We decided to fly down to orlando a day early (Fri.) just in case of bad weather here in the northeast (Maryland). We left BWI at 8 am and had a good flight, arriving at MCO at 10 am. The only problem was that DH's suitcase broke open in handling and he had to go to Southwest to report it-- they said they would fix it, but told him he they would mail it back. They offered him a cardboard box to carry his items--- this was after he had so carefully packed! Finally, they found a duffel bag and he had to repack. He wasn't sure if they lost anything or not--- turned out they lost 3 hats. (He has sports caps for every occasion!)
We then checked into Hyatt and identified ourselves as DCL people; they gave us a letter about what to do with luggage. We went to room and checked out pool-- sunny, but quite cool 50's; pool was heated however. We had lunch in the Hyatt- McCoy's and then browsed thru shops in airport.
For dinner, we ate at Chilli's -- we were really getting excited about cruise by this time. You had to put your luggage outside door by 8:30 am and then meet in lobby at 9 to meet DCL reps. We found out that since we booked AAA rate ($99) for room, we got 2 buffet breakfasts-- didn't include DS (14) who really just wanted something light and fast, so we went to Cinnabon's and got him a bun and o.j. Then we went to buffet.
We met DCL reps and turned in forms they needed and then we had choice of waiting in lobby or watching movie in meeting room, so we relaxed in lobby. at about 9:45, we took bus to port; DS was supposed to be reading book for school report, but was too excited and we all sat and watched video on bus. Even tho this was our 4th DCL cruise, we still got a rush when we saw the magic up over the hill. We went thru security and upstairs to check in-- castaway cay members line-- nobody in front of us! We were in the first 10 people in line to board. Sat on the floor and read-- the people next to us had a portable dvd player and were playing movies which was a real hit during the wait! We were told we would be boarding an hour earlier than usual, so at 12 noon they allowed us on. Lobby was beautiful, all decked out in red, green and gold. Beautiful christmas tree and garland and lights everywhere. There was a lit christmas tree up on deck 10, way up on mast. Restaurants, too, had christmas decorations.
We went to rockin bar d to make palo resssies and then went to parrot's cay for lunch buffet. Everything was put on your plate; it was odd to tell them how much of each item you wanted-- sure made me eat sensibly! We had Plamen as our server for lunch and he was very funny-- we wished we had had him as our regular server. Great lunch. Actually, overall, food was much better than in the past and better menu; may be due to holiday, some things were the same, but some new things. We picked up our free soda mugs (provided by AAA); the CM didn't seem to know what I was talking about when I asked him when they went back to mugs instead of stickers. I probably wouldn't purchased these ordinarily, but just one of several free gifts that AAA provided for booking thru them. Another was a disney beach bag, mickey alarm clock, kit of sundries (earplugs, sewing kit, etc.)
DH and myself went to whirlpool at quiet cove and just sat and relaxed in the warm water till time to get ready for the drill. Luggage came very quickly and all at once. Our stateroom hostess was Kristina from Croatia; very quiet but very efficient. There was a nice beach towel on the bed when we entered room as a repeat guest gift. Also, an invitation to repeat guest (castaway cay club members) party.
Went to sailaway party and almost froze! It was around 35 degrees and I didnt bring any sweatshirts- just a blazer on the plane! Didn't realize it would be so cold in florida!I was trying not to pack too much! Band and party was great; disney has bubbles that come out of tubes; a little unusual since we normally sail in summer and this was at dark. We saw dolphins by the ship in the harbor. We sailed late at 5:30 because we saw luggage being brought aboard at 5:30 (I don't know if someone was late on a DCL flight) and then we pulled out immediately!
After drill, we got ready for show (rich purpura, comedian and magician) who was very funny. we actually had front row seats in walt disney theatre each night. After show, we relaxed and explored ship untill dinner. (late seating) Our rotation was LAPLAPL. The first night we had 3 table companions that were a mother and her teen aged son and 20 something daughter from Indiana. But, they had us at a large table; seats maybe 10. They were very quiet; didn't talk much the first night. Our server was Priom from Thailand and Shontol from Jamaica. They were also kind of quiet, but efficient. Had a great dinner and then went to see "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (my 4th time) and still enjoyed it.
