Experiment-627: A Caribbean Double with a Wilderness Chaser

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Lots of people in that boat, and no shame in it. I told you before, my wife has the same struggle. I think it's because of the jerk she married.

Yah… but by the same logic, I’d have to blame Tam… and that ain’t happin’

Actually it was our conversation that led me to toss that out there. It aint something I’m proud of, but if you know that it might help you understand where I’m coming form at times.

Sounds like an excellent two-pronged strategy to me!

Agreed! Put raising our son in between the first two, and add music just beside and a little to the left of the last one, and you now know the cocktail of Meds that I’m using to fight he problem.

Don't you wish you were independently wealthy enough to just throw everything out and buy new stuff when you get back?

Close… I want to be just independently wealthy enough to regularly go on the trips where I would then be wishing I were independently wealthy enough to just throw everything out and buy new stuff when I got home.

Nothing jumped out at me either. Better to save room for the beef.

Andy’s solution was good as well, but saving room for beef is high on my list of good choices (while I was at it… I should have order two servings).

That's a shame. Sounds like he was fantastic. The bit about wearing his own clothes is an interesting point, though.

It was an interesting conversation. They really spend a lot of time working and don’t get as many breaks as you might think. When they’re not in the dinning rooms, there are any number of other stations that they may be responsible for.

Glad you agree on pie. That's always tops on my list as well.

Pie = unquestionable awesomeness

No surprise on the pie, but I'm surprised they didn't at least offer something with chocolate on the menu.

Yah… I was a might disappointed by that fact

Fire makes everything better!

I could think of a couple of minor exceptions to that rule, but other then that I say…

Man Law!!!

I really enjoyed seeing all the flags. That was pretty cool.

You could tell that the folks carrying the banners were quite proud to be doing so. They steps a little lighter and stood a little straighter.

I guess this means you're finally getting to the part about Wilderness Lodge now.
Thanks for getting to it and giving me some tips before my trip.

Yah I deserved that one. I’d like to say something like “hay I’m doing better then Don or even Aaron”, but that’s just deflecting the barb and they’re not reading along to defend themselves. The truth still remains: I deserved that one.

Ooo, now this is new. Only being on the 4 night cruise, we didn't have this particular meal. The parade of nations and flaming desserts sounds like a lot of fun!

It was a lot of fun. One of these days you’re going to take your family on a longer cruise. You’ve been bitten already… it’s going to be unavoidable.

It’s your destiny…

I have NOT forgotten you. I've been following along on every update but I just haven't had time to make comments (out of town to visit with our youngest son and girlfriend over the weekend, and getting ready to go see the Mouse this Thursday).

Updates are great...and the food looks marvelous.

Glad you’re still following (hope I haven’t been wasting your time). I knew that you were just about to head off on a number of trips, and I have so few readers (of the type that are will to admit to doing so that is) that I certainly wouldn’t be fussing at one of them about their post count.

I’m looking forward to joining on to the new TR that you’ll be starting in the near and following along from the get-go.

 

[KatMark]

Thanks for understanding. We were in Iowa this weekend, and I leave Thursday for Disney and come home on the 31st. I'll be sure to let you know when I start the TR.

And I'm thoroughly enjoying your TR.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Chapter 8: The Wire - Day 5 (Thursday)

Part 7: Crossroads
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We’ve come to the point where everything changes. The road we’ve been on has reached its terminus and we need to decide on a new direction. Sometimes a crossroad of this type can be life altering.

Most of the time, they just mark a new phase in a continuing journey. None of this is necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes change is hard; sometimes it is inconvenient; sometimes you just don’t want the moment to end. But… end it does.


As we left dinner in the Royal Palace, folks were starting to gather in the grand atrium for one last DCL tradition…

The final goodbye

There was a little bit of time yet before this last soiree would commence, so we headed up to “Shutters” to see if we wanted to purchase any of the pictures that had been taken of our group by the ships photographers. It’s an interesting system. There is a line of bookcase cabinets along the port side of Deck-4 overlooking the atrium.

