Well, really it's Day 1 for our cruise...So who wants to hear about it?
Anyone? Anyone?
Well if you do, here we go.....

So, it started out pretty uneventful. Packing up our gear, putting all of the carryon stuff together and reloading it into the car. Which is always fun when you're on the second floor. Just to mention, it took a few trips. Well, off to breakfast - The All-Star food court is a zoo to say the least in the morning. So, while I checked out, my DW went and picked up breakfast. I finally found her among the sea of people in the dining area. Apparently there was a gymnastics meet at Wide World of Sports. Who knew?

Anyway, breakfast complete and headed to Port Canaveral...
Having lived in Florida for many years and cruising as often as we have, we were expecting the tolls. But, really had to laugh as we drove past the new construction of even more tolls on the Florida Beachline. I guess they need more tourist money. We left the hotel about 10:15, a little later than I wanted to but my DW reminded me (often) that we were on vacation and not in a hurry. I'll try to remember that...

We arrived at Port Canaveral at about 11:15 and checked in under the umbrellas. And got our first good look at the Magic and boy is she beautiful. I dropped my DW and luggage off at the curb and headed toward the exit to park in the garage. Before I could get out, a Port Security officer stopped me. Now, of course I was thinking, what did I do now? But, surprise number one was about to begin. He asked if I was parking (that was one of the "Here's Your Sign" questions


) and I said yes that I was headed across the street. He told me for $20 more ($140 instead of $120) I could park within the fenced area next to the ship. HMMMM


tough question...Where do I turn to get into the lot. All paid, no fighting for a space and into the terminal.
It was so quick, I met up with my DW while she was still checking in. Now I am putting on my asbestos underwear for a few minutes here...
We are lucky enough to be able to check in at the Platinum Level. Which usually translates into no lines. And, boarding number 1. Which was the case. After checking in and the usual handing over of KTTWC and lanyards (which we promptly put away) it was off to get a closer look at the Magic.
I was feeling a little nostalgic since I haven't been on board the Magic since my very first cruise in 2000. She hadn't changed a bit.
We headed back inside to wait for boarding to begin...Flame pants on again.
As we stood off to the side of the roped off area away from the crowd that was already beginning to form to board, a CM approached us and asked if he could direct us somewhere. Now, thinking to myself, do I look lost? I may know this place as well as he does...Anyway, I politely said we were just waiting to board. He asked our number and I replied 1. He said ok and went on his way. Only to return within 5 minutes and this time asked to see our card. I promptly produced the card and he smiled and said..."after the Family of the Day is announced, come to the side of the Mickey ears and I'll undo the rope so you don't have to fight the crowd." Really? How cool is that?


You are my new best friend...Thank you.
After the FOTD was introduced he motioned for us to join him at Mickey's ears. He left us in and asked us to just wait a moment. I tried to not look back at the masses staring at us, but really I couldn't resist. Since A. I could feel the burning in my back and B. I wanted to make sure no one was sneaking up on us to shank me. So, essentially we were the second family on board. What a great way to start our trip.
Off to Topsiders for our first of what felt like a never ending food event. The food was good with the usual assortment of salad, pasta, meat, shrimp, chicken and on and on and on...



Oh happy day!!!!
After eating our lunch we decided to head forward to Quiet Cove for a dip in the pool. It was a lot of fun being able to slip into the pool that early into our day.
We headed to our room about 2:30 to check and see if any of the luggage had arrived...We were in 7594, Starboard Side Aft. It was a great location, close to the stairs and elevator for runs up to the soda station. Of course we had to unpack the carry on survival supplies anyway (AKA - the Bar).
Our luggage wasn't far behind us and was delivered by our room host - Orlando from the Philippines. He was great, very attentive and quick. I asked him, when he was through with all of his deliveries if he could bring a champagne bucket so the chilling process could begin...It was there within 5 minutes. Ok Orlando, slow down, I'm on vacation...
After our unpacking was complete, I looked around decided it was time to break into the supplies...NOW, vacation is official!!!...At 4 we headed to our Assembly Station "O" which is Starboard Aft. Easy to get to and no, we didn't need to bring our life jackets. Back to the pool for another quick swim and waiting for the "Official Sound of Vacation." As that magical horn sounded our departure, I knew I was finally in my happy place...
My DW decided she wanted to see the show, so we headed back to the room to shower and change for the show and dinner. As we sailed through Port Canaveral, I stood on the verandah just watching time drift slowly by. Not so sure of what to expect over the next several days...But I was wide eyed with anticipation...Like a kid waiting for Santa to arrive.

Thanks Tink for the earlier post of the sail away. I tried to blow up the photos to see if I was in the photos...Couldn't do it, but loved seeing it.
Sunset in Port Canaveral from our Verandah
We heded to the show, which was a Welcome Aboard Cabaret style show. I enjoyed it, although I initially thought it was going to be painful. It was a delightful mix of Disney and other performers that I will get to shortly. It was here that we were introduced to our Cruise Director - Peter. He was good, but not Clayton or Christian. Our Captain was John Barwis (who was the Captain for our wedding cruise). The "non-Disney" performers included a duo named Buckets N Boards and an illusionist named Jason Bishop. Both acts were fantastic. I'll elaborate later.
After the show it was off to scope out the shops and head for dinner. Our rotation was APLLAPL with an 8:15 dining time. Dinner the first night is always a little anxiety producing. Especially since we weren't cruising with our usual assortment of children and other guests. We knew we were going to have table mates, just not sure who or what would be joining us...I have to tell you we were pleasantly surprised and breathed a sigh of relief with our dinning partners. There was Kelli and Mic from Ohio and Valeria and Andrea from Rome, Italy. We enjoyed their company very much. A funny dinner story came shortly into the first course when Kelli asked me if I was posting on the Dis? I said why no, wasn't me...Wink Wink



I was outed almost immediately. Damn I was trying to be inconspicuous. Should have worn the glasses. Anyway, first dinner at Animator's is always a great way to start any trip. The show was good and even included a guest appearance from Sorcerer Mickey. It was a fun. After dinner we headed to Rockin' Bar D for some music. Now, I have to say, it's been a while since we had a live band on board any of our cruises so I was looking forward to hearing the band Heatwave. After about 10 minutes I was done. Personally I didn't think they were good. Others may have a different opinion, I just didn't care for them.
We headed back to our room for a quiet night and to rest up for Sunday in Key West...