Magical Double Dip Trip Report (11/11/06)

[Vanvmom]

First let me introduce our brood:
Myself, DH (vanvdad), DS (almost 13), DS10, & DS6
This is our 2nd DCL cruise, but will be our first (& 2nd) stop at CC

The trip started off great! Check-in at the airport was smooth-yes, we know how to read the many signs posted about the new carry-on restrictions... just wish everyone could read them. Slight delays at the security check as the gal in front of us broke into tears about the fact that her mace was confiscated. Since we were traveling on DH's flight miles, we were ticketed to fly on a red eye flight to FL. We arrived at the airport in Sacramento at dinner time, so we decided to feed the kids dinner at our only choice (the airport bar). DH enjoyed his first beer of the vacation as our younger 2 sons enjoyed their first chicken strips of the vacation!
The flight to LA was very smooth (and short). We arrived in LA about an hour before our connecting flight to FL was scheduled to take off-good thing too, since the gates were in a different wing of the airport. Who knew that TED and UA could have gates that far apart

As for the flight to FL from LA... let say that my DH now understands the difference in service between economy and business class. We sat in the last row of the plane (yes, that would be the one right in front of the restroom ). There were 12 pillows on the entire plane (per the flight attendants- and 8 of them were in first class), and my seat was broken and would not recline. The movie they were showing was POTC- Dead Man's Chest, so I was hopeful that the flight would go well! This was a recap of our flight: Teen 2 rows in front of us gets up for water from the flight attendants located right behind the restroom. 20 minutes later teen gets up to use the restroom. 20 minutes later teen gets up to request more water. 20 minutes later teen gets up to use restroom. 20 minutes later... you can see the trend here. Did I mention it was a 5 hour flight? How about the fact that on about half of these trips to the back of the plane the teen bumps into DH's arm? Being a light sleeper, I got about 45 minutes sleep during the flight (and the bummer thing was that it was during the movie). Well, all flights come to an end, and the landing was very smooth!

Off to Budget to pick up our rental. Fastbreak is GREAT! It was 6:00am, sunrise in FL was a beautiful sight! Walked up to the counter (which was not technically open until 7am). They directed us to the kiosk to pick up our keys and SUV, and we were on our way in no time at all! Now all I needed was caffeine and $1.75 for toll!

We arrived at the Residence Inn at 7am to see if we could check in (normal check in starts at 3pm). Our room was ready, and they gave us the key and directed us to the breakfast buffet! LOVE this hotel!!! The room is wonderful- great beds, clean, quiet! LOVED it!!!

After a short "rest" while the kids ate, we were off to enjoy KSC. Easy to find, follow the street signs - especially the one that reads "next left." If you miss that last one, the nice man at the security kiosk directs you to a lovely "turn around here" sign and tells you to take the next right, right, and right turns. He's right... that takes you directly to the parking lot! Guess he's done this before!

Tons of great things to see. Kids loved the Apollo Rocket stop on the bus tour, and we got to see the Discovery Orbiter on the launch pad - from about a mile away. By about 4pm...mommy was a walking zombie We leave KSC to go to Walmart to buy some Diet Pepsi (DH needs his "fix"), then back to the hotel. By this time, our plan to go to Grills was a pipe dream (good thing too, since I heard the wait was over an hour that night). We went to the front desk to get the number for the best pizza place that will deliver. Yummy pizza and salad were in our room 20 minutes later (yummy beer from the front desk took even less time).
We ran into Shelwog and Wojo by the pool, and were all sound asleep soon after.

Next up... embarkation day!

 

[schwaja3]

Wendy, it was a pleasure meeting you on the cruise. We were at the Residence Inn as well, and our group was down at the bar/pool on Friday night. We had tried to get to Grills, but was told there was between an hour & 1 1/2 hour wait.

We turned around and ate at a steak place down the road from the hotel.

Can't wait to read more!

Jack

 

[schwaja3]

Sorry, double post.

