Trip Report The Real Housewives of Disney-A Sept 2013 Cruise/WDW Trip Report

I guess I'll join the Girl's cruise crowd and start my trip report!

“Howdy Folks!” Welcome to another PartOfYourWorld trip report! This is my second attempt at writing a trip report, because I was about 4 days in when my Mac decided to not download something and my hard drive had to get wiped..well at least this was the only thing I lost really! I just had to start over again! Here is a little bit of info before we begin….

The When: Saturday September 7th-Sunday September 15th

The Where:7: POR Royal Room; 8-12: Disney Dream; 12-15: Wilderness Lodge

The characters: Mom and I along with 20+ of our WDWMagic friends! (Thanks to someone for the instagram pic!)

I had the most amazing time with the ladies on this cruise, and highly suggest it if you can go since it is now an annual thing! We made some lifelong friends here, and I can’t wait to get this trip report started! “Now then, hang on to them hats and glasses, cause this here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness!”


Saturday September 7th-Arrival Day

We arrived at the airport for our flight, before anything though, some Dunkin was a must!

Before we knew it, it was time to board and we were ready to head to Orlando!

We had some nice seats right over the wing!

Another thing that was pretty cool was that it was a wi-fi enabled flight, and I was pretty excited to use flight tracker! Here we are flying over North Carolina.

Finally, after what seemed like forever we were in the sunshine state!

Our flight landing was pretty rough; it felt like the left side tires in the back had hit the ground first along with the front, then the right followed after. We definitely landed at an angle and it was a little scary! But we made it safe and sound after that and soon we found ourselves on the lovely monorail wannabe!

We had to wait a good 30 minutes for our luggage, it took awhile for the bags to come off our flight. I know we should make use of the luggage service for DME, but I would rather take my own bags and have them right away then wait for possibly 3 hours until you get your bags in your room.

Once we got our luggage we headed straight to DME where we were able to use our magicbands that we got for this stay! It was super easy and great because you didn’t have to fumble with the paperwork!

We didn’t have to wait long at all for a bus, there was one already outside waiting! And look at this sign…we’ll be headed that way tomorrow!

We didn’t end up with the regular DME bus, but rather a Water Parks one!

Showing off our magicband bling.

Finally, the heaven’s gates opened and…oh wait it’s just the gates to Walt Disney World no big deal or anything

We were the last drop-off on DME (figures usually we’re always one of the first) but we were finally here at Port Orleans Riverside (my favorite moderate resort!-next to POFQ)

Check-in was a breeze and we were soon on our way to our Royal Room!

We were in the beautiful Oak Manor section.

Letter from Tiana welcoming us into her room

This will be the first of many light fixture pictures this trip…

 

[Tiggerish]

Love that you have so many pictures of our "Nassau? We don't need no stinkin' Nassau!" day, LOL

I look like a Real Housewife, playing golf in 4-inch wedges...

Your Goofy drawings are great!!

I totally missed out on Royal Palace, that was our Remy night, but from a couple of other TRs, doesn't sound like I missed much. Hope I get to try it in February, although we're eating at Palo on Valentine's Day (which also happens to be Pirate Night) thanks to Tammy! I absolutely want to eat in Enchanted Garden again, I loved that meal.

Ah, that night in PINK...those guys were special, for sure. I can't remember the last time I closed down a bar!

 

[jesemeca]

Okay, time to really respond!

Dinner at Earl's was delish!

And finish that mission we did!

I was very nervous driving around property. Especially since the GPS didn't even know where it was going.

I love that Mom and I have the same camera strap! She did such a great job on it, I plan to use it till I can no longer. LOL.

I took a mirror shot in that bathroom too!

That hat was just a little too big. LOL.

I do such a great job of Vanna Whiting!

I loved meeting Minnie in her Cruise outfit! It certainly made me forget about feeling sick, for a few minutes at least.

My cruise ears don't work.

Funny thing about the Sail Away. I didn't even realize we were moving. My mom texted me to tell me that we were already sailing away! I didn't even feel it!

Hey, that's my hand with the sea band on it!

I love that verandah, and I especially loved hanging out on that verandah with ya'll.

I so should have bought that Golden Mickey and had it engraved with Best Vanna Whiting Ever!!!!

I had the throne before you!

Enchanted Garden is so beautiful!

Hey, I met ya'll in Skyline. That's when your mom and I discovered the buffet in the District! Nice snacks.

