Very Merrytime Cruise from Galveston -food allergy princess's Wonderful holidays

[MomoMama]

DH took our gingerbread house to the cabin, and DD and I went down to the lobby. The line for Princess Gathering was not forming yet. DH joined us and we just hanged around there. Looking at the huge gingerbread house in the lobby, DH tried to explain to DD how it was built…not like the house we just built!

We walked around, went to the shop to kill time…then we saw Daisy right in front of the lobby elevator. She was waiting for an elevator, but she gave DD a hug and posed for a quick photo!

Finally Princess Gathering was being setup. We were not the first family, but we got in the line quick, so we did not have to wait long in the line.

First up…Belle! She sat down when she saw DD. Signed her book, and posed for the photo.

Next…Ariel! I could not really hear their conversation, but Ariel talked to DD about dresses and asked her to twirl. Then they twirled together.

Twirl-loving DD loved it!

Next…Mulan! Mulan was a surprised to me. I have never heard of Mulan being on board, also did not see any Mulan merchandize at the gift shop. But Mulan was lovely and had a huge smile all the time.

The last was Cinderella. She danced a little with DD...

...and then they compared their shoes. How cute!!!

So finally DD met all the princesses and was all happy.

We took her back to the cabin to change, then took her to the kids club. I informed the counselor that her lunch had been pre-ordered and asked them to pick it up for her. To make sure she would eat her lunch, I ordered another her favorite, pizza and steamed broccoli.

 

[MomoMama]

We had enough time before our Palo brunch reservation. We walked around a bit and then went to Palo. We got there earlier than our reservation time, and there was no one at the entrance. We just waited for a while, watching the piano playing music by itself. We saw one kid right next to the piano, playing alone. I guess he was there waiting for his parents to finish lunch. I did not know Palo would let kids stay there and wait.

I thought the menu was about the same with what we had before on Magic. I was glad to see the strawberry soup and tiramisu there again. I don’t know if Palo ever gets packed, but many tables were empty. We enjoyed a relaxing quiet brunch with the great view of ocean…and ate more than we should have.

After leaving Palo, I asked DH to go to the lobby and see if the line for Santa M&G was still open. I went to pick up DD, and then met up with DH. He said he was too late for Santa M&G…the line had been cut off. But CM informed Santa would be there again the next day, as well as Mrs. Claus.

We all went back to the cabin, saw some TV and took it easy. DD loved watching the Mickey cartoon in the room, even though they were repeating the same episodes over and over.

 

[MomoMama]

DH wanted to sleep, so I took DD to the Studio Sea for Disney Jr. dance party. Since DD was not feeling well at the character breakfast, I thought she might like another chance to see Princess Sofia. We found seats, and saw an energetic CM calling kids to the floor and engage them in the activities. DD did not want to join, and just sat there with me. She did not like the music and the flashy lights, and did not get excited even after Jake and Sofia came out. The flashy red lights were hurting my eyes too, so we decided to leave.

We went up to deck 9 for fresh air and ice cream. At Goofy’s Gallery I asked one of the CMs about the ingredients in the ice cream. DD was able to eat it 2 years ago, but again, we did not know if the ingredients were still the same. The CM told us not to eat it if we had food allergy. Well I understand…but DD’s food options are already limited, it would be great if she could have the ice cream whenever she wanted. So I asked to check the ingredients again. She asked another CM to take care of us, who looked for another CM who seemed to be a manager there. She was very nice and brought the ice cream mix out for me to check the ingredients. Yes, DD could eat it!

So we got a drink cup and filled it with chocolate ice cream. DD was so happy…somehow she did not like those allergy-friendly cakes they offered, but she loved having ice creams on this cruise. We found seats close to adult area, and waited for the 4:00 Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Party to begin.

 

[MomoMama]

The Goofy pool was open, so there was no kids dance area for this party. We decided to go up to deck 10 for the better view, and got a lounger right in the middle. A nice lady gave us her chair, said she was not staying.

DH met up with us and we enjoyed the party! Candy cane limbo dance with Chip n Dale, pass the coconut with Stitch, hula hoop with Goofy and Pluto… then the dance!

After the games and dancing on the stage, they made up conga line dancing lead by the characters, and the line came up to the deck 10 too! Soon after DH and DD joined the line, the party ended. But it was fun!

 

[stacaka4321]

Your report is so helpful with all the questions we've had about allergies on a cruise! I am certain now that my niece will have plenty of choices. Thanks so much!

 

[MomoMama]

Your report is so helpful with all the questions we've had about allergies on a cruise! I am certain now that my niece will have plenty of choices. Thanks so much!

I am just happy to hear my report can be useful to someone!

I know when we go to Disney DD will never go hungry...and she eats a lot, as much as an adult.

