Wishing on a star
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2002
- Messages
- 19,066
I really wanted to make a detailed trip report. So, this may be a little l-o-n-n-n-g! I know that when we were planning this, our first, cruise, I was hungry for details.... so here goes!
This is myself, DH, and DS(5). We booked this cruise a year in advance... And I really enjoyed the anticipation! Just a few days before cruising we were upgraded from our Cat.10 SPR to a verandah!!! Boy was I doing the happy dance!!!
We arrived at the Radisson at Port Canaveral on Saturday afternoon after mistakenly exiting off the Florida Turnpike when we should have stayed on..... Thirty minutes and a chunk of change in tolls later, we were finally on the right path, and eager to begin our vacation!!! Just walking in the Lobby and seeing that beautiful pool area outside the opposit windows, and we knew that we had finally 'arrived'!!!!!
The Radisson is beautiful. We had a One King Suite... It was very clean, and just as gorgeous and spacious as the pictures online had showed. Huge walk-in shower, jacuzzi, High ceilings (we were on the top floor....), Tropical decor... very nice! After a quick snack for lunch at the Subway just across the parking lot, we were happily lounging at the pool, swimming with DS, and enjoying a relaxing afternoon before our cruise! DS loved the resident alligator!!! I have the cutest photo of him with that!
The shuttle service from the Radisson was also excellent. Many large, clean, comfortable, white Radisson vans/busses... With efficient drivers who are eager to load your luggage and get you on your way. We had no wait whatsoever.
We found Grills to be Okay, but nothing to write home about on the food... DS loved seeing the Magic pull out! Of course, she blew her horn as she passed, and many of us at Grills clapped, and waved, and cheered! DS wanted to make sure to see us pass by and wave back to Grills the next day as we headed out on the Wonder!
We arrived at the port as early as possible Sunday morning... We ended up being like the third family onboard!!! It was fabulous! I had my camera in my hand, ready to take a picture of the CM's who were clapping for us as we boarded and they announced our name. Finally, we were onboard!!!!
After a quick lunch at BBB (which I call topsiders....) we were the first in line for our Palo reservations... 8:30 tonight... I had wanted that last evening, but had realized how hard that would be with scheduling, especially with DS. And, soon we were happily splashing in the Mickey Pool before it got crowded... DS loved it.. He was just beside himself, just jumping and splashing and smiling and sounding off with the other kids!!!! This was gonna be GREAT!!!
Since DS can be a picky eater, and had not found a lot he liked at the buffet, we took a break from the pool to get him a snack on-deck... Low and behold, Who was lurking around the corner but Pinnochio!!! Now DS is not really into cartoon characters... but he went right over to Pinnochio and gave him a big hug!!! I was so happy and proud! DH was not right there with us with the camera... no problem! The photographer got a gorgeous shot of the occasion.... (Boy, Shutters might end up costing us a pretty penny!!!) Here is my first tip.... ALWAYS keep your camera handy in your hand... be READY... The characters are good at appearing from around any corner. The photographers will NOT get a shot of that special moment,, like the look in your childs eyes when they approach their favorite character... or when they hug the character... They will ONLY get the standard approved posed shot... So, be ready!!!
Then, I remembered that DS wanted to see where they drive the boat... OHHHH NOOOO!!!! Here we are in bathing suites, and the only way for DS to see this is to go thru the Spa while it is open to tour..... So, we troop over to the spa in our suits and ask if it would be possible to sneak thru to show DS the bridge... No problem!!!! I guess it helped that the spa seemed to be almost deserted... I guess everyone had already toured and made their appointments!
Soon it was time to head back up to our stateroom and get ready for the lifeboat drill and the sailaway... DS cracked me up!! I guess I should have explained it all to him better... He thinks that when you wear lifejackets it is to go in deep water. When we headed out on deck-four he looked at me with big eyes and said, "We are not gonna jump in with these jackets are we???" Poor fella!!! Then it was on up to Deck 10 for the sailaway party and that long awaited sailaway drink! Unfortunatley, it was not the greatest because it had been pre-made well beforehand.... So, here is another tip... Go up to a bar and have them make you a frozen drink, they are much better!!!
Soon it was time to go see Dreams... We were NOT going to miss this show, as it was DS only chance to see BEAST!!! As everyone has always mentioned about Dreams.... WOW!!!! Just the opening set when the curtains rise!!! Wonderful production.... Of course Ariel had a most wonderful voice!!! ( I have to admit that I did not care for the talent of Anne Marrie or Peter Pan.... Sorry, but her using a high squeaky voice to play a little girl, plus her 'over-acting' just did not seem the greatest to me....) Dreams is an incredible broadway production!!! And, just the look on DS face when Beauty and the Beast waltzed across the stage!!!!
Dinner at Palo was both wonderful, and so-so.... We had Naeome (sp???) from Hungary as our server... She was an excellent server, but did not seem 'polished' at all... Perhaps it was not her best day... She recommended the most wonderful wine for us!!! Unfortunately, I did not order a dish she was recommending... I tryed the Crab Tortellini... very bland... very little crab... Beautifully presented!!! But disappointing non-the-less. DH ordered the Filet with Gorgonzola.... It was much better than my entree!!! But, still, not the wonderful, hot, juicy, flavorfull filet that I had imagined.... Again, perhaps we just did not get the best filet that evening??? What was very good was the Polenta. I had read this before. And it was delicious!! Excellent texture and flavor. Our server brought us an additional dessert, on top of the chocolate souffle... I forget the name of it right now, but it is the Italian light cream custard topped with fresh berries... It was delicious! It was one of the best desserts I had onboard!
