NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
The funny thing is that it's probably one or two cast members making all the signatures, but the kids won't know that or care.
So true!
Magically Crossing the Atlantic May 12-26 2007
- Thread starter NHdisneylover
- Start date
So true!
mickg7dyd
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1999
- Messages
- 1,067
The funny thing is that it's probably one or two cast members making all the signatures, but the kids won't know that or care.
I hope you realise this kind of talk could you get you a life time ban from Disney.!!..
We were in MGM once and Buzz & Woody were doing photos etc. The CM with them said they had to go but would be back in 10 minutes. A chap next to me said to her "yeah I bet it gets hot in those costumes". The CM instantly turned to him and with a dead straight face said "those are not costumes they really are Buzz & Woody"
Mick.
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Cast review:
Me (Hadley) 34
DH (David) 34
DD (Marika) 10
DS (Rio) 8
Grandparents: Hank and Jan
Lots of great CMs and DISsers
When we returned from Castaway Cay (yes a few days ago--forgot this now relvant detail on that page--it's my first TR, can you tell?
) on our bed was an "invitation" from Belle to join her at a tea party at 3:00 Tuesday in Lumieres. We were instructed to RSVP by filling in some blanks on the card and deposting it in a box in Mickey's Mates no later than Monday night. I checked with the kids. Rio, always up for something new, absolutely wanted to go. Marika (not such a Princessy kind of girl) wanted to go "if nothing else better was going on" I went ahead and put 4 on the RSVP figuring they would still let Rio and I in even if Marika and David found something else better. They must have had a big response to this new party as many people were later called and asked to come on Firday instead. We were called (by Belle) as a reminder to come Tuesday at 3:00.
Don "Ducky" Williams was scheduled to give a presentation in the Walt Disney Theatre from 2:00 until 3:00. We had never sailed with Ducky before and David, Marika and I all really wanted to attend his presentation. Rio was eqaully excited about several afternoon offerings in the kids' club. A plan was developed in which I would be sure to leave the presentation right at 3:00--even if it were not over--and meet up with Rio at the stateroom (he knew which activity ended at 2:45 and therefore when to check himself out). He and I would head down to the tea to be joined by David and Marika as soon as the presentation let out. Who ever said vacations are supposed to be relaxing
With Rio happily ensconed in the lab, the three of us headed to the theatre. At the door we were each handed a ticket. We were told that some of Ducky's drawings would be given away at the end of the presentation and they would draw tickets to determine the winners. Cool.
Don "Ducky" Williams is the senior animator (and pretty much the only one left) for WDW. Just about every ad, billboard, brochure, DCL menu, etc. that has a character on it was done by Ducky. If you have not had the chance to hear his story and you ever get the oppurtunity GO. I mean it. Even if you have to cancel a prebooked massage or Palo brunch--get into that theatre. His story is fascinating.
Equally fascinating for those of us with zero artistic abitlity was watching him draw almost 30 characters (seemingly effortlessly) on a large pad while he spoke. It was these drawings that they started to draw tickets for at 2:55. The first drawing was Princess Aurora. They drew my number!!!!! And yes, I admit it I screamed in excitement. Not quite a Price is Right moment, but close. I was so excited. I never win ANYTHING and here I was getting this lovely drawing with so much sentimantal value.
I made it back to my seat with my lovely, rolled drawing at 2:58. Hmmm, any second now Rio is going to get worried that I am not showing up. But, I feel like it would be really rude to take my winnings and walk out now. So, for about 10 minutes I sit in the aisle as the next 10 numbers are drawn. I was really worrying about Rio being anxious, and not wnating to miss too much of the tea, so I finally ducked out leaving Dave and Marika to watch the remainder of the prizes being given away.
I grabbed Rio and we dashed down to the lobby at top walking speed, making it at just under 15 minutes late. In front of Lumier's was a host with whom we were to check in. She crossed our names off of the list and sent us into Lumiere's. When we entered there was a line of four CMs in tuxes on either side of the hallway at the bottom of the stairs. Two others were at the top of the stairs. As one placed a "golden" and "bejeweled" crown upon Rio's head, the other asked his name and announced on a mic.,
"His Royal Highness, Prince Rio." All the welcome line bowed and it was pretty neat to walk in escorted by my prince. (the princesses were not wearing crowns, but instead wore pink sahses which read "Princess at Sea"
Following the receiving line, the waiters were waiting to show people to their seats. They asked us if some of our party were already here. No. Uh-oh all the tables are full (but the tea was only using about 1/4 of the restraunt). Someone else must have come in without checking with the outside host and taken our spot. This was quickly remidied by the setting of an extra table.
We were offered tea or soda and plates of finger sandwhichwiches and little sweets were brought out. The snacks were just right to carry us over until dinner as we had been too full for lunch after our late breakfast at the Island Jam.
Belle came in and was introduced. She gave a few quick ettiquette lessons, reminded everyone to stay at their tabels as she would be around to all and then several other princesses came in at various times. At one point they stopped meeting and greeting for a bit to teach the new princesses to courtsey and the princes (Rio was not the only one) to bow.