I don't know your niece's allergies and some of the food DD ate may not be for her, but I am sure DCL chefs will do their best. Make sure to note the allergies on the reservation, and enjoy your cruise!

 

[MomoMama]

After the party, we went to the deck 4 Prelude. Stitch was scheduled to appear but we still had plenty of time. There were at least 2 families there waiting to see Stitch. DH sat on one of the chairs and said he would line up for us. So I took DD to walk around. We went to the shops, and then to Promenade Lounge. They were doing craft, making animal masks. We have already done it, but we participated again. DD picked giraffe masks for both of us. Looked like they run out of the glue stickers, and they had a regular glue bottle this time. With the glue stickers, we could use the masks right away. But with the regular glue… we had to let the glue dry.

We went back to the Prelude for Stich M&G. When we got there, we saw so many people there. I looked for DH in the beginning of the line, and did not see him. I was expecting him to be there following the 2 families who were there first. Then I saw him…way back in the line! I asked him what had happened, and he said when a CM came to form the line, people just gathered up regardless of the people who were there first. Oh, well. So we had to wait longer than we thought, but DD and I did not want to miss it, since we love Stitch and this was the only scheduled M&G for Stitch. Stitch seemed popular, I don’t know why they don’t give us more chances to see him!

At the gift shop they had this large soft squishy Stich plush. DD wanted it, but since we already have 2 Stitch plushes at home, I did not buy it. Later during the cruise when I decided to buy, it was sold out! I really regret not getting it when I could!

 

[MomoMama]

Our dinner was at Animator’s Plate. At dinner DD had pre-ordered pasta again, and they served it with baked potato fries on the side. She loves baked fries and I don’t know why I didn’t think of ordering them for her! I was glad they did, and DD was happy.
And Kadek made Mickey out of ketchup!

I knew he was busy, but Kadek made time to show a magic trick too. It was a water and pepper trick, making the pepper floating on the water to move. I had never seen the trick before, and was impressed!

 

[MomoMama]

After dinner, DD changed to her pajama and went to the kids club for Pluto’s pajama party. She missed the pajama party at her school, so was looking forward to this one. But later when I went to pick her up, I saw her not participating it. After finding out they had computer games, she spent most of the time on them whenever at the kids club. It was not ideal, but we just let her play since it was her vacation too…she normally does not play those at home. She did get the Pluto’s pillowcase before she left the club. We have not colored it yet.

We stopped to see Daisy before going to the show. DD just loves getting hugs from the fluffy duck.

Then to the theater…it was a magic show night by Scott Pepper. To be honest it was a little disappointing for DH and I, since his magic act was mostly the same as what we saw 2 years ago. But DD did not remembere that, so she enjoyed it… just not as much as the character shows.

After the show we lined up to see Minnie, since DD had not met her yet.

And I convinced DH to pose for photo with her. He was reluctant…but DD and I teamed up to beg. The photo of Minnie holding his arm is very cute, it was worth it. We stayed around for Donald too. DD would love another fluffy duck hug.

 

[MomoMama]

This bunny was waiting for us in the cabin. I did not take photos of other towel animals, but I thought this one was cute.

DD’s dessert was chocolate cake with strawberries. Again, she did not want the cake, and just ate the strawberries. After the cruise I asked her why she did not like the chocolate desserts on the ship, and she could not really tell me why. When I make gluten-free, egg-free cakes at home, they tend to be fluffy and crumble easily. DCL’s desserts had different texture… they were more dense. That could be the reason, but I am really not sure. But DD sure liked getting her own dessert...she did not have to feel like she was excluded, like she often does.

 

[MomoMama]

Day 6

Navigators for Day 6...

 

[MomoMama]

Day 6

I don’t really remember what I did that morning. I think DD and I woke up late and had light breakfast DH brought for us from the buffet. Then we went down to the lobby for the Story-time with Mrs. Claus. DD was not really interested in this, but I am glad we went. Before the story time there were Christmas carolers at the lobby, and they sang beautifully.
Then Mrs. Claus appeared, and she read 2 books. I could see DD was enjoying it too.

After the reading, Mrs. Claus welcomed Mickey and the gang. I did not know about the character appearances at this event, so this was a nice surprise! It was not a dance party, but more like an informal M&G.

First DD found her favorite chipmunks, and got a hug from Dale. And just before Chip could hug her, 2 other kids jumped in. And Chip and Dale proceeded to pose for a photo, but it was odd…there my DD, posing for photo with 2 kids we did not know. DD looked confused and I knew she wanted a photo without those 2 kids, but I pulled her out after that since there were other kids waiting to Chip and Dale. I took her to Goofy and Mickey, she got hugs and was happy again.

