SrisonS
... and that's 'ess-ryzun-ess' (play on my name)
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- Jun 9, 2007
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Day 2: The Day TO Be Adults
IMG_0474 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
This morning ended up being one of the more easy going ones to start; for me at least. I usually try to make it out for the daily sunrises; especially earlier in the cruise. But like the night before, I decided to just be “Mr. Family” this time. So I was able to sleep in a tad bit; and we even had breakfast delivered to us; instead of going somewhere in-particular.
The first activity set for today, would be to meet Anna and Elsa; then afterwards, go to the Princess Gathering. Being a Disney World Passholder, and hearing of the incredibly long waits (5+ hours) to meet Anna and Elsa; there is no way we would’ve passed up the opportunity to see them on this cruise; especially with the easy process of getting a ticket, and showing up at the appropriate time. The meet and greet with the sisters was held in Animator’s Palate. And because this was a well thought-out plan on Disney’s part; we only had to wait behind like 3 or 4 families. But upon entering, we noticed that something wasn’t quite right….. Anna wasn’t there!!! Apparently, she was “off in Arendelle” doing something or other. So that was a little disappointing. Later on the cruise, we got word that she had returned; but that first day was just our luck. Now I guess we do have the chance to look forward to seeing them together in Magic Kingdom. *rolls eyes* But whatever. At least we can do FastPass+; and even be flexible with when we do that.
IMG_0481 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
After meeting the lovely Elsa, it was time to head over to the Lobby Atrium for the Princess Gathering. I know I mentioned it before; but getting to meet 4 Princesses within a matter of minutes is absolutely wonderful!!!! You don’t have to rush from line to line, and maybe on different floors. And it just frees you up to enjoy other things on the ship. The four we got to see were Cinderella, Ariel, Tiana, and Jasmine. Our DD is in the phase of saying Ariel is her favorite (she switches every so often); so it was nice to see her really light up when getting to meet her.
IMG_0502 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
IMG_0508 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
IMG_0516 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
Oh yeah… the main reason we did room service for breakfast is because we just wanted something lite. Because today, we would be doing brunch at Palo!!!!! This would be the only time we’d be sending our DD to the Oceaneer Club. We don’t really do many Adult Only activities; but brunch is something we won’t pass up. So we take our daughter down, and are surprised that she doesn’t even look back!!!! Maybe it’s the coolness of the area, or that she’s used to being dropped off at daycare (and this is an AWESOME daycare); but there was no hesitation in her. It was quite amusing to see my “separation issue” having DW start to worry some. Heck, she doesn’t even like taking our DD to school, because of her issues (so yes, I drop her off basically everyday). So that was fun.
During our last cruise, Palo brunch was one of the best experiences we had on the ship. We kind of made the mistake last time of eating a pretty normal breakfast beforehand. But we wouldn’t make that same mistake twice. There were too many chicken parms, and other great dishes and desserts to be had!!!! I point out the chicken parmesan by itself for a reason…. The… Best… Chicken… Parm… Dish… I… Ever… Had!!!!! Normally, it would be an entrée I totally overlook. I like it and all; but it’s usually not anything special. At most restaurants, if I feel like I can make a decent version of something on my own (and I’m by no means a chef), I’ll tend to stay away. My wife on the other hand, doesn’t experiment when it comes to eating. So chicken parmesan, or most chicken dishes, are in her safe wheelhouse. But we she got it in 2012, and let me try it as well.. We ‘Ate’…. we ‘Loved’ it… and ‘Prayed’ for more!!!! (Yeah, yeah.. I know, I know…. But that’s our version).
Love how that seating décor lit up when the flash hit it. Totally unexpected… but wow!!!!
