We'’re out of it! A summer 14 “MAGICal” Med adventure Day 14/Aug 05 updated 05/05

[jenseib]

Well the views can't get much better than that. Nothing like seeing a Disney ship off in the distance!

 

[dizneeat]

Beautiful views, beautiful pictures Karin. That train is absolutely adorable...too bad you couldn't get five passengers so you could ride it.

Thank you, Kathy! Villefranche is really beautiful and in the end we were pretty happy we got to check it out instead of Monaco that we had been to before.
As far as the train goes - it would have saved a bit on the walking, but we have the same one here in town and I can tell from experience that sitting in one is not as comfortable as it looks.

Is the train not that popular? Wonder why no more passengers came. That's too bad.

It had been full earlier on in the day, when it went past us on the way to the railway station. I guess it was just not the right time of day.

The views of the city are amazing. Love seeing homes like that tucked into the mountain side.

Villefranche is really a beautiful little town. It was nice exploring it and enjoying a leisurely day.

Thank goodness for your quick links! I wouldn't ever catch up if not for them.

Glad I could be of some help.

Beautiful pictures of Barcelona & France. I would love to go to Europe, but hubby says no, not ever.

It is beautiful here. So much history and so many different things to see. Maybe you need to "work" on your DH.

The odd odor is an ominous foretelling of things to come! Hopefully it won't be as dire as I think.

We did "kind of" fix it ourselves the next day.

All of the food you have had so far looks really tasty. Sorry the breakfast on the ship were below par. I'm not a buffet fan either, DH loves them, however is a piggy!

 

[dizneeat]

That train is too cute, but I don't blame you for giving up and walking yourself.

After spending all the time and not seeing anyone joining us it was best to just walk.

The views from the Citadel are spectacular. What a beautiful view of the ship! Since my cruise I have grown to appreciate pictures of the Disney ships even more!

The views were absolutely beautiful. We were really rewarded for hiking up there.
And to see the ship sit there in the bay was the icing on the cake.

Hi Karin and Tom! I am caught up again!

Wow, I would have thought that the little train would have been more popular as it would have taken people up those steep climbs. Was it very difficult in the heat?

There were a lot of people on the train earlier in the trip. I think we just hit an odd time.
It was pretty hard "climbing" up there, especially as there was little shade. But we stopped ever so often to admire the view, which made it quite bareable.

I love the shots you got of the ship in the background; I think it is a perfect example of what comes to mind when you hear "Mediterranean"

It really looked beautiful with the ship in the background. I had seen photos like ours on the internet before the cruise and we were amazed to experience it ourselves.

I am looking forward to seeing the next installment on the way down

It took me a while to update, but there is a reason, why I just wasn't up to it. I will explain, once I am done with replies.

Absolutely breathtaking, Karin!

That was too bad about the train - does seem a bit odd that just three more people did not show up in 20 mins.

In the end it turned out not to be that bad, Christine. As much as I would have enjoyed to be driven up that hill it would have meant that we could not have taken all the time to enjoy the view.

Hi Karin! I'm sorrIy to read that your Magic cruise started out less than Magical.

I am not sure, maybe we just expected so much more. But we were used to the Wonder, Dream and Fantasy when it came to maintenance and service and the Magic just could not keep up with the other three.
We enjoyed the ports of call and made the best of it.

It makes me really sad to think it has gone downhill that much - service included. Yet they continue to charge almost the same prices as the larger ships. I hope you let them know how you felt - you are one of their best customers!

That was what hit me the most. While I don't mind to spend all those dollars for their up notch service - this was just not what we got on this cruise and would it have been our first brush with Disney, we would never have booked a second cruise. We will give the Magic another go in March for Tom's birthday cruise and I hope that at least service will be better in the US.

Looks like you had a lot to see in Barcelona! Thanks for sharing such great pics.

Barcelona was beautiful and we will definitely return.

Nice pics in Monaco - the Citadel view is not only beautiful, but it reminds me of some scenes in the first POC movie. I wonder?

Too bad the train didn't run. I guess it gave you the chance to take a nice hike.

In the end we didn't mind all that much that the train did not run. It gave us time to explore the area in our own good time.

 

[dizneeat]

Well the views can't get much better than that. Nothing like seeing a Disney ship off in the distance!

The views were awesome, but there were a lot more beautiful views to come. And the Magic in the bay looked really nice - no smells either.

 

[dizneeat]

I am very sorry I have not updated or checked in on any threads over the last few days, but two things that happened during that time period just took my thoughts off of the DIS.

Let me start with some very sad news.

