Disney Wonder Galveston Halloween Cruise October 26th to November 2nd

[Grumpy's Wife]

Joining in.

 

[BigJon]

Day 2
I was just looking through my pictures, when I realized I had left out a couple of things from our first day at sea. On that night, after dinner, there was a Variety show in Wavebands. It was Dale K (comedy and hypnosis). He asked for volunteers, and said he didn't want people who were trying to prove him wrong, he said he wanted people that wanted to have fun, and relax their minds. Personally, I didn't find this show entertaining. Dale K did an adult show later in the cruise, but I skipped it. Dale must have thought the woman on the far left was not "relaxing her mind", because he asked her to go back to her seat after she had been on stage for 5 or 10 minutes.

After the show, I went to deck 9 to grab a soda.

Went back down to Wavebands, and Andrew & Victoria were providing the music. Victoria had a great voice.

 

[BigJon]

Day 3 - Key West
Went to Triton's for breakfast. I ordered the Morning Tug Boat (tastes like a strawberry smoothie). Once you order your drink, the server comes to your table with a platter of baked goods. On this particular morning, I grabbed a lemon Danish. Both were delicious.

My wife got her usual Cream of Wheat, with a cinnamon bun, and a croissant.

For breakfast, I got the Eggs Benedict. It comes with a roma tomato, and a link sausage, but I asked for bacon instead of the sausage. I also asked them to add the hash brown patty. It was good, but not as good as the Eggs Benedict at Palo.

After breakfast, we went to the Quiet Cove pool, and laid in the sun. I figured it would be fairly empty, because at this point, we were getting close to Key West. Hmmm...looks like my suspicion was correct.

 

[BigJon]

I guess everyone was in their room getting ready for Key West, because there was no one on the top deck, except for some people standing at the front of the ship.

The next few pictures show us getting closer to Key West. In the distance, you can already see the Carnival Freedom docked.

The Carnival ship had the prime parking spot, so we docked at the Outer Mole (Naval Pier). (what's with the guy with the Golden Mickey??? Oh well, different strokes for different folks!)

From this pier, you will take a shuttle (free) to downtown. Once you get past the security gate, you can get off, if you want to. But we went to the downtown area. As a side note, on the far right, middle of this picture, there is a small beach area behind the fence (separate from the Naval Pier), and there were 2 women swimming topless.

I went back to the pool, and a little later, we went to Beach Blanket to have lunch. (sorry, I had ate most of it before I remembered to take a picture) The pork loin (bottom right) was good. Chicken noodle soup was okay. There was also some stir fry beef with onions and green peppers that was good. Top, left of the tray was sweet and sour chicken. It was just okay (nothing special). Notice my kids tray that I'm eating out of. Instead of having all the food "run together", I got a kids tray to keep everything separate.

This is a bad picture, but it will give you an idea what kind of view I had during lunch. (looking toward downtown)

 

[tmrose03]

subbing!

 

[BigJon]

We rode the Bone Island Shuttle in to town. Once we got there, I saw the Conch Train. I was a little kid when I first visited Key West, and we rode the Conch Train. As a kid I remember how cool it was to ride a train through town.

Chickens everywhere! You'll hear the story if you take the Conch Train.

We walked to Truman's Little White House

This is the entrance...

Walk down the sidewalk to the corner of the house, and the gift shop is located here. Also the place to buy tickets. Walk around the left corner, and that is where the tour began.

George was our tour guide, and he was great. If you've never been there, it's really interesting. They have most of the original furniture. Several other presidents have stayed there. I don't have any pictures of the inside, because that was not allowed.

After we left the Little White House, we walked down Caroline St. to Duval. Then we walked down Duval toward Front St. At that intersection is where the shuttle drops you off. But it's at the corner of Whitehead St. and Front St., where we grabbed the shuttle back to the ship. We walked to the Mallory Square shops next....

We got back on a shuttle, to go back to the ship. As we got near the naval pier, we had to stop at the checkpoint. You have to show your Key to the World card, and your drivers license. There was a grandma, with 2 of her grandkids with her. The parents were on a different shuttle, and they had the 2 kids KTTW card. So the security guy made them get off the shuttle. I saw the same family later that day back on the ship, so everything worked out. At this security checkpoint, you cannot walk down the pier to the ship. You must ride the shuttle.

Once we got back to the ship, they had regular ice water, ice water with lemons, and ice water with oranges.

It's the little differences with Disney that add up. Notice the "Welcome Home" banner.

 

[BigJon]

Dinner that night was at my favorite restaurant, Parrot Cay. Love the menu. First up was my Baked Crab Dip. I usually get this, it's pretty good.

This was my soup, but I can't remember what it was. I do remember that I thought it was okay.

My wife got the chicken dish, and I got the Mixed Grill. It has lamb, beef, shrimp and bacon wrapped sausage. I guess I was so excited to eat it, that I forgot to take a picture. But I did remember to take a picture of my wife's dessert. Date bread with caramel sauce and ice cream. MMMM...good!

