First Day On Board

[MoranClan]

Hello Everyone..

We are going on the 7 day Western..

When we Board on Saturday,,,,

Parrot Cay or Topsiders?..

Which is the Better First Buffet of the Cruise?..

Im thinking of sitting down at Parrot Cay..I heard Parrot Cay has a seafood Buffet?

any Help?

Thanks Bobby

 

[pittcrew]

IMHO, I think Parrot Cay is a more relaxing way to start your cruise.

The first time we cruised we did Topsiders. Getting our food wasn't a problem, but finding a seat was. When we sailed last week, we did Parrot Cay for the first lunch on board. It was great to set our carry-on bags down, have our napkins placed in our laps, then leisurely get food, knowing that we had seats waiting for us to return to. Not to mention that a server was off getting our drinks for us.

The seafood buffet in Parrot Cay is on Thursday. (Also available in Topsiders). Each day at sea, there is a special lunch buffet. On Sunday it is Italian, on Monday it is Asian, and on Thursday it is a seafood buffet. (The cooked to order stir fry at the Asian buffet is to die for!!!!!!)

 

[inkkognito]

You choice may be determined for you by what time you board. Parrot Cay usually opens before Topsiders (or at least before Beach Blanket on the Wonder), and then once it fills, you are routed up to Deck 9. The food items are virtually identical.
Barb

 

[CM_Mom]

If it's hot outside, then definitely try for Parrot Cay. When the ship is in port you don't have the same breeze you do when she's sailing.

 

[Carol36]

We went to Parrot Cay. I agree that it was so nice starting our cruise off in such a wonderful way. We did arrive early, so this does make a difference.

Carol

 

[tinksmom]

Just for a different point of view -- We love to go to Topsiders for our first lunch. There's just something about sitting out on deck in the fresh air that says, "we're finally here!"

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Your choice may depend on your dinner dining rotation also. We had PLA, so we chose to have lunch the first day at Topsiders since we'd be having dinner that night at Parrot Cay.

What we did was find our table first, a nice spot outside near the ship's rail. My dh kept the table while the boys and I got lunch and then he went for his lunch when we returned.

It was a very nice way to start the trip..you really get the full feel for being on the ship when you're sitting out there in the sun!

 

[CAMICKEY]

We enjoyed Topsiders while DS6 played in the pool and went wild on the slide. - Mike

 

[jrabbit]

We've always eaten at Topsiders. I try to sit out back (when it's not blazing hot and humid). I'm usually looking longingly over to Cape Kennedy at the VAB and launch pads - 'cause I still want to be an astronaut when I grow up (I'm currently experience my mid 40's )

It does sound like Parrot Cay isn't quite as crazy as Topsiders is.

 

[crisi]

We enjoyed Parrot Cay and will do that again. But I'd like to point out door number 3 - pick up a burger or pizza or wrap and the fast food table and a table near the pool while the kids swim (and get out of the pool long enough for a slice of pizza). You can dart into Topsiders for some shrimp or something else on the buffet, if the idea of a wrap doesn't thrill you.

 

[stulaurie]

Is Topsiders right next to the pool area? We were hoping to get a plate of shrimp and eat it at the pool while the kids use the slide.

 

[NYDisneyMom]

Originally posted by stulaurie
Is Topsiders right next to the pool area? We were hoping to get a plate of shrimp and eat it at the pool while the kids use the slide.

Yep..you can grab your lunch at Topsiders and sit at a table near the Mickey or Goofy pool. They're all on Deck 9.

 

[invaderzim]

We have always done Topsiders simply because we love sitting outside on the deck and looking at Cape Canaveral and having the waiters walk around with the novelty drinks and souvenir glasses (do they do that in PC?). It just seems like more of a party/excitement atmosphere.

However, since we are sailing in August this time (and usually sail in November), we may find it is too hot to eat out on deck. We'll play it by ear -- either way, you know you're on vacation when you get your welcome aboard buffet and the jumbo shrimp display!

 

[IrishCowboy]

The menu/food selection is almost identical. You may want to consider the weather, it can get very humid.

Have a great cruise!

 

[kcashner]

The food is the same both places. The difference is the atmosphere. At Parrot, you are seated and the server takes your drink order...then you go to the buffet. It always seems a little less hectic than topsiders. You know where you will sit when you return with your food, and the kids can have free soft drinks. Since we are frequent cruisers, we enjoy seeing some of our old friends in the dining room.

At Topsiders, you go thru the buffet line, then a server helps you with trays (if needed), and helps you find a table. Yes, you can go out by the pool. It can be quite windy. You will get your own drink refills (unless a server happens by when needed). At the end, just leave your tray--they will bus the table for you.

So....it really is personal preference. We like Parrot.

There is a seafood buffet, but it is a different day.

 

[crisi]

The buffet at Parrot is also more open than the one at Topsiders. At Parrot its easier to survey the buffet, grab a plate, skip the salads, pick up the entree and dessert you spotted on your survey and head back to your table. Topsiders is much more of an organized line, you'll wait for the person in front of you to review every salad before taking a little of something and moving on while a large gap in front of them forms.

 

[skyhawk]

Invaderzim (ccol name by the way)

Just wanted to say hi - looks like we're on the same cruise in August. Heat I can deal with - just hope we dont have a hurr&@!^# (don't want to say it out loud).

 

[skyhawk]

Oops - my mistake. Looks like you're a week after me. I was never good with basic math.

 

[invaderzim]

Oh, well -- maybe we'll cruise next time. You'll have a great time.

Thanks for the compliment -- the name is based on my FAVORITE cartoon character -- Invader Zim, which was a Nickalodean (sp?) cartoon for two years, but then they yanked it because of complaints from parents. Why they didn't schedule it later at night I'll never know, but we've bought the DVD and now have all the episodes, so I'm happy.

Anyway, back to the cruise, whereever you eat, you will love. Parrot Cay is such a festive place anyway that it is sure to put you in the cruising mood. And Topsiders really makes you feel like you are "out in the open". Also, some of that deck has awning and/or umbrellas over the tables. So sometimes if you are lucky you can be in the shade. The only reason I like it better IS because it is so bustling and busy and hectic -- it's fun to watch all the excitement. By the way, Topsiders also has tables inside.

Have a great time.

 

[RIDISNEYLOVERS]

Which restuarant would you recommend for a large group for this first lunch? Would it be easier to get a big table in Parrot Cay rather than trying to configure one yourself in Topsiders?

Thanks for your help.

Lisa