My first real Disney friend, who I met through allears and who we have been in touch with and met and spent several vacations with, suffered a terrible loss last week.
Her youngest son, who had only turned 25 the week before, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.
When I received her email, telling me about it, it was so unbelieveable that I read it again and again.
We look at the pictures of our vacations together and I just cannot believe that her son is no longer here.
And while I still checked in on TRs and chatter - I just did not feel like replying. Sorry.



On a much lighter note ....

Remember these pics?




They show our all time favourite DCL servers Ana and Matija. They ended their contracts in 2013 and when we said goodbye to them they vowed to come and visit us in Austria.
4 weeks ago I got an email from Ana announcing that visit. We were over the moon happy to see them, until I found out that the only day they would be in town was the one we had a teachers meeting.
But Tom was thankfully able to start work extra early and met up with Ana and Matija once they arrived here.
It was wonderful seeing them again and for once watching them EAT! We had a wonderful dinner together and were able to catch up on old times and hopefully we will be able to get together in the future as well.

Here are some pics of our meet!









Last week we also went to Passau, Germany to do some shopping. Here are a few pics of our trip and lunch there.

On the way ......







Monestry in Engelhartszell



They were putting up a wish tree in Passau





Lunch



Kaesespaetzle





with a mixed salad



and on the way home






​

 

[dizneeat]

Day 5, July 27

Not quite as planned, but fun none the less! - Part 5

Right when we had passed it we saw that there was a walkway along the water’s edge leading back to the village and the tender port.
That’s where we were heading. And we were rewarded with the most amazing views of the village and the harbour.





























We really took our time to walk along the path, took a selfie and sent it to some friends before we made it back to the harbour. It was close to 3pm when we made our way back to the tender harbour.









We were greeted by friendly DCL crew members, who handed out cold towels which felt so heavenly on such a hot day and they had put up their flavoured water tent again.





Talk about refreshment. A few minutes later we boarded the tender boat, found great seats outside and after a few more minutes we were on our way back to the ship.

To be continued ..........​

 

[debsters41]

Karin, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. It is always a shock.

How fun that you got a chance to see your favourite servers! Warning... Those pictures of Germany and Austria are so beautiful that I foresee another visitor coming to see you!

The pictures are as beautiful as I had imagined but I honestly think my favourite of this group is the one with the bird and the Magic in the background.

 

[jedijill]

So sorry for your friend's tragic loss.

What a fun DCL meet! I love the pictures of the food. It really makes me miss Southern Germany/Austria. I really need to get back there some of these days.

Aren't the cold towels a nice touch? I loved them on the Southern Caribbean cruise in September after a long day of touring in the heat and humidity.

Jill in CO

 

[dizneeat]

Karin, I am so sorry about the loss of your friend. It is always a shock.

Thank you, Debbie!:

How fun that you got a chance to see your favourite servers! Warning... Those pictures of Germany and Austria are so beautiful that I foresee another visitor coming to see you!

It was awesome that they kept their promise. And it was so nice to catch up on recent news with them.
Oh, and we would LOVE some visitors from Greece!

The pictures are as beautiful as I had imagined but I honestly think my favourite of this group is the one with the bird and the Magic in the background.

When I picked the photos, that was one of my favourites as well!

So sorry for your friend's tragic loss.

Thank you, Jill!

What a fun DCL meet! I love the pictures of the food. It really makes me miss Southern Germany/Austria. I really need to get back there some of these days.

There is lots to see around here, Jill! I would love to be your tour guide!

Aren't the cold towels a nice touch? I loved them on the Southern Caribbean cruise in September after a long day of touring in the heat and humidity.

Jill in CO

We just love the cold towels and flavoured waters they offer. Not only are they a godsend after a long hot day, but seeing people on other lines just being in awe with DCL service is worth its price.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 5, July 27

Not quite as planned, but fun none the less! - Part 6

A few minutes later we boarded the tender boat, found great seats outside and after a few more minutes we were on our way back to the ship.















Once on board we headed right to our stateroom, which had been cleaned. And after a drink and a quick shower we were in search of some food.
It was 5pm and our dinner would not be until 8.45 so up to the pool deck we went to check out our options. We checked out Daisy’s de lites. The display looked great, so we decided to pick up some stuff to share. We ordered a turkey panini, which had to be toasted and two wraps.



