Our Dream 2/24 - 2/27 Experiences

[TexasDreamer]

Just back from our first cruise ever. We thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to many more. Here are the highlights of the trip.

2/23--Flew in a day early, stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn. Got upgraded to a 2 bedroom suite. DS (8) was thrilled to have his own room and own tv with remote. Ate dinner that night at Grills. Loved It and would highly recommend it.

2/24--Got to the Port 10:40; parked the rental car and walked to the terminal. There was some wait but not too much and the lines were moving pretty fast. Got through security and into the terminal in maybe 15 min. Went to check-in and SURPRISE we were selected as the Family of Day. Wow! We were treated like royalty. Got whisked away to the Concierge Lounge. They took care of the OL/OC registration, got DS some Disney toys and gave of lots of helpful/interesting info. After a little while they took us to see Mickey. We got right up to the front of the line and got family and DS photos with both Mickey and Minnie. About 10-15 minutes later, they introduced our family in the terminal and we got to be the first on board. Some Great Pixie Dust

Ate lunch at Cabanas, toured the ship and OC/OL, rode the Aqua Duck twice and then went to our stateroom. Checked out the room. Room 8188 has a HUGE balcony. OK we are getting spoiled. Boat Drill in Evolution and back to our room to view the Shuttle Launch. We had a great view from our aft balcony. Launch at 4:50pm was incredible. Had 6pm dinner at Enchanted Garden. Servers were good (not outstanding but good).

2/25--Nassau Day but we just stayed on the boat (with a lot of other people). DS went to OC/OL. We checked out the fitness center but opted to jog Deck 4 and enjoy the view and beautiful weather. Picked up DS went to the pool. The pools are very crowded: guilty: Stayed a little while for DS and then did the Midship Detective Agency. Super Cool. I don't know who liked it more DS or DH. Saw Gnomeo and Juliet, and DH and DS did Goofy Sports Deck while I enjoyed the Rainforest room. Dinner that night at Royal Palace. I think that was our favorite. The fireworks were that night. A CM told us to go to the Family Area on Deck 12 above the Quiet Cove. Comfy seats and a great view.

2/26--Castaway Cay. Took tram to Pelican Point. No crowds at all. Did the Pelican Plunge several times and DS built sandcastles. Some snorkeling then DS went to Scuttles Cove and DH and went to Serenity Bay. Ate lunch there. Very Very good. Relaxed and enjoyed some Konk Koolers and some peace before picking up DS. Did the bike rides and paddles boats then time to board the ship. I think I could spend a lot more time there. Dinner at Animated Garden. OK but not worth all the hipe it got. Believe was awesome and very touching.

2/27--Debarking. Breakfast was at 6:45 and we were off the boat by 8am. Lines moved unbelievably fast. Went to Kennedy Space Center. Very Interesting.

Overall, I thought DCL did a good job of managing the people. The pool area was crowded but with so many other things to do we just opted to do those things instead. Thought the dinners went smoothly and the show crowds were manageable. There were times when Cabanas was crowded but there were still always table available. There seem to be a few kinks they are trying to work out but they seem to be working on it. I would definitely sail DCL again.

 

[disneycruiser22]

Glad to see your trip was great!

How were the crowds overall? Esp at the pools and adult pools...was it impossible to find a lounge ? Thanks!

 

[catzle]

I you stayed at the marriott residence. That is where we are staying. I see you had your own car but just wondering if they said anything about a shuttle? Nice trip report. Doesn't sound as bad as others had with long long lines and crowds.

 

[SarahLou382]

Sounds like a great trip!! And how cool that you could see the shuttle launch from your balcony!!

 

[Liv2Trvl]

We were on the same sailing.

First disney cruise for us. We had a wonderful time. Our only complaint was the size of the pools.

The shuttle launch was amazing and a once in a lifetime experience.

 

[TexasDreamer]

Glad to see your trip was great!

How were the crowds overall? Esp at the pools and adult pools...was it impossible to find a lounge ? Thanks!

The pools were a little crazy at times but DS still had lots of fun in them. The worst was the afternoon of embarkment. The OC/OL was not yet open (just an open house) and everyone seemed to congregate at the pools. Lounge chair hogs abounded. But we found that if we went up to deck 12 there were still loungers to be had and we could still see the big screen movies. DH and I alternated going on the Aqua Duck with DS while the other relaxed. DS was more happy with that arrangement. We didn't get to the adult pool though one evening we were at Cove Cafe and it looked really vacant. Don't know how it was in the middle of the day.

 

[5forDis]

Thanks for the trip report. It sounds like you had a great time. How great to start off as Family of the Day (or is it family of the cruise???).

 

[TexasDreamer]

Thanks for the trip report. It sounds like you had a great time. How great to start off as Family of the Day (or is it family of the cruise???).

Thanks! We did have a great trip. It was just Family of the Day. Once we boarded all the 'extra' spoiling ended. But it was great and we got to avoid all the mayhem in the terminal.

 

[TexasDreamer]

I you stayed at the marriott residence. That is where we are staying. I see you had your own car but just wondering if they said anything about a shuttle? Nice trip report. Doesn't sound as bad as others had with long long lines and crowds.

We used points to get a rental car. Using points it was easier/cheaper to get one for 6 days. MRI does have a shuttle but we opted not to use because for us it was less than $30 difference. $18 for RT shuttle vs $45 for parking. We were more concerned how efficient the shuttle would be at debarking than embarking. So we just parked. It worked out well. Have seen several other threads on the MRI shuttle so you might check those.

We really like the MRI. We stayed there pre-trip and at the Marriott Courtyard post-trip (MRI was full). We definitely liked the MRI better. Both were clean and the rooms fine but the Courtyard did not offer a free breakfast--not even free coffee. The MRI Happy Hour was nice too.