Wishes 10/8/11 WP/GF-- Love's First Kiss-- Trip Report Complete

[One_Song]

After the deck party, we went up to the bow to watch the official Embarkation. Club Level guests have a private area on the top deck; it looked very luxe up there, with big, round, bed-like loungers. I wish we had spent more time there.

We grabbed a spot along the railing and watched as the ship pushed back from port. We heard Disney's signature "When You Wish Upon a Star" horn, and we knew we were really on our way!

This was my fourth cruise, but Brandon's first. He was so completely fascinated watching the ship move and the waves crashing around us. His face was just pure glee. He was laughing and pointing and leaning over the rail to get a different view. It was one of the most thrilling moments for me; anything that genuinely brings him joy brings me joy. Nothing could have made me happier than knowing that he was happy.

Everything was perfect until I looked out toward the open water. Something seemed funny in the distance... then it dawned on me. We were heading toward a squall line! I grew up on the beach and boating and I know rain when I see it. It was obvious none of the other guests knew what was coming, they were all standing around smiling. I turned to Brandon and said "Get inside NOW! It's about to rain like crazy!!"

We bolted back to the doors, and I swear to you, as we stepped inside the bottom fell out. It was pouring! (The rain followed us everywhere our entire trip.) We used our key to get in our Snob Gate. Tons of people were now marching down the stairs and waiting for the elevators.

From our balcony, you can see how intense the rain was.

Brandon was so impressed that I could tell it was rain.

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Being on Disney's blog is so exciting! One of the best parts of reading your PJ is reading how much you and Brandon love and care for each other. It's really heartwarming.

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

-Quick note: Chris is actually a middle-name person too! His first name is Edward” (which I kind of wish he would go by, because it helps me maintain my Victorianist fantasies). He never knows what name to give either.
-You were on the Cake Boss vow renewal cruise! That’s so cool. I’ve never actually seen Cake Boss, but it’s still cool. A shame they couldn’t boot him from your room for you though!
- Um, $15 for a drink of the day? Really? Blergh.
-I love the rainbow picture. Just perfect.
-HA! I think I love that you bought a second round. The second round never counts.
-That pool sounds absolutely gorgeous.
-What, no pictures of you guys in ugly orange vests during the emergency drill??
-I got chills reading your description of Brandon. You guys are so sweet.
-Also, you’re basically a Rain Goddess.

I can’t wait for more!

 

[Jennifer48]

Yikes! Good thing you knew that rain was coming!

 

[One_Song]

Being on Disney's blog is so exciting! One of the best parts of reading your PJ is reading how much you and Brandon love and care for each other. It's really heartwarming.

Thank you so much, that really means a lot to me. I know I'm lucky-- he is such a good person. Very kind-hearted and selfless. I try to appreciate that every day.

-Quick note: Chris is actually a middle-name person too! His first name is Edward” (which I kind of wish he would go by, because it helps me maintain my Victorianist fantasies). He never knows what name to give either.
-You were on the Cake Boss vow renewal cruise! That’s so cool. I’ve never actually seen Cake Boss, but it’s still cool. A shame they couldn’t boot him from your room for you though!
- Um, $15 for a drink of the day? Really? Blergh.
-I love the rainbow picture. Just perfect.
-HA! I think I love that you bought a second round. The second round never counts.
-That pool sounds absolutely gorgeous.
-What, no pictures of you guys in ugly orange vests during the emergency drill??
-I got chills reading your description of Brandon. You guys are so sweet.
-Also, you’re basically a Rain Goddess.

I can’t wait for more!

So Chris knows how I feel! I can't tell you how many times someone has asked me why I go by my middle name. I say something like "Umm my parents wanted it that way?" and they just look at me with confused faces. Blah. Yes, the Cake Boss thing was pretty cool! I used to watch it regularly. We unintentionally were at the cake presentation event (one comes at the end of every show), so that was awesome! Oh my gosh, those drinks were really tasty! We have no excuses for the second round, I say we were on island time (and a cruiser's sensability). On the second day I figured out that you could order them at the bar and they were way cheaper without that souvenir cup! The adult pool is fantastic and felt really modern to me. And now that I've read your comment, I can't BELIEVE we didn't get a life jacket picture! Ack!

