The Never Ending Cruise - 2/6 Magic 8 night Cruise

[jessica52877]

The Never Ending Cruise -

Yes, this name pretty much sums up the cruise! We sailed on the Magic for 8 nights that left Port Canaveral on February 6th. YES! You read that right! 8 nights!

Skip the part below if you like. I get wordy sometimes and it is just about our adventure down to Florida.

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Our adventures actually started the day before, that Friday. Dallas went to school as usual. I was all packed thanks to my friend Jill coming over the night before and entertaining me while I finished up. Okay, started packing. She helped me finish up our fish extender items too.

A little about the fish extenders. I'll talk about it more later on but we really enjoyed participating and I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I did underestimate how much I would spend on everything. Not a big deal though, it was fun. Along with the time it would take to make/gather everything and then the weight and space it all took up! One whole carry on size suitcase was all FE items and I thought I kept it small! We were driving so not a huge deal.

I'll add pictures later of what I gave since I don't know where that camera card is.

I made my own fish extender using Heathersue's Steamboat Willie design. I thought it was only fitting for a cruise. I went back and forth about putting our names on it. I am not a big personalize it person but decided to go ahead and add it to the top. I didn't want to put our names on the pockets just in case I ever have another kid one day. Hey, you never know. Easy peasy, turned out cute. Maybe a new business venture for me. Although really, I have more then enough to keep me busy right now!

I also made all the kids in our FE group crayon roll ups. I went back and forth on my thoughts as to whether or not I should make them for all kids or have a cut off age. I couldn't come up with a good cut off age, so made them for all kids 18 and under. I mean, who doesn't love to color! Thank goodness the oldest boy was only 9 I think, or maybe there was one that was 11. I work well under pressure and don't really stress about much so I waited until last minute to make them! No big deal though. I really should probably be more stressed out about stuff like that sometimes.

So back to Friday. Lin went to work and wasn't sure when he could leave. Every vacation starts our this way and it isn't fun. I sit here just wondering when we'll get to leave and if we'll get out of here before Atlanta traffic puts us back 3 hours! He was supposed to have that day off or atleast work early but it seems no one knows what is going on half the time. I just don't get it! Dallas got home at 3. He was hoping we would pick him up from school a bit early and me too but that didn't happen. Finally Lin shows up and we grab our stuff and go.

Our first stop is Subway about 6 miles from the house. I can't drive hungry and wanted to fill my belly up because I knew we would be sitting in traffic. Yeah! What fun! Lin went to sleep then. His usual routine. We hit horrible traffic in Atlanta as expected and added atleast an hour on to our trip! It would be okay if it was just through Atlanta but now it extends way down south of the city too. So boring and annoying to just sit in traffic on a 7 lane highway!

The drive was pretty uneventful. I think we stopped and got gas when I wanted Lin to drive. I napped for a bit. Since we ate right as we left we never stopped again to eat. We had no reservations for a hotel. How can I make a reservation when I don't know where we'll end up at! So we were just driving as far as we felt like but I was pushing for all the way. We sit up half the night at home so why not just keep driving. Dallas fell asleep at some point after his bedtime and we ended up stopping AGAIN on the Florida turnpike. We don't tend to stop alot so that was alot! Lin just wanted out of the car. Another hour or so and we would have been there. We grab a book for hotels. I had called Disney right before stopping and they had no room availability at any of the Values or moderates. I know it was a holiday weekend and all but I always wonder how true this is. We have several times in the past driven up the guard and he'll call from there and then suddenly there is a room. I was too tired to deal with driving out of my way (by then it was 1 am) so I settled for the Country Inn and Suites right outside the back entrance. We stay there often the night before we check in. Unloaded and went to bed.

Lin had gotten a haircut that morning but he seems to forget how I like his hair. It looked horrible so we had plans in the morning to wake up and find a place to get his hair cut. This is the 2nd time 3 trips I had to deal with this! It becomes costly and is invading my Downtown Disney time. I had planned on hitting downtown disney for an hour or two before heading across to the ship. I have interest in getting on early. I'll be there for 7 days as it is. So will we make it to downtown disney? Will we find a reasonably priced place to get his haircut???