The only time I didn't have an empty hallway was when we all went to our rooms for the first time. After that, I very seldom saw other people in our hallway.

Day one finished. More later!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

I don't think I'll ever get tired of reading these cruise reports.

haha yay!!! Because I'm sure I'm not the last! Thanks for tuning in!

Great start Jess! Love the title -

I know I would get a kick out of Yee-haw Bob.
Those new rooms at PORS - very cool and yes, Tonga Toast is worth every calorie. I hope you enjoy your stay at the Poly (and BC)!

I was cracking up at the pictures of all the ladies in the limo on their smart phones - just like my teenagers.

The ship is amazing - the different clubs and bars and fixtures and chairs...that luggage seat is so clever! Looking forward to more good stuff!

Thanks Chris!!!! I figured the title was appropriate

You would love Yeehaw Bob; next time you're down in the World even if you're not staying at Riverside, you should stop by to watch a show of his!

OMG Tonga Toast was worth every single one!

We will definitely enjoy our stay at the Poly and BC! (BC hasn't been booked yet waiting for a discount to come out before I do which hopefully it's December/January when they do) But all the ressies we made for Feb are at the Poly..celebratory Dinner at Ohana after the Princess Half Sunday and breakfast there again the day we leave on the Monday the 24th. And dinner at Kona the night before the Princess. Very excited to lay out by the pool and relax my legs after each race (running two!) so I figured that would be the perfect place, while still being able to see the Magic Kingdom from afar with not going to a park.

exactly why took that picture..and they say teenagers are addicted to their cell phones....LOL

The ship is definitely amazing, have you guys ever considered a Disney Cruise or been on one? You could get your Disney fix and Val can get some nice tropical sand beaches!!! Perfect compromise no?

Yeah, WL was in that group but we booked AKL because it was a bit cheaper (only like $100 or so) and we wanted to try something new. But now we want to stay at WL and the discount rate is gone. We're kicking ourselves for not booking it back then! Crossing our fingers that an AP rate comes out soon!!!!!

And we definitely have to do what @Disney_Belle suggested on FB and have a Rainforest Cafe meet up!!

oh wow! people scooped that up fast I guess! Hopefully that AP discount comes out soon for ya! Do you have a Disney visa? I've recently got one of those and thats how I got the discounts...came out like 2 or 3 days before the regular one to the public.

And yes we definitely should!! I didn't even realize we had a rainforest cafe in MA! hahaha

I am loving this! It's great to see all the stuff I missed, and I am definitely taking notes for next time. Mini-golf and playing detective for sure. And I am going to spend more time just exploring the ship.

Keep it coming - can't wait for more.

Thanks Sherry!! It's funny to read like yours and Siobhan's reports because as we were on the same cruise but some of the time we were doing our own things and it's interesting to see when everyone's paths crossed, etc. Playing that detective game is a actually a great way to go explore the ship, it took us to a few places I never even realized were there!

Thanks! More to come!

Loving it so far!! Where did you get the shirt you wore on your first day (the day you arrived)? I love it!

Thanks for reading! I actually got it at the Disneystore.com but I think they sell it in the parks too I remember seeing it in September.

Finally getting caught up on your report I wish I was on the cruise with you girls, looks like you all had so much fun!

I did the animation class, too. I loved it. But unfortunately our instructor couldn't draw very well haha.

Yay! Thanks Jess for reading! I wish you were on it with us too but at least you got to go like a month later!!!

That must have been a little awkward...lol

Love that you have so many pictures of our "Nassau? We don't need no stinkin' Nassau!" day, LOL

I look like a Real Housewife, playing golf in 4-inch wedges...

Your Goofy drawings are great!!

I totally missed out on Royal Palace, that was our Remy night, but from a couple of other TRs, doesn't sound like I missed much. Hope I get to try it in February, although we're eating at Palo on Valentine's Day (which also happens to be Pirate Night) thanks to Tammy! I absolutely want to eat in Enchanted Garden again, I loved that meal.

Ah, that night in PINK...those guys were special, for sure. I can't remember the last time I closed down a bar!

If you want any pictures let me know! I can email them to you if you would like.

You were rockin those wedges that day I loved them!

