Disney Magic 05/16/14 trip report - lots of pics!!

[Bonniec]

A little background.....we were scheduled to go on our first Disney cruise on the Magic after the dry dock. The one that got cancelled. Our replacement cruise is actually in October this year on the Wonder so We haven't gone yet.

We booked a 3 day in January for my son's birthday. As it turns out (the sad part) is that my husband decided to separate from me after 15 years of marriage. It was a total shock but I am dealing with it. So in January, I took my mother in his place. While I had a good time, it was only a month after the separation and I was still a mess emotionally. I only took a few pictures and I'll add them here.

Once I was feeling better, I decided to book another 3 day cruise with a friend. It was me (Bonnie), my son (Mason, 8), my friend (Sharon), and her daughter (Meghan, 10). And I am SO glad I booked this cruise. I had an amazing time! Not once did I think about my marital issues. I just had a fabulous time with my friend and we took soooo many pictures.

So I've decided to write a trip report and post the photos. Both for my memories and in case anyone has questions and wants to see Magic pictures.

So here we go....

 

[Bonniec]

In January, we had a balcony. This time we opted to get an inside room. I was concerned I would feel claustrophobic or feel sea sick without having at least a window to look out of, but it was $800 more and I couldn't justify it for a 3 night cruise. I must admit, I did miss eating breakfast on the balcony. Here is one from January.



When people say a 3 day cruise is too short, I have to agree. Both of these cruises went by so fast. But then I am lucky enough to live in Orlando so any cruise is better than no cruise!

Both cruises were booked through Dreams Unlimited. I have been very happy with Beth, our TA. Since both cruises were out of Port Canaveral, we got the baskets. They really are a wonderful touch and the kids just loved them.

 

[Bonniec]

DAY 1

I was very excited for this trip. I was feeling much better and ready to get away for some fun. Sharon and Meghan had never been out of the country or on a cruise so I couldn't wait to see their faces.


Sharon and Meghan


Mason and I








They really liked being announced. (If this doesn't play, let me know)
https://scontent-a-mia.xx.fbcdn.net/hvideo-frc3/v/t43.1792-2/10366615_10152250326523229_586301759_n.mp4?oh=555892907386a8179d25423942fae397&oe=5380269C

 

[Bonniec]

Unfortunately, Meghan wasn't feeling that great. Both of our kids have GI problems. Both kids are also introverts so too much stimulation gets to them. In January, we ate lunch in Cabanas. This time I opted for Cariocas thinking it would be quieter. I am so glad I did! Cabanas was packed and Cariocas only had a few people. It was beautiful, very quiet, and the buffet was awesome. From now on, I am going to go to the restaurant for lunch instead of the big buffet.



Now I have been on 2 cruises prior to this, and both times I felt nauseated. Not enough to be sick, but enough that I didn't eat a lot. For some reason I felt fantastic this time. So I ate, and ate, and ate.....you get the idea. I am not kidding when I say I ate. It was ridiculous how much food I put away!! And the crazy thing is, I somehow lost 3 pounds, LMAO. (The Disney Cruise Diet Plan) I should have gained at least 10 pounds. Maybe because we walked so much and took the stairs a lot.


Lunch at Cariocas.....
plate #1 (the crab was nasty, the lamb was delicious)

plate #2


And I still went back for more nuggets, macaroni and cheese, plus a dessert, lol.

Mason's plate he filled himself (look how much better he eats than I do)


At least until he ate 4 desserts!!! LOL



We were on deck 5 (7 last time). The room looks tiny in this pic but it didn't feel small. There was no split bathroom or pull down bed, but we still felt very comfortable.






My room was just fine. Sharon got the jacked up room, lol. Her door would not open. They fixed it and then it broke again. I ended up having to stay there while they fixed it. I sent Sharon and the kids up to the sail away party and I completely missed it because of the stupid door. So that was annoying. Actually, Sharon and the kids kind of missed it as well. The countdown and horn went but it was so noisy they couldn't hear them. She also had a broken clothes line. And then her safe broke and again we had to wait. At that point she was pretty irritated. They ended up bringing her a plate of chocolate strawberries, but she was a bit sea sick and couldn't eat them. So then they gave her daughter a stuffed Perry doll. I really thought that was cool how they went out of their way to make up for it.


The kids stayed up higher to be away from the noise as much as they could. Both of them just seem to get over stimulated when too much is going on.

