Prelude to a WDW Dream...Sept. 08 *NEW 9/9 Post 350*

[Figment's Friend]

Hi, Jay! Just finished up your St. Martin adventures. Now I know a good bit about the island that I didn't know before! Everything just sounds fabulous BUT.....those butterflies are HUGE! I would have been scared to death! I can't get over how clear the water is, it looks so inviting

 

[John's Mom]

Jay, thanks for sharing your wonderful trip report and pictures. Just reading about the food made me hungry. The resort and surrounding areas are just beautiful. With all the planning you are doing for your next WDW vacation, you deserved this trip and all the pampering.

 

[jaycns]

Thanks for sharing all that Jay!!!

CONGRATS TO HUBBY!!!

What a great trip. Romantic and relaxing and fun! I love the view from your room and the spa treatment!!

I don't blame you for taking that Island Time seriously! It is good to go island once in a while!!

Can't wait for more!

I love that line, "It is good to go island once in a while!!" HA HA HA. I think I will quote that over and over to dh this year in hopes that he will earn us another trip. I think next year's trip goes to Jamaica.

Ahhhhh, what a relaxing trip (aside from the car ride!) you had!! I love all your pictures, what a beautiful place.

Every single ride we had was scary! I mean it when I say NO rules of the road seemed to be followed. Four instances stand out in my head as reasons why it was SUPER SCARY to be on the road there.
1. School kids were walking home from school and our bus driver was going about 50mph right next to them. They were walking in the road as there was no sidewalk. I was hoping we wouldn't hit one of them...and we came close.

2. Kids were riding bikes one night after dark and the transport we were on drove right up behind them and beeped their horn. It startled the kids so badly that one of the kids fell off of their bikes and then the driver kept on his horn until he cleared out of our way.

3.One day we were coming down a hill and the driver of the bus saw another car approaching and made them (the other car) turn off down another road so that he could pass. He did so by gesturing and practically pushing them over with the bumper of the bus.

4.One day traffic was backed up and our cab driver just swerved over and drove THROUGH ON COMING TRAFFIC!!!! To avoid the traffic jam! It was not a place I would EVER drive myself.

Oh my goodness Jay....your St. Martin trip sounds so wonderful and relaxing!!!! I love all the pictures you shared with us! It definitely looks like you guys had a marvelous time. I am so happy for you!!!!

Now...lets cross our fingers, eyes and toes that your DH gets awarded again next year and that you get to experience another totally romantic and beautiful getaway!!!!

Heck, I would even wear my hair crossed in braids all year long if that would help me get back for another island getaway.

Thank you for posting this mini TR. It made my morning to read it. Looks like you both had a wonderful time. I love the line about you got to finish your meals without taking anyone to the bathroom.

Seriously, I was totally appreciative of that. It's a RARE thing for us.

Hi, Jay! Just finished up your St. Martin adventures. Now I know a good bit about the island that I didn't know before! Everything just sounds fabulous BUT.....those butterflies are HUGE! I would have been scared to death! I can't get over how clear the water is, it looks so inviting

The first one in the pictures was huge. It was about as big as both of dh's hands spread out next to each other. They were so beautiful and colorful. You would have forgotten to be scared, they were just plain enchanting. What you might have been scared of was the farm itself...it was in a rusted out old shipping container (the store, entrance part of it)! We saw homes made from those too. That was really sad. Honestly, the kinds of containers that you see on railroad cars and barges were turned into homes. But I guess that was better than the tar paper and corrugated steal we saw making up some of the other homes.

Jay, thanks for sharing your wonderful trip report and pictures. Just reading about the food made me hungry. The resort and surrounding areas are just beautiful. With all the planning you are doing for your next WDW vacation, you deserved this trip and all the pampering.

HA HA HA. I am not quite sure that dh would agree with you. He says I got too spoiled for my own good since I am now planning some spa time for myself on our Disney cruise. After getting so spoiled with the spa on the island, I told him it was a needed part of my cruise this time. Not so sure he agrees. But since I am the planner,I am not so sure it matters that he doesn't agree.

 

[jaycns]

I just found this email in my in box. It looks like our plans have changed a bit as far as the ports we will be visiting.

