You know your youth is long gone when...

...a 3 night Disney cruise without the kids takes 12 hours of solid sleep to begin the recovery! LOL! Poor old Tracey!




Hello again and welcome to the next SweetPee adventure! If you don't already know me go check out some of our other adventures down there in my signature. You'll learn things you never wanted to! For those of y'all that do, HIIIIII!!!! ((waving like a fool))

Two big things are missing in this trip that you'll notice right away: Chandler and Brian. This trip was my "surprise" anniversary present from my sweetness. Even though our anniversary wasn't until September, I got the call from Mickey (SURPRISE!) on July 4th weekend. I was so excited! My old man totally stinks at surprises so it amazed me he had been able to get with Tammy (disneyfalcon) to book the cruise, airfare, and pre-cruise hotel. Woot! I had the next 2+ months to pour over the details, daydream, and diet! September came before I knew what hit me!




You know your youth is long gone when...

...you've officially been married for half of your entire life! Yep, I was just 19 years old when we got married in September 1993. See where that number in my username comes from? Half of my life. That's a long time. And what an adventure it's been!



Wednesday, Sept. 26
Tracey worked half the day. I packed and got my toes did.

I know. Right? Who takes a pic of THAT?! I do. LOL!

Chandler & Tracey's mom drove with us to the airport (HOU) so Chandler could drive the Tahoe back home. No paying to park. Niiiiice. Gawd, I'm old! My KID is taking us to the airport now! Ugh!

We had a few hours to kill so we had dinner at Pappadeaux on Mustang Engineering's kindness. We used the nice gift card Tracey got at work for stepping up as a project lead even though he really didn't want to. Nice little folio the gift card came in:

I Instagram'd this one! I had a yummy sangria-ish something (can't remember the name) and Tracey had a double Crown & diet Coke.

I had this really good tomato & mozzarella w/blue cheese crumbles and balsamic. It was delish! I also had a cheesy baked potato. I got my cheesecake dessert to go.

We had a pretty uneventful flight. Good luck to the baseball team from Oklahoma who were going to the WWoS to play in a tournament. They were pretty funny. Had a whole game of catch (someone brought a football?) waiting at the baggage claim in MCO. I was sooooo tempted to get in on that. I love to play football!

Gathered our bags and got checked in at the Hyatt right there in the airport. Had a king room overlooking the runway. It was a nice room. I'd love to say "perfect" but the bed was pretty uncomfortable. Everything else was quite nice...especially the fantastic price I got: $106 total!

Yeah, I know you're all thinking, "Why didn't you go out to a WDW resort?" Cruising is a different animal, people. There's a method to my madness here. Plus, WDW so grossly overprices their rooms just so they can discount 'em. It's the principal. I can smile knowing this once I didn't wear the "sucker" cap.

In bed asleep at midnight. Big day tomorrow!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I noticed a couple CM girls joining with the group during our wait for the bus group calls. I kinda knew they were CMs in spite of their plain clothes/no name badges because they didn't go thru the same cattle-call the rest of us did with the signing releases, procession thru the wristband lineups, etc. They just sorta appeared from another direction when the bus peeps were sitting there waiting to be called. We all walked out to the buses together then filed onto our assigned buses. During all this we also chatted up another couple also going to Atlantis. They were asking us about it. We mentioned to them we weren't going to wait for the "tour" once we got over to the resort since we knew where we were going, etc. The ride over to Atlantis was, again, a true thrill ride. A fast-moving van merged into the lane next to us from a total other direction at one point while we were barreling along. I gasped really loud and flung myself onto Tracey. The whole bus got a laugh on that one. LOL! I'm telling you, it's INSANE how fast they fly ~in buses~ on the narrow streets of Nassau! So when we got to Atlantis (again, at the side entrance) the unofficial CMs were first off the bus with us behind them. The driver was beckoning towards a tour guide "Dis will be your guide!" We followed the CMs and zipped right around these people on our own.

We got to the infamous Atlantis throne with nobody else there lined up for the photo op. Yay! Not a flattering picture but this is really a cool thing to sit on. Literally. It's tile.

