Live from the Magic, 2/4 to 2/11/2006

[yachtsea]

Well, I have the day off and 100 things to do, but I decided to be really lazy. So... I thought I would take the chance to write some of my Good and Bad opinions from our trip.

Of course, the bad are things that really were not all that bad. But, I can come up with a few things.

OK, no one could help the weather.

I did not think that the latte from Cove Cafe was that great. Of course, I was comparing to Starbucks.

The food was good. But I was not that thrilled with the dessert choices this time. I am a diabetic (but medicated) so I want to really enjoy my dessert. I was taking the cruise as an opportunity to splurge. Now, don't get me wrong, there were some nice ones, but you have to decide what you want to spend your carbs on. So... I decided most nights to have ice cream from the Goofy area on deck 9. Of course, I went to the soda station and took a larger cup to put my ice cream in so as to not have to continue to get a new one of those little ones. (Also, why were there no cones? - one other bad thing) I felt that the Key Lime Pie at Palo brunch and the German Choc. Cake at Topsiders was the absolute bestest. Cal asked for a piece and they were all out, so the pastry chef happened to be around and said he would go and get him a piece. He brought him 4 pieces. Oh my gosh, I have gotten off of the bad.

I would have like to see the movies on board play a little more often, maybe in the morning. There were some I would really liked to have seen, but there are only so many things you can fit into an evening.

I would like to see more items to purchase that are specifically DCL. I know that you think there were a lot, but not really. I would like a bigger t-shirt selection.

That is really all of the bad things that I could come up with and as you can see, that is not that bad. One thing that I wish we would have done is see a movie out at night on the big screen. I hated that we missed doing that.

Good things - Where do I start? - I love the fact that Disney has their own really nice terminal with places to sit. I also really liked the new system of boarding. I always hated standing there. I loved sitting at the end of the terminal just looking at the ship and all that was going on.

I love how they call out your name when you get onboard. We told them about it being our 30th anniversary and they also announced that.

I love the fact that the service and cleanliness on DCL is superior. Getting to know some of the staff and watching the way that most of them go out of their way to help makes you feel that you have made a new friend. I know that when we go back next Feb. we hope to meet back up again with some of the CM we met this time.

I love the fact that there are children so happy on board(for the most part.) I did see some unhappy, but let's remember they are kids. It is just such a wonderful family environment. (Except for our first day on board when I saw a dad slap his son on the back of his head.) I know that it can be really trying with little ones on vacation, and believe me I am glad that mine are grown, but it is nice to see the kids. I also enjoy the fact that there are so many places to go with no kids. I loved going into the Cove Cafe to check out a book, watch the news, whatever... It was great. Disney just knows how to cater to all ages.

I loved the way that people are so nice to one another and that you typically find that most people on board are not rude. There are some, but not as many as on other lines.

I loved so much more but I know that you are all tired of reading this now. I should go and clean or something.

I also love the Disboards. It is great keeping up with all of you.

Debi

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

On the Magic, I saw one poor mom carrying her child (1 year old?) down the steps at the Disney Theater. Before the Disney Sea University graduation, I think? She was about 10 rows from the stage, getting ready to take a seat and BLAP!! -- her kid threw up all over her bare shoulder and down her back.

That happened right next to us!! My dh couldn't speak, he was so shocked and felt so bad for that mom.

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

I wonder how many others of us witnessed that. It was literally right behind me, I was sitting with my back to the stairs and I didn't dare turn around when I heard it because I wasn't sure how I'd handle it. My husband just gave me a play by play over my shoulder. Steve and Tonya and Tonya's family were also sitting right in front of us and also witnessed it. Amazing how quickly they clean things up and like it never happened!

Laura

Laura --

We were sitting right next to you -- my dh was just to your left. Steve and Tonya tried to motion for us to say something to each other, but then the vomit happened and then the show started!

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

5. Speaking of other boats, was anyone else out on deck in St Thomas when we left the port and Captain Thord BLASTED the RC Mariner of the Sea with our "When you wish upon a star" whistle!! A merciless sonic assault. My kids were SCREAMING, they thought it was so funny.

