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

[Mndisneygirl]

I feel so bad for your family having a not so wonderful time on the cruise. I know cruising in general is not for everyone, but you seemed to have gotten some cruddy luck with a stinky room, rude people and such.

I know there are rude people everywhere (it seems to be getting worse!) but we all like to think that in the Disney bubble it will be less prevalent. Unfortunately, you saw that is not the case.

Inexcusable behavior from the CMs - the one at Cookies, and the guest services one for directions. I absolutely DO NOT believe they couldn't have helped you!! People must ask that all the time! That's just awful!

I have had crying moments on trips too - just such frustration or anger that you can't help it. It sucks. To have that coupled with your DH's health issues, and your family all agreeing you felt stuck, must have been awful.

I sure hope WDW helped all of you have a better trip!!

BTW- Did you get your iron back?

 

[hlrababy]

Okay first, I am loving your report!!

I had to comment on something. I was looking at your pictures in Nassau and something caught my eye. Your husbands shirt from Ole Smoky Moonshine!!! We love, love, love Gatlinburg and we have to visit the distillery every time we go up there. Isn't it funny how I am looking at all your wonderful pictures and the moonshine shirt catches my eye!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Okay first, I am loving your report!!

I had to comment on something. I was looking at your pictures in Nassau and something caught my eye. Your husbands shirt from Ole Smoky Moonshine!!! We love, love, love Gatlinburg and we have to visit the distillery every time we go up there. Isn't it funny how I am looking at all your wonderful pictures and the moonshine shirt catches my eye!

Thank you! He absolutely loves his Ole Smoky Moonshine shirts. Our daughter lives in Knoxville and we walked around Gatlinburg when we visited last Thanksgiving. The drive back to Louisiana from Pigeon Forge was the drive from HE**. Because of bumper to bumper traffic, it took us over 17 hours to make what would normally have been a 10 1/2 hour drive.

I feel so bad for your family having a not so wonderful time on the cruise. I know cruising in general is not for everyone, but you seemed to have gotten some cruddy luck with a stinky room, rude people and such.

I know there are rude people everywhere (it seems to be getting worse!) but we all like to think that in the Disney bubble it will be less prevalent. Unfortunately, you saw that is not the case.

Inexcusable behavior from the CMs - the one at Cookies, and the guest services one for directions. I absolutely DO NOT believe they couldn't have helped you!! People must ask that all the time! That's just awful!

I have had crying moments on trips too - just such frustration or anger that you can't help it. It sucks. To have that coupled with your DH's health issues, and your family all agreeing you felt stuck, must have been awful.

I sure hope WDW helped all of you have a better trip!!

BTW- Did you get your iron back?

Looking back on the cruise, I'm glad that we did it. It may be a while before we go back though.

The rude CM and the rude CM at the Guest Services desk were really really rude! I did not expect that from Disney castmembers.

**Iron report coming up next

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???

We've had a few issues with John's condition effecting our vacation before but this time was a bit more than usual. I think that his frustration at not really liking the cruise was a factor as well.

Iron report coming up in next installment

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!

Believe me, I wanted a hug when that was all going down. It was hard reliving it in my trip report too.

The beginning of our Castaway Cay day and the bike ride were highlights of the day. I just wish that others had been more considerate of those around them.

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!

I was in tears when I wrote it and when I went back and re-read it. John has never gotten really really "ugly" when epilepsy rears it's ugly head but it still sucks!

I never expected the Guest Services castmember to be so rude. It was shocking that she didn't try to help us at all.

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!

I couldn't believe that what started out being a wonderful peaceful day turned into a madhouse full of rude folks. I fully understand that Disney can't do a thing about the rude guests but their castmembers are a whole different story.

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!

If we ever do go on another cruise, I'm going to do tons more research. I am sure that there were more "quiet" things that we could have done while on the ship but I am not one to go off and leave my kids while John and I go clubbing or to a lounge. To me, a family vacation is just that...a vacation to spend with the family. I know...Hunter did abandon us a few hours each evening but that was only after we had spend the day together.