 

[Vanvmom]

I wish I'd been more of my normally social self on Friday night, I'd love to have had more time to chat with everyone (the week goes by so fast)! I didn't see your group Jack, maybe you were still at dinner when I walked by the bar. I hear that FLYMV's family was at the Residence Inn too. As sleep deprivation was setting in on Friday night, my head was starting to spin. I was so happy that the vacation I'd planned for almost 2 years was finally here

 

[GrayFal]

It seems that the 11/11 Double Dippers REALLY are great authors...looking forward to the rest of your report and it was great to meet you, too

 

[Vanvmom]

Forgot to note one last detail about Friday night... I went to the DCL website to check some excursion information, and found out our cabins had been changed. No excitement... the new cabins were still CAT 9s on deck 2. So, I called DCL to find out what to do about the luggage tags we'd received with our final docs. Apparently on the previous cruise some "maintenance issues" were identified with one of our cabins, so we were moved down the hall. We wrote the correct cabin numbers on our tags and were told all would be fine.

Oddly enough, no one in our family needed a wake up call on Saturday morning (I apologize to the people on the floor below us as I had to keep reminding DS6 that it was okay to be excited, but not okay to jump up and down while on the third floor). DH and DSs enjoyed their speed breakfast at the hotel (I'm not sure they even stopped to chew they were so excited). DH brought a bagel to the room for me since I was busy updating all of our disposable cameras and door signs to reflect our current cabin assignments. We all dressed in our DIS lime green, put on our lime green "double scoop" wristbands, and I put on my lime green boa. We were headed for the port by 10:30!

As we round the corner and see the ship in the window my youngest DS says "is it okay to scream and say yea now mom?" Yes son, feel free! DH drops us and the luggage off and heads back to Budget to drop off the SUV. At the port we discover that unlike when we cruised DCL out of Los Angeles, we cannot check a case of water unless it is inside a bag. Good thing we stuffed an extra duffel bag into one of our suitcases, problem solved. I think the security gal with the drug sniffing dog was a bit overwhelmed by all the lime green showing up at the port. She asked what it was all about, and why so many women in green boas were showing up. I resisted any comments about lime green boa societies and such, and just told her we'd all met through the DISboards and planned it together.

As we were going through the metal detectors in at the port, DS realizes he'd left his watch in the rental (why he had it off to begin with is a whole other discussion for another time). Pulled us out of line and called DH in hopes of catching him before he left Budget. First crisis resolved! If this is as bad as things get, we're set for a great vacation! By now it is almost 11am, and we were given a card identifying us a boarding group 12. What?! Group 12... it was only 11am?! Oh well, we'll still be onboard by noon, so life is good.

Stood in line to check in, and met another DISer (Ray-Ring). Soon DH arrived and we met up with 2 of the 3 families we were traveling with. We found out that one of the families arrived about 15 minutes after us and was given a card for boarding group 3 (guess I picked the wrong staircase). It was this family's first DCL cruise, so I was happy for them to be able to board so quickly. As we were walking around we met the Hannomom family, Faireygodmother, GrayFal, Ibouncetoo, Tiggerspal, Alisbarc, Mom2of2, and many others! It was so much fun seeing the faces that go with so many of the people I'd met on the boards over the past year and a half. DH found us and described a fun trip back to the port from Budget- he got the privledge of sitting next to a kid with a very wet murky cough. Surely they would not be allowed to board, right?

As we stood in line to get the kids checked into their programs (even after we'd done the online registration), we talked with one of the families traveling with us. As they were checking bags with the porters, the security gal with the drug sniffing dog told them to "be prepared for some strange cruisers this trip. There are about 20 or more ladies who are walking around in green boas." To which my friend replied, "great, I'll get mine out of my backpack and join them," and then she did just that! I feel a bit bad for the security gal... I'm thinking she felt about ready for a drink at that point.