"We have been notified by Disney Cruise Line that the itinerary for your sailing has been changed and no longer includes a stop in Costa Maya.

Below is your new itinerary:

Port Canaveral

Castaway Cay

Day at Sea

Grand Cayman

Cozumel

Day at Sea

Castaway Cay

Port Canaveral

Disney Cruise Line informed us this change is due to the extensive damage to the port in Costa Maya that remains from last years Hurricane. "


It looks like we won't be getting to explore a new port after all. Costa Maya was the only port we had not previously visited. But, on the upside, we are now getting another day in Grand Cayman and that was a whole lot of fun for us on our last cruise. It will be good to get a chance to explore some new areas of the island and revisit a few of our favorite spots from last time.

I will devote the next part of my pre trip report to the planning of our cruise time. I am really looking forward to this!

Up next planning our cruise time!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Thanks for your mini trippie! It sounds like you had an amazing time! DHs company has an annual awards trip too, DH has won it twice - isn't it just wonderful to go on vacation for free?!!

I also know what you mean about the driving! We went to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon and the driving was exactly the same! It was just a free for all , I held on for dear life and prayed everytime we had to go somewhere!

 

[LindaBabe]

Yeaaa! I found you again! What a great cruise itinerary - a double dip western! Your mini-vacation a deux sounds wonderful - but well - the old lady missed hearing about the boyz! lol

 

[IWISHFORDISNEY]

Jay what a treat to catch up and get that cool mini trip report. The water looks so amazing. I will be interested to hear about your cruise. We are considering a DCL cruise next year. All those dinners sound amazing. I loved the pasta dish you described. Mmmmmm. You are one lucky mama to get such an amazing trip. I bet you were missing those boys though. I cant wait to hear more.

 

[Figment's Friend]

Disappointing about Costa Maya, but you're right -- even better you get more time in your favorite places! I remember the first TR I ever read of yours included your time on the Disney Magic (I think it was...) It was a great read and I can't wait to hear your plans for this year.

 

[momoftriplets]

OMG, Jay! What a fabulous TR. Congrats to hubby! The entire trip sounds like a dream.

I know what you mean about the driving experience. They have, well, let's just say....... interesting......driving habits in Puerto Rico, as well.

~B~

P.S. I tried to post this last night, but my computer

 

[disneydusted]

Hi Jay!! I am all caught up. WOW!!! You and your husband had such a wonderful trip! I love the islands. What a nice treat!

 

[jaycns]

Thanks for your mini trippie! It sounds like you had an amazing time! DHs company has an annual awards trip too, DH has won it twice - isn't it just wonderful to go on vacation for free?!!

I also know what you mean about the driving! We went to the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon and the driving was exactly the same! It was just a free for all , I held on for dear life and prayed everytime we had to go somewhere!

Ha ha ha, I was praying right along with you. What a cool thing that you got to go twice...I keep hinting to dh that I now expect this every year.

Yeaaa! I found you again! What a great cruise itinerary - a double dip western! Your mini-vacation a deux sounds wonderful - but well - the old lady missed hearing about the boyz! lol

I knew you would say that about the boys! I missed them a whole lot too. Up next will be my cruise planning updates...

Jay what a treat to catch up and get that cool mini trip report. The water looks so amazing. I will be interested to hear about your cruise. We are considering a DCL cruise next year. All those dinners sound amazing. I loved the pasta dish you described. Mmmmmm. You are one lucky mama to get such an amazing trip. I bet you were missing those boys though. I cant wait to hear more.

Which itinerary are you considering for next year? I am a big fan of DCL. I say if you have the chance to go, you should! Hmmm...I say that about going most places. I have this thing called a travel addiction.

Disappointing about Costa Maya, but you're right -- even better you get more time in your favorite places! I remember the first TR I ever read of yours included your time on the Disney Magic (I think it was...) It was a great read and I can't wait to hear your plans for this year.

Yep, you get the gold ribbon, I did stick our Disney Magic trip report right in the middle of our other one. I am no good at splitting things apart and trying to keep up with multiple threads...so it all gets lumped together in one. My organizational skills are seriously lacking. The few organizational brain cells I have are dedicated to keeping the kids straight. And thanks. PS I saw your pictures with the Beast on your mom's pretrip... I am jealous!