 

[mickeystoontown]

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!

I, too, wish the cruises hadn't ended the way it did. The combination of rude CMs, the rude guests and John not feeling well, did not make for a wonderful way to end a cruise.

John seems to be doing a lot better on these meds but there are still a few things that need to be worked on, in my opinion. I'm hoping that the neurologist will find the right recipe soon.

I don't know if it was just a fluke or what but the poopy smell sayed in our room the entire time. Bridora said that she didn't smell it and they were just a few doors down from us. But, they had a verandah so that may have helped get more ventilation in their room. It wasn't overwhelming but it wasn't pleasant, that's for sure.

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!

I always thought that there were places to dine almost 24/7 on the cruise ship. I guess it really was but, that night, hot dogs were on the menu.

Like I said above, the stinky smell lingered the entire trip. We made sure we kept the door closed until we had to go in there. We are beyond excited to have our whole crew going next year.

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!

We did have make some great cruise memories...pirate party, Believe and the first part of the Castaway Cay day.

We were not assigned seats in the theater. It was just go on in and find a seat.

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.

I normally do not cry when we have these type of situations but I just couldn't help myself that night.

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!

You know me, I always tell it like it is even if it's a pretty bad story to tell. It's very hard for me not to hover over him. I try not to but it's hard. Mama, on the other hand, has not mastered the art of sneaking a peek to make sure he's okay. She wants to baby him like crazy which drives him even nuttier. At least she cares.

The price of the cruise was a lot for us. We spent just a little over $3,000 for just the three of us. $3,000 would have gone a long way at WDW.

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.

I so wish John's epilepsy would just go away. Unfortunately, unless God decides to make the bruise disappear, I'm afraid we'll be dealing with it for the rest of John's life.

It's hard for me to keep my feelings at bay sometimes. I know that it's not John's fault for the way he's acting.

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!)

John did start to feel a bit better after taking his "magic" pills and then his nightly dosage.

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

I am very glad that we decided to go on the cruise. Take John's medical condition out of the equation and I would have to say that we did enjoy the cruise for the most part.

Thank you so much for the prayers!

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!

I am very glad that we didn't take a longer cruise. I think we would have gone stir crazy if we had.

Wet bathrooms? Yuck! When we mentioned the smell in our room to our stateroom host, he said that it was typical. No other explanation.

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.

Looking back on the cruise, I'm glad that we did it. We are such Disney fans that we found ourselves missing Walt Disney World.

I couldn't believe the CM didn't want to help us with our directions. I thought it was a pretty common question.

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)

I'm going to pretend I see that hug smiley and I appreciate it.

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.

I thought that Cabanas was open during lunch and dinner hours but it sure wasn't that evening. We walked in and it was completely empty. Not one person in sight.

We were both standing there slack jawed when the castmember refused to help us with directions. I thought that was a pretty standard question.

I'm thinking that the next cruise we take will be a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas or the Alaskan cruise. Mama wants to go to Alaska and said that she'd go on the cruise with us if we were to ever go.

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

I was thanking God that he didn't have a seizure too. The moodiness and shaking are all of his symptoms.

I hope to get another installment written soon.

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.

It's funny that you mentioned the PJs and barefoot comment. I kept reminding myself to keep out a suit of clothes for us to wear when we got off the ship.

 

[ddstratton]

I'm finally all caught up! I am so sorry that your cruise ended on a sour note. I loved reading your report of the cruise, though -- the good, the bad and the ugly. As much as seeing people's cruise reports makes me want to take a cruise, I know I would not love it. I don't do well with crowds. Actually, it's not the crowds. It's the feeling of not being able to get away from them.

On our first trip to Disney World, we managed to get stuck in the Splash Mountain area as a parade was starting. Talk about a crush of people. And because of where we were - we couldn't get away from the crowd until the parade had moved on. I was right on the edge of a full-fledged panic attack. Once the crowd got moving, I was fine.