Our table was tucked away partially behind the wall to the left of the stairway as one enters. We were a bit hidden from view and this was a problem because only Belle, Cinderella and Suzy and Perla noticed us and came by the table. Others who were there and missed us included: Wendy, Pocahontas, Mulan, Snow White, Minnie Mouse (I counted 12 and this is only 9--I don't recall who else though--NOT Jasmine and all girls). Rio was bummed out to miss Mulan and Pocahantas.
Midway through tea, Dave and Marika came in. The receiveing line was gone, but Marika still got a princess sash and the waitstaff was quick to bring more drinks and goodies to the table. I noticed immediately the rolled paper in Marika's hand. She had ALSO won a drawing. None of us could get over our amazing luck. She had Donald Duck (Duscky's favourite--thus the nickname).
Overall we felt this was an EXCELLENT new experience. There are bugs to be worked out (like being sure NO table is skipped), but that is to be expected on a first run through of almost anything. The MUCH lower numbers allowed for a slower pace and more interaction than had been the case at the old character breakfast. Cons would be that adults without kids do not get invited (I think many would like the photo/signiture op) and that there were no male characters (Peter Pan would have been a nice touch) thus this will mainly appeal to littel girls (Rio being a fan of princesses enjoyed it, but none of his friends from the lab would consent to even attend the "girly" event).
The next day certificates were left in the room for each kid. They were filled in with the kids' names and read:
Best Friends
child's name
Princess at Sea
and
Belle
are certifiably Best Friends
and included a date and the signature of a record keeper (Rachael--the crusie director). Funny thing is that BOTH certificates labeld our kids as "Princess at Sea" Rio was a bit miffed. Another bug to be worked out I suppose
Me (Hadley) 34
DH (David) 34
DD (Marika) 10
DS (Rio) 8
Grandparents: Hank and Jan
Lots of great CMs and DISsers
When we returned from Castaway Cay (yes a few days ago--forgot this now relvant detail on that page--it's my first TR, can you tell?
) on our bed was an "invitation" from Belle to join her at a tea party at 3:00 Tuesday in Lumieres. We were instructed to RSVP by filling in some blanks on the card and deposting it in a box in Mickey's Mates no later than Monday night. I checked with the kids. Rio, always up for something new, absolutely wanted to go. Marika (not such a Princessy kind of girl) wanted to go "if nothing else better was going on" I went ahead and put 4 on the RSVP figuring they would still let Rio and I in even if Marika and David found something else better. They must have had a big response to this new party as many people were later called and asked to come on Firday instead. We were called (by Belle) as a reminder to come Tuesday at 3:00.Don "Ducky" Williams was scheduled to give a presentation in the Walt Disney Theatre from 2:00 until 3:00. We had never sailed with Ducky before and David, Marika and I all really wanted to attend his presentation. Rio was eqaully excited about several afternoon offerings in the kids' club. A plan was developed in which I would be sure to leave the presentation right at 3:00--even if it were not over--and meet up with Rio at the stateroom (he knew which activity ended at 2:45 and therefore when to check himself out). He and I would head down to the tea to be joined by David and Marika as soon as the presentation let out. Who ever said vacations are supposed to be relaxing
With Rio happily ensconed in the lab, the three of us headed to the theatre. At the door we were each handed a ticket. We were told that some of Ducky's drawings would be given away at the end of the presentation and they would draw tickets to determine the winners. Cool.
Don "Ducky" Williams is the senior animator (and pretty much the only one left) for WDW. Just about every ad, billboard, brochure, DCL menu, etc. that has a character on it was done by Ducky. If you have not had the chance to hear his story and you ever get the oppurtunity GO. I mean it. Even if you have to cancel a prebooked massage or Palo brunch--get into that theatre. His story is fascinating.
Equally fascinating for those of us with zero artistic abitlity was watching him draw almost 30 characters (seemingly effortlessly) on a large pad while he spoke. It was these drawings that they started to draw tickets for at 2:55. The first drawing was Princess Aurora. They drew my number!!!!! And yes, I admit it I screamed in excitement. Not quite a Price is Right moment, but close. I was so excited. I never win ANYTHING and here I was getting this lovely drawing with so much sentimantal value.
I made it back to my seat with my lovely, rolled drawing at 2:58. Hmmm, any second now Rio is going to get worried that I am not showing up. But, I feel like it would be really rude to take my winnings and walk out now. So, for about 10 minutes I sit in the aisle as the next 10 numbers are drawn. I was really worrying about Rio being anxious, and not wnating to miss too much of the tea, so I finally ducked out leaving Dave and Marika to watch the remainder of the prizes being given away.
I grabbed Rio and we dashed down to the lobby at top walking speed, making it at just under 15 minutes late. In front of Lumier's was a host with whom we were to check in. She crossed our names off of the list and sent us into Lumiere's. When we entered there was a line of four CMs in tuxes on either side of the hallway at the bottom of the stairs. Two others were at the top of the stairs. As one placed a "golden" and "bejeweled" crown upon Rio's head, the other asked his name and announced on a mic.,
"His Royal Highness, Prince Rio." All the welcome line bowed and it was pretty neat to walk in escorted by my prince. (the princesses were not wearing crowns, but instead wore pink sahses which read "Princess at Sea"
Following the receiving line, the waiters were waiting to show people to their seats. They asked us if some of our party were already here. No. Uh-oh all the tables are full (but the tea was only using about 1/4 of the restraunt). Someone else must have come in without checking with the outside host and taken our spot. This was quickly remidied by the setting of an extra table.