IMG_0522 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
So during our tour of brunch offerings; that was already on our list. The only other decisions would be “what else?”. To give a brief rundown on how brunch at Palo is done; your server (we had Ian, from South Africa… who was great!!!!) walks you over to the buffet portion, and talks you through the items (pastries, seafood, meats, cheeses, desserts, etc..); then tells you about the different entrees that are cooked-to-order. There was the chicken parm (we shared one, then my DW got another), a beef lasagna (I ordered this, and absolutely loved it), a beef tenderloin (which was also great), pizzas, and a couple of other items (like a breakfast thing, and a veggie thing I think). After the little tour, you can place an order for the main offerings, and head over to the buffet portion. One thing that was different this visit, is that you couldn’t grab the food on your own. There were other servers working that area that would plate things for you. The reason for this was to prevent the spread of germs. No, this didn’t happen in Cabanas at all; but I guess in the fine dining establishment, that level of service was to be enforced. I wish I would’ve been able to get my own food; because I sometimes just like to get very small portions of things, just see if I like them; instead of wasting. Or better yet, when I don’t know what something is; instead of feeling dumb and asking, I just get it and make do. But needless to say, everything there was just great!!! My wife did try a Strawberry Soup that she wasn’t too fond of (our waiter even said beforehand that he didn’t care for it… but people who like it, REALLY REALLY like it). But Palo brunch is probably something we’ll always do on future cruises. Maybe when our DD is older, we’ll bring Palo dinner back into that rotation. Brunch will happily do for now though.
On an additional note, the décor in Palo is simply beautiful!!!! There’s a nice comforting feel to the place. All of the gondola art is amazing (‘Palo’ mean ‘pole’ in Italian; and refers to the poles that the gondolas get attached to). There’s one table setup to where if you use your flash while taking a picture, it’ll light the sky in the wall art behind it, to make it seem as if you’re looking out of a window in Venice (see previous trip report). You’re not rushed at all during the service (they even ask if you want to or not). And every table gets a view of the ocean (I believe I learned that later on in the cruise…. more on that later). But I could spend A LOT of time taking pictures of all the details and views in there. One of these cruises, I might have to inquire on the best time to really try that. I think I actually said that last trip report. Shows how much I stick to my plans.
Bonjour, Mademoiselle by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
IMG_0474 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on FlickrThis morning ended up being one of the more easy going ones to start; for me at least. I usually try to make it out for the daily sunrises; especially earlier in the cruise. But like the night before, I decided to just be “Mr. Family” this time. So I was able to sleep in a tad bit; and we even had breakfast delivered to us; instead of going somewhere in-particular.
The first activity set for today, would be to meet Anna and Elsa; then afterwards, go to the Princess Gathering. Being a Disney World Passholder, and hearing of the incredibly long waits (5+ hours) to meet Anna and Elsa; there is no way we would’ve passed up the opportunity to see them on this cruise; especially with the easy process of getting a ticket, and showing up at the appropriate time. The meet and greet with the sisters was held in Animator’s Palate. And because this was a well thought-out plan on Disney’s part; we only had to wait behind like 3 or 4 families. But upon entering, we noticed that something wasn’t quite right….. Anna wasn’t there!!! Apparently, she was “off in Arendelle” doing something or other. So that was a little disappointing. Later on the cruise, we got word that she had returned; but that first day was just our luck. Now I guess we do have the chance to look forward to seeing them together in Magic Kingdom. *rolls eyes* But whatever. At least we can do FastPass+; and even be flexible with when we do that.
IMG_0481 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on FlickrAfter meeting the lovely Elsa, it was time to head over to the Lobby Atrium for the Princess Gathering. I know I mentioned it before; but getting to meet 4 Princesses within a matter of minutes is absolutely wonderful!!!! You don’t have to rush from line to line, and maybe on different floors. And it just frees you up to enjoy other things on the ship. The four we got to see were Cinderella, Ariel, Tiana, and Jasmine. Our DD is in the phase of saying Ariel is her favorite (she switches every so often); so it was nice to see her really light up when getting to meet her.
