Our Thanksgiving Fantasy - Nov 22-Dec 1 - COMPLETE!!

[annie170]

That Aqua Duck looks really cool! Did you ever go on it?

No lifeguards previously on Disney Cruises?! That's kind of surprising.

 

[jecskc]

I remember photo reluctance. Funny how that goes away when you're older. Now I'm like "heeeyyyyy!!!" when people take pictures.

LOL - Don't they understand I'm makin memories here ?? Since I am not as pretty as you are, I admit to photo reluctance as well.

Hahahaha, it would be like eating Mickey's brains. That's too funny.

He's hilarious. I love his sense of humor.

Holy smokes, Hannah did get really wet on the playground! Even when I was that age, I couldn't stand it. Just never got in with the whole "getting soaked in your clothes" thing.

Yeah I don't know how she stands it either. I don't like being wet either.

I love the Osborne Lights, they're so pretty.

They really are amazing. I wonder how long they will be around.

Nope. Snow is not exciting for me WHATSOEVER!

We like it. Because it only lasts for a day or two. The best kind.

Man, $120 for the week? That's like airport parking. When my parents went, they drove the car down, but elected to keep the car at the resort instead, so the Disney Cruise Line bus came and picked them up at the resort.

DME is free if you are staying at a Disney resort to and from the airport. A transfer from a Disney resort to Port Canaveral is $70 a person. So we saved money - trust me. Plus, we didn't have to wait around for Disney to take us, we did our own thing on our own time.

The Fantasy just looks beautiful. Someday I'll make it!

Daneille - you NEED to go. Is is seriously amazing !!!

That Aqua Duck looks really cool! Did you ever go on it?

I did last year when we sailed on the Dream. It was great fun. But I didn't this year. My ankle is still messed up and all of those stairs were a deterrent. I have to have surgery on it again before the end of the year and I dread it with every fiber of my being.

No lifeguards previously on Disney Cruises?! That's kind of surprising.

I don't think cruise ships ever have lifeguards. It is always "swim at your own risk". But last year I think it was, or maybe it was the beginning of this year, a little boy almost drowned and he not doing well at all. I think he may have suffered some brain damage, so they have them now. I like it better. Even though, we don't let our kids swim by themselves.

 

[MEK]

Artist's Palette is so cute!

$120 to park. Yikes, but what are you gonna do?

Love the pictures of your arrival to the port and of the boat and the pools. Just lovely. And I LOVE how everything is decorated for Christmas. So beautiful.

Bring on the cruise fun!

 

[jecskc]

Artist's Palette is so cute!

Yes, it is a really neat restaurant. We enjoyed our meal there.

$120 to park. Yikes, but what are you gonna do?

Well the transfer from the resort to Port Canaveral was $70 a person, so I feel like $120 was much less than that. Heck, that would have been $280. We could have parked off-site much cheaper, but we would have been at the mercy of their shuttle service and having to deal with all of the luggage would have been a pain. This way, we just parked and boarded as there are porters there to handle your luggage. We tipped them well and it was very convenient.

Love the pictures of your arrival to the port and of the boat and the pools. Just lovely. And I LOVE how everything is decorated for Christmas. So beautiful.

Bring on the cruise fun!

We have seven days ahead of us !! Stay tuned !!

 

[Tricia's mom]

Hurry ..... I am bored at work !!!

 

[tazdev3225]

OK you are really starting to sell me on a cruise. That and Wheel of Fortune is on a Disney Cruise this week.

Seriously it looks amazing so far. I had wanted to go on one out of NY last year but Disney World with the grandkids won over that one. My husband and I have been talking about the possibility of taking all the kids and grandkids on one after the ankle is settled. This may sell me on that.

 

[jecskc]

Hurry ..... I am bored at work !!!

Well I wasn't going to post today, but since you are bored ..... we have to keep you out of trouble for sure.

OK you are really starting to sell me on a cruise. That and Wheel of Fortune is on a Disney Cruise this week.

You know you wanna !!

Seriously it looks amazing so far. I had wanted to go on one out of NY last year but Disney World with the grandkids won over that one. My husband and I have been talking about the possibility of taking all the kids and grandkids on one after the ankle is settled. This may sell me on that.

We are just getting started, Lorrie. Much more wonderful stuff to come !!!

 

[jecskc]

Day 2 - Part 4

When I last left you, we were headed to our stateroom to check it out. All staterooms are ready at 1:30 PM. We took the elevator down to the 7th floor and waited a few minutes and they took the tape down.

We booked a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Vernadah. Here's a description from DCL.

