Our Thanksgiving Fantasy - Nov 22-Dec 1 - COMPLETE!!

[Pixie Princess]

Time to get caught up!



I love the Manger scene, too. Is it in a new place this year? Kind of looks like it from the picture. I HATED missing the lights this year. Frankly, I think it is the reason I did not have the proper Christmas attitude this year. That's what my story is, anyway.

As we were leaving the park, we passed a group of people. They were all standing around wondering out loud where the monorail was. DS and I cracked up laughing. It was so funny.

That is hilarious! I would have been tempted to say "Magic Kingdom" or "Epcot" as I walked away from them.



The have NEW sparkly Mickey head MagicBits!! They only had the pack with pink, purple and clear ones when we were there last. This is information I did not need. Especially considering how much I like my Band Covers. Those things are awesome when it is hot outside. Somewhere I ran across a tutorial on how to make your own. That could come in handy if I can find the appropriate material. The person who did the tutorial just used a cotton fabric, but I'd want something that is moisture wicking.

I love those light fixtures in Artist's Palette, too!



The hands sticking out from the pole...creepy.

[COLOR="Navy"
They announced us  Welcome aboard the Crane Family !! DS wanted them to say Taco cat is Taco cat spelled backwards, but I insisted on our real name. And I gotta tell ya, the CMs were visibly disappointed that I didnt go with Taco cat. So my advice to you all wanting to mix it up and say something silly when they announce your family, go for it.
[/COLOR]

Next cat I get, I'm naming Taco Cat. That is brilliant! The atrium of the ship is stunning!

Aww..happy boy..


Nice card for the teen club too.


As the kids would say...adorbs!!


How great you DS rebounded so quickly, and could join the family for dinner. That Bonine must be a miracle pill. LOL!

Nice family pic!



Wonder if they'll change this to be Ilsa themed now that Frozen is out?


Or maybe if the Wonder has a similar eatery, it will be changed to be Frozen themed when that ship is re-done.

Palo brunch looks devine! Is Palo adults only, or is it like Victoria and Albert's where the minimum dining age is 13?

Love it!



She's a girl after my own heart!


I was so sad the day DD pronounced she was too old for all her stuffed animals and bagged them up. Of course she hasn't had the heart to completely get rid of them, but she is too old to have them in her room.

That mixology class looked awesome! I have always wanted to take one of the ones they offer at F&W, but with DD in tow, it hasn't been a possibility. I was in the grocery store the other day thinking I'd like to make a Bellini, but I had no idea what was in one except some sort of fruit juice and champagne. I wasn't motivated enough at the time to look into the recipe. Now I know it thanks to you.


Always bringing the funny...



What a sweet picture!!



I love DD's dress!!

These are some great pictures!







It looks like a great experience, and nice work getting the photo disc for "cheap".

Let me circle back to your response to something I posted before I disappeared from "electronic society". Thank you so much for your offer of making the makeup holders for my DD's dance friends! That was very kind of you. I wish I had seen it in time to respond. I'll talk to DD about it, and maybe something for recital. Something tells me most of these girls aren't into Disney .

 

[jecskc]

Time to get caught up!

YAY !!!



I love the Manger scene, too. Is it in a new place this year? Kind of looks like it from the picture. I HATED missing the lights this year. Frankly, I think it is the reason I did not have the proper Christmas attitude this year. That's what my story is, anyway.

It was at the end of the street new Lights Motors Action where it always seems to be.

That is hilarious! I would have been tempted to say "Magic Kingdom" or "Epcot" as I walked away from them.

It really was so funny. One of the guys SWORE they rode the monorail over there. DS was laughing so hard.



The have NEW sparkly Mickey head MagicBits!! They only had the pack with pink, purple and clear ones when we were there last. This is information I did not need. Especially considering how much I like my Band Covers. Those things are awesome when it is hot outside. Somewhere I ran across a tutorial on how to make your own. That could come in handy if I can find the appropriate material. The person who did the tutorial just used a cotton fabric, but I'd want something that is moisture wicking.

We didn't indulge in any of that stuff yet, but my magic band got itchy and it wasn't hot, so I can't imagine how annoying it would be in summer.

I know someone who could make some band covers for you .... just sayin'.

I love those light fixtures in Artist's Palette, too!



The hands sticking out from the pole...creepy.

Well, when you put it that way ...

Next cat I get, I'm naming Taco Cat. That is brilliant! The atrium of the ship is stunning!

That whole ship is amazing. Very difficult to leave ...

Aww..happy boy..



Nice card for the teen club too.

He had a good time, even though he tried not to at the beginning.

As the kids would say...adorbs!!



