Our Double-Double Dip 17 Day Florida Vacation....

[bubba's mom]

My trip report actually starts in Universal, where we were for 3 days prior to the cruise. At the end of our last day at Universal, our driver picked us up and took us to the CI&S at the port....the pictures of our Kids Suite are at the end of Day 3 ....here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1887203&page=4

You can read the report from the beginning by clicking the link in my sig....

OR, to jump to the cruise, start at post number 82:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1887203&page=6

Be forewarned...they take VERY long to do....so there is quite a break in between postings.....


Thanks for reading

 

[rick soetemans]

what is this double dip I hear everyone talking about?

 

[bubba's mom]

what is this double dip I hear everyone talking about?

welcome to the DIS!


'double dip' means 2 stops at Castaway Cay on your cruise

 

[bubba's mom]

Updated....Day 2 posted

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=26665843#post26665843

 

[LITTLEKID58]

TFS looks like you had a awesome time...

 

[bubba's mom]

Updated.... http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1887203&page=10


....post #147....Nassau day.

 

[bubba's mom]

Updated: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27257474#post27257474


Second day of double dip (and last evening aboard).....

 

[bubba's mom]

Completed cruise report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=27276659#post27276659

(Morning of debarkation)


Thanks for reading!

 

[jenseib]

Can you copy and paste each post here too?

 

[jenseib]

Just read the first installment. What fun! I love all the pictures. To me that is very improtant in a trip report.
You are very pretty too!
did you ask to have the bunk bed? I know we will not want the bunk pulled down for DD and rather her not know about it either. LOL!
sorry about your camera. Where you able to get it fixed?

 

[bubba's mom]

Just read the first installment. What fun! I love all the pictures. To me that is very improtant in a trip report.
You are very pretty too!
did you ask to have the bunk bed? I know we will not want the bunk pulled down for DD and rather her not know about it either. LOL!
sorry about your camera. Where you able to get it fixed?

Nope...camera not fixable...got a new one when we got home

We asked for the bed to be pulled down each night....I'm sure you can let your cabin attendant know which you prefer

 

[bubba's mom]

(beginning of trip report actually begins at Universal...but this picks up from our last day at Universal....)


I booked us a kids suite at the Country Inn & Suites and it was perfect! It was just what I was looking for. There were bunk beds, a twin bed and tv in a small, doorless room separated from our part of the room; which had a queen bed, tv, mini fridge, microwave and table/chairs. There was plenty of room for all of us...even if we had another person.

Although, with only 1 bathroom and sink, might have gotten a little crowded. I do believe our bathroom at the Portofino the past few days has spoiled us..... forever...

Our room overlooked the pool, but we didn't use it. Pool here and here. After getting a bit organized, we decided to hit the hay, as we were all tired...especially Bubba.

Up next.....our Disney cruise begins

 

[bubba's mom]

Okay, this brings us to our embarkation day of my son's very first cruise. He has been waiting, according to him, forever, for this cruise. He has been very excited about taking the cruise, going to the Oceaneer Lab and sleeping in a bunkbed.

This is going to be a looong day, so use the potty and have all snacks and beverages handy....here we go....


Day 4 - Sunday, June 29, 2008


We all decided to sleep in a bit since it was a full day and late night yesterday. I was the first up at 8am to get my shower and get ready to go. Everyone else soon woke up and got ready and we headed to breakfast at about 10am so we would have time to eat and catch the 11am shuttle.

Let me mention, for a newer hotel, the elevators are extremely SLOW (and we were only on the 2nd floor!) We were accustomed to the quick elevators at the Portofino Bay. Instead of waiting for the elevator, we just went down the lobby stairs figuring it'd be a heckuva lot quicker...and, it was.

Our breakfast was good. They had make your own waffles, a toaster for bagels, Poptarts, toast & muffins. Cereal, eggs, bacon & sausage were readily available. As were, biscuits/gravy, milk, juices, iced tea, coffee, etc....

We finished breakfast and went back to the room to use the bathroom one last time and finish packing up.

The elevators were still slow, so as we were waiting for one, DH told me to go check us out while he waited for the elevator with the luggage. I walked down the lobby stairs, checked out and was back upstairs waiting for the elevator with him and the luggage! It's a great hotel and wonderful breakfast, but be warned, elevators will take a long time.

Just as I was taking a picture of the lobby, my DH was yelling for us to come outside. He had taken the luggage cart right outside to wait for our shuttle, and I have no idea what happened, but we managed to get an earlier shuttle. Well, you don't have to tell me twice, I'm SO there. Out we went, loaded the luggage and we were on our way! (I don't know the exact time, but it I'm figuring it was about 10:45am) I liked that the $3pp shuttle fee was paid at check-in on our credit card...didn't have to worry about that, just his tip.

Now, never being dropped off by hotel shuttle before, we checked our bags with the porter at the curb (which seemed really far away, but that's where we were supposed to drop our checked bags) and headed to the terminal.

On our way, to the terminal, we were asked for ID. Not a problem. Passports in hand.

As we approached the terminal to security, I was extremely surprised that there wasn't a line. Where was everybody? We walked right up to x-ray/security line and I put our rolling cooler up on the x-ray belt and the very first thing the security guy asked me was, "Is there any ice in it?" Told him "absolutely not" and since the zipper was broken (don't ask), he just looked in there and helped me lay it down to go thru the x-ray....not a problem at all.

After breezin' through security, we went up the escalator and there was a CM who handed us a boarding number and directed us to the check-in line. It was now that I happened to notice it would seem "everybody" was already here and sitting around in the terminal....waiting.

I was surprised there was only 1 guy ahead of us in line to check-in. We were directed to a CM very close to the exit/other end of the line. While I was checking us in (and Mom was next to me checking herself in), my husband struck up a conversation w/ the CM directing you to which window to check-in at. He was from our area and knew exactly where we lived. He mentioned where he lived and I knew exactly where it was...behind Bubba's doctor. Small World...how 'bout that?

Then, CM 'Barbara' came up to me and asked me our room number and last name and told me she'd tell me why in a second. Well, when a CM asks you your cabin number and last name, you tell them. I must have had a puzzled look on my face because she wrote it down and then told me that since it was Disney's Year of a Million Dreams, our family was chosen as the Dream Family to kick off boarding and board the ship first. Huh...excuse me? Us? Why? Really? Oh the irony! Oh my dear Barbara....if you only knew how much our family loves Universal!

She even asked if Bubba was already registered for the kids club, and I told her yes, I did that online. Then, she said, "Well, let's just go over there and get him officially checked in and get you your pager." She totally cut us in front of a line that was at least 20-30 minutes long. Score.

A pictureBubba took. Bubba was very fascinated with the model ship...and took these pictures of the back of it: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Then, she took us over to the concierge waiting area where we sat and waited to get our picture taken and start boarding the ship. Someone brought over an envelope to Barbara and she handed it to me. It was a certificate to commemorate being chosen as the Dream Family. We chatted with her in the concierge area (she didn't leave our side until we boarded) until she told us it was time to go the ship model to have our photograph taken.

Goofy was there having his picture taken with the passengers and Mickey was soon coming to relieve him. She told us that since we were chosen as the Dream Family, we would be the only family to have our picture taken with BOTH characters.

A picture of just my son with Mickey & Goofy.

And here too.

