Sailin away with Mickey-3 day Wonder Trip

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Hello to all,
My cast is small Me- Cruzen Mamma -AKA Dottie, DH, DS -8
Some back ground info: DH and I celebrated our 15 year wedding anniversary yesterday and as a gift from Disney I played my CC cd. I have wanted to do a Disney Cruise for over 3 years. DH who refers to Mickey as The Mouse was apprehesive and we kept putting it off. He always came up with an alternitive vacation. In 2005 it was "Let's take our newly aquired 4-wheelers to the mountains of Georgia to ride!" Cruise- Lost that year but I had the upper hand because the trip, which was really fun, ended with me taking the 4-wheeler off the side of the mountain and fracturing my pelvis in two places. Surely, I would get my cruise now- afterall I fell off a mountain . No, he conned me again to go th Tennessee this time to ride w/a group and a Hot Air Balloon ride, which I wanted just as much as a cruise.

So after our group trip, I was determined I would win the Vacation planning war- Cruise- no other options would be entertained. Why Disney asks DH, it's so much more ...yada yada yada. Disney because I said So.

So after Christmas 2006 I took my bonus from work and went in search of the perfect trip. As much as I wanted to book something extravagant, I was worried that I would be sea sick for anything longer than a 3 day,because I'm prone to getting queezy just riding in the car. DH was not totally on board with the whole cruise thing so this was a test the waters kind of trip.


I couldn't believe how much the June 07- 3 days had jumped in price since before Christmas $500 more:scared1; but if we put the trip off till November just before Thanksgiving we'd save $300 - :idea there's always a catch- DS would miss 3 days of school. DS is an excellent student and how much do they really do the week of Thanksgiving and so it was to be. My Summer Vacation would be a Autum Vacation and my friends and family would finally not have to put up with hearing how I wanted a Disney Cruise, now they had to listen to I'm going on a Disney Cruise - for the next 9 months.


Next up-My DIS board Discovery, and a wrench in the plans.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Since I was new to the whole cruising thing, how was I to start planning our trip. I had booked the trip but couldn't plan anything till 75 days out -now what do I do for 9 loooong months. Do what I do best surf the web and low and behold I discover the Disboards!!!!! I read, took notes, and learned lots. I bought a Pass Porter and took more notes. I wanted to stay in Coccobeach a couple days before our trip even though we only live 2hrs from the port because I wasn't taking any chances of not getting there on time. I also wanted to hit the beach, so we had planned to get to our hotel Friday evening and spend the day beachin it then board the next am.

All good plans must be reworked at some point. My plans changed when DS received his Tae Kwan Do Fall Tournament schedule. I had hoped since his practices started late in the season that the Tournament would be in December-nope guess what weekend it was scheduled for............ yep the only weekened we had plans November 17- so instead of our beach day we would be heading to Tampa for a Martial Arts Tourament then to the port- luckily we didn't board till Sunday.


up next: Tournament day and we finally get to the Port.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

So finally Saturday, November 17 arrives. I had packed for the trip as well as for the tournament and we were ready to head out. My son has competed in AAYA tournaments since he was 5 and really enjoys Martial Arts. He was competing with only 3 other members of his dojo but against many other orange belted 7-9 year olds. I spare you all most of the details and just let you know that he placed 2nd in both of the divisons he compted in- Kata- a martial art form, and sparring.

The tournament ended around 4:30 pm and so we headed out. We stopped for a quick bite to eat at Micky D's and then arrived at Days Inn in Cocco Beach around 7:00. We wanted to hit Ron Jons for some new swimwear for the trip so we headed out- mission accomplished we headed back to the hotel and to bed.

We woke early the next morning and repacked so we could board. I had made us t-shirts to wear for boarding and although I was met with some resistance both men agreed to wear the shirts provided that we did not all match and that they were not dorky. Ok mine was a little dorky but I loved it. My shirt was the stickfigures of us with mickey sailor hats and said Our 1st Disney Cruise. DS sported a Stitch - Tshirt and DH wore an American Flag shaped mickey with razor edges.

We checked out of the hotel and headed for the 4points Shearaton, I had scoped out the Starbucks inside the Shearaton the night before. We wanted a lite breakfast since I knew lunch on the Wonder would be waiting once we boarded- so coffee, hot chocolate for DS and creamcheese danish for all.

We took a walk on the beach and watched the sunrise. It was beautiful and DS enjoyed chasing the seagulls. I started to get ansy around 9 and decided we should head over th the port. I had to have the coveted #2 boarding pass- would I have been a good DIS if I hadn't gotten it?

