We don't wanna go home!!! Nov 1-8, 2008 Magic Western

[karajeboo]

Happy New Year Ellen! Still loving your TR, but I must know, what was the conversation in the bathroom that convinced your DH to rebook? Would it work with Jeff?????

 

[podsnel]

Happy New Year Ellen! Still loving your TR, but I must know, what was the conversation in the bathroom that convinced your DH to rebook? Would it work with Jeff?????

It'll work for your second DCL cruise, not your 1st- when you rebook on board, you get a 10% discount and we only had to put down $400 or $500 for the 4 of us to hold the cabin, which is totally refundable if you later decide not to cruise. Plus, 2010 cruises had only been announced the month before, so those rates were already low- the price goes up as the cruise gets closer. Except in the case of this thing they're offering now, where kids go for free with the adults.

 

[podsnel]

We woke up on Thursday morning to a bit of cloudiness. After my morning pot of coffee from room service (I REALLY miss that!! Especially this past week!) we went to get some breakfast at Topsiders. I have to say, the thing I loved most about breakfast there was...grapefruit sections! I know, weird, huh? But how WONDERFUL to have all that delicious grapefruit in all nice little sections, ready to pop in my mouth everyday with no effort required...I know, I'm weird! Soooo...DH & I had massages booked this morning (seperately, but with the same masseuse), so he went off for his first, and the boys and I delivered some FE's. We were giving out bags of a bunch of stuff- nerds ropes, beach monkeys (to squirt on the beach at CC, but I don't know if anyone realized what they were), coloring books for the littlest cruisers to use on the trip home that was approaching waaaayyyy to quickly , and for all the adults, I made globes- they could be Christmas ornaments or if not, just something pretty to remember the cruise by. I made them at home, but finished them on the cruise, because inside I put a little Mickey jewel head, and I could only get them in WDW. Here's what they looked like at home before the Mickeys-

Anyway, by 10:15 it was time for my massage- and it was sooooo relaxing! i think I could do that everyday without any issue!! Sap that i am, I foolishly bought the massage stuff, because the massuese explained both my DH & I would benefit from it. And I was completely sold on us going home and giving each other massages with the stuff on a regular basis when we got home.

I'm sure the unopened elemis products are very lonely up there under my bathroom sink.

After relaxing a bit in the RR, I showered and at 12:30 went to the DVC presentation in Diversions. I had missed the presentation for DVC members on Sunday, so I thought I'd go to this one instead, even though it was geared towards new DVC sales. Oh well, at least i got a new Dream book, even if I didn't win the onboard credit!!

Lunch in Topsiders was a seafood buffet, and we made it just in time- wish we had gotten there a little earlier, there was sushi involved which we kind of missed out on. Our kids were still in their clubs, and DH & I decided to try some Bingo- it was the Final Jackpot, and it was PACKED!!! Well, apparently our luck was not with us, because we didn't even come close to winning any of the games- but it was fun to see other people jumping up and down when they won- of course, not as much fun as it would have been if WE won, but you get the idea. The good thing was when Bingo was over, Friendship Rocks, the show the kids put on, was following it right in the WDT, so we were able to get great seats to watch DS9. I looked over, and was SOOO HAPPY to see one of the EDCs I had not yet met, Mom2princessesLinSy. She is just such a sweetheart, and I was really bummed I hadn't seen her yet on the cruise, as she couldn't make it to our Dismeet that first day. While we were chatting and waiting for the show to begin, I had sent DH back to the cabin to get the camera- in case you haven't noticed, there have been no pictures today, because we used up both of our batteries on Weds, and forgot to recharge at night. Good thing he went back to the cabin- because that's where DS9 was! He had decided NOT to participate in the show- because some CM, during rehearsal that day, had told the kids there was something dangerous on the stage that they were not allowed to touch, because it would hurt them very badly. well, my DS9 decided that whatever it was, he didn't want to get anywhere NEAR it because he didn't want to get hurt- so he was not in the show . At the time, I was really sad about this, because he LOVES to be on stage- he is a total ham- and while I understand the CM was trying to keep the kids safe, it kind of stinks that she scared off one little actor who took her so literally.

