JJsmama
WDW addict
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2003
- Messages
- 2,978
Okay, anyone want one more Double Dip trip report?
Checking in / Upgrading
We are a family of 4: Dh, I, DS(8) nd DS(6). This was our second DCL but the first time on the Magic. I booked approx 18 months in advance. I booked a Cat 11. My husband was not in the least bit interested in anything cruise-wise until the week before the cruise. At that time, he started asking about a Verandah. You all know what I'm thinking...
So, we left South Carolina on Friday night about 6:00 and drove to near the GA/FL line. The next morning I herded everyone up and out early since we still had long way to go and we were now in the mode of : Upgrade At Port. We didn't get there until about 1:00 and I did not hold out much hope of a verandah, but Dh got in the appropriate upgrade line and sure enough, I few minutes later, we had a Cat 5 on deck 7. Woohoo! Things were really getting exciting now! (Incidently, we actually had a choice of available Cat 5's and during the cruise, the room next to us remained empty. I couldn't believe it!) I loved the Castaway Club gifts at check in. Even Dh promptly put on the lanyard.
We could go right on after check in so we did. Don't you love that first view of the gorgeous atrium! And the "Please Welcome back the K family!" Yea for us! Onward to lunch, blah blah blah...
Stateroom / Attendant
But then it was time to see our room at 1:30! What fun! It was a lovely Cat 5 right in the middle of the ship. I loved that! Our Stateroom Attendant, Mario, came hurrying up, "Excuse me, I would like to meet you!" and he took our name (since we had just changed rooms) and later scurried around finding our luggage from our original room. Good ole Mario! What a great Steward! Every Day, Twice A Day, he created towel animals and scenes in our rooms with my sons' stuffed animals. He was really good at it and we got so excited every time. I'm sure he was laughing in the hall as we all cheered and freaked out. Also, we loved all the CC gifts! We really used those bags in the port and on beach days.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself.... Now Dh was really in the spirit of things and off he rushed to the Spa (under my careful instructions to skip the tour, etc) and made a Massage appt. He got it for the next afternoon.
APL
We were on the APL rotation and the 5:30 seating. Now, 5:30 is a bit early, I'll be honest, but I was so glad we didn't have the 8:30, we didn't complain at all.
AP was neat that night. We met our servers, Fitz from Jamaica and Oppie from Indonesia. We really enjoyed having them as our servers. Here's a tip: AP was COLD! At least it was in our section. (We actually had great tables in every restaurant - right in the middle.) I had to leave the dining room and go back to the room and get everyone's polar fleece jackets we had thrown in. So much for my cute outfit! Dh and started grumbling at he was ready to go. I looked at the clock and it ws like 7:15-7:30 or something. No wonder the kids were restless!
This night was Golden Mickey's, I think and it was so fun and cute. We really enjoyed it.
Castway Cay
The next day was Castaway Cay. We pulled in bright and early. That is really when I enjoy having a verandah the most - when we pulled into any port and when we we at CC. We were on the Starboard side and always had a great view of the island since the Captain backed in both times.
We had booked the 2 day Getaway special with the Snorkel, floats and bikes. Probably too much to do in one day, but since we had two and the price was good, we did it. We are early risers so we got great beach spots on the 'front row' down near the snorkel lagoon. We set out to snorkel one at a time since the kids weren't ready yet. It was really lovely!! The water felt cold when you first put your toe in, but after 30 seconds, was great. Later, took the kids and all four of us went together. DS(6) was quite nervous and hung on for dear life the whole time, but DS(8) did fantastic and swam a really long way. This year ,as opposed to last year, I did not freak out and swim for shore the first time I saw something big in the water.
We tried the round floats afterward. This was supposed to be fun, but they were so big, we all ended up almost drowning and quickly turned them back in. Tip: If you have small kids, get the flat raft kind instead.