Then we proceeded to where the tour doesn't take you which I think is a really big mistake. If you want to impress people so they may wish to come back and visit your resort exclusively, show them your kick-butt, totally amazing lobby! I couldn't believe they didn't show us this before!!!!

Seriously, people. It's beautiful beyond explanation. It IS Atlantis!

((Chris, take notes! This may be a way to get your wife to Atlantis without spending the big bucks to go just there. Take her on a Disney cruise and.... here you are!))

There's no putin' one past my old man.

"You took pictures of the naked people, didn't you."

"Nooooo..... .....yeeeeeeess..... .....stop laughing at me!"

See?! We woulda been a riot on stage!

Then there's the entrances to The Dig and the The Ruins (I think) which are the big aquariums you can tour as part of the Aquaventure price. We didn't actually tour them but we did see this much of the aquariums:

And y'all just thought Disney had cornered the market on killer aquariums with the Seas with Nemo and Friends... LOL!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Oh, good idea! I'll do that next time!

Ooh ooh. I don't know! I would say we can see who gets to it first in their trip report but you will obviously beat me!

Text me!!

Text sent.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

This is the view from down by the aquariums looking back up towards the lobby/rotunda area:

And this is down on the lower level where the aquariums are. You can see them in the back.

There's no "science" to finding your way out to where the waterpark area is. I have a terrible sense of direction and I knew which way I was going. It was easy-peasy. Along the way we kept passing these massive mirrors and I made Tracey stop for a Holly tribute:

I know, we saw this before in May but I love how the water extends in like it the little "pool" was there before the building structure:

And then they incorporate proper gardens and garden structures to truly make you feel as if you're in a beautiful, well-designed resort that was built in an existing paradise...which it sorta was...

I hate to say it, but Disney has NOTHING on Atlantis for grandeur, elegance, beauty, and detail. Seriously. I know us Disney-fans hate to admit that but it's true. And I'm not going to not pay credit when credit is due. Atlantis is incredible. You'll see...

We grabbed a small locker ($9, credit card only, no cash) then found our way back to the exact same spot we "camped" at in May. Our chairs were waiting for us!

We didn't sunblock-up before leaving the ship so we took the time to carefully apply. Tracey looked so funny! I bought the mineral sunblock for the body and face block for the face. He went mineral all over. Made his face all weird and paste-y!

 

[iloverags2]

Woo hoo! Another TR! Just catching up, and so glad you did end up doing Atlantis.

I think I'm about the only person who prefers the one-bedroom suites on the older ships to the newer ships. My big beef on the newer ships has to do with the bedroom placement. When I wake up in the morning, I want to be right next to that sliding door leading to the verandah...I want to roll over and see the ocean, not a half wall with a table beyond it obstructing my view to the outside world. (Rant over!) Oh, wait...not quite over...we are so with you on those metal gates. It's bad enough having separate lounges and stuff - drives us nuts that we have to feel all special and all (we just like having that extra space in the room). Ok, rant over for real!

I love, love, love Duffy! No worries here about any anti-Duffy-ness. He's such a cutie!

I'm dying to know if you finally picked up a D&B!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

And, I thought of Tammy's blog during our trip. If you haven't seen it already, go check it out! Oh the places Tammy's toes...goes.... I love the concept! So, Tammy, here's one for you. Kelly's toes are goin' to Atlantis!

I love your docking pics! And you plugged my toes blog! And took a picture! Woo hooo!! I'm so excited!!

And I have never noticed the characters in the ceiling! Those are so cool!

I was sad you didn't get picked for the game! That would have been a good story I'm sure!

I love Atlantis. I have got to go next time. Girls cruise maybe!

 

[NewfieFan]

I don't have anything to even say - I'm too busy wiping tears from my eyes. Geez, I'm such an emotional mess right now. Loving that you had such an amazing time with your man - well deserved! A cruise with you will have to be in my future or I may not recover from this disappointment...

 

[tiaragirl]

Literally using this as incentive to do my homework tonight, Kelly. Be proud.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Woo hoo! Another TR! Just catching up, and so glad you did end up doing Atlantis.

