November 24, 2012 ~ Western Fantasy ~ Pachyderms of the Caribbean

[dizney-cruiser]

go to muster party

I don't consider that a party!! At least we no longer need to wear our life jackets there!!

 

[jenbessey]

We will be flying out of Philadelphia on 11/17

We fly out on the 22nd from Philly. Are you returning on the 1st into Philly?

 

[Katesdad]

I don't consider that a party!! At least we no longer need to wear our life jackets there!!

On the two we did we took it seriously but still had fun with it. The cast members are all business but they still smiled and would talk with us. I guess we just were too new to the process to consider it a bother. Sort of like that pre-flight speech from stewards and stewardess'. I can pretty much do it word for word but I get a kick out of watching some of the newbies who are fixated on each little thing. I too am glad that we don't have to take the floatation devices along but I think I will get one out to go over with the DW on before we leave port just for peace of mind.

By the way we are out of Cincinnati on the 23rd and come back on Sunday the 2nd. If anyone else is staying at the Hyatt we'd love to hook up for a pre-cruise drink. Doing one night at POFQ so we can do some shopping at DTD.

 

[Disneydrg]

Are there any recommendations for excursions when visiting Costa Maya?

Looking for some quality free time off the ship.

 

[kathi]

So, if I can offer a "question of the week", we seem to have "seasoned" cruisers here on this thread. May I inquire if anyone has a "set" itinerary they like to keep to on the first day? Is the bon voyage party a must do after the muster is over? Champagne on the varanda? Just curious.

Sorry - I've been MIA from this board for a while. Life keeps getting in the way of vacation planning!

When traveling as a couple, my husband and I generally follow the following:
lunch, order champagne from pool bar and walk around ship (keep plastic champagne glass for drinking in room); check into room at 1:30 and get ice for all the champagne in our carry on bags! Muster Drill. Go up on deck (all the way forward) for sail away and look for dolphins. Usually eat at Palo on first night.

When traveling with our daughter (currently 8). Board ship, eat quick lunch, go to Aqua Duck and ride a few times (if on Fantasy/Dream); buy drinks; hang out at pool until it becomes too crowded; check into room; muster drill; sail away party.

The Aqua Duck is so crowded most of the time, getting a few rides in on the first day helps you to resist waiting in a long line later in the cruise!

 

[dizney-cruiser]

How about if one of our first time cruisers throws out the question of the week?

 

[Katesdad]

How about if one of our first time cruisers throws out the question of the week?

Love these questions of the week. Can't wait to see what this week's brings. Since this is my third cruise, I'll be patient (really just wanted to look at my ticker and how far Mickey has slid down the ship since I first started it).

 

[CruisingGoddess]

I just booked this cruise. We had the 12/1 sailing booked but moved it up so we could spend Thanksgiving in Orlando.

DH and I are DINK's (double income no kids) in our early 30's. This will be our 9th cruise and 3rd Disney cruise. We'd like to be part of the FE.

Here's our info for the roll call & FE list...

CruisingGoddess (Texas) - Rebecca, DH Chris FE (Stateroom: GTY)

I also requested to join the FB Group. Looking forward to cruising with all of you.

 

[Katesdad]

I just booked this cruise. I also requested to join the FB Group. Looking forward to cruising with all of you.

Welcome aboard!

Didn't know we had a "FB" group, but since I'm not a FB fan, no big deal for me. Just keep us DIS boarders in mind if anything big is being discussed over there.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

Well, since no newbies have put out a question, I will post one for this week:

New Question:
Which "Main Dining Restaurant" [MDR: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden & Royal Court] are you looking forward to the most?

**** **** ****

If you missed any of the previous questions, feel free to give your answer now!

**** **** ****​

[For ALL Cruisers]

Who is your favorite character?
​

[For Return Cruisers]

What are some of the favorite gifts you recieved in the FE?
What is your First Day Agenda?​

 

[foohpah]

New Question:[/COLOR]
Which "Main Dining Restaurant" [MDR: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden & Royal Court] are you looking forward to the most?

For me it is Animator's Palate for the new animation show. I hear it is really, really good.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

New Question:
Which "Main Dining Restaurant" [MDR: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden & Royal Court] are you looking forward to the most?

On the other 3 Disney Ships, my favorite MDR always seems to be the "more upscale" option [Lumieres, Tritons & Royal Palace]. So on this cruise, I am most looking forward to enjoying "Royal Palace"!

