disneyfaninaz
It takes faith, trust & pixie dust!
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2007
- Messages
- 13,898
Since we had to have our luggage ready for pick up by 8:00 AM, we were up by 7:00 AM to get packed up. We headed down to breakfast at about 7:45 AM, the lines were a lot longer this morning than the day before. I forgot to mention that there was a cheerleading competition being held that weekend and several of the cheer squads were staying at POFQ. When we returned to our room at 8:30 AM our luggage had already been picked up. 
It was very windy and cool this morning, but we walked around the resort and took some pictures before checking out of our room and waiting in the lobby for the DCL bus to pick us up.
We really liked staying at POFQ. Our room had a great view and was very quiet. I love the theming and the smallness of the resort compared to others on WDW property.
Right around noon, the bus rolled up at the front entrance.
We were all so excited. There were probably 5 or 6 families waiting to board. After showing our ID we were able to board. We were then off to the ship. Our driver took his time because of the high winds, but we were getting frustrated because at least 2 other DCL busses passed us on the way. The driver also took the time to point out possible gator sightings off the road, but none were seen. Finally, over the horizon, the driver made the announcement that we would be able to see the Magic and we did!!
What a beautiful site. I couldn’t stop taking pictures as we neared the port.
Once we arrived at the terminal we were asked to stay on the bus until a DCL cast member came on to talk to us. I think this particular CM had had a bad day because he didn’t make it quick. Other buses that arrived after us were already unloading. Finally we were allowed to enter the terminal, there was probably a 10 minute wait to go through security then it was up the escalator. I sent my DH to take pictures of the model while I checked us in.
It was a painless and relatively quick process when you have all of your documents in order. By the way, we used passports rather than birth certificates which may speed up the process a bit. I caught up with my DH and DD. I had wanted to get her wrist band and pager for the kids programs in the terminal, but the line was extraordinarily long, so we decided to wait until later. It was then time to walk through the Mickey Mouse Ears. I was so excited; I forgot to take a picture. Bad me!! Our KTTW cards were scanned and we headed towards the photographer. We only had to wait for one family ahead of us and it was our turn. She took a picture of our entire family, my DD and then my DH and I. By 2:00 PM we gathered our belongings and walked onto the gang plank and then onto the ship. A crew member asked our name and we were introduced as “The "blahblah" Family, all the way from Arizona.” The atrium erupted in applause. Well at least a dozen or so crew members. This was the first time this day that my eyes would start watering. We were immediately greeted by another crew member who informed us that Parrot Cay had just closed for lunch but that we were welcome to go up to Topsiders. Of course, I had already known this because of the DIS. The first thing we did was head to our stateroom. When we arrived on Deck 7 we were very happy to see that 2 of our suitcases had already been delivered. We opened the door and saw our home away from home for the next 7 nights. It was a beautiful sight. I took some quick pictures before we started crowding it with luggage.
As we entered our room, our neighbors, whom we were cruising with, happened to come down the hall (they had a handicapped stateroom at the aft of the deck) so we got to catch up with them. The basket that “Minnie Mouse” sent my DD was waiting for us as well.
My DD was very excited to get it. We then headed up to lunch.
After lunch we headed to the Promenade Lounge to meet our fellow DISers. We met up with mkmommy (whose DD1 and my DD would end up being BFF before the end of the cruise), Out To Sea Lee, charpie127 and retiredkid (who just happened to be our neighbor for the week). Hi neighbor!
It was great to meet everybody and we ran into or saw each other every so often on board. Some more than others! We talked for about 20 minutes and then headed back to our rooms to unpack and prepare for the drill. My DD got a little apprehensive about it, but we got her vest on (adult size) and headed down to Animator’s Palette. This drill was quick and easy, and except for the alarm, my DD was fine. It was then time to head up on deck for the Adventures Away party. We found a table and chairs near the family hot tub on the port side of ship to watch the festivities. My DD didn’t want to dance near the stage so we watched and waved our streamers form the back.
It was extremely windy on the top decks. Finally we had the count down to the fabulous horn. This would be the second time that my eyes would get watery. I was so thankful for the opportunity to take this vacation. I immediately ran to deck 10, starboard side to watch us pull away, but alas we weren’t moving and there was nobody waving “good bye” to us with white gloves. However, I couldn’t’ wait any longer as we had the 5:45 PM seating rotation and I had to change clothes for dinner.
Next: Our first night on board.
It was very windy and cool this morning, but we walked around the resort and took some pictures before checking out of our room and waiting in the lobby for the DCL bus to pick us up.
We really liked staying at POFQ. Our room had a great view and was very quiet. I love the theming and the smallness of the resort compared to others on WDW property.
Right around noon, the bus rolled up at the front entrance.
We were all so excited. There were probably 5 or 6 families waiting to board. After showing our ID we were able to board. We were then off to the ship. Our driver took his time because of the high winds, but we were getting frustrated because at least 2 other DCL busses passed us on the way. The driver also took the time to point out possible gator sightings off the road, but none were seen. Finally, over the horizon, the driver made the announcement that we would be able to see the Magic and we did!!
What a beautiful site. I couldn’t stop taking pictures as we neared the port.
Once we arrived at the terminal we were asked to stay on the bus until a DCL cast member came on to talk to us. I think this particular CM had had a bad day because he didn’t make it quick. Other buses that arrived after us were already unloading. Finally we were allowed to enter the terminal, there was probably a 10 minute wait to go through security then it was up the escalator. I sent my DH to take pictures of the model while I checked us in.
