July 5th Western Cruise

wendym

I work to go to Disney!
Joined
Nov 16, 2000
Messages
1,388
Cruisers
Me Wendy 33 (well 34 now!) High School Teacher from Scotland
Mum Doreen (aka as Nan) 69 and going through her second childhood

This was our third Magic cruise and the second time on the Western route. People wonder why two adults go on Disney cruises. First of all we love Disney, second we love being pampered and third why not!
I know I have missed out some wonderful people here so please read gometros and eye R N’s reports – their's are far more detailed.

Friday 4th July Independence day!
Today we checked out of our timeshare in Orlando and went to Cocoa Beach. I had got a free night at the Oceanside Inn when I booked our cruise. We arrived at 11.30am and got into our room. It was basic but clean and they all have ocean balconies. We went to Ron Jon’s and bought a t-shirt and then on to Wendy’s.
After returning the car (this way I only had to pay for a week’s rental and the taxi fare to the Port was less than the extra day’s rental) we used the hotel’s wooden walkway to the beach. It is very clean but of course being the 4th very busy. Went for a drink at the Tiki bar at the end of the pier, of course we had to pay to get on the pier! Then we went to Perkins for a meal, I think I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich but I do remember the wonderful apple caramel pie we took back to the room. We had a wonderful view of the fireworks from our balcony – I did venture out to the shore for a while but with people letting off fireworks anywhere I found it quite scary. Watching if from the balcony with a cold beer was far better. Also watched the Macy’s fireworks on TV.

Sat 5th July
The day of the cruise had finally arrived. I had been speaking to so many wonderful people on the DISBoards for so long and now we were finally going to meet. We had the free breakfast, which was nice and then went for a walk along the beach. We asked them to phone for a cab at 10am but already there was an hour’s wait – why didn’t I insist they book last night! Anyway the front desk clerk was wonderful and kept chasing them up and eventually the cab arrived. As you can imagine we had a lot of luggage – remember we are away for a month – and the poor gentleman who was driving the cab only had 1 arm but between the two of us we got the luggage loaded. We were through security by 11.20am and got checked in. We got the APL rotation for the second time, which makes me think that this is the rotation they give to adults and those with teenage children. While waiting in line we met Sandy (gometros).
We got all our Palo reservations made by 12.30 – thankfully Jeanne had made the High Tea ones because by the time I got there they were full. For the first time we got to go to Parrot Cay for the embarkation buffet – the last twice they redirected us to Topsiders. Parrot Cay is just so much nicer and less frantic. We both loved the chilled Mango/Orange soup. We then made an appointment for Mum to get a manicure courtesy of friends back home. She also got a week’s pass to the Rainforest room that my sister and I gave her for Mothers Day. By this time we could go to the room and we met our wonderful stateroom attendant Allan from the Philippines. He did everything and more and always with a smile. We had a category 11 on deck 7 aft – it is perfect for the two of us although I would love a veranda. But with a category 11 I can afford more trips!
I had a quick swim, after unpacking some of our stuff and then had a cocktail by the adult pool. After the safety drill it was time for the Sail away Party and DISmeet. Well it was all I expected and more – everybody was so nice and you would have thought we had known each other for years. In fact everywhere we went on the cruise we knew people. Denise had been near the front of the line and had got the brunch reservations!
After a much-needed shower we went to the Variety Show and saw that Jim was the cruise director again – we had him on our first cruise and actually sat next to him at Palos. Then we did a little shopping before dinner at Animators Palate – this is always the point we worry about. Because there is only the two of us we know we will be with other families and so far always been lucky. Would it hold out for a 3rd time? Well Disney came through and we were sitting next to Denise, Andy and their three children, Chelsea, Taylor and Hope. We couldn’t have asked for better dinner companions and meals each night were a delight. Also sitting next to us were sbennett and her family.
We were also lucky with our server Ferdinand, assistant server Leeroy and Head Server Alen. I started with the duck and goat cheese flat bread while mum had the crab and lobster crepes – she had promised this year to be more adventurous in her choices! I love how they know have a separate soup and salad course – I never felt comfortable ordering more than 1 appetizer. The cream of butternut squash soup was divine. I then had the pan crusted veal and risotto – it was the first time I had had veal and it was ok. Mum had the salmon and then we both had the strawberry shortcake.
We had an early night and were delighted to see a lizard as our towel animal. Also there was a note in our stateroom confirming we had the $200 stateroom credit for booking onboard last year – came in very handy and half of it went to Palos!

