The "Double Double-Dip" 17 Day Florida Vacation - 1,233 Pictures Report
- Thread starter bubba's mom
- Start date
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
yep...was wonderful to do at least once, and if it weren't so expensive, we'd do another...can't says I blame you. more bang for the buck on another line 
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Actually, yes. A very dear (DISer) friend of mine cruises all the time with her DH...and they don't have kids! They love it!
...and, I can see why they like it so much! It'd be great even if you didn't have kids! 
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Day 7 - Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Castaway Cay Day....the second time!
Yet another day we decided to sleep in and not rush out the door. Good thing too...it was raining!
Yep...yucky day at ole Castaway today. I actually heard about the inclement weather before I saw it because they were making announcements throughout the ship about adding activites onboard the ship and announcing they cancelled all water and air excursions until 12 noon. (Luckily I took the advice of the DISers and did our stingray snorkel the first day...had I scheduled it for today, we'd be outta luck. So, I will repeat the good advice I got...if an excursion is important to you, book it the first day and as early as possible. That way, if you have a weather problem, you still have a chance to 'make it up' and do it.)
Luckily for us, the only plans we had for our second day at Castaway were relaxing on our floats and a bike outing....but, more on that later.
So, here's our plan for this morning. We were gonna hop off the ship (which backed into Castaway this time) and mail the postcards I had bought and addressed to some friends...then, shop at "She Sells" , that way, whatever we purchased we could just take back on board and not have to worry about having it with us on the island for the day AND avoid the crowds toward the end of the day when people would be stopping in there on their way back to the ship.
(By then, we hoped the weather would have cleared up and we'd be able to go ashore for our bike ride and day at Castaway.) And then breakfast.
We got off the ship to find Daisy in front of the Castaway Cay postoffice for a photo op.....and I see a sign on the postoffice door. CLOSED. Please visit Guest Services on the ship. WTH??
Now, I was mad. I wanted to be sure to send these postcards from Castaway Cay to friends...including one to Bubba.
So, we headed toward "She Sells".....stopping to take some pictures along the way...of course! Pic 1 and Pic 2.
Here is a good spot to mention that the wheelchair and strollers are across from Scuttles Cove. They are first come, first serve and free. Strollers and chairs are on your left, Scuttles is on your right. Ya can't miss 'em.
We continued on to "She Sells" and bought Bubba a stuffed stingray to remember his adventure with them from the other day. Mom also bought him and her matching t-shirts that say Castaway Cay on them. (Bubba's is long sleeved tho) He had such an excellent report card the last quarter, she wanted to get him something on vacation and from Castaway Cay. He was happy with his gifts. We collect shotglasses and we were looking for a Castaway Cay one, but they didn't have one....we only got one on the ship with the DCL logo on it. We did see a Christmas ornament that had Castaway Cay on it tho.
Shopping finished, we headed back to the ship for breakfast.
Breakfast at Beach Blanket Buffet wasn't crowded today...but for some reason, the made to order omelets were really sloowww..... Eventually they came ...... after we went looking for them!
After breakfast, I needed to stop by our cabin so I could drop off the souvenirs and grab some money to send my postcards from Guest Services. I believe it was 55 cents to mail each regular size postcard. (still haven't received it)
Just after 11am, we got off the ship again and headed toward our same spot back on the family beach on Castaway. Here is a tip of the best place to be on the family beach (in our opinion anyway): When walking the path to the family beach, keep walking and take the first or second path on your left past Konked Out Bar.
If you are able to score a place on the beach in this area, you are 1)near the bar, 2)near Cookies BBQ and 3)near the restrooms.
We realized this was the perfect place the other day when we were here, so we decided to get the same area again. Veeerryyy convenient to Cookies BBQ....just sayin'. 
So, we found a spot and put our snorkel gear, towels and bags on our chairs and headed off to rent our bikes. We wanted to ride these early before it got too hot. Well, lemme tell ya, hilite of the day! I cannot recommend this enough!
One would think it would be a very hot ride...not at all! All the paths are flat and parts along the way are shady. Not to mention the cold water stations scattered throughout the pathways....we had an unexpectedly great time. DH thought he might be a ball of sweat, but with having the paths flat and the nice breeze from the ocean, I don't think he even got hot, let alone sweat.
We rode the path to the runway and rode to the split. You could ride straight down the runway to Serenity Beach (adults only) or hang a right to ride the path to the lookout. We chose the lookout path first.
I don't know how long it took us to ride the path to the lookout, view from the lookout, another view and this view too!
After we "looked out", we rode back to the runway and to Serenity Bay (adult beach) at the end of the runway.
Bubba wasn't allowed on Serenity Beach, so he just cruised around on his bike at the entrance. Serenity Beach 1 , Serenity Beach 2.
There is also another path from Serenity Beach to another lookout area...altho, no steps involved in this lookout. My DH & DS at the lookout. My son & I. And, of course, a picture of the three of us and Mom & Bubba.
Random pix: View 1 , View 2 , View 3 , View 4 , View 5, , Bubba & I at the lookout , water break , Bubba cruisin' the runway.
Heading back to the runway , to head back and return the bikes. Make sure you heed the warnings on the signs...
