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

[PrincessInOz]

What a fantastic update. The Dream looks like a dream!! I'm so going to have to get myself on a Disney cruise one of these days and just take lots of seasick pills with me.

I couldn't imagine a nicer treat than meeting up with you two next October! At this point the only firm thing on the agenda is a cruise sometime in 2013. I am being flexible with my timeline, wanting the cruise to coincide with a Disunplugged one, WDWRadio one, or AllEars. Hoping something works out, and better yet if we could meet up a day or two before the cruise at WDW!

It's definitely looking like the first week in October, 2013. There are a couple of us DisGamers (5 so far) that would like to DisMeet and that seems like the best week for all of us. So, we've pretty much locked in that week. Hoping that this is good with you and Michelle....

I have a couple of things I'd like to share here.

First, I booked my airfare today for my October trip. I was looking at fares on Southwest's site and just decided to log in real quick and take a peek at Don's points. Well he had more than enough points for a free flight, so I took a few off his hands and booked my trip

Second, we have a new outlet mall opening here and I just found out that they will have a Disney outlet there!!! The grand opening is this weekend and my friend and I plan on being there as soon as the doors open Friday morning. Oh, and they have a Coach outlet too, really not a good thing for a bag addict...........

October here you come!

Now I'm jealous. Outlet mall....Disney shop AND Coach???!!! Good for you.

 

[RinkyTinkyTinky]

Oh I am so jealous! We have to drive an hour to get to the nearest Disney Store! If I had one local though...... well, that might not a good thing. I'd probably spent so much that I'd never be able to afford to go back to WDW.

Yay for robbing points! I might be guilty of doing that from time to time as well. But hey, I figure that's the least I should get out of him being gone from home on business! My DH hasn't had to fly yet for work, but he has racked up quite a few Hilton points over the years, and I will dip into those in a heartbeat!

I meant to ask if you were able to get free dining for your trip? I don't remember your exact dates, but I was thinking they were in the blackout period??? If you couldn't get it, I hope a nice room discount comes out for you instead. Where are you staying, btw? (Sorry if you've already said, but I get more like Dory everyday. )

 

[jenjolt]

WOOT WOOT YAY for a Disney outlet!!!!!! And even more WOOTs for booking your flight in Oct!! I can't wait!!!! Going to be SO much fun!!!

Loved this last update!! The cruise ship is simply gorgeous!!!! Sorry the boys left ya LOL!! Did you get to see them at all this trip?!?!?

I really wish you were coming with us again next year, it would be so much fun!!! I am hoping with longer time on the cruise I'll be able to explore every nook and cranny!!

BTW love that picture of you as Princess!! BEAUTIFUL!!!

 

[princesscinderella]

I hope your Disney outlet is like the one here in ft. Lauderdale it is all the merchandise from the parks and even the cruise line I got some castaway cay shirts there. The stuff is nicer then the Disney store merchandise. Just got off the dream will be starting my trip report tomorrow.

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a fantastic update. The Dream looks like a dream!! I'm so going to have to get myself on a Disney cruise one of these days and just take lots of seasick pills with me.

You might be surprised Sharon, I have motion sickness issues too and the rocking of the boat never bothered me at all. In fact after the first night I never even felt the movement.

It's definitely looking like the first week in October, 2013. There are a couple of us DisGamers (5 so far) that would like to DisMeet and that seems like the best week for all of us. So, we've pretty much locked in that week. Hoping that this is good with you and Michelle....

No way I can plan that far in advance with the kids schedules and not knowing what they will have going on, but I'll keep it in mind, I'd love to be there if I can!

October here you come!

Now I'm jealous. Outlet mall....Disney shop AND Coach???!!! Good for you.

I think we're planning on having our faces pressed against the Coach store window waiting on them to unlock the door in the morning

Oh I am so jealous! We have to drive an hour to get to the nearest Disney Store! If I had one local though...... well, that might not a good thing. I'd probably spent so much that I'd never be able to afford to go back to WDW.

We have a regular Disney store too, it's about 40 minutes from where I live. It's small though and rarely has adult or household stuff. I hope the outlet will have a better selection!

Yay for robbing points! I might be guilty of doing that from time to time as well. But hey, I figure that's the least I should get out of him being gone from home on business! My DH hasn't had to fly yet for work, but he has racked up quite a few Hilton points over the years, and I will dip into those in a heartbeat!

Part of Don's territory is Arizona, so he flys SW a lot. We're using points for our anniversary trip to Charleston next week too and even after I 'borrowed' some he still has more that can be used.

