Mexican Riviera 2/27 - 3/6 - DisneyZell TR new 3/31: FINISHED!!!
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DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
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- Sep 28, 2004
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Hi everyone...me again. Yeah, I know...but you can't have too many days without me...you might start to think that I am not going to finish this TR (Trip Report 
). But oh no...regardless of DW's belief that she will have to push me, I refuse to let it slip through my fingers. I'm so confident that I will finish that I scanned the rest of the Navigators. Nope...naturally I haven't uploaded them...but they are at least available now! 
Who knows...maybe I'll do TWO days today. Nah..that isn't gonna happen. 
Anyway...it is day 4 if you are counting...but I always wondered why they count day 1. So much time is spent waiting at the port...unpacking...listening to the creaking room...etc...etc...that can you really say the day you board is a day? I don't think so. Someday in my future we will take a 10 or 15 day cruise. Why? Because on a 7 day cruise it's about day 4 or 5 that I really start to relax and realize I'm on vacation. so if I have 5 or even 10 more days...woohoo! I honestly don't know how you folks do it that do the 3 or 4 day cruises...We are doing a 5 day on the Dream...and I'm not sure I'll be relaxed at all. Except we are doing the World before..so maybe that will do it. I was reading about a 3 day Dream while I was scanning my navigators...again...you get on...you get right back off. I know...it's less expensive...and given that or sitting in this cold New England weather (gonna snow again tomorrow), no doubt I'd do the 3 day cruise!
Here is the navigator for Wednesday:
So today we thought we would do something different. We got up and went to breakfast at the Beach Blanket Bingo Buffett (hereafter referred to as BBBB since I'm tired of typing it. I know that I don't like acronyms...but if, at this point of the story, you haven't figured out what I mean...you will be totally lost on the DIS Boards anyway...so I just can't help you.
This day our neighbors came along with their kids. I enjoyed by usual bagel, salmon, cream cheese and capers...along with...you guessed it my bacon and syrup. yum. Yes I gained 10 pounds.
We had heard from several folks, and even crew that the ship all but parks in the Walmart parking lot. While most people would consider going to Walmart just plain weird...we are the weird kind of people that likes to be cheap...and we knew that things would be cheap there. DS12 collects crystals that are laser engraved from each location we vacation...we figured they may have some for cheap.
So we headed out to Walmart. While the ship does practically park in the Walmart parking lot (I should have taken a picture...but your going to have to trust me on this, realizing that will be hard given all the times I have played with your emotions during this TR (and ok, this one I'm going to start abbreviating as well...again...if you don't know it by now...). That was one big long run-on sentence. Sorry about that. So anyway...while the ship does practically park in the Walmart parking lot, they make you walk way out and around in order to get there. Naturally they funnel you past some guys selling stuff cheap. They tried to get us to buy a poncho with the Patriots on it. I threw out a low, really low offer and they turned me down. Saved me from owning a Patriots poncho that I would most likely never wear again. DS8 really wanted a little tiny bobble head...but I didn't want to carry it around...so he had to wait
We made our way out of the cruise complex..and walked toward the street. At this point we started counting VW Bugs. Apparently DNS13 and his family had been doing this the couple days they were in LA...and anyone familiar with Mexico knows there are quite common. Being the tallest, and in front...I was spotting those things left and right. Quickly I went into first place when suddenly it became teams...not individual. Hmmm...jealous much??
But I digress.
so we made our way to Walmart...big store. I always find it funny to see an American store with all the local goods in it. We *did* find the crystal we were looking for...I tried to talk DW into buying Mexican Vanilla which is supposed to be the bomb...but no go on that. Then we looked around for Mexican Coke (er...Coca-Cola...not the white powdery stuff). I wanted the kids to try it as it's made with Cane Sugar, not the liquid stuff. No luck in Walmart, they only had Coke in plastic bottles (again the liquid...not the white powder ), and I wanted it in bottles. So crystal in hand...we were done. We paid...got robbed I'm sure because I have no idea the exchange rate...and of course while I paid in American Dollars I got pesos back.
***************TIP***************
I do think it is more beneficial to pay in US dollars. Typically vendors will give you a better deal with US Dollars...and by the ship they even paid change back in dollars (unlike Walmart...go figure). Someone asked that question I think...so there is the answer. I'm sure DW answered it earlier. Anyway...don't worry about exchanging money, no need!
There was a flea market of sorts outside of Walmart...so we shopped there. Now...let me just tell you the experience of shopping with DS8. he has never met a small toy...a glass figurine...a finger puppet, a wooden..well anything, that he has not liked. He must touch and look at everything everywhere...and talk about sensory overload. He drives me slowly insane...as I'm a fast shopper...so I can be done in 2 seconds. He is more in the 2 hour variety...so we drag him along unwillingly with constant cries of "but I'm not done yet!". It's enough to drive you to drink...but my beer is on the ship.
We do eventually make it out of there...and walk back toward the ship. We found a shop with more stuff to sell (thank the Lord...I can't imagine what we would do without more CRAP...er...dust collectors...er...well you get my drift. We did find some mugs for DW's parents...which were, according to the guy in the store, made by his family. His family apparently does good business because we saw those mugs in 3 other stores too.
Next door there was a drug store...and I stopped in and purchased some Coke. HA! got you again...not that kind. You people are bad. I enjoyed my Coke...DS12 enjoyed his...as did DNS13. DND doesn't drink soda so she got a Gatorade. DS8? He drank about 1/4 of his and then didn't want to carry it around anymore. Naturally.
One more flea market type place where DNW bought these metal suns to put outside her house. I did the haggling. I enjoy that. I'm pretty sure DW and DNW were ready to crawl under the little house because I was driving a hard bargain. But...
**************TIP*****************
You CANNOT pull one over on the shop keepers. They aren't going to sell it to you below what they can. They will whine...they will complain...they will talk about how they have to feed their children...you just keep haggling. If you walk away typically the prices will quickly get better. It is especially good if you just don't have any more cash on you...it is what it is. Drive your best deal...buy what you want and move on. Don't feel bad...again, they won't sell to you at a level that they will lose money.
