We Strapped Sea Turtles to Our Feet! A Summer of Sea & Shore - 11/13 x3 FINISHED!!!!!

[jenseib]

Finally caught up. I'm loving it! looks like a fabulius time. We enjoyed our short trip on the Dream this past spring and I am hoping to do a 5 night one next spring. We will be celebrating our 10th next year.

 

[manntra]

Happy you enjoyed those CC's at CC
You will definitely not be disappointed if you invest in an underwater camera...I bought one I guess four years ago when I went on my cruise....still works great and love taking it to the resort pool and the lake. It is also shockproof so I am kind of rough with it It's an Olympus...there weren't many choices back then and they were kind of pricy but I know they have (or at least that model/brand) have significantly come down.

I was looking forward to your Remy dinner...probably more than you but happy that you were able to squeak in another Palo reservation instead!

Tracy

 

[Happydog]

What a fun day at Castaway Cay! I can think of nothing better than relaxing in a chair and sipping a drink! Too bad it started to cloud up in the early afternoon, but it sounds like you had a great time back on the ship. How nice to see the same waitstaff at Palo's from February!

YES! It was a great day, and though it clouded up at least the second day was perfect all the way til the end!!!!

It was neat to catch up with the same waitstaff at Palos again! They remembered us and we had a great chat about the travels we had been on and such. because in February we were talking about this! So that was neat.

Happy Dog, I really enjoy your TR's. I am new to posting, thought I would try it after seeing your explanation! I just bought two Disney books as I am busy scheming for our first Disney Cruise Keep up the good work!!! and I am anxiously awaiting your next post!

Hey!! WELCOME!!!! I am glad that readers say HI! because then I know my TR is entertaining or at least good food for thought for other readers! I just love chatting about Disney stuff and fortunately so do the rest of the DISers on here!!!!

NEXT post coming up tonight!!!!

Hi there!! I've been making the rounds trying to catch up on all my DIS pals TRs and PTRs and I just got caught up on yours.

I really want to go on a cruise, there seems to be a cruising stampede right now and I want to join it!

Well HELLO YOU! I saw your name again and that you have a PTR, so I too have to head over and get subscribed!!! Cruising has definitely been a big hit with our group hasn't it!! LOL! that and the F & W!!!!

Now I'm hooked! And I need to go back and read all of your other TR's!! Guess I know how I'll be spending most of my "work day" tomorrow

Well HELLO!!!!! Welcome!! Those TRs there is a lot to read! Have fun!!! Cruising and touring! You will have a great time with that combo! The Dream has so much to offer for adults and kids!!! Check out my Feb TR, that is adult only on the Dream!!! Glad you popped over and hope you continue to read along!!!!

Finally caught up. I'm loving it! looks like a fabulius time. We enjoyed our short trip on the Dream this past spring and I am hoping to do a 5 night one next spring. We will be celebrating our 10th next year.

Hi there. Yep, we sure did love the Dream, our second time this year, so it was great. Can't wait to do it again.

Happy you enjoyed those CC's at CC
You will definitely not be disappointed if you invest in an underwater camera...I bought one I guess four years ago when I went on my cruise....still works great and love taking it to the resort pool and the lake. It is also shockproof so I am kind of rough with it It's an Olympus...there weren't many choices back then and they were kind of pricy but I know they have (or at least that model/brand) have significantly come down.

YAY! Thanks Tracy! YES we did we did!!! And you will love my next story, we scored big time with DOTD mojo... you'll see!!!

I am going to get one for November, I have to start pricing and scheming!

I think I will take more if I have that sort of camera to take to the beach and around the cruise ship... I have a small point and shoot, but it is in a case and it isn't as quick to grab and go with, either... thanks for the tip!

I was looking forward to your Remy dinner...probably more than you but happy that you were able to squeak in another Palo reservation instead!

Tracy

Oh trust me I WAS definitely wishing we could go, but getting that surprise stop in WDW made me think twice!! And it was for all of us, not just DH and I... besides, I think it will be the right thing for us to do on our cruise in Feb as a couple, because we wont need to go see a show one night, we will have seen them all, and can get away with missing one of them in exchange, and then we can be leisurely about enjoying Remy's 3 hour gastronomic adventure!!!!

