Just back......Wow...BCV, Carnival Cruise, AKV(Kidani) and BLT....Good and Bad. LONG.

[alldiz]

Ok....the plan is to go to HDDR and catch Wishes on the way home.

We are showered check....cocktails in red cup check....have the right keys check....
Fully loaded.....AP's, TIW, KTTW.....DOH!!!! almost forgot those dang HDDR tickets I wonder if I'm meant to see this show....why can't I remember those stupid tickets. Alright 3 trips to the bathroom and we can finally leave the room Go to the marketplace for our daily cup exchange program. I could just put it into my refillable mug and get on the bus...but then I have to hold the cup all nightWhich would equal being left in some WDW bathroom later that night.....ahem....

Life is good....2 min wait and the M.K bus appears. Woohoo!! Quick ride later and we are at the MK at 5:45. Oi...We don't feel like walking around MK watching the clock soooooo I decide we have enough time to take a boat "home" WL then hop on boat to FW from there for HDDR.

WL boat comes right away and onto Bay Lake we go.....I love the boat rides on Bay Lake....sooooo Disney We get to WL about 6:10 and I figure we have enough time to refill our drinks walk around the grounds and lobby......Stop at the bathroom.....right now And before we leave for FW about 6:45

Plan goes perfect....drink refills Bladders emptied 2x....AndThe beauty of WL. I soooo love this place it just oozes peace to me yet so close to Disney "chaos" I love the lobby, pool area, geyser...all right I could go on and on....But lets just say I love WLV and I am sooooo happy that I own here. But I must point out at this time.....I REALLY LOVE THE FLEXIBILITY OF DVC. Honestly I wouldn't want to stay at any resort everytime.....that is why I bought DVC when I never thought I would own a "Timeshare" Ok.....commercial over

Head to the boat 6:45ish.....Boat comes pretty quick and we arrive at FW in time to check in and be seated fairly quickly. We were on the 1st floor and the last table in the back. I loved this location. We saw everything great and it felt "private"......and my favorite part was.......Yes we are right by the door and you guessed it.....Combined with my NY style of walking we will be 1st in line for boat Thankyou very much

I don't know if I was hungry....but everything was yummy. I loved the Salad....couldn't stop eating that. Cornbread and Fried Chicken were Awesome....Moist. I don't like no dang dry meat. The ribs were OK....think there was something else but I don't remember. I was too full from Salad, Fried Chicken and Cornbread. Oh Yeah...DD only eats chicken meat. So I disect some fried chicken and give her the good stuff.....while Mama decides to eat her skin as well I love Fried Chicken Skin. Geez.....I wonder why I've visited most of WDW's bathrooms by now

Dessert comes out....strawberry shortcake thingy....yummy....but didn't really eat.....yes...too full. Which is normal for me....I'm usually to full from food in life to have dessert most of the time I don't know if it was the wine or what but I enjoyed the show....DD did as well.....BTW no wine for her

It's really nice that we can just hightail it out of there being that this is paid for already from when I picked up HDDR tickets(including gratuities) Oh Yeah....how could I not mention the nonstop refillables on my red wine I mentioned to CM to keep em flowing and he did. I don't usually drink wine....I like Baybreezes....but hey....Red Wine is usually not "free"....When in Rome

Ok.....so I might not have been at top speed from the wine....ahem.....or was it the extra bathroom trip needed from the pressure of a ton of food and wine.....but I was not 1st in line at the boat. But we were up front and made it on the 1st boat which came quickly

We arrived at M.K when Memories show was ending....We jammed ourselves in the middle of Main Street and I think.....Can I wait to pee again till After Wishes......Serious....Oi. Well I make it and we enjoy Wishes. We don't get to see it too often and this is my very favorite thing to do in WDW. It is magical each and everytime and it NEVER gets old for me. I love fireworks......and set it to Mickey Music

Ahhhhh I love Wishes.....Oh NO Wait....Now I do have to find the restroom And I need to walk Marathon Speed after that to get to the bus so i don't see it pull away.....grrrr......No line check.....run top speed check.....Wait is that my bus pulling out NOOOOOOOOOO
Close call it was the Swolfin bus.....see DD aren't you glad we aren't staying there Bus comes quick and on the ride back I think about what a great trip this has been so far and how lucky I am to be going on a Cruise tomorrow and then come back to WDW again

Up next......Carnival Cruise

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

Go to the marketplace for our daily cup exchange program. I could just put it into my refillable mug and get on the bus...but then I have to hold the cup all nightWhich would equal being left in some WDW bathroom later that night.....ahem....

