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

[SoonerGirl]

Here I come F & W!!!! Oh I am miserably behind on this TR, but I am getting closer EVERY day to the F & W festival with friends!! I can't wait!!! Booked my airfare Saturday, and I arrive in Orlando on the 14th at 12:24! Just a few minutes after my roomie arrives, Soonergirl, Michelle! We are getting our plan in place, and are looking forward to spending Friday at Wilderness lodge! Should be great fun! We hook up with WigD and company on Saturday morning, and many other DISers during the week! Oh it can't come soon enough!!!

Okay, TR update this week I PROMISE!!!!

One month and one week!!!! I am so ready for this trip to be here!

I can't wait girls!!!

Speaking of TRs.....I am woefully behind on mine

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

You girls are going to have so much fun!!!

 

[gallmcduck]

F&W break sounds so much fun

 

[Charleston Princess]

I can't wait to live vicariously through all of your fun at Food and Wine.

 

[Happydog]

Looks like a crab to me

Super fun pirate night! Looked like a hit with the boys for sure.

Oh it was super fun, yes! We really enjoyed all the festivities!!!!

I love your creature, frog? Crab? I can't tell. LOL

Yes, I know! Towel animals are curious for sure! I think it was a crab in the end, but regardless, it was cute!

FUN updates! I am all caught up. I know the exact pirate glasses and 2 for one deal of which you speak! In fact there are 2 in my luggage that I haven't unpacked yet.

I don't think I need to eat for a month after a one week cruise. Your pirate party looks like SO much fun, not quite the same in Alaska.

HA! We'll I am glad that you got to take advantage of it too.. that gives me hope on the Magic in November! Nope, I dread this cruise in November for that same reason!!! I have Palos dinner, tea, and brunch.

Great pirate show photos, fireworks look awesome from the dream Animal towels and chocolates are a nice welcome at night, hard to decide what they are sometimes

Thanks! Yes it was a fun show, and a fun evening overall. The kids really enjoyed it. Chocolates are always welcomed in this family!!!

 

[Happydog]

One month and one week!!!! I am so ready for this trip to be here!

OH me too!! me too!!!

I know I have said this a million times, but I am so totally jealous of everyone who will be in the world that week. I so wish I was going, but I am definitely going in 2012!!!!!!

Have fun ladies!!!! So jealous!!!

Thank you! I can't wait to visit with my DIS chums!

for booking flights!!! very fun!!!


You guys will have a blast!


What she said

Yes, it was exciting to get my tickets! And more exciting to know the trip was just over a month away!

I can't wait girls!!!

Speaking of TRs.....I am woefully behind on mine

Oh you have a post up, not me!! I am so thrilled as well!

You girls are going to have so much fun!!!

F&W break sounds so much fun

I can't wait to live vicariously through all of your fun at Food and Wine.

Hey ladies! You know we sure hope to have a lot of fun! I know I do! I have my "must haves" list already started!!!

 

[Happydog]

Okay, I am BACK!

Really, HD is BACK her long hiatus from TR writing, for those of you STILL out there willing to READ, and those of you who REMEMBER that I went on a DISNEY extravaganza this summer , I am BACK writing my TR full steam ahead!!!!

Oh, FULL STEAM ahead… so can I say that this reference not only applies to the TRAIN we took down to Disney, but ALSO to the CRUISE SHIP we were on while there??!! I guess you can take your pick, but since I am STILL on the ship for this final post and day for the cruise, I guess I’ll make THAT connection!!

So, I have decided that I am going to do a MONTAGE for this or these final posts… after reading Soonergirl’s TR, and seeing all of the amazing SHOW photos she has, I feel silly sharing my blurry half caught pics!! LAME!!!! AND I figure that with a few more pics from Castaway CAY and the other bits and pieces remaining, I could wrap up our final day and a half on the ship in one post! So that is the plan here people, I am anxious to get to Vero Beach!!! LOL!!!

Okay, so the next morning after our Pirate extravaganza we high-tailed it off the ship and headed back to the family beach. We liked the area by the water slide, and so decided to go back there. I think on the cruise in November we may scope out the main beach and see what we like about that one. Anyhow, it was somewhat overcast that morning, I was hoping it would burn off, so with that, we made our way down the beach. We stopped to say hi to Jack… I didn’t buy that photo, liking better the one from the actual Pirate night better, but he did say “Ah Griffin, we meet again!” Which had the CM laughing… and Jack flipped Griffin’s baseball hat off his head when he was leaving, because Griffin called him a “not to be trusted Pirate”, to which he replied, “as if there is any other kind!” I tried to get my hand held camera out of the bottom of my beach bag, I have GOT to remember to keep it handy, but by the time I got it out it was too late! Oh well, it was still fun. Again DS6 wasn’t going to meet Jack, but I hope he will in November.

