ELEVATE! Is that a whale out there? A three-generation cruise to Alaska!UPDATE 8/29

[shan23877]

I'm with you letting Willow make that decision. You can't raise them to be scared! Judgmental moms are the best! Are we going to be like that with our girls?

Breakfast looks yummy! No hash brown judging here. I'm eating mini powdered doughnuts right now, and I'm totally not on vacation.

 

[pixarmom]

And what about putting Donald as the head of the Dream? Kind of made me nervous having "Admiral" Donald in charge of our vessel.

Amanda, too funny! We said the EXACT same thing on the Dream last year! Not the best guy to be in charge, right?

Roni, really enjoying your latest updates! First, poor Willow and poor you - that fall sounds so scary. Glad all was well in the end! On a lighter note, so glad to hear the tip regarding luggage storage really works for larger luggage. And we were going to order a wine package in the MDR the first night - I decided against bringing wine for our stateroom for the reason you mentioned - too hard to carry glass bottles. But the box - now that's very smart! No shame in Hunger Games. Our two older boys read all three and loved them, but I had no idea what they were talking about when they made HG references. So on our mini-vacation at the beginning of the summer, that's exactly what I read - the first Hunger Games book. I'm saving the last two for Alaska next month!

Hi Pas!

 

[RGirl]

I spent tons of time with my grandparents when I was their age. In fact, they took me with them on vacations! My MiL is too busy to have Maddie over (I think she's spent 1 night there without us in her life) and my mom lives too far away now. It also makes us a little nervous to have Maddie at my Mom's (long story), but now that she's older we might be able to let her more often.

Bryan's cousin truly adores Mads and gets mad at us if we don't send her for sleepovers often. It is really nice for us, but especially for Maddie. It's important to feel that loved.

I know that you don't want kudos for raising Willow alone, but I think that you're amazing. You actually go out of your way not to complain about being tired, stressed, etc. The rest of us have help and we complain! As tired as I am at the end of a day, I can only imagine how you must feel. Have you had a full nights sleep in the last 5 years?

Raising my imaginary champagne flute to you... but that's the best smiley I could find.

Roni, I posted a very special report on the TR tonight. I don't want to give it away, but it may change your life forever.

You are so sweet. I had such a long and hard road to parenthood that I guess I just feel the need to be thankful for it every day. But, if I'm totally honest, sometimes it is definitely really hard. I am not a spring chicken, and I am doing it 100% by myself. Sometimes, I am just beat. I would love a break once in a while. And I guess I need to understand that it is okay to need a break! I do think that, if DD and I cruise again, I will take advantage of it (actually, there are a lot of things we will do differently just like WDW with my mom vs. WDW with just the two of us). And one of those things will be letting DD stay up late and have fun at the kids club while I go do something fun by myself.

Off to your TR after this post!

I'm with you letting Willow make that decision. You can't raise them to be scared! Judgmental moms are the best! Are we going to be like that with our girls?

Breakfast looks yummy! No hash brown judging here. I'm eating mini powdered doughnuts right now, and I'm totally not on vacation.

You know, that moment was actually pretty funny with my mom. She has her faults (just like I do), but I give her huge credit for the fact that she NEVER interferes with or questions my parenting. It is actually really remarkable, and I am very grateful to her for it. But at that moment, I could tell she was freaking out a little. Funny because I am pretty sure that, as a mom, she would have done the same thing, but as a grandma, it was different. I actually kind of enjoyed it - I felt like I was really seeing her grandma love and that made me happy.

I thought those weird hash brown patties would be nasty, but they were disgustingly good.

Mini donuts. Yum. I wish I could still eat donuts!

Amanda, too funny! We said the EXACT same thing on the Dream last year! Not the best guy to be in charge, right?

Roni, really enjoying your latest updates! First, poor Willow and poor you - that fall sounds so scary. Glad all was well in the end! On a lighter note, so glad to hear the tip regarding luggage storage really works for larger luggage. And we were going to order a wine package in the MDR the first night - I decided against bringing wine for our stateroom for the reason you mentioned - too hard to carry glass bottles. But the box - now that's very smart! No shame in Hunger Games. Our two older boys read all three and loved them, but I had no idea what they were talking about when they made HG references. So on our mini-vacation at the beginning of the summer, that's exactly what I read - the first Hunger Games book. I'm saving the last two for Alaska next month!