It didn't 'seem' to take an hour, I think it was about 45 minutes. We also found out we missed the 'lake' along the way...darn....oh well...it was a wonderful ride and I highly recommend it!
Just before 2pm, we headed back to the family beach and DH & DS went snorkeling. They were gone about an hour and then came back to relax. This was just another day of hanging out on floats and relaxing...nothing exciting.
I will mention that since it was a late start, due to the rain today, Cookies BBQ stayed open past the 2pm serving time.
After a while, DH & I decided to walk up to Heads Up Bar and take some pictures of CC from that angle. Pic from family beach. Random pix of the beautiful foilage on Castaway Cay. Pic 1 and Pic 2. An empty sport beach. I believe this is the stingray lagoon. This is the picture of where the wedding was the other morning...sans bridal party.
Random pix from Heads Up Bar: The Wonder. The family beach. The Wonder close up.
3:30 already?
Decided we'd better head back to clean up for dinner. We started walking and UH-OH! 
Blew out my flipflop! 
Found it very ironic that they happened to play Jimmy Buffet on the island...and we love Margaritaville....darn if the freakin' song wasn't comin' true! 
Blew out my flipflop. On Castaway Cay.... we had fun with that while we walked to catch the tram back to the ship....couldn't walk all the way back....with one blown flop, ground was freakin' HOT!
Couldn't resist some pictures along the way.
We finally made it back to the ship and found (yet another) nice little platter of goodies waiting for us. Bite size desserts. They were nice to snack on while we got ready for dinner....Triton's tonight.
Inside Triton's they have a huge, beautiful mosiac on the back wall. Pic of Triton's.
The menu at Triton's: Appetizers , soup/salad , main courses , here too , cocktails/chef recommendations , the usual "lighter fare" and vegetarian selections.
They also had the dessert menu: desserts , the sugar-free desserts and coffee/liqueurs.
I don't recall Bubba getting a kid's menu, but I'm sure the selections were along the same lines as every other night. He looked at the menu and decided to get the ratatouille for an appetizer. We all had a taste and I thought it was very good. It was served cold as an appetizer, and although good, I can see it tasting better as the hot entree it's normally served as. DH had the shrimp medley.
I ordered the escargot. Now, remember I mentioned Bubba was trying different foods? I asked him if he wanted an escargot. He said 'sure'. So I gave him one and as he chewed it, we were all watching him, but trying not to be real obvious about it. After he was finished chewing we asked him what he thought. He said he liked it and thought it was pretty good. Then he wanted to know what it was. We asked him if he really wanted to know and he said 'yes'. We asked if he was sure and he said 'yes'. DH told him it was snails. He said 'oh' and looked at us and asked for another one. As I dished him out another one, I asked him if he had known what it was before eating it, would he have tried it? He said, "No way."
Our assistant server, Ericson, (who, in our opinion was better than the server) came around with a beer for DH. They had carried the whole beer service thing to a higher level tonite. Ericson treated it like a bottle of champagne. Bring the bottle, show the customer, pour a little to taste in the glass, upon approval, pour the rest into the glass...they had fun with it!
For dinner, Bubba had the rigatoni pasta provecal , DH had the duck fricassee bordelaise and I had the slowly braised shank of lamb. And yes....Bubba tried them too, and he thought they were 'okay'. (Mom must've had something one of us had, I don't have a picture of what she had?)
After dinner, they had a parade with all the servers carrying a different country's flag. Parade 2. Parade 3. Parade 4. Parade 5. They also got into it with the ole napkin twirl...which turned into a battle between me and Bubba.
Parade and party over, time for dessert! I don't think we ordered it, but the server brought us the montelimar nougat & pistachio cream sauce, DH had the crepes suzette, I think I had the creme brulee, Mom had the cherries jubilee and Bubba had the sugar free chocolate cheesecake. Even sugar-free, he enjoyed it.
I even managed to snag a picture of the Head Chef as he was walking by Bubba. (It's a little dark because the camera was on the wrong setting.) This chef is in charge of ALL the chefs on board! What a responsibility!
At dinner, we were given a slip to remind us that breakfast (debarkation day) would be in the restaurant we had our last dinner in. We were to be at Triton's by 7am for breakfast.
That was too early.
We finished dinner up just in time to catch Lynn Trefzger's family show....we explained what she does to Bubba, because he had never seen a ventrioquist before. It was a full house, and the show was just under way, so we just stood in the doorway to watch (only a 1/2 hour show). Bubba thought she was very funny...he was glad he went to see her show.
By the time her show was over, we hurried to Deck 10. We wanted to see the sunset. It wasn't very good...too cloudy. But, that didn't stop us from taking some pictures. Bubba & parents and Bubba's folks.
Then, for some unknown reason, we went to the aft of the ship for some pix. (Mom went back to her room to pack up.) Bubba & I. DH & Bubba. Bubba & I...again.
After 20 minutes and picture takin' up on deck, Bubba was itching to get back to the Lab..his last night there. We dropped him off there and then we went back to the cabin to gather our luggage together. It had to be outside the door between 8-10pm. I didn't want to spend the last aboard packing, so I had been doing a little here and there. Tonite, it was 'the rest'. Notice how clean our room looked once our bags were packed and outside the door.
