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

[SoonerGirl]

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth! I am so sorry that it has been so long since I updated. Life has been INSANE since we got back from Charleston and the kids went back to school. I had planned on getting an update done today, but it never happened. I did get my pictures uploaded though, so I'm hopeful that an update will be up tomorrow, I should have time in the morning. For now I'm going to try and get caught up on my replies!

Love the scenery shots. Looks like an amazing encounter with the dolphins. Glad you had a great time

It was an amazing encounter. So much fun and I'm so glad we did it!

Great picture of the boys together!

Loved hearing about your dolphin experience! Looks like so much fun! I told DH when/if we ever cruise I would like to do that!

I had been wanting to swim with the dolphins for a very long time and this was a perfect opportunity to do it. If Jared had been just a little bit older I think we would have opted for the swim over the encounter, but the encounter was awesome too!

OMG Michelle. Blue Lagoon looks gorgeous & the dolphin pictures are making me so excited for my turn in just a little over 2 months. We are doing the dolphin swim! I can't wait now!

I can't wait to hear about the swim! That is on my list, I'd love to do that in a few years when Jared is a bit older.

What a great update, Michelle. The scenery shots as you were pulling up to land are terrific.

And the dolphin encounter! I have told Mark if we do no other excursion on our cruise in 2013, I want to do the Dolphin Encounter. Those pictures are terrific and you can tell how you were all enjoying it.

It was so much fun Kathy, you guys would love it!

WOW! I am in total jealous mode over your encounter with the dolphins It looks like a great, great time!! And how perfect that you and Anita got to take pictures of each other

It was fun doing the encounter with friends. I had almost as much fun watching them as I did participating myself!

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a fun experience! Your pictures are just wonderful-- that's great that you were really able to document the whole thing!

I would have been sad to not have any pictures of it. They were offering a photo book of the encounter that I'm sure I would have purchased if I hadn't had my waterproof camera along or hadn't had someone to take the pictures for me.

Beautiful pictures on the way to the island!!!

The dolphin encounter looks so neat!!! I knew that you were able to be in the water with them, but I had no idea you could hug them, pet them, AND feed them!!! It really looks like your entire family as well as Anita's really enjoyed it!!!

We got to feel their teeth too, that was the only part I was bit nervous about, what if he got tired of holding his mouth open or just didn't feel like doing it anymore?

Nice photos of your family & Anita's. The dolphins appeared to be having a good time also.

BTW, I have a skirted suit of that type & the skirt floats & makes the bubble butt! So I know you ain't lyin'!

Those darn skirted suits! I have several like that and they all float out as soon as I get in the water!

Love the dolphin encounter pictures!! Such a wonderful experience! I showed Ellie and she is sold-YEA!

It was great that you and Anita were in different groups for picture taking purposes!!

Yay! I'm glad Ellie is up for it! I think you guys will have a great time

What a great day for a dolphin encounter. It is great you were able to document the whole thing by being in different groups.

Yup, I think I would have asked for us to be in different groups if they tried to put us in there together. I was determined to get pictures since that was the main reason why I had purchased the waterproof camera before the trip in the first place!

 

[Pinkocto]

I figured you were busy with the kids, just wanted to let you know you were missed

 

[SoonerGirl]

I am wiping the tears away, I've been laughing so hard at our pictures from the dolphin encounter!!!
Some of those expressions are priceless!!!

I guess I should have told you to deflate your suit, but honestly I didn't notice a thing!!!

It was the best day! We were just talking about it today and were saying maybe Atlantis next year...

I LOVED your pictures, they were awesome! I finally got that CD in the mail to you yesterday - better late than never right?

Don't talk about next year, I'm so sad we can't join you!!

Dophins!

For that encounter alone, I think I might be willing to put up with seasickness all the way there and all the way back.

I love dolphins and your pictures are fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

You know you can do dolphin encounters at Discovery Cove in Orlando right? It's pricey, but cheaper than a cruise

That shore excursion looks so awesome! I love how you all got to spend so much time with the dolphins. Great pictures!

