Surprise! We're NOT going to Disney! 9/18-9/25 <<Update 3/24 Page 21>>

[jenseib]

Oh really? Pics or it didn't happen!

My mom wasn't big on taking pictures....thank the lord!

 

[that's nice]

My mom wasn't big on taking pictures....thank the lord!

That's too bad. It could of made for great trip report material. (and also blackmail down the road.)

 

[Chicago Mo]

oh oh oh!!!! <-- yeah call me horseshack.

How excitinggggggggggggg!!!! great view from the table!!! your really up there aren't you? yikes!
The shrimp does look DELISH!

The poor little guy going backwards!!! then splish under water he goes. at least you were there taking pictures of it all! Seriously I hope it didn't ruin the slide experience forever?!?!

The room looks a LOT bigger then i thought they were!!! With everything you packed you fit comfortably? enough bathroom- room?

The balcony. seems heavenly to just sit out there and relax!

Can you tell i want to take a cruise?? yet i want to sell it to the kids.. which is going to be tough. I look to you Obi-Wan your my only hope!

Have to say again your family is absolutely ADORABLE!

 

[KatMark]

Tim, sorry I'm a little late in responding (I know you know why).

First off, I saw a SMILING picture of Gabby. I wasn't sure when I'd see one of those.

What a view from your lunch. Sorry your crab claws weren't very good.

Pool idea was good until you hit the bathroom.

Poor Christopher...I hope this doesn't scare him for life on slides.

Juliana is still a fish, I see.

I love the way Christopher smiles when you are taking a shot of just him.

Nice room.

Oooh...can't wait to hear about cocktails, dinner and drills.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I went into the bags to get out everyone's bathing suits and Gabby's wasn't in there. Dang. I forgot to move it into our carryon.

Well, it's just water. Fully-clothed swimming never hurt anybody.

I thought about changing into my suit there too, but both stalls opened up where I was able to change with a bit more dignity.

'Hey kid, why you coming down backwards?'

D'oh!

We made it to the ride in a little over 30 minutes. It was fun but I didn't walk off saying 'I need to go again'. Juliana on the other hand wanted to get right back in line.

Hmm...That's the first less-than-stellar review I've read of it.

As we open the door the first thing we see is a Castaway Cay bag sitting on our bed.

Cool.

Christopher ran over to the balcony.

He runs everywhere, doesn't he?

 

[TheMaxRebo]

yeah, I could see everyone having the same idea what with waiting for the rooms to be ready and all. sounds like a bit of a pain to get everyone changed though and the lines and what not.

The kids pool looks like such a neat design with the different depths!

Your room looks awesome and huge! and nice to have that welcome sign and tote to welcome you

 

[petals]

It's a dedicated garbage can for dirty diapers that automatically seals off each diaper that is placed inside. Every time you open it, there is an empty bag waiting for the next diaper. Plus it keeps the room smell free.

The joys of not having kids lol. Although I think they need like a pooper genie, something that goes around the garden picking up the mess after the doggies

Nah, I think he's fine. He was a little hesitant of water slides for the rest of the trip though.

Good It's funny what can stick in their little heads

 

[that's nice]

oh oh oh!!!! <-- yeah call me horseshack.

Hello horseshack.

How excitinggggggggggggg!!!! great view from the table!!! your really up there aren't you? yikes!
The shrimp does look DELISH!

We enjoyed lunch. Oh course Juliana kept talking about the pool and didn't eat that much.

When it comes to seafood, I can just eat it all day long. I'm like a bottomless pit.

The poor little guy going backwards!!! then splish under water he goes. at least you were there taking pictures of it all! Seriously I hope it didn't ruin the slide experience forever?!?!

What kind of dad would I be if I didn't take pictures first then save my kid from drowning second?

The room looks a LOT bigger then i thought they were!!! With everything you packed you fit comfortably? enough bathroom- room?