We were offered tea or soda and plates of finger sandwhichwiches and little sweets were brought out. The snacks were just right to carry us over until dinner as we had been too full for lunch after our late breakfast at the Island Jam.
Belle came in and was introduced. She gave a few quick ettiquette lessons, reminded everyone to stay at their tabels as she would be around to all and then several other princesses came in at various times. At one point they stopped meeting and greeting for a bit to teach the new princesses to courtsey and the princes (Rio was not the only one) to bow.
Our table was tucked away partially behind the wall to the left of the stairway as one enters. We were a bit hidden from view and this was a problem because only Belle, Cinderella and Suzy and Perla noticed us and came by the table. Others who were there and missed us included: Wendy, Pocahontas, Mulan, Snow White, Minnie Mouse (I counted 12 and this is only 9--I don't recall who else though--NOT Jasmine and all girls). Rio was bummed out to miss Mulan and Pocahantas.
Midway through tea, Dave and Marika came in. The receiveing line was gone, but Marika still got a princess sash and the waitstaff was quick to bring more drinks and goodies to the table. I noticed immediately the rolled paper in Marika's hand. She had ALSO won a drawing. None of us could get over our amazing luck. She had Donald Duck (Duscky's favourite--thus the nickname).
Overall we felt this was an EXCELLENT new experience. There are bugs to be worked out (like being sure NO table is skipped), but that is to be expected on a first run through of almost anything. The MUCH lower numbers allowed for a slower pace and more interaction than had been the case at the old character breakfast. Cons would be that adults without kids do not get invited (I think many would like the photo/signiture op) and that there were no male characters (Peter Pan would have been a nice touch) thus this will mainly appeal to littel girls (Rio being a fan of princesses enjoyed it, but none of his friends from the lab would consent to even attend the "girly" event).
The next day certificates were left in the room for each kid. They were filled in with the kids' names and read:
Best Friends
child's name
Princess at Sea
and
Belle
are certifiably Best Friends
and included a date and the signature of a record keeper (Rachael--the crusie director). Funny thing is that BOTH certificates labeld our kids as "Princess at Sea"
Rio was a bit miffed. Another bug to be worked out I suppose
DizzneyDAnn
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2007
- Messages
- 681
Hadley, I discovered those fabulous cookies, too, and actually passed by the ones that weren't dark!
BTW, we sat close to Hadley's family every night at dinner, and they ALWAYS looked gorgeous!
BTW, we sat close to Hadley's family every night at dinner, and they ALWAYS looked gorgeous!
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Okay Deanna I am sitting at the computer blushing! Thank you. And, oh yeah, I don't eat any otehr cookies onDCL--but I make sure to have my share of the molassy ones. Mmmmmmmm
I keep telling David he needs to take a business trip to Chicago so I can tag along and then pop up to you for a visit. No luck yet
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Cast review:
Me (Hadley) 34
DH (David) 34
DD (Marika) 10
DS (Rio) 8
Grandparents: Hank and Jan
Lots of great CMs and DISsers
After the Princess party the kids headed up to the room to rest before the show and dinner. David and headed over to Treasure Ketch to try and purchase a mailing tube in which to keep our lovely drawings safe. They did not have any official mailnig tubes, but did have the large, thick center rolls out of some wrapping paper (big store sized ones) which were just right and they happily gave me one. Problem solved!
Dinner was in Lumiere's that evening and was the standard rotational meal. We enjoy dressing for dinner and all changed into something a little nicer in honour of our more formal dining location before the show.
The show for the evening was Magician Mike Super. He does an entertaining show and we always enjoy watching him (we've seen him a few times on board the Magic--one of those entertainers that people like so they keep getting him back). One of the fun things about the DIS is knowing so many people when you are on board. Sure enough we got to enjoy watching our DIS firends' daughter Sarah levitate above the stage.
Between the show and dinner we got to attend a fun little family activity in Rockin' Bar D called Family Magic Quest. NOTE the "magic" in family Magic quest refers to the name of the ship and not to magical tricks (As many confused patrons initially thought). This is a fun, silly little game in which each "team" (generally a family) gets a paper with a team number. The announcer says I need to see your team numebr and ________. Everyone scrambles to get whatever it is and runs up there. The first 10 or so numbers up with the qualifying item get points. It is fun and silly. When sunglasses were called, Marika ran up with hers which were in turn stolen/borrowed by DISfriend Deanna so she could also use them to get points
If you enjoy silliness and craziness this is for you
If not, grab a drink and relax elsewhere!
Dinner was, as always, wonderful. David loves roational night in Lumier's as he gets escargot. Marika is a very adventurous eater, but she wasn't going to try snails Thing is, she woudl like them if she could only get past the image (not that I will try them--oh no
).
