MAY 20TH WESTERN - 1ST CRUISE/ROY SUITE REPORT Updated with Pictures!

[crazypom]

Okay, here goes.....firstly, thank you to all those who post on these boards, the info I learned prior to our cruise helped make it a magical vacation. I will try to do a day by day report but bear with me as it may take a few days!!
(by the way, I am a talker so this will prob be really long )

Our cast includes me , DH, DD11, DS9, DD5, DS3, and DMIL. The kids and I are disney nuts, DH (aka Grumpy) tolerates my obsession as long as there is golf but "never wants to go on a cruise", and DMIL thinks I am nuts!!! (that's the reason for the Roy suite as not sure I can talk him into it again and if I can only go once I am going big!!!

We started off from British Columbia on Sat May 13th bound for the Marriott grande Vista in Orlando. We were lucky enough to have a week before the cruise. The MGV was great!! The location was a 10-15 minute easy drive to the parks. We had a 2bdrm condo which was nicely decorated and clean. The kids loved the pool areas, grown-ups were happy with the bar area , and they had lots of activities for the kids. They did the animal show, some crafts, and the arcade. The pizza hut on site was awesome - for some reason we were all craving pizza this week!! Sun we just hung out and enjoyed the resort for mother's day. Monday we were off to Epcot, one of our favorite parks. (DH golfing) I always think it will be a short day but we end up there for a long time! Kids loved test track and mission space and we spent a lot of time in innoventions. Living seas was also a big hit. We did the world showcase and masks. DMIL and I enjoyed the wines of France, the beer in Germany, and the Margaritas in Mexico!!! (it was a very hot day ). Didn't stay for the fireworks this time which was hard as we are usually open "til close people but trying not to obsess about seeing everything as not to wear out Gramma!! Having done 2 trips to DW and 3 to DL it was actually easier than I thought and quite enjoyable!!! The flower and garden festival was beautiful.

Tues we woke up to rain so decided to enjoy the resort. Did make it to DTD and the Rainforest for dinner which was fun as always.
Wed we were off to Magic Kingdom. (DH golfing) I couldn't believe how busy it was!!!! Again, not being in obsessive mode was a good thing and we went around to all our favorites. Was impressed with the new small world as it was closed during our last visit. Sad to see pirates closed but looking forward to seeing the changes!! Note to self for next trip - do not forget the wipes when you have four kids and they eat mickey bars in 90 degree weather with no shade - enough said!!! Fun day had by all, everyone is still hanging in, no meltdowns etc!!! As a side note this was the first time I had rented a stroller as we usually bring one - they are much nicer to push than the umbrellas and the process was quick and convenient.

Thurs off to Animal Kingdom (DH here for the ride)- DD11 and DS 9 chomping at the bit to ride Expedition Everest. What a great ride!!!!!!!!! We did ride twice and it is now the kids favorite. Did Kali river rapids twice as just weren't quite soaked thru enough the first time . It was also much busier that I expected but we had lots of fun.

Fri was laundry and packing day to get ready for the main event.............the
DISNEY CRUISE We booked one year ago so the anticipation has been trememdous!!!!! I actually didn't mind laundry and packing 'cause it meant it was almost time!!!!!!

Couldn't sleep very well from all the excitement, up at 6am Sat to await our ride. Now, I actually have to go and accomplish some "real" work today so shall leave you hanging for DAY 1 OF THE CRUISE AND THE ROY SUITE!!!

 

[Surroundedbyboys]

Can't wait to hear about the Roy suite and the trip report! Hope you can post pictures of the room too?

 

[crazypom]

 

[crazypom]

HELP I am a computer loser but finally figured out how to post some pics. How do I make them smaller?????????????? I though I was getting clever and finally figured out how to bold and underline my title but that didn't work right either

 

[crazypom]

 

[pppiglet]

Great pictures!

 

[Surroundedbyboys]

Your pictures are great. I don't know how to resize them, but it doesn't really matter....they're fun to see.