Just as we had put our bags outside our door just before 10pm, we ran into our cabin steward. I asked her about the small plate of treats each day when we returned to our cabin to get ready for dinner. I asked her if everyone got them or just us (us and Mom that is). She said, "Oh no. Just for you." Okay, now I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday, so I was very suspicious. (Turns out, once I was able to access my email a couple days later, I asked a good friend of mine who has cruised DCL many times. She told me since we were chosen as the Dream Family, we probably got the goodie plate like concierge guests did.) Score.
We didn't have a plan, so we headed toward the atrium to catch the end of the 'Till We Meet Again' show. Apparently all the princesses and characters are all there to say "goodnight". (Actually, DCL doesn't like to say "goodbye"...just 'see you (and your money) soon'....DH says not at their prices!
)
So, we caught the end of the show. If your family is into the characters/princesses, I recommend you go early for a good 'seat'. We just stood toward the back. We got there as Mickey & Minnie were 'saying goodnight' to everyone.....1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , Snow & Cindy , 7 and Mick waving goodnight.
At the end of this little show, silver Mickey-head confetti falls from above. I scooped some up and DH asked me what I was doing? "Gathering pixiedust of course!" was my answer. After the show, we went back to our cabin and I sprinkled it on Bubba's pillow and bed.
The night was still early (only about 10:45pm), so, what to do?
WaveBands ...of course!
WaveBands 2 The bar at WaveBands.
The cruise staff was putting on a 'farewell' show. It was cute and we stayed and danced
for a little while afterwards. We only had until midnight...that's when the Oceaneer's Lab closed (an hour earlier than the other nights). We let Bubba stay until the end of the night...he was having such a good time playing with his new friends.
When we picked him up, he showed us the Flubber he made. He said he had a great time in the club and was really sad he wouldn't be going back...matter of fact, he was sad the whole cruise was over.
Back in our cabin, it was time to get ready for bed. After all...we had to be up and AT breakfast by 7am. He thought the 'pixiedust' on his bed was pretty neat....but, I don't think he was buying into the whole "pixiedust" theory....he just rolled his eyes at me.
Bubba took one last look at the water swishing by our window, and we all called it a night.
After all...that breakfast is awfully early tomorrow
Castaway Cay Day....the second time!
Yet another day we decided to sleep in and not rush out the door. Good thing too...it was raining!
Yep...yucky day at ole Castaway today. I actually heard about the inclement weather before I saw it because they were making announcements throughout the ship about adding activites onboard the ship and announcing they cancelled all water and air excursions until 12 noon. (Luckily I took the advice of the DISers and did our stingray snorkel the first day...had I scheduled it for today, we'd be outta luck. So, I will repeat the good advice I got...if an excursion is important to you, book it the first day and as early as possible. That way, if you have a weather problem, you still have a chance to 'make it up' and do it.) Luckily for us, the only plans we had for our second day at Castaway were relaxing on our floats and a bike outing....but, more on that later.
So, here's our plan for this morning. We were gonna hop off the ship (which backed into Castaway this time) and mail the postcards I had bought and addressed to some friends...then, shop at "She Sells" , that way, whatever we purchased we could just take back on board and not have to worry about having it with us on the island for the day AND avoid the crowds toward the end of the day when people would be stopping in there on their way back to the ship.
(By then, we hoped the weather would have cleared up and we'd be able to go ashore for our bike ride and day at Castaway.) And then breakfast. We got off the ship to find Daisy in front of the Castaway Cay postoffice for a photo op.....and I see a sign on the postoffice door. CLOSED. Please visit Guest Services on the ship. WTH??
Now, I was mad. I wanted to be sure to send these postcards from Castaway Cay to friends...including one to Bubba. So, we headed toward "She Sells".....stopping to take some pictures along the way...of course! Pic 1 and Pic 2.
Here is a good spot to mention that the wheelchair and strollers are across from Scuttles Cove. They are first come, first serve and free. Strollers and chairs are on your left, Scuttles is on your right. Ya can't miss 'em.
We continued on to "She Sells" and bought Bubba a stuffed stingray to remember his adventure with them from the other day. Mom also bought him and her matching t-shirts that say Castaway Cay on them. (Bubba's is long sleeved tho) He had such an excellent report card the last quarter, she wanted to get him something on vacation and from Castaway Cay. He was happy with his gifts. We collect shotglasses and we were looking for a Castaway Cay one, but they didn't have one....we only got one on the ship with the DCL logo on it. We did see a Christmas ornament that had Castaway Cay on it tho.
Shopping finished, we headed back to the ship for breakfast.
Breakfast at Beach Blanket Buffet wasn't crowded today...but for some reason, the made to order omelets were really sloowww..... Eventually they came ...... after we went looking for them!
After breakfast, I needed to stop by our cabin so I could drop off the souvenirs and grab some money to send my postcards from Guest Services. I believe it was 55 cents to mail each regular size postcard. (still haven't received it)
Just after 11am, we got off the ship again and headed toward our same spot back on the family beach on Castaway. Here is a tip of the best place to be on the family beach (in our opinion anyway): When walking the path to the family beach, keep walking and take the first or second path on your left past Konked Out Bar.
