Notice of Intent to Write a Trip Report

[GirlieGirl]

Oh Mary, you gave me goose bumps with that last paragraph! That's what makes Disney so special, the little moments just like that! It sounds like you guys had a great day at sea. The tours sound like so much fun--I NEED to go back and take part!
I'll be waiting patiently for more....

 

[Aprille]

Happy 60th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!

 

[Aunt Jo]

Oh Mary, you gave me goose bumps with that last paragraph! That's what makes Disney so special, the little moments just like that! It sounds like you guys had a great day at sea. The tours sound like so much fun--I NEED to go back and take part!
I'll be waiting patiently for more....

Hi dear Susie, Yes, you and Glenn are the teary eyed ones but I must admit to more than one attack of tears on this very special cruise. You guys MUST do another cruise. And I will email you all the reasons you must post a trip report - just like you did me.

Happy 60th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!!!

Well the cat is out of the bag now. We didn't really have our anniversary on the ship. It truly is today.

 

[MrsMork]

Hi dear Susie, Yes, you and Glenn are the teary eyed ones but I must admit to more than one attack of tears on this very special cruise. You guys MUST do another cruise. And I will email you all the reasons you must post a trip report - just like you did me.



Well the cat is out of the bag now. We didn't really have our anniversary on the ship. It truly is today.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

 

[GirlieGirl]

Happy Anniversary Mary and Glenn

 

[Aunt Jo]

Thanks for the good wishes. In less than an hour we will start on our 61st year together.

I had big plans to start early and finish this report today. Maybe I still can. Friday didn't get off to a real good start. I started the day by accidentally taking Glenn's pills instead of my own. I realized what I had done about the time I swallowed the last one. My first thought was that this was probably a more significant happening than accidentally eating a scallop. I wondered "what should I do?" but realized I didn't have many options. My second thought was don't tell Glenn. I had extra pills so he would still have his to take. I finally decided to just skip my pills and act nonchalant. I guess it worked because I had no ill effects that I know of. Glenn was up to watch us dock as that didn't happen until 9 AM. I liked being able to watch from our verandah. It was a very hot day and the sun was shining right on us. We saw the Christmas tree but it sure didn't feel like Christmas. We watched the unloading of all the food and other things. We noticed many CM's leave the ship in uniforms to be worker bees on the island. We stood there until I began to feel sunburned then began to think about breakfast. I would like to have had a last breakfast at Lumieres but it was too late for that. So we headed to Topsider for the very first time. It was okay but would never have been my first choice. My warning to anyone planning to stay on the ship at Castaway is to read that Navigator and know the dining choices as there aren't many. Glenn ate a very large breakfast much to my chagrin. I had planned this day around eating a paninni and that couldn't happen until 3 PM. We had decided the day before that we would stay on the ship.

It was like there were two ghost ships at the island that day - The Flying Dutchman and the Disney Magic. We didn't encounter more than a dozen people until afternoon when some came back on board. We went to the starboard side of deck 4. Had never been there and it was a pleasant surprise. There were many comfortable deck chairs and it was shady and cool. Not to mention a great place to see all the action in the water. Glenn got upset when a banana boat dumped about 6 people in the water right in front of us. He thought that was just awful even though everyone in the water seemed to be laughing with glee. Leah gently explained to him at dinner that night "that's what banana boats do." We watched them all safely aboard that strange craft and head back to shore. I was startled to see what at first looked like a Yellow Submarine but turned out to be one of life boats. For a brief moment, I thought maybe we didn't hear the signal to report to our stations. We saw them launch 3 and drive them around a bit. Just to check them out I'm sure. They do seem to check or test something on each port day. We decided to walk around to the other side of deck 4. We had never done that either. Glenn was fascinated with that big room from which we were tied to the pier. I noticed one of those big ropes was a bit frayed but decided not to mention it to Glenn.

We didn't take a nap because it was almost time for Goofy's Galley to open. Actually we had almost an hour to wait so we got some ice cream and sat at a table where I could watch for for the grand opening. There were a few other folks milling around but not many. I didn't run when they opened but casually strolled and let someone else be first. We split a sandwich and a cucumber salad and it was so good I went back and got some wraps and another cucumber salad.