I think I'm about the only person who prefers the one-bedroom suites on the older ships to the newer ships. My big beef on the newer ships has to do with the bedroom placement. When I wake up in the morning, I want to be right next to that sliding door leading to the verandah...I want to roll over and see the ocean, not a half wall with a table beyond it obstructing my view to the outside world. (Rant over!) Oh, wait...not quite over...we are so with you on those metal gates. It's bad enough having separate lounges and stuff - drives us nuts that we have to feel all special and all (we just like having that extra space in the room). Ok, rant over for real!

I love, love, love Duffy! No worries here about any anti-Duffy-ness. He's such a cutie!

I'm dying to know if you finally picked up a D&B!

I like the placement of the beds near the windows in the Magic, too. Seriously. The first night Robbi had pulled the privacy curtain in front of the window so our view of the outside would've been blocked. Before we went to bed I opened that back up and opened the drape to expose the sheers and outside window. Our verandah was so deep I figured the sheers would be enough privacy for the morning. We wanted to see when it got light outside! The seperated space with the partitions is weird. Come to think of it, we rarely went to the concierge lounge at all. Just wasn't our "speed". I love the extra spaces and availability of services on concierge, tho. I heard they were going to take the gates out on the Dream but it hasn't happened yet. I hope they do before too long. I think they're quite disruptive to the overall ambiance.

Yay! Duffy-love flows!

The Dooney news is still to come....

I love your docking pics! And you plugged my toes blog! And took a picture! Woo hooo!! I'm so excited!!

And I have never noticed the characters in the ceiling! Those are so cool!

I was sad you didn't get picked for the game! That would have been a good story I'm sure!

I love Atlantis. I have got to go next time. Girls cruise maybe!

Had to plug the toes blog! Next time you're on the Dream you'll need to go see if you know all the characters down there. It's a bunch and they aren't the obvious, most popular ones!

I was sorta sad we didn't get picked for Match Your Mate, too. Obviously. We tried to volunteer. I didn't want the prize or anything like that, just the fun. I think the part that made me most sad was how the two younger-ish couples who were up there seemed to be holding back. Come on! Just go for it!

Atlantis! Yeah, my arm wouldn't have to be twisted too much to get me back during the girls' cruise. LOL!

I don't have anything to even say - I'm too busy wiping tears from my eyes. Geez, I'm such an emotional mess right now. Loving that you had such an amazing time with your man - well deserved! A cruise with you will have to be in my future or I may not recover from this disappointment...

Just sent you a quick email! We gotta get caught up!!!

Literally using this as incentive to do my homework tonight, Kelly. Be proud.

Am I that boring?! LOL! Just kidding! I'm happy just knowing you read this far. You always have such fun on your voyages. That's totally a conscious thought when I'm there! Soooo, you are there in spirit, Kenzie-love!

 

[tiaragirl]

Am I that boring?! LOL! Just kidding! I'm happy just knowing you read this far. You always have such fun on your voyages. That's totally a conscious thought when I'm there! Soooo, you are there in spirit, Kenzie-love!

Silly goose, don't you know what incentive means? It means your TR was the thing that I worked hard and fast to READ! Woo! Also I got a little teary about how I am there in spirit - all your notes about the girls cruise it making me the saddest, I wish I could go, but I'll be in a classroom doing my teaching internship!

Okay, here are my reading notes:

9:01PM: Okay, first off, HOLY MOTHER EFF, THAT ROOM. Are you kidding? Tracey walked into the bathroom off the bedroom and it's like THE SIZE OF THE BATHROOMS OUTSIDE ANIMATORS. I'm dying and maybe threw up a little bit. Not sure why. I'm just really overwhelmed. And you got a DEAL. Okay, I need to continue on but I am stuck on the UNREALLness of that room. Okay seriously. I can't calm down.

Okay. Moving on.

9:12PM: I am on page 2 currently, and wondering if we're going to get any actual information in this TR since you're touring the nightclubs and talking about all the "fuzzy" memories and "not so sober" times.. concerned..

9:13PM: See my "Livin' the Dream" TR for all the bathroom pics - been there, done that!