Pictures coming in next installment!

 

[jessica52877]

Day 1
February 6th - Boarding

We like to enjoy vacation and choose to sleep in most of the time. So today was no exception! By about 10 though we were off to find a place to get Lin's haircut. We had asked at the front desk for a great clips and they gave us some directions but it seemed kind of far away. We decided to just look around and after not seeing anything for about 15 minutes followed their directions to who knows where! We actually ended up by the Nick Hotel. We decided to go down Vineland and see what was back by Publix. There was a plaza with a sign that said salon, men welcome too. So I settled for that. What a mistake that turned out to be!

Lin got his hair cut. Not quite as costly as the Grand Floridian two trips before. But then I asked about a trim for me and was told $28 for a shampoo and cut. Good enough, I'll get mine trimmed. Well she ended up blowing it dry and "styling" it. She was going to town with the blow dryer and was in no hurry! We didn't walk out of there until around 1 pm! And at a cost of $96! YES! $96! I about had a heart attack. I was pretty clear about what I wanted and didn't realize exactly what she was doing because she kept cutting it the whole time. Usually when I get my hair cut they wash, cut, dry and cut some more. So everything was the norm to me. I was just stunned. One of those too shocked to say anything type moments!

Across the Bee Line we go to Port Canaveral.

We arrived right around 2 pm and unloaded. Here is the ship and the terminal.

Lin and Dallas

Sorry Disboutiquers, no new outfits this trip. No time to sew for us and nothing was wrong with our old ones! LOL! Atleast this was a place that they hadn't been worn yet. I decided I should get a picture of them with the ship in the background.

For anyone who hasn't cruised Disney before. They make the process pretty simple although you stop alot to show your ID. Which isn't a bad thing! You drive in (we drive a car), they stop and check that you are on the list and check ID, then you loop around and unload your luggage, then pull out and cross the street to the parking lot. Pay the attendent and park. Then you walk back across the street and they check your ID before you can walk through to the terminal.

Dallas just walked through.

Then you go into the terminal, through security and up the stairs to check in.

The terminal was pretty empty and it was really nice! Usually it is jam packed with people waiting to get on the ship. Inside they have 2 lines. One for Castaway Club members and another for those who have never sailed on Disney before.

The line for the club members had about 5 people in it and the other line was empty but it didn't matter too much at this point thank goodness. Kind of backfired to be a returning cruiser.

In line waiting. Too bad I can't get a picture where both of them look decent.

I wanted to add this picture because I read a post once where the lady was complaining about her pictures and that the CM didn't look good in them. They had had a fine experience but she always had this look on her face. It was at the BBB. This is a prime example of clicking the button at the wrong time. This lady was more then nice and happy and helpful, but this picture sure does not show it.

Still waiting and snapping pictures.

Once we got our key to the world cards (KTTWC) we walked around and looked at the model. Dallas has been on 3 previous cruises but he doesn't remember them except from photos. He had just turned 2 on our last one. He was excited because alot of this was somewhat new to him.

We decided to go ahead and sign him up for the kids club before boarding. This was a HUGE mistake and I won't do it again in the terminal. There were only 5 people in front of us in line and took atleast 30 minutes! I have no idea what was taking so long. There were 4 ladies doing it and when we got up there she had his wristband on and us out of there within a minute. Here he is waiting.

And finally going through the ears.

They take your picture before boarding for security reasons. Disney is on the up and up with checking out who you are! Then they scan your KTTWC so they know you are on board.

Lin must have been walking fast to catch up with us.

Almost there.

They also take a family photo of you boarding. I ended up not purchasing it (first time ever) because it was an 8x10 and I seriously wasn't spending that kind of money. I usually buy a package but this time I didn't. Most of the pictures we liked were printed as 8x10's and I have no use for a picture with a huge border of stuff and a little of us.

