Zenny Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 **Updated: Some Disney World pictures added in also! No pictures anyone hasn't seen before, and no where near as good as Chuck's Super Fantastic First Time Visit, but work is slow** Hi to everyone out there in TPR-Land! My name is Don, and I'm an 'often visitor yet not-so-often poster' around here. I've seen mentions about Disney Cruises here and there on the board, but (unless I'm TOTALLY looking in the wrong place) I've not seen even one TR report on it! If this is the case, then that has to be fixed because the Disney Cruise that my wife and I went on was one of the most awesome experiences ever Just a little background: we were looking for a place for our second honeymoon (first maybe, we eloped and then got married again, and when you live close to Paris it doesn't count!) and were looking to go to Disney World. A family member told us to do the cruise also and that we would love it, and love it we did. I had never been on a cruise before (or to anything Disney!), but she had been on like, a dozen cruises with just about every line, and she says that hands down, this was the best one ever. Service was super friendly and went out of their way on everything, just like you would expect from Disney. The ship was magnificent, the food so delicious, and everything just had an elegant yet comfortable feel to it. Someone I think said that you would have to really be into Disney or have kids in order to fully appreciate a Disney cruise. That is so far from the truth! We don't have kids, and before this I had never been to anything Disney outside of the Disney Store, so I wasn't a huge Disney fan (I am now) at the time, and I had a blast! Yes, it IS Disney, so you should know somewhat of what to expect, like characters and Mickey Mouse heads popping up. Everything is separated nicely between adults and kids, from pools to restaurants to lounge areas. If you have kids, you can have a blast right with them, or they can go off and do some of the many activities for kids only and the adults can go off to the cigar clubs, spas, sports bars, dance clubs, etc. Bottom line: they have a lot of something for everyone, and you can do it with your kids if you have them, separate if you want, or if you don't have kids you won't even really see many of them as much as you think you would! Trust me, any images you would have of a cruise being run over with screaming kids is far from what this is. There are kids though, and honestly, that's what makes it part of the fun, because it is Disney and it makes you feel like a kid yourself again. You would be amazed at how many couples came on the cruise, either childless or just without their kids. Gotta feel sorry for those kids! Like I said, this was my first cruise ever, but I think anything else is going to have a lot to live up to. We're going on a cruise to Greece out of Venice in October on Royal Caribbean, which definitely is not Disney, but is a very good cruise line from what I hear. I'll have to compare then the 'adult' cruise line and the 'kiddy' one that Disney is sometimes unfairly labeled as. So if you ever get the chance to go on a Disney Cruise, go for it! The prices are not that bad, and if you combine it with a trip to Disney World (as we did) then you'll really be getting a deal. You won't regret it and I guarantee you'll have the time of your life! So here are a few pictures from our cruise. No coaster pics, sorry! I think they fall more in line with the 'Theme Parks' category of the forum (maybe bouncy bouncy, I dunno?) than roller coasters. I'll probably post some Disney World pictures later on, which won't be anything anyone here hasn't seen before, but would keep me 'alright' with the hardcore coaster fans See a bunch of you guys next Wednesday for the Mini-Europe trip at Phantasialand! -Don 'Working a midnight shift and posting on TPR" Anderson We certainly will, especially if this 'Disney Around the World" TRP trip pans out! The wife of course steals the VERY last Mickey Mouse photo-op of the cruise, making a long line of kids who got denied cry their little eyes out. Everyone waves goodbye, and lo and behold, scary Peter Pan starts giving me that crazy look like he is going to jump off the staircase to fly...hope you found your happy thought, pal, cause I'm not catching you. Donald is trying to explain to my wife that a grown man like me should not be stalking him at every given chance, and I should stop calling him "my boy". You make me cry, Sir Duck. The goodbye and farewell ceremony included just about every furry and princess you could imagine. Not before I get in another shot with my boy Donald, of course. After soaking up some rays (a lot in my case, I had a naaasty burn later that night", and few fruity happy drinks, it's back to the ship! The general-beach part of the island... " Oh my, I do declare that this rum is quite delightful indeed!" The