Up next......Carnival Cruise

Still enjoying your report BUT... what is the daily cup exchange? I usually buy a refillable mug but I hate carrying it around all day/night.

 

[alldiz]

Still enjoying your report BUT... what is the daily cup exchange? I usually buy a refillable mug but I hate carrying it around all day/night.

ahem.....Sorry....that was a reference to me making my nightly cocktail in the room in my red costco cup. As we leave the room I stop in the Marketplace with my filled red cup and ask the CM for a lg cup so i can have a lid for my drink. I then do the "daily cup exchange" I throw the red cup away. I get to walk around WDW with a lid for my drink.....and not like a cheap wino(ala red cup)....LOL...

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

ahem.....Sorry....that was a reference to me making my nightly cocktail in the room in my red costco cup. As we leave the room I stop in the Marketplace with my filled red cup and ask the CM for a lg cup so i can have a lid for my drink. I then do the "daily cup exchange" I through the red cup away.

Thanks - that is a great idea. I will use it.

 

[alldiz]

Thanks - that is a great idea. I will use it.

Your Welcome BTW I do this in the morning with my ice coffee as well.
Off to work on the next installment
Kerri

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

Can't wait to hear about the cruise!!!

 

[alldiz]

Ok.....When we got back to the BCV last night I set off for my nightly walk around the lake. I was looking forward to this last walk even though I was tired and it was almost 11. It did not disappoint. As I've said before the weather has been spectacular and tonight was no different. It's Saturday night and there is lots of people out and about. Atlantic Dance Hall and Jellyrolls have people spilled outside so must be packed. Lots of suits from the convention.....probably a nice crowd for mama to hang with.....but we have a cruise tomorrow and I should get my shuteye.

We awoke this morning to Goofy Can't believe we are leaving already.....Amazing how long we plan and "poof"......Part 1 is ending

I booked Fl Tours for transportation over to Cape Canaveral. It cost 250 plus tip for the 3 way leg.(towncar) BCV to Port to AKV. I would definately use them again....they arrived early and were very professional. Car was clean and comfy.....I called a few days before to charge it and I gave cash tip.

Plan is to not have too much coffee today......why......because there will be an undetermined amount of time with no bathroom
Pack last minute stuff......call bell services and discover a whole draw not packed Oi.....Where will I fit this stuff. How does it get in there the 1st time around??? Manage to shove it somewhere just as bell services arrives. We say goodbye to our villa do the last run around the room.....look out the balcony to our view one last time.

Time to run.....it is 9:45 and car is coming at 10am and we have to stop at Marketplace to get DD a Mickey lollipop for the ride And of course one last bathroom run.....which is where I am when the taxi calls me to tell me they are out front

Load luggage and off we go to Cape Canaveral. The ride was quick....no traffic....little over an hour. DD is chatting nonstop.....which is normal but I think the sugar lolly was riling her up......and the excitement of seeing the ship. Driver has been on 17 cruises.......and he has 6 kids. He says that he only goes on DCL. I tell him we are taking a break from Mickey because even the mouse suggested I spend my money in other places He was really talking up the Dream at this point.....I start a banter at this point telling him that I know we are going on the ugliest ship on the planet but that is OK....my view is the ocean from my balcony Honestly.....when we sailed DCL 12/09......I saw the Sensation and actually did comment how ugly the ship is We approach the port where the Dream comes into view in all her magnificance......Freedom of the Sees next to her......and hidden in the backround is my "Sensation"....I tell the driver that they hide the "tin cans" in the back. He breaks character at this point and cracks up he swerves the car He can't believe I am saying this stuff about Carnival......I tell him I'm being Sarcastic Yes i do think Sensation IS pretty ugly...... but I will still have the best cruise and he probably would too if he gave Carnival a try

