Our National Lampoon Christmas Vacation~Day 17

[shadowryter]

I'm so enjoying your TR! Gotta love our fellow Dis'ers with obsessions! At least we know we are not alone! Looking forward to your next installment!!

Glad you're enjoying my TR. I have 2 collection obsessions...Tinkerbell pins and refrigerator magnets. I collect a magnet from everywhere I visit. I have a lot.Okay maybe one more, I love taking pictures of food. I drive my DD and DH crazy.

 

[shadowryter]

Day 4...Part 2...Radisson at the Port


It was around 3 o’clock and we arrived at the Port within a hour. We could see the Disney Magic in the distance grow closer as we neared the Radisson. This was going to be our first cruise of any kind and we were pretty excited about it all. We parked in front of the resort and soon realized there was no valet parking but there was a lot going on. Lot’s of cars, limousines and what not. DH and DD stayed with the car and I checked us in. It was quite easy and fast and I was surprised to see there was only one guy handling the luggage. We parked the car and went to our room following a map that led us to the back of the Radisson’s sprawling complex of buildings. When I opened the door it was just as I had seen on their website. Now I had heard several complaints about this resort online and admit I was a bit apprehensive but I couldn’t find anything to justify what I had read.

We had a Jacuzzi suite, something I thought DH could use. There was a nice living room with a sleeper sofa and flat screen TV. A dining area with kitchen, a master bedroom with a king bed, flat screen TV and Jacuzzi and a bathroom with a huge glassed in shower. We were all pretty happy about this and while DD and DH crashed the luggage arrived so I started unpacking and separating what we wouldn’t use on the cruise. I had clothes laid out all over the bed when all of a sudden I hear a loud peep, overhead. I knew exactly what it was, having to deal with it at home. So after a couple of annoying more peeps, DH called the front desk to report the problem with the fire alarm. A guy with a ladder showed up at the door in a matter of minutes and after a precarious acrobatic act on a too short ladder we were back in business.
Our Jacuzzi suite at the Radisson

This was a sleep number bed but I never figured out how to adjust it.

It was around 5, when we started out the door to check out the grounds and look for a bite to eat when we heard it, the unmistakable horn belting out the familiar notes of, When You Wish Upon a Star. We all ran to the window and sure enough the Magic was pulling out of Port and all I could think of was I was going to be experiencing this on the Wonder same time tomorrow. My heart skipped a beat….hey, I was a newbie. We left our room shortly after and began to search the grounds and I do mean search. This resort is huge and you have to go from one building to another to another to get to where you needed to go. After a few hits and misses we found our way to the beautiful pool and finally the lobby and on property restaurant, Flamingoes.
No description needed

A lovely sunset

Pool and Koi Pond

Flamingoes had a regular menu but tonight was an all you can eat crab leg buffet. There were tons of crab, warm and cold, all kind of salads and rolls, a sushi bar and a carving station. All three of us piled up our plates with crab legs and enjoyed a nice long, quite dinner. Our waiter was fantastic and very personable. We ended our dinner with the dessert buffet and then tried to decode the way back to our building which by the way took about 20 minutes until we found our room. DD and DH took turns in the Jacuzzi while I finished repacking, placing those sticky DCL tags to our luggage. We went to bed early because in the morning we had to move our car to the cruise parking lot and meet Ron who handled our luggage and also handled the free shuttle to the Wonder.
Flamingoes

Incredible Crab with rolls and dipping oil

Carrot and Chocolate Mousse cake

Pictures of the Radisson

Next...Disney Wonder, here we come!

 

[mickeymouse108]

having fun reading your post it sounds like what happens to my husband and i when we go on vacation what can go wrong usually does. LOL

 

[shadowryter]

Day 5.…Day 1 on the Disney Wonder…we’re finally here!

DH and I were up first thing in the morning. We received a coupon for two free breakfast’s when we checked in so we headed to Flamingoes while DD showered and dressed. I forgot my camera so no breakfast pic’s but it was really good. DH had an omelet with spinach, mushrooms, bacon and cheddar while I had the Belgian waffle with scrambled eggs and bacon. I brought DD her breakfast and then DH and I repacked the car with what was not needed and parked it in the special lot. I admit in the back of my mind that I was a little concerned about leaving our things in the car for 4 nights. It was under a cover but still…things can happen. I decided to keep my concerns to myself.

