Our 2nd MAGICal Disney Cruise!

[karajeboo]

We bailed out of muster drill, well not BAILED exactly, that is not exactly the best term to use when getting ready to head out to sea...... But as soon as we EXITED muster drill, we ran back to the cabin... well, not RAN exactly because that would be dangerous.... we WALKED BRISKLY back to our cabin to check for our luggage.

 

Dang Flabbit! The bag of water was there, but still no sign of my luggage or Ally's..... And we're the pretty ones!!! We need our "stuff" for fixin up!

 

So off we BRISKLY WALKED to Deck 10 to scope out our spot for Sail Away. I wanted to be near starboard forward area (that's the right front for you land lubbers) so we would be visible on the Port Canaveral webcam for sailaway. I had already posted our spot on Facebook and by golly I was gonna be there to wave to all those poor saps back home!!! Especially those who were watching from work.

 

I found a nice spot by the rail, right behind a little "table" so I could rest my DOTD.... Priorities, my friends..... priorities.

 

 

Ally and Tori were wedged in right by the rail and we all had our streamers to wave......

 

 

And then.

 

It

 

Was

 

Time!

 

Tisa came out to introduce us to some very important folks.... "Moms and Dads, these are your new best friends for the week.... The youth activities team!!!!!"

 

 

Oh yeah, we cheered.... we sang... we danced...

 

 

Some obviously better than others....

 

We then got to meet our Cruise Director.... he was no Peter Popper (aka Peter Hoffer)......

 

This time we got....

 

 

Darren McBlarneystone (aka Darren McBarney).

 

Something about those microphones at sea... they distort names something AWFUL!!!! Or maybe it was those Drinks of the Day!!!!

 

Loved loved LOVED Darren McBlarneystone!!!!

 

Especially when he introduced his friends!!!

 

 

Yes, that was JEff filming me crying..... hey it's what I do - don't judge me!!!

 

What is it about that stupid mouse???? He makes me so stupid and happy and weepy and happy and, oh heck, just keep reading....

[karajeboo]

Shake it Pluto!!!

 

 

 

 

We sang some more.... we danced some more.... we had another DOTD.... until it was THAT time.

 

 

 

As soon as we were finished shaking what our mamas gave us.... (no offense, but Donald's mama gave him a LOT!), we moved into position to be webcam stars!

 

And here we goooooooo!

 

 

Right on top of the blue roof of Fishlips is the webcam. We waved like crazy - seems the more active you are, the closer they will zoom in on you. So Ally was gonna make SURE we were on camera!

 

[karajeboo]

There were a lot more people up on deck this time than there were last year.

 

And it's all because of this....

 

 

Ole McBlarneystone told us all about the "firsts" this trip - first time two Disney ships in Port Canaveral together. First time two Disney ships in ANY port together...... And he warned us of the "epic horn battle" that would soon begin.....

 

 

So....

 

Who's ready for the horn battle?????

 

 

 

One thing I did learn.... even though the Dream and Fantasy have several different tunes their "horn" plays, they don't have real horns. The Magic and Wonder have REAL horns you can see from the Quiet Cove Pool if you look up at the base of the stack. The Dream and Fantasy have digital "horns."

 

So there. We win!

 

Although it is kinda sad listening to the Magic play the same tune over.. and over... and over.... She's like the little runt who just won't give up!!!!!

 

The Fantasy can play all those different tunes, but by golly the Magic will When You Wish Upon a Star until the cows come home!!! Or the fishing boats in this case.... Or at least until someone throws themselves overboard....

 

In any case (we still won!), the crew of the FAntasy was all up on deck, too, I guess to be a part of history!

 

 

 

 

 

There were stateroom attendants on the balconies, maintenance crew all gathered below on that little "gangplank" plus tons of crew up on deck!

 

Very cool to be a part of this.....

 

And yes. I cried. Don't judge.

 

As soon as we past the Fantasy, it was time to BRISKLY WALK back to steerage so we could get ready for dinner.

 

Last cruise we had late dinner seating, this time we decided to try early dinner seating at 545pm.

 

There were good and bad points to each. The problem for us, with late seating, was that we were always so full to really go "out" after dinner and usually ended up in bed by 10pm! We still ended up getting ready in time for early dinner because we'd go to the 615 shows and then have photos taken between the show and dinner. So having early dinner didn't really force us to get ready any earlier..... However, when in port, we did miss our early dinner once because we just didn't want to cut short our time in port to get on the ship that early......

 

Basically, I think we'd choose late dinner seating (in fact that IS what we have chosen for our next cruise) but if we were assigned the early seating, I would not make a big deal out of trying to change it. For us there just wasn't THAT much of a difference in how we planned our day.....

 

When we arrived back in steerage, after playing hopscotch with the rats, we... what? OK, so maybe I remember THAT part of steerage from Titanic....