After dinner we quickly settled the kids. I put my hoop earrings and swatch on and pulled my hair into a side pony tail and we headed out. If you do not know it was 80's night from having read that last sentence you are from a different generation than I. Dave and I are children of the 80s and we LVOE 80s night. This time we drug Hank and Jan along with us to see the fantastic show the dancers do toward the beginng. Hank and Jan are most decidely NOT 80s fans, but they still loved the show. They also enjoyed seeing David on stage as part of Bon Jovi (I don't want to say too much here lest I spoil any surprises for newbies). Yes, we are biased in favour of this decade. But, with the Footloose and Thriller dance routines that the dancers do this is really the most well developed night in the clubs. A must do for us on every trip. I highly recomend it to anyone.
We stayed and danced (along with many DISsers and awesome costumed CMs) well into the night. When we finally made our way back to the room there was a sticky note on the door informaing us that some DISsers would be playing euchre (a midwest card game many of us discovered online that we all like to play) at 8:00 the next morning. With yet another time change happening that night that was looking awfully close. Thanks but no thanks was pretty much our reaction to that. I can't tell you how tired we have to be to turn down cards, but we were pooped!
Me (Hadley) 34
DH (David) 34
DD (Marika) 10
DS (Rio) 8
Grandparents: Hank and Jan
Lots of great CMs and DISsers
After the Princess party the kids headed up to the room to rest before the show and dinner. David and headed over to Treasure Ketch to try and purchase a mailing tube in which to keep our lovely drawings safe. They did not have any official mailnig tubes, but did have the large, thick center rolls out of some wrapping paper (big store sized ones) which were just right and they happily gave me one. Problem solved!
Dinner was in Lumiere's that evening and was the standard rotational meal. We enjoy dressing for dinner and all changed into something a little nicer in honour of our more formal dining location before the show.
The show for the evening was Magician Mike Super. He does an entertaining show and we always enjoy watching him (we've seen him a few times on board the Magic--one of those entertainers that people like so they keep getting him back). One of the fun things about the DIS is knowing so many people when you are on board. Sure enough we got to enjoy watching our DIS firends' daughter Sarah levitate above the stage.
Between the show and dinner we got to attend a fun little family activity in Rockin' Bar D called Family Magic Quest. NOTE the "magic" in family Magic quest refers to the name of the ship and not to magical tricks (As many confused patrons initially thought). This is a fun, silly little game in which each "team" (generally a family) gets a paper with a team number. The announcer says I need to see your team numebr and ________. Everyone scrambles to get whatever it is and runs up there. The first 10 or so numbers up with the qualifying item get points. It is fun and silly. When sunglasses were called, Marika ran up with hers which were in turn stolen/borrowed by DISfriend Deanna so she could also use them to get points
If you enjoy silliness and craziness this is for you
If not, grab a drink and relax elsewhere!Dinner was, as always, wonderful. David loves roational night in Lumier's as he gets escargot. Marika is a very adventurous eater, but she wasn't going to try snails
Thing is, she woudl like them if she could only get past the image (not that I will try them--oh no ).After dinner we quickly settled the kids. I put my hoop earrings and swatch on and pulled my hair into a side pony tail and we headed out. If you do not know it was 80's night from having read that last sentence you are from a different generation than I. Dave and I are children of the 80s and we LVOE 80s night. This time we drug Hank and Jan along with us to see the fantastic show the dancers do toward the beginng. Hank and Jan are most decidely NOT 80s fans, but they still loved the show. They also enjoyed seeing David on stage as part of Bon Jovi
(I don't want to say too much here lest I spoil any surprises for newbies). Yes, we are biased in favour of this decade. But, with the Footloose and Thriller dance routines that the dancers do this is really the most well developed night in the clubs. A must do for us on every trip. I highly recomend it to anyone. We stayed and danced (along with many DISsers and awesome costumed CMs) well into the night. When we finally made our way back to the room there was a sticky note on the door informaing us that some DISsers would be playing euchre (a midwest card game many of us discovered online that we all like to play) at 8:00 the next morning. With yet another time change happening that night that was looking awfully close. Thanks but no thanks was pretty much our reaction to that. I can't tell you how tired we have to be to turn down cards, but we were pooped!
DizzneyDAnn
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2007
- Messages
- 681
Ahhh, I was recognized on your trip report! 
Yes, I stole the sunglasses, but the MC DID say to "beg, borrow, or steal." What was really funny was when he asked for tatoos and we were drawing on ourselves...and didn't you guys actually HAVE the false teeth???? We used a comb. (Hey, it has teeth!) Fun times!
Hadley, I enjoy all the DCL cookies! The ones on CK are my favorite, though! 43 days til we head to Barcelona! Around 19 after that and I will be eating my fav cookies. 
Ummmm....I'll think of you!
Yes, I stole the sunglasses, but the MC DID say to "beg, borrow, or steal." What was really funny was when he asked for tatoos and we were drawing on ourselves...and didn't you guys actually HAVE the false teeth???? We used a comb. (Hey, it has teeth!) Fun times! Hadley, I enjoy all the DCL cookies! The ones on CK are my favorite, though! 43 days til we head to Barcelona!
Around 19 after that and I will be eating my fav cookies. Ummmm....I'll think of you!
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Ahhh, I was recognized on your trip report!
