Stealing the Magic for 2 - WB Panama Canal - Updated 7/5
- Thread starter IAmAHiddenMickey
- Start date
Can't wait for the next one 
IAmAHiddenMickey
My Disney magic is within, only appearing at the p
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2007
- Messages
- 137
Day 1 – Embarkation Day!
Here we go! We got up and got everything packed that we had unpacked in the Dolphin. Jill did a great job separating our bags so we only had to repack one of them. Since I wasn’t able to print our cruise documents before we left, I figured I would pop down to the Dolphin business center and print them. Come to find out, it was $1.00 per page plus 73.5 cents per minute for internet access. To print the contract alone would have been over $16, so I said forget it we can fill it out at the port.
We got all our stuff downstairs and FL Tours picked us up in a town car to head back to the airport. When we told the driver that we wanted to go to the Hyatt, he thought we meant the one on Disney property since he had never had someone go from a hotel to the airport hotel! It was quickly straightened out and at the airport we arrived!
When we pulled into the garage, we immediately saw Dis green and knew we were in the right place. We met those who would be taking the limo with us to the port. Soon the limo arrived and in high style we were off!
Jill likes to travel in high style.
We made a grocery stop at the Publix were Jill and I got breakfast and a ton of candy to hand out to the crew and other Disers. A short 15 minutes later the ship came into view and the limo went crazy! No one could believe that we were this close to starting the trip!
Blurry first shot of the ship. In real life, it wasn't blurry in case you were wondering.
We get there, go through security, and fill out all of our paperwork. We spot a lot of Disers and see a lot of Dis green! I think they said there was something like 400 Disers on board for this trip. I posted the pictures from the port on page 5.
After a couple of hours chatting with our new friends, time to board the ship! Of course we took our photo, and they announced our names as we boarded the ship.
Announcing everyone on board!
We ate at Parrot Cay with some Disers and had a great buffet. Parrot Cay has always been my least favorite of the three restaurants, and I’m not quite sure why. However the food was great and so was the service. Before we knew it was 1:30 and time to go see our stateroom.
Home sweet home, but not as messy (yet).
After unpacking (ok, Jill unpacked and I took an unscheduled nap). This has resulted in every time I need something I have to ask where it is. We took part in the safety drill with our very fashionable life jackets. Once that was over, it was time to party!
Feel like a dip in the ocean?
What a party! The characters, the music and of course the countdown with the ships horn blowing. Before long the ship was pulling away from the dock and heading out to sea. Lots of smaller boats were floating alongside and a lot of people at the hotels and bars were watching. It was hard to think that we would not be back in the US for another 15 days. I know that is the longest that I have been out of the country, and what better trip to do it on than this one!
What kind of ship is this?! It's infested with rodents!
Our dining rotation is APL, and we were off to Animator’s. Our servers are great and very attentive to our needs. By the second day, our drinks are brought automatically and recommendations are based on previous orders. We saw the Welcome Aboard show and then it was off for a quick walk around the deck and to bed. Tomorrow, Castaway Cay!
The grand finale of day 1!
Here we go! We got up and got everything packed that we had unpacked in the Dolphin. Jill did a great job separating our bags so we only had to repack one of them. Since I wasn’t able to print our cruise documents before we left, I figured I would pop down to the Dolphin business center and print them. Come to find out, it was $1.00 per page plus 73.5 cents per minute for internet access. To print the contract alone would have been over $16, so I said forget it we can fill it out at the port.
We got all our stuff downstairs and FL Tours picked us up in a town car to head back to the airport. When we told the driver that we wanted to go to the Hyatt, he thought we meant the one on Disney property since he had never had someone go from a hotel to the airport hotel! It was quickly straightened out and at the airport we arrived!
When we pulled into the garage, we immediately saw Dis green and knew we were in the right place. We met those who would be taking the limo with us to the port. Soon the limo arrived and in high style we were off!
