Heat, Humidity, and Our Favorite Disney Dog Was a Thug! LINK TO NEW PTR!!

[shan23877]

I think we'd have to do WDW before a cruise, or I wouldn't see my kid on vacation! She'd be at the club all the time!

Willow's breakfast looks yummy, and I just can't get over how well themed everything is on that ship!

 

[emmysmommy]

You relaxing evening in the lounge with your Rosa Regale looks wonderful. What a great way to enjoy some adult time while Willow was "crashing" the ship. That's too funny!!! Sounds like she must have been fine at the kid's club if she didn't ask to be picked up early.

Willow sure wakes up adorable and smiling!

Seeing all the details from the ship and the activities is great insight for comparison of the other Disney ships. I'm so glad that you take so many great photos.

It looks like it is going to be a beautiful sea day.

 

[freckles04]

Just wanted to pop in again and say I'm still reading along! Please keep the updates coming. I never really thought about taking a Disney cruise but now it's on my must do list. I think we may do a 3 day Bahamas cruise at the end of our next trip just to try it out. The ship looks incredible & a great way to unwind after a Disney trip!

 

[bugsmama11]

I'm still here! I've read along, but not posted any comments, guess that qualifies me for as a TR stalker!

Anyhow, the Royal Court dinner looked amazing and I may have just convinced my hubby that since he just got all his dive gear re inspected and ready to go, that I think a Disney cruise would be the perfect place for him to get a dive in or 2 at CC?

Willow looks like she's having a blast and the ship at night is just gorgeous! I would love to be able to spend some "quality" time with the hubby, we don't ever get out and I think even tho Miranda is only 2, we've only been out a few times in those 2 years! Not having anyone but my parents here and only a few select people that I feel comfortable leaving her with, makes it difficult to schedule "date" nights...

I would so love to try the Aqua Duck, as I'm the thrill seeker mainly, not sure how the hubby feels about that one tho?

 

[courtneybelle]

The Mickey plates are awesome! And I think I spy a chocolate croissant on her plate...my favorite Disney breakfast, I'd be glad to take it off her hands if she just wanted a donut

The Aquaduck looks so fun. I'm excited to hear what you thought of it once you got to ride.

So many princesses!!! The character meets on the cruise look so great.

 

[IheartDDuck]

Rosa Regale! My favorite wine. What a beautiful area.

Wow, Willow really living it up at the Kid's Club!

Okay, I'm off the sugar (that's what I'm calling it. Basically no sweets at all and no processed sugar) until my trip in May, so I saw Willow's donut and was just drooling on my computer. Over a donut!

 

[chattadisser]

OK, crafty lady…autograph books, princess dresses, door magnets…did you just print the designs on magnets? I’ve seen some of the designs on the DIS and wondered if you just print them on the magnetic paper? My girls would love to have the door decorated and plus…it would make it easier for me to find walking down the hallway!

Beautiful pictures on the deck. It looks so relaxing. I think I could get into this cruising thing!

Christine

 

[RGirl]

Oh I wish I could be up there right now! Looks beautiful! What a wonderful morning. The new ships are a lot fancier than the older ones. I really hope to get on one of them someday.

Oh, I wish I was there too!

Honestly, I would not say that I preferred the Fantasy over the Wonder. Our cruise on the Wonder was amazing, and I will be thrilled to go on another one with her (even if she weren't getting a refurb) - I like the smaller size. But we will totally be doing another Fantasy cruise as well!

I think we'd have to do WDW before a cruise, or I wouldn't see my kid on vacation! She'd be at the club all the time!

True! Seriously, though, there are a lot of reasons to do WDW first, I think. That said, if we happen to be cruising with certain friends with an earlier school-year start than we have next time , we may end up doing WDW after the cruise.

Willow's breakfast looks yummy, and I just can't get over how well themed everything is on that ship!

Well, I KNEW you would love that breakfast!

