May 24-27 Trip Report Day 3

[SueN0724]

Day 3 - Castaway Cay:

 

I woke up just as we were pulling into this beautiful island. I was amazed looking out the balcony to see the Flying Duchman right in front of me. WOW. Once again, ordered room service for continental b'fast. Quick and easy. I was waiting for some announcement that we could get off the ship, but I saw from the balcony that people were starting to inhabit this island. We quickly grabbed our bag and off we went. It was so georgeous. I picked a spot on the family beach right across from Cookie's Bar B Que. Rachael was checked into camp. I checked her out at lunchtime so she could swim in the beautiful crystal clear waters. She ran into her friend again and they kept each other company. Lilo and Stitch made an appearance and they also had live crab races. Very fun. We stayed till 3:00 and even though I was under an umbrella in the shade, I still got burned. Food was excellent and once again, fresh fruit was available and fabulous. (I'm not especially fond of fruit, but it was that good). Hamburgers, Hotdogs, Corn, Ribs, salads and desserts. Back to the ship for a shower for Rachael. She was full of sand. Dressed her and brought her to Oceaneer's Club while I went back to the room to get myself ready. It was our dress up night. The kids were preparing for graduation from D-Sea-U and the ceremony was to take place on stage at the Walt Disney Theatre. I got there early for a front row seat. Only to be told I had to move (that was after the theatre filled up). I found a seat in the 3rd row. It was a cute little ceremony full of pomp and circumstance. The kids loved being made a big deal of. We couldn't check kids out from there, they had to go back to their club and get checked out. A major ordeal and long line. I picked her up - and as usual, she didn't want to come with me. I had to take a teary eyed daughter and stand in line to have our photos done. The line was moving very slow and it took so long, we were 15 minutes late for dinner at Triton's. The fare was French. I ordered the soup, I didn't like it. I ordered the escargot, same. I had Cochilles St. Jacques for my entree. It was pretty good. I couldn't decide on dessert so the waiter brought me creme brulee. It was good. I never had it before, so nothing to compare it with. Now, you switch dinning venues each night, but the waiters stay with you. I cannot say that the servers were anything but average. They did their job, but not as personable as I'm used to on other lines. I NEVER saw my cabin steward. The Dreams show was great. I highly suggest that this is a must see. Went back to the room after the show to pack our bags and put them out by 11:00 p.m. Rachael slept through that.

 

Placed a request for a 6:00 a.m. wake up call. Mickey called right on time. No room service available today, although I saw a lot of food trays outside of cabins in the hallway, I never asked about it, just made a mental note to self. We were scheduled to eat b'fast in Triton's where we had dinner last night (or we could have gone to the buffet). I had scrambled eggs (wet/runny) bacon/sausage and hash brown. Coffee was strong/dark/bitter. Rachael had pancakes. She just took one bite and didn't finish. They looked very dry and cakey. After b'fast we went to the photo gallery to pick our pictures. $50 later... Back to the room to pick up our carry bags and proceeded to find out where we had to wait to disembark (I'm bad, didn't attend any of the "important" talks that at least one family member should attend). I saw lines and just picked a spot. I finally asked people what the line was for, and they said they were waiting to go in to b'fast. WOOPSY! So I went the opposite direction toward the lobby and the doors were open and we just walked out. No lines, no waiting. EASY! Once on the other side, someone was there to help us with our luggage and to our car. On the road by 8:30.

 

I have mostly travelled on Carnival Cruises. This was my first Disney. I noticed a lot of things pro Disney and many things I prefer the Carnival way. I would say it is pretty even on the scale for different reasons.

 

I did get a tip from my TA that if I booked another cruise on board, you would get a discount. So I did book another cruise, put down a $400 deposit (200 pp). It is fully refundable up to 75 days prior to sail date. Plus, I will transfer it to my TA for an addition discount and I can change the date too. P.S. I WANT THE SAME ROOM. Could I get that lucky again? It was definitely a WONDERful vacation on the Disney Wonder.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Thanks for the report I enjoyed reading it.

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[zerog]

Ok, my turn to tag on...

