Feb 24-Mar 3, 2007 (Cast of 3 kids & 3 adults with pics)

[rjeash]

I must tell you that your daughter and mine are two peas in a pod! My DD just turned six March 15. She is so into Ariel and can not wait to see her. We will be celebrating her 1/2 birthday at WDW in Sept because she didn't get a party this year because of our trip. We also have DS that will turn 9 when we arrive at WDW on Sept 4 and then our oldest son will turn 11 the day we board the Wonder Sept 9.

Love, love the TR. Can't wait to read more.

Oh, BTW, Destiny is beautiful!

 

[becca_n_wa]

She is so into Ariel and can not wait to see her.

Destiny tells everyone that she loves Ariel. She wore her Ariel wedding dress on semi formal night. Its her favorite.

They do not have an Ariel out to take pics or get autographs. I dont know why. Destiny kept saying maybe we would see her in the sea. (Hey it IS A DISNEY CRUISE )

One of the shows does have Ariel singing in it. It must have been The Golden Mickeys.

 

[granmaz]

More lovely pictures.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Just want to pipe in here to say that I'm really enjoying your TR -- pics and all!

I look forward to more.
Thanks for sharing.

 

[natsmom125]

Becca, first let me say WELCOME TO THE SOUTH......hot, muggy, "buggie", swamps, alligators, no-see-ums...etc, etc.

Enjoying your trip report, keep it coming. Ahhh, the memories...I used to have a 6 yo Princess....now she's one of those things you keep talking about...A TEENAGER....A DIVA TEENAGER to boot. So when you finish your TR, be sure and print it out and keep it in a scrapbook....then when you have a moment of nostalgia..you can go back and read it and the tears will flow...

If you need anything, call on a neighbor and I'll do what I can....just send me an email...natsmom125@aol.com......

Phyllis

 

[becca_n_wa]

Becca, first let me say WELCOME TO THE SOUTH......hot, muggy, "buggie", swamps, alligators, no-see-ums...etc, etc.

Enjoying your trip report, keep it coming. Ahhh, the memories...I used to have a 6 yo Princess....now she's one of those things you keep talking about...A TEENAGER....A DIVA TEENAGER to boot. So when you finish your TR, be sure and print it out and keep it in a scrapbook....then when you have a moment of nostalgia..you can go back and read it and the tears will flow...

If you need anything, call on a neighbor and I'll do what I can....just send me an email...natsmom125@aol.com......

Phyllis

Thanks! I loved Ft Campbell and did not want to leave but I think we might like it here. The kids can't wait until they can go to the beach. And, we are closer to Disney!

I never thought about printing out the TR and keeping it. What a great idea! My writing is not good and I have many, many mistakes (I need spell check ) But, it would be nice to go back and read it.


I would like to ask a favor, will you send me an email letting me know the best beach (area)to take them to? becca_n_wa@yahoo.com

Thanks again.

 

[becca_n_wa]

Today I had booked the Sting Ray City tour with 3 snorkle stops for Tony, Jonah, and Destiny. Jonah is the big snorkler in the family. He adores the sea and snorkling. I booked the city tour with photo stops and the turtle farm and the city called Hell for Mom, Hunter and myself. I booked these directly though Captian Marvin's. We saved rather than booking the Disney Sting Ray City excursion plus they had more snorkling stops. I do regret booking the tour through Cap. Marvin's. I will explain soon.

Of course I did not let tony take my digital camera with them snorkling. Instead, they had underwater cameras.

This is Jonah kissing a stinyray. By looking at the pic you can tell how "hands on" this trip is. You actually swim with the rays, touch and hold them. Tony said Destiny got into the water and was "sloshed around a little and took in a little water. (I told you she is a big drama queen). so, the rest of the trip he stayed on the boat with her. Jonah on the other hand, was the 1st in the water and the last to get out. Tony made the comment, even though he stayed on the boat with Destiny most of the time, they got thier moneys worth because of Jonah. I hate I missed it. I would have loved to have been there to see it.

