September 22, 2007 -- WESTERN

[scrapperjill]

We're back as well. I have to say I had a fantastic time...and only wish it didn't go by so fast. We also ended up staying one night at WDW after the cruise.....'trying' to relax ha ha ha....something that ended up not being real possable with our gang of 14yr olds If it wasn't one thing it was something else.

Anyhow....I enjoyed meeting the few of you that I did. Time flew by and we didn't end up making it to anything other than the first dis meet by the Mickey pool. But I did catch a glimps of some fellow disers around the ship....(Fat Cat...I think I saw you wondering around a few times).... Now that I've done both the Eastern and the Western...I think I'd have to say I like the Easten better. Not because I didn't have a great time this past week...because I DID. Only because I love the sea days SOOOO much...and you get one more sea day on the Eastern. I think I'd be totally happy going on a 7 night cruise with only 1 or 2 stops. Having the 3 sea days on the Eastern is just about perfect. I do have to say I did enjoy all 4 stops on the Western. I for one was excited to see we were staying in Key West until 1 am Did any one else get off the ship that night to see some of the night life??

ONE of the highlights of this past cruise for me was swiming with the stingrays...I LOVED it. We've been looking forward to doing this since planing our first cruise in 2004...it only took about 4 years to get it done..but we did...and it was GREAT.

Anyways....we're home

 

[scrapperjill]

Here is a little something to ponder over Taken towards the end of the day on Castaway Cay...just a few days AGO!!!



CLICK image to make it bigger

 

[ThreeSmiths]

Taking a break from the infinite laundry pile to check in and say Hi! We made it home Saturday afternoon. When we got to the airport DH's truck had a flat tire but thankfully the airport parking security was able to help him out, and it only set us back about 30 minutes.

We had a great time (as usual) and can't wait to do it again. Sandi, I totally agree, I like the eastern better. I actually liked the ports of call better, and I enjoy the sea days too. Stingray City was definitely the highlight of the trip for Kaylee and I, and we would LOVE to do it again.

It's been hard to come back to reality....we keep joking "Where's Craig to turn down our bed and make our towel animals?" "Can we order room service for dinner tonight". It's so easy to get spoiled, isn't it?

I'm so glad to have met some of you, and wished we could have spent more time talking and hanging out, getting to know everyone. Did anyone else make it to a margarita and tequilla tasting? We went Thursday...all I can say is "WOW" . I walked out of there breathing fire!

Until we meet again.....

 

[CustardTart]

...It's been hard to come back to reality....we keep joking "Where's Craig to turn down our bed and make our towel animals?" "Can we order room service for dinner tonight". It's so easy to get spoiled, isn't it?

Definitely!!! I'm having a hard time adjusting to making dinner for everyone every night so I keep showing the family where all the take-out menus are! Personally I just want to get ready for dinner and head off to Lumiere's/Animator's Palette/Parrot Cay/Palo's...

 

[realfam]

Hi Alex, I really wanted to meet you and Michelle! But yes, definitely next year on the EASTERN (sorry, I have had Western on my mind and typed that instead of the correct cruise).

I hope Michelle is feeling well and next October our babies can play in the splash area together.

Good DAY #1 Minnie love, Michelle,
Just wanted to touch base with you and let you know that we found a posting on the DISboards dedicated to the Oct 11th eastern cruise. Its titled (the Oct11-18 Easter Magic-Parrothead Pirates in Paradise).
Check it out when you get a chance, makes for great way to count down the next 375 days. Although I know you'll have your hands full in the coming months.
Alex

 

[papa]

Just made it home and stuff is strewn everywhere. Too tired. Mike

 

[scottrob]

We rolled in around 11PM last night and so are officially back in the real world. We had an enjoyable week with the kids, but the weather got old with all the rain. Florida even gave us a parting rain shower as we were loading the car.

As usual, the week went too quickly. Penny and I had a wonderful dinner at Victoria & Alberts and topped off the evening by watching the MNSSHP fireworks from the lagoon side of the Grand Floridian.