I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm so sorry your cruise ended on a bad note, but I'm glad John felt better after taking his meds. That is my biggest fear about going on a cruise, the being "stuck" that you and John both mentioned. If you aren't enjoying yourself at WDW, or any other vacation, you can just leave, but not on a cruise. That's why I haven't really considered one. I sure hope your vacay improved once you made it back to WDW!

I'm sure that there were other "things" for us to do on the ship that we didn't take advantage of. We aren't the "social butterflies" though and don't like going clubbing or to the lounges. It's just not our thing.

Thank you so much for your honest re-telling of your experience! I'm so sorry that you had such a bad last night of your cruise. The fact that you shared it with all of us means that we can all see the good and bad sides of "cruising" and make more informed decisions about whether or not we would want to cruise sometime. Can't wait to hear more about the rest of your trip!!

Honesty is something that I'm known for. I know that there were some things that we could have taken advantage of on the ship and we didn't. If we were to go again, I'd do more research, that's for sure.

You know I fully understand and can relate to E! creeping into vacation plans. I'm glad that he gets warning. Anakin does too, except when they happen in his sleep.

I wish your last night on the boat had been better.

I thought about you when I was writing that installment. You definitely can understand the position we were in.

So sorry the cruise wasn't as "magical" as you'd hoped (and I am sure as magical as we were all hoping it would be for you). It's a bummer when something one looks forward to with great anticipation is less than we'd hoped for. Excited to finally hear about the land portion of your trip! And to see your photos. Hoping to see some resort photos up with your next installment before we head out.
Also, sorry for the difficult times you have with John's seizures. My DH is a diabetic and also suffers from seizures on occasion (usually several in a few months time and then none for years at a time So hard to figure anything out when it's like that. He will be on meds, then they take him off for a time and nothing will happen for a year or two, and then he will have several in a short period of time. I am hoping now that they just leave him on the meds. He is moody at times when his sugars are off. Like you, I just try to keep the peace. I understand it must not be easy for them, either. And I am sure that most of the time my DH doesn't even realize how he comes across at the time. I truly do understand how that is frustrating and sad for you at times. Being a caregiver (even if it's only sometimes) is a difficult spot to be in.
Hoping the next part of your adventure is magical once again!

Epilepsy and seizures are the oddest things, aren't they!?! It sounds like they should just keep your husband on his meds at all times so that you're not riding that "is he going to have a seizure" rollercoaster.

Being a caregiver (even if it's part time) is tough. When John suffers a seizure or even has a lot of the seizure symptoms, he sometimes can't remember things. He might not be able to tell you who the President is or what day it is. He always recognizes me though. I'm thankful that he can't remember everything because seizures are a horrible thing to witness.

Oh, my, I am so sorry that your last night on the ship was such an emotionally and physcially draining one!

I can totally understand how that happened! A mix of concern, and annoyance with a dash of buyers remorse added. Definitely not a great recipe!

I'm glad you were all able to work through it, and were able to get some dinner from room service while you prepared for your departure.

I am totally annoyed at that CM who wouldn't help you with driving directions.

1) Not such an unusual request that they shouldn't have the info available
2) Even if she didn't have the info, I imagine she had access to a computer with web access.
3) "Next!" is NOT an appropriate response when dealing with guests.

At least there will be a magical arch in your very near future (even though the cruise CMs didn't help you find it)

You know good and darn well that we weren't the first people who ever asked for directions to Walt Disney World. It blew my mind that the CM simply refused to help us.

Heck, at the CBR, they had pre-printed directions to the Port. You'd think the cruiseline had pre-printed directions to Walt Disney World.

You know from my TRs that I don't usually hold back because I think that is all part of the experience and the TR wouldn't be true if we weren't honest. And sometimes, as hard as it is to bring those memories back up, in the end I think it makes you stronger and wiser. Plus as much as we all love Disney for being full of magical Pixie Dust...sometimes there isn't enough magic to remove us from real life!