Anyhoo we arrive at the Port at 11:15 and we breeze right through security. I filled a water bottle with the left over Vodka from the room and we sailed right through I did call BonVoyage though and have a bottle delivered to the room. BTW DCL allows you to bring on booze....Carnival does not. Checkin was a breeze and we were actually on the ship taking the elevator up to the buffet at noon time. I must say....I don't know what it is.....I literally felt my waist expand as I stepped on the ship.....For anyone who hasn't been on a cruise. You can literally eat yourself to death. Personally I avoid most of the food because I don't want to get lethargic afterward but it is difficult because it is everywhere....and sooo yummy.

I don't know if we arrived so early or what. But this was the best buffet lunch on a ship yet. Everything that was hot was HOT. I burnt my lip....Holy Kamoly. Stuff on Salad bar....yes COLD They made a pasta bolognese that was not made to order and it was delicious and al dente. Unheard of on a buffet. Anyway we enjoyed a nice leisurely lunch.

Ok....about the ship. I've mentioned how I think she isn't the best looking ship....and I do feel this way. But i will also say that I LOvE the Sensation and I had a great cruise and no amount of cheesy glitz can scare me....hey I love Vegas

Off to explore the ship......as we wait for our staterooms to be available at 1:30......

 

[alldiz]

Ok.....time to explore the ship....which works nice because I need to walk off lunch. I have a rule on cruises.....unless it is elegant night with heels or I am lugging luggage.....I take the stairs.

This ship is set up different from my previous experiences. Decks are in letters and the pool/buffet is on deck 10 instead of 9.....so I find myself consulting the map quite often I am on deck 6 so I will be utilizing these stairs quite a bit.

We walk the ship and mom and I marvel at how the ship is awesome.....Looks like the "tin can" will do just fine. Yes she has all the things we need. Pool.....check....loungers......check....food......double check.....ocean view and breeze.....BarsOH YEAH God I love cruising.

Honestly....I am more impressed than I think I would be. Yes for me anyway from the outside the Sensation isn't all that......but quite frankly.....I loved the pool area. It feels so much bigger. They have palm trees and I don't know but I just really liked the "feel" of it. Also The Waterworks....aka slide and playzone....ROCKED!!! DD loved this.

Ok....so we have walked all the decks....time to explore the room. I have cabin 6244 which is the last cabin Aft.......can't wait to see it......

Off we go...

 

[alldiz]

Ok.....off to find our home for the next 4 nights. Room 6244 Starboard Aft. In fact we are AFT AFT.....meaning last cabin Aft. I love this.....When I stick my head around the balcony partition...I see the wake. There is no cabin on the corner....and I never saw any workers on this corner with no room. I wanted to call and have them open balcony partition for true aft wrap

Our room was ready and waiting. Our Bonvoyage Bottle was waiting Next order of business is to find room steward......give him a 20 and tell him to have the ice free flowing.....and quick please He is very appreciative and brings the bucket Ok.......peeps the party has started.

I start all cruises the same. Make some cocktails....head to balcony....and take in the view and pray for calm seas. Funny thing with me and the ocean. It is a Love/Fear relationship. For me there is nothing more calming than looking out at the ocean and feeling that whole "dust in the wind" thing. Well then I can't help but appreciate the other side of that coin. The rogue wave/storm that can come and kill us all. Ok.....I won't give anymore thought to the rogue wave and just take note of our muster station and that we have our life jackets.....ahem.....

Cocktail check....wait I don't have any red cups so we will have to get some extra glasses sent to the room. Now it is the wait for the luggage. I don't know why I ever listen to DD. DD assured me that she does not want to go in the pool......she has acquired snobdom and dosen't like the pool because it is saltwater....and she is not going. Well I listen because as she was %itchin I realized bathing suits were on bottom of suitcase and now I don't have to dig them out.