If you are able to score a place on the beach in this area, you are 1)near the bar, 2)near Cookies BBQ and 3)near the restrooms.
We realized this was the perfect place the other day when we were here, so we decided to get the same area again. Veeerryyy convenient to Cookies BBQ....just sayin'. So, we found a spot and put our snorkel gear, towels and bags on our chairs and headed off to rent our bikes. We wanted to ride these early before it got too hot. Well, lemme tell ya, hilite of the day!
I cannot recommend this enough! One would think it would be a very hot ride...not at all! All the paths are flat and parts along the way are shady. Not to mention the cold water stations scattered throughout the pathways....we had an unexpectedly great time. DH thought he might be a ball of sweat, but with having the paths flat and the nice breeze from the ocean, I don't think he even got hot, let alone sweat.
We rode the path to the runway and rode to the split. You could ride straight down the runway to Serenity Beach (adults only) or hang a right to ride the path to the lookout. We chose the lookout path first.
I don't know how long it took us to ride the path to the lookout, view from the lookout, another view and this view too!
After we "looked out", we rode back to the runway and to Serenity Bay (adult beach) at the end of the runway.
Bubba wasn't allowed on Serenity Beach, so he just cruised around on his bike at the entrance. Serenity Beach 1 , Serenity Beach 2.
There is also another path from Serenity Beach to another lookout area...altho, no steps involved in this lookout. My DH & DS at the lookout. My son & I. And, of course, a picture of the three of us and Mom & Bubba.
Random pix: View 1 , View 2 , View 3 , View 4 , View 5, , Bubba & I at the lookout , water break , Bubba cruisin' the runway.
Heading back to the runway , to head back and return the bikes. Make sure you heed the warnings on the signs...
It didn't 'seem' to take an hour, I think it was about 45 minutes. We also found out we missed the 'lake' along the way...darn....oh well...it was a wonderful ride and I highly recommend it!
Just before 2pm, we headed back to the family beach and DH & DS went snorkeling. They were gone about an hour and then came back to relax. This was just another day of hanging out on floats and relaxing...nothing exciting.
I will mention that since it was a late start, due to the rain today, Cookies BBQ stayed open past the 2pm serving time.
After a while, DH & I decided to walk up to Heads Up Bar and take some pictures of CC from that angle. Pic from family beach. Random pix of the beautiful foilage on Castaway Cay. Pic 1 and Pic 2. An empty sport beach. I believe this is the stingray lagoon. This is the picture of where the wedding was the other morning...sans bridal party.
Random pix from Heads Up Bar: The Wonder. The family beach. The Wonder close up.
3:30 already?
Decided we'd better head back to clean up for dinner. We started walking and UH-OH! Blew out my flipflop! Found it very ironic that they happened to play Jimmy Buffet on the island...and we love Margaritaville....darn if the freakin' song wasn't comin' true! Blew out my flipflop. On Castaway Cay.... we had fun with that while we walked to catch the tram back to the ship....couldn't walk all the way back....with one blown flop, ground was freakin' HOT!
Couldn't resist some pictures along the way.
We finally made it back to the ship and found (yet another) nice little platter of goodies waiting for us. Bite size desserts. They were nice to snack on while we got ready for dinner....Triton's tonight.
Inside Triton's they have a huge, beautiful mosiac on the back wall. Pic of Triton's.
The menu at Triton's: Appetizers , soup/salad , main courses , here too , cocktails/chef recommendations , the usual "lighter fare" and vegetarian selections.
They also had the dessert menu: desserts , the sugar-free desserts and coffee/liqueurs.
I don't recall Bubba getting a kid's menu, but I'm sure the selections were along the same lines as every other night. He looked at the menu and decided to get the ratatouille for an appetizer. We all had a taste and I thought it was very good. It was served cold as an appetizer, and although good, I can see it tasting better as the hot entree it's normally served as. DH had the shrimp medley.
I ordered the escargot. Now, remember I mentioned Bubba was trying different foods? I asked him if he wanted an escargot. He said 'sure'. So I gave him one and as he chewed it, we were all watching him, but trying not to be real obvious about it.
After he was finished chewing we asked him what he thought. He said he liked it and thought it was pretty good. Then he wanted to know what it was. We asked him if he really wanted to know and he said 'yes'. We asked if he was sure and he said 'yes'. DH told him it was snails. He said 'oh' and looked at us and asked for another one. As I dished him out another one, I asked him if he had known what it was before eating it, would he have tried it? He said, "No way." Our assistant server, Ericson, (who, in our opinion was better than the server) came around with a beer for DH. They had carried the whole beer service thing to a higher level tonite. Ericson treated it like a bottle of champagne. Bring the bottle, show the customer, pour a little to taste in the glass, upon approval, pour the rest into the glass...they had fun with it!
For dinner, Bubba had the rigatoni pasta provecal , DH had the duck fricassee bordelaise and I had the slowly braised shank of lamb. And yes....Bubba tried them too, and he thought they were 'okay'. (Mom must've had something one of us had, I don't have a picture of what she had?)
After dinner, they had a parade with all the servers carrying a different country's flag. Parade 2. Parade 3. Parade 4. Parade 5. They also got into it with the ole napkin twirl...which turned into a battle between me and Bubba.