So sorry that the last day of this part of the trip was so lousy! You wrote that so well that I really was able to empathize since I have had similar moments (but no epilepsy involved to influence the bad situation). Keith doesn't like to cruise because of the fact he feels stuck on a ship and we got so bored on the ship. We enjoyed our stops but the rest of the time it seemed so confined. Chris is dying to go on one for his senior vacation and last night we were talking. Carnival is the cheapest but I just feel like that is similar to staying in a Motel 6 (never traveled Carnival so just my impression) but when I mentioned Disney Cruiselines and their great military discounts, Keith was all over the Disney cruise...I do believe he is becoming a believer!!!

Like you, I feel that I need to include the bad along with the good when I write my reports. I am thankful that the bad doesn't always make an appearance.

When we were docked in both ports, I could see the other ships (especially the one by us in Nassau) and they did, indeed, look like Motel 6 compared to the Disney ship.

Lisa, I wish your cruise had been a better turn out. I'm a little shocked by the Disney's reaction to your unpleasant time on the ship.

I know I've said it before, but you've mentioned every icky reason why I wouldn't ever want to be on a ship with my family. I could see doing it alone or with some girlfriends at a MAJOR discount, but not for the kind of money they expect.
My husband hates crowds, which in turn has taught me to very conscious of them (when they never really bothered me before) when I'm with him, and when I'm worried about hubby's moods it takes away from what I'm doing at the moment.
Your a good wife to keep up with your hubby and I wished y'all had a better experience, again I'm surprised at how unhelpful you found Disney people to be.

I have a sneaking feeling y'all are about to get your happy on and have a great time once you get to WDW.

I was a bit shocked that Disney didn't respond in a different way as well. The letter to them was very detailed too.

It's very odd that John's not too bothered by large crowds. It does hinder his hearing when there are lots of crowds around though. He's worked around big machines since he was young and it's mad his hearing bad.

I'm betting that you're right about the next part of the trip being very very good.

Your husband words."He said that he felt like “we are on a boat with nowhere to go and we’re stuck”. This is the same words my husband use everytime we discuss the cruise option. As myself I do not stand rude people, it really upset me and make me mad. Crowds there is always crowds at Disney but as DH said we always can pack an go ... in a boat you are trapped. I really was waiting for your report about castaway since that is the 80% of the reason we want to go in a D.C. and after reading the past report I decided it was not whortwhile for us. We are Disney lovers and I believe our money will be better expend at wdw.

I feel really sorry the cruise was not what you expected, but I'm sure the trip got a lot better after you went to your "home away of home" cannot wait to read about it.

In the legal field (and specifically working for a family law attorney), I have to deal with rude people day in and day out. I can tolerate them pretty well but it's hard sometimes. When I heard the people on Castaway Cay telling their kids to just take somebody else's tube, I almost spoke up.

The next installment has us in a much better frame of mind!

I am sorry your cruise didnt end so well. I hope getting back to cbr makes up for it. John will br in my prayers. Maybe a few more people sending them up to god will be louder and finally be answered.

Thank you for the prayers! I say every prayer helps!

Last days at your less than favorite place seem to end up just crappy. For us, it's EPCOT, which is why we say, "Never end on EPCOT."

I am hoping that the last part of your trip, with more family at WDW itself helped soothed the waters. No pun intended.

The last days really are crappy and John's medical condition made it even crappier.

Next installment is coming up very soon!

oh gosh..I am so sad the evening turned out crappy. I would've ate without Skip though.

You are right..that is a landing strip on Castaway cay. I forget why it was originally built. I think it was some rich guys private isalnd oor something. Thre is a site all about the island.

BUT then when no one was living there or visiting it became a drug smuggleing base and they used that strip to make exchanges. I should go google and see if I can find the link.


Aha..here is a link to one of those histories.

http://www.disneydispatch.com/content/columns/the-626/2011/04-the-colorful-story-of-castaway-cay/

Nah, you'd have stuck around and made sure that Skip was okay. If John hadn't come back when he did, I would have gone to look for him. When he starts feeling like he did, I don't like leaving him alone.