Then we found Mrs. Claus, so DD thanked her for reading the stories. Very nice Mrs. Claus posed for a photo too.

DD still wanted to see Chip and Dale again, and we managed to see them just before they left.

DD got hugs from both Chip and Dale, and this time she got a photo taken with me.

 

[MomoMama]

We had time before the next event, Santa M&G at 12:30. We went up to deck 9 and DD got an orange and ice cream, and I got coffee. Then I remembered I had not tried the pastries from Cove Café yet, so I stopped by and picked up some.

They were good! I wished I tried it sooner during the cruise!

DD had another outfit change, and then we went to see Santa at the lobby. DD had a letter she wrote to him the day before. It was not a wish list, but rather to let Santa know she had been trying to be a good girl. She knew she had made some mistakes before the holidays, and wanted to tell Santa she was working on being a good girl.

Before the kids meet Santa, they would write their names down on the Santa’s list. CM asked DD if she had been good…she could not say yes. We could not say yes either. But CM said DD was a good girl and told her to write her name down on “good” list. I did not see anyone writing down their names on “naughty” list.

So it was DD’s turn…I think she was a little intimidated to see Santa. This Santa was very tall, and she thought Santa knew about the mistakes she had made. But she gave him the letter and explained it to him, and seemed relieved that he liked her.

Later I asked DD what Santa said to her. And DD told me Santa promised her he would bring A LOT of toys…. Really…Santa? DD usually get ONE toy from Santa, but now she was getting A LOT of toys?? We made sure Santa kept his promise, but it would have been easier if this cruise was not ending on the December 24th.

 

[MomoMama]

After Santa M&G we just went to Triton’s for lunch. DD had pre-ordered pizza with a side order of vegetables.

They gave her the whole pizza, and even though my little girl eats a lot for a small 5-year-old, she could not eat all that.


After lunch we dropped DD off at the kids club, and let her stay there till 3:00 character dance party.

DD got face painting at the kids club (Mickey and Minnie on her cheeks), and was in a good mood. She fully enjoyed this dance party and did not get shy. She got to dance with Chip and Dale, and Mickey!

 

[MomoMama]

After the dance party, DD wanted to go back to the kids club. I knew they were going to have Friendship Rocks show that day, and I asked her if she wanted to participate. She said no, she just wanted to play in the club.

So we took DD to the kids club, and DH and I went to Cove Café for a drink. Their pastry case was empty, and the barista said the case was not working, so they had to keep the desserts in the fridge inside. He told us just let him know what we wanted and he would bring them out. We picked 3 cakes to share from the menu. When they were brought out, the plate was full with 6 cakes. He brought 2 of everything!

On this cruise we always had more food than we could eat.

The drinks came with this special Holiday chocolate. It was so cute, and I wanted to give it to DD. I asked the barista about the ingredients in the chocolate. He was not sure, he said the chocolate was not made on the ship and came in a generic box, and there was no ingredient list. He actually called 2 other people trying to find out the ingredients for me. Though we did not get the answer, I was very impressed with the service!
The chocolate looked and tasted like a simple milk chocolate. But just to be safe, I did not give it to DD.

So while we were enjoying the quiet time at the Cove Café, we got a text from the kids club, saying that DD would be in the Friendship Rocks show and telling us to come to the theater. I was surprised, but thought how fun it would be to see her on the stage.

We left the café to go to the theater, but I decided to stop by at the kids club to make sure DD was actually going to be at the show. They checked their computer for me, and turned out, DD was NOT participating the show. They moved her to the Oceaneer Lab. I went to the lab, and saw DD playing. So now that we knew where she was and saw her playing, we just let her stay there to have fun. 30 min later or so, we received another text saying DD was not participating the show…Good thing I checked, otherwise, DH and I would have been at the theater watching the show, trying to find where on earth our kid was on the stage...

 

[MomoMama]

So we were kind of left without things to do…did not want to go back to the Cove café as we were too full to order something else. Wished we did not get that first text so that we could have just stayed there longer. We just walked around the deck 10, but it was so windy. We hoped to see sunset, but it was too cloudy. We usually try to see sunrise/sunset while on a cruise, but did not see any on this one. We were always busy or sleeping, or it was too cloudy outside.

We went to the last dinner. We took our time and talked to Kadek. He made another Bob the napkin mouse for DD. Maybe it was the 3rd one he made for her. He sure made our meal experiences more enjoyable during this cruise.

DD ate her pasta and baked flies. Her dessert was chocolate mousse, which she only ate 1 bite again.

After the dinner we went back to the cabin to pack. We had to let our luggage out that night. While DH packed, I took DD to see Belle. It was an individual princess M&G, and I was hoping Belle would be wearing the holiday dress, and she was!