We had a scare with our youngest granddaughter Savannah(15 months). She was taking a nap at her day care and they noticed she had turned blue. As soon as she was picked up, her color returned, but the cause is so far unknown. The kids are taking her here and there for various tests. The possible diagnoses are anything from enlarged tonsils (2+ according to their measuring scale) to a possible seizure. She was a premmie (8 weeks early), but I do not know if that has anything to do with it. We are hoping for the best.

Thank you again for all the helpful information that added to our enjoyment of our cruise. This definately will not be our last.

 

[eva]

Well, we returned yesterday and have finally recovered in the sleep department. But I am in full denial that I have to return to work tomorrow. Work!!!??? What's that???!!!

We had a wonderful time and totally enjoyed the company of Bob & Penny and Karen & Richard for dinner each night. The cruise was wonderful, as well as WDW this past week. If anyone is taking another Western, I would love to recommend the Sea Trek excursion at Grand Cayman and the Eco Tour on CC. They were fantastic! It was great meeting everyone. I hope to see all of you either on another cruise or at WDW.

 

[brady961]

Hiya all
Glad to hear from those that got home safely.

Of course I didn't have far to get home. So by 12:30p I was unpacked, laid down and didn't wake up until Sunday afternoon. Then back to sleep Sunday night and slept thru Tuesday morning.

I didn't even realize I
was that tired. Geesh i didn't do anything on the cruise but stroll around, went to movies and life shows, chatted with a lot of ppl. And was in bed soon after dinner.

I am wondering how it would wori next time if I do early dining. Late we didn't get out before 10:30p or so except pirate night we told servers we were leaving by 9:30p no matter where we were in dinner. Worked well.

It was great those that I had the opportuinty. Had great and hysterical tablemates <G>

My new friend Macy, I bet in one more week she could have mastered driving my power chair <G>

This cruise was one the of best ways in having Magical birthday. WOW the crew and fellow diser's went above and beyond to assure its was a memorable birthday. Thanks you guys, and of course thanks to the crew of the Magic.

To Jeanette, Cathy and Ann for the extra little gifts to wear showing off the Dis color or showing off we were part of a larger group of friends.

Ann, the pic is going on refrig once I can get it out of the door signs package. That was so cute and just loved the surprise having it on my door.

It seemed I ran into a few almost everyday, then others i saw one or twice. Considering the size of the ship, all activities etc... I was thrilled to see as many Dis'ers as possible.

Oh the kids had a great time. We just had a problem with them drinking a little too much so they wereplastered many days

If you want to belly laugh throughout entire dinner sit with papa and wife, goofynut and hubby. They keps us rolling in laugther.

Also thanks to those I ran into and offered me assistance when needed even if just holding a door.

cruise was great and hated returning to reality

 

[papa]

Marsha we had a wonderful time with you and Ellouise on the cruise. Hope that things have worked out for you post cruise. Mike

 

[brady961]

thanks Mike. as for things working out post cruise, Friday was my offical last day of being employed. Will admit the reality really hit me on Friday.

I think more of how my company handled it more than anything.

I already started looking at another cruise this year as they have announced FL resident rates. Would love to go again but this time on an eastern. price isn't bad for one person either.

yet then more reality, if i don't have a job how could I pay for the cruise. oh sure put it on a credit card, but then how to pay off that credit card LOL.

but the Dec 8 7 nights is sure looking good LOL

 

[FatCat]

Hmmm.

What was I doing 2 weeks ago???

I was getting back from Grand Cayman thinking how EXPENSIVE everything was there.

 

[Bareacuda]

Marsha... you are so welcome for the door sign.
It was wonderful meeting you and Eloise.
And as for another cruise.... looks like we'll be doing the Sept.1st 08
But as for now.... practice and more practice for this weekend's races.
So Monday we'll be sleeping in... at least till 8

Everyone have a great safe weekend!