Barbara told us that Mickey's handler would take a picture with our camera if we wanted him to. That is where my luck ran out. For whatever reason, I handed my camera to my DH and he didn't have it......and it fell to the floor...right on the lens. Gone. Broken. Crap. BUT, we still had our son's digital camera....we were just down to 1 camera now instead of 2.

We took our picture with the characters and then headed back to the concierge area to wait to board. It wasn't very long (maybe 10 minutes) and they were ready to start boarding.

The announcer came out to ask us how to pronounce our last name and make sure he knew how to say the city we were from.

Then, he announced to the terminal who we were, where we were from and we were ready to start boarding.

We had plenty of time to have our boarding pictures taken and then we were announced on the ship. Sweet.

My son was the very first passenger on the Wonder that day...he thought that was way cool. And, of course, we got a family picture.

We had headed for the aft of the ship for lunch, but since we had just eaten a full breakfast, we realized we weren't hungry enough to eat, and skipped the boarding lunch (for now anyway). I was a deer in the headlights, I had no idea what to do.

Had I known we'd be the first family to board, I could have had a plan, but I had nuthin'. Thinking quickly, we decided to head to Deck 10 to score some pictures while the boat was still empty. I managed to get a picture of an empty Mickey pool and an empty Goofy pool and here and the Quiet Cove adult pool. Quiet Cove 2. Quiet Cove 3.

I also scored some pix of the eatries on Deck 9 (none of which we would ever eat at) Pinnochio's Pizza , Pluto's "Dog" House 1. Pluto's "Dog" House 2. and Goofy's Galley.

After a few pictures from up top, my son suggested we visit the Oceaneer's Lab. So, we set out to find that. At first, we walked right past it, not realizing the entrance wasn't along a main hallway....it was tucked in the middle of the ship...across from elevators and actually between the stairs. We got there only to find out, it didn't open for another 15 minutes. Well, I didn't know what else to do, (and we weren't hungry, remember?), so Mom found a seat and we decided to hang out and wait for it to open.

Finally, after what seemed forever to Bubba, the Lab opened. We talked with a CM there, got a Navigator and I took many pictures.

Oceaneer Lab pix: computers , activity area , pic 2 , pic 3 , pic 4 , MORE computers , pic 5 , more activity area , computers/activity area and an activity table.

Bubba crawling through the wall....and coming out the other side onto the beanbag chairs!

The computers have all different games on them and Bubba happened to find a computer with Rollercoaster Tycoon Platinum on it...a game that was MIA in his room prior to vacation. He was excited!

They also have a place to mock drive/steer the ship. Bubba had a good time doing this!

Along with many board games, arts and crafts, beading, etc..., they have a Wii and PS2. One of the popular things they have is Mario Cart competition for 4 players on the giant screen tv. To give you an idea how large this screen is, when it's divided into 4 sections (for the Mario Cart competition), one quarter is still larger than our old 52" tv.

They kept the kids busy with activites in the Lab, in Studio Sea (another room they'd go to) and the sports deck. Studio Sea 2 and Studio Sea 3

They also had plenty of free time...which, Bubba REALLY enjoyed!

I thought the Lab was run wonderfully.... Between: the pager we got, signing the kids in and out (& requesting a password), and when they entered the Lab, they received a squirt of soap in their hand and were directed right to the bathroom to wash their hands and the fact that we were able to just "stop by" and peek in, or say "Hi" to him if we wanted, we have absolutely no complaints about the Lab, the staff and how it was run. A job well done Disney.

We were in the Lab for a long time and once we were finished at the Lab, I went to check out the Oceaneer Club and I took some pictures to report back on.... Club 1 , Club 2 , Club 3 , Club 4 , Club 5 , Club 6 (which was a tv), and Club 7.

By this point, we were looking for something to do because it wasn't quite 1:30 and we couldn't get into our cabins yet. I asked Bubba if he wanted to swim (had his duds in my bag), he didn't. So, we joined Mom at the chairs on Deck 5 overlooking the atrium and just watched the people board. I thought it was a very nice touch that everyone was announced as they boarded and a CM personally greeted each party boarding.

After sitting here for about 20 minutes or so, we realized it was getting close to 1:30 and we were able to get into our cabin soon. Here is a good place to interject that the ship is marked very well. Every elevator tells you the deck and whether you are 'forward', 'mid' or 'aft'. Sometimes there was a deckplan on the wall near the elevators too...but, if you remember you eat in the aft (back) of the ship most times, you'll always have an idea of where you're going to eat

So, we went to the mid ship on Deck 2 (had connecting Cat 9's) and would soon find out, we weren't far enough "forward". We stood in the elevator "lobby" area, along with everyone else, waiting for the ropes to drop so we could make our way to our cabin. We were standing there (maybe 10 minutes, if that) talking and all of a sudden, there was another passenger on the other side of the rope in the hallway!

Hey! So, just as we were going to lift the rope, a CM was there to do it. We made a right down the hall and found our cabins....We were the cabin second from the elevator lobby from the 'forward' elevators! ....dang...I knew that!

We opened the door to our cabin and we loved it. We were 2030 (Cat. 9, Deck 2) and Mom was adjoining in 2032. Bubba was pretty confused by the two bathrooms (and the step UP into them), but he eventually thought it was cool.

Sink with tub/adjustable height showerhead in this room and then hopper and sink in this room. Definetely a "one" person bathroom .... not much room if you need to use the hopper!

We thought all the storage space was great...but, I don't think we used the steamer trunk for any storage at all. Steamer trunk 2, Steamer trunk 3, and steamer trunk 4.We all had plenty of room.

Cabin pix: Bubba on the sofa , vanity area , another vanity view , our queen, pillowtop, comfy bed and here. A shot from the window toward the door.

Our closet , our closet and safe. Another picture of the safe and storage drawers and yet another picture of the safe to gauge the size of it.

If you need an extra blanket,it is above the tv (I would find that out 2 nights later!)

Make sure you bring a clock that lights up in the dark (that is, if you want to see the time in the dark) and to use as a nightlight. This is the clock they have in your room.

Of course, we had our OBC and excursion tickets waiting for us on our bed.

Let's move on to the 'beverage cooler'...shall we? Open and ready to fill! We start with 1 beer to give you an idea of the size. It didn't take long to fill the cooler. I had asked for ice to chill a couple bottles, but Nerisa (our cabin attendant) told us that the back of the cooler was the coldest part. And...she was right. Every time we grabbed a drink, it was from the back and rather cold. Now, I will agree, not ice cold like from home, but given what it was, the beer was cold enough to drink. We wouldn't hesitate to bring our own and use it again.

Cooler full, I quickly unpacked a few essentials and decorated our door , and Mom's door....(which, I would later find out from our cabin attendant) was a big hit. She said a LOT of people stopped to admire it and wondered (out loud), "why didn't we think of that?" (I'm sure being right near the elevators didn't hurt either )

By now, it's about 2pm and my boys are starting to feel the hunger pains. Well, how about we check out the buffet then?

Everyone agreed and we went in search of Beach Blanket Buffet. The themeing was great, and the food selection was not a disappointment. Buffet 1 , buffet 2 , buffet 3 , buffet 4 , carved beef and dessert. And, a close up on those desserts...of course!

At the entrance to the buffet (and every restaurant I would soon find out) there would be a (CM holding sometimes) tub of pop-up disposable hand sanitizing wipes. You wiped your hands and then disposed of the cloth in the trash at the 'station' there. While an excellent idea, quite annoying by the end of the trip.