We met Ron in the lobby and soon we were in the shuttle and headed to the port. Now the port where the Disney Wonder is berthed was under construction and a lot of the area was blocked off with high green tarp like walls. We made our way inside the terminal and had to remove all things metal. DH and I were both wearing studded pyramid belts and they had to come off. We went through the medal detector with ease and collected all our things and headed up the escalator where we were greeted by Disney CM’s waving at everyone with huge Mickey gloves. We went through a series of tables where our paperwork was checked and rechecked and then it was time to check in and receive our boarding number. We were #5.
Shots around terminal

We're #5!!!

DH found some empty chairs way in a corner against a wall away from everything. We sat and waited. It was barely 11:00 and DD and I were getting restless so we left DH behind and went exploring. I took some pictures of the holiday decorations and then we went to check out the model of the Magic. Suddenly, Mickey came from behind us and DD and I looked at each other and jumped in line to have our pictures taken with our favorite mouse. We were only 3rd in line and that line quickly stretched all the way near the top of the escalator. There were other characters to follow but the line was just too long and it was about here that I saw MommaMouse and went over to say hello. Soon they started calling out numbers and we were finally in a line that we didn’t mind.
Christmas decorations

Disney Magic model

Me, DD and our favorite mouse

We had our first picture taken and then we were asked our family name which was announced as we entered the grand atrium. I felt like royalty at this point, the CM’s applauding as you enter, welcoming you aboard. We passed the huge Christmas tree at the foot of the stairs and I immediately went to customer service where I dropped off my photo mat and Vinylmation for the coveted character signatures, being told that it would be delivered to our cabin on the last night of our cruise.
Welcome

Our welcome aboard pic

Christmas tree in the atrium

Next we headed to Parrot Cay for lunch but it was full so we were directed to Beach Blanket Buffet. We met a young man in one of the many hallways who looked at us and said we needed a Bahama Mama. So we complied of course and I remember how easy it was to swipe our Key to the World card, get our drinks and head to lunch. The buffet had everything you could want but to tell you the truth I was still kind of full from breakfast. So I picked a little as did DD and DH. We found a spot outside and sat down. It was a little cool but not that bad at all. After struggling with a bit of dessert we took a walk around the ship before heading to our cabin, #6078 deck 6, mid-ship.
Bahama Mama! Yum!!!

A little snack

Some desserts

A few pics around the ship

DD opened the door and we entered our stateroom. I was very impressed by what I saw but not surprised having researched everything before our cruise. One the table was a bottle of Asti on ice and the petite for’s I had ordered but where were my chocolate covered strawberries??? I opened the door to our verandah and took in the cool air but only for a moment as I ushered DD and DH to the other side of the stateroom so I could take some pictures. They really love it when I do this. Before long it was time for our meet so we headed to the Promenade Lounge. We weren’t the first to arrive and not the last but it was nice to put the faces with all the people I had talked to on our cruise meet thread over the past year. We all posed for a picture, the poor CM at the lounge didn’t know what he was getting into when he volunteered to take them as I think everyone had a camera. Then it was back to our cabin to get ready for the mandatory lifeboat drill.
Our Stateroom(but where are my strawberries????)

To be continued...

 

[shadowryter]

These Spa products were to die for

All our goodies

The cruise meet folks

Cute Gingerbread house

We all tried on our life jackets like we were going to be in some kind of fashion show. But you have to admit it, you’re a bit curious when it’s your first time. DD jumped right into hers and helped me with mine and then we both turned to DH and….?????
Yes Dear, that one is for CHILDREN!!!!

When they made the announcement, we left our cabin and followed the signs and the crowd to our lifeboat drill station. I left my camera behind as this was serious business only to find many others taking pictures. I should have just shoved it in my pocket. I don’t think we were very organized as the drill started before roll call was taken and it all seemed so rushed. It was done in a few minuets and we walked back to our room because coming up was the Sail Away Party and I didn’t want to miss that.
Next....Day 1 on the Wonder part 2...Why am I crying???

 

[shadowryter]

OOps!!!

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

I look forward to every update you give! Thanks for sharing and keep them coming!