OMG, Jay! What a fabulous TR. Congrats to hubby! The entire trip sounds like a dream.

I know what you mean about the driving experience. They have, well, let's just say....... interesting......driving habits in Puerto Rico, as well.

~B~

P.S. I tried to post this last night, but my computer

You have a disobedient computer too? I thought I might be the only one. The entire trip was very dream like. I was so relaxed. It was a wonderful get away.

Hi Jay!! I am all caught up. WOW!!! You and your husband had such a wonderful trip! I love the islands. What a nice treat!

Glad you are still with me!

 

[jaycns]

Two days at Castaway Cay! What a treat!! Disney's private island in the Bahamas is a sure fire winner for a good time.

Along with a lot of relaxing beach time as a family, here are the excursions we are trying to chose between (all descriptions taken directly from the official Disney Cruise Line site).

-Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure
Head for the Stingray Hut for the experience of a lifetime! After a 15-minute orientation including many educational fun facts, Guests will be divided into groups and enter the shallow waters of the Stingray Lagoon. Your friendly guide will be on hand as you get up-close and personal during a feeding session using specially designed feeding trays. Feel the rush as the stingray takes the food right from the palm of your hand and even pet these amazing animals as they go up and down the feeding ramp.

Next, don some snorkel gear and head out further into the lagoon as you snorkel amongst the over 40 rays who call Castaway Cay home. After approximately 30 minutes of snorkel time, return to the beach with great memories and stories to tell of your Castaway Rays experience.

OR

-Seahorse Catamaran Snorkel Adventure
Just a short stroll from the ship, board the Seahorse Catamaran, a 63-foot power-catamaran, and receive your snorkel gear and instruction. Depart the Cay, snapping a picture of your Disney Cruise Line® ship as you head into open water to the northern end of the island. Set anchor at a specially selected snorkel stop boasting a vibrant reef and colorful fish native to the Abaco region.

After approximately 75 minutes of snorkel time, reboard the catamaran and enjoying a refreshing beverage, before returning back to Castaway Cay with plenty of time to enjoy the island's other highlights.

OR

-Personal Watercraft Eco Tour -
After a 15- minute safety orientation when you will learn about the important hand signals and separation distances, prepare to make waves as you and a family member or friend board a high-power personal water craft and head for open water.

Skim the translucent blue waters of Castaway Cay as you pass the Flying Dutchman, the ship featured in Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies, and also your Disney Cruise Line® ship on your way out of the lagoon.

Follow your guide to two stops where you will learn about the fascinating history of the local Abacos region, including stories of the area's abundant marine life, unique ecology — and even which pirates frequented these waters.

Then it's time to hold on tight once more as you soak up the sun and race across the Caribbean at top speed. After approximately 45 minutes of rip-roaring fun, enter the protected waters of the lagoon as your tour concludes at Boat Beach, in the heart of all the Castaway Cay fun.


Basically, we will chose one activity each day and spend the rest of the time playing with the kids on the beach. That's IF I can get them to leave the children's programming on the island. Last time I had to BEG Goofy to join me on the Sting Ray snorkel (which it turned out was one of his favorite times during the entire vacation). Here is for hopin things go a bit differently then they did last time. The last time we were at Castaway Cay Aladdin got a migraine about 10 minutes after stepping foot on the island and he and dh spent the entire rest of the day in the room. Stitch didn't want to stay out on the island with his dad and brother so he ended up heading back to the stateroom to watch a movie with his dad. I ended up running back and forth between the stateroom, the children's club area on the island and the Sting Ray area trying to reschedule our planned excursion time. All in all, only Goofy had a dream day, he said it was his favorite day ever and he soaked up all of the fun that was to be had at the kid's club area, while he was feeding and snorkeling with sting rays and building sand castles. That said, it was still a great day and I am thankful for the special time that Goofy and I got to spend together alone that day. I am just hoping that all family members will be able to enjoy our time at Castaway Cay this time!