I was more then disappointed in Shutters to be honest. I always fall in love with every picture taken. This time I was happy to just toss them.

Since it was after 1:30 we could head to our room. We went and dropped off our carry on bag.

And I quickly decorated the door for Dallas. He hadn't seen any of the magnets.

What will we do next? Are we hungry? Do we have enough time to eat? Do we want to explore??

 

[*Toadstool*]

I'm here! I'll be happy to learn about cruising from you guys.
Love the magnets. Did you make them? Or just write you guys names on there?

 

[jessica52877]

I'm here! I'll be happy to learn about cruising from you guys.
Love the magnets. Did you make them? Or just write you guys names on there?

Thanks for coming along!

I made them but used clipart from other diser's that happily share! I just added the names ourselves instead of asking for personalized ones, except on the name tags. Most are willing to personalize too, I figured it was just as easy to add them in paint and I tend to do things at the last minute. I probably didn't need to white out the names either, it isn't like I don't use them!

 

[eeyore3847]

Can not wait to read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lori

 

[Deweysgirl]

Subscribing! Your son is adorable! Can't wait to see your fish extender. I am so not artsy craftsy so curious to see how hard or easy it might be to make one for our family.

 

[lauraDar]

Subscribing! We were first time cruisers on the 2/14 Wonder and were concerned about how Disney was going to handle both ships being in port at the same time! Other than a full hotel we really were not impacted. Very impressed with them. Anxious to hear all about your trip!

 

[minnie2]

How fun! I can't wait to read more!
I want to cruise now!

 

[twob4him]

Signing up!!! Loving it so far...I've never done a cruise before! I LOVE those cute tees too!

 

[MassDisLovers]

Subscribing! We were on the cruise following yours, so I was looking forward to reading a TR from someone who was on the ship during the eventful weekend!

 

[kimmylaj]

i'm here and all excited to read about your cruise. i have only read one other cruise report so this is all pretty new to me. love all your pictures and details.

 

[jham]

Hellooooo, I want to see a picture of YOUR haircut!!! Dallas is looking so grown up. I love his hair like that! You are making me really really wish I'd been there! I LOVE the Sorcerer Micky hat and ears for your cabin number sign! So cool!

 

[jessica52877]

Can not wait to read more!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lori

Thanks Lori! Hopefully another update will come tonight! I atleast have the rest of day 1 loaded into photobucket.

Subscribing! Your son is adorable! Can't wait to see your fish extender. I am so not artsy craftsy so curious to see how hard or easy it might be to make one for our family.

Thank you about my son. I think so too, but I am sure I am partial. He looks less then thrilled in all the pictures for some reason. He doesn't like it when I take his picture and we had a talk about pictures. I WILL take pictures.

I love your pirate outfits! I wanted to make us some but never got around to it. Of course neither DH or DS7 would have appreciated them.

I cannot find my SD card with my FE pictures!! I know it is in the house somewhere.

Subscribing! We were first time cruisers on the 2/14 Wonder and were concerned about how Disney was going to handle both ships being in port at the same time! Other than a full hotel we really were not impacted. Very impressed with them. Anxious to hear all about your trip!

Glad it didn't really impact your trip. We assumed they wouldn't disturb you guys. No need to make 2400 more passengers upset.

How fun! I can't wait to read more!
I want to cruise now!

Cruise meet Marlo! I am just waiting on someone to pick a date!

Signing up!!! Loving it so far...I've never done a cruise before! I LOVE those cute tees too!

Thanks on the tees! I love the idea of a cruise. But I think actually prefer going to Disneyland better! But that also is more exotic to us! We hardly ever get to do it!

Subscribing! We were on the cruise following yours, so I was looking forward to reading a TR from someone who was on the ship during the eventful weekend!

Are you doing a trip report? I clicked on one this morning and your name looks familiar but I didn't have time to read it. I gotta go back.

i'm here and all excited to read about your cruise. i have only read one other cruise report so this is all pretty new to me. love all your pictures and details.

