How The Western Caribbean Was Won! Completed 8/10/2016 - Page 8 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Wow, those were some scary clouds! Great update though!
Those clouds were a bit ominous looking as they proved to fulfill!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Sunday, April 12 (Part I)
I woke up and got up at around 7:30 am or so. I woke up a couple of times during the night, but generally slept quite well as I was quite excited for my first cruise. In just a few short hours, I will be on the Disney Magic! I took my time getting ready for the big day as my reservation time for DME wasn’t until 10:30 am. I just packed up the rest of my things and made sure my checked luggage was set with the DCL tag attached and ready for pickup by the Hyatt for transportation to the Magic. From the instructions I was given by the Hyatt, bag pickup was between 9 and 11 am and was to be left in your room, by the door.
I made sure my carry on bag had everything I needed for the first few hours before my checked bag arrives in my Magic stateroom as well as checking the room and not leave anything behind! I spent a little time watching TV as well as the air traffic from my deck and it was quite lively on the tarmac with many arrivals. It was pretty sunny out this morning with just a few clouds in the sky and warm. The storms from last night seemed to clear out much of the humidity.
I left my room at about 8:45 am or so to have breakfast at Hemisphere’s, which is on the 9th floor (two floors up). This restaurant is open for breakfast daily and dinner from Monday-Friday. I’m guessing, it’s mostly the business and convention travelers that dine here for dinner. I saw their dinner menu, which looked quite good, but very pricey!
I arrived at Hemisphere’s and checked in. I didn’t have a reservation, but I didn’t think it would be a problem. I had a voucher for my breakfast, which was for a buffet style offering. It’s usually $16.99, so I was glad I got this with my reservation. I was seated by the host and was soon waited upon by a familiar face. It was the same gentleman who had served me in the lobby bar last night. I said hello to him and he remembered my name from last night. They certainly keep them busy here! I mentioned to him, that you probably didn’t get much rest last night! He didn’t finish up until 2 am at the bar and got here for work today at 7 am.
After this, he asked what I wanted for beverages with my breakfast. I went with some orange juice and coffee. He said I could just go up and help myself at the buffet. One thing I should mention is the great views of the tarmac from here. Even better than my 7th floor deck. All the tables by the windows were all taken, but I still had a good view from one table over from the window. During the course of my breakfast, I saw quite a few planes land. I could imagine how good it must be to have dinner here with these views!
I went to the buffet and made my selections. The usual standard fare. I went with potatoes, scrambled eggs, a few slices of bacon and smoked salmon. The latter I was quite happy to see here as I’m such a big fan of it!
When I got back to my table my orange juice and coffee were there already. The orange juice was definitely fresh squeezed and the coffee was quite good as well as I had two cups of it. The breakfast was quite good and I have no complaints about anything on my plate. I especially enjoyed the smoked salmon. I also had some toast with various fruit preserves. All in all it was a good breakfast and much better than most breakfast buffets! You can’t beat the price either!
After I was done, I went downstairs to the airport terminal to have a look around as I still had some time before I had to go to Disney’s Magical Express and check in for transportation to Port Canaveral. I visited a couple of stores, including the Kennedy Space Center and Disney Earport, but had no intention of buying anything. I also went outside for a few minutes, just to take in some of the morning air. It was shaping up to be a very nice day.
Shortly, I went back to my room and saw that my luggage had been picked up! I spent a few more minutes here, double checking again to be certain nothing was left behind. I spent the last few minutes here on the deck, watching the plane action on the tarmac.
It was just after 10 am and it was time to begin my first cruise adventure!.......
NEXT: What An Amazing Sight!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Great update, Dave!! I am so greatful for the information on the Hyatt!! It sounds like you had a lovely breakfast and I can feel your excitement on seeing the Magic for the first time!!
Great update, Dave!! I am so greatful for the information on the Hyatt!! It sounds like you had a lovely breakfast and I can feel your excitement on seeing the Magic for the first time!!
Glad I can be of help to you as I know you and Muffin will be staying there for your December trip! Breakfast was great and my excitement was certainly building this morning as boarding The Magic for my first cruise was so close now!
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
Very nice to have a breakfast voucher in your room deal! Sounds like a relaxed morning, with the excitement building for getting to the port.
Gotta love a deal from AAA with free breakfast! Yes, that is exactly how it was and how I felt this morning Laurie!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pris
Sounds like a great morning and I know how excited you were to be soon heading off to the Magic!
It was and I couldn't wait to get there to experience a brand new adventure! I couldn't wait to begin and start taking it all in!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Sounds like a nice morning. When did you pick your time to check in for DME? I had heard from someone at one point that if you stayed at the Hyatt you could get on any bus the next morning. You didn't need to select a time. I, of course, have never cruised before, but will be doing this in January and want to make sure I'm understanding the procedure. Is it something at online check-in time?
Sounds like a nice morning. When did you pick your time to check in for DME? I had heard from someone at one point that if you stayed at the Hyatt you could get on any bus the next morning. You didn't need to select a time. I, of course, have never cruised before, but will be doing this in January and want to make sure I'm understanding the procedure. Is it something at online check-in time?
I had made my DME reservation, when I did online check in. All was available except the very earliest time. Not sure about that regarding the Hyatt. I wouldn't worry about having the ultimate time for DME. Mine was for departure between 10:30 and 11 am ( I think that is the allotted time)
You'll find out more in my next update!
Where will you be cruising to and your port stops?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
Great morning and breakfast as you await the start of your first cruise!
Yes it was was and the excitement was certainly building as I would be leaving shortly via DME! Coming up in the next update!
Quote:
Originally Posted by wheezie
Breakfast sounded delicious!