Hi Pas!

I will totally be taking advantage of the "wine policy" (as I like to call it) as long as Disney maintains said policy. I really hope that the rumors are wrong, and they won't shut it down. I mean, you really do pay a big premium to sail with DCL. A little perk like being able to freely bring giant boxes of wine onboard for your stateroom is much appreciated!

Oh, man, I know that I just got back, but I am so jealous reading about you getting to lounge around the Wonder reading the Hunger Games soon.

 

[amandaw]

It was definitely a very scary moment. I was so relieved when I finally figured out that everything was okay. Phew!

That is really scary! I can only imagine the relief you felt.

Those books are GOOD! They were perfect cruise reading. Only downside is that I didn't make it through all of them, so who knows when I will get to pick them up again.

Oh, I do hope you get to finish them up. It's a really good series.

That must be so nice to have someone who takes Maddie once in a while overnight. And how fun for Maddie too! My parents have finally offered to take Willow when I travel for work next month (I have had to travel for work MANY times, and they have never offered; in fact, they have made a point of saying that they can't even though I haven't asked). I am a little nervous about it - Willow has done fine either going with me (when possible - sadly, not possible on this trip) or staying with a friend of mine, so I know she'll do fine, but well, I won't go on. Hopefully, it will be a great experience for all. A kid should have those overnights with grandparents - I remember absolutely wonderful times spending a week with my grandparents when I was a kid.

I never really had overnights with grandparents when I was little. So, I do want Reid to be able to do that. My mom & stepdad are the only grandparents that live relatively close, so I try to let Reid go spend a night there every now & then. I hope Willow has a fun time when she goes to stay with your parents.

It was horrible. Luckily, despite all my craziness, I am very calm under pressure, so I managed to handle it pretty well and get Willow calmed down pretty quickly.

I'm usually not calm under pressure. But when Reid was 18 months old, he split the bridge of his nose open of the windowsill at his sitter's house. OMG! It was horrible. Luckily, I was on my way from work to get him & was in the neighborhood when she called me. I have to say that I'm surprised at how calm I was with my baby bleeding profusely & screaming. And then he had to get stitches. It took Ed, myself, & a nurse to hold him down while they put in the stitches. And that was with him wrapped tightly in sheet. It's amazing what us mommies can do when we're focused on making sure our kids are alright.

Okay, I NEVER had nose bleeds ever. Willow's nose bleeds throw me for a loop a little bit. They are just like you described - she wakes up tasting blood, and it is just pouring out of her nose like a faucet. It happens every few months. She is INCREDIBLE - I don't know how she does it, but she manages to get out of bed, down the hall, to my room, and she doesn't get a drop of blood on her blankets or the carpet. But why does it happen? Do you know? It is completely foreign to me.

Poor baby! That sounds exactly like me as a child. My dad had it to when he was a kid. I was just always told it's "chronic nosebleeds". I probably outgrew it by the time I got to middle school. The doctors did try to cauterize the arteries in my nose several times. It never worked for me. Because of how many times it was done on my nose, it created lots of tissue damage in my nose around my sinuses. It has caused lots of sinus troubles for me as an adult. I'm sure cauterization works for some. It just didn't work for me. I hope she outgrows them quickly. I really feel for her because I know how scary & cumbersome those kinds of nosebleeds can be. I would always just run to the tub & lean over, let the blood run into the tub, pinch my nose on the bridge & it would eventually stop.

Oh dear lord, Ed should do that! Why doesn't he???? GAH!

It's truly not that's he inconsiderate. He's just usually exhausted when he gets home & I think he doesn't think about it. He leaves for work before 7am. Gets home around 530, eats dinner & usually starts doing more work at home around 7pm and doesn't go to bed until midnight or later. Now, on nights that I run, I do tell him I need him to help with Reid & he does so gladly for me.

