RAIN, SCHMAIN, AND HURRICANES: Our 9/2011 Cruise: NEW ANNOUNCEMENT!

[sleepydog25]

I might've added a few comments to luvvwl's post. . .

Actually, Mr. Man, I didn’t intentionally wake you up. I was already up and dressed for the gym when you woke up all by you little lonesome. (By my "lonesome" is a euphemism for this on the bed) And. The frivolous side of me WANTED a straw hat but the admittedly teeny tiny practical side of me knew I’d never wear it outside of the cruise. I may be a shoe girl, I’m obviously a purse girl, but a hat girl? Not so much. Besides, it was only our second day on that beautiful ship and there was PLENTY to see and do.



I promised myself I would try to work out every day and use the stairs as much as possible to avoid that huge weight gain everyone seems to aquire on a cruise and guess what?? You CAN eat and drink pretty much whatever you want and not really gain weight! And. Watching the approach to Nassau and the big, blue, beautiful ocean slipping by isn’t a bad view to work out to. Tarzan WOULD have been better, but alas, he must have had a different workout schedule than I did.

I love the various blues in this picture: byzantine, cerulean, and sky among others

Cabanas was AWESOME!!!! Fresh and plentiful, and the most excellent eggs benedict! And, actually, we stopped at Cove Café for a latte before we went down to Enchanted Garden. Not quite Starbucks, but very, very good. FYI, there is an out of pocket fee here, but well worth it IMO. And, they have a coffee card where if you buy 6, the next one is free!

Aaahhh, the spa!!!

(why, oh why is it that in just about EVERY picture, I have zero makeup on other than some mascara and lip gloss????) Yet, you still look beautiful.

Oh, and I guess the really awesome shot at the spa with Nassau in the background was just of me, lolol!!! Oopsies, but great picture taking abilities, babe!! Yes, but lovely subjects help. . .

Notice the bubble effect these lights create to mimic champagne bubbles. . .

 

[Shell54]

Love your trip report. So fun

 

[sleepydog25]

Love your trip report. So fun

You should've seen us in person! And, thanks! More to come tonight!

 

[sleepydog25]

Animator’s Palette or How the Turtle Turned the Tables

Once more I find myself needing to back up slightly. As she-who-never-forgets reminds me, we also did the Aquaduck at some point on the first full day. Since scores of people went ashore, we thought the line wouldn’t be too long, and it wasn’t. Still, even though we managed to climb quite a way up the steps leading to the loading area, I’d guess we had a good 20-minute wait as it’s not a quick-loading ride. Was the wait worth it? Yes! Would we wait more than half an hour to ride it? No. Naturally, we failed to notice hanging over the edge of the ship in the brief moment you get for that sensation as we were hooting and hollering from launching. Nonetheless, it was quite a thrill and one we’d repeat on at-sea day. . .but that’s another episode. .

Back to the stateroom and prepping for dinner. As is the case with many who cruise, most of our hanging clothes had gotten wrinkled over the past three days, especially my dress shirts (for which luvvwl had an answer: “You’ll be wearing a jacket!” ). I likened my shirts to prunes and wanted to press them, anyway. When we called guest help, they said quick service was four hours and regular service would mean the next afternoon, neither of which did much to help me since our dinner was in an hour. Instead, we trotted down the hall to the nearby laundry room to avail ourselves of the iron and ironing board there. The iron was still warm, and within moments of doing my first shirt (I had three and one top for my honey), two more people arrived. A word to the savvy—the laundry room can get crowded so don’t wait until the last minute as the competition for the lone iron can get. . .heated.