). But oh no...regardless of DW's belief that she will have to push me, I refuse to let it slip through my fingers. I'm so confident that I will finish that I scanned the rest of the Navigators. Nope...naturally I haven't uploaded them...but they are at least available now! Who knows...maybe I'll do TWO days today. Nah..that isn't gonna happen. Anyway...it is day 4 if you are counting...but I always wondered why they count day 1. So much time is spent waiting at the port...unpacking...listening to the creaking room...etc...etc...that can you really say the day you board is a day? I don't think so. Someday in my future we will take a 10 or 15 day cruise. Why? Because on a 7 day cruise it's about day 4 or 5 that I really start to relax and realize I'm on vacation. so if I have 5 or even 10 more days...woohoo! I honestly don't know how you folks do it that do the 3 or 4 day cruises...We are doing a 5 day on the Dream...and I'm not sure I'll be relaxed at all. Except we are doing the World before..so maybe that will do it. I was reading about a 3 day Dream while I was scanning my navigators...again...you get on...you get right back off. I know...it's less expensive...and given that or sitting in this cold New England weather (gonna snow again tomorrow), no doubt I'd do the 3 day cruise!
Here is the navigator for Wednesday:
So today we thought we would do something different. We got up and went to breakfast at the Beach Blanket Bingo Buffett (hereafter referred to as BBBB since I'm tired of typing it. I know that I don't like acronyms...but if, at this point of the story, you haven't figured out what I mean...you will be totally lost on the DIS Boards anyway...so I just can't help you.
This day our neighbors came along with their kids. I enjoyed by usual bagel, salmon, cream cheese and capers...along with...you guessed it my bacon and syrup. yum. Yes I gained 10 pounds.
We had heard from several folks, and even crew that the ship all but parks in the Walmart parking lot. While most people would consider going to Walmart just plain weird...we are the weird kind of people that likes to be cheap...and we knew that things would be cheap there. DS12 collects crystals that are laser engraved from each location we vacation...we figured they may have some for cheap.
So we headed out to Walmart. While the ship does practically park in the Walmart parking lot (I should have taken a picture...but your going to have to trust me on this, realizing that will be hard given all the times I have played with your emotions during this TR (and ok, this one I'm going to start abbreviating as well...again...if you don't know it by now...). That was one big long run-on sentence. Sorry about that. So anyway...while the ship does practically park in the Walmart parking lot, they make you walk way out and around in order to get there. Naturally they funnel you past some guys selling stuff cheap. They tried to get us to buy a poncho with the Patriots on it. I threw out a low, really low offer and they turned me down. Saved me from owning a Patriots poncho that I would most likely never wear again. DS8 really wanted a little tiny bobble head...but I didn't want to carry it around...so he had to wait
We made our way out of the cruise complex..and walked toward the street. At this point we started counting VW Bugs. Apparently DNS13 and his family had been doing this the couple days they were in LA...and anyone familiar with Mexico knows there are quite common. Being the tallest, and in front...I was spotting those things left and right. Quickly I went into first place when suddenly it became teams...not individual. Hmmm...jealous much??
But I digress.
so we made our way to Walmart...big store. I always find it funny to see an American store with all the local goods in it. We *did* find the crystal we were looking for...I tried to talk DW into buying Mexican Vanilla which is supposed to be the bomb...but no go on that. Then we looked around for Mexican Coke (er...Coca-Cola...not the white powdery stuff). I wanted the kids to try it as it's made with Cane Sugar, not the liquid stuff. No luck in Walmart, they only had Coke in plastic bottles (again the liquid...not the white powder
), and I wanted it in bottles. So crystal in hand...we were done. We paid...got robbed I'm sure because I have no idea the exchange rate...and of course while I paid in American Dollars I got pesos back. ***************TIP***************
I do think it is more beneficial to pay in US dollars. Typically vendors will give you a better deal with US Dollars...and by the ship they even paid change back in dollars (unlike Walmart...go figure). Someone asked that question I think...so there is the answer. I'm sure DW answered it earlier. Anyway...don't worry about exchanging money, no need!
There was a flea market of sorts outside of Walmart...so we shopped there. Now...let me just tell you the experience of shopping with DS8. he has never met a small toy...a glass figurine...a finger puppet, a wooden..well anything, that he has not liked. He must touch and look at everything everywhere...and talk about sensory overload. He drives me slowly insane...as I'm a fast shopper...so I can be done in 2 seconds. He is more in the 2 hour variety...so we drag him along unwillingly with constant cries of "but I'm not done yet!". It's enough to drive you to drink...but my beer is on the ship.
We do eventually make it out of there...and walk back toward the ship. We found a shop with more stuff to sell (thank the Lord...I can't imagine what we would do without more CRAP...er...dust collectors...er...well you get my drift.
We did find some mugs for DW's parents...which were, according to the guy in the store, made by his family. His family apparently does good business because we saw those mugs in 3 other stores too. Next door there was a drug store...and I stopped in and purchased some Coke. HA! got you again...not that kind. You people are bad. I enjoyed my Coke...DS12 enjoyed his...as did DNS13. DND doesn't drink soda so she got a Gatorade. DS8? He drank about 1/4 of his and then didn't want to carry it around anymore. Naturally.
One more flea market type place where DNW bought these metal suns to put outside her house. I did the haggling. I enjoy that. I'm pretty sure DW and DNW were ready to crawl under the little house because I was driving a hard bargain. But...
**************TIP*****************
You CANNOT pull one over on the shop keepers. They aren't going to sell it to you below what they can. They will whine...they will complain...they will talk about how they have to feed their children...you just keep haggling. If you walk away typically the prices will quickly get better. It is especially good if you just don't have any more cash on you...it is what it is. Drive your best deal...buy what you want and move on. Don't feel bad...again, they won't sell to you at a level that they will lose money.
DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,102
After that it was time to head back to the ship. They had a little security area where they confiscated our empty Coke bottles. Why? I think 'cause they could. They claimed we can't take them onboard empty....but we could buy more and bring it on full with the cap on it. Personally I think they wanted the recycling fee. I can't prove it...and frankly didn't want to haul the bottles with me anyway. 
We stopped so that DS8 could get his lizard bobble head for $1 (huh..I guess we weren't quite out of money...), and then headed to the ship. I was all ready to be onboard. I thoroughly enjoy being on the ship when everyone else is on shore. There were some artsy booths right before the ship including a guy that was doing glass blowing (although not actually blowing...more like shaping), and another guy and his son who were hand painting tiles...including tiles of the ship.
Remember...I was ready to go onboard...DW and DNW had to stand and watch for an hour...I was getting fidgety (is that a word?), and annoyed. Yes...more dust collecting
Finally DW kicked me out and the boys and I headed back to the ship. Back to the room where DW joined us later (and yes the tile is pretty cool, I'll admit that). It was into swimsuits...lotion up and off to the pool.
DS8 and DND11 in the pool
DNS13 in the pool
Lunch consisted of Pizza like it almost always did (sometimes I had to have two lunches...that's just the way it is!
Nick enjoys his Pizza
So does Connor
Sunbathing followed
************TIP*************
I *think* this was the day of the sundae bar in the BBBB. They try to just give you one scoop of ice-cream (but you can ask for 2, trust me). Then you can put on as much topping as you would like. The Caramel is to die for...it is so thick. they also have cut up bananas. While I've had a banana split before...for some reason I never thought of putting cut up banana on my sundae. I took a couple peices...oh my gosh. Definately get the banana. Anyway, look for this sundae bar on a day when you are in port. I think they do that so they don't get overwhelmed...it is after the buffet line (actually between the two buffet lines). Do not miss this. Although you can do it again on Pirate Night.
The rest of the afternoon was spent doing the things we loved to do...ie....foosball, reading books, and of course shuffleboard. I continued my domination in foosball (I'm sure you were worried).
At 4:45 we had one of the benefits of being in a concierge room. We had a Concierge reception from 4:45 - 5:45 on the deck of BBBB (do you remember what that stands for???). This was a pretty cool event, they had some appetizers: Shrimp, coconut shrimp, and several other things. They also had chocolate dipped Mickey Mouse shaped rice crispy treats. Then they also had a selection of drinks you could choose from. While I don't remember their names...they also had Malibu Rum and Pineapple juice which DW loves (and loved several times at the reception to the point that in the future there will be no more froo-froo drinks...only Malibu Rum coming with us for her). DS8 named the drink the "Crazy Porcupine" which actually made one of the servers smile. The other one was grumpy. Not sure what was up with that.
Our family with Puerto Vallarta in the background
The rice crispy treat
Connor liked the swords and other things
Goofy also paid us a visit. This was cool because there was no waiting in lines or anything so we got a few good pictures:
Goofy being...well..goofy
In the background here you see Thomas, our Concierge. Needless to say we didn't need a big group picture with him.
Connor "goofs" around
Our family with Goofy. You know what? In all the years we have been spending our children's inheritance at Disney...Goofy has almost always been the best family picture we have. We have had more than one Christmas picture with him in it...I'm not sure why we have more "magic" with him than other characters.
Our whole group, neighbors included
DNW with her Crazy Porcupine
We had to leave a bit early and head to Animators Palate for dinner. This night was show night...and I don't want to ruin it. It is very cool...though less so on cruise #4.
After dinner we went to a magic/comedy show in Wavebands. It was just ok.
Then it was time for the one Disney Cruise Line show that we had not seen...Toy Story the Musical. While I'm not a big show guy (I'd rather do about 100 other things), I was looking forward to this one because I do love the Toy Story movies. So we headed over there. We were a little late because of the comedy show...but we were ok with that as we don't mind sitting in the back. Little did we know...
So time for a rant here. I don't know this for sure...but it appeared to me that rather than rushing back from Puerto Vallarta to hit the show, most people skipped the first showing and just came to the later one. This ticks me off because it means the place is packed...in fact I had to stand the entire time. Dw found a seat after about 20 minutes. This was very annoying...made more so by the people who kept walking in and out...I don't like interrupting so wasn't going to push my way into a row where someone left in the middle of the show...so again I had to stand. Why these people were in and out I don't know. It was just generally full of rude, talking, fidgety people and that definitely distracted from what was, in my opinion, a very good show.
The characters are very neat..and all life sized...and it's well put on. Considering I could enjoy it while standing up...that was pretty good!
We quickly went to so You Think you Know your Family to try to get picked. The key to getting picked is two things. 1. get there early and chat with the CM's who are working the show. 2. be loud and rowdy while they are picking. Unfortunately due to timing we weren't there early enough to chat...but I thought we made up for it with our rowdy loud screaming and yelling. Or perhaps the CM's went deaf. But alas the curse of the Gemstone Seminar is alive and well and we didn't get picked.
Now...we are very poor sports. Just so you know. We didn't get picked...so we left. I guess that's bad...but it is what it is. I'm sure that didn't help cure the Gemstone Seminar Curse!
Back to our room for Lobster:
A Lobster in our Stateroom!
DNH took the kids up to their nightly flirt session with the girls...Dw went and grabbed them at 11:30. Not sure why I didn't do this as this is usually my job. Maybe I was sleeping? Maybe I was pretending to sleep? One never knows.
Ah...day #4 complete...next up: Chapter 8: Cabo San Lucas Part 1
Hope you enjoyed this installment!
DZ
We stopped so that DS8 could get his lizard bobble head for $1 (huh..I guess we weren't quite out of money...), and then headed to the ship. I was all ready to be onboard. I thoroughly enjoy being on the ship when everyone else is on shore. There were some artsy booths right before the ship including a guy that was doing glass blowing (although not actually blowing...more like shaping), and another guy and his son who were hand painting tiles...including tiles of the ship.