Now the Island tour. Since my Mom and Hunter are not swimmers, I thought this would be something they might enjoy. When it was time for our tour to leave, we noticed that we (Mom, Hunter, and I ) were the only ones there waiting. The bus was there so I asked the driver if he was ready for us to board. He said oh no your tour does not start for another 30 minutes. Well, we waited and still he was not ready. I went inside Captain Marvins and asked when was our tour leaving. She said oh he will leave now. Well, back to the bus, and bus driver said oh no not yet. Well, by this time I was very upset. After another 30 min or so, i told the lady I was upset and either we were going on the tour or I wanted a refund. She went outside and began to argue with the tour bus driver. What it boiled down to was that since we 3 were the only ones booked for the tour, the driver was just going to make us wait for the next sting ray city excursion group and put us on the bus with them. My midset is if you take money from 1 person for an excursion, then you take that one person on the tour. Anyway, so we started our tour. But, then we had to drop of the sting ray city excursion people and pick up the group that was finshed.

Here are a few pics I took that day:

After we were on the tour it was ok. We stoped at the Rum Factory. Mom and I got off to take a few pics of the water.

Then on to the city called Hell. It is actually a city. This was very boring to us and we did not really care for it. I am a Christian and all the jokes were not funny to me. The tour driver joked about "there is a school in Hell, even a church in Hell". I just over looked him trying to be funny. We did get off to take a few pics of the rock formations.

We stayed about 3 minutes and were the 1st ones back on the bus. This was on the back of the store.

The turtle farm was next. We really enjoyed this stop. Well worth the trip. Good place to take any age kids. I hate that Jonah and Destiny missed this one.

When we got back Tony, Jonah, and Destiny was waiting on us at Captian Marvins. Tony had been worried because we were to be back before they were. Oh, well, I had to tell him the long story. Then back to the boat.

Tonight was pirate night. Tony, Jonah, and Destiny had costumes. Hunter, Linda and I had pirate t-shirts. I had fun doing Tony and Jonah's makeup. Jonah and Destiny looked cute. But, Tony was quiet scarey. I was afraid he would scare the little kids. Before you ask, we saw only a handful of people dressed up. I think I saw only 1 other grown man dressed. Tony didnt care - I think he had fun dressing up.

A few desserts to make your mouth water.
My favorite: caramel banana with ice cream

Walk the plank cake....very sweet! Too sweet for my tooth

After dinner we went to The Golden Mickeys.

Destiny and Jonah were asked to be in the show. The had no idea what they would be doing. It was really cute because they ended up being Snow White's dwarfs.

After the show, we went up to deck 10 to see the pirate show.

We pulled up chairs close to the rail. The show did not start until 9:45. Personally I think the should try to move up the time. During the show, Jonah and Destiny were so tired that they could not enjoy it. They were both trying to stay awake. The first of the show was dancing and singing. So, when it was time for the Mickey and Cap. Hook sceens, we were getting ready to leave. The kids were too tired to care about the show. We took them back to the room for Disney Dreams. I told Tony at least one of us "needed" to make it back to the buffet. Well, that didnt happen. Just too much action for us old folks and we both crashed in the bed.

up tomorrow:
Cozumel - dolphin encounter!

 

[becca_n_wa]

Today was our day in Cozumel. I had tried to book the dolphin excursion directly through the chankannab national park. I had never gotten a reply online so I went ahead and booked the excursion through Disney. Since the taxi ride and admission were included in the price, Jonah, Destiny, and I went to meet our group. Tony, Linda, and Hunter made a stop at a drug store for benydril and hydro. cream (long story- another thread). They then caught a taxi to the park. It was $10 for the 3 of them and they beat us there. When it was time for our dolphin encounter, Tony and Mom walked down the pier with us. Tony took pics and Mom recorded the encounter.
I would highly recommend the dolphin encounter or dolphin swim at this park. The trainers made sure each person got one on one time with Valerie (the dolphin).

After the encounter, we went to eat. Tony ordered the sampler plate (which was a lot of food).

Mom ordered the guacamole with a coconut water.

Hunter and I ordered the fruit salad with ice cream in a pineapple (it is as good as it looks).

Jonah ordered the nachos (he did not like them). We also enjoyed non alchol pina coladas in huge pineapples.

All the food was wonderful except for the nachos. While we were waiting for our food, Jonah and Destiny got tatooes. They lasted for about 2 weeks. Of course Jonah wanted a pirate and Destiny got a rose.

The rest of the day we enjoyed the park.

The beach was beautiful. Destiny played in the sand with Emma. If you want a beach for the kids to swim, this is not the right beach. If you want great snorkling, this is the beach for you. Jonah had a private snorkling tour. The guy took him out and showed him all the statues and lots of fish. Jonah came back on . He had a blast! While snorkling, Jonah's guide dove down and took a pic of Jonah. That is another pic I will scann soon. We stayed at the park the whole day. Oh look, a picture of Hunter, that is a rare site to see. I wonder if he knew Mom took this picture?