 

[Bonniec]

We went to the spa raffle...and I won!!! $150 big prize. I was in total shock. I didn't want to get a message by myself so I ended up booking a couple's spa villa for the next day. They assured me it was fine if we just went as friends. (more on that later)


The first night we had Animator's Pallette which was everyone's favorite. I would have rather done that one last, but it's all good. Our server's were very good. I think they were Taner and Buyani?? Something like that. In January we had Guiseppi and Jay. They were a bit more animated and did cute little tricks. But I can't complain. Service and food was good.




This time I had the chicken. It wasn't very good. Pretty dry. Isn't AP supposed to have a mushroom porcini dish? I had wanted to try it but it wasn't on the menu of any restaurant.


Mason had the red snapper. I had that in January and didn't like it. This time his was really good. So I guess it's hit or miss.


I had a Mickey Bar for dessert (something I forgot to do in January). I was too busy devouring it to take pics.










After dinner we let the kids go to the kids club. Meghan enjoyed it but by the end of the cruise she was bored with it. She's a pretty mature 10 year old. She enjoyed some of the arts and crafts but the rest was too kiddie. Mason couldn't get enough of the place as usual.

I can't quite remember what Sharon and I did. I think we just walked around, checked out the adult area. We did meet Rapunzel...



We also went to the coffee shop and got more food. Oh yeah, then we went to O'Gills and snacked there, LOL. We mostly just explored. We walked around deck 4 and thought it was cool where the anker room was.

We picked up the kids and went back to the rooms and ordered room service (yep, more food). We got a steak sandwich, cheese plate, hot dog and fries for Meghan, cookies, and cake of the day). Scary huh? lol

I took this in January, so I had to get one of Sharon this time.





In Fathoms, I got me a glass of their iced champaine (Moet Chandon) I have fallen in love with. I heard about it here on the Dis so here is a pic from my balcony January. They gave me less in my glass this time with no twist. For $17 a glass, I want my twist!! lol It was still good though.


I'll post day 2 tomorrow

 

[Bonniec]

Day 2 - Nassau

We did a LOT this day so I will try and cover it all



We went up to Cabana's for breakfast. This is the only time where I felt people were rude. It was crowded and people tended to push and shove. The food was very good for a buffet. I especially loved the eggs benedict. The weather was not great outside. It was windy and misty but we sat outside anyway. There were seagulls everywhere. If you looked up on the roof, you could see their little feet walking along, it was so cute! Also, we watched several seagulls steal off with food. One grabbed an entire Mickey waffle and took off, My son thought it was hysterical. So I enjoyed this just to listen to him laugh. I must say, those birds have it made. Forget the fish...go for the Mickey waffles!





Since I had been to Nassau before, I had no desire to go back. But since Sharon and Meghan had never been anywhere, we decided to get off for an hour or two and go see the straw market.







I ended up buying a bunch of stuff for the kids and a purse for myself.

 

[Bonniec]

We were probably only off the ship an hour and a half then got back on and took the kids to the club. Here is one of Mason from January.

Unfortunately I don't have many pics. We missed the open house this time and they won't let you take pictures when it's closed. I understand, good security.

Here is Mason washing his hands in January
In January I did the wine tasting with my mother so I registered Sharon and I and we went to that. It was nice, but it was much better in January. In January we had a guide who really knew his stuff. This one was very nice, but he didn't know as much and was very difficult to understand. We were also in Keys this time instead of Palo in January. Also, in January we finished off with a sample of that iced champagne and they didn't give us any this time. I was disappointed by that. They should really do that, it's good marketing and made me buy it last time. Still, we had a good time and Sharon loved it. I'll have to try mixology next time. I've heard that was fun.





This one makes me laugh




After the wine tasting we picked up the kids and took them to the pool. They had been dying to swim.



Surprisingly they enjoyed being in the Goofy pool more than the side with all the splash stuff. Mason can't swim so I had to stay with him instead of lunging in a chair. But it was all good. Toy Story 3 was playing and it was really nice to swim and watch a movie at the same time.



Kid soup anyone?


In January, my son went down the Aquadunk all by himself. I was shocked because he is shy and introverted, but he did it! I didn't because the water was FREEZING. This time I went for it. Sharon and I both went but poor Meghan lost her nerve at the top. I have to say, the wait for it to drop is the worst part. I was terrified. But once you go, it's lovely. It's quick and very smooth and I didn't get a face full of water. I hope to go back on it one day. We also did the yellow slide, lol.

Here is Mason in January





Dinner was at Cariocas. I think this restaurant has the best food of them all. It was also pirate night.





