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]

After getting settled in we went to find some dinner. Our hotel was mere minutes off Interstate 45 and every place you could think of to eat, but they were all the same places that you find everywhere else. We were looking for something a bit different. We headed in the direction of Kemah, on Galveston Bay, and randomly decided on Crazy Alan's Swamp Shack. They. had sort of outdoor / indoor seating with live music. Thing 2, never have eaten where loud live music was being played was totally enthralled. The service was kind of iffy, but the shrimp was really good.

After we were finished eating I took the kids across the street to look at the boats while my wife took care of the bill. Below you can see Things 1 and 2.

We soon headed back to the hotel to get ready to board the ship the next morning, yet the kids still had no idea what was in store them. No need to create that much excitement just before bed. I had reserved a window to check in at the cruise terminal in Galveston from 11:00 to 11:30 am, so there was no need to get in a hurry to leave the hotel since were were just 30 minutes or so away. We headed off to partake of the free hotel breakfast which consisted of sausage, eggs, biscuits, fruit, etc... Nothing fancy or good, but it was included and filled the morning void.

After breakfast we went back to the room to get everything ready to go and head off to the cruise termimal. I decided to check my e-mail one last time before we boarded the ship and the cost went up to 75 cents an minute. It was then that our first major problem of the trip reared its ugly head. There was an email from my credit card company that there was suspicious activity on my card and I needed to call to verify. It seems that large purchases were made in Australia, Great Britian, and all over the internet. Nothing could be done other than shut my credit card down and have a new card issued. Luckily my wife's card was okie dokie and our vacation wasn't stopped in its track's right there. I susupect it was either the waitress at the retaurant the night before or the desk clerk that checked me in at the hotel. Kind of leaning towards the desk clerk since he had the card in hand at one point as well as my name and address info during the check-in procedure. Aftter all of that was squared away I took a deep breath and we took off on the short drive to board the ship. After stopping one last time to get some cash out of the ATM we made our way to Lighthouse Parking where I had made a reservation for a covered parking spot for the week at a cost of $60, which included a shuttle that dropped us off at the termimal and picked us up at the end of the cruise. It was while on the shuttle that we finally told Thing 1 that were going on the cruise. She was excited.

 

[5thGenTexan]

Shortly after 11:00 am we arrived at the cruise termimal and dropped our luggage off with one of the porters and headed inside to check in. The hired security checked our information and we headed through the metal detectors. It was when I was putting my wedding ring and watch back on the problem monster made another appearence. My wife said she left her wedding ring in the hotel. At this point, heading back to the hotel was not really an option. So, we went ahead and got checked in. To my surprise, as a Silver Castaway Club member, we were able to go through the short check-in line and avoid what appeared to be a 20-25 minute wait. After we were checked in and had our Key to the World Cards and a boarding group number of 4, I called the hotel and told them about the ring. They talked to housekeeping and they had indeed found her ring and it was at the front desk. Now, after the credit card problem, I am not totally excited about that staff being in possesion of nice jewelry, but they promised to package it up and send it to us. Nothing at this point to do but try to trust em. During my phone call Thing 1 and my wife took advantage of a photo opportunity.

It wasn't long before our boarding number was called and we proceeded to board the ship. Of course in route there were three stations set up to take embarkation day photos, then got our Key to the World Cards scanned, up the elevator and finally onto the ship. My very first order of business was to head to Guest Services to take care of a few issues. Issue 1: Reserve a spot for my wife and Thing 1 to take part in Alice's Tea Party that would be held a few days later. Issue 2: Inform them that my credit card on file was no longer valid and put my wife's card on file for all purchases. Issue 3: Arrange a diaper genie to be delivered to our cabin. With all of that business taken care of, it was time to get some lunch. Instead of a trip to Topsiders on Deck 9 like we did on the last cruise, we instead chose to have lunch in Parrot Cay this time. Still a buffet, same food, but its less windy and in the A/C. Although it was really not a bad day in Galveston as far as the weather was concerned.

After lunch was over we still had time before the 1:30 "rope drop" when we were permitted to head to our cabin. So, we headed walked around a bit to get reaquainted with the ship. Saw this guy...

Watched other people make thier way up the gangway...

Checked out the proper way to put on a life jacket....