Back on the ship, we spotted Minnie and Mickey.

After dinner we went to see the movie Bridge to Terabithia. It was a new release so it was in the Walt Disney Theatre. This was the only movie we saw on the ship - I never even made it to the Buena Vista Theatre. Hunter went with some friends to see Wild Hoggs, it was also a new release. Like I said earlier, you have so much that you will want to do on the cruise. You just do not have enough time...So much FUN stuff to do, so little time.

up tomorrow:
2nd day at sea
rasual, character breakfast, graduation

 

[Jennifer48]

What a beautiful family formal photo! (say that 3 times fast! )

I would love to do that dolphin encounter. Guess I'll be rebooking for a Western next time!

ETA I can't wait to hear about the rasul!

 

[wdwpirates]

Excellent TR. We are doing 2 of the excursions you took on our cruise in 2 weeks. I can't wait!! I really enjoyed your report and your pics! What a beautiful family!!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Excellent TR and beautiful photos! Your Dolphin Encounter day looks like it was wonderful for everyone!

 

[becca_n_wa]

Thank you all for the comments. I am glad you guys are enjoying the report.

Today's report will be shorter. Some of the pictures from this day are on my camera still (memory card was full at the time - who would have guessed). I will be back on a later date to add a few.

Today was our character breakfast in Parrot Cay. This was great we (even Mom) enjoyed this.

Hunter missed it cause he was still alseep and did not want to wake up (I told you - the teen thing). I would say if your kids have not done a character breakfast - this is a do not not miss!

We also decorated kites today.

That was also fun. I was very suprised, not many people showed up for the kite decorating. You can sail the kites at Castway Cay. We forgot to take our kites off the ship on castaway cay day. The kids had so much fun they didnt even think about them.

Tony and I had rasual reserved for 2pm. While we were at the spa, Mom and the kids enjoyed animation lessons. They drew Mickey, donald, and a few more characters. They did pretty well if you ask me. Tony and I really enjoyed the rasual.
HINT: take a waterproof watch so you can keep track of time.
After being in the steam room for awhile, you have a choice of spa products that you can use. Tony tried more products than I did.

The kids had graduation (celebrate the Journey) today.

It was really cute. Man, there were tons of kids! My hats off to the CM's in the clubs. I have no idea how they kept that many kids in line!

Tonight was semi-formal night.

Tonights show was Dreams.

This was also the one I was thinking about that had Ariel in it.

We also went to the Princess Gathering.

I thought maybe Ariel would be there....so sad... Disney, if you are listening, we want more of Ariel!

Coming tomorrow: Castaway Cay

 

[nenner1]

Great report!
Beautiful family!!
Thanks for sharing!!

 

[LindaBabe]

Loved your report, Becca - so glad you had a great time - you have a beautiful family - that little Destiny is quite the charmer ;-) Love the photo of the two of them with grandma.

 

[becca_n_wa]

Loved your report, Becca - so glad you had a great time - you have a beautiful family - that little Destiny is quite the charmer ;-) Love the photo of the two of them with grandma.

Thanks! Glad you are enjoying it! Speaking of grandma, she has been reading this report. She emailed me and said looking at the pics makes her want to go again. She says, when can we go back? As I said earlier, this was her first cruise. And she was so scared (of motionsickness). She had fair warning that cruising was addictive.

 

[becca_n_wa]

Today was our day in paradise! We went up to Topsiders for breakfast. This was really nice because you could walk out and see "paradise" and the Flying Dutchman.

After getting off the ship, we went straight to the post office to mail postcards. Mom and I had quiet a few. Before our cruise, the kids and Mom recieved postcards from some special people. They loved them so much. We have them on our fridge now! I wanted to make sure a few people also had a little "Magic".
HINT: If you go during the school year, mail postcards back to your childs class.
We mailed postcards to the kid's classrooms that we had just moved from. Hunter even mailed one of his old teachers who loves Disney.
Guess who we saw at the post office.

They should have put Donald to work in the postoffice. He was a lot nicer than the guy who was working the desk.

The digital photos of Castaway are not very good resolution. Somebody (that would be me) forgot to charge the camera battery. Plus my card was full. So, I took some pictures with my Mom's Dvd recorder.