It was a painless and relatively quick process when you have all of your documents in order. By the way, we used passports rather than birth certificates which may speed up the process a bit. I caught up with my DH and DD. I had wanted to get her wrist band and pager for the kids programs in the terminal, but the line was extraordinarily long, so we decided to wait until later. It was then time to walk through the Mickey Mouse Ears. I was so excited; I forgot to take a picture. Bad me!! Our KTTW cards were scanned and we headed towards the photographer. We only had to wait for one family ahead of us and it was our turn. She took a picture of our entire family, my DD and then my DH and I. By 2:00 PM we gathered our belongings and walked onto the gang plank and then onto the ship. A crew member asked our name and we were introduced as “The "blahblah" Family, all the way from Arizona.” The atrium erupted in applause. Well at least a dozen or so crew members. This was the first time this day that my eyes would start watering. We were immediately greeted by another crew member who informed us that Parrot Cay had just closed for lunch but that we were welcome to go up to Topsiders. Of course, I had already known this because of the DIS. The first thing we did was head to our stateroom. When we arrived on Deck 7 we were very happy to see that 2 of our suitcases had already been delivered. We opened the door and saw our home away from home for the next 7 nights. It was a beautiful sight. I took some quick pictures before we started crowding it with luggage.
As we entered our room, our neighbors, whom we were cruising with, happened to come down the hall (they had a handicapped stateroom at the aft of the deck) so we got to catch up with them. The basket that “Minnie Mouse” sent my DD was waiting for us as well.
My DD was very excited to get it. We then headed up to lunch.
After lunch we headed to the Promenade Lounge to meet our fellow DISers. We met up with mkmommy (whose DD1 and my DD would end up being BFF before the end of the cruise), Out To Sea Lee, charpie127 and retiredkid (who just happened to be our neighbor for the week). Hi neighbor!
It was great to meet everybody and we ran into or saw each other every so often on board. Some more than others! We talked for about 20 minutes and then headed back to our rooms to unpack and prepare for the drill. My DD got a little apprehensive about it, but we got her vest on (adult size) and headed down to Animator’s Palette. This drill was quick and easy, and except for the alarm, my DD was fine. It was then time to head up on deck for the Adventures Away party. We found a table and chairs near the family hot tub on the port side of ship to watch the festivities. My DD didn’t want to dance near the stage so we watched and waved our streamers form the back.
It was extremely windy on the top decks. Finally we had the count down to the fabulous horn. This would be the second time that my eyes would get watery. I was so thankful for the opportunity to take this vacation. I immediately ran to deck 10, starboard side to watch us pull away, but alas we weren’t moving and there was nobody waving “good bye” to us with white gloves. However, I couldn’t’ wait any longer as we had the 5:45 PM seating rotation and I had to change clothes for dinner.
Next: Our first night on board.
You have already answered alot of questions I had. I was most concerned with getting to the terminal so late (vs. when it opens) but it looks like the whole process was painless for you. 
I was excited to have an entire day at sea. It was a beautiful day. The wind had died down and it was warmer. After we got dressed, we went up to Topsiders for breakfast. The Danish were amazing. My DD’s favorites were the donuts and bagels. This was to become her staple breakfast for the week. Well at least for DD, my DH and I were having brunch today so we didn’t eat much. At 10:00 AM we checked DD in to the Oceaneer’s Lab for cookie making while we went to Palo. 
They had danishes, croissants, puffed pastry, sticky buns and stolin bread with fresh berries and real whipped cream. My DH ordered the veal while I ordered pepperoni pizza. Both were very good. It was then time to hit the dessert table. (Not like I had any room, but they were very small, right?) The desserts were amazing. I had an éclair and several different Pettit Fours. They had to roll us out. No sooner did we get back to our room to change clothes, the pager went off. Our DD wanted us to pick her up. Well at least her timing is impeccable. Unfortunately, that was to be her last time at the kids club. 
We went to the matinee showing of “Golden Mickeys’. We really enjoyed going to the matinees. They were not crowded at all and we usually got to sit very close and in the middle of the theater. DD”s new found BFF (mkmommy’s DD1) was interviewed on the red carpet and transmitted inside on the screens in the theater. 
DD was very excited to see her. The show was very entertaining. DD’s favorite part was the Cruella De Ville number.
DD and I also went to get her picture with Daisy Duck at Preludes. 
Ollie got the message loud and clear and delivered exactly what he wanted, “Nothing.” It was very funny. Nobody knew what was going to happen but me. It was a classic moment.
The first tender was supposed to be at 7:45 AM. Some ships had their own tender boats that they lowered from their decks. It was breakfast at Topsiders again. We headed to the Promenade Lounge at 9:15 AM to gather for our Atlantis Submarine excursion. It was warmer today, but the wind was up and black clouds loomed on the horizon. Once we handed in our disclaimer form and got our Pumbaa stickers we were led down toward deck 1 to disembark and board the tender. Tendering was a very easy process and we enjoyed getting a view of our beautiful ship from the gorgeous blue water and seeing all of the other 6 cruise ships in port that day. We also saw a few pirate ships that would later be firing on the Magic. 
We stopped at the Tortuga Rum Cake store and tried some rum cake but it was too strong for our tastes. We wanted to check out Margaritaville because of their rooftop pool. We walked in and it was very loud, although the pool was pretty empty. 
with that and went back to the stateroom. After awhile I collected her and we went to see the 3:00 PM showing of Twice Charmed. DD met up with her new BFF (mkmommmy’s DD1) and sat in the front row to watch the show. The show was amazing. Franco was fantastic. I very much enjoyed all of the shows on the Magic, they were definitely quality shows.
They played for about a half hour before it was time to go. On the way back to our room, we stopped by Shutter’s and selected our formal night pictures. I can’t seem to recall what else we did that night before we went to bed. We had to set our clocks back 1 hour. Our towel animal was a sting ray. 
It also helps with the post vacation depression. We got more snow yesterday and would love to be able to see something besides snow.