....and I am a Rain Goddess! That needs to be one of those little banners under my user name.

Yikes! Good thing you knew that rain was coming!

Oh I've never seen that smilie, how cute! I know, we were the only people still dry!!

 

[One_Song]

While we were waiting out the rain, there was a knock on our door. It was one of the concierge that works with Club Level. Her name was Julia, she was from Germany. She congratulated us and told us to stop by the CL lounge if we needed anything or had any questions. She said she could make dining or spa reservations for us, and that she would try to accomodate any special requests we had. She also told us about the different kinds of snacks and drinks they had in the CL lounge and at what times of day. She asked if we drank alcohol, to which we said "Yes, definitely". (She laughed, there was nothing judgey about the question). Julia turned out to be one of our favorite people, she was completely wonderful!

Julia left, but a few minutes later there was another knock. It was Julia again, and she had two flutes of Champagne! It was so cool, like a little present. I was positively giddy. She congratulated us again and was off.

Just then, Brandon noticed the rainbow was back! This time it seemed very close, and it was a full arch. I don't think I've ever seen one this clear before.

If I was more savvy I would combine them into one pic, but I don't have that kind of talent.

Then a second rainbow appeared. Look to the left, it's faint.

This one is cool, I feel like some sort of heavenly hand is reaching through it

Ok, I promise no more rainbow pictures. I'm such a hippie child.

We sat on the balcony for a bit and sipped our Champagnes

It was so relaxing and romantic. I know I'm biased, being a beach baby, but there is no sound like the ocean. It feels timeless and peaceful. We spent a lot of time just taking in the view from our balcony.

 

[One_Song]

We finished our Champagne and got dressed for the evening. The shower in our room was AMAZING. I love a rainfall shower, it feels so indulgent and refreshing. I took much longer to shower than normal, I was goofing off and tap dancing and having a great time all by myself.

Our entire bathroom was incredible, really. It was so beautiful and felt very opulent. It was the second best bathroom we've ever seen (first goes to the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, we got upgraded from our regular room to a pool suite because of availability, that bathroom was enormous and all black marble).

Brandon took some more pictures of our room, I think this lighting is more accurate to how it felt to be in the room

(My bikini from earlier hanging up to dry on the door handle)

A few finishing touches...

(This was one of my favorite dresses. It is soooooo comfortable and I think it's cute as a button! I'm wearing it to a beach wedding next month, can't wait!)

And we were ready to go!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Fabulous dress!

 

[Jennifer48]

That photo taken from inside your stateroom of the two of you holding hands on your balcony is adorable! You should make it black & white and frame it

That dress is fabulous! Looks very comfy!

 

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

That photo taken from inside your stateroom of the two of you holding hands on your balcony is adorable! You should make it black & white and frame it

That dress is fabulous! Looks very comfy!

I was just wondering how that picture was taken.

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

-Ohhh the drinks came with a cup?! Nevermind then. I am a sucker for stuff like that. (It’s pretty sad)
-Oh, your rainbow pictures are absolutely lovely!
-That sounds like such a peaceful afternoon. ☺
-I am so in love with your room. It is absolutely gorgeous.
-And your dress is utterly fabulous. I love your wardrobe.

 

[lilsqueakrr]

Gorgeous porgeous! ;D Love your dress! I'm addicted to surf shops! haha. My mom won't let me go in them with her because she says I spend too much money in them. I can't help it I love the clothing there! haha.

So sad about the rain but it all still looks fabulous!! Can't wait to see more!

 

[One_Song]

That photo taken from inside your stateroom of the two of you holding hands on your balcony is adorable! You should make it black & white and frame it

That dress is fabulous! Looks very comfy!

Oh that would be a pretty b&w!! What a great idea!

I was just wondering how that picture was taken.

The timer-- the first picture of just me was Brandon's way of testing the set up. Then he set the timer and walked to his spot. He loves playing around with the camera.