I am a planner but today, Castaway Cay, I had NOTHING planned! Just to enjoy the beach and have a wonderful time with my family. OPPSSS.. I did plan 1 little thing. I had said we would take Jonah and Destiny to the kids club on the beach for maybe like 1 -2 hours. Then, Tony, Mom, and I would go to the adult beach and have lunch there. Well, Destiny and Jonah did not want to go to the club. So, we stayed at the family beach all day. We were not upset. It was very nice. We had walked to a less crowded area and it was a very relaxing day.

Whats that Mom, a shell you are going to smuggle in your luggage?

I thought Hunter would be with us today. Oh, well, I was wrong. He had told us that morning that he was meeting friends at the Teen Beach. At lunch, we saw him at a table with his friends (pretty far away). I wanted to go hug him and say hi. But, Tony said no, dont do that to him. So what? I am his Mom. Funny thing is that my Mom agreed. So, no, I did not end up emberassing my teenager. I have a feeling it is only beginning.
I know Hunter had a blast at the Teen Beach but I do wish he would have hung out with us. But, then again, he would have been bored to tears. He does not swim or tan. And, that is what we did all day. At the Teen Beach, they did activites all day. I am so protective of all 3 of my kids. We keep them on a short leash at home. I guess vacation on a Disney cruise is a good time to let Hunter be a teen and do it in a safe manner. One night while looking in shutters, Tony said "look what I found". I was so happy he found this photo! Hunter is missing out of all the photos because he wasn't there with us. Thanks shutter's I needed that! Proof that he WAS ON THIS CRUISE!

Hunter is on the right.

Destiny and Jonas built a sand castle.

I cant seem to get this pic to rotate! Oh well, sorry!

Of course Jonas had a princess locked away in it. Then he built a moat so no one could rescue her. Wonder if he was imagioning that Destiny was the princess he was locking up? After all, he IS the middle child (I hear it all the time) and Destiny DID get the bigger room when we moved (it's bigger than mine also).

Tonight Destiny was wearing her Minnie Mouse dress. She took pictures before dinner. She walked onto this white paper and the photographer asked her to take off her shoes. Well, these were matching Minnie Mouse shoes. Destiny started walking away. she was not going to take off those shoes! It was too cute. The photograher asked her to come back and she could leave the shoes on.

We went to see the last show Remember the Magic. Once again top notch! Bad thing was that Destiny did not realize that the cruise was over until this point. After the show she began to cry. She was so sad this was the last night of our cruise. In tears, she asked me, "we will come back again right?" Yes, I had tears in my eyes. When one of my kids cry, I cry. I cant help it. So, I am trying to hold back tears and tell her of course we are coming back! I tried to distract her by saying, lets go look at your pics you took tonight. They were so cute. She was still teary so we had to head to the room. I had planned on taking the kids to the "till we meet again" gathering. There is no way Destiny could have made it though that!

Last night. Our vacation is over......tomorrow we go home. If I hide somewhere on the ship, do you think my family would notice I was not in the van for the ride home?

 

[becca_n_wa]

since Mom is enjoying this report so much - I added these photos from semi-formal night just for her!

Kids LAVA CAKE!

PS- I think this is my favorite! Mom had no idea they were doing that

 

[suzannef]

I am so sad that your trip report is over!!! You have such a beautiful family and I can tell it is inside as well as outside( I mean really, that Destiny is a covergirl in training )Please thank your husband for his service to our country and I hope you will get the chance to all cruise together again!!!!

Suzanne

 

[becca_n_wa]

I am so sad that your trip report is over!!! You have such a beautiful family and I can tell it is inside as well as outside( I mean really, that Destiny is a covergirl in training )Please thank your husband for his service to our country and I hope you will get the chance to all cruise together again!!!!

Suzanne

Thank you - that means so much. I am glad someone was trying to read all my rambling and misspelled words! Seriously, this was our first Disney cruise and I remember when I was looking forward to my cruise. I would read TR's and get so much info. I really enjoyed reading about other families having the time of thier life.

Now that the TR is over, I can finish unpacking! My DH will be glad.
(him)
(me)

 

[becca_n_wa]

I would like to add that we had excellent service on our cruise. Everyone took such great care of us.

Stateroom Hostess - Wannee Smutrkeeree

Dining room head server - Stephane Hubert Krakowska

Dining room server - Densak (Den) Sae-Jung

Dining room assistant server- Beethoven De Vera De'rama

They were ALL wonderful.