Jennifer48
Not a Disney bride but engaged and honeymooned at
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2005
- Messages
- 3,403
New, April 28th-May 5th Eastern!!
- Thread starter mormadsmom
- Start date
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
After a decent's night sleep, I awoke early. I think I slept pleasant enough. The slight rocking motion is actually relaxing to me. The only times I really felt any more than a slight rocking was standing in the tiny shower and towards the front or the back of the ship. Such as sitting in the Walt Disney Theatre or in Animator's palate. It actually reminds me of when I had just teeny bit too much red wine at dinner and you feel that teeny little off balance if you know what I mean.
So, dh and kids still sleeping, I decide to step out and see the sunrise. Only 2 other people were up on deck 10 when I was up there at 6:15. My little 5 $ digital travel clock came in handy. Might want to get one of those if you want to check the time when you wake in the pitch black of night. Someone was actually jogging the perimeter of the deck with her handy fanny pack bouncing around. CM's were cleaning the pools and decks and just another was up waiting for the sunrise with camera in hand. My,! was it windy! I could actually lean into the wind. I probably looked like one of those weather channel people during a hurricane saying "and she's getting pounded"!
I took my photo and said a little prayer and go down to wake the family. I'm hungry and want some breakfast.
Head up to Topsiders and join the line for buffet. Someone hands you a tray and then you are free to fill your plate. Fresh fruit, salami, different cream cheeses, tomatoes, eggs with mushrooms, eggs with tomato, eggs with veggies, mickey waffles, plain waffles, and pretty much every other kind of breakfast fare you can think of. Even an omelet station, though we never used it.
Since being an at sea day, we knew we had plenty of leisure to enjoy. There were so many things to choose from, we didn't know where to really start. Looking at the navigator, there was already things like paper plane making, basketball shootouts, trivia and things going on in the children's club. We all decided to go to "Animation" in the Promenade lounge. We learned how to draw Mickey Mouse. I saved our drawings for the scrapbook.
By the time this was over, our Maddie was begging to swim in the Mickey pool. So we head back to our room, (clean already), change into swim suits and go back to deck 9. Mickey pool was very crowded. Maddie splashed around and got upset bc she said she couldn't "swim". So lucky me, got to go over to the goofy pool with her where it was equally crowded and stood almost shoulder to shoulder with other parents and children. Oh well, what do you expect. Few minutes later, an organized game was set up on the deck and most of the children came out of the pool to play. Morgan was already gone by this time. She already met up with new friends her age in Ocean quest and now they are doing a pizza party. I have to tell you, there was something going on constantly that we ended up just going on back to the room after lunch (we had pizza and paninis beside the pool). At goofy's galley you can choose your panini and they grill it up for you right away. Ice cream is right there. Sometimes there is a CM there to dish it up for you, and sometimes not. You can sit and relax in the shade, eat your lunch and the kids can play with ping pong or watch cartoons on the ariel vision tv. That thing is huge!
Anyway, instead of joining pub master challenge, art of entertaining, cruisin' for trivia, diamond jackpot bingo, digital camera seminar, shopping ashore presentation, fruit carving, wine tasting, chip it golf, racing Mr. Toad, or going the martini art auction, or going to see one of a couple of movies playing in buena vista theatre, we went to our room to read on the verandah. We put our feet up, read and just chatted to each other and marveled at the sea. We live 20 minutes from Hollywood Beach and it's still awesome to us.
It seemed like time flew by while we were relaxing. Soon, it was time to get gussied up. It' Formal night and we were eating at Lumieres. Maddie of course gave me quite a fuss. She did not want to wear that frilly, flowery, pink confection I call a dress, but by gosh she was gonna. Can you tell I'm originally from the south? Yes, I was born and bred in the Carolinas! At least DH knew not to argue with me. I knew there was portrait taking. Times are listed in the navigator. If you go in shutters, they have next days backdrop examples up. Anyway, everyone dressed up and looking good! Except for me. In my rush to perfect everyone, I ran out of time and did not get to hot roll my hair. Yes, hair is important! Even if I spent 45 minutes fixing my hair and it gets mussed up one second standing out on deck 9.
Lumieres is good. Everyone looked so nicely dressed. Saw quite a few gowns and tuxedos. I think I ate beef tenderloin with asparagus. Don't remember what dh had. Girls had steak, cut up at the table again. I do know I had chocolate lava cake. Could have ate two, but I did not want to seem greedy, but my dress was getting uncomfortable by this time.
