Cruising, Wining, and Disney Dining - Two 2012 PTRs in One! **TR LINK UP**

[klacey1]

Both of the concerts sound like they'll be a blast-- I love Gin Blossoms! Have a great time!
Augh, my boss is psycho, too. I hope it's not a big deal for you to take off a bit early!

 

[Joyciemc]

I have been MIA from the DIS as well- just way too busy with lots of stuff. Blech.

Hope your boss doesn't go nutty about your early day! I work a lot of weekends, and I hate it because I miss out on a lot of stuff my friends and family plan... especially in the summer!

As for your ME question, my instict is that they will take the bags as long as they have the luggage stickers on them. Lots of folks don't check right in to ME- they stop and eat at the airport, etc. And their bags make it... the ME people don't know ahead of time which bus you'll actually be getting on, so I don't think they wait for you to check in on one to get your bags. But I could be wrong. Sorry not to be more help!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

We rented a car one year but let ME take our bags. It worked fine. The official word is you aren't supposed to do it, though. I don't understand their logic, it's a service that is included in your package. What's the big deal?

 

[jenny105]

Both of the concerts sound like they'll be a blast-- I love Gin Blossoms! Have a great time!
Augh, my boss is psycho, too. I hope it's not a big deal for you to take off a bit early!

I was obsessed with the Gin Blossoms when I was younger. I always wanted to see them so I'm excited about it.

She doesn't work every Saturday so I'm hoping that's a Saturday she's off and I can just leave early & deal with the aftermath later.

I have been MIA from the DIS as well- just way too busy with lots of stuff. Blech.

Hope your boss doesn't go nutty about your early day! I work a lot of weekends, and I hate it because I miss out on a lot of stuff my friends and family plan... especially in the summer!

As for your ME question, my instict is that they will take the bags as long as they have the luggage stickers on them. Lots of folks don't check right in to ME- they stop and eat at the airport, etc. And their bags make it... the ME people don't know ahead of time which bus you'll actually be getting on, so I don't think they wait for you to check in on one to get your bags. But I could be wrong. Sorry not to be more help!

I don't mind working Saturdays but with my old boss, she was fine with 2 of us working so we had every other weekend off. This boss wants 3 people on so I work like 5 in a row until get one off.

Thanks for the feedback about ME. I just don't want our bags to be stuck in the airport!

We rented a car one year but let ME take our bags. It worked fine. The official word is you aren't supposed to do it, though. I don't understand their logic, it's a service that is included in your package. What's the big deal?

I figure Disney frowns upon it but I don't understand what the big deal is either. Since we're going for 9 days those are going to be some pretty big/heavy suitcases so I'd rather let ME take them than lug them to the car myself!

 

[jenny105]

Cruise update! It's pretty quiet in the office so I have time for one. I hope I didn't jinx myself...

On Day 2 we woke up around 9:30 - 10. We changed into our bathing suits and made our way up to deck 9 for breakfast at Topsiders. We knew we wanted to make an appointment for the couples razul so we headed over to the spa to see if they had any openings. They did at 12:30! Since we had a couple hours to kill we wandered around the ship for a bit. We wanted to go to the pool but it was cloudy & cool. I stopped at the Cove Cafe for a mocha coffee & we walked around looking at the art gallery, photographs that were taken at dinner the night before, the shops, and sat in on a game of Wheel of Fortune in one of the lounges. Before we knew it it was time to head back over to the spa.

The couples razul is AMAZING! It's $89 per couple for 50 minutes and they give you a sea salt scrub & all this other stuff to put on your face & body. There's a shower in the room plus a steam room. Everything they gave us made my skin super soft but the steam room was insane! I felt like I couldn't breathe in there. I'd be in there for 30 seconds and I couldn't take it anymore. Other than that it was a great experience. That was my first spa treatment and I loved it!

After that we headed into the rainforest room. It's free to use if you booked a treament or you can pay $15 for a pass just for that room. There are heated tile loungers that feel great on your back, a few steam rooms that weren't nearly as hot as the one we had, and some scented showers. We spent about 30-45 minutes in there until our stomachs started rumbling.

The buffet was closed so we got some food from Pluto's Dog House. I don't remember what Kris had but I had a taco. It had cleared up a bit so we decided to hit up the pool. I know - exofoliate your skin & then ruin it all with chlorine. Smart idea! Since it was cooler out that day the pool was heated. It felt like bath water - LOVED IT!