6. Goofy's Galley! My DD-11 will eat melon and pineapple faster than I can cut it up. Goofy's Galley -- with the freshly cut fruit each day -- was like an oasis in the desert! I was almost speechless when I asked for pineapple and grapes and honeydew and cantaloupe for my DD and they handed me a huge beautiful plate that was nearly spilling over. And for once, neither DW nor I had to cut it up. More fruit! More fruit!

We were on deck 10 for the St. Thomas sail away, and you're right -- it was amazing! People were cheering, and my kids were jumping up and down.

And I agree -- Goofy's Galley is an amazing addition to the ship. My youngest wouldn't eat for the first three days on the ship (I know, she's a freak), EXCEPT for Goofy's Galley.

When we got home, she asked for a plate of cut of watermelon, papaya, and pineapple. I had to lay down the law about me NOT being DCL.

Oh, and my dh made me buy a panini maker because of GG. Those sandwiches were amazing, and we were much less likely to eat chicken fingers because of the yummy stuff there.

 

[vassello]

I agree with the new additions - GG is awesome. I love the ability to get fairly fast food that is healthy. (This did not stop me, however, from enjoying the french fries and the chicken nuggets on deck 9!!!) And to have someone cut up the fruit is wonderful! I was really excited about Cove Cafe. I loved the location and the ambience but didn't think the coffee was that great - boo hoo.... I think I was also hoping for more of a Starbucks taste. I love the new Ocean Quest - it made my DD11 happy and this in turn makes me happy!

Most nights the desserts were great - we always ordered at least 2 different each and the last night our server, Teddy, brought out ALL of the desserts for us to try! I think the dinners overall were amazing but thought that the steaks were not as tender as I remember them being last time. We thought Palo's brunch was superb - I won't ever miss this again!

Off topic but reminded by Palo. I feel a strong connection to the people in the Phillipine's and the mud slide. Our main server was Teddy and our server at Palo was Emmanuel - both from the Phillipines. Lots of prayers are coming from our house for the safety of their families.

Shari

 

[1stTimeDisneyCruiser]

Off topic but reminded by Palo. I feel a strong connection to the people in the Phillipine's and the mud slide. Our main server was Teddy and our server at Palo was Emmanuel - both from the Phillipines. Lots of prayers are coming from our house for the safety of their families.

Shari

Our server Wilson was also from the Phillipines. I wish there was some way we could get an update to know that their families are okay. I can't imagine how horrifying that would be to have something so tragic happen and be so far from home.

Marcy,

That's too funny that you were also sitting right next to us! "It's a Small World after all!"

Off subject...did any Disers get to know Vincent and Drew?? Vincent was five and Drew three. I don't remember their parents names and my son really connected with Vincent. We have some cute pictures of them together and I'd love to email them to them.

Thanks,

Laura

 

[steveandtonya]

Marcy i am going to try and send this picture to you of my tatoo. Let me know if it works.
Thank you for sharing your Kodak Easyshare Gallery album!
Here is a copy of the email that was sent with the album.

Subject: Tatoo




Steve has shared photos with you.




Album from Adobe Mon Feb 20 08:30:23 PST 2006
(1 album)
Test


- Steve





Do more with these photos!

Buy Kodak prints Create a collage Create a mini photo book Create mugs

 

[Johnna_Story]

Okay - I should be working right now, but the boss is not in the office, and I'm just not in the mood to work today. SO - you'll finally get my final trip report.

Friday - Castaway Cay. How we are so looking forward to this last day to redeem some of the earlier bumps in the trip. And it did. First, I woke up super early to catch photos of the sunrise. I think I used almost 2 full rolls of film. Can't wait for those photos to get blown up and hung somewhere prominent in the house. It was nice to be up early, alone (except for the other photographers and insomniacs!) and really experience a sunrise. To me, it's one of God's gifts and I try to experience it at least once each time we are at the coast for a vacation. It gave me time to really think about my life and how lucky and blessed I am to have my family, friends, and all the good fortune I have. Yeah, vacations may not turn out exactly how you plan, but does that really impact my life as a whole? I think those of us fortunate enough to be able to take even one Disney cruise, never mind multiple ones, are really lucky and I know I often don't look at it that way. Sometimes I think I need to experience more sunrises to be able to see my life as incredibly great, and not always looking at the not-so-great little things in life. Okay - enough of that.

