Ok, I already wrote this whole post then lost it to the internet gremlins. But I'll try again.
Day 3
Castaway Cay
My family decided to sleep in, but I for some reason got up early. I decided to hunt out some coffee so I went to the Vista Café on Deck 5. I was able to buy a nice iced Mocha and grab some of the free pastries to take back to the family for breakfast. As I was leaving, I heard the sound of royal trumpets. I looked and coming out of the gallery were Cinderella, Snow White, and Aurora. Across the way on the balcony near the elevators, I saw Tiana, Ariel, and Belle. The 6 princesses made their way down to the lobby below to a crowd of anxious little girls. I knew I couldnt get my DD5 up in time for the meet and greet, but I knew now to look for this on the Navigator for the next time.
When I got back to the room, everyone was getting up and ready. We called our friends to see if they wanted to head out to the island with us. As we got off the ship, we ran right into Donald Duck.
We grabbed the tram and headed towards the new area of Castaway Cay, Pelican Point. When we had gone in August, we found a great spot near the Pelican Plunge with a beautiful view of the ship and two hammocks. But as we got closer, we realized the beach was so packed we should just grab what we could. We managed to find 2 small chairs to sit in and hold the stuff for 11 people. I really wish Disney would put lockers in so that people didnt have to waste a seat for their stuff.
We did manage to find a little bit of space for the kids to play.
But my DH, being the nice guy he is, told the rest of us to head to Serenity Bay and he would stay with the kids. You didnt have to tell us twice. Serenity Bay lived up to its name the minute you arrived. There were no crowds at all.
My friend and her DH grabbed some hammocks while my other friend and I headed toward the sand bar. Our third friend came out to join us for the trek. It was a little bit of a walk then a swim to get there, but it was well worth it. We sat in the sand and chatted for a bit until we started to get hungry. Then we went to eat at the Serenity Bay BBQ place. Its a bit smokier and smaller than Cookies, but it had steak! Yummy! After I ate, I decided to head back to try to swap places with my DH so he could get some steak too. But by the time I found him, he was already at Cookies II with all of the kids. What a guy! Once lunch was over, the kids really wanted to head back to get on the Aquaduck. I had yet to ride it, but they didnt mind the 30 45 minute waits. They were hoping thered be much less of a wait if we went back early. But my DD5 wanted to spend more time in the splash area on the island. The rest of our group had found us by then, so they headed back to the ship while I went to the splash area with the little one. She liked it, but I think the one on the ship is much better so I tried to steer her to going back. Besides, older kids kept hogging the water areas by sitting on them.
Back on the ship, she took a quick trip to the Nemo splash zone with my friends DD8. I like this area because there is so much more to do than the splash area on the Wonder, it is totally shaded, and enclosed for safety. My only complaint is it wraps around the ship so if the child goes to the other side, you cant watch them. I wasnt worried about it with her, but if I had a smaller child Id really have to follow them.
We finally went back to the room to get pirated up for dinner. Tonight we were eating at the Royal Palace. This place was definitely too posh for a bunch of pirates, but we still had a good time. DD11 must have looked like a pirate princess because the head waiter cut up her steak and fed some of it to her.
Heres DD and her crew.
DD5 and her pirate bud, Boo.
Now pirate night on the Dream worked differently than on the other Disney ships. The show was in between the two dinners and the fireworks were after the late dinner, rather than back to back. We were able to get a spot a deck above and directly to the left of the stage. Not the best view, but not horrible.
DD5 did get a little scared of the bad pirates but I think its less scary for kids than the show on the Magic and Wonder. We did notice that during the show the line for the Aquaduck was short, so that would be a great time to go if you dont want to see the show.
Once the pirate show was over, we headed to the theater to check out the ventriloquist, Michael Harrison. He was on Americas Got Talent and the whole family loved him. Though DD5 was truly scared when he turned a kid into a puppet. She wanted to know how hed turn the kid back. I had to explain it was just a joke and he also was not going to really spring the kids belly button out into the audience. I guess shes going through a literal phase.
After the show, we headed upstairs to find a spot to watch the fireworks. I had seen a family area upstairs from the adult pool, so I thought we could check it out. Most of those chairs were full, but we went to the front of the ship and found a hidden gem. There were nice chairs and other little nooks that would be perfect for reading and relaxing. We found some seats next to another family and the kids played until the fireworks show. I did not bring my camera, but I dont think itd truly capture the moment. Watching fireworks over the boat is really something you have to see.
It had been a long day, so we headed back to the room, ready for a fun day at sea the next day. And Palos brunch. Oh yeah, lots of food pictures next!
It was so fancy, even the dirty laundry is all gussied up.
Wow. Yeah, I don't do dirty nappies... especially for a stranger!
DH, DD, and I will be going on the Dream in March 2012. I cannot wait! 
Wish me luck.