-Ohhh the drinks came with a cup?! Nevermind then. I am a sucker for stuff like that. (It’s pretty sad)
-Oh, your rainbow pictures are absolutely lovely!
-That sounds like such a peaceful afternoon. ☺
-I am so in love with your room. It is absolutely gorgeous.
-And your dress is utterly fabulous. I love your wardrobe.

Yes, a daquiri-style Disney Cruise cup. However, later in our trip, they just disappeared. I think housekeeping cleaned them up, we didn't take them anywhere. Kind of seems a bit scam-ish, but oh well. Sort of wish we had those cups. I had so much fun buying honeymoon clothes. We had a 17 month engagement, so I just bought one or two things a month (I got some really great deals since I wasn't rushed). I've always loved clothes-- I think it's wonderful how you can put on a piece of clothing and it changes your whole mood.

Gorgeous porgeous! ;D Love your dress! I'm addicted to surf shops! haha. My mom won't let me go in them with her because she says I spend too much money in them. I can't help it I love the clothing there! haha.

So sad about the rain but it all still looks fabulous!! Can't wait to see more!

I'm a surf shop addict too! I own way too many pairs of flip flops. I think beach clothes are generally really comfortable, and they always have pretty, bright colors. Yes, we got loads of rain the whole trip. Of course I would have loved if it was sunny, but honestly, the rain never kept us from having a great time. The great thing about Disney (and the cruise, especially) is there are plenty of fun things to do inside.

 

[Sizzle]

Joining in! My Brandon also loves playing around with the camera. I'm the one who always has to have a camera with me, and he's the one who understands how it actually works lol

I am really hoping I can use these awesome pics to snag a cruise in my near future! It looks like a real blast!!

 

[belle2211]

~Ok, first off, I LOVE that picture of you two on the balcony taken from the inside!

~We did a cruise for our honeymoon too, but on Carnival. This was my 15th cruise, but the first time we ever had a balcony, and I don't think I can ever go back! I loved just sitting out there and reading and talking together.

~We also had a suite so it was bigger than the normal balcony room, but holy cow! Your room was AMAZING!!!! I sooooooooo want to go get a club level room on a Disney cruise now! Jealous!

~I'm with you on the beach clothes! I have a *slight* Roxy obsession!

Can't wait to see more!

 

[jlocmac]

So I really suck at posting, but I definitely keep up with the updates!!!

Everything looked amazing. That room is just freakin ridiculous!!! It's soooo big! (That's what she said!! ha!)

I love all of your outfits and jewelry! I get the Body Central catalogs, among others! I always wondered about the quality of the items. Looks pretty damn good to me!

I seriously want to go on a cruise now! We're working on getting our car and a bank note paid off right now, but they will both be completed sometime next year. Then Charley has agreed to buy into DVC!!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your honeymoon!!!!

 

[lorimay]

I love your wedding/honeymoon report.
Everything was beautiful.

I have to tell you that your room was incredible for the cruise.
We were just on the Magic last week, we had a balcony room that I thought was awesome....till I saw yours!! Thats an awesome room.
You guys did it right all the way, smart!!!!

 

[lilsqueakrr]

I'm a surf shop addict too! I own way too many pairs of flip flops. I think beach clothes are generally really comfortable, and they always have pretty, bright colors. Yes, we got loads of rain the whole trip. Of course I would have loved if it was sunny, but honestly, the rain never kept us from having a great time. The great thing about Disney (and the cruise, especially) is there are plenty of fun things to do inside.

We're so alike! ;D I have flip flops in almost every color that my mother makes fun of me constantly. haha. It's a bad addiction.

Beach clothing is amazing. That's why I'm so focused on packing only a carry on for the honeymoon because I feel like I can get everything needed into there for a week! haha. Shoes may be the only thing that will need their own bag! Along with toiletries. But I can't wait! Perhaps you can help me start shopping online!? haha. ;D
I'm obsessed with Volcom & Roxy. ;D

That's so true.. Disney I can walk around in the rain and still have a blast and not even care about the rain. I'm so excited to hear about the rest of your trip!

 

[One_Song]

Joining in! My Brandon also loves playing around with the camera. I'm the one who always has to have a camera with me, and he's the one who understands how it actually works lol

I am really hoping I can use these awesome pics to snag a cruise in my near future! It looks like a real blast!!