We arrived to the port about 9:40 ish and as we cross the bridge I squealed "there it is!!!"I was worse that my 8 yr old giggling and carrying on. DH and DS started to tease me with a song they made up "We're Sailing away with Mickey, sailing a way with Donald and Goofy- then the'd point to me. I'd hear this little ditty of theirs over the next 3 days several more times. DH dropped Ds and I off with the bags, and parked in the temp parking because the other side wasn't quite open yet. We were asked to wait to go inside the terminal as people were still getting off. I giggled and squealed again and one of the porter's commented that if I was this excited now wait till I was actually on the ship. There were 7 or eight groups waiting -which I later found out were actually leaving- only one other couple with two girls and my little band were actually getting on board today!! I was first at the terminal but would I be first at check in?


We went through security and hubby left to move our truck. I checked us all in and received boarding pass #2- DH comes up to me as said " Why 2 and not 1 guess you didn't do your homework. " I proceeded to tell him along with the lovely CM that #2 was the best you could get unless you wanted to upgrade us to Walt's Suite, the CM conqured and DH bowed to the master. The terminal was absolutely empty and we enjoyed having the run of the place.

Now as you know DH was apprehensive on the whole cruise thing- so when I asked him what he wanted to do and such I received very little input other than "I'm not swimming with Dolphins" ok then do you want to watch while DS and I swim -Ok. I booked the Dolphins for our day in Nassau, planned Palo for that evening and Massages for us at CC. As we waited to board DH starts thumbing through my passporter and notices notes I made and the prices of cabanna massages- . He has never had a massage and I have had only one in the past. He could not equate 45 minutes to a value of $278. Time to make a deal. I'll cancle the massages if you entertain the idea of booking another cruise while on this one. Hmmmmmmmmm would he go for it. That my friends you'll have to wait for as well as us actually boarding till next time.


Thanks for reading this much.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Around 11:45 they announced the Family of a Million Dreams Winner- I believe they were from Wisconsin. We were the third family to walk through those big Mickey ears and pose for our picture. We ended up not getting it because I was still smiling like a dork I just couldn't help it I was finally here and no one was raining on my parade. We crossed the plank and the CM announces our name and applause rings out. DH thought that was a nice touch and they even pronounced our name correctly. We headed to BB for lunch. Lunch was fantastic, what most impressed me was the CM that politely asked me to have a seat as he proceeded to cut up my DS's meal. Now I know all you moms out there will appreciate this because once a woman has a child she never gets to eat a hot meal until the child leaves home at 18. .

After lunch we meandered around the ship, DS went to hit the Mickey Pool and we then headed to the spa to cancle our massages.
I'm a firm believer in giving pixie dust as well as getting it. At the spa, a lovely lady was trying to book massages for her and her daughter, I politely interupted and mentioned that if she didn't mind sharing a cabanna with her daughter that she could have my reservation that I was about to cancle. She was thrilled and DH was more relaxed now that he had an extra $300 in his pocket but it wouldn't stay in there long.



We headed to our room at 2pm and the gift basket "Mickey " sent to DS (from perfect gift) was waiting. I also sent one to DH that said: To my beast, Love your Belle. Side note: Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite Disney animated movie.
I unpacked our carry ons and DH 's rolling duffle, the others hadn't arrived yet but the CM's were working hard to get the suit cases to their designated spots.
I had a DIS MEET at the Mickey Pool at 3 pm but only one other DIS showed -we chatted and had a drink then parted ways to head back to the cabin.
The announcement to don our pretty orange floaties was made and we headed to AP. It was quite painless and really quick -10 minutes max. We tossed the floaties and headed to the Sail Away party.

The party was underway so we found spots on 10 to watch the show, we had perfect spots as we were the first to see Mickey and gang enter the stage. The horn blasted- and we pulled away. DH and DS had to run to keep up with me as I ran to watch us leave port and wave the the CM's with the big Mickey hands. A few more pictures and it was back to the room to finish unpacking and get ready for dinner.



Next up: Dinner at AP and other activites to end the night.

 

[MagicMe]

Great start!! I love hearing about everyone's trips but especially from someone on their first cruise! Can't wait to hear more and how your DH enjoyed himself.

 

[sandybobandy]

I'm looking forward to more!

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Our first dinner rotation was AP. This is the one resturant, other than Palo that I was really looking forward to. We were seated with a nice couple from Wisconsin, their two children and the grandma. I was slightly disappointed with our table location because we were stuck in a corner along the wall so it was hard to see the show and we were cramped between two really big tables. Our wait staff were two very friendly ladies, Pearl from Trinidad and Patty from Poland. DS was getting cranky due to hunger,but once his stuffed cantolones arrived he was his chipper old self. I had the salmon -very tasty and DH had the bacon wrapped filet. We all had mickey bars for dessert. We informed our tablemates and waitstaff that we'd be dining at Palo the next night so that noone would feel like they were being ditched.