Cruise reports are fun to read and see what different people do. Mine will get boring shortly.

Hellooooo, I want to see a picture of YOUR haircut!!! Dallas is looking so grown up. I love his hair like that! You are making me really really wish I'd been there! I LOVE the Sorcerer Micky hat and ears for your cabin number sign! So cool!

Hmm, don't think you are gonna get a good picture of the haircut. The wind was blowing like crazy and I did my best to pull it into a ponytail. You'll see how well that worked shortly.

There might be one picture of me with half decent hair. I wish you had been there. I KNOW it would be so much more fun with a friend! And I know Dallas would love a friend. He is used to having instant friends now when we go places.

 

[DMMarla07860]

great report so far

 

[jessica52877]

After we put our stuff in the room and Dallas looked around for a minute we headed up to Topsiders for lunch. I was starving! The Country Inn we stay offers a nice breakfast and fresh made belgium waffles but I wasn't too hungry in the morning. I did actually eat most of one and Dallas at the rest but that was HOURS before!

We took the elevator up. We had just walked down to our room because we were on deck 2 and you enter on the 3rd deck.

Yes, testing out the new camera.

DCL elevators are interesting. They are not that big and often times you'll have alot of people in them. We were able to walk most places unless we were going up to deck 9. That was a long stroll up. We were also very close to midship and I assume those are the elevators used the most too.

I took some pictures thinking of Wendy, who said take lots of pictures!

The squash and watermelon were cute. I have no idea what the ice carving was. I don't remember really looking at it. Topsiders is buffet and I enjoy eating at buffets on the ship for the most part. I guess because I can get what I want and as much of it! I am not a fancy person and prefer my plain food.

Here is Dallas and Lin.

The most trying part to eating at topsiders is finding a table while carrying your trays, even more so if you have little ones and have to worry about them and their food. Dallas was pretty good with carrying his tray atleast. It was WINDY and COLD outside so no one was really out there eating. Usually I choose to eat outside and didn't once this whole trip.

Here you can see how windy it was!

I believe I have my friends daughter, Ashley, to thank for Dallas' crazy signs!

After lunch we headed back to the room and had to get ready for the safety drill. I have a picture of this but must have taken it with the other camera for some reason. I'll upload those pictures in a bit so this will be a little out of order. I know you'll will forgive me! LOL!

Then up to the sail away party. I am not a big party person so we tend to head up to deck 10 and just watch things. I put my new lens on for this event. The issue with it though is that you cannot be too close to a person to take a picture. I think I had to be atleast 8-10 feet away and not sure I really like it. I think for sports it will be better though.

I took a picture of our car for no reason.

Then we finally started moving so stepped to the side of the boat to watch all the people wave to us! And us wave to them!

Look! I really was there!

The terminal

Hmm, I must have skipped uploading the picture of me with my hair all whacked out!

After the party we had a small meet on Deck 10 for our FE group and the disboard group. Most everyone had to get ready for dinner so it was super quick. Dallas was happy to see there were a few boys his age. He was happy to meet his new friends. This will backfire later on though. Most of you know he is used to meeting a friend and then getting to spend the rest of the day or even most of our vacation with them. Not this time and he kept wanting to know where his friends were!

We got ready for dinner, which I think consisted of washing up. We decided to just wear what had on the first night. We ate in Lumiere's the first night and dinner was delicious! I really thought this was going to be a good cruise for food. BOY was I WRONG! But anyways, I had french onion soup that more then delicious. I actually ended up eating the same meal on day 8.

Lin was super tired and left dinner after he ate to lay down. Dallas was anxious to check out the kids club so I took him up there. I will continue in a bit about the club.

 

[Señor DonDuck]

Joining in. Loving the play by play.

 

[revrob]

LOVING your report so far! I'm following along and taking notes!

 

[babynala]

Following along and hoping to get some tips for possibly our first cruise in 2011 (if I can convince my husband).