We went back to our room to shower and change into our going home clothes. Figured this would make life simpler. Dinner was festive that night. The last night seems to cause an adrenalin rush which is better than being sad. We exchanged stories with our table mates and of course, it was show time for the servers again. I stood against the wall to try and take pictures but just watched instead. I was surprised and delighted to see Alexander from Russia march by. I yelled at him but he either ignored me or didn't hear me. Just joking. He couldn't possibly have heard me. It was soon time to say goodbye to our new friends and our servers. Daniel and Charlie hugged us all. Glenn sat quietly while all this was going on. When Charlie hugged me he pointed to Glenn and said "very nice man". I wanted to explain why Glenn didn't talk much or participate much. I said "he doesn't see well and can barely hear..." Charlie interrupted to say "but he smile, alla time smile". Another teary eyed time for me. Charlie got another hug. It made me so happy that someone who had only spent a few hours with us could define Glenn so well.

Another trip to Shutters to get our last picture. I needed one more to fill the package so took a stock picture of the ship at night.

We went back to our room to get our bags out. I even packed one or our carryon bags so we would have just one carryon bag to tote when we left the ship. Can't say enough good things about the onboard checkin. We didn't see our bags again until we got home and our boarding passes were on the bed. One of the CM's told us that Disney was working hard to persuade other airlines to participate.

It was time to go to the Walt Disney Theater for Remember the Magic, A Farewell Show. It was another great show - full of laughs provided by a comic juggler, Jeff Civillico and the very funny ventriloquist, Lynn Trefzger and, of course, a host of Disney entertainers. (I think I need a punctuation checker too but too late for that.)

Had to fill out those pesky forms when we got back to our room. I had a couple of questions about the customs form so I called my good friends at Guest Services - twice. Filled out the "excellent form" and graded everything "excellent". Could have named a few things about the room that weren't perfect - nothing to do with Sompop - just general wear and tear. Figured they already knew about that. If I understand correctly, the Magic skipped it's dry dock do over this year because of the Mediterrean cruises and will have it next year instead.

We didn't get to bed until 11:00. Needless to say we were exhausted.

One more day and we're done.

 

[Aunt Jo]

It's time to take one last look around and head for home. We hadn't planned to eat breakfast. It was 7:30 before Glenn was up and ready. I thought most folks would have already debarked but that was not the case. The line was so long we went to the Internet Cafe so as not to leave nearly 15 minutes to just lay there and die. I sent everyone 3 emails on Friday and another this morning. I did leave 7 minutes and 14 seconds but oh well. We saw many people carrying their bags with them. One lady in a wheel chair was surrounded by 10 bags. I counted them. I have to presume she was with a very large group.

It didn't take long once the line started moving. When we left the customs building we were directed to a shorter line to board a bus. Onboard check in gives you this privilige. We were soon on a bus - in the first row which is reserved for folks with a handicap. The lady directed us to sit there when she saw Glenn was having a hard time climbing the steps. That same lady must have called ahead and had a wheel chair meet us at the airport. The nice lady that brought the wheel chair smiled at Glenn and said "this is for you" as we stepped off the bus. Glenn was so happy to sit in that chair. I pushed him inside and we dined at Fox Sports Sky Box restaurant. A lovely Japanese lady was our server. She made suggestions but I told her what we really wanted - are you ready for this - a breakfast pannini sandwich. She approved but said "too much - you split". It was very good and the coffee was good too even though it was served in stemmed glass cups.

Okay, one more story and I'm finished. We got through security quickly as a short cut is provided for wheel chairs. We were soon seated at our gate with about an hour to wait. I was quite shocked to see a woman getting dressed in the waiting area - I kid you not. I was so relieved when she finally got a shirt on. But that's another story for another time.

We heard an announcement on the intercom . . . Milwaukee flight now boarding Gate 5. It was just a few feet from our gate. We knew someone taking that flight. I rushed across the aisle and there they were - Debby, Leah, and Rene. I am not a hugger by nature but it seemed natural to hug those nice folks that we would never see again but would remember fondly.