Finally our boarding group was called! We boarded right behind Mom2of2's group, and headed straight for Deck 9 once we were on board to meet up with the rest of our group. The boys played foosball for a while, while I sought out a lovely crew-member walking around with some colorful blended drink. I said "you must be looking for me, as one of those must belong to me." He certainly was a generous guy, all he wanted was my room number and autograph, and the pretty drink was mine. YUM! As I enjoyed my first adult beverage of the vacation, DSs took our friends' DSs on their own personal tour of the ship. Post tour, I took oldest DS up to the stack to officially check him in-he and another DS in our group were both less than a month away from turning 13, and both in middle school. They wanted the teen experience.

DISmeet was at 3pm, and the Promenade Lounge was full. Met up with many wonderful DIS families, and I wish I had more pictures of the meet. Oldest DS and his friend met up with Alisbarc's oldest DS, and the teen social circle was starting to develop.

Soon the rooms were ready and we went to go unpack. WOW! We got some extra bags, wonder if their stuff is better than our stuff Just kidding! I guess the folks that got moved our of our cabin a couple of days ago just found out at the port as their tags did not reflect whatever their new cabin number was. We met Darwin, our cabin steward. He seemed really nice, but as the week progresses you'll hear more on that subject.

Lifeboat drill was quick - I have to say I like the new life-vests better than the old ones. Time for the sail-away party. We watched everything from Deck 10 (waving at everyone along the shoreline as we sailed away).

We had 5:45 seating for dinner in Parrot Cay, so we left the party early. We were the first in our traveling group to arrive at dinner- there are 16 of us, 8 adults and 8 boys ages 4-12. DCL had our group seated next to each other in two tables of 8. Perfect! Kids at one table, adults at the other! We asked our wonderful servers Steve and Patricio and they were fine with the idea. DCL is GREAT!

After dinner we were off to see the Welcome Aboard show with Rich Pupura and Randy Cabral. We loved them both! Very funny guys. About half way through the show we hear (and sort of feel) a kid with a wet murky cough sitting behind DH. Guess someone lied a bit when asked if anyone in their group had been ill lately. DH was now whispering that he felt he needed a sponge to clean his back off, and the rest of us tried hard not to laugh. Time for another round of Airborne for the family!

After the show, oldest DS left for the Stack to get the 411 on the week's events, youngest DS went to the Club, and we took middle DS to explore Ocean Quest. This night we officially began parenting a "teen" complete with curfews and restrictions on activities. Life as I knew it was changing

Next up... our first trip to Castaway Cay!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Yeah! Another double-dip trip report! I'm loving hearing what everyone was doing while I was off napping (uh, I mean relaxing)!

Yes, the boas did tend to make us stand out a bit Well, I guess that was the whole point, eh? We found each other in no time at all.

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[woody73]

Lovely report, Wendy. Looking forward to the next installment.

Woody

 

[mom2of2]

It was so cool seeing your group as we boarded and to keep running into each other! Can't wait to read the rest!

 

[Vanvmom]

We'd booked connecting cat 9s for our family of 5 to save some money (and for the shipboard credits). To start the cruise off right, we had $700 in shipboard credit from rebooking onboard our last cruise along with the AAA credits. So, my husband decides now would be a perfect time to buy a new camera. By the time we get the camera, memory card, and a photo package we've just about burned through the shipboard credits. In all honesty, the camera was about the same price as it would have been ordering it on-line (yet without the shipping or tax). Merry Christmas!

Now... on to Castaway Cay!

We were REALLY looking forward to this stop as we'd never been to CC before, yet had heard so many great things about it. Having a deck 2 cabin, we never needed a wake up call on port days. Let me say right off the bat that I like deck 2. I love the view of the water from the HUGE porthole, and the mild hum of the thrusters doesn't bother me at all, and I like having the extra money to spend on other things (note the earlier post about a colorful cocktail with my name on it). But on this cruise we actually backed into the dock 3 yes that was 3 times. You can hear (and feel) that very well on Deck 2.