BTW.....I get misty every time I read about someone walking through those ears to our ships! I hear the horns, I get misty! I completely get why you were crying.

 

[BridgetR3]

O.k. I'm hooked!!! Your writing style is wonderful! I can't wait to read more!

 

[MommaMouse411]

oohh i love petit for's!!!!

for my kids bday in april next year..we'll be on the dream..so I plan to buy the birthday package...

 

[disneyyprincess]

Im so hooked !!! Amazing TR !!! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful!!!

Cant wait for more !!

 

[Dizneydawn]

Great TR so far!!! Hoping to do a cruise in the next few years so loving all your info!

 

[MNTwinsMom]

I'm hooked too! Can't wait to read more about your cruise and the rest of the trip. Your pictures and descriptions are great - it feels like we're right there with you!

(And thanks for the Valentine's for my boys on your DISigns thread)

 

[shadowryter]

I look forward to every update you give! Thanks for sharing and keep them coming!

BTW.....I get misty every time I read about someone walking through those ears to our ships! I hear the horns, I get misty! I completely get why you were crying.

Yep...cruise newbie, here. But what do you bet there will be a repeat performance come October.

O.k. I'm hooked!!! Your writing style is wonderful! I can't wait to read more!

Thanks for reading. More to come.

oohh i love petit for's!!!!

for my kids bday in april next year..we'll be on the dream..so I plan to buy the birthday package...

Hey MommaMouse, It was suppose to come with strawberries???

Im so hooked !!! Amazing TR !!! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful!!!

Cant wait for more !!

Glad you like the pic's. I'm still sifting through some 2,000 shots!

Great TR so far!!! Hoping to do a cruise in the next few years so loving all your info!

You will so love it.

I'm hooked too! Can't wait to read more about your cruise and the rest of the trip. Your pictures and descriptions are great - it feels like we're right there with you!

(And thanks for the Valentine's for my boys on your DISigns thread)

Welcome....I'm glad you like my TR and your Valentine's designs.

 

[shadowryter]

Disney Wonder Day 1.…Part 2

With our cruise meet and lifeboat drill behind us it was time for the Sail Away Party. We headed up for the festivities and was met by yet another young man and another yummy drink. Now these drinks are of the frozen variety and by the time I reached deck 11 there was a cool breeze brewing. We were standing in the sunshine enjoying our drinks when the party started so I wanted to move a little closer for a good view and some pictures. So we moved over in font of the stack and in the shade….bad idea. We stood there, me close to the railing and DD and DH trying to hunker down away from the now cold wind. I braved the elements and continued to enjoy the party but DH soon ducked out.
Ariel

Sail Away drink...not sure of the name but it was half Pina Colada and half Strawberry Daiquiri...so good!

DH & DD(just holding my drink...she was 20 on the cruise)

DH & Me

The CM’s were really energetic, getting everyone in the party mood, as if that was hard to do. Then they announced the Fab 5 and I swear that boat started rocking. I remained in the breeze, frozen drink in one hand, camera in the other. Soon it was time and everyone started to countdown. I had chills and it wasn’t even from the cold. 5...4...3...2...1...and then I heard that famous horn just like I heard from a distance on the Magic the other night, and my eyes brimmed with tears as DH quickly placed my sweatshirt jacket over my shoulders. I was so happy. I was finally here.
Sail Away Party

I grabbed this picture of us on the huge screen!

Now for those of you who may wonder why I was so excited to the point of tears here’s a little bit of background info and I’ll try to make it short. In 2006 we had our dream cruise on the Wonder all planned. All we had to do was get a passport for DH. Problem was he was born on an Army base in Munich and had no papers to show for it except for an old mimeograph sheet that said it all. But…that wasn’t good enough for the government and he was denied over and over again. No matter what papers I managed to dig up, it was a no go. Sadly I had to change our plans and we stayed at the AK Lodge and the Portofino Bay that year…We had a great vacation and he got his passport a week before we left. So I planned the cruise the following year but as the economy tanked so did DH’s job and we ended out barely making ends meet with him working 32 hours a week. I canceled about 5 months out. So now we were finally here and I felt I needed to pinch myself but it was real and so much more than I had ever anticipated.