Each case is filled with binders, and each binder holds all the photographic originals for one stateroom that were taken across the duration of the cruise. You just find the binder for your cabin and all the available images will be there. One drawback is that it’s not always open so consult your Navigator. It can be a fairly congested area to navigate as well, so it’s best to avoid traveling through here during dinner and show times (and I’d advise that you find some off time to look over your pictures).

Another down side it that the Photos taken by the Shutter staff are fairly expensive.
For wealthy folks and “pretty” folks, this point may be moot. But, being as we are convinced that as a group… we ain’t very photogenic… it’s rather hard to convince us to pay a steep ransom for pictures of something we don’t much like lookin’ at. Now I know that my DW is beautiful, but she disagrees (vehemently). She thinks I’m right hansom, but on this account… she’s obviously just completely daft. We both think our boy is not a bad looker… but he’s utterly indifferent. So when we collectively look at pictures of “us”… we generally don’t much like what we see. Someone is going to object.

So much for that expedition…



Oh well… at least while we were up here, we’ve got a relatively decent vantage point from which to view the festivities. The last party of the cruise is called the “See Ya’ Real Soon” show. They hold it in the atrium and on the grand staircase and overlook above (Decks-3 and 4).

It’s basically a thank you for choosing to spend your time (and dinero) with DCL. There is a good bit of music and a whole lot of characters. Depending on where you stand (which is a function of how early you get there) it’s a good photo-op. As it starts wrapping up, each of the major characters ascends the grand staircase. They’re given a final introduction, say their goodbyes and exit the stage.

This continues on until Mickey himself, along with the Cruise Director and her staff, offer their heartfelt thanks.

Queue the final grand chords of the orchestration… fire off copious amount of glitter and confetti… and everyone cheers a mighty cheer and returns a thunderous round of applause.

As the crowd starts to break up… the younger kids will often be scarring around on all fours trying to collect up all the bits of sparkly Mickey-shaped confetti strewn across the carpet. It’s kind’a fun to watch. We just milled around a bit waiting for folks to clear out of the Deck-4 area so we could take a couple of pictures.

Max was going to take one of mom & dad, but one of the CMs saw what we were up to and offered to take one of all of us.

Not bad (it’d been better if I weren’t mucking it up, but I can’t fix that).


We finally retreated back to our cabin to settle in and were greeted by our obligatory towel critter of the evening…

a bunny-doggy-wolverine-ish-kinda-whats’it.

Well… it wasn’t a porcupine at least, and it was appreciated either way. Of course the beds were turned down (which was no small task considering that we had the carry-off bags and the last of the packing strewn all over them), and chocolates were awaiting imminent savoring. By now I was left with only one last bit of housekeeping to attend to. The magnets on the door needed to be changed just a might.

Here are the images of the ones you haven’t seen before.
These were designed specifically to express our opinion of this current phase of the trip.

(as usual and if you really want to, just click on each image to see an enlarged version)




I rather like the HAL-9000 image. It was fun putting that one together




The last magnet image up there is part of another tradition that we have. A little earlier I hunted down our room steward and made sure that he got his tip for the cruise, but I also gave him that last magnet to keep (which is why you don’t see it in the picture of the door). Now… I don’t expect any of the CMs to whom I’ve offered these bit of nonsense to actually save them (I mean, they each look after a dozen or so different cabins with different occupants every few days), but it’s just something I like to do.




One last trip up to Deck-11 to fill the drink cups…


One last look out on the water…


One last walk of the decks and halls…


And it time to turn in for the night.









Tomorrow we reach the next crossroad and it’s time to turn in a different direction.

​

 

[FreezinRafiki]

It was a lot of fun. One of these days you’re going to take your family on a longer cruise. You’ve been bitten already… it’s going to be unavoidable.

It’s your destiny…

I agree. Which makes the fact that our next cruise is booked as a 3 night all the more ironic...

Another down side it that the Photos taken by the Shutter staff are fairly expensive.

Fairly expensive? No, the boat is "fairly big." Those pictures were ridiculously expensive.

It’s basically a thank you for choosing to spend your time (and dinero) with DCL. There is a good bit of music and a whole lot of characters. Depending on where you stand (which is a function of how early you get there) it’s a good photo-op. As it starts wrapping up, each of the major characters ascends the grand staircase. They’re given a final introduction, say their goodbyes and exit the stage.