So, as we start to back into CC, I herd my family up to Topsiders (yes, I use the word herd to refer to attempting to direct 3 boys and a husband anywhere - directing the 3 boys on their own is like trying to herd cats) Okay, off the tangent trail and back to the subject! I took many photos of the island and Flying Dutchman while my family dined on fine bacon, eggs, donuts, and mickey waffles with strawberries. I'm sure at this point they are ready to forever abandon the breakfast bars and yogurt I makes them eat for breakfast at home. I can still hear "look mom, I'm eating Mickey's ear." Poor mouse!

Finally, they finish eating and we can get off the ship! Yes, mom is a little excited. The weather was perfect! Sunny, pleasant temp., and only a slight breeze. While disembarking we meet up with most of our traveling group, so 12 of us attempt to get a group photo with the ship in the background. The poor shutters woman said our group pretty much blocked the view of the ship. Oh well, take it anyway, we're on vacation!

We arrived to the tram site the same time as the tram so we took it. I recommend walking next time as we missed a photo op with our favorite pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. As we passed by She Sells we looked briefly at the CC shirts and asked if all the styles would still be there on our next stop or if they take some items out to replace them with the Twice the Magic merchandise. We were told that all the regular items will be available both days. NOTE: Tip coming... If you see it and you like it, buy it! On our second stop, many of the adult sizes and styles of shirts were sold out with only children's sizes left to purchase (as the Wonder stops at CC between our 2 stops).

Back to the regular report... the kids picked up their floats and snorkel equipment and we staked out a prime spot on the family beach. The kids then abandoned the floats and snorkel gear to go play in the sand at the water's edge (yes, even the teen). Meanwhile mom went to conquer the fear of heights! Time to parasail (and not die).

 

[Vanvmom]

Did I mention my fear of heights? I decided the best way to conquer this fear was to parasail with other DISers (Ibouncetoo, Dizney-Cruiser & her DSis Linda). This is me being harnessed into the parachute.

Here is another one with me in the air and the Magic in the lower corner of the photo - yes, they really do let you sail at the end of 1000 ft of rope!

 

[GrayFal]

Did I mention my fear of heights? I decided the best way to conquer this fear was to parasail with other DISers (Ibouncetoo, Dizney-Cruiser & her DSis Linda). This is me being harnessed into the parachute.

Here is another one with me in the air and the Magic in the lower corner of the photo - yes, they really do let you sail at the end of 1000 ft of rope!

Yikes ​

 

[woody73]

. . . I can still hear "look mom, I'm eating Mickey's ear." Poor mouse!

LOL!!

 

[Vanvmom]

WOW! Tons of fun! I highly recommend it to others (esp the captain we had- Mikko). It is so quiet up in the air, and you can see the surrounding islands as well as other cruise ships in the area. Once everyone had a chance to sail, the captain stopped the boat and had everyone look over the side. He said it was about 90 ft deep where he stopped, and you could see all the way to the bottom. Amazing!

The next fear I had to conquer was the fear of drowning! So, it must be time to snorkel. I love to snorkel- love seeing the pretty fishies, the coral, you name it- all while being able to breathe normally. I don't dive down because I am not that great at clearing my snorkel, and I don't like the taste of salt water. This would describe me each time I snorkel. First I put on the equipment (yes, I own my own snorkel because ... well, I just don't want to put anything in my mouth that has already been in someone else's mouth- yep, I'm funny that way): funky yellow vest on- check; borrowed mask on- check; go into the water and put fins on- check; snorkel in mouth- check; face in water- hyperventilate- check! Face out of water and try again. Face in water- hyperventilate- check! Third time is a charm... yes this time no hyperventilating!

Now I am off to find the sunken Mickey. I've read the boards well, I know the good stuff is hidden at the base of the round buoys. I was a woman with a mission - FIND THE SUNKEN MICKEY! But first, I have to battle the pretty fish. Now they may look beautiful, and they may seem pretty, but these fish are WAY TOO FRIENDLY!!! See what I mean?

