May 11th 2008 ~ Any Double Dippers Out There?

[DAD AT DISNEY]

We had a great time on our May 11-15 cruise. Did anyone have any problems with getting seasick last night? My two kids created quite a mess about 1 am last night from the boat rocking so much. We had no problems the first three nights but that boat was hauling a$$ last night to get back to PC.

 

[momtocss]

Our kids slept through the rocking last night. DH and I felt like we were on an amusement park ride. We had to close both bathroom doors, lock the safe, and close the closet doors. I have been at home now for over three hours after driving to and flying out of Orlando and still feel like I am on the ship.

 

[branv]

Hi everyone! What a GREAT cruise! So here we are, a little burned, very rested, with a smoking credit card and still feeling the motion of the ocean on my couch. AWESOME trip. We were able to do a lot more around the ship than we did last time, and had a blast! I even danced once, and I NEVER dance. What happens on the ocean, stays on the ocean. I just hope no one had a video camera. The parks were a little too intensely HOT and crowded for us to enjoy them as much as we would have liked, but we loved WL, and I don't think I've ever seen the CM's be as nice and helpful as I have on this trip. Really felt that pixie dust everytime I talked to one of them.

I was admittedly nervous on our first day on the cruise b/c it just seemed like a bunch of little things were going wrong, but after those little hiccups it was smooth sailing! Relatively speaking when I say smooth, b/c with that wind I finally just gave up pretending to have nice hair and went with a combination of wind-funnel/ psycho chic hair-do. I honestly wondered if we were going to get into CC with all that wind, and the way the waves were crashing over the rocks. So I just want to give a shout-out and props to the captain for getting us there. He must have REALLY been using those engines, b/c we were in the aft area over that equipment and our bed and room started shaking like a massive earthquake when he was approaching CC. Kinda cool actually, like the worlds most intense massage chair.

So glad to meet those of you I ran into. And sorry I missed some of you. I actually saw a number of people, but I was always up on another deck and saw you walk by down below. Yvonne -- I caught a glimpse of you guys down on deck 9 during the pirate party! Your guys costume looked so cute!

I look very much forward to hearing how it went for everyone!

P.S. YES about the rocking on the last night. I even got up around midnight to check the wave height on the tv, and it was only 1-4 feet, some of the lowest of our cruise. What I was thinking is that perhaps they turned the stabilizers off. I never got sick sick, but it was NOT a pleasant last night, with closet door and drawers slamming open then shut, things rolling around on the desk, the crazy creaking/popping, as well as the very clear sounds of the person in the next room horking up a lung, I don't think either of us slept a wink. I was doing this to my motion patch I may build it a shrine.

P.S.S. Did anyone else see that huge lumbering strange boy get into the adult pool with his snorkel mask as soon as all the college girls in their bikinis jumped in? You should have seen how high DH's eyebrows shot. Creeeeeepy. (He also tried to cut in front of me at the excursion desk, but I got a little scrappy with him and mumbling, off he trudged, I'm guessing, to hide in the ladies room with a cell phone camera). One thing I love about travel -- you get equal enjoyment meeting the nice people and witnessing the weird people (though I'm well aware that sometimes I'm the "weird" people)

 

[SpfAkf]

I'm so glad everyone had a great cruise dispite the rocking on the last night and being over soooo quick. I'm cruising on the 4 night Wonder also on May 25 this month and was wondering if anyone had the new navigators with the double castaway cay itinerary. And if so, would you mind posting them for myself and everyone to view for up coming trips? Thank you very much!

Stephen

 

[alecsmom]

What a great trip!! I am so sad to be home right now!! Alec is just like me - he keeps saying "Mama - I'm sad that we had to come home!" and yesterday he kept saying "It's a SAD day!!"

It all happened too quick, that's for sure! But boy what a wonderful time. We had so much fun at the parks - but you're right Brandi - it was HOT - especially on Saturday when we went to Animal Kingdom. But the AKL was so amazing, so beautiful, so fun, I fell in love the minute we stepped through the doors. We had an awesome savannah view, it couldn't have gotten any better.