There were choices-a-plenty for the buffet, but we had a 'snack' moreso than 'lunch', since dinner was at 5:45. Bubba clownin' around.

After our snack, it was only about 3pm and we didn't have muster till 4. So, we walked on the deck outside and took some pictures. Another picture. Helpful if you're interested in taking a jog. We even played a couple of rounds of shuffleboard.

We wandered around and found the Walt Disney Theater, because this is where our muster drill was ....and the shopping area decorated nicely for the Golden Mickey's show that evening. Pictures in the hallway of the shopping area: Mickey , Donald's nephews , Goofy too and Mickey & Minnie.

We found ourselves on the other side of the ship and snapped some pictures of the terminal from the ship. Another picture , and the gangway.

We had just enough time to run back and scope out the secret Deck 7....noticing Beach Blanket Buffet at the top.

By this time, we had to head back for our muster drill. We were in the Walt Disney Theater. We really couldn't hear the cruise director over the intercom, guess it wasn't working in the theater?? But, not to fret, Team Leaders told us what we needed to know. I did notice on our way out, this mess....geez people, we haven't even left port yet and you are letting your kids leave a mess!

Okay, after muster and depositing lifevests back in our room, we headed up to Deck 10 for the sail away party. I decided not to wear shoes. Whoops. THAT was a mistake. Didn't realize how hot the deck was gonna be....but, lucky for me, DH got warm and took his shirt off...which, I then stood on

The sail away party was very fun and I can see why it's a not to be missed event. We all got streamers to wave and Bubba even caught some as they shot them with the confetti as we pulled out. Mom and Bubba scored a spot directly across from the stage, while DH and I stood off to the side. I wanted to be able to get a picture of the CMs at the terminal waving goodbye to us. We were standing next to another DISer (my DH found out by asking because of the color of her shirt) and the girls' shirts read: "5 girls, 1 guy. Our dream. His nightmare." While, the guy's shirt read: "5 girls. 1 guy. Their dream. My nightmare." They were very cute.

After the crew did their songs and dance, Rachel our Cruise Director appeared to introduce our 'hosts' and to announce our departure.

Ready? Set? We're off! Bubba was thrilled! Another picture of a VERY HAPPY little boy! You know you are 'officially' underway, when you get "the escort".

Okay, believe it or not, it's already time to start getting ready for dinner! It was just after 5pm. So, we headed back to the cabin to get ready...first up,Animator's.

Random pix: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6.

We arrived at the entrance. We were table 42 and in a nice little corner by the kitchen.

This would be a good place to mention the "deal" I had with our son. While at Universal, he was able to order what he wanted off the kids menu. "BUT", I told him, "Once we are on the cruise and at Pap's house (my FIL's--which was our destination after the cruise), you will be eating better and trying a lot of new foods." He was okay with that. I looked at his menu and gave him a choice of 3 things he could order... he chose spaghetti. (Here is a picture of 3 of the kid menus....I don't recall him getting one the last night?)

I still wasn't very hungry, so I just ordered the 'light fare' of chicken. The 'light fare' menu was the same pretty much every evening. My DH had filet mignon and I think Mom had the same. Menu 1 and menu 2.

Bubba didn't want anything for dessert, I think because we told him the Oceaneer Lab opened at 6pm and we would drop him there after dinner....I think he was in a hurry to get there

So, when placing dessert orders, Bubba ordered 'nothing'. I fully expected a plate with "nothing" written on it in chocolate to come out, but he got this instead. We would find throughout the cruise, our server would just bring us stuff to try or eat...without ordering it. At the very least, we tried it...but, it usually got eaten. I believe Mom had the chocolate cheesecake , DH had a strawberry shortcake type of dessert and I think I got chocolate cake. It would become the 'norm' to try each others food while onboard...appetizers, entrees and (especially) desserts!

As you know, the room (and the servers) were awash in color by the end of the meal....Bubba thought it was cool and wanted to know how they did it. My DH explained and he thought it was a kewl concept! I was under the assumption the room gradually changed color as the courses were served. I did not realize they added color to the room with each course, and then would take the room back to black and white. Then, add another color, then back to black and white. I thought they kept the color up while adding more color...but, I still enjoyed it the way they did it.

Random color pix: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 and 6.

After dinner, as promised, our first stop was the Oceaneer Lab. We deposited the boy and went back to our cabin...where, we already had turn down service and his bed was all ready for him! Well, I couldn't let my son have ALL the fun now, could I? I just had to give 'er a whirl! (He was in his glory having the bunk bed at the Country Inn & Suites the night before and now for 4 nights on the ship! Poor kid is so deprived...he only has a queen bed at home.) Also, a note here: so you know, I am 5' 9" tall and my DH just a tad taller than I. We were perfectly able to sit upright on our sofa without hitting our head on Bubba's bed. (We just had to be careful sitting down and getting up - not to bump our head doing that.) Even though it doesn't look like enough room to sit under the bed comfortably, there is.

DH & I decided to walk around the ship and take some pictures. Pic 1 and pic 2. I loved this carpet outside the clubs and the elevator there too.

We also decided to go up to Deck 10 and as forward as we possibly could. .....And man was it windy! We didn't stay out long...couldn't catch our breath!

We headed inside and happened upon the shopping area of Mickey's Mates and Treasure Ketch. Let me say, what a GREAT time to be shopping! First night aboard, NOBODY was there! We browsed for about a half an hour and we bought Bubba a DCL t-shirt, a Christmas ornament and a small, plastic model of the ship that we planned to leave on his pillow for him to find at bedtime.

We checked our Navigator and decided to catch the adult trivia in Diversions. DH had a beer and I indulged in a "For the Love of Chocolate" drink. ANY drink containing Godiva chocolate has GOT to be good, right? This was no exception!

We sucked at the trivia...and there were only about a dozen people playing! Oh well...at least we had fun and we didn't come in last! When we first settled in at Diversions, I saw this tower of huge blocks sitting in the middle of the floor. I thought it was odd and just HAD to take a picture of it. (We eventually figured out this was a huge JENGA! game.)

Also, when in a club or restaurant, don't expect restrooms IN the actual place you are in. They are always located outside in the "lobby" area. I frequented this beautiful one outside of WaveBands and Diversions.... a lot.

After hanging out in Diversions for a while, we decided to go across the hall to WaveBands. (We seemed to end up in here every night!) We did some dancing and after a while, we decided we had to retrieve the boy at about 10pm because we all needed to get up early in the morning.

So, we left to go get Bubba, who was actually kinda tired and ready to go. He was ready for bed just before 10:30 and was very surprised he got a treat on his pillow. We acted dumb and told him maybe Tink or Mickey had left it for him! He didn't seem to believe it, but, was very happy with his little gift!

Afer getting him settled to sleep

, we decided to head back to WaveBands.... the "One Hit Wonders" game was going to start soon. We did a little more dancing and then they started the game. The first to name the song got a free shot...and they wuz yummie! My DH got the song "I'm Too Sexy" correct, got a shot and was drug onstage with most of the other guys that were dancing for an impromptu fashion show. They all had to show off their "catwalk" manuevers from stage. While I was dancing on the floor, I and 2 other girls were pulled away by one of the CM girls. She took us backstage and told us we were going to dance to "Mickey" by Toni Basil. We ended up having a good laugh over that...(probably helped I had that drink...was feelin' NO pain!) She gave us headbands w/ bows on them and pompoms

and set us up behind the curtain. The game was over and the curtain opened. My DH was lucky to get a shot of me, because the only thing I could yell to him as I was being dragged off the dancefloor was "I'll be right back!" He didn't know where I was going, for how long or why....I think he thought I deserted him!