Jill likes to travel in high style.
We made a grocery stop at the Publix were Jill and I got breakfast and a ton of candy to hand out to the crew and other Disers. A short 15 minutes later the ship came into view and the limo went crazy! No one could believe that we were this close to starting the trip!
Blurry first shot of the ship. In real life, it wasn't blurry in case you were wondering.
We get there, go through security, and fill out all of our paperwork. We spot a lot of Disers and see a lot of Dis green! I think they said there was something like 400 Disers on board for this trip. I posted the pictures from the port on page 5.
After a couple of hours chatting with our new friends, time to board the ship! Of course we took our photo, and they announced our names as we boarded the ship.
Announcing everyone on board!
We ate at Parrot Cay with some Disers and had a great buffet. Parrot Cay has always been my least favorite of the three restaurants, and I’m not quite sure why. However the food was great and so was the service. Before we knew it was 1:30 and time to go see our stateroom.
Home sweet home, but not as messy (yet).
After unpacking (ok, Jill unpacked and I took an unscheduled nap). This has resulted in every time I need something I have to ask where it is. We took part in the safety drill with our very fashionable life jackets. Once that was over, it was time to party!
Feel like a dip in the ocean?
What a party! The characters, the music and of course the countdown with the ships horn blowing. Before long the ship was pulling away from the dock and heading out to sea. Lots of smaller boats were floating alongside and a lot of people at the hotels and bars were watching. It was hard to think that we would not be back in the US for another 15 days. I know that is the longest that I have been out of the country, and what better trip to do it on than this one!
What kind of ship is this?! It's infested with rodents!
Our dining rotation is APL, and we were off to Animator’s. Our servers are great and very attentive to our needs. By the second day, our drinks are brought automatically and recommendations are based on previous orders. We saw the Welcome Aboard show and then it was off for a quick walk around the deck and to bed. Tomorrow, Castaway Cay!
The grand finale of day 1!
Great pictures...thanks for sharing.
DMMarla07860
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 12, 2005
- Messages
- 7,446
great report, I can't wait to read more.
who are some of the cruise staff on the ship?
who are some of the cruise staff on the ship?
Pixie Dust II
Dis Veteran - Always ready for new Disney memories
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2004
- Messages
- 1,045
Thanks for sharing. We have friends on board so seeing your pictures make us feel closer to them!
Have a wonderful time and take good care of the ship. Tell Mickey we will see him on board November 8!
Have a wonderful time and take good care of the ship. Tell Mickey we will see him on board November 8!
Lil' Grumpy
<font color=purple>Lil' Grumpy is really a Big Swe
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2006
- Messages
- 2,820
..one of my favorites...is taking that first step onboard! what a magical cruise!
i heard..yesterday..was hot?!
what's been your favorite so far?
psst, post pics,
IAmAHiddenMickey
My Disney magic is within, only appearing at the p
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2007
- Messages
- 137
Day 2 – Castaway Cay plus Shots Around the Ship!
We woke up to a beautiful day and the ship docked at Castaway Cay. We grabbed some breakfast at Topsiders, and then went and got our Pirate Scavenger Hunt booklet from the cruise staff. This thing is pretty elaborate and Jill had heard it wasn’t the easiest thing to do either.
The first clue had to do with the Post Office, so as soon as we got off the ship we stopped there to see what we could find. Unfortunately the answer was nothing. A couple of other people also stopped to take a look and came away with nothing.
We walked around to the beach so we could go on the Eco-Tour with jet skies! When we got there however, the lady said that our tour had been changed from 9:45 to 9:30! Of course we got there about 9:40. She said it would be no problem and that Disney changed the time on the tickets but didn’t really point it out to anyone so a lot of people were late.
