Live, Laugh, Love...Dream: Mother/Daughter Cruise on the Disney Dream: Debarkation Day-Updated 3/29/11 - Page 10 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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What a fantastic first day! Awesome photos of you both...and your dinner looks sooo yummy! Can't wait to try that Bananas Foster sundae for myself in June!
Totallly enjoying your TR Dawn! Love how your mom got right into trying out all the drinks on the ship You're so lucky to have such a nice friendship with your mom and to be able to travel together I loved seeing your food pictures of your first dinner and the photographer portraits of you and your mom were beautiful
Another great update! The pics of you and your mom are beautiful. And I love the shot from the sail-away party. You both look so happy and ready for your at sea adventure!
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FIRE, Balloon Hats, and It’s Time for the AquaDuck!
FIRE, Balloon Hats, and It’s Time for the AquaDuck!
Day 2 started off easy enough. I was up before the alarm but with the curtain separation, I was able to head out on the verandah for about 30 minutes before mom decided to join me for a few. Soon there was a knock on the door and breakfast had arrived. A tray full of 2 toasted bagels with cream cheese, two bowls of mixed fruit, a milk for mom and OJ for me. I could have eaten another bowl of the fruit. It was soooo good. It had kiwi, pineapple, some type of melon, and strawberries. With our bellies satisfied, we proceeded to get ready for our day in Nassau. While mom was getting ready, I snapped some pictures from our verandah of us coming into Nassau.
Notice the white cloud in the pictures of the port area. Mom and I both thought it was like a sand cloud or something. How wrong we were. We headed to Deck 4 to look at our pictures from the night before to pass some time before we got the okay to leave the ship. One thing I forgot to mention was that last night at the show Rachel, our cruise director, told us that there was a change for those going on excursions. Normally, you would meet with the excursion group down on the pier but instead someone from the ship would be escorting you down to the group. I thought that was smart as this way you knew you were getting on the right excursion and to me it seemed safer. DCL!
When we were looking at our pictures, Captain Tom came over the speaker to advise that there was a fire right off the dock and that until he got confirmation that the fire was under control and there were no harmful chemicals, he would not release the passengers to go off the ship. Well, mom and I headed up to Deck 13 to see what was going on. As you can see from the pictures, it was a huge fire. I totally commend Captain Tom in his decision. The other ships in port, a Carnival boat and another cruise line, were allowing their passengers off the ships. While we were up on Deck 13, I also grabbed a picture of Atlantis.
Since we were going to be on the ship a while longer, mom and I made our way down to the drinking station so I could get a caffeine intake of Diet Coke. I finished one and then refilled. Tip for the day: Remember to bring a bigger cup for the refill station. The cups are really small. We made our way back down to Deck 4 and as soon as we stepped off the elevator, we came face to face with Peter Pan. His line only had 3 people, so we figured why not? We moved to the side and watched all the little princesses and princes go through the string of princesses down in the Atrium. Once again I commend DCL for the way they had this organized with six princesses in one meet, but the line was atrocious. It went all the way down the hallway to Animator’s Palate. I know most of you have no clue how long of a line this was, but it was LONG. We heard some commotion behind us and released that the character had changed and it was now Princess Minnie. There was still no announcement that we could get off the ship, so we got in line.
We just roamed randomly on Deck 3 for about another 15 minutes when Rachel came over the speaker stating that Captain Tom had gotten the all clear, and we were allowed to disembark into Nassau. With our KTTW cards in hand, mom and I headed down and made our way into Nassau. It was at this time that I truly got a good view at how big the Dream is, especially up again some of the other boats in port. The picture taking began. We stood in line to get our picture taken at the “Welcome to the Bahamas” sign. I took the picture for the family in front of us, and they returned the favor for us.
Once the initial pictures were taken care of, we made our way to the gates to head into the shopping district. First stop was the Hard Rock Café as I had to get a t-shirt for my collection as well as a shot glass for DH. I found what I wanted quickly and $32 later we were back on the streets. We entered some other sores along the way and mom found some shirts with sparkle that she wanted to think about before buying. We stopped in some of the jewelry stores and found some things we liked but the prices were way out of our budget. It didn’t take us long to make it down the street and when we hit the City Center, I turned and got a picture looking back down the street and you could still see the smoke from the fire.