We delivered a few more FE's, and got ready for dinner. I really don't know where this day went!! DS9 and I went to the early show of Disney Dreams- it was beautiful!!

Jenny2 had told me to be sure not to miss this show, and she was right! It was great!! And it was once again so nice to have that time alone with DS9, on a little date. When it was over, DS9 went to his club- and I was off to a romantic dinner with DH at Palo...

 

[anewmac]

awww so sad ds missed the show cuz of the cm.

I LOVE the globes adorable. where did you get the customized ribbon? And how did you get them down to the cruise without them breaking?

 

[cew2]

I love reading your trip report! My family is leaving next Sat. for the western as well. It is our first disney cruise! It is me ,dh, dd9 and ds6. My mom and two nieces16 and 19. My mother in law ( who is afraid of getting seasick?) and Father in law. You make it such a positive experience which I love I can not wait to read the rest! I want it to be here but do not want it to end! I am looking forward to the rest!

 

[bb528]

this is great reading... cew, we are on the western next sat and from Pa as well...can't wait for some warmer wx

 

[podsnel]

awww so sad ds missed the show cuz of the cm.

I LOVE the globes adorable. where did you get the customized ribbon? And how did you get them down to the cruise without them breaking?

I KNOW!!! I was sad, too! He'll be too old for it next time, i think. That's ok, though- he was Joseph on Christmas Eve at church- very special!

Thanks for liking the globes- I ordered the ribbon from Party innovations online- I had to order more than I needed, but I wanted them to be personalized- ya know? So, if anyone needs any ribbons that say Election Day Castaways DCL 11/1/08- let me know-K?

I love reading your trip report! My family is leaving next Sat. for the western as well. It is our first disney cruise! It is me ,dh, dd9 and ds6. My mom and two nieces16 and 19. My mother in law ( who is afraid of getting seasick?) and Father in law. You make it such a positive experience which I love I can not wait to read the rest! I want it to be here but do not want it to end! I am looking forward to the rest!

I'm so happy for you! You will have a wonderful adventure, and so nice you are going with a group of loved ones!! Has you MIL gotten seasick before? I know a lot of people swear by the ginger chews, or there is supposed to be some other natural alternative to dramamine in health food stores that people rave about- maybe you could load her up with every sea-bands etc. remedy out there before you go, and she'll have no CHOICE but to be ok!

And I don't want it to end either...I always get soooo slowww at the end of a TR because when the TR is finished, the trip is truly done. Oh crap!

this is great reading... cew, we are on the western next sat and from Pa as well...can't wait for some warmer wx

Cool! Do you guys have a meet set up onboard? I LOVED- really LOVED seeing all of our DIS buddies everywhere- it made it all that much more special!

E

 

[podsnel]

By the way, I took my kids and Dnephs 7 & 10 to see "Bedtime Stories" tonight- they loved it, very funny, cute movie, a few times, i thought DN7 was busting a gut he was laughing so hard- so if you're headed out to sea anytime soon, try to make the time to see it with your kids.

Or if you're stuck at home like the rest of us with nothing else to do with a bunch of crazy kids.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I love to dance- that's probably what attracted my DH to me- we used to dance all the time in college, even when we were just friends (which we were for YEARS before we ever dated). But I STINK at those line dances- thank goodness for this guy, he was awesome!!

I don't think he ever knew I was following him the whole time- wouldn't it be funny if he was on these boards and said hello!! And can you believe the way the wind is blowing my bandana?



Hope you had a great Holiday, too! Happy 2009! Before you know it, we'll be setting up our Dismeet in May, Alan!

I'm going to try to update today, my niece and nephews are coming over for a sleepover, so we'll see-

Ellen

I love to dance too - but DH never has - before we had kids we used to go out with his single Air Force friends, and I would dance with all of them! He was happy as long as i didn't ask HIM to dance! I love your bandana - heck that guy probably thought you were his date!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Nice update - what a great idea for the globes! Too bad your son missed out on being in the show. Lovin' your TR - I hope you do a little St. John report on the community board - I'd love to see it!