And what a surprise for Alec to go on the cruise - he fell asleep on the bus on the way to the port - and when he woke up and he realized where we were - he said "Mama we got on the wrong bus!!" It was so precious. He was sooooooo thrilled to be continuing his vacation.

I will try to post some pictures in the next few days - would you believe we took almost 500 pictures? My hubby is definitely a shutterbug.

Dang it Brandi - I wish I had gotten to see you! You probably didn't see us at our best that night - thanks for the nice words - he was a cutie in his costume but boy was he a little devil that night. He was on overdrive - too much sugar, caffeine, sun, swimming, no nap - all added up to a little demon child. He didn't want to participate in the pirate festivities - and my husband put him on his shoulders so he could see what was going on when it started - and he proceeded to start kicking to get down and kicked DH by accident - and that was it - we all lost it. NOT a good night!! I took him back to the room - but I figured he was just super tired because as soon as his head hit the pillow he was out. Can't blame the little guy too much for being on vacation overload. But other than that night, all was well. Unfortunately we missed the fireworks. Oh well, guess we'll just have to go back again someday to see what we missed.

Anyway hope everyone had a great cruise. The last night was something else - my DH and I have been on 5 cruises before this one - and we have NEVER experienced such rocking and rolling like we did. DH was convinced we were tipping over. I was too tired to care, it actually rocked me to sleep. My DS slept through the entire thing, didn't affect him one bit.

Well back to reality now. Boy doesn't that suck.

 

[branv]

LOL, Don't worry Yvonne, I didn't see any meltdown, just you guys smiling at the stage before the crowd moved in. Besides, between the parks and the cruise, the heat and the fun, I saw so many tantrums I don't think anything he did would have looked remotely out of the ordinary Actually, the worst meltdown I saw that night was between a husband and wife behind me on deck 10 when I heard her shout, "That's it! Don't even think about it! I swear to god if you do, that is the LAST STRAW and I AM NOT KIDDING!" I kept wondering what he was about to do and what came after the last straw? But I'm nosey that way

BTW: you've been on the RCCL bohemoth ship, and other ships, where do you think DCL stands now? Would love some comparison as we're thinking about trying that ship one day.

So did anyone hear what happened on the Mariner on Sunday? I felt so badly when I saw the emergency vehicles pull up, but I suppose if something was going to happen to someone it was far better that it happen then rather than at sea or in a foreign port. Still though, just as you start your vacation...I hope the person is okay.

 

[pamouselover]

So glad you all had a wonderful time. Please get busy writting up a trip reports and posting pictures.

 

[momof4ngls]

So glad you all had a wonderful time. Please get busy writting up a trip reports and posting pictures.

I'm trying to get my tr written up, but between the ambulance trip to the ER yesterday because 4 yr old DS couldn't breathe, and then trip to acute care today for the two teen girls with strep, I am just exhausted and can't think well. DS's asthma attack was triggered by an incident on ship when the exhaust fumes/smoke was blown into the intake valve and then circulated through the ship. He was doing poorly, but able to function and still have fun Wednesday, started getting worse Thursday on flight home, including fever of 102, then seemed to be doing better yesterday until he awoke from a nap unable to get any air in or out. It was very frightening and even had the paramedic frightened, which is not great for relieving mom's nerves, let me tell you!!

I don't regret going on the cruise, and I know the exhaust thing was a fluke, but I wish they had just fessed up from the beginning instead of sending somebody down with air freshener, and saying that somebody must be smoking in their stateroom! It finally took a group of us on our floor gathering together and calling again from one of the main phones to get the truth out of them.

Oh, and we won't ever do a dd again, unless it is a longer cruise that still allows us at sea days. The girls went to CC the second day, but not for long, and the rest of us didn't even step foot on the island that second time.

 

[garys12]

Well, we are back after the cruise and 3 days at Riverside. What a great trip...

My wife and I did not get to enjoy many of the adult activities however we all had a ball. My DD sang Karakoke every nite, and my 5 YO DS even got into the act. Pikey had him wearing an afro wig one nite at the family karakoe.

Saw many FE's around, and I left a note in one of them (the red twin tiered one, sorry but I am so bad with screen names.) Hey, we got your magnet, so thanks!...