He tries to stay at Hilton properties when he travels too so he builds up those points as well. I have no qualms about dipping into those either!

I meant to ask if you were able to get free dining for your trip? I don't remember your exact dates, but I was thinking they were in the blackout period??? If you couldn't get it, I hope a nice room discount comes out for you instead. Where are you staying, btw? (Sorry if you've already said, but I get more like Dory everyday. )

Nope, no free dining for us, we're in the blackout period. We are renting points from a friend of Happydog's though for a really good rate, so I'm happy! We've got a split stay between WLV & SSR right now, waitlisted to hopefully get the entire stay at WLV. Hopefully with all the moving around of trips that people did yesterday it will come open!

WOOT WOOT YAY for a Disney outlet!!!!!! And even more WOOTs for booking your flight in Oct!! I can't wait!!!! Going to be SO much fun!!!

Loved this last update!! The cruise ship is simply gorgeous!!!! Sorry the boys left ya LOL!! Did you get to see them at all this trip?!?!?

I really wish you were coming with us again next year, it would be so much fun!!! I am hoping with longer time on the cruise I'll be able to explore every nook and cranny!!

BTW love that picture of you as Princess!! BEAUTIFUL!!!

I was excited to book my flight yesterday - somehow a trip feels so much more real when you book airfare!! I land at noon on Friday - can't wait!!! Couldn't get the greatest departure time though, 2:20, which means ME will probably pick me up around 11:30, kinda early

I was happy the boys had so much fun with Baylor! We saw them at dinner and when we were in port.....

I wish we could go again next year too, but the timing is just bad. Justin suffered a bit for my decision to take him out of baseball to go on vacation and I just can't do that to him again, especially since next summer he will be varsity. Stupid sports!

I hope your Disney outlet is like the one here in ft. Lauderdale it is all the merchandise from the parks and even the cruise line I got some castaway cay shirts there. The stuff is nicer then the Disney store merchandise. Just got off the dream will be starting my trip report tomorrow.

That would be AWESOME if they have park merchandise - I don't want to get my hopes up though!

I'll be on the look out for your TR

 

[photographymom517]

Great updates, Michelle!!!

So glad that Don was able to take Jared to the clinic & get his prescriptions filled before you had to leave!

Boma looks beautiful & the food looks delicious!!! When we stayed at AKL, we didn't eat there but I wish we would have tried it. I keep telling myself I can't eat everywhere on one trip -- need to save some for next trip!

The cruise pictures are just gorgeous so far!!! I can't wait to see more!

I loved how you said that throne was put there just for you and I love your shirt too (was it from Kohl's ?? I think I saw it on my flyer! LOL)

The pictures inside the ship are just gorgeous! I know, I know -- I already said that!!! But I just love how Disney makes the smallest details so magical & beautiful! Can't wait to see it one day in person!!!

So sad that your boys have outgrown the characters I'm already dreading that time & it seems to come so much sooner with boys -- so of course, I am hoping for a little Princess this time around

A Coach outlet and a Disney Store!!!! WOOHOO!!!!

Can't wait to hear what you think about the first show on the ship!!

 

[Disneygrl36]

Drinks of the day always seem to make things better.

Wow those pictures of the District look really cool. On our past cruises we always ended up in the club after dinner & I am thinking we will do the same in October.

I am really excited about seeing the enchanted art. I want to do the detective agency game that takes you around to all the different spots.

How cool that you are getting a Disney outlet close by!

 

[TanzUnited99]

I have a couple of things I'd like to share here.

First, I booked my airfare today for my October trip. I was looking at fares on Southwest's site and just decided to log in real quick and take a peek at Don's points. Well he had more than enough points for a free flight, so I took a few off his hands and booked my trip

Second, we have a new outlet mall opening here and I just found out that they will have a Disney outlet there!!! The grand opening is this weekend and my friend and I plan on being there as soon as the doors open Friday morning. Oh, and they have a Coach outlet too, really not a good thing for a bag addict...........

on booking airfare and getting your flight on points!!

Have a great time shopping on Friday! How cool that there will be Disney and Coach outlet nearby - lol at it not being a good thing for a bag addict!

 

[MeMom]

I have a couple of things I'd like to share here.

First, I booked my airfare today for my October trip. I was looking at fares on Southwest's site and just decided to log in real quick and take a peek at Don's points. Well he had more than enough points for a free flight, so I took a few off his hands and booked my trip

Second, we have a new outlet mall opening here and I just found out that they will have a Disney outlet there!!! The grand opening is this weekend and my friend and I plan on being there as soon as the doors open Friday morning.