Seriously! Ed needs a talking to!

In all honesty, knowing me, I would probably turn him down if he did offer. I just want the offer.

 

[amandaw]

After my long multi-quote, I forgot to comment on the latest update!

Breakfast looks really yummy! Sorry it took so long though.

I think it's a good thing that you let her make her own decision about the top bunk. I know that had to be hard to do, though.

Can't wait to see more of the ship!

Amanda, too funny! We said the EXACT same thing on the Dream last year! Not the best guy to be in charge, right?

Too funny! But, it's so true, right? I think I'd feel better with Chip & Dale running it.

 

[RGirl]

That is really scary! I can only imagine the relief you felt.

Oh, I do hope you get to finish them up. It's a really good series.

I never really had overnights with grandparents when I was little. So, I do want Reid to be able to do that. My mom & stepdad are the only grandparents that live relatively close, so I try to let Reid go spend a night there every now & then. I hope Willow has a fun time when she goes to stay with your parents.

I'm usually not calm under pressure. But when Reid was 18 months old, he split the bridge of his nose open of the windowsill at his sitter's house. OMG! It was horrible. Luckily, I was on my way from work to get him & was in the neighborhood when she called me. I have to say that I'm surprised at how calm I was with my baby bleeding profusely & screaming. And then he had to get stitches. It took Ed, myself, & a nurse to hold him down while they put in the stitches. And that was with him wrapped tightly in sheet. It's amazing what us mommies can do when we're focused on making sure our kids are alright.

Poor baby! That sounds exactly like me as a child. My dad had it to when he was a kid. I was just always told it's "chronic nosebleeds". I probably outgrew it by the time I got to middle school. The doctors did try to cauterize the arteries in my nose several times. It never worked for me. Because of how many times it was done on my nose, it created lots of tissue damage in my nose around my sinuses. It has caused lots of sinus troubles for me as an adult. I'm sure cauterization works for some. It just didn't work for me. I hope she outgrows them quickly. I really feel for her because I know how scary & cumbersome those kinds of nosebleeds can be. I would always just run to the tub & lean over, let the blood run into the tub, pinch my nose on the bridge & it would eventually stop.

It's truly not that's he inconsiderate. He's just usually exhausted when he gets home & I think he doesn't think about it. He leaves for work before 7am. Gets home around 530, eats dinner & usually starts doing more work at home around 7pm and doesn't go to bed until midnight or later. Now, on nights that I run, I do tell him I need him to help with Reid & he does so gladly for me.

In all honesty, knowing me, I would probably turn him down if he did offer. I just want the offer.

That's great that Reid is getting that overnight grandparent time. I can't believe that Willow is 5 and 1/2 and this will be her first overnight stay with her grandparents who live 5 minutes away from us. But you deal with what you're dealt, right?

Oh, that is so awful about Reid having to get the stitches. It's so upsetting when you have to watch your child in pain but know that they have to go through it. Ugh. Did I tell you about Willow's great bead-in-the-ear experience a few months ago? Nightmare!

You know, now that we've been talking about it, I remember that my BFF when I was a kid had those weird nose bleeds too. It must be pretty common. I am so bad - I have never even asked Willow's doctor about them! I always have so many things on my mind when she has a doc visit that I forget.

I really don't see Ed as inconsiderate - you have never painted him that way. I totally get how hard it is for someone who has worked all day like that (facing more work in the evening) to think about making such an offer. We mommies need to learn how to ask for a little help once in a while!

After my long multi-quote, I forgot to comment on the latest update!

Breakfast looks really yummy! Sorry it took so long though.

I think it's a good thing that you let her make her own decision about the top bunk. I know that had to be hard to do, though.

Can't wait to see more of the ship!

Too funny! But, it's so true, right? I think I'd feel better with Chip & Dale running it.

Okay, maybe I'm over-tired, but I am laughing so hard right now at the thought of Chip & Dale running a ship!

 

[amandaw]

That's great that Reid is getting that overnight grandparent time. I can't believe that Willow is 5 and 1/2 and this will be her first overnight stay with her grandparents who live 5 minutes away from us. But you deal with what you're dealt, right?