The room size was great. We were in a Category 4A stateroom 299 sq ft including the veranda. There was a ton of storage including space under the bed to slide our big suitcases under.

Bathroom space was fine.

The balcony. seems heavenly to just sit out there and relax!

It was very nice... we were out there often.

Can you tell i want to take a cruise?? yet i want to sell it to the kids.. which is going to be tough. I look to you Obi-Wan your my only hope!

Can you just cruise on a 3 day Carnival or something cheaper for your first just to see if they like it?

Have to say again your family is absolutely ADORABLE!

Oh, thank you.

Tim, sorry I'm a little late in responding (I know you know why).

It's ok... pop in when you can.

First off, I saw a SMILING picture of Gabby. I wasn't sure when I'd see one of those.

I know... they are few and far in between. Although I have another one in the next update!

What a view from your lunch. Sorry your crab claws weren't very good.

I'm not sure what kind of crab they were. They should of had king crab legs.... I would of sat there till dinner eating them.

Pool idea was good until you hit the bathroom.

Next time either board in bathing suits, go down a few floors to find an open bathroom, or change before lunch.

Poor Christopher...I hope this doesn't scare him for life on slides.

Slides? No.

Water slides? Maybe.

Juliana is still a fish, I see.

The kid could live in water. Seriously.

I love the way Christopher smiles when you are taking a shot of just him.

I think he learned that from Juliana.

Nice room.

Thanks!

Oooh...can't wait to hear about cocktails, dinner and drills.

1 of those 3 were exciting... the other 2, not so much.

 

[that's nice]

Well, it's just water. Fully-clothed swimming never hurt anybody.

True. But she had to wear a diaper in the splash area. Ever seen a regular diaper get full of water?

Hmm...That's the first less-than-stellar review I've read of it.

Really? The first?

Was it fun? Yes.

Would I sell my kids to ride it?

Well, that's a trick question but I wouldn't wait over 30 minutes again to ride.

He runs everywhere, doesn't he?

Pretty much.

yeah, I could see everyone having the same idea what with waiting for the rooms to be ready and all. sounds like a bit of a pain to get everyone changed though and the lines and what not.

It wasn't bad.. but I couldn't understand why the men's room was taking so long. Well, let me take that back, I know why it was taking long in the mens room but it didn't have to do with anyone changing into a bathing suit.

The kids pool looks like such a neat design with the different depths!

The design is really cool. Christopher could sit in the first level and stand in the second level. It was a perfect depth for him.

Your room looks awesome and huge! and nice to have that welcome sign and tote to welcome you

We felt special getting that 'free' swag.

The joys of not having kids lol. Although I think they need like a pooper genie, something that goes around the garden picking up the mess after the doggies

Here ya go!

Good It's funny what can stick in their little heads

True... very true.

 

[Chicago Mo]

Here ya go!

/QUOTE]

This is the most magnificent thing i have ever laid eyes on...


the room is perfection! thanks for the link!
No any cruise would be a Disney cruise!!!

 

[that's nice]

This is the most magnificent thing i have ever laid eyes on...

Wonder how it works in the real world. You know, like in someone's lawn.

the room is perfection! thanks for the link!

You got it!

No any cruise would be a Disney cruise!!!

How soon did you want to try it? Did you see the rates for some of the winter cruises? Some of the prices are killer! (for Disney cruises anyway)

 

[MonsterWDWmom]

Following along, I loved the video her reaction is priceless. Didn't you know the dollar store is so much more fun than a Disney cruise!

The boat looks great and your room has nice space in it, I am looking forward to hearing what you think as one day I might take a Disney cruise.

 

[petals]

I need one of those!

 

[that's nice]

So our room was ready and it didn't take long for us to trash it with all of our bags. You'd think were were cruising for a month with all the clothes we brought. We don't pack light. As hard as we try, it just doesn't happen.