Just an additional note to explain about our visit to Palo... We had a late seating. I suppose that I expected a bit of ambience... Well, the lights did not seem to be dimmed, some of the window-drapes were down, and some were not. We got a view of the glaring exterier lights outside along with a reflection of ourselves in the bare glass.... Just a few more of the little things that disappointed... JMHO.... no flames please....
Another tip here.... Palo on the first night... turned out to be quite an experience. A glass of wine, high heels, and a moving ship!!! whoaa!!! LOL!!! As mentioned many times on the boards here, we did hit those higher seas crossing the gulf stream, or whatever, that I have always heard about on that first night... With Palo being on the very top deck, boy were we moving!!!!
We found DS resting on the mats in the club... (the mats had cloth covers, which I was happy to see, assuming that they are all clean!!!!.... is this new???) He said that Minnie Mouse had visited during their Welcome Aboard Party!
We sacked out for the night... But were soon awakened because that ship was still rocking and rolling! We had not securely closed the sliding closet door, using that automatic light as our night-light... and it started sliding open and closed!!
Yes, we were 'cruising' on a ship!!!
So, this was the first day of our cruise! I will add the rest here later! I hate when each day is a separate thread.....
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Day 2 - Nassau ( Atlantis )
The day dawned bright and beautiful, and we could see Atlantis, our destination, from our wonderful verandah... We packed up a large bag with everything we would need for the day (heavy!!!) went for a quick breakfast at Topsiders... and we were off !!! Okay, I will now officially weigh in here on the great coffee debate... I officially declare the coffee on the Wonder to be YUCKY!!! But, caffiene is caffiene, so hey!!! LOL!!!
We had reserved a room for the day at the Comfort Suites... (we had found a great promotional rate!) After waiting a few minutes to join up with another group to fill a taxi-van going in our direction, we were on our way.... We lucked out and had a pretty nice ride with a good driver and an air-conditioned van! One local tried to offer us our own personal taxi, including a tour, price - $20.00 each... Yeah... right! LOL!!!
Atlantis is simply incredible!!! It is a simple walk across the street from the Comfort. Now, we had heard to proceed to the kiosk under the big blue globe in the Casino... But, I think that this may have changed... We were quickly directed out of the Casino towards the Dig aquariums to obtain our wristbands at any towel-hut... ( no kids allowed to stay in the casino ) I do not know if there is a better way to enter the Atlantis other than going thru the Casino or not???
DS loves aquariums, so the Dig was our first order of business... And, it did not disappoint!! It was amazing!!! To bad more of my photos did not come out! We could not help but get DS a colorful Atlantis T-shirt with all of the sea-critters on it...
We stopped for a few photos in one of the main lobbies there, with the big staircase and all, and DS said it was like the Beast' Castle!
Then we changed into our suits, and hit the pools... Very nice! Plenty of shady palm trees... and, after hearing about rude unattentive staff at Atlantis, I could not believe that a guy actually set us up with our towels secured to our lounge chairs.
Well, after awhile, it was on to the beach.... this was a different story... After a long, very HOT, walk down to to the beach, we were very disappointed. The drop off is a bit steep, the surf was a bit rough. ( No way DS could get in....) And, there were no rows of chairs set up! What chairs we saw stacked did not have the shade covers.... There was one guy there who seemed to be in charge of beach chairs. But after quite awhile, we had still not gained his attention.... We very quickly decided to just give up on the beach and to head back up to the pools... As we passed the chair-guy, I asked him that chairs were indeed provided for guest??? "Ya" he says... "We work strictly on tips here." Sorry, but that does not cut it with me... A resort the caliper of Atlantis should have plenty of shady umbrellas and nice rows of beach chairs set up waiting for their guests!!! Their beach is less than inviting... and I do not recommend visiting Atlantis to swim at their beach. Would I visit Atlantis... YES.... But I would plan on visiting the Goombay area, lazy river, etc... instead of the beach. That would have been great!
After a stop for a late lunch at Shark-Bites near the Mayan Temple ($9.00 plus tax and gratuity for a burger and fries to split... we had also brought snacks from the ship.), it was on to take DS to the Ripples kiddie pool area. This is directly on the back side of the Temple, and is very nice. Great photo op with DS with the Temple there!
edited to add: Here is another tip... Wear a 'slippery' swimsuit if you plan on the slides! I had put one on DS that is more like regular shorts, regular type fabric and even a pocket in the back... this kept him from sliding good on the little mini-kids slides!
Then I did a few of the large Temple slides while DH and DS waited... And we were ready to head back to the ship by 5:00p.m. All in all, a wonderful day in the sun!!! (only drawbacks... walking-walking-walking... Atlantis is huge! And, of course, the beach.)
Back onboard, we took DS to the Club and stayed with him with the 3-4 age group (he is 5) to see the Dancing with Snow White... I had really wanted him to see that! He didn't get a personal dance... But, guess who happened to show up at our table at Animators Palate later... Snow White herself!!! "OMG - grab the camera!!!" LOL!!!!!!
At AP, we get to meet our servers and our tablemates for the first time. Our head server is Richard "ri-CHARD" from Hungary I think. He has a wonderful staccato or deep voice! Assistant server is Nikolay "Nick" from Bulgaria, and our head server is Ashkok Sikdar "Sid" from maybe India??? He stopped by our table at least once every evening, and I had to try to keep from smiling at his manner of speaking! The service was very good! But, I do not have any stories to tell of the wonderful things that they did to go out of their way for us, or to entertain us. I think that just did not happen to be in their personalities... The service was more quick, efficient, and perfunctory.... I think they seemed a little rushed....
