Disney's Magic Fulfilled Its Promise – a report of a wonderful journey *UPDATE* 1/10

[Gerweniel]

It has been a little over a week since we’ve returned from our incredible trip. To keep my memories fresh and to perhaps stir up some excitement for soon-to-be travelers, here is the report of a trip of a lifetime.

My traveling party is small – me, Jill, 44 divorced mom, reluctant workaholic, Disney planner
Ian - DS14 soon to be 15. Shy, gourmand, avid reader who loves to incessantly bicker with
Devin – DS13, gregarious, adventurous and loves to incessantly bicker with above (including Mom!)

I am a product of Disney marketing. My parents never brought me to WDW (I’d tell you why, but I’m still working through that - hehehe), but every Sunday night growing up I’d be glued to the TV watching Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and The Wonderful World of Disney. It wasn’t until I was 21 that I took my first trip to WDW. The view of Cinderella’s Castle in the distance from the ferry is imbedded in my mind and one of my most treasured memories. Returning to WDW and reliving the Magic has been a constant focus in my ever-evolving life and surely many of you can relate to each new trip escalating to a new and better return trip! First it was the International Drive hotels, then some nice villas nearby, then our first on-site value hotel, next the mods – you get the picture.

Some people work for food, some for prestige, I work to keep my sons in their 5 meals a day and Disney trips. This being said I work a lot and each trip requires more planning, more research, and MORE MONEY.

The genesis of this trip occurred during 2005’s “vacation of a lifetime” spent at the Caribbean Beach Hotel. Like a spoiled child I simultaneously envied and reviled the folks checking in and boarding the Disney Cruise Line bus. The boys don’t remember it, but I distinctly recall proclaiming out loud within earshot of the DCL CM “we’ll taking that bus someday” and the CM replying “we’ll be waiting for you”. SOLD! DONE! We have to plan it now – Disney is waiting for us. (Disney’s best marketing tool is their people). This reminds me of another enchanting Disney CM story, totally unrelated to this trip report, but worthy of mentioning.

During aforementioned trip, while waiting to be called for our ADR at The Wilderness Lodge’s Whispering Canyon Café, and wanting to try to get Alfredo’s for lunch the next afternoon, I called Disney Dining using the enviable “if you are calling from the Orlando area or require reservations within the next 7 days” selection. A charming CM named Emily chitchatted with me while looking for availability. She asked if we were having a good time, how long we were staying etc. I told her it was nearing the end of our trip and in a few days it would be a memory and laughingly added no one would remember us blah, blah, blah.
When we returned home there was only one message on my answering machine. It was from Emily at Disney Dining just calling to say, “welcome home and we still remember you”. Like a giddy schoolgirl, I never erased that message. Disney has a fan for life.

I ordered the DCL DVD a few weeks after our return and watched it, went on the website, watched it again with the boys, went on the website with them, crunched some numbers and then put it away for about a year. Too spendy.

An excellent package deal allowed us to return to WDW for Halloween 2006 and another awesome trip ensued but again the DCL busses stirred up wanderlust for the sea – uh well, more like a desire to be pampered on a luxurious ship, eat like royalty and visit Castaway Cay. The clockwork in my mind started turning, a new DCL dvd was ordered, we watched “the Travel Mom” on the website and one snowy February evening, with my sons watching on the couch, I hit “send” and booked our cabin on the December 1, 2007 Disney Magic Western sailing. Category 12, GTY.

Next installment – “There is no way we can fly in on Embarkation Day!” (A Disney addict’s justification for a 3 night pre-cruise stay at Coronado Springs.)

Please read our Disneyland Summer 2007 trip report at:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1514769

 

[deide71]

Great start honey!

I'm hooked...

Keep it coming .

 

[CraftyMouse]

Hey Girlfriend! Terrific start to your report! I can't wait to read more.

Michele

 

[CapnJackGroupie]

Awww! I love sentimental stories.

Can't wait to hear about your cruise!!

 

[Gina]

The genesis of this trip occurred during 2005’s “vacation of a lifetime” spent at the Caribbean Beach Hotel. Like a spoiled child I simultaneously envied and reviled the folks checking in and boarding the Disney Cruise Line bus. The boys don’t remember it, but I distinctly recall proclaiming out loud within earshot of the DCL CM “we’ll taking that bus someday” and the CM replying “we’ll be waiting for you”.