After dinner we stood in line for family portraits. It was long, but it wasn't too bad at all. Standing there gives you opportunity to chat with folks standing around too. Family in front of us had 2 adorable little boys. One of whom also refused his photo taken.
We decided to walk over to studio sea where they are having a family dance party. This was so cute, but not a whole lot of people were there. Families were dancing and having fun on the dance floor. We stay a while and then walk over to WDT for the Golden Mickey's. It's probably around 7:55 at this time and I decided I wanted to get a sweater. So we get back to the room, grab a sweater and get back to WDT to find the line waiting to get in all of sudden got really long. Doors open and there are PLENTY of seats. We find ours, order some drinks and do some people watching. Seats filled and there in front of us was quite a few seat savers. I felt so sorry for a mom and daughter who was trying to find just 2 seats to sit in and no one would let them have the empy seats. I can understand if someone ran to the restroom or got up to get food, but saving whold rows? okay, enough of that. I just felt bad for them as it was still a good 10 min before the show was starting.
Golden Mickeys was cute. Our first. After it was over we went back to our room and ordered room service of mickey bars and island cookies and hot tea. Morgan was gone again with instructions to be back by midnight, settled Maddie in after exclaiming again over her towel animal and chocolates.
Will continue Monday, as I am off to camp out with the girl scouts this weekend. Next, I use the fitness center and get a massage.
So, dh and kids still sleeping, I decide to step out and see the sunrise. Only 2 other people were up on deck 10 when I was up there at 6:15. My little 5 $ digital travel clock came in handy. Might want to get one of those if you want to check the time when you wake in the pitch black of night. Someone was actually jogging the perimeter of the deck with her handy fanny pack bouncing around. CM's were cleaning the pools and decks and just another was up waiting for the sunrise with camera in hand. My,! was it windy! I could actually lean into the wind. I probably looked like one of those weather channel people during a hurricane saying "and she's getting pounded"!
I took my photo and said a little prayer and go down to wake the family. I'm hungry and want some breakfast.
Head up to Topsiders and join the line for buffet. Someone hands you a tray and then you are free to fill your plate. Fresh fruit, salami, different cream cheeses, tomatoes, eggs with mushrooms, eggs with tomato, eggs with veggies, mickey waffles, plain waffles, and pretty much every other kind of breakfast fare you can think of. Even an omelet station, though we never used it.
Since being an at sea day, we knew we had plenty of leisure to enjoy. There were so many things to choose from, we didn't know where to really start. Looking at the navigator, there was already things like paper plane making, basketball shootouts, trivia and things going on in the children's club. We all decided to go to "Animation" in the Promenade lounge. We learned how to draw Mickey Mouse. I saved our drawings for the scrapbook.
By the time this was over, our Maddie was begging to swim in the Mickey pool. So we head back to our room, (clean already), change into swim suits and go back to deck 9. Mickey pool was very crowded. Maddie splashed around and got upset bc she said she couldn't "swim". So lucky me, got to go over to the goofy pool with her where it was equally crowded and stood almost shoulder to shoulder with other parents and children. Oh well, what do you expect. Few minutes later, an organized game was set up on the deck and most of the children came out of the pool to play. Morgan was already gone by this time. She already met up with new friends her age in Ocean quest and now they are doing a pizza party. I have to tell you, there was something going on constantly that we ended up just going on back to the room after lunch (we had pizza and paninis beside the pool). At goofy's galley you can choose your panini and they grill it up for you right away. Ice cream is right there. Sometimes there is a CM there to dish it up for you, and sometimes not. You can sit and relax in the shade, eat your lunch and the kids can play with ping pong or watch cartoons on the ariel vision tv. That thing is huge!
Anyway, instead of joining pub master challenge, art of entertaining, cruisin' for trivia, diamond jackpot bingo, digital camera seminar, shopping ashore presentation, fruit carving, wine tasting, chip it golf, racing Mr. Toad, or going the martini art auction, or going to see one of a couple of movies playing in buena vista theatre, we went to our room to read on the verandah. We put our feet up, read and just chatted to each other and marveled at the sea. We live 20 minutes from Hollywood Beach and it's still awesome to us.