We unpacked a bit, got freshened up, and headed to a DVC welcome reception that started at 2:30. We were told to get there at 2:00pm with the kids and there would be some special characters to see. We arrived at 2:35. Yea... just a little late. We found a seat and were treated with a choice of 2 complementry adult drinks- Captain & coke or some vodka mixed something or other. I grabbed one of each figuring if Melody didn't like hers I could just switch with her. I think we missed the majority of the drinks because by the time we were done with ours, they weren't serving them anymore. They had soda for the kids, which mine don't drink, and some smoothy type drink. Juliana got one, took a sip, then it sat there.

There was a music trivia game being played putting one side of the room against the other. We had fun playing the game. After the game the DVC talk began.... AKA sales talk. They talked about Aulani and The Grand Floridian Villas. It was a little informative but mostly just a sales talk. After 20 minutes Melody took the kids and went up to the pool again. I stayed to the end and walked out with a couple DVC backpacks, a mini DVC personal fan, and some DVC hats. It was interesting, but I wish it was a little bit more informative and not just about making you want to buy.

I met up with Melody and the kids then headed back to the room. It was almost time for the muster drill. Juliana took a shower and Gabby and Christopher were both passing out. Melody wanted to just keep them in the room to let them sleep. I told her no way, everyone had to go. They would know if we weren't there. At 4 o'clock the sound started that we had to goto our muster station, which was inside the theatre. Wait a sec? If this boat started going down, you want me to stay inside? That is against my logic. I've heard of the Costa Concordia. When a ship is going down, I'm getting the hell outta there!

Anyway, we get to the theatre and the place is PACKED! The dang siren just went off. There was no place to sit so we sat on the floor. Both Christopher and Gabby were at their limit and only one of our KTTW cards were never scanned. UGH. The kids could slept in the room. They did a roll call, talked for a minute or 2, then let us leave. Back to the room.

We let the little ones rest for a bit then went up on deck to see the Bon Voyage party. When we got there the deck was mobbed. We went up to deck 12 to watch... wouldn't you know once we found a spot the show ended. UGH. We were doing too good getting to things on time. I don't think the kids minded though.



We started moving....





After watching for a few minutes, we figured we'd just head down to the room. That way we could continue getting ready for dinner, and we could just watch from the veranda that we paid through the nose for!

We had great views from the room but there was an overhang from deck 11 right above us which blocked you from looking up.





Gabby was ready for dinner...



...and I even got a smile! Mark the day!



How's the balcony Juliana?



I think she liked it.

We headed down to our first dinner of the cruise. We were eating at the Royal Palace.



Out table was set for 8 but it was just the 5 of us. Maybe we were supposed to be sitting with another family? Who knows. We ate by ourselves for the whole cruise.

Our server and assistant came over and introduced themselves to us. They were just awesome! I cannot say enough good things about them. When it was time to order, Juliana wasn't sure what to get. I told her to order a filet off the adult menu.. our server looked at her very interested. He couldn't believe this little girl wasted a filet. He told her to order the filet and if she didn't like it, he'd bring her a kids meal. Juliana went back and forth between the 2. She really wanted mac and cheese. He finally told her that she can have the filet and he'd bring her mac & cheese too. She accepted his offer.

Melody & I contemplated getting a bottle of wine, then we found out about the wine package- we could get 3 bottles of wine for $89 ($106 with the tip) to drink at any time over the cruise. Since 1 bottle was $40 we figured, why not?

It wasn't long before our food arrived.....





Our server even cut Juliana's filet up for her....



... then challenged her to eat it.

Mel & Gabby.



Our merlot.



Pasta face selfie!



I ordered the filet too and it was excellent. I also ordered a few appetizers- the lobster and jumbo shrimp, the breaded and deep-fried brie, and the French onion soup too. I think Melody ordered the lobster mac & cheese. Juliana pretty much finished her whole filet and ate all the mac & cheese too. All that swimming must of made her super hungry. I know she was stuffed because when it was time to order dessert, she declined. WHAT?!?!?!? My kid declined dessert? WOW!