[Spinach and Cheese Souffle, French Onion Soup, Beef Tenderloin & Sweet Temptations PLEASE!!]

**** **** ****​

In case you haven't seen it, here is the Royal Palace Menu from a March Cruise:

BREAD SERVICE
warm herb brioche with an Olive Spread

APPETIZERS
Pomegranate Glazed Duck Breast with Gerwurztraminer Gelee and Pomegranate Glaze
Double Baked Spinach and Cheese Souffle - coated with a three-cheese cream
Escargots Gratines - herb-marinated snails with finely chopped mushrooms, topped with garlic butter and breadstick
Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp - white and green asparagus, micro greens, and lemon-dill dressing with horseradish cream

SOUPS AND SALADS
Avocado-Citrus Salad with Iceberg and radicchio leaves and orange vinaigrette
The Comtesse du Barry's Soup - rich velvety cauliflower cream, topped with salmon caviar croutons
Royal Market Green Salad - cherry tomato, cucumbers, peppered goat cheese, and a raspberry vinaigrette
Belle's French Onion Soup with gruyere cheese crouton

MAIN COURSE
Aged Angus Grilled Beef Tenderloin topped with garlic shrimp - sauteed snow peas and marquis potatoes with a cognac reduction
Oven-Baked Salmon Royal - Crowned with King Smoked Salmon and horseradish crust accompanied by sauteed swiss chard, truffle-infused cauliflower puree and white wine beurre blanc
Roasted Wild Boar Tenderloin - sweet carrot and onion potato cake with a red currant reduction
Baked Farm-Raised Chicken Breast - filled with escarole, raisins and pine nuts on wild rice with a red wine reduction
Double Cut Rack of Lamb with a Dijon Crust with fine green beans, gratin potatoes and rosemary jus

Vegetarian Offerings
Pan seared Tofu, Roasted Zucchini, Eggplant and Red Peppers on Israeli couscous with a lime-cilantro drop
Wild Mushroom Filled Pasta in a Vegetable Broth topped with watercress, shaved parmesan cheese and a paprika oil drizzle

Lighter Note Offerings
Grilled All Natural Chicken Breast Salad - romaine lettuce, herbed croutons, cherry tomatoes and a creamy parmesan dressing
Grilled Grain-fed Sirloin Steak
Slow Roasted Breast of Chicken
Oven Baked Fillet of Salmon
Lighter offerings served with garden vegetables and your choice of steamed white rice or baked potato
Baked Salmon and Oven-Roasted Chicken Breast available upon request.

DESSERTS
Sweet Temptations - trio of peanut butter mousse, mango cheesecake and Tahitian vanilla creme brulee
Grand Marnier Souffle infused with fresh orange zest and served with creme Anglaise
Peanut Butter Mousse - dark chocolate infused peanut butter, chiffon cake, and whipped cream
Strawberry Short Cake Sundae - strawberries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and Angel Food cake
Tahitian Vanilla Creme Brulee with almond biscotti

NO SUGAR ADDED DESSERTS
Chocolate Ganache served with Breton Sable and mango coulis
Mango Cheesecake with whipped cream and fruits
Assorted Sugar-free Ice Cream

 

[dizney-cruiser]

I just booked this cruise. We had the 12/1 sailing booked but moved it up so we could spend Thanksgiving in Orlando.

DH and I are DINK's (double income no kids) in our early 30's. This will be our 9th cruise and 3rd Disney cruise. We'd like to be part of the FE.

Here's our info for the roll call & FE list...

CruisingGoddess (Texas) - Rebecca, DH Chris FE (Stateroom: GTY)

I also requested to join the FB Group. Looking forward to cruising with all of you.

Aboard!!!

 

[CruisingGoddess]

Which "Main Dining Restaurant" [MDR: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden & Royal Court] are you looking forward to the most?

Also, Animator's Palate. Looking forward to the new show and Nemo characters.

Who is your favorite character?

Princess: Ariel (I still have the costume that is in my avatar!), Non-Princess: Chip

What are some of the favorite gifts you recieved in the FE?
What is your First Day Agenda?

I have two fav FE gifts. The first is an accordian-style "just add photos" mini-scrapbook. I filled it with photos from our cruise and it sits on my desk. My other favorite were 2 bookmarks with our cruise dates and photo of the Magic on it. I use them all the time in travel guide books to plan new adventures!

I don't really have a First Day Agenda yet, though I may follow someone's advice and try to get on the Aquaduck the first day to avoid the lines later in the cruise since I don't plan on waiting until a port day.

