The Grand Fiesta 10th Anniversary Trip Report - Cruise Part THREAD 4 COMPLETED Updated 10/18
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Jillybean · 10-12-2006, 08:26 PM

RJ is the man! What a sweetheart!

And you look so beautiful in that bathing suit, Ms. Marnie! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] That color green is great on you!

Jill

Princess_Wantabe · 10-12-2006, 10:08 PM

Another great update [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Looking forward to parasailing!

Meggera · 10-12-2006, 10:24 PM

Wonderful update. I love the pictures. Your adventure with the stingrays sounds so neat. More please!

**DrDolphin** · 10-12-2006, 10:54 PM

RJ Sounds like a great CM!!! Glad to hear that Colin got to be involved!!

mouseclub4 · 10-13-2006, 08:19 AM

I love you pics they just get me blood pumping. I can not wait to go on our 1st cruise I love the whole report.

**Colexis Mom** · 10-13-2006, 08:44 AM

<font color="blue"> Day 12 Part 3.....Flying High, Mailing letters, and lots of Pirate Parties

I signed in at the dock, and then had a seat over underneath one of the umbrellas. There were two boats going out. I ended up being on the first boat to go. However, we were told that since it was windy today (didn’t seem that bad to me) that we’d all have to go tandem, whether or not we paid for it. Frankly I think it was due to too many excursions booked, but whatever. There was no way we each could have gone solo (I think two groups were going tandem) in that timeframe. Which meant that I was going to have to go with a stranger [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img] There were only 10 of us on the boat, so I ended up in the last group. I got to go with a young boy, who was much taller than me, but he ended up being in front! We got lifted off the boat, and the driver “dunked” us in the water. We had to go pretty low, because since I was shorter, and in the back, the boy got quite wet [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/sorry.gif[/img] Then the driver picked up steam, and we were lifted into the air. It was an amazing site [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] I took a bunch of pictures with the waterproof camera (which I’m currently trying to locate – will scan them when I can) and it seemed like it was over way too quickly. On the way down, we got the ceremonial dunking again, and were then brought back on the boat. If you haven’t parasailed, I’d highly recommend it [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] My only complaint (other than having to go tandem) was that we were on the side and backside of the island, so I didn’t get a good view of the beaches. Oh well.

Once back on shore, I returned to the Family Beach. Alexa was now awake, and they were splashing around in the water. I needed to eat, so everyone came with me to Cookies to get some food. We also got smoothies (me and the kids). I had a little bit of everything, and found the food to be quite good (especially the huge chocolate chip cookies)! Tummies stuffed, we decided to rent bikes and explore the island. We all got our own bikes, except for Colin who rode in a kid’s seat on Matt’s bike.

We went out to the runway, and around one loop. Then we went down to the path near Serenity Bay, and biked all the way down that one. The weather was turning darker, with just a spritz of rain, but no big downpours or anything (although it looked like it would any minute)! We stopped at the end of the path behind Serenity Bay (Ocean Outlook) and took some pictures (and got some much needed water)!.

Then we rode back to Serenity Bay, and Matt went out to the adult beach to take some pictures (since kids weren’t allowed).

Then it was back to the bike barn to return the bikes! It was only $18, and a great way to experience the entire island [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] Plus, we got in some good exercise as well, as it was a couple of miles that we ended up biking.

Once back at the chairs, we decided to call it a day. It was just past 3, cloudy, and we were pooped. Oh how I wish we had more time here, as we were doing so many excursions, I felt I didn’t have time to just sit and relax on the beach. I’ll have to try for one of those double dip cruises the next time [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

We packed up our stuff and headed to the tram. But first I stopped into She Sells and bought some souvenirs (postcards and some CC cups for the kids). We made it back to the tram, and were soon waiting to embark the ship again. This time, they had both ends of the ship opened (with most people waiting at the closest end) so Matt went up to make sure we could board at the other end, and waved us down. That saved us some time. I was also running out of time, as I’d promised Cheryl I would send her a postcard from CC, and silly me, forgot to bring her address with me as I got off the ship.

Once back on and in the room, I grabbed the address, the postcards, and headed back off the ship to the post office. I mailed a card to Cheryl, the kids so when they got home they’d get something in the mail, and to my parents. The total was $2.05. I pulled out a $20. He said he couldn’t make change (which I don’t believe for a moment because it was the end of the day [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img] ) The family behind me only had a $50 [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/eek.gif[/img] Then the woman remembered that she had her kids’ money [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I did end up having 2 $1 bills (but no change) so I took away the card to my parents. But then the woman asked how much I needed, since it was on the kids, and I told her a nickel. She passed that over, I said thanks kids [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img], and I was on my way. What a nice gesture [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/thanx.gif[/img]

I got back on the boat, and took some pictures before we were due to sail away. There was a storm that came up and just missed CC, but there was quite some lightning (although I was too slow to get it on the camera) [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/foreheadslap.gif[/img]

Everyone fell asleep, except me. But it was short naps only, as tonight was Pirate Night and we needed to get ready for dinner. The kids donned their matching floral print shirts I had gotten at the Disney store (which matched my skirt) and we headed out to Animator’s Palate. We were greeted by Udonsik and Dhana, who were in their pirate attire! There was also a pirate bandana on everyone’s plate, as well as a keepsake menu.