I can SO relate to that... I still remember putting that first WDW trip together for DS and I, squeezing every nickel until it screamed with my paltry single mom budget. That trip was so great (DS turned four having breakfast in the castle, lucky kid!) and we were hooked. A couple of years and trips later, we saw that first beautiful cruise ship bus, and we said the same thing as you did -- "We will be on that bus someday!!" And in 2002, we finally were... and we were super-hooked. In 45 days, DS and I will be back on for #4! It has been 4 years since we have been able to sail again, and it feels like the first time all over again.

I can't wait to read your report!!

-gina-

 

[Gerweniel]

As I’m posting this on the DCL trip reports board, and you want to read about the Magic, I won’t get into our adventures at Coronado Springs and the 3 days at WDW, leaving that for the main board. However there are a few things I’d like to mention. Firstly CSR was outstanding in every way. Secondly, we celebrated Ian’s 15th B’day with a special lunch at the Coral Reef and a surprise visit from a diver with a birthday sign. The food, service and event went off without a hitch and it was a wonderful afternoon. I feel totally fortunate to have been able to arrange the diver as I’ve heard they are suspending the program in 2008.
Ian with his birthday menu and Coral Reef diver (sorry so blurry)

OK – off to the cruise!

The sunny morning of December 1 the three of us were met and processed by a DCL CM at the Animal Kingdom Lodge who told us to return at 11:30 and meet at an alcove near the DVC deck. I spied many families walking around with day packs and knew these would be fellow Disney Magic passengers. We were greeted and led through the lobby of the AK to a BEAUTIFUL DCL bus and my dream from 2 years past came true. The bus ride was uneventful, the movie cute and got us pumped up for embarkation. Then at about 1:45 pm, in the distance the physical manifestation of our dreams and what we’ve been watching on webcams for months was in front of us – The Carnival Glory!

Ewww…wait a minute.

There she is! There’s the Magic! How incredible and regal she looks. With hearts pounding the boys and I proceeded into the terminal and it was all very déjà vu - like. Reading so many trip reports and looking at photos it felt like we knew the place. (Speaking of photos, I did not take many pics because I had a new video camera.) We waited our turn in line and with trembling hands I received our Key To The World cards and boarding number which I don’t remember - 13 maybe? Ian looked at his KTTW card and said “PLAPLAP”. I said “what”? He said “What is PLAPLAP”? Then my neurons kicked in and I said it was our dining rotation. We’ll be eating at Parrot Cay tonight!

I stupidly dragged the boys (Ian is 6’, Devin is 5’7) through the line next to toddlers and preschoolers to register for the clubs and a smiling, eyelash batting CM told me that they did not need to register for the Stack and Ocean Quest didn’t require registration. Faux Pax #1. WHOOPS.

Then, finally (insert trumpet sound) our gangway ascension commenced, embarkation photos taken and name announcement was made. We have arrived!!!!! The tears were welling. Honestly, those few minutes flew by and I don’t recall too much.

Now, I’ve seen all you past cruiser’s embarkation photos. You know the ones where everyone is smiling perfectly, your clothes aren’t mussed; you don’t have your backpacks. That is the kind of photo I had in my mind’s eye for our trip. A perfect photo representation of the beginning of our journey that would be framed and hung at home for all to see. Well, our embarkation photos were hysterical – we looked like refugees, all wide-eyed and confused, not really smiling – more stunned. LOL needless to say I didn’t buy them. Unfortunately, they were not the last of the disappointing Shutters photographs.

What is not disappointing is the main salon of the Magic. It was stunning! Photos, video and TV do not capture it like seeing in person for the first time. Somehow, after we boarded, all the information that I had studied as far as the deck plan drained out of me and I relied on the boys to lead me to Rockin Bar D to try for Palo brunch ressies and then guide us for our first meal at Topsiders.
Mickey, Ian and Devin

Next installment: “The big hands in the distance and a Key West afternoon”

Thanks for reading this far.

 

[sandybobandy]

I'm signing on and looking forward to more!

 

[Kay1]

Great report. Boy, would I have loved to see that embarkation photo!

