When You Wish Upon A Star...POOF your teens vanish!

Seriously! It happened!

Welcome all to my 8th trip report being composed about yet another Disney Cruise Line adventure. This was hubby's & my 4th cruise with Mickey and the kids' 3rd. Yep, you read that right. We ditched the teenagers back in September. We have no shame. Don't even bother trying to make us feel bad. LOL!

This cruise was partially for our family's Christmas. We tried to surprise the boys on Christmas morning but that didn't work out entirely as planned. Our 16 year old Mr.Clever picked up on a few clues when I was working on some of the planning and put the pieces together. Thankfully, he was a good sport and kept the surprise alive for his 15 year old brother. It's tough to keep secrets when you're a homeschooling mom with your 2 kids as your constant sidekicks.

There was a bit of a surprise for me, too, that I found out before I was supposed to. I was visiting my folks 3 states away from home before Christmas when I was woke up from a lovely nap by Disney Cruise Line's shoreside concierge calling to offer their planning services to me. My hubby sprung the big one on me but wasn't so thrilled when I found out early:

Here's the Christmas morning video. Remember, the youngest (Brian) had no clue. His brother (Chandler) knew but he didn't know about the cabana on Castaway Cay. Poor Brian didn't believe us! He thought it was a joke!




And with a whirlwind of planning, a ton of work, and many sleepless nights wondering how I'd get it all together in time...it was time to go!

But where??? Dang! I almost forgot that part! We were on the January 18th sailing of the Disney Magic out of Galveston, Texas. How convenient! That's just 20 minutes from us! This was our itinerary:

January 18.....Embarkation.....Galveston, TX
January 19.....At Sea.....Gulf of Mexico
January 20.....At Sea.....Gulf of Mexico & Atlantic Ocean
January 21.....Castaway Cay, Bahamas (Disney's private island)
January 22.....Port Canaveral, FL / Walt Disney World (bus transport to/from the parks + 1 day parkhopper ticket included in cruise fare)
January 23.....At Sea.....Atlantic Ocean
January 24.....Key West, Florida
January 25.....At Sea.....Gulf of Mexico
January 26.....Debarkation.....Galveston, TX

And just in case you don't already know us (I take for granted that most folks do by now), we're: Kelly (me, the SweetPee), Tracey (my old man, bestest friend, and daddy-o extraordinaire), Chandler (16 year old know-it-all Mr. Mom), and Brian (15 year old one-man-party on wheels).

 

[Zortek]

BTW, both Tracey & Jerry have now commented on how we really do sound like lushes in my trip reports now. Seriously, we generally don't drink at home or in our every day lives. It's part of the lettin' our hair down on the cruises. It's weird!

Gots to love having an underage driver in the brood. He's like my built-in designated driver! LOL!

LIES!!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

LIES!!

That's frickin' hilarious!!!

 

[heatherkatheleen]

Oh yes! I've been addicted to the Disney Dooneys from day 1! I don't buy the little cross body types because I only use a small bag like that when I'm traveling. If I'm traveling I'm worried the bag will get dirty so I stick with the ones I make and can throw in the wash after I get home. I guess for everyday life us old "bags" need a bigger bag because we tend to carry around a little of everything...just in case... LOL!

Yep I love them. I try to avoid the cross-bodies that are white (or mostly light) too because if they rub against any type of denim they'll get stained... I learned this the hard way with an ivory Michael Kors satchel last year I try to stick to larger totes that have a black background for cleanliess, but I do prefer the look of the light ones.

 

[WishIWasAtWDW]

Loved the trip report Kelly! So sad that it's over. You helped get me super excited for my cruise that is now 92 days away! Woo hoo! Get to make Palo and excursion reservations so soon!

I love the stuff you got from Lilly Pulitzer! I love their stuff but I can't justify paying that much money for clothes. I'm more of an Old Navy kind of girl. Hahaha I love that you splurged and Tracey wouldn't let you talk yourself out of getting anything. It's nice to splurge on yourself sometimes, especially on vacation!