I saw a whole bunch of people walking around with Bloody Mary's so I decided to try one. Nastiest thing I've ever had in my life. I had about half of it and gave up. They are not for me!

Some pool pictures:

We spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around by the pool, sipping cocktails & eating ice cream. It was a blissfully lazy day so far...what would the night bring?

More to come!

 

[silverhaze269]

So I just had to comment before I read anymore! I found your link on the FB page, btw...I'm really excited to hear about your cruise!!! I live in Halifax so I'm interested to hear about your experiences

 

[PixieMama]

Popped over from the FB group... now to go back and read!

 

[nene0182]

Hey there! Just subbing. I followed you over from the FB group, but I need to go back and get caught up on your trip plans and your cruise!

 

[ash-n-brensmom]

Yay!! More cruise updates!!! Loved that pic of your DBF laying on the lounger in the towel....reminded me of my youngest DD actually...

 

[jenneth79]

Subbing from the FB page!

 

[khertz]

Okay, I got behind on the updates, but all caught up now. Sorry!

The cruise looks soooooo relaxing. I have never been on one, but I really do want to try it. Most of our vacations are so BUSY! On a cruise it looks like I would be busy doing nothing.

Just noticed the guy in the chair behind Kris...who wears socks while tanning?! And I see his choice in shoes is sandals. Fashion no-no alert!!

 

[princess_momma]

OMGosh Kimmy. This is why you shouldn't disappear from the DIS for so long!

Loaded coronas/landsharks are delicious. We use lime tequila (which is super hard to find in NJ but Margaritaville makes it) and you just open up the better, top it off, and there you go. So good!

I forgot about the Pirate & Princess party! I actually went to that and had a blast! The fireworks were amazing.

I've never been to Via Napoli! This will be the first time. I've heard nothing but great things about it so I'm happy to hear it's your favorite restaurant in Epcot. Sangria is a MUST!

The drinks on the cruise were pretty good! Some were stronger than others and the prices really weren't all that bad. Coming from the NJ/NY area, the drink prices on the ship were actually cheaper than some of the bars around here! So I can't complain.

I think there was another parking lot on the pier but if not, they would've redirected people to garages on the street. Which is TERRIBLE because after waiting in so much traffic, I would've been livid to have to go back on the street to find parking. So I'm glad we got a spot!

My cousin is doing much better. I saw him last week and he has to wear a brace & gets tired easily but other than that, he's good. He got his stitches out yesterday and we're going to a concert together Saturday so that should be fun!

Yes we do need to plan a trip together! I think we'd have so much fun and I could introduce you to the wonderful world of Margaritaville. I want to go next year but I don't know if I'm going to be able to. It may have to wait until 2014. You know where I REALLY want to go? Aulani. I've never been to Hawaii and Hawaii + Disney = love. I get a disount on the room portion and the airfare in April/May is decent. I've heard that's a good time of the year to go. I can dream can't I?

The reward sites add up quickly. I have around $30 sitting in I-Say, $23 in Sunshine Rewards, $10 in my survey, and $22 in Ebates. I'm going to wait until the last possible minute to cash everything in so I can put it in my Disney fund. I'm hoping to grow those totals even more between now and then.

Ok people at work are starting to give me the stink eye because I'm just ignoring the phone and replying to you! Gonna go now!

I know, I know, I'm sorry. It shouldn't happen again!!

Yum...I cannot wait to try a Loaded Corona/Landshark. Sounds so delicious!! I might have to wait a little though. I'm still recovering from this weekend. (Hey! Not my fault that I had a friend's birthday in addition to Garret's and it turns out jello shots are easier to make then I thought. And they make a lot. Let's just say we had enough for every dalmatian to have one.)

It should be noted that both lauren_elizabeth and I loved the Sangria at Via Napoli, but Party through the Parks described it as a littler, citrusy version of sangria that could be a wine-oj cocktail. Idk if you are a big, richer-flavored sangria snob or not...but I just didn't want any surprises for ya. I loved it.