Thanks for the link!

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'm finally all caught up! I am so sorry that your cruise ended on a sour note. I loved reading your report of the cruise, though -- the good, the bad and the ugly. As much as seeing people's cruise reports makes me want to take a cruise, I know I would not love it. I don't do well with crowds. Actually, it's not the crowds. It's the feeling of not being able to get away from them.

On our first trip to Disney World, we managed to get stuck in the Splash Mountain area as a parade was starting. Talk about a crush of people. And because of where we were - we couldn't get away from the crowd until the parade had moved on. I was right on the edge of a full-fledged panic attack. Once the crowd got moving, I was fine.

I'm looking forward to hearing about the rest of your trip!

Hey! Umm, hearing your crowd story makes me wonder if you'd like a cruise. The common/public areas were always busy when we were there. I don't know if we hit them at the wrong time(s) or what.

 

[deedeew80]

Hi Lisa! So sorry about the not so great experience on the cruise and of course the situation with John didn't help Another reason on my list of reasons why I don't want to go on a cruise.....the feeling of being "stuck" with no where to go! I think that worries me more than the possibility of getting sick, going overboard, the water, etc. I just am so afraid I would hate it & want to leave & not be able to! That scares me! Maybe one day..... Well, the cruise is over & WDW awaits you!!! So excited for the rest of this TR!!! My parents leave tomorrow morning for WDW I am so jealous!!!!! LOL!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Hi Lisa! So sorry about the not so great experience on the cruise and of course the situation with John didn't help Another reason on my list of reasons why I don't want to go on a cruise.....the feeling of being "stuck" with no where to go! I think that worries me more than the possibility of getting sick, going overboard, the water, etc. I just am so afraid I would hate it & want to leave & not be able to! That scares me! Maybe one day..... Well, the cruise is over & WDW awaits you!!! So excited for the rest of this TR!!! My parents leave tomorrow morning for WDW I am so jealous!!!!! LOL!

You'll remember that one of John's worries before we left was falling overboard. You'd have to, literally, climb up and over the railing in order to fall.

You mean to tell me that you didn't try to stow away in your parents' luggage? I know I would have tried.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Morning!

Thank you all so very much for the kind words regarding my last installment. While John knows that I write my trip reports and include all details, I didn't tell him just how in depth I went writing that last one. It's not that I'm keeping it a secret from him, I just don't want to dredge up not-so-great memories for him. It was really hard for me to write it and I found myself crying as I wrote it and then again when I re-read it.

My boss is going out of town on for a family law seminar on Thursday and Friday of this week so I'm trying to get everything that I can done before he leaves. That will leave me time to write more on my trip report. I say that and then all heck will probably break loose here at the office.

I promise that the next portion of our trip was fantastic!

 

[Bethislucy]

John's comment about being stuck is why I don't want to go on a cruise. I am a control freak I'll admit it and stuck on ship in the middle of the ocean that i have no control over just don't sound like my cup of tea. At least if i'm on dry land as long as i have my car I can go. I am sorry it wasn't as fun but I'm sure y'all more than made up for it when you got back to CBR.

 

[heatherlekay]

Yikes! Sorry your cruise had a not so happy ending :-(
Poor John, I can imagine how bad he felt. It's terrible when you want everyone to have a great time and something happens that you physically have no control over. Not going into details but my husband has a medical issue that sometimes causes my best laid plans to go awry so I can somewhat relate.
Can't wait to hear about your CBR stay-I love that place-and hope you guys have a much better finishing of your trip!

 

[MissLiz]

Aww, Lisa, so sorry to hear about the way your cruise ended. I know how hard it is to have to be the strong one and not show your feelings, but sometimes it just gets to be too much and you just have to have a good cry.