Parade and party over, time for dessert! I don't think we ordered it, but the server brought us the montelimar nougat & pistachio cream sauce, DH had the crepes suzette, I think I had the creme brulee, Mom had the cherries jubilee and Bubba had the sugar free chocolate cheesecake. Even sugar-free, he enjoyed it.
I even managed to snag a picture of the Head Chef as he was walking by Bubba. (It's a little dark because the camera was on the wrong setting.) This chef is in charge of ALL the chefs on board! What a responsibility!
At dinner, we were given a slip to remind us that breakfast (debarkation day) would be in the restaurant we had our last dinner in. We were to be at Triton's by 7am for breakfast.
That was too early. We finished dinner up just in time to catch Lynn Trefzger's family show....we explained what she does to Bubba, because he had never seen a ventrioquist before. It was a full house, and the show was just under way, so we just stood in the doorway to watch (only a 1/2 hour show). Bubba thought she was very funny...he was glad he went to see her show.
By the time her show was over, we hurried to Deck 10. We wanted to see the sunset. It wasn't very good...too cloudy. But, that didn't stop us from taking some pictures. Bubba & parents and Bubba's folks.
Then, for some unknown reason, we went to the aft of the ship for some pix. (Mom went back to her room to pack up.) Bubba & I. DH & Bubba. Bubba & I...again.
After 20 minutes and picture takin' up on deck, Bubba was itching to get back to the Lab..his last night there. We dropped him off there and then we went back to the cabin to gather our luggage together. It had to be outside the door between 8-10pm. I didn't want to spend the last aboard packing, so I had been doing a little here and there. Tonite, it was 'the rest'. Notice how clean our room looked once our bags were packed and outside the door.
Just as we had put our bags outside our door just before 10pm, we ran into our cabin steward. I asked her about the small plate of treats each day when we returned to our cabin to get ready for dinner. I asked her if everyone got them or just us (us and Mom that is). She said, "Oh no. Just for you." Okay, now I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday, so I was very suspicious. (Turns out, once I was able to access my email a couple days later, I asked a good friend of mine who has cruised DCL many times. She told me since we were chosen as the Dream Family, we probably got the goodie plate like concierge guests did.) Score.
We didn't have a plan, so we headed toward the atrium to catch the end of the 'Till We Meet Again' show. Apparently all the princesses and characters are all there to say "goodnight". (Actually, DCL doesn't like to say "goodbye"...just 'see you (and your money) soon'....DH says not at their prices!
)So, we caught the end of the show. If your family is into the characters/princesses, I recommend you go early for a good 'seat'. We just stood toward the back. We got there as Mickey & Minnie were 'saying goodnight' to everyone.....1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , Snow & Cindy , 7 and Mick waving goodnight.
At the end of this little show, silver Mickey-head confetti falls from above. I scooped some up and DH asked me what I was doing? "Gathering pixiedust of course!" was my answer. After the show, we went back to our cabin and I sprinkled it on Bubba's pillow and bed.
The night was still early (only about 10:45pm), so, what to do?
WaveBands 2 The bar at WaveBands.
The cruise staff was putting on a 'farewell' show. It was cute and we stayed and danced
When we picked him up, he showed us the Flubber he made. He said he had a great time in the club and was really sad he wouldn't be going back...matter of fact, he was sad the whole cruise was over.
Back in our cabin, it was time to get ready for bed. After all...we had to be up and AT breakfast by 7am. He thought the 'pixiedust' on his bed was pretty neat....but, I don't think he was buying into the whole "pixiedust" theory....he just rolled his eyes at me.
Bubba took one last look at the water swishing by our window, and we all called it a night.
After all...that breakfast is awfully early tomorrow
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Day 8 - Thursday, July 3, 2008
We were woken up shortly after we fell asleep by a loud bang!
Turns out, we were sailing through a thunderstorm and we didn't even know it! Our closet doors slid to the one side and slammed against the side of the closet; that's what woke us up! DH got up and closed both doors, making sure to make the velcro connection so they would stay put. He seemed to do a pretty good job of it (in the dark) because they didn't move the rest of the night....that we know of. After that had woken me up, I did notice the flashes of light out the window from the lightening outside....I watched a little of it and thought it was fascinating...lightening at sea...how cool!
Our alarm went off at about 6:15am so we could get up and get ready for breakfast....and then, debarkation Bubba was NOT willing to get up...at all!
Somehow we all made it to Triton's for our 7am breakfast. The menu was usual breakfast fare. I had the scrambled eggs (in a scoop?) with: sausage, bacon, ham and hashbrowns, Mom had pancakes & bacon , DH had a bar-b-que chicken omlet and Bubba had pancakes (sans bacon). The service was prompt and the food was served quickly....and, of course, it was pretty good. It only took us about 45 minutes to order and eat breakfast.
After one last goodbye to our wonderful servers, we stopped by the restrooms before we had to get off the ship.
At about 8am, we were ready to get off the ship. Actually, we weren't "ready", but they were making us go, so we had no choice. They make sure you know they want to "see you real soon" and they wave goodbye to you with their huge, white Mickey gloves.
