What Can Go Wrong on a Disney Vacation and Still Have Fun?

This morning I woke up in Cabin 7406 on the Disney Magic at 6:30 am CDT on the last morning of our 8 day cruise. I went out to the Verandah (aka The Porch ) half expecting us to be docked and waiting to be cleared. To my surprise we were still moving along slowly preparing to do the 360 degree turn in the middle of Galveston Bay in order to get proper alignment to dock. Mickey was late with his wake-up call according to my watch so I didn't want to go outside just yet. He finally got around to calling at 6:32 am and I picked up and listened for a few seconds then hung up so that I could go out on the Porch to have a look around. It was a cool morning with an odor of petrochemicals wafting in the air....

Time to back up now....

Who we are:
Myself - Jeffrey
Wife - Melissa
4 year old - Let's call her Thing 1
2 year old - We will call him Thing 2

Back in January we decided to go ahead and take advantage of the Kids Sale Free program that DCL was offering out of Galveston. Last Sept/October we took the 2nd cruise out of Galveston on the Magic and went to Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, and Cozumel. This time we decided to do something totally different so we picked the 8 day cruise called on Castaway Cay as the first port, then went to Port Canavaral for a day in the parks, and finally heading to Key West for a few hours with four sea days thrown in. It was decided when we made the reservation to not tell the kids and let it be a total surprise which turned out to be a bit difficult, but we did it. April 25 finally came, and it was time to go. We decided to leave one day early, mainly so there was no rush getting to the cruise terminal and it allowed Thing 1 to go to preschool one last day before being out for a week. I picked her up at noon and we went home to load up for the 4 1/2 hour drive to our hotel between Houston and Galveston. However, as life goes with a 4 and 2 year old, we were not quite ready to pull out, there was a little last minute packing to do. A little before 1:00 we headed out and made it all the way to the local Whataburger for a quick lunch. It was while eating lunch our first problem popped up. I had forgotten to pack our laundry bag, so back to the house real quick to pick that up. 1:45 or so we finally get on the road and I remembered I forgot my power strip as well, but decided I could live without it. After two pit stops along the way we finally arrived at the LaQuinta Inn in Webster Tx about 6:30 or so.

 

[5thGenTexan]

Port Canaveral... ready for a long day ahead. Our shore excusion tickets had 7:15 am for a departure time, and they recommended that we get there 15 or 20 minutes early to get through customs. I do not fault DCL here, but perhaps US Immigration needs to relax a bit. We had left a U.S. port a few days earlier and had only stopped at Castaway Cay, no other foreign ports. Anyway... I headed up to Deck 9 for a little morning sugar from the beverage station and grabbed a couple of bananas. While I was up there I saw Limbert, one of our servers from the last cruise, and I talked with him briefly. Good to see old friends. Went back down to the cabin with a Coke, Diet Coke and some milk along with my bananas.
Thing 2 is ready to go...

We all got a little bit of something in our bellies and made our way down to the Deck 3 gangway as we were instructed. However, due to last minute changes we were told to head back to Deck 1 aft to disembark. As soon as we set foot off the gangway I felt a bit of rain and had a bad feeling. Right back inside at the terminal and went through the invasive custom process of a passing glance at our passports that we now had to take to make sure not to lose at Walt Disney World Resort. We got on the bus bound for the Magic Kingdom and were on our way about 7:04 instead of 7:15, but we were ok with that.

Along the way it did rain on us and quite heavily at times, made for a nasty sinking feeling. In fact when we got off the bus and were walking to the gate it was still sprinkling a bit. After they scanned our cards and we found our spot to wait for the park to open, it stopped raining and wouldn't see a drop the rest of the day. This was my first trip to the Magic Kindom since 1992 when I was there on a high school band trip where we marched in one of the parades. They may not look like it, but Disney parades move FAST!!! My wife had also not been for several years, and of course Things 1 and 2 had never been. That is why we decided on the Magic Kindom, the biggest bang for the one day buck.

I'm sure many of you know where we standing in line to get these shots. I would have liked to get better pics of the opening show, but didn't want to lose out spot.

Before they let us through I asked my wife if she had a plan, and she said it was up to me. I thought it best to hit Fantasyland first, just for the benefit of Thing 1 and 2. So that is just what we did as soon as we passed...