After this, we headed for Cookie's BBQ and had a great lunch. The two times we ate at CC were our favorite meals. It was so relaxing and vacation like. They did a little character parade down the street, but we were blocked by the (beautiful) bushes and couldn't see well. Good thing about the DCL, there are so many character experiences, the kids don't feel the need to rush to every single one. Tip #3: Do NOT miss the cookies at Cookies!
My kids were still a bit worn out by all the traveling and wanted to go to the pool. i didn't care since I knew we'd have another CC day, so we headed back and had a nice time hanging by the pool.
This was Parrot Cay night and that was fun too. We were at a table with just our family and the second night, I was surprised the see the same family next to us again. (It would stay that way the whole cruise, of course.) So, by this time, we enjoyed chatting it up with the family next to us and vicariously having two different vacations at the same time.
The next day was Sea Day and I can't remember much except that we weren't bored and it was lovely. Also, it was smooth as glass! We were so lucky! Sometimes when we left port, we would not know we had even left. I went to the Rainforest room for a while. It was fun, but I wouldn't do it again unless I had a friend with me. It just got boring alone. I would have liked to chat with someone instead.
Lumiere's tonight and Formal night. This was fun! Everyone looked lovely and by this time, the kids were perfectly at ease with the servers and everyone was chatty and happy. I think this was Disney Dreams, which was pretty good.
Costa Maya
Costa Maya was next and I was not that impressed. I will say that I had not booked an excursion and I already was not a fan of Mexico shopping areas. (So someone else might love it.) We got off for just a little while and walked around the port shopping area. My kids were clinging to us because all teh shop keepers were yelling to us and motioning, etc. Once we got to the back of the shopping area, the shop keepers were calmer though and we browsed around and bought a few things. Dh wanted to go off on our own into town, but I said No Thanks. So we went back to the ship and had a pool day. So did a LOT of other people. It was nice though, with beautiful weather and ocean views. That night was AP again, which is our least favorite. We went up to Topsiders for an early, shorter dinner so we could go to the early show. We did enjoy going to the early show. Topsides was ok. When we were on the Wonder, we had dinner there one night and it was buffet. We would have preferred that as we really wanted a lighter, quicker dinner that night.
Cozumel
Next day was Cozumel. We had booked Atlantis Submarine Excursion. I hadn't given this much thought until we were on the little boat taking us out to the submarine and they told us we would be 110 feet deep. I thought I might have a panic attack or something. So, we boarded this pontoon boat which serves as the dock and go down the ladder into the sub. I wait for the panic attack to begin...However, once we very smoothly descended and started viewing the coral reef, it was really neat and I felt fine. Definitely a neat experience for the kids. We got back on the boat after to take us back to shore and they handed out certificates for having been on a sub and shots on some liquor. I was scared to drink it since I get sea sick already, but Dh seemed to enjoy his. I definitely preferred Cozumel to Costa Maya for just browsing around town. The locals were not quite as aggressive and there were more choices of places to go.
At dinner that night at Parrot Cay, our 'neighbors' told us about their excursions of kayaking, snorkeling and a catamaran, I think. They said that was fabulous too. This was Pirate night. We dressed up a little and it was fun. The kids had had enough of long dinners and I had just taken them to the Club, so Dh and I could have a lengthy dessert and coffee when the Pirate night dancing / parade/ limbo started. Our server was leading it and holding the Limbo stick and wanting us to dance. I wish the kids hadn't missed it. We also missed the Pirate Deck Party because it started too late for the kids.
Next day was sea day again and we had a storm in the night. The thunder and lightning woke me up and we were rocking more than at any other time in the cruise, but it was still not bad. The next day was rainy and windy and overcast. Actually at this point in the cruise, I don't think anyone minded having a slow day. I think we went to Character drawing demonstration, Ocean Quest, family Trivia, etc. Dh actually got invited to be in a Focus Group by DCL, so he did that and we enjoyed the $50 stateroom credit he got.