 

[plutospup]

Thanks again for the globes! It held a special place on our Christmas tree. Every vacation we pick up new Christmas tree ornaments. Every time I looked at your globe it reminded me of our time at sea. Thanks for a long lasting memory!

 

[podsnel]

I love to dance too - but DH never has - before we had kids we used to go out with his single Air Force friends, and I would dance with all of them! He was happy as long as i didn't ask HIM to dance! I love your bandana - heck that guy probably thought you were his date!

Well, that's good he didn't mind you dancin with all of his buddies! And trust me, that guy neer knew I was there- he was totally focused on the stage the entire time!

Nice update - what a great idea for the globes! Too bad your son missed out on being in the show. Lovin' your TR - I hope you do a little St. John report on the community board - I'd love to see it!

Really? Maybe I will write something about St John- we'll see.

Thanks again for the globes! It held a special place on our Christmas tree. Every vacation we pick up new Christmas tree ornaments. Every time I looked at your globe it reminded me of our time at sea. Thanks for a long lasting memory!

Hi Birthday buddy! I'm so happy you liked it- I am the same way about Christmas ornaments- love to remember all the places I've been with them...

And anewmac- I forgot to say, I got them down to the ship by wrapping each one in bubble wrap, and carrying them on the plane in a big GAP bag. Only one broke on the way home for anyone (that I know of) and I sent her a new one right before Christmas- that one made it to her house safely!

 

[i<3castawaycay123]

I LOVE Disney Dreams!! It is my favorite show on the ship and pretty much anywhere. i even have a pin for it. I hope that ya'll enjoyed it very much.

 

[Kurby]

this is a great tr. i can't finish it all tonight - have to get some sleep after 2 weeks christmas holiday it's back to work for me tomorrow - can't wait to finish it thought.

 

[podsnel]

Hi! It's the first day back to school for the kids, my house is a train wreck after the big, LOOOOONNGGGGG break, I have 3 trees to de-Christmasize- perfect time to write an update!!

DH & I were headed to Palo for a romantic evening in DCL's lovely restaurant. We were seated at a table in Anne Marie's section, and she was wonderful, we really enjoyed her. We needed to choose a bottle of wine, and since we had the REAS a bottle from the premium wine list was included with this meal. But I'm a troublemaker, and I wanted something different- because we had been drinking from that list all week, and i thought it would be so nice to have some Brunello (because it is ALWAYS nice to have some Brunello, isn't it?!). So Ann Marie deducted the wine credit off of the more expensive bottle for us. Then she went looking for the bottle which we had left over from the night before, Chateau Nuef de Pape recommended by Ranzil and sent up to Palo by him for us. While we were waiting, we ordered cocktails, I had a Bombay Saphire martini (because I enjoyed the one I had at the the tasting earlier in the week) and DH had a frou-frou martini (which is a BIG switch because HE is MUCH more of a martini drinker than me, but, whatever...). We placed our orders, and Anne Marie brought out the selection of breads and antipasti of prosciutto, braesola, olives and cheeses-

Next came the pizza, we had ordered Quattro Fromagie and Mushroom-

They do have such incredible brick oven pizza there! Of all of them, though, I think the blue cheese/ grape one at brunch was my favorite!

Sorry to break it up- but I have to stop and go exercise- I've got to put on a bathing suit in less than 2 weeks!

 

[anewmac]

yummy pizza's ok read a few trip reports about the cheese and grape pizza, will have to try that IF we get brunch next time.

had to look up the word exercise.. since its been a while for me LOL

 

[iu97alum]

MORE please!! I've spent the better part of my afternoon reading! Your TR is AWESOME!!!!

 

[podsnel]

Ok- sorry for the interruption. Living on Christmas cookies and nuts has not really been helped by not going to the gym!

We loved the pizzas, and then we also had some calamari.

DH ordered Melanzane al funghetto, which was Eggplant served with a balsamic dressing- he loved this-

Next we ordered pasta (yes- I know this is a LOT of food, but if we could do all the courses when we were in Italy, then we can suck it up and suffer through it here, too! ). My honey ordered a special, which was just a simple pasta with a tomato basil sauce-

I had Lobster and mascarpone ravioli which was served with a light truffle buerre blanc-

WOW. Wish I had some of that right now (although that doesn't really work with my "OMG I'm wearing a bathing suit in less than 2 weeks" program, but some things are just soooooo worth it!).