Your boys are the SWEETEST! I think I have told you this on previous trip reports but you all did a really great job raising those two! Those letters were so sweet! And it is pretty shocking that two teenage boys actually paid attention to items that their parents were interested in. I think that's pretty rare and you should be very proud! I can only hope that when I have kids they turn out even remotely like your two boys. Great kids!

That's too bad about your mixology class this time. It's still a great price for so many drinks so I think Wes and I will give it a shot (pun intended ) We also rarely drink at home but like to let loose on vacations. I am already looking forward to lots of Mai Tais poolside in the adult only section of the Fantasy. Sounds glorious!

Thanks again for sharing! I can't wait to read the next one!

 

[Tidbit]

hahaha now that's funny that your hunny is now reading your trip reports!!! ....ummm Tracey if you are reading this....yes you MUST let Kelly take all the pictures she needs!! We need them for "our" vacation/Disney fix!!! LOL!!!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Loved the trip report Kelly! So sad that it's over. You helped get me super excited for my cruise that is now 92 days away! Woo hoo! Get to make Palo and excursion reservations so soon!

I love the stuff you got from Lilly Pulitzer! I love their stuff but I can't justify paying that much money for clothes. I'm more of an Old Navy kind of girl. Hahaha I love that you splurged and Tracey wouldn't let you talk yourself out of getting anything. It's nice to splurge on yourself sometimes, especially on vacation!

Your boys are the SWEETEST! I think I have told you this on previous trip reports but you all did a really great job raising those two! Those letters were so sweet! And it is pretty shocking that two teenage boys actually paid attention to items that their parents were interested in. I think that's pretty rare and you should be very proud! I can only hope that when I have kids they turn out even remotely like your two boys. Great kids!

That's too bad about your mixology class this time. It's still a great price for so many drinks so I think Wes and I will give it a shot (pun intended ) We also rarely drink at home but like to let loose on vacations. I am already looking forward to lots of Mai Tais poolside in the adult only section of the Fantasy. Sounds glorious!

Thanks again for sharing! I can't wait to read the next one!

Belive me, normally I would neeeeever spend that on clothes for myself either. It was so far out of character for me which is a lot of why it was such a grand experience for me. Since I've been home I've been combing eBay for affordable Lilly and there's definitely some great opportunities out there without spending the big bucks.

Awwww...thank you so much for the sweet thoughts about my boys. They're my pride & joy. But then, what kind of mom would say their babies weren't??? LOL!

Heck yeah! Even after the lesser mixology experience I'd still do it again! It's a bargain for all those drinks plus it's a way to try things you wouldn't normally order and pay for individually. Why not???

Your Mai Tais poolside do sound heavenly! I'll have to remember that thought! Maybe on the Fantasy in May we'll actually sit out by a pool...or...**gasp**...get IN one! LOL!

Can't wait to read YOUR Fantasy adventure! You are writing one, right?! You'll be juuuust ahead of us. We sail on 5/25. When is yours?

hahaha now that's funny that your hunny is now reading your trip reports!!! ....ummm Tracey if you are reading this....yes you MUST let Kelly take all the pictures she needs!! We need them for "our" vacation/Disney fix!!! LOL!!!

I'm sure I'll get a call later or a comment this afternoon how I'm rallying the troops in my corner.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Went in to Brian's room the other day because he actually cleaned it. I opened his closet door and found this on the inside at eye-level:

Had to sneak back in there for a picture when he was outside.

Wow. I had wondered where that message from the bottle for Christmas went. Now I know. He's been a dancing fool since we got back, too. He says his friends showed him how to dance so now he's all about his moooooves. I knew he had a grand time. I knew he loved all the friends he made. ((Even caught him crying the day after we got home.)) This really does speak volumes as to what these cruises are for the boys. I'll do it again and again and again, every chance I get.

 

[Sumrdog]

Went in to Brian's room the other day because he actually cleaned it. I opened his closet door and found this on the inside at eye-level:

Had to sneak back in there for a picture when he was outside.