 

[MomoMama]

Then we went to see the last show, Dreams. We really enjoyed the show. DD has started to ask what is real and what is not lately, but I hope she will keep on dreaming and believes in magic. DH met up with us for the show, but after the show he had to go back to the cabin to finish packing. I took DD to the last party, ‘Til We Meet Again. The last night of the cruise is always sad, but I love how Disney keeps us having fun, and the last party is one of the best! We get to see many characters, even some actors/dancers from the shows!

DD was wearing Ariel T-shirt, and she wanted to show it to Ariel. So she went to see her first.

Then she got a hug from Minnie...

and then she talked to Mulan.
Lastly we got a photo taken with a very handsome Simba from the show.

DD was not interested, but I totally pushed her and got in the photo together.

We met up with DH after the party. He suggested we should watch a movie on funnel vision, so we went to deck 9. They were showing Ratatouille on the screen. DD had watched a part of it but not the whole movie, so wanted to watch. It was cold and windy. We did not have blankets, but got the towels to cover DD. After the movie, it was late and time to go to sleep.

 

[MomoMama]

Day 7

Our breakfast was at 7:00 am. It was earlier than we would like, but that comes with the First Seating. We had DD’s pancakes pre-ordered the day before. I know it was chaotic and busy, but Kadek took time to talk to us and said good-bye.

After breakfast we found a seat on deck 4 and waited our turn to debark. I let DD play with a sticker book we brought from home to kill time. When it was time, DD said she was sad. We all were.
But DD kept saying, “we never say good-bye to Mickey, we say see you real soon!”
Oh, we just hope!

We were out of the terminal very quick. We picked our luggage, went through the custom without wait, and out of the terminal before 9:30am. I do not know how DCL does differently from others, and the cruise company may not have the control over the custom process, but the debarkation process was much smoother than Carnival. On Carnival after our number was called and we got off the ship, we stayed in the long line at the terminal for 1 hour. I am comparing 2 DCL and 1 Carnival out of Galveston.

We were going back to the San Luis resort. We went to the Hotel shuttle pick-up location. There were already many people there waiting, and after 10 minutes or so wait, a shuttle came. It quickly became full and we had to wait for the next one. We waited…and waited…after more than 30 min wait, DH called the hotel. They said they had 3 shuttles driving around, and one is on the way. We saw some people decided to take a cab and left. After another 15 min wait, DH called the hotel again, and again was told the shuttle was on the way. I don’t really believe they had 3 shuttles that morning. It does not take 10 min from hotel to the port, and we saw other hotel shuttles come and go more than once. We saw Hotel Galvez shuttle 3 times while we were waiting. We waited…we stayed, because we thought the shuttle might come as soon as we left to catch a cab. When the next shuttle finally came, it was not marked as the San Luis Resort like the first shuttle, and the driver was different. I don’t know what really happened, but this shuttle thing was one negative thing about the San Luis resort, and makse me hesitant to book another stay for cruise parking. So while the debarkation process was smooth, the shuttle wait was ridiculous.

 

[MomoMama]

So our cruise part of vacation was over. But keep reading if are interested in Galveston…


When we got to the hotel, it was too early to check-in. So we left our luggage at the bell service. We got in our car, and went back to the downtown/port area for lunch. We parked our car at Pier 21, and we could see Wonder. Only if we could just go back…!

It was a very foggy day, and the fog was there well into the afternoon. We wondered if the ship departure was delayed that day.

At Pier 21, we tried Nonno Tony’s for lunch. They do not have Gluten-Free menu, but since it is a seafood restaurant, I thought they could prepare simple grilled fish or something for DD. First I talked to a host/waiter about her meal, and he was hesitant. But he checked with the manager, who said they could accommodate us. We ordered grilled fish with potatoes on the side for DD. And the food was good! I cannot remember what DH ordered, but I ordered shrimp and lobster tacos, and they were yummy! And since it was a lunch special, it came with desert of the day, which was a beignet!

And even though DD could not eat it, they gave us 3 plates of dessert. So DH and I shared the 3rd plate.

 

[MomoMama]

After lunch we walked around. We noticed the tall ship ELISSA was closed without any notes. It was December 24th that day, not 25th. But maybe Galveston is not a popular destination for Christmas. We also tried the railroad museum and it was closed too. Most of the gift shops and restaurants on the Strand seemed to be open, but we did not see many people.

We checked the little park, they had a Christmas tree and small houses as the holiday decoration.

Then we stopped at La Kings candy shop. It is a charming store, and we always stop there when we go to the Strand. I did not need any sweets. But I really needed a cup of coffee. They were doing candy (taffy) making demonstration that day, and we were there just at the right time. They had a trouble with their machine wrapping the candies, but we enjoyed the demo and they gave us free samples. We also let DD have one big lollipop from the store.