You relaxing evening in the lounge with your Rosa Regale looks wonderful. What a great way to enjoy some adult time while Willow was "crashing" the ship. That's too funny!!! Sounds like she must have been fine at the kid's club if she didn't ask to be picked up early.

It was truly a luxurious lazy evening.

Willow sure wakes up adorable and smiling!

Now, if I could just find a way to make her do that on school days…..

Seeing all the details from the ship and the activities is great insight for comparison of the other Disney ships. I'm so glad that you take so many great photos.

Oh, thanks. I knew I would be including the cruise in a WDW TR, so I did try to include details for folks who are not already DCL enthusiasts. I hope it's not too much!

It looks like it is going to be a beautiful sea day.

Definitely!

 

[RGirl]

Just wanted to pop in again and say I'm still reading along! Please keep the updates coming. I never really thought about taking a Disney cruise but now it's on my must do list. I think we may do a 3 day Bahamas cruise at the end of our next trip just to try it out. The ship looks incredible & a great way to unwind after a Disney trip!

I'm so glad you are still reading and commenting! Thanks!

I hope that you can try out DCL. I know that the shorter cruises can get a little hectic, but I am guessing it's a pretty good way to get a sense of whether you like it or not before going for a full week. At this point, we would happily do back-to-back cruises.

I'm still here! I've read along, but not posted any comments, guess that qualifies me for as a TR stalker!

Not completely - you're posting now! Seriously, I'm really glad you are still reading along! Keep posting too - it's great to see you on here.

Anyhow, the Royal Court dinner looked amazing and I may have just convinced my hubby that since he just got all his dive gear re inspected and ready to go, that I think a Disney cruise would be the perfect place for him to get a dive in or 2 at CC?

Oh, I hope you book a DCL cruise! We love them SO MUCH!!!!

Willow looks like she's having a blast and the ship at night is just gorgeous! I would love to be able to spend some "quality" time with the hubby, we don't ever get out and I think even tho Miranda is only 2, we've only been out a few times in those 2 years! Not having anyone but my parents here and only a few select people that I feel comfortable leaving her with, makes it difficult to schedule "date" nights...

I'll be honest, I think this is one of the (many) reasons that I love DCL. I feel very confident that DD is well cared for and that I will be contacted immediately if there is any concern. DD is 7 now, and I have only had a babysitter in the evening 3 or 4 times - I have NO LIFE. So being able to go out and just have a little bit of adult time on a DCL cruise is a really special occasion for me. And I know DD loves it too - she needs time away from me occasionally too, especially after a full week of 24-hour-together time in the blazing sun and humidity of Florida.

I would so love to try the Aqua Duck, as I'm the thrill seeker mainly, not sure how the hubby feels about that one tho?

You should both do it! It is really fun and not at all scary!

The Mickey plates are awesome! And I think I spy a chocolate croissant on her plate...my favorite Disney breakfast, I'd be glad to take it off her hands if she just wanted a donut

I'm pretty sure you could have had that croissant - she likely only ate the doughnut and bacon.

The Aquaduck looks so fun. I'm excited to hear what you thought of it once you got to ride.

Spoiler for you, don't tell anyone: It's AWESOME!

So many princesses!!! The character meets on the cruise look so great.

They really do a great job loading the schedule with a lot of character meets. And the way they do the princesses is fantastic - especially if you only want to meet each one once….

 

[RGirl]

Rosa Regale! My favorite wine. What a beautiful area.

You know, I'm not usually a fan of sweeter wines, but I concur - definitely one of my favorites. It's my "special occasion" sparking wine.

Wow, Willow really living it up at the Kid's Club!

Oh, yes, she had had her sights set on that club for a good year before we boarded the ship.

Okay, I'm off the sugar (that's what I'm calling it. Basically no sweets at all and no processed sugar) until my trip in May, so I saw Willow's donut and was just drooling on my computer. Over a donut!

Good for you though!