About 11:30, we decided, reluctantly, we had better turn in ourselves. We were having a lot of fun in WaveBands and we really didn't want to leave ...but, I knew it was a good idea. If I had to do it again, I wouldn't plan an early excursion for the first day. (But, given the excursion was the stingray snorkel at Castaway Cay, and DISers know you schedule the first one on the first day, I had no choice.)

The beautiful thing about our cabin location is that it was one deck down from WaveBands...and on the opposite side of the ship. We didn't have far to walk at all! (That may be one reason why were there every night?)

We arrived back to our cabin, got ready for bed and gave our exhausted little boy a kiss and turned in.

What a wonderful day.....

 

[bubba's mom]

Day 5 - Monday, June 30, 2008

Castaway Cay...the first time....

This day started at 7am for the Bubba family. We opened the curtain to let the sunlight in (and would later discover Bubba preferred the curtain open as he enjoyed laying in bed and being able to see the water below outside the window. Every night, we'd leave the curtain open just for this reason.) We needed to get ready, eat and be off the boat as soon as they allowed us to at 8:30am. We were scheduled for the 9am stingray snorkel excursion at Castaway Ray's.

I peeked out the window and was surprised we were just pulling into Castaway Cay. I thought we'd already be there when we woke up, but nope. Today, we were pulling in bow/front first to Castaway Cay, which made me happy, because that's why I booked the left (port) side of the ship , so we could see Castaway Cay from our window...until I started really researching the DIS and kept reading that they normally back into Castaway... I was very happy we didn't back in to Castaway Cay.

Just before 7:30, we headed to Beach Blanket buffet and loaded up for the day. There was a good assortment of everything...cereal, and milks (white & chocolate), pastries, eggs & bacon, omlet station, etc.... And Bubba was thrilled with Mickey waffles....but, wait, who told the kid he could have marshmallows for breakfast? ...it's vacation....

After stopping by the cabin to gather our snorkel gear and stuff, (and taking a peek out the window at Castaway Cay), we headed down to Deck 1 to wait to be let off the ship. We sat on the top step while people gradually formed a line up the stairs behind us. It wasn't even 9am and 3 people recognized me already from dancing the night before at WaveBands!

Promptly at 8:30am we were let off the ship (we were the 3rd or 4th family off)YAY! and we walked to the stingray lagoon. What a hike...all the way past the family and sport beach, but, it was a beautiful walk, quiet and only us.

I did manage to snap a picture of She Sells gift shop on the island on our way.

When we arrived at Stingray Ray's, there were a couple of other people already there and slowly a few more trickled in.

We sat and learned a little about stingrays...Did you know they don't have teeth? They have boney plates to mash their food. Did you know their barbs are trimmed....like toenails. They grow back and don't hurt to be trimmed down. We also learned the 'stingray shuffle'...which, Bubba wasn't thrilled to do...but I remedied that situation easily

So, after about a 15 min. talk about the stingrays, it was breakfast time...and boy did they know it! They were all hovering around the shallow water and the ramps. The DIS was right on this little tip....Not only were they eager to eat, some of them were fighting for food....and fighting on the ramps right in front of us! What an experience!

Bubba was a little afraid at first, but then DH helped him and then he wasn't so timid. They recognize the black Mickey "plates" as food is there and they swim up to you, pause and suck the food from between your fingers. (Bubba with a demo) Now, I've read it feels like a vacuum sucking the food, but I didn't feel any 'sucking'. Once they started to swim away is how I knew they ate. Mickey plate (in background) just eaten off of.

Their breakfast consisted of shrimp and calamari (from the ship) and a special homemade concoction they called "jell-o"..which, contained vitamins and healthy ingredients for the rays, and, I will admit, it did have a jell-o consistancy. The CM told us they enjoy it and think of it as dessert/junk food. They also told us that they don't feed them on Thursdays that I didn't understand...and didn't think to ask! Maybe no ship in port that day? The CM also said she lives on the island to care for the rays....kewl job!

We each fed them three times....(guess they needed to save some breakfast for the next group) and then we were allowed to swim/snorkel with them. I inquired about Big Momma and was told she hadn't been eating and was penned in the back of the lagoon (I think they were trying to kick up her appetite or something...who knows?)...but, we were free to swim back there and see her if we wanted. So, we did.

We also saw some fish. For the most part, the water was a bit cloudy from the sand in the shallow water being kicked up...but, it was a great experience and we, including Bubba, were glad we did it!


Random pix:Bubba feeding one. DH taking his turn. Bubba's first 'ocean' snorkel. My son & I. Just havin' a great time! The Disney Wonder from the stingray lagoon. My son and my husband having a great time.


My Mom didn't pay or participate in the stingray breakfast or snorkeling, but she was able to sit with us and learn about them and sit on a bench on the beach and watch us feed and swim with them. When we were finished, we grabbed our gear out of the storage bin there on the beach. We were also given a button to commemorate our stingray snorkel. We headed to the family beach....catching a wedding along the way.

We found a spot on the beach to camp out and left Mom in her chair and the 3 of us headed out to the snorkel lagoon. We made our way toward the water and got lifevests hanging on the lifeguard stand along the way. We got our masks on and then DH helped Bubba get his fins on. Then, we told him to turn around and walk backwards. Oh the look on his face!! I had to explain to him that you can't really walk forward in the water real well with fins on, walking into the water backward would work much better for him. Learned his something 'new' for the day.

I didn't take the camera with me this time, and of course, I wish I had. Bubba and I were swimming along and we thought we saw a HUGE shell moving along the ocean floor. (when I say 'huge', I mean the size of a dinner plate!) The longer I watched it, the more convinced I became that it was the current along the bottom of the ocean carrying it along. Nope. DH came over and said he saw 'legs'... It was alive! Bubba thought this was way cool!

We found the underwater Minnie (that I had DH take a picture of the next time we were at CC. He said it was hard to see what he was taking a picture of, so this is what he got...Bubba's arm!) ...and Ryan thought that was neat to see her. He saw a lot of fish and Bubba also found an underwater treasure chest....and he was thrilled!

It wasn't too long after that DH complained his snorkel was leaking badly. I was getting tired and wanted to go back to shore and grab my float and relax. Bubba wanted to stay out and snorkel with Dad. So, I switched gear with DH and headed back in...leaving father and son to enjoy some "boy" time. There is a lot of distance to cover snorkeling at Castaway Cay....so, if you tire easily (or have a kid or small child), don't count on being out there too long. At least, the interesting things to see are marked with a white balloon so you have an idea of where to go.

I arrived back at camp to find Mom in her chaise lounge. We decided to go get our floats. I carried back two mats and one donut float (for the boy). It wasn't too long before the boys were back and joined us.

We were spinning Bubba in his donut float, and man was he having a blast! He convinced me I HAD to try, so I did. The boy wasn't lyin'...what fun! (okay, so I'm crazy...but, we spent a lot of money for this cruise/vacation, and darn it.... I'M having fun too! ) Lemme tell ya, it doesn't look like that donut spins that fast, but when you are ON it, it's movin'.....

(sound w/ video)
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DH & DS , my son & I , Bubba & Mom , Bubba spinnin' out and Bubba paddlin' back in.

I believe it was around 1pm when everyone decided to grab a bite to eat. Cookies BBQ had a very nice selection of eats.