 

[crazypom]

okay, the moment we have all been waiting for...............the Disney cruise!!!! We all start bouncing off the walls about 6am (not a good thing for 7 people in a condo ) and started in on our nutritious breakfast of Krispy cremes. I had made up my mind at that moment to let the kids eat pretty much what they want for the cruise as who needs to nag on a vacation!! Since I did discover $2.99 drinks from 10am-12, who was I to nag!!! Our ride was to pick us up at 9:30 so started hauling the bags down around 9:15 - all 12 of them, including a set of golf clubs!!! We did get some interesting looks as we waited with the luggage. A van pulled up and my DH starts freaking - there is no way this is going to fit in there! Then along came a white stretch limo who just happened to stop! The kids figured it must be for a movie star but it was a surprise for them! Again, not sure if I will get a repeat so going all out

After much cramming of luggage we were on our way. "Are we there yet" was the primary discussion on the way, but the trip was only about 50 minutes. As we came over the bridge you could see the ship I am sure the limo was tilting as seven of us leaned to one side, noses pressed to the glass to get the first look. The porters at the terminal were great, and didn't even bat an eye at the continuous stream of stuff pouring out of the limo (I actually thought I had packed light but had to buy 2 more duffle bags after DW!!)

Forgot to mention the large (60 can) cooler full of drinks. The look on DH face was priceless when we got to the security and there are signs everywhere saying no alcohol - "here, you take it" he says. I insisted that I had good souces that told me it would be ok and it was - a big money saver for sure! Off we go, forgot to fill out bahamas form so had to do that. I was surprised how many people were already at the terminal. Did our check in and waited in the concierge area, the kids colored and looked around. Now for the big moment.... there was a family with a w/c that went on first and then us, grinning from ear to ear. I hadn't told anyone else about how they announce your family so they think it was just for them!!! Off to the concierge meet. It was nice to have the snacks and drinks and meet Richard and Arnaldo but we didn't really need anything as I had booked online. In hindsight we prob could have skipped this and gone straight to the pool. We did get the kids moved around in the clubs (dd5 to the 3/4 group and DS9 to the 10-12 group to be with their siblings) and the pager. They kept asking if we wanted anything booked but at that point I felt so overwhelmed by the options that we didn't want to commit to anything.
Off to the pool, the kids loved the water slide (even the big ones) and it was very uncrowded. The grownups got their beverages (thanks Beano for the tip on going straight to the bar for the best drinks!!)

Grabbed lunch for kids at Pinnochio's and Pluto's and ours at Goofy's (which is where we got lunch most days) I thought the wraps were really good.
By now it is almost 2pm so off we go to the suite. Everyone was so excited to see it after waiting for a year. All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Can I live here???????? If you ever get a chance to stay in the Roy suite it is worth every penny. The decor is beautiful, there is lots of room for 7 or 8, 3 bathrooms, huge deck, 2 fridges, large dining area, great bath products, etc etc....We spent quite a bit of time in the room as it is just so beautiful and spacious. The only negative, and it is a big one, is we are now spoiled for anything else!!!!

The pictures don't do it justice!
Got 2 huge sand pail baskets from Shirley(the perfect gift) which of course the kids thought were from Mickey They were quite costly (about $190) but had TONS of stuff, good quality beach toys, underwater cameras, and I added a lot extra. They were definately worth it and the kids enjoyed them all week. We did haul all the beach stuff home in the empty cooler!
Did a little unpacking but mostly just looked around the room at all the pictures and out the balcony. Time for the lifeboat drill, relatively painless procedure I thought but the kids kept asking "when do we get in the boats?" ah, hopefully never!

Back to the room, off to check out the clubs and sailaway. The sailaway was lots of fun and really gets you in the mood for the trip. Note on pic DH really looks like he's not having fun (more on that later). Loved the mickey hands waving goodbye. We were on deck 10 starboard which was a great place to see the show and watch the ship sail out of port. We let out a big cheer once we got to the "open sea".