Sun 6th July
As usual we started off with a light room service breakfast – what a treat that is! Our character breakfast was this morning but we skipped it to do the shopping talk and go to Palos for brunch. At the talk I won one of the colour changing t-shirts.
Palos was wonderful as always. We saw Erika – her memory is amazing. She served us brunch the very first cruise and she has remembered us ever since – should I worry that something about us makes so memorable!! I tried eggs benedict for the first time and it was gorgeous, mum had the pancakes. Today they served us the cheeses/seafood etc which meant we ate far more – they don’t like putting on small portions!
I had booked the Key West trolley tour online saving $2 each. It did take a little bit of time to get the tickets printed, even with all the right documentation so make sure you take everything. We really enjoyed it although we only got off once – mum was trying to avoid walking! We got the obligatory photo at the southernmost point and then walked along Duvall Street. Went to Irish Kevin’s for Margaritas and then Fat Tuesdays for 190Octane – that was a bad move as it was lethal! I have vague memories of some shopping back to the ship!! After room service on the ship, apart from breakfast Mum had never rang for it so she liked that, I went swimming while she went to the rainforest room. We decided to skip Morty – seen it once and that was enough. Watched the sunset from the ship – we went to Mallory Square last year but weren’t that impressed.
Dinner tonight was at Parrot Cay and I love the new menu. We also enjoyed swapping stories of our day. We both started with glazed chicken wings and then I had the cream of sweet onion soup while mum had the fruit salad. I had the baby back ribs and mum again had the salmon. Crème brulee cheesecake and lemon meringue pie finished off the meal. To try and work off the meal we went for a stroll around the ship.

Mon 7th July
My birthday!!! I am lucky enough that this is my 3rd birthday aboard the Magic – makes being 34 not so bad!
Today was the day of our Palos brunch with Disers. It was so wonderful being escorted to the private room and what fun we had! I cannot think of a better place to spend a birthday when you are away from other family and friends. This time I had the pasta, which was wonderful. Janina was an amazing server and at the end I got a lovely surprise with a birthday cake and pin.
We went to the Island Magic show – first time and it was rather cute! After relaxing at the adult pool I took a cheeseburger back to the room – why are those burgers so tempting! I watched the end of the Core, which I had started watching the night before. Then it was time for the Captains welcome reception with Mai Tais. We saw Hercules and then went to Dan Riley’s family show – I love his parodies.
Tonight was formal dinner at Lumieres and everybody looked very smart – I loved Taylor’s suit! I started with the escargot, mum the shrimp medley, then I had the goat’s cheese salad while she had the fruit salad. The beef tenderloin was gorgeous and mum enjoyed the duck. The crème brulee was divine and mum had the apple tart. Then to finish off everybody sang happy birthday to me and I got another cake – most of it made its way to Common Grounds!
Then to Dan Riley’s adult show and a bit of the 50s sock hop. I finished off the night by sitting on Deck 4 to write my journal.