After the party we lingered around and watched as the Wonder pulled through the channel but waiting for open seas was a bit much. We grabbed a few slices of Pizza at Pinochio's Pizzaria and after went back to our stateroom. In a few minutes our luggage arrived and DH hauled it in as DD and I got out our fish extender and all the goodies for our exchange. I placed our magnets on our cabin door and then DD and I hit all the cabins on our floor. By the time we finished it was time to think about getting ready for the Golden Mickey’s and our dinner at Parrot Cay. Since it had been a long day and I was still chilled to the bone, I changed the tank I was wearing and put on a more dressy top, swapped sneakers for my Teva wedges and I was good to go. DD and DH were fine as they were but jeans would have to do tonight.
Pizza from Pinnochio's Pizzaria

Stateroom #6078 magnets

Our Fish Extender

The Golden Mickey’s was a great show and wouldn’t you know as I was seated I realize my camera had a low battery. I tried to us DD’s which was also low and mine but neither camera was capably of catching a good clear shot without a flash. So I got one fair picture. The others…nit so much. Time for a new camera.
My 1 picture of The Golden Mickey's

After the show we arrived at Parrot Cay and a long line and soon I learned why. There were CM’s on both sides of the line handing out hand wipes for you to use before you head into the dining room. Now we ran into this earlier before our lunch but I thought it was because we had just boarded. It seems odd at first but then you realize it was a great idea what with the flu season in full swing. We were escorted to a table for six and shortly after our tablemates arrived. I admit that you get a little nervous wondering about who you will be seated with. Will they be nice or jerks? Will they be funny or boring? Three woman from Minnesota joined us and they were without a doubt the nicest and funniest people I have ever had the pleasure to share a table with.

The head server soon arrived and introduced himself, followed by our server Made (pronounced Ma-D) from Thailand and his assistant Johanna from France. I’m sorry I don’t remember the head servers name as he wasn’t all that sociable. My DH started a conversation with our tablemates, Sara, Nancy and Carolyn as we all savored in a delicious meal. All except Sara who didn’t like fish but decided to order the Ahi Tuna, for her appetizer. Needless to say that didn’t go over very well but our dinner was fantastic.
Parrot Cay Menue

Our drinks: A Melon Mojito and Banana Caribe....both very good

Rolls, warm banana bread and banana dip

We all had the baked crab dip Martinique

DH and I had the cream of asparagus soup

DD had the Parrot Cay salad

To be continued....

 

[shadowryter]

DD and I had the Island spiced grilled rib eye... really good

DH tried the pan seared grouper...shocker, he only eats fried fish

Dessert Menue

I had the sweet temptations: Creme brulee cheesecake, lemon meringue pie and chocolate s'mores vanilla cake...it was ok

DH and DD has this:French Toast banana bread...they said it was great!

DH and I were surprized with a piece of cake for our 21st anniversary

After dinner we again decided to take a walk around the ship stopping at the drink station for some hot tea watching people actually in the hot tub.. I took some more pictures and when we returned to our cabin this was waiting for us.
Pic's around the ship

I took some more pictures and when we returned to our cabin this was waiting for us.

Coming up…Nassau and the Atlantis

 

[MNTwinsMom]

Will they be nice or jerks? Will they be funny or boring? Three woman from Minnesota joined us and they were without a doubt the nicest and funniest people I have ever had the pleasure to share a table with

Of course they were nice and funny - They're from Minnesota! We're all nice

You door decorations are incredible! (Not surprising since I've seen your amazing work on your thread)

Did you make your fish extender? The appliqued Mickey heads and embroidery are beautiful.

 

[shadowryter]

Of course they were nice and funny - They're from Minnesota! We're all nice

You door decorations are incredible! (Not surprising since I've seen your amazing work on your thread)

Did you make your fish extender? The appliqued Mickey heads and embroidery are beautiful.

They were really a lot of fun. It was fun decorating our door. I did not make my FE, though I thought about it.I actually had a woman on ebay make it and I ordered it kind of last minute but she came through. Did a fantastic job!

 

[MommaMouse411]

Linda..I think I shedded a few tears that week too.. If Walt Disney only knew the craziness he started...

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

I love seeing your family on the Dumbotron!

 

[shadowryter]

Linda..I think I shedded a few tears that week too.. If Walt Disney only knew the craziness he started...

Isn't that the truth though.