Just to mention, our Stateroom host was Conrado... While we did not speak to him at length, he always had a huge smile for us as we passed in the hallway! Our stateroom was kept nice and clean, and we discovered wonderful towel animals every evening! On the first night, he had made DS bed with the pillow on the end of the sofa that is right next to our bed... DH and I simply flipped it... (farther from us, and DS is used to his bed at home in the same direction.....) Sure enough, Conrado noticed this, we did not mention it at all. And every night, DS bed was made in the correct direction!
I almost felt that DCL did try to match us with our table-mates.... They were also a couple our age with a six year old son, also from the South! While no friendships were made, we did share a bit of pleasant dinner conversation. They were planning on Palo for the next evening, and asked how we liked it... I gave them our So-So review... recommended the Filet over the Pasta, etc... This turned into a 'situation'.... more on this later!
Needless to say, DS really liked the light-show at AP with all the Disney pictures! I think it kept him occupied and awake during supper! Going by memory here... I had the steak, and DH had the Salmon, maple glazed... Which was very good! I do not particularly care for maple on my seafood, but the Salmon was excellent, flakey and tender. cooked just perfectly.
The Nassau sailaway party was moved indoors to the atrium, due to the threat of rain that never materialized.... We caught a little of that from up on deck 5, walked deck 4 for a bit, and were off to bed....
Whew!!! whoever said that cruising was a 'relaxing' vacation!!!
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Day 3 - Freeport
This was our day to stay onboard... We took DS to the Escape From Hook activity at 10:00a.m., and back to the club to make Flubber at 1:00p.m.... So, we were able to grab a very few precious moments of time at the adult pool with a PinaColada!!! We went for lunch by ourslelves at Topsiders.... unfortunately, it was the oriental buffet... If I had been prepared, I would have gone to one of the restaurants!!!! Otherwise it is the Mickey Pool and lunch on deck for DS. He enjoyed the Pizza from Pinnochios... (He doesn't get this a lot at home.) It wasn't bad for a snack!
A note here... All the food we had on deck was very fresh and very hot! (even if it was not a busy time....) No stale greasy fries or cold Pizza!!! Unfortunately, I wish I could say the same for some of the other food served in the restaurants...... Also, we always got the german sausage instead of the hot-dogs. I had read on the boards here that it was much better. And, I thought so too.
In the Escape from Hook activity, the children have treasure, and they have to keep it safe from Hook... so, after Hook makes his appearance, they all then scare him away by acting like the crododile in the movie, and they all yell "Tick - Tock... Tick Tock!!!!!" DS is back in Kindergarden this morning, but as of yesterday he was still going around saying da-da-da-da tick-tock, tick tock... LOL!!!!
We had missed the first photo session with Captain Mickey (or was it Formal Mickey???????), so when I see that he is back for a repeat appearance, we all dress in our tropical clothes (dinner is at PC...) and we are near the first in line!!! Another TIP here.... the lines for the characters in the atrium will be looonnnggg!!! If you do want to meet them and get a photo.... get there early!!! Our photo turns out GREAT except for the silly smile on my face!!!! Guess I wasn't ready!
It is beautiful evening out... partly overcast... the seas are like glass... we stop on deck four to take a few pictures on deck at dusk... Got a couple of really incredible shots that almost look fake! It is just so nice to be out on deck four that evening at dusk!
As we walk by Studio Sea on our way to supper, the doors are open, and there are a few people in there.... The music is JAMMIN!!! (never did see any DJ or organized activities or drinks being served there.... to bad!!!) DS and I boogie our behinds off to the likes of "Who Let The Dogs Out!!!" and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!!" Hey, we are here to party right!!!! I enjoy sitting back for a moment and watching a group of three pre-teen Britney wanna-be's who are having the absolute time of their lives!!!
Supper tonight is at Parrot Cay. Our tablemates are at Palo, so we have a table to ourselves! This is nice! We enjoy the menu here... DH has the encrusted grouper, which he enjoys. (Grouper is always good!) And I had the special, they offered a Prime Rib! It was nice... Not awesome, but good... (Needed some delicious auJus...) So, we didn't even get to try the Mixed Grill or the BBQ Ribs that I have always heard about!
When the fun starts, I take DS to join in the Conga line, and he has a blast! He says, "let's do that again!!!!"
We still have Castaway Cay, and our snorkeling excursion ahead of us for the next day, and it has already been one heck of a cruise!!! Who ever said that a cruise was relaxing!!! LOL!!!!
Okay, about the 'situation' regarding Palo.... Apparantly, our tablemates mention to the staff at Palo's that we have had supper there on the first night, and while I do not know exactly what they said, apparantly their comments were all negative!!! Anyone who wonders about the service and the handling of complaints on DCL, believe me, they take them seriously! After supper, our Head Server, Sid, approaches us and is very concerned that we may have had a problem with Palo! (Remember, we had not mentioned anything except for those quick passing comments to our tablemates.) And, later, we find a note on the little clip outside our stateroom door, from Naeome our Palo server! I stop at guest services the next evening, obtain a piece of DCL stationery, and write a very nice note, explaining again that we had a nice evening at Palo, and that Naeome had been fine, etc... I have them forward this to both Sid and to Naeome!
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Day 4 - Castaway Cay (Seahorse Snorkle Adventure)
Dawn... Uggghhhh!!!! Do I HAVE to get up!!! It is dark and overcast out this morning.... Ohhh Nooo not on CC day!!!!! I figure there is no huge rush to get out on the island if the weather is going to be like this.... But I finally drag myself out of bed, and we head up for breakfast... As the sun gets higher, it begins to peek thru the clouds, so we run get into our suites, and get out onto CC a little after nine...