 

Day 3: Castaway Cay

 

Since most people stay up late on cruises, you basically have 2 tough choices:

1) Sleep late and miss part of the day at the beach, but be well rested.

2) Get up early to maximize your day at Castaway, but go tired.

There's probably a happy medium for everyone. Perhaps this is something families can decide upon ahead of time, so everyone knows what to expect. Just remember, there are so many time delays involved with everything (i.e., getting off the ship, taking a tram to the Castaway Cay beaches, walking to find a lounge chair, checking kids in/out of Scuttles, taking the tram back to the ship, preparing for dinner or show, etc.).

 

Well, we had another late start to the day. It was tough getting my family to move in the morning, without causing fireworks of the family type. We had breakfast on Deck 9 (again). This time, the omelet bar was open and I ordered for my wife and I. The omelets were brought to our table, just as ordered. They also had smoked salmon. So, I would have to grade today's breakfast a B.

 

We were finally off the ship at about 10:30am. Then you get your towels and walk a little ways to catch the tram. The tram drops you off at a point where you can choose to go in one of many directions (i.e., family beach, adult beach, Scuttles, rent a paddle-boat, etc.). We decided to drop our kids off at Scuttles. Again, the slow methodical check-in process. ***Don't forget to apply sunblock/sunscreen. They will not put it on the kids for you.***

 

When we arrived at the family beach, there were quite a few people already there. We looked as far to our right as possible, and every front row lounge chair was taken. We got lucky and found some lounge chairs to the left, conveniently located behind the snorkel rental building. This building has a shower to wash off sand.

 

My wife and I brought our own snorkels, yet we were able to borrow flippers and floatation. We snorkeled for maybe an hour. Nothing too exciting to see. We found a queen conch, with animal inside, and saw just a few colorful fish. No living reefs. If anything, it was peaceful to be away from the kids for a few hours.

 

Scuttles took the kids to lunch around noon. My wife and I went to Cookie's barbeque. We learned our lesson on day 2 - don't eat a big late lunch - it wasn't 100 percent that we had late seating again for dinner. We didn't enjoy lunch at Cookie's, but again, it was good enough to hold us over until dinner.

 

We checked our kids out of Scuttles with the intention to rent a 4-person paddle boat and to let them play in the water. Scuttles doesn't have any activities for kids near the beach - its probably safer that way anyhow. Back to the paddle-boat, the minimum age is 5 years old. My DD is 4. So I took my 7 year old DS on a 2 person paddle-boat and my wife took my DS to get ice cream.

 

Pedaling the paddle-boat by yourself is very hard work (or great exercise, depending on how one looks at things). My DS was too short to help me pedal. I don't recommend this activity.

 

After the paddle-boat exercise, I found the rest of my family. Around 3pm, my wife was ready to get back to the ship with my DD in order to relax and get prepare for dinner/show. There would be no fire drill tonite. I stayed on Castaway with my DS. We walked to the Stingray encounter, but the 'tour' takes about an hour and wasn't to begin for another half hour. This would have put us back on the ship after 5pm. Instead, we found a covered pavilion near teen-beach that had foosball, pool, and ping-pong tables. I played a few minutes of each with my DS. We then rented 2 bikes and rode around for 1/2 hour. It was a peaceful ride - there are water stations everywhere and an observation tower.

 

At 4:45pm, we got our dining phone call. Tonite, we would have early seating at Parrot Cay's. Food was average at best, as expected. Server and assistant were extra nice, maybe because it was the nite to receive gratuities. I brought the tip envelopes to dinner and handed everyone their gratuity. (For the room steward, I left an envelope on the dresser the next morning). For the tips, I needed change for some 20's. I got change at customer service.

 

I'm not sure what they did at the other restaurants, but for the last nite in Parrot Cay, the waiters and some passengers performed in a 3 minute limbo contest. Okay, I got up from the table and went under the bar one time. Then the music stopped and dinner was over.

 

Next on the agenda was the Disney Dream show. According to Disney, this was ranked the #1 show at sea. Well, being spoiled by the broadway production of the Lion King, I didn't care much for the show. On the other hand, the rest of my family enjoyed it.

