My first trip report-Kennedy Space Center, Disney Dream and Universal Studios - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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I woke up about 6:00 and changed into workout clothes. DH woke up also and we headed to the gym. Gym is nice. The divider in between the windows was right at my eye level though so I had kinda of a weird view. We worked out about 45 minutes then went back for the boys. We put on our swimsuits, packed the beach bag and headed out. We headed to Enchanted Gardens for breakfast. Be sure to have fresh fruit whenever you can because it is always delicious.
Right when we were finishing up, they announced we were cleared to go ashore. We were in the perfect spot and were one of the first groups off the ship. We walked almost to pelican plunge stopping for some family picture with the ship photographers. The funniest one was when he told us to jump on three. We are all active but apparently not able to jump on cue. That one did not work out so well but we got some other great ones!
We grabbed chairs and bought a cooler full of water at the bar closest to us. (Don't buy right off the ship unless you want to carry the whole time.) We also rented 2 floats and DS1 got snorkel equipment. We hung out on the beach all morning. The beach is a treat for us as we live in St. Louis. Not a lot of ocean around us!
Around 12:45 we headed to cookies too for lunch. Once again the fruit was so good. I liked the salmon but some may find it too dry. Boys loved the ribs. Chocolate chip cookies were OK to me but only because I prefer a crispy cookie and these are ultra-soft. Boys loved them!
On the way back to our chairs, we decided to play some tetherball. Now, my family is better than me in every sport and activity but I can play me some tetherball! I beat both boys and then took on my DH. He is 6 inches taller than me so he had a major height advantage but I took him out with a bit of dirty play and maybe a wee bit of cheating! We were laughing so hard and loud that I apologize if you were in the vacinity!
Went back to the chairs, and just hung some more. We ordered some Konk Koolers for us and the boys had virgin pina coladas for an afternoon treat. Arond 3:30, we packed up and I went to She Sells to buy the Mine Mine Mine towel we had seen on the walk over. Somehow DH and DS1 found another bar and got us a second round of treats! They were great but with the sun and all they were going to my head fast! We made our way back to the ship and back up 10 long flights of stairs. (I decided to eat everything I wanted but to never take an elevator and to work out a bit each day) Took showers. Love the split bathrooms with all boys! The boys went to their clubs for awhile with plans to meet us at the Villians show. DH and I watched us sail away from the verandah.
Headed to the Villians show which we all enjoyed. Back up to dress for dinner, than back down for family pictures. (Can you tell I was determined to get the CD and get my money's worth?) Dinner tonight was Royal Palace. We had table #2 which was one of 5 tables in a back separate room. No biggie for us but some may not like this. Food was good. I loved my salad with goat cheese. Tenderloin was good but lobster slices just ok. The dessert souffle was wonderful and Rocque brought us an extra creme brulee to share which was also great.
After dinner we looked in the shops for a bit and I'm sure DS2 bought something! We just explored the ship for a bit and I am sure I got a diet coke some time in there. (If I put down everytime I got a diet coke, it would be about every other sentence. I think this is why we like to stay on deck 10!) Went back and repacked the beach bag for the next day and hit the sack.
Just my observation: A lot of people got bit or stung in the water at castaway cay on this day including myself and DS1. Yea, it was uncomfortable but it did not ruin our day. So many people around us were complaining about this. First of all people read the signs and be aware. Second of all, Disney can do a lot of things but actually controlling a natural enviroment is not one of them. It is the ocean. I saw a little boy have a bad reaction and felt for him but some of the other complainers need to relax a bit, go back to the ship or just suck it up! (OK rant over)
Sounds like a great day! My DS got bit our last time at CC. We just went to First Aid, they put some gel on him, and we went about our day! Glad you didn't let it stop you!
Sounds like a great day! My DS got bit our last time at CC. We just went to First Aid, they put some gel on him, and we went about our day! Glad you didn't let it stop you!
Yes exactly, treat it and enjoy the rest of your day. We heard several people ranting and raving about sea creatures in the water. I guess they thought Disney's island in the ocean was immune to real life! I generally try to enjoy my family and not listen to others but there were a few around us make an unbelievably big deal to every person who walked by.
Sorry for a silly question but what did you get bit by? I hadn't heard of people getting bit/stung so just more curious.