 

[jecskc]

I can't wait to read more. We are cruising for our first time ever next April and I am scream-in-my-pillow excited about it. We plan to hit the parks first and then we get on the boat - 5 day double dip on the Dream !!!

 

[Happydog]

So welcome back to my TR! This next morning was our day docked at Nassau. My DH and I thought long and hard about the plans for this day. We have been to Nassau as a couple, and though we had never been to Atlantis, we were not sure our children were of age to really enjoy and take advantage of an excursion there. I didn’t see a need to take them into Nassau, nor a beach area (since we were getting plenty of beach time in on this trip both at Castaway Cay and Vero!!!) and so with that in mind, this cruise we decided to stay on board, and take advantage of the Dream as a “destination” in itself . It was a good plan for our family, and I am glad we did! I think in November when we visit Nassau again, we may opt to go to Atlantis. Still thinking about plans for that trip, but my booking window opens in a few short weeks!!!!

Back to our Nassau day. We arrived in port, and I took a few photos while on deck and after exercising….

I went back to the room, got our pool stuff, and headed back up to the top deck to set up some chairs. DH was working out at this time, and the boys came with me. I got our seats set up, on the top deck, next to the mickey slide, and then we headed over to get breakfast, DH met us there, and we all ate at Cabanas. Gotta love that breakfast!!! After breakfast we walked back out on deck and headed straight to the Aqua Duck!!! After two rides, we sat down to watch the end of the first movie on the Funnelvision schedule that afternoon! The kids were down in the Mickey pool, which was great. I mean, watching a Disney movie in the pool, how cool is that??!! It was great for us, too because we could just relax without worrying about them.

I can't remember the first movie, but I know toy story was playing at one point, while we were there, who should walk by but Goofy! I got this picture of him.

Apparently Goofy spends some time on his course!!! By that point we were getting hot and ready for a drink. So DH walked over to the bar on that side of the ship… he came back shortly with two DOTD... GOTTA love that deal! So at some point shortly after, these fellas came by, staying as cool as they could. There were no lines to take pictures or visit with them, which was pretty cool! They waved a lot at the kids standing on the steps of the Mickey slide, because they could see them from over the railing of the deck. Their CM chit chatted with them in the shade and they posed for me!

Another ride on the Duck was in order for DH and DS9, DS6 was happily splashing around in the Mickey pool with some new found friends.
I got a few of them as they zipped around in the tube!!!

Looking at the Navigator, the boys decided they wanted to check out some of the activities in the club, so we went over to Cabanas get some late lunch and I took them over to the club. DH then went to the Adult side of the pool, and got us a few seats. It was hardly crowded, and we were in a nice location, just enjoying the sun and each other’s company! Knowing we had rainforest passes again, we decided to slip down to the spa and use them, and so before we had to get ready for Dinner, it was a good diversion! I love the rain room and the spa area. I plan to actually try the spa out officially next cruise, but I can’t get past the rain room and those heated tile lounges!!!

So that is all for now... It was a good plan for us to just stick around the ship, and I am glad we did for the kids, besides, we just had such a nice time enjoying the ship!! NEXT up our semi-formal night, dinner at the Royal Palace, Shuffle Board, AND... Mickey's Detective Agency!!!

 

[Happydog]

I can't wait to read more. We are cruising for our first time ever next April and I am scream-in-my-pillow excited about it. We plan to hit the parks first and then we get on the boat - 5 day double dip on the Dream !!!

Hey! Welcome!!! Yep, scream in your pillow all you want!!! You are in good company on this TR let me tell you!!!! YOU are going to LOVE LOVE LOVE that cruise ship!!!! IT is amazing!!! And the 5 night is a fabulous cruise. We loved it!! You and your kids and and your DH... it will be great fun for you guys!! Hey looks like you are going to to the F & W too, way fun! My favorite, well, okay okay, ONE of my favorite times to visit!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

You know, we never once saw any characters just walking around on the ship. The only one's we saw were always in and around the atrium Of course, we didn't get a chance to enjoy the ship nearly as much as I would have hoped. Next cruise will be 7 nights, no doubt!

