brandysmommy
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Feb 18, 2005
- Messages
- 195
OK better late than never Magic Western March 24-31, DH, DW (me), DDs (almost 7 and almost 5)
Friday
After arriving in Orlando on Friday, we rented a one way car with Avis and went straight to Port Canaveral and stayed at the Residence Inn. I would highly recommend the hotel. It was new, and very clean. The staff were good and helpful and the pool nice. We ate at Fishlips which was very good and watched the ship (cant remember which one non Disney) sail out. We stayed at the Radisson in December 05 and were not impressed. Our DDs (almost 7 and almost 5) thought we were just going to Florida as the night before our last cruise no one slept and we were carrying sleeping children at the sail away party.
Saturday
In the morning, the girls woke up and asked what we were doing. We gave them our cruise documents and told them we could use them to go through these ears (a picture of the Mickey boarding ears) to swim in this pool (picture of the Mickey pool). They were thrilled. But this was 7am, so we now had 3 hours to kill until we could board. We went to Ron Jon and hung out there for a bit. We got to the port at around 9:45 they put you in the parking lot until the ship is cleared and then let you drive in to the unloading area around 10:00. DH dropped me and the DDs and all of our luggage off and returned the car (it took about an hour for him to return he had to wait for a shuttle then they went to all the other ships first allow extra time here). We were probably the 10th in the terminal and got boarding group 2. They were handing the boarding cards out in the check in line not at the top of the elevator. Check in went smooth. We then went to check in for the kids clubs. DD7 whose life now revolves around the friends and who she knows decided she wasnt going to go to the kids clubs since her friends werent going to be there. We choose to put DD almost 5 in the 3-4 group since she is very shy which was a good move for us. I told DD7 that she had to have the bracelet to board the ship and we would talk about the clubs later. We were on the ship around Noon. I went to Rockin D bar to get a manicure appointment that I couldnt get on-line and to try to change our dining from 5:30 to 6. I was successful in the manicure. If I changed to 6, we would have lost our private table which was important to us so we stayed at 5:30. There were people who were able to switch from late to early at that time. DH and DDs went to the Mickey Pool we were the only ones there and were the first on the slide once it opened. DDs had a blast ordering their own food right by the pool at Plutos. We had connecting inside deck 2 cabins which was heavenly! Last time we had 1 cabin and it was so nice to spread out over 2 rooms and bathrooms we wouldnt do it any other way. The price to do 2 connecting inside was less than 1 balcony and only slightly more than a single inside as you got an additional stateroom credit. DD7 was edgy as the ship was leaving I think she was a big nervous (was last time too). Got over it by the next day. Dinner was good, after dinner, DD5 wanted to go to the kids clubs and DD7 said she wanted to go to bed. So we decided we would split up and DH would take DD7 to bed and Id drop DD5 off at the clubs. When DD7 got wind of that she changed her mind about the clubs and went the rest of the week no questions asked. We had rough seas (9-12 feet waves) going through the jet stream and for most of the rest of the week. Many people told us this was very unusual for the Western route this time of the year. DH and I took Bonine and were fine DDs were fine without anything.
Sunday
We were in Key West. Our DDs were up at 6am so we saw the sun rise, ate breakfast outside on deck and then sent swimming in our very own pool. We did this most mornings. After we had our character breakfast which was very rushed not at all like the ones at the parks. DD7 and I went off the ship while DH and DD5 hung out on the ship. DD7 and I walked to the Southernmost Point (a little over a mile I would guess). We then went shopping along Duval and had some ice cream. We were back on the ship by 3 and joined up with DH and DD5 who were at a pretty empty pool. DH and I had Palo (absolutely delicious) that night and the girls were at the clubs.
Monday
We were at Sea and had Palo Brunch (again absolutely delicious). We spent a lot of time sitting on the comfy chairs on Deck 4 and reading, or hanging out in Cove Café. I had a manicure on a scale of 1-10, Id rate it a 4. We had Formal Night. DDs wore fancy long dresses, I wore pallozo pants with a matching formal top, DH wore a black suit with a Mickey tie. After dinner we went to the family Dance Party which the girls loved. Then it was on to the Golden Mickeys (which the wave height, you really felt it in the Theatre!)