Then we headed up to wait to head to a new home for the next 8 days.

Mistake on my part, we went up to the Deck 7 midship lobby to wait even though our cabin was right off the aft lift. Whoops. Anyway, they were a little behind and it was about 1:35 or so before we were permitted to go to our cabin. No big deal though, this is vacation.

Our Castaway Club gifts were waiting for us on the bed. I did use the backpack and we did eat the crackers.

A little bit of information about our cabin. We were in cabin 7604. As a said above, it is right off the aft lifts on the starboard side. It has a Verandah, and this time we had a refridgerator. Not sure if its because it a Verandah room, but our cabin on the last cruise was just a ocean view and just had a box that kinda of kept things cool. The fridge was NICE to have, especially since I kept milk on hand most of the time for bottles. This was espeicially useful at bedtime and during the night. Now for a little technical advice that luckily I was able to figure out without calling for help. The Verandah door SLIDES open, it doesn't push out.

 

[TrolleyFollower91]

Yay a cruise trip report! Love it so far!!

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

Excited to read all about your adventures!! First time cruiser in September here and I want to read as much as possible about cruising before then

 

[Zman-ks]

Love your report so far...

 

[5thGenTexan]

OK, where was I? Oh yeah, we had just gotten to the cabing and were settleing in. When we arrived in the cabin my diapers I had ordered had already been delivered and one piece of luggage was already waiting. It wouldn't be till after sail away that the other two bags would show up. People are still boarding at this time and exploring the ship, but with a four year old and especially the two year old we decided to just relax for a bit and catch our breath. After all, it wouldn't be much longer before we had to head out again for the mandatory muster drill on Deck 4. Thing 2 did ok, but started getting really antsy about half way through the drill and wanted to get down and play, but that wasn't gonna happen. It had already been a long day for him and he finally fell asleep on my shoulder. When the safety drill concluded we went back to the cabin with one sleeping boy and a girl who was fading. I tried to put Thing 2 down upon our arrival back at the cabin, but he popped right back up and wasn't gonna have any of that. Unlike the last cruise when Thing 1 and I went up for the sail away deck party, we all decided to go this time. It was still a little cool and a light wind, so it wasn't bad at all aside from having to hold a kid so they could see. Cruise staff introductions were made, music was played, Mickey and pals came out for dancing and partying. They played the ship horns and we were finally underway around 4:15 - 4:30.

Took a few photos out on our "Porch" as we sailed away.

The Pilot Boat...

We chose the first seating at 5:45 for this cruise instead of the late seating hoping it would work better with Thing 2, but it didn't. Animators Palate was first up on our dining rotation and we were set up on a 4 top table, Table 24, with Non as our head server and Rochelle was the assistant. I think Antonio and Limbert on our last cruise were more fun and better service. I honestly don't remember what everyone had that night, but it was good and we were all full. Trying to "fight" with a two year old at a long sit down dinner is not conducive to taking lots of food photos and remembering the menu items. Sorry about that.

After dinner we walked around the ship a bit and went by Oceaneer's Club to get a Mickey band for Thing 1, although sha was reluctant to go at first. On the last cruise she said a boy hit her and she didnt want to go back. Then we headed back to the cabin to watch some Disney shows on TV. Again, with the two year old its nearly impossible to go to the shows. Maybe we will to that on the next trip. We were all getting pretty tired anyway, it had been a LONG few days. Time for bed....

 

[Sumrdog]

I am enjoying reading your report! It's making me a little sad, just a month ago we were in a room just 9 doors down from yours on the same side...We did not have a refrigerator though, you scored on that one. We had the cooling box, which wasn't super cold but good enough for our purposes.
I am looking forward to more!

 

[5thGenTexan]

Our first full day at sea, which for those following along with the home version was April 25th, was fairly uneventful. We stayed in bed until Things 1 and 2 began to stir and then took our time getting going. As is more our style we hit Topsiders for the breakfast buffet. One sit down meal a day is about all I can handle with the boy.

At this point I can't really be sure, but I think my wife took Thing 1 up to play in the Mickey Pool and the slide. Its just a little hard to remember the events of the day when we were at sea. My photos indicate that we did have a Topsiders lunch this day as well. Nothing spectacular, but it was lunch.