Yeah, I think I'm going to need to start saving for my cruise drinks!! We hardly go for bars (pretty much the only way having a child saves you money ), but when we do, prices aren't too bad out here. I think Garret would be fine bringing like...idk, whiskey and just doing shots. Um, no. I don't do that anyway and I need delicious mixed drinks because that's what you do in the Caribbean! (His dad should be booking in August...unfortunately Garret won't nag him as much as I want him to, so all I can do is cross my fingers.)

So glad your cousin is doing better and that you guys were able to go to that concert. I hope it was fun!! Your NKOTBSB concert sounds amazing too...I didn't realize 98 Degrees was coming, they are so great too!! Jealous. I'm really wanting to get over to Hershey Park someday...have you been on the SkyRush yet?

We definitely have to eventually go on a trip together! I have been to a Margaritaville once, in the Cancun airport and I was so impressed. Seriously, the drinks we were SoOOOOOOO good, and we honestly were drunker on the way home than anywhere else on the whole trip thanks to that place. (Goodness, I sound like such a lush in this post. )

I would LOVE to go to Aulani. I promised Garret I wouldn't make us honeymoon in WDW every SINGLE time, so I'm thinking Aulani is looking nice. "Oh, I just thought it looked nice, I didn't even realize it was Disney!"

That is sad that you might not be able to make a trip in 2013. But I understand how that goes. 2012 is my year for that. Devastating. But, why oh why, are we having opposite years? In 2012, no trips for me and you a cruise and a trip...then in 2013, no trips for you, but a cruise and a trip for me? WTH? Who's in charge here? That is just ridiculous!

The spa sounds sooooo amazing!! I just love spas. And I think the Couples Razul sounds so great!! Especially since I'm pretty sure Garret would feel so awkward with other people doing the spa treatments to you. (IDK why he thinks it's awkward, but he thinks a professional massage is weird, but one day I'll book him one and change his mind! ) Was the Rainforest Room crowded? How private were the scented showers? Were those ones way nicer , bigger, etc. than the one in your razul room? I really freaking love spas.

OMG I hate Bloody Mary's. WHO DRINKS THOSE AND LIKES IT?! Definitely not for me either. Everyone knows if you want to drink in the morning, stick to mimosas or Patron Cafe. (Even though it was after lunch for you... Bloody Mary's are morning drinks to me. lol)

Can't wait for more!!

 

[klacey1]

That couples spa sounds HEAVENLY! I wish Zach wasn't so stubborn and was willing to try something like that out. Glad you both loved it!
Ick. I have never tried a Bloody Mary and have NO desire too. They just sound gross!

 

[Joyciemc]

I had to laugh about the bloody mary- that was my reaction to them for the longest time. And weirdly, something changed this spring and now I love them. But I still remember how gross I used to think they were!

I wanna go on a cruise!!!!

 

[jenny105]

So I just had to comment before I read anymore! I found your link on the FB page, btw...I'm really excited to hear about your cruise!!! I live in Halifax so I'm interested to hear about your experiences

Welcome! We just did a 2nighter not the cruise to Canada. I've never been up that way - only to Toronto & Niagara. I'd love to see it one day! I've heard it's beautiful and I'm sure you can vouch for it

Popped over from the FB group... now to go back and read!

Welcome!

Hey there! Just subbing. I followed you over from the FB group, but I need to go back and get caught up on your trip plans and your cruise!

Welcome! There's so much to catch up on LOL. I started this really early.

Yay!! More cruise updates!!! Loved that pic of your DBF laying on the lounger in the towel....reminded me of my youngest DD actually...

I'm sure I'll have a picture of Kris just like that at the AKL pool or one of the waterparks!

Subbing from the FB page!

Welcome!

Okay, I got behind on the updates, but all caught up now. Sorry!

The cruise looks soooooo relaxing. I have never been on one, but I really do want to try it. Most of our vacations are so BUSY! On a cruise it looks like I would be busy doing nothing.

Just noticed the guy in the chair behind Kris...who wears socks while tanning?! And I see his choice in shoes is sandals. Fashion no-no alert!!

Cruises are definitely relaxing! Unless you plan on doing every activity they have schedule; then not so much. It is what you want it to be ya know? I have more fun just relaxing on the ship than going to the actual ports.

I didn't even notice that til you pointed it out. Major faux pas!

I know, I know, I'm sorry. It shouldn't happen again!!