Once we had returned to the cabin and primped enough to satisfy ourselves that we were ready to go, we headed out to Animator’s Palette, again arriving a few minutes behind schedule and via the side door. This time, however, our sashay to Table 115 didn’t take so long because the host and a host of servers huddled together: “Okay! The play is Dogbone, X-Fly, Trips left, Lemon Wedge 115. . .on three! Ready, break!!” One of the team nodded in our direction which we took to mean “follow me,” and off through the tables we flew. Our table was way on the other side from where we entered, but he knew exactly where he was going. We reflected on the restaurant and decided that the décor in AP wasn’t our favorite, though it is iconic, e.g., the chair backs evoke classic Mickey. However, despite liking Nemo well enough, the ubiquitous emphasis on him, Dory, Crush, and others is a bit off-putting. Whereas, the classic AP is more of a dining destination, this incarnation on the Dream seems more skewed to younger cruisers for which I’m certain many parents applaud. Crush keeps appearing at various screens around the dining room and interacts with the patrons at any nearby table. Often he couldn’t hear the table and had to keep repeating, “What, dude?” We didn’t mind the shtick, but weren’t enamored of it, either.

As for the food, it was on par with Royal Palace the night before. LOMF dined on the black truffle purseittes for an appetizer while I went with the wild mushroom risotto. Interestingly, she liked the risotto better than the purseittes while it was just the opposite for me. In keeping with my theme of creamy soups (started last night), I also sampled the butternut squash soup—nicely done but not terribly memorable--too sweet. My partner had the grilled veggie, arugula, and sliced beef tenderloin salad which was expertly done—the veggies were still crisp, the arugula fresh, and the beef tenderloin a perfect medium rare. For entrées, she opted for the trio of veal and I the Pacific black cod. While the veal was lovingly rendered, it was bland (as I find most veal dishes, anyway); on the other hand, my cod was light, flaky, and accompanied by a puree of yellow split pea—scrumptious. My cod carried the day! Then, it was time for dessert where we chose the lemon mousse and the pineapple financier cake, and neither was a winner in our book. If there was one knock against the AP menu, it was the desserts—the lemon mousse was lemony but heavy while the financier was dry and lacked any true pineapple flavor (pineapple from a can, anyone?). AP should rethink their desserts given these two should have been vibrantly citrusy and refreshing instead of ponderously sweet and lacking soul. Overall, solid meals but not ones that I would brag about to my friends.

The show that night was VILLAINS, and we enjoyed this production far more than the GMs. The tunes were catchy, Hades was a hoot, the storyline creative, the wit refreshing and crammed into every scene. This time, we sat on the main floor and did, indeed, get bubbled. We also had the privilege of witnessing the most tender moment of the entire cruise, and it had nothing to do with any show. Seated directly across the aisle from us was an elderly couple, easily well into their 80s. She had managed to walk to her seat with assistance from her daughter, while he had to be pushed in via wheelchair. With some struggle, he managed to get into his seat beside his wife whereupon he smiled, grasped her hand, and held it for the entire performance. Pardon the pun, but you could feel the love. We both remarked how touching was their obvious affection for the other and wondered if they had been a life-long couple or had met later in life. In the end, it mattered not—they were together. . .on the ship. Simply, beautifully, a quiet moment of enduring love. See? Disney is for all ages.

After the show, we again discussed our options for the evening which involved either heading to the District or going swimming in the adult pool and hot tub. We did neither. Stateroom 8656 was calling our names and once there and out of our finery, that darn bed felt way too comfortable to leave. We managed to find a show on TV to watch (she was looking for a Tarzan re-run), and in an amazing moment of weakness, we ordered room service! I know! We weren’t even that hungry, but the siren call of cheeseburger and grilled turkey panini was too much to resist. The quality of both was only average, but they sure hit the spot, a rapidly expanding spot for us both! There was only one thing to do after that late night snack—sleep. So we did. .

Next up: Castaway Cay Comes a' Callin'

 

[DisneyDee27]

I was on the same cruise with 9 other family members. My baby sister and I were in room 8672. Hi sort of neighbor I was the woman with the Winnie the Pooh ears

Thanks for your TR it's like reliving our cruise.
Can't wait for the next installments
Dee

 

[MomsOf2boys]

Fun TR! Just found it but am all caught up now. Feel free to carryon.

