neverlandclub
Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2002
- Messages
- 476
Ahhh. Home again from a much needed and much appreciated journey on the beautiful Disney Magic. We began with a 3 surprise days that the parks, kiddos didn't know about that until we left. Totally fun to surprise them. Stayed at the WLV and enjoyed the uncrowded parks. Kids got to do all the interactive activities at EPCOT and no lines in Fantasyland. Total Pixie dust, right from the start.
On Saturday morning, we did a fishing excursion in Bay Lake prior to leaving for Port Canaveral via Happy Limo. DD is the Bassmaster, pulling them up right and left. We all made great catches, about 13 in all. Lots of fun.
Then it was off to the Magic. I just love the first sight of her as you come over the bridge. We were signed in and onboard in no time flat. Went to Sessions to meet the concierge team which was a little frazzled, but managed to get my Palo ressies and spa ressie for the Couples Villa. Off to a very crowded Topsiders for lunch. Not easy to find a table for 3 adults and 4 kids but we did it. (more pixie dust) Our cabin was ready as soon as we finished lunch and it was awesome. We had a midship 1 BR (pixie dust before we arrived by getting the upgrade we wanted and waited for) and a nearby family suite. DH, DS, and our youngest DD (2) were in the 1BR, DD's (10 & 5) were in the other with Gramma, but most kids ended up staying in our room.
We knew there were tons of Diser's on board and had chatted prior to the sailing on line as well as a special Diser family from our past cruise (Hi Kerns family). All in all, we didn't cross paths very much as we were very busy with our kids and our top priority of this vacation was to relax and enjoy some quality family time. We got that and more.
The first night was rough and we missed the AP show as kids were getting green. Later in Palo, hubby turned green so that meal was a wash. But it was great meeting our server up there Emmanuel, who ended up taking care of us all week at dinners or brunch.
The best part of concierge is unlimited Palo ressies and we did 2 brunches (one with DH, and one with my mom) as well as 3 dinners. I love that place. As the sole chef of the family, I appreciate being pampered for a week and Palo knows how to do it.
On CC our first day we landed a hammock (pixie dust and some fast feet) and a spot directly in front of the play island for the kids. DH and I really enjoyed it. Seas were much smoother that day. Filled up on soft serve cookie dough ice cream (yum) and DS made some friends in the Grouper Pavilion. (We would forever after this have a hard time finding him as he was hanging out with his new buddies to all hours.)
Our servers for Navneet and Lisa, Lisa remembered us from Easter when she was our assistant server so it was nice to see her again. She kept the smoothies coming each night for our DD's. Our head server was very nice as well, and very pleasant to look at. We met a lovely family from Maine at CC and discovered they were just 2 tables away. Our DD's were fast friends. DH and I headed to Palo again to actually eat since the boat wasn't rocking anymore. It was FABULOUS!
Our first sea day I had brunch with my mom in Palo. My DH was supposed to come but he was still full from the night before and our 2yr old had a cold and couldn't go to Flounder's Reef. We met a big group of Diser's having brunch. Had to run when I spied DH through the windows of Palo, signalling that DD needed Mommy.
That afternoon we had our Couples Villa with massages. I got great photos. This area is awesome. We relaxed in the jacuzzi, had great massages, then lounged on the outdoor chaise bed with our tea and fruit. Heavenly. Next time I will book this at night so I can just roll into bed afterwards. I was so relaxed. We got dressed for Formal night, all my princesses in costume and my DH and DS in suits. This would be one of the last meals DS would join us for and the only opportunity for a family photo. DH and myself had to take turns tracking DS down at night to get him back to the cabin.
I think DCL should offer a separate pager or walkie talkie for the teens. That way you could buzz your kid to remind them of dinner or to get their butt back home. We spent a lot of time looking for our 13 yr old who was enjoying his first taste of real independence. I know others had the same problems.
We missed GC due to the port closing so we had another day at sea. We spent it lazing about with the kids which was nice.
Costa Maya we went to Pez Quadro which was very nice, but walking the guantlet of vendors was a little intimidating. But once we were at our spot, open bar and great food was very enjoyable. My DD(5) loved ordering her own mock pina coloda while sitting on the bar swings. She came back after one trip and told her dad, "Sorry Daddy. I tried to get you a beer but they said I would probably spill it in the sand."
Only my redhead would try to order a beer for her Dad.
We made our way back to the boat for Pirate Night and even managed to snag our son for a little while. We all dressed up (except for DS and DH) as pirates, my redhead was dressed as the Redhead from the ride. So cute. Alas, no professional photos as the lines were forever.