That's just about all I think. Except to tell you that Glenn and I decided on the way home that we would never be able to do this again. But no sad songs for us. We have enjoyed many, many wonderful trips beginning when Aprille was 3 and our first trip to Disney Land. The past 20 years we have concentrated on Disney World and this year, two Disney cruises. My only regret is that we didn't start cruising sooner. We will re-read my trip reports and look at our dozen or so albums and I promise we will "smile - alla time smile".

Merry Christmas and Happy Cruising to all of you.

 

[JoiseyMom]

It's time to take one last look around and head for home. We hadn't planned to eat breakfast. It was 7:30 before Glenn was up and ready. I thought most folks would have already debarked but that was not the case. The line was so long we went to the Internet Cafe so as not to leave nearly 15 minutes to just lay there and die. I sent everyone 3 emails on Friday and another this morning. I did leave 7 minutes and 14 seconds but oh well. We saw many people carrying their bags with them. One lady in a wheel chair was surrounded by 10 bags. I counted them. I have to presume she was with a very large group.

It didn't take long once the line started moving. When we left the customs building we were directed to a shorter line to board a bus. Onboard check in gives you this privilige. We were soon on a bus - in the first row which is reserved for folks with a handicap. The lady directed us to sit there when she saw Glenn was having a hard time climbing the steps. That same lady must have called ahead and had a wheel chair meet us at the airport. The nice lady that brought the wheel chair smiled at Glenn and said "this is for you" as we stepped off the bus. Glenn was so happy to sit in that chair. I pushed him inside and we dined at Fox Sports Sky Box restaurant. A lovely Japanese lady was our server. She made suggestions but I told her what we really wanted - are you ready for this - a breakfast pannini sandwich. She approved but said "too much - you split". It was very good and the coffee was good too even though it was served in stemmed glass cups.

Okay, one more story and I'm finished. We got through security quickly as a short cut is provided for wheel chairs. We were soon seated at our gate with about an hour to wait. I was quite shocked to see a woman getting dressed in the waiting area - I kid you not. I was so relieved when she finally got a shirt on. But that's another story for another time.

We heard an announcement on the intercom . . . Milwaukee flight now boarding Gate 5. It was just a few feet from our gate. We knew someone taking that flight. I rushed across the aisle and there they were - Debby, Leah, and Rene. I am not a hugger by nature but it seemed natural to hug those nice folks that we would never see again but would remember fondly.

That's just about all I think. Except to tell you that Glenn and I decided on the way home that we would never be able to do this again. But no sad songs for us. We have enjoyed many, many wonderful trips beginning when Aprille was 3 and our first trip to Disney Land. The past 20 years we have concentrated on Disney World and this year, two Disney cruises. My only regret is that we didn't start cruising sooner. We will re-read my trip reports and look at our dozen or so albums and I promise we will "smile - alla time smile".

Merry Christmas and Happy Cruising to all of you.

What a wonderful trip report!! Mine (if I ever finish it) will never be as good! We at at the same restaurant with the same server. She was very very nice, she would fit in at Disney perfectly!!

 

[MrsMork]

Mary, I did also enjoy your report! If this is indeed your last cruise, then I have to say we are honored to have shared it with you and are so glad we got to briefly meet the two of you.

 

[wdwscout]

Mary & Glenn,
I have to post and tell you how very much I have enjoyed reading your trip report! Every one of your posts was so well written, you have a wonderful sense of humor and attention to detail.
I had to laugh when you were asking your daughter for helping posting your pictures. I am that daughter! My mom tries to do more and more on the computer. You are light years ahead of her- posting on the Dis Boards for your 60th anniversary trip! How cool is that?
We haven't made our first Disney Cruise yet- that will be next year on New Year's Eve that we get to board the Wonder to celebrate our 25th anniversary and the 21st and 18th birthdays of our sons. But reading about your adventures made me feel like I have shared this wonderful adventure with you.
I must tell you I had teary eyes when I read that this will have been your last adventure. But such wonderful memories you 2 will have to share and relive.
Thank you for allowing us to come along on your trip - and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

 

[Nora03]

Mary & Glenn,
I also have to post and tell you how much I enjoyed your trip report. I am so impressed with your writing style and your sense of adventure (and humour), as well as your computer skills. You must have been an English teacher, with your perfect spelling, punctuation and grammar. My husband and I will be celebrating our 40th anniversary in two years and we hope to go on a Mediterranean cruise then. I keep wondering if I will have the stamina for it. You are an inspiration.

