Mother Daughter WONDERful Cruise Report - August 5 - 10th.

[RoyalVizier]

A cliffhanger ending!

Can't wait to see what Maddie thought of Disney Dreams.

 

[GJM]

Glad Maddie is doing well -

Funny, my DS will ask the same question if the characters are real - sometimes he will say they are just people in a costume, but then he thinks about it and will say they are real. I always tell him, of course they are real!

Joyce

 

[taeja71]

A cliffhanger ending!

Can't wait to see what Maddie thought of Disney Dreams.

Pay back is painful isn't it?


MB MinnieGirl, I'm enjoying your trip report. So glad you were able to do this with your dd. What wonderful memories you have created together.

I also have to say:
Bravo to you for taking your dd back to your cabin after her . After reading that part I thought, wow, I'm NOT the only parent who is willing to do this. And for the verandah....maybe we should consider one for that very reason in the future. Its no fun hiding in the bathroom.... Hmmm, verandah view- potty view verandah hands down.

I can't wait for you next installment just like I was waiting for you know whos (RoyalV) just kidding.

 

[RoyalVizier]

Pay back is painful isn't it?

I can't wait for you next installment just like I was waiting for you know whos (RoyalV) just kidding.

Touche'

I've learned my lesson. I'll make sure my next TR is written to completion before the first part even gets posted. I promise... hmmm... we need a smilie with it's fingers crossed.

MB, you are doing a FAB job! C'mon c'mon c'mon.. what was Maddie's reaction to Tink's dusting?

 

[taeja71]

Touche'

I've learned my lesson. I'll make sure my next TR is written to completion before the first part even gets posted. I promise... hmmm... we need a smilie with it's fingers crossed.

MB, you are doing a FAB job! C'mon c'mon c'mon.. what was Maddie's reaction to Tink's dusting?

All in jest RoyalV. Your report and this one are well worh the wait.

Ya c'mon MBMinnieGirl, we're waiting.

 

[jehender]

Wonderful trip report!

 

[suz72]

Oh Kelly, I am really enjoying your trip report and my 2 DDs love the photos of Maddie. They think her braids are sooooo cool!

I am excited for you cruising next summer. That's awsome!

Looking forward to the next installment.

 

[bdink921]

Great TR Kelly!!!! I'm so glad Maddie is ok . I am looking forward to the end of your report. We are also taking the 4 night cruise in November and I love to hear about how much you did and how much you both enjoyed ther cruise. It's really building up the excitement for me!!! In fact, I'm hoping my DH loves it so much that we can also rebook--2008 for us, but a 7 nighter for sure . I just know DS will love it--we still haven't told him but when he finds out he's gonna touch a real live dolphin...

Bridget

 

[Mdavison]

MB MINNIE GIRL

Just wondering if you booked your dolphin excurcsion through disney or dolphin encounters? If you booked your trip with dolphin encounters how did you get over to the island and how much did it cost you to get to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal?

 

[JNorris]

OK, I'm now hooked on this trip report too! MB Minnie Girl, we are from SC too! And we are cruising in 3 weeks! My princess is DD8 Kelsey, and she is every bit the princess that Maddie is! Please finish the TR soon! I am living vicariously through you.

 

[rawatts@mac.com]

Kelley did hers thru DCL, but we did ours directly with the DE people. If you book thru DCL you catch a ferry right at the cruise boat pier. If you book directly you need to take either a cab or water taxi over to Paradise Island. We took a cab. We were 5 people and paid $20. It is about a 10 min. ride and drops you right at the DE checkin. On the return we were able to take a ferry back to the cruise pier with the DCL group that was there. That saved us the cab fare back.

Do NOT FORGET to take some cash and credit cards along. The photos and videos are not cheap but you will want to buy them. You will also likely want to get something to eat or drink while at Blue Lagoon.

Bob

 

[jrose529]

Where are you Kelly? I miss your reports. I hope all is well in SC.

 

[MB MinnieGirl]

Kelley did hers thru DCL, but we did ours directly with the DE people. If you book thru DCL you catch a ferry right at the cruise boat pier. If you book directly you need to take either a cab or water taxi over to Paradise Island. We took a cab. We were 5 people and paid $20. It is about a 10 min. ride and drops you right at the DE checkin. On the return we were able to take a ferry back to the cruise pier with the DCL group that was there. That saved us the cab fare back.