 

And again, for all those who have posted that the Magic is "showing her age" and "looking old" and other such nonsense? That is the FURTHEST from the truth!!!! She is a BEAUTIFUL ship in great condition!!!! Even when we were side by side with the Fantasy, you would never have guessed the Magic was 14 years old, compared with that brand new ship.

 

Well, except for the rats....

 

Up next.... FIRST NIGHT'S DINNER!!!!!

[Gary from PA]

Great horn battle video !!

 

Awesome photos !!

 

Keep it coming :P

[DisneyKidsDad]

Keep it coming!! :D

[Host Mick]

 

Oh yeah, we cheered.... we sang... we danced...

 

 

 

Those guys should get out into the sun more. I'm surprised that their legs didn't burst into flames.

[Stratus22]

What great Pics!! I can not wait to take my family on a Disney cruise. The little one is only a year old so we want to wait until we know she can enjoy it. Plus, no diapers would be great!!!

[Host Mick]

That would be awesome if you could put a review on the Cruise Critic members' reviews site. We're collecting room reviews also so be sure to add that too.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreviewform.cfm?ShipID=33

[karajeboo]

That would be awesome if you could put a review on the Cruise Critic members' reviews site. We're collecting room reviews also so be sure to add that too.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreviewform.cfm?ShipID=33

 

Done! :D

[KDilly]

Keep it coming!! :D

 

 

IT'S LIKE CYBER CRUISING!!!!!!! Hahahahahaha Virtual vacation for those of us stuck at a computer :)

 

-KD

[karajeboo]

IT'S LIKE CYBER CRUISING!!!!!!! Hahahahahaha Virtual vacation for those of us stuck at a computer :)

 

-KD

 

hahahaha!!!! That's great!!! My poor family gets to go cyber cruising all the time, because I've made a 35 minute move with photos and video set to music and we watch it ALL THE TIME! I'll post it on youtube soon. My cruise movie from last year is out there. If you google "Our Magical Disney Cruise" on youtube, my user name is karajeboo0730..... That is, if you've got a half hour to kill! lol

[hardingk]

Just found your review and LOVING it! Cant wait for more!!!

[karajeboo]

Just found your review and LOVING it! Cant wait for more!!!

 

Thank you!!!!

 

What great Pics!! I can not wait to take my family on a Disney cruise. The little one is only a year old so we want to wait until we know she can enjoy it. Plus, no diapers would be great!!!

 

I totally agree - no diapers would be PERFECT! Then they can go to the Oceaneers Club and you can enjoy a little adult time!!!

 

Those guys should get out into the sun more. I'm surprised that their legs didn't burst into flames.

 

I thought the same thing all week!!! I've never seen such white legs!! You'd think they were accountants...in North Dakota....in January, in an office all week!

[karajeboo]

Keep it coming!! :D

 

I'm working on it! Hope to have an update today or tomorrow....

 

Great horn battle video !!

 

Awesome photos !!

 

Keep it coming :P

 

I'm going to try to finish Day 1 this week - I'm leaving Saturday for WDW, then Sunday for a 4 night Dream cruise with my girlfriends.....

[magrudersmakes3]

I love your trip repots so I'm subbing :D

[DisneyKidsDad]

I'm working on it! Hope to have an update today or tomorrow....

 

 

 

I'm going to try to finish Day 1 this week - I'm leaving Saturday for WDW, then Sunday for a 4 night Dream cruise with my girlfriends.....

 

WOW...we're gonna have overlapping trip reports? HINT HINT

[Friend100]

 

 

Wonderful! Thanks!

[karajeboo]

AFTER hurdling rats, mice, whatever vermin you can think of..... we arrived back to our stateroom# 6631 to find ALL our luggage had arrived!!! Yea!!!!

 

We didn't have time for a shower, but luckily the ripeness was kept to a minimum since it wasn't too hot up on deck. Lucky for our tablemates, that is!!!!

 

We quickly changed but then realized, there really is no hurry to the dining room the first three nights. The line out the door is forever long with people arriving early and being escorted to their table the first night in each dining room. And we're pros at this, remember? So we decided to be....

 

Fashionably late.

 

Cause we are cool like that.

 

Or just running late, whatever!!!

 

Our first night was in Animator's this cruise, and tonight would be the show dinner. Of all the dinners, I think the first night is the most casual, but we never go in shorts or jeans. I know some do, and I don't judge, it doesn't ruin my experience, but I feel that if DCL states "no shorts or jean" that I should not dress myself nor my family that way.

 

But tonight was most definitely cruise casual, in just capris and a comfy blouse.....

 

 

 

 

We prepurchased the 5 night wine premium wine package for this cruise, and tonight we ordered the Pouilly-Fuissé, absolutely one of my favorite whites, you can never go wrong with it!

 

For my appy I ordered the

Ahi Tuna Tartare

With Caviar, Chives, and Wasabi Cream

 

 

Actually I think Jeff ordered that because I had it last time and LOVED it!

