Disney Dream - 5 Nite Double Dip, April 2012 - Page 4 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
I am really enjoying reading your TR and all the photos!! Thanks for sharing and I can't wait for more! Your TR is also making me think about upgrading to concierge
Oh, I just love sea days! Yours sounded so great. I wish I'd been able to book Palo brunch for next week's cruise, but I got dinner at least! Really looks like everyone had a great time today. Spa, brunch, Enchanted Garden, pools, aquaduck. It all looks so enticing!
the Sea Day was very relaxing. Bet you are looking forward to Alaska, but are probably too busy this week to think about it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Ok - must seriously not read about Palo brunch when I'm already hungry...
So true - same holds for writing about it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by PlantJoe
I think we sat at that same table at Palo in October for our High Tea. The decor is just so nice, coupled with the view, it was something else. We haven't had an oppurtunity to eat a meal at Palo, but did eat at Remy. I know what you are saying about the number of courses not being relevant. I'm a big guy, went a la carte and was full quite early.
We felt like we at that area in the back on deck 13 to ourselves in October. For the number of people on the cruise, we saw next to no one there. It was so peaceful after dealing with the crowds in other areas.
Great report so far!
Thanks! Glad you found the hidden spot on 13.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cheyenne
I am really enjoying reading your TR and all the photos!! Thanks for sharing and I can't wait for more! Your TR is also making me think about upgrading to concierge
Thanks - more coming up soon.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Asuka
Tell me about it! I wish I could get concierge.
Concierge was good, but if I had my choice of paying for two cruises, or 1 Cruise and a week at WDW, I'd definitely skip Concierge.
As usual, I was up and out early. Today's weather was much nicer than our first visit to CC, and sunshine was the forecast.
For the first time on the cruise, I joined the kids at their favorite breakfast spot, the buffet at The Enchanted Garden. It turned out to be a good option, as it wasn't crowded if you went early, and the food was good.
We had some fun with the camera. I took a lot of grief for "food photos" but now the kids say they're glad to have the reminders. I just told them I was practicing for my future food blog. Of course, I'll need to learn to cook first.
We sent the kids off to the island, and said we'd visit later. We exited the ship around 11am and walked over to the beach, checking out the shops along the way. We had lunch with the kids, and even went in the water for a while. It was warmer today.
Today we had Cabana No. 8, just a few steps further from Cookies Too.
Our group enjoying the water.
There were chairs available on the beach after lunch.
This is how a person who is not supposed to be in the sun(me) enjoys a relaxing nap on the hammock.
Grumpy Bear, who was by now much less Grumpy, and I walked back to the ship after my nap. The kids took advantage of the bike rentals that came with the Cabana, and once again stayed on CC as long as they could.
A brightly covered wall near the restroom entrance.
We did stop to enjoy Heads Up Bar.
My one and only Piña Colada - yummy brain freeze
And that was our day on Castaway Cay - as enjoyable as the first, even though we missed Captain Jack Sparrow.
Our Sail Away Dinner was back at The Royal Palace. No photos from this dinner - decided to give the gang a rest. We had another good meal - although none of our Main Dining Room meals matched the quality of the first night, we had no complaints, and thought there were more than enough choices to satisfy our diverse group.
DD2 and I enjoyed a nightcap at Currents, recapping the week - and then it started to rain, and rain. There was quite the thunder and lightning storm on our last evening.
Wonderful photos of the ship and CC. That one of you mummified on the beach is so funny--but you're wise to do that! Glad the cruise worked its magic and Grumpy Bears grumpiness is wearing off! You're getting me revved up to be on a ship for sure!
I have so enjoyed this TR. I will only be able to enjoy that level of cruising if I win the lottery. The problem with that is I do not buy lottery tickets!!! Can't wait to hear the about the rest of your adventures.
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
Just catching up on your trip report and beautiful photos! I'm glad that Grumpybear is feeling less grumpy,now! Palo brunch and dinner sound delicious, and I love your family's private cabana!Looking forward to reading more!
__________________
Disney Trips: BLT & Poly Bungalow 2016, VGF 2015, Fantasy 2015, Saratoga Springs Resort 2014, Grand Villa at VGF 2013, Fantasy 2013, BWV and Kidani Village 2011, BWV and Kidani Village 2010, BWV and Saratoga Springs Resort 2008,Beach Club Villas 2008,Villas at Wilderness Lodge 2006, BWV 2006, BCV 2005, HHI 2004,Polynesian 2003,Grand Floridian 2000/concierge, Honeymoon at Polynesian 1994,Polynesian 1980,Polynesian 1978
_______________
Sue
Wonderful photos of the ship and CC. That one of you mummified on the beach is so funny--but you're wise to do that! Glad the cruise worked its magic and Grumpy Bears grumpiness is wearing off! You're getting me revved up to be on a ship for sure!
You will have a great time in Alaska. Grumpy got less grumpy as the cruise went on . I hate being restricted with regards to sun, but too many years of softball, tennis, and golf finally caught up with me.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Love the mummified shot as well!
What a lovely time you've had.
Thanks - it was a very good time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grammy Grumpy
I have so enjoyed this TR. I will only be able to enjoy that level of cruising if I win the lottery. The problem with that is I do not buy lottery tickets!!! Can't wait to hear the about the rest of your adventures.
I need to buy lottery tickets after this cruise!