Indeed - toats magotes ( or however you spell it)

How great you DS rebounded so quickly, and could join the family for dinner. That Bonine must be a miracle pill. LOL!

It works pretty fast - in about 15-20 minutes. I kept telling him to take some, but he said he was fine. He took it when I told him to from then on. I brought like 5 packs of it with us ...LOL

Nice family pic!



Wonder if they'll change this to be Ilsa themed now that Frozen is out?


Or maybe if the Wonder has a similar eatery, it will be changed to be Frozen themed when that ship is re-done.

They should. I think that would be a great idea.

Palo brunch looks devine! Is Palo adults only, or is it like Victoria and Albert's where the minimum dining age is 13?

I am not sure what the minimum age is. I know it is adults only. I want to say maybe 18?? I would have to look it up.

Love it!



She's a girl after my own heart!



I was so sad the day DD pronounced she was too old for all her stuffed animals and bagged them up. Of course she hasn't had the heart to completely get rid of them, but she is too old to have them in her room.

Mine has so many - I don;t know what we will do with them all. But here room will be a lot less cluttered without them.

That mixology class looked awesome! I have always wanted to take one of the ones they offer at F&W, but with DD in tow, it hasn't been a possibility. I was in the grocery store the other day thinking I'd like to make a Bellini, but I had no idea what was in one except some sort of fruit juice and champagne. I wasn't motivated enough at the time to look into the recipe. Now I know it thanks to you.

It was really A LOT of fun !! I don't think we would ever do it at the parks either because of the kids. That is why the ship is so great. They have their clubs to go to so you can enjoy some adult things.

Always bringing the funny...



What a sweet picture!!



I love DD's dress!!

These are some great pictures!







It looks like a great experience, and nice work getting the photo disc for "cheap".

Wll she made us feel like we got it for cheap anyway. Who knows.

Let me circle back to your response to something I posted before I disappeared from "electronic society". Thank you so much for your offer of making the makeup holders for my DD's dance friends! That was very kind of you. I wish I had seen it in time to respond. I'll talk to DD about it, and maybe something for recital. Something tells me most of these girls aren't into Disney .

Perish the thought --- hey I can make them out of other fabric. It doesn't have to be Disney fabric. I have all kinds and colors !! Just let me know.

 

[jecskc]

Day 4 – Part 3

When I last left off, I was in line for dolphin photos while DH took the kids across the street to the Turtle Park



It was a pretty neat place.



DD enjoyed the turtles



See her green wristband ?? This would only allow us to see the turtles. They had a water slide and some other things, but you had to have a different color wristband to do those things.







Random chickens just running around everywhere on our way out ….



DS wasn’t interested in the turtles and was acting a little grumpy. We decided he needed food, so we gathered everyone up and went back across the street to catch the bus back.

We got back about 5 PM and since our dinner was at 5:45 PM, the race was on to get ready.

DH managed to get some photos.





The kids opted to head up to deck 11 for some quick food and then they headed to their clubs. So DH and I were on our own for dinner.

Our dinner on this night was at Royal Court.

 

[scottny]

The dinner looked good.
Nice pics of the excursion.
Love the turtles.

 

[MEK]

Got behind and speed reading to catch up before work. Just wanted to comment that the Dolphin Experience looks fantastic and you got some wonderful pictures! You really caught the magic of that experience. Nice work.

I'll catch up properly later.

Hope you and the family had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying the holiday season.

 

[afwdwfan]

Ok, I've got to say that getting to get in the water with the sea turtles is about as cool as swimming with the dolphins in my book. I'd have really enjoyed that.

I'm glad that the kids were enjoying the clubs and their new friends enough that they were willing to miss dinner for a little more time there. I guess that does mean a little less family time though, but at least everyone is having fun.

 

[Pixie Princess]

Photobomb!



Ok, I know probably not, but I choose to think so.

Turtle place...very cool! Can't wait to see what's for dinner.

 

[jecskc]

The dinner looked good.

All of the food is amazing.

Nice pics of the excursion.

It was a great experience

Love the turtles.

DD loved them !!

Got behind and speed reading to catch up before work. Just wanted to comment that the Dolphin Experience looks fantastic and you got some wonderful pictures! You really caught the magic of that experience. Nice work.

We got really lucky that their group got placed at the end there and that I could get great photos.

I'll catch up properly later.

Hope you and the family had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying the holiday season.

So far so good !!!

Ok, I've got to say that getting to get in the water with the sea turtles is about as cool as swimming with the dolphins in my book. I'd have really enjoyed that.

That excursion costed much less, it looked like a cool place to hang out all day

I'm glad that the kids were enjoying the clubs and their new friends enough that they were willing to miss dinner for a little more time there. I guess that does mean a little less family time though, but at least everyone is having fun.