The potato thing was pretty good. Kind of like a cold potato salad.


This was an avocado, pineapple, watercress salad. One of the best things I ate on the ship. I am going to have to recreate this at home. It was just so delicious.


I also got the mahi/lobster skewer again. I had this in January and it was still just as good. I'd love to get the recipe for this if anyone knows!

For dessert I had the caramel sunday which was great. Again I was too busy devouring it to take a pic, lol



I love this pic

 

[Bonniec]

After dinner the kids went to the club and we headed off to the spa for our villa. I didn't get too many pictures because well.....they aren't a pretty site, lol. But I will review it. Now I have never in my life been to a spa or had a massage so I had no idea what to expect. Not even a pedicure. So I told them that when I arrived. There was a lot of bad to the experience but we also had a good time and parts were enjoyable. Still, I would not pay for it again. It was $475 not including the 18% tip and I had $150 off from my winnings. For that price, I just felt there should be more.



We arrived and filled out a form. We had to pick what we wanted. When I won, I had asked what my choices would be and they said bamboo, hot stone, or poultice and you get to take the poultice home. I wanted to do that because I liked the feeling of it. But when we got there, they said deep tissue or stone. So I was a bit annoyed that they didn't seem to be on the same page. She told us to go in, take a robe out of the locker and put on sandles. There were no robes in any of the lockers, we had to go find them. And all of the sandles were too small. Plus, FOUR lockers were broken before we found one that worked. Really? Didn't they just redo the spa??

But whatever, then they took us to our room and gave us a foot rub with salts and lotions. It was nice, but they did our shins and barely touched our feet (maybe we have nasty feet, lol). Seriously though, women like their feet done. We wear sandles and our feet get dry. When the girls left, we grabbed the stuff and did our own foot massage. Our feet felt amazing after that.

One other note: The only time I felt bad on the entire cruise was when the women asked us where our husbands were. In light of what I have been going through, it really upset me and I thought it was inappropriate. I knew they were just making conversation so I just smiled and let Sharon talk. But I don't think you should ask two women that question.

We then enjoyed the hot tub and the view which was lovely.
The only scary pic you get from this


And then Sharon had a thought. How many couples were in this hot tub before us in privacy? Eeeeeeew!!! I was grossed out after that thought. Sharon thought for sure they must drain it but I wasn't so sure. Dare I ask if anyone knows the answer?

Then it was time for the message. I wish they would have let us go to the bathroom to change. Sharon and I are both modest and since we are just friends, it was uncomfortable. We changed under our robes, lol.

We both got the hot stone message and it was wonderful!! I can't believe I've never done this before. I truly enjoyed that. Although after they made us hold hands which was really awkward, lol. After they tried to give us the hard sell which I had expected from this site and we turned it down. After the tips and tax it still came close to $400. Not worth it, but I still had a good time and plan to regularly get messages here in Orlando now.


We picked up the kids and went to the pirate party. Neither kid liked it but that doesn't surprise me since they don't like crowds or loud noises. We went up top away from the crowds and we all enjoyed the fireworks which were lovely.


Anyone have any idea what this is supposed to be? ROFL Mason says it's a person. It's cute whatever it is.


Unfortunately that night, Mason's GI issues kicked in and he threw up in his sleep and it went all over him, me and the bed. It didn't get the mattress but went all the way down to the mattress pad. I think it was all the food he was eating. He doesn't eat a lot and he was pigging out just as much as I was. I had to call and some poor guy had to come collect the sheets and make the bed in the middle of the night. It was so embarrassing and I felt bad for Mason. Even worse, he threw up on the $190 red pillow. They took it away (hell, I would have taken it home and washed it ). Rest assured to whoever got the room next, the mattress was safe and it wasn't a virus.


Up Next, Castaway Cay!

 

[Bonniec]

Day 3 - Castaway Cay!!!!!

I got to go here in January and I was in awe of the place. I was so excited to be back. Sharon and Meghan were just in awe of the water. They had never seen anything like it. And I've no idea how, but I lucked out and got a Cabana (#7). So I was completely psyched to be here. Mason was feeling better but both kids were exhausted. We didn't get off as early as we wanted and the kids had to take a long nap at CC. I wish I had planned it better but with them wanting to see fireworks, they got to bed so late. Still.....if you have to nap, CC is the place to do it!



We grabbed breakfast from Cabanas and brought it back to the rooms to let the kids sleep a bit more and then headed off.