 

[Babs417]

Really a great start cant wait to read more

 

[alwayslisad]

I am hooked - keep them coming... Just reading some of you review made me cry...over excitement and how much love you are putting into your story!!! KEEP THEM COMING!!!

Merry Christmas - I will check back in a week for more updates...off we go for our week with the families for Christmas...wish I was back on the Magic...

 

[MagicMe]

I enjoying your TR - can't wait for more!!! I love to hear about someone's first time on the ship!!!!

 

[Gerweniel]

Thank you for the nice comments. I'm working on the next installment and hopefully will post tomorrow. Yes I am very sentimental. (the boys shake their head and roll their eyes).

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Just the kind of TR I like to read. Funny, and sentimental. Keep it coming, we are also booked for a FIRST family cruise and needless to say it seems VERY far away. Your TR will keep me motivated.

 

[Gerweniel]

Part 3

I was one of the last passengers at Rocking Bar D trying to snag the elusive Palo brunch res. The hostess put me down on a waitlist and it ended up never clearing. (One reason that I must return to the Magic!). I had made a dinner reservation for myself online, but as much as I relish alone time, it seemed too weird for me to dine by myself and later in the week I cancelled that along with my Cabana Massage. Plus, my Disboard friend CraftyMouse was kind enough to invite me to tea and that was exciting! (If you haven’t already read her trip report, please check it out. It is excellent and the pics are incredible!).

As mentioned before, we were wide-eyed disoriented newbies aboard the Magic and everything was a new experience, exciting and FUN!. Our next mission was to make our way to cabin 6008. The Upgrade Fairy was in overdrive when she booted us up from a cat 12 to cat 9. (Another Disney marketing ploy I’m sure as we fell in love with the deluxe outside.) The cabin is port side forward and is really quiet, spacious and it annoys me that right now someone else is in it!

One of our 6 bags was at the door and in that cosmic moment between inserting the KTTW card entering the cabin I knew we had finally arrived! We hurriedly changed into our “cruise attire”, opened all the doors, pushed buttons, tried all the lights, cooler, TV, closet and then somehow found our way via deck 10 forward (I had to take a pic as I’m a Star Trek geek) to Topsiders for our first meal! I knew to expect and welcome the hand washing station. Ok. We’ve been to many a buffet. It is not a hard concept to fathom. We know the protocol. You take a plate and make your way down the line. Simple. So I took my plate and WHOA – the young lady CM asked me to wait please. Then she performed this ritual with a plate, tray, cloth napkin and silverware that fascinated me each time I watched it throughout the entire trip. I didn’t realize you wait for them to prepare your tray. What really amazed me is this CM performed this ritualistic tray wipe down, napkin folding, plate handing job for hours a day smiled and greeted each person like they were the first guest of the day. It was hypnotic.

The boys planned on eating “at least 10 meals a day”. Well, that number was whittled down significantly when they saw the spread at Topsiders. Honestly, I only recall some chicken and mushrooms that I had because like a kid on Christmas morning, I was in complete sensory overload. I did manage to snap a pic of Devin’s dessert. As he claims, “I may be full from lunch, but I have 4 dessert stomachs.” I’d not be surprised if Disney’s provisioning department saw a huge surge of ice cream consumption during our cruise.

Lunch dessert

We ate and then returned to our cabin to prepare for boat drill. Outside of being a bit warm, it went well other than the token passengers who saunter up totally late and clueless that they were expected on time. GEEZ. Even us cruise newbs knew what we had to do!

After returning the PFDs to our closet we jauntily made our way back topside to await cast off, frozen drinks and the moment in time I’d planned for 10 months - The GIANT MICKEY HAND WAVE!! I had video camera in hand, still camera around neck, drink in the other hand and tears in my eyes. Since the boys promised they’d jump overboard if I went to the stage to dance, I decided to watch the festivities with them on deck 10. We were set back a bit from the crowd totally enjoying the sail away party. I waved back to the CM’s at the port until my arm was numb, knowing someone, not unlike me, was watching on the web cam and wishing they were there. At that moment the 3 of us were fantastically happy and so excited for the week ahead.

Me, totally happy!