I have no idea. It felt similar to a bee sting to me but I am allergic to bees and I did not have any reaction to this. I never saw anything. We have been at Castaway Cay 4 times and this day was the only day I have ever heard a bunch of people having an issure. When we went back on Thursday for our double dip, I never heard anyone complain and no one in my family was bit. Kinda weird but that's nature for ya!
Can't wait for more...did you all wear sand shoes or sandals or flip flops??
That day we wore sandals to walk and went barefoot in the ocean. The second stop we wore water shoes because we did the kayak and nature walk. I did not mind being barefoot in the ocean but I have tough feet! The boys hated the water shoes and preferred to be barefoot.
Woke up pretty early and DH and I decided to walk/jog deck 4 instead of going to the gym. We did 2 miles. Headed up got the boys moving, got our stuff together and went up to cabanas. Sat near a window so we could watch us pulling in to port. I made every one drink up since we were going to Aquaadventure. We ate breakfast and headed down to meet for our Aquaadventure. I know there are cheaper ways to do this but for us, convenience is worth a lot! We were the first group checked in, first to get bracelets, first off ship and made it on the first bus to Atlantis.
Their guide walks you through which I found interesting but others (DS1 in particular) were axious to get to the water park. We grabbed a chair and since I had purchased a vacation vault that hooks to a chair put our valuable in that. Went straght into the lazy river choosing the rapids at the fork. This was fun but DH had forgot bonine and so he did not care for it too much. He jumped out after first time around and boys and I went around again choosing the slides at the fork. DS2 wasn't crazy about the slide we did (The falls, I think) He is not a thrill ride kid. I though it was pretty mild. DS1 went off on his own for awhile and did the abyss.
We found DH and he and DS2 went off to one of the pools and the little slides. DS1 and I met up to do Leap of Faith and the raft ride (maybe the serpent?) Lines were long but not unbearable. Whole family met up again. Everyone was a little hot and crabby so we took awhile to agree on a lunch place and the awhile longer to get there since we agreed on the one furthest from where were at. We went the right way but were unsure so we kept stopping and looking at the map. We finally got there and got it a very slow line. There is is a cruie only line since we had vouchers. It did not have a register so it should have been faster but every one kept adding additional items to their order and than the person would have to wait for a cashier and it just took forever! Sign should say voucher only not cruise only. Finally we got some grilled chicken sandwiches and drinks which were fine. Regrouped a little.
Gave DS1 an hour on his own to do what he wanted and took DS2 on the serpent and the Jungle slides. Then just swam for awhile.
Packed up and went through the aquarium. It was pretty cool. Went to the souvenier shop and got a few t-shirts. DS1 took a lesiurely stroll to the bathroom when he spotted the Miss Teen USA contestants. Then grabbed a shuttle back to the boat at about 3:45.
Headed back on the ship, showered and cleaned up. DH and boys decided to go see Cars 2 which boys and I had already seen. I stayed back and tried to straighten up the room a bit. I also went and took a few pictures. They came back and we went to deck 12, got some light up drinks and watched the pirate show. It was cute.
Headed down to get some picture and then Royal Palace for dinner. Only our table and 3 from another table showed up. Rocque and Constantine were giving the kids tons of puzzles, making their napkins into hats and just tons of attention. It was very fun. Food was all good. Crab cake was the best item that night. We stayed playing games for a long time so we didn't get a great spot for the next show but good enogh for the fireworks.
DS2 was beat and decided to not wait but to go back to the room to watch a little tv. DH walked him down and DS1 and I used all the food we've been eating to be wider than normal to save Dh's spot! He made it back in time and we all enjoyed the fireworks. Walked down to look at the buffet. DS1 is 14 so he found some room for another dessert but DH and I passed.
We all headed down and went to bed. Overallo, another fun day.
WOW! Sounds like a really fun trip so far! Our DD will be 14 on our next cruise - how did you feel about your DS1 roaming the ship on his own? Did you let him come and go about the ship? How did he like Vibe?
WOW! Sounds like a really fun trip so far! Our DD will be 14 on our next cruise - how did you feel about your DS1 roaming the ship on his own? Did you let him come and go about the ship? How did he like Vibe?
Sorry I did not answer this sooner. My family had several medical issues and I have not been on the boards.
I was confortable letting DS1 have his freedom. He is very trustworthy and I felt that the ship was safe for him. He enjoyed the Vibe but did not spend every waking minute there. Just kind of picked and chose his activities.
Hope to have time to continue my report later this week.
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. I like your plan of eating all you want, but taking the stairs and exercising!
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