We had the 6pm LAP which was great, Lummiere's was our favorite. I can't imagine dinner any earlier than 6pm as we found it a rush to get there, esp on port days. That said, would not have wanted late with the kids. Our servers were Don and Beethoven, head server Alexsandra. They were great and we really enjoyed them all week. We thought the dinner was excellent, in fact thought so all week. There were plenty of choices, the portions were not too big, and the quality was excellent!!! And the very best part is NO COOKING OR CLEANING Our meals usually lasted about 1hr45min but seemed to go by much more quickly than that.
Back to explore the clubs, you could leave your kids the first night after dinner if you wanted but we did stay for awhile. Our big kids had sign out privaleges and it worked out great. Toured the ship, did some unpacking, enjoyed a drink (or 2) on the balcony, and hit the sack around 11. We are all just blown away by the ship, the room and the service!
sorry this is so long winded but there is just so much to say!!!! I will try to tone it down for my next days report

 

[Surroundedbyboys]

Please don't tone it down! We love the reports & picture. Thanks!

 

[Ker-Bear]

Do not tone it down

Looking forward to the rest of your trip report!

 

[Mishetta]

Hey crazypom ~ I took a picture of your stateroom door!! If I had known you were a Dis'er, I would have knocked & introduced myself!

Love your photos!! Keep the news coming & the photo's coming ~ love it!

 

[Kim&Chris]

Hi Cari!!

Can you believe it's over?? I can't. Chris and I had the BEST time, and can't wait 'til our next one .

I'm loving your report! If I knew how to upload pictures, I'd start one myself. I want to post pictures of Chris and I pre- and post- strawberry daiquiri spillage

 

[lvstitch]

Great report and pictures, no need to tone it down. Waiting for more

 

[crazypom]

thanks for the kind words

Yes Kim, it was sooo much fun, all I had hoped and more. I would love to see the pre/post spillage pics - feel free to put them on this thread if you are not doing a full report. Took my underwater cameras in today so hope I get some decent pics of the stingrays!! I found it really hard to look thru foggy goggles and then the little tiny square so just started holding the camera out and snapping Prob lots of pics of nothing!!!!

Day 2 sun to come soon, I am (as mentioned) computer slow so the last post took about an hour!!! I could hear the little kids....."mom, we're hungry, mom are you done, mom, what are you doing" "Important work kids, done in a minute...sure you can have a fruit snack for breakfast! "

 

[churchlady]

Hi Cari, I am so excited to see your report coming! I know Mallory misses Lauren already. I still haven't completely unpacked- there seems to be odds and ends everywhere! Seeing the Roy Suite was a highlight for us and Christie blowing $70 in the arcade is our trip's funniest story. "But it wasn't money, Mommy, it was only points." BTW, hello to your MIL- I really enjoyed her!

 

[Babs417]

Great report. My room 6056 was great I just cant think what yours was like so lucky more pictures. Thanks again.

 

[sejejoemmiev]

I am really enjoying your report. I cant wait to hear more. Makes me feel like I was there. (Almost)

 

[crazypom]

Hi Mishetta, you should have knocked!!!! We did get several door bell rings and no one there - just kids playing in the hall!

Hello Lee, it was sure great wasn't it?? It was so nice that Mallory and Lauren hit it off so well, I know that made the trip more fun for her That was very funny about the arcade $, we had a good laugh, unfortunately at your expense (literally!!) It was a fun get together in the suite, glad we had a chance to do that as it was such a busy week.

OK, day 2, Key West. DMIL and I had been to KW before, about 20 years ago so we were all looking forward to it. Woke up around 6:30, kids all excited..."can we go to the club now??" Got room service for breakfast, it ws nice as we had a more complete menu being in the suite. In fact, we did this every day except the last and character breakfast day. DH did go to Lumierre's for breakfast once and enjoyed it. Kids loved the chocolate pancakes and choc chip muffins. We put in a standing order for coffee everyday which was awesome to have out on the balcony. The room service guys were great, Alvin and can't remember the other guys name - very funny and always set things up so nicely.
Kids off to their clubs, they absolutely loved them I had really, really hoped for this so we would enjoy some free time and it worked out great. DMIL and I off to concierge meet on deck 10 (read free drinks and appys) and DH wandering the ship. Enjoyed 2 bahama mamas and snacks and met the 3rd member of the concierge Crunch. She was really a lovely lady!
Grabbed some lunch to have in the room for all before we headed off to Key West. My kids loved the fries, hot dogs, and chicken fingers, did not like the pizza!