We took our waterproof camera, but it uses actual film so we’ll have to wait until we get back to post pics. It was a pretty cool excursion; we rode out to a sandbar and looked at sand dollars that had washed up. Jill drove first since we were on a double and managed to almost throw me into the water when she zoomed the throttle without me holding on! Once we got out to the sandbar, Jill let me drive and I had a fun time jumping the waves of the one in front of me. It took about an hour and a half to do the whole thing with the safety instruction.
Wha a beautiful site!
After that, Jill wanted to get started again on the scavenger hunt, but I said that while we were near the family beach she should snorkel while I rested on a beach chair. She ended up snorkeling for about a hour or so while I read (napped) in the chair. She tried to find the Mickey and swam around for quite a while. We found out later that the Mickey is on vacation and only Minnie is out there now.
Then it was off to lunch at Cookies! I had a hotdog and hamburger, but Jill had to be difficult and order chicken fingers when there were none at the adult station. The cast member went all the way to the kid’s station and brought them back for her. More on the difficulties we experience with food later in the report.
Then it was off to Serenity Bay. Jill rested in a chair while I went out to swim. I saw a string ray and a big sea star, several guests reported they saw a barracuda. To me the best part of Castaway Cay is bobbing in the waves, but the bottom was a little too rough for that.
Time to pack up! It was about 2:00 PM, and we started on the scavenger hunt. The first clue was at the Head’s Up Bar, so off we went. We were both thirsty so we ordered up a couple of drinks. Let’s just say Jill doesn’t hold her liquor very well:
This tasted so good after baking in the hot sun!
Look out below!
Ha ha just kidding! She was looking over the side at a fish. She also managed to find a hammock along the way.
Once again, nothing finer than this.
After tromping around in the hot sun, we managed to find all the clues and were back at the Post Office. Unfortunately to collect our prize we had to be on the other side of the island. It was 3:40. The ship leaves at 5:00. What did we do? Head right back to the other side of the island. We were the only ones heading that way, even cast members were going back to the boat. We made it to where we needed to go only to find it closed. That meant we headed back to the ship empty handed. Luckily we could go to Guest Service and get the prize! Darn it, after all that we were getting that prize!
We got ready for dinner, and then it was off to Shots Around the Ship! Jill and I don’t drink so we went for the company and as the designated walkers (since the only one driving was the captain!). We met a lot of great people:
The infamous Planky!
Ian's friend Tammy.
We then went off to bed since it was about 12:00. I don’t want to spread any vicious rumors, but I heard that there were people who stayed out until 2:00 AM! I won’t mention any names (Planky and Tammy) but there was some very inappropriate behavior that took place and they were asked to leave the bar.
First rodents, now birds invading our cabin!
We woke up to a beautiful day and the ship docked at Castaway Cay. We grabbed some breakfast at Topsiders, and then went and got our Pirate Scavenger Hunt booklet from the cruise staff. This thing is pretty elaborate and Jill had heard it wasn’t the easiest thing to do either.
The first clue had to do with the Post Office, so as soon as we got off the ship we stopped there to see what we could find. Unfortunately the answer was nothing. A couple of other people also stopped to take a look and came away with nothing.
We walked around to the beach so we could go on the Eco-Tour with jet skies! When we got there however, the lady said that our tour had been changed from 9:45 to 9:30! Of course we got there about 9:40. She said it would be no problem and that Disney changed the time on the tickets but didn’t really point it out to anyone so a lot of people were late.
We took our waterproof camera, but it uses actual film so we’ll have to wait until we get back to post pics. It was a pretty cool excursion; we rode out to a sandbar and looked at sand dollars that had washed up. Jill drove first since we were on a double and managed to almost throw me into the water when she zoomed the throttle without me holding on! Once we got out to the sandbar, Jill let me drive and I had a fun time jumping the waves of the one in front of me. It took about an hour and a half to do the whole thing with the safety instruction.
Wha a beautiful site!
After that, Jill wanted to get started again on the scavenger hunt, but I said that while we were near the family beach she should snorkel while I rested on a beach chair. She ended up snorkeling for about a hour or so while I read (napped) in the chair. She tried to find the Mickey and swam around for quite a while. We found out later that the Mickey is on vacation and only Minnie is out there now.
