Disney October cruise 2014 part 4

I can tell you from this point on the details will be a bit more sketchy...as I sit down to start writing the details, I can tell you the thing I remember most is that it went all too fast! While it has only been six short months since we had this adventure, it is sometimes hard to separate one day from the other.   Luckily I saved the Navigators from each day.

A thing about the Navigators.  While it was wonderful to have them each night on the bed waiting for us when we came back from dinner, and we did pass them around to see what we wanted to do the next day, we actually used the ones on our phone app.  There is a lot of information on these things, so you would have to carry around this big piece of paper...and if you lost it, your whole itinerary was gone!  Having it on the phone was so much cooler, and it fit in your back pocket.  You could even set a reminder within the app and it would let you know that 'such and such' was about to start on deck whatever.  Each person could set their own reminders and I could keep up with where everyone was.

Another thing to keep in mind...the shopping onboard!  If you like visiting the gift shops in the Disney resorts, you will love the shopping onboard!  The one thing to keep in mind...they are CLOSED when you are in port!  It was really cute listening to people complain about that.  (although there were numerous signs and announcements reminding you).  So, plan accordingly!

Monday morning was announced with a beautiful sunrise!  I love sunrises.  Always have.  Unfortunately no one else in my family appreciates the beauty of a good sunrise.

 

First Sunrise aboard the Disney Dream

It was also the morning we arrived at Nassau.  Sitting on the balcony enjoying the scenery as we pulled into port was amazing!

Heading into Nassau

Lighthouse as going into Nassau

We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at Cabanas.  We had made the decision to stay on board today.  So far our son was adjusting well to the cruise, but taking him out was still a bit risky.  By having our breakfast a bit later than others, we were able to watch as others prepared to go ashore.  Once the ship had cleared customs, the all clear was given and the people scattered off the ship.  

Our view at Breakfast

Strange, but this was our favorite day on the cruise!  The ship was so empty the boys rode the Aqua Duck back to back to back.  As soon as they had climbed to the top it was their turn.  No waits at all!  I made them ride at least 4 times to be able to get a good picture!

Aqua Duck Heros

I challenge you to a duel

Rules of the Game!

And the winner is...

Lunch was at Tow Mater's Grill, and then the boys were off to a movie and then some Goofy Golf.  and then a few more rides on Aqua Duck...they were both very happy!

This was also Pirate night!  During the morning cleaning of our stateroom (did I mention that the steward cleans your room twice a day?) We came back to find some nifty bandanas to wear that night at dinner.  Dinner was very informal and almost everyone wore pirate attire!  Including the waitstaff!  All the restaurants served a Pirate menu, but you would eat in this restaurant tomorrow night so never fear, you get the regular menu on the next night!

After a scrumptious meal, there was a Pirate party on deck.  It was loud and crazy!  Unfortunately, we had to miss it.  Mr D was just not up to loud music.  However, when it was time for the fireworks later that night we secured a quiet-ish place to see the show and fireworks.  The show was cute... and truly on a Disney scale.  I believe the only way to top it would be if Johnny Depp played Captain Jack Sparrow!  Since that wasn't happening, fireworks did the trick!

By the way, the show in the theater that night was a Comedy/Ventriloquism Show.  While I am sure it was quite good, we chose to miss it and stroll along the shopping area.  

Up tomorrow.... Castaway Cay 

Disney October Cruise part 3

Sorry, this has been so long...but we are now onboard the ship!

Once you are on board, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.  
#1 Your stateroom probably won't be ready for a while.  It depends on how fast they get everything cleaned from the previous cruisers (so remember that when you disembark.) Usually it is around 1pm, but could be earlier or later.  They will not make the announcement until ALL staterooms are ready.  So if you are planning on swimming or riding the wonderful water slide the Aqua Duck, pack a swimsuit in your carry on!
#2 Eat Lunch!

Now, also keep in mind that EVERY ONE will be doing the same thing...so the ship will feel much more crowded (and a bit chaotic) at this point than at any other point during the cruise.

Even though I studied the deck plans before hand, I was over whelmed when first boarding.  We were starving and I completely forgot where to find Cabanas!  (Great place for buffet lunch ...or breakfast for that matter).  Luckily helpful Cast Members are willing to assist!  We were soon enjoying a scrumptious lunch sitting with a view of the water!  
A quick note about Cabanas...there are tons of seating inside in the air conditioning, and loads of seating on the deck outside, some shaded and some in full sun.  Once you have your cabins, you can even take your food back to the cabin and eat on your balcony...or in the room if you want to.  The thing my kids loved the most...if you get up early they could eat breakfast with Mom...and then brunch with Dad, then lunch together as a family, then snacks later on...well you get the idea.  My kids LOVE to eat!