Remember...I was ready to go onboard...DW and DNW had to stand and watch for an hour...I was getting fidgety (is that a word?), and annoyed. Yes...more dust collecting
Finally DW kicked me out and the boys and I headed back to the ship. Back to the room where DW joined us later (and yes the tile is pretty cool, I'll admit that). It was into swimsuits...lotion up and off to the pool.
DS8 and DND11 in the pool
DNS13 in the pool
Lunch consisted of Pizza like it almost always did (sometimes I had to have two lunches...that's just the way it is!
Nick enjoys his Pizza
So does Connor
Sunbathing followed
************TIP*************
I *think* this was the day of the sundae bar in the BBBB. They try to just give you one scoop of ice-cream (but you can ask for 2, trust me). Then you can put on as much topping as you would like. The Caramel is to die for...it is so thick. they also have cut up bananas. While I've had a banana split before...for some reason I never thought of putting cut up banana on my sundae. I took a couple peices...oh my gosh. Definately get the banana. Anyway, look for this sundae bar on a day when you are in port. I think they do that so they don't get overwhelmed...it is after the buffet line (actually between the two buffet lines). Do not miss this. Although you can do it again on Pirate Night.
The rest of the afternoon was spent doing the things we loved to do...ie....foosball, reading books, and of course shuffleboard. I continued my domination in foosball (I'm sure you were worried).
At 4:45 we had one of the benefits of being in a concierge room. We had a Concierge reception from 4:45 - 5:45 on the deck of BBBB (do you remember what that stands for???). This was a pretty cool event, they had some appetizers: Shrimp, coconut shrimp, and several other things. They also had chocolate dipped Mickey Mouse shaped rice crispy treats. Then they also had a selection of drinks you could choose from. While I don't remember their names...they also had Malibu Rum and Pineapple juice which DW loves (and loved several times at the reception to the point that in the future there will be no more froo-froo drinks...only Malibu Rum coming with us for her). DS8 named the drink the "Crazy Porcupine" which actually made one of the servers smile. The other one was grumpy. Not sure what was up with that.
Our family with Puerto Vallarta in the background
The rice crispy treat
Connor liked the swords and other things
Goofy also paid us a visit. This was cool because there was no waiting in lines or anything so we got a few good pictures:
Goofy being...well..goofy
In the background here you see Thomas, our Concierge. Needless to say we didn't need a big group picture with him.
Connor "goofs" around
Our family with Goofy. You know what? In all the years we have been spending our children's inheritance at Disney...Goofy has almost always been the best family picture we have. We have had more than one Christmas picture with him in it...I'm not sure why we have more "magic" with him than other characters.
Our whole group, neighbors included
DNW with her Crazy Porcupine
We had to leave a bit early and head to Animators Palate for dinner. This night was show night...and I don't want to ruin it. It is very cool...though less so on cruise #4
. After dinner we went to a magic/comedy show in Wavebands. It was just ok.
Then it was time for the one Disney Cruise Line show that we had not seen...Toy Story the Musical. While I'm not a big show guy (I'd rather do about 100 other things), I was looking forward to this one because I do love the Toy Story movies. So we headed over there. We were a little late because of the comedy show...but we were ok with that as we don't mind sitting in the back. Little did we know...
So time for a rant here. I don't know this for sure...but it appeared to me that rather than rushing back from Puerto Vallarta to hit the show, most people skipped the first showing and just came to the later one. This ticks me off because it means the place is packed...in fact I had to stand the entire time. Dw found a seat after about 20 minutes. This was very annoying...made more so by the people who kept walking in and out...I don't like interrupting so wasn't going to push my way into a row where someone left in the middle of the show...so again I had to stand. Why these people were in and out I don't know. It was just generally full of rude, talking, fidgety people and that definitely distracted from what was, in my opinion, a very good show.
The characters are very neat..and all life sized...and it's well put on. Considering I could enjoy it while standing up...that was pretty good!
We quickly went to so You Think you Know your Family to try to get picked. The key to getting picked is two things. 1. get there early and chat with the CM's who are working the show. 2. be loud and rowdy while they are picking. Unfortunately due to timing we weren't there early enough to chat...but I thought we made up for it with our rowdy loud screaming and yelling. Or perhaps the CM's went deaf. But alas the curse of the Gemstone Seminar is alive and well and we didn't get picked.
Now...we are very poor sports. Just so you know. We didn't get picked...so we left. I guess that's bad...but it is what it is. I'm sure that didn't help cure the Gemstone Seminar Curse!
Back to our room for Lobster:
A Lobster in our Stateroom!
DNH took the kids up to their nightly flirt session with the girls...Dw went and grabbed them at 11:30. Not sure why I didn't do this as this is usually my job. Maybe I was sleeping? Maybe I was pretending to sleep? One never knows.
Ah...day #4 complete...next up: Chapter 8: Cabo San Lucas Part 1
Hope you enjoyed this installment!
DZ
DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
- Joined
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- 1,102
I have a comment/question .... When's the next installment?!?
You were like a mind reader! VERY impressive!
or should I say "ask and you shall recieve"???
DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,102
Room 7578 - Departure Date 04/03/11 -- Can't wait to see how you are going to decorate our door!!!
Since you have been a loyal reader...ask and you shall recieve. I did borrow the base from Milliepie (here site has a boatload of stuff you can use...just please message her and ask her permission before you repurpose it like I did (yes I did ask her).
As soon as you send me my cruise reservation as your personal decorator I'll show you the rest of the magnets that I made and will decorate your door with. I need a balcony.
DZ
QuiltTeddy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2004
- Messages
- 1,799
LOL...you are a funny one...I'll give you that. I am more than happy to give tips.
Wow, someone else who figured out that I'm merely brought along for entertainment purposes!
Well I d/l (that's down loaded for you) the sample to my Kindle, but wasn't sure if I should read it while on the cruise just in case there were things I didn't want to know going on "behind the scenes".
Since you have been a loyal reader...ask and you shall recieve. I did borrow the base from Milliepie (here site has a boatload of stuff you can use...just please message her and ask her permission before you repurpose it like I did (yes I did ask her).