I really wanted the boys to meet friends for the week so I booted them off to go to the Stack and meet the staff and maybe bump into CraftyMouse’s kids. My sons have strict rules at home, but I wanted them to experience some freedom and responsibility on the cruise. Basically, I trusted the Stack CM’s and my boys own good sense and I was not disappointed. We went to the early show with Rich Purpura who was hysterical and then introduced to Brent who we recognized from the Travel Channel shows.

Our first dinner was at Parrot Cay at 8:15pm and we shared a table with a mom, dad and daughter from Maine, also on their first cruise, who had just spent many hours traveling to the ship and were exhausted. Sorry I can’t remember that particular meal, but our servers for the week were Joyce and Bomin and they were efficient and friendly. Bomin always had an excellent suggestion for my glass of wine with dinner.

After eating, we returned to the cabin to find the beds (including the awesome wall bed) made up, chocolates, and not only towel animals, but also blanket animals. I met our cabin stewardess – Rosa – who exceeded all my expectations. I slept incredibly well (after the boys returned).

Blanket shrimp

We requested a continental style room service breakfast for Key West morning and after eating that, fooling around with the fixtures, unpacking and showering, the boys once again went their way and I ended up at my perch for the week. Deck 10 forward, starboard side, near the Outlook bar. The weather was sunny and warm. I had my book and my towels and was very happy. Dozing in the warm sun, a voice asked “ would you care for anything mam?’ and I jumped up. Wow! I didn’t realize I could get drinks brought to me here. I ordered a Bloody Mary and as the ocean water began to change from indigo to turquoise and with the sound of a Coast Guard escort vessel to our side, I watched the crew hoist a Conch Republic Flag up and I knew I’d just entered the Margarita Zone.

Cool Outlook Bar Sign - I

View from my "perch"

"from indigo to turquoise"

Welcome to the Conch Republic

Next: Key West's Finest - keylime pies, toothless cigar guys, fritters, potties and a hearing aid throwing woman

 

[CraftyMouse]

Okay...no lie...We were standing probably 10 feet away from you at the Sailaway Party and never saw you! we were along the inner rail looking down to Deck 9 but we were right there!

And you were bumped up higher than you thought...you were in a Category 8!!!

Keep the report coming!

 

[Angie_Ohio]

My family and I are going on our second cruise right after Thanksgiving next year. We were hooked after our first one in June of 06. I'm excited to hear about the Western since that is what we booked this time. I also have 3 sons ages 13, 11,and 9. I'm a bit worried about the 13 since he is shy and quiet. Keep the report comin'!!
Angie_OH

 

[4 mickey]

Hi
nice trip report I remember that turquoise water so well because I already miss it ...So nice to relax in the sun not a care in the world right ???
Please continue cannot waité

 

[nluvwithmickey]

Your TR is so sinfully delicious to read...Like a good dessert, can't put the fork down!

I have to admit that we have thought of cruising with other companies (this would mean we wouldn't have to wait so long before we cruise...) But reading you, I know it will be soooo worth the wait!

will be anxiously waiting for the next installment

 

[VacationKicks]

Great trip report, I can't wait to read the rest! I just booked a Western Cruise for July 2009, and need others trip report to hold me over!

 

[gossipgirl]

Part 3

I was one of the last passengers at Rocking Bar D trying to snag the elusive Palo brunch res. The hostess put me down on a waitlist and it ended up never clearing. (One reason that I must return to the Magic!). I had made a dinner reservation for myself online, but as much as I relish alone time, it seemed too weird for me to dine by myself and later in the week I cancelled that along with my Cabana Massage. Plus, my Disboard friend CraftyMouse was kind enough to invite me to tea and that was exciting! (If you haven’t already read her trip report, please check it out. It is excellent and the pics are incredible!).

As mentioned before, we were wide-eyed disoriented newbies aboard the Magic and everything was a new experience, exciting and FUN!. Our next mission was to make our way to cabin 6008. The Upgrade Fairy was in overdrive when she booted us up from a cat 12 to cat 9. (Another Disney marketing ploy I’m sure as we fell in love with the deluxe outside.) The cabin is port side forward and is really quiet, spacious and it annoys me that right now someone else is in it!