Ya you didn't miss much at Royal Palace...that's my least favorite meal there. I definitely prefer the other restaurants. If I could have a whole ton of that soup from Enchanted Garden...that would be AMAZING. Ooooo Palo on Valentine's Day..that will be romantic

hahaha definitely were, couldn't believe it when they were there on mixology day LOL.

Okay, time to really respond!

Dinner at Earl's was delish!

And finish that mission we did!

I was very nervous driving around property. Especially since the GPS didn't even know where it was going.

I love that Mom and I have the same camera strap! She did such a great job on it, I plan to use it till I can no longer. LOL.

I took a mirror shot in that bathroom too!

That hat was just a little too big. LOL.

I do such a great job of Vanna Whiting!

I loved meeting Minnie in her Cruise outfit! It certainly made me forget about feeling sick, for a few minutes at least.

My cruise ears don't work.

Funny thing about the Sail Away. I didn't even realize we were moving. My mom texted me to tell me that we were already sailing away! I didn't even feel it!

Hey, that's my hand with the sea band on it!

I love that verandah, and I especially loved hanging out on that verandah with ya'll.

I so should have bought that Golden Mickey and had it engraved with Best Vanna Whiting Ever!!!!

I had the throne before you!

Enchanted Garden is so beautiful!

Hey, I met ya'll in Skyline. That's when your mom and I discovered the buffet in the District! Nice snacks.

The only time I didn't have an empty hallway was when we all went to our rooms for the first time. After that, I very seldom saw other people in our hallway.

Day one finished. More later!

haha yay!!! Thanks for the response!

Awwww I'm glad you like the camera strap!

And yes you did a very good job Vanna Whiting...there are alot more of those to come!!!!

Whaaaat your ears don't work That's a bummer!

Isn't it funny when you sail away? You have to really look to see if you're moving, because you don't even realize it like you said!

hahaha why didn't we think of buying that trophy and doing that?!?!?!?!

ANd yes you did meet us in Skyline!!!!

Isn't it amazing you see everyone in the hallway that day when you go to your room, but other than that it honestly feels like no one else is on the ship at times...its weird LOL.

Posting more after this!

Love the report! Where's your Aladdin shirt from? Hot Topic as well?

Thank you!!!! And Yes it is from Hot Topic....I think my whole wardrobe that week is from Hot Topic LOL they just keep coming out with such cute disney stuff!!!!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Tuesday September 10th-Castaway Cay

Our morning started bright and early because we wanted to eat a little something before we ran our 5k on the island! We headed up on deck towards Cabanas but we got distracted by the beautiful sunrise over the island.

We continued into Cabanas and made sure we found an awesome seat by the window and started to see us pull into Castaway.

We headed back down to get ready for the race.

The island was getting ready for us!

We were meeting today for the 5K in Evolution. Mom took a mirror shot in the elevator!

Here was the course for the 5K

We made our way down together and were one of the first group off the island. I was so excited to be back at Castaway Cay!

Welcome to Castaway!

It was a pretty long walk from the boat to the starting line

But off we went! I ran the race with Darolyn and Ashley, we were having a blast! (well Darolyn and I were Ashley was just determined to get this race done! Haha)

When we hit the really long airstrip portion, it was getting to be pretty darn hot and humid. Darolyn had just mentioned that we could really use some rain at this point…and wouldn’t you know, it started to drizzle! It felt really nice! We went by a few of our friends who were also running, here’s Terryn and Siobhan!

Mom was coming up behind them

She grabbed a picture of us going by!

And here was Stephanie and Sherry (@Tiggerfanatic)

Finally after what seemed like forever in the humidity we finished!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

They were selling this awesome shirt, but I’m not a fan of white ones so I just took a picture of it

Mom getting her medal!

Here we all are with our medals!

It felt so nice to just take a tram back to the ship. We were tired!

What a beautiful ship to come back to though!

As we were getting back onto the ship, stitch was handing out some high fives!

We headed back up to the room to change into our bathing suits and get ready for a day on Castaway Cay. We unfortunately headed back out to a dreary day.

It started to rain, so I put my camera away so it wouldn’t get ruined. We stopped in the Castaway Cay post office so we could send a few back home. We just got them a few weeks ago!

Here I was walking ahead because I wanted to try to make it to the cabanas before the rain hit.

As we were walking, we joined up with Missy and we were all hoping the skies wouldn’t open on us…well unfortunately, we didn’t hope enough…it started to POUR. We hid under an umbrella for a little bit (while the DJ played Umbrella…how ironic) We decided to brave the rain since it wasn’t getting better and finally made it to the cabanas. There was some space for us donw in the last one with Darolyn, Ashley, Terryn, and Tammy!