Hadley, I enjoy all the DCL cookies! The ones on CK are my favorite, though! 43 days til we head to Barcelona!
OMG how could I have forgotten that?!?!? It was hysterical! YES--the MC asked for false teeth and Hank actaully popped his dentures out and handed them to Marika
She wasn't so sure how she felt about holding those--but she did want the points and ran them up there (with the number of course) We also had a fake tatoo (not yet applied) which was in Rio's pocket--so WE did not have to draw upon ourselves
Tee-hee
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Hi Solgent,
It WAS really cool winning the drawings. It's so special to me that someday each child can have one (no arguing!) if they want. I do plan on having them framed but have not done so yet (I want time to go to drive to the frame shop and pick out what I want WITHOUT the kids in tow). We are hosting a Fresh Air Fund child over the next two weeks (he came Tuesday) so I highly doubt I will get to it anytime soon. I will try to get them out and get photos and post them soon (I am so afraid of one getting accidentally torn ).
You must not be more than a hop, skip and a jump from us in Vermont! I started in on your TR (nice job from what I have seen thus far ) and if you are 3 hours from MHT then you cannot be more than 4 hours from us (and likely closer as we don't go so far south to go to Vermont!). We will probably go to the Montshire next week if we get a warm day (remember those?).
TO ALL--I promise to try to get more out soon. I'm adjusting to having a third kid
eek: we're outnumbered!).
It WAS really cool winning the drawings. It's so special to me that someday each child can have one (no arguing!) if they want. I do plan on having them framed but have not done so yet (I want time to go to drive to the frame shop and pick out what I want WITHOUT the kids in tow). We are hosting a Fresh Air Fund child over the next two weeks (he came Tuesday) so I highly doubt I will get to it anytime soon. I will try to get them out and get photos and post them soon (I am so afraid of one getting accidentally torn
).You must not be more than a hop, skip and a jump from us in Vermont! I started in on your TR (nice job from what I have seen thus far
) and if you are 3 hours from MHT then you cannot be more than 4 hours from us (and likely closer as we don't go so far south to go to Vermont!). We will probably go to the Montshire next week if we get a warm day (remember those?).TO ALL--I promise to try to get more out soon. I'm adjusting to having a third kid
eek: we're outnumbered!).
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Cast review:
Me (Hadley) 34
DH (David) 34
DD (Marika) 10
DS (Rio) 8
Grandparents: Hank and Jan
Lots of great CMs and DISsers
Wednesday (our third full day at sea) was yet another cool, breezy, rainy (on and off) day. So much so that the scheduled (NEW) Mouse2O party had to be postponed. But why let the weather dampen a fantastic cruise? We didn't!
The first order of business was sleepign in
We had been up late for 80s night and there had been another time change--rest was needed. After a liesurely morning of sleepign late and breakfast on the verandah (I headed to Topsiders and filled a tray of goodies for all and brough it back to the cabin--my usaul breakfast fairy
routine) we headed in a variety of directions.
Rio and Marika were going to the lab for a special animation class
with Ducky Williams. They were really excited about this.
One of the onboard lecturers was a historian who was giving daily lectures on various history topics realted to the crusie (pirates, Atlantic crossing history, Gibraltar, etc.). Hank was headed off to hear the talk on Pirates (Dave and I both enjoy learning about history and nearly always love the various presenters on all topics on DCL, but we found--after a few minutes sampling of one lecture--that this particular presenter was much to dry for our tastes and we avoided the daily topics--though Hank saw and enjoyed every one).
I was headed (along with Jan and her two friends) two a scrapbooking workshop being run by a fellow DISser. The amazing lady had had people sign up before the trip to make 8x8 scrapbooks. She brought to the ship the scrapbooks and ALL the paper, adhesive, stickers, etc. I don't really know how many people signed up but it had to be around 50 (we took up a good deal of space in Animator's Palate). All she asked in return was $8 per book towards the cost of supplies (man she must have spent most of that on the luggage charges bringing it all from Utah--we gaev her $18 per book to try to help offset her costs and I still feel we got by far the better end of the bargain). At home it would be a good $40 for a class including such detailed items. She even had Spain papers and had printed itenararies, etc.
I had signed our family up for 2 albums (one per kid). I roped David into comming for the first half of the class and starting in on Marika's album becuase she was going to be animtaing and I did not want to make two myself while helping Jan (never cropped) and her friends along as well. This turned out to be a good call (from my point of view) as these we pretty complex albums for beginers and I could hardly do my own stuff during the early pages (until Jan and company got the hang of it). Dave was thrilled when Marika came down after her class and he could bolt out of the room (I sent him to deck 9 to fetch a Coke--hmmmm it took 20 minutes and a martini to get to deck 9 ).
We had a fantastically good time at this event. The albums are fabulous (I went thorugh all our pics on imagestation with the kids hte other day and had them pick what they want for hte albums and the photos should be here any day now), and it was a fun bonding experience with other DISsers.
After cropping we realized it had been more than an hour since we ate
So, we decided to go to Lumiere's for lunch. We rounded up our friends Erik and Jason (they had had a couple of days to realize lunch on deck was not the best in crossing weather) and headed down for yummies. I think we spent most of the meal still going on about our awesome albums.
