Two WDW Pros take their first Magical Cruise in the Western Caribbean
- Thread starter tggrrstarr
- Start date
tggrrstarr
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- Apr 28, 2008
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It really was empty. Everytime we walked by it seemed empty too, but it was amazing. Thanks!
Thank you! June is so close, and yet not!
East side vs west side, lol! My grandma's family is in that area!
Thanks! While I was reading reviews before my trip I wanted to know as much about fe as I could, so I tried to get as much info as possible for writing mine!
I should be able to post Grand Cayman hopefully by tomorrow afternoon, provided my day doesn't go crazy!
tggrrstarr
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2008
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- 507
We started Tuesday the way we would end up doing each excursion day- Breakfast at Topsiders
and pictures of the ship docking at port.
Our designated meeting spot for Tender was the Buena Vista Theater, and the Tender guide made sure everyone gave up any fruit they had. Oh my bananas. I think every single group in that theater had at least one banana with an apple or orange mixed in here or there.
We were on the tender boat in no time and on the island about 10 minutes later. It was a very easy ride.
Our big plans for the day was take a bus to the beach and do a bit of shopping. Our shopping list for every port was tshirt for Mic, post cards and magnet for me. (funny enough, the postcards we sent from here on January 24th didnt arrive until February 16th!)
We decided to shop after the beach, so we very quickly found someone with a sign for Seven Mile Beach who led us to a bus. It cost us $10 total for the one way. Sitting in the back of the bus were our table mates Andrea and Valeria, so we said hi.
The drive only took a few minutes, but I wouldnt want to walk it. Most of our bus ended up getting off at the first stop and we promptly rented two chairs and an umbrella for $20. I had budgeted $60 for this type of stuff, so we were well within budget at $40, the bus back would be another $10.
We stayed at the beach for a few hours and just relaxed, read our Kindles and took some pictures with my underwater camera pouch and my iphone:
the pouch worked great, but the lcd screen of my camera was basically a mirror with the sunlight, so nearly every picture taken both beach days are hit or miss! I did get some good ones with my iphone!
When we decided to leave we were lucky enough to find a nearly full bus ready for us. The driver took our money and we got on. As soon as we sat down we heard Oh come on, no more!!!
What?! Apparently the people on the bus had been sitting there for nearly 35 minutes (these things get exaggerated when you are hot and tired, Im sure it wasnt quite that long) waiting for the bus to fill up. The very loud lady behind me got into a shouting match with our bus driver who explained that with the high price of gas, they have to fill up the bus before they can transport people. Makes sense. Im just glad we had such perfect timing.
We got back to port, took some pictures, did our shopping and found a post office to mail our post cards.
We ended up back on the ship by 2 pm and had a sit down lunch at Lumieres.
Appetizers were strawberry soup and minestrone
Oh, and a chocolate banana smoothie- she split it up into two glasses for us! I think this was an extra $5 ish, I never really paid attention to how much the extra drinks were. I loved the credit system, and we never really went too crazy with it thankfully.
Mic ordered a Rueben sandwich with chips
I ordered Fettuccini with Meatballs
We found ourselves with some extra time, so we both decided on a nap!
Back in our room we found some more FEs
and pictures of the ship docking at port.
Our designated meeting spot for Tender was the Buena Vista Theater, and the Tender guide made sure everyone gave up any fruit they had. Oh my bananas. I think every single group in that theater had at least one banana with an apple or orange mixed in here or there.
We were on the tender boat in no time and on the island about 10 minutes later. It was a very easy ride.
Our big plans for the day was take a bus to the beach and do a bit of shopping. Our shopping list for every port was tshirt for Mic, post cards and magnet for me. (funny enough, the postcards we sent from here on January 24th didnt arrive until February 16th!)
We decided to shop after the beach, so we very quickly found someone with a sign for Seven Mile Beach who led us to a bus. It cost us $10 total for the one way. Sitting in the back of the bus were our table mates Andrea and Valeria, so we said hi.
The drive only took a few minutes, but I wouldnt want to walk it. Most of our bus ended up getting off at the first stop and we promptly rented two chairs and an umbrella for $20. I had budgeted $60 for this type of stuff, so we were well within budget at $40, the bus back would be another $10.
We stayed at the beach for a few hours and just relaxed, read our Kindles and took some pictures with my underwater camera pouch and my iphone:
the pouch worked great, but the lcd screen of my camera was basically a mirror with the sunlight, so nearly every picture taken both beach days are hit or miss! I did get some good ones with my iphone!
When we decided to leave we were lucky enough to find a nearly full bus ready for us. The driver took our money and we got on. As soon as we sat down we heard Oh come on, no more!!!