The late "See Ya Real Soon" party was a bit too late for us, but we did get to the earlier one (4:30ish maybe?) There were a few tears flowing at the end of that one.

I don't care what you say - you're a handsome bunch. And that's that.

The last magnet image up there is part of another tradition that we have. A little earlier I hunted down our room steward and made sure that he got his tip for the cruise, but I also gave him that last magnet to keep (which is why you don’t see it in the picture of the door). Now… I don’t expect any of the CMs to whom I’ve offered these bit of nonsense to actually save them (I mean, they each look after a dozen or so different cabins with different occupants every few days), but it’s just something I like to do.

They may not save them, but I'l sure they appreciate them!

 

[afwdwfan]

As we left dinner in the Royal Palace, folks were starting to gather in the grand atrium for one last DCL tradition…

The final goodbye

I think you forgot to write about the part where you handcuffed yourself to a railing somehwere on the boat so that they can't get rid of you.

Each case is filled with binders, and each binder holds all the photographic originals for one stateroom that were taken across the duration of the cruise.

I'm shocked that it is pictures in binders. I figured everything would be stored digitally until purchased.

Another down side it that the Photos taken by the Shutter staff are fairly expensive.

It is a picture from Disney. I can't even remember how much they wanted for that picture at Chef Mickeys. I'm pretty sure it is because I passed out when they told us the price.

Oh well… at least while we were up here, we’ve got a relatively decent vantage point from which to view the festivities.

At least that makes the trip worthwhile.

Queue the final grand chords of the orchestration… fire off copious amount of glitter and confetti… and everyone cheers a mighty cheer and returns a thunderous round of applause.

Cheers and tears...

 

[FreezinRafiki]

I think you forgot to write about the part where you handcuffed yourself to a railing somehwere on the boat so that they can't get rid of you.

Didn't you see Titanic? That usually doesn't end well. And we can't all have Kate Winslet come rescue us. But we can dream...

 

[afwdwfan]

Didn't you see Titanic?

No. No I didn't.

I had a pretty good idea how it was going to end though.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Most of the time, they just mark a new phase in a continuing journey. None of this is necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes change is hard; sometimes it is inconvenient; sometimes you just don’t want the moment to end. But… end it does.

Like every vacation.

Another down side it that the Photos taken by the Shutter staff are fairly expensive.

This is like saying our National Debt is "somewhat high." We enjoyed looking at the pictures...and then put them back in the folder.

You're too modest. That's a great shot.

Tomorrow we reach the next crossroad and it’s time to turn in a different direction.

Towards one of my favorite places...

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Well… It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted an update here and I do apologize for that. Life kept getting a bit in the way. But I do promise that I’ve got an update coming up momentarily. Of course, it deals with the one last bit of our stay on the Dream, so y’all will have to wait just a might longer before we get to the WL (it’s coming up… I swear, but we need to finish up with the process of “being kicked off” one truly wonderful ship).

I agree. Which makes the fact that our next cruise is booked as a 3 night all the more ironic...

It’s just going to feed the addiction. Tamara is already trying to figure out how to get us back on a DCL ship (and she’ll likely be able to convince me of the need with little difficulty if she pushes the issue).

Fairly expensive? No, the boat is "fairly big." Those pictures were ridiculously expensive.

I was attempting to sugar coat it a might (it’s a South’rn thing).

The late "See Ya Real Soon" party was a bit too late for us, but we did get to the earlier one (4:30ish maybe?) There were a few tears flowing at the end of that one.

Its odd… as well maintained as their ships are… there always seems to be a lot dust in the air when they do that last show. It just messes with you eyes every time.

I don't care what you say - you're a handsome bunch. And that's that.

Well… two of them are anyway.
Thanks!

They may not save them, but I'l sure they appreciate them!

I hope so. The last fella looked at me like I was just a little bit off my rocker, but since that’s actually true… I can live with it.

I think you forgot to write about the part where you handcuffed yourself to a railing somehwere on the boat so that they can't get rid of you.