Our next sea day DH and I went to brunch, the best meal onboard. I couldn't eat again until dinner. After brunch, went in search of the girls and my mom. The pools were crowded due to the big screen showing Thanksgiving Football.
Let me say, this is not the best idea. A kids pool and adults with buckets of beer is not the best combo. My DD (10) was injured by an ADULT male jumping into the Goofy pool on to HER HEAD! He knocked her under and her entire face was swollen up. He offered no apology and made a quick exit,though DH tried to find him. I thought her cheekbone was broken but swelling went down with ice. I think they need a lifeguard during times like this or something. Alcohol and a kiddie pool don't mix.
That night was the semi formal Thanksgiving menu. Lots of options from turkey to lobster to prime rib. My mom asked if the apple pie was homemade and we all looked at her like she was nuts. Navneet then joked that Lisa had make it in her cabin. We kidded her forever after about it. Everything we ate we would ask if it was homemade. DS stood us up again for dinner and DH had to hunt him down at 1:30 in the morning to come to bed. He had the Teen Wild Side excursion the next morning.
We hoofed it first thing in the morning but missed out on a hammock.But, we still had a good spot and the rain held off for the day. Then the magical moment where the Wonder and Magic met. I can't describe the cheers and the sound of the horns "talking" to one another. Kind of like whales communicating or something. We got a great shot from the Head's Up bar.
DH and I had cabana massages that afternoon. Best massage ever. I swear I thought I could turn my head completely around afterwards. The Noseeum's did eat me alive though. I am still itching.
The only damper on the whole trip was when DS was AWOL at dinner. DH and I took turns walking the boat looking for him and his posse of look-a-likes (element hats, volcum shirts, skateboarder shoes- walking aimlessly about the boat). DH found him just before dinner was over and had him wait in the room. We had a sit down with him and took back his KTTW card to ensure he would stay put while we salvaged our evening at Palo. He seemed to understand why we were upset and appreciated that we missed his company. He's been a whole new kid since. I think we just got our first taste at being the parent's of a teenager, and he got his first experience feeling like a teenager.
Ending the trip in Palo is the best. Emmanuel made it a wonderful evening and he took our picture where it looks like we are the only ones in the restaurant.
Then it was off to pack up and get the bags out by 11. I was determined to see the Pub show, but we arrived late and it was full. So back up to finish packing and sit on my verandah one last time.
It was so hard to leave the Magic but we are excited about going back in 2007, hopefully to some exciting new ports. Disney gave us a magical time with our family and memories for a lifetime.
On Saturday morning, we did a fishing excursion in Bay Lake prior to leaving for Port Canaveral via Happy Limo. DD is the Bassmaster, pulling them up right and left. We all made great catches, about 13 in all. Lots of fun.
Then it was off to the Magic. I just love the first sight of her as you come over the bridge. We were signed in and onboard in no time flat. Went to Sessions to meet the concierge team which was a little frazzled, but managed to get my Palo ressies and spa ressie for the Couples Villa. Off to a very crowded Topsiders for lunch. Not easy to find a table for 3 adults and 4 kids but we did it. (more pixie dust) Our cabin was ready as soon as we finished lunch and it was awesome. We had a midship 1 BR (pixie dust before we arrived by getting the upgrade we wanted and waited for) and a nearby family suite. DH, DS, and our youngest DD (2) were in the 1BR, DD's (10 & 5) were in the other with Gramma, but most kids ended up staying in our room.
We knew there were tons of Diser's on board and had chatted prior to the sailing on line as well as a special Diser family from our past cruise (Hi Kerns family). All in all, we didn't cross paths very much as we were very busy with our kids and our top priority of this vacation was to relax and enjoy some quality family time. We got that and more.
The first night was rough and we missed the AP show as kids were getting green. Later in Palo, hubby turned green so that meal was a wash. But it was great meeting our server up there Emmanuel, who ended up taking care of us all week at dinners or brunch.
The best part of concierge is unlimited Palo ressies and we did 2 brunches (one with DH, and one with my mom) as well as 3 dinners. I love that place. As the sole chef of the family, I appreciate being pampered for a week and Palo knows how to do it.
On CC our first day we landed a hammock (pixie dust and some fast feet) and a spot directly in front of the play island for the kids. DH and I really enjoyed it. Seas were much smoother that day. Filled up on soft serve cookie dough ice cream (yum) and DS made some friends in the Grouper Pavilion. (We would forever after this have a hard time finding him as he was hanging out with his new buddies to all hours.)