Castaway Cay, WOW!!! We stop at the gift shop as we pass thru, because we know we have our snorkle excursion later. Also, I hear that it can be very busy later!!! We have our package sent back to the ship for us, and find a wonderful place on the beach! It is not crowded at all yet... The sun comes shining through for a while for us! All I can say is WONDERFUL!!!!! We only have until lunch... Ohhhh, what few precious minutes!!!! We pull up a couple of the short water-chairs to the shallow waters edge, DH grabs us a Pina Colada, DS plays in the sand with the toddler boy next to us.... Now THIS is why we are here!!! Ahhhh!!!!
TIP: the sand here is GREAT for making sand-castles... If you can, do bring sand toys!
Note: Do head out to the beach early!!!! No only will you get a great spot.... But, the water will be clear and gorgeous!!! It does get murkier as the day goes on....
It is noon now, lunch-time, and it is clouding up again fast... even maybe a tiny sprinkle or two while we eat... Lunch at Cookies is good.... And then we change DS into dry swimsuit and tank top to check him into the kids club... They will be doing 'Water Olympics'. DS tells me that they played Duck-Duck-Goose, and he got dumped with a pail of water!
We are then off to the Seahorse Catamaran... I highly recommend this excursion for those who want to snorkel! It is excellent! It looks to be run by the same outfit that runs the snorkel excursion at Nassau, out of Atlantis... Top notch. I would recommend taking the one at Nassau if possible, so that you do not have to miss any time at Castaway Cay! DH has never snorkeled before, and I think he expected what he saw at the beginning of Finding Nemo!! LOL!!! Of course it is not quite the Great Barrier Reef... But the snorkeling is great! purple fan coral, along with all different kinds of coral... Tropical fish... bright yellow ones, some large flat blue-ish ones, even saw a few of the ones that look like they have an eye-shape on the back of them. And what looked to be a couple of small barracuda too! It was great!
The sun is shining now, and how I wish I had more time to lay back on that beach!!! As everyone has said before, we need MORE time at CC!!!!
Our excursion was scheduled to return at 3:15... which is very last call to pick up kids at the club... But, it was delayed heading out, and when we pull back in it is after 3:30!!!! We take off running for Scuttles Cove, then DH notices a DCL motor-cart coming with counselors in their T-Shirts.... There is DS!!!! (without his shirt!) They are escorting him back to the ship!!!! After we wave each other down they allow us to sign DS out right there on the little roadway! Whew!!! So, be aware of this type of situation when scheduling afternoon excursions.....
I had big plans for the Remember the Magic show with all the kids... Possibly the Golden Mickeys.... But, by this point, DS is completely comatose napping on the sofa!!!! We are all tired! I do go catch Remember the Magic, and it is neat! Parents of kids who have spent a lot of time in the Kids Clubs should definately let their kids participate and attend the show if possible...
Then, it is one last swim in the Mickey Pool for DS..... Which is absolutely deserted!!! Everyone is now heading into their early supper or the Golden Mickeys.
Dinner tonight is at Tritons, and DH and I are going to dress to the nines to have dinner there while DS attends the Farewell Party, the Junkanoo Jam in Studio Sea.... We figure he will have a blast in there dancing with all of the kids!!!
Our server recommends the Pepperdale Pasta with Seafood for DH.... Not great..... Very little sauce on the pasta. The seafood was mostly dry, chewy, overcooked.... Looking back, we should have asked if they could also bring DH the Snapper to try.... I have the Filet with the Lasagna Roll... Again, not great... In fact, my Filet has a very tough streak running through it... it is well-done when I had ordered medium... ( I like it pink!) And it is only luke-warm.... I send it back right away, and they bring another, which is a little better, but still not great... The lasagna roll would be good if it was prepared with some type of a sauce... it is rolled and then baked dry, then held under a heatlamp until served... result.... dry, crunchy, chewy, not tender and flavorful.
Maybe it is the Southern girl in me, but I like my food hot, with plenty of sauce/juice/gravy, and plenty of flavor. I know that food is a personal preference... For me, I found many of the dishes to be bland, lukewarm, convention type fare. While we did have a few nice dishes, over-all I have to admit that I was disappointed in some of the food. JMHO... No flames please.....
DH and I have a relaxing supper together, and then later we go pick up DS, who is resting on a mat in the Club... We figure he might be hungry for a snack, and I see older kids with Pizza!!! Pinochios is open late this evening! (It had been closed earlier...) So, here it is late at night, and we are up on Deck with DS who is munching on Pizza! What a way to end the cruise! LOL!
Man, packing and putting that luggage out on that last night is a bummer! We had considered just hauling it off the ship the next morning.... But, DH decided that if it was Okay to put our luggage out late, we would throw everything in there and put it outside our door....
I was actually glad that we had done that come the next morning... It was nice to have a sit-down breakfast at Tritons, and then just walk off the ship! And, yes, you do simply Walk-Off the ship! Wow!
We stop at lost-and-found on our way out, and sure enough, they have DS missing shirt from Castaway Cay!!!
We proceed to where they have a large permanant tent-cover set up outside the Port. It is sectioned off with signs for each transportation service.... Avis, Radisson, etc... And, before too long, here comes the Radisson van, and we are on our way.
"Bye Bye Disney Boat!!!"
We end up driving the ENTIRE way home, uugghhhh!, anxious to get back and to sleep in our own bed. When we stop for supper, I notice a sensation that I have not felt for several days now, I am actually HUNGRY!!! LOL!!!!
I think it has taken me all of this time to begin to recuperate from our Cruise! Again, who ever said that a cruise was 'relaxing'!!!