What?! Apparently the people on the bus had been sitting there for nearly 35 minutes (these things get exaggerated when you are hot and tired, Im sure it wasnt quite that long) waiting for the bus to fill up. The very loud lady behind me got into a shouting match with our bus driver who explained that with the high price of gas, they have to fill up the bus before they can transport people. Makes sense. Im just glad we had such perfect timing.
We got back to port, took some pictures, did our shopping and found a post office to mail our post cards.
We ended up back on the ship by 2 pm and had a sit down lunch at Lumieres.
Appetizers were strawberry soup and minestrone
Oh, and a chocolate banana smoothie- she split it up into two glasses for us! I think this was an extra $5 ish, I never really paid attention to how much the extra drinks were. I loved the credit system, and we never really went too crazy with it thankfully.
Mic ordered a Rueben sandwich with chips
I ordered Fettuccini with Meatballs
We found ourselves with some extra time, so we both decided on a nap!
Back in our room we found some more FEs
tggrrstarr
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2008
- Messages
- 507
We went to the lobby at 5pm for our nightly portrait & a pic with Sorcerer Mickey
And then on to see Villains Tonight (yes, Mic came with me!) It wasnt bad, but I didnt love it. I thought some of Hades jokes while funny were a bit too corny. I did love Yzma & Kronk!
I decided to do some pin trading immediately after the show
You can barely see me, I am right by the officer under the T.
And that brings us to dinner at Lumieres for the rotational menu.
Tonight Mic decided to be a bit adventurous in his ordering. I was like, who are you?
We both got Duck Confit Salted and Slow-cooked Duck, Dried Prunes, Candied Walnuts, Chicory and Mixed Leaves with Apple Walnut Dressing
Ive never tried this before, it wasnt bad but I didnt love it. Mic didnt like it that much, I think he likened it to cat food.
We both ordered "Mrs. Potts" French Onion Soup With Gruyère Cheese Crouton
I loved this! It was my first time trying French onion soup, and Ive been missing out!
For our entrees, I ordered Aged Angus Grilled Beef Tenderloin On Olive-Oil Smashed Potatoes, Bacon-wrapped Green Beans, and mustard madeira sauce
Very good. I loved the bacon wrapped green beans!
Mic ordered Slowly Braised Lamb Shank (With a Creamy Polenta) and Portobello Mushroom in a Red Wine Sauce with mashed potatoes instead of polenta.
He liked it, but didnt love it, I think he ate just over half of it.
For desert, I decided to stick with soufflé, so I got the Grand Marnier Soufflé With Vanilla Sauce
Yum, but chocolate is always better!
Mic ordered Chocolate Mousse With Brandy-marinated Cherries
We rushed out of dinner to catch a good seat in Rockin Bar D, when we got there Heatwaves was singing- eh. Tonight was Match your Mate, we wanted to see this and thought about playing.
But first was the adult show for Jeff Traveggia. He did an amazing juggling act. Pretty impressive.
Match your Mate is a funny show in the style of the newlywed show, but with a just married couple, been married for a bit couple and long time married couple. We decided not to do it, but maybe we'll try for it next time!
Two of the couples picked were sisters and their husbands. They were hilarious. One of the questions was if you were stranded on an island with her entire family, and the only way you could be rescued was to leave one member of her family behind, who would it be. Both men immediately in stereo said her mother. When the girls got back, they looked at each other and said in unison MOM! Soo funny.
Next up: Cozumel
And then on to see Villains Tonight (yes, Mic came with me!) It wasnt bad, but I didnt love it. I thought some of Hades jokes while funny were a bit too corny. I did love Yzma & Kronk!
I decided to do some pin trading immediately after the show
You can barely see me, I am right by the officer under the T.
And that brings us to dinner at Lumieres for the rotational menu.
Tonight Mic decided to be a bit adventurous in his ordering. I was like, who are you?
We both got Duck Confit Salted and Slow-cooked Duck, Dried Prunes, Candied Walnuts, Chicory and Mixed Leaves with Apple Walnut Dressing
Ive never tried this before, it wasnt bad but I didnt love it. Mic didnt like it that much, I think he likened it to cat food.
We both ordered "Mrs. Potts" French Onion Soup With Gruyère Cheese Crouton
I loved this! It was my first time trying French onion soup, and Ive been missing out!
For our entrees, I ordered Aged Angus Grilled Beef Tenderloin On Olive-Oil Smashed Potatoes, Bacon-wrapped Green Beans, and mustard madeira sauce
Very good. I loved the bacon wrapped green beans!