After lunch we headed back to the stateroom. Dave and I and Hank and Jan squeezed onto our verandah (I would love it if we could open the dividers between those verandahs then we could have used both without having to yell around the wall) and relaxed with some drinks. A freighter went by almost perpindicular to our ship. We couldn't think of what might be almost due North of our position (Greenland?) but it was neat to see another ship way out there in the middle of the Atlantic.
Up next, High School Musical the party, my least favourite DCL show and THE way to do Palos.
Me (Hadley) 34
DH (David) 34
DD (Marika) 10
DS (Rio) 8
Grandparents: Hank and Jan
Lots of great CMs and DISsers
Wednesday (our third full day at sea) was yet another cool, breezy, rainy (on and off) day. So much so that the scheduled (NEW) Mouse2O party had to be postponed. But why let the weather dampen a fantastic cruise? We didn't!
The first order of business was sleepign in
We had been up late for 80s night and there had been another time change--rest was needed. After a liesurely morning of sleepign late and breakfast on the verandah (I headed to Topsiders and filled a tray of goodies for all and brough it back to the cabin--my usaul breakfast fairy routine) we headed in a variety of directions.Rio and Marika were going to the lab for a special animation class
with Ducky Williams. They were really excited about this. One of the onboard lecturers was a historian who was giving daily lectures on various history topics realted to the crusie (pirates, Atlantic crossing history, Gibraltar, etc.). Hank was headed off to hear the talk on Pirates (Dave and I both enjoy learning about history and nearly always love the various presenters on all topics on DCL, but we found--after a few minutes sampling of one lecture--that this particular presenter was much to dry for our tastes and we avoided the daily topics--though Hank saw and enjoyed every one).
I was headed (along with Jan and her two friends) two a scrapbooking workshop being run by a fellow DISser. The amazing lady had had people sign up before the trip to make 8x8 scrapbooks. She brought to the ship the scrapbooks and ALL the paper, adhesive, stickers, etc. I don't really know how many people signed up but it had to be around 50 (we took up a good deal of space in Animator's Palate). All she asked in return was $8 per book towards the cost of supplies (man she must have spent most of that on the luggage charges bringing it all from Utah--we gaev her $18 per book to try to help offset her costs and I still feel we got by far the better end of the bargain). At home it would be a good $40 for a class including such detailed items. She even had Spain papers and had printed itenararies, etc.
I had signed our family up for 2 albums (one per kid). I roped David into comming for the first half of the class and starting in on Marika's album becuase she was going to be animtaing and I did not want to make two myself while helping Jan (never cropped) and her friends along as well. This turned out to be a good call (from my point of view) as these we pretty complex albums for beginers and I could hardly do my own stuff during the early pages (until Jan and company got the hang of it). Dave was thrilled when Marika came down after her class and he could bolt out of the room (I sent him to deck 9 to fetch a Coke--hmmmm it took 20 minutes and a martini to get to deck 9
).We had a fantastically good time at this event. The albums are fabulous (I went thorugh all our pics on imagestation with the kids hte other day and had them pick what they want for hte albums and the photos should be here any day now), and it was a fun bonding experience with other DISsers.
After cropping we realized it had been more than an hour since we ate
So, we decided to go to Lumiere's for lunch. We rounded up our friends Erik and Jason (they had had a couple of days to realize lunch on deck was not the best in crossing weather) and headed down for yummies. I think we spent most of the meal still going on about our awesome albums.After lunch we headed back to the stateroom. Dave and I and Hank and Jan squeezed onto our verandah (I would love it if we could open the dividers between those verandahs then we could have used both without having to yell around the wall) and relaxed with some drinks. A freighter went by almost perpindicular to our ship. We couldn't think of what might be almost due North of our position (Greenland?) but it was neat to see another ship way out there in the middle of the Atlantic.
Up next, High School Musical the party, my least favourite DCL show and THE way to do Palos.
FatherForce
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2006
- Messages
- 400
Fantastic Trip report.
I had told myself that since I couldn't afford the Trans-Atlantic Cruise that it probaby wasn't very much fun, and my family would hate it.
Thanks for ruining my self-delusional fantasy.
I had told myself that since I couldn't afford the Trans-Atlantic Cruise that it probaby wasn't very much fun, and my family would hate it.
Thanks for ruining my self-delusional fantasy.
Hoagie Pie
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 24, 2007
- Messages
- 1,403
Hadley - you are doing a fantastic job posting! I am reliving everything through you. What fun! I wish we could go back and do it again because I missed so much and wish I was in a certain place instead of where I was - but of course we had a blast too! Too much to do and too many people to see. Cannot wait till September '08!
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Eeeek!!! One of the TR Gods is reading my humble little offering. Thanks for the kind words. Don't let Sam see my Tr (not nearly enough photos). Oh, and sorry to ruin your dellusions, but well, deep down ya just had to know! Next Septmebr I will leave the writing to your far superior fingers.
Sandi--thank you for the support. More comming soonish I promise.