So early on, the beach was pretty empty … and the boys had a great time playing in the sand. I got the floats, and we used them much more this day than last time. Here are a few from that morning… Towards lunch, it got quite busy, and it was busier on this beach than it had been the first day. We had lunch, watched the crab races -- TOOO funny! I wish I had brought my camera to lunch with me! It was a hoot! And then the boys went to the kids club to check that out, and we sat down in the water with our cocktails for a last hour of sun and fun…

When we got to the kids club the boys were involved in one messy relay game with buckets and water, and they ended up needing a shower big time, because they had sand in every nook and cranny from head to toe!!!!

I think it was about 1:30pm, after lunch, that we decided to make it back on the ship to catch the afternoon showing of CARS2. DH had resisted seeing it the past day because he wanted to see it in the movie theater. He liked the acoustics in that theater best for movies, so that was the plan. We were not alone, for the theater was packed! Here are my final photos on the beach and the Ship, and DS9 hamming it up with the “Catch of the Day”…

Sigh…. “See You Later, Mon!” In NOVEMBER, Mon!!!

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!!!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Back on the boat we headed to the cabin, cleaned up a little, and then went to get ice cream and cookies. We then headed to the theater for the movie. As I mentioned it was PACKED!!! But we loved the show! PIXAR sure has fun with their movies!

After the movie, we headed back to the room to get properly cleaned up for dinner, though I rinsed the boys off at the showers near the boat (when you board the boat again after being on CCAY) they still had sand in their hair, etc! Properly cleaned up, we then went out on deck to watch the boat leave Castaway Cay…

Dinner was next on the agenda for the boys. But, before we did, we finished our Detective Agency mystery, and saved the Dalmatian puppies from a terrible fate , and feeling accomplished, we went to the dining room!! DH and I sat with them since we had Palo’s reservations… okay we split an appetizer of the menu!! Maybe two.... I don’t know why I took this photo, but I did, so here you go! LOL!

We took the boys to the Kids Club, and DH and I headed over to Palo’s one final time!! SIGH I wish they did Palos for room service!!!!

NOTE: I am super super excited for Thanksgiving, b/c we have Dinner, Brunch, and Tea! We were able to get all three reservations! WAY excited!!!

After dinner, DH went to the theater to get us seats, and I went to the kids club to collect the boys. We went to see the final show, Disney's Believe…. OH this show is so great. I remember it from February, and it made me get all teary and now with my kids with us, I have to admit it really just SUCKS you in. If there was anyone on the fence about rebooking a cruise that night, boy, after seeing that show, I don’t see how you could decide otherwise!!!! LOL!!!! And spying the booking desk line that went the length of the main lobby later that night, certainly made me think my hunch was right, because there were tons of people in that line signing up for another cruise!!

It was about this point that my camera battery died. So alas, I have no further pictures from our final evening. Which wasn't a bad thing in some respects, because it was really a rather frenzied "soak it all in QUICK!" kind of final hurrah! We did catch the “See you real soon Farewell,” in the lobby (the last show) the boys loved it, I really thought it was great too, so here is ONE photo from when I saw it in February to commemorate that night!!! LOL!!

After, I bought the remaining souvenirs I wanted (can't wait to share the loot!!!), and we all went out and walked the deck one last time. We had frantically finished packing, and our suitcases INCLUDING the elusive black duffle was all already ushered somewhere inside the ship, when we returned to our cabin. As we walked the ship that last time we all agreed that this was a great start to a great vacation, and we were definitely feeling the benefit of a Disney Cruise!!!

Everyone was happy, sun-kissed, relaxed, and had enjoyed countless treats and goodies, and surprises, and we all got a little personal time as well. And that is what makes a family vacation meaningful, too.

CONTINUED IN THE NEXT POST!!!!

 

[Happydog]

SO, as the title suggests, all DREAMS must come to an end, at least in the present. They always live in your heart, right?!! GEE, doesn't Jiminy Cricket say something so warm and fuzzy??!!

Okay, okay, SO, the next morning we took our time, and once we were squared away in our cabin, we walked up to Cabanas for breakfast. We left our things in a small pile in the room, which was otherwise vacant. I so prefer going to the Buffet vs. the dining rooms. I think because it feels less depressing or hurried! We had a great final breakfast, introduced our kids to the Palo’s staff (who are on duty in Cabanas on the final morning) grabbed our "free" coffee at the Cove Cafe, and then went back to our cabin to get our luggage. We headed up to the lobby, and I took some photos (those I took of the boys in the Prince’s chair! which I posted on the FIRST page of this TR) and a few more…. DS9 was really fond of these hidden Mickey’s on the floor outside Animators... well they were not exactly hidden I guess, since there were so many!!!, so when we went to say goodbye to our servers, I had to take a picture for him!