I should note that on our first Sea Day the ugly problem monster paid us another visit... My poor little girl started to complain of hurting when she went to the bathroom. It was bad enough that she would cry and try to get out of going to the bathroom. My wife took her down to the Deck 1 medical center on the morning of the second sea day to see what could be done. If anyone wanted to know, the cost to see a doctor is $170... but to see the nurse and get a tube of cream is only $7.38. So, after about 10 minutes or so on Deck 1 my wife and Thing 1 were on thier way with the cream. It took a few days, but she did get better.

The first formal night was also on the first sea day, after dinner at Parrot Cay we went to see Mickey on Deck 4 Preludes. Minnie was there for pics, but when we got in line we were told we had passed the Minnie cut off but were welcome to stay for Mickey. That was the plan all along, so no problem there. We did get to watch other get thier pic with Minnie as well as a few shots of Minnie and Mickey when he showed up. If no other pictures are taken, I like to get one with Mickey of us all dressed up.

Awwwww

Once again, I did not take any notes or photos of the food from Parrot Cay, but I am sure it was tasty. After dinner and photos with Mickey at 7:45 it was time to head back to the cabin. Thing 1 went to the club to play and rest of us went to change and relax a bit. I planned to go to the Buena Vista Theater at 10:30 to see The Avengers so about 9:00 I fetched Thing 1 and got both kids in the tub for a bath and dressed for bed. Then I went to see my movie. It was 2 hours and 22 minutes, so it was nearly 1:00 am before I got "home". Avengers was really good, but the seats are not the best.

April 29th was our second day at sea and I was tired after being out so late. We did get up and once again headed off to Topsiders for breakfast. I know, boring boring. Today we planned on see the Princesses in the Lobby Atrium at 11:30, so we hung out in the cabin on the Porch for while before going down. It was a beautiful day at sea and there was more traffic that I am used to on previous cruises out in the open Gulf of Mexico.

We passed this ship...

Then we passed this ship...

Then this ship crossed in front of us...

Also saw a few others out on the horizon, so it was a busy day for sea traffic for us.

 

[5thGenTexan]

Due to everyone wanting thier time with the Princesses, we got a spot in line about 11:00 for the character appearance at 11:30, and the line was ever growing from the atrium all the way back to the Promenade Lounge. The are POPULAR!!!

Waiting....

Waiting....

Finally...

Cinderella

Tiana

Sleeping Beauty - Aurora

Belle

Snow White

Believe it or not we were once again off to Topisider for lunch after seeing the Princesses. Saw this eagle on the serving line.

This was also the day we reserved for my wife and Thing 1 to go to Alice's Tea Party. Thing 2 and I did not go and decided on a nap while the girls were gone.

By this time I was getting pretty exhausted over all, with the traveling getting to Galveston, staying out watching movies, etc... We all decided we were tired and did not want to go to the dining room at all and instead decided on hamburgers and hotdogs on Deck 9 by the pool. It wasn't long till it was time for early bed since the next day was Castaway Cay, and we needed to be rested for that!!!!

 

[tink65]

Your cruise looks amazing! Can't wait to read more!

 

[WishIWasAtWDW]

Well that's not a very magical way to start your trip! That is awful about your credit card number being stolen and then your wife forgetting her wedding ring. Your title has me worried that there are more problems to come...I hope there weren't too many more issues you had to deal with! So far it seems like you were able to still enjoy your trip so I hope you had fun on the rest of your voyage! Looking forward to reading more.

 

[5thGenTexan]

Well that's not a very magical way to start your trip! That is awful about your credit card number being stolen and then your wife forgetting her wedding ring. Your title has me worried that there are more problems to come...I hope there weren't too many more issues you had to deal with! So far it seems like you were able to still enjoy your trip so I hope you had fun on the rest of your voyage! Looking forward to reading more.

Yeah, aside from a few issues we still had a BLAST. I am now trying to determine if I can make enough selling blood and plasma to book another trip. I think if I didn't have a family I would try for a job on one of the ships. Even wearing yellow overalls and working every day.

 

[5thGenTexan]

Castaway Cay Day!! WOO HOO!!! I was awake when were just getting positioned to get docked, and I was ready to go. However, Mrs. stick in the mud decided we couldn't just take off and play on the beach without having any breakfast. This was the view from the Porch first thing though...