I am going to try to post a TR this week. So bear with me.

As I told the kids on the plane this AM - "Now Back to the Real World - Work, School, etc.

Gary

 

[CustardTart]

Hi everyone!

We got back to life and reality on Friday morning after an uneventful 8 hour flight. Unfortunately I've contracted an awful cough/cold so feel less than brilliant at the moment. However I'd just like to say how fab it was to meet with some of you - Melissa and Brandi it was wonderful to chat with you guys, albeit briefly. And Jo it was an absolute pleasure to meet you and your family - please join us on the UK Community Board. Did you manage to get that upgrade?? If I'd known you were a nail technician I would probably have begged you to repair my french manicure which had come a cropper during our stay at Wilderness Lodge... Sorry I didn't get to meet you, Yvonne - it was all rather hectic tho' so hardly surprising...

The cruise was lovely - we liked the suite tho' TBH we wouldn't bother with that category again as I much preferred the one DH and I stayed in last September. Ah well, you live and learn...

One of the highlight's for us was discovering they serve the much-lauded Rose Regale sparkling wine onboard! So I got to enjoy that AND the fab Boony Doon Framboise in Palo's on our first night - talk about heaven...

I stayed in the suite on the first Castaway Cay day as my skin decided to have an unprecedented toxic freakout (I have chronic psoriasis and it can wreak havoc on occasion!) and I needed to apply soothing cream. Due to the high winds, our parasailing was cancelled which was a relief as it meant we weren't out of pocket. Due to my skin issues, I also forfeited our Couple Choice Spa Villas appointment - fortunately they have a 24 hour cancellation policy and DH was able to re-schedule himself for a Hot Stones massage which he really enjoyed - bless him...

We ate in the dining rooms for the final two nights and were delighted to discover we'd been allocated a table for just the 3 of us - it made for a very relaxing dining experience! I found the meals took much less time than we'd previously experienced on the Magic so we had plenty of time to pop to Diversions for a nightcap or two...

DD was the only one who got off the Wonder in Nassau - she made it back in plenty of time to join us at the wine-tasting seminar in Palo's and have some fun there tho' I was a little disappointed the sommelier didn't open the champagne with a sword! Maybe the insurance can't/won't cover it anymore..?

Loved the Palo's brunch on our penultimate day. We had a great gastronomic time plus DH and I were delighted to share the experience with Sophie. Castaway Cay was lovely (as were the Konk Koolers on Serenity Bay) and we all whiled away a few hours here before heading back to the ship. I shopped a little en-route and discovered a fab Double Dip pin in the store which was probably my major purchase of the vacation...

Anyway, enough of my ramblings! I really should go to bed now so goodnight all...

 

[CustardTart]

I'm trying to get my tr written up, but between the ambulance trip to the ER yesterday because 4 yr old DS couldn't breathe, and then trip to acute care today for the two teen girls with strep, I am just exhausted and can't think well. DS's asthma attack was triggered by an incident on ship when the exhaust fumes/smoke was blown into the intake valve and then circulated through the ship. He was doing poorly, but able to function and still have fun Wednesday, started getting worse Thursday on flight home, including fever of 102, then seemed to be doing better yesterday until he awoke from a nap unable to get any air in or out. It was very frightening and even had the paramedic frightened, which is not great for relieving mom's nerves, let me tell you!!

I don't regret going on the cruise, and I know the exhaust thing was a fluke, but I wish they had just fessed up from the beginning instead of sending somebody down with air freshener, and saying that somebody must be smoking in their stateroom! It finally took a group of us on our floor gathering together and calling again from one of the main phones to get the truth out of them.

Oh, and we won't ever do a dd again, unless it is a longer cruise that still allows us at sea days. The girls went to CC the second day, but not for long, and the rest of us didn't even step foot on the island that second time.

OMG Melissa! How awful for you! Sounds like you guys had/are having a tough time!! Sending you and !!! Hope everyone is well soon...

Best wishes,
Karenxxx

PS: It was lovely to meet you...

 

[njdisneymomof2]

MandyMouse - Thanks for the great pictures. We had a wonderful cruise! We really appreciate the pictures.