We brought an arsenal of cleaning/ sanitizing products and sprayed room with lysol. (no problem in luggage) and put remote control in baggie (great idea). I had a huge jumbo size dial pump soap and two bars of antibacterial soap. I made everyone wash when leaving room and as soon as we came in. Before eating we washed, and i touched doorknobs with tissue. Sounds crazy, but we did not get sick and I heard several families were quarantined. Better safe than sorry. We watched some tv and relaxed; went up on deck to explore, but it was really cold and windy, so eventually retired for the night.
We then checked into Hyatt and identified ourselves as DCL people; they gave us a letter about what to do with luggage. We went to room and checked out pool-- sunny, but quite cool 50's; pool was heated however. We had lunch in the Hyatt- McCoy's and then browsed thru shops in airport.
For dinner, we ate at Chilli's -- we were really getting excited about cruise by this time. You had to put your luggage outside door by 8:30 am and then meet in lobby at 9 to meet DCL reps. We found out that since we booked AAA rate ($99) for room, we got 2 buffet breakfasts-- didn't include DS (14) who really just wanted something light and fast, so we went to Cinnabon's and got him a bun and o.j. Then we went to buffet.
We met DCL reps and turned in forms they needed and then we had choice of waiting in lobby or watching movie in meeting room, so we relaxed in lobby. at about 9:45, we took bus to port; DS was supposed to be reading book for school report, but was too excited and we all sat and watched video on bus. Even tho this was our 4th DCL cruise, we still got a rush when we saw the magic up over the hill. We went thru security and upstairs to check in-- castaway cay members line-- nobody in front of us! We were in the first 10 people in line to board. Sat on the floor and read-- the people next to us had a portable dvd player and were playing movies which was a real hit during the wait! We were told we would be boarding an hour earlier than usual, so at 12 noon they allowed us on. Lobby was beautiful, all decked out in red, green and gold. Beautiful christmas tree and garland and lights everywhere. There was a lit christmas tree up on deck 10, way up on mast. Restaurants, too, had christmas decorations.
We went to rockin bar d to make palo resssies and then went to parrot's cay for lunch buffet. Everything was put on your plate; it was odd to tell them how much of each item you wanted-- sure made me eat sensibly! We had Plamen as our server for lunch and he was very funny-- we wished we had had him as our regular server. Great lunch. Actually, overall, food was much better than in the past and better menu; may be due to holiday, some things were the same, but some new things. We picked up our free soda mugs (provided by AAA); the CM didn't seem to know what I was talking about when I asked him when they went back to mugs instead of stickers. I probably wouldn't purchased these ordinarily, but just one of several free gifts that AAA provided for booking thru them. Another was a disney beach bag, mickey alarm clock, kit of sundries (earplugs, sewing kit, etc.)
DH and myself went to whirlpool at quiet cove and just sat and relaxed in the warm water till time to get ready for the drill. Luggage came very quickly and all at once. Our stateroom hostess was Kristina from Croatia; very quiet but very efficient. There was a nice beach towel on the bed when we entered room as a repeat guest gift. Also, an invitation to repeat guest (castaway cay club members) party.
Went to sailaway party and almost froze! It was around 35 degrees and I didnt bring any sweatshirts- just a blazer on the plane! Didn't realize it would be so cold in florida!I was trying not to pack too much! Band and party was great; disney has bubbles that come out of tubes; a little unusual since we normally sail in summer and this was at dark. We saw dolphins by the ship in the harbor. We sailed late at 5:30 because we saw luggage being brought aboard at 5:30 (I don't know if someone was late on a DCL flight) and then we pulled out immediately!
After drill, we got ready for show (rich purpura, comedian and magician) who was very funny. we actually had front row seats in walt disney theatre each night. After show, we relaxed and explored ship untill dinner. (late seating) Our rotation was LAPLAPL. The first night we had 3 table companions that were a mother and her teen aged son and 20 something daughter from Indiana. But, they had us at a large table; seats maybe 10. They were very quiet; didn't talk much the first night. Our server was Priom from Thailand and Shontol from Jamaica. They were also kind of quiet, but efficient. Had a great dinner and then went to see "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (my 4th time) and still enjoyed it.
We brought an arsenal of cleaning/ sanitizing products and sprayed room with lysol. (no problem in luggage) and put remote control in baggie (great idea). I had a huge jumbo size dial pump soap and two bars of antibacterial soap. I made everyone wash when leaving room and as soon as we came in. Before eating we washed, and i touched doorknobs with tissue. Sounds crazy, but we did not get sick and I heard several families were quarantined. Better safe than sorry. We watched some tv and relaxed; went up on deck to explore, but it was really cold and windy, so eventually retired for the night.
