EDC Western Cruise, 11/01/08: PostTrip Depression, Pics added 11/29

[podsnel]

I found out about it after asking the Club Counselor what is was & where it would be & what time we were to be there.

Yep- that's the one! We were at Bingo and stayed to watch the show- Pods went back to the room for something and there was Timmy! He did do all the rehearsals and stuff, he likes to be on stage and sing- they just freaked him out with the "acid" talk!

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

Sorry you guys missed the show. As El knows, I had to convince Lin to go on stage, and then I only got her to go up there because she saw Paige checking in and going up the side door... Syd never did go, but I did get her a shirt!

So we spent 2 days in WDW, and the parks were EMPTY! We walked on each and every ride! Even Soarin' and Space Mountain! It was crazy! The only long line we had was the one waiting for Tinkerbell in Pixie Hollow!! We hit all the rides in Fantasyland up until 10am when Toon Town opened. We got into the Judge's tent and got to the que line for Tink by 10:05am. Do you know how long the line wait for Tink was at that point? Any guesses????
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4 hours!!! Are you kidding me??? We waited about 1/2 hour initially to see if the line went quicker than they thought, and figured in people dropping out of line as kids got tired. But then DH got tired of waiting and we had a little "spat" and left the line. We did try going back around 5:30pm and it was a 90 minute wait (which ended up to be just under 1 hour)

Waiting for Tink:

Growing smaller as we get to Tink. Notice the light of Tinkerbell over head! Sorry its blurry!

Shrunk to the size of a Mushroom!!

Pictures of the Fairy room:

Sorry for the detour from the "Ship" but I was really excited to meet Tink!!

We went back to our room tired as could be each night. We didn't go to the MNSSHP this year, since I knew the girls wouldn't make it the whole night. But we got to see all the rides we wanted on the days we were there since the parks were so empty! We didn't bother with characters (except for Tink and her fairy friends) since we would see them on the ship. We did do a bunch of Pin Trading, since we had a bunch from our last cruise to trade. The girls also really enjoyed squishing pennies at the different machines we found around. We didn't go searching for them specifically, but we did squish them when we found a machine. It was fun!

We didn't get to go ToT at Downtown Disney, since I was sick again! Couldn't be away from the bathroom, and it was terrible! Trying to pack for the cruise (repacking bags so we had a "day bag") while sick. And we had to get it done Friday night, so we could get the bags out by 9am on Saturday Morning to go to the ship! I think I finally fell into bed around 11pm that night, and just barely got the bags out in time on Saturday morning!

But that meant that we were that much closer to getting back on the Magic! Stay tuned for the bus trip and first hours on the Magic!

 

[bfosbenner]

Jen - I cant' believe after all that I never got to meet you.....

this trip was amazing. We upgraded to a suite at the terminal (I couldn't believe how cheap it was to do it)...you won't believe how awesome the service you get is. A shout out to our concierge team - Nicole, Erika and Andreia.


I'm so sorry it's over..

We made friends with Erika on our 2004 western. She was in Treasure Ketch then. She sent DD Rachel (then 8) a camera as a gift on her bed one night after DD had mentioned she used all her film by mid week. We have kept in touch ever since. We only got to see her twice this cruise as the suite guest keep her busy.

 

[mindelmouse]

We made friends with Erika on our 2004 western. She was in Treasure Ketch then. She sent DD Rachel (then 8) a camera as a gift on her bed one night after DD had mentioned she used all her film by mid week. We have kept in touch ever since. We only got to see her twice this cruise as the suite guest keep her busy.

but since she is now the concierge manager, we dealt more with Nicole and Andreia. Nicole was training Andreia to replace her, since she was supposed to leave the ship with us on Saturday for her 2 month leave, however, she got rangled into staying another week to help our at guest services. Erika gave my kids so many neat little gifts it was amazing.

 

[SweetSpot]

Erika has to be one of the sweetest people on the ship. We met her in 2005 when she was the concierge. She made it the most magical trip for all of us but especially our DD. We have stayed in touch with her over the years and look forward to seeing her every year. I hope DCL really appreciates how special and talented she is and keeps promoting her.

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

So, as I said, I had been sick the night before, so I was really tired Saturday morning. I had planned on getting up and all packed by 7:30am, but slept in a bit, and ended up frantically throwing things into the suitcase just before the 9am luggage pickup time!

Then we headed off to Breakfast with my parents, before they headed back to Georgia and heading off on the bus. Olivia's at IKW is really a great little spot to eat, and the people were so great. I think it was the perfect place to eat before we headed out to the REAL Key West!

After breakfast, we explored the pools and playground of OKW. We just didn't have a chance to swim, not only because of time, but because it had been too chilly!! But I think we will definately go back to OKW, esp. to enjoy the pools and all!