It seemed like time flew by while we were relaxing. Soon, it was time to get gussied up. It' Formal night and we were eating at Lumieres. Maddie of course gave me quite a fuss. She did not want to wear that frilly, flowery, pink confection I call a dress, but by gosh she was gonna. Can you tell I'm originally from the south? Yes, I was born and bred in the Carolinas! At least DH knew not to argue with me. I knew there was portrait taking. Times are listed in the navigator. If you go in shutters, they have next days backdrop examples up. Anyway, everyone dressed up and looking good! Except for me. In my rush to perfect everyone, I ran out of time and did not get to hot roll my hair. Yes, hair is important! Even if I spent 45 minutes fixing my hair and it gets mussed up one second standing out on deck 9.
Lumieres is good. Everyone looked so nicely dressed. Saw quite a few gowns and tuxedos. I think I ate beef tenderloin with asparagus. Don't remember what dh had. Girls had steak, cut up at the table again. I do know I had chocolate lava cake. Could have ate two, but I did not want to seem greedy, but my dress was getting uncomfortable by this time.
After dinner we stood in line for family portraits. It was long, but it wasn't too bad at all. Standing there gives you opportunity to chat with folks standing around too. Family in front of us had 2 adorable little boys. One of whom also refused his photo taken.
We decided to walk over to studio sea where they are having a family dance party. This was so cute, but not a whole lot of people were there. Families were dancing and having fun on the dance floor. We stay a while and then walk over to WDT for the Golden Mickey's. It's probably around 7:55 at this time and I decided I wanted to get a sweater. So we get back to the room, grab a sweater and get back to WDT to find the line waiting to get in all of sudden got really long. Doors open and there are PLENTY of seats. We find ours, order some drinks and do some people watching. Seats filled and there in front of us was quite a few seat savers. I felt so sorry for a mom and daughter who was trying to find just 2 seats to sit in and no one would let them have the empy seats. I can understand if someone ran to the restroom or got up to get food, but saving whold rows? okay, enough of that. I just felt bad for them as it was still a good 10 min before the show was starting.
Golden Mickeys was cute. Our first. After it was over we went back to our room and ordered room service of mickey bars and island cookies and hot tea. Morgan was gone again with instructions to be back by midnight, settled Maddie in after exclaiming again over her towel animal and chocolates.
Will continue Monday, as I am off to camp out with the girl scouts this weekend. Next, I use the fitness center and get a massage.
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
Sunrise photo
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
more
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
Monday is another sea day for us, so we knew we could sleep in and get breakfast whenever we wanted. This did not happen for me since I could not sleep well. Must be from too much excitement I guess. I actually used the fitness center this time. I love to take my spin class, but I opted for the treadmill instead. Got to work off some of those desserts! When I got there at 7am, there were only 2 others in there. I chose a treadmill in the very front where I can get a great view of the water. All the treadmills have individual tv screens hooked up over the bars of the machine. I go to the fairly new local y in our area to work out and had never seen anything like that. BUT, when you are running at 5.4, it's not good to look out over the water. I actually could feel myself losing some balance. I don't like to watch tv either when I excercise, so I just stare at something solid. Good, ran my 2 miles, used the weights a bit. Done. By this time, around 7:30'sh, the gym is getting full.
Go back to the room, shower and wake family. Now the habit of going to Topsiders for breakfast is showing. I realize I am not going to make the massage appointment in time if I don't leave now and dh is still in the shower. I take Maddie up to eat and then drop her off in the club. Now, me time.
I never had a hot stone massage before, so I am definitely curious since I had heard such good things about this. I meet Wella who is this teeny little lady and she is going to give me the massage. So, when she steps out, I disrobe and am lying facedown on the table. She start with hot oils to massage in and used hot smooth rocks out of what I thing is a crock pot. At first feeling, these things are HOT! For one instant I think they are too hot, but if you wait a bit, they are just right. Yes, for an hour I get bliss. I could get used to this! It won't be my last that's for sure. After it's over, Wella does try to sell me some products, but I decline. Mainly, the cost of the products is almost overwhelming, the other is that I am the soap and water kind of girl. Do I really need to exfoliate everywhere?? Nah! I do wish I had used the rainforest room. It would have been nice to steam off some of that oil and take a nap in the chairs. I know it's 15 a day to use all you want, but if you had a treatment, then it is only for 8. Should have used it.
After the massage, I go back to room to shower and change and meet up with dh. We decide to go strolling and see what is going on. We stop by the promenade lounge and watched a little latin dance lesson. Had the drink of the day, (yellow bird I believe), went up to the atrium and watched a little of the art auction from the stairs. By this time its lunch. Maddie wanted to swim again (groan). Pool and pizza by the poolside. A little Ariel vision tv. Morgan is gone again. There is a pattern here. Honestly, I loved the sea days, and we didn't try to overdo it by no means. We made sure there was relaxing going on.