One of our 6 bags was at the door and in that cosmic moment between inserting the KTTW card entering the cabin I knew we had finally arrived! We hurriedly changed into our “cruise attire”, opened all the doors, pushed buttons, tried all the lights, cooler, TV, closet and then somehow found our way via deck 10 forward (I had to take a pic as I’m a Star Trek geek) to Topsiders for our first meal! I knew to expect and welcome the hand washing station. Ok. We’ve been to many a buffet. It is not a hard concept to fathom. We know the protocol. You take a plate and make your way down the line. Simple. So I took my plate and WHOA – the young lady CM asked me to wait please. Then she performed this ritual with a plate, tray, cloth napkin and silverware that fascinated me each time I watched it throughout the entire trip. I didn’t realize you wait for them to prepare your tray. What really amazed me is this CM performed this ritualistic tray wipe down, napkin folding, plate handing job for hours a day smiled and greeted each person like they were the first guest of the day. It was hypnotic.

The boys planned on eating “at least 10 meals a day”. Well, that number was whittled down significantly when they saw the spread at Topsiders. Honestly, I only recall some chicken and mushrooms that I had because like a kid on Christmas morning, I was in complete sensory overload. I did manage to snap a pic of Devin’s dessert. As he claims, “I may be full from lunch, but I have 4 dessert stomachs.” I’d not be surprised if Disney’s provisioning department saw a huge surge of ice cream consumption during our cruise.

Lunch dessert

We ate and then returned to our cabin to prepare for boat drill. Outside of being a bit warm, it went well other than the token passengers who saunter up totally late and clueless that they were expected on time. GEEZ. Even us cruise newbs knew what we had to do!

After returning the PFDs to our closet we jauntily made our way back topside to await cast off, frozen drinks and the moment in time I’d planned for 10 months - The GIANT MICKEY HAND WAVE!! I had video camera in hand, still camera around neck, drink in the other hand and tears in my eyes. Since the boys promised they’d jump overboard if I went to the stage to dance, I decided to watch the festivities with them on deck 10. We were set back a bit from the crowd totally enjoying the sail away party. I waved back to the CM’s at the port until my arm was numb, knowing someone, not unlike me, was watching on the web cam and wishing they were there. At that moment the 3 of us were fantastically happy and so excited for the week ahead.

Me, totally happy!

I really wanted the boys to meet friends for the week so I booted them off to go to the Stack and meet the staff and maybe bump into CraftyMouse’s kids. My sons have strict rules at home, but I wanted them to experience some freedom and responsibility on the cruise. Basically, I trusted the Stack CM’s and my boys own good sense and I was not disappointed. We went to the early show with Rich Purpura who was hysterical and then introduced to Brent who we recognized from the Travel Channel shows.

Our first dinner was at Parrot Cay at 8:15pm and we shared a table with a mom, dad and daughter from Maine, also on their first cruise, who had just spent many hours traveling to the ship and were exhausted. Sorry I can’t remember that particular meal, but our servers for the week were Joyce and Bomin and they were efficient and friendly. Bomin always had an excellent suggestion for my glass of wine with dinner.

After eating, we returned to the cabin to find the beds (including the awesome wall bed) made up, chocolates, and not only towel animals, but also blanket animals. I met our cabin stewardess – Rosa – who exceeded all my expectations. I slept incredibly well (after the boys returned).

Blanket shrimp

We requested a continental style room service breakfast for Key West morning and after eating that, fooling around with the fixtures, unpacking and showering, the boys once again went their way and I ended up at my perch for the week. Deck 10 forward, starboard side, near the Outlook bar. The weather was sunny and warm. I had my book and my towels and was very happy. Dozing in the warm sun, a voice asked “ would you care for anything mam?’ and I jumped up. Wow! I didn’t realize I could get drinks brought to me here. I ordered a Bloody Mary and as the ocean water began to change from indigo to turquoise and with the sound of a Coast Guard escort vessel to our side, I watched the crew hoist a Conch Republic Flag up and I knew I’d just entered the Margarita Zone.

Cool Outlook Bar Sign - I

View from my "perch"

"from indigo to turquoise"

Welcome to the Conch Republic

Next: Key West's Finest - keylime pies, toothless cigar guys, fritters, potties and a hearing aid throwing woman

Great trip.