I forgot to take pictures of most of the dinner tonight [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/sorry.gif[/img] I do know that I had a Rusty Anchor drink (two in fact) and they were very good. I think we shared an appetizer (The Buccaneer’s Sun Ripened Pineapple). I think I had the beef tenderloin, and Matt had the shrimp and scallops on pasta. For dessert, Matt had the Floating Island of Tropical Fruit Treasures, and I had the Calypso Ice Cream Sundae.

The kids had their usual pizza with a Mickey Bar for dessert. As part of the Pirate Celebration, the servers did a little dance. They also acknowledged special events, and we got a piece of cake for our anniversary. The head server delivered it, and they all sang a little song.

We headed back to the room to change, and the kids wanted to go to the club.

We took the kids up to the club, checked them in, and then went to see our first show (the Golden Mickeys). What a good time and a great show! After the show, we headed Shutters to pick up some pictures, and then up to Deck 9 for the Pirate party. We got a great seat right up by the stage, and just hung out until the “official” party started. It was LOUD, but a great time. I’m amazed at the amount of energy these workers on the ship have, because they seem to be everywhere out and about during the day, and then they are putting on shows well into the night! I videotaped the entire thing, and caught Mickey’s flight overhead, as well as the fireworks [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] I kept checking the pager, but didn’t see anything (since we wouldn’t have been able to hear it)!

We finally left the party about 10:30 and headed to the club to collect the kids. Colin was pacing in an area by himself and had tears in his eyes, so I’m not sure if we got paged and just didn’t hear it (although I couldn’t find anything on the pager). Maybe he had just asked. Alexa was tired as well and was ready to come out. We headed back to the room, and it was lights out. It was a very long day, albeit a great one, and we were exhausted! Tomorrow was the at sea day, so we could slow down the pace a bit!

Memories of our 12th day
The weather today was…..sunny in the AM, mid 80s, cloudy in the PM.
The best thing today was……..stopping at Castaway Cay and all our excursions.
The worst thing today was…….the cloudy afternoon, and Colin being upset when we picked him up at the club after the Pirate Party.
Today we tried……..Castaway Cay and parasailing (stingrays too)……
And the result was………a fantastic time was had by all.
The most magical moment today was……..RJ taking Colin out to see the stingrays [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img] and the fireworks at the Pirate Party.

Coming Up Next…….I thought it was a day at sea [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] and a Disney celebrity of sorts

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**Colexis Mom** · 10-13-2006, 09:08 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I'm really enjoying your reports, Marnie! I'm off to my first cruise in a few days and have a question about the stingray experience. I've signed up for this, but walk with a cane and cannot walk in water more than a few steps. Should I cancel, or is there a way I can do this? How far into the water do you need to walk? I should have asked this before!

Thanks, Laurie

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi Laurie [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] I guess I'd call DCL and ask them their opinion. Disney is very friendly at accommodating everyone's needs. For our adventure, I was probably in the water up to my lower thigh (I'm short - only 5') and the kids were up to their tummies. You can hold onto the "gate" system that they use to bring the stingrays up to feed, so that should help you. Maybe someone can assist you into the water until you can grab the gate, and then I think you'd be fine, as there really is no current or anything [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/luck.gif[/img]

**Colexis Mom** · 10-13-2006, 09:09 AM

[ QUOTE ]
RJ is the man! What a sweetheart!

And you look so beautiful in that bathing suit, Ms. Marnie! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] That color green is great on you!

Jill

[/ QUOTE ]

Thank you Jill [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] I'm still glad the pictures were from quite a distance, otherwise I wouldn't have posted them [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

BelmontBelle · 10-13-2006, 10:06 AM

I [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/love.gif[/img] reading about your day on Castaway Cay! You certainly did make the most of it. So glad that RJ made it a special time for Colin and your parasailing and the bike riding sound fun too! Then an evening full of more fun to top it off. I can't wait to hear about your day at sea!

lauriep · 10-13-2006, 10:17 AM

Thanks, Marnie. I think I'll give it a try. This and the glass-bottomed boat are all I signed up for since everything else didn't sound do-able. I'll do what I can and enjoy watching everyone else if I can't get to the rays.

This trip report of yours came just at the right time. Can't wait to experience it all for myself. Your photos are great and the kids are just beautiful.

Laurie P.

Steph A · 10-13-2006, 01:15 PM

It sounds like you had a great day! Can't wait for more!
Steph A

lauren-roxy · 10-13-2006, 02:40 PM

Wonderful update Marnie!!! You guys really did a lot today!!! Your meals looked really yummy, especially your sundae and that piece of cake was enormous!!! Can't wait to read more!!!

Princess_Wantabe · 10-13-2006, 03:53 PM

Another great update! I'm loving this cruise TR since I've never been on one...it's definitely making me want to try it out [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]

DawnDenise · 10-13-2006, 04:52 PM

Awesome updates!! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/waytogo.gif[/img] RJ for making Colin part of the experience! The parasailing sounds like so much fun! Chuck and I would really enjoy the bike riding and will keep that in mind for our cruise.

Now those desserts look very yummy. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/yuma.gif[/img]

**disneydani** · 10-13-2006, 04:53 PM

I am continually amazed at how much you and your family can pack into a day! Looks like you had some more wonderful experiences, especially feeding the Sting Rays. Thanks for another great update! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]