Castaway Cay again the next day. The Captain said he had been worried about the weather, but it turned out ok. It was windy and overcast all day, but still a great day on CC! It did take two tries to get the ship into dock as the winds and waves were so strong. Obviously, clouds or no, we were lucky to be there at all that day. We snorkeled early again, and sometimes the waves would crash over my snorkel and I'd get a mouth full. Not the most pleasant. I also found when I was swimming back to shore, that I kept being pushed by the waves out and very close to going outside the markers for the lagoon. (There was none of this the first day at CC in calm seas.) I definitely earned my cookies from that swim!
We also did the bike ride this day and REALLY enjoyed it. It was nice to stretch our legs and see some of the real world again - for a few minutes. I don't know what they are building out there, but the rumors are true. They are definitely building something!
Kids and Family Activities
I don't remember which night it was, but one night, my son and I got chosen to play Who Wants to Be a Mouseketeer? It was great fun and we won! I recommend that as a family activity.
Our kids did the clubs about 1 hour in the afternoon and 1 hour after dinner most days. They enjoyed the clubs, even if they didn't think they wanted to go at first. Most times, they were eager to be signed in but glad when we came back too. They told us about a lot of fun stuff they did. I think the Club CMs really keep them interested with great programming.
I still think, after our second cruise, that there is a great lack of activities for families that occur at family times. Most 'family' game shows and Family Karaoke, etc start 9:30 or later. We missed all that. I wish they would do some more fun things around 7:00-7:30 for those of us who eat dinner at 5:30.
General
Fabulous, Fabulous!
We would have rebooked onboard if we were not moving to the other side of the Earth - literally. I would go back tomorrow. Even Dh, who had the attitude of ' I'd rather vacation just once without Mickey Mouse' to start with, LOVED it as soon as we stepped into the beautiful port building and never once complained about the price or anything. He's a DCL believer now! (The Wonder wasn't enough to comvince him, but the Magic was!)
Happy Sailing!
Jennifer
Checking in / Upgrading
We are a family of 4: Dh, I, DS(8) nd DS(6). This was our second DCL but the first time on the Magic. I booked approx 18 months in advance. I booked a Cat 11. My husband was not in the least bit interested in anything cruise-wise until the week before the cruise. At that time, he started asking about a Verandah. You all know what I'm thinking...
So, we left South Carolina on Friday night about 6:00 and drove to near the GA/FL line. The next morning I herded everyone up and out early since we still had long way to go and we were now in the mode of : Upgrade At Port. We didn't get there until about 1:00 and I did not hold out much hope of a verandah, but Dh got in the appropriate upgrade line and sure enough, I few minutes later, we had a Cat 5 on deck 7. Woohoo! Things were really getting exciting now! (Incidently, we actually had a choice of available Cat 5's and during the cruise, the room next to us remained empty. I couldn't believe it!) I loved the Castaway Club gifts at check in. Even Dh promptly put on the lanyard.
We could go right on after check in so we did. Don't you love that first view of the gorgeous atrium! And the "Please Welcome back the K family!" Yea for us! Onward to lunch, blah blah blah...
Stateroom / Attendant
But then it was time to see our room at 1:30! What fun! It was a lovely Cat 5 right in the middle of the ship. I loved that! Our Stateroom Attendant, Mario, came hurrying up, "Excuse me, I would like to meet you!" and he took our name (since we had just changed rooms) and later scurried around finding our luggage from our original room. Good ole Mario! What a great Steward! Every Day, Twice A Day, he created towel animals and scenes in our rooms with my sons' stuffed animals. He was really good at it and we got so excited every time. I'm sure he was laughing in the hall as we all cheered and freaked out. Also, we loved all the CC gifts! We really used those bags in the port and on beach days.
But, I'm getting ahead of myself.... Now Dh was really in the spirit of things and off he rushed to the Spa (under my careful instructions to skip the tour, etc) and made a Massage appt. He got it for the next afternoon.