Sorcerer Mickey was in the Atrium tonight. This time were going to take a photo and then eat which was animators palate. Again, the line was not too bad so there was not a long wait. Maddie actually cooperated somewhat.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x217/mormadsmom/IMG_1525.jpg[/IMG]We actually bought a package of these. Dinner at animators palate was okay. I think I expected more, but it was still good. Don't remember what I ate, but I know I had the strawberry shortcake. Not good. I've tasted better. Kids had mickey bars again. There was a surprise at the end, you'll have to eat there to see what it is.
After dinner, we took the girls to the Treasure ketch where they bought little presents. Morgan wanted a pirate princess t shirt, and a pink skull and crossbones necklace. She and her friends were going to dress alike and wear it on Pirate Night, which is the next night. Maddie chose a Mickey and goofy pirate ship playset. I bought a couple of sets of scrapbooking kits. Very cute. Got the album to go with it too. Took the goodies back to the room where there was another towel animal to see.
Went to the Walt Disney Theatre to see Twice Charmed. Sat closer to the front this time. Very cute show. The girls enjoyed it. They say no flash photography and videotaping. Mike says these are my bootleg photos, but I disagree. I did turn off the flash before I took my photos and they came out not so bad. I did see the one or two flashed during the show though. After the show, we went back to the room after telling Morgan to be back by midnight. She was itching to run off with her new buds again. I guess spending the last 4 hrs with mom and dad was enough. Settled Maddie in after ordering Mickey bar, water, and hot tea room service. Very quick service. Hung out on the verandah to watch the moon (sigh) and listen to the water. Can hear the ariel vision tv slightly as it is just above us I think. Eventually we turn in and watch Troy's presentation on tv that we missed earlier somewhere. Very informative on the best places to shop, eat, and what to buy in ports. We had already received maps and shop address for everything. Because tomorrow is St. Maarten! Now the wheels are turning. What should I buy in St. Maarten? Jewelry, chocolate, rum? Or just a t shirt. Hmmmmm.
Go back to the room, shower and wake family. Now the habit of going to Topsiders for breakfast is showing. I realize I am not going to make the massage appointment in time if I don't leave now and dh is still in the shower. I take Maddie up to eat and then drop her off in the club. Now, me time.
I never had a hot stone massage before, so I am definitely curious since I had heard such good things about this. I meet Wella who is this teeny little lady and she is going to give me the massage. So, when she steps out, I disrobe and am lying facedown on the table. She start with hot oils to massage in and used hot smooth rocks out of what I thing is a crock pot. At first feeling, these things are HOT! For one instant I think they are too hot, but if you wait a bit, they are just right. Yes, for an hour I get bliss. I could get used to this! It won't be my last that's for sure. After it's over, Wella does try to sell me some products, but I decline. Mainly, the cost of the products is almost overwhelming, the other is that I am the soap and water kind of girl. Do I really need to exfoliate everywhere?? Nah! I do wish I had used the rainforest room. It would have been nice to steam off some of that oil and take a nap in the chairs. I know it's 15 a day to use all you want, but if you had a treatment, then it is only for 8. Should have used it.
After the massage, I go back to room to shower and change and meet up with dh. We decide to go strolling and see what is going on. We stop by the promenade lounge and watched a little latin dance lesson. Had the drink of the day, (yellow bird I believe), went up to the atrium and watched a little of the art auction from the stairs. By this time its lunch. Maddie wanted to swim again (groan). Pool and pizza by the poolside. A little Ariel vision tv. Morgan is gone again. There is a pattern here. Honestly, I loved the sea days, and we didn't try to overdo it by no means. We made sure there was relaxing going on.
Sorcerer Mickey was in the Atrium tonight. This time were going to take a photo and then eat which was animators palate. Again, the line was not too bad so there was not a long wait. Maddie actually cooperated somewhat.
http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x217/mormadsmom/IMG_1525.jpg[/IMG]We actually bought a package of these. Dinner at animators palate was okay. I think I expected more, but it was still good. Don't remember what I ate, but I know I had the strawberry shortcake. Not good. I've tasted better. Kids had mickey bars again. There was a surprise at the end, you'll have to eat there to see what it is.