9:16PM: GOLF SIMULATOR? So there, how did Dad and I miss that? No practice swings is so mean, but I guess it makes sense if you have a million people trying to win some Disney bragging rights!

9:18PM: Way to leave your beverages unattended.. someone could have slipped some magic in there and taken you on an adventure! (I'm funny)

9:20PM: Tracey is my favourite sugar-hubby. Just get both the Dooney's, Kelly. Just do it.

9:24PM: I'm very proud that you're getting over your fear of showing your feet to all us nice WDWM folk. Especially the places that Kelly's toes go are very exciting, and also your toes are Minnie Mouse inspired so naturally, we love them.

9:27PM: Atlantis makes me drool.

Please note: While it might sound like I'm hitting on your hubs, I am not. Just an FYI. I think I subconsciously make a link between my best guy friend Justin, who is a ginger.. which might be inappropriate because we are the flirtiest.. despite our significant others.. yeah whatever.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Your stateroom is well, just WOW! Seriously Awesome!!! Nice tip on how to upgrade at a discount. Also love the pics of the Atlantis...stunning! My parents have been there a few times and the pics are always spectacular.

This is also giving me trip planning anxiety. We have some pretty nasty stuff going on with our side business, but if we can get past it all- we're considering a land/sea trip for my 40th this summer. Reading all of this makes it very clear to me that I need to brush up on all things DCL if I want to do this.

Can't wait to read more

 

[s&k'smom]

Well now I know what I'm doing when Steve and I turn 50 in two years and it's all your fault sweetpee, I've just got to take one of those cruises!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Silly goose, don't you know what incentive means? It means your TR was the thing that I worked hard and fast to READ! Woo! Also I got a little teary about how I am there in spirit - all your notes about the girls cruise it making me the saddest, I wish I could go, but I'll be in a classroom doing my teaching internship!

Oh! I was thinking more in my terms where I'd be ditching the homework to read the report because I can't resist fun over work. LOL! I knooooow! We hoped the girls cruise would work for you. We're definitely looking to more adventures so maybe then. In the meantime, we're all super proud of you...our Kenzie...the smartest smartypants of 'em all!

Okay, here are my reading notes:

9:01PM: Okay, first off, HOLY MOTHER EFF, THAT ROOM. Are you kidding? Tracey walked into the bathroom off the bedroom and it's like THE SIZE OF THE BATHROOMS OUTSIDE ANIMATORS. I'm dying and maybe threw up a little bit. Not sure why. I'm just really overwhelmed. And you got a DEAL. Okay, I need to continue on but I am stuck on the UNREALLness of that room. Okay seriously. I can't calm down.

I know! Right?! That was a smokin' deal on the stateroom all the way around. I couldn't believe how inexpensive the upgrade was. We went to a 1-bedroom in May and paid $1200 for it at the port. I truly didn't expect it to be less than $1k. I was looking at the chart upsidedown so when he started to say the price we both blurted out "We'll take it!" before he could even finish! LOL!

Okay. Moving on.

9:12PM: I am on page 2 currently, and wondering if we're going to get any actual information in this TR since you're touring the nightclubs and talking about all the "fuzzy" memories and "not so sober" times.. concerned..

Oh yes! The fuzziness was part of the adventure. I couldn't believe how pathetic of lightweights we are now. It's so funny...considering in my younger years...before I was married......and weighed waaaaay less than I do now...I could put down plenty of drinky-drinks with no problem whatsoever. I guess that's what I get for growing up...and old! LOL!

9:13PM: See my "Livin' the Dream" TR for all the bathroom pics - been there, done that!

Yay! Bathroom crawl! Well, not literally. That would be "ew!" They're just so pretty! I want to tinkle there every day!!!

9:16PM: GOLF SIMULATOR? So there, how did Dad and I miss that? No practice swings is so mean, but I guess it makes sense if you have a million people trying to win some Disney bragging rights!