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Okay, so after lunch with Erik and Jason and a bit of Verandah Chill time the kids headed up to the lab. Rio was all set to make volcanoes and Marika wanted to try the Marshmellow olympics. Left alone in a quiet stateroom David and I. . . well actually, we ran off to check out the DVC presentation.
We have done this twice at WDW and actaully crunched the numbers and while I totally expect to see a bunch of posts from all you DVC owners after this goes up it is not for us. We generally do a week (or more) at WDW for about what the yearly dues alone would come to for enough points to stay 9 nights at DVC. And that cost for us includes park tickets (and recently, free dining). So why would we want to also spend the original cost of the points? That is crusie $$$ (yeah, yeah with DVC we could stay somewhere nicer than the values--we'd rather go more often and slum it at this point in our lives). Anyway, we wanted to see the presentation on the ship and well, we did want to be in the drawing for the $300 OBC. The presentation was fine--nothing new and we did not win a thing
After the DVC presentation Rio wanted to go to the High School Musical dance party in Studio Sea. David and Marika braved teh chilly temps and breeze to take a dip in the "wave" pool. At the start of the party the CMs (Michael and Oscar!) choose one boy and one girl to play the parts of Troy and Gabriella. Rio was in luck, as the only boy in the room he got to be Troy This was perfect as DIS friend Kelly (who knew via DIScussions how much Rio LOVES HSM and that he's a dancer and starting to do some theatre) had put a magnet on our door the previous day which had a picture of the HSM cover and read "Move Over Zack Here I Come!" The party consited of the new Troy and Gabriella (Jasmine) lipsynching a duet (Even in My Own World) then everyone doing some fun dancing (okay sometimes a bit crazy) learning some of the HSM routines and Troy and Gabriella wrapped things up with another lipsynch (Now We're Breakin' Free). Rio and Jasmine even each got a set of HSM magnets for their efforts
Dave and I (and 9 of our closest DIS firends) had ressies at Palos for dinner so I needed to get gussied up after the dance
Dressed for dinner, we all headed for the show on the Walt Theatre. It was a new game show type thing called "On the Nose" We were distinctly not impressed. We are big lovers of game show type thingies and really loved it when Who Wants To Be A Mouseketeer was a mianstage show, but this one was just not interesting to us (and got a luke warm reception from most). Essentailly the audience was divided into 6 sections all named for Sonw White's dwarves (we-a section heavily leaning toward DISsers were the Dopeys). Each section has a representitive on stage (we nomintated Erik).
Oddball Disney Trivia questions were asked, all of which have a numerical answer (such as how many spots were drawn on dogs during 101 Dalmations). Each team has 60 seconds (30 in later rounds) to come up with an answer and communicate this to their rep on stage (obviously the three sections in the front half of the theatre haev a big advantage here). We were in the rear section (house left) and our rep was on the house right on stage. Oh yeah, like we can all hundred or so agree on an answer and communicate it all the way across the theatre with all the other teams yelling at the same time Debbie from our meet quickly solved that problem by telling Rio our answer and sending him running down to the stage to tell it to Erik. The system worked so-so (sometimes Erik got his info by looknig for us doing charades and at least once he made his own guess). We were never right anyway and our team finished dead last (a fact which we blame on DISsers Chris and Rob for defecting to their non DIS friends' team instead of sticking with us
Up Next: Totally Spoiled for Palo now--must do it this way!
We have done this twice at WDW and actaully crunched the numbers and while I totally expect to see a bunch of posts from all you DVC owners after this goes up it is not for us. We generally do a week (or more) at WDW for about what the yearly dues alone would come to for enough points to stay 9 nights at DVC. And that cost for us includes park tickets (and recently, free dining). So why would we want to also spend the original cost of the points? That is crusie $$$ (yeah, yeah with DVC we could stay somewhere nicer than the values--we'd rather go more often and slum it at this point in our lives). Anyway, we wanted to see the presentation on the ship and well, we did want to be in the drawing for the $300 OBC. The presentation was fine--nothing new and we did not win a thing
After the DVC presentation Rio wanted to go to the High School Musical dance party in Studio Sea. David and Marika braved teh chilly temps and breeze to take a dip in the "wave" pool. At the start of the party the CMs (Michael and Oscar!) choose one boy and one girl to play the parts of Troy and Gabriella. Rio was in luck, as the only boy in the room he got to be Troy
This was perfect as DIS friend Kelly (who knew via DIScussions how much Rio LOVES HSM and that he's a dancer and starting to do some theatre) had put a magnet on our door the previous day which had a picture of the HSM cover and read "Move Over Zack Here I Come!" The party consited of the new Troy and Gabriella (Jasmine) lipsynching a duet (Even in My Own World) then everyone doing some fun dancing (okay sometimes a bit crazy) learning some of the HSM routines and Troy and Gabriella wrapped things up with another lipsynch (Now We're Breakin' Free). Rio and Jasmine even each got a set of HSM magnets for their efforts
Dave and I (and 9 of our closest DIS firends) had ressies at Palos for dinner so I needed to get gussied up after the dance
Dressed for dinner, we all headed for the show on the Walt Theatre. It was a new game show type thing called "On the Nose" We were distinctly not impressed. We are big lovers of game show type thingies and really loved it when Who Wants To Be A Mouseketeer was a mianstage show, but this one was just not interesting to us (and got a luke warm reception from most). Essentailly the audience was divided into 6 sections all named for Sonw White's dwarves (we-a section heavily leaning toward DISsers were the Dopeys). Each section has a representitive on stage (we nomintated Erik).
