The Adventures of Super Single Mom & Wonder Boy Aboard The Disney Magic 8/19-8/26/06

[Bethipooh4]

i have to post, I LOVE YOUR TRIP REPORT...it is making me miss our double dip back in July.

I do have to say, all this talk of food from back home has got to stop. DH is from Philly, and I am a transplanted Jersey girl. All though I have to say our grocery store here on base does carry Tastycakes.

Now who is going to Fedex me a hoagie.....and some pork roll...

 

[lindaso]

Your banana boat ride reminds me of my own Super Single Mom who took me to the old River Country when I was 10. She went on the tube ride with me (even though she was not the "type") and lost her tube before the big drop. I was about to go down without her and she freaked and quickly grabbed the tube from another kid who had fallen off!! Super Single moms rule!!

 

[tjeagle]

Now who is going to Fedex me a hoagie.....and some pork roll...

OMG....I haven't had a pork roll sandwich in years!!!!

 

[CARAMELTINK]

To All You "Philly Foodies": I do know that Tasty-Kake will ship their products anywhere, and that you can order Hoagie-Grams. I don't think Cheese steaks or Roasted Pork Sandwiches will travel too well though. "too soggy."

Try this site: www.tasteofphiladelphia.com

Lindaso: I hope my son remembers the all crazy things I do as well as
you did. Can't wait until he's old enough to go unescorted though!

 

[CARAMELTINK]

This Trip Report is Now being brought to you Courtesy of: The Reading Terminal, Pat's Steaks and Tasty Kake Snacks & Pies. All Philadelphia Favorites :

Monday morning, Sea Day. Even though I had several Cosmos the night before, I awake very early in the morning. It may be because WonderBoy and His Buddy decided to have a sleepover in good ole #7063, so I gave them the Queen Sized Bed & slept on the Pull out. I go up and grab some coffee from Deck 9, before waking the two little Pirates. It was so hard waking those guys up, but when I told them they were going to miss all the characters @ breakfast, they stepped it up. We made it to Breakfast on time, and a good thing because it was quick, quick, quick...I enjoyed the Character Breakfast in WDW so much more.

Now, today, it had been deceided that it would be Mom's Day...so after breakfast and a quick swim in the pool, WonderBoy headed to the Lab and I went on a "Sampler" of Sorts of some of the Adult activities on the Magic. Here's A Brief recapp:

Behind the Magic: WD Imagineer David Minichiello gave an interesting, although somewhat dry presentation on all of the Disney Castles--the background, including scetches, blueprints, Walts ideas, etc...As I said intersting BUT, the fact that it was in the Buena Vista Theatre, and I was still a bit sleepy, made me feel like I was back in my BIO 100 Lecture Hall. You know the one, 100 plus students and the professor that lectures directly from the text... I got out of there after about 30 minutes. He did however, have some great slides of the Castles, etc.

After lunch at Topsiders I checked out Cake & Plate Decorating, for about 15 minutes..."who am I kidding, I'm no Martha Stewart"...my idea of decorating a cake is to ask the bakery to add Happy Birthday WonderBoy on top.

I stopped in The Promenade Lounge for the Art Auction , but it hadn't started yet. I did however get a free Cosmo...Sorry to have to Drink & Run.

And finally, my DF and I took the Art of the Theme Show Ship Tour. The guide, one of the few American CMs onboard was from Washington State and gave us a great tour of the ship starting up on Deck 10 @ Palo and ending on Deck 4. Lots of info you've already heard on the DVD and in other promotional materials, as well as some new stuff too. We stopped at the railing on Deck 4 to yell "Ciao for Now" down to Cruise Dir. Andy who was running Mr. Toad's Wild race in the atrium, finally we head back up to Deck 9.

WonderBoy was w/DF's husband & kids and we all just hung out by the pool. I spotted Wayne' Morris, Lead Singer of the Popular 90's Group Boyz to Men. I so wanted to pull out that little blue autograph book and ask him to sing "End of the Road....Hey, I know that would have been "uncool" but how many times can "your Pal, Mickey" sign one book!

And finally...it was time for the night DS had been waiting for...no, it's not Pirate Night but Formal Night. He had wanted to wear a full tux, but settled for a nice black suit w/ a bow tie. Once he was dressed he checked himself out in the full length mirror, posing & smiling. If this is him at 8, by the time he's 16, I'm going to be in BIG trouble. I wore a black beaded cocktail dress and pulled out my "good hair" from the suitcase. Tonight I had lovely curly synthetic locks. And I have to admit it...we looked GOOD!

On our way to Parrot Cay, we stopped for a photo w/ Captain Tom. DS asked him how fast we were going (22 knots), and wanted to know who was steering the ship if he was here taking pictures!...(Good Question)

Our dinner at Parrot Cay was delicious and afterwards we headed to The Walt Disney Theatre for the Golden Mickeys and WonderBoy's Theatrical Debut!!!!!