Well as we are walking the ship the 2nd time.....really taking it in....now I have some "spirits" DD sees all of the kids having a great time.

Side note. Forgot to mention that on the ride to Port.....As Driver was Pro Disney he mentioned that he hopes we have a good "crowd" on Carnival. I was slightly worried because it was no school....but hey....the ship sails full most times.....so I figured I'm better here than seeing 120 min waits for test track. I was absolutely right. The crowd was great.....lots of "fun" people and tons of families. In fact DD started to twitch when she realized how much fun these kids were having and all she could do is now wait for her bathing suits.

So back to the room we go to wait for the luggage
Will it come soon......

 

[alldiz]

Will the luggage be there.......NO!!!! No worries....we just chill in our room a little till the muster drill that will start in about a half hour.

I hate Muster drill.....but I listen and pray I never have to remember anything they say.....kinda like the airlines. I would imagine it is equally horrifying.
Muster drill comes and goes......we were looking at the Dream and they had theirs at the same time. I didn't find myself wishing too much to be on that ship

Muster over....off to check if luggage is there Yet........By this time I have climbed quite a few stairs and we are just getting started. Funny was at muster....you have to walk up 3 or 4 flights. Mom takes the elevator usually so by the time she gets where she is supposed to be at Muster she jokes that she'll be the last person to make it to the boats and she will be hanging on the prop if she makes it there

Will the luggage be there.......I have red bags......so do a lot of other people. I thought I saw my bags.....but hey...DD's is there We suit her up.....Lather with sunblock....ahem....I might do 4 layers on a cruise....ya know with the oceans reflection....really burns the whitey white skin So not too many complaints later we take off for the slide. I don't have my suit yet so we will "observe". No lines....DD loves this slide....She dosen't even complain too much about the salt water Wait....is the boat moving We are SAILING.....and we leave 1st. I thought the tin can would be last.....but no 1st we are.....hey I figure the port lets us leave 1st so the Dream can rescue us if needed right behind us

At this point I head to my room.....I love sailaway from my balcony. BTW...I love balconies.....it is a must for me....yes I am spoiled....but once you hear the ocean lapping against the boat and seeing nothing but the big blue sea and the beautiful moon and stars lighting the sky.....you will be hooked too I usually stay here till we are outta port and the pilot has left the ship on Pilot boat. Always love watching that

I sit on my balcony in absolute peace so happy I am here Wondering what is store for us next.......

 

[loveysbydesign]

loving the updates! So happy to hear your cruise started out great!

 

[Tinks "SS"]

So glad to see all the updates!! it sounds like a blast. I'm hoping to try a cruise in 2013. this year is all planned and hawaii is on the boards for next year. You are giving me hopes of doing carnival not being a bad option for my family. Keep it coming. Can you give some pics of the "tin can"?

 

[alldiz]

Thanks for following....been busy with work....should be back with next installment either tonight or tomorrow.
Have a great day
Kerri

Sorry no pics of the "tincan"......You can go on Carnival website and see pics. To me the outside is kinda ugly cause it is so plain. Just white metal painted. Then they added balconies on.....and just welded them to ship so they stick out....not very pretty

 

[kaffinito]

Darned email updates had me three pages behind.

Oh well, at least I got to play catch up this morning.

Sorry you had such trouble with your dining credits. That's one reason why I don't like to do the DDP I always have trouble with my credits.

So far it sounds like you had a great trip (DDP credits and KTTW trouble aside)

Waiting to hear more!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I hope your cruise was a great one!!!

Tin can ships... the first Carnival ship I was ever on was the Tropicale, and this was in the 90s. It had pipes overhead in the upstairs buffet, and they were painted bright red, I suppose it was artsy, but when we went to that first welcome aboard buffet, I wondered what we had gotten ourselves into. DH, DS, DDiL and I had a great time, and we've never been "afraid" to book Carnival ever since.