 

After the show, my wife took the kids to the Oceaneer's Lab, while I went to book our next cruise. We put the kids in the lab so that we could pack in peace and get our luggage out the door before the required 11pm deadline.

 

Side note: If you put your children in the Oceaneer's lab, it is highly probable that may not be the place you pick them up. The kids are continually moved from place to place, or are in transition - in which case you have to wait for the entire bunch to be moved before you can begin the checkout process. This is also the case at Castaway Cay. When you go to get your kids, they may be in the middle of a treasure hunt, for example. The lesson here is, you can't expect to pickup your kids at the last moment if you are hoping to be somewhere at an exact time.

[SueN0724]

ADDENDUM:

 

Some things I fogot to mention in my report.

 

Day 1: I had purchased a gift basket for my daughter from The Perfect Gift and it was delivered to our cabin and waiting on the bed when we arrived. WOW, that went over better than expected. It contained a Mickey water bottle (insulated with a shoulder strap). Beach toys, snorkel equipment, 50 spf lotion and snacks/drinks.

 

Also, made a point of dropping by Guest Services with a pillow case for the characters to sign. It was delivered to our room the last night...what a wonderful thing to have - and cheap.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

Glad you liked the baskset from Shirley at The Perfect gift. She does an awesome job everytime!!! Our basket was outstanding and a surprize from our kids. One thing most dont know is when ever there is a Make a Wish family on board which is often, sometimes several at once, she makes up and donates personal baskets for each of them at her own expense. I think that is so sweet of her. I like doing business with nice people like that.

Pillowcases are a fantastic souvenir. I have 2 that have all the sigs and I want to make frames for them and hang on the bedroom wall for the grandkids.

So glad you liked them!!!

 

 

Zerog,

It sounds like over all you had a good time. But food was a disappointment for you. I know it is too late now but at the adult beach they often have all the stuff Cookies has plus either t-bone steaks or Lobster tails for the adults only. Last time hubbies steak was so tender he cut it with the side of his fork.

I forgot if you went to Palos, they have the best food on the ship and the best service. doesnt matter if it's dinner or brunch it is outstanding!!

 

 

mom x4,grandmax4

[zerog]

mom x4,grandma x4

 

Overall, we had a great time on the cruise! It was pure heaven for my 4 year old DD; I just hope she will remember this experience when she gets older. My 7 year old DS was a little apprehensive of the unknown, but after all was said and done, he can't wait for the next cruise.

 

Going in, I expected the food to be average based upon a majority of the reviews I've read online. On the other hand, I probably built my expectations too high for the shows.

 

I admit, I didn't know about the lobster on the adult side of CC. We definitely would have made a trip there. This cruise, we did NOT eat at Palo's - I wanted to experience the big 3 (P, A, and T) with the kids. Next cruise we will definitely eat at Palo's.

 

In my reviews, I didn't want to sound too negative - I just wanted to emphasize some our shortcomings so that others will see nothing ever goes as planned. Again with expectations - I was flexible and willing to go with the flow. Those who go in thinking everything will be perfect, will probably leave disappointed.

[mom x4,grandma x4]

I agree!!

We have never had a perfect vacation whether is was a cruise, camp out or just touring the US. There has to be something for each of us that wasnt what we expected.

But that doesnt mean we didnt have an AWESOME time as a family.

I did enjoy your report and I didnt think it was too negative at all.

Do you have any photos you could share with your report??

I would love to see some photos to go with your report.

 

mom x4,grandma x4

[SueN0724]

I agree!!

We have never had a perfect vacation whether is was a cruise, camp out or just touring the US. There has to be something for each of us that wasnt what we expected.

But that doesnt mean we didnt have an AWESOME time as a family.

I did enjoy your report and I didnt think it was too negative at all.

Do you have any photos you could share with your report??

I would love to see some photos to go with your report.

 

mom x4,grandma x4

 

I see your going on the Glory in a month. I was on that ship in September. It was a fantastic vacation. ENJOY!!

[FattyGwynn]

Sue,

What is the link to the web board where you found the Mickey e-mails for kids about their upcoming cruise? thanks.

 

Brian

[California4Me4Ever]

Is there a website for The Perfect Gift you used? I like to give my business to people who are quietly doing good for others.