Tuesday
We were at Grand Cayman. We got off the ship around 8 waited for maybe 5-10 minutes to board a tender in the Buena Vista Theatre. We had arranged a convertible car rental from Avis. They pick up at the Blue Iguna a block from the pier. It took maybe 10 minutes to get to the rental office at the airport. We had a PT cruiser. Driving on the other side of the street wasnt too bad they drive relatively slow but you did have to be always thinking of it as you were making turns, etc.. We drove around the Eastern part of the island (we skipped 7 mile beach, Hell, Turtle Farm). We stopped at some random beaches and interesting places and ultimately wound up at Rum Point Beach. The Beach is beautiful, shaded and shallow for about 50 yards out. The facilities are clean and it wasnt crowded until some of the Stingray City excursions came here for lunch but they came and went quickly. The food was priced fairly for GC and good. After we returned the car, it took closer to 20 minutes to get to the ship as traffic was heavier.
Wednesday
We were at Cozumel. We stayed on the ship in the morning. The kids did the kids club which was great because they were so empty and they got lots of attention. We had lunch at Luminaires and then headed off of the ship and into town. We choose not to do a beach excursion as I had heard mixed reviews regarding them. We went to Cozumel mini golf (they have a website if you do a google search). They were about a 20 minute walk from the ship. It was something nice and different. That night was the pirate night. We did not dress for it other than our bandanas and did not feel out of place. We got a great spot just before the show started. If you look at the stage, to the right there is that gazebo area. We stood on the outside rail of the gazebo area. The performers used the stairs right there so we were able to see them up close coming and going. The cruise staff also let our DDs come into the gazebo and dance with them and some of the performers. They had a blast. The fireworks were awesome. We didnt stay for desert as the girls were very tired.
Thursday
We were at sea and had Brunch again. Wonderful once again. DDs had another good day at the clubs and hanging out with us playing shuffle board. We also went to the matinee show that afternoon. We tended to stick to swimming in the morning or at port days when the pools were virtually empty. We also booked a future Disney cruise while on board with a dummy date as our 08 cruises are booked to preserve the discount. DCU graduation was that night. At first DD5 didnt want to go, Laura one of the wonderful counselors talked with her and she decided to go we have the biggest smiles from her on stage. This was lobster night and DD7 likes lobster so she was in heaven. We went to bed early for our CC day.
Friday
We had breakfast outside and went down to deck 1 to get ready to leave for Castaway Cay. We were one of the first groups off and just walked down to the family beach I think there are always chairs you just need to go a little further to get them sometimes. The girls played in the sand until lunch. We had lunch at the BBQ and then dropped them off at the clubs while we went to serenity bay for our couples massage. The club on CC is great. It is a large sanded are and all fenced in and very secure and removed from the water. We got to serenity bay a bit early and had a drink at the bar and talked to the bartender. We then had our massage. The massage was good, however not as private as I would have liked. If someone on the beach wanted to see in they could during your massage and while you were changing as the cabanas were not fully enclosed. There were trees and other vegetation around the cabanas but not enough for my complete relaxation.
Saturday
We had to leave. We had breakfast at the Buffet our restaurant time was way too early. After we had breakfast, we went and played shuffle board and left around 8:45am. We had a limo picking us up for the airport at 9am with Florida Tours. They were right on time and had a tv in the limo with Disney DVDs.
Other mentions ..
Food was good as usual. Dont hesitate to ask for something to try it the waiters are happy to accommodate.
Palo is out of this world. However, dont feel guilty if it doesnt work. We didnt go on our last cruise as our DD came down with an ear infection and although the ship doctor cleared her to go to the clubs she wasnt up to it. We enjoyed our cruise just as much not going as going to Palo.
Use the Pools early or on port days - sea days are way too crowded.
Other than the pools, we never found things crowded and the ship was sold out.
We dropped off 3 picture mats (11/14 size for a 5/7 picture) at guest services with sharpies. They returned them to our cabin on the last night all signed beautifully. Each DD has one in her room and we have one in our Family Room.
Take advantage of the comfy chairs on deck 4 to read or relax.
You can go to Palo to have a drink at the bar without reservations.
Girls loved Flubber, Mystery activity, Cookie Making, Heffalump Hunt, Mousketeer Training, Hula Party, Farewell Party, going to the Sports Deck and many others that I cant now remember. I did talk to some other families who said their boys werent as thrilled with the clubs. I can see that a bit as many of the activities may be a bit more crafty and or pretend play. In the 8-9 age group that seems to change. Our girls have always loved the clubs. The only time we require them to go is if we have Palo or a spa appointment. Otherwise we let them choose their activities and find that they choose a few a day and spend the rest of the time hanging out with us.