Yes it was! I should have brought the camera to breakfast!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Sounds like a lovely relaxing start to your cruise. My DS and I were up at 4am for our start at the hotel, mind you, it was 9am UK time! MCO is very very quiet at that time of the morning!
Sounds like a lovely relaxing start to your cruise. My DS and I were up at 4am for our start at the hotel, mind you, it was 9am UK time! MCO is very very quiet at that time of the morning!
Sorry for the slow response as working during during the week makes it difficult at times! Weekends, on the other hand, I always have time!
Definitely, a good start to my vacation and I really enjoyed staying at the Hyatt! As you were on UK time that was quite early and amazing how quiet it gets here. I noticed it (as you saw in my photos) probably from 10 pm on. I think I was up until about midnight or a bit after. Much more to come as my inaugural cruise will be commencing in the next installment!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
I left my 7th floor Hyatt room and took the elevator downstairs to the main terminal on level 3. It was just another short elevator ride two floors down to the ground transportation level. Once I got out of the elevator, I took a left and my excitement level began to build as I saw this!
I arrived at the Disney’s Magical Express region and you were directed which line to go to for check in for Disney Resorts or Disney Cruise Line. There wasn’t a big line for DCL check in and there were just a few people ahead of me. I gave them my DCL document booklet and passport and all was good! I just waited a couple of minutes until we could board DME. We began boarding at 10:30 am and there were plenty of seats to chose from. About ten minutes or so went by and the bus was pretty much full. They just had to finish loading some of the luggage underneath. At 10:45 am we were on our way to the Port Canaveral Terminal and Disney Magic!
During the course of the trip, they showed the DCL film similar to the one for the Disney Resorts. This one was quite funny as it involved Donald Duck and family. Just an overview of the cruise, activities, dining, port excursions etc. I enjoyed it! Once the film ended we were getting close to Port Canaveral.
Bridge leading to/from Port Canaveral
Once we came over the above bridge, I could see the Disney Magic in the distance on the left side. I was on the right side, so didn’t get much of a view at this point. Shortly, we were closing in on the cruise terminal and what an amazing site I witnessed, with a closeup view of the Disney Magic! Even better as we were at a red night, so I could get a photo!
We arrived at the cruise terminal at 11:40 am and one of the DCL CMs came on board to give us an rundown of what to do once we disembarked the bus and where to go. I knew what I had to do, but this was just standard procedure for them. Once, I got off the bus I didn’t go into the cruise terminal just yet as I wanted to check out the area a bit outside and get some photos.
Port side (left) of Magic from stern (rear) looking up at Palo restaurant.
Disney Cruise Line terminal entrance
DCL parking garage
I walked to the terminal entrance and located just after here is security. It was much better than that in an airport without the long lines and some of the other things you have to do. It went quickly and I took the escalator upstairs to the main part of the terminal for cruise check in and the waiting area to board my cruise.
I went to the check in area and there were quite a few DCL CMs checking in other passengers. The CM I had was quite friendly and made the process go rather well. I gave him my DCL document booklet, my passport as well as the two medical questionnaires, I filled out prior to the cruise. I also supplied him with my Disney Visa card for onboard charges during the cruise. He gave me a card with my group number (#6) and I could board once it was called as well as my Key To The World DCL card. I just waited until my group was called and took a few photos in the terminal.
Disney Magic replica in terminal
Minnie welcoming me!
Mickey and Minnie in the terminal. The only two characters here.
Many of you on the board have said,that you won’t find out your restaurant rotation until you get to your stateroom, but it is actually on your KTTW card as is your table number. So this was good to notice!
After only waiting about five minutes or so, my group was called and I could board the Disney Magic for my first cruise! Right before the long gangway (which leads on to the ship) was Mickey and Minnie greeting all of the passengers as we entered. At the end of the gangway was a photo spot for an official Magic photo before going on board. The line was quite long, so I bypassed it. Right, before going on board I gave a CM my name and they welcome you by name as you come on board! Thought, that was pretty cool!
Officially on board now! This is what greets you on Deck 3.
Deck 3 entrance atrium
Lumiere’s restaurant, where I would be having my first cruise dinner later today.
The usual thing to do would be to head to my stateroom and check it out, but the rooms wouldn’t be available until 1:30 pm. It was probably only about 12:15 pm at the moment, so I had some time to explore the Magic for a bit.
Nightclubs and lounges area of Magic
Love the staircases on the ship. This is either deck 3 or 4.
Midship elevator on Deck 3
Quiet Cove pool on Deck 9 and Signal’s pool bar. There were a number of people, while I was taking some photos, waiting for Signals to open! It opened shortly after.
Signals, now open!
The Carnival Valor docked next to the Magic from Deck 10
DCL terminal
Deck 10 and Wide World of Sports area
Love the design of the Magic smoke stacks!
Dual use for one of the Magic smoke stacks with the big screen projection
It was only about 12:45 pm and I still had some time, before I could go to my stateroom and check it out. I explored the ship for a little bit more and decided lunch was in order as I was getting a bit hungry.
NEXT: A Great View and Sail Away!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
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I spent a little time watching TV as well as the air traffic from my deck and it was quite lively on the tarmac with many arrivals. It was pretty sunny out this morning with just a few clouds in the sky and warm. The storms from last night seemed to clear out much of the humidity.
All the tables by the windows were all taken, but I still had a good view from one table over from the window. During the course of my breakfast, I saw quite a few planes land. I could imagine how good it must be to have dinner here with these views! 
I am so greatful for the information on the Hyatt!! It sounds like you had a lovely breakfast and I can feel your excitement on seeing the Magic for the first time!!
PassPorter Guide Author
I wouldn't worry about having the ultimate time for DME. Mine was for departure between 10:30 and 11 am ( I think that is the allotted time) 
It opened shortly after.
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