As soon as you send me my cruise reservation as your personal decorator I'll show you the rest of the magnets that I made and will decorate your door with. I need a balcony.
DZ
Aren't you just a tease!
I'm pleased to advise, however, that your personal lounge chair has been reserved (for the entire cruise) in the "secret" aft section on Deck 7. This will allow you easy access to the door of our stateroom, situated on the same deck. Additionally, you will have a large "balcony". I would suggest, however, that you be mindful at all times of how you are dressed, as there will be frequent passengers who may stumble upon the "secret" area on Deck 7.
Both DH (that's dear hubby) and I, will of course, arrange for our room steward to "make up" your lounge chair and leave a towel animal and chocolate for you so that you do not feel that you are travelling like steerage.
Again, we are grateful that you have decided to make it your personal goal to decorate our door during the cruise!
Thanks again for such an entertaining TR! I will eagerly await the next installment.
Jennifer in MI
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2008
- Messages
- 932
I thought I'd chime in and let you know that I've been stalking, um, er, well, reading your trip report and I'm loving it!!!! Makes me want to start my own pre-trip report just to pass the time before our MR cruise in September!!!!
DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,102
Wow, someone else who figured out that I'm merely brought along for entertainment purposes!
Well I d/l (that's down loaded for you) the sample to my Kindle, but wasn't sure if I should read it while on the cruise just in case there were things I didn't want to know going on "behind the scenes".
Aren't you just a tease!
I'm pleased to advise, however, that your personal lounge chair has been reserved (for the entire cruise) in the "secret" aft section on Deck 7. This will allow you easy access to the door of our stateroom, situated on the same deck. Additionally, you will have a large "balcony". I would suggest, however, that you be mindful at all times of how you are dressed, as there will be frequent passengers who may stumble upon the "secret" area on Deck 7.
Both DH (that's dear hubby) and I, will of course, arrange for our room steward to "make up" your lounge chair and leave a towel animal and chocolate for you so that you do not feel that you are travelling like steerage.
Again, we are grateful that you have decided to make it your personal goal to decorate our door during the cruise!
Thanks again for such an entertaining TR! I will eagerly await the next installment.
DW would be the better one to comment if you should stay away from reading it until after the cruise. As we have 2 booked over the next year and a half I doubt it will stop us from going...so I'd say read away. If nothing else it may have you feel more empathetic toward the crew...but again they choose the life, you know?
You crack me up with the Deck 7 thing. I'm just wondering how you plan to get me on board? a very large rolling cooler?
STALKER! Yikes.
don't tell DW, she get terribly jealous. I knew my writing would bring me fame and glory and that I'd have to fight off the DIS women throwing themselves at me. *sigh* fame, what can you do?Great update! Sounds like a fun day of shopping... I would be ill if I had to stand during the show also; glad you were still able to enjoy it...
Oh, and thanks for continuing to post the day's navigators
No problem on the navigators...happy to do it. Information is power. Maybe when I finish this trip report DW can finish up with her best tips. She's the best planner in the world...I would never travel without her...regardless of the fact that she is my wife!
Thanks all, keep the comments coming!
DZ
QuiltTeddy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2004
- Messages
- 1,799
.You crack me up with the Deck 7 thing. I'm just wondering how you plan to get me on board? a very large rolling cooler?
DZ
Oops, hadn't thought that far ahead, but I guess a rolling cooler will work. Since we are unsure of the exact size needed (it will need to be large enough for your clothes too), we would ask that you please purchase this and meet us behind the building at the port. We will then drag you in from there. You will be dining at the BBBB and other buffets as we were unable to secure an additional chair (other than a high chair and I seriously doubt we can pass you off as our "tall older child") for the late dinner seating at our table.
Seriously, though, there is said to be a "secret" aft section on Deck 7. (I'm pretty sure it was Deck 7.)
MAGICFOR2
Condimentessa
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2005
- Messages
- 11,044
Loved the update! So funny to park at Walmart - they always have the best cheap souvies! Bummer you missed out on the vanilla - tell DW it IS the bomb! I bought some in Cozumel last Fall - I'm finding it is a little rich and I have to cut back on it a little or the recipe tastes more like butterscotch - which isn't always bad.
I have to remember to look for the ice cream bar - sounds wonderful! I will be patiently waiting for your next update without making popcorn.
Bummer you missed out on the vanilla - tell DW it IS the bomb! I bought some in Cozumel last Fall - I'm finding it is a little rich and I have to cut back on it a little or the recipe tastes more like butterscotch - which isn't always bad.I have to remember to look for the ice cream bar - sounds wonderful! I will be patiently waiting for your next update without making popcorn.
DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2004
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I think if you check the contract that you signed you will find that all cooler purchases are to be done by the Hiree (that would be you). I'm 6'4", so you can use that as a guage. Buffets are perfectly acceptable to me...and I can always hit Pinnochios Pizza as well...so I'm ok not attending the dining room, Although I do have that youthful spirit about me so I'm pretty sure I could pass myself off as 15. Just Sayin'
Yes...there is a secret Balcony on deck 7...rarely, if ever, are there people there as the door isn't very well marked. I could probably romp around in my underwear without much of an issue. And even if they do find me...this is Disney...I'll just say Mickey said it was ok.
Loved the update! So funny to park at Walmart - they always have the best cheap souvies!
I have to remember to look for the ice cream bar - sounds wonderful! I will be patiently waiting for your next update without making popcorn.
I'm assuming she has read this...so I blame her for the fact that we didn't bring any home with us.
Popcorn is actually a good idea...then when you nod off trying to read my stuff you won't hurt your head. I'm very worried about that ya know.
DZ
QuiltTeddy
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 31, 2004
- Messages
- 1,799
I think if you check the contract that you signed you will find that all cooler purchases are to be done by the Hiree (that would be you). I'm 6'4", so you can use that as a guage. Buffets are perfectly acceptable to me...and I can always hit Pinnochios Pizza as well...so I'm ok not attending the dining room, Although I do have that youthful spirit about me so I'm pretty sure I could pass myself off as 15. Just Sayin'
Yes...there is a secret Balcony on deck 7...rarely, if ever, are there people there as the door isn't very well marked. I could probably romp around in my underwear without much of an issue. And even if they do find me...this is Disney...I'll just say Mickey said it was ok.