Once we made it through the castle and had the discussion about if Cinderella was home we proceeded to our first ride. It was Peter Pan, and there was zero line when we got there. Thing 2 cried a bit, but it was otherwise a good Magic Kingdom introduction.

 

[5thGenTexan]

After we finished Peter Pan I took a quick shot of Rapunzel's tower.

Then we went across the way to Its a Small World where there was also no line, we just walked on.

OK, I will confess. I didn't see a sign that expressly prohibited it, I have read on this one attraction its ok, and mostly importantly... the boat in front of us was empty, we were in the front row of our boat, and I think there was a family in the back row of our boat. I used the flash on pics I took.

It was now tme to head off to see Ariel in the Little Mermaid. So far we are doing pretty good.

Like our two previous rides, we walked right on The Little Mermaid, no wait at all whatsoever. Can't complain about that.

After the ride we went to see Ariel and once again, no wait.

 

[5thGenTexan]

At this point my banana that I had a few a hours ago was not doing much good, I was ready for a snack. It was around 10ish, and since we were in the area I wanted one of those pork shanks I had read about. TASTY!!!

I read on this very form about this shot of Gaston and I thought I would take one as well.

When riding in the stroller, Thing 2 has problems keeping his shoes on.

I guess they are lined up for lunch already???

The time of walk on times was now over and we had about 20 minutes to ride Pooh, but it was not a bad wait with all trh stuff to do.

Time to head to Dumbo, what kid can go the Magic Kingdom and NOT ride Dumbo??? The play area was a pretty cool idea, but we did not need it. We walked around and I think only had to wait for one ride cycle. Thing 1 rode with my wife and I sat with Thing 2.

When we were finished and it was time to get out, Thing 2 did not handle it well. He was not finished riding and he let me know about it. Nonetheless, we made our way out and split up for a bit. Thing 2 needed a diaper change and I went to stand in like to ride the Barnstormer with Thing 1. There was a bit of a line, but not too bad. Not sure I would wait in a long line for it. After the ride was finished we went to meet back up with Mama and Thing 2, but could not find them anywhere. So we looked around the area and took a few pics.

It seems I was told that my wife and Thing 2 were going to head over to Dumbo again, but I don't remember that conversation. Thing 2 got to play in the play area that is the Dumbo area and got his second ride. When we met up again we went into the big merchandise tent to look around and got a drink or two so we didn't have dehydrated kidlets.

Off to Tomorrowland!!!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Okay! Caught up!

So sorry about your hiccups. Looks like y'all made the most of every step of the journey. I'm with the Things, sitting thru long, drawn-out meals kinda stinks. I'd almost rather do the Topsiders/Cabanas dinners as opposed to the MDRs just so we can get on to more fun.

Wow! Y'all are makin' the most of the WDW day! Good work!

 

[sam_disney]

Just caught up- you've done very well at MK so far- looking forward to reading more! x

 

[5thGenTexan]

Soon our progress is going to grind to a halt due to Thing 1 meltdown and Thing 2 crashing.

 

[Weather_Lady]

What a lovely family! I'm really enjoying your report.

 

[Sumrdog]

Soon our progress is going to grind to a halt due to Thing 1 meltdown and Thing 2 crashing.

Well any vacation with children under 5 wouldn't be complete without either of those things...heck my 5 year old had a meltdown today during his older sisters school play. At least you got a lot done in Magic Kingdom before it filled up.
Can't wait to read more!

 

[Patrick_Ears]

Very nice dad!! Nice on MK and getting to Fantasyland.

 

[5thGenTexan]

Well any vacation with children under 5 wouldn't be complete without either of those things...heck my 5 year old had a meltdown today during his older sisters school play. At least you got a lot done in Magic Kingdom before it filled up.
Can't wait to read more!

We aint done yet at MK, I just got tired of trip report writing last night.

 

[foreverbelle]

Loving your report, I have a thing one who is 4, and have thought about how he would do on a cruise, so your trip report is nice. I love it...
The beach looks fabulous I am so ready to hit it up right about now.
Keep it coming.

And oh yes your children=precious!!