Okay, was this report long enough!!!
This is myself, DH, and DS(5). We booked this cruise a year in advance... And I really enjoyed the anticipation! Just a few days before cruising we were upgraded from our Cat.10 SPR to a verandah!!! Boy was I doing the happy dance!!!
We arrived at the Radisson at Port Canaveral on Saturday afternoon after mistakenly exiting off the Florida Turnpike when we should have stayed on..... Thirty minutes and a chunk of change in tolls later, we were finally on the right path, and eager to begin our vacation!!! Just walking in the Lobby and seeing that beautiful pool area outside the opposit windows, and we knew that we had finally 'arrived'!!!!!
The Radisson is beautiful. We had a One King Suite... It was very clean, and just as gorgeous and spacious as the pictures online had showed. Huge walk-in shower, jacuzzi, High ceilings (we were on the top floor....), Tropical decor... very nice! After a quick snack for lunch at the Subway just across the parking lot, we were happily lounging at the pool, swimming with DS, and enjoying a relaxing afternoon before our cruise! DS loved the resident alligator!!! I have the cutest photo of him with that!
The shuttle service from the Radisson was also excellent. Many large, clean, comfortable, white Radisson vans/busses... With efficient drivers who are eager to load your luggage and get you on your way. We had no wait whatsoever.
We found Grills to be Okay, but nothing to write home about on the food... DS loved seeing the Magic pull out! Of course, she blew her horn as she passed, and many of us at Grills clapped, and waved, and cheered! DS wanted to make sure to see us pass by and wave back to Grills the next day as we headed out on the Wonder!
We arrived at the port as early as possible Sunday morning... We ended up being like the third family onboard!!! It was fabulous! I had my camera in my hand, ready to take a picture of the CM's who were clapping for us as we boarded and they announced our name. Finally, we were onboard!!!!
After a quick lunch at BBB (which I call topsiders....) we were the first in line for our Palo reservations... 8:30 tonight... I had wanted that last evening, but had realized how hard that would be with scheduling, especially with DS. And, soon we were happily splashing in the Mickey Pool before it got crowded... DS loved it.. He was just beside himself, just jumping and splashing and smiling and sounding off with the other kids!!!! This was gonna be GREAT!!!
Since DS can be a picky eater, and had not found a lot he liked at the buffet, we took a break from the pool to get him a snack on-deck... Low and behold, Who was lurking around the corner but Pinnochio!!! Now DS is not really into cartoon characters... but he went right over to Pinnochio and gave him a big hug!!! I was so happy and proud! DH was not right there with us with the camera... no problem! The photographer got a gorgeous shot of the occasion.... (Boy, Shutters might end up costing us a pretty penny!!!) Here is my first tip.... ALWAYS keep your camera handy in your hand... be READY... The characters are good at appearing from around any corner. The photographers will NOT get a shot of that special moment,, like the look in your childs eyes when they approach their favorite character... or when they hug the character... They will ONLY get the standard approved posed shot... So, be ready!!!
Then, I remembered that DS wanted to see where they drive the boat... OHHHH NOOOO!!!! Here we are in bathing suites, and the only way for DS to see this is to go thru the Spa while it is open to tour..... So, we troop over to the spa in our suits and ask if it would be possible to sneak thru to show DS the bridge... No problem!!!! I guess it helped that the spa seemed to be almost deserted... I guess everyone had already toured and made their appointments!
Soon it was time to head back up to our stateroom and get ready for the lifeboat drill and the sailaway... DS cracked me up!! I guess I should have explained it all to him better... He thinks that when you wear lifejackets it is to go in deep water. When we headed out on deck-four he looked at me with big eyes and said, "We are not gonna jump in with these jackets are we???" Poor fella!!! Then it was on up to Deck 10 for the sailaway party and that long awaited sailaway drink! Unfortunatley, it was not the greatest because it had been pre-made well beforehand.... So, here is another tip... Go up to a bar and have them make you a frozen drink, they are much better!!!
Soon it was time to go see Dreams... We were NOT going to miss this show, as it was DS only chance to see BEAST!!! As everyone has always mentioned about Dreams.... WOW!!!! Just the opening set when the curtains rise!!! Wonderful production.... Of course Ariel had a most wonderful voice!!! ( I have to admit that I did not care for the talent of Anne Marrie or Peter Pan.... Sorry, but her using a high squeaky voice to play a little girl, plus her 'over-acting' just did not seem the greatest to me....) Dreams is an incredible broadway production!!! And, just the look on DS face when Beauty and the Beast waltzed across the stage!!!!
Dinner at Palo was both wonderful, and so-so.... We had Naeome (sp???) from Hungary as our server... She was an excellent server, but did not seem 'polished' at all... Perhaps it was not her best day... She recommended the most wonderful wine for us!!! Unfortunately, I did not order a dish she was recommending... I tryed the Crab Tortellini... very bland... very little crab... Beautifully presented!!! But disappointing non-the-less. DH ordered the Filet with Gorgonzola.... It was much better than my entree!!! But, still, not the wonderful, hot, juicy, flavorfull filet that I had imagined.... Again, perhaps we just did not get the best filet that evening??? What was very good was the Polenta. I had read this before. And it was delicious!! Excellent texture and flavor. Our server brought us an additional dessert, on top of the chocolate souffle... I forget the name of it right now, but it is the Italian light cream custard topped with fresh berries... It was delicious! It was one of the best desserts I had onboard!
Just an additional note to explain about our visit to Palo... We had a late seating. I suppose that I expected a bit of ambience... Well, the lights did not seem to be dimmed, some of the window-drapes were down, and some were not. We got a view of the glaring exterier lights outside along with a reflection of ourselves in the bare glass.... Just a few more of the little things that disappointed... JMHO.... no flames please....