Indeed you do. And trust me, no family is perfect.

Oh, that is so awful about Reid having to get the stitches. It's so upsetting when you have to watch your child in pain but know that they have to go through it. Ugh. Did I tell you about Willow's great bead-in-the-ear experience a few months ago? Nightmare!

It was so horrible! I felt so bad for my little baby. In fact, it was on the day he turned 18 months.

I do remember you telling me about that. I would have been so worried! I've always been lucky *knock on wood* that Reid was never one to stick things in his mouth, nose or ears.

You know, now that we've been talking about it, I remember that my BFF when I was a kid had those weird nose bleeds too. It must be pretty common. I am so bad - I have never even asked Willow's doctor about them! I always have so many things on my mind when she has a doc visit that I forget.

I bet you it is pretty common. You could talk to her doctor about it but at least it sounds like y'all are able to manage them.

I really don't see Ed as inconsiderate - you have never painted him that way. I totally get how hard it is for someone who has worked all day like that (facing more work in the evening) to think about making such an offer. We mommies need to learn how to ask for a little help once in a while!

He's truly not. I really do have a wonderful husband. He works so hard for me to be able to stay home with Reid now (I worked up until he was 2 1/2). And still give us a nice life. Sometimes, it makes me feel bad if I ask him to do something after he's been working all day. Even today, he went in to the office because he has soooo many huge projects his boss has put him in charge of. Which is great but he's just extremely busy. Plus he took a side consultant job that he does from home at night to give us just a little extra savings money.

Okay, maybe I'm over-tired, but I am laughing so hard right now at the thought of Chip & Dale running a ship!

Well, they're usually able to outwit Donald, so I figure they would do a better job than him.

I'm glad I can come here & chit chat & laugh with y'all right now. I'm watching a movie that's really good but super depressing. I just got the end & it's even more depressing that I thought the end would be.

 

[RGirl]

I do remember you telling me about that. I would have been so worried! I've always been lucky *knock on wood* that Reid was never one to stick things in his mouth, nose or ears.

Not to worry you by any means, but Willow was never one of those kids either. It was a total fluke - and really very sweet. She was pretending to put in ear tubes (because we had recently talked about how she had had ear tubes put in when she was a toddler). Poor sweet thing - she was being imaginative and smart, and it resulted in a trip to the OR.

I bet you it is pretty common. You could talk to her doctor about it but at least it sounds like y'all are able to manage them.

That's what I have always thought. I doubt there is anything that can be done about them, and we handle them pretty well. Obviously, if I can ever think of it at a doc appointment, I will mention it, but I don't think that will change anything.

He's truly not. I really do have a wonderful husband. He works so hard for me to be able to stay home with Reid now (I worked up until he was 2 1/2). And still give us a nice life. Sometimes, it makes me feel bad if I ask him to do something after he's been working all day. Even today, he went in to the office because he has soooo many huge projects his boss has put him in charge of. Which is great but he's just extremely busy. Plus he took a side consultant job that he does from home at night to give us just a little extra savings money.

You are both working hard to have the life that you want - don't forget how hard YOU work too! BTW, as a parent who does both, sometimes going to work is the "down time" in comparison to parenting.

Well, they're usually able to outwit Donald, so I figure they would do a better job than him.

Totally true!! Still sooooo funny!

I'm glad I can come here & chit chat & laugh with y'all right now. I'm watching a movie that's really good but super depressing. I just got the end & it's even more depressing that I thought the end would be.

What movie are you watching???

And, BTW, I am often so glad to have you girls on here to chat with and re-live our happiest memories with. Day-to-day life can be tough sometimes - it is nice to have this escape time.

 

[JLCJMC]

ummmmm Hashbrowns are my favorite part of breakfast -- excellent vacation food!

I was delighted to wake up and discover that you had doubled up on the updates! A bonus

I have been very fortunate that my parents have always been so very helpful with my son -- he spends Friday nights with them and it has always been so nice and helpful - even if I am just working late to get caught up, it is so nice to not have to worry for a few hours

I think Willow is quite something to say she wanted to sleep up top again! Love a brave little girl -- encourage the adventuress!