It was considered… but we all know just how resourceful CMs are… they’d have quickly found a way to remedy the problem.

I'm shocked that it is pictures in binders. I figured everything would be stored digitally until purchased.

That is an interesting point. You can certainly look at your pictures at one of the kiosks in the Shutters area. I think it’s partly because they can’t put in enough of the kiosks to handle the traffic (and there may be a little bit of cruising tradition going on here as well).

It is a picture from Disney. I can't even remember how much they wanted for that picture at Chef Mickeys. I'm pretty sure it is because I passed out when they told us the price.

That’s why they get every one to swing those napkins around during dinner, to fan fresh air (and bit of food) across all the parents that just got a look at the PhotoPass price list.

At least that makes the trip worthwhile.

This is one of those times where the late dinner seating worked against us. The lobby was pretty full by the time we got out there but the view form Deck-4 wasn’t too bad.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Like every vacation.

See what ya’ just went and did… now how am I supposed to continue on with this foolishness

(I’m sure I’ll find a way somehow)

This is like saying our National Debt is "somewhat high." We enjoyed looking at the pictures...and then put them back in the folder.

No argument here, but truth be told… we did buy a couple just to have

Hay, when my lovely looks at me and says: “can I have it?” there is only one possible answer (unless we just can’t possibly afford it).

You're too modest. That's a great shot.

Thanks. It is a nice shot of my family anyway.

When any of us look at a picture of all of us…
each one always see one person that ought not be in the picture.


For me… I envy folks that know they’re beautiful. I was seven-years-old the first time someone pointed out in no uncertain terms that my appearance was less then appealing (it’s just much easier to cut myself before other have the chance… it saves time).

Towards one of my favorite places...

Mine too, but sorry to say… you’ll have to put up with one more chapter on DCL before we get there.




So I guess I might as well get on with it…


What say?

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Chapter 9: The Shutout (Day 6 -Friday)

Part 1: See Ya’ Real Soon
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Scram!


Clear out, am-scra, beat it bub, hit the bricks, get lost, take a powder, go catch the 2-10, shove off mac, take a hike, make like a tree, vamoose muchacho…


Those various sentiments pretty much convey the point that the fine folks at DCL were attempting to impart upon us this morning. Of course they say it much more cheerfully. They’re also very good at following the same talking points memo by using the standard Disney phrase: “See ya’ real soon!” But no matter how you look at it, we were being shut out from the possibility of any more sailing aboard this ship (for now at least).

“Rassafrassin' shnikin’ rickin’ fashin’ rockn’ rastardly…”


Yah that was pretty much my opinion as well this morning. Does it also not just figure that this was the morning that I would have been able to sleep in a bit? I actually had to be roused out of bed by an alarm clock (“Rassafrassin' shnikin’…). While it’s true that we did have to leave, we weren’t in a screamin’ hurry about it. We made ourselves presentable, collected up our the last few odds and ends from about the cabin, stuffed them the carry-off bags, and said a fond ado to stateroom 9543 on the Disney Dream.

DCL prefers that all returning guests vacate the premises by about 10:00ish and 1:00 at the latest. But you can still roam around the ship in the morning if you so chose. Not much will be open or going on, but you can certainly roam around.

One thing that is going on however is breakfast. Just as on any other day of the cruise, you can preorder room service, or head up to Cabanas or take a minute to have a proper sit-down meal. The last option is the most enjoyable in my opinion, but that‘s because we had the late dinner seating. Let me explain… on the last day, you are actually invited to have breakfast in the same dinning room as you had dinner the evening before. This also allows you to have one more chance to see, talk to, and say goodbye to you servers for the trip (if you so choose). The trick is that the folks with the early dinner seating need to be sitting at the table there no later then 7am. We weren’t expected until after 8:00. Being as we weren’t rushed… didn’t have any fights to catch… and had nothing else pressing to get into at that moment…

A leisurely breakfast at the Royal Place sounded like a fine idea to us.

