northernmouse
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2001
- Messages
- 199
Once again, up with the sparrows, because it's our last morning at WDW *and* we have a 7:45 appointment at the MK for a steam train behind the scenes tour. Plus, I must divert the DSS while the DH packs up the last of our luggage and hide it in the car before joining us for breakfast at Captain Cooks.
Mission accomplished, we take the monorail over to the MK. No problem riding in the front at that hour of the day! We meet with the rest of our tour mates and Conductor Jack in front of the gates. Mostly older adults, the DSS, and a girl about his age. A coin is tossed to choose the honourary conductor between the two, and the girl wins. Too bad -- I think the DSS was a lot more into trains and steam engines and would have enjoyed the role more. But I guess that's what mom's (even 'other mom's') can't help but think!
The tour was almost 3 hours, and an interesting look into one of Walt's passions. Even those who aren't train buffs would enjoy it, but liking science and mechanics really helps. I liked being an 'insider' tagging along with the CM's as they woke up the park.
The park was open when the tour was finished, so we made no effort to repeat the marathon ride strategy of the day before. Instead, we simply walked around the park, soaking up the energy and the atmosphere. We haven't been to WDW often (DH & I twice, the DSS this first time), but I think that could become a tradition -- going to the park on the last morning and revelling in the magic. We did hop on the carousel and took a ride with Peter Pan. "Zippedy doo dah . . . what a wonderful day".
We left the park after noon, and went straight to the car, having successfully convinced the DSS we should visit a beach. He was asleep before we hit the freeway, and the DH and I were tickled to catch up to a DCL bus, and pass it on the way to the port.
Does the view of the ship as you pull onto the high bridge about a mile from the port ever get ho-hum?? Just curious, because the DH & I were SO EXCITED when we saw it! Of course, we had to be quiet, 'cause the DS was still sawing logs in the back. Can you believe he didn't wake up until we were pulling into the pier?!!
"We thought we'd check out the ships", we said when he asked if we were at the beach. Didn't fool him for a moment. "We're taking a cruise!", says he, completely and utterly thrilled. DH leaves the two of us & the luggage & goes to park the car. The DSS does a Tigger impression, bouncing at the curb, till the DH gets back.
Check-in was a breeze, because we were already registered at the resort as part of the package. Since we're Canadians, it did take a little extra time at the foreigners window, but there was no line to board, because it was after 2 when we arrived.
Our embarkation photo features 3 somewhat startled, sleepy and smiling first-time cruisers. We bought it anyway, since we'll never have another first Wonder cruise!
We went straight to our cabin, 6090, dumped our bags and oohed and awhed over the room before exploring the ship. Forward, aft, port, starboard -- the DS had it figured out a lot faster than the folks. I was constantly turned around!
Unfortunately, we never made it to the reception buffet before it was cleaned up for the safety drill. Our bags came to the room quickly, and I felt compelled to unpack. Next time, the shrimp will win!
Registered the DS in the club after the drill, and then went to the Sail-away party. Does that party make anyone else's face hurt from smiling so much?
We didn't see the show our first night as we were busy exploring the ship. Our dining rotation was second seating, TAP. It was nice to start in the 'formal' restaurant. Our servers were Anita and Jose, and our head server was Kapoor. They all did a wonderful job, and the DSS was made to feel very welcome. He got quite a kick out of being treated like an adult, and he finally understood why the wicked step-mother had been putting him through the torture of learning proper table manners for the past few months. He had his Shirley Temple waiting at the table every night after the first, and handled the mutliple forks with style. I was very proud of him!
The seas were really rough that night, so the dining room was half-empty. It was quite entertaining, watching all these people wandering about the ship looking like they were half-snapped!
We weren't bothered by the seas at all. In fact, it was almost an added bonus for the DH & I, as we sat on our verandah late this first night, drinking a glass of red wine, watching the sea foam and fall under the full moon. The salt water has a distinctive perfume when it's carried up by a warm breeze. I suspect it's an aroma you can only find on the deck of a cruise ship when you're completely relaxed. I can hardly wait to smell it again!