I think we may plan one day where the boys "do their own thing" and dh and I spend a few hours at Serenity Bay, the adult beach. The other day will be spent with all of us splashing in the water together, building sand castles, playing soccer on the sand courts, shooting a few hoops on the shaded basketball court, digging our toes in the sand....ahhh, my idea of paradise!!

 

[SkyGirl]

Sounds great!

I remember you having to beg Goofy to join you! I took DD on Royal Caribbean when she was seven and she did not want to leave the children's program at all! She had so much fun there!

Can't wait to hear more!

 

[jaycns]

I guess I should have titled it shore excursion choice....singular. I am 99% sure that I want to do the following excursion. Well, at least go to the following place. I doubt I will use DCL transportation because the cost is pricey and then I am stuck coming and going on their time table instead of our own.

Boatswain's Adventure Marine Park
Take a scenic drive upon an air-conditioned Mini-Bus to this coastline paradise. Boatswain's Adventure Marine Park boasts bountiful beauty, but it's also full of activities that are sure to delight the whole family. This shore-side retreat is teeming with exotic animals, so prepare to get up close and personal with some of the island's native inhabitants! Explore the historic Caymans Turtle Farm. Home to over 11,000 green sea turtles that range in size from six ounces to six hundred pounds, this nature preserve is the only one of its kind in the world. View giant turtles in the massive breeding pond, and learn about the conservation efforts to preserve these magnificent creatures. And, you can hold young sea turtles for an exclusive photo opportunity!

Be amazed at the 1.3 million gallon Boatswain's Lagoon, an impressive environment that hosts hundreds of tropical fish. Then, come nose-to-nose with sharks and other creatures of the deep as you peer through the Predator Tank! Finally, dive into the brilliant Breaker's Lagoon and cool off in crystal waters. Hungry? Munch on lunch at Schooners Bar and Grill, where you'll be tantalized by delicious local Caribbean cuisine. If you want to opt for something different, check out the Turtle Crawl Deli or Breaker's Snack Shack for quick bites.

Discover the wonders of the island on our Nature Trail, and encounter different species of lizards, butterflies and plants that are indigenous to the region. Finally, explore Cayman's history with a stroll down Cayman Street and see local artisans working traditional trades like rope making, thatching, 'ole' time cooking and more! And take home a piece of paradise when you visit the impressive Gift Shop located in the reception building. This is a day you won't ever forget!

 

[Figment's Friend]

This is exciting watching you unravel your cruise days little by little I think all the possibilities for your two Castaway Cay days all sound great. In fact, the Personal Watercraft Eco Tour I had to read through twice to make sure I got everything -- sounds like nonstop fun! Ooooo and then your shore excursion day with the exotic species sounds fun, plus I remember your kids falling in love with the sea turtles last time! (I think I would to! )

 

[MouseTriper]

Oh Jay....all the plans for the cruise sound like so much fun!!! I can't wait for you guys to experience it all!!!

 

[jaycns]

This is exciting watching you unravel your cruise days little by little I think all the possibilities for your two Castaway Cay days all sound great. In fact, the Personal Watercraft Eco Tour I had to read through twice to make sure I got everything -- sounds like nonstop fun! Ooooo and then your shore excursion day with the exotic species sounds fun, plus I remember your kids falling in love with the sea turtles last time! (I think I would to! )

I will be posting our booked shore excursions in the next post. I was like a kid in a candy store while picking through booking them on-line. I LOVE your ear picking Stitch! It's one of the coolest signature pictures ever!

Oh Jay....all the plans for the cruise sound like so much fun!!! I can't wait for you guys to experience it all!!!

ME EITHER!! Up next, the posting of the plans.

 

[jaycns]

DAY 1-
We will be boarding at Port Canaveral. I have no plans for this day other than to stick my feet up on the railing, enjoy a drink and breathe in the smell of the ocean air. I cannot wait to be enjoying these moments!!

DAY 2-
I have booked the catamaran snorkeling trip at Castaway Cay. Dh and I will spend the morning hanging out together. Initially, I thought it might be better to skip snorkeling here since we will be able to do it on Grand Cayman, but having an infant, we will never be out snorkeling at the same time. We wanted a bit of time to enjoy snorkeling together and this will work out perfectly since they have Flounder's Reef nursery hours available (which I booked).