I ordered the crème brulee. It's wasn't on the menu at Parrot Cay, but since Triton's and Parrot Cay use the same kitchen, I ordered it from Triton's menu. Love the crème brulee.

 

[BigJon]

After dinner, we went to the Promenade Lounge for Disney Movie Trivia.

Here's one of the questions. Some were hard (or at least hard for us!).

Showtime that night was the comedy and ventriloquism of Michael Harrison in the Walt Disney Theater. Michael is very funny, and it was a great show. Afterwards we went to Match Your Mate. (like the newlywed game) Notice the shows host, Simon. He was already dressed up for the Rockin' Rowdy (Country) dance party after Match Your Mate.

Here's the navigator for Key West day.

Next up is Castaway Cay day.......

 

[BigJon]

Day 4 - Castaway Cay
We ate at Triton's again for breakfast. I had an omelet with peppers, onions, mushrooms, ham and cheese. (and a side of hash browns and bacon) It was good. Me and my wife like the relaxed atmosphere of Triton's, compared to Beach Blanket. Beach Blanket is nice when you're in port, and you have a great view from the ship.

Getting off the ship at Castaway Cay, the Cast Members are handing out beach towels. Just another example of the "Disney................Well, you know what I mean!!!

I took a picture of the Pump House..

When you get to the first tram, unless a tram is pulling out when you walk up to this point, then you should wait on the next one. If you've never been to Castaway Cay, I would suggest that you walk back to the ship at the end of the day (if you're not too tired). There's a lot of great photo opportunities on the walk back. Once you board the tram, you will be taken to the first family beach stop. If you're going to Pelican Plunge, or the Adult Beach (Serenity Bay), then stay on the tram. This is what the next stop looks like. (Pelican Plunge tram stop) The tram you see in this picture goes to Serenity Bay. Usually the Serenity Bay tram has less tram cars. Also notice the Castaway Air logo on the front of the tram.

Once we were dropped off at Serenity Bay, I took this picture looking back down the runway (going back to the Family Beach area). Notice the benches on the right side. This is where you wait for the tram.

Right behind the benches for the tram, is the BBQ for Serenity Bay.

You have to be 18 or older to go to Serenity Bay.

 

[disneystick]

Great trip report! Thank you....we will be on the Wonder Dec. 7

 

[SeattleSuz]

I am loving reading all this. You are getting me excited for our trip next fall!!
I love all the pics.

 

[BigJon]

Here's the navigator for Castaway Cay day...

This was our spot at Serenity Bay

I grabbed this hammock for myself.

Serenity Bay is a small slice of "paradise"!

The water at Castaway Cay is beautiful.

I walked over to the Serenity Bay BBQ. It wasn't open yet, but I took a picture.

Took a picture of the ice cream machine.

Here's what's on the menu....

This is the path that leads to the crew beach. (Happy crew, Happy guests)

Some cool metal signs hanging at the entrance to the men's bathroom

The potato salad is good, and I always grab a few pieces of feta cheese and cucumber from the greek salad.

On the far left was some banana bread, next was the Big Island Chocolate Chip cookie, and next was some Pineapple and Cranberry cake. And then the buns for a burger or hot dog.

BBQ ribs were in this pan. Grilled steaks are my favorite. They're thin, but have a good taste.

Here's my plate..didn't care for the slaw. They have a condiment bar, and they have a pineapple mango bbq sauce that is delicious. I have some to the left of my steak.

 

[BigJon]

After lunch, we went back to our spot on the beach. The Black Pearl must have docked at Serenity Bay, because this guy showed up. I've seen Jack Sparrow at the family beach, but never at Serenity Bay.

Jack was popular with the ladies. They were lining up to get a picture with him.

One last picture of Serenity Bay.

We left the beach a little after 4pm, and took the tram back to the ship. At the last stop (before the ship), I saw Cecil. I've seen this guy for years at Castaway Cay. I think he's been there since Disney opened the island.

While we were on the tram, I snapped a couple of pictures of the ship. Notice the walkway for pedestrians.

Here's a tip regarding the Post Office at Castaway Cay (my wife told me this). Buy your Bahamian stamps on the ship (at guest services), and drop your postcards in the drop box at the post office as you exit the ship in the morning to go to Castaway Cay. By doing this, you will have the Castaway Cay postmark on your letters (postcards). The Bahamians operate the Post Office, and even though there are hours posted on the door, sometimes they are not there. My wife took the tram from Serenity Bay all the way back to the Post Office, only to find out it was closed, even though she went during the "open" hours.

Time to get back on the ship........

 

[jenandbrandon]

Loving the trip report! Thanks!

 

[BigJon]

After we got back on the ship, I grabbed some "pizza of the day" at Pinnochio's. (Chicken Florentine, probably the best pizza I ate at Pinnochio's)

Our dinner was at Triton's. My wife got the French Onion Soup.