I was wondering! I think they didn't let people do the practice swings to keep the playing field more even. I dunno. Where would they draw the line. There wasn't a line. In fact there was nobody else there when we got there. There was about 6 names on the list with long-drives so I guess everyone was just coming and going. It was fun, tho. Very cool. The CM fellow asked me if I wanted a turn...I was all "Heaven's no! I'd win shortest drive!" I'm not very good at golf. I get a thrill with just hitting that little ball. It's so little! People don't always realize it, but golf is a lot harder than it looks. Seriously. I'm the drive-the-cart, keep-the-score, and drink-the-beer pro. Tracey is the one who actually swings the clubs. LOL!

9:18PM: Way to leave your beverages unattended.. someone could have slipped some magic in there and taken you on an adventure! (I'm funny)

Well, I say they were unattended. We sat in the very back row and could glance down & back at our lovely tumblers. <--that had lids! There were 3 CM's there as well. One guy walked in, read Tracey's tumbler, giggled, and started doing the voice "Honey badger don't care...he don't give a $h!t...he just takes what he wants..." That got Tracey giggling.... So, drinks were safe! Or, safe-ER. LOL!

9:20PM: Tracey is my favourite sugar-hubby. Just get both the Dooney's, Kelly. Just do it.

He is the bestest of all sugar-hubbies! What came to mind thru all this is that my dad shouldn't have worried so much or hated my poor sweetness so much. He's done the bestest job...including picking up where Daddy left off spoiling me silly... Aaah, the Dooney's. Hhhmmm....maybe I will get both...or maybe neither...I dunno...we'll have to wait and see....

9:24PM: I'm very proud that you're getting over your fear of showing your feet to all us nice WDWM folk. Especially the places that Kelly's toes go are very exciting, and also your toes are Minnie Mouse inspired so naturally, we love them.

Poor Chandler has my feet, too. Great big fat feet! Mine actually grew 1/2 a size with each pregnancy. Another reason why 2 is plenty for me. It's hard enough to find sasquatch-size shoes! Cute ones? Not likely. The Minnie toes was an attempt at some nail art that couldn't possible to complicated enough to mess up...but somehow the chicks at the salon I've been going to managed to do it. Think I'm gonna change salons. I love nail art and they really stink at it.

9:27PM: Atlantis makes me drool.

Atlantis makes me siiiiiigh...it's so heavenly!

Please note: While it might sound like I'm hitting on your hubs, I am not. Just an FYI. I think I subconsciously make a link between my best guy friend Justin, who is a ginger.. which might be inappropriate because we are the flirtiest.. despite our significant others.. yeah whatever.

Okay. You young folk and those new-fangled words. LOL! I asked Chandler what a "ginger" was and he told me gave me a dirty look before leaving the room. Looked it up. Your friend, Justin, is redheaded...gotcha! I think... Anywhoo, I don't think you're hitting on my hubs! He's a good man. I love that the world can see it. It's not just that he spoils me silly. Anyone could do that (& they are invited to!). No, it's the way he loves so deeply and completely that amazes me. There's no end. He's a kind, generous soul while be fiercely protective all at the same time. I adore him!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Well now I know what I'm doing when Steve and I turn 50 in two years and it's all your fault sweetpee, I've just got to take one of those cruises!

Yay! I've infected another person! You really do need to go on a Disney cruise. It's so amazing!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Your stateroom is well, just WOW! Seriously Awesome!!! Nice tip on how to upgrade at a discount. Also love the pics of the Atlantis...stunning! My parents have been there a few times and the pics are always spectacular.

This is also giving me trip planning anxiety. We have some pretty nasty stuff going on with our side business, but if we can get past it all- we're considering a land/sea trip for my 40th this summer. Reading all of this makes it very clear to me that I need to brush up on all things DCL if I want to do this.

Can't wait to read more

Atlantis is gorgeous. Love it there! And I haven't even started posting the videos and pictures from our adventures there!

Land/sea trips rock! Do the land first, tho. Seriously. Then you can relax on the sea part!

 

[meeskamickey]

I am totally lovin this report! I wish you guys had been chosen for the couples game because, from what I've read in your trip reports, you two seem like a fun couple who would have probably blown away the competition .

I love seeing your Atlantis pics. I have wanted to go there for years now! Your pics have me drooling and wanting to go even more (maybe for my hubby's 40th next year). Have you guys thought of going there on vacation? Just wondering what your impesssion is of the place and actually spending a whole vacation there.