This is what it looked like outside our cabana

Picture of the inside

The neighboring cabana!

The rain was starting to let up but it still looked pretty ominous outside

We ventured out and grabbed some lunch from the BBQ.

We went back to the cabana and ordered some Bahama Mama’s

The sun was finally coming out again so we headed down to the beach! Sand toes!

The water is so beatuful here

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Everyone was hanging out down in the water. I got out of the water to bring my tube back and grab something else and when I walked back down into the water, well I almost lost my top. Luckily, I caught it just in time and asked Courtney (@Howe) who was closest to me at the time to help me out. Everyone started busting out laughing as the cabana boy/attendant came running down the beach asking if I needed any help. Yep I must say it was pretty funny. I guess it had to happen to somebody!

Darolyn, Terryn, Mom and I ventured out to take a few pictures around the cabana area.

Our friends over in the next cabana were having a great time with Komgrit! Say cheese!

Loved this mermaid art in the cabana

The sky was really starting to clear up now!

I love these little birds!

What a beautiful sight.

Writing in the sand…

We decided to all spend our last minutes on this island just sitting and staring at this beautiful ship. Mom, myself, Ashley, Darolyn, Tammy, Missy, and Christina. (Thanks to @jesemeca for this one )

It was getting close to the time where we had to start heading onto the ship. A few last pictures in our cabana.

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

We started making our way back to the ship

There are some beautiful flowers on this island let me tell you.

And the level of detail is just amazing.

You get such great views of the ship when you walk back.

Mount Rustmore!

These big wheels were interesting!

See ya later mon!

Loved this!

As we were approaching the aft of the ship Mom spotted some people on their verandah…can you spot them?

Why it was Jess and Stephanie!

Front of the Dream

We boarded the ship and headed upstairs to get ready for pirate night! We were so excited to be dressing up as pirates! We got ready and headed downstairs to meet Pirate Minnie!

Jess and Stephanie had joined us too!

She was so cute!

We ran upstairs to get in line for Pirate Mickey too!

He even proposed to Jess!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

We didn’t want to see the ventriloquist show but wanted to see Jack Sparrow in the D-Lounge at 7. We hung around on Deck 4. What a beautiful sky there was too!

Empty deck 4

A window shot!

We even spotted this rainbow in the sky! It was very beautiful!

While we were waiting for Jack Sparrow, we ran into Darolyn, Ashley and Terryn who also came to see him. Unfortunately, right before 7 they told us he was no longer going to be meeting. Which was a HUGE bummer. So we went shopping instead!

Darolyn was finally accepting her Golden Mickey. It was a speech that truly brought me to tears...

Dinner tonight was at Animator’s Palate!

It was very piratey in here tonight!

Vanna White was at it again!

Pirate Darolyn and Ashley!

It’s Ashley with her boyfriend, Ivan! Long story short is there was a waiter who had been talking to Ashley for the past few nights at the other restaurants. Funny thing is it’s not even their table’s waiter! I think someone has a crush on Ashley!

Love the menus!

Uh, oh Ivan made his way over to Ashley!

Vanna Whiting the spoon

Sword fighting!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Love the chairs in Animator’s Palate!

For an appetizer I had the Pot Stickers..OMG were they good!

Mom had the Lettuce Wedge, which she also liked.

We both also had the Bacon Cheddar Soup…which WAS SO GOOD.

I had the beef for dinner, and I forgot to take a picture of what Mom had…sorry!

Dessert menu!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Dessert was some apple thing I think…

After dinner, we all headed out on deck to watch the fireworks at sea and to see Jack Sparrow!

The fireworks were amazing! It was really cool to see other cruise ships come close to see our fireworks!

Once fireworks were over, Club Pirate started and we started dancing the night away!

We all decided to make our way down to Evolution because there was some karaoke going on and Darolyn and I had something hidden up our sleeves! We did walk right by the marvelous pirate night spread in Cabanas!

Darolyn and I sang a beautiful rendition of Summer Nights from Grease…I was Sandy and Darolyn was John Travolta. (Mind you we did have to have a Mojito before we went on stage)

After singing we called it a night and headed back up to our room to find a cute little pig waiting for us!