Burgers, chicken, hot dogs, ribs, side dishes, ice cream, cookies, drinks....you couldn't possibly leave hungry.

Cookies BBQ pix: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, pavillion to eat under, drink station and the condiment station.

Please eat at the pavillion...this is what happens when you don't.

Since it was getting to be about 3pm, and this was our Pirate Night, we decided to start heading back to the ship. We stopped to take the obligatory pictures along the way...the ones we didn't have time to take on the way IN because we were in a hurry to get to the stingray excursion. Mom needed to take the tram back to the ship, and Bubba wanted to join her. So, they rode, we walked.

Bubba at Mount Rustmore. Ship mast , I think we're going the wrong way,

Flying Dutchman, 2 , 3 , 4 and 5.

I thought it was interesting the Wonder was blowing black smoke...never saw a picture of it doing that before...kinda freaked me out a bit.

Disney Wonder pix: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and here.

Cya!

Walkway to the ship....with Castaway Cay Postoffice on the way.

Once aboard, I went to the top of the ship to score some pictures of Castaway Cay from up there. It's just so beautiful, you end up taking the same pictures over and over.... Just can't get enuf!

Random CC pix from ship. Back of the Flying Dutchman, random Pic 1, 2, 3, Heads Up Bar & family beach, 4, 'Welcome' bridge, 5, back of Dutchman again, 6, Castaway Postoffice, walkway and 7 and a picture of the crew's pool.

On my way back to the cabin, I noticed the deck was being set up for the Pirate Party that night. And, because I was there, and just HAD to, I took yet another picture of the Quiet Cove pool, Teen Aloft and Mickey pool....this time with people at them!

We arrived back to our cabin to get ready for Pirate Night dinner and we were left a nice plate of cookies. Score. It was nice to have a little something to 'nibble on' while we got ready for dinner. Thought they were yummie and this was a nice touch.

Pirate dinner was in Parrot Cay tonight...and, what I thought, was the most 'appropriately themed' restaurant for Pirate night. PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4.

We were dressed to the nines.

Island fare was the menu for the evening. Bubba handed me his menu, and I gave him 3 choices of what he could order. Mom ordered a Chilled to the Bone Honeydew Melon & Mango soup for an appetizer and DH had a Black Beard's Jumbo Crab Cakes for starters.

Bubba had ordered: chicken, I had Castaway Cay's Chicken Breast Rubbed w/ Pirate Island Spice, DH had the Treasure-of-the-Seas Grilled Shrimp and Seared Scallops and Mom had The Black Pearl's Oven-Roasted Beef Tenderloin. All very delicious, of course.

Pirate menu: front, back, appetizers, soup & salad, Chef's Recommendations, lighter fare, main courses, 2, the all important desserts, specialty cocktails and coffees.

Toward the end of our meal, the servers had a parade around the dining room. After they passed us twice (we were toward the front of the dining room on the main aisle), DH said, "Let's take a spin around the dining room." So, we jumped on the end of the parade line, did the "under the pole mambo" and took a spin around the dining room. Now, there weren't many people dressed for pirate night and we noticed a lot of people taking our picture. Once around was enough, and we sat back down to enjoy dessert. DH had a Shiver-me-Timbers White Chocolate Cheesecake and Mom had Floating Island of Tropical Fruit Treasures (which was meringue & fruit with a vanilla sauce).


Of course, we couldn't miss a photo op with Jack himself. We didn't catch him on Castaway that morning because we were off the ship too early! So, we stood in line (which wasn't too long actually) for our picture with Mr. Sparrow. ...and lemme tell ya...this dude was SO into character! You could almost swear it was Johnny himself. The slurred speech, the body language...everything. He was awesome. Our professional pic with Jack. Afterward, my boys just had to goof around!

We dropped Bubba off at the club again and told him we'd be back to pick him up for the Pirate Party up on deck, while Mom, DH & I caught the ventriloquist show of Lynn Trefzger (Some of her show can be found on YouTube... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mw45EHTBn3o. She was very good and funny. We think one of the best parts of her show is that she cracks herself up! If you ever cruise and she is performing, I recommend you see the show. She had 'family' shows and an 'adult' show...both were good!

After the show, it was approaching 9:30 and the Pirate party on deck was going to get under way soon. We stopped by Studio Sea to pick up Bubba and then we headed in the direction of Deck 9 for the Pirate Party. Goofy, party, Dale dancin', Stitch, Mr. Smee and Capt. Hook. A picture of all of them.

When the party was in full swing, we headed up to Deck 10 to the right (starboard) side of the ship. We wanted to be sure to get a good view of Mickey and the fireworks that would be shooting off that side. They did their show...Captain Hook showed up, so did Mr. Sparrow. Screen shot of Jack.

Mickey made his brief appearance and then ziplined it across the midship (between the stacks). Just as I was thinking "Uh-oh, he's not gonna make it to the other side", the fireworks started. Which, redirects your attention. So, my thought was 'darn! I wanted to see them 'reel' Mickey in' ...but they don't want you to see that, so they start the fireworks to redirect your attention.

After the fireworks, we didn't hang out...Bubba wanted to go to the Oceaneers Lab (yeah, I know...big surprise there!) So, he got changed into some shorts and t-shirt and we dropped him off.

Mom had an elephant towel and we had (what I assume was) a rabbit.

After we dropped him off, I do believe DH & I ended up back in WaveBands dancing for awhile , while Mom took in a 'Best of (Neil) Diamond & (Barry) Manilow' show. We would have missed the beginning of Wall-E and Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl movies had we even tried...so, we just decided to change and head to WaveBands.

We must have been at WaveBands for awhile, because we left Bubba in the Lab until it closed.... at 1am!

Boy picked up, headed back to our cabin to get ready to turn in ....another tiring, fun-filled day!

 

[bubba's mom]

Day 6 - Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Nassau Day

Today was a late start. We've been up earlier than what we like to be (on vacation) the past few days, so we thought we'd sleep in a bit, take our time, have a leisurely morning and catch the buffet at Beach Blanket for breakfast... but they closed before their posted time of 10:30. We were there by 10:20 and told they were no longer serving, head to Parrot Cay's buffet breakfast. okay.... So, back down 6 decks we went (via elevator) to Parrot Cay. We waited a couple minutes to be seated because I had requested a table for 4, not a larger table. Like I said, it was just a few minutes and then we were seated.

No shortage of food selection here either. Fruit, muffins, eggs (which, come to think of it, weren't 'done'. How do you undercook scrambled eggs? ) There was an omlet station and all the usual fixin's of pastries, bacon, etc.... It only took about 30-40 minutes to eat and then we had planned to go into Nassau and show Bubba another country. (He's never been out of the United States.)

Well, we realized it was raining

a bit too hard to head into town....so, we looked for something else to do. Picture of Atlantis from the ship in the rain. We ended up in Diversions. They had a family Wii competition scheduled. Now, we don't own a Wii and I don't think Bubba has played it very much at friends' houses, so he was willing to give it a whirl. He happened to give it a whirl against a younger girl who DOES have a Wii at home and is pretty good at it.

First, she beat him at bowling. I can't remember his score, but for never playing it before, he did pretty well we thought!