 

[alicia1506]

Well, since no newbies have put out a question, I will post one for this week:

New Question:
Which "Main Dining Restaurant" [MDR: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden & Royal Court] are you looking forward to the most?

**** **** ****

If you missed any of the previous questions, feel free to give your answer now!

**** **** ****​

[For ALL Cruisers]

Who is your favorite character?
​

[For Return Cruisers]

What are some of the favorite gifts you recieved in the FE?
What is your First Day Agenda?​

since this will be our first cruise, we want to try all of them, but i think we are most looking forward to Royal Palace, although EG comes a close second.

we also are really, really looking forward to palo brunch!!

 

[Katesdad]

New Question: Which "Main Dining Restaurant" [MDR: Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden & Royal Court] are you looking forward to the most?

no fair posting menus and making me hungry! I'm going wit AP and the new shows that they have going on in there. We enjoyed AP on the Wonder and Magic and don't see why there will be a let down with all this new technology.

 

[dizney-cruiser]

Captain's Gala Kid's Menu

To Start

Tomato and Pasta Soup
Fruit Cup
Captain's Garden Salad​

Chef's Entree Selection of the Day

Grilled Chicken - with fettuccini and a white cream sauce
Breaded Turkey Breast - with tomato sauce
Captain Mickey's Surf and Turf (sirloin steak and grilled shrimp)​

The Main Event(All main courses served with fresh vegetables, smashed potatoes or steak fries)

Mickey's Mac n Cheese
Minnie's Mini Burger
Pizza - topped with shrimp and mozzarella cheese
Golden Chicken Strips - with barbecue sauce​

A Sweet Finish

Strawberry Creme Pudding - with raspberry coulis
Warm Chocolate Fudge Cookie - with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce
Mickey Bar Ice Cream
Selection of Assorted Ice Cream​

 

[alicia1506]

i have a quick question, and i don't mean to hijack the thread here, but what are your recommended shoes while on the cruise? i imagine you do a fair amount of walking around the ship, and on excursions etc. do most people just wear sandals/flip flops/runners, or do you have a specific shoe you like to take, like crocs or teva or birkenstocks etc for all the walking that you do???

we went to DLR last year and i wore flip flops the entire time. by the end of each day, my feet were burning... any recommendations for a combined wdw/cruise trip for someone not used to that kind of walking??

 

[dizney-cruiser]

New Question of the week:

What do you plan to do on Castaway Cay?
[Part 2 for return cruisers] What have you enjoyed previously on Castaway Cay?

This trip I am hoping to make it to the look out tower!!
I'm trying to think how many times we have been on Castaway Cay. . . I'm thinking 9 times . . .

2004 (1 stop); 2006 (2 stops); 2007 (1 stop); 2008 (2 stops); 2010 (1 stop); 2011 (2 stops)​

Sadly, I get sick a lot so I don't always get to get off the ship. . . but we have:
Parasailing - I loved it!! I think there were about 8 of us on the little boat and we were all disboard people!
Banana Boat - I didn't care for it
Wave Runners - I enjoyed this!! There might have been about 8 of us on this too - they stop at random places and tell you about the island, and then you get to really open them up and fly around the island!!
Snorkeling - We do this about every time we are there! We bring our own goggles and snorkel and skip the fins
Pelican Plunge - this is a lot of fun - but I suggest you get out there early because it can be a long wait. I don't understand why with all of the room they had they didn't put a few more slides in . . .
Floats & Tubes - this is always fun!
Cabana - we had a cabana on Serenity Bay our last time there - it was amazing!!
EAT!!

AND of course, doing nothing but laying out on the beach is always a great choice!

 

[dizney-cruiser]

i have a quick question, and i don't mean to hijack the thread here, but what are your recommended shoes while on the cruise? i imagine you do a fair amount of walking around the ship, and on excursions etc. do most people just wear sandals/flip flops/runners, or do you have a specific shoe you like to take, like crocs or teva or birkenstocks etc for all the walking that you do???

we went to DLR last year and i wore flip flops the entire time. by the end of each day, my feet were burning... any recommendations for a combined wdw/cruise trip for someone not used to that kind of walking??

First of all, you are cruising with us so you are not hijacking the thread! This is a perfect place to ask any questions you might have!!

I like CROCs. They are very comfy for walking and you can go right to the pool in them!! I just don't wear them to dinner.