Excuse me, you'll need to see security. What has Mickeystoontown done? Update 3/25x2

[MEK]

Except for the last night, I think your cruise went well. I am so sorry the cruise had to end on a bad note.

I know that the meds that are used to treat seizure disorders are some of the same meds that are used to treat bipolar. I have seen some of the mood swings that come from bipolar and it has to be that the same neurons are affected in both disorders. I know that, personally, I can get really overwhelmed by crowds, loud noises, and a lot of chaos around me at times, so I can completely understand how "enough was enough". It does stink that you didn't have another dining option and had to basically eat hot dogs and fries for dinner. That's not cool.

I also can't believe that the cruise didn't have a standard set of directions back to WDW. That's ridiculous.

I also hate the fact that you had a smell in your stateroom for your whole stay.

Well, you tried it and you had an extremely open mind.

Let's get to the WDW portion of trip already then!

 

[PittypatBR]

Aww, Lisa, so sorry it ended on that bad note. And I can't imagine there being nothing to eat except hot dogs at that hour of the night. On other ships the casual dining room is open quite late. To be honest, I think part of the problem is that the Disney ship is so big and has so many passengers. I have only cruised on Holland America, and their ships are much smaller, so you don't get that huge crowd feeling. Plus the fact that you really can't get good deals on Disney cruises, so unlike WDW or Disneyland, you may not feel you get your money's worth. I have always loved going to the Disney parks because I always felt that even though it was expensive, the amenities and the magic made it so worth it. Moving you around to different dining rooms is confusing, the crowds waiting in line for everything is annoying, and you are paying a lot of money for that little tiny STINKY room. Someday try HAL, and I really think your experience would be better.
In the meantime, there is NOTHING like WDW. I am so happy that Mama is going along next year, and that your GIRL will be there too. It doesn't seem as though the cast members on the ship were trained as well as those in the parks! You so seldom encounter cast members at WDW who are less than enthusiastic and helpful. I am looking forward to the LAND part of the TR, and your PTR for next year!

 

[MHTeacher]

I'm sorry your cruise didn't turn out like you'd imagined it would. It's frustrating when we build something up in our mind, and then it doesn't turn out the same way. Knowing your family, I'm sure there were plenty of laughs along the way, so you have some good memories of being together! Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts and feelings about it!

One question about the cruise---Are you assigned a seat in the theatre, or is it first come, first serve? Just curious!

 

[KatMark]

Lisa, I'm so sorry the end of the cruise was such a bummer for you guys...from rude guests, to not helpful CM's, to John having some problems with his meds. And I'm so sorry that you cried on your last night. I can't even imagine how you were feeling.

I'm so hoping that your time at your "home" proves to be much happier for all of you.

 

[francis6306]

Thanks for being so honest! I'm sorry that you had a rough night, it is so hard to deal with those type of medical things. Don't want to hover, but you can't just wave a magic wand and make it better!

I do think that the rest of your cruise sounds like a lot of fun though! I would love to do a cruise, but they are seem so pricey compared to just a regular disney trip! It's on my Disney Bucket List though!

 

[jusero]

I am so sorry your cruise wasn't the Disney experience we have come to expect. But I know the second half of your vacation will be. Can't wait to read more.

I also understand epilepsy. My little brother had epilepsy until he was in his 20s when it just seemed to 'go away.' I pray that John's will just 'go away' too. And I also understand mood swings. I battle them too (though not from nearly as dangerous of a cause) stemming from diabetes. When my sugar level get out of whack, I can get pretty moody and cranky. Although it has taken DH many, many years to understand that my "crankiness" is out of my control and to become a bit more understanding. I mean, I feel bad enough as it is when I get cranky and moody, but when DH makes it out to be my fault, I feel even worse. John is lucky to have you on his side.

You are a strong lady with a big heart and your family is lucky to have you. Of course, I am pretty sure they know that.