 

[sleepydog25]

I was on the same cruise with 9 other family members. My baby sister and I were in room 8672. Hi sort of neighbor I was the woman with the Winnie the Pooh ears

Thanks for your TR it's like reliving our cruise.
Can't wait for the next installments
Dee

Weren't you the woman who bathed in the Enchanted Garden fountain, then ran through the main atrium screaming for honey? Uhhh, no-o-o-o-o, don't remember you at all. . .

Fun TR! Just found it but am all caught up now. Feel free to carryon.

Concur with your . lol Hopefully, luvvwl will get busy and post some pics. Sheesh. . .

 

[luvvwl]

Hopefully, luvvwl will get busy and post some pics. Sheesh. . .

If SOMEONE didn't keep asking me questions like, "What did we eat at Animator's Palate? When did we go to Shutters? Which towel animal did we have this night?", then maybe, just maybe I'd have time. Besides, ANYONE can write this stuff, it's the picture adding that makes it so special!!!!

 

[luvvwl]

Animator’s Palette or How the Turtle Turned the Tables

Once more I find myself needing to back up slightly. As she-who-never-forgets reminds me, we also did the Aquaduck at some point on the first full day. Since scores of people went ashore, we thought the line wouldn’t be too long, and it wasn’t. Still, even though we managed to climb quite a way up the steps leading to the loading area, I’d guess we had a good 20-minute wait as it’s not a quick-loading ride. Was the wait worth it? Yes! Would we wait more than half an hour to ride it? No. Naturally, we failed to notice hanging over the edge of the ship in the brief moment you get for that sensation as we were hooting and hollering from launching. Nonetheless, it was quite a thrill and one we’d repeat on at-sea day. . .but that’s another episode. .

We also sunned on the top deck for a bit drinking yummy drinks. Depsite someone saying he didn't think we did, lolol! See??!!

I also want to say how much I loved our stateroom host, Nayesha. She made us the cutest towel animals every night. This is from the first night. That little box is the cutest wooden box from DVC which contained DVC lanyards. I can't imagine how they keep track of what to leave for each guest every night, but somehow they do. Disney magic!!!

Back to the stateroom and prepping for dinner. As is the case with many who cruise, most of our hanging clothes had gotten wrinkled over the past three days, especially my dress shirts (for which luvvwl had an answer: “You’ll be wearing a jacket!” ). I likened my shirts to prunes and wanted to press them, anyway. When we called guest help, they said quick service was four hours and regular service would mean the next afternoon, neither of which did much to help me since our dinner was in an hour. Instead, we trotted down the hall to the nearby laundry room to avail ourselves of the iron and ironing board there. The iron was still warm, and within moments of doing my first shirt (I had three and one top for my honey), two more people arrived. A word to the savvy—the laundry room can get crowded so don’t wait until the last minute as the competition for the lone iron can get. . .heated.

If you don't end up having any tablemates, the laundry room is a great place to make new friends!!! We actually saw a woman we had been chatting with at dinner that night! Also, I really don't remember you ironing anything for moi, just sayin'....

And. Can you believe "Express Service" takes FOUR HOURS??? Neither could I!

Once we had returned to the cabin and primped enough to satisfy ourselves that we were ready to go, we headed out to Animator’s Palette, again arriving a few minutes behind schedule and via the side door. This time, however, our sashay to Table 115 didn’t take so long because the host and a host of servers huddled together: “Okay! The play is Dogbone, X-Fly, Trips left, Lemon Wedge 115. . .on three! Ready, break!!” One of the team nodded in our direction which we took to mean “follow me,” and off through the tables we flew. Our table was way on the other side from where we entered, but he knew exactly where he was going. We reflected on the restaurant and decided that the décor in AP wasn’t our favorite, though it is iconic, e.g., the chair backs evoke classic Mickey. However, despite liking Nemo well enough, the ubiquitous emphasis on him, Dory, Crush, and others is a bit off-putting. Whereas, the classic AP is more of a dining destination, this incarnation on the Dream seems more skewed to younger cruisers for which I’m certain many parents applaud. Crush keeps appearing at various screens around the dining room and interacts with the patrons at any nearby table. Often he couldn’t hear the table and had to keep repeating, “What, dude?” We didn’t mind the shtick, but weren’t enamored of it, either.