Mic ordered Slowly Braised Lamb Shank (With a Creamy Polenta) and Portobello Mushroom in a Red Wine Sauce with mashed potatoes instead of polenta.
He liked it, but didnt love it, I think he ate just over half of it.
For desert, I decided to stick with soufflé, so I got the Grand Marnier Soufflé With Vanilla Sauce
Yum, but chocolate is always better!
Mic ordered Chocolate Mousse With Brandy-marinated Cherries
We rushed out of dinner to catch a good seat in Rockin Bar D, when we got there Heatwaves was singing- eh. Tonight was Match your Mate, we wanted to see this and thought about playing.
But first was the adult show for Jeff Traveggia. He did an amazing juggling act. Pretty impressive.
Match your Mate is a funny show in the style of the newlywed show, but with a just married couple, been married for a bit couple and long time married couple. We decided not to do it, but maybe we'll try for it next time!
Two of the couples picked were sisters and their husbands. They were hilarious. One of the questions was if you were stranded on an island with her entire family, and the only way you could be rescued was to leave one member of her family behind, who would it be. Both men immediately in stereo said her mother. When the girls got back, they looked at each other and said in unison MOM! Soo funny.
Next up: Cozumel
tggrrstarr
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2008
- Messages
- 507
Working on getting Cozumel up by tonight! I'm trying to re-size and organize my photos now....so many more than I remembered!
tggrrstarr
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2008
- Messages
- 507
We started Wednesday with our normal Excursion day routine- Topsiders for breakfast and then up to deck 10 to watch the ship approach Cozumel.
Our meeting place for our excursion was Studio Sea, so we got there a few minutes early and snapped a few pictures. We saw our table mates Joel & Kim in here waiting too, so we said hi.
There were quite a few groups meeting in here, I guess each group was staggered by 15 minutes. Our planned tour was for Mayan Ruins and Discover Mexico Cultural Park with fiesta lunch. Our group icon was Flounder, so we all got Flounder stickers and proceeded off the ship where we met up with Patricia, or “Patty” as she asked to be called so we wouldn’t have to try to pronounce her name. We followed her down the dock and into an outdoor shopping mall. We ended up in a parking lot behind the center where we found a bus waiting for us. The walk didn’t take long, but since there were so many tour groups doing the exact same thing it became very confusing.
We got on the bus and began our way to the ruins. The ride took about 20 minutes.
We arrived at the park and made our way to the entrance. Patty gave us all tickets and we entered a shopping area with a courtyard and snack bar. We were given the opportunity to take a picture here which we did.
Next we entered the park and were told we could take pictures but would be charged extra if we wanted to take video. Weird…
That’s my 25 picture limit! Be back asap with more!
Our meeting place for our excursion was Studio Sea, so we got there a few minutes early and snapped a few pictures. We saw our table mates Joel & Kim in here waiting too, so we said hi.
There were quite a few groups meeting in here, I guess each group was staggered by 15 minutes. Our planned tour was for Mayan Ruins and Discover Mexico Cultural Park with fiesta lunch. Our group icon was Flounder, so we all got Flounder stickers and proceeded off the ship where we met up with Patricia, or “Patty” as she asked to be called so we wouldn’t have to try to pronounce her name. We followed her down the dock and into an outdoor shopping mall. We ended up in a parking lot behind the center where we found a bus waiting for us. The walk didn’t take long, but since there were so many tour groups doing the exact same thing it became very confusing.
We got on the bus and began our way to the ruins. The ride took about 20 minutes.
We arrived at the park and made our way to the entrance. Patty gave us all tickets and we entered a shopping area with a courtyard and snack bar. We were given the opportunity to take a picture here which we did.
Next we entered the park and were told we could take pictures but would be charged extra if we wanted to take video. Weird…
That’s my 25 picture limit! Be back asap with more!
tggrrstarr
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2008
- Messages
- 507
Sorry the pictures are so big, I can't figure out how to fix it! Even though I resized them, a couple still show up super huge?!
Back to the tour!
The park was interesting. It was bigger than I expected. I am glad we checked it out, but we were very happy to leave since it was getting pretty hot.
On our way out we were given a chance to buy our photo from earlier, it was $20.
Mic bought a Coca Cola made with sugar cane, I let him drink it, it was way too sweet for me. On the bus we were given a choice of bottled water or cup of pop. Water!!
Soon we were off to our second destination, Discover Mexico Cultural Park.
A few pictures from the bus along the way
At the museum:
First we started with a little intro video about Mexico. Then we were led into a small museum with various art pieces.
Next up we went outside to find an area with small models of Mayan buildings.