We exited the ship and found our luggage very easily. Not only do they 'code' your luggage by color & character (we were 'blue/Donald'), they also try to put your luggage in cabin numerical order. We had NO trouble at all. I thought the whole debarkation process from breakfast to customs was wonderful and very well done!
Luggage in hand, we got in line for customs. The line was very long, but moved a lot quicker than we thought it would. Handed our passports to customs agent and we were cleared to go.
As we walked to the curb to wait for our Budget rental car shuttle, we looked back. We will always remember what a great time we had on the Disney Wonder.
Now, our plan was to take the shuttle to the Budget car rental office and drive to New Smyrna Beach where BIL lives. After hanging out and visiting them for the afternoon, we were then going to drive to my FIL's in Ocala, FL.
We were the first and only people standing at the waiting area for the Budget shuttle. We didn't seem to wait too long when we spotted the shuttle coming up the road. Imagine our surprise when he not only drove right by us, but stopped two waiting areas past us! DH walked out into the road waving his arms and hollering for him. The driver was letting someone off a couple of areas up from us. Despite my DH's efforts, he never saw us and drove away.
While standing there fuming, a CM was walking past and she asked us what was wrong. We told her we'd been standing there waiting for the shuttle, and he drove right past us. She said they are supposed to stop at their company's pick up stop whether there are people there or not. She apologized but we told her it wasn't her fault OR Disney's. I mentioned we were off the ship now...real life is fair game again.
Realizing there wasn't anything she could do, she continued on to see if anyone else needed any help.
Finally, the shuttle came around again, and this time, DH walked out into the road to make sure he stopped. There was NO way he was passing us again...at least, not without running DH over!
The shuttle stops and my DH lets the driver know he passed us the first time around and that he is not happy.
The driver did try to apologize, but by that point, my DH was so angry, apologies weren't happenin. 
My DH did not want this guy touching our bags and loaded them himself on the shuttle. We were the only ones getting on the shuttle....still.
We arrived at the rental car office and (again) my DH handled and unloaded our bags himself. Bubba & Mom had a seat while we checked in to pick up our car....but not without first complaining about the poor service back at the port. The agent was very nice, apologized and agreed, he should have stopped. For our inconvenience, she did not charge us for the second driver (Mom) on the rental car.
Remember when we left home and I realized MY car was a bit crunched for the 4 of us AND all our luggage...and how I thought it might be a problem when we picked the rental car up post-cruise? Yep...it was.
We had the trunk stuffed full and some bags in the back seat...plus our backpack and my bag of souvenirs up front with me. Yes, it was a bit crunched... 
, but somehow we managed.
We started the 45 minute drive to BIL's. We stopped by his gym first, but neither he or his wife were there. So, while DH called him, Bubba perked up and decided to work off some of the food he tried on the cruise. We weren't there long...we gave Mom the tour and then headed to BIL's house..where they were...sick!
Not far to their house, we visited with them and the kids. We all had fun playing Wii bowling , doubles tennis and Guitar Hero.
Now, I might add that since we played the Wii on the cruise and now at my BIL's, DH said that maybe Santa should bring one to the Bubba 'family' for Christmas. So, about two weeks after we got home, I was lucky enough to find one and it's now put away waiting for Christmas to get here so we can hook it up.
Here is DH & our niece rockin out. After hanging out for a bit, we all went to see "Hancock" at the movies. I liked it, but didn't think it was one of Will Smith's "better" movies. We all indulged in
and 
too...which, didn't leave me hungry for an early dinner afterwards.
After having something to eat after the movie, we decided to start the 2 hour trek to my FIL's house in Ocala. Still, a cramped ride, but the time passed quickly for Mom & Bubba who were looking at the cruise pictures on the laptop on the way over.
We made it to Dad's sometime in the early evening. We quickly settled some things and ran to Walmart for some of the groceries we needed for the morning.
The rest of the evening was relaxing, unpacking some stuff and visiting with Dad & Joyce.
I was very happy to be settled somewhere for a week....finally! After a night at the Philadelphia airport hotel, a couple of nights at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal, 1 night at the Country Inn & Suites and 4 nights on the ship, it was wonderful to "be" somewhere for more than a few nights...a whole week!
And...since it was an early day (6:15am remember?), we all turned in relatively early.
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July.... Dad's birthday
We were woken up shortly after we fell asleep by a loud bang!
Turns out, we were sailing through a thunderstorm and we didn't even know it! Our closet doors slid to the one side and slammed against the side of the closet; that's what woke us up! DH got up and closed both doors, making sure to make the velcro connection so they would stay put. He seemed to do a pretty good job of it (in the dark) because they didn't move the rest of the night....that we know of. After that had woken me up, I did notice the flashes of light out the window from the lightening outside....I watched a little of it and thought it was fascinating...lightening at sea...how cool! Our alarm went off at about 6:15am so we could get up and get ready for breakfast....and then, debarkation
Bubba was NOT willing to get up...at all! Somehow we all made it to Triton's for our 7am breakfast. The menu was usual breakfast fare. I had the scrambled eggs (in a scoop?) with: sausage, bacon, ham and hashbrowns, Mom had pancakes & bacon , DH had a bar-b-que chicken omlet and Bubba had pancakes (sans bacon). The service was prompt and the food was served quickly....and, of course, it was pretty good. It only took us about 45 minutes to order and eat breakfast.