DS decided to skip the show and opted to check out the Oceaners Lab. Hercules was really good both DH and I really enjoyed the show. We picked up DS from the lab and decided to hit the shops. I pointed out the onboard TA to DH as we passed and DH comments we'd have to stop by and see her before Wednesday. The trap was set and he was taking the bait now all I had to do was not spook him a reel him in slowly.
We hit both shops and I grabbed up all the cruise scrapbooking supplies I could find as well as a Captian Mickey Christmas Ornament for our tree and DS wanted to add to his newly started pin collection. DH was eye balling the propellor clock but didn't get it- this time.

Some background info on DS and his Pin collecting: DS had been saving his allowance as well as money he earned from walking the neighbor's dog twice a week for this cruise. Days before the cruise this same neighbor had given DS a laynard and some pins to trade. DS nearly spent every penny he bought on pins during this cruise. He has a pretty good collection started.

Ok back to the real story. DS loves stitch so he purchased a Stitch starter Pin set and laynard and I let him use his KTTW card to make his purchases. A really great CM named Johnathan helped DS with his purchases and asked him how long he had been a collector and my very honest son replied" about 3 days". Johnathan allowed DS to pick a pin from his laynard without making an offical trade, over the next 3 days we'd see lots of Johnathan and his pin cart and DS had made a friend.


We headed back to the room after we enjoyed a walk on deck 10 and called it a night. We came back to find a cute towel puppy waiting for us on the pull out bunk bed that DS crawled into and then it was lights out.


Nassau Day and Palo.

 

[frdeb1999]

Wonderful TR so far....looking forward to hearing the rest!

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

We all woke fairly early and all slept well. We headed to deck 9 to watch the sunrise and take a peaceful walk around the deck. We ate at BBB as DS likes to refer to it- Breakfast was fabulous- DS loved the Mickey shaped waffles and donuts as well as a few other choice selections. Dh and I was equally happy with the breakfast selections and I really enjoyed the grilled tomoates Yummy!!! After a few pictures of the island from deck 10 we headed to Diversions to meet for the Dolphin Excursion and off the ship we go.

The Dolphin Excursion is a great choice for young and old, first you board a water taxie? to their island and a get a breif lecture on dophins, conservation, and how to interact with your dolphin. If you book through Disney, the excursion allows you to "play" with the dolphins if you book on your own they offer a swim but if they have room you can upgrade once you get there. First your group gets a kiss from the dophin then your broken into smaller groups to hug, pet and dance with the dophins. DH filmed us from the observation area, DS and I were in the last group to go. As we sat on the edge of the floating platform waiting our turn, I turn to hear a splash, was it the dophin misbehaving- nope - DS had leaned to far over and fell in - guess he really wanted to do the swim. I fished him out and we had our turn. We changed and boarded the boat back to port. I packed some snacks and we munched and napped are way back to port.

We decided to hit the shops and stroll through the straw market. DS picked up a pin from the Hard Rock Cafe, I added to my hurricane glass collection and we bought DS a tshirt from Del Sol- (It's really cool how it gets color in the sun.) I had never read a good report on the DIS about the straw market and my report is not any different. How do I descride the straw market- simply your worse nightmare of a fleamarket though I did score a great purse. DS was practically terrified by the way sellers tried to get his attention. We left the market hastily and strolled the streets, DS bought his Grandma a Bahamma refrigerator magnet( she collects them) and then my biggest fear became a reality, I had to pee, DS was fading from hunger and we were a ways from the ship. We stopped at a Sabarro's Pizza to fuel up and for a potty break. Although 1 slice of pizza and a soda was like $8.00- it did feed all three of us- as for the potty it wasn't a pretty site and stunk to high heaven- nurished for now we headed to a few more shops and then back on board we went.

We dropped off our bounty and headed to deck 9 so DS could eat and swim. DS had chicken fingers, DH a burger and I had a hot dog- to tide us over till our Palo resies at 8pm. While DS swam DH and I discussed the trip thus far and DH concured The Mouse does it up right!! We hit the hot tubs and then found some lounge chairs and basked in the glourious Bahamian sun.



Afterwards we headed to the cabin to shower and get ready for the Golden Mickeys- DS came with this time and we all absolutely loved it. DS even was interviewed before the show. I have always collected Disney movies- even before DS was born- This show is the best of every Disney animated movie.