After dinner, we took the girls to the Treasure ketch where they bought little presents. Morgan wanted a pirate princess t shirt, and a pink skull and crossbones necklace. She and her friends were going to dress alike and wear it on Pirate Night, which is the next night. Maddie chose a Mickey and goofy pirate ship playset. I bought a couple of sets of scrapbooking kits. Very cute. Got the album to go with it too. Took the goodies back to the room where there was another towel animal to see.
Went to the Walt Disney Theatre to see Twice Charmed. Sat closer to the front this time. Very cute show. The girls enjoyed it. They say no flash photography and videotaping. Mike says these are my bootleg photos, but I disagree. I did turn off the flash before I took my photos and they came out not so bad. I did see the one or two flashed during the show though. After the show, we went back to the room after telling Morgan to be back by midnight. She was itching to run off with her new buds again. I guess spending the last 4 hrs with mom and dad was enough. Settled Maddie in after ordering Mickey bar, water, and hot tea room service. Very quick service. Hung out on the verandah to watch the moon (sigh) and listen to the water. Can hear the ariel vision tv slightly as it is just above us I think. Eventually we turn in and watch Troy's presentation on tv that we missed earlier somewhere. Very informative on the best places to shop, eat, and what to buy in ports. We had already received maps and shop address for everything. Because tomorrow is St. Maarten! Now the wheels are turning. What should I buy in St. Maarten? Jewelry, chocolate, rum? Or just a t shirt. Hmmmmm.
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
Here is the family lifestyle photo we bought.Someone else in line took this of us while the photographer took the other.
Thanks for the latest chapter - enjoying your TR!! Going on the Eastern in October and I love to hear the latest updates. Keep up the great work!!
Great pics too - the show pictures turned out great. I just took indoor non-flash pics of DD7's dance recital. Really hard to get clear pics with movement. Yours turned out nice.
Great pics too - the show pictures turned out great. I just took indoor non-flash pics of DD7's dance recital. Really hard to get clear pics with movement. Yours turned out nice.
dreamcometrue
<font color=blue>Laughed on her wedding night<br><
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2006
- Messages
- 6,002
keep it coming!! I am enjoying your TR! Sounds like you guys had a great time! My DD is 7 and still pulls a "mad face" in pictures sometimes when she's not in the mood! 
DeloreanGirl
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2006
- Messages
- 417
Hi there! Loving your trip report and seeing all the things I missed within the same week!
How come you already came to your cruise pre-tanned?!!
How come you already came to your cruise pre-tanned?!!
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
hey there, thanks for the comments. We DID have fun! And I didn't realize I looked so tan in the photos. Must be all the florida sunshine we get. We swim here year 'round. Water at the beach is cold in the winter, but it's still "swimmable". Sunshine is hot, but water is chilly.
Thank you for your report & pictures. You have a beautiful family! The picture of the whip cutting through the ocean and white foam is one of my favorite. I spent so many hours staring at that sight and watching the flying fish.
We had Noel as our Asst. Server 4 years ago. He was so good, one of the best! We have seen him every year and every year when he sees us he remembers us and comes over to say hello. He is amazing! I'm always surprised when a CM from years past recognize you and come over to welcome you back.
We had Noel as our Asst. Server 4 years ago. He was so good, one of the best! We have seen him every year and every year when he sees us he remembers us and comes over to say hello. He is amazing! I'm always surprised when a CM from years past recognize you and come over to welcome you back.
Thank you for the wonderful report and pics. Your family is very good looking, Little minnie looked adorable. Just off the western and looking to book an eastern for 2009. Please don't flame but do you know if you are able to smoke out on the verandah? Can't wait to read more.
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
Noel was very sweet, and to know that he has been doing this 7 years and that he remembers his diners is pretty good!
As for the smoking on the verandah, I am not 100 percent sure. We are not smokers, but I think I remember seeing a container on the verandah for the cigarette butts. Also, I know when we were out there, I smelled the smoke from someone else on their verandah, but then I am not sure if it is okay to do that.
As for the smoking on the verandah, I am not 100 percent sure. We are not smokers, but I think I remember seeing a container on the verandah for the cigarette butts. Also, I know when we were out there, I smelled the smoke from someone else on their verandah, but then I am not sure if it is okay to do that.
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
Okay, now we are on Day 4 of the most wonderful trip to date. It's our first port and it's St. Maarten! In our room, we had received a guide with important info on where to shop and eat. The night before's navigator had the time and places for shore excursions. We did not book any excursions this time around as we were content to just walk around and explore.