IMG_0502 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on FlickrIMG_0508 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on FlickrIMG_0516 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on FlickrOh yeah… the main reason we did room service for breakfast is because we just wanted something lite. Because today, we would be doing brunch at Palo!!!!! This would be the only time we’d be sending our DD to the Oceaneer Club. We don’t really do many Adult Only activities; but brunch is something we won’t pass up. So we take our daughter down, and are surprised that she doesn’t even look back!!!! Maybe it’s the coolness of the area, or that she’s used to being dropped off at daycare (and this is an AWESOME daycare); but there was no hesitation in her. It was quite amusing to see my “separation issue” having DW start to worry some. Heck, she doesn’t even like taking our DD to school, because of her issues (so yes, I drop her off basically everyday). So that was fun.
During our last cruise, Palo brunch was one of the best experiences we had on the ship. We kind of made the mistake last time of eating a pretty normal breakfast beforehand. But we wouldn’t make that same mistake twice. There were too many chicken parms, and other great dishes and desserts to be had!!!! I point out the chicken parmesan by itself for a reason…. The… Best… Chicken… Parm… Dish… I… Ever… Had!!!!! Normally, it would be an entrée I totally overlook. I like it and all; but it’s usually not anything special. At most restaurants, if I feel like I can make a decent version of something on my own (and I’m by no means a chef), I’ll tend to stay away. My wife on the other hand, doesn’t experiment when it comes to eating. So chicken parmesan, or most chicken dishes, are in her safe wheelhouse. But we she got it in 2012, and let me try it as well.. We ‘Ate’…. we ‘Loved’ it… and ‘Prayed’ for more!!!! (Yeah, yeah.. I know, I know…. But that’s our version).
Love how that seating décor lit up when the flash hit it. Totally unexpected… but wow!!!!
IMG_0522 by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on FlickrSo during our tour of brunch offerings; that was already on our list. The only other decisions would be “what else?”. To give a brief rundown on how brunch at Palo is done; your server (we had Ian, from South Africa… who was great!!!!) walks you over to the buffet portion, and talks you through the items (pastries, seafood, meats, cheeses, desserts, etc..); then tells you about the different entrees that are cooked-to-order. There was the chicken parm (we shared one, then my DW got another), a beef lasagna (I ordered this, and absolutely loved it), a beef tenderloin (which was also great), pizzas, and a couple of other items (like a breakfast thing, and a veggie thing I think). After the little tour, you can place an order for the main offerings, and head over to the buffet portion. One thing that was different this visit, is that you couldn’t grab the food on your own. There were other servers working that area that would plate things for you. The reason for this was to prevent the spread of germs. No, this didn’t happen in Cabanas at all; but I guess in the fine dining establishment, that level of service was to be enforced. I wish I would’ve been able to get my own food; because I sometimes just like to get very small portions of things, just see if I like them; instead of wasting. Or better yet, when I don’t know what something is; instead of feeling dumb and asking, I just get it and make do. But needless to say, everything there was just great!!! My wife did try a Strawberry Soup that she wasn’t too fond of (our waiter even said beforehand that he didn’t care for it… but people who like it, REALLY REALLY like it). But Palo brunch is probably something we’ll always do on future cruises. Maybe when our DD is older, we’ll bring Palo dinner back into that rotation. Brunch will happily do for now though.
On an additional note, the décor in Palo is simply beautiful!!!! There’s a nice comforting feel to the place. All of the gondola art is amazing (‘Palo’ mean ‘pole’ in Italian; and refers to the poles that the gondolas get attached to). There’s one table setup to where if you use your flash while taking a picture, it’ll light the sky in the wall art behind it, to make it seem as if you’re looking out of a window in Venice (see previous trip report). You’re not rushed at all during the service (they even ask if you want to or not). And every table gets a view of the ocean (I believe I learned that later on in the cruise…. more on that later). But I could spend A LOT of time taking pictures of all the details and views in there. One of these cruises, I might have to inquire on the best time to really try that. I think I actually said that last trip report. Shows how much I stick to my plans.
Bonjour, Mademoiselle by Scott Smith (SRisonS), on Flickr
I had a successful outing though. I was able to skip some areas, because I was happy with those pictures from our last cruise. But theres always something new to discover.