Our server wasn't surprised considering how much she ate, so he brought her something to remember this day.....





Of course she ended up licking off all the chocolate.

Christopher got a Mickey Bar covered in chocolate and sprinkles.



We had an amazing dinner. Mel & I were stuffed too. We didn't even finish the bottle of wine. So we took it back to the room. When we got back it was all set up for night- complete with some good night chocolate.



The kids sleeping area.



Gabby & Bubba were both done. So we had to figure out what to do. Melody volunteered to get the kids to bed while Juliana and I went to see The Golden Mickeys- the stage production. I actually got one picture before I got reprimanded for taking pictures with my phone. Whoops.



The show was good... not great. But we enjoyed ourselves.

On the walk back to the room, Juliana was begging to go swimming again. It was already 9:30, but I gave in to her. She made the quick change back into her bathing suit and out to deck 11 we went.



While Juliana hopped into the pool, I got to watch a bit of the Thursday night football game, which was a blowout.



Juliana swam till they closed the pool. The kid is a fish.



She was sad she had to get out of the pool but a little ice cream cheered her up.



We had a fun night but all good things must come to an end. We needed to get some sleep, we had a busy day in front of us.



Up next... Port of call #1

 

[KatMark]

I got lucky and caught your update just before heading to bed.

First, I really wish Gabby would smile more...she has just a heartwarming smile...beautiful.

You do have a habit of running just a tad late for things, don't you?

I'm guessing Barry called in and told them not to sit anyone with the "that's nice" family at dinner.

Nice deal on the wine for the length of the cruise.

I am not surprised at all that Juliana ate almost her entire filet.

I want a bite of Christopher's Mickey Bar.

Can't wait to hear what the first port of call is.

 

[Chicago Mo]

BIG Update! You don't mess around do you?
the boat is beautiful!!! late for everything? I know that feeling a little too well..

at least you did get 2 free drinks! nothing like trying to liquor up the guests to tell them safety! Or was this for the ceremony?! While i am at it.. YAY FOR ROBERT MONDAVI!!!

I agree your daughters smile could light up anything. what a sweetie!

no photography?!?!?! WHAT?!?

your selfie is adorable! sauce face and all!!!

You had a very eventful day! I'm exhausted!!! the room is still fantastic. You were on the Dream right?

If we do the cruise we would go 2016. where is a good question and when is even better.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

So our room was ready and it didn't take long for us to trash it with all of our bags.

That’s why they have stewards…
Trash away.

We unpacked a bit, got freshened up, and headed to a DVC welcome reception that started at 2:30. We were told to get there at 2:00pm with the kids and there would be some special characters to see. We arrived at 2:35. Yea... just a little late.

You did say this was going to be a running theme

We found a seat and were treated with a choice of 2 complementry adult drinks- Captain & coke or some vodka mixed something or other. I grabbed one of each figuring if Melody didn't like hers I could just switch with her. I think we missed the majority of the drinks because by the time we were done with ours, they weren't serving them anymore.

Like all other Disney offerings, it’s all about Rope Drop.
At least you did get some of the complimentary stuff.

It was interesting, but I wish it was a little bit more informative and not just about making you want to buy.

Yah that’s unfortunate.
Was the gathering open to anyone or just for the folks that are already DVC?
It seems a bit wrongheaded to be hard selling those that have already made the plunge.

(Unless they’re viewing it as more of a pusher/addict kind of relationship )

It was almost time for the muster drill… Melody wanted to just keep them in the room to let them sleep. I told her no way, everyone had to go. They would know if we weren't there.

That use to be true but it’s gotten a bit more lax over time.
That said, it’s still good that everyone at least see what’s expected from the process
(even if they’re not quite paying attention)

At 4 o'clock the sound started that we had to goto our muster station, which was inside the theatre. Wait a sec? If this boat started going down, you want me to stay inside? That is against my logic. I've heard of the Costa Concordia. When a ship is going down, I'm getting the hell outta there!

