma. I've heard nothing but good things about it. I hope we can try it out someday. It looked really good!

I hate to hear that Jared had to make a run to the clinic for ear problems. Having medical issues on vacation is the pits. I'm so glad you had it taken care of quickly and it didn't ruin your trip. And you got really lucky going to that walk-in clinic. Around here, we have to sit in those places all day long before we get seen by a doctor. And I have been in that position MANY times myself with an ear infection.... no fun! In fact, I have so many problems with ear infections that I did a little research to see if there was by chance a doctor on the ship and to my surprise, there is! From what I have read, all cruises have a doctor onboard. That made me feel a lot better because with all the water activities we will be doing, it is likely that I may need to see him!

I felt sad for you that your boys didn't want a picture with Mickey.

Looks like a great start to the cruise though! Loved the cabin! Did the boys have any luck getting on the Aquaduck? I'm wondering if that's a good time to try to get on, but some say it is super crowded then.

I cannot wait for the next update!

 

[TanzUnited99]

Oh no on Jared's ear getting worse. I'm glad you were able to get it checked out and get some medicine for it.

I love the pics of your Boma breakfast! All the food looks soo yummy!

Wow the dream looks amazing! Love the pics with Mickey as well as the family shot.

Your cabin looks very relaxing and I can't believe people (or kids) took your magnets from the door!

 

[DisneyBoundinDec]

Yeah! Your on board! so glad to hear that Jareds ear healed up. That must have hurt!!!!

Your scaring me with the kids club! I thought it was awesome! Well it bett be because my boys WILL be going there next summer on our cruise!!!

 

[KatMark]

Great start to the cruise part of your trip.

I am so glad you enjoyed Boma for breakfast. It has become a must do along with Crystal Palace for us each trip (and, obviously, a sure thing since we are staying at AKL).

I'm so sorry about Jared's ear, but glad Don was able to take him somewhere and get him antibiotics before you boarded the ship.

Wow....that is a lot of people to board the boat.

Your cabin looks lovely and quite roomy for the four of you.

How sad that the boys think they are too old for character pictures. Tell them that Mr. Schultz and I are both in our 50's and we still get in line for pictures with characters.

 

[ariel1025]

So glad to hear you liked Boma. I am hoping to find a way to fit it in (for breakfast) on our trip!

Swimmer's ear is such a bummer but so glad it felt better quickly enough to not ruin your vacation