DZ
Well DH came up with a better idea....a steamer trunk, which has already been purchased and being shipped directly to the port. We still insist you meet us behind the building so we can securely lock you in there before we make a more formal entrance to the building.
Insofar as your attire while you are in your room....I'll go with....."whatever floats your boat".....we will disavow any knowledge whatsoever...we know nothing.....we don't know you.....
Now, WHEN will we be getting the next installment??? After all, the countdown has begun and we leave in less than a week!
DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
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Well DH came up with a better idea....a steamer trunk, which has already been purchased and being shipped directly to the port. We still insist you meet us behind the building so we can securely lock you in there before we make a more formal entrance to the building.
Insofar as your attire while you are in your room....I'll go with....."whatever floats your boat".....we will disavow any knowledge whatsoever...we know nothing.....we don't know you.....
Now, WHEN will we be getting the next installment??? After all, the countdown has begun and we leave in less than a week!
A trunk is not a bad idea at all...please make sure my silk blankets and pillows are inside. The nice thing is that I could also sleep in it at night so that is convenient. Hopefully the crew wouldn't recognize that there is a trunk on the secret balcony.
You are rather pushy about installments. To be honest I was about 1/3 the way through when Photobucket took a poop on me...so I lost what I had written...and several of my photo links no longer work even though they are still there. very annoying! anyway, it's coming
QuiltTeddy
DIS Veteran
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Have no fear, the silk pillows and blankets have already been purchased and they will be there so when we drag you onboard, it won't hurt too much.
We may have to think of some additional incentive on the off chance you are discovered.
DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,102
Howdy! so try #2 at this installment. I apologize for the broken picture links broken in some of my installments...I tried to fix it but for some reason I can't do anything about it for now. I'll work on it...but it is what it is for now
So it was time for Cabo part 1...which is misleading because it implies that I'll be lazy and not finish the day all at one time...and we all know that I'm nothing if not lazy. Wait...that's not what I meant. er...I mean that the reason it's part 1 is that because they took away Mazatlan, we got Cabo twice. this was the first day.
Your Navigators:
As you can see...it was going to be...PIRATE NIGHT! woohoo. But that's later so please calm down.
I was able to sleep in which was fabulous. I'm a sleeper by the way, in case you have not figured out. Especially in the morning. Now night time I have a much harder time. Why? It's my brain's fault. I lay there in perfect pre-sleep bliss...drifting away when my brain decides it's time to take stock of what I did that day. OH! You ate too much...let's check your stomach and see if it's upset. Nope...it seems to be...wait...wait...THERE! it's now upset. Thanks a lot brain. So I lay there wondering if I'm going to get sick for an hour....and eventually drift off. I can wake up later and be fine (which is why I blame my brain), but that's the drifting off part. it sucks!
OH...hmmm...you guys really didn't need that last paragraph. Hopefully you skipped it and didn't have to be subjected to...er..what? you did? oops, sorry about that
While the boys slept, DW headed up to BBBB. She was rewarded with a whale sighting which is really cool. We saw quite a few on this trip. You had to watch closely and see the spray coming up....which would be frequently followed by a breach. Pretty neat. The crew did a nice job letting us know if they spotted whales...and would come over the loudspeaker and tell us which side to look at. Of course they said "Starboard" or "Port". Why can't we use Right or Left? Seriously. It's like the DIS where people throw around things that others don't know.
************TIP****************
If you are like me and suck at figuring out which is which, here is a tip for you...since starboard has two r's in it, and port only has one...starboard is on the right! See how easy that is? Now you can picture me listening to the announcement...then looking at my hands...then rushing to whichever side they just announced.
Yes...I need help. I realize that
But I digress. Anyhoo....we finally got up and made our way up to BBBB for Bacon and Syrup (yum) along with our neighbors as we waited to go onto the tender. One thing I don't like about Cabo is the need to tender. I much prefer ports where I can walk on and off freely...as typically my time on shore is very short so I can have the pizza all to myself.
Around 10:30 or so we headed down to get a tender...we only had to wait a few minutes.
DS8 cruising down the stairs to the tender. Did I mention that kids were banned from the elevators...so that meant a long way down for this one
Blocking the stairs against all Disney fire regulations. Note that DW harasses me about using my plastic cup to refill my soda yet has no problem breaking this rule. I'm just sayin'.
So it was time for Cabo part 1...which is misleading because it implies that I'll be lazy and not finish the day all at one time...and we all know that I'm nothing if not lazy. Wait...that's not what I meant. er...I mean that the reason it's part 1 is that because they took away Mazatlan, we got Cabo twice. this was the first day.
Your Navigators:
As you can see...it was going to be...PIRATE NIGHT! woohoo. But that's later so please calm down.
I was able to sleep in which was fabulous. I'm a sleeper by the way, in case you have not figured out. Especially in the morning. Now night time I have a much harder time. Why? It's my brain's fault. I lay there in perfect pre-sleep bliss...drifting away when my brain decides it's time to take stock of what I did that day. OH! You ate too much...let's check your stomach and see if it's upset. Nope...it seems to be...wait...wait...THERE! it's now upset. Thanks a lot brain. So I lay there wondering if I'm going to get sick for an hour....and eventually drift off. I can wake up later and be fine (which is why I blame my brain), but that's the drifting off part. it sucks!
OH...hmmm...you guys really didn't need that last paragraph. Hopefully you skipped it and didn't have to be subjected to...er..what? you did? oops, sorry about that
While the boys slept, DW headed up to BBBB. She was rewarded with a whale sighting which is really cool. We saw quite a few on this trip. You had to watch closely and see the spray coming up....which would be frequently followed by a breach. Pretty neat. The crew did a nice job letting us know if they spotted whales...and would come over the loudspeaker and tell us which side to look at. Of course they said "Starboard" or "Port". Why can't we use Right or Left? Seriously. It's like the DIS where people throw around things that others don't know.