Oh it’s even more exciting than that.
Meeting in the theater means that “in the case of an actual emergency”, y’all would find yourselves not in one of the large “Mickey Yellow” life boats, but rather in one of the more adventitious and roly-poly rafts.

Fun, fun, fun…

Anyway, we get to the theatre and the place is PACKED! The dang siren just went off.

Sorry… If I’d have known y’all were going DCL cursing I’d have warned you about such things or pointed you to my TR about what to expect when aboard DCL ships. When it comes to the Muster… if you’re on time, you’re late.

Even here it’s a Rope Drop thing… sheesse.
On the up side, at least they no longer require everyone to show up wearing their life preservers.
The whole process use to be a good bit more involved.

After watching for a few minutes, we figured we'd just head down to the room. That way we could continue getting ready for dinner, and we could just watch from the veranda that we paid through the nose for!

Good plan.

We had great views from the room but there was an overhang from deck 11 right above us which blocked you from looking up.

D’oh!

Still a good plan though.

...and I even got a smile! Mark the day!

“Consider it marked.”

We headed down to our first dinner of the cruise. We were eating at the Royal Palace.

Oooooo… the big room.

Out table was set for 8 but it was just the 5 of us. Maybe we were supposed to be sitting with another family? Who knows. We ate by ourselves for the whole cruise.

I’d consider that as a major bonus.
As a family of three, we’ve always shared tables. It’s generally a bit awkward.

Our server and assistant came over and introduced themselves to us. They were just awesome! I cannot say enough good things about them.

And that’s one of the hallmarks of DCL.

I know she was stuffed because when it was time to order dessert, she declined. WHAT?!?!?!? My kid declined dessert? WOW!

Says much for the quality of the dinner.

Our server wasn't surprised considering how much she ate, so he brought her something to remember this day.....

That’s pretty much a tradition on cruses. Our first time out my son was not interested in desert that first evening either and received a similar plate emblazed with the word “Nothing!”
(oddly he has since always ordered desert when cursing)

The best instance of this game I’ve ever witnessed though occurred our last time out. The family we were sharing a table with made a point to partake of any and every available opportunity for adventure during the sailing. As such, their kids were right exhausted by the time dinner would roll around. One evening the youngest actually fell asleep, head down on the table, between the main course and desert. The servers, not ones to miss a trick, brought her a similar chocolate sauce plate.

The word printed on it?


ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzz…

 

[Chicago Mo]

​

Have a wonderful Halloween!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

I stayed to the end and walked out with a couple DVC backpacks, a mini DVC personal fan, and some DVC hats. It was interesting, but I wish it was a little bit more informative and not just about making you want to buy.

I liked the $100 gift shop credit we got from Aulani's presentation.

At 4 o'clock the sound started that we had to goto our muster station, which was inside the theatre. Wait a sec? If this boat started going down, you want me to stay inside? That is against my logic. I've heard of the Costa Concordia. When a ship is going down, I'm getting the hell outta there!

Sir, we need you to tie this concrete block to your ankles.

We had great views from the room but there was an overhang from deck 11 right above us which blocked you from looking up.

Spoiler alert: it's blue up there. With some clouds.

...and I even got a smile! Mark the day!

I know she was stuffed because when it was time to order dessert, she declined. WHAT?!?!?!? My kid declined dessert? WOW!

Our server wasn't surprised considering how much she ate, so he brought her something to remember this day.....

On the walk back to the room, Juliana was begging to go swimming again. It was already 9:30, but I gave in to her.

Heh. Sucker.

While Juliana hopped into the pool, I got to watch a bit of the Thursday night football game, which was a blowout.

Pretty cool that they put the game on the big screen, though.

 

[vleeth]

Looks like a wonderful first day. Makes me want to take another Disney cruise!