Well, we are finally to the CRUISE!!
I've been thinking over a phrase that could some up our first ever 3 day
Disney Cruise. The best description I can come up with at this time is it was the most thrilling disappointment.
........................................................................................................
We started the morning off feverishly packing up. At one point I had tried to convince DH that we would have time to visit AK for a couple hours in the morning before leaving. There was absolutely NO WAY. It took us a good 3 hours to pack everything up. While the girls and I were packing DH took a cab to the car rental place. That was a fiasco in itself. They do offer to pick you up but we didn't realize that they have a limit. So when we called the day before for a shuttle to the car rental we were told they would not have anyone until 11 a.m. which was too late for us. So, oh well now we know. We also didn't want to wait the extra hour for the Disney buses to start heading downtown. So, we were out the $15 for DH to take a cab to the car rental. I had paid for a FULL size car. Not the economy, not the compact, not the intermediate or the stand, but the FULL size.
So I guess some rude clerk threw him the keys without even showing poor DH where it was. DH had to use the key beeper to find it and walked upon the tiniest little compact car you ever did see.
We had 4 suitcases and 4 carryons with us there was no way we could fit. So, DH marched back in to tell them that indeed we had reserved a full size. The clerk told him basically Too Bad that is all they had. He never inspected the car with DH to check that everything was in alright condition either.
Poor DH was so worked up when he finally arrived back with the tiny compact. We decided to try to shove everything in as we had no other chance. We ended up squeezing the two girls next to eachother and using both sides of the floor in back, the extra seat in back and under my feet as well as the tiny trunk.
Before leaving the girls wanted to take one last picture with their balloons as they couldn't take them with. Remember these?
We couldn't move but we were all in and heading to our Disney Cruise! The Cape Canaveral rental company was much friendlier and assured us we'd receive a FULL size after the cruise. The immediately shuttled us to the Port and were very friendly. We were the only family on the shuttle. I didn't take a picture but it was raining.
I was a bit disappointed as the girls and I had our suits under our clothes in hopes to hope right in the pool. It was quite crowded when we arrived. We weren't early like the other token DISSERS I read about. I think it was about 12:30. We ignored the lines so that we could have our picture with Chip and Dale first.
The girls sat and watched TV while DH checked us in.
It was a bit chaotic although it sounds like other cruise lines can get much crazier. In fact, when our shuttle driver dropped us off he said he was glad we were going to Disney as the other Port gets really crazy as the day goes on.
The girls were in good spirits and excited for our all new disney experience.
Here is the man who checked us in. Do you notice our boarding number?
I have read many TRs from cruisers and most loyal DISERS get a boarding pass 2. I have never seen a 20 in TRs.
So, there you go. The good news is that our wait time before it was time to board was less than ten minutes.
This is the back side of the cruise model in the terminal. Pretty cool.
When they called our number we made our way with the herd to board the boat. Our magical entrance was not so magical. Something happened with the couple in front of us in line. (There are 3 or 4 lines). The clerk then just dismissed us saying we'd need to get in another line and walked off. The other lines were now way behind us.
However, a nice Disney family to our right let us in infront of them.
This is what we saw. Welcome aboard.
Before actually getting on the ship we had a family picture taken which too was chaotic as families would just skip over the line of people waiting and jump into the picture. Here's a picture I took of the screen.
We were finally on board. I remembered last minute that they were going to announce our names and cheer as we entered so I stumbled to get out the video recorder and in the process didn't fully take in the moment or get it recorded.
The good news is the rest of the family didn't know it was coming and fully took it in for the moment is was intended to be.
Here's a picture I took later of the cast members cheering in people as they entered.
Since my plan of eating by the pool while the children swam was out, we decided to dine at Parrot Cay for lunch. I knew from the DIS that even if they direct you upstairs you can ask to wait for Parrot Cay. They were very nice, took our names and asked us to have a seat in the small waiting area, (made even smaller by the giant gingerbread house).
It was hard to just sit there having just entered the ship. We all wanted to explore but knew we would get the chance. It were all giddy with anticipation. We waited for about ten minutes and then were seated in Parrot Cay with a beautiful buffet. We had a nice server who learned this was our first cruise and filled us in on a few things. Like, for example we didn't know our dining rotation was listed on our key cards. It was an enjoyable, relaxing lunch.
After lunch we took our own toor of the ship and were allowed in our stateroom. Not too many people (or any) up on deck.
Next we suited up for the DRILL.
Sorry, I'll have to continue later as the family wants to go out to dinner. Next up: Our first evening On Board!
I have a question about the Disney Visa Reward $. I became curious when you said you paid for your BBB with the Reward money. We are considering paying for our December trip on a Disney Visa (we dont have one right now). Either to get a reduced Resort rate or any other offer they have at the time (like a gift card).Our idea is to charge it then pay it off immediately when we return as to not pay interest.
Hope that is not too personal! TIA!
DS4 was dressed up as Capt Hook and they would not leave him alone.
I can't wait for warm weather either. When will April ever come
You are so right about all the super eager Disers like myself getting to the port at the crack of dawn to get that number 2 boarding pass. 
The start of the cruise doesn't sound too promising. The rental car fiasco would be enough for me. I think a letter to the company might be in order.
Can't wait to see what that is all about!! GREAT start though...sorry about the car. Love your matching tshirts 