Yum...I cannot wait to try a Loaded Corona/Landshark. Sounds so delicious!! I might have to wait a little though. I'm still recovering from this weekend. (Hey! Not my fault that I had a friend's birthday in addition to Garret's and it turns out jello shots are easier to make then I thought. And they make a lot. Let's just say we had enough for every dalmatian to have one.)

It should be noted that both lauren_elizabeth and I loved the Sangria at Via Napoli, but Party through the Parks described it as a littler, citrusy version of sangria that could be a wine-oj cocktail. Idk if you are a big, richer-flavored sangria snob or not...but I just didn't want any surprises for ya. I loved it.

Yeah, I think I'm going to need to start saving for my cruise drinks!! We hardly go for bars (pretty much the only way having a child saves you money ), but when we do, prices aren't too bad out here. I think Garret would be fine bringing like...idk, whiskey and just doing shots. Um, no. I don't do that anyway and I need delicious mixed drinks because that's what you do in the Caribbean! (His dad should be booking in August...unfortunately Garret won't nag him as much as I want him to, so all I can do is cross my fingers.)

So glad your cousin is doing better and that you guys were able to go to that concert. I hope it was fun!! Your NKOTBSB concert sounds amazing too...I didn't realize 98 Degrees was coming, they are so great too!! Jealous. I'm really wanting to get over to Hershey Park someday...have you been on the SkyRush yet?

We definitely have to eventually go on a trip together! I have been to a Margaritaville once, in the Cancun airport and I was so impressed. Seriously, the drinks we were SoOOOOOOO good, and we honestly were drunker on the way home than anywhere else on the whole trip thanks to that place. (Goodness, I sound like such a lush in this post. )

I would LOVE to go to Aulani. I promised Garret I wouldn't make us honeymoon in WDW every SINGLE time, so I'm thinking Aulani is looking nice. "Oh, I just thought it looked nice, I didn't even realize it was Disney!"

That is sad that you might not be able to make a trip in 2013. But I understand how that goes. 2012 is my year for that. Devastating. But, why oh why, are we having opposite years? In 2012, no trips for me and you a cruise and a trip...then in 2013, no trips for you, but a cruise and a trip for me? WTH? Who's in charge here? That is just ridiculous!

The spa sounds sooooo amazing!! I just love spas. And I think the Couples Razul sounds so great!! Especially since I'm pretty sure Garret would feel so awkward with other people doing the spa treatments to you. (IDK why he thinks it's awkward, but he thinks a professional massage is weird, but one day I'll book him one and change his mind! ) Was the Rainforest Room crowded? How private were the scented showers? Were those ones way nicer , bigger, etc. than the one in your razul room? I really freaking love spas.

OMG I hate Bloody Mary's. WHO DRINKS THOSE AND LIKES IT?! Definitely not for me either. Everyone knows if you want to drink in the morning, stick to mimosas or Patron Cafe. (Even though it was after lunch for you... Bloody Mary's are morning drinks to me. lol)

Can't wait for more!!

Loaded landsharks are very tasty. I am grateful to Margaritaville for introducing me to them.

I'm not a sangria snob at all so I'm sure I'll like it. They sell them by the pitchers? Kris and I will definitely try it. Everywhere we go we end up ordering sangria. I made my own once and it was really strong!

Ever since 98 degrees announced this reunion I've been singing 'Una Noche' constantly. I'm most excited about seeing the Wanted. I absolutely love them. They're songs are so catchy. I gotta get a picture of me when they're on stage. It will be comical to say the least.

Haven't been on SkyRush yet. Planning on going to the park the next day so I will have to try it out!

I don't think Garret will by 'Oh I didn't know Aulani was a Disney hotel.' Sorry Kimmy. I just don't.

The rainforest rooms showers are around little corners. They're not private but you can use them without really being disturbed. There were only about 2 or 3 other people in there when we were walking around. The shower in the razul room isn't that big. Just a stand up stall.

And Bloody Marys. Yuck.

That couples spa sounds HEAVENLY! I wish Zach wasn't so stubborn and was willing to try something like that out. Glad you both loved it!
Ick. I have never tried a Bloody Mary and have NO desire too. They just sound gross!

I can say I tried it. Never again!

What do you think about Nash????

I had to laugh about the bloody mary- that was my reaction to them for the longest time. And weirdly, something changed this spring and now I love them. But I still remember how gross I used to think they were!

I wanna go on a cruise!!!!

