Somewhat non live blog of 9/3 sailing

[tvguy]

I ordered the glazed donut.. according to our server they are fresh made on the boat, NOT KK. And he was right. It was nowhere close to a KK. Sigh.

LOL. Those AWFUL frozen KK donuts.

 

[MasonsG]

I am really hoping your 13 yr old might have gone into Edge even for a few minutes???? There hasn't been any mention of what Edge is like during these first cruises. We sail in a few weeks and I can't tell if our grandson might like some time booked in there or if its just empty of screens and games. He will be just shy of turning 12 so he's too old for the kids club, this will be his 11th Disney cruise and I worry he won't want to go anymore if the club is bare and bleak. I haven't found anyone with a young teen who's posted anything so really hoping they stopped in and might be willing to share their impressions?? Super grateful.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

I am really hoping your 13 yr old might have gone into Edge even for a few minutes???? There hasn't been any mention of what Edge is like during these first cruises. We sail in a few weeks and I can't tell if our grandson might like some time booked in there or if its just empty of screens and games. He will be just shy of turning 12 so he's too old for the kids club, this will be his 11th Disney cruise and I worry he won't want to go anymore if the club is bare and bleak. I haven't found anyone with a young teen who's posted anything so really hoping they stopped in and might be willing to share their impressions?? Super grateful.

Do you have to book time in the teen clubs?

 

[ArielRae]

From my understanding Edge and Vibe are free to come and go as they please. Only have to book time for the the young kids Oceanear club.

 

[jrapps]

An interesting but fun day at Castaway. Got on the island and to the beach by 11 and just as we got there, the most torrential thunderstorm ever hit. Loudest lightning I have ever heard on my life. Everyone fled the beach and was sheltered in the roofs at Cookies & Cookies 2...and even then it wasn't crowded at all. Each family had their own table, some still empty.

That was the theme of the day. Not crowded at all. Emptiest I have ever seen the beach. It was relaxing but the water was closed for most of the day. Finally let people swim again around 1:45. Good thing we come back tomorrow!

Let's face it, Castaway is a thunderstorm is better than a dry day at home.

Lunch was the usual BBQ, a few new things I hadn't seen before. Honey Bourbon Salmon, a vegetarian chili, and brisket sandwiches in addition to the usual burgers, chicken, ribs, chips, etc. Giant cookies. Everything was tasty. Brisket was a bit too sweet.

Turns out the weather cleared and we had plenty of time in the water. One negative, there is now A LOT of seaweed and other plant life floating in the water and washed up on shore. Not as clean and pristine as we remember. Still had a blast. We were at the family beach today, going to try over by pelican plunge tomorrow.

Back to the ship now to get ready for dinner. Maybe hop on the AquaDuck on more time first...

 

[squirk]

An interesting but fun day at Castaway. Got on the island and to the beach by 11 and just as we got there, the most torrential thunderstorm ever hit. Loudest lightning I have ever heard on my life. Everyone fled the beach and was sheltered in the roofs at Cookies & Cookies 2...and even then it wasn't crowded at all. Each family had their own table, some still empty.

That was the theme of the day. Not crowded at all. Emptiest I have ever seen the beach. It was relaxing but the water was closed for most of the day. Finally let people swim again around 1:45. Good thing we come back tomorrow!

Let's face it, Castaway is a thunderstorm is better than a dry day at home.

Lunch was the usual BBQ, a few new things I hadn't seen before. Honey Bourbon Salmon, a vegetarian chili, and brisket sandwiches in addition to the usual burgers, chicken, ribs, chips, etc. Giant cookies. Everything was tasty. Brisket was a bit too sweet.

Turns out the weather cleared and we had plenty of time in the water. One negative, there is now A LOT of seaweed and other plant life floating in the water and washed up on shore. Not as clean and pristine as we remember. Still had a blast. We were at the family beach today, going to try over by pelican plunge tomorrow.