 

[5thGenTexan]

OK, just bought a few drinks and headed to Tomorrowland... Right? On the way I was pushing the stroller and looking over my shoulder for Thing 1 and my wife. I totally waked through someone taking a pic in front of the construction wall for the mine train. Sorry if it was anyone here. I really didn't mean it. While watching videos on youtube before we left I was of the opinion that the transition between Fantasyland and Tomorrowland inhaled deeply. After being in the park I can without any doubt that it does inhale deeply. Thing 1 was wanting to go to the bathroom at this point which was a good sign considering her condition noted earlier. My wife took her inside to a restroom around Cosmic Ray's and I stayed out on a bench with Thing 2 and made a call home to check on the ring. At this point no ring yet, but it was just Tuesday. After that litle break I wanted to go over to the PeopleMover... I just wanted to and its easy for the kids unlike alot over there. So, we parked the stroller and got ready to go up and its shut down. Not sure why, but it was just a few minutes of down time. Even though I just had some bench time it was kinda nice for everyone to sit down and just look around.

I think Thing 2 really wanted to go ride in a car at the Speedway, but that was not in the cards for this trip. I have ridden it numerous times in the past, but when we went through Space Mountain on the People Mover my throat really tightened up and I felt some serious wiggins coming on. We didn't go get in line, but did see Buzz Lightyear from up above and a pretty long line.

At this point we were feeling kind of hungry again, so back to Cosmic Ray's to get lunch. My wife and I both had a $9.99 buger and fries, hot dog for Thing 1 and chicken from Thing 2. Now for my $9.99, I think the pork shank we had at Gaston's earlier in the day was a MUCH better value than that bacon burger for lunch. It was MUCH tastier too. Something to remember next time.

Thing 1 is a Stich fan, so while my wife and thing 2 held down a bench I took the girl to go see Stich. When we got there there was no line and we walked right in. While we waitied at the show doors there was a small discussion about what was going to happen. I didn't know so I just had to go with the generic, "let's just wait and see" While in the show Thing 1 was a little scared I think, espcially when the shoulder things came down. I guess it is an ok attraction to do one time, but if I had to wait in line over just walk right in, I wouldn't do it. Its not worth spending alot of time waiting for. Was not impressed. I wanted to go to COP while we were there, but I knew the kids wouldn't care and not sure that my wife would care and I could see enthusiasm waning a bit in the two Things. I suggested we head over to Jungle Cruise, since it seems like its one of those things you just gottta do while you are there. It was agreed upon and we headed across to Adventureland.

Between this picture...

And this picture

Thing 2 crashed and was out cold in the stroller. Thing 1 also started to complain a bit. I still wanted to try for Jungle Cruise so we made our way over and passed the spitting camel that did not hit us. The sign said it was 45 minute wait, but we went ahead and unloaded Thing 2 from the stroller and took or place in line.

He is real!!!

When we were finished with Jungle Cruise it was official, our day was coming to and end. Thing 1 was asking if she could get a toy now and wanted to go back to the ship. I wanted to at least walk around past POTC and through Liberty Square just to look around. The complaining was getting worse, so we walked faster. I was really disappointed... POTC was just a 5 minute wait, but there was no way were going to convince anyone to do that. So we continued to walk around and my wife went in the Christmas store while we waited outside.

When that shopping excursion was over we walked behind the Christmas store in the direction of Crystal Palace to the baby center for a diaper change. There was a parade a'brewin so we stayed on the side of Main Street USA we were on and headed into the Emporium for a toy. Both Things got a Lady and my wife got a few other small things wile I waited outside with Thing 2 who is "grabby"in stores. One more restroom break and a purchase of a Coke, popcorn and frozen lemonade before we headed out the gate for the 4:00 bus back to PC. BTW, Things 1 had a much better attitude after getting Lady. I think we all fell asleep at least part of the time while on the bus.

 

[Patrick_Ears]

Dad, you doing great my friend!!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Ugh! I can't believe your credit card was stolen! So glad you had another!
The pork shank is amazing. I loved it!
I'm loving your pictures! Keep them coming!

 

[5thGenTexan]

It was just about time to get off the bus and reboard the ship and it was time to start poking the Things to wake up.

When we got back to the cabin a lttle after 5:00 our steward had already been there and gotten things ready for us to hit the sack when we were ready.

There was a scheduled appearance of Pinocchio at 6:00, and I more than anyone else wanted to get a few shots with him so we headed to the Atrim before dinner to make sure we saw hime before the line got too long. Well, there was NO line and Max was there just hanging around with no one to play with. He immediately grabbed Thing 1 and took her out to dance. It was quite funny.