Do NOT FORGET to take some cash and credit cards along. The photos and videos are not cheap but you will want to buy them. You will also likely want to get something to eat or drink while at Blue Lagoon.

Bob

Hi Bob!

Hope everyone is doing well there. I'm sure you are wishing it were 3 weeks ago this time just as much as we are here!!!

~~~Kelly

 

[discruiselovers97]

just waiting....

 

[MB MinnieGirl]

DAY 4, August 9th - CONTINUED (yes again!)
DAY AT SEA

Ok - I am SO SORRY! I have been running around like crazy all week and then thought I would be able to finish this last night when Maddie was at her father's house....but he canceled ( - another LONGER story there) and so, well, here it is Saturday.

_________________________________________________________________

Once we were seated in the theater and I had my great drink in hand and Maddie had her "Oh thank you for letting me have Caffeine Mommy!" Coke at her side the show started.

Before the cruise when we were making plans and I would tell her about different things on the ship I was a little sad because she didn't remember everything about our cruise 2 years ago. That feeling changed when we were on the ship though - ESPECIALLY in the shows. I got the see the excitement, magic, and pure delight in her eyes all over again for the first time. Oh yea, cried during not one but every single stinking show. It is the most amazing feeling to see your child that entranced and happy without another thought in the world. THAT is pure joy and innocence.

When the show started I could have offered her $100 to leave and I seriously don't think she would have accepted it. When Peter Pan came out on stage and it was one thing. But once the plot was well under way and the different characters began to emerge in the show - she was completely riveted and on the edge of her seat. She jumped when Ariel appeared and I thought would knock me out of the seat when The Beast and Belle arrived on stage. Instead of taking photos of the show - I wish I had taken photos of her expressions throughout this show particular. They were positively priceless and worth every penny of the cruise to me.

Remember I said that she is the BIGGEST TINK fan ever? Well, she kept leaning into me each time you would see Tink's light on the stage interacting with Peter Pan. Knowing that the ceiling would light and our ship would be displayed on the screen later I was beaming from ear to ear. I was also very thankful that since a CM had told her when we arrived that Tink would be in this show, that she believed 110% that the light on stage was in fact TinkerBell herself. The time on the ship in the start of our cruise when she had informed me that some characters were just pretend because they were wearing suits that bunched at the feet, mouths didn't move and they didn't blink - POOF - GONE!!!! Innocence restored thanks to the Magic of the Wonder. She even lost it when Chip, Mrs. Potts, and Lumiere (ok spelled wrong I'm sure!) showed themselves. Because THEY MOVED MOMMY and they are LIFE SIZE!

When the time came in the show for Tink to spread her pixie dust throughout the Wonder, she was in total awe! I was lucky to see her at all because at this point she may have lost consciousness as I was hugging her so tight and crying like a 2 year old myself. I cannot describe that feeling - it is one that you definitely have to experience for yourself, but it's also one that I will never forget and always treasure.

After the show....I knew the nasty thing in life had to be tended to....that four letter word - PACK. Thank goodness I had done some throughout the day (which I highly recommend!!) so at no point was I overwhelmed or stressed out. We wanted to make another stop in Mickey's Mates so in we went. After all Princess Maddie had money left which meant - SHOPPING.

I was SO proud of her that night. We had planned on buying my parents gifts in Nassau, but when we were there is was a holiday so all stores were closed with the exception of the Straw Market...and something told me dad didn't want a handmade straw bag with his name written in hot pink. I assumed when we walked in the shop that Maddie would start immediately at the Princess items and there we would be for an hour debating. Instead she walked around in circles for a moment as though looking for something specific. When she finally stopped she tells me that she wants to buy grandmommy and granddaddy something with her OWN MONEY. I told her that wasn't necessary and her response was, "but it's MY MONEY and I want to do that for them." She then held up a stuffed Mickey and a stuffed Minnie Mouse. Both dressed in cruise attire and about 6" tall with magnetic feet and hands. "THESE. I want to get g'daddy the Mickey and g'mommy the Minnie....plllllease mommy. It's MY MONEY." So of course I say ok, knowing I will see these on my parents freezer for the next 100 years now and they will love them as though they were made of gold when I tell them this story. Don't tell her, but I never removed the money from her wallet for these guys....I just couldn't do it. She thinks I did - but it's still there. Shhhhh!