See? It's yummy from every angle! Dh was enjoying himself-

And we still had the main course to go!! I had asked Anne Marie which she recommended- the lamb or the scallops. I was leaning towards the scallops, especially because I had already had lamb on the cruise. But it was overdone, so there was a part of me that felt like I hadn't really had it yet. Anne Marie said their lamb was incredible, she sang it's praises without hesitation. DH was having a lobster tail since it was lobster night on the ship.

Here's the lobster-

and here's my lamb...

which was, once again, more done than I like it. (So was the lobster, FWIW). Anne Marie felt awful, she asked if we wanted our entrees redone, and we said thanks, but no, we really had had enough to eat LOL! We were really ok with it. But she still was very apologetic, and for dessert, the manager offered us an after dinner drink- so we had that with dessert. We chose to have a port, so they graciously poured a 20 year tawny port for us- very, very nice! And, of course, we had to try the chocolate souffle!!

We also finished up the wine Ranzil sent up-

Hiccup! We were pretty happy rollin' out of Palo's that night!!

So we thanked Anne Marie for her wonderful, attentive, gracious and friendly service and headed out to continue the fun! In the hallway!

On the shelves!

By the sign!

In the bathroom!

What?!!! The BATHROOM? But come on! It's so pretty!! Besides, I always take photos in the lew when I've had a little to much alcohol happiness at dinner....doesn't everyone? Here are some bathroom shots from some other fun nights which took place in NYC- at Chow in the West Village-

A little history lesson in the bathroom of Babbo, Mario Batali's restaurant-

Ahem... back to the ship in the next post... that's if you're brave enough to keep reading after my photography insanity in this installment!!

 

[podsnel]

We stopped back at the room so DH could get rid of his jacket and were greeted by a graceful swan-

We thought it might be a good idea to see how the kids were in their clubs since we had been at Palo and it's bathroom for like 10 hours. Of course they were fine- DS9 was having fun with the group in the Lab-

And DS11 was playing video games with a friend in OQ-

So we were free to continue our adult craziness! To Sessions!!

And this is when I had the BIG discovery of the cruise, in Sessions you get more than just a glass of wine- you get the nice little tray of 3 tastes which are somewhere in that glass you're drinking, and a scroll which when unravelled explains how you might find them. Kind of like a wine treasure hunt. The BEST way to drink wine EVAAARRRRRR!!!! Just in case you missed it earlier in the report...

And the lovely CM, who made it all possible (and who also said, "Why do you want to take MY picture?")...

Because...silly CM...you just gave me one of my favorite wine experiences ever- and that's sayin' a LOT!!! DH, not as easily impressed as his wife, went over to check out the game in Diversions, until I came to get him to go to the Rock'n'Country party at Rockin Bar D. But first...

Where's my hubby?

So we caught the end of Heath Hyche and his choir-

And then it was time for both kinds of music- country AND western!

Those CM's are so freakin' talented- I'm convinced they can move to anything and do it with SUCH skill! We tried a little line dancing, which did not go very well considering the evening's prior activities-

And then called it a night. See you in the morning- you're invited to our REAS breakfast. Don't worry, we can feed you- we ordered enough food for a family of TEN!!!!

 

[podsnel]

yummy pizza's ok read a few trip reports about the cheese and grape pizza, will have to try that IF we get brunch next time.

had to look up the word exercise.. since its been a while for me LOL

Yea- that's how it is when you get back from vacation. And then Christmas hits, and you have no chance at all. Well, at least my house is deconstructed of Christmas, so i should be able to get back to making some kind of effort!

And you have GOT to try that pizza- it's da bomb!!

MORE please!! I've spent the better part of my afternoon reading! Your TR is AWESOME!!!!

Thank-you- you pre-tr is AWESOME!!! Your girls are going to be sooooo happy on that cruise! And so are you 3 adults with them!!! I can't wait to read all about it!