- Sleeps: 3 or 4
- Size: 246 sq. ft. including verandah
- Room: Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth pull-down bed if sleeping 4, split bath with tub and shower
- View: Private verandah

Families of 3 or 4 will fit comfortably in these rooms located on decks 5-10. Size seems to be the only difference between these staterooms and the Deluxe Family Oceanview rooms. They both offer all the comforts of home with a Sealy Posturepedic Premium Plush Euro-top mattress, Frette 100% Egyptian cotton linens, and premium bath towels. A 22" LCD flat screen TV on swivel arm with remote control allows for viewing from all areas of the room. The room even features a couch, desk and refrigerator. Spend time out on the private verandah soaking up the sun and the beautiful ocean views. Some rooms in this category have a plexiglass railing and some have a solid whitewall railing.

To give you the most space possible, the wooden bed frames are elevated for storage underneath and the leather-upholstered ottoman has a storage compartment inside! The room's refrigerator will come in handy for chilling drinks. A heavy privacy curtain can be drawn to separate the seating area from the sleeping area.

Kids will have a great time sleeping in the upper berth pull-down bed (complete with a hidden mural of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy and the boys flying through the sky!). A split bath has a round tub with shower, vanity and sink in one, and a vanity, toilet and sink in the other to allow more space for getting ready. H2O Plus products are a luxurious treat in this category.


For this cruise, we were in room # 7162



I took some photos, but they are terrible, so here is a DCL photo for your enjoyment.



Since this was our second cruise with Disney, we got Castaway Club gifts.



A key chain and some Mickey Head crackers were inside.





YAY Disney swag !!

Soon, our luggage started to arrive, so we got all unpacked and I hung up our fish extender and put our magnets on the door.





After that, it was time for our kids meet. We organized this on our Facebook page and we had over 100 kids sign up. I knew not all of them would come, but I was still nervous about how crazy it would get. DCL let us use the D-Lounge





I came up with a game so the kids could get acquainted. It was a scavenger hunt it looked like this.



I made four different kinds. When you filled it up, you got a prize.

Several of the people in the Facebook group pitched in and each brought stickers, candy and even pins for prizes. Someone jumped in to help me with name tags and someone helped with prizes. It got really crazy, but it was really nice to meet everyone and I believe several kids made friendships that lasted throughout the cruise. I know my kids did. It lasted an hour - from 2:30 PM 3:30 PM.

In the meantime, DH went over to the DVC meet that was sadly scheduled at the same time ours was. He got us some DVC swag !!



We used this bag a lot !!



Look at the inside of the binder !! Precious !!



They had hats as well, but we already had some.

After the kids meet, it was time for the muster drill. Muster drill is literally the most boring 15 minutes of your life, but REQUIRED, so we endured. It is the last thing you HAVE to do and afterwards you always feel so FREE. Finally, our cruise can really begin !!!

After that, we headed back to the room so I could get changed for dinner.

DH took DD up to see the Sail Away party, while I got things settled. My ankle was really hurting and I needed to put it up. For those of you that don't know, I fell down the stairs last year and hurt it really bad. I had surgery and it is better, but not even close to 100%. I'm looking at another surgery in a few weeks unfortunately. Really bummed about that !!

DH and DD came back and we got some photos from the verandah











DS showed back up and we got ready and headed to dinner YAY !!!

 

[annie170]

That was a good idea to have a scavenger hunt to get the kids to meet one another.

That room is lovely! Considering how little time you spend in the room anyway, it bugs me when people complain how small the rooms are on cruise ships.

I'm sorry you have to undergo another surgery. Ankles can be so tricky. Six years ago my husband, fell on ice and broke his ankle. My sister badly sprained her ankle around the same time. My husband's ankle healed nicely and has had little trouble. My sister has had nothing but problems. I really hope this doesn't happen to you and you're back to normal quickly.

Can't wait to see more!

 

[jecskc]

That was a good idea to have a scavenger hunt to get the kids to meet one another.

thanks it turned out to be a fun little activity for them. I actually did a lot of research on "get to know you" games and we thought that one would be best.

That room is lovely! Considering how little time you spend in the room anyway, it bugs me when people complain how small the rooms are on cruise ships.

We really didn't have a problem with the size. It was really nice to get home and spread out, but like you said, you are only really in there for sleeping and changing clothes. Plus, the stateroom host keeps it so clean. That really helps a lot.

I'm sorry you have to undergo another surgery. Ankles can be so tricky. Six years ago my husband, fell on ice and broke his ankle. My sister badly sprained her ankle around the same time. My husband's ankle healed nicely and has had little trouble. My sister has had nothing but problems. I really hope this doesn't happen to you and you're back to normal quickly.