Our servers for Navneet and Lisa, Lisa remembered us from Easter when she was our assistant server so it was nice to see her again. She kept the smoothies coming each night for our DD's. Our head server was very nice as well, and very pleasant to look at. We met a lovely family from Maine at CC and discovered they were just 2 tables away. Our DD's were fast friends. DH and I headed to Palo again to actually eat since the boat wasn't rocking anymore. It was FABULOUS!
Our first sea day I had brunch with my mom in Palo. My DH was supposed to come but he was still full from the night before and our 2yr old had a cold and couldn't go to Flounder's Reef. We met a big group of Diser's having brunch. Had to run when I spied DH through the windows of Palo, signalling that DD needed Mommy.
That afternoon we had our Couples Villa with massages. I got great photos. This area is awesome. We relaxed in the jacuzzi, had great massages, then lounged on the outdoor chaise bed with our tea and fruit. Heavenly. Next time I will book this at night so I can just roll into bed afterwards. I was so relaxed. We got dressed for Formal night, all my princesses in costume and my DH and DS in suits. This would be one of the last meals DS would join us for and the only opportunity for a family photo. DH and myself had to take turns tracking DS down at night to get him back to the cabin.
I think DCL should offer a separate pager or walkie talkie for the teens. That way you could buzz your kid to remind them of dinner or to get their butt back home. We spent a lot of time looking for our 13 yr old who was enjoying his first taste of real independence. I know others had the same problems.
We missed GC due to the port closing so we had another day at sea. We spent it lazing about with the kids which was nice.
Costa Maya we went to Pez Quadro which was very nice, but walking the guantlet of vendors was a little intimidating. But once we were at our spot, open bar and great food was very enjoyable. My DD(5) loved ordering her own mock pina coloda while sitting on the bar swings. She came back after one trip and told her dad, "Sorry Daddy. I tried to get you a beer but they said I would probably spill it in the sand."
Only my redhead would try to order a beer for her Dad.We made our way back to the boat for Pirate Night and even managed to snag our son for a little while. We all dressed up (except for DS and DH) as pirates, my redhead was dressed as the Redhead from the ride. So cute. Alas, no professional photos as the lines were forever.
Our next sea day DH and I went to brunch, the best meal onboard. I couldn't eat again until dinner. After brunch, went in search of the girls and my mom. The pools were crowded due to the big screen showing Thanksgiving Football.
Let me say, this is not the best idea. A kids pool and adults with buckets of beer is not the best combo. My DD (10) was injured by an ADULT male jumping into the Goofy pool on to HER HEAD! He knocked her under and her entire face was swollen up. He offered no apology and made a quick exit,though DH tried to find him. I thought her cheekbone was broken but swelling went down with ice. I think they need a lifeguard during times like this or something. Alcohol and a kiddie pool don't mix.
That night was the semi formal Thanksgiving menu. Lots of options from turkey to lobster to prime rib. My mom asked if the apple pie was homemade and we all looked at her like she was nuts. Navneet then joked that Lisa had make it in her cabin. We kidded her forever after about it. Everything we ate we would ask if it was homemade. DS stood us up again for dinner and DH had to hunt him down at 1:30 in the morning to come to bed. He had the Teen Wild Side excursion the next morning.
We hoofed it first thing in the morning but missed out on a hammock.But, we still had a good spot and the rain held off for the day. Then the magical moment where the Wonder and Magic met. I can't describe the cheers and the sound of the horns "talking" to one another. Kind of like whales communicating or something. We got a great shot from the Head's Up bar.
DH and I had cabana massages that afternoon. Best massage ever. I swear I thought I could turn my head completely around afterwards. The Noseeum's did eat me alive though. I am still itching.
The only damper on the whole trip was when DS was AWOL at dinner. DH and I took turns walking the boat looking for him and his posse of look-a-likes (element hats, volcum shirts, skateboarder shoes- walking aimlessly about the boat). DH found him just before dinner was over and had him wait in the room. We had a sit down with him and took back his KTTW card to ensure he would stay put while we salvaged our evening at Palo. He seemed to understand why we were upset and appreciated that we missed his company. He's been a whole new kid since. I think we just got our first taste at being the parent's of a teenager, and he got his first experience feeling like a teenager.
Ending the trip in Palo is the best. Emmanuel made it a wonderful evening and he took our picture where it looks like we are the only ones in the restaurant.
Then it was off to pack up and get the bags out by 11. I was determined to see the Pub show, but we arrived late and it was full. So back up to finish packing and sit on my verandah one last time.
It was so hard to leave the Magic but we are excited about going back in 2007, hopefully to some exciting new ports. Disney gave us a magical time with our family and memories for a lifetime.