Wow. I had wondered where that message from the bottle for Christmas went. Now I know. He's been a dancing fool since we got back, too. He says his friends showed him how to dance so now he's all about his moooooves. I knew he had a grand time. I knew he loved all the friends he made. ((Even caught him crying the day after we got home.)) This really does speak volumes as to what these cruises are for the boys. I'll do it again and again and again, every chance I get.

That makes me want to cry its so sweet! I loved reading this report I can't wait to give this same gift to my family in less the 7 weeks. My kids are going to freak out when they realize we are not going camping in the rain and are in fact boarding a Disney Cruise ship!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

That makes me want to cry its so sweet! I loved reading this report I can't wait to give this same gift to my family in less the 7 weeks. My kids are going to freak out when they realize we are not going camping in the rain and are in fact boarding a Disney Cruise ship!

Please write a report! At least come share the highlights with pics! Your kids are going to just die and go to heaven. It's so amazing.

And can I just say that I'm in love with your avatar??? That's so awesome! I love love love to sew and sewing fun Disney stuff is the bestest!!!

 

[GatorAsh]

I really enjoyed reading your TR. I've never done a Disney Cruise (or any cruise for that matter!), and reading about yours is starting to plant a seed...
I live in Florida and have an AP, so we do the parks all the time. I was born in Houston, so Galveston is near and dear to my heart!
Just wanted to comment on your Lilly Pulitzer... I LOVE the stuff too and am so glad you got to shop in the Key West store. I went to the University of Florida, so we did Key West for many a Spring Break, and I love love love that shop. I splurge on her clothes too, but I figure they're timeless and classy, and like you said, a good investment. There is always high demand for LP. Speaking of which... there is a great Facebook group called 'Re-Lilly' where people buy and sell gently used Lilly. I've gotten so many pieces for great prices through there. Also, keep an eye out for the semi-annual LP sale on the Lilly Pulitzer website. AMAZING deals! Callahan's for $29, dresses for $19 and more.
I try to sport some Lilly to the parks whenever possible. It's fun finding other people with it on too. Callahan's are a great summer short for park touring. Enjoy!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I really enjoyed reading your TR. I've never done a Disney Cruise (or any cruise for that matter!), and reading about yours is starting to plant a seed...
I live in Florida and have an AP, so we do the parks all the time. I was born in Houston, so Galveston is near and dear to my heart!
Just wanted to comment on your Lilly Pulitzer... I LOVE the stuff too and am so glad you got to shop in the Key West store. I went to the University of Florida, so we did Key West for many a Spring Break, and I love love love that shop. I splurge on her clothes too, but I figure they're timeless and classy, and like you said, a good investment. There is always high demand for LP. Speaking of which... there is a great Facebook group called 'Re-Lilly' where people buy and sell gently used Lilly. I've gotten so many pieces for great prices through there. Also, keep an eye out for the semi-annual LP sale on the Lilly Pulitzer website. AMAZING deals! Callahan's for $29, dresses for $19 and more.
I try to sport some Lilly to the parks whenever possible. It's fun finding other people with it on too. Callahan's are a great summer short for park touring. Enjoy!

Oh! Well, hey! YOU need to keep an eye out for Florida Resident deals on the Dream. You rarely see them on the Fantasy. I think when the classic ships are out of Florida they'll have them frequently, too. When looking at the Disney Cruise Line website you can find them (usually around 90 days or less from sailing) by searching the itineraries and puting in the discount code: FLR. There are some amazing deals to be had juuuuust in case you're ready to give it a shot. And, you can always shoot Disneyfalcon an email to keep an eye out for you. She's an amazing agent and overall great lady. Doesn't cost more to use an agent. You're routing your commission bucks to another Disney fan vs. giving them to Disney Travel Co. when booking direct thru the website(s).

