May 29th Eastern Magic..Day 1

[Mickeyhugger]

We flew in the Friday night before and stayed at the airport Hyatt. For those of you who are still trying to decide where to stay, look no further. It was 144.00 per night, but the ease of picking your bags up after your flight, walking them to the Hyatt, and having Disney pick them up outside your door the next morning sure saved a lot of hassle! There is also a food court in the airport that's very convenient, especially as we didn't want a big dinner or breakfast w/all of the wonderful rich food that awaited us on the ship! We'll stay here again!

We took the the second bus to Port Canaveral and arrived at about 10:45? DH estimates that there were 250ish people in line ahead of us (which was great). It was fun visiting w/others in line while waiting for them to open the big 'mouse ear' doors. Oh the excitement we all felt when they finally opened! DH and I had booked the REAS package so we didn't have to do the 'ressie rush', but the people w/whom we were traveling walked right to the Palo ressie table (when we arrived on board) and got the exact seating they wanted. That said, I don't think I'll book this package again only because I realize if you arrive onboard soon after they open, you can pretty much get the bookings you want.
But do it right as you arrive, because all Palo bookings were gone by 3:30.

Had a great lunch at Topsiders. DH ate tons of peel n' eat shrimp while I headed for the dessert table! The chocolate tarts, OMG! I had to pace myself because I still wanted to be able to fit in the clothes I brought.

Had our long awaited DISboards meet on deck 7 at 3:30. Had a great time meeting everyone. The Florida sun was HOT and humid, but it wasn't long before we had the lifeboat drill and the sailaway party. It was great! All of our bags arrived about 3:30.

We had the 2nd dinner seating. Our servers were Plamen from Bulgaria and Tomslavia from Croatia. They were above superior!
DH's rib-eye steak was grilled to perfection (as well as DD's).
I had the mixed grill and the fruit salad w/honey lime syrup. YUM!
For dessert DH had the bourbon pecan pie w/pecan brittle (great, but oh so rich) and I, the ever-faithful dessert lover, had the chocolate espesso walnut cake. Don't miss it!

After all the food for the first day, we called it a night and went to bed early. (I'm exhausted just posting this, but loving it too!)

I'll try to post day 2 soon!

 

[scottygirl]

Thanks for your report. We are staying at the Hyatt and taking the DCL bus to the port. What time and where did you check in for the bus ride in the morning? I would like to get on the first bus so we can get to the Port asap to get those Palo Brunch ressies!! Thanks

 

[Mickeyhugger]

scottygirl, I don't remember the exact time we checked-in for the bus (I should have noted that, as I know this info is very valueable to many cruisers) but our bags had to be outside our room at 8:30, so we were in the lobby around 9:00ish? I think the bus departed around 10:00.

 

[natdencro]

We also stay at the Hyatt as we find it far the easiest option. Long flight - pick up bags - straight to hotel room! Cant be better! Bags outside room, and they MAGICALLY appear at stateroom! Worth every penny to stay at Hyatt. We were at the Terminal very early (1st bus) and were approx 20th in line to board.

Glad you had Plamen: what fun he is - we have many photos of him doing handstands and dressing up in various guises!
Look forward to hearing more about your holiday! Nat

 

[MamaQuack]

Mickeyhugger & Nat,

Great info on the Hyatt MCO - did you book it thru DCL? Can you take any bus from there during the a.m.?

Thanks again!

MamaQuack

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Mamaquack -

We booked the Hyatt on our own.

And yes, you can take any DCL bus you wish the morning of embarkation.

 

[MamaQuack]

Mickeyhugger,

Got cruise all booked, transfers, 2nd dinner seating, etc. But, Disney says they can't book the room unless we have them do our air - will they still transport bags or do I drag them??

Travel agent was scrambling today because all Disney computers were down and all the cm's were taking everything by hand!!!! She will keep trying but since you booked your own they took your bags for you right?

Did you eat at Hemishpere? Use their pool?

Thanks again.

MamaQuack

 

[staylor]

Don't forget, you can get the Hyatt on priceline. Go to www.biddingfortravel.com to see the going rates.
Just a thought!
I'm enjoying your reports, thanks!

 

[MamaQuack]

staylor,

thk for the link - got a great price - saved $50!!!!! thanks you sooooooo much!!

MamaQuack