Back to the ship now to get ready for dinner. Maybe hop on the AquaDuck on more time first...

Thanks for sharing all this detail.

Are they serving you at Cookies, as they are in Cabanas? Is there someone staffed at the ice cream machines, just like Eye Scream?

 

[jrapps]

So is the basketball court open again? I heard it had been closed and was going to be used as sun deck.

Basketball is closed. Golf was open. My daughter whipped my butt.

 

[jrapps]

Can you tell us what kinda Halloween merchandise they are offering? Specifically do they have a black bag with pumpkins like this. Debating if I should buy it while in Disney World or on the cruise.

View attachment 602110

Didn't see what Halloween merch there was last night. I'll look tonight.

 

[jrapps]

I am really hoping your 13 yr old might have gone into Edge even for a few minutes???? There hasn't been any mention of what Edge is like during these first cruises. We sail in a few weeks and I can't tell if our grandson might like some time booked in there or if its just empty of screens and games. He will be just shy of turning 12 so he's too old for the kids club, this will be his 11th Disney cruise and I worry he won't want to go anymore if the club is bare and bleak. I haven't found anyone with a young teen who's posted anything so really hoping they stopped in and might be willing to share their impressions?? Super grateful.

My daughter just turned 13. She was in Edge till midnightast night. No reservations needed. She loved it. I'll try to get some details, didn't want to pry, but she had a lot of fun.

 

[jrapps]

They just announced over intercom, fireworks tonight are split into 2 viewing times. Early dinner goes at 8:45. Late seating goes at 10:30. Depending on what restaurant you dine in they tell you which elevators to go up to help distance people.

 

[jrapps]

Thanks for sharing all this detail.

Are they serving you at Cookies, as they are in Cabanas? Is there someone staffed at the ice cream machines, just like Eye Scream?

Yes, you tell them what you want and they plate it. Same for drinks and ice cream. It went very smoothly. I actually think it works better than people picking their own food.

 

[jrapps]

I can confirm that cell signal (TMobile) is working on the ship but not on the island. Cell tower is still down. The ship itself must tap into Bahamas telecom when they dock.

I could not get a Verizon signal anywhere.

No idea about AT&T

 

[jrapps]

Gorgeous! Do you recall what category this is? I'm so glad you and your family are finally able to cruise after all the uncertainty.

Cat 5 something? Maybe 5E. Not 100% sure. We originally booked a 4A extended balcony but the Disney called me a few weeks ago to let me know the room was down for repair. They found this as an alternative for me and we have it a shot. We do not regret it.

The balcony is super hot in afternoon. Back from Castaway and there is no shade. But we plan to use it tonight after dinner.

 

[jrapps]

Ok they are casting off...no cell signal again till the morning. If anyone has any questions, let me know. I'll get a few hrs if internet in the morning before Palo and my wife yells at me to get off the damn phone. LOL.

 

[jrapps]

Squeezed in one more Post on Edge. My daughter said they has a ping pong tournament, Foosball, Mario Cart, Xbox, Nintendo, etc. About 10 kids in there last night.

 

[Wakey]

Good report.

 

[epcotrulz]

Sounds like an amazing trip!

 

[MasonsG]

Please give your daughter our Extreme Appreciation because our almost 12 yr old isn't into girls yet but anything with gaming, he will talk about. He is also into basketball so just hoping that they keep the gaming open means he will still love Disney cruises. Movies are great but I want there to be the social as well. Cannot thank you enough for the time you're giving on your cruise to help out all the rest of us!!!!

 

[DIS_MIKE]

I saw your post about the first day and empty pool deck. Would love to hear more about what you see in terms of capacity/passenger count!

Also would love to get your estimate on the capacity but from what you said about the Aquaduck and pools….it sounds like occupancy is still low.

thanks for all the updates.

 

[Disneyloverliz]

I am loving your reports! I really am confused on using your cell phone, tho. I thought it was extremely expensive to buy their WiFi? And airport mode…never understood that.