Then we headed to find a table, which was not too hard, grabbed some drinks and tried our food. But we hit another let down. The panini, even though it had been toasted, was stale and cold with the cheese not even melted.
The Chicken Caesar wrap was pretty nice, but the other one, which I think was lamb was all soggy. We were both pretty stunned, as so far, on all our cruises the food had been outstanding and here we had hit a let down.
We really don’t usually throw away food, but we could not finish these items and went in search for some other food. They had a daily special at one of the windows which peeked Tom’s interest. It was the



Chili, served in a tortilla bowl with a side of corn bread and sour cream. Tom topped it with some shredded lettuce and added a side of coleslaw. I was less adventurous and just ordered



Chicken fingers and fries and added some coleslaw to it as well. Again, we quickly found a table and tried our new dishes, which lived up to our expectations. When we were done eating it was already close to 6pm and we went to pick up our DVC pins





before heading back to our stateroom. We were out on the veranda









and watched the tender boats finally leave us and soon after we were sailing away from Villefranche.

To be continued ..........​

 

[dizneeat]

Day 5, July 27

Not quite as planned, but fun none the less! - Part 7

We were out on the veranda and watched the tender boats finally leave us







and soon after we were sailing away from Villefranche.











At 8.40 we finally went down to Animator’s Palate for dinner.





We signed in and were quickly led to our table











which was towards the back of the restaurant. Jason and Jay were right there to greet us and Jay quickly went to get us some Diet Cokes. It did not take long for him to return and to bring us a basket full of





Garlic and Herb Foccacia with a



Rosemary Virgin Olive Oil for dipping and some butter.



We had already placed our orders and now enjoyed the bread service. A very short while later, our starters were served.

To be continued ..........​

 

[perfectmatch300]

First of all, I want to say how sorry I am to hear of your friend's loss. It is always hard to lose a loved one but I think it is even more so when it occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.

Now on to your good news! How awesome was it that your favorite servers/friends actually came to see you! All too often people say they will do something like that but it never seems to happen. Hopefully, the visit gave you the "pick me up" that it seemed like you needed after hearing about your friend's loss.

As always, your pictures are beautiful. You can add me to the list of fans of the shot of the cute little bird with the Magic in the background.

 

[dizneeat]

Day 5, July 27

Not quite as planned, but fun none the less! - Part 8

A very short while later, our starters were served. Tom had ordered the



Tomato Tarte with Glazed Goats Cheese and Radish Salad, while I had to order my favourite pasta, the



Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes, Pasta Purses filled with truffle scented cheese and coated with a Champagne Sauce. Both were enjoyed very much and as soon as we both had finished it we were served the



Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese Soup, with Bacon bits and chives. It was so nice and creamy and we both quickly finished our lovely bowl of soup. Then it was time for main courses. Tom had ordered the



Herb Crusted Veal Chop, Roasted Veal Chop brushed with Dijon Mustard and crusted with Herbed Breadcrumbs, served with Sun Dried Tomato Risotto and Barolo Wine Sauce. My main course was the



Ginger Teriyaki Beef Tenderloin, on Wasabi Mashed Potatoes with Bok Choy and a Tamarind Barbeque Reduction. Both got a thumbs up and before it was time for dessert the dining room was visited by one very special sorcerer.





Then, desserts were served. Tom went with the



Duo Chocolate Cake, Layers with Brownie and Truffle Mouse with Caramel Sauce. I tried the



Sweet Temptations, A Trio of White Chocolate Cheesecake, Lemon Raspberry Tart and a Chilled Mango Mousse. Once we were finished with our dinner, Jay showed us and the table next to us a one of this magic tricks before we headed back to our stateroom, where we found another towel animal, but our stateroom host had forgotten to turn down the second bed. Well, no big deal since we could easily do it ourselves. We did not last long after we got back to our stateroom and after checking our current position





we fell in bed and were soon fast asleep.

To be continued ..........​

 

[perfectmatch300]

Karin, I think I'm up way too late! I thought I'd finished reading your latest updates, but then saw that when my reply posted that you had sneaked another update in!

I think it is time for me to go get some sleep now!

Yes, I am a total night owl.

 

[perfectmatch300]

Wow, you're quick! You just did it to me again!

 

[dizneeat]

First of all, I want to say how sorry I am to hear of your friend's loss. It is always hard to lose a loved one but I think it is even more so when it occurs suddenly and unexpectedly.

It came as a complete shock to us, especially at his age! And we can only imagine how hard it must be for his parents and siblings if it effects us so much.

Now on to your good news! How awesome was it that your favorite servers/friends actually came to see you! All too often people say they will do something like that but it never seems to happen. Hopefully, the visit gave you the "pick me up" that it seemed like you needed after hearing about your friend's loss.

They definitely brightened the day with their visit. We often talked about how they had promised to come visit, but it is so often said and never done. So, to really get to see them was awesome.

As always, your pictures are beautiful. You can add me to the list of fans of the shot of the cute little bird with the Magic in the background.

It was so fun to see how the little bird kept sitting there, while we slowly went around to try and get its photo. And I think Tom got the perfect shot there.