Actually, OhHeofLittleMemory, while we DID enter the side door again (we have GOT to stop doing that!! DON'T do it, if you're reading this!!! You miss sooo much of the experience if you don't enter at the main entrance!) our table was like, two feet from the side entrance.

The Crush thing was cute...for the first five minutes. Then it got a bit repetitive. Plus, if your table wasn't right next to a screen you really couldn't hear much. And. It wasn't interactive for you.

As for the food, it was on par with Royal Palace the night before. LOMF dined on the black truffle purseittes for an appetizer while I went with the wild mushroom risotto. Interestingly, she liked the risotto better than the purseittes while it was just the opposite for me. In keeping with my theme of creamy soups (started last night), I also sampled the butternut squash soup—nicely done but not terribly memorable--too sweet. My partner had the grilled veggie, arugula, and sliced beef tenderloin salad which was expertly done—the veggies were still crisp, the arugula fresh, and the beef tenderloin a perfect medium rare. For entrées, she opted for the trio of veal and I the Pacific black cod. While the veal was lovingly rendered, it was bland (as I find most veal dishes, anyway); on the other hand, my cod was light, flaky, and accompanied by a puree of yellow split pea—scrumptious. My cod carried the day! Then, it was time for dessert where we chose the lemon mousse and the pineapple financier cake, and neither was a winner in our book. If there was one knock against the AP menu, it was the desserts—the lemon mousse was lemony but heavy while the financier was dry and lacked any true pineapple flavor (pineapple from a can, anyone?). AP should rethink their desserts given these two should have been vibrantly citrusy and refreshing instead of ponderously sweet and lacking soul. Overall, solid meals but not ones that I would brag about to my friends.

Your cod and my salad (which was just an appetizer portion FYI - yes, you really CAN ask for smaller portions of the entrees if you want to try them - were the best of the whole meal.

PS~ another tip here if you haven't already heard: they do charge a $20 corkage fee if you bring a whole bottle of wine to the table, but it's perfectly acceptable to bring glass from your room at no charge!! I have heard you can refill that as often as you like, but really, who wants to keep traipsing back to the room during their meal?

The show that night was VILLAINS, and we enjoyed this production far more than the GMs. The tunes were catchy, Hades was a hoot, the storyline creative, the wit refreshing and crammed into every scene. This time, we sat on the main floor and did, indeed, get bubbled. We also had the privilege of witnessing the most tender moment of the entire cruise, and it had nothing to do with any show. Seated directly across the aisle from us was an elderly couple, easily well into their 80s. She had managed to walk to her seat with assistance from her daughter, while he had to be pushed in via wheelchair. With some struggle, he managed to get into his seat beside his wife whereupon he smiled, grasped her hand, and held it for the entire performance. Pardon the pun, but you could feel the love. We both remarked how touching was their obvious affection for the other and wondered if they had been a life-long couple or had met later in life. In the end, it mattered not—they were together. . .on the ship. Simply, beautifully, a quiet moment of enduring love. See? Disney is for all ages.

I totally loved that couple!!!! And. We both said we could see ourselves in them oh, so many years from now. Well, oh so many years from now for one of us.

After the show, we again discussed our options for the evening which involved either heading to the District or going swimming in the adult pool and hot tub. We did neither. Stateroom 8656 was calling our names and once there and out of our finery, that darn bed felt way too comfortable to leave. We managed to find a show on TV to watch (she was looking for a Tarzan re-run), and in an amazing moment of weakness, we ordered room service! I know! We weren’t even that hungry, but the siren call of cheeseburger and grilled turkey panini was too much to resist. The quality of both was only average, but they sure hit the spot, a rapidly expanding spot for us both! There was only one thing to do after that late night snack—sleep. So we did.

We stoppped for pictures in the lobby first, babe. See??

