Fantasy Eastern Feb 8-15 2014-Cupids in the Caribbean-TRIP REPORT COMPLETED 7/17!

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

While two of my favorite people in the world were flying above me by a rope, I tried to take my mind off of that thought by doing what? By taking pictures, of course!

Oh what a beautiful morning we were having.





How cool is this?





I kind of had to laugh at myself. In my head I was saying that they needed to hang on, because you know that would make a difference if they were to run into trouble!





All too soon, in their opinion, they made their way back in.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

They reeled DH and DD10 back in and it looked like they had enjoyed themselves immensely. DD10's excitement continued when she found out that they were going to send her back up with me! That lucky duck got to go two times!



I let go of myself and of the ropes and just let the moment take over.





You can see in the background that there was another group flying in a cloudless sky with us.



This is one of my favorite pictures. I truly felt like I was flying.



They really sent us quite a ways out there.





Another favorite!



DH must have been inspired by this site as we went by.



He was always making sure the riders were O.K. during their flight.



All too soon, now in my opinion, it was time to make our way in.







I wasn't sure what to expect when were reeled back in. I thought it might be bumpy or that we would get soaking wet, but neither one of these things happened. It was "smooth sailing."











Parasailing ended being one of the best experiences I have ever had! I had so many preconceived ideas, but none of them were correct. I thought it would be so windy and that we would have to shout at each other to communicate. When we were up there it was was so peaceful and calm, like nothing I have ever experienced before. It was such a smooth ride and you could see forever. If you have even half of a thought to try parasailing at Castaway Cay-DO IT!!!

 

[cstorm65]

Awesome update! You just made DW and I think about booking a parasailing excursion while we're on Castaway Cay in a few weeks. Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to read more!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Awesome update! You just made DW and I think about booking a parasailing excursion while we're on Castaway Cay in a few weeks. Thanks for sharing and I can't wait to read more!

Thank you!

If you are considering parasailing I would say just go for it! It was something that has been on DH's bucket list for a very long time. I am so glad that DD10 and I decided to join him as it was definitely a highlight for all of us.

 

[kkayluvsdis]

Thank you!

If you are considering parasailing I would say just go for it! It was something that has been on DH's bucket list for a very long time. I am so glad that DD10 and I decided to join him as it was definitely a highlight for all of us.

Amazing update and photos! The parasailing looks awesome! Can I ask how you booked this excursion? Was it something you pre-booked or once you got on the ship? We have only cruised once and it was before kids so I'm trying to absorb as much DCL info as possible! Also, was there any kind of weight minimum? I read that the age minimum for parasailing was 8, but my almost 8 year old is tiny, just wondering about the weight...Thanks for your great trip report!

-Kelly

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Amazing update and photos! The parasailing looks awesome! Can I ask how you booked this excursion? Was it something you pre-booked or once you got on the ship? We have only cruised once and it was before kids so I'm trying to absorb as much DCL info as possible! Also, was there any kind of weight minimum? I read that the age minimum for parasailing was 8, but my almost 8 year old is tiny, just wondering about the weight...Thanks for your great trip report!

-Kelly

Thanks Kelly!

We booked this excursion right away when our booking window opened for port adventures. I had read that it is a fairly popular excursion so I wanted to make sure that we got it. We were first time cruisers and for our particular cruise I still had my choice of times available. It has been recommended to book a morning time because as the day goes on the wind tends to pick up. If it is too windy they will cancel the excursion.

The minimum weight is 90 pounds and the maximum weight is 375 pounds. When there are kids they have them ride tandem with an adult so that they can reach the weight minimum. As long as the adult and child's combined weight reaches 90 pounds and the combined weight is under 375 pounds they will be able to ride.

If you have any other questions let me know!

 

[kkayluvsdis]

Thanks Kelly!

We booked this excursion right away when our booking window opened for port adventures. I had read that it is a fairly popular excursion so I wanted to make sure that we got it. We were first time cruisers and for our particular cruise I still had my choice of times available. It has been recommended to book a morning time because as the day goes on the wind tends to pick up. If it is too windy they will cancel the excursion.