OK, crafty lady…autograph books, princess dresses, door magnets…did you just print the designs on magnets? I’ve seen some of the designs on the DIS and wondered if you just print them on the magnetic paper? My girls would love to have the door decorated and plus…it would make it easier for me to find walking down the hallway!

That's why I like them - easier to find our door!

Let's see if I can remember what I did. I'm pretty sure that I read that the magnetic paper doesn't adhere very well to the doors. So I think I bought a roll of magnetic "stuff" (not thin enough for a printer, but still pliable) from Amazon. Then, I just roamed the internet looking for images I liked, printed them out, and adhered them to the magnetic backing. They have held up for a few years now and two cruises! One word to the wise - best to avoid ones with the year or cruise details; I have several like that, and I'm mad that I can't use them again!

Beautiful pictures on the deck. It looks so relaxing. I think I could get into this cruising thing!

It's the best! You will love it!!!!

 

[RGirl]

Phew! It has been busy around here! No surprise, I guess - it’s always busy.

In addition to work, homework, cleaning, cooking, slaving away, I have also been doing a lot of sewing lately! I wanted to show y’all the little outfit that I made for Willow for Valentine’s Day:

​

Anyway, I feel like I have been struggling to keep up with the DIS and everyone’s TRs. I believe that I am caught up with everyone tonight, but feel free to scream at me if I missed you. I will now proceed to post an actual TR update on here!

Mommy’s Morning/Afternoon Begins​

Sunday, August 18, 2013
Sunrise: 6:51AM
Sunset: 8:08PM
Evening Attire: Formal
Sunday: Partly Cloudy, High of 84
Monday: Overcast, High of 84

After dropping Willow off, I headed up to Deck 11 for some coffee and then back to my favorite spot on the ship - my very own verandah!

​

Soon though, I needed to get ready! You see, this little invitation had been delivered to me via the fish outside my door the night before.

​

Yep - I was going to the Champagne brunch at Remy!!!! I can’t even begin to tell you how excited I was. Remy is one of the Fantasy’s two up-charge, adults-only restaurants. (Palo is the other.) As I understand it from the chef onboard, the menu for Remy was created by an American chef and a French chef (one of the chefs being the chef from Victoria & Albert). I had never had the opportunity to do this kind of dining experience before in my life, so I was super-excited.

So I got all dressed up! I even tried to take a picture for y’all.

​

I even carried one of these fancy bead-knitted bags that my mom makes.

​

My brunch time was at noon, so I decided to head up at about 11:45. I waited in Meridian - the bar that sits between Remy and Palo. This is a beautiful place in its own right.

​

Meridian has some outside seating too.

​

I chatted for a bit with the lovely bartender in Meridian. She even gave me a yummy chocolate truffle!

Up Next: My Brunch - A Meal of a Lifetime

 

[shan23877]

If you happen to cruise with friends who start school early huh?


Yay for a mommy morning! You look beautiful! DCL sounds like the perfect anecdote to a WDW vacation. Disney charm with lots of relaxing. Someday!


Love Willow's special Valentine's Day outfit. She looks adorable.

 

[chattadisser]

Thanks for the tips on the door magnets. I think I know exactly what to look for. I thought decorating the door would be a fun suprise for the girls.

I am so impressed with Willow's Valentine outfit! How do you find the time to do everything?? Tell me your secrets...

Remy's sounds delish (I'm not sure that champagne should sound so appealing to me at 7:30 in the morning) and Meridian looks so relaxing.

Christine

 

[Tiggerrn2]

Willow's Valentine's Day outfit was adorable.

Yay for a peaceful, relaxing morning on your verandah.

Interested to hear how your brunch was.

 

[jedijill]

Love the outfit!

That beaded bag is gorgeous!

Isn't the Remy brunch the best!?!?!?! I'm missing it right now!

Jill in CO

 

[DisneyJo]

Oooh your brunch sounds as though it will be wonderful, I can't wait to read about it

 

[STLMickeyMom]

How adorable is willow in her valentines days outfit?!! With her short hair and her skirt--she looks so grown up and cute! (btw--I just read your other TRs over the weekend while I had sick kids. It was fun to see willow growing!)