 

I ordered the

Wild Mushroom Risotto and Porcini Twist

Served with Parmigiano-Reggiano

 

 

LOVE me some risotto, but this was not my favorite of the cruise. Great flavor but a bit undercooked and chewy.....

 

Ally was all excited to order of the adult menu so she started with the

Baked Potato and Cheddar Cheese Soup

with bacon bits and chives

 

 

We all joined her and ordered soup as well..... This is one of the "hardest" parts of cruising.

 

Eating. There is so much to choose from and I feel it is my civic duty to taste as much as possible.

 

For you. Just remember that I do it for you.

 

And not the spanx.....

[karajeboo]

Ally ordered the

Lemon-Thyme Marinated Chicken Breast

On top of Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Grain Mustard Jus

 

 

It was excellent, and perfect for a child who wants to order off the adult menu, but doesn't want anything crazy. It sounds pretty, but was fairly ordinary.....

 

Jeff got the

Animator's Grilled Veal Chop

With Roasted Red Bliss Potatoes with Sweet Onions and a Morel Mushroom Sauce

 

 

I think he enjoyed it?

 

I ordered the

Phyllo-Wrapped Salmon Fillet

With Sun-dried Tomato, Garlic Cream Cheese on Fava Beans, and Green Pea Ragoût

 

 

By far the worst meal of the cruise. By no means was the food terrible, or even just "not good" but this I did not enjoy at all.... It was not recommended to me, but just sounded good.....

 

I think Ally ordered the Sweet Temptations dessert just about every night because it was a sampling of three different desserts....

 

Tonight I ordered the

Buckled Warm Apple Crumble

 

 

Everyone agreed I had the best dessert of the night! It was really good!

 

Jeff ordered the

Cranberry and Orange Cheesecake

With a rich, dark Chocolate Sauce

 

 

I thought this was very good, too, but I'll stick to the crumble!

[karajeboo]

Some "before" pics of Animator's......

 

 

 

 

And after.....

 

 

 

[karajeboo]

Finally, it's showtime!!!!

 

 

Some little girl raced up to Mickey and stepped on his robe and almost sent him to the ground. If that would have happened, I would have taken her out. Cause I've got Mickey's back.....

 

 

That would have been a great photo if Ally's big ole head wasn't in the way....

 

Our server Stiliyan following Mickey near the end of the show.....

 

 

 

Our servers really seemed busy this night, although our main server Gusti turned out to be great all week. Stiliyan, the assistant server, was a bit slow. He was very excited though because he was heading back to Bulgaria after this cruise to spend 12 weeks with his family. But if you know me, you know I like wine. And it was tough for us to finish a bottle of wine between the three of us (that would be Tammi, not Ally!!!!) unless he left it on the table for us to pour ourselves......

 

Again, great guy, and slow service does not ruin a dinner for me, but it was hard to top last year's service. And Jeff reminded me that last year, our servers had one less table because a family had moved to the other dinner seating, so they were able to spend a lot more time with us and we really felt we got to know them so much better last year.

 

After dinner we wandered around the ship, as it welcomed us back.

[karajeboo]

No really, there were several times I think I heard whispers of, "Welcome Back Kara!" Or "Look! That's the McSparklesons, they're back!" Things like that.....

 

We definitely didn't want to miss the show the first night because we did not see this on our last cruise. So off we went!

 

 

 

This is the only night I took photos (no flash!) at the shows because they began to announce NO photos or video of any kind. I'm guessing it's because even though they have always said "no flash" people forget to turn it off and that creates a problem.

 

We didn't stay out too late this night as the first day is always so chaotic. Just the anticipation and excitment of seeing that beautiful ship for the first time, boarding, sail away, first dinner, meeting your servers, seeing your room, waiting on luggage, it all crates a frenzied first day. So we stopped for a drink after the show and then called it an early night.

 

Up next.... Key West!!!!

 

I am leaving tomorrow for Disney World to meet up with my DISmoms!!! On Sunday we are taking a car to Port Canaveral and boarding the Dream for a 4 night cruise!!!! I'm sure this will be a very fun and entertaining TR also, watch for it..... DISmoms 4 - The Hunt for Jack Sparrow.... coming soon to a trip report near you.....

 

See y'all next week!!!!

[karajeboo]

Wonderful! Thanks!

 

Thank you!

 

[/color]

 

WOW...we're gonna have overlapping trip reports? HINT HINT

 

We write a joint trip report on another site, so if the other gals agree, I'll post it over here, too. They are typically pretty run to relive!

 

I love your trip repots so I'm subbing :D

 

Thank you for reading along!

[robhawk]

Just finished reading your 2 Magic reports! Enjoyed every detail! You are a hoot!

We are going on the Fantasy next February!

 

Rob

[Me2]

Who's ready for the horn battle?????

 

 

 

Hi, your review is so much fun to read, and the horn video is just amazing. Thanks for sending laughter and Magic our way. Can't wait for October, now for our 1st 'Magical' cruise.