After one last goodbye to our wonderful servers, we stopped by the restrooms before we had to get off the ship.
At about 8am, we were ready to get off the ship. Actually, we weren't "ready", but they were making us go, so we had no choice.
They make sure you know they want to "see you real soon" and they wave goodbye to you with their huge, white Mickey gloves.We exited the ship and found our luggage very easily. Not only do they 'code' your luggage by color & character (we were 'blue/Donald'), they also try to put your luggage in cabin numerical order. We had NO trouble at all. I thought the whole debarkation process from breakfast to customs was wonderful and very well done!
Luggage in hand, we got in line for customs. The line was very long, but moved a lot quicker than we thought it would. Handed our passports to customs agent and we were cleared to go.
As we walked to the curb to wait for our Budget rental car shuttle, we looked back. We will always remember what a great time we had on the Disney Wonder.
Now, our plan was to take the shuttle to the Budget car rental office and drive to New Smyrna Beach where BIL lives. After hanging out and visiting them for the afternoon, we were then going to drive to my FIL's in Ocala, FL.
We were the first and only people standing at the waiting area for the Budget shuttle. We didn't seem to wait too long when we spotted the shuttle coming up the road. Imagine our surprise when he not only drove right by us, but stopped two waiting areas past us! DH walked out into the road waving his arms and hollering for him. The driver was letting someone off a couple of areas up from us. Despite my DH's efforts, he never saw us and drove away.
While standing there fuming, a CM was walking past and she asked us what was wrong. We told her we'd been standing there waiting for the shuttle, and he drove right past us. She said they are supposed to stop at their company's pick up stop whether there are people there or not. She apologized but we told her it wasn't her fault OR Disney's. I mentioned we were off the ship now...real life is fair game again.
Realizing there wasn't anything she could do, she continued on to see if anyone else needed any help.Finally, the shuttle came around again, and this time, DH walked out into the road to make sure he stopped. There was NO way he was passing us again...at least, not without running DH over!
The shuttle stops and my DH lets the driver know he passed us the first time around and that he is not happy.
The driver did try to apologize, but by that point, my DH was so angry, apologies weren't happenin. My DH did not want this guy touching our bags and loaded them himself on the shuttle. We were the only ones getting on the shuttle....still.We arrived at the rental car office and (again) my DH handled and unloaded our bags himself. Bubba & Mom had a seat while we checked in to pick up our car....but not without first complaining about the poor service back at the port. The agent was very nice, apologized and agreed, he should have stopped. For our inconvenience, she did not charge us for the second driver (Mom) on the rental car.
Remember when we left home and I realized MY car was a bit crunched for the 4 of us AND all our luggage...and how I thought it might be a problem when we picked the rental car up post-cruise? Yep...it was.
We had the trunk stuffed full and some bags in the back seat...plus our backpack and my bag of souvenirs up front with me. Yes, it was a bit crunched... , but somehow we managed. We started the 45 minute drive to BIL's. We stopped by his gym first, but neither he or his wife were there. So, while DH called him, Bubba perked up and decided to work off some of the food he tried on the cruise. We weren't there long...we gave Mom the tour and then headed to BIL's house..where they were...sick!
Not far to their house, we visited with them and the kids. We all had fun playing Wii bowling , doubles tennis and Guitar Hero.
Now, I might add that since we played the Wii on the cruise and now at my BIL's, DH said that maybe Santa should bring one to the Bubba 'family' for Christmas.
So, about two weeks after we got home, I was lucky enough to find one and it's now put away waiting for Christmas to get here so we can hook it up. Here is DH & our niece rockin out. After hanging out for a bit, we all went to see "Hancock" at the movies. I liked it, but didn't think it was one of Will Smith's "better" movies. We all indulged in
and too...which, didn't leave me hungry for an early dinner afterwards. After having something to eat after the movie, we decided to start the 2 hour trek to my FIL's house in Ocala. Still, a cramped ride, but the time passed quickly for Mom & Bubba who were looking at the cruise pictures on the laptop on the way over.
We made it to Dad's sometime in the early evening. We quickly settled some things and ran to Walmart for some of the groceries we needed for the morning.
The rest of the evening was relaxing, unpacking some stuff and visiting with Dad & Joyce.
I was very happy to be settled somewhere for a week....finally! After a night at the Philadelphia airport hotel, a couple of nights at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal, 1 night at the Country Inn & Suites and 4 nights on the ship, it was wonderful to "be" somewhere for more than a few nights...a whole week!
And...since it was an early day (6:15am remember?), we all turned in relatively early.