Can I ask what kind of sewing machine you use or how you did the stitching around the hearts? I always want to do that on my machine and its horrible at it!

You look so pretty all dressed up for some grown up time! Your mom's beaded bag is gorgeous!

Chocolate truffle---score!

Can't wait to hear more about your brunch!

 

[IheartDDuck]

I love Willow's Valentine's Day outfit! Very nice!!!

Champagne brunch! Awesome. I'm excited to hear about it.

 

[RGirl]

If you happen to cruise with friends who start school early huh?

Yay for a mommy morning! You look beautiful! DCL sounds like the perfect anecdote to a WDW vacation. Disney charm with lots of relaxing. Someday!

I cannot tell you how much we both love DCL!

Love Willow's special Valentine's Day outfit. She looks adorable.

Thanks! I was quite happy with the way the skirt turned out given that I decided to make it at the last minute.

Thanks for the tips on the door magnets. I think I know exactly what to look for. I thought decorating the door would be a fun suprise for the girls.

They'll love it! I did it as a surprise for my mom and her friend on our first cruise. It's especially fun for those who don't know that it's a "thing," you know?

I am so impressed with Willow's Valentine outfit! How do you find the time to do everything?? Tell me your secrets...

Thanks! The sewing is something I really, really enjoy, so I consider that "down time," you know?

Remy's sounds delish (I'm not sure that champagne should sound so appealing to me at 7:30 in the morning) and Meridian looks so relaxing.

If I could, I would dine at Remy every day of every cruise!

Willow's Valentine's Day outfit was adorable.

Thank you!!!

Yay for a peaceful, relaxing morning on your verandah.

I am obsessed with DCL verandah time, as you will soon come to fully understand….

Interested to hear how your brunch was.

Coming right up! I wanted to post it last night but ran out of time.

Love the outfit!

Thank you so much!

That beaded bag is gorgeous!

Isn't it pretty? My mom makes tons of them - they are actually bead-knitted, so she knits them with thread loaded with beads with tiny knitting needles. It's the weirdest thing!

Isn't the Remy brunch the best!?!?!?! I'm missing it right now!

It was fabulous! I could happily eat there every cruise day!!!

 

[RGirl]

Oooh your brunch sounds as though it will be wonderful, I can't wait to read about it

Coming right up - meant to post it last night and ran out of time.

How adorable is willow in her valentines days outfit?!! With her short hair and her skirt--she looks so grown up and cute! (btw--I just read your other TRs over the weekend while I had sick kids. It was fun to see willow growing!)

Aww - thank you! And you're right - TOO grown-up. *sigh*

Oh, thanks so much for reading the prior reports. I had so much fun writing them. I like to look back sometimes just to see how much Willow has changed. It's amazing!

Can I ask what kind of sewing machine you use or how you did the stitching around the hearts? I always want to do that on my machine and its horrible at it!

Of course! I am using a Brother LB6800PRW. But you can do appliqué on any machine. I use a VERY tight zig-zag stitch. Depending on what I'm doing, I will vary the width and length - I always just mess around on some scrap fabric first. I am VERY new to appliqué though, so there are a lot of people who could give you better advice, I'm sure. It is my latest obsession, however.

You look so pretty all dressed up for some grown up time! Your mom's beaded bag is gorgeous!

Thank you! It's a little hard to imagine being "pretty" these days, but I'll take what I can get! Isn't the bag cool? My mom bead-knits those bags - I always take several on a cruise because it's the only time I go somewhere fancy enough to use one.

Chocolate truffle---score!

Right? DCL CMs are so good to me!

Can't wait to hear more about your brunch!

Coming up right away!

I love Willow's Valentine's Day outfit! Very nice!!!

Champagne brunch! Awesome. I'm excited to hear about it.

Thanks!!!

Coming right up!!