 

[Charleston Princess]

I love that you had a ship day while everyone else was in Nassau. Sounds like a great time enjoying the pool (and you are right -- how cool to watch a movie while swimming!), the Aqua Duck, and the spa! Sounds very relaxing!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I really have to look into booking a crusie. I am sitting here in my work cubicle dreaming about the rainforest room. Ahhhhh.

That aquaduck looks pretty fun!!

I love that you spent the day in the ship, I imagine getting off the ship for excursions can get tiring and I bet the ship was practically empty!

 

[MeMom]

How cute! I always love seeing the characters in different outfits.

Movies by the pool are fun. I liked that about All Star Music when we stayed there. We arrived on Christmas evening one year and people were hanging out in the pool watching The Santa Clause. It was very different than the cold we had left back in Tennessee. I have read recently that all three of the All Star Resorts are doing that now.

 

[Happydog]

You know, we never once saw any characters just walking around on the ship. The only one's we saw were always in and around the atrium Of course, we didn't get a chance to enjoy the ship nearly as much as I would have hoped. Next cruise will be 7 nights, no doubt!

Well I know that the 4 night was better than the 3 night, but I will say 5 and 7 are the best of all!!!!

In the Navigator it tells you where and when to see characters, generally speaking, then, they often are "en route" to that location, so sometimes they come by! That is how I saw Daisy and Donald in formal wear this past February, just happened to be walking deck 4 to get to their "spot" I think... but the others are around the ship...

I don't think you can really enjoy everything (like the park) the first time! That is why booking on board is such a persuasive deal!!! I tell you, those January/February cruises (while the weather can be iffy) are great. Even back the previous February, when it was 50 in Port Canaveral, it was a beautiful temp and sunny skies at CCay! prices at that time of year are most friendly!

I love that you had a ship day while everyone else was in Nassau. Sounds like a great time enjoying the pool (and you are right -- how cool to watch a movie while swimming!), the Aqua Duck, and the spa! Sounds very relaxing!

Well we were not the only ones with that brilliant idea!!! LOL! But there was definitely less of a crowd on deck early on, more so in the afternoon, but it was fine... and yes the pool was great! The guys watched some of The Hunchback of Nortre Dame and then like I said Toy Story 2, and we just relaxed! They had a contest on the deck with the kids to decide who got to pick the next movie, it was Tangled, but at that point we were on our way inside to go to the club, etc...

I wanted MORE time in the Spa, I could have stayed there all day!! Looking forward to the 7 day cruise b/c I know I will have more time, and they have a rainroom as well. I am looking forward to seeing how it is different, and hope to see the space on the Fantasy as well!!!!

I really have to look into booking a crusie. I am sitting here in my work cubicle dreaming about the rainforest room. Ahhhhh.

That aquaduck looks pretty fun!!

I love that you spent the day in the ship, I imagine getting off the ship for excursions can get tiring and I bet the ship was practically empty!

I tell you that Rain room is so cool... I bet you guys would really love it. And the pricing in January/February is serously reasonable!!!! The excursions are a great way to see something other than the ship, of course, and depending on the port of call, I think you would want to spend more time off the ship, Nassau is not a great port of call for me, anyhow, and I hope to go to Atlantis in November, but other than that I don't think we will get off the ship there again. I love my Disney bubble

How cute! I always love seeing the characters in different outfits.

Movies by the pool are fun. I liked that about All Star Music when we stayed there. We arrived on Christmas evening one year and people were hanging out in the pool watching The Santa Clause. It was very different than the cold we had left back in Tennessee. I have read recently that all three of the All Star Resorts are doing that now.

IT is fun!!! I agree, they were too too cute dressed in all sorts of wear, pirate, formal, sail away Nautical, tropical, it was fun!!

Oh that is a great movie to see at Christmas and especially Pool side!!!

 

[raider97]

I'm in! I love your trip reports!!

Stephanie

 

[eandesmom]

You WOULD start this while I was out of town.

Sigh. I'm here now and off to get caught up!

 

[eandesmom]

Oh no about the black bag! I hope it has a happy ending. The kids are adorable as always, all curled up. I like the reactions. The boys to their bags and the surprise, Matt with the singing, you with the I DON'T CARE.

It's all so VACATION! I love it.

for 3 months. So very very jealous!

 

[Happydog]

I'm in! I love your trip reports!!