Quote:
Originally Posted by WishIwasinDisney
Your report and photos are amazing, I just love your report. Looks like your family had such a great time together!
Thank you. I'm sure there were the normal family squabbles with the kids, we just didn't witness them. Everyone did a good job of getting in vacation mode.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cinderbrella
Just catching up on your trip report and beautiful photos! I'm glad that Grumpybear is feeling less grumpy,now! Palo brunch and dinner sound delicious, and I love your family's private cabana!Looking forward to reading more!
Thank you. The cabana was the highlight.
Coming up - the end (started the final post, but have to search for some photos)
Love the picture of you Pinacolada (brain freeze - LOL) with the boat in the background - AMAZING.
So glad that your Grumpy was less Grumpy towards the end - it might mean there is hope for my Grumpy at disney
All good things must come to a close. We had the late breakfast seating on departure day, so getting up and ready to go was not a problem. Back to The Royal Palace for breakfast then we were ready for embarkation / disembarkation, or whatever you call it - getting off the darned ship
Unfortunately, this was not good planning on my part. There was quite a line to get off. That would have been okay, but it was total chaos, as there was no assistance being provided by the staff at all. So, lots of cutting, forming new lines, etc. I think this is somewhat unusual, as they were holding people on the ship - something to do with not enough people at Customs.
I did sneak a photo of the Walt Disney Theater while waiting
After 30 minutes (maybe more) we were able to exit. We found our baggage, and the line through Customs was short.
Our driver arrived shortly after we exited, and we were headed home. We had a 2.5 hour drive south. One little mishap along the way, as our youngest grand daughter had a tummy whoopsy We stopped at a gas station and made everything fresh again.
Once home, we were greeted by our puppy, who modeled her new Pirate bandana:
Wrap Up
It truly was a Dream Cruise. The kids said it was their best vacation ever. Fortunately, they had several days in Florida remaining, so the thought of lots of pool and beach time made the end of the cruise less painful.
Choosing concierge certainly added to our enjoyment, but I can't emphasize enough that this isn't crucial to having a great cruise. The biggest perk for us was the ability to book the cabanas at 120 days ahead of the cruise. We didn't use the lounge that much, and didn't have a lot of special requests.
Stuff we didn't experience:
Dinner at Animation Palace - unfortunately, this was Remy night
Live Shows - just didn't fit in with the Aqua Duck riding and our relaxed schedule
Night Clubs - wanted a drink at the Skyline Lounge, but never quite got there
Special Ship Events - no tours or tastings
Movie in the Walt Disney Theater
Room Service - we just never got around to it
We have no regrets about what we missed - it will give us a chance to have new experiences on future cruises. We purposely went with a "we can't do it all" attitude, and I think that added to our enjoyment.
Did Grumpy Bear have a good time? Well - let's just say that he and I are booked on the Wonder for a late January sailing to the Western Caribbean. And, since the Dream Cruise, we've visited WDW and purchased DVC. While discussing upcoming travel last night, he even said "I like Disney ..."
Our stops at Castaway Cay were definitely the highlight of our trip, but we enjoyed Palo, the main dining rooms, the Aqua Duck, and the time to get away all together - something that doesn't happen often enough.
Thanks for following our journey - and best wishes for all of you with Disney Cruises in your future.
Too bad about the crowds and confusion on the last morning. That's something DCL usually handles very well. How great to have another DCL cruise to look forward to! I hope the Wonder isn't a disappointment after the Dream. I love the Magic and Wonder, but have never sailed on the newer ships so can't compare. It's so true that you can't do it all, and shouldn't try! I do hope you can get to at least one of the shows on your next cruise. I loved them, but also never got to the night clubs or a movie.
Baby Natasha is so sweet! She's growing up so fast!
That parting shot is beautiful...just like a painting with the ship peeking out through the doorway!
I'm so glad you all enjoyed the trip. It really did look like a wonderful vacation for the entire family. I'm even more happy for you that DH is now a convert! Most importantly, though, I'm glad he's enjoying these trips as I really do believe there's something for everyone at Disney!
Looking forward to your next TR...but luckily we still have Maine to keep us going!
__________________
Huge Disney Fan...Always Have Been...Always Will Be!
Disneyland 60th Anniversary Celebration TR here!
2013 WDW trip here!
2011 trip to Hawaii here!
Wonderful trip report, Sharon! Your pictures of the ship and Castaway Cay were amazing- Congrats on your DVC ownership! Welcome
__________________
Disney Trips: BLT & Poly Bungalow 2016, VGF 2015, Fantasy 2015, Saratoga Springs Resort 2014, Grand Villa at VGF 2013, Fantasy 2013, BWV and Kidani Village 2011, BWV and Kidani Village 2010, BWV and Saratoga Springs Resort 2008,Beach Club Villas 2008,Villas at Wilderness Lodge 2006, BWV 2006, BCV 2005, HHI 2004,Polynesian 2003,Grand Floridian 2000/concierge, Honeymoon at Polynesian 1994,Polynesian 1980,Polynesian 1978
_______________
Sue
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
. We had another good meal - although none of our Main Dining Room meals matched the quality of the first night, we had no complaints, and thought there were more than enough choices to satisfy our diverse group.
PassPorter Guide Author
Looking forward to reading more!
Welcome 
Linear Mode