Bobbi

 

[jupers]

Loving the report...going on the Sensation in July too!!!

 

[sdmom]

I am really enjoying your TR and love your travel style.

 

[kaffinito]

I just wanted to say that I looked on the Carnival website at the Sensation and it looks like a great ship!

I also priced out a trip and it would only cost us 1600 for a 3 day cruise in a suite. Love the prices for the cruise line - it looks like a much better option than booking one through DCL - especially since I don't know how my kids will take to cruising.

Looking forward to more info on the trip!

 

[alldiz]

thanks everyone....happy.my fellow dis'ers are enjoying.

Time to get ready for dinner. This room feels smaller than other staterooms we have had. Usually there is two twins or king(together) and a sofa that is made into a bed. This room has no sofa....just a chair where the sofa would be.....the room has no room for the sofa....which is where the extra space usually is. I think the room is narrower slightly cause it is hard to pass the beds also??? The third bed is pullman that is pulled down over our bed...horizontally. So when I sit up or get up.....one has to remember to duck so they don't crack their skull open on her bed. The bathroom seems slightly larger than previous bathrooms and the shower pressure is good We picked the late seating 8:15. I like it so I don't have to rush from port....but this becomes a problem.....because I try to not eat too much all day so when dinner comes....I am starving and I really want to enjoy it. ....The problem is that by the time dinner is over I'm full and tired and bed comes too quickWell when one is asleep by midnight On the 1st night my fellow dis'ers.....if you don't like lines....go to dinner 5-10 min later. Because everyone has to be shown where their table is and it takes a while. In the past we have usually had our own table....which I like. So I send DD who wants to be "photographed" So Grandma takes her to all the photographers to "vogue" I finish getting ready and meet them at the table....a few minutes late to miss the line So I get to my table and it is a 10top....OK....Problem is seems like chaos. There are 2 families of 4 and us. Well that is 11 folks....and this table is for 10 By this time one of the mothers gets up to complain....I jump up to maitre d like....hey we are just three.....give us our own table So now one family gets up....and now there is 7 at the 10 top. Kinda awkward but hey......This is their 1st cruise and so far her kids hate it. Well that explains her DD's look of death all night. Mom was personable....but for the entire dinner.....dad and the two kids did not say ONE WORD The son smiled he was about 7...but her DD was about 15 and all of her hormones and ignoring adults were on full display. To the point that it was hard not to laugh

At dinner I usually order.....2 apps and 2 dinners. Portions are not huge so mom and i share the extra in the middle. Usually they bring at same time and put one in the middle....Not this time. BTW I always get the pasta dish as an appetizer.....so I am eating that waiting for my sweet n sour shrimp which is what the other mom got. Well....She does not like the sweet n sour shrimp...says too much breading and greasy.....so now mine comes and even if I do like it....geez....I can't finish it It was OK

So the girl dosent' eat her dinner...she dosen't like it.....icecream comes to her and now my DD wants hers No DD finish your dinner....ahem....and BTW DD.....I think.....thanks for showing our tablemates what a fine young lady you are.....very personable she is

Don't remember what I ordered.....bit it was yummy....OH....They have this dessert chocolate molten cake. It is always perfect the 1st night.....cooked with some warm middle.....For some reason later in the cruise.....in the past as welll.....it comes out too quick and it is more syrupy than cake and syrup. So folks....make sure you try this the 1st night.

We talk about tomorrow's port with our table mates....We are supposed to go on an excursion....not through Carnival. It is a snorkeling boat that has a rock climbing wall and a slide. DD is looking forward to this. I mention to the other family we are going snorkeling....forgot which one....God forbid we have to look at the grumpy family in the day as well....ahem.....

Well.....We waddle out of the dining room and i walk around the ship....check out the casino....and realize I am so tired I don't want to make a donation to the craps table. So I head to my balcony like I do everynight on a cruise and sit out there and enjoy the night sky in all it's glory

Up next....Freeport.

 

[a742246]

Thank you for taking the time to write about your trip. I really enjoy reading it.