At this point, mom and I had completed what we wanted to do but decided to look for a place for lunch. At the end of the street, mom saw the sign for Senor Frogs. It took about 5 seconds for her to decide that this is where she wanted to eat. According to the sign, we had about a 20 minute wait before they opened the doors. However, the store was open and mom cannot resist a store. I have to admit there were a lot of neat shirts and knick knacks available. I did end up getting another shot glass for DH. Mom had her eye on a couple of shirts and decided to wait until we finished eating to make a choice. We still had some time and there were a lot of photo opportunities around the restaurant.
All of the sudden, music started blaring and the door rose (it was like a garage door) and they were open. We were taken to a table outside as it was a beautiful day and just took in the sights. First thing we saw were the inner tubes on the ceiling with the backsides coming through the center. I had to take pictures, but I will only post the one where the behind is completely covered. I absolutely love the painting of The Son of Man. Senor Frog had a rendition of the painting so a picture had to be taken of that as well. After the touristy photos were taken, mom and settled in with the menus and had to decide on our beverage of choice. I convinced my mom not to the “yard” and just go with the large mug. She went with a margarita I believe and I went with the namesake, Senor Frog. We didn’t want a full meal so we decided to split the appetizer combo which had chicken wings, chicken fingers, quesadillas, and taquitos. As we were enjoying our beverages and food, a man was making balloon animals, hats, flowers, etc. He came by and placed a balloon hat on our heads. Mom loved it! She was having a blast. She loves these types of restaurants. Eventually, we paid the bill ($42 with tip). We wanted a picture with our server who was a sweetheart and when I was handing my camera to another employee, I turned around and saw that the DJ from the bar area joined us.
Just a note: The service was excellent, and the food was good. Drink prices were a little extreme but very tasty. And I recommend that if you have to go to the bathroom, hold it and wait until you get back on the ship. Scary bathrooms!
It was about 12:45pm when we finished, and we headed down the street by the wharf. We avoided the street vendors as best we could and finally make it back to the gates. We had to show our KTTW cards as well as passports to the guards and once through we headed back onto the ship. Mom and I decided to put on our swimsuits and check out the Aquaduck and adult pool area. Didn’t take long to change and head up to Deck 11/12. The spa on the adult only side was completely empty, so we hit that first. I loved the fact that they had a see through bottom on the edge where you could see out over the lifeboats/water. We spent about 20 minutes enjoying the warm water and massaging jets. Mom wanted to investigate the pool bar and she waded up and grabbed a seat. I ordered a Corona while she went with a Pina Colada.
After we enjoyed our drinks with our feet in the water of the pool, we decided it was time for the Aquaduct. Of course, we had a minor detour when we saw Minnie in her tropical dress with no one in line for her. It immediately becomes a must do when no one is waiting.
We finally made it over to the line entrance, and Mom went first. The CM checking the heights made mom stand by the sign just to make sure she was able to ride. She got to the top of the stairs and motioned to me that it was going to be a bit. I gave her the thumbs up and went to the railing to watch the big screen for a few minutes. Absolutely the fact that they play Disney movies all day long. After about 10 minutes, I went to the exit of the Aquaduct and waited for mom to appear. I saw her launch but I only had the Waterproof camera with me so no zoom. But I was able to get her splash down. I helped mom out of the area and we found her a deck chair to relax while I went to experience the fun. I made my way up the stairs and went into the tube immediately. By best guesstimate I had about a 15 minute wait from where I was. The CM in the loading zone advised that I would need to hold on so pictures wouldn’t be possible. I gave my assurance that I would hold on and off I went. It was so much fun and so much smoother than the water “coasters” at Typhoon Lagoon. I had a blast! And…I was able to get one self-portrait.