Ahhhh, what a welcome sight!

Another welcome sight!! That terminal is so beautiful! I can't wait to go to the Baltics on the cruise, but I honestly can't imagine that the port in Dover will be nearly as gorgeous...

Checking in at the Kids Club! Please don't strangle your sister!

And heading through the MAGIC portal

After our first picture with the ship photographer, we headed off to our stateroom. It was so nice and easy to find, we were the immediate stateroom off to the left from the aft elevators on 8! Although, once we added all our beautiful EDC magnets, it wasn't really hard to find our stateroom either!

We then headed up to Topsiders to eat.....SHRIMP!! Topsiders is open til 3pm on embarkation day, in case anyone is wondering. We got there around 1:30 and ate! We also got to meet Margaret, her DH and Paige while we were eating. Those green wristbands really worked wonders on finding EDCs!

The girls eating:

After eating, we went to explore the ship:

And especially went to explore the Kids Club! They girls love to play in the Oceaneer's Club, TOGETHER. But apart, it was a harder task! Since they are 3 and 6, they were in separate groups many times. But they did have fun exploring together on the first day!

Lindsey on the slide!

Sydney enjoying the ride too!

the Club Stage!

Lindsey can hula hoop with the best of them, she even won the hula contest!

Trying out the computers in the Club!

The Treasure Chest TV and "Shell Couch"

And finally, posing with our HSM "friends"

The girls had a great time exploring, but Mommy needed to head back up to the bathroom. My stomach was not liking something the past few days! So the girls checked out the verandah awhile, and then the lifeboat drill. Unfortunately, due to my tummy issues, we missed our DIS meet at 3pm in the Lounge. I really wanted to meet everyone I had talked to over the last couple of months! I take comfort in knowing that I did get to meet some of our EDC friends through the week, though!

Coming up: fun and the lifeboat drill, a brief time at the Sail Away party and heading off to our first dinner with Yolanda (yes, Brent's wife who is such a great person!) and our fabulous servers, Katarina and Joe...

Stay tuned for more pictures, enough to satisfy your MAGIC curiosity, or bore you to death!!!

 

[Keggy]

I am following along! Great report!

 

[nobodycares]

Thanks for posting the club pics. Since our DD is 14, we never saw that area of the ship.

Looks great.


We enjoyed our cruise with the Election Day Castaways!!! Can't wait to go back.

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

So, after exploring the Kids Club, we headed up to the room to unpack and "such." Our bags were already outside our stateroom, which was actually pretty quick this time around! We had LOTS of space to put away clothes, candy, gifts, books, toys, the list goes on and on. I have to say that the Category 4 staterooms are quite roomy for a family of 4, and I didn't feel like we were cramped for space or anything. In fact I had a couple of drawers which were empty as well as a shelf in the bathroom that was unused! Trying to travel lighter.

Looking into the cabin (and out the verandah!)

Another view "into" the cabin

View from the verandah into the cabin

Looking out of our verandah at the Kennedy Space Center!

Looking out our verandah to the forward of the ship: looking at the UGLY Carnival ship next to us!

We also had already received our stateroom gift for being a Castaway Club Member, here is a picture of the "goodies" spread out on the bed! The mesh bag is missing, not sure where I threw it before taking the picture!

Before I knew it, it was lifeboat drill time. Its the first time both girls have smiled while wearing them! Last time, Syd had to wear the infant one with the hood, and I can imagine that was uncomfortable! But they did OK with these!

Sydney making the most of her time while waiting for the drill to sound!

Mommy and the girls ready to go to the lifeboats!

Now, I have to ask. Is there anyone who doesn't take a picture of the family in their life jackets? Really, why do we do this? If we ever have to really use them, we probably wouldn't be smiling... Just a question to ponder...

Once the drill was over, we headed up (briefly) to the deck party. Some pics of the DDs and DH:

Can you tell Syd was already tired!

And a picture of the dancers on stage, and Wuv Tigger and family in the DIS green in front of us! Hi Judy!!

Gee, its taking me awhile just to get through the first day, and it was only a half day, really! All these pictures and trip report are going to take me til the Baltic cruise to complete!

Next, we will be finishing out the day at Parrot Cay (or "Pirate Cove" according to Brent and misguided tourists!), along with a few pictures of the Welcome Aboard Variety show (including one of our own EDC's on stage with Ron Pearson!)

Night all. Gotta go. It's my birthday today, and now I'm tired AND old! Need some beauty sleep!!

 

[plutospup]

Great trip report! It's fun reliving our cruise.
I have to agree, Yolande was excellent! She was charming, gracious, and went out of her way to make us feel welcome.

 

[plutospup]

Sorry, double post

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

Yes, Yolanda was great. She is a bit on the shorter side, but definately nice looking! She was so nice to the girls. I will post a picture when I get to that point, I don't think I had one of her til later on in the week!