After those two hammed it up for a bit it was time for Max to leave and Pinocchio was on he way down the stairs and we were first in line!!! Many people were still not on the ship, but I was surprised not more people came to see him.

After our time with the wooden boy who only wanted to be real was over we decided to clean up a bit and go have dinner. Since the all aboard time was 2:00 am and ALOT of people were still in the parks, dinner was open seating tonight. We headed to Parrot Cay to partake of the offerings on the buffet. While it was alot less formal than a typical dinner seating, they did seat us a table and a server was there to take care of our every need. Our server was Francesca and she was great. Another server was making the rounds to all the table making origami thing for the kids. Thing 2 got a frog that would hop and Thing 1 was offered an origami rose. Our meal was nearing its end and I, as I typically do on the buffets, went to gather a few different deserts for myself and my wife. It was then that Francesca asked if had tried something specific and I guess we were not quick enough on the answer. She said she would get us some and she took off to the buffet and in a few minutes was back. I can't remember what it was called, but she was right... it was GOOD!! This particuar dinner was porbably one of the best of the week. We were tired and enjoyed the buffet and really enjoyed Francesca. Our Navigator indicated that Stitch would make a showing and since we missed him at Castaway Cay, it was imperative that we see him or Thing 1 would be quite upset.

After seeing Stich I took Thing 1 up to the Oceaneers Club to play for awhile and I went outside to take some pictures.

The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the NASA complex...

 

[5thGenTexan]

I happen to be walking through the Lobby and caught a glimpse of this guy. Any idea who it is???

Went back toward Animators Palate

Shutters

Our door (@Disneyfalcon) thanks for the door decoration!!!

Its a new day, and its a relaxing Day at Sea. After a day at Castaway Cay and a day at the Magic Kingdom a nice relaxing day is what everyone needed. My memory is getting fuzzier the long we are home, but I am going to assume we got up and had some Topsider's for breakfast. Past behavior seems to confirm this assumption. I did take Thing 1 down to the Club for some playtime and I once again just walked around the ship instead of going back to the cabin. My wife and Thing 2 were just hanging out... perhaps reading Charlie the Ranch Dog on the Nook. While on my stroll up on Deck 9 I came up Lilo and Stich...

I guess they were in trouble.

When it was time for lunch I wnt down to the Club to fetch Thing 1 and as usual we walked around a bit before going back to our cabin. On Deck 5 in the midship lift area we found Belle telling a story to a group of kids. Thing 1 sat and listend for a few minutes, but was soon ready to go get some grub.

 

[ChuckElias]

I'll take the pork shank over a turkey leg any day.

I love that your WDW pictures have the DCL logo on them as well.

I really love that ship. I hope they don't mess it up with the rehab.

 

[5thGenTexan]

I'll take the pork shank over a turkey leg any day.

I love that your WDW pictures have the DCL logo on them as well.

I really love that ship. I hope they don't mess it up with the rehab.

The only thing that bothers me is Parrot Cay going away, it was my favorite dining area of the big three. Everything else will be nice improvements. It was not mentioned, but I would like to see better airflow in the Deck 3 Atrium. It gets hot down there waiting in line for appearances.

 

[lbrad]

LOVE your TR!!! Looks like your family is having a blast.
Your children are absolutely adorable.
Our cruise is in November. DH & I will be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary ... sans children
Can't wait to read more

 

[5thGenTexan]

Thing 1 is a huge Jake and the Neverland Pirates fan so it was a must that go see Captain Hook and Mr. Smee. They were set up on Deck 4, just at the top of the atrium stairs so we could see everything below on Deck 3 that was going on. During the time we were in line we could see that Pirate Minnie is what was going on.

We had arrived to see Hook and Smee early enough that our time in the line was not very long.

After our shoot with the pirates we looked back down to Deck 3 and who did we see????

Thing 1 is also quite fond of Chip & Dale...

It was time for a break from meeting with characters, so I went out to check on traffic.

Like I said earlier this was a much needed day at sea after two hard days at Castaway Cay and the Magic Kingdom. In addition it was also Pirate Night and our rotation put us in Animators Palate again. We didn't go all out dressing for pirate night, but the kids wore thier pirate t-shirts and we put the bandanas on that were provided at our table. We are total stick in the muds.

This was my pirate night desert.

We dropped Thing 1 at the Club to play awhile before the big party outside later. When we returned to our cabin we were met by this monkey.