fruity drinks with rum in them didn't hurt things, either. Disney must have bought all the rum in the Bahamas at wholesale, because they certainly don't skimp on it. Of course, they strive to keep us all nice and fed on the island, no heading back to the ship for lunch for us, no sir. Yep, that certainly is some clear water you're seeing there. We should all start listening to those pollution-people. Yes, we should. The other adults were too scared to even go out IN the water, on account of it's obscene clearness! "It's not right, I say" said the one couple from New Jersey. In Virginia Beach, I would NOT be able to see my feet, as I clearly can right now. The water was absolutely clear as anything, and from growing up in Virginia Beach, I know a thing about what is and isn't clear water. Wife foot-shot, complete with tattoos. "Man, this is one sweet beach". About the closest picture allowed for someone as pale as I...don't want to blind anyone with the sun reflecting off me. The adults-only beach, with a big ol' PRIVATE ADULT BEACH AREA sign. Anywhere else in Europe, that would mean something else, but this is Disney! Too bad the weather wasn't great enough for all the cool things we signed up and paid for! Oh well, relaxing on a beach in the Bahamas would have to do, and besides, all that recouped money could go to alcohol costs X_x. It may look a bit cloudy, but the weather felt great, and the cruise crew promised us great weather throughout the day. Castaway Cay, Disney's own private island! Everyone makes friends and just starts to get down all funky-like, while the kids cheer and more alcohol is served to the adults. Then, out of nowhere, a pirate's greatest weakness...fireworks. Captain Hook is all "Hell naw, this be my ship now, arrrrrr" The show begins, and Goofy and Minnie dance all fun and fancy free, not a worry in the world, right? See? ARRRR, pirates! A nice look at fine American dentistry as well (least on the wife's side). Do-rag, evil look, and RAWK fingers totally bring out the pirate spirit. (rum, too) After the romance though, it was time for some silly fun, pirate style! They have a show on the top deck at night where pirates take over the ship, and everyone on board is handed out pirate do-rags. Here, the wife is doing here best "GRR" pirate face, and looks to be almost eating one of the crew while doing so! Back on deck during the nighttime was perfect for a romantic evening stroll. ...by the middle of your meal, everything from the walls to the outfits your servers wore were bright with colors! Also, awesome steak! The gimmick was, everything started out in black and white, and slowly throughout the meal, color begins to appear... My favorite restaurant however had to be Animator's Palate. They even made us a special "Happy Honeymoon" plate! I wanted to take it back with me, but it was made of edible syrup...and also, that would be stealing! Palo was not one of the three main restaurants, but one exclusive to adults and one you had to reserve (and pay extra) for. Hey, $10 for a great cut of filet mignon and a desert that took a half hour to make is a deal in any book, I don't care who you are. This place was really great. We even had some distinguished guests join us for our meal. This restaurant was Triton's, which was the more classy of the three joints on the ship. Service was amazing and friendly! Aside from hamming it up for the camera, one of the best parts of any cruise, especially this one, was the food! The food on this ship was outstanding! Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. This is one of the three main restaurants, Parrot Cay, which had a great assortment of everything. ...luckily we drank it up with one of the waitresses earlier on, and totally got from her all of the questions that were asked ahead of time! Cheating=taking home the winning bucket of champagne on ice! ...Match Your Mate! The Disney Cruise version of the Newlywed game. Being that this was the 'adult' scene of the ship, the questions got a bit risque... The cruise wasn't all furries and overzealous man-childs in tights! At night, the ship had a bit of a club scene, with dancing, a live band, drinks all around, and... Whoever this guy was that was playing Peter Pan should get like, the Walt Disney "totally into character to the point where it is almost freaky" award. I'm not sure if there is such an award, but he would win it, hands down. The dude jumped off a couch while trying to fly, and fell on the floor...HARD. No happy thought, but man what dedication. With Pocahontas...but wait, just a few hours ago she was Mulan! My innocent illusions are ruined! Call my lawyer! Me and my boy Donald, I had quite a few run-ins with this guy throughout my trip (on purpose, the duck rocks, everyone knows it). What Disney experience wouldn't be complete without Disney characters? Disneyland Paris, that's what! (still loved the park though). Trying to pose up