Tues 8th July
Today was Grand Cayman. We did the snorkel trip last year so this year just wanted to do a little shopping. We had breakfast at Parrot Cay but were still early enough that we had to wait in the Walt Disney theatre – it wasn’t a long wait for the tender though. We wandered around, tasting rum cake and melting in the heat! We were back onboard in time for the American buffet at topsiders – the only time we were there the whole week!
I lay at the adult pool and mum went to the rainforest room. Saw a little of the Cinco de Mayo sail away then it was time to get ready for the castaway club party. It was very nice but at the end as everybody was leaving we joined Andy, Denise, Sandy and Judy. Denise and Judy had to leave but we stayed to chat. I recognised Rich Purpura setting up for his act. Andy and family had been told by a Key West shopkeeper to heckle him so I pointed him out to Andy. Well for the next hour we were in stitches.
I sat next to Chelsea for Who wants to be a mouseketeer – she was desperate to be up – next year Chelsea!!
Tonight most of us were heading up to Palos and it was wonderful as ever. I started with the chicken salad and mum had the shrimp and grilled asparagus. Then I had the fillet mignon with gorgonzola sauce and mum had the chicken stuffed with shrimp. Of course I had the chocolate soufflé but mum had a wonderful tiramisu. I was rather shocked at the huge increase in wine prices this year but I asked for the Fess Parker wine and our wonderful server got it for me. We were all needing to make the adult comedy show as we knew Andy was going to be involved – what a riot!
Of course tonight, well technically tomorrow, was the Premear of Pirates at 12.01am Mum didn’t stay up but I did and apart from the stupid antics of kids before the show started it was great. I loved the film and mum went to see it the next day

Wed 9th July
Today was Cozumel. After breakfast at Parrot Cay we made our way to Mr Sanchos beach. We loved it last year and knew that’s where we wanted to go. It is still nice and clean but we had a shock at the prices charged - however that issue is being dealt with so all I will say is be careful what they charge you. We took a taxi back into town and walked back to the ship while shopping – while they wanted you into the shops if you politely said no we weren’t hassled. We stopped for another drink – 2 Sol and I pineapple juice was less than $5!! I bought a lot of nice silver jewellery – some for myself and some as gifts.
While I went for a swim mum went to see Pirates and actually stayed awake!! I then tentatively booked the Magic for Oct 2004. The prices for July 2004 were very high.
Tonight was Mexicalifragilistic night and we were back in Parrot Cay. I had the cheese arepas, mum the crab and lobster cakes, then black bean and cheddar cheese soup and mango and papaya salad. I had the sirloin steak and mum the pork loin – she thought it delicious. We finished with bananas flambé and apple crumble. We then went up for the deck party and the buffet – the crepes were lovely but we were really too full to eat!

Thurs 10th July
A nice relaxing day at sea and after all the sun we spent most of the day inside. We had breakfast at Lumieres then I went to see Bringing down the house – hilarious. I had a gingerbread latte but I think I got somebody who couldn’t make them as I chocked on the ginger! Then we had room service lunch before going to see Finding Nemo. The Buena Vista theatre was packed but we loved the film – won’t be out in the UK until October!
Next was High Tea with the Disers – again wonderful company and wonderful servers. Couldn’t believe we had the private room again – in fact I think there was only 1 other couple present.
After all the talk at the table we changed our cruise to the Aug 7th one and got a $400 stateroom credit! We are still going for the category 11 but it is in the middle of Deck 7 this time. It will be so good to see old friends again.
We watched Disney Dreams with a Bahama Mama and then went to Sessions for Martinis – I love this adult only bar!
Tonight was the Captain’s Gala menu – I started with the grilled vegetables and proscuito, mum the fruit cocktail. Then both of us had the field mushroom soup and I had the beef tenderloin, mum the salmon. The lava cake was almost as good as the soufflé from Palos.
After watching the juggling Hills brothers we saw the 70s show – hilarious! Then we had to see the dessert buffet – just to take photos of course!!!!