I woke up just in time to see us pull into port. Must be something with the movements of the ship or even some kind of background noise I am not aware of. I think it's kind of like when it's very quiet in your home and you don't realize the fridge is humming until it goes into the quiet cycle. Anyway, I woke up Mike so he can get a look too. We stand out on the verandah to watch this since this our first "parking" and first trip out to the Caribbean. I noticed the sky was partly cloudy and sunny. I am trying to be optimistic and say to myself, it's probably just going to be a morning shower and blow over quickly. Since we don't have to be anywhere at a certain time, we did know that we had to shop early because there was to be a parade and that shops will close early. Still, we are not rushed. Again, we head to Topsiders for breakfast and it was packed! Everyone it seems wanted to eat buffet. The line was long, and I worried about getting a table. This would have been and probably should have been a room service day. We did get our trays, but had to eat at a table by the pool. There was plenty of room there, but it was very humid out.
We go back to our room to get our cameras, bags, and stroller. Got a little confused as to where we disembarked. We finally found it on deck 1 all the way to the end. When we got there, they had a little water bottle set up where you can purchase the water for $1.75 each and brochures of the island. We presented our keys and walk out. Didn't notice any leg wobbles or anything, but did notice the drizzle of rain. We walked a few more feet, and it began to rain. There were others walking with us, and then a few more feet it began to rain harder and we began to walk faster. Not a rain coat or hat to be had and Maddie is getting soaked in her stroller. Surely it's going to stop any second now! Finally, we make a run for a small canopied area. By this time it is a major downpour. Imagine about 25 or more people huddled under teeny flimsy canopy. The ones in the middle had it better than the ones on the outside. We were the ones in the middle and then folks on the outside started to make a run back to the ship. We found out alot of these people were supposed to go on a dolphin encounter. It was later cancelled bc of the storm. So now completely soaked, we decide to make a run for it back to the ship also.
Once back, after dry clothes and hot tea, I decide to do some laundry. When I packed, I had no intention of doing any laundry. But somehow, I just didn't pack enough casual clothing. So, here I am hanging out in the laundry room. I had it all to myself too. Two loads later, the rain stopped and this time the kids did NOT want to go. I also was not planning this, but we decide to leave the girls in their clubs while we went out on the island. After dropping them off, we do the disembarking thing again and finally head out for sure. Mike is getting antsy bc he is worried that the shops will close and he really wants to get a watch. Instead of taking the long walk we purchase the water taxi pass for all day trips for $5. 2 minute boat drive and we are dropped off at the beach. We did not go far to find the shops, just had in mind where to go that was listed on the Disney approved shopping list. We had plenty of time to shop and take photos. The stores never closed and it seemed it just got later and later with the parade times so we never really had anything to worry about. Shopkeepers were really friendly and we found what we wanted. Got some things for the kids at Del Sol where they sell things that change color with the sunshine.
Did you know you can use the bathroom there for only 50 cents?? Yep, there was a little old lady who sits outside the bathroom with a table holding a cash box and paper towels. You pay your money and you can go in. I expected something grossly dirty, but I was surprised it was quite clean. You wash your hands and she hands you a paper towel when you come out.
We treat ourselves to some ice cream and walk around taking photos of each other standing here and there. With the Magic behind us of course. It's a classic, can't miss one of those!
I woke up just in time to see us pull into port. Must be something with the movements of the ship or even some kind of background noise I am not aware of. I think it's kind of like when it's very quiet in your home and you don't realize the fridge is humming until it goes into the quiet cycle. Anyway, I woke up Mike so he can get a look too. We stand out on the verandah to watch this since this our first "parking" and first trip out to the Caribbean. I noticed the sky was partly cloudy and sunny. I am trying to be optimistic and say to myself, it's probably just going to be a morning shower and blow over quickly. Since we don't have to be anywhere at a certain time, we did know that we had to shop early because there was to be a parade and that shops will close early. Still, we are not rushed. Again, we head to Topsiders for breakfast and it was packed! Everyone it seems wanted to eat buffet. The line was long, and I worried about getting a table. This would have been and probably should have been a room service day. We did get our trays, but had to eat at a table by the pool. There was plenty of room there, but it was very humid out.