************TIP****************
If you are like me and suck at figuring out which is which, here is a tip for you...since starboard has two r's in it, and port only has one...starboard is on the right! See how easy that is? Now you can picture me listening to the announcement...then looking at my hands...then rushing to whichever side they just announced.
Yes...I need help. I realize that But I digress. Anyhoo....we finally got up and made our way up to BBBB for Bacon and Syrup (yum) along with our neighbors as we waited to go onto the tender. One thing I don't like about Cabo is the need to tender. I much prefer ports where I can walk on and off freely...as typically my time on shore is very short so I can have the pizza all to myself.
Around 10:30 or so we headed down to get a tender...we only had to wait a few minutes.
DS8 cruising down the stairs to the tender. Did I mention that kids were banned from the elevators...so that meant a long way down for this one
Blocking the stairs against all Disney fire regulations. Note that DW harasses me about using my plastic cup to refill my soda yet has no problem breaking this rule.
I'm just sayin'.DisneyZell
Likes Adventures on the High Seas
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2004
- Messages
- 1,102
We didn't have to wait long...and were soon hopping on a tender:
The kids excited to go to Cabo
DW and DS12 headed in
The other boys
The only thing we planned to do on this day was to go to the glass blowing shop. As you walk off the ship be prepared to be accosted by about 5,000,000 people offering you just about anything you could want (not THAT, get your mind out of the gutter, this is a family Trip Report). We told one guy we wanted to go to the glass blowing shop and he tried to sell us a pretty expensive taxi which we turned down. We finally found a van in the parking lot of the dolphin adventures place who agreed to take us there for $2/person each way. We were happy with that, especially since he was going to wait for us.
The Glass Blowing factory was pretty cool. I think we walked in as another group was coming in with a tour guide (he kind of took charge but didn't seem to actually work at the factory). We watched them make a turtle drinking a beer (The turtle was very cool..frankly the beer wasn't necessary and I thought kind of took away the coolness factor).
The front of the glass blowing factory
After they were done with the turtle the kids each got a turn to blow glass. Nick was first...they got a big glob of glass on the end...
And then they would blow it until it exploded
Nick Blowing glass
Connor getting ready to blow glass
Connor's glass shattering
It was neat. I actually took a boatload of pictures of this since I didn't have my video camera...you can actually see the glass grow and then explode. But since I'm limited to 25 pics in each posting...you just get to see the end result
We shopped a bit, DW bought some wine glasses for her parents and our neighbors bought a few things. They also requested a glass Giraffe which had to be made special. they made it in front of them...but it had to cool overnight so they had to go back and get it the next day. No big deal since we were returning anyway!
Time to head back on the Tender...
One of the cool things we saw both days was the captains of charters would give fish to the seals to make them basically ride on the back of their boats as they came into the harbor. Pretty funny to watch. Not sure how much you can see in the picture:
Shortly thereafter home came into view:
and it was off to the pool for another afternoon of reading, Foosball (yeah, I still rocked at it ), and shuffleboard. Good stuff.
About 3 we went to play Disney Trivia. This was quite possibly one of the hardest games we had ever played...or perhaps we were still subject to the Gemstone Seminar Curse. Or both. Needless to say we lost...and DW is a bit of a Disney expert! at least we thought she was. Maybe not so much anymore!
Tonight was pirate night...always a favorite. In years past we have gone all out on pirate night. When we did the Christmas cruise I even had a whole Jack Sparrow outfit:
My family back in 2008...yup, DW makes a lovely Wench! Dang, did I say that out loud?
But taking all that stuff took up a lot of room...so we downsized...I have a Jack Sparrow shirt...and the kids just wore pirate shirts and eye patches.
DW just wore a bandana over her head.
Nick having fun
Connor the thief
Witt, our head server, again quite helpful...along to cut steak for the little kids. I love that hat. If I could pack that in my suitcase I would.
And of course the parade at the end of dinner. Note that the kids were wearing shorts...it was the only day we let them do that (as it's a theme), generally we dressed up each night in pants. While you don't *have* to do this...I just think it adds a little class. And believe you me, I can use a little class!
that night the "show" was a screening of Gnomeo and Juliet. None of us really had an intense desire to see that...and they were showing I am #4 in the Buena Vista Theater at the same time so we went and saw that. I wasn't blown away by that either...it was a pretty good action flick, but clearly set up to do sequels...and I don't like movies that can't stand completely on their own.
One cool thing about the ship is that they do movies in 3d. I just find it very cool that you are out on the open sea watching a 3d movie. I know that the equipment has gotten smaller and all that...but I still find it really neat that they can to that. But I digress.
After the movie it was time for the pirate party. I do not want to ruin this for folks so I won't talk a lot about it. But do go planning to get in the middle and have fun and dance. We have done so many of these we don't feel the need to do that...but it is a lot of fun if you really get into it. I read on another TR that the Dream had an issue and didn't have Pirate night which is really to bad. It's a very unique thing followed by fireworks. Again this is our 4th cruise...and each time we go the firework show gets better. I remember the first one where it was maybe 10 total fireworks...one at a time. Kind of what you saw in the movie Titanic as it was sinking. At least that's what it reminded me of (weird I know). But the show on the Wonder was...well, wonderful. Like 3d, it blows me away that they can do fireworks on a ship.
But more importantly after the show was the buffet. Now, I honestly don't know how anyone eats only a few hours after eating dinner...but people lined up and heaped their plates full of food. Us? We were rebellious. We happened to be right at the end of the line where the ice cream sundae bar was. Remember I told you about that?
Two scoops (you have to ask for two...you just have to!), and caramel sauce to die for. I swear you could jump in and you wouldn't even sink it is so thick. And this time I was smart...extra bananas! YUM! Oh my...I'm hungry now just thinking about it.
Right as we were getting our ice cream the Crew shut down the people trying to go in through the exit...so we got lucky and didn't have to wait too long.