We spent a little more time out on deck and Mom decided she was hungry but just wanted to munch. I suggested we go ahead and go back to the stateroom, take our showers, and order some munchies from room service. Mom was all for that plan. Once in the stateroom, I ordered the All Hands on Deck fruit and cheese platter and two chocolate chip cookies. I also ordered a six pack of diet coke for the room even though it cost extra because I really missed my caffeine intake. While we waited for it to arrive, mom went ahead and grabbed her shower and I went out on the verandah, propped my feet up, and read. 20 minutes later the food arrived and about 5 minutes after that mom was all clean and dressed casually. The fruit and cheese was refreshing and the perfect size to just tie us over until dinner. We saved the cookies until later. I finally hopped in the shower and got ready. I told mom that I wanted to go to Shutters to see if I could get the 20 photo credit offer taken care of as we had not received a card in our stateroom identifying it and guest services was unhelpful yesterday evening.
We took the stairs down to Deck 3 and went to Guest Services again in hopes of getting the credit thing taken care of. Unfortunately, we got a CM who truly didn’t understand the issue and kept telling me it was hooked to my KTTW card. Rather than continue to go back and forth, we said thank you and moved on. Mom noticed the Bon Voyage bar and decided she couldn’t pass it up without a drink. She got a Bahama Mama while I went with the Mai Tai. Let me tell you that this bartender was very heavy on the alcohol pours. Wowsers was mine strong!
We finished them up and headed into the atrium. We saw that Remy and Mrs. Incredible were out and only had lines of like 2 people. Why not?
After grabbing pictures with them, we headed up to Shutters. We spoke with Nadia, a CM, and explained the situation to her. She knew EXACTLY what I was talking about and said to give her my KTTW card and that she would get it taken care of. I gave her my card and crossed my fingers. She said it would be about 10 minutes but to stay and wait for her. We walked around and just looked at people’s pictures that weren’t claimed yet, but then I saw someone I had to go and visit.
With a smile on my face, I met mom back up in Shutters and Nadia arrived about five minutes later. She had gotten everything worked out. I signed for the little card which showed I had 20 photo credits and all was good in the world. We saw her several more times on the cruise and she was just a delight! She made up for all the guest service issues in that one instance, and the cruise was trouble free from that point out.
At this point, we wandered through the stores again just because and made note of anything we might want to get before the cruise was over. Around 6:00pm, we headed up back up to the stateroom to get ready for the show and dinner. It was Dress-Up optional night, and we were taking advantage of it.
Coming Up: Our Dressy Evening, I Finally See My Guys, and a $77 Bar Bill!
OMG! You two are not disappointing me! I am loving this cruise! That fire was something else - - I can't believe the other ships allowed their passengers to disembark (well, yes I can actually).
Your pictures are fantastic and I adore your self-portrait on the Aquaduck!
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You're so lucky to have such a nice friendship with your mom and to be able to travel together
Aimee
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DCL!
I absolutely love the painting of The Son of Man. Senor Frog had a rendition of the painting so a picture had to be taken of that as well. After the touristy photos were taken, mom and settled in with the menus and had to decide on our beverage of choice. I convinced my mom not to the “yard” and just go with the large mug. She went with a margarita I believe and I went with the namesake, Senor Frog. We didn’t want a full meal so we decided to split the appetizer combo which had chicken wings, chicken fingers, quesadillas, and taquitos. As we were enjoying our beverages and food, a man was making balloon animals, hats, flowers, etc. He came by and placed a balloon hat on our heads. Mom loved it! She was having a blast. She loves these types of restaurants. Eventually, we paid the bill ($42 with tip). We wanted a picture with our server who was a sweetheart and when I was handing my camera to another employee, I turned around and saw that the DJ from the bar area joined us. 
the fact that they play Disney movies all day long. After about 10 minutes, I went to the exit of the Aquaduct and waited for mom to appear. I saw her launch but I only had the Waterproof camera with me so no zoom. But I was able to get her splash down. I helped mom out of the area and we found her a deck chair to relax while I went to experience the fun. I made my way up the stairs and went into the tube immediately. By best guesstimate I had about a 15 minute wait from where I was. The CM in the loading zone advised that I would need to hold on so pictures wouldn’t be possible. I gave my assurance that I would hold on and off I went. It was so much fun and so much smoother than the water “coasters” at Typhoon Lagoon. I had a blast! And…I was able to get one self-portrait. 
Great pictures from your day! Love the Aquaduck one! And the spa with no one in it but you guys! 
More please! 
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