I had the Tomato & Basil soup, which was delicious. I think I had the Lamb dish after that for my entree. I did a rotten job with the photos on this night. At least I got the best part, the Grand Marnier Souffle. It was so good. I also ordered a small crème brulee from the Sweet Temptations trio. Love the crème brulee.

After dinner, we went to the Toy Story show at the Walt Disney Theater. I hate to say it, but this is the one show I really don't care for. It's time for this show to be replaced. Dale K had an adult show, but we went to bed early this night. Next up, Nassau......

 

[SeattleSuz]

Great pics!! I'm loving this TR.

 

[BigJon]

Navigator for Nassau...

 

[BigJon]

We got to Nassau very early that morning. We went to Beach Blanket for the breakfast buffet. In between the 2 buffets, at the end of the buffet, you can order fried eggs, if you like. I had ordered 2 over medium, for my corn beef hash. When I took this picture, they hadn't arrived at my table yet. They give you a metal "flag" with a number on it, and that's how they know which table to deliver them too.

We had a great view of Atlantis from our table.

Down below, it looked like the Bahamian Navy were lining up for inspection. (I don't know if this really was the Bahamian Navy???)

The Carnival Fantasy was beside of us. This was the very first cruise that I ever did. It now sails out of Charleston.

A view from the front of the ship.

At Nassau, Quiet Cove.....well, it was quiet!

At the front of the ship, the Ping-Pong tables were empty.

At the entrance to the harbor, there's a cool looking lighthouse.

I'm adding these pictures, so you can see, when you first get in to port, it's a great time to hit the pools. Only one person at the Goofy pool.

Mickey Pool.......empty!

Another view of the Mickey Pool.

Another view of Atlantis, from the ship.

We walked by the Cove Café, and lounged by the adult pool.

For lunch, I did something I've never done in 13 Disney cruises......................I ordered from room service. Steak sandwich with onions, cheese and mushrooms, and French fries. Tomato soup. Ceasar salad, and oatmeal and raisin cookies. Everything was very good. Make sure you have a couple of dollars, for a tip for the server. Heading out to Nassau next.........

 

[BigJon]

As we exited the ship, Disney had another table set up with water, like they did at Key West. Another example of the "Disn.............." (not again!!!)

This is what it looks like as you're walking down the pier, from the ship. This is the very first place you will get "bombarded" with, "Hey buddy, you need a taxi", "Hey buddy, do you want to go to Atlantis"..........

If you want to go toward Cable Beach, you can take a bus like this. (we did this a few years ago) You can see on the front of the bus, exactly where it goes.

I could tell you the price, but I would rather you see it for yourself.

Go to Cable Beach, or the Fish Fry. $5 round trip for 2 people, now that's a deal!

We walked to the Straw Market. Wife made me do it. I don't like the Straw Market. If you walk down one aisle, you've walked them all. (same stuff over and over!)

My wife was approached more than once, to purchase "designer" hand bags (illegal purses). (notice the lady on the left!!!) This picture was taken directly in front of the Straw Market. Don't buy them, I heard it's illegal, and you could be arrested.

Inside the Straw Market.

Walking back toward the ship, along the water front, just as we exited the opposite end of the Straw Market.

We entered the "port" area, and I turned around, and took this picture. If you walk past the gate, and turn right, you can walk along the waterfront, and go to the Straw Market.

Walking back to the ship. Everyone must go through this building to go back to the ships.

While I was waiting on my wife to buy some stamps, I took this picture of the inside of the building. (this is looking as if you were leaving the ship, and heading toward an exit, to town. (notice the exit sign in the top, right side of this picture)

Security check for people going back to the ships. You need your license and Key to the World card.

We're past security, and heading back down the pier toward the Disney Wonder.

Not one time have I ever felt unsafe at Nassau. Just stay in the tourist areas, and you will be fine. It always nice to see the Welcome Home sign.

 

[BigJon]

Something I forgot to mention regarding our dinner.......the first 2 nights, we were suppose to be sitting with another couple, but they didn't show up. On the 3rd night, they did show up. The first night, they were at Palo, and the 2nd night they were at the Rain Forest (Spa). Anyway, we all got along so well together. We laughed and just had a great time talking each evening. One morning, they came in right behind us at Triton's, and we had breakfast together. Both of them use to work at Magic Kingdom, so they had some great stories about operating the rides, and some situations they encountered. Now they live in Colorado.
Dinner that night was the Pirates menu (which is great). My wife started off with the Buccaneer's Sun Ripened Pineapple (flash was turned off on my camera)

I got the Jumbo Crab Cake..(pretty good)

Wife got Mr. Smee's Bibb lettuce salad (bad photo)

I got the Conch Chowder, and it was good.

I got the Chilled to the Bone Honeydew and Watermelon soup, and I didn't like it.

Me and my wife both got the BBQ Beef Short Ribs, and they were delicious.

Crunch time Sundae

Sweet Temptations. Meringue (on the left) was tasteless. The fruitcobbler was good. The chocolate cake was not that good.