Another nice note about Disney Cruises. We were on the first ship that started doing this and it was a little new to the crew and Cast Members as well as the passengers.  Be prepared to be handed sanitizer hand wipes all the time!  Upon embarking, upon entering ANY place to eat, upon entering the theater...all the time!  There were multiple cast members handing wipes at every doorway... The joke was that Disney had bought stock in hand wipes!  If you walked into the restaurant to see if some member of your party was there, to discover they weren't walked back through the door and saw them then re-entered...yup, hand wipes. It was a great safety and healthy trick.  It was reported that on any given ship they expect at least 10% of the passengers to catch the dreaded tummy bug...our sailing only had a small handful, and they probably had it before entering the ship.

Since everyone had the same idea for lunch, it can be a bit crowded, loud and hectic.  We found a nice out of the way spot to sit, and people watched for a while.  Just before we were ready to grab some dessert, the announcement was made that he cabins were ready.  We finished our meal.

There are a lot of elevators and stairways on the ship.  There are also a lot of people on the ship.  Most of these people were trying to leave the decks above and head to their staterooms.  It was a good idea to finish desserts first.  The announcement was made a little after 1 and we headed down around 1:30.  Elevators had cleared out pretty well by then and we quickly found out stateroom.  

Disney will tell you that your checked luggage will be ready around 4, and placed outside your stateroom door.  As we were heading down the hallway, we discovered that a lot of the luggage was already in the hallway, including 2 of our 4 bags.  

Now as I am about to post this, please remember that I am severely claustrophobic.  SEVERELY!  

My first impression of the cabin was it was small.  I immediately went to the over sized balcony to catch my breath and relax.  Upon returning to the cabin, I didn't feel so closed in, and actually started looking at the cabin.  Taking the time to appreciate the decor.  In the end, the only thing I seriously had issue with was the bathroom.  TINY...but at least we had two..one with a sink and toilet, and one with a sink and shower.  (which, with a teenaged daughter was GREAT!)

A couple of things about your key card.  As we have already discussed, it contains a picture of you that is only visible to a CM with an iPad or at the scanners when you leave and return to the ship.  It also has written on it your dining rotation with your table number as well as your muster station.  It also contains your charging privileges.  (which I do not add to the teens card!) If you loose it, go to guest services and they will make a new one immediately...no problem.  Just remember that if you find the lost one, put it in your luggage.  Because they kill the old one immediately!

My key card.  Has our dining info, our reservation number, our life boat station....

By this time our other two bags had arrived and we quickly unpacked.  During this time (while mama unpacked) the TV was turned on so we could see all the announcements about where to go for Muster... and other useful information.  I love the way the bed is raised.  All four pieces of luggage fit under the bed.  Even though the room was on the small side, we quickly found storage space for everything.  

During this time our steward stopped by to see if we needed anything.  Asked us if we had any questions, and generally made us know that we were welcome and we were at home!

We still had a while before the mandatory muster, so we decided to take a stroll on our deck.  We were on deck 5 and our Muster Station was on  deck 4, so we decided to walk around and check out a few things on our deck.  At the appointed time we made our way, slowly, to the Muster Station which was in the theater.  

Our key cards were scanned and we were checked off the roster.  We then were escorted to sit in a nice cushioned seat in an air conditioned theater.   I mention this, because on some cruise lines they hold the muster out doors on a deck!  Big difference here.

I had asked the CM upon entering for some special seating due to my claustrophobia and Mr D's issues, and there was no problem accommodating us.

The whole safety spiel was delivered by multiple cast members with a lot of fun!  It was hard to not pay attention!  

Afterwards, we were free to return to our staterooms or to join on the main deck for the Sail Away party.  Since we knew it was going to be noisy, we preferred to avoid that particular party and watched the ship sail away from our balcony.

We didn't have much time before it was time to head for our first dining on the rotational dining plan that is unique to Disney.  We had early dining which seats at 5:45) First up was Animator's Palate.  I was really looking forward to this one I had heard so much about it!  Unfortunately, we were all being affected quite a bit by the motion of the ship.  With the restaurant being in the aft of the ship, it seemed to be more noticeable there.  The meal was good but not so memorable...as my daughter had her head on the table most of the meal!  I wish we had the opportunity to visit it again later in the sailing, but maybe next time.