OK, so its off to Topsiders for breakfast. Things 1 and 2 have zero sense of urgency and as typical for them... they doddled. When we finally finished breakfast I was sure we were on our way, but nooooo... we had to make sure everyone was properly "sun-screened" before heading out for the day. I was just ready to get out there.

We finally disembarked for the day and who did we see??

I guess Jack was headed back for a nap after a hard morning of posing for photos...

Also saw this duck, but they had already cut his line off, so we just took a quick pic as we walked by.

We took the tram all the way around to the family beach, since we did not score a cabana for this trip. After being there, I now see the desire and benefit of having a little place to call your own. One last stop at Buy the Seashore to get some shovels, buckets, ect that we didn't want to pack to bring with us.

Finally we make it to the main event!!! BTW, my kids have never been to a beach, and I don't personally go out of my way to play in the water. But this was an awesome place!!!

Before everyone else got the same idea we went ahead and headed for Cookies Too to get some much needed lunch. I did take a pic of the food here. It wasn't bad, not bad at all.

Wife's Revenge!!! Taking stupid pics of me.

After lunch I forked over $6 to get a big clear tube to float around in. It became obvious very quickly that Thing 1 wasn't going to sit in and Thing 2 was just too small. So, I ended up putting it around my large middle and walking around with it and sitting the kids on top while we went out in the water. They enjoyed it quite a bit.

 

[5thGenTexan]

One bird stole a hot dog, and then we had a seagull swarm.

I think it was about 2:00 when we gave up on the beach, but didn't go back to the ship yet. We stopped at Spring-A-Leak so Thing 1 and 2 could play in some fresh water for a bit.

The Things did NOT want to leave this place, but it was getting to be that time when we needed to head back. After a short tram ride we got off at the first stop, because I wanted a shirt before we left. I found one, it wasn't Castaway Cay specific, but it had a bunch of seagulls with the words mine mine mine mine.... under them.

Pic of the ship at Castaway Cay just before we boarded once again

This was another long day and we didn't feel like sitting through a long drawn out dinner. For the first time we decided to try the sit down dinner option in Topsider's. My wife and I both order a Porterhouse with baked potato, and honestly it was the best meal of the cruise IMO. When desert time came Thing 1 chose to have a Micky Bar and this was the result.

The list of character appearances showed that Jiminy Cricket was to be in the Atrium Lobby that night and he was one I really wanted a pic with. Thing 2 and I headed down a ittle early and arrived before the cricket did. But Goofy was there and there was no line. So we got a shot with him before Jiminy came out. I also talked to one of the CMs who was there helping with the line. I asked her about her uhhh involvement and she said she was VERY good friends with one of the characters. One might say she sometimes cleans up after 7 short gentlemen.

Thing 2 just before bed...

Time for bed, we had a 6:00 am wake-up call the next morning for Port Canavarel.

 

[heatherkatheleen]

Following along! Sounds like a great trip despite a few mishaps along the way. I had my DEBIT card jeopardized in January and it was the worst thing ever! Took some work with my bank but we ended up recovering all the lost money. Sorry yourself and your wife had to go through that! Your kids are adorable by the way! Looking forward to reading more and being on my WDW & Fantasy vacation in 14 days... Eek!

 

[WDW_Princess24]

What a great TR, Thing 1 and Thing 2 are so stinking cute! Sorry about all those little snafoos you were having but it seems everything turned out just fine. I've never done a trip with DCL so I love getting to hear about others experiences with them! Castaway Cay looks like heaven!

 

[Sumrdog]

I loved looking at your Castaway Cay pictures, I want to go back! And give your wife credit for insisting on the sunscreen, if you read my trip report; I seriously underestimated the power of the sun!

 

[sam_disney]

Just caught up- I need to do a cruise! :-( Looks amazing!

 

[5thGenTexan]

I loved looking at your Castaway Cay pictures, I want to go back! And give your wife credit for insisting on the sunscreen, if you read my trip report; I seriously underestimated the power of the sun!

I honestly don't think much about it. I am lucky in that if I do burn, it just turns into tan overnight and I am good to go again. Thing 1 is more like her mother, but Thing 2 is kinda dark complected like me,