I do wish I had been hungry, though...as they had the famous Turkey Legs there. Again...I was stuffed so no go for me!
When we got back to our room...there was a monkey!
Yikes!
alas, the end of Day 5. Where did the time go? we are almost done
very sad.
Anyway...thanks for plugging along...let me know if you have any questions or whatever before I lose all of you to the weekend (don't think I don't notice that none of you look at my report over the weekend...I notice this stuff!).
DZ
The kids excited to go to Cabo
DW and DS12 headed in
The other boys
The only thing we planned to do on this day was to go to the glass blowing shop. As you walk off the ship be prepared to be accosted by about 5,000,000 people offering you just about anything you could want (not THAT, get your mind out of the gutter, this is a family Trip Report). We told one guy we wanted to go to the glass blowing shop and he tried to sell us a pretty expensive taxi which we turned down. We finally found a van in the parking lot of the dolphin adventures place who agreed to take us there for $2/person each way. We were happy with that, especially since he was going to wait for us.
The Glass Blowing factory was pretty cool. I think we walked in as another group was coming in with a tour guide (he kind of took charge but didn't seem to actually work at the factory). We watched them make a turtle drinking a beer (The turtle was very cool..frankly the beer wasn't necessary and I thought kind of took away the coolness factor).
The front of the glass blowing factory
After they were done with the turtle the kids each got a turn to blow glass. Nick was first...they got a big glob of glass on the end...
And then they would blow it until it exploded
Nick Blowing glass
Connor getting ready to blow glass
Connor's glass shattering
It was neat. I actually took a boatload of pictures of this since I didn't have my video camera...you can actually see the glass grow and then explode. But since I'm limited to 25 pics in each posting...you just get to see the end result
We shopped a bit, DW bought some wine glasses for her parents and our neighbors bought a few things. They also requested a glass Giraffe which had to be made special. they made it in front of them...but it had to cool overnight so they had to go back and get it the next day. No big deal since we were returning anyway!
Time to head back on the Tender...
One of the cool things we saw both days was the captains of charters would give fish to the seals to make them basically ride on the back of their boats as they came into the harbor. Pretty funny to watch. Not sure how much you can see in the picture:
Shortly thereafter home came into view:
and it was off to the pool for another afternoon of reading, Foosball (yeah, I still rocked at it
), and shuffleboard. Good stuff.About 3 we went to play Disney Trivia. This was quite possibly one of the hardest games we had ever played...or perhaps we were still subject to the Gemstone Seminar Curse. Or both. Needless to say we lost...and DW is a bit of a Disney expert! at least we thought she was. Maybe not so much anymore!
Tonight was pirate night...always a favorite. In years past we have gone all out on pirate night. When we did the Christmas cruise I even had a whole Jack Sparrow outfit:
My family back in 2008...yup, DW makes a lovely Wench!
Dang, did I say that out loud?But taking all that stuff took up a lot of room...so we downsized...I have a Jack Sparrow shirt...and the kids just wore pirate shirts and eye patches.
DW just wore a bandana over her head.
Nick having fun
Connor the thief
Witt, our head server, again quite helpful...along to cut steak for the little kids. I love that hat. If I could pack that in my suitcase I would.
And of course the parade at the end of dinner. Note that the kids were wearing shorts...it was the only day we let them do that (as it's a theme), generally we dressed up each night in pants. While you don't *have* to do this...I just think it adds a little class. And believe you me, I can use a little class!
that night the "show" was a screening of Gnomeo and Juliet. None of us really had an intense desire to see that...and they were showing I am #4 in the Buena Vista Theater at the same time so we went and saw that. I wasn't blown away by that either...it was a pretty good action flick, but clearly set up to do sequels...and I don't like movies that can't stand completely on their own.
One cool thing about the ship is that they do movies in 3d. I just find it very cool that you are out on the open sea watching a 3d movie. I know that the equipment has gotten smaller and all that...but I still find it really neat that they can to that. But I digress.
After the movie it was time for the pirate party. I do not want to ruin this for folks so I won't talk a lot about it. But do go planning to get in the middle and have fun and dance. We have done so many of these we don't feel the need to do that...but it is a lot of fun if you really get into it. I read on another TR that the Dream had an issue and didn't have Pirate night which is really to bad. It's a very unique thing followed by fireworks. Again this is our 4th cruise...and each time we go the firework show gets better. I remember the first one where it was maybe 10 total fireworks...one at a time. Kind of what you saw in the movie Titanic as it was sinking. At least that's what it reminded me of (weird I know). But the show on the Wonder was...well, wonderful. Like 3d, it blows me away that they can do fireworks on a ship.
But more importantly after the show was the buffet. Now, I honestly don't know how anyone eats only a few hours after eating dinner...but people lined up and heaped their plates full of food. Us? We were rebellious. We happened to be right at the end of the line where the ice cream sundae bar was. Remember I told you about that?
Two scoops (you have to ask for two...you just have to!), and caramel sauce to die for. I swear you could jump in and you wouldn't even sink it is so thick. And this time I was smart...extra bananas! YUM! Oh my...I'm hungry now just thinking about it.
Right as we were getting our ice cream the Crew shut down the people trying to go in through the exit...so we got lucky and didn't have to wait too long.
I do wish I had been hungry, though...as they had the famous Turkey Legs there. Again...I was stuffed so no go for me!
When we got back to our room...there was a monkey!
Yikes!
alas, the end of Day 5. Where did the time go? we are almost done
very sad.Anyway...thanks for plugging along...let me know if you have any questions or whatever before I lose all of you to the weekend (don't think I don't notice that none of you look at my report over the weekend...I notice this stuff!).
DZ
MAGICFOR2
Condimentessa
- Joined
- Nov 29, 2005
- Messages
- 11,044
I'm assuming she has read this...so I blame her for the fact that we didn't bring any home with us.
Popcorn is actually a good idea...then when you nod off trying to read my stuff you won't hurt your head. I'm very worried about that ya know.
DZ
Oops! My real personality is showing!
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