Next, they tried their hand at tennis. What a riot this was! Bubba had a lot of fun with this game. He was so physcially 'into' it....a bit humorous to watch. While they were playing tennis, some other kids and their families gathered in and it was time to take turns. The CM played in the foursome on the last round of tennis. What she didn't tell the rambuncous boys that were playing was that she plays tennis regularly...and, she's really good at it on the Wii Needless to say, rambuncous boys lost...and not gracefully After that match, the CM put the Wii away, as I think she needed to run to another activity.

It was still raining, so we decided to hang out in Diversions. They have all sorts of games in this room. Board games around the edge of the room. Chess. Checkers. Backgammon. That giant Jenga I was tellin' ya about....although, Bubba kept yelling JengO! They even had a putt-putt there that we all gave a whirl at...and, yes, we all stink!

We even noticed a RCCL ship pulling in next to us...think it was Majesty of the Sea.

We checked again around 1pm, and the rain finally let up. Now was our chance to take Bubba ashore. BUT, we only had less than an hour to do so, because at 2pm, the Oceaneer Lab was scheduled to make cookies...something he wanted to do. Okay...so, we buzzed off the ship and took a long walk around a few blocks of Nassau.

Random Nassau pix.

Aft of Wonder. Aft a little closer. A little closer yet. My son's first visit to Nassau. Our family in Nassau. Mom and Bubba and all of us.

Walking around Nassau. Bubba at Hard Rock. More Nassau. Still walking around Nassau.

While we were walking around, Bubba starts laughing and tells me to take a picture of this sign. Our running family joke is my DH always takes a picture of me taking a picture! ...he chooses this moment!

This was an interesting tree. Not sure what this building was, but that's what you get when you don't pay for the 'guided' tour .

Sightseeing. My son & Bacardi.

We kept an eye on the time and headed back to the ship to ensure Bubba would be on time to make those cookies.

We made it just in time...they were just starting.

Just after 2pm, with Bubba happily deposited back in the Lab for his cookie-makin', DH & Mom wanted something to eat themselves. We stopped by the cabin to pick up Shrek so we could take his picture after lunch and noticed we had a nice platter of cheese, crackers and fruit there. Again...nice surprise. After picking up Shrek, and sampling that nice plate of munchies, our plan was to head up to Goofys for a cheeseburger because we thought Beach Blanket Buffet was closed.

When we got off the elevator and we noticed Beach Blanket Buffet was actually open, so, we decided to eat there instead.

Nice lunch spread and we ate outside on deck. Too bad it was cloudy and rainy that day....a sunny day would have been nice. A view of Atlantis while eating lunch...sure beats the cafeteria at work! We could also look down on secret Deck 7 & 8 from Beach Blanket Buffet....and somebody's verandah It's a beautiful view from the aft at Beach Blanket Buffet, I highly recommend a meal out there if you have a nice view!

DH had the (imitation) Philly cheesesteak and some crab legs....I forget what Mom had, but took a picture of her dessert.

After lunch, Mom went back to her cabin to rest, while we went to secret Decks 7 and 8 and took some pictures. (This would be where we went around the ship and took ALL of our Shrek's Vacation pictures...thank you Penny! )

Here's a picture of Nassau from Deck 7. Here's a picture of the room next door's verandah. I even found another DISer...on her honeymoon! I ended up leaving her a note in her fish congratulating her and wishing her a wonderful honeymoon (new husband prolly thought she & I were off our rocker.. !)

In addition to Shrek pictures, we also took some shots of the ship too! 1 , 2 , stairs to nowhere and stairs to somewhere.

Random ship pix:
Pinocchio's , Pluto's Dog House and menu, the 24hr. drink station on Deck 9, (drink station 2) and (drink station 3) , lobby outside of Beach Blanket Buffet, a few shots of Palo...that we didn't eat at, Palo 1 , Palo 2 , and Palo 3, the Buena Vista theater , (and inside) , Triton's and atrium 1, and atrium 2 , Guest Services (where I applied my OBC), hallway to the Promenade Lounge, Walt Disney Theater, Treasure Ketch and Mickey's Mates SHOPPING!, the "lobby" area of Diversions, WaveBands and Cadillac Lounge...love the whole Rte. 66 themeing!

Have to love their attention to detail. Picture of the atrium/Triton's and chandelier.

About 4:30, we decided we better retrieve the boy and head back to start getting ready for dinner. This was the view from our cabin...the gangway was just below our window (well, 1 over!)

Dinner was the same restaurant as last night...Parrot Cay. I think it was Canada Day or something...Bubba wanted to take this picture of a cake on the way in....and the chocolate Mickey.

This was also considered 'dress' night. But, it was the most casual 'dress' night I've ever seen. I don't think I saw anyone in a suit...maybe a tie/shirt for the guys, but that was it. Girls had on sundresses or capri's. I remember my Mom asking a CM the first day aboard about dressing for dinner (as she was comfy in her shorts and didn't want to change) and the CM told her it was more of a 'guideline' than anything. So, I guess you are able to dress more casual/comfy at dinner than we think.

For 'dress' night, my son and husband wore nice/dress/polo shirts with jeans...and let me tell you, they fit right in with everyone else in the dining room!

We had a nice dinner at Parrot Cay tonight. DH had the Baked Crab Martinique appetizer , Bubba ordered the Pasta shells with a mushroom cream sauce (and liked it very much), DH had the Island Roasted Rib-Eye of Beef with a double baked potato & green beans, I had the Mixed Grill which consisted of: grilled beef tenderloin, lambchop, bacon wrapped sausage and jumbo shrimp w/ a cabernet mushroom sauce and Mom had the Baby Back Pork Ribs with prickly, pear bbq sauce and sweet potato fries. Dessert consisted of: creme brulee cheesecake, which, Mom didn't want 'brulee cheesecake', so the server ran to Tritons and got her regular creme brulee. I had an ice cream sundae and I can't remember what Bubba had...but here's a picture of it and him eating it!

After dinner, on our way back to deposit Bubba back in the kids Lab, we saw the long lines for photos with Mickey and Minnie down in the atrium....they were dressed in their fancy duds.

We stopped by our cabin to (see our monkey and) grab our videocamera and tripod. Our plan was to go ashore and take some night pictures while in Nassau.

We left Mom onboard, Bubba in the Lab and we headed off the ship about 8:30 to get some pictures. It was a beautiful night and since the second seating of dinner was getting under way, it wasn't crowded.

Random night pix in Nassau: Our cabin is the lit one (above & right to gangway) with the red shirt (Thing 4 shirt) hanging in the window , Disney Wonder, navy ship , straw market in background, Atlantis at night, closeup of Atlantis, RCCL Sovereign of the Seas (interestingly enough, this was the EXACT ship DH & I were on 5 years ago. I remember being docked in Nassau those 5 years ago and seeing the Disney ship and thinking "one day we'll be on THAT ship". How 'bout that?) Carnival Sensation was docked there too.

Pix of the Wonder at night docked in Nassau:

1 , 2 and 3.

Here's a pic of us...didn't come out, but still funny!

About 9:15pm, we decided to head back on board.

And, while we were at it, take some night pictures aboard the Wonder. Mickey (kiddie) pool. Goofy (family) pool. A few pix of a rather empty Quiet Cove (adult) pool.

Then, we headed up to Deck 10. Looking off the front of the ship (not so windy this time, we were still docked in Nassau).

After taking pictures, we headed to Wavebands for Lynn Trefzger's adult show. Very good show....very funny! Her show was 1/2 hour and then they had Rock and Country hour. We stayed for a little while, then headed up on deck to enjoy the view and quiet.