See you Real Soon!!!! YES YOU WILL!!!!!

ALAS… my final shot of the Dream… this was after we had collected our luggage, had it carried to our car, and we had started our drive out of the parking area…

Of course, as I write this, I am totally pouting. It really hits you when you start reliving trips! We had SUCH a great time! I get twitchy and anxious !!! When do I get to go back!!!??!! Well, we have a GREAT cruise lined up on The Magic in a few months, and I have a girls trip to WDW in FOUR WEEKS!!! YAY!!!!
AND then we have our Dream cruise in February of 2012, so at least I know I will be back on this ship soon enough, and I have plenty of great fun planned between then and now, and I am really lucky to have it so.

So where were we going next??!! Well…

STAY TUNED!!!! NASA and VERO BEACH LOTS OF PHOTOS!!!! THIS WEEKEND!!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

How neat that Capt Jack remembered your sons name! Too cool.

I had no idea that there was a kids club on Castaway Cay as well. Good info to know.

Love your pictures from Believe. What a great way to end the cruise!

Can't wait to read about NASA and Vero Beach!

 

[SoonerGirl]

after reading Soonergirl’s TR, and seeing all of the amazing SHOW photos she has, I feel silly sharing my blurry half caught pics!! LAME!!!!

Well now, that's just silly! Your pictures are NOT lame, I love seeing all of them!

It really looks like a fantastic last day! Seeing your CC pics makes me want to be back there so badly. Heaven on earth, that place is

We missed the farewell show in the lobby - another reason to cruise again.....

 

[eandesmom]

Your picture of the ship from CC looks like a postcard, not lame at all!

Those rebooking lines were frightening on our cruise the last night

What a fun, sandy last full day! Great idea to go to the buffet for breakfast and leave your stuff in the room, that never occurred to us, we hauled it down to our assigned restaurant for the worst meal and service of the trip. our poor servers were beyond slammed, I felt terrible for them.

I am SO excited to "see" Vero!!

 

[Happydog]

How neat that Capt Jack remembered your sons name! Too cool.

I had no idea that there was a kids club on Castaway Cay as well. Good info to know.

Love your pictures from Believe. What a great way to end the cruise!

Can't wait to read about NASA and Vero Beach!

Hey there! Yes, that was really rather funny, I was impressed too! Yes, there is a great kids club, they have a dino dig site, and other fun. My pictures are okay, thanks for saying so!, but as I said, get over to see Michelle's TR. Her pics are AWESOME!!!

NASA and Vero HERE we COME!!!

Well now, that's just silly! Your pictures are NOT lame, I love seeing all of them!

It really looks like a fantastic last day! Seeing your CC pics makes me want to be back there so badly. Heaven on earth, that place is

We missed the farewell show in the lobby - another reason to cruise again.....

Aw thanks! Well I think I can manage decent pictures everywhere else, but trying to get shots inside that theater was NOT easy! Your are great, seriously!!

I know, CCay I could head back in a heart beat. Looking forward to November!

YES!!! Another reason to try on another Disney cruise!!!

Your picture of the ship from CC looks like a postcard, not lame at all!

Those rebooking lines were frightening on our cruise the last night

What a fun, sandy last full day! Great idea to go to the buffet for breakfast and leave your stuff in the room, that never occurred to us, we hauled it down to our assigned restaurant for the worst meal and service of the trip. our poor servers were beyond slammed, I felt terrible for them.

I am SO excited to "see" Vero!!

Thanks! I can get good scenery shots and daytime shots, but anything I tried to take in the theater were just mediocre, and Michelle's camera takes great photos!

Yes, we discovered the restaurant the first cruise last February, and I hated it. I felt herded in and out of the restaurant. But then the following February, when we were on the dream, we did the buffet, and I liked that SO much better! SO we stick with that.

 

[Happydog]

FOUR WEEKS, ONE MONTH!

Okay, I had to get that off my chest.

 

[MEK]

Wow - sorry to see your cruise come to an end, but I am so glad you have so many wonderful trips in your future.

And even though I am NOT going to the world in 1 month, I am going to be there in October 2012!!!!!!!!! So I'm already planning next years F&W. Efficient, aren't I?

 

[wigdoutdismom]

FOUR WEEKS, ONE MONTH!