I would be int he same category as your sister. I WISH I had broken it. A bone heals in 6 weeks. A soft tissue or ligament injury takes forever to heal .......

Can't wait to see more!

I will try to post another tonight !!

 

[jecskc]

Day 2 – Part 5

We got ready for our first dinner !! We were excited !! We had main seating which starts at 5:45 PM every night. Late seating was at 8:15 PM and we had that last trip. There are pros and cons to both, but I think I refer main seating over late seating.

Our first restaurant was the Animator’s Palate







I love the chairs and the silverware









Some Christmas décor





And the baskets – I always loved the bread baskets.

Our bread for this night was Garlic and Herb Foccacia With a Roasted Garlic Dip

The boat was underway and was moving some. DS was looking a little green so he went back to the room to get some Bonine. I was already prepared and had taken some. DD and DH were fine.

After about 15-20 minutes, DS was fine.



DD colored some.



And I totally forgot my glasses back at the room. I was wondering if the Bonine was affecting my vision, but no ,,, just me being stupid and forgetting my glasses.

For our appetizers – I ordered

Black Truffle Pasta Purseittes - Pasta Purse filled with Truffle scented Cheese and coated with a delicate Champagne Sauce



And DH ordered some kind of tomato tart that I can’t find on the on-line menu



I really enjoyed my appetizer and DH did as well.

For our entrees DD ordered the macaroni off the children’s menu.



She kid of picked at this and we thought she didn’t like it, but it turns out she had some pizza up on deck 11 at the Sail Away party so she just wasn’t hungry.

DS ordered the baked chicken from the “lighter fare” portion of the menu . It came with rice and veggies.



He scarfed this down – minus the veggies – and then headed out to meet his friends at the Vibe.

I opted for something a little lighter as well, So I order the steak off the “lighter fare” portion.



It was really simple and good which is exactly what I was in the mood for.

DH ordered - Ginger-Teriyaki dusted Angus beef Tenderloin - Carved to order on Wasabi Mashed Potatoes with Bok Choy and a Tamarind–Barbecue Reduction



He said it was good.

For dessert, I got the - White Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake - With Whipped Cream and Raspberry Coilis



It was really yummy. DH got one, too.

DD got a Mickey bar.



We really enjoyed our dinner. Afterwards we headed out to check out the ship some more. I took a few photos.











DD wanted to check out the kids clubs, so we went over to Oceaneers Club and then up to the Edge. Both were crazy busy and I was asked not to take photos. DD seemed to prefer the Oceaneers Club so we went back to the room



Which was all set up and ready for the night.

I needed an ice bag for my ankle, so I settled in and DH took DD to the club. Then he went to smoke a stinky cigar somewhere. I straightened up some more, iced the ankle and wrote in my trip journal.

DS was at the Vibe where they were playing “get to know you” games . He called to the room and said they were going to see the Lone Ranger at 10:30 PM. DH came back around 10 PM and we watched football for a bit and then DD called and wanted to come back, so DH went to get her. DS came back around midnight. We watched a movie and went to sleep. DCL has every movie known to man on demand on the ship – for free. SO we always watched a movie before we went to sleep.

Our next day was an At Sea day. But don’t let that fool you. A LOT went on that day !! Stay tuned !!

 

[LifeIsDis]

OMG those Mickey crackers are amazing. Like, I am in love with those.

Artist’s Palette is truly incredible.

THAT FOOD THO.

I am in love with that Cindy’s Castle mosaic. Like that is so going in my future house.

 

[tinawv]

What a lovely family you have. I am enjoying your trip report and looking forward to reading more. We have yet to take a Disney cruise as I can't pull my self away from the parks, but the more I read about Disney cruise trips the more I am tempted. It seems to be a whole different experience.

 

[annie170]

Your meals looked delicious and I love that you can order a Mickey Bar for dessert at a restaurant like that. I think I'd prefer the earlier seating, also.

You guys were looking pretty sharp, too! The Crane family cleans up well!

 

[jecskc]

OMG those Mickey crackers are amazing. Like, I am in love with those.

DD didn't like them. They are still sitting on my bedside table. I don't even know ...

Artist’s Palette is truly incredible.

Yes, love that place.

THAT FOOD THO.

Yep. It was yummy.

I am in love with that Cindy’s Castle mosaic. Like that is so going in my future house.

Hey - it could happen.