Then it was off to lunch at Cookies! I had a hotdog and hamburger, but Jill had to be difficult and order chicken fingers when there were none at the adult station. The cast member went all the way to the kid’s station and brought them back for her. More on the difficulties we experience with food later in the report.
Then it was off to Serenity Bay. Jill rested in a chair while I went out to swim. I saw a string ray and a big sea star, several guests reported they saw a barracuda. To me the best part of Castaway Cay is bobbing in the waves, but the bottom was a little too rough for that.
Time to pack up! It was about 2:00 PM, and we started on the scavenger hunt. The first clue was at the Head’s Up Bar, so off we went. We were both thirsty so we ordered up a couple of drinks. Let’s just say Jill doesn’t hold her liquor very well:
This tasted so good after baking in the hot sun!
Look out below!
Ha ha just kidding! She was looking over the side at a fish. She also managed to find a hammock along the way.
Once again, nothing finer than this.
After tromping around in the hot sun, we managed to find all the clues and were back at the Post Office. Unfortunately to collect our prize we had to be on the other side of the island. It was 3:40. The ship leaves at 5:00. What did we do? Head right back to the other side of the island. We were the only ones heading that way, even cast members were going back to the boat. We made it to where we needed to go only to find it closed. That meant we headed back to the ship empty handed. Luckily we could go to Guest Service and get the prize! Darn it, after all that we were getting that prize!
We got ready for dinner, and then it was off to Shots Around the Ship! Jill and I don’t drink so we went for the company and as the designated walkers (since the only one driving was the captain!). We met a lot of great people:
The infamous Planky!
Ian's friend Tammy.
We then went off to bed since it was about 12:00. I don’t want to spread any vicious rumors, but I heard that there were people who stayed out until 2:00 AM! I won’t mention any names (Planky and Tammy) but there was some very inappropriate behavior that took place and they were asked to leave the bar.
First rodents, now birds invading our cabin!
Karen Mouse
resiurK deknoK
- Joined
- May 9, 2006
- Messages
- 11,633
The infamous Planky!
Hiya Planky - is that Tammy leading you astray
Love the lanyard
Big Papa Vol
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2008
- Messages
- 20
Great report. You are not missing anything here in Knoxville.
IAmAHiddenMickey
My Disney magic is within, only appearing at the p
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2007
- Messages
- 137
Day 3 – First Sea Day!
After our adventure the previous night, we got up a little late (something like 10:30!). Tonight was the first formal night and the Golden Mickey’s. Tonight we would also be eating in Lumiere’s, the first time Jill and I have eaten there.
We went to the Promenade Lounge to sit and enjoy the window view. What I didn’t know is that they were doing a presentation about diamonds and jewelry. Opps, I thought I would be able to keep Jill away from that kind of stuff!
Jill reads my fantastick jokes on the trip report.
Jill had her scrap booking class today, and I think there was something like 70 people who participated. It was a lot of fun and Jill made some new friends.
Jill goes scrapbooking while I go to Deck 4 and relax!
I’m not sure what else we did for the rest of the day, but I’m sure it involved napping on deck 4 and maybe a plate of chicken fingers on deck 9. That evening it was time to get all dressed up and attend the Golden Mickey’s.
More fowl on the boat.
We were to be honored guests of the Republic of Fredonia. Luckily we had not only the queen, but also the diplomats. Jill was promoted to Lady in Waiting, but I am only a tourist. Only one is allowed at any one time. Remember, Sylvania is a dump. (In case you don't get this, don't worry, some of this is just for me
)
The diplimats caused quite the stir in the dining room.