It's great to have a photographer in the family, isn't it? Our life since I bought him that camera is very well documented. I already enjoy looking at the pictures now, I can't imagine how treasured they will be in 20-30 years. The cruise was amazing, you would love it!

~Ok, first off, I LOVE that picture of you two on the balcony taken from the inside!

~We did a cruise for our honeymoon too, but on Carnival. This was my 15th cruise, but the first time we ever had a balcony, and I don't think I can ever go back! I loved just sitting out there and reading and talking together.

~We also had a suite so it was bigger than the normal balcony room, but holy cow! Your room was AMAZING!!!! I sooooooooo want to go get a club level room on a Disney cruise now! Jealous!

~I'm with you on the beach clothes! I have a *slight* Roxy obsession!

Can't wait to see more!

Woah 15 cruises?? I'm jealous! I know, we were thinking about a cruise this fall, but likely wouldn't be able to afford a balcony room. It's so hard once you know how nice the upgrade is! Club Level on the Disney cruise is wonderful-- honestly, I cannot say enough good things about it. If it's in your budget, you definitely will not regret it!!

So I really suck at posting, but I definitely keep up with the updates!!!

Everything looked amazing. That room is just freakin ridiculous!!! It's soooo big! (That's what she said!! ha!)

I love all of your outfits and jewelry! I get the Body Central catalogs, among others! I always wondered about the quality of the items. Looks pretty damn good to me!

I seriously want to go on a cruise now! We're working on getting our car and a bank note paid off right now, but they will both be completed sometime next year. Then Charley has agreed to buy into DVC!!

Can't wait to hear about the rest of your honeymoon!!!!

Brandon and I love that's what she said! We were huge Office fans (back when it was good) and we can't seem to let TWSS go. I was really happy with the Body Central clothes-- they're comfortable and fit well, and the color and print quality is good. I don't think they will last forever, but they're so cheap, it's good for vacation clothes.

Oooh which DVC will you buy? I love to day dream about it!

I love your wedding/honeymoon report.
Everything was beautiful.

I have to tell you that your room was incredible for the cruise.
We were just on the Magic last week, we had a balcony room that I thought was awesome....till I saw yours!! Thats an awesome room.
You guys did it right all the way, smart!!!!

Thank you! We loved our cruise room. The only cruise that lined up well with our travel plans was a 3-night, which was probably the only reason we could afford that room (7-night, not so much!!). We do wish the cruise had been longer though, it was just so fun you never want to leave!

We're so alike! ;D I have flip flops in almost every color that my mother makes fun of me constantly. haha. It's a bad addiction.

Beach clothing is amazing. That's why I'm so focused on packing only a carry on for the honeymoon because I feel like I can get everything needed into there for a week! haha. Shoes may be the only thing that will need their own bag! Along with toiletries. But I can't wait! Perhaps you can help me start shopping online!? haha. ;D
I'm obsessed with Volcom & Roxy. ;D

That's so true.. Disney I can walk around in the rain and still have a blast and not even care about the rain. I'm so excited to hear about the rest of your trip!

But you need flip flops in every color to go with all your swim suits and sun dresses! I feel like you really could get all your clothes into one small bag IF it wasn't for shoes! Shoes take up so much space, but I feel like you need options on your honeymoon, right?

And I would looooooove to be your shopping buddy! I'll link you anything adorable I see!

 

[lilsqueakrr]

But you need flip flops in every color to go with all your swim suits and sun dresses! I feel like you really could get all your clothes into one small bag IF it wasn't for shoes! Shoes take up so much space, but I feel like you need options on your honeymoon, right?

And I would looooooove to be your shopping buddy! I'll link you anything adorable I see!

I completely agree!! ;D Stupid shoes taking up so much space haha. I won't be packing much by way of heels.. cause I hate being taller than Dave. We're only about 4" apart.. but me putting on heels puts me at eye level. I love feeling smaller than him. ha. I'm so weird.

Yay! <3 I could use any help possible! Bargain pricing and I love me some color! haha.