What a lovely family you have. I am enjoying your trip report and looking forward to reading more. We have yet to take a Disney cruise as I can't pull my self away from the parks, but the more I read about Disney cruise trips the more I am tempted. It seems to be a whole different experience.

Thanks so much for stopping by and for taking the time to comment. You don't have to sacrifice the parks for a cruise. One of our best trips ever was when we hit the parks for 4 days and then did a 5 day Disney Cruise. It was amazing. Either way, Disney does it right and we are never disappointed.

Your meals looked delicious and I love that you can order a Mickey Bar for dessert at a restaurant like that. I think I'd prefer the earlier seating, also.

Yep. She ordered that almost every time.

You guys were looking pretty sharp, too! The Crane family cleans up well!

Thanks. We have formal night the next night. It was kinda fun to dress up some. But we had to carry a lot of extra stuff with us because of all the extra clothes.

 

[Tricia's mom]

I love the picture of your daughter and husband !

What a full day ! Was there a show the first night ?

I was afraid I would fall asleep and forget my dd at the club. !

 

[MEK]

Cool that you pulled together a kid's meet.

Nice DVC swag!

DD's dress is adorable. Very cute pictures of her.

Yummy dinner!

 

[scottny]

I am here.
The coin purses are cute so were the tissue holders.
You really went out all out on the making things. Good for you, I could never do it.
Oh I miss SSR already. Your room looked very nice.
Yum to the meatloaf.
Those huge rice krispy treats are way too much.
LOL the pic of the baby eating brains.
Nice Osborne lights pics.
$120 for a week of parking is not bad at all.
Nice ship pics.
Nice stuff from DVC.
Love the Mickey chairs.
The dinner looked great.

 

[jecskc]

I love the picture of your daughter and husband !

Thanks !! I just got some more that the phtogos on the ship took that are pretty good, too !! I always wished I got more photos of us.

What a full day ! Was there a show the first night ?

There was, and I have the navigator for that day that I think I posted, but we didn't go to the shows. I just needed ice after dinner for this STUPID ankle and I never felt like going to the shows. Some of the shows are good, but some of them are just OK. I guess I'm not a "show" person.

I was afraid I would fall asleep and forget my dd at the club. !

Jerry is our night owl, I knew he would be awake if I wasn't. I would sleep more if it weren't for him. He needs very little sleep to function and he keeps me awake a lot.

Cool that you pulled together a kid's meet.


It really turned out well. It was great fun and the adults made some good friends as well.

Nice DVC swag!

We got some more stuff as well. They really give you some swag on the cruise !!

DD's dress is adorable. Very cute pictures of her.

We got a lot of cute clothes for her. She had so much fun with it.

Yummy dinner!

All of the food is always amazing !!

I am here.

Yay !!! So happy that you are following along !!

The coin purses are cute so were the tissue holders.
You really went out all out on the making things. Good for you, I could never do it.

It was fun to make them, I hope the people liked them. The giving part is really fun !!

Oh I miss SSR already. Your room looked very nice.

We love SSR. It is our home resort. Is it yours as well ???

Yum to the meatloaf.

That meatloaf is so tasty. It never disappoints

Those huge rice krispy treats are way too much.

They really are. And who is going to eat that much ??

LOL the pic of the baby eating brains.

Dude ---- it always cracks me up .... BWAINZ !!!!

Nice Osborne lights pics.

I just love them. I would hate to see them go away.

$120 for a week of parking is not bad at all.

Haha - I imagine it seems like a good deal compared to prices in NYC, I bet.

Nice ship pics.

Thanks !!!

Nice stuff from DVC.

They gave our great stuff the whole week !!!

Love the Mickey chairs.

Have you done a cruise ??? You and Vinny need to go !!

The dinner looked great.

It was. But that it only the beginning. We have much more culinary delights to share. Palo Brunch and Remy ... we have some great stuff to share !!

 

[tazdev3225]

I thought I posted reply, I didn't. Love the cool stuff you got.

Dinner looked really good. That is the one thing that has me question taking a cruise. I am not one of those girls that likes to get dressed up, never have been. I don't even own a dress or skirt. I have a pair of black slacks that I wear to wedding and funerals. I blame Jim. We had to go to a company party when we were dating and for some reason I walked over to his house to leave from there. I had on a dress as it was somewhat formal. My bosses orders as I worked with some interesting people. Jim burst into hysterical laughing and his mother laughed that I actually had legs. No dresses for me after that.

I asked Jay if he would like to take a cruise and he said NO!!! He likes Disney, not boats. The catch fire, people get sick, they fall overboard, etc. I think he doesn't like boats but I could be wrong.