Fri 11th July
Castaway Cay.
We had a very light room service breakfast and then another breakfast at Parrot Cay. It was a gorgeous day and we were on the island by 10am. We posted a few postcards and then made our way straight to Serenity Bay. Usually we spend a couple of hours at the family beach but today decided to be grown ups!! What a wonderful relaxing day spending it in the company of many Disers. We had a great bbq lunch at the adult beach – one of the servers was from Scotland as was the barman! We even had a few virgin Konk Coolers – I think they were even better than the alcoholic ones!
I wanted to try the segway but it was late coming out so I watched it from the ship. Then it was time for cocktails by the pool before showering for the Farewell Variety Show. This is always quite sad but knowing we were going again next year made us feel slightly better.
Dinner was at Animators Palate. I had the artichoke and spinach dip and made Chelsea totally crack up as I ate the wrong end – I’d never had artichoke before! Anyway I wasn’t very impressed but I had some the next week in Anaheim and it was far better. Mum had the split pea soup and I had the chicken romaine salad. While I had the fillet mignon lasagna roll mum had the pork loin – she said Wed’s was better.
Hope was running back forwards to her lab – it was lovely to see how much she was enjoying it. To finish off we had another surprise – it was Andy and Denise’s anniversary and Andy had organised a cake. However I also managed a bit of Napoleon’s banana crème brulee as well as the delicious cake. After the final farewell we had a coffee in Sessions after I had put out all the luggage

Sat 12th July
Today we had the joy of getting up at 6am for immigration. It was pretty painless and we even managed to get another hour in bed before our final breakfast. It was so sad to say goodbye to everybody. Ferdinand was going home and was going to be on the same plane as us to LA (although as it worked out we got an earlier flight). After breakfast we easily got off and then got on the DCL bus back to MCO.

We then spent a wonderful week in Disneyland and then a week in Williamsburg (if anybody is really bored they can pm their email and I can email the rest of the report.) However I think we both agreed the highlight was the cruise and meeting such wonderful people. I have since spent ages catching up with the threads on the cruise and our cruise next year!
Thank you to everybody for making it such a memorable cruise and Jeanne I promise you will get the wine drunk next year!
Wendy
 
I wanna be back on the boat!!!!!!! (Sorry, Sandy, it sounds better than "ship"!!!!!)
If all goes well, I'll be seeing most of you again next August. Keep your fingers crossed that the "logistics" gods act in my favor. If not, we'll be sailing all by our lonesomes on 10/2/04!
 
Jeanne
You better be there!! (with or without the wine LOL)
Wendy
 
Hi Wendy: Loved your trip report. Do you remember me (Jan) and Dave from the July 2001 Magic cruise? We saidl on the 6/29 Wonder this year, with our goddaughter, Alyssa, who has Down Syndrome. We're sailing again on the Magic 10/18/04 (Antigua and St. Thomas). Please tell your mom we said hello. Jan
 

Jan
Of course we remember you - you were both a very special part of that trip for us. When you posted under gometros trip report (I think) I immediatley went to tell Mum and her first question was whether Alyssa had been with you - how did she enjoy it?
I meant to email you but lost your address when my computer crashed - weren't you expecting a grandchild?
Mum sends her regards to you both.
Love
Wendy
 
Hi: Sorry for the typo -- we're sailing 9/18/04 -- the week of our 20th anniversary. We booked online and got $400 shipboard credit and we booked a secret porthole stateroom. Wendy -- my email is janziegler@aol.com. Jan
 
A couple of things:

1) Great report, Wendy. thanks for the compliment, but yours is just as good. And it's so cool, I think this is the first time I've ever read reports that mentioned me! :)

2) I was surprised to hear that you guys in the UK get films so much later. I didn't think they did that anymore.

3) I mentioned this in my report, but you brought the point home again when you said High Tea was booked when you went to make reservations. So, how come there was only one other couple in Palos the day we went for High Tea? They really need to come up with a better system.

Jan - if Wendy says you're okay, you must be okay :p If you really want to have a good time, switch to the August 7 cruise with the rest of us.
 
Jan and Dave are both super and helped make our first cruise.
About the films - they never release the summer Disney film until the October school holidays and Pirates won't be out until the 7th Aug here, not that I have been rubbing that in of course! Some films though are released at the same time.
Sandy - thanks for the compliment! I had plenty else I could have said but I think it would have put the other "new" Aug 7th cruisers off - they would think we are totally mad! :smooth:
Wendy
 
Gosh I miss you guys! The kids just loved having you and your mum as tablemates. You always worry that you'll being sitting with someone who doesn't like kids.
 


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