There is actually a specific menu for this particular morning ant it looks like this…



A Farwell Breakfast



BEVERAGES


Coffee
Regular or Decaffeinated

Assorted Teas
Herbal teas and infusions from T Infusions of Luxury

Hot Chocolate

Milk
Whole, Low-fat, Skim or Chocolate

Chilled Juices
Orange, grapefruit, cranberry, prune, V-8, apple, tomato



FRESH FRUIT

Grapefruit, cantaloupe, honeydew,
watermelon, bananas



YOGURT

Assorted fruit yogurts or low-fat plain yogurt



CEREALS

Natures Muesli
Bountiful mixture of toasted almonds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds,
and granola mixed with oatmeal, raisins, dried fruits, yogurt, milk and honey

Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat

Assorted Cereals
Corn Flakes, Raisin Bran, Rice Krispies, Frosted Flakes,
Low-fat Granola, Fruit Loops, Shredded Wheat



FRESH FROM THE BAKERY

Danish pastries, assorted muffins, croissants, bagels,
donuts, English muffins, white, wheat, or rye toast



PRESERVES

Assorted jellies, jams and marmalades
no sugar added jams, jellies and marmalades and
cholesterol-free vegetable margarine available



BREAKFAST FAVORITES

Chef's Farewell
Large open-faced omelet topped with barbecued chicken,
green peppers, onions and melted swiss cheese

Route 66
Scrambled eggs, bacon, grilled sausage, grilled ham
and hash browns

Almost Home
Corn beef hash, fried eggs and bacon skillet
topped with fried onions

Eggs for the Road
Scrambled fried or boiled and serve with hash browsn
and your choice of breakfast meat (bacon, grilled sausage, grilled ham)

Omelet Map
Denver - ham and cheese,
Plain - served with hash browns

(Egg Beaters available upon request)


For a Sweet Journey
Buttermilk pancakes, blueberry pancakes, whole-wheat pancakes,
Belgium waffles (all served with honey or breakfast syrup)

On the Move
(lighter fare)
Lightly grilled vegetables, guacamole, tomato salsa
encased in a whole wheat tortilla

Lox and Bagel
A traditional favorite served with cream cheese





We parked our carry-off bags by table #66 and took our seats for the last time this sailing. Our tablemates form Iceland had an early plane to catch at MCO, so we had the table to ourselves. Katarina was in charge this morning. By now Daniel had already left the ship and was bound for a flight back to Mother England… wait… excuse me… Wales! (sorry ‘bout that mate).

One last public service announcement before we move on here.

Finish your Breakfast before you leave.

Here’s the thing… even though there may be a plenty of pieces of fresh fruit or some nice soft crescents rolls, or even some tasty granola on the buffet that could very easily be stuffed into a baggie or two and provide excellent snackage or even a spot of lunch latter on in the day…
you can’t take ‘em with you.

This isn’t a Disney thing… it’s a US Customs thing. No open containers or unpackaged food of any type can be brought into the country. Period! And no smart-*ss, a banana peel does not count as the “package” for said banana (trust me, I’ve heard that one before). Plain and simple, they ain’t gonn’a have it, so get over it. At the end of every cruise I’ve been on, there were several tables and garbage cans at the gangway and in the terminal that were filled and covered with various foodstuffs that folks had to throw out before they could proceed. It’s mostly fruit and breads, but you’d be surprised by some of what ends up here. The CMs will be watching for such, and the Customs agents will defiantly smack you if you don’t listen to this one.

This concludes my last PSA (on the topic of cruising at least).
​

Now then… where was I? Oh yah… after a nice leisurely break of the fast, we each gave Kat a big hug and said our farewells.

We took one last walk around the grand lobby…

Pretended to be royalty for just one more moment…

Said goodbye to the ship herself…

…and reluctantly headed down the gangway.



= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =




Debarkation

OK, let me back up just a might here. Remember when we were rushing around trying to get all our bags packed and out the cabin door the previous night? Well, when you do that, you also need to attach a locater tag to each bag so that they’ll end up in the same basic spot in the baggage area. Depending on where you are in the ship, you’ll be given several of these tags in various colors and sporting different Disney characters. This time out we would be looking for Tink.

You just fill out the backside; hook ‘em to the bags and out the door they go.