Stephanie

HiYA! So glad you found me! Glad you are here to read along with the fun! Have lots in store!!!

You WOULD start this while I was out of town.

Sigh. I'm here now and off to get caught up!

HA!!!!!! Well, I know you pretty much dropped off the face of the DIS world for a little while, but I am glad you are back! I was glad to see you were updating and finishing your TR, as well!!!!

Oh no about the black bag! I hope it has a happy ending. The kids are adorable as always, all curled up. I like the reactions. The boys to their bags and the surprise, Matt with the singing, you with the I DON'T CARE.

It's all so VACATION! I love it.

for 3 months. So very very jealous!

HEY! Thanks! Yes, it was very much a VACATION for the family!!! We were all excited to the degree we were I think, because it was a new adventure in many ways, KWIM? Like you will have on you cruise I am certain!!!!
I am really really looking forward to the F & W solo. Should be way fun. I can't wait to do what you guys were doing, but just instead of flowers, we will be snacking!!!! LOL!!!

 

[Happydog]

So after we got spiffed up, we walked around the lobby a bit, admiring the characters in their formal wear, and headed in for dinner.

We had a wonderful dinner at the Royal Palace. I honestly don’t remember what I had, I know we finished the white wine from the first night, but I remember getting the French onion soup, a salad, some other appetizer, and I couldn’t tell you what my entrée was.. we did have the grand marnier soufflé which is AMAZING. The boys allowed me to take their photo here and there this evening, so these shots are exactly that… the trouble is I can’t remember the exact time line! LOL!

After dinner we did pose for a few photos in the lobby area. I just didn’t like
them well enough to purchase them. Hopefully I can get a nice one in November. When one child was looking the right way the other wasn't, and trying to keep my DH6 organized and his dress shirt tucked in was comical... But all in all, they looked nice, and I was glad to see them well behaved and enjoying dressing so spiffy! As we walked around after dinner, we explore a little, so they sat in the big portholes for me, and after those, we went out to play shuffle board… The pirate hooks were the concession for taking pictures for Mom... ha!

DH wanted to make sure we got good seats for the show, so he went to the theater to stake our a few seats about 30 minutes early. I took the boys to get their Disney Detective Agency card… Once we did that, we went to solve one of the clues, and then it was time at that point to make it to the show, the Golden Mickeys!!!!

Before we went inside, we saw this great display for Cars 2 !!!

The show was as cute as I remember, fun, and what I didn’t remember was that at the end they release tons of golden mickey confetti from above the seats in the theater…. I have a black clutch purse FULL of these mickeys!! LOL!!! The boys were thrilled with this show, totally captivated. They really enjoyed seeing the different characters, and I don’t remember when, but our seats were on the aisle so both boys had some face time with the CMs coming down through the audience to the stage.


It didn’t really dawn on me that I could take photos without flash, or LCD… until half way through this performance! So I snapped a few, which was fun, here are a couple. I love the way this show ends. It is really neat!!!

Not the best photos, but gives you a sense of it!

After the show, we did a few more Detective clues, with DH so he could see, and that put us close to bed time for the boys. We had our at sea day the next day, and we wanted to make the most of that!!! We came back to the room to more expert towel animals, alas I didn’t get this photo, though! When we came in the kids were all over the chocolates! So once changed, cleaned up and ready for sleep, we all chatted about the exciting premier at sea the next day! CARS2 It was going to be great!!! They even had a midnight showing of the movie, by the way! But that was not going to be us!!!!! In fact, after the boys were tucked in, DH read, and I went out to deliver more FE gifts, and to just meander around. That is when I saw the lines to get into the midnight show!!! WOW, I was impressed! It was an adorable movie, though, and I am glad we were part of the excitement and fun!

AT SEA day coming next!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I can tell you have your hands full with those two - such a bundle of energy! They look very handsome all dressed up for dinner You are going to have little girls banging down your door in a few years for sure!

 

[MeMom]

I love this one!

 

[Lady Lallie]

I love the dressed up pics! Very nice, I think I would really like that on a cruise.

I think it is really neat that DCL had a premiere of Cars2 at sea, very cool!

 

[disneylovin24]

How cool is that that they had a Cars 2 premire on a ship? That is my kind of boat!