We DID order room service!!!! And did so every night. Well, except for pirate night when Cabanas was open late and we (and by we I mean I) loaded up on tacos and baked potatoes!! I would also like to point out here that I had bought TWO bags of BAKED chips before the trip purchased SPECIFICALLY for snacking and SOMEONE told me NOT to bring them because we'd just end up eating them.

Well, DUH!!!! And. I think baked chips might have been a little healthier option, albeit not as tasty of one, than all those cheeseburgers, fries and tacos!!! Just sayin'...

 

[lvstitch]

Wow, love your dress

 

[luvvwl]

Wow, love your dress

Thank you!

Also. Thanks for stopping by!

 

[sleepydog25]

If SOMEONE didn't keep asking me questions like, "What did we eat at Animator's Palate? When did we go to Shutters? Which towel animal did we have this night?", then maybe, just maybe I'd have time. Besides, ANYONE can write this stuff, it's the picture adding that makes it so special!!!!

To which I will add that it was I who took the best pictures, thank you very much.

 

[sleepydog25]

We also sunned on the top deck for a bit drinking yummy drinks. Depsite someone saying he didn't think we did, lolol! See??!! This pic is obviously photo-shopped!

This one is not. . .

PS~ another tip here if you haven't already heard: they do charge a $20 corkage fee if you bring a whole bottle of wine to the table, but it's perfectly acceptable to bring glass from your room at no charge!! I have heard you can refill that as often as you like, but really, who wants to keep traipsing back to the room during their meal? Like I did? lol Actually, as I recall, I went back to our room (located five floors directly above AP) and returned with two glasses of wine all in less than three minutes. We were saving our special bottle for Palo the next night.



I totally loved that couple!!!! And. We both said we could see ourselves in them oh, so many years from now. Well, oh so many years from now for one of us. Tell me again which of the two of us can run a 6-minute mile?


We DID order room service!!!! And did so every night. Well, except for pirate night when Cabanas was open late and we (and by we I mean I) loaded up on tacos and baked potatoes!! I would also like to point out here that I had bought TWO bags of BAKED chips before the trip purchased SPECIFICALLY for snacking and SOMEONE told me NOT to bring them because we'd just end up eating them.

Well, DUH!!!! And. I think baked chips might have been a little healthier option, albeit not as tasty of one, than all those cheeseburgers, fries and tacos!!! Just sayin'...

I would point out that a) you opened the bags before we ever left on the trip zz) what was left of the bags we actually DID bring in the car (and you finished off one of the bags enroute), ix) it's not like you wouldn't have ordered room service anyway along with whatever chips we had in our possession.

 

[luvvwl]

I would point out that a) you opened the bags before we ever left on the trip zz) what was left of the bags we actually DID bring in the car (and you finished off one of the bags enroute), ix) it's not like you wouldn't have ordered room service anyway along with whatever chips we had in our possession.

We (okay, maybe more me) may have finished the southwestern baked chips on the ride down, but there was nearly a full bag of baked cheetos that could have come on board, so there! But SOMEONE said no.

And. Maybe, just possibly, I wouldn't have had room service.

 

[sleepydog25]

We (okay, maybe more me) may have finished the southwestern baked chips on the ride down, but there was nearly a full bag of baked cheetos that could have come on board, so there! But SOMEONE said no.

And. Maybe, just possibly, I wouldn't have had room service.

And. Maybe, just possibly, Elvis is still alive.

Castaway Cay Comes a’ Callin’

Okay, let me get this straight: THIS is the day we went back to Cabanas for breakfast and then again for lunch, right? (The person to whom I direct this question understands. ) Just like the previous morning, we sallied forth into Cove Café for our lattes (and 2 more holes punched on our club card). Though Cabanas wasn’t crowded, we slipped outside to watch Castaway Cay creep closer. It was a glorious day, warm and sunny, but I had been hoping for a more overcast morning. Heresy you say? Not if you were preparing to run in the 5K starting an hour and a half later. I typically prefer warmer weather for running but not when you have to slice through the humidity with a knife. This morning it was obvious—it was gonna be a drencher. In keeping with my habit on race days, I ate and drank sparingly (I do that the night before, too, though. . .not. . .last. . .night); no need to test if the photographic software would recognize my face barfing behind a coconut tree. To the beauty-with-the-radiant-smile, however, more important than the race was another event.
“I don’t need no stinking race, and you’ll be fine, babe,” said she, “I have a date with Captain Jack Sparrow!”
Fateful words those.