 

[Stringbean&Wingnut]

I'm sorry to hear that the cruise wasn't what you had hoped it would be! It really is a lot of money to feel "stuck on a boat". I'm glad that John started feeling better after taking his medication though!

I hope the WDW portion of your trip treated you guys much better!!! (Starting with the odor of the room!)

 

[ditsypixie]

I am so sorry that your cruise didn't end on a happy note. I have always wanted to try one but my DH would go crazy, he would have the same thought as John..."stuck on a boat, with no where to go." I am glad you were open and honest with this part of your TR.

My sister in law has had epilepsy her whole life. I understand how difficult it can be to help but not hover when you see their medical situation changing right before your eyes. I will say an extra prayer tonight for your family.

I am looking forward to reading the next installments when you get back to your happy place

 

[Pyrate_Pryncess]

I'm really glad that you choose the 3 day cruise over the 7!

We have thought about cruising and we have gone back and forth about it. My kids are pretty young and I know they would enjoy it but, it all comes down to the money at this point! Do we want to spend that kind of money for what we "hope" will be a great time or do we want to spend less for what we "know" will be a great time!

I have read other reports that are similar to yours. Such high hopes and it turns out, the magic just isn't there for some reason.

My in-laws have cruised twice with Disney and both times, they actually woke up to wet bathrooms! Disney told them it was common in some rooms as the boat rocks! YUCK! Not something I want to wake up too!!!!!

Can't wait to follow along! I am sure that the rest of your trip was fantastic!

 

[Angies1274]

Lisa-I'm so sorry the cruise wasn't what you hoped it would be. I can imagine how frustrating and disappointing it was when you realized you spent all that money to try something new and it just wasn't what you thought. But, I can definitely understand why you felt that way especially with the stinky bathroom, rude guests and unhelpful CM. Really? She couldn't take a minute to find someone who could help you? It definitely doesn't sound like the wonderful service Disney usually delivers. I really hope that the WDW portion of your trip was much better!! I'm looking forward to reading about all your adventures.

 

[shan23877]

Oh Lisa I'm so sorry. I understand why you were disappointed. I sure hope that the WDW portion of the trip made up for it. (sending this from my phone - sure wish I had a hug smiley for you)

 

[eandesmom]

Oh Lisa, that update about broke my heart. There is nothing worse than being on a family vacation, one you have dreamed and hoped for, saved for and having things go so terribly wrong in a horrible nightmare domino effect.

I can see why the idea of going on another cruise was so incredibly unappealing in that moment and then many that followed.

I can also see how with time, it could become possible to separate a horrible perfect storm, from the cruise itself and consider giving it another shot.

A couple of things. I am shocked that Cabanas wasn't open. I was always under the impression that it was for dinner, all nights. I do know once we had that impression but it was just that one side was closed and we had to walk around. As I was reading your update I kept thinking room service and was relieved to see you finally went that route and got some food. The idea of you sobbing by the counter service locations is heartbreaking...yet I think most of us have been there on a family trip at one time or another and can relate. If not in actuality, in how our hearts felt at the moment. Thank you for sharing. Life isn't all sunshine and ponies, even at Disney.

Very dissapointed in guest services and directions, and the response you got from DCL. I've had a couple of similar experiences when taking things "up". Thankfully balanced out by the exact opposite at times too but it doesn't warm your heart the way you want it to does it. If you do another one, I'd choose a longer one. The guest demographic is different, and I think your experience would be too. Doesn't eliminate the stuck on a boat thing though.

 

[MissPrice]

Hi Lisa..I'm so sorry the last night of your cruise didn't turn out well. When you were describing John's symptoms, I for sure thought he was going to seize. Thank God he didn't. I hope the rest of your trip was magical and I can't wait to hear about it. -Amanda

 

[NoahsMommy3]

We're in the Birmingham Area (live outside B'ham, work in B'ham) so we're just expecting 4 - 10 inches of rain. Which I have no problemn with - asl long as it doesn't come all at once.