The minimum weight is 90 pounds and the maximum weight is 375 pounds. When there are kids they have them ride tandem with an adult so that they can reach the weight minimum. As long as the adult and child's combined weight reaches 90 pounds and the combined weight is under 375 pounds they will be able to ride.

If you have any other questions let me know!

Oh, perfect! Thank you! I got a bit nervous for a second because there is no way my dd is even close to 90 pounds..maybe half that But, riding tandem would be no problem. Do you mind me asking the cost? Is it less for kids that have to ride tandem? Again, thanks for the info! Is the booking window a certain number of days prior to departure? Is the time frame standard for all Disney cruises? Do you pay upon booking?

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Oh, perfect! Thank you! I got a bit nervous for a second because there is no way my dd is even close to 90 pounds..maybe half that But, riding tandem would be no problem. Do you mind me asking the cost? Is it less for kids that have to ride tandem? Again, thanks for the info! Is the booking window a certain number of days prior to departure? Is the time frame standard for all Disney cruises? Do you pay upon booking?

The cost for parasailing was $95 per person. It is the same price for everyone regardless of age. There is not a price difference for riding solo or for riding tandem. On our excursion they had everyone ride tandem except for one gentleman. There were also two women aboard that were on the excursion by themselves, but they had them go up together.

Once you get to the 75-days out from your cruise departure date your booking window will open. At that time you can choose a port arrival time. You can also make Palo reservations, spa appointments and choose shore excursions. The booking window opens at midnight Eastern time. In our situation our booking window opened on a Monday, but since we are in the Central time zone I was able to do everything at 11:00 pm Sunday night.

Cancellations of excursions can be made up to 3 days prior to the cruise departure date. After that time all reservations are final and non-refundable. If the excursion is cancelled due to weather or you are unable to make it into port you will not be charged. You will not be charged until you are on the ship.

I hope this helps!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

After our turns were over we were able to sit back and enjoy the ride. When we went on our snorkeling excursion I was definitely feeling a bit green during our boat ride. For whatever reason I didn't have any troubles during our parasailing excursion. I was sure thankful for that!

It was a lot of fun visiting with everyone during this excursion. It ended up that there was the three of us, a couple, a mother with her son, a gentleman, and two women that were also on their own. Everyone was paired up and rode tandem except for the man that was alone. Just a heads up-if you are alone you may be paired up with someone you don't know.

DD10 was loving her vantage point from the front of the boat.



"I'm the Queen of the World!"



I was feeling a little wind swept, but happy. Let me tell you, I wasn't smiling like this on our trip back from our snorkeling excursion!



All too soon our time was up. It was amazing just how efficient these guys were.





On our way back to shore the kiddos on board decided to do their best Titanic impressions. I got talking with the other mom and she said her son was a huge fan of all things Titanic. I thought that was interesting because DD10 was in a phase where she was really hooked on the Titanic as well. There were several discussions at home prior to the trip about sinking ships. I assured the girls that we wouldn't be encountering any icebergs, but I think it was always in the back of their minds.



The kids were having a blast bouncing over the wake of another boat that was out and about. DD10 has no fear and she was starting to freak me out. I was so afraid that she was going to bounce right out of the boat that I ended up making her sit down. Mom is always such a bummer!



We arrived back at shore and everyone exchanged email addresses and room numbers so pictures that were taken during the excursion could be shared. We all had an amazing time and I am so glad to have had such a great experience.

 

[JulieODC]

I had lots of updates to catch up on!!

I definitely had some early morning photo shoots around the ship...and have some VERY similar photos!! Seeing all of your photos is making me nostalgic for our cruise....

DD was looking over my shoulder and got so excited to see the Nemo mural...and especially Bruce the Shark! She loved that part of Cabanas!

Looks like a fabulous day at Castaway Cay....love the shot of the water down below from up in the parasail!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

I had lots of updates to catch up on!!

I definitely had some early morning photo shoots around the ship...and have some VERY similar photos!! Seeing all of your photos is making me nostalgic for our cruise....