The absolutely BEST thing about the rotational dining is the wait staff.  On our first night they listened intently while we told them about food allergies and special needs.  They made us feel like we were their ONLY guests that night (which was obviously NOT the case!)   From the first greeting where they ceremonially put the napkin in your lap to the good bye as you left the dining room, you were treated royally.

In fact, we left before the waiter could get my order for the next night (Gluten free menus are available, but they need to know the night before to make sure it is prepared correctly), so he came after us to the door and got my order.  He said he needed to make sure I had something safe to eat.

The one thing that I noticed about the food on board...it was exceptional! It was my first trip being gluten free and I had worried that I would find little to eat.  At least 90% of the menu could be made gluten free.  They made their own gluten free pasta as well as yummy gluten free rolls.  My kids are picky eaters.  In fact Miss B, although 14, ate off the kids menu the whole time.  Plain cheese pizza was her favorite!  They gave her larger portions, but it was definitely the kids menu!  If you want two entrees, no problem.  If you needed extra fries, no problem.  If you wanted  two appetizers, no problem.  And if your kids have French Fries...even if they don't like ketchup...ask for it.  The way they present it is amazing!

After dinner we were exhausted!  But we still had the Villains Tonight Show to see.  We almost passed on it, but I am so glad we did not! I won't spoil the show for others, but just know that having a Broadway caliber show to look forward to each night quickly became our most favorite part of the cruise!

A note about second seating for dining.  It starts  seating at 8:15.  If you choose this seating, and have kids that love the kids clubs, you get the added bonus of having your entree without kids!  They always deliver the kids meals first.  Usually about the same time as your appetizers.  Once the kids are finished, the kids club counselors come to pick up your kids to take them for some fun times in their clubs, giving you grown up alone times.  

Another thing about Disney Cruises.  You all know how well Disney is at crowd control and moving people around.  After the initial crush, once we were sailing, you never felt that the ship was crowded.  Dining starts first seating at 5:45, first show is at 6:15.  Second seating for dinner is 8:15, with the second show at 8:30.  They are moving roughly 3000 passengers around without it seeming to be a big deal!  The waits for elevators was minimal, and the walk along the stairways seemed less of an exercise and more of a stroll.

Once we returned to our room, our Steward had turned down the bed (including the lowering of the top bunk), delivered our Navigator for the next day, made us a towel animal and gave us chocolates!


The beds were comfy and we quickly drifted off to sleep!

Up next...what will we do tomorrow?

Disney Cruise October 2014 part 2

We left our house in rural Georgia (just outside Atlanta, but still rural!) at 7 am.  We had decided to drive down the day before our ship sailed and stay the night at Hampton Inn in Cocoa Beach.  (anyone remembering my disastrous attempt at a cruise on the Magic the January before knows why we chose to arrive early!)

Along the way we stopped in Savannah for brunch at Cracker Barrel.  This is a family tradition and it just isn't a vacation without a stop at Cracker Barrel!

We arrived in Cocoa Beach around 4pm.  As we drove in I was awestruck seeing the cruise ships.  I could barely contain my excitement!  


First stop was Hampton Inn.  There was a great deal of construction going on - which bothered me a bit.  Half the parking lot was closed.

But the staff was extremely helpful and friendly!  When I booked the room I was only concerned with a free breakfast and reduced parking at the port.  I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered all the rooms had an ocean view.  We even had a private walk way to the beach!  The room was comfy, clean, spacious, and almost beautiful!  The balcony overlooking the pool was perfect!

After unpacking, we explored the town a bit.  Of course, we had to buy shirts from Ron Jon's and somehow we ended up at Wendy's for dinner.

By the time we got back to our room we were all exhausted from the trip.  Fantastic hot showers and extremely comfy beds did their job and we were all fast asleep before we knew it.

The next morning we packed up our overnight bag and headed down to breakfast. It was standard Continental breakfast buffet fare (with some scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon added) Nothing memorable, but tasty.

As is our custom, we attended Sunday morning church services and then headed to port.  The excitement mounted as our ship came into view.

Parking at the port became our first obstacle.  We had chosen the Hampton Inn because of  the reduced parking fees offered.  First step was to check IDs as we entered the port.  Husband dropped us and our luggage off (which we checked in with the friendly porters...do not forget to tip them  They work VERY hard!) and took the van to find a parking spot.  Unfortunately, there had been a change in procedure at the parking garage a week or so earlier, and the Hampton Inn was unaware of it.  They had given us a card to give to the parking attendant when we left the port.  So of course I did not send it with my husband!  It was in the important papers I was carrying with me!  The new procedure was to pay upon entering the parking deck (which really made so much more sense anyway!).  My husband had to pay full price.  