Ann

 

[papa]

So long my cruise friends. I will still be checking the boards from time to time, but we have booked our next cruise on the Mariner of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. After 7 Disney cruises, they have priced themselves out of our budget. Have enjoyed sailing with you all, and maybe we will meet again in the future. Mike

 

[scottrob]

I hope it is a good cruise for you and Kathy. Please check back and let us know how it was. Thanks for all your helpful information. It made our first cruise much easier.

Take care.

 

[eva]

It sounds like a lot of you have rebooked another cruise. (Some DCL, some not) I'm a bit jealous. I'm not sure when our next one will be. We kicked it around a bit during the cruise, and while we really enjoyed the cruise, we have decided to wait a few years before taking another one. We just booked an Adventure by Disney yesterday and will be going on the Viva Italia tour next September. That and a week at WDW will do us for 2008. I hope everyone has a great time on their next cruise!

 

[Lucky Penny]

So long my cruise friends. I will still be checking the boards from time to time, but we have booked our next cruise on the Mariner of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. After 7 Disney cruises, they have priced themselves out of our budget. Have enjoyed sailing with you all, and maybe we will meet again in the future. Mike

Mike, we are also having a bit of "sticker shock" as the credit card charges roll in, but not regretting it one bit! Hope you have a wonderful cruise and please check in here sometimes and let us know how you all are doing! We booked December 6, 2008 Eastern - not sure if it will be just a place-holder if we find a different cruise we like better or if we'll actually take that one! I'll second my DH and thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing the wisdom of your experience with all of us newbies -- all your hints and tips helped us enormously!

It sounds like a lot of you have rebooked another cruise. (Some DCL, some not) I'm a bit jealous. I'm not sure when our next one will be. We kicked it around a bit during the cruise, and while we really enjoyed the cruise, we have decided to wait a few years before taking another one. We just booked an Adventure by Disney yesterday and will be going on the Viva Italia tour next September. That and a week at WDW will do us for 2008. I hope everyone has a great time on their next cruise!

Eva, that sounds fantastic, and I hope you'll post a trip report and let us all know how it went! We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and Steve and sharing dinners with you and Karen and Richard each night! Bob scanned and saved our Pirate Night group picture and will send you a PM to find out the best way to get that to you! Also, hope we cross paths again one day -- it was great!!

Can't wait to hear from Karen about the "girls only" trip to WDW with her daughter -- I think today might be their going home day, if I remember the dates right! Karen, let us know how it was when you have a chance!!

We miss you all already ...

 

[eva]

Thanks for the kind words Penny. We had a great time too. I would love to have the picture of us all. From the little thumbnail they showed us, I couldn't see a thing. Please let us know how your next cruise goes.

 

[papa]

We enjoyed meeting each and every one of you. The RCCL cruise is going to be $700 cheaper than Disney for basically the same cruise. After 7 Disney cruises, the gee whiz factor is not there. Change is good every now and then. Mike

 

[CustardTart]

Hi all!

Just thought I'd let you know I've returned from 11 days post-cruise action in WDW with my DD - we had an amazingly fab time that was enhanced with a liberal and unprecedented sprinkling of ...

Upon check-in, we were upgraded at the Yacht Club to concierge level which was rather special and somehow Magic Your Way tickets plus the DDP were thrown in too! As you can imagine, we were blown away...

Naturally, we over-indulged at EPCOT's Food & Wine event but, for us, the highlight of our trip was definitely Around the World on a Segway - if anyone's ever been tempted to try this tour, I say go for it!

For the first time, I hired a car and we got out and about - shopping at Florida Mall and visiting the town of Celebration. We dined in some new restaurants for us - Jiko was our favourite and we are looking forward to staying at AKV in the future...

We were shocked at the crowd level - EPCOT was packed every time we ventured into the park but MNSSHP was less heaving than we'd been led to believe. Oh and we loved the HalloWishes fireworks...

Anyway, I hope you are all doing well and I look forward to catching up with the thread later...