Friday
After arriving in Orlando on Friday, we rented a one way car with Avis and went straight to Port Canaveral and stayed at the Residence Inn. I would highly recommend the hotel. It was new, and very clean. The staff were good and helpful and the pool nice. We ate at Fishlips which was very good and watched the ship (cant remember which one non Disney) sail out. We stayed at the Radisson in December 05 and were not impressed. Our DDs (almost 7 and almost 5) thought we were just going to Florida as the night before our last cruise no one slept and we were carrying sleeping children at the sail away party.
Saturday
In the morning, the girls woke up and asked what we were doing. We gave them our cruise documents and told them we could use them to go through these ears (a picture of the Mickey boarding ears) to swim in this pool (picture of the Mickey pool). They were thrilled. But this was 7am, so we now had 3 hours to kill until we could board. We went to Ron Jon and hung out there for a bit. We got to the port at around 9:45 they put you in the parking lot until the ship is cleared and then let you drive in to the unloading area around 10:00. DH dropped me and the DDs and all of our luggage off and returned the car (it took about an hour for him to return he had to wait for a shuttle then they went to all the other ships first allow extra time here). We were probably the 10th in the terminal and got boarding group 2. They were handing the boarding cards out in the check in line not at the top of the elevator. Check in went smooth. We then went to check in for the kids clubs. DD7 whose life now revolves around the friends and who she knows decided she wasnt going to go to the kids clubs since her friends werent going to be there. We choose to put DD almost 5 in the 3-4 group since she is very shy which was a good move for us. I told DD7 that she had to have the bracelet to board the ship and we would talk about the clubs later. We were on the ship around Noon. I went to Rockin D bar to get a manicure appointment that I couldnt get on-line and to try to change our dining from 5:30 to 6. I was successful in the manicure. If I changed to 6, we would have lost our private table which was important to us so we stayed at 5:30. There were people who were able to switch from late to early at that time. DH and DDs went to the Mickey Pool we were the only ones there and were the first on the slide once it opened. DDs had a blast ordering their own food right by the pool at Plutos. We had connecting inside deck 2 cabins which was heavenly! Last time we had 1 cabin and it was so nice to spread out over 2 rooms and bathrooms we wouldnt do it any other way. The price to do 2 connecting inside was less than 1 balcony and only slightly more than a single inside as you got an additional stateroom credit. DD7 was edgy as the ship was leaving I think she was a big nervous (was last time too). Got over it by the next day. Dinner was good, after dinner, DD5 wanted to go to the kids clubs and DD7 said she wanted to go to bed. So we decided we would split up and DH would take DD7 to bed and Id drop DD5 off at the clubs. When DD7 got wind of that she changed her mind about the clubs and went the rest of the week no questions asked. We had rough seas (9-12 feet waves) going through the jet stream and for most of the rest of the week. Many people told us this was very unusual for the Western route this time of the year. DH and I took Bonine and were fine DDs were fine without anything.
Sunday
We were in Key West. Our DDs were up at 6am so we saw the sun rise, ate breakfast outside on deck and then sent swimming in our very own pool. We did this most mornings. After we had our character breakfast which was very rushed not at all like the ones at the parks. DD7 and I went off the ship while DH and DD5 hung out on the ship. DD7 and I walked to the Southernmost Point (a little over a mile I would guess). We then went shopping along Duval and had some ice cream. We were back on the ship by 3 and joined up with DH and DD5 who were at a pretty empty pool. DH and I had Palo (absolutely delicious) that night and the girls were at the clubs.
Monday
We were at Sea and had Palo Brunch (again absolutely delicious). We spent a lot of time sitting on the comfy chairs on Deck 4 and reading, or hanging out in Cove Café. I had a manicure on a scale of 1-10, Id rate it a 4. We had Formal Night. DDs wore fancy long dresses, I wore pallozo pants with a matching formal top, DH wore a black suit with a Mickey tie. After dinner we went to the family Dance Party which the girls loved. Then it was on to the Golden Mickeys (which the wave height, you really felt it in the Theatre!)