After a brief stop in our cabin to finish packing a small bag for our morning on CC, we used our hand-held GPS system to navigate our way to the disembarkation gangway (Deck 1, btw) and started the hike to the bike rental shop where the race began. To be fair, she-who-adores-me was planning to see me off at the start of the race, but halfway to our destination, it was clear she might not make it to the race start then back to find Cap’n Jack in time for a photo. . .wherever that was to be (play the ominous music). I won’t say that the walk to the bike shop is long, but I do claim to have met Dr. Livingstone, and I swear Amelia Earhart was peeking out from behind a sandy knoll along the way. I convinced her (luvvwl not Amelia) to turn back and find Cap’n Jack. At this point, I’ll leave it to the pirate-y lass to tell the story of her quest for Cap’n Jack. . .heh, heh, heh. . .

The race began at 9:15 with about 30 craz. . .umm, runners present. That’s the thing about being addicted to running (or in my case, knowing I had to offset all the drinking and eating I was doing on this cruise), you like to run in unique locales. I’ve run on both sides of both oceans, in tropical locations, in sub-zero snow squalls, across swamps, and through mountains passes. Yet, I’d never run on CC (unless you count running up to the bar), much less in a race on CC. I knew I’d not be the fastest, just as I figured I wouldn’t be the slowest, but what another aspect I’ve long enjoyed about running is that it is a test of will where the primary competition is yourself not those around you. The race director gave us a quick briefing about the route then off we went. We took a small lane to a second small lane, turned right then 50 yards later hooked a left onto the old runway. Two hundred or so yards later, we turned right off the runway onto some twisting bike loop and proceeded to follow it for about around back to the runway (approx. 1 mile) where we spilled to the right toward the adult beach and the little cul-de-sac turn there, then we retraced our steps all the way back to the finish line. It was hot. . .and humid. . .and hot. . . But, to my knowledge no one needed medical attention, though they did have the staff doctor hanging around the start/finish line. I finished third, though that is relative in the sense there were only thirty people in the race and the winner finished a good two minutes ahead of me. But, the way I figure, I still came in first. I was easily 10-12 years older than he was, so adjusting for age, that puts me ahead by 30 seconds. On the other hand, he had this totally cool tattoo on his stomach, so give him back those 30 seconds. But, I was on a cruise with the woman of my dreams—hands down, I win. (For the record and those of you who share my love of running, the pace of first racer to cross the finish line was around 6:55 per mile.) At that point, I grabbed some water (“$2, please!”), a seat at the tram stop just steps away, and waited for my sweetie to show up. . .


Next up: More on CC Day or "How I Discovered a New Weight Loss Activity" by luvvwl

Take it away, babe!

 

[princesscinderella]

We did mixology with Sean from Trinidad too he was awesome and we walked out of there sideways,

 

[MomsOf2boys]

Funny that they charged for the water.

 

[luvvwl]

And. Maybe, just possibly, Elvis is still alive.

Hardy, har, har.

Castaway Cay Comes a’ Callin’

Okay, let me get this straight: THIS is the day we went back to Cabanas for breakfast and then again for lunch, right? (The person to whom I direct this question understands. )

Lololol! Yes.