next to the man himself...this picture was taken much later on the cruise, as the obvious bloated look I have came from eating all the great food. The portholes on the ship were huge! You could just saddle up inside one if you wanted and watch the ocean go by. Proving the being a Disney Geek AND a Star Trek geek can go hand in hand. And of course, the adults-only pool and jacuzi area, complete with the VERY stocked bar, Signals, in the background. One of the pools on the top deck, this one was exclusive for kids. A beautiful shot of the ship's upper deck, very very nice and well themed. After downing a bunch of those Pina Coladas and getting the subsequent bill, I take it upon myself to earn some extra dough on the ship by being the Teen Loft doorman/bouncer. ...which surprisingly translates into HEAVY on the rum, and gets the thumb-point of approval (the kid behind us, meanwhile, looks to be searching my hair for lice and ticks). The wife wastes no time grabbing herself a 'Disney Cruise Line' approved Pina Colada... Back on the top deck for the castoff introduction, and happy hour at the bar for all the adults! You walk out on one of the outer decks, and it's like BAM, you expect Jack and Rose to run by you as if it was the Titanic (minus the iceberg). The little theming like this just has to make you smile, and if you don't, then what are you doing here?! Get off the ship and go on a Carnival cruise, already! The ship theater, named after the master himself...saw a great play there called 'Dreams', top notch production, says I. The Little Mermaid right outside the Triton's restaurant...there is no mistaking that you are on a Disney Cruise, but it's still classy all the way. Inside the ship, you begin to soak in all the wonderful detail that they put into it. The port entrance into the ship...I REALLY do not think it would be hard to figure out which one you would need to go to... My boy Donald is out there, trying to get in some last minute touches...you just gotta love stuff like that. I just love the way they designed the ship, complete with the classic Liner style of yesteryear, all having large portholes and smokestacks! There she is, the Disney Wonder, what a beautiful ship! So we ditched the joint and went clubbing...Fun Fact: Donald Duck is a huge raver. My boy Donald is all "Oh helllll naw, that woman didn't just drop my boy for some rat?!" BAM, Safari Mickey outta nowhere. I could have just left at that point and she wouldn't have cared. Sitting down for a meal, but something out of the ordinary happens... Tigger stole my wife...and hat! "Dude, you have to floss" She won the prize, little kids ran away crying...so horrible. The wife being the raging whack-a-mole competitor that she is did NOT let the fact that she was facing little kids stop her from giving it her all. Look, Everest! An actual ride photo! It was press day before it opened, but we got to ride it anyhow, before the general public. With still having a cruise to pay for, I get my water the cheap and easy way. ....yep, the wife finally broke me down and got me to buy some tophat ears. Quite dashing, actually. Typical Epcot shot with Spaceship Earth in the background, but wait...something is missing... At this point, sticking out my belly to match Buddha wasn't that hard a task. Not exactly a hidden Mickey, but cool nonetheless. They ain't kidding, it's like my driveway...and road downtown...and parking lot to Del Haize.... The fireworks show rocked, and you show my anyone who grew up watching Disney that didn't get chills and MAYBE a little choked up during and after the whole 'Wishes' show. The Magic Kingdom at night is very wonderful place to be at, indeed. ...so I'll do my best 'unintentionally bad' impression of it. Now that's a really nice statue.... Pal Mickey, all resting with his homeboy Walt. What was NOT good for a laugh? This attraction. It was good for a nap, though. Not a huge fan of MGM, but the 'running from the At-At' was good for a laugh. "Look at me, I'm all in Tron and stuff". Being up close to the castle like that when it was all lit up was quite amazing. The original shot, and probably the most barren area around the castle that time of night. This entire picture was on accident, but I thought it turned out cute. "Hmmm, which way to Mickey...." I can't even block it with my head, which I hear is the thing to do in California. I have to say though, I've been all over and that is one sharp looking castle. The wife got the 'Just Married/Honeymooner' ears, and from then on there was absolutely no living with her Hooking up Pal Mickey with some of that turkey leg goodness...he works hard for that food! All I heard about for the longest time was how good these turkey legs are, and they did not dissapoint! Apparently, Pal Mickey doesn't only give you park tips, but tells you dirty jokes while waiting for Space Mountain. Here I am, finally, at the Magic Kingdom...a little hung