Here they come, swimming fast, right toward me! Swim away! Swim away! Swim away! See me swim backwards, see other snorkelers laughing at me. See me ignore them in search of Sunken Mickey!
Yes, after about 2 hours in the water I did find him! Mission accomplished

 

[ibouncetoo]

Wendy, I LOVED sharing our first parasailing experience! It was so beautiful up there. I really need to finish off that roll of film and get it developed (looks like I'll be taking 25 pictures of the cat!). I know, I know, you don't have to use all the pictures, but I only took about 8 on this roll of 35...it just seems so wrong. Oh, I know, I can do what the movie business calls 'pick up' shots. We didn't get any of Peg & I on formal night (the shutters ones were a bust), so we can dress up again, find a neutral background and get some pictures.....shhhhh, don't tell anyone.

 

[Vanvmom]

I won't describe our Shutters formal night shots, but leave it to say I was the one shuddering when I saw them! My pale winter arms should NOT wear black in public - it gave a whole new meaning to the concept of black and white formal-wear.

 

[Disney owl]

Thanks for sharing

 

[Vanvmom]

After a day of fun in the sun, we were back aboard and ready for our first meal in Lumiere's. I've always felt like this restaurant was a bit classier than I am, but we enjoy it. Oddly enough on this cruise we were seated at the same table we were at on our previous cruise (even though our cabin number and our dining rotation had both changed). Guess they thought we REALLY liked our seats Okay, back from the tangent. We had the early seating, but had the second dining time (meaning we ate each night at 5:45). It was nice to be able to feed the kids and then let them all go off to their different activities, but I do miss watching the sunset (for me, watching the sunset is part of vacations). We did try to catch part of it by going up to the sports-deck on 10 before dinner. While watching the sun with one eye, I played some ping-ping with my middle DS. Sorry to the fish I may have choked by accidentally hitting a ball out to sea- no I'm not that bad a player, the ball just did a weird ricochet off my son's paddle, then the tall metal pole that holds the sports net up, then the ships railing... I didn't really see it after that. Hope no one saw my graceful maneuver oops, look at the time... we have to go to dinner now!

Dinner was good-almost every meal had a cheesecake dessert option, and at least one option that included ice cream. This made DH and DSs happy! Alas, I am not much of a cheesecake or ice cream eater so I tried some other choices. I highly recommend the lemon meringue! Remember that each restaurant has the same menu for the first 3 nights (meaning that in PC they serve the same meal the 1st 3 nights- in Lumiere's they serve the same food the 1st 3 nights, etc). This means that if you liked the entree or dessert you had the first night, you can order it again even if it is not on the menu for the restaurant you are in. Your server can just get it from the other restaurant. So... I got to have lemon meringue 2 nights in a row. You can get it again on another night if you let your server know a day ahead of time. Our server made sure to bring an appetizer, entree, and dessert for everyone at the table to share if there was one of each of these items that no one ordered. This made it fun to try new things.

After dinner we did some shopping, and then went to the cabaret show in Rockin' Bar D followed by Match Your Mate. The Match Your Mate show was a funny one. The newlywed couple was actually a couple that was supposed to be getting married at CC on Friday, so all of their family members were in the bar watching the game. Some of their responses had us such as "where is the strangest place you've ever discovered the magic?" His response was "I'll have to go with the most recent," yet she came back on stage and said "we don't believe in pre-marital magic discovery... my mom is sitting right there!" Let's just say that the show is very revealing for the couples on stage, the ship is NOT that big, and it can be hard to keep a straight face when you run into these contestants walking around the ship the rest of the week.

I think DS teen was back in our room by 11:30 this night

 

[woody73]

. . . Sorry to the fish I may have choked by accidentally hitting a ball out to sea . . .

Too funny!

Woody

 

[Vanvmom]

I just found out today that one of my Sunday School students was on the Wonder while we were on the Magic. Neither of us even knew the other were cruising - and to think I thought EVERYONE I KNOW was aware we were cruising!