Disney Fanatics R Us
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Sep 12, 2005
- Messages
- 34
Thought I might leave some thoughts on our trip as well. I was way too busy during the trip to post anything. I will just start by saying that this trip was absolutely wonderful. It seemed that everything just clicked. The staff told us that we had the best weather that they had in the last two months.We flew in Friday night and stayed at the Airport Clarion- $66/night with continental breakfast. Nothing fancy but a Seven Eleven close by so we were able to buy a few refreshments for our trip. We took the hotel van back to the airport and were on our way to Port Canaveral by 9:45 AM. We had been told the night before- by a Disney employee- that the earliest bus was 10:30 however we went early and got off early. Arrived at the terminal and were given a number 4 for boarding. I like that new process. We were a little dismayed however by the long check-in line for returning cruisers. Friends of ours who had not cruised before got in the "new" line after us and were checked in before us. The Costa Maya change was a surprise as we had heard rumors of this and our friends had even called Disney on Friday and were told it was Nassau. We had booked a Dolphin Enocunter at Nassau (not through Disney) but we were able to call them and cancel with no problem. I did receive an email saying cancelation confirmed- I just need to verify the cc now. We boarded the ship shortly after noon and went to make changes to Palo reservations and dining and then to TopSiders for lunch. We met up with the other Disers at 3 PM and yes the personalized M&M's were awesome. Did not see too many disers the rest of the trip as our kids were a little older than most (13 & 18) but we did see a few and the hints and infor we gathered before the trip were great. Even DH had to admit that the over the door shoe holders were a god send and now thinks we should take them on every vacation. Good Day overall.
A few highlights:
Key West- walked around and did some shopping. Walked to Hemingway house- did not take tour. Disney son wanted to see the house so he could tell his AP English Lit teacher he saw Hemingways home. We also had a margarita at Margaritaville and DH's both had beers at Sloppy Joes. We missed the sunset events as we were tired and had returned to the boat for dinner.
At Grand Caymen we did a non Disney excursion and it was excellent. We booked through a group called Buccanneers. We went to swim with the Stingrays at the Stingray Sandbar (absolutely excellent) and then they took us to two other spots to snorkel. Had a cash bar for after the three stops and allowed you to bring your own food and snacks. The tour company buidling had been destroyed in the hurrican so it was not much to look at but it was an excellent trip and I would recommend to anyone. A 5-7 minute walk from the pier.
We were surprised when we went to the Tortuga Rum company afterwards and were told that they had to deliver all rum orders to our ship and that Disney would not accept orders. I was a little confused and never did follow-up on this as we ended up purchasing some return alcohol from the ship.
Costa Maya was interesting. Since we had not planned anything ahead of time we booked an excursion through Disney. If your kids are a little older or if you are adults.....this was excellent. Disney listed it as new- it was a Dune Buggy Ride to the Beach. Approxi. 45 drive in the dune buggy (we did stop in the small fishing village Mahahual for a pee pee break as they called it). The buggys were not best of shape but lots of fun. It rained mildly on our way back and that is when we discovered we had no windshield wiper. The buggy's were also not automatic so remember that. There were seven of us so we rented 2 (max 4 per buggy) and let the DS 18 drive one. Kids in one and adults in another. The ride had more highway driving than off road driving but was awesome both ways. The beach was also a private beach that was beautiful and not very crowded. They had a kayak there that we could have used although due to rip tides they were not allowing use that day. Sand volleyball, floats, etc. were all availbable for or use. They also had beverages and chips & cheese to eat. We spent over two hours at the beach. I can't say enough about this one.
The Rainforest at the Spa. You have got to try it if you like those types of things at all. Very relaxing. They try to sell you a full weeks package but we were too busy on some days to use. We got the one day $15 pass on the two at sea days and loved it. The warmed seats and quiet sounds were awesome. Great mint shower and aromas.
Our second Magic trip but first time to Palos. It is wonderful and will never miss it again. I must say however that the Tiramisu is just as good as the chocolate souffle. We each had the chocolate souffle but our waitress (sorry I can't remember her name right now- she is from Argentina and married to one of the head Chef's on the boat) also brought us one each of two other desserts. Each was better than the other. It was such a relaxing night and wonderful. You can miss it. We did not know about their bar or would have been there sooner.
Kids again loved The Stack. DS and friend were both 18 but when we arrived on boat we checked in with couselors. They had to make a call to check but when discovered the boys were still in high school, they added their names to the list of kids who could use the stack. Smaller group of kids their age this time but they still had fun. DD (13) also went to stack and found several friends that she hung around with. Warming to all parents... the second night had the kids doing a scavenger hunt to look for items to dress up their team members. Don't plan an early evening (and by early I mean this was after midnight) as the kids will be into the room to scrounge for items.
Our waiters by the way were good but not excellent. Assistant server appeared to be new and was very slow. Head server had to do drinks and clear tables a lot so I did not get the extra helpings and special attention that I felt on our first cruise. It still was very nice but did not feel that they did as good of job of knowing preferences. As just an example- on the last day for breakfast, we had our food before we got our drinks. Again- still good food just not as impressive as last time.
I think that is enough for now. Thought this may be of interest since our kids were older. We did not have a day that was not absolutely wonderful.
was our server. The service and food was wonderful I finally tried the famous Stollen Bread with raspberry sauce and fresh whipped cream
yummy!
tasting at Diversions and met up with moochinkassarole Kitty & Jack. All who participated enjoyed their 3 shots 
about the Turkey DISsers and let me just say He has NOT forgotten you guys! For Gosh Sakes He even knows your REAL 
names.
We laughed out loud the entire hour he was on. We returned to the suite around 11:45 and sat up and talked for a while
.called for breakfast and then off to bed.
Because he has diabetes, he had complications and had to be rushed to the hospital. He even got an ambulance ride after he was stablized to go to our hospital. Sadly, he wasn't feeling so great, so he didn't get to enjoy it really. 
Let's just say he was feeling pretty good. I think that's the night he re-booked for our next cruise. 
- you are going to have to stay away from me!
is on the mend 
Glad to hear that he is feeling much better and its too bad about the pizza. 