Yay for more Lilly fans! When do they typically do the big sales online??? Is it like Victoria's Secret does with the usual intervals? I WISH I could successfully FB! Both times I've tried even with the most careful of security settings and virus protection on the computers I've had problems. First time my Vaio was virtually destroyed (virus) and my email got hacked. 2 or 3 years later I tried again and my email got hacked within weeks. That's the only 2 times in all my years online that I had my email hacked. Talk about irritating. Why can the whole world have a perfectly happy existance on FB but I can't??? Drives me nuts. And I hear ya on the Callahans! I just got my 2nd pair of eBay last night for $24+shipping. I've also gotten another 2 dresses and a wristlet off eBay since I got home. All at very good prices including shipping. I'm totally infected with this stuff. It's soooo cute! I can see how spotting someone else in Lilly would be a conversation starter. It's the coolest! LOL!

So glad you came along for the journey with us! Like I said, should be another report up around my birthday in mid-June. Can't wait to go on the Fantasy!!!

Also, in case you'd be interested in trying out the cruises for less money, maybe look at the unOfficial WDWMagic girls cruise coming up in September! Prices are still very low and there's other ladies from these forums still happy to find more roomies! I'm thinking it'll be like a bunch of gals having the ultimate 4-night sleepover. And, hello! You won't get into a cabana on Castaway for less money than when you pool your resources and pay just a fraction. Come check us out here:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/its-unofficial-the-13-unofficial-wdwmagic-girls-cruise.816925/

 

[DAKOTADISNEY]

I think that note you found in Brian's closet should be used in a Disney commercial. Isn't that why we return to Disney Parks or Cruise line? I know we all felt the same way after we got back from our cruise last year. They just do it so well for every age group!

 

[Sumrdog]

Please write a report! At least come share the highlights with pics! Your kids are going to just die and go to heaven. It's so amazing.

And can I just say that I'm in love with your avatar??? That's so awesome! I love love love to sew and sewing fun Disney stuff is the bestest!!!

I will certainly share, I've never done a trip report...I may do my first one on my whirlwind Princess Half Marathon with just me and my sister in two weeks! And then one month later the cruise. Yes I am a lucky girl two Disney trips in less than two months!

As for my avatar I cannot take credit for it, its the hidden Mickey at the check in desk at Sanaa... But I am a sewer too! I can't wait to wear the sparkly little skirt that I created for the Princess Half Marathon with matching glitter and tulle sweat band! It is super fun!! I am honing my skills by making Princess gowns for my daughter, she is ten now so maybe in a few years (like 30!) I will be able to make her wedding dress! I think that would be really special.

 

[WishIWasAtWDW]

Your Mai Tais poolside do sound heavenly! I'll have to remember that thought! Maybe on the Fantasy in May we'll actually sit out by a pool...or...**gasp**...get IN one! LOL!

Can't wait to read YOUR Fantasy adventure! You are writing one, right?! You'll be juuuust ahead of us. We sail on 5/25. When is yours?

See all we did last time was lay poolside so we're trying to actually do some activities this time! I think the longer cruise will be great because it will give us plenty of time for the lounging by the pool and activities.

Yes, I will be writing a trip report! We are leaving on 5/11 to the Western Caribbean. I can't wait!!

 

[flynnibus]

I really enjoyed reading your TR. I've never done a Disney Cruise (or any cruise for that matter!), and reading about yours is starting to plant a seed...
I live in Florida and have an AP, so we do the parks all the time

keep an eye for the FL resident rates.. you guys can get complete steals compared to the rest of us. Do DCL.. you won't regret it.

 

[GatorAsh]

Oh! Well, hey! YOU need to keep an eye out for Florida Resident deals on the Dream. You rarely see them on the Fantasy. I think when the classic ships are out of Florida they'll have them frequently, too. When looking at the Disney Cruise Line website you can find them (usually around 90 days or less from sailing) by searching the itineraries and puting in the discount code: FLR. There are some amazing deals to be had juuuuust in case you're ready to give it a shot. And, you can always shoot Disneyfalcon an email to keep an eye out for you. She's an amazing agent and overall great lady. Doesn't cost more to use an agent. You're routing your commission bucks to another Disney fan vs. giving them to Disney Travel Co. when booking direct thru the website(s).