Tuesday
We were at Grand Cayman. We got off the ship around 8 waited for maybe 5-10 minutes to board a tender in the Buena Vista Theatre. We had arranged a convertible car rental from Avis. They pick up at the Blue Iguna a block from the pier. It took maybe 10 minutes to get to the rental office at the airport. We had a PT cruiser. Driving on the other side of the street wasnt too bad they drive relatively slow but you did have to be always thinking of it as you were making turns, etc.. We drove around the Eastern part of the island (we skipped 7 mile beach, Hell, Turtle Farm). We stopped at some random beaches and interesting places and ultimately wound up at Rum Point Beach. The Beach is beautiful, shaded and shallow for about 50 yards out. The facilities are clean and it wasnt crowded until some of the Stingray City excursions came here for lunch but they came and went quickly. The food was priced fairly for GC and good. After we returned the car, it took closer to 20 minutes to get to the ship as traffic was heavier.
Wednesday
We were at Cozumel. We stayed on the ship in the morning. The kids did the kids club which was great because they were so empty and they got lots of attention. We had lunch at Luminaires and then headed off of the ship and into town. We choose not to do a beach excursion as I had heard mixed reviews regarding them. We went to Cozumel mini golf (they have a website if you do a google search). They were about a 20 minute walk from the ship. It was something nice and different. That night was the pirate night. We did not dress for it other than our bandanas and did not feel out of place. We got a great spot just before the show started. If you look at the stage, to the right there is that gazebo area. We stood on the outside rail of the gazebo area. The performers used the stairs right there so we were able to see them up close coming and going. The cruise staff also let our DDs come into the gazebo and dance with them and some of the performers. They had a blast. The fireworks were awesome. We didnt stay for desert as the girls were very tired.
Thursday
We were at sea and had Brunch again. Wonderful once again. DDs had another good day at the clubs and hanging out with us playing shuffle board. We also went to the matinee show that afternoon. We tended to stick to swimming in the morning or at port days when the pools were virtually empty. We also booked a future Disney cruise while on board with a dummy date as our 08 cruises are booked to preserve the discount. DCU graduation was that night. At first DD5 didnt want to go, Laura one of the wonderful counselors talked with her and she decided to go we have the biggest smiles from her on stage. This was lobster night and DD7 likes lobster so she was in heaven. We went to bed early for our CC day.
Friday
We had breakfast outside and went down to deck 1 to get ready to leave for Castaway Cay. We were one of the first groups off and just walked down to the family beach I think there are always chairs you just need to go a little further to get them sometimes. The girls played in the sand until lunch. We had lunch at the BBQ and then dropped them off at the clubs while we went to serenity bay for our couples massage. The club on CC is great. It is a large sanded are and all fenced in and very secure and removed from the water. We got to serenity bay a bit early and had a drink at the bar and talked to the bartender. We then had our massage. The massage was good, however not as private as I would have liked. If someone on the beach wanted to see in they could during your massage and while you were changing as the cabanas were not fully enclosed. There were trees and other vegetation around the cabanas but not enough for my complete relaxation.
Saturday
We had to leave. We had breakfast at the Buffet our restaurant time was way too early. After we had breakfast, we went and played shuffle board and left around 8:45am. We had a limo picking us up for the airport at 9am with Florida Tours. They were right on time and had a tv in the limo with Disney DVDs.
Other mentions ..
Food was good as usual. Dont hesitate to ask for something to try it the waiters are happy to accommodate.
Palo is out of this world. However, dont feel guilty if it doesnt work. We didnt go on our last cruise as our DD came down with an ear infection and although the ship doctor cleared her to go to the clubs she wasnt up to it. We enjoyed our cruise just as much not going as going to Palo.
Use the Pools early or on port days - sea days are way too crowded.
Other than the pools, we never found things crowded and the ship was sold out.
We dropped off 3 picture mats (11/14 size for a 5/7 picture) at guest services with sharpies. They returned them to our cabin on the last night all signed beautifully. Each DD has one in her room and we have one in our Family Room.
Take advantage of the comfy chairs on deck 4 to read or relax.
You can go to Palo to have a drink at the bar without reservations.
Girls loved Flubber, Mystery activity, Cookie Making, Heffalump Hunt, Mousketeer Training, Hula Party, Farewell Party, going to the Sports Deck and many others that I cant now remember. I did talk to some other families who said their boys werent as thrilled with the clubs. I can see that a bit as many of the activities may be a bit more crafty and or pretend play. In the 8-9 age group that seems to change. Our girls have always loved the clubs. The only time we require them to go is if we have Palo or a spa appointment. Otherwise we let them choose their activities and find that they choose a few a day and spend the rest of the time hanging out with us.