over and haven't slept in over 24 hours, but I got my Pal Mickey, so I'm good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 This TR, again, reminds me of how amazing Disney Cruises are. I wish to do this again, someday, its been eight years since I've done one. Oh yeah, it was also on Magic. Great TR, glad you and your wife had an awesome time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenny Posted July 6, 2007 Author Share Posted July 6, 2007 ^ I can't wait to go again either, especially with these new ships rolling out! I'm thinking of springing for one of their longer trips, like to the Mediterranean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supermanrosfan0810 Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 I went on that cruise a few years back, same ship, and I can agree, it was very good and i'd reccomend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 No Casino=boooring IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenny Posted July 6, 2007 Author Share Posted July 6, 2007 ^ I'll go to Vegas to gamble, and cruise to relax. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moinab Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 We've been on 2 DCL cruises on the Wonder - most recently, this past January, to celebrate my daughter's 4th birthday and my nursing school graduation (8 months after the fact.) The adult areas are great and the kids' programming is outstanding! Don't know when we'll be going again, but we definitely want to try a 7-night. Gambling has never had any appeal for me, so the lack of casino is actually a big advantage - they don't rely on a casino as the main source of adult entertainment! Did you see the Golden Mickeys? That was our favorite show! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jew Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 ^^I'm a Jew. 2 for the price of 1 is better. Vegas and a relaxing cruise in one! But I still want to do a Disney cruise to see what all the fuss is about. After the "TPR cruise" in November, I was hooked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chrissie Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Awesome TR! I soooooooooo wanna go on a Disney cruise now! It looks amazing!! When did you go? I see the castle is still dressed up in its celebration gear, so I may have served you that Turkey leg! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Congrats for this amazing Photo TR. I think I`ve to go on one of these cruises. Can anyone tell me what you`ve to pay for extras? Food and Drinks are included, right? And for the ones that did the bahamas cruise? Is their enough time to visit some places on your own, like the Atlantis waterpark? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Groteslurf Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Nice and very interesting TR. Always wanted to know what is happening on a Disney cruise and Casteway bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moinab Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Joey - I know a lot of people who have done both DCL and other cruises, such as RCCL, Norwegian, etc. If you aren't so much into the whole Disney thing, you probably would be happier on one of the other cruise lines. You pay a premium for the Disney touch - the other cruise lines provide comparable service, entertainment, and food, for lower rates. As far as "extras," many drinks - including all alcoholic beverages, bottled water and cans of soda are extra. (Soda with meals or from the 24 hour fountain on deck 9 are free.) You also have to pay for spa services, all shore excursions, arcade games, the upcharge for meals at Palo, babysitting services for children under 3 years old, photos, and a few other things that I'm forgetting. Gratuities are also extra - you need to factor in tips for your room steward, head waiter, server, and assistant server. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigstevet07 Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 This TR really made me miss the cruise. The rum drinks are great, but the Conch Cooler was freaking awesome. I am usually a beer guy and not fu-fu drinks, but it was so delicious. That turkey leg you go at DW? They have those on the cruise too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dandaman Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 I had no idea that Disney cruise ships were actually that elegant! Our family has never gone on a cruise, but we've always said that a Disney cruise would be our first. Let's see if this can't convince them. Great TR! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disneygurlz2s Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 I would love to go on DCL. We are going on our first cruise next June (Carnival) and if we triple-love-it like I think we will, DCL will be the next goal for sure. Loved the photos..thanks for sharing.... Shari Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moinab Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 And for the ones that did the bahamas cruise?Is their enough time to visit some places on your own, like the Atlantis waterpark? I forgot to answer this - both the 3 and 4-night DCL Bahamas cruises spend a full day in Nassau, so you have plenty of time to go to Atlantis. And yes, the Disney ships are beautiful! It's a very different experience from the theme parks. Also, for WDW annual passholders, DCL offers occasional passholder discounts. As FL residents, we get excellent FL resident rates, but the passholder discounts are almost as good! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain Posted July 6, 2007 Share Posted July 6, 2007 Thanks for the "extra" infos. So what do they charge for a shore excursion, like the Castaway or a Bahamas day? And are the drink prices "normal" disney level or more expensive? Thanks Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastermaniac123 Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 I went on that boat too! I loved it, and my favorite resturant was Animator's Palate. The whole experience was unique, however the Aloft is stupid, hardly anyone was in it when I went. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moinab Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 Thanks for the "extra" infos. So what do they charge for a shore excursion, like the Castaway or a Bahamas day? And are the drink prices "normal" disney level or more expensive? Thanks Andy Can't help you much with prices. We're not drinkers, and we didn't do any excursions. We just got off the ship in Nassau and walked around the port area (bleh) a little bit. On Castaway Cay, we enjoyed just hanging out on the beach and swimming - no charge for that! If you're interested in some of the other stuff, though, like parasailing, I think you can find rates on the DCL site. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coastermaniac123 Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 You should have done the Atlantis Beach. If you think Castaway Cay's water was beautiful, you should see this beach. It's so serene and calm, and so beautiful at the same time! Not to mention there is a water park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenny Posted July 7, 2007 Author Share Posted July 7, 2007 When did you go? I see the castle is still dressed up in its celebration gear, so I may have served you that Turkey leg! Last April, and it was a girl that served us up the Turkey leg, so it might have been you! So what do they charge for a shore excursion, like the Castaway or a Bahamas day? And are the drink prices "normal" disney level or more expensive? The shore excursions at most were like, $125 per person, and those were the big ones. Parasailing was $75, swim with the dolphins $100, but you can get a list online, and book ASAP, they fill up quick! Drink prices weren't too bad, they're worse over here in Europe (especially in Munich at the Hofbrauhaus ) -Don 'I love Munich!' Anderson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain Posted July 7, 2007 Share Posted July 7, 2007 The shore excursions at most were like, $125 per person, and those were the big ones. Parasailing was $75, swim with the dolphins $100, but you can get a list online, and book ASAP, they fill up quick! Drink prices weren't too bad, they're worse over here in Europe (especially in Munich at the Hofbrauhaus ) -Don 'I love Munich!' Anderson Don, thanks for the infos - I`ll try a cruise on my second next trip to florida in 2010 (this october I`ve no time at all). And if you ever come to munich again, drop a message and I`ll show you some more great beer places, besides the Hofbrauhaus Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasCoasterGirl Posted September 11, 2007 Share Posted September 11, 2007 Wow! Awesome TR! I so want to go on one of these Disney Cruises, but they look like they cost so much! Can you just go on the cruise, or do you have to do both the park and the cruise? Not that I wouldn't love to do both! Also, are there a lot of kids running around the ship? Ahhh, I would love so much to do one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raptor6 Posted September 12, 2007 Share Posted September 12, 2007 My cousin and his family went on a Disney cruise in the June 2003 and they loved every second of their trip. They even got to see an advance screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl while on the boat. How amazing is that!? They took another Disney cruise last summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kissorkill2night Posted September 26, 2007 Share Posted September 26, 2007 Man what a great post. I'm still dreaming to go on a cruise, esp. a disney cruise. My dad is scared he'll get sick. Gay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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