I remember sitting in our cabin waiting for 1am to roll around so we could pick Bubba up from the kids lab. We wanted him to be there as much as he wanted and possibly could, as I don't think he'll ever get the chance to go back. We picked him up at 1am and it was him and 3 or 4 other guys left there. They were having a blast on the one computer with Rollercoaster Tycoon. We hated to break up his fun, but the Lab was going to close in 10 minutes anyway, so we told him we had to get ready to go.

We headed back and got ready to hit the hay.

Not an overly 'exciting' day....but busy nonetheless.....

 

[bubba's mom]

Day 7 - Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Castaway Cay Day....the second time!


Yet another day we decided to sleep in and not rush out the door. Good thing too...it was raining! Yep...yucky day at ole Castaway today. I actually heard about the inclement weather before I saw it because they were making announcements throughout the ship about adding activites onboard the ship and announcing they cancelled all water and air excursions until 12 noon. (Luckily I took the advice of the DISers and did our stingray snorkel the first day...had I scheduled it for today, we'd be outta luck. So, I will repeat the good advice I got...if an excursion is important to you, book it the first day and as early as possible. That way, if you have a weather problem, you still have a chance to 'make it up' and do it.)

Luckily for us, the only plans we had for our second day at Castaway were relaxing on our floats and a bike outing....but, more on that later.

So, here's our plan for this morning. We were gonna hop off the ship (which backed into Castaway this time) and mail the postcards I had bought and addressed to some friends...then, shop at "She Sells" , that way, whatever we purchased we could just take back on board and not have to worry about having it with us on the island for the day AND avoid the crowds toward the end of the day when people would be stopping in there on their way back to the ship. (By then, we hoped the weather would have cleared up and we'd be able to go ashore for our bike ride and day at Castaway.) And then breakfast.

We got off the ship to find Daisy in front of the Castaway Cay postoffice for a photo op.....and I see a sign on the postoffice door. CLOSED. Please visit Guest Services on the ship. WTH?? Now, I was mad. I wanted to be sure to send these postcards from Castaway Cay to friends...including one to Bubba.

So, we headed toward "She Sells".....stopping to take some pictures along the way...of course! Pic 1 and Pic 2.

Here is a good spot to mention that the wheelchair and strollers are across from Scuttles Cove. They are first come, first serve and free. Strollers and chairs are on your left, Scuttles is on your right. Ya can't miss 'em.

We continued on to "She Sells" and bought Bubba a stuffed stingray to remember his adventure with them from the other day. Mom also bought him and her matching t-shirts that say Castaway Cay on them. (Bubba's is long sleeved tho) He had such an excellent report card the last quarter, she wanted to get him something on vacation and from Castaway Cay. He was happy with his gifts. We collect shotglasses and we were looking for a Castaway Cay one, but they didn't have one....we only got one on the ship with the DCL logo on it. We did see a Christmas ornament that had Castaway Cay on it tho.

Shopping finished, we headed back to the ship for breakfast.

Breakfast at Beach Blanket Buffet wasn't crowded today...but for some reason, the made to order omelets were really sloowww..... Eventually they came ...... after we went looking for them!

After breakfast, I needed to stop by our cabin so I could drop off the souvenirs and grab some money to send my postcards from Guest Services. I believe it was 55 cents to mail each regular size postcard. (still haven't received it)

Just after 11am, we got off the ship again and headed toward our same spot back on the family beach on Castaway. Here is a tip of the best place to be on the family beach (in our opinion anyway): When walking the path to the family beach, keep walking and take the first or second path on your left past Konked Out Bar.

If you are able to score a place on the beach in this area, you are 1)near the bar, 2)near Cookies BBQ and 3)near the restrooms. We realized this was the perfect place the other day when we were here, so we decided to get the same area again. Veeerryyy convenient to Cookies BBQ....just sayin'.

So, we found a spot and put our snorkel gear, towels and bags on our chairs and headed off to rent our bikes. We wanted to ride these early before it got too hot. Well, lemme tell ya, hilite of the day! I cannot recommend this enough!

One would think it would be a very hot ride...not at all! All the paths are flat and parts along the way are shady. Not to mention the cold water stations scattered throughout the pathways....we had an unexpectedly great time. DH thought he might be a ball of sweat, but with having the paths flat and the nice breeze from the ocean, I don't think he even got hot, let alone sweat.

We rode the path to the runway and rode to the split. You could ride straight down the runway to Serenity Beach (adults only) or hang a right to ride the path to the lookout. We chose the lookout path first.

I don't know how long it took us to ride the path to the lookout, view from the lookout, another view and this view too!

After we "looked out", we rode back to the runway and to Serenity Bay (adult beach) at the end of the runway.

Bubba wasn't allowed on Serenity Beach, so he just cruised around on his bike at the entrance. Serenity Beach 1 , Serenity Beach 2.

There is also another path from Serenity Beach to another lookout area...altho, no steps involved in this lookout. My DH & DS at the lookout. My son & I. And, of course, a picture of the three of us and Mom & Bubba.

Random pix: View 1 , View 2 , View 3 , View 4 , View 5, , Bubba & I at the lookout , water break , Bubba cruisin' the runway.

Heading back to the runway , to head back and return the bikes. Make sure you heed the warnings on the signs...

It didn't 'seem' to take an hour, I think it was about 45 minutes. We also found out we missed the 'lake' along the way...darn....oh well...it was a wonderful ride and I highly recommend it!

Just before 2pm, we headed back to the family beach and DH & DS went snorkeling. They were gone about an hour and then came back to relax. This was just another day of hanging out on floats and relaxing...nothing exciting.

I will mention that since it was a late start, due to the rain today, Cookies BBQ stayed open past the 2pm serving time.

After a while, DH & I decided to walk up to Heads Up Bar and take some pictures of CC from that angle. Pic from family beach. Random pix of the beautiful foilage on Castaway Cay. Pic 1 and Pic 2. An empty sport beach. I believe this is the stingray lagoon. This is the picture of where the wedding was the other morning...sans bridal party.

Random pix from Heads Up Bar: The Wonder. The family beach. The Wonder close up.

3:30 already? Decided we'd better head back to clean up for dinner. We started walking and UH-OH! Blew out my flipflop! Found it very ironic that they happened to play Jimmy Buffet on the island...and we love Margaritaville....darn if the freakin' song wasn't comin' true!

Blew out my flipflop. On Castaway Cay.... we had fun with that while we walked to catch the tram back to the ship....couldn't walk all the way back....with one blown flop, ground was freakin' HOT!

Couldn't resist some pictures along the way.

We finally made it back to the ship and found (yet another) nice little platter of goodies waiting for us. Bite size desserts. They were nice to snack on while we got ready for dinner....Triton's tonight.

Inside Triton's they have a huge, beautiful mosiac on the back wall. Pic of Triton's.

The menu at Triton's: Appetizers , soup/salad , main courses , here too , cocktails/chef recommendations , the usual "lighter fare" and vegetarian selections.

They also had the dessert menu: desserts , the sugar-free desserts and coffee/liqueurs.

I don't recall Bubba getting a kid's menu, but I'm sure the selections were along the same lines as every other night. He looked at the menu and decided to get the ratatouille for an appetizer. We all had a taste and I thought it was very good. It was served cold as an appetizer, and although good, I can see it tasting better as the hot entree it's normally served as. DH had the shrimp medley.