DD was looking over my shoulder and got so excited to see the Nemo mural...and especially Bruce the Shark! She loved that part of Cabanas!

Looks like a fabulous day at Castaway Cay....love the shot of the water down below from up in the parasail!

Welcome back! I hope you had a great time. I am glad that you got a chance to do some early morning shoots. So much fun to feel like the ship is all yours.

The details in those murals in Cabanas were awesome. I am glad I had the chance to really explore them. Your DD has good taste!

I can't say enough about how much fun we had at Castaway Cay. When we were parasailing I couldn't believe just how clear the water was. I am really glad that DH thought to bring the camera up with him!

 

[kkayluvsdis]

The cost for parasailing was $95 per person. It is the same price for everyone regardless of age. There is not a price difference for riding solo or for riding tandem. On our excursion they had everyone ride tandem except for one gentleman. There were also two women aboard that were on the excursion by themselves, but they had them go up together.

Once you get to the 75-days out from your cruise departure date your booking window will open. At that time you can choose a port arrival time. You can also make Palo reservations, spa appointments and choose shore excursions. The booking window opens at midnight Eastern time. In our situation our booking window opened on a Monday, but since we are in the Central time zone I was able to do everything at 11:00 pm Sunday night.

Cancellations of excursions can be made up to 3 days prior to the cruise departure date. After that time all reservations are final and non-refundable. If the excursion is cancelled due to weather or you are unable to make it into port you will not be charged. You will not be charged until you are on the ship.

I hope this helps!

Thank you SO much for the info! Sounds like you could be a DCL vacation planner I am so excited and OVERWHELMED to start the planning process.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Our parasailing finished up right at noon, so we made our way to Scuttles's Cove to pick up DD7. It was nice to take in all the details that I missed in the hustle to the start line earlier in the day.





When we arrived at Scuttle's Cove they let us know that the kids were at Pop's Props having lunch. We got there and DD7 was not happy because she was enjoying her lunch with her friends. We waited for her to finish up and made our way to Cookies Too. DD7 reported she had a great time at Scuttle's Cove and digging at Monstro's Point was her favorite. I was so happy to hear she had a good time while we were on our excursion.

Cookies Too was a hopping place when we arrived. We had a bit of a wait for some hamburgers, but they were worth it once we got them. We also enjoyed the salads and of course the chocolate chip cookies!

After satisfying our tummies it was finally time for some relaxing! We ended up finding a couple of empty chairs near the Sand Bar. We thought it was a great spot because it was also close to the restrooms. We were also really close to Pelican Plunge.



I wondered if a lot of people spent their morning on the beach and had already made their way back to the ship. There were people around, but at the same time I didn't feel like it was crowded.



DH and the kids made their way down to the water. I initially went with them, but the water was a little chilly for my taste. After hanging out with them for a while I made my way back up to the loungers. I was having a great time going between a chair that was in the sun, a chair that was under an umbrella, and then making my way to a chair that was in the water. I continued this rotation all afternoon.





While I was relaxing a server came by and said it was two for one happy hour. Sign me up! I ended up indulging in a konk kooler and I can now understand why everyone is in love with these! At this point DD10 was getting a little squirrelly down in the water, so DH sent her up to me to chill our for a while. I had borrowed her my headband to cover her braids to prevent sunburning the parts. It ended up working really well.





At some point DH and the girls decided to try out Pelican Plunge. I think that they were all glad that they tried it, but after that one time no one wanted to go again.





Continued in the next post

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

The kids decided that they were done in the water, but now it was time to play in the sand. Thankfully I had indulged in the two for ones so I had a cup for each of them to use!





There were all kinds of little shells in the sand. When we got back on board we saw a huge tub of shells that had been confiscated from people, so please heed the request that they make to leave the treasures undisturbed. They are serious!





DD7 made a replica of the Fantasy. I thought it was pretty cute.



We all decided to make one last trip into the water before it was time to head back. One of the gifts the girls had received in the FE were beach balls and they had a great time batting those around.