APL
We were on the APL rotation and the 5:30 seating. Now, 5:30 is a bit early, I'll be honest, but I was so glad we didn't have the 8:30, we didn't complain at all.
AP was neat that night. We met our servers, Fitz from Jamaica and Oppie from Indonesia. We really enjoyed having them as our servers. Here's a tip: AP was COLD! At least it was in our section. (We actually had great tables in every restaurant - right in the middle.) I had to leave the dining room and go back to the room and get everyone's polar fleece jackets we had thrown in. So much for my cute outfit! Dh and started grumbling at he was ready to go. I looked at the clock and it ws like 7:15-7:30 or something. No wonder the kids were restless!
This night was Golden Mickey's, I think and it was so fun and cute. We really enjoyed it.
Castway Cay
The next day was Castaway Cay. We pulled in bright and early. That is really when I enjoy having a verandah the most - when we pulled into any port and when we we at CC. We were on the Starboard side and always had a great view of the island since the Captain backed in both times.
We had booked the 2 day Getaway special with the Snorkel, floats and bikes. Probably too much to do in one day, but since we had two and the price was good, we did it. We are early risers so we got great beach spots on the 'front row' down near the snorkel lagoon. We set out to snorkel one at a time since the kids weren't ready yet. It was really lovely!! The water felt cold when you first put your toe in, but after 30 seconds, was great. Later, took the kids and all four of us went together. DS(6) was quite nervous and hung on for dear life the whole time, but DS(8) did fantastic and swam a really long way. This year ,as opposed to last year, I did not freak out and swim for shore the first time I saw something big in the water.
We tried the round floats afterward. This was supposed to be fun, but they were so big, we all ended up almost drowning and quickly turned them back in. Tip: If you have small kids, get the flat raft kind instead.
After this, we headed for Cookie's BBQ and had a great lunch. The two times we ate at CC were our favorite meals. It was so relaxing and vacation like. They did a little character parade down the street, but we were blocked by the (beautiful) bushes and couldn't see well. Good thing about the DCL, there are so many character experiences, the kids don't feel the need to rush to every single one. Tip #3: Do NOT miss the cookies at Cookies!
My kids were still a bit worn out by all the traveling and wanted to go to the pool. i didn't care since I knew we'd have another CC day, so we headed back and had a nice time hanging by the pool.
This was Parrot Cay night and that was fun too. We were at a table with just our family and the second night, I was surprised the see the same family next to us again. (It would stay that way the whole cruise, of course.) So, by this time, we enjoyed chatting it up with the family next to us and vicariously having two different vacations at the same time.
The next day was Sea Day and I can't remember much except that we weren't bored and it was lovely. Also, it was smooth as glass! We were so lucky! Sometimes when we left port, we would not know we had even left. I went to the Rainforest room for a while. It was fun, but I wouldn't do it again unless I had a friend with me. It just got boring alone. I would have liked to chat with someone instead.
Lumiere's tonight and Formal night. This was fun! Everyone looked lovely and by this time, the kids were perfectly at ease with the servers and everyone was chatty and happy. I think this was Disney Dreams, which was pretty good.
Costa Maya
Costa Maya was next and I was not that impressed. I will say that I had not booked an excursion and I already was not a fan of Mexico shopping areas. (So someone else might love it.) We got off for just a little while and walked around the port shopping area. My kids were clinging to us because all teh shop keepers were yelling to us and motioning, etc. Once we got to the back of the shopping area, the shop keepers were calmer though and we browsed around and bought a few things. Dh wanted to go off on our own into town, but I said No Thanks. So we went back to the ship and had a pool day. So did a LOT of other people. It was nice though, with beautiful weather and ocean views. That night was AP again, which is our least favorite. We went up to Topsiders for an early, shorter dinner so we could go to the early show. We did enjoy going to the early show. Topsides was ok. When we were on the Wonder, we had dinner there one night and it was buffet. We would have preferred that as we really wanted a lighter, quicker dinner that night.