Once you cross the gangway leading off the ship from the Deck-3 entrance to the Grand Lobby, you basically return to the terminal via the same concourse that you used to first board the ship. The difference is that the doors that lead back into the main room of the terminal will be closed and a second set on the right side (which were previously hidden by curtains) will lead you to an escalator and on down to the baggage clam area.

Chances are good that one of the porters will greet you just as you’re stepping off the escalator (or very shortly afterward). You don’t have to accept their offer of help, but I’d recommend it. The fellow that meet us was just as pleasant and helpful as we’ve come to expect from anyone connected to Disney. These guys actually work for the Canaveral Port Authority, but I suspect, that anyone who gets less then stellar reviews from DCL’s clientele won’t be working their terminal for very long.

We told him that our gear was in the “Green-Tink” section and he led us straight to it. We had all five cases hunted down and on the dolly in nothing flat and then he even tossed all our carry-off bags on top and toted the whole shootin-match to the Customs area. In about five-ish minutes we were talking to one of the agents. I already had all three passports out and opened up in one hand and a signed Customs Declaration form in the other (something else that the CMs will leave for you along with those tags). Our documents got a quick once-over, we were officially welcomed back to the US (and thanked for actually having everything in order). That was that.

This whole process is known in the cruise business as “debarkation”. DCL is one of the best at pulling off this feat of logistics. I’ve actually heard some fairly bitter stories about folks have nightmares just trying to get through this process (on some of the other cruise lines of course). Once outside our porter asked how we’d be traveling, and then lead the parade directly to the spot where our shuttle would arriving.

Do remember to tip these folks. The customary amount is about $2 per bag, and honestly, their knowledge of the facility and eagerness to help you out is well worth a sawbuck or better.

One last look at the ship that had served us so well the past several days…

And we were climbing on the shuttle and in route back to our reliable ol’ chariot (which had obediently stayed exactly where I put it when we left…

“Down boy! Good Car.”



As the old nightclub cliché goes: “You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here”. Time had come to take on the next part of the plan. Home was basically eight-ish hours north of us… but we were going to be traveling about an hour due west of here first (and planning to hang around that spot on the map for a little while as well). We don’t really have a specific plan, but once we get there I’m sure we’ll think of something to get into.

​

 

[FreezinRafiki]

make like a tree

Make like a tree, and get outta here

But no matter how you look at it, we were being shut out from the possibility of any more sailing aboard this ship (for now at least).

Don't let the gang plank hit you in the a-- on the way out?

The trick is that the folks with the early dinner seating need to be sitting at the table there no later then 7am.

That was us. Early alarm, dragging groggy kids up to the Royal Palace, finishing breakfast, and conveniently, the door OUT was right outside the restaurant.

Chances are good that one of the porters will greet you just as you’re stepping off the escalator (or very shortly afterward). You don’t have to accept their offer of help, but I’d recommend it. The fellow that meet us was just as pleasant and helpful as we’ve come to expect from anyone connected to Disney. These guys actually work for the Canaveral Port Authority, but I suspect, that anyone who gets less then stellar reviews from DCL’s clientele won’t be working their terminal for very long.

Our guy was awesome. I was expecting him to drop our stuff for us at the customs desk and go grab another guest. Sure was nice that he wheeled out stuff right to our shuttle pickup location.


Excellent cruise report, Rob. You helped me immensely.

I can't wait for the land portion. Also known as "What do you mean I have to pay for this food and pick up after myself now?

 

[KatMark]

The final goodbye



Oh well… at least while we were up here, we’ve got a relatively decent vantage point from which to view the festivities. The last party of the cruise is called the “See Ya’ Real Soon” show. They hold it in the atrium and on the grand staircase and overlook above (Decks-3 and 4).

It’s basically a thank you for choosing to spend your time (and dinero) with DCL. There is a good bit of music and a whole lot of characters. Depending on where you stand (which is a function of how early you get there) it’s a good photo-op. As it starts wrapping up, each of the major characters ascends the grand staircase. They’re given a final introduction, say their goodbyes and exit the stage.

This continues on until Mickey himself, along with the Cruise Director and her staff, offer their heartfelt thanks.