(BTW -- I have no idea how to do the quote thing on the new mobile app...)

I hope your boss is able to work something out with your job grade. Working for someone you like and trust is such a bonus I have my fingers crossed for you!

 

[iloverags2]

I'm with you on letting Willow make that decision...you are so right about "getting back up after the fall."

Yeah, those hash browns are pretty good, even though they look less than edible. I can eat a few of them myself!

 

[amandaw]

Not to worry you by any means, but Willow was never one of those kids either. It was a total fluke - and really very sweet. She was pretending to put in ear tubes (because we had recently talked about how she had had ear tubes put in when she was a toddler). Poor sweet thing - she was being imaginative and smart, and it resulted in a trip to the OR.

Oh no! At least it makes sense that she did it after y'all talked about ear tubes. But, that is still scary!

That's what I have always thought. I doubt there is anything that can be done about them, and we handle them pretty well. Obviously, if I can ever think of it at a doc appointment, I will mention it, but I don't think that will change anything.

You're right - it probably won't change anything. But, you might feel better just discussing it with the doc. I really hope she outgrows them soon!

You are both working hard to have the life that you want - don't forget how hard YOU work too! BTW, as a parent who does both, sometimes going to work is the "down time" in comparison to parenting.

Indeed! I do tell him all the time that he at least gets to the leave his office, I don't! On the days when Reid decides he wants to push every one of my buttons, I'm absolutely exhausted by his bedtime.

What movie are you watching???

I was watching "Remember Me". It was good but it starts off horribly depressing & ends extremely depressing. I feel like I need to be on Prozac just from watching it.

And, BTW, I am often so glad to have you girls on here to chat with and re-live our happiest memories with. Day-to-day life can be tough sometimes - it is nice to have this escape time.

Awww, thanks! I'm so glad to have chat time with y'all, too. It's so fun getting to know y'all through our different TRs & PTRs. It is so fun getting to share our Disney memories!

 

[amandaw]

By the way......shouldn't you have a new ticker?

 

[megan511]

I got so behind!

I'm glad you got your suitcases under the bed! Seriously, what would we do with out the Dis?

I love Willow as Cinderella!

I love that your servers had Willow's cup waiting for her every night. That is so sweet, sounds like you had great servers.

I'm so glad Disney was able to accommodate your gluten allergy. I can't imagine not eating bread, I am an addict. Your ice cream looked and sounded delicious!

The Hunger Games are sooooo good! I had many a late night when I was reading them.

Willow's fall sounds so scary! I can't imagine how that must have felt for either of you. I'm glad she was ok! My brother has those nosebleeds too. I hope Willow outgrows them. My brother is 22 and still gets them but not very often.

I have to say I applaud you for letting Willow decide if she wanted to try the top bunk again. As a person who grew up with a mom who is literally scared of everything and didn't let her kids face anything I think it's great that you are letting Willow face her fears and get over them. My mom would have never let us do that, (or take us on a cruise for that matter.) I have so many anxieties now as a product of my childhood and I'm really trying to raise my kids to face things and not be scared of the world. Ok, now that you know way more about me than you wanted to my point is I think you are a really great mom.

Your breakfast looks soo good! No judgement here about anything you eat on vacation! I feel like a kindred spirit about the wine too. Sometimes you need a drink at the end of the day! And you are superwoman for doing it on your own so have as many as you like!

 

[pas130]

Thanks pas!

You know, I know that nobody owes me a break. And I'm good with that. But it was kind of disappointing that they finally caught on to the fact that this would be a perfect opportunity to give me such a break, and then there was no follow-through. Part my fault, of course. I could have brought it up on a better night, but I hate asking for things like that!

This is so much like me

 

[snarfieca]

I am enjoying your TR; thanks for posting and the great pictures.

That fall little Willow had sounded scary. I always had nosebleeds when I was a kid also. Some were really bad.

I'm looking forward to reading more os your trip.