(Sorry this is turned, I can't figure out how to turn it. Love this pic though)

The trams were busy so we ended up walking the whole way. It was a little longer than I remembered but it was still nice to see everything. On the way, we saw a manataee which was cool.


I'll just post the pics and video in random order. They speak for themselves. I have nothing negative to say other than I wish I didn't have to ever get back on the ship. Everything was spectacular.









Here's those new Cabanas they built. They aren't being used yet.


Oh! I will also say that the water in front of the Cabanas is extremely shelly and full of rocks. So much so I had to go buy us shoes because I cut my foot. In the end, we hopped over the floaties to the public family beach and on that side it is lovely powder sand. It's a shame it's so bad there in front of the Cabana. Still, it was no big deal to walk over and it was nice having the cabana to retreat to. I'm not sure I would splurge on it everytime because I had a blast in January without one. But I would still do it again at times. It's great if you can get one but not a huge deal if you don't. CC is good no matter where you are!



Mason's lunch in January. I forgot to get pics of the food but it was good ole BBQ.






Sleepy Kiddos










Some pics I took with a better camera (and yet they are NEON! lol I swear the camera phones did a better job)












Video of Mason playing in the water

Video of these cool fish
Does anyone know what kind of fish they are?

Video of us playing

 

[Bonniec]

We were literally the last Cabana guests to leave . It was just too beautiful and we loved every minute. When we got back, Sharon and Mason were exhausted so they napped while I took Meghan to Lumiere's. I forgot my camera so didn't get pics I tried escargot for the first time. I wasn't into it but I think it was just in my head. I had the onion soup which was just okay. And mushroom ravioli which was nice.

We watched Dreams which was the only show we watched. We really loved it. In January we had watched Twice Charmed which was cute but no big deal. I thought Dreams was much better and found myself tearing up.

Then we wandered and explored to see what we could find.

We watched a movie under the night sky.







The kids played in the arcade...







The kids found the captain and traded pins with him. He was so nice!





We walked around deck 4....






We also bought some pictures. We hadn't planned to but they came out so nice. We did a little souvanier shopping. I got one of knives from AP.


Our cool snake:


I hadn't packed so the poor stateroom host tried to turn down my room amongst all of my stuff everywhere, lol. Between that and Mason's little incident, I tipped him HUGE. We tipped our waiters higher as well because they were all so great.

The saddest picture ever!



This time I had a pillow case and photo mat signed from guest services. They came out awesome!






And lastly when I got home, I had this nice delivery waiting for me. It was a surprise from my mom.




Hope you all enjoy the pics!

 

[bbn1122]

Great report and photos.

What number Cabana did you have? We will have one for the first time this August....we have #6.

Wishing you better things to come.....

 

[Bonniec]

Great report and photos.

What number Cabana did you have? We will have one for the first time this August....we have #6.

Wishing you better things to come.....

7. It was a great location. I actually thought I would have liked 17 better but I ended up feeling where we were was better. In fact, 6 is what I'd shoot for if I had the choice. The shells and rocks sucked. But over the line on the family beach it was powder and not crowded at all which you can see in the video. Enjoy it!

 

[gumbypee]

Aw u had Giuseppe once! I had him on my only magic cruise and he and Goran made the trip extra magical!

 

[Cheryl726]

Great pics! Looks like you had a great cruise! Can I ask what size the mat is? And did you have to leave a sharpie for them or do they use their own? Thanks!

 

[Bonniec]

Great pics! Looks like you had a great cruise! Can I ask what size the mat is? And did you have to leave a sharpie for them or do they use their own? Thanks!

I did a 16x20 that has an 8x10 opening. I wanted to have enough space on the mat for them to sign. I didn't do a 5x7 because they don't sell 5x7 photos, they are some wierd size. Note that 16x20 does not fit in a roller carry on. Used a regular size luggage bag. I gave them a silver Sharpe.

Sharon did one too. She used a white mat and gave them various colored sharpies, so hers is colorful like the pillow case.


Also, they limit you to 2 items per room but we had two rooms.


I have a photo on order that should be here any time. When I get it up I'll post a pic

 

[mtchurchmonica]

Thank you for sharing your pictures and your experiences. I enjoyed your report very much.

 

[scottishwee35]

Love your photos and you won spa day... you deserved it...

Scottishwee35

 

[princess aleya]

What a great report, thanks for sharing.

 

[Luv2Diz]

I enjoyed your TR and photos. Thanks for sharing!

 

[skit72]

Really enjoyed your report, can't wait to go on my first Disney cruise in August!!