Ahhhhh, I miss the MAGIC. Can I go back NOW!

 

[funkemorgan]

We leave for our cruise tomorrow. Our first.
I am so excited and reading about your great trip has got me

 

[wilma-bride]

Great start to your cruise - I am so excited to read more. I really need to do a longer cruise. Would love to do the 2010 Baltic but DH is convinced it's far too expensive and we're still trying to save for the WDW trip in Oct 09. Still, I reckon I've got a little while to persuade him since they're not selling out particularly fast.

 

[princesspaige]

She was so upset on "Get off the boat day" that she refused to say bye to any of her friends. We still talk about everyone we met and what a fun trip it was. I am glad I can relive some of the days thru your trip report. Keep it coming.

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

The girls miss Paige too. Syd every once and awhile will start talking about her friend in the Club, and then describe Paige. Its very sweet

And as we drove off in the bus? "Bye Disney Boat" "Bye Paige, bye Emily"

And mommy said "Bye table service, clean up, housekeeping and turndown service. I WILL MISS YOU GREATLY"

Oh, and MISS YOU ALL TOO! Just really miss the food and service. Esp. after a long day at work!!

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

What a great start your girls are adorable and your photos are wonderful. We took our first and only cruise so far in May 2006 and we weren't big photo takers then now I wish we had been. So I am glad I can read tr and remember our special trip!

More please!

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

Thanks for the wonderful replies! Glad to know there are some people actually reading my TR! Thought I'd bore the pants off everyone!

More tomorrow. I can barely keep my eyes open right now. TGIF!!!

 

[TotallyAngelic]

HI

We left the ship the day you got on - in fact we probably passed you on the way back to Orlando as we passed so many DCL buses and I just wanted to turn back around and go the other way. I am still suffering from horrendous post cruise blues - just have to keep reading trip reports to cope with it I'm afraid, oh and I have booked a cruise for 2010 to try and chase my symptoms away.

I am really enjoying your trip report - I wish I had taken a Disney Cruise with my children when they were younger - you really see the magic in their eyes - we will have to wait for grandchildren now (although not too soon I hope).

By the way don't expect anything like the DCL terminal in Dover - in fact the lower your expectations are the better! Last time I was there it was basically a cross-channel ferry port and nothing to shout about, although it was a long time ago.

 

[Mom2PrincessesLinSy]

So we sang, we danced, I got sprayed will Silly string and along comes....come on, sing it with me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2odoQQ54U8A

Now, don't tell me that didn't bring tears to your eyes! Oh, yeah, baby!!

We stayed for a bit, then went back to our stateroom to get ready for dinner. We had 5:30 seating, in Parrot Cay, so I needed to get some more clothing unpacked, so we knew we would have something decent to wear to dinner!

Pictures of the view from the verandah as we headed out to sea:

As I said, our first dining room was Parrot Cay. Our rotation was PLAAPLA, or Parrot Cay, Lumiere, Animator's, Animator's, Parrot Cay, Lumiere's, Animators. It worked out that we had formal night at Animators and Semi Formal night at Lumieres. I love having the "Til we meet again dinner" at Animator's, not sure why, but I like the atmosphere for the Baked Alaska presentation and the showing of the flags!

I think this is the only dining room (besides Palo) that I didn't take a picture of the menu, so sorry about that! But here are some pictures of us at Parrot Cay. We were table 42, which was on the Starboard side of the ship.

Notice, if you will, the large bowl of cherries on the table in front of DD. They LOVE cherries, and would eat them day and night if they could. So our Assistant server, Joe, brought out the bowl full of cherries the first night, and already had them set out when we arrived every other night of our cruise. The girls, of course, love that!

Now, notice, if you will, the manner in which the ketchup is presented. No, not just a blob of ketchup on a plate, or in a little cup. No, this ketchup is special, this ketchup is tasty, this ketchup is....... Mickey

After dinner, we did a bit of shopping, and then headed to the show. It was the Welcome Aboard Variety how, with the story of a couple and their son, Jeremy going on the Disney Cruise, mixed with live entertainment from various comedians. Of course, Jeremy is kinda woven into the shows during the cruise, and the story ends the last night with the family leaving the "Magic". Here are some pics of the show (taken WITHOUT A FLASH). Thanks to Brent and Christian to announcing before each and every show to not use cameras with flash, and to enjoy the show as "live theater" is meant to be enjoyed. I think it really helped ALOT to curb the flashes throughout the show!!

Some of the Ron Pearson show...

End of the Variety show:

And our towel animal and "spread" on our bed when we returned to the room:

And so the evening ends, and the trip begins. Our bed was VERY comfortable, and we were rocked to sleep and slept like babies!!