Our afternoon will be spent with the boys doing one of the following (depending on everyone's moods and how crowded different areas are).

We might spend the afternoon on the ship splashing in the pools. During days at sea, the pools are always so crowded that I wouldn't even dream of using them...so this might be a good chance to enjoy that.

We might spend the afternoon at the family beach splashing in the waves and building castles in the sand.

If the older boys want to be left in the kid's clubs we might spend the afternoon fawning over our Little Prince and doing whatever seems to make him happiest. Having three other boys, we rarely get to spend time alone with him. That time would be a treat for both dh and myself.

Or finally we might head indoors and enjoy whatever movie they are showing.

DAY 3Is our first day at sea. I am really looking forward to this day! I will spend basically the entire day at the spa. Yes, I guess that time at St. Martin did infect me with the spa bug!

I will start the day off with dh joining me for an exotic rasul treatment. After that we will head to lunch with the boys.

Then dh will end up spending the day with the boys (something that is all too rare for him) and I will head back to the spa. I am planning on having a hand treatment and manicure, sole delight and pedicure, and "Alone Time" which includes time in a private whirlpool overlooking the ocean, a tea ceremony and my choice, a facial. AHHH.

I will meet up with my menfolk freshly pampered and ready to tackle the rest of our vacation.


DAY 4-Grand Cayman. We are planning on heading to Boatswains Nature Park ourselves. I would rather be there when the crowds are still back at the ship and I would rather not be tied into leaving at a certain time. As long as we make it back in time to sail away is good enough for me. In looking at the website, http://www.boatswainsbeach.ky/ I think that place could keep us busy all day and then some!

DAY 5Cozumel. Here we are going to revisit our favorite beach, Paradise Beach. Here is the website, http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/beach.php. We had such an amazing day there in 2006! We are sure to have another great day!

DAY 6Day at Sea (the second sea day). I have reserved nursery time for our Little Prince this morning. I am hoping that I will be able to snag a Palo brunch reservation upon embarkation. They were ALL gone by the time I logged in at 2:30 AM the day our Castaway Club window opened up (45 days BEFORE the public booking window). I guess that I was under the mistaken impression that was soon enough. We went to see WallE and the Incredible Hulk at the drive in and I logged on just as soon as we got home. I cannot believe that they were all booked within a two and a half hour period in the middle of the night...but apparently they were! I am going to keep checking back and hope for an opening. My fingers are crossed!

DAY 7Castaway Cay (the second day at Disney's private island). This day will start out with all of the boys in various kid's clubs/childcare and dh and I spending the entire morning through lunch on the adult beach. I am hoping for a very relaxing morning. After lunch we will grab all of the boys and have an afternoon full of fun at the sports beach. Soccer in the sand, basketball in the shade, checkers, dodge ball, tons of fun! Not to mention splashing around in the ocean. We will stay here until it's time for Goofy and I to head for the sting ray swim in the late afternoon. At that point dh will spend some quality time with Aladdin (who didn't want to snorkel with the sting rays) and our Little Prince (who is too young to snorkel). As of right now, Stitch is still up in the air over what he would like to do. I am hoping he joins us for the sting ray snorkel, I think he would really enjoy it.

DAY 8 Return to Port Canaveral. UGH. Do they really expect that I will be ready to leave?!

I am planning on booking more nursery time slots for our Little Prince once we board. Especially in the evenings, I think it would be nice to have a bit of time to concentrate on having fun with the older kids/dh. However DCL only allows you to pre book 10 hours of nursery time and that is all they guarantee. I am hopeful that more will be available.

 

[Figment's Friend]

The only thing I can say is that everything sounds like so much fun! It's great you've got the relaxing time to yourself and then eventful family time with your boys and DH! Can't believe all the reservations for Paolo were already gone in that little span of time Actually I CAN when it comes to Disney's dining! Good luck trying to reserve it! I was looking at the website for Boatswain's Beach -- adventure around every corner, looks GREAT!

Can't wait to hear more.

 

[disneydusted]

I think you have a great day planned for Day 3!! It will be nice for Mom to get a bit of a rest while on vacation. Your days will all be so much fun! I love how you plan and plan to get a wonderful time for your family.