While Maddie then made her way over to another area of the store, I found a beautiful snowglobe with who else inside but TinkerBell herself. It was not a large one but very intricate and something I KNEW Maddie would love. She had been spending her own money on things she had wanted onboard, and in ports. This was our deal and she had been saving for months. As of yet, I really hadn't bought her anything aside from the occasional smoothie, etc., (ok and the cruise too), and I really wanted her to have something special to remember the trip by. She had been talking for a few weeks about starting a collection of "something" and had mentioned maybe she would collect snowglobes. While she was busy looking at everything Disney, I took the globe to a CM and ask them if they would mind taking it and my KTTW card to the front desk to ring it up without me there and then have it delivered to the stateroom in a plain bag later. POOF! It was done. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! I decided not to give it to her on the ship, but instead to wait until after the trip was ...sniff sniff...over and we had returned home. Not to jump ahead but she LOVED it and started her new collection of not just snowglobes, "but Disney ONLY snowglobes Mommy!" This I love because her collection started in such a special place with that Tink globe. Told ya - I'm a SAP!

After more shopping she purchased a few items with her money and we were heading back to our room. I had made the decision to skip the (can you believe this!!) "Until We Meet Again" which would be starting before too long as I couldn't take getting depressed and sad - which being the sap that I am would have done just that. Plus we had that rule - NO talking about leaving and no getting sad. Of course, I was only able to skip it because I had told her NOTHING about it at all.

On our way down the hall to the stairs we bumped into him. Mike, the CM who Maddie referred to as her boyfriend. The one who had taken her bracelet and played around with her at the shows/parties all week. He was just in the hallway juggling outside of the shops. Oh yea, we had to stop and hug and talk and of course me get teary eyed because I knew we likely wouldn't see him again. He told Maddie (her face lighting up) that he had promised her he would see her that night and he did. Oh yea, he's goooood! With a few tears from mommy and a beaming smile from Maddie we were heading back to the room....still.

We were heading there when Maddie noticed the same Pixie Dust that was in her card scattered every so often along the floor on each deck, in the elevator (yep - FINALLY TOOK IT!) and then down our hallway. A CM passed us and saw Maddie chasing the sparking items on the ground and told her that Tink had been here! The face on my child right then was one I may never see again. It's these small things, notes from Peter Pan, CM's that make a doubting child fully believe again, truly caring CM's, characters being able to touch a child's (and mother's) heart without blinking, or moving their lips, and all of the CM's that always seem to know just what to do or say at the right moment that make DCL more than just a cruise. I can't imagine doing another cruise line while she is still young enough to enjoy all of the Wonder here.

FINALLY on the 6th deck and heading to our room for the nasty word of the day we then bumped into Kirk. He was....taking luggage from those who had already accomplished this task. He took a break and came into the room with us to show Maddie her surprise towel animal, and then more. You know they came at this point - free flowing tears from mommy. When we walked in he told her Tink had been there. Sure enough, gifts had been placed on her bed just as the other nights. There were also extra chocolates from Kirk, a huge towel elephant, a Magical Moments certificate for Maddie from him for her towel animal surprises (he made her 1 each morning and 1 each night), and then she saw it - the TinkerBell pillowcase that Bob's wife Sandy had made her and I had taken to guest services along with a photo mat for myself. This was the first time she had seen the pillowcase and she positively freaked out with excitement. My mat was perfectly done also and it proudly displayed with a Shutter photo now. Her pillowcase was made even more special (and I know of 2 other little girls with the same treat!) because just beside the stitched TinkerBell and Maddie's name, that Sandy had made - was her siggie - "TINK SIGNED MY PILLOW MOMMY!!! SHE DID - LOOK LOOK LOOK!!!!" "She must have been here doing that and THAT is why all the Pixie Dust led to our room." Lots of jumping up and down and screams later she went over to Kirk to give him many many hugs. He promised her that we have time to pack and that he will come for our things last (me wishing that would be a week from never). He also ask her if when he took our luggage if he could take hers to his room and she could live there. CAN YOU BELIEVE - my sweet little girl actually agreed to LEAVE ME AND LIVE ON THE SHIP!