The show was great as always. At dinner, I wasn't particularly excited about any of the appetizers. I asked our server if I could get cheese sticks instead. He was taken aback and said he would check. He came back and let me know that they were not on the kids menu, so he couldn’t get them for me. I ordered something else and ended up liking it just as good. At the end of dinner, he asked if I would like to have cheese sticks tomorrow, as they would be on the menu. I said that would be fine since he seemed so excited that he could get them for me.
After the Golden Mickey’s and dinner, it was time for the balloon drop. It was a pretty exciting event and Mickey and Minnie came out and danced.
The balloon drop from the 5th floor.
After our adventure the previous night, we got up a little late (something like 10:30!). Tonight was the first formal night and the Golden Mickey’s. Tonight we would also be eating in Lumiere’s, the first time Jill and I have eaten there.
We went to the Promenade Lounge to sit and enjoy the window view. What I didn’t know is that they were doing a presentation about diamonds and jewelry. Opps, I thought I would be able to keep Jill away from that kind of stuff!
Jill reads my fantastick jokes on the trip report.
Jill had her scrap booking class today, and I think there was something like 70 people who participated. It was a lot of fun and Jill made some new friends.
Jill goes scrapbooking while I go to Deck 4 and relax!
I’m not sure what else we did for the rest of the day, but I’m sure it involved napping on deck 4 and maybe a plate of chicken fingers on deck 9. That evening it was time to get all dressed up and attend the Golden Mickey’s.
More fowl on the boat.
We were to be honored guests of the Republic of Fredonia. Luckily we had not only the queen, but also the diplomats. Jill was promoted to Lady in Waiting, but I am only a tourist. Only one is allowed at any one time. Remember, Sylvania is a dump. (In case you don't get this, don't worry, some of this is just for me
)
The diplimats caused quite the stir in the dining room.
The show was great as always. At dinner, I wasn't particularly excited about any of the appetizers. I asked our server if I could get cheese sticks instead. He was taken aback and said he would check. He came back and let me know that they were not on the kids menu, so he couldn’t get them for me. I ordered something else and ended up liking it just as good. At the end of dinner, he asked if I would like to have cheese sticks tomorrow, as they would be on the menu. I said that would be fine since he seemed so excited that he could get them for me.
After the Golden Mickey’s and dinner, it was time for the balloon drop. It was a pretty exciting event and Mickey and Minnie came out and danced.
The balloon drop from the 5th floor.
Mozart
There's one in every crowd...and it's usually me
- Joined
- Feb 3, 2007
- Messages
- 1,253
We were to be honored guests of the Republic of Fredonia. Luckily we had not only the queen, but also the diplomats. Jill was promoted to Lady in Waiting, but I am only a tourist. Only one is allowed at any one time. Remember, Sylvania is a dump. (In case you don't get this, don't worry, some of this is just for me
Run out and get me a Planky. I can't make heads or tails of this trip report.
-
Add These New Walt Disney World Treats to Your Must-Try List
-
Check Out Jack Skellington's NEW LOOK & Where to Find Him at MNSSHP!
-
Disney Treasure Itinerary Changes Due to Tropical Storm Erin
-
The New Disney Merch You Missed This Week
-
The Best Times to Book a DVC Stay at Walt Disney World
-
Can You Bring Alcoholic Beverages on a Disney Cruise Line Ship?
-
5 Panels at Destination D23 Likely to Reveal Park News
- Walt Disney World News
- Walt Disney World Articles
- Disney Cruise Line News
- Disneyland News
- General Disney News
- Universal Orlando News
GET UP TO A $1000 SHIPBOARD CREDIT AND AN EXCLUSIVE GIFT!
If you make your Disney Cruise Line reservation with Dreams Unlimited Travel you’ll receive these incredible shipboard credits to spend on your cruise!
Receive up to $1,000 in Onboard Credit and a Gift Basket!
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
That’s right — when you book your Disney Cruise with Dreams Unlimited Travel, you’ll receive incredible shipboard credits to spend during your vacation!
CLICK HERE
New Posts
- Poll