We got to spend more time in the water with them than I thought we were going to be able to. It was great!

love the dolphins!!! I am laughing so hard about your bubble butt comment all my skirt bathing suits and a few of my short ones do that.. my kids call me bubble butt all the time in the pool! Its so annoying.. I have to release the bubble all the time and then of course the laugh because I am "farting in the pool!"

Great pictures!! that looks like it was a lot of fun!

Glad I'm not the only one with the bubble butt problem

I would love to say that I am from Charleston, but sadly, I just grew up there. Both my parents are from the Midwest -- well, my dad is from Nebraska, and my mom is from Arkansas.

I will keep a lookout for the Charleston pictures wherever you decide to post them.

Your dolphin encounter is SO COOL!!! I love how they seem like just big dogs -- hamming it up for everyone!

Still haven't posted the Charleston pictures either - I've just been swamped

The dolphins really were quite lovable and seemed very eager to please - very much like a dog!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I love the pics from the Dolphin Encounter...it looks like y'all really enjoyed it! My DH and I did that on our first cruise, and you are right--it is a memorable experience!

Wasn't it great? Not everyday you get to play in the water with a dolphin!

Oh, you know I loved this update!!!! That water is so beautiful! I know I say that over and over, but it never gets old to me. Our beaches here have dark blue water and you can't see anything, so that clear turquoise water is going to be a fabulous treat for me!

You have me so excited about the dolphin encounter! It looks like so much fun! I love all the expressions! I'm sure I will be the same way... it's not everyday that you play with a dolphin ya know! And I am so glad to hear that your boys and DH enjoyed it too. I've been worried that DH won't care for it. He said he was only going to do it b/c we want to, but he doesn't care about it. I'm hoping that he will change his mind though once he gets there. What did Don say/think about it?

You were so lucky to share that with Wigd and Shocker too!! I'm glad it worked out for you to be able to trade off picture taking! Very cool!

I love the clear blue water in the Caribbean, so pretty!

Don loved the dolphin encounter! It really was one of the highlights of the trip for all of us. Of course, he was interested in doing it before we got there too - one of the few things he was excited about pre-trip!

I hope you are able to find someone in your group that won't mind taking pictures for you.

Oh Michelle - I wish I could see your pictures right now, but I can't. BOO!

It does sound like a wonderful way to spend the day. Can't wait to see all the pix!

As for the bubble butt - I don't need any skirt to help me in that department!

p.s. yes - please do post some Charlestown pictures!

Mary Ellen why do torture yourself by DISing at work?

Oh, I've got plenty of extra padding in the back, but it's not nearly as big as that bubble makes it look!

I know you are going to Charleston. When again, I can't remember? I'll get them up on FB soon.........I hope.......

Oh wow Michelle! What beautiful photos; the scenery, the gentle dolphins, the time spent together. I'm glad your family enjoyed it.

It was amazing

Wow Michelle what a great update!

Blue Lagoon looks amazing and the dolphin encounter is soo cute. I love the memories you created as a result of the excursion.

I also will be wearing skirted swimwear so will most likely be showing a bubble butt at some point during the trip!

Well make sure you get the bubble butt documented with a photo so that you can post it for the whole world to see too

 

[SoonerGirl]

Fabulous updates. I would've never noticed the skirt...and sadly, my butt is that big.
I remember how cold that water was and how slimy the platform is. But the experience is really neat and fun. You got some great pictures too. Sadly mine were not so great. I think being that we were with strangers, they were afraid to zoom in. At least I got a few.

I wasn't surprised by the cold water or the slimy platform since I had read about it on your TR. I was a little surprised on hard it was to balance on the platform though! It was all worth it though.

You're right, better to have some okay pictures than none at all!