We're sailing in 5 weeks.

Brenda
from MB

 

[karajeboo]

Just read your entire TR to date and must comment. <Ahem> first off Willow is adorable!!! Love that she brought all those princess dresses. Glad to know I'm not the only princess who knows how to pack. Second, what's up with the Judie's ditching you for boarding???? Not cool Judie's, not cool. Third, I am very relived that we got the wine issue sorted out. I was a bit scared for a minute there, and then I realized you were writing a CLIFFHANGER!!!!!

Finally, champagne, book, bar, champagne, no kids, champagne, quiet, champagne, alone..... Dang! I just looked up and my family is still here and I have no champagne!!!! Ally and I are toying with the idea if a quick 3 night DCL cruise next fall just to get us to gold status before our NYE Fantasy cruise. Yes I'm that shallow....actually just hoping it would help me score Remy and Palo! But I was worried about being alone while Ally was in the Edge. But you have given me new food for thought....er champagne for drink?

 

[RGirl]

ummmmm Hashbrowns are my favorite part of breakfast -- excellent vacation food!

I was delighted to wake up and discover that you had doubled up on the updates! A bonus

I have been very fortunate that my parents have always been so very helpful with my son -- he spends Friday nights with them and it has always been so nice and helpful - even if I am just working late to get caught up, it is so nice to not have to worry for a few hours

I think Willow is quite something to say she wanted to sleep up top again! Love a brave little girl -- encourage the adventuress!

(BTW -- I have no idea how to do the quote thing on the new mobile app...)

I hope your boss is able to work something out with your job grade. Working for someone you like and trust is such a bonus I have my fingers crossed for you!

Wow - every Friday night with the grandparents. How wonderful for ALL of you!

I am still adjusting to the app too. There is a little pull-down arrow on the right side of the user name bar where you can "quote," I think. Of course, I'm on the computer now so going by memory. Which we all know is questionable at best.... :

Thanks! I hope things work out here. I just don't feel right about leaving.

I'm with you on letting Willow make that decision...you are so right about "getting back up after the fall."

Yeah, those hash browns are pretty good, even though they look less than edible. I can eat a few of them myself!

I do think it's important to encourage trying again and not letting fear get the best of you - within reason, of course.

Dang! I wish I had some of those hash browns right now!

By the way......shouldn't you have a new ticker?

Patience, young grasshopper, patience.

I got so behind!

I'm glad you got your suitcases under the bed! Seriously, what would we do with out the Dis?

I love Willow as Cinderella!

I love that your servers had Willow's cup waiting for her every night. That is so sweet, sounds like you had great servers.

I'm so glad Disney was able to accommodate your gluten allergy. I can't imagine not eating bread, I am an addict. Your ice cream looked and sounded delicious!

The Hunger Games are sooooo good! I had many a late night when I was reading them.

Willow's fall sounds so scary! I can't imagine how that must have felt for either of you. I'm glad she was ok! My brother has those nosebleeds too. I hope Willow outgrows them. My brother is 22 and still gets them but not very often.

I have to say I applaud you for letting Willow decide if she wanted to try the top bunk again. As a person who grew up with a mom who is literally scared of everything and didn't let her kids face anything I think it's great that you are letting Willow face her fears and get over them. My mom would have never let us do that, (or take us on a cruise for that matter.) I have so many anxieties now as a product of my childhood and I'm really trying to raise my kids to face things and not be scared of the world. Ok, now that you know way more about me than you wanted to my point is I think you are a really great mom.

Your breakfast looks soo good! No judgement here about anything you eat on vacation! I feel like a kindred spirit about the wine too. Sometimes you need a drink at the end of the day! And you are superwoman for doing it on your own so have as many as you like!

Hi Megan!

I can report that I am nearly through the second Hunger Games book thanks to my new read-during-time-outs strategy!

That is so sad about your mom. My mom was not that bad by any means, but I do know that I was very impressionable and picked up on anything that caused fear in her or that she didn't like and then would copy her. I don't want Willow to do that.

Thank you for all the kind words. If I had a glass of wine right now, I would raise it to you!