Thanks for taking us along on your cruise. Happy Holidays and Happy Anniversary!

Nora

 

[PizzieDuster]

Wow, I just spent my whole evening reading this wonderful trip report. I loved your pictures. (Now my dog has just had it, he needs a walk bad!)

 

[Aunt Jo]

What a wonderful trip report!! Mine (if I ever finish it) will never be as good! We at at the same restaurant with the same server. She was very very nice, she would fit in at Disney perfectly!!

Thank you so much for the kind words - and I thought the very same thing about the little Japanese lady.

 

[Aunt Jo]

Mary, I did also enjoy your report! If this is indeed your last cruise, then I have to say we are honored to have shared it with you and are so glad we got to briefly meet the two of you.

Right back at you MrsMork. And to think, we were brought together by the wheel chair police lady.

Mary & Glenn,
I have to post and tell you how very much I have enjoyed reading your trip report! Every one of your posts was so well written, you have a wonderful sense of humor and attention to detail.
I had to laugh when you were asking your daughter for helping posting your pictures. I am that daughter! My mom tries to do more and more on the computer. You are light years ahead of her- posting on the Dis Boards for your 60th anniversary trip! How cool is that?
We haven't made our first Disney Cruise yet- that will be next year on New Year's Eve that we get to board the Wonder to celebrate our 25th anniversary and the 21st and 18th birthdays of our sons. But reading about your adventures made me feel like I have shared this wonderful adventure with you.
I must tell you I had teary eyes when I read that this will have been your last adventure. But such wonderful memories you 2 will have to share and relive.
Thank you for allowing us to come along on your trip - and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

I envy you guys - that first Disney cruise is so wonderful. The second is too. I'm glad I could give you a little introduction to the joys of cruising Disney.

Mary & Glenn,
I also have to post and tell you how much I enjoyed your trip report. I am so impressed with your writing style and your sense of adventure (and humour), as well as your computer skills. You must have been an English teacher, with your perfect spelling, punctuation and grammar. My husband and I will be celebrating our 40th anniversary in two years and we hope to go on a Mediterranean cruise then. I keep wondering if I will have the stamina for it. You are an inspiration.

Thanks for taking us along on your cruise. Happy Holidays and Happy Anniversary!

Nora

No I was not an English teacher but did have some good ones along the way. As for stamina, my goodness you guys must be in your early 60's - just youngsters compared to us. I'm so happy to be an inspiration.

Wow, I just spent my whole evening reading this wonderful trip report. I loved your pictures. (Now my dog has just had it, he needs a walk bad!)

What a compliment that you spent an entire evening reading my report. But sorry your dog had to suffer.

 

[sonogirl]

Happy Anniversary Mary & Glenn! I had to have my friend Lori, add this picture, I guess I don't have enough posts.

 

[Aunt Jo]

Thank you thank you Debby and sonogirl. This photo will have a prominent place in our album.

 

[MommyTo5]

Mary & Glenn,



Thanks so much for sharing this with us. It sounds like you had a wonderful time! Your trip report was wonderfully written and I really enjoyed cruising along with you!

Happy 60th Anniversary!!!

 

[MassDisLovers]

Thank you so much Mary for the wonderful report. The pictures added so much to the story, it made me feel that I knew the two of you. I only wish that we could have cruised with you. Happy belated anniversary and holidays!

 

[LITTLEKID58]

Awesome.. TFS.. great job..

 

[TotallyAngelic]

This has been an absolute pleasure to read and it has been an honour to share this trip with you both, you are an inspiration. I was in tears at the end when you said about reaching a decision that this would be your last trip. We are booked for our first ever cruise next October, and although we will never be able to cruise on our 60th wedding anniversary (as we didn't get married until our late 30s), I hope we will enjoy our cruises as much as you both did. The photos were really lovely and I think the last one posted by your tablemate says it all! Thank you for sharing this really special trip report!