Honestly, we were very tired at this point and just ready to eat and leave! It was neat to see some of the artwork, but we were both pretty bored. I think next time we go to Cozumel were just gonna get some beach time!!
Finally we made our way to a pavilion area where lunch was set up. There was another tour group already here eating from our ship, we recognized the family from across the hall from our cabin.
We were served chicken and beef fajitas with homemade corn tortillas, French fries tortilla chips and salsa. Everything was very good except the French fries! I tried one of Mics and they were cold and soggy. Ick. But thats understandable.
After lunch the kids got to hit a piñata. They all lined up by age and started with the youngest. The two tour guides led the adults in singing a Mexican song as the kids took turns. This was really cool and looked like a lot of fun for the kids.
We wandered off for a bit and Mic handed me his camera and told me to take his picture. Confused, I did as he said and then I understood!
Get it?
One last show before we were led to the gift shop, four men did some kind of acrobatic thing on a big wooden platform.
It was interesting, but we were ready to leave. I was thrown off though afterwards when they came up to us and practically demanded a tip. I was prepared to tip our driver and tour guide, but didnt expect to tip someone for a show I didnt really care to watch. Oh well!
I'll try to post part 3 later tonight!
Back to the tour!
The park was interesting. It was bigger than I expected. I am glad we checked it out, but we were very happy to leave since it was getting pretty hot.
On our way out we were given a chance to buy our photo from earlier, it was $20.
Mic bought a Coca Cola made with sugar cane, I let him drink it, it was way too sweet for me. On the bus we were given a choice of bottled water or cup of pop. Water!!
Soon we were off to our second destination, Discover Mexico Cultural Park.
A few pictures from the bus along the way
At the museum:
First we started with a little intro video about Mexico. Then we were led into a small museum with various art pieces.
Next up we went outside to find an area with small models of Mayan buildings.
Honestly, we were very tired at this point and just ready to eat and leave! It was neat to see some of the artwork, but we were both pretty bored. I think next time we go to Cozumel were just gonna get some beach time!!
Finally we made our way to a pavilion area where lunch was set up. There was another tour group already here eating from our ship, we recognized the family from across the hall from our cabin.
We were served chicken and beef fajitas with homemade corn tortillas, French fries tortilla chips and salsa. Everything was very good except the French fries! I tried one of Mics and they were cold and soggy. Ick. But thats understandable.
After lunch the kids got to hit a piñata. They all lined up by age and started with the youngest. The two tour guides led the adults in singing a Mexican song as the kids took turns. This was really cool and looked like a lot of fun for the kids.
We wandered off for a bit and Mic handed me his camera and told me to take his picture. Confused, I did as he said and then I understood!
Get it?
One last show before we were led to the gift shop, four men did some kind of acrobatic thing on a big wooden platform.
It was interesting, but we were ready to leave. I was thrown off though afterwards when they came up to us and practically demanded a tip. I was prepared to tip our driver and tour guide, but didnt expect to tip someone for a show I didnt really care to watch. Oh well!
I'll try to post part 3 later tonight!
luvslikepi
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2010
- Messages
- 566
I was lucky enough to marry a man who is just as much a Disney Fanatic as I am.While I frequent these boards pretty often, Mic is really much more of a lurker. I think he has like 6 posts, lol! He is Obi-mic by the way. (Not that youll ever see him!!!!)
You are very lucky, every time I try to do something Disney related with my husband it's like pulling teeth. I'm hoping eventually he'll embrace his inner child with me. Loving the TR, subbed.
Disney9.9.10
DIS Veteran
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- Apr 12, 2010
- Messages
- 2,753
Thanks for sharing the honest review of your excursion. The pictures you took are lovely, but I can see how that excursion may not be for everyone. Great TR so far 
Marianne4021
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2011
- Messages
- 11
Great trip report!
Aurora's Mommy
Because she's beautiful, when she's asleep!
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2005
- Messages
- 577
Please, ma'am, may I have some more?
wendydarling78
She's a Darling...
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2011
- Messages
- 159
Kelli-
I'm only on page 2 of your trip report so far, but I'm loving it! We are also from NE Ohio- Just outside of Warren/Youngstown.
We are sailing on the Magic this July, and I am loving all of your comments and pics! Thanks for sharing!
And your hubby's Browns shirt is great! Go Browns!
Wendy
I'm only on page 2 of your trip report so far, but I'm loving it!
We are also from NE Ohio- Just outside of Warren/Youngstown. We are sailing on the Magic this July, and I am loving all of your comments and pics! Thanks for sharing!
And your hubby's Browns shirt is great! Go Browns!
Wendy
the_princess
DIS Veteran
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- Jul 8, 2006
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- 2,452
What a great report 
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