This is so much like me

I am enjoying your TR; thanks for posting and the great pictures.

That fall little Willow had sounded scary. I always had nosebleeds when I was a kid also. Some were really bad.

I'm looking forward to reading more os your trip.

We're sailing in 5 weeks.

Brenda
from MB

Welcome! Thanks for joining in!

Did you eventually stop having the nose bleeds? I just have no experience with this!

5 weeks! So exciting. I am a bit jealous.......

 

[RGirl]

Just read your entire TR to date and must comment. <Ahem> first off Willow is adorable!!! Love that she brought all those princess dresses. Glad to know I'm not the only princess who knows how to pack. Second, what's up with the Judie's ditching you for boarding???? Not cool Judie's, not cool. Third, I am very relived that we got the wine issue sorted out. I was a bit scared for a minute there, and then I realized you were writing a CLIFFHANGER!!!!!

Finally, champagne, book, bar, champagne, no kids, champagne, quiet, champagne, alone..... Dang! I just looked up and my family is still here and I have no champagne!!!! Ally and I are toying with the idea if a quick 3 night DCL cruise next fall just to get us to gold status before our NYE Fantasy cruise. Yes I'm that shallow....actually just hoping it would help me score Remy and Palo! But I was worried about being alone while Ally was in the Edge. But you have given me new food for thought....er champagne for drink?

Welcome Kara! I am loving your report!

I am happy to report that we enjoyed plenty of wine during the cruise. And cocktails. And champagne.

Oh, you should do the Fall cruise - any excuse! Honestly, you will find tons of fun things to do by yourself. Might I recommend a little champagne to while away the hours?

 

[RGirl]

11. A Wee Tour of the Wonder

When I last left you, we had been chowing down again. This time at Triton’s.

After our tasty breakfast, DD went to the kids’ club in order to avoid the boredom that might soon ensue with a promise from me that I would pick her up in time for a very important meeting at noon, and I went back to the room to shower and prepare for a little Wonder touring! (I am not sure what The Judies did - I am quite sure that they went back to their room too because that is usually what they did, but I really have no idea!) Now, I love my child. A lot. But, oh lord, I was so excited that I was going to be able to wander around BY MYSELF and just look at whatever I wanted to. I was totally overwhelmed by the idea. I haven’t done that anywhere (much less a DISNEY SHIP) in over five years! I was quite nearly out of my mind!

Anyway, my tour of the Wonder began with the view from our verandah!

After that, my plan was to head down to deck 3 and start my tour there. I was hoping to get a peek at most of the main areas of the ship before noon when I had a date with DD.

Here are some shots of the entrance area of Parrot Cay without the rush of a meal going on:

Parrot Cay is all the way aft on Deck 3, so I headed forward, through the Promenade Lounge, toward the atrium. This is the hallway outside of Triton’s.

Some shots of the atrium. (The entrance to Triton’s is up those few steps behind the Ariel statue.)

Forward from the atrium is Route 66 where you can find Wave Bands, Cadillac Lounge, and Diversions.

I am trying to remember why I didn’t get any pics of those above places, and I think it was because bingo was just about to start (11:00), and the hallway was packed with people wanting to get into Wave Bands for that. I figured I would have ample opportunity to come back and take pics another time.

Thwarted from my Route 66 plans (again - remember last night????), I walked upstairs to explore Deck 4. As you walk down this hallway, there are shops on your right and left, and straight ahead, you will come to the Walt Disney Theater.

Some shots of the cute shop windows:

At the end of the corridor:

And then my wave phone vibrated!

Up next: 12. A Royal Visit​

 

[megan511]

I love the pics of the Wonder! I felt like I was on a tour!

I completely understand what you mean! I love my kids more than anything but I love having some time to myself too. I would love to be able to walk around a Disney ship by myself!

I'm excited to see what you and Willow have planned. I hope your wave phone ringing is good not bad!

ETA: Thanks for the nice words. My mom and I have definitely improved on our relationship as I've gotten older. We are really close now but we still have our moments.

I will raise my imaginary wine glass too!