Just too much fun you all were having!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE that you all look like kids with complete wonderment and fascination! SO fun and what a great time I am sure. I am so glad that you all got to do that together!! Those dolphins sure look like they are having as much fun as you all did. So you took a boat around that tip of the island there where the light house is? I always wondered what was on the other side of that strip of land!!!!

Can't wait to read and see more.

I didn't pay real close attention to the direction we went in the boat, but obviously we went somewhere near the lighthouse since I have that picture - I honestly don't remember it though!

Another great update Michelle!

The pictures from your dolphin encounter are amazing! The pictures show that everyone was having a great time. I have always wanted to do that but deep down it makes me a little nervous. Were you scared? I know my kids would love it.

Your bubble butt comments were hysterical. It reminded me of this story...I was out with a several ladies one day and someone started talking about their poochy tummy and another friend chimed in and said that is your "Bif". What is a "Bif" we all wanted to know... She said that is what her grandmother called her lower, protruding tummy and it means..."Butt In Front!"

Glad to hear you had a great time in Charleston. Would love to see your pictures. Have a great day!

TTFN
Darlene

I really wasn't nervous at all! The only part that I was slightly leary about was feeling the dolphin's teeth - I was afraid he might decided to close his mouth with my hand in there

Well, I must admit, I have a bit of a "Bif" myself

Are you on FB? I'm not sure if I'll get my Charleston pictures posted here, but I'll definitley get them up on FB.

I'm joining in late! What a fun trip. I'm taking a 4 day cruise on the Dream in October so this is great fun seeing your picures!

Thanks for joining in!! You are going to LOVE the Dream! I want to get this report wrapped up in the next couple of weeks, but the end of the month at the latest, so I should have it complete before you leave.

Just joined in...as a serial lurker, I don't usually comment, but what a fun TR. We're cruising on the Dream in October - can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Thanks so much for posting!! I wish I was cruising again in October, but I'll have to be satisfied with a trip to WDW!

 

[SoonerGirl]

joining in! I'd love to go on a disney cruise, but not quite ready to give up park time yet . Thanks for sharing!!

Thanks for jumping on board!

Yeah, giving up that park time isn't easy, but you won't regret it, Disney cruises are awesome!

love seeing all your great pictures! the dolphin encounter looks fun thinking of maybe doing that with my three kids in oct. Did you see any little kids doing the encounter? Mine are ages 6,7&10. Great report!

There were plenty of younger kids doing the encounter. I think you can see in some of the pictures, there were even a couple of dads holding some really young ones. Your kids are definitely old enough.

It really is!

The dolphin encounter pictures were fun. I'm sure that was an incredible experience, especially for all the boys.

Tons and tons of palm trees there for you to hug MeMom!

The boys were grinning the entire time, it was a great experience!

Luvin the pics from the dolphin encounter

Thanks!

Finally all caught up! What a wonderful experience with the dolphins. I would love to do that! Love the photos...how great that you and Wigd could trade off for photos like that!

Sounds like a pretty amazing cruise so far!

Wish I could say I was caught up Trish! I am so far behind on my subscriptions, I may never get caught up I hate not having time to DIS!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Well - it took me long enough, but I finally saw all your dolphin encounter photos and they are just awesome!!!!! Love all the pics of your family and Anita's. It really looks like a ton of fun! Excellent!

And I do not see a bubble butt anywhere!

If you missed the bubble butt then you need your vision checked, cause it's there big time

The next cruise, eh? Is that a hint that Don turned into a Believer???

The more I read about that Dolphin Encounter, the more I want to do it myself! I have to look more into it, I'm not sure Henry will be of age by the time we cruise....but, I guess if he's not, it's just an excuse to cruise again.

How very nice that you were able to snag pics of Anita's family and they could do the same for you! I love Marc's expressions - you can see the wonder of it all on his face!