 

[Bethipooh4]

This Trip Report is Now being brought to you Courtesy of: The Reading Terminal, Pat's Steaks and Tasty Kake Snacks & Pies. All Philadelphia Favorites :

ahhhh you are killing me here.......my mouth is watering and its only 8 am....
Charles Chips...please.....

keep up the trip report, yours is awesome....

 

[Verandah Man]

....and please don't forget about the scrapple!!! LOL!!!


Sorry, couldn't resist!!!

 

[Bethipooh4]

....and please don't forget about the scrapple!!! LOL!!!


Sorry, couldn't resist!!!

OH Andy, you are officially killing me too....I asked in the local store here if they had scrapple and they looked at me like I was crazy.

ok, Planters Peanuts hot off the boardwalk, Fralingers Original salt water taffy, molasses paddles, birch beer...ahh my list could go on and on...

Sorry Tink didn't mean to hijack your report for my food wish list.

 

[jrose529]

I can't wait to hear about WonderBoy's debut! He sounds like quite a kid. I hope you can share some pictures with us.

 

[CARAMELTINK]

As we head off to the WD Theatre, the ship is really rocking tonight. At first I thought it was Bay Breeze I had, but when three of us ladies were literally falling into each other in the ladies room outside the theatre, I concluded that it must be rough seas tonight, or maybe Capt. Tom had had "a few", (but the drinks on DCL are not that strong.)

The kids, as usual sat 2-3 rows right in front of the stage and the adults in our party sat on the side, a row or two behind them. We were there early and the show had not started yet. They were showing kids "LIVE" from the Red Carpet up on the screen...very cute! Before the actually stage performance began a DCL CM came and got some kids from the audience to participate in some way. WonderBoy and three of the other kids in our group were chosen, for some unknown Disney adventure. As my DS ran past me on his way to the unknown, he smiled and gave me a thumb-ups.

We loved the Golden Mickey's, such a great show!, (don't want to ruin it for those who haven't cruised yet) After the first few acts have passed, I look over to the left of the stage and see Snow White herself, making her way onto the stage. And just who are holding hands and following closely behind her, but the Seven Dwarfs of course!!! WonderBoy and six other Disney Cruise kids had been dressed in hats and beards and casted as Grumpy, Dopey, Bashful, Sleepy...and..um, well you know the rest. As they made their way across the stage, with the Hi Ho,.. Hi Ho song Playing in the background, I could see WonderBoy's happy smile underneath his lenghty white beard. He was in his WORLD!!!...and really so was I. As a SSM, I had to make a few more sacrifices than usual to pull off this trip, but when you see your child sooooo happy and enjoying himself so much, it makes it SO WORTH IT!!!!

After the show, we congradulated the kids on their Great Performances. Then,WonderBoy and I headed back to the room. I needed to rest because the movement of the ship was making me feel like I had morning sickness...(God Forbid) and WonderBoy needed to change before he headed back out to the Lab. When we get in the room, still on after his stage debut, WonderBoy says; "I know what I 'm going to be when I grow Up....What?, I ask, He says- Denzel Washington! ...and then as an after thought, he added or Tobey McGuire" Cool, I say , as he throws his dress clothes on the bed, puts on his Cruise Casual and heads out to the Oceeneers Lab on his own.

I fall asleep watching Glory Road for the 10th time and am awaken by frantic banging on the door an hour or so later. I open it up to find WonderBoy in a sweaty panic because several of the young ladies from the lab had chased him back to the room. He said: "Mom help. these girls are trying to mug me!". I laugh and let him in. He doesn't have much experience w/girls as he attends an all boys school, and I 'm always tickled by his reaction to them.
I tell him as we enjoy chicken noodle soup & cookies from Room Service, "you better get used to the girls if you're going to be Denzel Washington"...WonderBoy shrugs and says..."well maybe I'll just be a Basketball player instead!"

COMING UP: PALO & COSTA MAYA...!

 

[RoyalVizier]

It sounds like Wonderboy is having the time of his life! I hope you got some pics of him while being all dwarfish! Did ya?

 

[jrose529]

How adorable!

 

[tjeagle]

Keep it coming!! Wonderboy sounds like a terrific young man!!

 

[JDBlair]

What's the legal age to operate a small nautical craft in the Bahamas?, 10? I'm really nervous now. As the two "boys" explain the procedure, I could swear I smelled the distinctive scent of Similac w/Iron on their breaths and knew that I was in trouble!!!
QUOTE]

Oh my gosh I was rolling with that one!!!! That was very, very funny!! Nice touch. I am enjoying your reports. They're a perfect way to end my crazy day!

 

[CARAMELTINK]

Readers...are you still there? My computer is on the fritz, (again), so this post maybe brief.

As I mentioned earlier, after boarding I tried to book brunch at Palo, but was wait listed. HOWEVER, Since the wait list was so long, DCL added an additional Brunch on Tuesday, the day we docked in Costa Maya. Since no one in our group had booked any excursions in Costa May, we were thrilled when we got the 10am Brunch ressie...and in the Private Room at that!!! I guess it pays to travel in large groups. After ditching, uh, I mean dropping the kids off at the Club/Lab we headed up to Deck 10. Our Server was Corrina, from Romania and she was such a sweetie. (If any of you have not planned or have never been to Palo, you are doing yourself a great disservice.)