#1 - Yay for that!

#2 - Could you please speak to the powers that be and tell them that Nashville would like to have ONE Disney Store that is less than a three hours' drive away?!?!? How is it that Atlanta can have three and Miami can have six, but we have to go to Memphis, Knoxville, or Louisville to get a fix???

We have a regular Disney store too, it's about 40 minutes from where I live. It's small though and rarely has adult or household stuff. I hope the outlet will have a better selection!

Okay, just stick the knife in and twist it, why dontcha????

Nope, no free dining for us, we're in the blackout period.

We're in the blackout period for October and December, but March/April is looking good.

I was excited to book my flight yesterday - somehow a trip feels so much more real when you book airfare!!

Yes, it does!!!

I wish we could go again next year too, but the timing is just bad. Justin suffered a bit for my decision to take him out of baseball to go on vacation and I just can't do that to him again, especially since next summer he will be varsity. Stupid sports!

Trent would have killed me if I had tried to make him go somewhere during basketball or soccer! Even during the holidays and summers there were always practices, tournaments, or camps. He would have just stayed home and told us to go without him.

 

[SoonerGirl]

So glad that Don was able to take Jared to the clinic & get his prescriptions filled before you had to leave!

Me too

Boma looks beautiful & the food looks delicious!!! When we stayed at AKL, we didn't eat there but I wish we would have tried it. I keep telling myself I can't eat everywhere on one trip -- need to save some for next trip!

The smells coming from Boma made us so hungry every time we walked through the lobby, I can't believe you stayed there and never tried it!

I know what you mean about wanting to squeeze in too many restaurants on every trip. I'm dying because I don't want to make a lot of ADRs for October, I want to enjoy F&W instead. I am joining the girls for dinner at Cali Grill & Blue Zoo, both new to me and I'm thinking of making a lunch ADR for Via Napoli for one day, also new to me. I'm trying really hard not make anymore though!

I loved how you said that throne was put there just for you and I love your shirt too (was it from Kohl's ?? I think I saw it on my flyer! LOL)

You mean they didn't put the throne there just for me?

I think I did get that shirt at Kohl's!

The pictures inside the ship are just gorgeous! I know, I know -- I already said that!!! But I just love how Disney makes the smallest details so magical & beautiful! Can't wait to see it one day in person!!!

So sad that your boys have outgrown the characters. I'm already dreading that time & it seems to come so much sooner with boys -- so of course, I am hoping for a little Princess this time around

It was a sad, sad day for me!

I already told my brother & SIL that Baylee was going to be my Disney travel partner when she gets a little bit older

A Coach outlet and a Disney Store!!!! WOOHOO!!!!

My sentiments exactly!

Drinks of the day always seem to make things better.

Wow those pictures of the District look really cool. On our past cruises we always ended up in the club after dinner & I am thinking we will do the same in October.

I am really excited about seeing the enchanted art. I want to do the detective agency game that takes you around to all the different spots.

How cool that you are getting a Disney outlet close by!

I can't believe we never went to the clubs after dinner There just wasn't enough time to fit everything that we wanted to do in!

The enchanted art was so cool! We loved it!

on booking airfare and getting your flight on points!!

Have a great time shopping on Friday! How cool that there will be Disney and Coach outlet nearby - lol at it not being a good thing for a bag addict!

Let's just say Don is NOT happy about the Coach outlet

#1 - Yay for that!

#2 - Could you please speak to the powers that be and tell them that Nashville would like to have ONE Disney Store that is less than a three hours' drive away?!?!? How is it that Atlanta can have three and Miami can have six, but we have to go to Memphis, Knoxville, or Louisville to get a fix???

Okay, just stick the knife in and twist it, why dontcha????

It really is nuts that they closed all of your Disney stores I'll think about you in the morning while I'm walking through our brand new outlet

Yeah, I know, that doesn't help!

We're in the blackout period for October and December, but March/April is looking good.

I'm so tempted to take Jared in February and take advantage of the free dining. I just know Don would have an absolute fit if I brought it up......

Trent would have killed me if I had tried to make him go somewhere during basketball or soccer! Even during the holidays and summers there were always practices, tournaments, or camps. He would have just stayed home and told us to go without him.

Justin wasn't too upset about missing at first, but he was 'punished' when he got back. He sat the bench for a few games while someone not as good as him started in front of him......

Gotta love coaches, to them there is no life outside of the sport

 

[KatMark]

I have a couple of things I'd like to share here.