We went straight to bed because tomorrow was our last day on the beautiful Disney Dream and we weren’t ready for it to come to an end yet!

Stay tuned!

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

If Ashley doesn't want Ivan - I'll take him

Great report!!!

Ohhhh, Ashley does want Ivan!! lol he was a hottie!! Seriously, every single time he saw her, he came over to talk to her. One day in Cabana's for breakfast, he offered to take our picture outside with Castaway Cay behind us. He talked to her for a good 5 minutes. He was super nice though. We're requesting him as our waiter when we go in February!

Jess, how cool was it I said "Boy we could sure use some rain right now and 10 seconds later, it started to rain. It was soooooo hot!!! YUCK!! Fun to do once though. Got the medal, got the shirt, now onto more fun things.... Like the cabana!! I loved it!! Don't know if I could ever hang out on the family beach and fight for a chair there after having a cabana.

I'm pretty sure we brought down the house with our karaoke skills. I do make a pretty good "Danny" if I do say so myself!

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Ohhhh, Ashley does want Ivan!! lol he was a hottie!! Seriously, every single time he saw her, he came over to talk to her. One day in Cabana's for breakfast, he offered to take our picture outside with Castaway Cay behind us. He talked to her for a good 5 minutes. He was super nice though. We're requesting him as our waiter when we go in February!

Jess, how cool was it I said "Boy we could sure use some rain right now and 10 seconds later, it started to rain. It was soooooo hot!!! YUCK!! Fun to do once though. Got the medal, got the shirt, now onto more fun things.... Like the cabana!! I loved it!! Don't know if I could ever hang out on the family beach and fight for a chair there after having a cabana.

I'm pretty sure we brought down the house with our karaoke skills. I do make a pretty good "Danny" if I do say so myself!

hahahaha oh Ivan.....sooo sooo funny. She should have gotten his number! Make sure you get his number when you guys go!

That was wicked cool that right after you said it it started to rain, I couldn't believe it. The Castaway Cay gods loved you that day! lol. I'm glad I did it once too...never again lol. Serenity Bay is actually really nice too if you want to be away from the kids, etc. You can't see the cruise ship, but it's not very crowded and so peaceful over there.

Oh hell ya we brought that house down!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

LOVE the title! I will be back to read!!

 

[HollyBelle]

Love, love, loving your report Jess! I can't wait to read more. And I have to give your mom a huge shout out... you are rocking those mirror shots, Diane!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I am loving this!!!

Love love love!!

 

[Ariel484]

Oh Jess, you and Darolyn make beautiful music together!

Great pictures from the 5K! I love that selfie of you, Darolyn and Ashley...and the one of the CM with the medals at the finish line!

Also LOVE LOVE LOVE that shot of you ladies sitting in the chairs looking at the ship. Can we go back now?!

 

[Tiggerfanatic]

I am just loving seeing all the pics of you girls totally rocking in the Pirate bandanas! Someone did a good job on those!

 

[Tiggerish]

I am just loving seeing all the pics of you girls totally rocking in the Pirate bandanas! Someone did a good job on those!

LOL, in February I will be rockin' my bandana, and will stick hubby with the fancy pirate hat!

 

[Tiggerish]

Pirate Night Cabanas looks awesome.

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

LOVE the title! I will be back to read!!

I am loving this!!!

Love love love!!

Thanks Tammy!!!!

Love, love, loving your report Jess! I can't wait to read more. And I have to give your mom a huge shout out... you are rocking those mirror shots, Diane!

Thanks Holly!!!!!! @LuvsTheMouse was definitely rocking those mirror shots!!!!

Oh Jess, you and Darolyn make beautiful music together!

Great pictures from the 5K! I love that selfie of you, Darolyn and Ashley...and the one of the CM with the medals at the finish line!

Also LOVE LOVE LOVE that shot of you ladies sitting in the chairs looking at the ship. Can we go back now?!

Thanks Shannon! I'm thinking we should go famous @derelicte19 LOL

I really really wish we could go back now! I could use some Castaway Cay warmth!

I am just loving seeing all the pics of you girls totally rocking in the Pirate bandanas! Someone did a good job on those!

Yes you did!!!!! A great job!

LOL, in February I will be rockin' my bandana, and will stick hubby with the fancy pirate hat!

hahaha poor Bob LOL

Pirate Night Cabanas looks awesome.

it definitely does!