After the sunrise, we woke up for coffee on the verandah and then breakfast at Topsiders. The last day I can have the oatmeal!! The weather was looking wonderful, so I couldn't wait to go to the beach. First time this week, and boy, did I need it. Plus, we had to use the toys we got from Shirley! Once off the boat, we were lucky enough to see DS's favorite at the CC post office: Captain Hook!! Made our way to the beach and got a good spot near the snorkeling area. Not that we were going to snorkel, but the kids don't really swim at the beach much (they prefer the pool!), so they only needed to go in the water to fill the buckets for sand castle creating. Of course, our bliss ended shortly thereafter when DD started to get tired and ask for her pacifier. ARGH - I hate that thing!!! Why didn't we wean her before the trip???? Of course, I didn't have it with me, and she wouldn't fall asleep without it - despite the use of Steve and Tonya's hammock! So after lunch at Cookies, we all decided to return to the ship. This was the best decision we made of the week. DH and DS went to the pools, and were practically alone. DS went into the Goofy pool for the first time all week, by himself, and really got to swim in deeper water. Much as he enjoyed the Mickey pool, he had so much fun in the Goofy pool, which I don't think he was expecting! DH and DS had some time to bond and hang out together, and they just enjoyed the last day of our trip together.

DD and I were in the cabin - she was sleeping, I was packing!!!! How come nothing fits in the suitcases on the way home???? We didn't even buy that much! I finally relaxed and sat on the verandah for a little while watching the activity of Castaway Cay. When the kids get older, we are TOTALLY doing the banana boat excursion! Everyone was loving it as they sped by us. Again, I can't say enough about the verandah. Yes, it costs more, but especially for times when DD was napping, or when DS was sick, it was so nice to be able to get out to enjoy the sun, see the port activity, or just not be stuck in the cabin. Not to mention enjoying morning coffee (have I mentioned that? ) and evening cocktails out there. I hope we can always cruise with a verandah cabin.

At this point, we are starting to stress about our Saturday travel back to DC. CNN had us all freaked out about the blizzard that was to hit the east coast, so I called friends at home (and did rub it in a little that we had gorgeous sunshine, were just off the beach, wearing flip flops, etc. as they hunkered down for the snow!) and they assured us that we should be fine to fly in and land before the snow started. Anyway, what could we do?? We actually wound up getting on an earlier flight and landed in the rain, and the snow started when we got to our house - wound up being about 14"!

We dropped off both kids at the OC, and went to our best meal all week - PALO dinner. It was so incredibly yummy. We put ourselves into Sasha's hands, and basically handed him back our menus and let him guide us. I had calamari for an appetizer, and the filet mignon - prepared perfectly. Wonderful wine - pinot noir, and I can't for the life of me remember what brand it was. I wish I had written it down!! Of course, we each had the souffle for dessert, in addition to 4 other desserts that Sasha brought us. The tiramisu was to die for, the cappucino cheesecake was smooth and creamy and I don't even know what the other two were, since I couldn't fit another thing in my stomach. What a great ending to a trying week. We could look back and see that it wasn't really the worst vacation ever. We had some great times, and some challenges. But most importantly, we got to spend time as a family out of our everyday routines and really learn more about each other.

Surprisingly, DS was ready to leave the club when we went to get him, but DD wanted to stay! We finally all conked out feeling pretty good about our week, and pretty sad that it was over.

My good and bad reviews in another post...really need to work now. If I get fired, there's no way we're going on a cruise any time soon...

 

[jblb1020]

Hey Everyone,
Sorry it has taken me a while to write but getting back to the normal schedule was pretty rough and depressing. I am sorry that I did not get to meet most of you time just seemed to fly by. We had a wonderful cruise and looking at all the pictures my children's smiles are priceless. I have been reading all the updates and can't believe how many kids got sick, I guess we where one of the lucky ones that missed what ever was going around. My DS was not crazy about the club and was only there twice so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. I can't wait to book another Disney Cruise but with DS starting kindergarten in Sept I am not sure when the best time would be. Well we are all back to reality and it pretty much stinks!
Jeanette

 

[mark_story]

Jeanette,

Yes, being back confronted with reality really does stink. After reading everyone's posts, I'm kicking myself for not rebooking while we were on board. It's expensive, but booking way in advance gives us time to fund the trip as well.