We love cruising, but I will admit that on our last cruise (not Disney), I did feel like we were stuck, but I think that was more about traveling with a 2-year-old that was too young for the kids club and having to entertain her night and day. Thank goodness she will be old enough for the kids club on our next cruise.

I can't wait to hear how your Disney portion goes!

 

[redheadedmermaid73]

My DH has been on a cruise before and loved it so now he's trying to convince me to go on one. My biggest hesitation is that I'll wind up feeling like you and your DH did-like I'm stuck in the middle of the ocean with no way off. So sorry you didn't have a good time though. I can't wait to read about the rest of your trip! (You are going to continue, right? )

 

[Bridora]

Lisa, I hate that your cruise ended on such a bad note. I remember saying to Davis that it was funny that we had seen y'all so much earlier on in the cruise and then after the Pirate night we didn't see y'all again. I wish you had been off having fun instead of dealing with the things you were. I admire your family for the way you handled such a stressful situation - in the midst of the crowd on the ship. I didn't even know the last part of your cruise was so bad.



Looking forward to you next installment - when you're back in your happy place!

 

[pwdebbie]

My parents have been long time cruisers. But they have no desire for a Disney cruise. And they will not book a cruise unless they can get it for $100 / night for each of them. They just returned from a ten-day cruise to New England and Canada. In one port, the Disney Magic was docked behind them. Mom thought it was ugly and looked like a pirate ship.

So, maybe you should try another cruise, but a different cruise line. Same ports (well, except for that particular "private island" -- but other cruise lines have them too) and shop around for a better price. If you are willing to do it again, that might be the better way to go.

 

[crystalk]

I have been reading your last few trip reports, quietly. I'm not much of a commenter But I thank you for sharing, you have much insight that makes me want to go again, and again, and again.
In Jan/Feb 2011 we went on the 4 night cruise and 9 nights in DW. It was my first time to Disney, any disney. I loved the cruise, especially for group that we were travelling with. My Parents-in-law, my husband and 2 girls aged 7 and 9. We skipped nassau (nothing on that island made me overly excited to go and there was plenty to do on the ship) and went on the aquaduck instead, we went to a couple movies, the theatre shows, and I loved Castaway Cay. My girls played in the sand all day and my husband snorkelled ALL DAY (he was burnt). I am sorry you didn't have the same great experience we did. And I am extra sorry you didn't get to eat in Animators Palette, which I thought was the best, theming and food wise. My husband would like to go on another cruise (he could take or leave the parks) and if we do I'd like to do more of the Disney boat tours (where they show you around the ship and explain different aspects) and the family friendly D-Lounge where they have family contestant type shows.
Anyhoo all this to say, I hope you do try again. I'm sure with a little extra looking over the navigator you'd find fun for the whole family, Grandma included!!

 

[mickeystoontown]

Ahoy Me Mateys! Did ye know that it be National Talk Like A Pirate Day? To celebrate this unarggggghuably wonderful day, I thought that ye scurvy wenches and lads might enjoy a pirate joke or two or three or four while I'm slaving away at the next installment of me trip report.


Where do pirates go to have breakfast?

IHOP


What did the pirate say when he crashed his pirate ship into an iceberg?

Shiver Me Timbers!


What did the pirate say when he took over Santa's job?

Ho Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum!


How much did the pirate pay to have his ears pierced?

A buccaneer


What has 8 arms and 8 legs?

A pirate


I know that ye be groanin' from those awful jokes right now so I'll cease my bilge talk. I know that Dead Men Tell No Tales but I, as Cap'n of this trip report do tell tales so I'm off to unlock my photographs from Davy Jones' Locker. Godsped! for now!

 

[Caretames1]

Ahoy!

Funny!

How come when I try to talk like a pirate, I sound like I'm trying to speak in Scottish accent??

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[PhoenixStrength]

Ahoy!

Funny!

How come when I try to talk like a pirate, I sound like I'm trying to speak in Scottish accent??

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I thought I was the only one with that problem!!

Lisa, thank you for the pirate jokes.