We were together all day. We hardly ever get any time together so it was nice to have dinner together - just the two of us.

Photobomb!



Ok, I know probably not, but I choose to think so.

Turtle place...very cool! Can't wait to see what's for dinner.

Dinner coming up !! It was a GOOD one !!!

 

[jecskc]

Day 4 – Part 4

Our dinner on this night was at Royal Court.



This place was just so pretty.







Our plates as we were seated.



The bread basket



Our bread this evening was

Bread Service - Warm Herb Brioche with an Olive Spread



Our adorable assistant server Kelly from Italy. She was sooo sweet and I just loved her accent.



We started with a glass of Rosa Regale



Kelly took a photo for us.



For our appetizers,

I had the baked brie



DH had

Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp - White and Green Asparagus, Micro Greens, and Lemon-Dill dressing with Horseradish Cream



We also had

Belle's French Onion Soup - With Gruyère Cheese Crouton



We also ordered another Rosa Regale



For dinner, I got

Oven-Baked Salmon Royal Crowned with King Smoked Salmon and Horseradish Crust accompanied by sautéed Swiss Chard, truffle-infused Cauliflower Purée, and White Wine Beurre Blanc



DH got

Aged Angus Grilled Beef Tenderloin topped with Garlic Shrimp Sautéed Snow Peas and Marquis Potatoes with a Cognac Reduction



Dessert Menu





We got some coffee



We both got the Gran Marnier Soufflé for dessert

Grand Marnier Soufflé - Infused with fresh Orange Zest and served with Crème Anglaise





It was all wonderful !! I was pretty tired and I needed ice pretty bad, so we headed back to the room. I got settled and watched some football. DH went up to deck 12 to smoke a stinky cigar with his new smoking buddies.

DD came back and we watched a movie. Everyone came back to the room and we all went to sleep.

 

[tazdev3225]

The turtle experience looked awesome. I was lucky enough may yeas ago to actually see hatchlings head to sea on the beach in Florida. I have distant family down there and we were crabbing on the beach when we spotted them. That was one of the best experiences of my life - not the crabs.

Dinner looked very good. I swear reading your report I have gained weight.

 

[jecskc]

The turtle experience looked awesome. I was lucky enough may yeas ago to actually see hatchlings head to sea on the beach in Florida. I have distant family down there and we were crabbing on the beach when we spotted them. That was one of the best experiences of my life - not the crabs.

Dinner looked very good. I swear reading your report I have gained weight.

I have read reports that you can see them at the Disney Vero Beach. I think that would be amazing !!

Since I was the one eating all of it - you can guess what happened to me!! The good thing is, the portions aren't super big, so that helps.

 

[MEK]

That restaurant looks beautiful and your dinner looks delicious. I love rosa regale. Yum!

 

[jecskc]

That restaurant looks beautiful and your dinner looks delicious. I love rosa regale. Yum!

Yes !! Very yummy !! We each had two !!

 

[jecskc]

Day 5 – Part 1

We got up on this morning and stuck with our routine. Cove Café for coffee and Cabanas for breakfast. We just took our time and explored a bit until it was time for our

Wine and Chocolate Tasting – that we signed up for on the first day.

It was at 11:15 AM in Ooo La La.



The inside of this little bar was very posh and extravagant.





This was our table as we were seated.



We were happy to see some of our Facebook peeps here as well. Fivepin here on the DIS was one of them. Finally everyone was seated and the presentation started. There was an interesting history of chocolate and wine. It was hard to concentrate with all of that chocolate deliciousness in front of you.

Finally, the guy was finished and we were able to get started on the good stuff. First we had champagne and the caramel and white chocolate with it.



It was pink champagne and we tasted the champagne first and then the chocolate and then back to the champagne. It was interesting how the chocolate paired well with it and even altered the taste of the champagne by adding a touch of sweetness. Very enjoyable.

Next we had a red wine blend with the chocolate pieces.



I love red wine and chocolate and this tasted very good. I like the dark chocolate best with red wine.

Next, we had a port with some parmesan reggiano and this little chocolate stick.



I didn’t really like the port by itself, but the cheese and chocolate helped. I liked it best with the chocolate and gave the rest of my cheese to DH who really liked it.

Lastly, we had some whiskey with some dark chocolate and this white chocolate stick.



The whisky seemed like it was a little much for some of the people, but I really liked it. Upon saying so, I got offered several glasses from nearby tables. Since it was so early, I didn’t want to be buzzy, so I just had one extra.

Someone took a photo for us.



This was before we ate, so you can see all of the wines lined up there. The table was very small.

This was a VERY enjoyable experience and it cost $15 a person, I think. We would highly recommend this and would do it again for sure.