There were a couple of really young kids participating. One loved it, the other one, not so much. Just depends on the kid I guess. The water is really cold, so you'd have to be sure Henry would be okay with that, then Joe would probably have to hold him because he wouldn't be quite tall enough to stand on his own on the platform. It's doable at his age, you'd just have to decide if it's something you think he'd enjoy. BUT, if you need an excuse to cruise again.......

Aren't Marc's expressions priceless?! His pics were my favorite of the whole bunch!

Love your pictures of the dolphin encounter. I really want to do that when and if we ever cruise. It seems like the crusie keeps getting pushed back for other Disney trips!

That was great that you and Anita could take pictures for each other.

Make time to cruise Erika, you'll love it!

Michelle, did we lose you? We have to know if Don is a believer, and more importantly, we need to have the story about the D & B purse!!!

I'm a bad, bad DISer

School started and I got hit with PTA duties right off the bat, then Home Run Club (baseball booster club) stuff at the high school and I also somehow let myself be talked into being on the board for the Swish Club (basketball booster club) - not sure what I was thinking there! The previous officers didn't leave things in the greatest shape, so that has been an adventure. Not to mention my TA stuff and regular household duties.........Oh, and Jared decided to play BOTH football and baseball this fall so we have practice or games nearly every night - it's exhausting! I need this October trip in a bad way!!

I did it with my DD and she is 6.

And if you read Jen's update about this on her TR you'll see that her DD had a great time with it!

I figured you were busy with the kids, just wanted to let you know you were missed

Thanks I miss being on here!

 

[LD NURSE]

Howdy neighbor! I LOVED your trip report!!!! We are doing the dolphin encounter too! This is a fantastic trip report!!!Thanks for taking the time to write it!

 

[LilAnn]

Wow, the dolphin encounter sounds amazing! And the clear waters - sigh. With every update you just make me want to go on the Dream more and more. And the ship itself looks so pretty!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Howdy neighbor! I LOVED your trip report!!!! We are doing the dolphin encounter too! This is a fantastic trip report!!!Thanks for taking the time to write it!

Well hi there!! I love how many Okie's we on these boards

You're going to love the dolphin encounter - so cool!

I'm glad you are enjoying the TR, I'm determined to get it finished before the end of the month!

Wow, the dolphin encounter sounds amazing! And the clear waters - sigh. With every update you just make me want to go on the Dream more and more. And the ship itself looks so pretty!

Do it Ann!! I'll even help you plan

 

[SoonerGirl]

When I last left you, oh so long ago, we had just completed our dolphin encounter. We made our way up to the lockers and while we were gathering our things we were able to view a video of our encounter. Don decided that we should purchase a copy, and I wanted to take a peak at the photos they had taken. Anita and Marc were on the same page as we were so we all made our way over to the building where you can view your photos. The employees there seemed a bit confused, but they told us to come back in about 45 minutes or so and we would be able to view our photos then and also be able to purchase a copy of our video.

Since we had time to kill we decided to explore the island a bit.

First we took a couple of family pictures

Then we made our way over to check out the sea lions

Pretty palm tree

And it was at this point that my camera battery died, so I was done taking pictures around Blue Lagoon Island - I was bummed!

We explored some more then stopped to take a look at the beach. Don and the boys decided to stay for a bit while the rest of us made our way back to the gift shop. We walked around and did a little shopping, waiting for someone to come back out to the televisions where we could view our photos. After all, they had told us to come back to that spot, but no one ever came. I purchased a spoon for my collection and this cute Christmas ornament

While I was checking out I noticed a door that said something on it about photos, but it also had a sign on it that said "employee's only". I asked the lady behind the counter where we could view our pictures from our encounter and she told me to go through that "employee's only" door. If that is where we are supposed to go then why do they have that sign on the door?!

Anyway, I went inside and told the lady in there that I wanted a copy of our video and I wanted to look at our pictures. I ended up purchasing a package that included the video and 3 5x7 photos, it also came with 2 photo magnets and a keychain, for about $95.