Can't wait to read more!!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Had to plug the toes blog! Next time you're on the Dream you'll need to go see if you know all the characters down there. It's a bunch and they aren't the obvious, most popular ones!

I was sorta sad we didn't get picked for Match Your Mate, too. Obviously. We tried to volunteer. I didn't want the prize or anything like that, just the fun. I think the part that made me most sad was how the two younger-ish couples who were up there seemed to be holding back. Come on! Just go for it!

Atlantis! Yeah, my arm wouldn't have to be twisted too much to get me back during the girls' cruise. LOL!

I do need to go see them all! I love that there's so many details, you just can't take them all in!

I agree. If you're going to volunteer you have to get into it!

Okay, we are all over the cabana for the girls cruise.

 

[tiaragirl]

I'm dying right now that you asked Chandler what a ginger is.. Like, actually getting a solid ab workout. AHAHAH. Okay, more please.

 

[Pooh'sBuddy]

And while we waited between ordering and the first course we did as we were instructed and hauled out the baggy of cards the boys had sent with us. See?

Maybe I missed your explanation, but what was in the bag? Awwww! Sweetness from the kids!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Maybe I missed your explanation, but what was in the bag? Awwww! Sweetness from the kids!

It was anniversary cards! They were sweet... One was musical which was rather loud in the middle of Palo. Chandler tried to buy us a gift but I threatened to kill him. Since he got his own checking account with debit card he's too impulsive which bugs us. I'm sure he'll mess up at least once...hopefully when he's still young. Debit cards were a tough transition for us, too, & we were adults! LOL!

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I am totally lovin this report! I wish you guys had been chosen for the couples game because, from what I've read in your trip reports, you two seem like a fun couple who would have probably blown away the competition .

I love seeing your Atlantis pics. I have wanted to go there for years now! Your pics have me drooling and wanting to go even more (maybe for my hubby's 40th next year). Have you guys thought of going there on vacation? Just wondering what your impesssion is of the place and actually spending a whole vacation there.

Can't wait to read more!!

I don't know if we would've won the competition but we'd have probably been the most colorful and entertaining. That's worth the win, right? LOL!

Atlantis....aaaahh....I just got home from having lunch with Tracey (trying to soften the blow going back to work and all) and I asked him your question, would he consider it a place to go for a vacation. His answer? Pretty much same as mine: yes but not for a long trip. It'd be a shorter trip. Atlantis itself is very expensive and we're not just talking about the room. The food is expensive. The different animal interactions are high. Heck, if you stay off from Atlantis and just go for the day it's $125 to use the water park facilities. It's so gorgeous, tho. I think we'd go there if the flights weren't so expensive. Flying to Nassau last time I looked was kinda "ouch". Ya know?

I do need to go see them all! I love that there's so many details, you just can't take them all in!

I agree. If you're going to volunteer you have to get into it!

Okay, we are all over the cabana for the girls cruise.

Yes! Cabana for the girls! I need to prioritize my list:

1. CC Cabana
2. Atlantis excursion
3. Palo every night.

I'm dying right now that you asked Chandler what a ginger is.. Like, actually getting a solid ab workout. AHAHAH. Okay, more please.

Okay so I got to the restaurant for lunch with Tracey and asked him if he knew what a ginger is. He smiled and was like, "Duh. It's a redhead." So my next question was, "But is it a bad way of saying someone is redheaded?" He said yes because to his knowledge it started with some jerk-off on YouTube declaring an "Beat Gingers Day" then posted videos of him walking up to random redheads and punching them. I'm glad that jerk didn't find me on that day. He'd have been embarrassed all over YouTube... LOL! I had 3 older brothers growing up (2 step sibs). I didn't take crap off boys. Ha! Anywhoo, aparently I'm the only person left on the face of the earth who as of this morning had no clue what that meant. Seriously! If someone had called me that I'd have been like, "Wow! Thank you!" because it reminds me of the starlet character "Ginger" off Gilligan's Island and she was gorgeous! LOL!