Karin, I think I'm up way too late! I thought I'd finished reading your latest updates, but then saw that when my reply posted that you had sneaked another update in!

Yes, you definitely are up too late. It's mid morning here already.

I think it is time for me to go get some sleep now!

Yes, I am a total night owl.

Wow, you're quick! You just did it to me again!

Sorry for that! I just need to get a move on on this trip report - there is another trip lurking in just 18 more weeks.

 

[jenseib]

First off I am so sorry about your friends loss. That is so tragic.
Secondly I am so glad you got to have some happy moments and a visit with your DCL buddies. I did notice you were not carrying a Disney Dooney though...what's up with that?

You are doing some mega updates too....wow...glad I came back today to read!

Dinner looks fabulous. That pasta dish is a favorite of mine as well.

that's too bad about your predinner snacks though. I have had a few cold items here and there and it really is a bummer. Pizza is usually one of the culprits. I do love the DCL chicken tenders though. I could go for some right now!

 

[MEK]

My first real Disney friend, who I met through allears and who we have been in touch with and met and spent several vacations with, suffered a terrible loss last week.
Her youngest son, who had only turned 25 the week before, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly.
When I received her email, telling me about it, it was so unbelieveable that I read it again and again.
We look at the pictures of our vacations together and I just cannot believe that her son is no longer here.

I am SO very sorry to hear this. It is always so unthinkable when a child passes away before their parent. Just tragic under any circumstances. Much peace and strength to your friend as she lives through this grieving process.

Here are some pics of our meet!

How wonderful! That is so fantastic that you were able to meet up. Love it! :good vibes

Nice shopping expedition. Sounds like fun!

Beautiful day in port. That water is just so lovely!

Sorry your snack was such a bust! That's never fun to have to throw away food. But dinner looks lovely and I just love that restaurant. We ate there on Pirate night and again the next night. It was really fun to see who different AP could look for two different occasions.

 

[dizneeat]

First off I am so sorry about your friends loss. That is so tragic.
Secondly I am so glad you got to have some happy moments and a visit with your DCL buddies. I did notice you were not carrying a Disney Dooney though...what's up with that?

Ana and Matija sure helped taking our minds off of the sad news.
I had to LOL and have a peek what bag I was carrying around.

You are doing some mega updates too....wow...glad I came back today to read!

I need to catch up a bit! I did not have much time (or much nerve to update, so I am trying to do my best.

Dinner looks fabulous. That pasta dish is a favorite of mine as well.

that's too bad about your predinner snacks though. I have had a few cold items here and there and it really is a bummer. Pizza is usually one of the culprits. I do love the DCL chicken tenders though. I could go for some right now!

Their chicken tenders really make up for some of the not so yummy food and Tom's chili was not bad either. Disney pizza - only if I am VERY hungry (and have had some drinks)

I am SO very sorry to hear this. It is always so unthinkable when a child passes away before their parent. Just tragic under any circumstances. Much peace and strength to your friend as she lives through this grieving process.

I can only imagine, how horrible it must be for her to loose her child, just given how much it affected us.

How wonderful! That is so fantastic that you were able to meet up. Love it! :good vibes

I could not believe it when I got their email announcing their visit. We had so much fun catching up on old times.

Nice shopping expedition. Sounds like fun!

We quite often drive to Passau. It is only about 80km and there are some things we cannot get here. It's always a fun day when we drive there, but I do not like to do it in the winter as most of the street runs along the river Danube and in the winter it can get pretty icey.

Beautiful day in port. That water is just so lovely!

We were pretty happy staying at Villefranche, as we really had a fun time.

Sorry your snack was such a bust! That's never fun to have to throw away food. But dinner looks lovely and I just love that restaurant. We ate there on Pirate night and again the next night. It was really fun to see who different AP could look for two different occasions.

Some of the food we got on this cruise didn't live up to DCL reputation. But I guess part of it comes back to them having to cater here in Europe. Meat is just not the same as in the US for instance. Same goes for some of the fruit we got.
AP is so different on the Magic and Wonder compared to the Dream and Fantasy. I am not a huge fan of the "Crush" show, as it gets so loud in the dining room. The animation show is great though!

 

[perfectmatch300]

It was so fun to see how the little bird kept sitting there, while we slowly went around to try and get its photo. And I think Tom got the perfect shot there.

I thought the bird must have been posing for Tom, maybe hoping Tom would post it's picture online somewhere so it would be famous. With help from Tom's great photography it seems like the little bird's plan had worked because here we are all talking about it!

Sorry for that! I just need to get a move on on this trip report - there is another trip lurking in just 18 more weeks.

Yes, you will be coming here real soon!

I thought it was really funny that every time I posted a reply you had managed to sneak another update in.