Yay for more Lilly fans! When do they typically do the big sales online??? Is it like Victoria's Secret does with the usual intervals? I WISH I could successfully FB! Both times I've tried even with the most careful of security settings and virus protection on the computers I've had problems. First time my Vaio was virtually destroyed (virus) and my email got hacked. 2 or 3 years later I tried again and my email got hacked within weeks. That's the only 2 times in all my years online that I had my email hacked. Talk about irritating. Why can the whole world have a perfectly happy existance on FB but I can't??? Drives me nuts. And I hear ya on the Callahans! I just got my 2nd pair of eBay last night for $24+shipping. I've also gotten another 2 dresses and a wristlet off eBay since I got home. All at very good prices including shipping. I'm totally infected with this stuff. It's soooo cute! I can see how spotting someone else in Lilly would be a conversation starter. It's the coolest! LOL!

So glad you came along for the journey with us! Like I said, should be another report up around my birthday in mid-June. Can't wait to go on the Fantasy!!!

Also, in case you'd be interested in trying out the cruises for less money, maybe look at the unOfficial WDWMagic girls cruise coming up in September! Prices are still very low and there's other ladies from these forums still happy to find more roomies! I'm thinking it'll be like a bunch of gals having the ultimate 4-night sleepover. And, hello! You won't get into a cabana on Castaway for less money than when you pool your resources and pay just a fraction. Come check us out here:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/its-unofficial-the-13-unofficial-wdwmagic-girls-cruise.816925/

I'll keep my eye out for FL Resident deals, and will definitely go through Disneyfalcon to get it when I do- I like your point of giving my dollars to another Disney fan rather than the main corporation itself.
I've seen some threads about your girls cruise, and it sounds great! I just imagined everyone knew each other pretty well and were already roomied up, but I can't think of a better inauguration to the DCL than with a bunch of Disney lovin' ladies. And the cabannas- swoon!

That STINKS about your Facebook shenanigans! What are the odds?! Maybe try setting up a FB account under an email address that you create just for FB- and not doing more on FB than using the Re-Lilly site? It's so worth it. Glad you found some stuff on ebay too! The Lilly sale usually happens right before they launch a new line- this past one was the beginning of February, before they put the Resort line in stores. The next one will probably be around August or so, before they put the new Fall line out. I'll keep ya posted!

 

[LuvsTheMouse]

Kelly, great report as always! Very detailed, and gives us first time cruisers some great information, and loved all the pictures too! Can't wait for our "Unofficial" Girls Cruise! What can I can about your boys, other that you both have raised them very, very well.
Okay, your next cruise better hurry up, can't wait for your next trip report.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Oh! Well, hey! YOU need to keep an eye out for Florida Resident deals on the Dream. You rarely see them on the Fantasy. I think when the classic ships are out of Florida they'll have them frequently, too. When looking at the Disney Cruise Line website you can find them (usually around 90 days or less from sailing) by searching the itineraries and puting in the discount code: FLR. There are some amazing deals to be had juuuuust in case you're ready to give it a shot. And, you can always shoot Disneyfalcon an email to keep an eye out for you. She's an amazing agent and overall great lady. Doesn't cost more to use an agent. You're routing your commission bucks to another Disney fan vs. giving them to Disney Travel Co. when booking direct thru the website(s).

You are so sweet.

And that is so awesome that Brian taped that in his closet!

 

[Uncle Lupe]

Awesome report!

Your mixology class could have been better. But your recipe gives me something new to try. All I need is the Midori. Maybe I have a problem.

The letters from your boys are priceless indeed. Just shows that they truly appreciate what they have, not just material but parental.

Now, "Take Me Home Tonight" is stuck in my head, thanks.

A real LOL to your table number picture!!!! I'll still snicker at that stuff till the day I die.

Keep the great reports coming.

 

[GatorAsh]

Oh! And they sell Lilly at Summer Lace in the Grand Floridian in case you ever need your Lilly fix while at WDW. Wouldn't it be great if they teamed up and make a Disney-inspired print?!?! It would sell as well as the Dooney bags...