Just like the previous morning, we sallied forth into Cove Café for our lattes (and 2 more holes punched on our club card). Though Cabanas wasn’t crowded, we slipped outside to watch Castaway Cay creep closer. It was a glorious day, warm and sunny, but I had been hoping for a more overcast morning. Heresy you say? Not if you were preparing to run in the 5K starting an hour and a half later. I typically prefer warmer weather for running but not when you have to slice through the humidity with a knife. This morning it was obvious—it was gonna be a drencher. In keeping with my habit on race days, I ate and drank sparingly (I do that the night before, too, though. . .not. . .last. . .night); no need to test if the photographic software would recognize my face barfing behind a coconut tree. To the beauty-with-the-radiant-smile, however, more important than the race was another event.
“I don’t need no stinking race, and you’ll be fine, babe,” said she, “I have a date with Captain Jack Sparrow!”
Fateful words those.

I will point out here that I had already visited the gym before breakfast and therefore had no need of a race. Just so you know. And. You just HAD to remind me huh? But. I do love the way in which you refer to me. Gold stars for you!

After a brief stop in our cabin to finish packing a small bag for our morning on CC, we used our hand-held GPS system to navigate our way to the disembarkation gangway (Deck 1, btw) and started the hike to the bike rental shop where the race began. To be fair, she-who-adores-me was planning to see me off at the start of the race, but halfway to our destination, it was clear she might not make it to the race start then back to find Cap’n Jack in time for a photo. . .wherever that was to be (play the ominous music). I won’t say that the walk to the bike shop is long, but I do claim to have met Dr. Livingstone, and I swear Amelia Earhart was peeking out from behind a sandy knoll along the way. I convinced her (luvvwl not Amelia) to turn back and find Cap’n Jack. At this point, I’ll leave it to the pirate-y lass to tell the story of her quest for Cap’n Jack. . .heh, heh, heh. . .

I had every intention of seeing you off, but since you didn’t think you’d be longer than 20 minutes or so I knew I had to be first in line for that pic.

The race began at 9:15 with about 30 craz. . .umm, runners present. That’s the thing about being addicted to running (or in my case, knowing I had to offset all the drinking and eating I was doing on this cruise), you like to run in unique locales. I’ve run on both sides of both oceans, in tropical locations, in sub-zero snow squalls, across swamps, and through mountains passes. Yet, I’d never run on CC (unless you count running up to the bar), much less in a race on CC. I knew I’d not be the fastest, just as I figured I wouldn’t be the slowest, but what another aspect I’ve long enjoyed about running is that it is a test of will where the primary competition is yourself not those around you. The race director gave us a quick briefing about the route then off we went. We took a small lane to a second small lane, turned right then 50 yards later hooked a left onto the old runway. Two hundred or so yards later, we turned right off the runway onto some twisting bike loop and proceeded to follow it for about around back to the runway (approx. 1 mile) where we spilled to the right toward the adult beach and the little cul-de-sac turn there, then we retraced our steps all the way back to the finish line. It was hot. . .and humid. . .and hot. . . But, to my knowledge no one needed medical attention, though they did have the staff doctor hanging around the start/finish line. I finished third, though that is relative in the sense there were only thirty people in the race and the winner finished a good two minutes ahead of me. But, the way I figure, I still came in first. I was easily 10-12 years older than he was, so adjusting for age, that puts me ahead by 30 seconds. On the other hand, he had this totally cool tattoo on his stomach, so give him back those 30 seconds. But, I was on a cruise with the woman of my dreams—hands down, I win. (For the record and those of you who share my love of running, the pace of first racer to cross the finish line was around 6:55 per mile.) At that point, I grabbed some water (“$2, please!”), a seat at the tram stop just steps away, and waited for my sweetie to show up. . .