First, I booked my airfare today for my October trip. I was looking at fares on Southwest's site and just decided to log in real quick and take a peek at Don's points. Well he had more than enough points for a free flight, so I took a few off his hands and booked my trip

Second, we have a new outlet mall opening here and I just found out that they will have a Disney outlet there!!! The grand opening is this weekend and my friend and I plan on being there as soon as the doors open Friday morning. Oh, and they have a Coach outlet too, really not a good thing for a bag addict...........

for getting the flights for your October trip.

And for a Disney outlet store.

 

[Native NYer]

Joining in!
The Dream is soooo beautiful!

 

[Poolrat]

For a Disney Outlet- We must see what thye have and what you came home with.


Looks like you will be there a bit later then I am. Sorry we are missing each other.

 

[SoonerGirl]

for getting the flights for your October trip.

And for a Disney outlet store.

I was slightly disappointed in the Disney outlet store. I was hoping they would have a bigger adult selection and really hoping they would have a good selection of non-toy, non-clothing options, but it was mostly kids stuff. I will say one thing though, it was the only outlet that we went in that handled the check out line well! My friend commented about it to the CM checking us out and she said 'well we wouldn't be Disney if we didn't know how to handle crowds'

Joining in!
The Dream is soooo beautiful!

Hi there! Thanks for jumping on board!!

Yes, the Dream was very beautiful!

For a Disney Outlet- We must see what thye have and what you came home with.


Looks like you will be there a bit later then I am. Sorry we are missing each other.

Way too crowded to take pictures in the store and I only bought one shirt, not a lot to share.

It is a bummer that we're going to miss each other

 

[SoonerGirl]

When we got back to the room we found an envelope with our tickets for, and information about, our excursion in Nassau the next day. I looked through that real quick and soon the boys were back as well. They had been able to ride the Aquaduck after the Sail Away Party, they said it was fun but that the second half went too slow.

While I took a quick shower Don went to the laundry room to do a little ironing. I was a little worried as I was getting ready as I could really feel the movement of the ship, but as of yet it wasn't bothering me. I kept taking my Bonine and hoped for the best. Once we were all presentable we made our way to the Walt Disney Theater to watch the Golden Mickey's. We found some seats, then Don went in search of refreshments.

Before the show started our cruise director, Rachel, came out to fill us in on a few things and then she introduced Captain Tom

He spoke for a few minutes, and then it was show time! I took a lot of pictures, but had trouble coming up with the right settings to get really good ones, they were still decent though. There are a lot of them, hope you don't mind!

This was cute, during the Snow White portion they had kids that had been selected from the audience participate

Loved the Little Mermaid part - so colorful and fun!

Cruella was awesome, very expressive!

Continued in the next post

 

[SoonerGirl]

We all, yes even Don, loved the show. He commented afterwards on how it was a much bigger production than he ever expected to see on a cruise ship. I told him, of course it was - it's Disney after all, and just about everything they do is 'more' than you would expect.

We made our way to the atrium next and got in line to get our picture taken. I was hoping to get some nice family shots from the cruise because it's rare that we are all dressed up and all together for pictures. These are the ones I bought from that night

We still had some time to kill before dinner so I nudged my group in the direction of the stores. I, of course, went directly to Mickey's Mainsail and the D&B bags. I struggled to choose between the traditional cruise design and the Dream Inaugural design. A CM came over to help me and convinced me to get the Dream bag since the traditional design isn't going anywhere and I'll have an opportunity to get that one in the future. Then I took forever to pick which bag I wanted since the pattern had to be just right. My boys were running out of patience.

Once that was done we looked around a little bit more. Jared had to try on this hat

Then we ran back up to the room to drop off my purse, I didn't want to carry the bag to dinner. We stopped on the way though for Jared & Don to pretend that they were royalty too

I also got pictures of both areas without all the 'pretenders' in them

Coming up: Our Enchanted Evening

 

[mousetravel]

Great updates! Finally got caught up! We did go to the World of Coke when we went back to Atlanta this week. It was pretty fun!

 

[bonnielynn]

 

[wdwgirl03]

Yay for booking airfare for October!

Great pictures from the show. It looks really good.

So did you get the D&B bag? I want to see it!

 

[wigdoutdismom]

Finally getting caught up! It's so much fun to be back on the ship!
You all take the best pictures! Such a photogenic family!
I hate it that Justin suffered because of your decision to vacation during the season. Baylor did too, but we were gone for three weeks. Basically we came home and he got in for a couple of innings and was the designated runner...