Castaway Cay Sandwich - 13 Glorious Days of Disney! - COMPLETED!! - Page 11 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Sounds like an amazing day!!! Your morning sounds just perfect!
It was definitely a good one!
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Originally Posted by mcc0313
What a wonderfully relaxing last day of the cruise. Can't wait to hear the boys reactions when they find out they are heading back to Disney
Coming right up!
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Originally Posted by chezp
What a perfect day relaxing - and I love the photos from the Princess gathering.
Thanks, it was so much fun doing that
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Originally Posted by lauriep
I sound like an echo here-- what a perfect sea day! I love the shots of you with the princesses and the smiling dinner shots, too. Sounds like Anthony helped to make your cruise extra special. I agree with you about the muesli. The best I've ever had anywhere!
It WAS a perfect sea day! We were disappointed to not have our previous crew, but we ended up really liking (and getting to know) Anthony and Ronald.
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Originally Posted by JKnott17
A perfectly relaxing sea day! The boys are going to be so surprised when they get off the ship and find out they are going to Disney World too
We got 'em good
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Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
What a great day at sea! Love all the pictures, especially with the Princesses!
Thanks! I wish the boys would have joined me in meeting them, but oh well...
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Thursday, Sept 11 Debarkation Day (Back to the land part of this TR!)
5:30am! I don't know why I woke up so early We all eventually got ourselves together and by 7:30 we had said goodbye to the room and we were out the door. On the way to Animator's Palate for breakfast, I snapped a few more shots...
Breakfast was unremarkable, except that we got to say goodbye to Anthony, Ronald and Ali (The head server).
The kids posed this shot
Bye Bye Dream!
Before debarking, we stopped at Shutters to pick up a few prints (only 2). We also turned Titus' cruise band in for a return of our deposit. We had forgotten to return it to the Oceaneer Lab. It would've been good for 2 years I think. (The deposit was $12 or $15?) It was a smooth process getting off the boat and getting through customs and we were on the bus by 9am. The port staff were friendly and efficient even though it was a bit crowded. Last year, we took Magical Express back to the airport, and we told the kids we were doing the same thing. This time we had to "make a stop" at The Boardwalk Villas to pick up some more guests on the way to MCO. My kids think they are so slick, so we had to come up with a good story.
When the bus dropped us off at BWV, I told them I had to go to the desk because there was a problem with our DVC points. Meanwhile, Dh would just walk around with them or wait on the couch until I was done. What I was really doing was checking us in. Luckily for me, the line was a little long so a cast member pointed me over to the concierge check in desk so they couldn't really see me. I explained to the CM that I was secretly checking us in as a surprise for the kids - he was impressed that we had just gotten off the Dream . I had our "fresh" magic bands for this portion of the trip, and after he checked them all to make sure they worked, I tucked them away. I also made sure that the tickets for the MNSSHP were on them - another surprise! (so rotten, smh ) Our room was ready so we could go on up. I told the kids that since we had some time to burn before our bus to the airport, the CMs would let us look at one of the rooms before another guest checked in. It would only be okay if housekeeping wasn't there already cleaning. When we got to the room (#5025), I used my new magic band to open the door ("They let us borrow a blank one.") but before I could open it, a cast member opened it up from the inside - we were both surprised! I lamely mumbled a hello to her, hoping she would leave quickly before the kids figured it out. Instead, she very nicely asked the kids to check their bands to make sure they worked for the door. Luckily they still didn't get it but there was another hiccup - there were birthday balloons and a card on the table (For me! My birthday would be on Sunday) She must've thought we were a strange bunch while I mumbled thankyouthankyou and quickly closed the door. I later wrote her a thank you letter explaining the wierdness. The kids were oohing and aahhhing, but I just couldn't take it anymore. While standing on the balcony, we sprang it all them - Surprise! You're staying in Disney World for 5 more days!!
...And you're going to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party!
All this kicked off a round of texting and instagramming for Max We looked around the room some more now.
Thanks Mickey!!
Putting on the new magic bands
The view from our balcony:
My big bubba showing his gratefulness.
It was only around 11am at this time, but it had already been an eventful day. We called for our bags and Garden Grocer delivery and hung out in the room for a while, just enjoying some down time. As for the decor, initially Dh didn't like it too much. Even after explaining the theme to him, he still felt it was "old-timey". It's certainly different from AKL, but it's nice to try new things. (Even though we had really wanted the Beach Club but couldn't get a 1BR ) He ended up appreciating the room's clean look, spaciousness, and the location. The kids didn't seem to care, they were just happy we were getting to stay at another Disney resort Around 2pm, we decided to venture out and explore a bit while finding some lunch.