Tomorrow is the Fourth of July.... Dad's birthday
Cdn Friends of Pooh
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2006
OK ... I'm late ... as usual
but I'm here now
Loving the Trippie so far
but I'm here now
Loving the Trippie so far
Akdar
Proud Something or Other
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2005
Hi Barb
I have been real busy lately, and only catch up every few days, but I always make it a point to read your TRs! You are the undisputed "Queen of the Trip Report". I'm getting that excited feeling for our 2 week HHN extravaganza, which is only 6 weeks from this Friday, and my son is now 21
I have been real busy lately, and only catch up every few days, but I always make it a point to read your TRs! You are the undisputed "Queen of the Trip Report". I'm getting that excited feeling for our 2 week HHN extravaganza, which is only 6 weeks from this Friday, and my son is now 21
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
That's ok Bonny....better late than not at all.... I know you are busy....askin' people to be your friend and all
Mike...it's okay...I know how very busy you are. btw, it's only gonna get worse....2 weeks in FL is going to spoil and addict you.... You will come home looking for more vacation days to stay in FL longer your next trip....you'll see
Mike...it's okay...I know how very busy you are. btw, it's only gonna get worse....2 weeks in FL is going to spoil and addict you.... You will come home looking for more vacation days to stay in FL longer your next trip....you'll see
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Day 9 - Friday, July 4, 2008
to Dad
and Happy
today!!
Brother and sister-in-law will be arriving around lunchtime today. Every year for the 4th of July, we spend the day hanging out and relaxing in the pool and we have a cookout.
This year was no exception.
DH & Bubba in Dad's pool
After BIL & SIL arrived, they joined in the fun
Dad has friends drop in during the day for a drink and to give him birthday wishes
Ranger the Dog takes a reprieve from the hot sun
...and after dinner, birthday cake (and presents!)
My FIL
(money is always a good gift )
Bubba & his Pap
Thanked us for the flashdrive....then asked what it was and what it was for!
Can't go wrong with 'classic' Phillies tshirt
This day was all about staying home and relaxing. Not going anywhere and spending the day with family.
Since Dad lives in a 'retirement' area of Florida, I don't know if/where there are fireworks....we never see them....too busy with family and birthday festivities instead
A wonderful day for us....boring 'trip report day' for yous....
to Dad
and Happy
Brother and sister-in-law will be arriving around lunchtime today. Every year for the 4th of July, we spend the day hanging out and relaxing in the pool and we have a cookout.
This year was no exception.
DH & Bubba in Dad's pool
After BIL & SIL arrived, they joined in the fun
Dad has friends drop in during the day for a drink and to give him birthday wishes
Ranger the Dog takes a reprieve from the hot sun
...and after dinner, birthday cake (and presents!)
My FIL
(money is always a good gift
)
Bubba & his Pap
Thanked us for the flashdrive....then asked what it was and what it was for!
Can't go wrong with 'classic' Phillies tshirt
This day was all about staying home and relaxing. Not going anywhere and spending the day with family.
Since Dad lives in a 'retirement' area of Florida, I don't know if/where there are fireworks....we never see them....too busy with family and birthday festivities instead
A wonderful day for us....boring 'trip report day' for yous....
Cdn Friends of Pooh
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2006
That's ok Bonny....better late than not at all.... I know you are busy....askin' people to be your friend and all
Yeah Mike - what Barb saidMike...it's okay...I know how very busy you are. btw, it's only gonna get worse....2 weeks in FL is going to spoil and addict you.... You will come home looking for more vacation days to stay in FL longer your next trip....you'll see
... we started with 1 trip a year and now we're up to 4 trips a year
RVGal
Whaaa?
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2005
It sounds like Bubba had a great first cruise! Now you know he can enjoy that kind of vacation and you can plan all you want for the future.
What is Ranger watching on tv? I see he has chosen FX, but I was just wondering what particular show has him so captivated.
What is Ranger watching on tv? I see he has chosen FX, but I was just wondering what particular show has him so captivated.
bubba's mom
<font color=red>Proud Redhead<br><font color=darko
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2004
Yeah Mike - what Barb said
... we started with 1 trip a year and now we're up to 4 trips a year
we would go that often too....IF DH had more vacation time AND flying weren't so freakin expensive! Thank you...glad you are enjoying it!
ah..don't worry...next cruise is already in the works
Ya know...I think I was in the pool when that pic was taken...have no idea what Ranger was watching?
I'm pretty sure Bubba took that picture..... 
NashvilleTrio
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Apr 2, 2005
Yay! Another awesome installment, Barb! THANK YOU!!!
PS - I was trying to figure out which movie "Hitchcock" was, but when you said Will Smith was in it, I knew you meant "Hancock"...
-Melissa
PS - I was trying to figure out which movie "Hitchcock" was, but when you said Will Smith was in it, I knew you meant "Hancock"...
-Melissa
Worfiedoodles
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- May 19, 2005
Your reports are definitely in my "Top Ten"! Informative, fun, and with great pics!
Thanks for keeping us all entertained!
Maria
Thanks for keeping us all entertained!
Maria
Share this page
-
Disney Shares Look at New Mickey and Friends Meet and Greet Location in EPCOT
-
Turns Out Great Maple at Disneyland Resort Is in Fact, Great!
-
New 'The Princess and the Frog' Tiana Blue Gown Glitter Set
-
Disney Releases Episode 2 Trailer for 'We Call It Imagineering'
-
It's a Summer of Disney Anniversaries!
GET A DISNEY VACATION QUOTE
Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.
Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!
Dreams Unlimited Travel is committed to providing you with the very best vacation planning experience possible. Our Vacation Planners are experts and will share their honest advice to help you have a magical vacation.
Let us help you with your next Disney Vacation!