After getting back together we entered the terminal.  Here you go through a small check in area.  Your carry on luggage is sent through an X-ray machine and you walk through a metal detector.  Similar to the way airports used to be.  You will also need to show your ID again.

Once inside the beautiful terminal, you start going through the total Disney immersion!   Characters, decor, and a small replica of the Disney Magic greet you!

Checking in required either showing your passport (recommended) or your driver's license and birth certificate. For us, we also had to show our court ordered guardianship papers for our two youngest children.  At this point I won't go into details, but suffice it to say make sure you have ALL these documents!  Then double check!  (A BIG thanks to my daughter, Amanda and her wonderful husband, Korey, for helping out on that!)

After this is completed, they give you a boarding number/letter.  Early birds will wait patiently while your boarding sequence is called.  While you wait, there are comfy seats and non stop Disney cartoons to entertain.  

(yes, I realize that is a picture of carpet...Take my word the rest is there.)


If you arrive later, as we did, you will find a much abbreviated wait.  We went right to the boarding door (of course, shaped like Mickey ears!).  Here you will have your picture made and you will be given your key cards.  Your picture is attached to your card electronically.  They will match the card to the person each time you exit and enter the ship.  You will be announced as you board ship..."The Morris Family has now boarded!"

Now comes the part where the pictures would be...if they hadn't come up missing! I had an issue with my computer, so some of my pictures disappeared.  

Next up...what happens when you board!

Disney Cruise October 2014 part 1

This will start the first in a series of Trip Reports.  I apologize in advance for the length, but it was just so amazing it is hard to fit it all in...so it WILL be a series on the October Disney Cruise.  Sit back and enjoy!

I was so excited for my first Disney Cruise!
It is really hard to describe the excitement as I booked my birthday cruise the previous year.  I made countdowns, thought about Fish Extenders, and excursions.

So, let's back up a bit and give a few details.  We went on a 4 night Haunted Sailing on the Disney Dream from October 19 to 23.  Halloween is NOT my favorite time of year, but you only turn 60 once in your life - so away we went!  Or at least away I booked.

First thing I did after booking was to down load a nifty little app to my phone from Disney, Disney Cruise Line Navigator.  Very similar to My Disney Experience, but specific to Disney Cruises (and MUCH more reliable!)  Prior to sailing it really only gives you a countdown, but once you arrive onboard it becomes your lifeline!

It contains your daily Navigator, which basically tells you where to be and when (along with tons of information about what is going on onboard the ship), as well as tells you how to get there!(Quick deck maps that fit in your pocket) It also has the ability to text other members of your party...a really cool feature if you have teens!

The next thing I did was to find my cruise group on Facebook.  Almost every Disney Cruise has a dedicated group on Facebook.  This is where you can find tons of info from fellow cruiser on things ranging from the Sail Away party to Fish Extenders.

On the original Disney ships they had large brass clips outside each stateroom door.  They were shaped like fish and could be used to attach notes and such.  It didn't take long for crafty Disney fans to discover a new use for them... they hung large hanging pockets from them, decorated of course, to be the receptacle of small trinkets and gifts from one cruiser to another. These become known as Fish Extenders.

On any given cruise there will be numerous Fish Extender groups.  Each group will run a bit differently, and each group sets the maximum participants.  Small gifts are left anonymously in the pockets through out the cruise.  While it was something I really wanted to participate in I found time ran away from me too quickly and I had to pass on this activity.  Next time I am IN!

Next on my list was to day dream about excursions.  Yes, that was all I was able to do on this sailing.  Dream about excursions.  I have a special needs son, one who we never know how he will deal with new things.  We knew he loved all things Disney but he had never been on a cruise before so we weren't sure how he would react, so excursions were out for this trip.  He is already asking for what we are doing on our next cruise, so I guess our fears were unfounded.

Disney has so many things to do on board that are free, it really isn't a big deal if you go with no excursions. Mr D had a list a mile long of things he wanted to try...each morning! He never did get to all the items on his list and never made it to the kids club.  Of course, he and Dad especially loved the days we were in port...there was little to no competition on getting a round of Goofy Golf or a ride on the Aqua Duck!

Next installment will be about our arrival at Port Canaveral.