Sorry our sons didn't get the opportunity to hang out -- mine was so into the Oceaneer Club that I had to drag him out of there to get some sunshine and fresh air. And when I saw you guys (and your DS with red, sobbing eyes), I took it that the OC was not a big hit.

The big debate we're having now is going back in 2007 vs. 2008. 2008 is financially more viable, but the only sure-fire way to cure the post-cruise blues is to book another one. Plus, as every year goes by, the kids become more independent, leading to more time for us adults to enjoy the other things that the cruise offers.

Mark

 

[D-Daddy]

Jeff:
...Second, we use the rolling suitcases for both regular and carry on, so am curious what damage they had and if you have suggestions for preventing.

Neither of the kids' suitcases were any kind of high-quality luggage.

My DS's suitcase was a $15 Target roll-on -- but it was bright orange and he liked it a lot.

My DD's suitcase came from Limited Too -- and if you know any 10-14 year-old girls you know that they specialize in flimsy, overpriced stuff for "tween girls." My daughter loved her suitcase, but it was not especially sturdy. We probably should have rolled them on and off the boat ourselves.

My regular "adult" suitcases survived just fine.

-Jeff

 

[D-Daddy]

...And I agree -- Goofy's Galley is an amazing addition to the ship. My youngest wouldn't eat for the first three days on the ship (I know, she's a freak), EXCEPT for Goofy's Galley.

When we got home, she asked for a plate of cut of watermelon, papaya, and pineapple. I had to lay down the law about me NOT being DCL.

Too funny!! I did the same thing! The day after we got home I yelled (jokingly) at my DD, "No more canteloupe! You're not on the Magic anymore and I am not Goofy's Galley!!"

-Jeff

 

[jblb1020]

Jeanette,

Yes, being back confronted with reality really does stink. After reading everyone's posts, I'm kicking myself for not rebooking while we were on board. It's expensive, but booking way in advance gives us time to fund the trip as well.

Sorry our sons didn't get the opportunity to hang out -- mine was so into the Oceaneer Club that I had to drag him out of there to get some sunshine and fresh air. And when I saw you guys (and your DS with red, sobbing eyes), I took it that the OC was not a big hit.

The big debate we're having now is going back in 2007 vs. 2008. 2008 is financially more viable, but the only sure-fire way to cure the post-cruise blues is to book another one. Plus, as every year goes by, the kids become more independent, leading to more time for us adults to enjoy the other things that the cruise offers.

Mark

Mark,
Yes the kids club was not a big hit with Logan but I should have put him in his age group for 5 and up rather than with Kelsey and he might have enjoyed it more. He did keep asking to play with Ryan and I felt bad they didn't get to spend more time together. He really liked the free play in the club and as long as that was going on he was fine. I am also kicking myself for not rebooking on the cruise. I think that we are going to rebook for 2008. I would love to go in 2007 but Brian is the one that wants to wait till 2008. I'll see how things go maybe in a couple of months I can convince him. I think rebooking another cruise would definetly solve my post-cruise blues!!!!

 

[mark_story]

Jeanette (and others),

Well, as has been well-documented here, the only sure-fire cure for the post-cruise blues is to book another one, and the Story family (plus DUncle) will be back on the Magic on March 3, 2007 (courtesy of my very generous Uncle). We booked another Eastern because, with both of the kids sick for much of the trip, we feel that we did not see much of St. Maarten or St. Thomas.

So, I'll put this out to the way cool group of February 4th, 2006 cruisers: if you're thinking about re-booking for 2007, PLEASE JOIN US!!!! We made so many good friends that it would just be wonderful if any of you are thinking about re-booking and could come along as well.