All too soon it was time for us to start making our way back to the ship. I know we could have taken a tram, but we decided to just take our time. We ended up doing some shopping along the way and we ran into Bonita, who had been DD7's Fairy Godmother in Training at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. She had a sweet little conversation with her that really made her day. Bonita was definitely a gem.

The girls couldn't pass up a chance to get a picture with their favorite snowman before heading back on board for our last magical evening.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Thank you SO much for the info! Sounds like you could be a DCL vacation planner I am so excited and OVERWHELMED to start the planning process.

You are very welcome. Thank you for the very kind compliment! I have to admit that I am a bit envious of the planning that you have ahead of you. It is overwhelming at first, but it is so worth it in the end!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

We made our way back to our stateroom to shower and ready ourselves for our last dinner at Enchanted Garden. We were our predictable selves and DD10 stuck with beef and DD7 had macaroni and cheese. Overall we were pleased with meals during the week. Looking back there wasn't anything that we ate in the main dining rooms that truly blew us away, but at the same time we never went away hungry. This evening we also gave our serving team their envelopes containing the tickets we received in our stateroom for our prepaid tips.

After dinner we made our way to Shutters to finish our album. We had budgeted $149.95 to purchase 10 photos, but when we got on board we found out about an option for an album that was also priced at $149.95. The album allowed for you to choose about 30 prints to place in pre-designed pages. You are able to scroll through all of the photos that were taken and place them on any of the pages. For us we felt like we would probably enjoy an album more in the long run, so we went with that. We placed our order and the album was ready for us in the morning. Thankfully we didn't forget to pick it up in the craziness in the morning! Here is what the album looks like and an example of a couple of the pages.















After finishing up our album we made our way to the Walt Disney Theatre for An Unforgettable Journey. While we were waiting for the show to begin we were approached by one of the activities crew members, Leo. She said she needed us to come with her. She led us down to the front row and told us that we would be participating in the show! During the scene with Under The Sea we were taken onstage and we did the limbo. I still cannot believe that we "performed" onstage in the Walt Disney Theatre. Our whole experience on the Disney Fantasy was truly "An Unforgettable Journey."

Following our stage performance we decided it was time for one last ice cream cone.



We made our way back to the atrium for Sea Ya' Real Soon. This did not start until 10:15 and all of us were pretty wiped out by this point, but at the same time none of us wanted it to end. There was also a showing at 4:30 in the afternoon, but we were just getting back on the ship at that time.

DD10 decided to relax while she waited.



A few other people that I don't think wanted their cruise to end.



We ended up taking video of the "show," but we soon realized that we had already met all of the characters that came out for the meet and greet. We decided that it was time to sadly make our way back to our stateroom for our last sleep on the Fantasy. I have to admit-I just got a little weepy writing that sentence.

 

[Lisavince3]

What an awesome TR! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it! We have the Fantasy Eastern on hold for 2/28/15, also in stateroom 7596! I have about 48 hours left to make our deposit. Such a hard decision--hoping to pick the right ship, stateroom, time of year, itinerary, all at a do-able price. This trip looked amazing! I think I might be ready to bite the bullet

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

What an awesome TR! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it! We have the Fantasy Eastern on hold for 2/28/15, also in stateroom 7596! I have about 48 hours left to make our deposit. Such a hard decision--hoping to pick the right ship, stateroom, time of year, itinerary, all at a do-able price. This trip looked amazing! I think I might be ready to bite the bullet

Thank you so much! Even though this was our first cruise we were happy with our choice of staterooms. We were never too far from anything. If the weather is anything like we experienced you will be very happy with this time of year. You will have to stop back and let me know if you decided to go for it. I hope you did!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

I apologize for the delay in wrapping up this trip report. My DH's father passed away this past weekend, so we have been dealing with that. It is the girls' first experience with the death of a loved one. I think the hardest part for them has been seeing all of their loved ones being sad.

Thanks to all that have continued to follow along and I hope to finish up very soon!

 

[sdjen]

So sorry for your loss Heidi. Prayers to you and your family.