Oddball Disney Trivia questions were asked, all of which have a numerical answer (such as how many spots were drawn on dogs during 101 Dalmations). Each team has 60 seconds (30 in later rounds) to come up with an answer and communicate this to their rep on stage (obviously the three sections in the front half of the theatre haev a big advantage here). We were in the rear section (house left) and our rep was on the house right on stage. Oh yeah, like we can all hundred or so agree on an answer and communicate it all the way across the theatre with all the other teams yelling at the same time
Debbie from our meet quickly solved that problem by telling Rio our answer and sending him running down to the stage to tell it to Erik. The system worked so-so (sometimes Erik got his info by looknig for us doing charades and at least once he made his own guess). We were never right anyway and our team finished dead last (a fact which we blame on DISsers Chris and Rob for defecting to their non DIS friends' team instead of sticking with us Up Next: Totally Spoiled for Palo now--must do it this way!
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
Okay, I have searched and searched through my navigators and those online and I just am not finding the Mickey Mania game that I am sure happened on either Tuesday or Wednesday (which we are currently at in this TR) 
It has to have been in this time frame because that is where the pictures are. It was a highlight of the crusie, so I am describing it here as I do not know exactly where to insert it!
In case you do not know, Mickey Mania is the Jeopardy-esque game show you see lots of footage of in DCL promo material. It is always held in Studio Sea. Four teams (must be one child with one adult) are chosen from the audience to compete. David and Rio first competed the first time we ever saw the show back about 2 1/2 years ago. Rio became a Mickey Mania addcit at this point (and oh yeah--they won ).
So on our next cruise, I competed with Rio. We won again This was all Rio's doing--I am not so good at this stuff! I did annoy Rio by not ringing in quickly enough a few times
So comming up to this cruise Rio wanted to know which one of us would be compteting with him. This show is a BIG highlight of the crusie for him. Lots of people want to play (always many more than are chosen) and on the one hand we feel guilty about taking a spot when we have already gotten to play. On the other hand, we want Rio to get to do something he loves and many of hte otehrs vying for spots have also competed before. So, we posted on our meet thread that if someone sans kids had ever wished they could play we would loan Rio out. As Erik posted back, we were giving a new meaning to the term child swap
Lucky for us, Erik (all around awesome individual, and Rio has a bit--okay a lot--of the hero worship thing going on with Erik) wanted to play (or he consented to do so just for Rio's sake--I'm still not sure). He and Rio were the first team chosen to play. How do you get chosen might you ask???? Be really loud and visual. Erik lifted Rio high into the air while Rio did toe touches and both hollered like they were dancing on an anthill Thus, they became the "Red Minnie's"
Thirty minutes (and LOTS of fun later) Erik and Rio showed off their new Winners medals:
And now back to your regulary scheduled TR programming. . .
It has to have been in this time frame because that is where the pictures are. It was a highlight of the crusie, so I am describing it here as I do not know exactly where to insert it!In case you do not know, Mickey Mania is the Jeopardy-esque game show you see lots of footage of in DCL promo material. It is always held in Studio Sea. Four teams (must be one child with one adult) are chosen from the audience to compete. David and Rio first competed the first time we ever saw the show back about 2 1/2 years ago. Rio became a Mickey Mania addcit at this point (and oh yeah--they won
).So on our next cruise, I competed with Rio. We won again
This was all Rio's doing--I am not so good at this stuff! I did annoy Rio by not ringing in quickly enough a few times So comming up to this cruise Rio wanted to know which one of us would be compteting with him. This show is a BIG highlight of the crusie for him. Lots of people want to play (always many more than are chosen) and on the one hand we feel guilty about taking a spot when we have already gotten to play. On the other hand, we want Rio to get to do something he loves and many of hte otehrs vying for spots have also competed before. So, we posted on our meet thread that if someone sans kids had ever wished they could play we would loan Rio out. As Erik posted back, we were giving a new meaning to the term child swap
Lucky for us, Erik (all around awesome individual, and Rio has a bit--okay a lot--of the hero worship thing going on with Erik) wanted to play (or he consented to do so just for Rio's sake--I'm still not sure). He and Rio were the first team chosen to play. How do you get chosen might you ask???? Be really loud and visual. Erik lifted Rio high into the air while Rio did toe touches and both hollered like they were dancing on an anthill
Thus, they became the "Red Minnie's"
Thirty minutes (and LOTS of fun later) Erik and Rio showed off their new Winners medals:
And now back to your regulary scheduled TR programming. . .
FatherForce
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 22, 2006
- Messages
- 400
I could never get away with taking a picture of my wife getting ready!
I'd have been sleeping on a deck chair...
I'd have been sleeping on a deck chair...
NHdisneylover
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2007
- Messages
- 18,122
I didn't know he took that until AFTER we got home
No, I wasn't happy--but I really need more photos so I figured what the hay?!-
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