Well, there we were - remaining items staring me in the face that must now be backed up in less than an hour (see - told ya - get LOTS done during the day in little spurts). NOW I'm stressed.

Maddie then announces she wants the cake of the day. I don't have time to call room service (words I NEVER thought I would say). I told her to pick up the phone and hit the button that read room service which she did. All I heard was, "I want to order the cake of the day please. Yes, two. Thank you very much." Huh???? Two?? "Maddie, why did you say two? Two what?" "Mommy. They ask me if I wanted two so of course I said YES." Smart thinking - THAT is the way I like to pack - with room service and the cake of the day. YUMMY!!! Black Forest by the way.

After the cake and the final nasty business. I couldn't stand to look at the room. It was 11:00 so I knew Kirk would be there any sec. He was and we gave many many more hugs and of course, I had more tears. We so hope he will be there (he is planning on staying on the ship) next year int he same room!

After the things were taken we left the room to just walk about the ship. Yes, it was late, but neither of us could sleep. We knew that when we woke we would have to wake up from the "dream" and go home. We had the most fun. I took the camera and we walked up on deck 9 (although drained pools are VERY DEPRESSING!), then deck 10 to look at the beautiful sea and full moon. It was so relaxing and still magical. We walked around the entire deck. Everything was closed up and not too many people milling around at all. I loved it that night. It was as though we had the ship to ourselves.

While up there we saw a group of 6 girls who looked to be about 10 or 11 years old - no parents just kids. I started to FREAK OUT - can you believe that they were climbing the railing pretending to jump overboard. WHERE ARE THE PARENTS? If you hear rumors, it's true. I actually scolded other people's children. I didn't yell, but I did tell them that I didn't think it was a good idea to be on a mostly deserted deck alone and especially to be climbing the railings and throwing their legs up on the top rail in an effort to scare each other. After a few nasty looks to me - the evil old woman - they left to the 9th deck. Maddie thought they were crazy.

Walking around a bit more I saw the look. Maddie was now tired and would fall straight to sleep once in the room so that is where we headed (me VERY reluctant to admit it's over). On the way to the room, we stopped at guest services for some Tylenol (which - here is a tip - they have TONS of down there). While walking back down deck 3 there was a buffet. WHO KNEW THIS??? I had no idea but I was starving (yea - I know I ate the cake!!) so I picked up a few things to take back to the room to nibble on while Maddie drifted off to sleep and I crept onto the verandah for one last night.

I'll finish it for GOOD tomorrow - the end - no more I promise. All that is left is the morning breakfast (yes with Stuffy Sticks) and debarkation, but I've got to get busy around here for now.

EVERYONE have a good night!!!

Kelly

 

[RoyalVizier]

Maddie then announces she wants the cake of the day. I don't have time to call room service (words I NEVER thought I would say). I told her to pick up the phone and hit the button that read room service which she did. All I heard was, "I want to order the cake of the day please. Yes, two. Thank you very much." Huh???? Two?? "Maddie, why did you say two? Two what?" "Mommy. They ask me if I wanted two so of course I said YES." Smart thinking - THAT is the way I like to pack - with room service and the cake of the day. YUMMY!!! Black Forest by the way.

THAT is good! Smart girl right there! The only thing better than a slice of black forest cake is.... two slices of black forest cake.

I think that this has been the most magical installment yet. Disney Dreams will do it every time.

 

[HollyTyler]

Kelly,

As always, I LOVE your lastest installment. Lots of tears here! Thanks so much for the preview of what I'll be doing next Saturday. I hope my Mommy & Son cruise is as wonderful as your Mother Daughter cruise was. I just know it will be because even though he is only 4, he remembers every bit of last year's cruise and talks about it all the time and constantly reminds me that he just can't wait to go next week!

 

[Meggie Pooh]

Great Report!!! I can't wait to hear the end! All your wonderful descriptions have me even more excited for October!!!

 

[PrettyInTink]

Kelly,
Very. very sweet trip report. I have read everything so far to my dh and we have both been weepy several times! I love that you enjoy the cruise WITH your daughter, and I'm sure that the memories that you share from this cruise will last a LIFETIME! Thank you for sharing your vacation with your Dis family. I love to hear when other people, young and old, experience the MAGIC ! When you wrote that Maddie saw Tink's pixie dust in the hall, my dh said "That precious baby thought Tink made a special visit just for her" and just smiled and smiled. He has a dd19 and only wishes he had taken her to WDW when she still believed. Thanks again, and I look forward to reading the rest! Cyndi

 

[HiYaPal]

Magical Report!