Another tip here.... Palo on the first night... turned out to be quite an experience. A glass of wine, high heels, and a moving ship!!! whoaa!!! LOL!!! As mentioned many times on the boards here, we did hit those higher seas crossing the gulf stream, or whatever, that I have always heard about on that first night... With Palo being on the very top deck, boy were we moving!!!!
We found DS resting on the mats in the club... (the mats had cloth covers, which I was happy to see, assuming that they are all clean!!!!.... is this new???) He said that Minnie Mouse had visited during their Welcome Aboard Party!
We sacked out for the night... But were soon awakened because that ship was still rocking and rolling! We had not securely closed the sliding closet door, using that automatic light as our night-light... and it started sliding open and closed!!
Yes, we were 'cruising' on a ship!!!
So, this was the first day of our cruise! I will add the rest here later! I hate when each day is a separate thread.....
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Day 2 - Nassau ( Atlantis )
The day dawned bright and beautiful, and we could see Atlantis, our destination, from our wonderful verandah... We packed up a large bag with everything we would need for the day (heavy!!!) went for a quick breakfast at Topsiders... and we were off !!! Okay, I will now officially weigh in here on the great coffee debate... I officially declare the coffee on the Wonder to be YUCKY!!! But, caffiene is caffiene, so hey!!! LOL!!!
We had reserved a room for the day at the Comfort Suites... (we had found a great promotional rate!) After waiting a few minutes to join up with another group to fill a taxi-van going in our direction, we were on our way.... We lucked out and had a pretty nice ride with a good driver and an air-conditioned van! One local tried to offer us our own personal taxi, including a tour, price - $20.00 each... Yeah... right! LOL!!!
Atlantis is simply incredible!!! It is a simple walk across the street from the Comfort. Now, we had heard to proceed to the kiosk under the big blue globe in the Casino... But, I think that this may have changed... We were quickly directed out of the Casino towards the Dig aquariums to obtain our wristbands at any towel-hut... ( no kids allowed to stay in the casino ) I do not know if there is a better way to enter the Atlantis other than going thru the Casino or not???
DS loves aquariums, so the Dig was our first order of business... And, it did not disappoint!! It was amazing!!! To bad more of my photos did not come out! We could not help but get DS a colorful Atlantis T-shirt with all of the sea-critters on it...
We stopped for a few photos in one of the main lobbies there, with the big staircase and all, and DS said it was like the Beast' Castle!
Then we changed into our suits, and hit the pools... Very nice! Plenty of shady palm trees... and, after hearing about rude unattentive staff at Atlantis, I could not believe that a guy actually set us up with our towels secured to our lounge chairs.
Well, after awhile, it was on to the beach.... this was a different story... After a long, very HOT, walk down to to the beach, we were very disappointed. The drop off is a bit steep, the surf was a bit rough. ( No way DS could get in....) And, there were no rows of chairs set up! What chairs we saw stacked did not have the shade covers.... There was one guy there who seemed to be in charge of beach chairs. But after quite awhile, we had still not gained his attention.... We very quickly decided to just give up on the beach and to head back up to the pools... As we passed the chair-guy, I asked him that chairs were indeed provided for guest??? "Ya" he says... "We work strictly on tips here." Sorry, but that does not cut it with me... A resort the caliper of Atlantis should have plenty of shady umbrellas and nice rows of beach chairs set up waiting for their guests!!! Their beach is less than inviting... and I do not recommend visiting Atlantis to swim at their beach. Would I visit Atlantis... YES.... But I would plan on visiting the Goombay area, lazy river, etc... instead of the beach. That would have been great!
After a stop for a late lunch at Shark-Bites near the Mayan Temple ($9.00 plus tax and gratuity for a burger and fries to split... we had also brought snacks from the ship.), it was on to take DS to the Ripples kiddie pool area. This is directly on the back side of the Temple, and is very nice. Great photo op with DS with the Temple there!
edited to add: Here is another tip... Wear a 'slippery' swimsuit if you plan on the slides! I had put one on DS that is more like regular shorts, regular type fabric and even a pocket in the back... this kept him from sliding good on the little mini-kids slides!
Then I did a few of the large Temple slides while DH and DS waited... And we were ready to head back to the ship by 5:00p.m. All in all, a wonderful day in the sun!!! (only drawbacks... walking-walking-walking... Atlantis is huge! And, of course, the beach.)
Back onboard, we took DS to the Club and stayed with him with the 3-4 age group (he is 5) to see the Dancing with Snow White... I had really wanted him to see that! He didn't get a personal dance... But, guess who happened to show up at our table at Animators Palate later... Snow White herself!!! "OMG - grab the camera!!!" LOL!!!!!!
At AP, we get to meet our servers and our tablemates for the first time. Our head server is Richard "ri-CHARD" from Hungary I think. He has a wonderful staccato or deep voice! Assistant server is Nikolay "Nick" from Bulgaria, and our head server is Ashkok Sikdar "Sid" from maybe India??? He stopped by our table at least once every evening, and I had to try to keep from smiling at his manner of speaking! The service was very good! But, I do not have any stories to tell of the wonderful things that they did to go out of their way for us, or to entertain us. I think that just did not happen to be in their personalities... The service was more quick, efficient, and perfunctory.... I think they seemed a little rushed....
Just to mention, our Stateroom host was Conrado... While we did not speak to him at length, he always had a huge smile for us as we passed in the hallway! Our stateroom was kept nice and clean, and we discovered wonderful towel animals every evening! On the first night, he had made DS bed with the pillow on the end of the sofa that is right next to our bed... DH and I simply flipped it... (farther from us, and DS is used to his bed at home in the same direction.....) Sure enough, Conrado noticed this, we did not mention it at all. And every night, DS bed was made in the correct direction!