We hit the shops after the show and DS buys -a shirt, a stuffed mickey- no more pins of course- haven't you been paying attention. Jonathan helps him again and then asks DS if he'd like to attend a special pin trading with the officers of the ship tommorrow night as an honorary CM- DS is thrilled and accepts the invite. Jonathan pulls me aside to get our room number so he can send an official invite. DS heads off to the lab and we head off to Palo.


Up next: A heavenly dinner for Two

 

[MagicMe]

I am so enjoying this report that I was disappointed that I came to the end (for now)

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

I am so enjoying this report that I was disappointed that I came to the end (for now)

thanks for the kind words, I only ended it there cuz I thought I was taking up way to much space. more to come I proimse.

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Palo was simply heavenly. We were seated by a window and stared out into the blackness of the night. Now you must understand, Dh and I were very much out of our comfort zone -we are not fancy dining individuals so when our waiter Sean from South Africa greeted us we probably looked like a couple of deers facing oncomming headlights. Sean was very freindly, helped us with our menu selections and recommended a nice bottle wine. We don't drink much so I was afraid a bottle would be wasted but Sean pointed out if we did not finish the bottle he'd have it sent down to our regular resturant the following night. DH and I shared one of their pizza appetizers and DH had the lamb and I choose the Halibut with Sean's recommendation. For dessert DH tried the poached pear and I of course had the chocolate soffle. Everything was delish- and we were stuffed. We picked DS up from the club and headed to the pirate party. They were already setting up for the pirate buffett and hubby and I just groaned at the thought. We only stayed for about 15 minutes of the show because DS was totally wiped out. I mentioned to DS that it was ok to skip the fire works if he wanted to and we headed off to bed to find a cute towel monkey hanging around the room to greet us. DS was asleep before his head hit the pillow and we weren't far behind.



Next up: CC here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

We all awoke around 7 and headed to BB. Dh and I had made to order omlets and I of course had another grilled tomatoe, DS was disappointed no Mickey Waffles today,and instead had donuts, scrambled eggs, and such. We headed to watch the ship dock then headed back to the room to get ready to disembark. We were one of the first families off the ship and found a great spot on the family beach with hammock, loungers and chairs. We rented floats, and a set of snorkel gear for DH and I to share, Ds had brought the set he received from his grandparents for his 8th birthday. Dh and DS wnet out together and found the sunken Mickey and then the water got to cold for DS and he and dad hit the hammock to bask in the sun. We all headed to Cookie's around 11:30 for lunch. It was yummy especially the softserve icecream. DS and I watched the Hermitt Crab Races and Hula-ed with Lilo and Stitch,while DH headed back out to snorkel. DS then spent the afternoon on the beach digging in the sand. We packed up around 3 and headed back to the shops after a quick stop at She Sells where DS ran into Jonathan and of course bought a couple Castaway Cay pins. We all showered and relaxed back in our room,and I started to pack so I wouldn't be rushed later.

We headed to Triton's for dinner and it was fabulous, I had escrot, salad, and beef tenderloin, DS had shimp cocktail, tomatoe soup and glazed duck and of course a Mickey Bar and I can't remember what DH had but he enjoyed it all the same. We said our goodbyes to the waitstaff and our tablemates and headed to the Officer pin trading event in the atrium. Johnathan was waiting for DS and he had a blast. DS was even given a special Stitch License Plate Pin from one of the officers and had his picture taken with Captian Henry. DH dropped DS off at the lab and we were headed to the show when we decided to chat with the onbaord T.A. We ended up missing the show in order to finish packing and rebooked a 7 day for a dummy date in 2008. We picked DS up from the club in time for the Till we meet again show and he had pictures done with several characters. We headed off to bed.


The next morning we dined at Triton's for breakfast and then headed off the ship, it's not as sad to leave when you know you'll be comming back at some point.

Our vacation was offically over when we were less than a mile from home but were forced to take a 30 minute detour due to the road being shut down for either construction or an accident- never did find out why.


The dates for 2009 came out a couple weeks ago so we switched our 2008 date to the Summer of 09 and Dh is much more active in the planning of this next trip. We're hoping our freind's join us this next trip and we're working to convince them to come.



Thanks for reading,


Cruizen mamma

 

[MagicMe]

So it looks like your DH loved the whole cruise thing!!!! Lucky you - means more cruising with the mouse!!!!!!!!!!

 

[CRUIZEN MAMMA]

Yes, He absolutely loved it and said this was the first vacation that he really was able to return home relaxed. He's thinking of planning the one after our next, wanting to do a Christmas Cruise or even a New ship cruise. Yeh Me!!!DH even bought me a Mickey watch for Christmas .

 

[lunsusie]

Great trip report! Thanks for sharing!