Queue the final grand chords of the orchestration… fire off copious amount of glitter and confetti… and everyone cheers a mighty cheer and returns a thunderous round of applause.

I hate goodbyes.


Max was going to take one of mom & dad, but one of the CMs saw what we were up to and offered to take one of all of us.

A very nice picture of the family.

We finally retreated back to our cabin to settle in and were greeted by our obligatory towel critter of the evening…

a bunny-doggy-wolverine-ish-kinda-whats’it.

If you say so.




Here are the images of the ones you haven’t seen before.
These were designed specifically to express our opinion of this current phase of the trip.

(as usual and if you really want to, just click on each image to see an enlarged version)




I rather like the HAL-9000 image. It was fun putting that one together




The last magnet image up there is part of another tradition that we have. A little earlier I hunted down our room steward and made sure that he got his tip for the cruise, but I also gave him that last magnet to keep (which is why you don’t see it in the picture of the door). Now… I don’t expect any of the CMs to whom I’ve offered these bit of nonsense to actually save them (I mean, they each look after a dozen or so different cabins with different occupants every few days), but it’s just something I like to do.

Love the magnets...very cool.


Tomorrow we reach the next crossroad and it’s time to turn in a different direction.

[/CENTER]

Can't wait for the next update.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Those various sentiments pretty much convey the point that the fine folks at DCL were attempting to impart upon us this morning. Of course they say it much more cheerfully.

I like Barry's version. Or maybe Disney should have the vultures from Splash Mountain hanging overhead.

DCL prefers that all returning guests vacate the premises by about 10:00ish and 1:00 at the latest. But you can still roam around the ship in the morning if you so chose. Not much will be open or going on, but you can certainly roam around.

But at 1:00, you will be thrown overboard. Or forced to walk the plank.

The trick is that the folks with the early dinner seating need to be sitting at the table there no later then 7am.

This does make for a very early morning.

This time out we would be looking for Tink.

We also had Tink. That plus 5 bucks will get you a small coffee at Starbucks.

You don’t have to accept their offer of help, but I’d recommend it. The fellow that meet us was just as pleasant and helpful as we’ve come to expect from anyone connected to Disney.

Being a cheapskate, I didn't want to use these guys. But with my in-laws in tow and being physically limited, I was glad we did. They were great.

And we were climbing on the shuttle and in route back to our reliable ol’ chariot (which had obediently stayed exactly where I put it when we left…

That's a relief. I hate it when they move.

Home was basically eight-ish hours north of us… but we were going to be traveling about an hour due west of here first (and planning to hang around that spot on the map for a little while as well).

Make like a tree, and get outta here

That's about as funny as a screen door on a battleship.

I can't wait for the land portion. Also known as "What do you mean I have to pay for this food and pick up after myself now?

 

[afwdwfan]

I actually had to be roused out of bed by an alarm clock

Obviously... why would you want to be awake early when you're being forced to leave?

A leisurely breakfast at the Royal Place sounded like a fine idea to us.

Good plan. No need to rush off the boat, especially if you can relax and enjoy a good breakfast.

Katarina was in charge this morning.

So, was she ready to be in charge during the next cruise?

…and reluctantly headed down the gangway.

(and thanked for actually having everything in order)

Well, that sure beats the latex glove treatment.

“Down boy! Good Car.”

I'm glad to see you have it well trained.

 

[MissDaisyofTexas]

Thanks for the detailed trip report! I can't wait for our cruise!

Also, thanks for the bonus section on the paper dreams. My kids just made these yesterday! http://www.savingforadream.blogspot.com/2012/02/paper-dreams.html

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

That was us. Early alarm, dragging groggy kids up to the Royal Palace, finishing breakfast, and conveniently, the door OUT was right outside the restaurant.

I suspect that they’re counting on the young’ens being half asleep to help keep the wailing and gnashing of teeth down to a minimum.

Our guy was awesome. I was expecting him to drop our stuff for us at the customs desk and go grab another guest. Sure was nice that he wheeled out stuff right to our shuttle pickup location.

The porters were always a present surprise. I suspect that they keep in mind that everyone heading into the clam area is just a little bit disappointed, so they do their best to make it as bearable as possible.