I almost felt that DCL did try to match us with our table-mates.... They were also a couple our age with a six year old son, also from the South! While no friendships were made, we did share a bit of pleasant dinner conversation. They were planning on Palo for the next evening, and asked how we liked it... I gave them our So-So review... recommended the Filet over the Pasta, etc... This turned into a 'situation'.... more on this later!
Needless to say, DS really liked the light-show at AP with all the Disney pictures! I think it kept him occupied and awake during supper! Going by memory here... I had the steak, and DH had the Salmon, maple glazed... Which was very good! I do not particularly care for maple on my seafood, but the Salmon was excellent, flakey and tender. cooked just perfectly.
The Nassau sailaway party was moved indoors to the atrium, due to the threat of rain that never materialized.... We caught a little of that from up on deck 5, walked deck 4 for a bit, and were off to bed....
Whew!!! whoever said that cruising was a 'relaxing' vacation!!!
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Day 3 - Freeport
This was our day to stay onboard... We took DS to the Escape From Hook activity at 10:00a.m., and back to the club to make Flubber at 1:00p.m.... So, we were able to grab a very few precious moments of time at the adult pool with a PinaColada!!! We went for lunch by ourslelves at Topsiders.... unfortunately, it was the oriental buffet... If I had been prepared, I would have gone to one of the restaurants!!!! Otherwise it is the Mickey Pool and lunch on deck for DS. He enjoyed the Pizza from Pinnochios... (He doesn't get this a lot at home.) It wasn't bad for a snack!
A note here... All the food we had on deck was very fresh and very hot! (even if it was not a busy time....) No stale greasy fries or cold Pizza!!! Unfortunately, I wish I could say the same for some of the other food served in the restaurants...... Also, we always got the german sausage instead of the hot-dogs. I had read on the boards here that it was much better. And, I thought so too.
In the Escape from Hook activity, the children have treasure, and they have to keep it safe from Hook... so, after Hook makes his appearance, they all then scare him away by acting like the crododile in the movie, and they all yell "Tick - Tock... Tick Tock!!!!!" DS is back in Kindergarden this morning, but as of yesterday he was still going around saying da-da-da-da tick-tock, tick tock... LOL!!!!
We had missed the first photo session with Captain Mickey (or was it Formal Mickey???????), so when I see that he is back for a repeat appearance, we all dress in our tropical clothes (dinner is at PC...) and we are near the first in line!!! Another TIP here.... the lines for the characters in the atrium will be looonnnggg!!! If you do want to meet them and get a photo.... get there early!!! Our photo turns out GREAT except for the silly smile on my face!!!! Guess I wasn't ready!
It is beautiful evening out... partly overcast... the seas are like glass... we stop on deck four to take a few pictures on deck at dusk... Got a couple of really incredible shots that almost look fake! It is just so nice to be out on deck four that evening at dusk!
As we walk by Studio Sea on our way to supper, the doors are open, and there are a few people in there.... The music is JAMMIN!!! (never did see any DJ or organized activities or drinks being served there.... to bad!!!) DS and I boogie our behinds off to the likes of "Who Let The Dogs Out!!!" and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!!!" Hey, we are here to party right!!!! I enjoy sitting back for a moment and watching a group of three pre-teen Britney wanna-be's who are having the absolute time of their lives!!!
Supper tonight is at Parrot Cay. Our tablemates are at Palo, so we have a table to ourselves! This is nice! We enjoy the menu here... DH has the encrusted grouper, which he enjoys. (Grouper is always good!) And I had the special, they offered a Prime Rib! It was nice... Not awesome, but good... (Needed some delicious auJus...) So, we didn't even get to try the Mixed Grill or the BBQ Ribs that I have always heard about!
When the fun starts, I take DS to join in the Conga line, and he has a blast! He says, "let's do that again!!!!"
We still have Castaway Cay, and our snorkeling excursion ahead of us for the next day, and it has already been one heck of a cruise!!! Who ever said that a cruise was relaxing!!! LOL!!!!
Okay, about the 'situation' regarding Palo.... Apparantly, our tablemates mention to the staff at Palo's that we have had supper there on the first night, and while I do not know exactly what they said, apparantly their comments were all negative!!! Anyone who wonders about the service and the handling of complaints on DCL, believe me, they take them seriously! After supper, our Head Server, Sid, approaches us and is very concerned that we may have had a problem with Palo! (Remember, we had not mentioned anything except for those quick passing comments to our tablemates.) And, later, we find a note on the little clip outside our stateroom door, from Naeome our Palo server! I stop at guest services the next evening, obtain a piece of DCL stationery, and write a very nice note, explaining again that we had a nice evening at Palo, and that Naeome had been fine, etc... I have them forward this to both Sid and to Naeome!
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Day 4 - Castaway Cay (Seahorse Snorkle Adventure)
Dawn... Uggghhhh!!!! Do I HAVE to get up!!! It is dark and overcast out this morning.... Ohhh Nooo not on CC day!!!!! I figure there is no huge rush to get out on the island if the weather is going to be like this.... But I finally drag myself out of bed, and we head up for breakfast... As the sun gets higher, it begins to peek thru the clouds, so we run get into our suites, and get out onto CC a little after nine...