Off we go to KW - can you say smokin hot! Didn't really have any set plans so just started walking. Found the aquarium shortly and needed a break from the heat so in we went. It was surprisingly good, didn't take too long, and had an informative tour. KIds enjoyed petting the nurse shark and DD5 found a "pet" she wanted to take home (no one else would touch the slimy, disgusting thing)

off we go again, DH really wants to see Margaritaville so we head off to Duval St. Had to stop in another block as it was so hot we needed ice cream (not a wise move in 90 degree heat and no shade to sit in!!)
Duval St was certainly a free education for the big kids, although not the kind you would want! I could hear the giggles and "oh, that's disgusting" as they peered in the shops. Whose idea was it to teach them to read?????
Came upon a rather large iguana and a sign saying "picture $10". Well, before I knew what was happening, the kids were on the bench, iguana, snake, 2 birds were on them and the guy is telling me $40 I don't think so......being the shrewd bargainer I am I got him down to $30 (can you say sucker) as by this point the kids are all screaming "get the picture". This guy was smooth - so he grabs my camera and starts snapping pictures as the iguana is inching ever closer to DS9's face! It all turned out ok, no animal injuries and a few cute pics!

Next we meet the Key West Gold man (freaked me and DH out) but kids thought he was cool.

Dropped some more money in his jar and got a picture and suckers for the kids - I had those things out of their hands and in the garbage so fast they didn't know what hit them The big kids understood the safety implications but try to explain that to a 3 & 5 yo whose sucker you have just snatched from their hands!! And did I say it was smokin hot!!!!!! So far we have gone 3 blocks, spent a total of $80, made 2 little kids cry, and educated the big kids!!!! Are we having fun yet???? Off we continue to Margaritaville for a drink - "that's it????" we say, expecting something much more grand. Can't go in for a drink unless we order lunch which we've already had! Ok, time to rethink this, little kids are melting and we look at a map and realize we've only come a very short distance. DH and small kids head back to ship to swim (best idea of the day) and DMIL, big kids and I head for Ripleys Believe it or not. Again, a good idea, it is cool in here! They really enjoyed this and we spent about an hour before heading back to the ship. Note to self - skip KW with kids or do an excursion. Just walking thru the town was not worth it, although made worse because it was soooo hot and muggy (we are west coast canadians after all!)
Meet up with DH and small kids at pool, time for the drink of the day
Which, I must say, were all very good!
Got ready for dinner, "do I have to wear that (DS9)". Tonight is AP - we really enjoyed the show and it was a surprise as I was the only one that knew what would happen.

Food was excellent again, Don (our server) already knows to offer 3 of the kids chicken fingers, fingerlings of chicken, or fingered poulet!!!! Only DS3 ordered anything else all week and it was pizza. After we got home DD11 tells everyone they had the best food ever on the ship
Did
dd 11th birthday celebration, the servers sang and she got a delicious large cake and a pin.

Kids off to clubs, me off to check out shutters. Very good pictures and I thought pretty well organized considering how many photos they must take!! Did end up with 2 8x10, 7 6x8, and a bunch of the small ones by the end of the week. Did not seem to find time to get a portrait done but did get the pirate night and ship background. (if you haven't already noticed I will hop all over the place!)
Picked up small kids around 9:30pm (they never sleep in so knew we had to get them to bed). Enjoyed a glass of wine on the balcony and watched two very large grey fish (sharks I think) swim under the spotlight (very cool). DH and I had planned to go back to KW for a drink but were just too tired.
Now, you know you are getting old when your DD11 and DS9 stay out later than you!!!! They went to the boys and girls chill until 1am!!!! I don't know the last time I saw 1am since nursing a baby!!!!!! Here is me, asleep on the couch (good parent that I am) waiting for their return. At least I did wait on the couch, unlike DH who just went to bed!!!
A great first full day on the cruise, I already want to live here!!!
Will try to get day 3 day done tonight, it is actually fun as makes me relive the cruise. Just think, a week ago today we were at Castaway Cay

 

[lvstitch]

I am enjoying your report so much. Thanks for sharing all.

 

[Surroundedbyboys]

Your children are adorable. I love the picture with the snake, bird, lizard, etc. Your youngest daughter looks so tickled!