Cozumel
Next day was Cozumel. We had booked Atlantis Submarine Excursion. I hadn't given this much thought until we were on the little boat taking us out to the submarine and they told us we would be 110 feet deep. I thought I might have a panic attack or something. So, we boarded this pontoon boat which serves as the dock and go down the ladder into the sub. I wait for the panic attack to begin...However, once we very smoothly descended and started viewing the coral reef, it was really neat and I felt fine. Definitely a neat experience for the kids. We got back on the boat after to take us back to shore and they handed out certificates for having been on a sub and shots on some liquor. I was scared to drink it since I get sea sick already, but Dh seemed to enjoy his. I definitely preferred Cozumel to Costa Maya for just browsing around town. The locals were not quite as aggressive and there were more choices of places to go.
At dinner that night at Parrot Cay, our 'neighbors' told us about their excursions of kayaking, snorkeling and a catamaran, I think. They said that was fabulous too. This was Pirate night. We dressed up a little and it was fun. The kids had had enough of long dinners and I had just taken them to the Club, so Dh and I could have a lengthy dessert and coffee when the Pirate night dancing / parade/ limbo started. Our server was leading it and holding the Limbo stick and wanting us to dance. I wish the kids hadn't missed it. We also missed the Pirate Deck Party because it started too late for the kids.
Next day was sea day again and we had a storm in the night. The thunder and lightning woke me up and we were rocking more than at any other time in the cruise, but it was still not bad. The next day was rainy and windy and overcast. Actually at this point in the cruise, I don't think anyone minded having a slow day. I think we went to Character drawing demonstration, Ocean Quest, family Trivia, etc. Dh actually got invited to be in a Focus Group by DCL, so he did that and we enjoyed the $50 stateroom credit he got.
Castaway Cay again the next day. The Captain said he had been worried about the weather, but it turned out ok. It was windy and overcast all day, but still a great day on CC! It did take two tries to get the ship into dock as the winds and waves were so strong. Obviously, clouds or no, we were lucky to be there at all that day. We snorkeled early again, and sometimes the waves would crash over my snorkel and I'd get a mouth full. Not the most pleasant. I also found when I was swimming back to shore, that I kept being pushed by the waves out and very close to going outside the markers for the lagoon. (There was none of this the first day at CC in calm seas.) I definitely earned my cookies from that swim!
We also did the bike ride this day and REALLY enjoyed it. It was nice to stretch our legs and see some of the real world again - for a few minutes. I don't know what they are building out there, but the rumors are true. They are definitely building something!
Kids and Family Activities
I don't remember which night it was, but one night, my son and I got chosen to play Who Wants to Be a Mouseketeer? It was great fun and we won! I recommend that as a family activity.
Our kids did the clubs about 1 hour in the afternoon and 1 hour after dinner most days. They enjoyed the clubs, even if they didn't think they wanted to go at first. Most times, they were eager to be signed in but glad when we came back too. They told us about a lot of fun stuff they did. I think the Club CMs really keep them interested with great programming.
I still think, after our second cruise, that there is a great lack of activities for families that occur at family times. Most 'family' game shows and Family Karaoke, etc start 9:30 or later. We missed all that. I wish they would do some more fun things around 7:00-7:30 for those of us who eat dinner at 5:30.
General
Fabulous, Fabulous!
We would have rebooked onboard if we were not moving to the other side of the Earth - literally. I would go back tomorrow. Even Dh, who had the attitude of ' I'd rather vacation just once without Mickey Mouse' to start with, LOVED it as soon as we stepped into the beautiful port building and never once complained about the price or anything. He's a DCL believer now! (The Wonder wasn't enough to comvince him, but the Magic was!)
Happy Sailing!
Jennifer
I hope all the packing is going well and that your move is a smooth transition for everyone. Keep posting on the DIS after you arrive to let us all know how you are doing! 