Castaway Cay, WOW!!! We stop at the gift shop as we pass thru, because we know we have our snorkle excursion later. Also, I hear that it can be very busy later!!! We have our package sent back to the ship for us, and find a wonderful place on the beach! It is not crowded at all yet... The sun comes shining through for a while for us! All I can say is WONDERFUL!!!!! We only have until lunch... Ohhhh, what few precious minutes!!!! We pull up a couple of the short water-chairs to the shallow waters edge, DH grabs us a Pina Colada, DS plays in the sand with the toddler boy next to us.... Now THIS is why we are here!!! Ahhhh!!!!
TIP: the sand here is GREAT for making sand-castles... If you can, do bring sand toys!
Note: Do head out to the beach early!!!! No only will you get a great spot.... But, the water will be clear and gorgeous!!! It does get murkier as the day goes on....
It is noon now, lunch-time, and it is clouding up again fast... even maybe a tiny sprinkle or two while we eat... Lunch at Cookies is good.... And then we change DS into dry swimsuit and tank top to check him into the kids club... They will be doing 'Water Olympics'. DS tells me that they played Duck-Duck-Goose, and he got dumped with a pail of water!
We are then off to the Seahorse Catamaran... I highly recommend this excursion for those who want to snorkel! It is excellent! It looks to be run by the same outfit that runs the snorkel excursion at Nassau, out of Atlantis... Top notch. I would recommend taking the one at Nassau if possible, so that you do not have to miss any time at Castaway Cay! DH has never snorkeled before, and I think he expected what he saw at the beginning of Finding Nemo!! LOL!!! Of course it is not quite the Great Barrier Reef... But the snorkeling is great! purple fan coral, along with all different kinds of coral... Tropical fish... bright yellow ones, some large flat blue-ish ones, even saw a few of the ones that look like they have an eye-shape on the back of them. And what looked to be a couple of small barracuda too! It was great!
The sun is shining now, and how I wish I had more time to lay back on that beach!!! As everyone has said before, we need MORE time at CC!!!!
Our excursion was scheduled to return at 3:15... which is very last call to pick up kids at the club... But, it was delayed heading out, and when we pull back in it is after 3:30!!!! We take off running for Scuttles Cove, then DH notices a DCL motor-cart coming with counselors in their T-Shirts.... There is DS!!!! (without his shirt!) They are escorting him back to the ship!!!! After we wave each other down they allow us to sign DS out right there on the little roadway! Whew!!! So, be aware of this type of situation when scheduling afternoon excursions.....
I had big plans for the Remember the Magic show with all the kids... Possibly the Golden Mickeys.... But, by this point, DS is completely comatose napping on the sofa!!!! We are all tired! I do go catch Remember the Magic, and it is neat! Parents of kids who have spent a lot of time in the Kids Clubs should definately let their kids participate and attend the show if possible...
Then, it is one last swim in the Mickey Pool for DS..... Which is absolutely deserted!!! Everyone is now heading into their early supper or the Golden Mickeys.
Dinner tonight is at Tritons, and DH and I are going to dress to the nines to have dinner there while DS attends the Farewell Party, the Junkanoo Jam in Studio Sea.... We figure he will have a blast in there dancing with all of the kids!!!
Our server recommends the Pepperdale Pasta with Seafood for DH.... Not great..... Very little sauce on the pasta. The seafood was mostly dry, chewy, overcooked.... Looking back, we should have asked if they could also bring DH the Snapper to try.... I have the Filet with the Lasagna Roll... Again, not great... In fact, my Filet has a very tough streak running through it... it is well-done when I had ordered medium... ( I like it pink!) And it is only luke-warm.... I send it back right away, and they bring another, which is a little better, but still not great... The lasagna roll would be good if it was prepared with some type of a sauce... it is rolled and then baked dry, then held under a heatlamp until served... result.... dry, crunchy, chewy, not tender and flavorful.
Maybe it is the Southern girl in me, but I like my food hot, with plenty of sauce/juice/gravy, and plenty of flavor. I know that food is a personal preference... For me, I found many of the dishes to be bland, lukewarm, convention type fare. While we did have a few nice dishes, over-all I have to admit that I was disappointed in some of the food. JMHO... No flames please.....
DH and I have a relaxing supper together, and then later we go pick up DS, who is resting on a mat in the Club... We figure he might be hungry for a snack, and I see older kids with Pizza!!! Pinochios is open late this evening! (It had been closed earlier...) So, here it is late at night, and we are up on Deck with DS who is munching on Pizza! What a way to end the cruise! LOL!
Man, packing and putting that luggage out on that last night is a bummer! We had considered just hauling it off the ship the next morning.... But, DH decided that if it was Okay to put our luggage out late, we would throw everything in there and put it outside our door....
I was actually glad that we had done that come the next morning... It was nice to have a sit-down breakfast at Tritons, and then just walk off the ship! And, yes, you do simply Walk-Off the ship! Wow!
We stop at lost-and-found on our way out, and sure enough, they have DS missing shirt from Castaway Cay!!!
We proceed to where they have a large permanant tent-cover set up outside the Port. It is sectioned off with signs for each transportation service.... Avis, Radisson, etc... And, before too long, here comes the Radisson van, and we are on our way.
"Bye Bye Disney Boat!!!"
We end up driving the ENTIRE way home, uugghhhh!, anxious to get back and to sleep in our own bed. When we stop for supper, I notice a sensation that I have not felt for several days now, I am actually HUNGRY!!! LOL!!!!
I think it has taken me all of this time to begin to recuperate from our Cruise! Again, who ever said that a cruise was 'relaxing'!!!
Okay, was this report long enough!!!
By the way, lived in Panama City for a while while DH went to Navy Dive school (a lifetime ago- 12 yrs?) ...Beautiful! 
Are you gonna post any pics soon? Just wondering.