We all slept really well that night -- we would need the rest for the snorkelling in Nassau coming up!
Mission accomplished, we take the monorail over to the MK. No problem riding in the front at that hour of the day! We meet with the rest of our tour mates and Conductor Jack in front of the gates. Mostly older adults, the DSS, and a girl about his age. A coin is tossed to choose the honourary conductor between the two, and the girl wins. Too bad -- I think the DSS was a lot more into trains and steam engines and would have enjoyed the role more. But I guess that's what mom's (even 'other mom's') can't help but think!
The tour was almost 3 hours, and an interesting look into one of Walt's passions. Even those who aren't train buffs would enjoy it, but liking science and mechanics really helps. I liked being an 'insider' tagging along with the CM's as they woke up the park.
The park was open when the tour was finished, so we made no effort to repeat the marathon ride strategy of the day before. Instead, we simply walked around the park, soaking up the energy and the atmosphere. We haven't been to WDW often (DH & I twice, the DSS this first time), but I think that could become a tradition -- going to the park on the last morning and revelling in the magic. We did hop on the carousel and took a ride with Peter Pan. "Zippedy doo dah . . . what a wonderful day".
We left the park after noon, and went straight to the car, having successfully convinced the DSS we should visit a beach. He was asleep before we hit the freeway, and the DH and I were tickled to catch up to a DCL bus, and pass it on the way to the port.
Does the view of the ship as you pull onto the high bridge about a mile from the port ever get ho-hum?? Just curious, because the DH & I were SO EXCITED when we saw it! Of course, we had to be quiet, 'cause the DS was still sawing logs in the back. Can you believe he didn't wake up until we were pulling into the pier?!!
"We thought we'd check out the ships", we said when he asked if we were at the beach. Didn't fool him for a moment. "We're taking a cruise!", says he, completely and utterly thrilled. DH leaves the two of us & the luggage & goes to park the car. The DSS does a Tigger impression, bouncing at the curb, till the DH gets back.
Check-in was a breeze, because we were already registered at the resort as part of the package. Since we're Canadians, it did take a little extra time at the foreigners window, but there was no line to board, because it was after 2 when we arrived.
Our embarkation photo features 3 somewhat startled, sleepy and smiling first-time cruisers. We bought it anyway, since we'll never have another first Wonder cruise!
We went straight to our cabin, 6090, dumped our bags and oohed and awhed over the room before exploring the ship. Forward, aft, port, starboard -- the DS had it figured out a lot faster than the folks. I was constantly turned around!
Unfortunately, we never made it to the reception buffet before it was cleaned up for the safety drill. Our bags came to the room quickly, and I felt compelled to unpack. Next time, the shrimp will win!
Registered the DS in the club after the drill, and then went to the Sail-away party. Does that party make anyone else's face hurt from smiling so much?
We didn't see the show our first night as we were busy exploring the ship. Our dining rotation was second seating, TAP. It was nice to start in the 'formal' restaurant. Our servers were Anita and Jose, and our head server was Kapoor. They all did a wonderful job, and the DSS was made to feel very welcome. He got quite a kick out of being treated like an adult, and he finally understood why the wicked step-mother had been putting him through the torture of learning proper table manners for the past few months. He had his Shirley Temple waiting at the table every night after the first, and handled the mutliple forks with style. I was very proud of him!
The seas were really rough that night, so the dining room was half-empty. It was quite entertaining, watching all these people wandering about the ship looking like they were half-snapped!
We weren't bothered by the seas at all. In fact, it was almost an added bonus for the DH & I, as we sat on our verandah late this first night, drinking a glass of red wine, watching the sea foam and fall under the full moon. The salt water has a distinctive perfume when it's carried up by a warm breeze. I suspect it's an aroma you can only find on the deck of a cruise ship when you're completely relaxed. I can hardly wait to smell it again!
We all slept really well that night -- we would need the rest for the snorkelling in Nassau coming up!
) to the next installment.