The counter service options were disappointing, mostly because it was hot and there was nowhere to sit and enjoy our lunch that was indoors. I ended up getting a sandwich and chips from the Boardwalk Bakery and they got a whole pizza from the Pizza window. ($20.49)
We took our food back to our room. Thankfully, it wasn't a long of walk as it would've been at Kidani. I think it was .10 mile instead of almost a quarter mile.
Herb Pork Loin Sandwich with Creamy Apple Slaw on a Kaiser Roll. I had my misgivings, but this was actually a very good sandwich!
We chilled out some more and even took a nap. It wasn't hard to do with the curtains closed, crisp cool sheets and the air conditioner on Later, I made sausage and broccoli with garlic bread for dinner and we walked around, enjoying the boardwalk in the evening.
I was excited for tomorrow - it would be our first (on land!) Halloween party
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I love the reaction to the surprise! You pulled that off perfectly until Mousekeeping, just wanting to spread a bit more magic, interfered! Too funny, but it all worked out so well. Definitely takes the sting out of having to get off the ship to return to WDW.
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Sounds like a nice relaxing last day on the ship. The boys reaction to the surprise was priceless!
They were truly surprised!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cam22
One of my favorite dishes from our trips. I maybe should still your picture as I didn't get a picture of it myself.
Great last day at sea before the return to land!
Awesome work pulling off the surprise! We've stayed at BWI and found it's location so wonderful along with the beautiful view of the lagoon.
The location is great! We tried to get a lagoon view, but no dice...
Quote:
Originally Posted by lauriep
I love the reaction to the surprise! You pulled that off perfectly until Mousekeeping, just wanting to spread a bit more magic, interfered! Too funny, but it all worked out so well. Definitely takes the sting out of having to get off the ship to return to WDW.
I know - I was surprised too! When I took the thank you note to the desk, the CM carefully put her name on it and put it away. I hope it got to her!
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Originally Posted by lfredsbo
Great surprise!!! Love the photos of them!
We got 'em good!
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Originally Posted by xwewhisper
What a gorgeous night on the boardwalk! How lucky your room was ready so early for you
Oh yes, I was so thankful that our room was ready early. That always makes a big difference.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
Oh wow, that really is a priceless reaction to the surprise!
I'm glad their still young enough to be surprised like that
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Originally Posted by OhToodles!
All caught up! What an amazing time on the Dream! How did you get the time for the princesses? The surprise was awesome. Way to go!
I think I had to go to guest services but I'm not 100% sure. I asked a CM that was in line for it the day before and they told me what to do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jackid2
That is such a great surprise!! The pictures of your boys pictures are priceless.
**************
Friday, Sept 12 - MNSSHP
When the photo is enlarged, you can see the moon better - it's the tiny white dot.
We woke up to a beautiful Florida day after a great night's sleep. The kids said the pullout couch was "sooooo comfortable". I made breakfast in the room and eventually we made it outside to check out the pool. After seeing so many pictures of it and reading so many comments about the "clown", I was surprised to see that the pool was smaller than I thought it would be, and the clown wasn't as creepy as I thought it would be. Well maybe a little. The pool wasn't small really, it's just that photos don't convey true size sometimes. ...And of course I didn't bring my phone to take pics
After we splashed around for a while (the slide is really fun, by the way), we went back up to get ready for the evening. We had a 2:30 ADR at Kona Cafe so we could get a good meal in and then be at MK by 4pm for the Halloween party. I knew it would be hot that day (I was right, it was hot and humid) so we needed costumes that wouldn't be cumbersome or uncomfortable. The Minecraft Steve head was definitely out, so we had to scramble to find something for Titus. We ended up with a t-shirt that had dogtags on it, sunglasses, and a headband that started out was part of a pirate costume. The result: a GI Army guy, or "Rambro". Yeah . Dh was not playing, so it left me and Max. Max wore his Marvel Deadpool shirt and hat. I had a pretty weak (more like "wack") Minnie Mouse costume, which I'm pleased to say that I don't have any pictures of. It was basically a red sundress with tiny white polka-dots, white gloves, white shorts and yellow running shoes. Oh and my Minnie ears. I was more like "Disney bounding", than really costumed, but oh well, work with me people! We finally made it to the bus stop, and off we went to MK.
We caught the ferry to Poly and found out that we had nothing to worry about - there was only one other group having a meal there! After being seated, we ordered and I only had one thing in mind: sticky wings! I forgot to mention by this time that Titus wasn't feeling well. I think he caught a cold on the boat Wow, I guess it wouldn't be Disney trip without Titus geeing sick He didn't really have an appetite, but I convinced him that he needed to eat something and to try the soup. Max tried the plate lunch and Dh got a burger. I also got a salad to go with my wings.