Okay, I had to get that off my chest.

Ditto!!!!



Can't wait to see your update on Vero. I've been looking at a certain VB contract. I just need one more itty bitty add-on to make my portfolio complete....

 

[Charleston Princess]

What a great surprise to find you updated yesterday, HD! Hurray! Hurray!

Great final day on the Dream! I can't wait to see Cars2 -- and the new Pirates for that matter! I am so behind on life in general! How funny that Captain Jack remembered Griffin! LOVE IT!

Okay, I cannot wait to see all your assorted loot!!! I can tell I need to plan a trip because I am absolutely jonesing for Disney souvenirs!

 

[SoonerGirl]

FOUR WEEKS, ONE MONTH!

Okay, I had to get that off my chest.

Hey, me too!!

 

[Happydog]

Wow - sorry to see your cruise come to an end, but I am so glad you have so many wonderful trips in your future.

And even though I am NOT going to the world in 1 month, I am going to be there in October 2012!!!!!!!!! So I'm already planning next years F&W. Efficient, aren't I?

Hey, it is NEVER to early to start planning a Disney vacay. They make it so easy!!!!

I am anxious to share the rest of the fun, so it will be a good time.

Ditto!!!!



Can't wait to see your update on Vero. I've been looking at a certain VB contract. I just need one more itty bitty add-on to make my portfolio complete....

I love it!! Your PORTFOLIO!!!! LOL!!!! Vero after a cruise was THE best decision we ever made. It was a completely different vacation, and still so familiar and Disney oriented! I felt like I was in WDW at Vero... practically, just not the parks. it was fantastic. Going to do that this weekend!!!

What a great surprise to find you updated yesterday, HD! Hurray! Hurray!

Great final day on the Dream! I can't wait to see Cars2 -- and the new Pirates for that matter! I am so behind on life in general! How funny that Captain Jack remembered Griffin! LOVE IT!

Okay, I cannot wait to see all your assorted loot!!! I can tell I need to plan a trip because I am absolutely jonesing for Disney souvenirs!

Hey there!!!! Yes, I really really needed to get my act together!!! SO I did finally!! They are great movies. BOTH are fun for different reasons. POTC is a little darker than I would have liked (for my boys) very much like HPotter movies... We have only seen up to HP 5 because I hear 6 and the 2 for 7 are really dark... I don't want nightmares on my hands... funny how the books dont make that same movie in your mind.

Well I know all about that twitchy Disney condition!!! I got the photos, don't worry!!!

Hey, me too!!

I know I know I know!!! I should have confirmation about our ME and the ressie with your name on it, btw! Should be in place this weekend! Michelle, this is going to be so much fun!!!!

 

[Happydog]

So off we went to visit another sort of "theme park" ... one which my DH and I knew the kids would truly enjoy, and one neither of us had been to (well DH had when he was a kid, but it was much changed). It is hard for me to recall how the afternoon went, but I figure I would just share all the photos and give you what I can remember of the details!

The weather was pretty predictable, in that it started to get more humid and overcast. We were able to see most of the exhibits, go to the Star Trek show, view the rocket garden, go on the shuttle launch simulator, and see one of two IMAX movies. Okay, so I guess we had a full day before the rain came!!!

There is a funny story about this one. While we were standing in line to go see the StarTrek show, my camera was hanging off my shoulder. DS6 was snapping photos... He looks particularily grouchy, though, so I am not sure if he was mad, or concentrating!!! Oh, ONE souvenir they sold in the gift shops, which had us laughing, were, tribbles.... you know those fluffy stuffed things... LOL!

I will tell you that the Star Trek show was a hoot. Not at all the polished Disney show, but it was definitely entertaining. Perhaps because it was not as polished?!! However I will say that the one IMAX movie we saw was amazing!!! The plan had been to go to NASA til mid-afternoon, then head to Vero. The tickets are expensive, but they give you two days of admission within 4 days of purchase. Which I think is a good deal. We were glad about this, because we figured another afternoon during our week could be used to come back, see the other Imax, and also to tour the official space station, where they take you on a bus tour around the facility, including a great view of the launch site, as well as the final shuttle waiting in place for its final mission.

We managed to leave NASA with only having spent $20.00 on a kit which both boys agreed to share, a couple bottles of water and two pretzels. We dodged the rain as we headed back to our car. At this point I know I was excited to get to Vero Beach, and so not too long after, we found our destination, and drove up to the resort check-in!

Look who was here waiting for us!!??

I was so excited to be out of the car and so I just snapped a few photos under the portico while I waited for DH to come out with our welcome packet!

Coming up, the VILLA!!!!