 

[jessica52877]

So, we had never been in the kids club before. This was Dallas' fourth cruise, he cruised at 9 months, 13 months and 25 months old. I had heard and read such wonderful things that I just couldn't wait to see how wonderful it was! We got up there and I asked if we could look around. He wasn't sure which one he wanted to go into so first we went to the lab. The staff said sure we could look around but I didn't feel welcome. After a minute or two we then went across the hall to the other one. A good cruiser would know their names but at this point I could care less! We could see from the front that this one looked quite babyish. Thank goodness they changed the structure of the club. Dallas is 7 and would not have been happy if that was his only choice. It did look great for younger kids though!

So we went back across the hall and I said he decided on this club to the CM. She squirted his hands and told him to go wash them. Boys on the left, girls on the right. That was it. Nothing else. I guess he found where she was talking about. I got a feeling when I left, an uneasy one, but still left him. I just didn't get the warm and fuzzies from the staff. I have no issue leaving my child as long as I know he'll be happy.

He sat down to play either lego star wars or lego indiana jones. Not sure which. While he was in there I thought I would enjoy a walk around the ship and just enjoy the place. I went back to the stateroom after about 30 or so minutes and received a page that Dallas wanted picked up. I went to get him and found him standing towards the front. That part I did not find odd. I understand he can't go anywhere. What I did find odd that I saw a CM walk by and ask him in passing what he was doing. I believe he said he wanted to leave and the CM member said well you can't unless your mom is here. I could hear what the CM said but not Dallas. I found it odd that he just kept walking like he was too busy and didn't kind of take him and ask him if he had done this or this. Kind of get him interested in something.

So, I pick him up. I ask him why he wanted to leave. He couldn't figure out how to shoot on the game. Okay, good enough reason. He was bored. I asked if anyone ever spoke to him and he said no. I asked him if he asked for help and he told me no. Now, yes, this is his fault. He could have easily asked someone how to shooot. I just figured that maybe a CM would walk by and say hello. Ask if he needed help, etc. There were only 4 other kids in the club. Two younger girls at a table coloring and then 2 boys around 8 or so at a computer in a different part of the room. Maybe if there were other kids he would have been happier. I don't know. But it did leave a bad taste in my mouth and Dallas NEVER wanted to return.

Now, I might also have a misunderstanding of the clubs, because since I have come back I have read more TR's and heard more, but I had no idea parents were allowed to join the kids. I would have LOVED and I mean LOVED to have done some of the different things they did in the clubs. Make flubber! Have a slumber party with Captain Hook! I mean what could be more fun! Had I know this I probably could have convinced (read made) Dallas go back in with me. I have never seen a parent in the club. Obviously I have limited exposure to them though. I did sail with my 9 year old cousin about 9 years ago and picked him up from the club a few times. He didn't go often either though.

I also was not aware that if there is an activity scheduled that that is all the kids can do during that time. And I could be wrong, but that is my understanding since returning. I am surprised at this and know Dallas would not have loved all the activities and would have preferred to just play the computer or do something else. So take this as just an opinion and not a popular one, but honestly I chose a Disney cruise this time for the clubs. I wanted him to be comfortable before we sailed with someone else in the clubs. I think RC would offer more of what he would like. He has been over the characters since about age 3 or 4. But I do love Disney and will probably sail with them again for the right price. This was a right priced cruise!

After the club I guess we returned the room and just went to bed. He enjoyed just staying in the room and I had no issues with that. He loves hotel rooms for some reason and asks all the time to stay in one in the city we live in!

 

[jessica52877]

great report so far

Thanks!

Joining in. Loving the play by play.

Thank you! I know i can get wordy!

LOVING your report so far! I'm following along and taking notes!

I hope you do a report too! I would love to see how you felt about the different things. Especially the kids club if they go. Although I think AG will enjoy it.

Following along and hoping to get some tips for possibly our first cruise in 2011 (if I can convince my husband).

Gotta convince the hubby for sure! You'll would have fun!