I ordered the escargot. Now, remember I mentioned Bubba was trying different foods? I asked him if he wanted an escargot. He said 'sure'. So I gave him one and as he chewed it, we were all watching him, but trying not to be real obvious about it. After he was finished chewing we asked him what he thought. He said he liked it and thought it was pretty good. Then he wanted to know what it was. We asked him if he really wanted to know and he said 'yes'. We asked if he was sure and he said 'yes'. DH told him it was snails. He said 'oh' and looked at us and asked for another one. As I dished him out another one, I asked him if he had known what it was before eating it, would he have tried it? He said, "No way."

Our assistant server, Ericson, (who, in our opinion was better than the server) came around with a beer for DH. They had carried the whole beer service thing to a higher level tonite. Ericson treated it like a bottle of champagne. Bring the bottle, show the customer, pour a little to taste in the glass, upon approval, pour the rest into the glass...they had fun with it!

For dinner, Bubba had the rigatoni pasta provecal , DH had the duck fricassee bordelaise and I had the slowly braised shank of lamb. And yes....Bubba tried them too, and he thought they were 'okay'. (Mom must've had something one of us had, I don't have a picture of what she had?)

After dinner, they had a parade with all the servers carrying a different country's flag. Parade 2. Parade 3. Parade 4. Parade 5. They also got into it with the ole napkin twirl...which turned into a battle between me and Bubba.

Parade and party over, time for dessert! I don't think we ordered it, but the server brought us the montelimar nougat & pistachio cream sauce, DH had the crepes suzette, I think I had the creme brulee, Mom had the cherries jubilee and Bubba had the sugar free chocolate cheesecake. Even sugar-free, he enjoyed it.

I even managed to snag a picture of the Head Chef as he was walking by Bubba. (It's a little dark because the camera was on the wrong setting.) This chef is in charge of ALL the chefs on board! What a responsibility!

At dinner, we were given a slip to remind us that breakfast (debarkation day) would be in the restaurant we had our last dinner in. We were to be at Triton's by 7am for breakfast. That was too early.

We finished dinner up just in time to catch Lynn Trefzger's family show....we explained what she does to Bubba, because he had never seen a ventrioquist before. It was a full house, and the show was just under way, so we just stood in the doorway to watch (only a 1/2 hour show). Bubba thought she was very funny...he was glad he went to see her show.

By the time her show was over, we hurried to Deck 10. We wanted to see the sunset. It wasn't very good...too cloudy. But, that didn't stop us from taking some pictures. Bubba & parents and Bubba's folks.

Then, for some unknown reason, we went to the aft of the ship for some pix. (Mom went back to her room to pack up.) Bubba & I. DH & Bubba. Bubba & I...again.

After 20 minutes and picture takin' up on deck, Bubba was itching to get back to the Lab..his last night there. We dropped him off there and then we went back to the cabin to gather our luggage together. It had to be outside the door between 8-10pm. I didn't want to spend the last aboard packing, so I had been doing a little here and there. Tonite, it was 'the rest'. Notice how clean our room looked once our bags were packed and outside the door.

Just as we had put our bags outside our door just before 10pm, we ran into our cabin steward. I asked her about the small plate of treats each day when we returned to our cabin to get ready for dinner. I asked her if everyone got them or just us (us and Mom that is). She said, "Oh no. Just for you." Okay, now I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday, so I was very suspicious. (Turns out, once I was able to access my email a couple days later, I asked a good friend of mine who has cruised DCL many times. She told me since we were chosen as the Dream Family, we probably got the goodie plate like concierge guests did.) Score.

We didn't have a plan, so we headed toward the atrium to catch the end of the 'Till We Meet Again' show. Apparently all the princesses and characters are all there to say "goodnight". (Actually, DCL doesn't like to say "goodbye"...just 'see you (and your money) soon'....DH says not at their prices! )

So, we caught the end of the show. If your family is into the characters/princesses, I recommend you go early for a good 'seat'. We just stood toward the back. We got there as Mickey & Minnie were 'saying goodnight' to everyone.....1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , Snow & Cindy , 7 and Mick waving goodnight.

At the end of this little show, silver Mickey-head confetti falls from above. I scooped some up and DH asked me what I was doing? "Gathering pixiedust of course!" was my answer. After the show, we went back to our cabin and I sprinkled it on Bubba's pillow and bed.

The night was still early (only about 10:45pm), so, what to do?

WaveBands ...of course!

WaveBands 2 The bar at WaveBands.

The cruise staff was putting on a 'farewell' show. It was cute and we stayed and danced

for a little while afterwards. We only had until midnight...that's when the Oceaneer's Lab closed (an hour earlier than the other nights). We let Bubba stay until the end of the night...he was having such a good time playing with his new friends.

When we picked him up, he showed us the Flubber he made. He said he had a great time in the club and was really sad he wouldn't be going back...matter of fact, he was sad the whole cruise was over.

Back in our cabin, it was time to get ready for bed. After all...we had to be up and AT breakfast by 7am. He thought the 'pixiedust' on his bed was pretty neat....but, I don't think he was buying into the whole "pixiedust" theory....he just rolled his eyes at me.

Bubba took one last look at the water swishing by our window, and we all called it a night.

After all...that breakfast is awfully early tomorrow

 

[bubba's mom]

Day 8 - Thursday, July 3, 2008

We were woken up shortly after we fell asleep by a loud bang! Turns out, we were sailing through a thunderstorm and we didn't even know it! Our closet doors slid to the one side and slammed against the side of the closet; that's what woke us up! DH got up and closed both doors, making sure to make the velcro connection so they would stay put. He seemed to do a pretty good job of it (in the dark) because they didn't move the rest of the night....that we know of. After that had woken me up, I did notice the flashes of light out the window from the lightening outside....I watched a little of it and thought it was fascinating...lightening at sea...how cool!

Our alarm went off at about 6:15am so we could get up and get ready for breakfast....and then, debarkation Bubba was NOT willing to get up...at all!

Somehow we all made it to Triton's for our 7am breakfast. The menu was usual breakfast fare. I had the scrambled eggs (in a scoop?) with: sausage, bacon, ham and hashbrowns, Mom had pancakes & bacon , DH had a bar-b-que chicken omlet and Bubba had pancakes (sans bacon). The service was prompt and the food was served quickly....and, of course, it was pretty good. It only took us about 45 minutes to order and eat breakfast.

After one last goodbye to our wonderful servers, we stopped by the restrooms before we had to get off the ship.

At about 8am, we were ready to get off the ship. Actually, we weren't "ready", but they were making us go, so we had no choice. They make sure you know they want to "see you real soon" and they wave goodbye to you with their huge, white Mickey gloves.

We exited the ship and found our luggage very easily. Not only do they 'code' your luggage by color & character (we were 'blue/Donald'), they also try to put your luggage in cabin numerical order. We had NO trouble at all. I thought the whole debarkation process from breakfast to customs was wonderful and very well done!

Luggage in hand, we got in line for customs. The line was very long, but moved a lot quicker than we thought it would. Handed our passports to customs agent and we were cleared to go.

As we walked to the curb to wait for our Budget rental car shuttle, we looked back. We will always remember what a great time we had on the Disney Wonder.

Here is the video from this trip... Some shots of Castaway!

 

[jenseib]

I swear this is one of the best reports ever!!!!

 

[bubba's mom]

I swear this is one of the best reports ever!!!!

thanks!

I still have a few days of Universal left after we left my FILs....i'm workin' on it

 

[nokidz]

awsome travel report.......