 

[mandymouse]

MandyMouse - Thanks for the great pictures. We had a wonderful cruise! We really appreciate the pictures.

No problem Glad you like them

I hope you all had a great time

 

[mandymouse]

The cruise was lovely - we liked the suite tho' TBH we wouldn't bother with that category again as I much preferred the one DH and I stayed in last September. Ah well, you live and learn...

One of the highlight's for us was discovering they serve the much-lauded Rose Regale sparkling wine onboard! So I got to enjoy that AND the fab Boony Doon Framboise in Palo's on our first night - talk about heaven...

I stayed in the suite on the first Castaway Cay day as my skin decided to have an unprecedented toxic freakout (I have chronic psoriasis and it can wreak havoc on occasion!) and I needed to apply soothing cream. Due to the high winds, our parasailing was cancelled which was a relief as it meant we weren't out of pocket. Due to my skin issues, I also forfeited our Couple Choice Spa Villas appointment - fortunately they have a 24 hour cancellation policy and DH was able to re-schedule himself for a Hot Stones massage which he really enjoyed - bless him...

We ate in the dining rooms for the final two nights and were delighted to discover we'd been allocated a table for just the 3 of us - it made for a very relaxing dining experience! I found the meals took much less time than we'd previously experienced on the Magic so we had plenty of time to pop to Diversions for a nightcap or two...

DD was the only one who got off the Wonder in Nassau - she made it back in plenty of time to join us at the wine-tasting seminar in Palo's and have some fun there tho' I was a little disappointed the sommelier didn't open the champagne with a sword! Maybe the insurance can't/won't cover it anymore..?

Loved the Palo's brunch on our penultimate day. We had a great gastronomic time plus DH and I were delighted to share the experience with Sophie. Castaway Cay was lovely (as were the Konk Koolers on Serenity Bay) and we all whiled away a few hours here before heading back to the ship. I shopped a little en-route and discovered a fab Double Dip pin in the store which was probably my major purchase of the vacation...

Anyway, enough of my ramblings! I really should go to bed now so goodnight all...

Hey Karen

I hope you're feeling a bit better today

So what did you think of the Roy Disney suite ? Why wouldn't you bother staying there again ? Was your last room a Cat. 3 ?

Sorry that your skin flarred up for the first Castaway Cay day, but thank goodness you got there on the second day

It sounds like you had a great time, but you didn't mention whether you and hubby were playing Scrabble this time

I've seen a pic of the DD pin, I can't wait to get one

So how long is it till your Mexican Cruise ? It'll be here before you know it

Looking forward to your trippie

 

[Tarabra]

Hey guys! Yes, we had a ball. I haven't been able to get on much with catching up on everything and DH still being on vacation. Um....he was teasing the heck out of me because I said something about a "CM" He's like...WHAT IS A "CM?" He said that just proves I spend too much time on here!!! It was great meeting Brandi, Heather and Denise. I looked high and low for everyone else, to no avail. I'll fill in more later, but just wanted to check in.

 

[garys12]

I wanted to post one photo of my DD in that dress I told you about.



http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2143261220048

 

[disneyfool_1202]

We got home last night and thanks to a very greasy piece of pizza I spent last night and most of the day clutching my mouth for fear of tossing my cookies. I was up all night (literally) and am dying right now from trip exhaustion and then being up all night. So no trip report from me for a few days. It was wonderful to meet Tara and Melissa and if I met any of the rest of you I appologize for forgetting but our trip was a bit stressful - no fault of Disneys, but DS had a really hard time adjusting and spend practically the whole vacation crying and asking to go home (he's got high functioning autism). It was much better once we were at the parks - I had my loveable happy little boy again. But like I said- too exhausted for details right now....
Glad everyone got home safely.

 

[pamouselover]

ok, waiting for trip reports......

 

[CustardTart]

Hey Double Dippers!

Hope the post-cruise blues are well and truly over by now... The sun is out in London (for once) and life feels pretty good!

ok, waiting for trip reports......

Here's a link to mine - including plenty of Roy O Disney suite sweet pics....