Asian Noodle Bowl - Spiced Beef Broth with Strip Steak, Asian Vegetables, and Rice Noodles
Polynesian Plate Lunch - Pan-fried Chicken with Coconut and Mango Sauces, served with Sticky Rice and Pasta Salad
Kona Surf and Turf Burger Deluxe - Grilled Angus Chuck Burger topped with Brie, Spicy Fried Shrimp, Black Garlic Aioli, and Sweet Potato Fries
Sticky Wings - Glazed Chicken Wings with Tangy Mustard Drizzle and Toasted Sesame Seeds
Kona Salad - Mixed Greens, Blue Cheese, Pears, Red Onions, and Smoked Almonds with Citrus Vinaigrette
I apologize for the blurry photos. That's the price I paid for only having my cell phone as a camera - I got hit or miss quality, and here you can see the quality varies depending on lighting, etc. Lunch was delicious, although I will have to go back for some more wings. Everybody else wanted some! Titus didn't like his soup which was surprising because he usually loves Asian soups. This one had a pronounced lemongrass/Thai thing going on which I loved, but was maybe too mature for him. We ended up sharing the salad and I took his soup and he had most of my wings. Max thought his plate lunch was ok (not a fan of pasta salads), but Dh liked his burger and fries.
The view behind us
After lunch, we moseyed over to the boat launch and I snapped some pics of the construction going on.
So we'll never have enough points or enough luck to score a 7 month rez for these, but it's nice to dream...
We got to the gate at MK right around 4pm and we went in, stopping for the coveted party wristbands first. Coming around the bend onto Main Street will never get old!
We had no specific plans, except to try some attractions that we'd never been on before. One of those was the Hall of Presidents. After the obligatory moans and groans from the kids, we headed over to Liberty Square.
It was excellent and an "at least once must do" for Disney fans. For my boys however, it was more of a "one and done". They'll bring their kids one day, mark my words... The mountains had a longish wait according to my Touring Plans app, so we went over to the Jungle Cruise. I laugh out loud every time, it'll never get old for me. As for Dh and the boys " ".
Since we were on our own little trip down Disney history lane, I steered us toward the Enchanted Tiki Room. I had a good laugh watching their faces. Another "one and done" for them. They surprised me by wanting to go on the Magic Carpets so we got in the (very short) queue.
Space Mountain had a short wait at the time, so yes, we walked all the way over to Tomorrowland for that.
A fun dance party
The Monster's Inc Laugh Floor is always good, so we did that next.
Around this time the Villains Mix and Mingle was about to start so we headed to the hub. It was after 7pm so the party was in full swing and the CMs were checking for wristbands.
Titus, in character. "Rambro", lol
We hadn't staked out a spot so it was kind of hard to see from the back. It sounded fun anyway It was time to start trick-or-treating. First stop: Fantasyland.
No baby, you don't have the right stuff. Maybe someday.
We kept our eyes peeled for these to load up on candy
The gang wasn't too excited to go on the Little Mermaid, but I made them anyway, just to appreciate all the details. (Plus we could sit!)
I have to stop here - I need to load more pictures!
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I also always laugh out loud on the jungle cruise! Right up my alley. Sorry kona cafe wasn't a bigger hit but seems like a great start to your party night so far!
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We all eventually got ourselves together and by 7:30 we had said goodbye to the room and we were out the door. On the way to Animator's Palate for breakfast, I snapped a few more shots...
. I had our "fresh" magic bands for this portion of the trip, and after he checked them all to make sure they worked, I tucked them away. I also made sure that the tickets for the MNSSHP were on them - another surprise! (so rotten, smh 
) He ended up appreciating the room's clean look, spaciousness, and the location. The kids didn't seem to care, they were just happy we were getting to stay at another Disney resort 
Around 2pm, we decided to venture out and explore a bit while finding some lunch.
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Disney Magic - Oct 2015
but I'm not 100% sure. I asked a CM that was in line for it the day before and they told me what to do.
The pool wasn't small really, it's just that photos don't convey true size sometimes. ...And of course I didn't bring my phone to take pics 
Titus didn't like his soup which was surprising because he usually loves Asian soups. This one had a pronounced lemongrass/Thai thing going on which I loved, but was maybe too mature for him. We ended up sharing the salad and I took his soup and he had most of my wings. Max thought his plate lunch was ok (not a fan of pasta salads), but Dh liked his burger and fries. 
It was time to start trick-or-treating. First stop: Fantasyland.
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