Jan. 26-30, 2003 Wonder Day 1

[mickeymom629]

We drove down to port from MD (leaving at 3 a.m.) on the 25th and stayed at the Radisson (me, DH, DS15, DS13, DD11 and DS8 1/2). We had the two king suite for $99. It was very nice, but with 6 people in one room and only one bathroom and the shower was clear glass, so when someone was taking a shower, no one else could quickly use the toilet (at least not with my family). My three younger kids quickly got into their swim suits and hopped into the jacuzzi. Watch out when someone gets out when the jets are going --water sprayed everywhere!
Dorm-size refrigerator and coffee maker. No free breakfast.

The weather was really cold. We drove to see the ships before checking in but didn't wait to watch the Magic sail away. (It was almost 5:00, though, and we could have) It was beautiful! After checking in we ate back at the port at the Grill. I had printed out the 10% off coupon on the internet. We waited 25 min. for a table (in our van with winter coats on). Food came fast and everyone loved what they got.

Sun and above 60 weather for sailing day. Beautiful! We drove to port at 10:30 (quick breakfast in room with stuff I had brought)and got in smoothly. DH dropped us off with luggage and parked. Within minutes, we were all checked in and third in line to board. After a few minutes, an announcement came over the speakers that everyone had to evacuate the building because the alarms had sounded! Luckily we left our carry-on luggage in our place. Outside we met some nice people and everyone took pictures of the firetruck in front of the Disney terminal. Soon we were back in and there were people who had gotten in line in front of us who were not there before.

It was so exciting to finally board and soo beautiful! We went up to the buffet and pools. It was totally empty since we were almost first. My kids had the Mickey pool and slide to themselves.

Life boat drill. Back up for sail away party. Met Dismembers. Saw Hercules. Had late seating. Beata (Hungary) and Prakash (India) were our waitors and we loved them. Ate at Parrot Cay first night. Lots of children and noise. Wished I could hear the band a llittle better. Food was wonderful! My youngest danced with Beata during the Limbo song. Forgot the video at dinner, but luckily I had my camera. The ship was going very fast and I was glad I took Bonine! My children were very tired from our trip and were feeling dizzy from the motion. My DS13 and DD11 went to bed before dessert. They were not that hungry because of all the food by the pool during the day (lots of pizza, icecream and chicken tenders, fries and hotdogs). I loved the veggie wraps with the spicy sweet/sour sauce by the pool.

Just some quick things to mention before I stop and post day 2:
Never used my own blow dryer or new extension cord; theirs was fine.
Could not even enjoy the nightclubs after dinner because of all the smoke (I get headaches) and I was very upset that Disney allows smoking inside the ship.
I pack everything I think I may want (lots of shoes and changes of clothes for everyone) and I was glad I did. If you have the room to bring it, you may as well. We wore just about everything.
Take the stairs if you don't want to gain too much weight! Don't bring tight clothes. The food is everywhere and wonderful! Hard to resist--and paid for!

 

[Redmic]

Wow, bummer about the smoking! I'm very disappointed Disney allows this. I guess that means the nightclubs are out for me too.

 

[Chattyaholic]

That's too bad the smoke bothered you so badly. DH and I have been on the Magic twice and neither time did smoke bother me, and I'm very sensitive to smoke and just HATE being around it. We went to Rockin' Bar D almost every night and they must have a very good ventilation system because I rarely smelled smoke.
In fact, we saw very few people on the Magic smoking at all, not like our experience on Carnival. A lot more smokers on the Fantasy, we thought.

 

[mickeymom629]

I can tell you that, in the evening when we walked down to where the lounges are, the smoke was meeting me in the hallway that had all the signs (Route 66? or something). Yes. I was disappointed because I was hoping to dance a little and at least have some time with DH. We walked around the decks and looked at the artwork instead. It was all wonderful, really. If you are not shy about dancing (like we are), you can dance at the Promenade Lounge (nice music, live).

Maybe if you have early seating and get to the clubs, the smoke may not be bad yet. I'm sure it depends on the smokers who are on board too.