Excellent cruise report, Rob. You helped me immensely.

I can't wait for the land portion. Also known as "What do you mean I have to pay for this food and pick up after myself now?

Thanks Barry. I hope I can do as decent a job with the next section.

I’ll let you in on a secret… when I had to pay for each meal; I felt that I probably over ate to justify the expense.

I hate goodbyes.

As do I

If you say so.

We weren’t sure exactly what that one was. We appreciated the effort, but were somewhat baffled by the result.

Actually the most entertaining towel animal we ever encountered at Disney was a critter left for us by a “Mouse-keeper” at CBR. It was obviously an elephant if you were in the room and looking directly at it, but it was sitting on the A/C unit directly in the center of the window. When we first encountered the offering, it was from the other direction as we were just about to open the door and head in for the evening. From that perspective, it had a decidedly different appearance. The three of us just stopped and stared for a moment. Then Tamara articulated what we all thought by saying:

“Oh look… they left us a… a… a butt!”

I suspect that anyone else walking through that courtyard at that moment was at a loss to explain just exactly why this one oddball family was pretty much doubled over laughing and point at the window in front of their room.

Love the magnets...very cool.

Thanks! I have a lot of fun putting those together.
It also helps pass the time while you’re waiting for you actual sailing date to arrive.

Can't wait for the next update.

Oh my… y’all are really raising the expectation levels here. It’s almost like you’re expecting me to write something worth reading. I’m not sure I can operate under that kind of pressure.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

I like Barry's version. Or maybe Disney should have the vultures from Splash Mountain hanging overhead.

Or maybe a baker’s dozen of starving Great White Sharks in a tank below and a randomly triggered trapdoor in the middle of the gangway.

But at 1:00, you will be thrown overboard. Or forced to walk the plank.

Oh yah… you’ve done this before as well, so you’re well acquainted with their back-up plan aren’t you?

This does make for a very early morning.

And with three youngen’s in tow to boot. We paid our dues by waiting till near 9:30 or 10:00 in the evening for dinner. Being as Max was older… that just worked out better for us, but I made sure I took my time and enjoyed breakfast that morning.

We also had Tink. That plus 5 bucks will get you a small coffee at Starbucks.

It’s a cool detail, but I think you may be dramatically underestimating the total cost of a cup of coffee from “Char-buck$” there.

Being a cheapskate, I didn't want to use these guys. But with my in-laws in tow and being physically limited, I was glad we did. They were great.

Sometimes we learn unexpected lessons in unlikely situations. “Often” may be a more likely count. Nearly every major bit of wisdom I’ve accumulated came screaming toward me directly out of left field (and usually whacked my smack on the side of the head while doing it).

That's a relief. I hate it when they move.

I can’t remember…

have I told y’all the story about the time I was part of a groupm that was once very foolishly told: “Don’t move the bus…”?

Agreed! Who wants to go home just now?


“Not I”, said the duck.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Obviously... why would you want to be awake early when you're being forced to leave?

Your logic is unassailable…

(this time).

Good plan. No need to rush off the boat, especially if you can relax and enjoy a good breakfast.

Especially as I’d be paying additional funds out of pocket for every meal beyond this one…

So, was she ready to be in charge during the next cruise?

Actually… I think she was. I can’t speak toward her ability to tell a good story (that wasn’t her job with us), but she was kind, attentive and certainly knew how to run the tables that were in her charge.

Now don’t you start too… I’m trying to keep it together here.

Well, that sure beats the latex glove treatment.

Goes with out sayin’
(and I do hope that’s not experience talking there).

I'm glad to see you have it well trained.

It’s been an ongoing process of obedience training (frequent oil changes as a positive reinforcement are a must).

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Thanks for the detailed trip report! I can't wait for our cruise!

Also, thanks for the bonus section on the paper dreams. My kids just made these yesterday! http://www.savingforadream.blogspot.com/2012/02/paper-dreams.html

And I do wish for y’all to have an absolutely wonderful time. Hopefully at least one or two things I recounted here will be of some use to you. If not… then I’m glad I could at least offer up the “Paper Dreams” as a spiffy little consolation prize.

Thanks for following along.