Mark

 

[nordicskidoodle]

Mark,

We also booked another cruise! It's funny, we are booked for April 28,2007, but I'm now second guessing the date because of DD's first communion being close to that date(might be excommunicated for missing those oh so important rehearsals!). DH is going to kill me if I change that date again. I originally booked for 2/3/07, but figured the extra $$$ in the big picture was worth the guarantee of warmer weather and warmer waters. It's funny because the other date I was toying around with was the same as yours. I think they were basically the same price. I guess DUncle loves the Disney cruise! Hey, if we end up changing our date, maybe he will be on the same flight this time.
As for your kiddos, they are only young once-things don't always go as smoothly as we hope, but the most important thing is the family time you share and seeing those smiles on their faces. That is why we always book the room with the verandah because we know we will be spending more time in it than your average Joe, and Disney allows us to bring alcohol on board...for poor cabin bound saps like us!

Lisa
P.S. Tried to get the $200 onboard credit by calling Disney(no deal)
Tried to get friends on board now to book it for us while they reebooked, basically told us to take a hike. Oh the magic of Disney!

 

[mark_story]

Lisa,

Please change the date again to March 3rd!!!!! I felt bad that we only got to talk that last day in the hot tub. And I have promised everyone in my party that we will have good weather for the whole 7 days. GUARANTEED.

Mark

 

[Johnna_Story]

Okay - finally time to recap the good and the bad of the trip:

Bad:
You already know: sicknesses , tempers, bad weather
Not spending more time with other Disers
Being too tired to go to evening events
Missing Pirate party
Coming home to 13 inches of snow


Good:
Being on vacation with my family
Teaching DS the cha cha slide at the Sailaway party
Coffee on the verandah
DD meeting the princesses
DS meeting his favorites - Stitch and Captain Hook
DD getting courage to take pic with Daisy and Donald
Seeing DS's face coming down the Mickey Slide
Palo dinner and brunch
Meeting Disers at Bill's party and at Brunch
Being on vacation with my family
D Sea U graduation ceremony
Sunrise
Rainbow during breakfast at St. Thomas
Castaway Cay beach time
Food, food, food and Mickey Bars
Fireworks at sea
Being on vacation with my family

And finally - most of all - having a generous benefactor in DUncle who is taking us on a cruise next year.

Now I'm just waiting to hear that all of you booked your March 3, 2007 Eastern Cruise...

 

[schinz]

Hi, we also were on this cruise and "lurking" on the boards before our trip. Thanks for all the great information as this was our first disney cruise. The kids love their pillow cases signed by the characters and enjoyed meeting every princess (we were with my DD5 and DD7, also my nephew 10 - he tagged along too with most of the princesses and was a good sport). We had a great vacation once we decided it was for the kids - after the first hour in the kids club the girls decided they didn't like it and wanted to be with mommy and daddy - which was ok since this was their cruise!! We really enjoyed them having a great time.

I wanted to know if anyone knows how to send a letter/mail to a cast member, more specifically a waitress. My dd5 fell in love with our waitress, Joyce from St. Vincent, and we have the cutest picture that I would like to send to her. Thanks for the help.

Stefanie

 

[mommykeg]

Jeanette (and others),

Well, as has been well-documented here, the only sure-fire cure for the post-cruise blues is to book another one, and the Story family (plus DUncle) will be back on the Magic on March 3, 2007 (courtesy of my very generous Uncle). We booked another Eastern because, with both of the kids sick for much of the trip, we feel that we did not see much of St. Maarten or St. Thomas.

So, I'll put this out to the way cool group of February 4th, 2006 cruisers: if you're thinking about re-booking for 2007, PLEASE JOIN US!!!! We made so many good friends that it would just be wonderful if any of you are thinking about re-booking and could come along as well.

Mark

Well I'm not one of the February 4th cruisers, but we'll be on the March 3, 2007 cruise as well! There is a thread started for that cruise...not too busy yet, but I'm sure once we hit the official "one year to go" mark, things will pick up!

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=941075

I've enjoyed reading your trip reports...look forward to meeting you and your family on March 3, 2007!

 

[D-Daddy]

Hi, we also were on this cruise and "lurking" on the boards before our trip.

Wow! We had so many Marylanders on the 2/4 Magic that I'm surprised it didn't stink of Old Bay!

I think that the Story family is from Kensington, another family that posted a lot is from Columbia, MD. My family lives in Ellicott City, and we met another group from Eldersburg (halfway between Ellicott City and your home in Westminster) while in line for the Topsiders seafood buffet.

(Sorry, I don't know how to mail CM's, but I am sure someone here will answer you.)

-Jeff