I always forget how much fun Miniature Golf is. We try to get to the Fantasia Course when we're at Disney, but I don't think we even have one around here.

Can't wait for more cruise update, Ms. Lucky.

We are also in the Birmingham area. Live outside Bham but my husband works downtown (I work in Trussville). I was actually looking for miniature golf places online last weekend (we've only lived here a year) & I came up empty handed! You would think there would be more things like that around here!

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

I too was sorry to read that you had a bad last night on the cruise. I think that's one of the problems with the shorter cruise, you get on the ship, stop at two poets and then your off the ship. Even on a 14 or 15 night cruise the last night can be stressful too, with having to pack everything up and have it out the door to be picked up. Heck the cruse director on both of my longer ones during their debarkation talk reminded everyone to have a change of clothes and shoes for the next day as they have seen many families walking off the ship in there PJ's and barefoot.

 

[TeresaNJ]

That really stinks to have your last night not turn out so well. Thank you for being so honest in your descriptions of everything. I can't even tell you how many times I've been to WDW since the first time we went in 1985, and for some reason something has held me back from going on the cruise, and I realized everything you had talked about is what is always nagging in the back of my mind when I even consider it. While it sounds like there are some wonderfully awesome times aboard the Disney cruise, for me I don't think it would make up for the inconveniences. For everything I love about WDW, it would be missing on the cruise.

I'm so happy John didn't have a seizure. My adult son suffers from bipolar, as well as anxiety, so I know how quickly things can change. He would never, ever do well on a cruise. At least at WDW you can get away from the instigating situation, and there is relative space if you need it.

Looking forward to the "land" part of your TR!

 

[Kathy Jetson]

I was waaayyyyy back on page 74 so after River fell asleep tonight I spent the last few hours catching up.

First of all Much Luck with the Moms Panel

I can't believe the cm's rude behavior at Cookies Too BBQ. Why would she feel the need to be so rude to someone?

I can't imagine the people telling their kids to take other peoples tubes. I know there are plenty of rude selfish people in the world but it seems people wouldn't be doing that to other people they are on the same cruise with and have a very good chance of bumping into again.

Your bike ride looked like it was fun and that you really did have a little piece of the island to yourselves.

When I read what you wrote about what you and John have to go through because of his epilepsy it brought tears to my eyes wishing you the best and that condition gets better.

The thing that makes me the most mad is the cm who would not give you directions to WDW. That has to be one of their most asked questions and its her JOB to make sure you get the info you need

I hope the trip turned around for you and the rest of your vacation was wonderful!

 

[Woth2982]

Oh Lisa, I broke down into tears reading about poor John. I can't even begin to imagine what he goes through. Sounds very much like when I would go to my Grandma's house and she would threaten to call the police because she didn't recognize me when she was at the early stages of her Alzheimer's disease. So terrible how diseases and disorders can effect the personality of our loved ones in such a negative way. I am glad John finally came around after getting his meds in him. I do not blame you for breaking down and crying, I probably would have lost it much sooner! I am shocked at the number of rude cast members you ran into that day! Very UN-Disneylike! It must have helped knowing you all were going to be seeing Lacy and Jesse very soon!

 

[Caretames1]

Oh Lisa! I just want o cry for you and then give a big ole hug.

I'm sorry you had an unpleasant cruise. I too hate that feeling of being stuck. I hope John felt better quickly after leaving the ship.

What a private Island experience. I think I'd rather be home than with all those uncouth people.

WDW & Lacey is next! This had better be good!

 

[sherylcin]

Oh my goodness!! What a way for your last night to play out. I'm glad you have some really great memories from the cruise that, as you've already said, over time have outweighed the bad. I think we've all been there at some point on a vacation (even without a chronic illness to deal with!!). Even Disney can't completely halt the intrusion of real life! I'm sure things will improve drastically now that you're on your way to our favorite place (with no help from that rude CM) and some great times with Lacey and Jessie. BTW, did you recover your iron from Security???