You are so sweet! Plus. You don’t need any totally cool tatoo’s on your stomach. Just sayin’…

Next up: More on CC Day or "How I Discovered a New Weight Loss Activity" by luvvwl

NEWSFLASH!!!! It IS possible to take a Disney cruise and not gain any weight. “How?”, you ask. It’s EASY. Just do the Castaway Cay Marathon. “Marathon?”, you ask. Oh yes, you didn’t know? It goes something like this…

1) Have the desire to take a picture with Captain Jack
2) Check the Navigator for the time and location of his appearance
3) Show up at said location

Sounds easy, right? That’s what I thought. According to the Castaway Cay-vents there were two appearances for Captain Jack. The first at 9:30, “on the island pathway between the ship and Scuttle’s Cove” and the second was at 10:45 at the Pelican Point tram stop. As we disembarked from the ship, we decided to walk to Scuttle’s Cove. A of all) because we generally try to walk when we can and B of all) so I could scope out the Captain Jack picture location. The plan was to see SD off at 9:15 and then get back and score first place in line. We would try to do the 10:45 time, but we had an eleven o’clock reservation for parasailing and we weren’t sure we’d be able to stay for the photo. This way, we could be sure I’d get it, and it would give me something to do while I waited for the crazy man I adore.

It became quickly apparent that finding the location was not going to be easy and that the 5K start was located NOWHERE NEAR where said location was supposed to be. Having discovered that, we formulated Plan B. SD would forge ahead and I would inquire of a CM at Scuttle’s Cove as to the top secret, highly classified location of the portrait session. That sounds easy, right? Rational, even. Except for one thing. The castmembers didn’t seem to have any clue as to where this QuicklyBecomingaMissionImpossible was. They suggested I had come too far and to walk back toward the ship.

Well, okay. Anything for Captain Jack. So, I started back. I snapped some pics along the way.

All the while, keeping a sharp eagle eye out for ANYTHING that might indicate SOME CLUE as to where this alleged photo op was.

Nada. Zip. And. Zilch.

I walked back as far as the first photo op’s on the pier. Now. Keep in mind it was already pretty hot. As in, not just fry an egg on the sidewalk hot, but hard boil it, even. I had spent some time spiffying myself up for this date and it was all melting away. Like the Wicked Witch of the West. (only in a nice and pretty way, of course) This CM suggested I had once again gone too far. It’s on the pathway. Just beyond the bridge. You’ll see it.

Uh huh. Apparently I need new contacts lenses or I have contracted early Alzheimer’s because I walked that freakin’ island path about TEN times ROUND TRIP. I kid you not. And NEVER ONCE saw ANYTHING that remotely indicated that IT was THE SPOT.

I was ready to throw in the towel. I no longer cared about Captain Jack and his great person of rugged dashed-ness. I was hot. I was tired. And I wanted a BIG glass of something with a lot of alcohol and a lounge chair. And then, on the island pathway between the dock and Scuttle’s Cove I came across a harried looking photographer talking on a wave phone.

BIG CLUE!!!!

I patiently awaited the end of her conversation. “Excuse me, would you happen to know where the super-duper, top secret government location of the Captain Jack photo session might be?” “That’s what I’m trying to find out right now, miss.” Huh??? The PHOTOGRAPHER can’t even find it?????? But, you CAN’T miss it. They TOLD me so!

Yeah, right.

In a short while another castmember comes down the godforsaken island pathway. And patiently walks us to the location. Where I FINALLY scored FIRST PLACE in line.

The Coveted Photo

Here’s my advice to anyone wanting their picture taken with Captain Jack on Castaway Cay: FORGET IT!!!! No, not really. If you have (and you’ll need it, trust me, I know) a VERY, and I mean VERY, keen eye, about 20 feet or so as you come off the bridge you’ll notice a small break in the posts along the walkway where the roping is a different color. That’s THE ONLY identifier to this top secret location. If you can find that, you’re golden. Otherwise, wait until after picture taking time and follow the line. Better yet, go to the Pelican Plunge tram stop. The location there is just behind the Cabana check in hut. MUCH easier to find, but you won’t get the ship in the background, obviously. Was it worth it?? Of course it was. Not because of the photo. Because of the shared memory we have and a story we’ll talk about for many years to come.

 

[luvvwl]

We did mixology with Sean from Trinidad too he was awesome and we walked out of there sideways,

He might have TRIED to tell me you really should have the proper ratio for the perfect drink. But. I'll tell you want I told him: You can NEVER have too much tequila!!!

 

[Backstage_Gal]

love your trip report, very entertaining!