After we were done, we needed to get ready to meet some of our Facebook friends for our beach day on Costa Maya, so we went back to the room to get ready. And change clothes. There is a lot of changing clothes on a cruise, y’all.

 

[Pixie Princess]

Day 5 – Part 1
The inside of this little bar was very posh and extravagant.

Definitely A LOT going on in this bar. Very Rococo. It appears as if no surface was left untouched.





Next we had a red wine blend with the chocolate pieces.


Do you happen to recall what blend..assuming they even told you, that is? My dad drinks a glass of red wine every day and eats a piece of dark chocolate. He's be doing it for years to help with cholesterol. Anyway, his wine of choice comes from a box , and I was thinking of getting him a nice red to go with the dark chocolates I always give him for Christmas. I'm no sommelier, and I really don't care for reds. Kind of at a loss as to what to get him.



I love red wine and chocolate and this tasted very good. I like the dark chocolate best with red wine.

I would love this experience..even the whiskey. I remember the DisUnplugged team did this when they were on the Wonder. Very cool, and only $15!

Royal Court looks so lovely. I'd be trying to figure out how I could make off with that bread basket! Who am I kidding, they probably sell them for some crazy price, don't they.

 

[emmysmommy]

Wow! What a great Dolphin Experience! The kids look like they had a blast. Wowzers, those photos are expensive. We thought we paid a lot for a photo CD of our stingray swim which was $50, I guess that was a bargain!

Dinner at the Royal Court looks amazing. Is that just a regular dining room or an upcharge place? So beautiful and elegant. And I love the charming dessert menu. You are making me want to book a Disney cruise really bad! I may be able to get my DH to Disney World if we cruise better than just a land based vacation since he's not a fan of WDW but he loves to cruise. You are giving me some good ammo!

 

[IheartDDuck]

That's awesome that you had a good position for taking pictures of the dolphin experience though!

Wow, those are some crazy prices for the pictures! But the experience definitely looks worth it!

That restaurant looks absolutely beautiful!

Rosa Regale! Good choice. One of my favorites.

I just drooled all over the place. Grand Marnier Souffle is incredible! Gaaaahhhh.....

I would find it incredibly difficult to focus on anything but the chocolate sitting in front of me.

 

[jecskc]

I would love this experience..even the whiskey. I remember the DisUnplugged team did this when they were on the Wonder. Very cool, and only $15!

Royal Court looks so lovely. I'd be trying to figure out how I could make off with that bread basket! Who am I kidding, they probably sell them for some crazy price, don't they.

Regarding the red wine, I think I answered you on Faebook. I can't remember what the blend was that they served in the tasting.

LOVED this experience and I totally listened to that podcast as well. That is what inspired me to book it.

I didn't look and see if they did sell them, but I love them AND those princess carriage lights ?? LOVE !!!

 

[jecskc]

Wow! What a great Dolphin Experience! The kids look like they had a blast. Wowzers, those photos are expensive. We thought we paid a lot for a photo CD of our stingray swim which was $50, I guess that was a bargain!

I knew they would be pricey, I just didn't know how much. We love them though !!

Dinner at the Royal Court looks amazing. Is that just a regular dining room or an upcharge place? So beautiful and elegant. And I love the charming dessert menu. You are making me want to book a Disney cruise really bad! I may be able to get my DH to Disney World if we cruise better than just a land based vacation since he's not a fan of WDW but he loves to cruise. You are giving me some good ammo!

It is not an upcharge place, just one of the regular restaurants included. I HIGHLY recommend a land and sea trip !!!

That's awesome that you had a good position for taking pictures of the dolphin experience though!

I was able to get some pretty good photos. I felt really lucky that I got such a good spot.

Wow, those are some crazy prices for the pictures! But the experience definitely looks worth it!

Heck, the excursion was super expensive, too. A family of 4 could easily drop $800 on that excursion. Since I was an observer, it was less, but we still easily spent over $500.

That restaurant looks absolutely beautiful!

It is !! I love it !!


Rosa Regale! Good choice. One of my favorites.

Yes, I really like it !!

I just drooled all over the place. Grand Marnier Souffle is incredible! Gaaaahhhh.....

And they have perfected it. I was really light and delicious !!

I would find it incredibly difficult to focus on anything but the chocolate sitting in front of me.

Oh it was !! Half the time the chef was talking, but to me he was just a Charlie Brown adult. Wah, wa, wa, wah ..... I was like, shut UP already and lets EAT !! LOL

 

[Tricia's mom]

Yes, a new update. Just what I needed... Home alone.... No one to bother me !!! And sick with a cold.

I read your chocolate/wine tasting while drinking moonshine and m&ms ... Same thing right ???

So relaxing reading your report ! Thanks !!!