Yuck. I never want to try one again. I was sucking up bits of pepper too. GROSS!

So go on one! And take me!

 

[jenny105]

Hi everyone! I've been a sucky DISer again. I just don't get on DIS when I'm home and Monday was super busy at the office. I had to fill in for the front desk and then had issues with my computer that IT had to fix. I was off yesterday & went to lunch with my sister and saw the Dark Knight Rises. Great movie but the Dark Knight was better. And now it's Wednesday & here I am!

Can I vent for a moment? WHEN ARE THE FOOD & WINE DETAILS GOING TO BE RELEASED? I mean, hi Disney, it's almost August already and your festival starts at the end of September. The OCD planners like myself need booth information and menus please! Thank you very much.

Cruise post starts now! And after I'm done with the cruise TR, I need to do a clothing post because I have so many cute new things to show you girls (and my lone guy reader Dan if you're interested LOL).

So after we spent time in the spa & the pool we headed back to our room to take a little nap & freshen up a bit before dinner. I had been calling Palo obsessively all afternoon for a reservation that night with no luck and I kept at it from the room with no luck. I jumped in the shower & I'm pretty sure Kris fell asleep on the balcony. Some pictures I took while he was dozing.

The view. Lemme tell ya the water is not that color in Jersey!

To the right...

To the left...

Fast asleep

After we were showered & dressed for the night, we decided to take a walk up to Palo to see if they could squeeze us in. They could. RIGHT NOW! Kris didn't think I would want to but I jumped at it. I wasn't going to pass up Palo! And I'm so glad I didn't. WOW! Great service and wonderful food. I forget exactly what kind of soup it was, something with white beans & chicken, but it was the best soup I've ever had in my life. We also got calamari and mozzarella & tomatoes for an appetizer, beef wellington for dinner, and chocolate souffle for dessert. YUM! You have to put in the order for the souffle right away because it takes awhile to make and it's so worth it. That was easily the best cruise meal I've ever had. We were stuffed when we left! We waddled our way over to the Palo sign and asked a fellow cruise passenger to take our picture.

As you can see, we were a little underdressed for Palo. Everyone else had a dress or dinner jacket on. We weren't expecting to go to Palo so we didn't pack for it. Oh well. They didn't turn us away but we got some odd looks from both staff & patrons.

We got out of dinner just in time for the second theatre show of the night. Stay tuned for Dreams and the rest of our night in the next post!

 

[FauntleroyFAN07]

Cruise post starts now! And after I'm done with the cruise TR, I need to do a clothing post because I have so many cute new things to show you girls (and my lone guy reader Dan if you're interested LOL).

whatever floats your boat.



good update, but didnt want to take pics as you were afraid of people looking at your even more since you were not dressed up huh?

 

[princess_momma]

I'm not a sangria snob at all so I'm sure I'll like it. They sell them by the pitchers? Kris and I will definitely try it. Everywhere we go we end up ordering sangria. I made my own once and it was really strong!

I don't think Garret will by 'Oh I didn't know Aulani was a Disney hotel.' Sorry Kimmy. I just don't.

The rainforest rooms showers are around little corners. They're not private but you can use them without really being disturbed. There were only about 2 or 3 other people in there when we were walking around. The shower in the razul room isn't that big. Just a stand up stall.

Yes, by the pitcher!! It'll be great!! I've been wanting to try my hand at my own sangria...was it still good despite its strength?

Lol, you are probably right about Garret not believing me. I'll just have to try getting him to think I'm cute for my effort!!

Thanks for the spa showers info!!

Yayyyyy for getting into Palo!! What an amazing place!! I can't wait to try it out. I want to do brunch too!!

 

[Joyciemc]

Amazing that you got into Palo! Your meal sounded delicious.

 

[klacey1]

Ooo, a nap on the balcony sounds so relaxing. At first I looked at the picture of Kris lounging really quickly and didn't realize the Cars towel was a towel. I thought Kris had really gotten into the Disney experience and bought a Cars bathing suit!
Mmm that Palo meal sounds heavenly! I've always wanted to try beef wellington, but no restaurant around here serves it and I'd be too afraid of messing it up if I tried to make it myself!
That picture of you guys is adorable-- I don't understand strange looks from other patrons. How does what you guys wear affect their meal-- it's not like you guys were in sweats or anything?! You looked great!