 

Thanks!

[SueN0724]

Sue,

What is the link to the web board where you found the Mickey e-mails for kids about their upcoming cruise? thanks.

 

Brian

 

 

Here it is:

 

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=629204&referrerid=&highlight=postcard+request

[SueN0724]

Is there a website for The Perfect Gift you used? I like to give my business to people who are quietly doing good for others.

 

Thanks!

 

Here it is:

 

http://www.theperfectgift.cc/

[BirthdayGirl30]

SUE!! Would you mind detailing the Carnival vs Disney pros/cons? We've sailed only Carnival and have just booked a 3-day Disney. I'd like to know a little bit about what to expect. :)

[mom x4,grandma x4]

I see your going on the Glory in a month. I was on that ship in September. It was a fantastic vacation. ENJOY!!

Thanks Sue,

this will be our first time on carnival and I am looking forward to it. Any tips about it would be greatly appreciated!! Would you happen to know what time the terminal opens up?? I know the official boarding times but they are often different than the real time for boarding and the port opening up to park there. I would like to arrive early and people watch a bit before boarding.

 

Kathy

[SueN0724]

SUE!! Would you mind detailing the Carnival vs Disney pros/cons? We've sailed only Carnival and have just booked a 3-day Disney. I'd like to know a little bit about what to expect. :)

 

Please keep in mind that these are my personal observations and opinions::

 

Disney caters to children. Therefore, there was less for adults to do. Also, I was traveling alone with a child, so that may have added to it. For instance, the times that there were adult activities going on, no one showed up - or volunteered to participate. I didn't mind that there was no casino, and therefore, a lot less area to smell cigarette smoke. I found the Disney ship to be much cleaner. The shows are pure Disney.

 

Carnival, has Las Vegas style shows and entertainment. I guess I would say they are more catered to adults, but there is enough going on in Camp Carnival for the kids in a separate area of the ship. With regard to the camp, Carnival's camp opens at 9:00, closes at 12:00 for lunch. Reopens at 2:00 and so on. So on Carnival there is a lot of up and down/back and forth. Disney, stays open from 9: a.m to midnight. You never have to pick up kids if you don't want to.

 

Disney has a ton of character opportunities. At the end of the cruise Carnival has a mini talent show for the children on the last day. Disney does a graduation ceremony with graduation cap (complete with mickey ears) that you get to keep and an Alumni T-Shirt from Disney Sea University (D-Sea-U). It was neat.

 

On Disney, you can turn in a pillowcase or a matting to guest services and they will have all the characters sign it an return it to your room on the last night. FREE

 

My daughter had more fun than me on the Disney. (although I still enjoyed myself). We both had equal amount of fun on Carnival. AND Carnival is WAY cheaper.

 

However, in the end, for what I paid for my Disney Cruise, I feel it was worth the money. I definitely treated myself to Disney and will probably do 1 more Disney cruise, but that's it.

 

Oh and Castaway Cay (Disney's Private Island) is absolutely gorgeous. That in itself is worth seeing.

 

The food is pretty equal.

 

Hope this helps.

[SueN0724]

Thanks Sue,

this will be our first time on carnival and I am looking forward to it. Any tips about it would be greatly appreciated!! Would you happen to know what time the terminal opens up?? I know the official boarding times but they are often different than the real time for boarding and the port opening up to park there. I would like to arrive early and people watch a bit before boarding.

 

Kathy

 

I live a little over an hour from the Port. I recall getting there very early when folks from the prior cruise were still leaving. Mike dropped us off at the curb with our luggage, then parked the car. When he joined us, we had a choice to wheel our luggage over to baggage check or wait for a porter, we wheeled our luggage over ourselves and they took it from us. I got in trouble by an officer of some sort for walking a few feet from my one of my carry on bags. YIKES. Once rid of our luggage, we walked on through to get checked in (process papers and such). I believe by 11:00 or so we were on board.

[SueN0724]

Mom x 4 Grandma x 4

 

How would you rate the cabin on the Wonder you stayed in 2006 #6634.

 

I had 6654 and they will not let me reserve it as it is a handicapped room, but it was so HUGE.