We go back to our room to get our cameras, bags, and stroller. Got a little confused as to where we disembarked. We finally found it on deck 1 all the way to the end. When we got there, they had a little water bottle set up where you can purchase the water for $1.75 each and brochures of the island. We presented our keys and walk out. Didn't notice any leg wobbles or anything, but did notice the drizzle of rain. We walked a few more feet, and it began to rain. There were others walking with us, and then a few more feet it began to rain harder and we began to walk faster. Not a rain coat or hat to be had and Maddie is getting soaked in her stroller. Surely it's going to stop any second now! Finally, we make a run for a small canopied area. By this time it is a major downpour. Imagine about 25 or more people huddled under teeny flimsy canopy. The ones in the middle had it better than the ones on the outside. We were the ones in the middle and then folks on the outside started to make a run back to the ship. We found out alot of these people were supposed to go on a dolphin encounter. It was later cancelled bc of the storm. So now completely soaked, we decide to make a run for it back to the ship also.
Once back, after dry clothes and hot tea, I decide to do some laundry. When I packed, I had no intention of doing any laundry. But somehow, I just didn't pack enough casual clothing. So, here I am hanging out in the laundry room. I had it all to myself too. Two loads later, the rain stopped and this time the kids did NOT want to go. I also was not planning this, but we decide to leave the girls in their clubs while we went out on the island. After dropping them off, we do the disembarking thing again and finally head out for sure. Mike is getting antsy bc he is worried that the shops will close and he really wants to get a watch. Instead of taking the long walk we purchase the water taxi pass for all day trips for $5. 2 minute boat drive and we are dropped off at the beach. We did not go far to find the shops, just had in mind where to go that was listed on the Disney approved shopping list. We had plenty of time to shop and take photos. The stores never closed and it seemed it just got later and later with the parade times so we never really had anything to worry about. Shopkeepers were really friendly and we found what we wanted. Got some things for the kids at Del Sol where they sell things that change color with the sunshine.
Did you know you can use the bathroom there for only 50 cents?? Yep, there was a little old lady who sits outside the bathroom with a table holding a cash box and paper towels. You pay your money and you can go in. I expected something grossly dirty, but I was surprised it was quite clean. You wash your hands and she hands you a paper towel when you come out.
We treat ourselves to some ice cream and walk around taking photos of each other standing here and there. With the Magic behind us of course. It's a classic, can't miss one of those!
DeloreanGirl
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 25, 2006
- Messages
- 417
Wow, I knew you had to pay for a chair to sit down in the streets, use of the beaches, and other things -- but to use the restroom?! 
mormadsmom
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2007
- Messages
- 164
After we are done taking some photos, we get back to the water taxi to get the girls and eat some lunch, because we were starving! On the same water taxi, we talked to family who just got back from jet skiing with their two young boys. The mom tells me as they were jetskiing around the parked boats they saw a man standing on the bow of his boat speaking on his cell phone completely nude! Now that's a picture. And I thought you had to go to the nude beaches to see that!
After we get our children (Maddie had a good time. They had done something called Eggsperiments and Morgan went to the arcade. I know in the kids club, they take the children up the buffet for lunch, so Maddie was not all that hungry. Morgan helped herself there when she did hungry.) Anyway, we still went to goofy's galley for some sandwich wraps and pizza at Pinochios pizzeria. After that, we got our beach gear and took the girls to the water taxi again. Morgan was $5 and Maddie was free. We went to the beach that was right off the pier. This was our first trip so we never went far at all and were happy with the beach that was nearest. My shoe strap broke though and now I am shoeless. Mike walks around to some shops to find me a pair of flip flops and could not find a single pair. By this time, the parade is getting ready to start. I told him never mind, I will buy some in one of the shops when we get back. I forgot though, that the stores are closed when in port. Anyway,we snorkeled and swam. The water was warm and clear. A woman sold Mike some towel backpack. One asked if we wanted our hair braided. Neither of girls did the hair braiding. Maddie, for one, would never sit for that and Morgan never asked. After an hours worth of swimming we head back to the ship.
We get our showers done and relax for a while. Then we notice the ship is backing out of port.
bellalyssa
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
- Messages
- 45
I can't wait for the next installment! I had a crazy thought while I was reading it... what if a parent was at the port while the kids were in the clubs, and the parent didn't make it back to the ship on time? I've heard if you do a non-Disney excursion and are late, they may leave without you. Of course, if my child was on the ship I would hope that I allowed ample time to get back. Anyway, I wonder what would happen?
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