We loved our food and the service as well. We told Corrina that we wanted to go back to Romania w/her because she said that there were no Black people in her country when we asked . She laughed and we made her an honorary "Sista". We couldn't wait until Thursday night, when we returned for dinner!

The food was great, and afterwards we were all stuffed. I think we tried almost everything on the menu. The best part was the atmosphere, it was just right. When you're on A Disney Cruise w/a group of kids; Palo is like taking a vacation from your vacation!....Highly recommended!

 

[tjeagle]

I'm sending good computer vibes your way

Waiting patiently for your next installment!!!

 

[jrose529]

CARAMELTINK, I miss your amazing posts! Where are you? I hope your computer is working again soon.

 

[Ruth B]

Really enjoying your report. Also single mum and sailed the 3 night wonder in aug and we had a great time........ so much so that i'm thinking of booking the 11 night med cruise for next summer. The comments re stateroom helped, we stayed in a ocean view last time but would save $$$ if we went for the inside room

 

[CARAMELTINK]

Hello Dear Readers...I have returned. After having had my computer checked out & celebrating the BIG 4-0, I'll try and finish this TR up this week. Thanks for your patience.

After waddeling down to the Oceaneers Lab, stuffed from having Brunch @ Palo, Wonderboy and I made it off the ship to Costa Maya. Although I knew about the pool and beaches there, I thought we'd just check out this port & do a little shopping. As we headed off the ship, we ran into Justin and his Grandmother, who had the same sort of plans, so it worked out well. Now mind you, DS never wants to go shopping w/me when we're at home so the fact that he became so excited at all the souvenier shops in Costa Maya was amazing to me....and the thing he was most intrested in buying? A Chublicara! (SP), don't know what a chublicara is? Well most folks don't. The chublicara is a legendary/mythical creature found in Mexico, akin to maybe Big Foot or The LochNess Monster. The creature roams around at night killing/eating livestock and domestic animals and looks like a cross between a big lizard and a wolf. Well believe it or not several of the shops had carvings of the chiblicara and WonderBoy was determined to have one!

Mom, Mom, there's the chublicara and its only $65!, he exclaimed. Are you kidding?! What are you going to do w/that ugly thing and $65 is way too much..(he really wasn't getting the whole haggeling concept, and hey when it isn't your $ why would you care). When I told him that there was no way, I was buying it, he said he could use his own $$. He had $150 that he had saved from birthdays, etc. After explaining about haggeling, he then told me he could get it for $45. Now, I am by no means a spend thrift, I'm usually the one w/all kinds of useless do-dads, but this was just ridiculous. I finally convinced him to postpone this purchase, because they would probably have better ones in Cozamel. After roaming through several shops, he finally purchased a coral necklace for grandmonm, a necklace for himself and one of those cute Mexican puppets! By this time, even SSM, also a Super Shopper was hot and tired! But WonderBoy armed w/a few American bucks and Shop owners actually calling out to him was rearing to go! The store owners called to Justin's Grandmother & me: "Hey Brown Sugar...come in and see what I have for you, and to the boys...Hey Buddy, let's make a deal" which obviously meant nothing to two 8 y/o's who had no idea who Monty Hall was. As we went in the jewelry stores, DS was fasinated by the Pink Panther "Diamond" in the Display Case. It was about the size of the Hope Diamond and was pink. He was so sweet when he asked one of the sales people about a real diamond necklace he said he wanted to get for me, until he was told the price...about 70k !! I can say one thing about DS; he has good taste in jewelry. He's going to make some young lady really happy one day. After checking out a few more shops, Mr. Big Bucks spent $15, on a henna tattoo of a scorpion...this helped fulfill his Allen Iverson fantasy and then we headed back to the ship.

After freshening up and grabbing some lunch up on Deck 9, Justin's grandmother & I sat at one of the tables and talked, while the boys went up on the sports deck and played b-ball. One thing we talked about as one of the female officers walked by, was how sharp the women looked in their white uniforms and how it was good seeing them in these non-traditional roles. You go Girls!!! Costa Maya was fun, even though we only stayed there a couple of hours. I called home and talked to my Mom for a few minutes as my Cingular Serviced cell phone was working while we were in port. Pretty soon, I heard that sound that I have grown to love & hate at the same time..."When You Wish Upon A Star"..and we sailed away from Costa Maya: Home of the Chublicara...

NEXT POST: Cozamel and The Fury Catamaran Excursion

 

[CARAMELTINK]

J Rose...thanks for missing me! My computer is better, now if I can just figure out had to add those photos!

Ruth B...if there's just you and a small child, try an inside room & save the $$$ to buy a European Chublicara.. . If your child is older/bigger, or you have more than one, you may need more room.