One of the pictures was the family one that I posed earlier with Justin getting the kiss on the cheek. Here are the other two

We had to wait awhile for our video because the first copy had a buzzing noise on it, so they had to make new copies. Finally we finished our purchases and met Don and the boys out on the dock. We were just in time to catch the ferry back - perfect timing!

I turned my camera on hoping to get a bit more life out of the battery. I got two pictures before it died again

Once we got back on board the Dream we made our way to Flo's Cafe so that we could grab some lunch. I still didn't have a working camera, so no pictures of lunch and I honestly don't even remember what we all had. I do remember that it was later in the afternoon at this point and we were all starving so whatever we had tasted good.

Anita was anxious to get back off the ship and do a little shopping. Don and I decided that we might as well get off and check things out too. We went up to the room and changed clothes, then headed back out. The boys wanted no part of shopping, they were anxious to hit the sport deck......again.

We stopped for a quick picture under the Bahamas sign

I also took this picture of Atlantis somewhere along the way

And that was it, I didn't take any more pictures, mostly because I felt very uncomfortable. We went to the straw market first and I HATED it. It was hot and cramped and everything looked the same and everyone was in your face trying to sell you their stuff. I barely walked through before I told Don I had had enough and was ready to go. I wanted to just get back on the ship, but Don thought we should look around a bit, so we walked over to the main strip. There were some decent shops here, but I really wasn't in the mood to shop at this point, I just wanted back on the beautiful, clean Dream! Don kept me out for awhile, but eventually he conceded that we could go. Nassau just wasn't for me. If we ever go back there, my time on shore will be either spent at Blue Lagoon Island or Atlantis, I have NO desire to see the rest of the Nassau!

 

[MEK]

Wow - An update!!!!!!

More cute pictures of the boys and the dolphins! You all look like you are having a blast. That dolphin encounter looks wonderful.

Sorry the shopping experience was so yucky. I would hate it too. I heard that about Nassau, but I think it's one of those things you have to experience yourself.

Fun update!!!!

 

[Charleston Princess]

What an adorable Christmas ornament! Love it!

What a bizarre situation having to go through the employees only door to view your pictures. Glad you were able to get them and your video, though.

Okay, after reading your description of Nassau and knowing that Happydog always stays onboard the boat that day, I don't think I need to see it, either. I detest crowds, so I cannot imagine having a good time there.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Great update!

Blue sky, ocean spray, gentle breeze, palm trees, sea lions, dolphins, cute boys, christmas decorations and Atlantis. What more could you ask for (spot the odd one out )?


Love that christmas decoration!

 

[KatMark]

Michelle, you are back. I was getting worried about you.

Wonderful update; I just love seeing those pics with the dolphins and I love sea lions too. I'm glad you were able to get a video after the confusion of where you were supposed to go.

Thanks for the heads up on Nassau.

 

[photographymom517]

Great update! Thanks for telling us your views on Nassau. I've heard that from other people! I agree with other posters -- I am not a fan of crowds at all so I doubt I would enjoy it either!

You ended up getting a lot of really beautiful pictures though!!!

 

[2xcited2sleep]

Love the ornament!

That seems to be the overall consensus on Nassau... It is too bad. But sounds like more time to explore the ship is a very good thing!

All in all, looks like a fun day. I would love the dolphin encounter, I think (minus pics of me in my bathing suit )

 

[Disneygrl36]

Sounds like the photo/video package is a pretty good deal for what you get. Do they take credit cards or do I need to bring cash?
Also, love the ornament.........thanks for the shopping idea.

I HATE Nassau.....I really do not like being accosted to buy things (which is one reason why I have no desire to go back to Mexico). We usually don't get off the ship either, but really wanted to do the dolphin experience this time, but there will be no walking around & shopping for us.

 

[zipadeepixie]

Wow the dolphin encounter looks amazing! I love dolphins!

Sorry to hear about Nassau. I hate that. I'll be there next month and I was going to try to walk to historic parts (if there are any!)