The Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy of the Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Dream at sea

2010-11-14T09:24:00.001-05:00

Morning All

Just saw this great photo of the Disney Dream as it begins its sea trials prior to the Tranatlantic crossing to Port Canaveral.

WOW she is a gorgeous ship.....

Designing the Disney Dream - Part 2

2010-09-18T08:26:00.001-04:00

Designing the Disney Dream - Part 1

2010-09-18T08:26:00.000-04:00

I'm back

2010-09-17T19:07:00.002-04:00

I'm finally back after a busy couple months. I did get to take a cruise back in July. A 5 nighter on the Disney Wonder to Key West, Nassau and Castaway Cay. Disney Cruise number 12 for me... :)

I'll get some of the pictures up soon, for now here are some of my favs from this past trip.

The last night headed back to Florida.

The Wonder docked in Key West

The newly enclosed Outlook Cafe at the Quiet Cove Pool Area

New Photos of the Bow of the Disney Dream

2010-05-16T14:07:00.003-04:00

Here are some new pictures of the bow of the Disney Dream as it gets prepared to be lowered into place as construction continues in Germany.

Pics are copyright Disny Cruise Line and are from the Official Disney Parks Blog.

Innovation + Imagination = New Magical Experiences on the Disney Dream

2010-05-04T18:06:00.000-04:00

Disney Cruise Line DVDs

2010-04-25T15:20:00.003-04:00

Reliving the many memories I have made from my 11 Disney Cruise Vacations is made easier thanks to the many audio and visual reminders of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder I have around the house.

One of the best ways to remember the magic is through the DCL DVDs that I own.

The one on the left is called the Treasures of Disney Cruise Line and can be purchased on board the ship and also at Walt Disney World.

The DVD on the right is the current FREE DVD you can obtain by going to the Disney Cruise Website and filling out the form and they will send it out to you. It has ship tours, itineraries and more and is a great tool for planning your first DCL vacation or for remembering some of the sights and sounds.

Coming in June as part of the Disney Parks Set, the Travel Channel Disney Cruise Line Show will also be available and that will be on my must buy list.

New Picture of the Disney Dream under construction

2010-04-24T13:32:00.002-04:00

I keep getting more and more excited as more pictures emerge from the construction of the new Disney Dream.

The picture below is one of the latest showing off the Aft of the ship with the scrollwork that has become tradition on the DCL Ships. Soon Sorcerer Mickey and the brooms from Fantasia will grace the back of the ship as well. Only 9 months till the Dream takes its Maiden voyage.....

Trip Report-Day 1 (12/5/09) Dinner

2010-04-23T18:40:00.003-04:00

Day 1-Dinner

12/5/09

So we were finally off and on our way on our 7 night Eastern Alternate Cruise. It had rained as we left Port Canaveral which was great because as we got out to sea it was cooler and very nice to stroll around deck prior to our dinner seating. We had as we usually do the late seating 8:15, which always works great for us. For those of you that have never been when you get your Key to the World Card at the terminal you will see a code for example this cruise it said

S2-APLAPLA Table:11

Second seating, Animators, Parrot Cay and Lumiere and then over again was my rotation and I was at Table 11.

So we headed to Animators Palate for our first meal of the cruise and as I have said before since they changed the menu I love Animators now where in the past I just kinda liked it.

The entryway decked out for the holidays

My dinner, Penne pasta with garlic cream sauce, julienne sliced turkey and proscuito with fresh shaved parmesan cheese.

Josh had Phyllo wrapped Salmon on a bed of potatoes and veggies

One of the best pictures I have been able to take inside Animators following the show

Back to our room and we were greeted by a Towel Swan and our extra box of truffles for being Platinum Castaway Club Members

A Model Vacation on Disney Cruise Line- Exclusive Tilt-Shift Video

2010-04-20T21:10:00.001-04:00

This has become my absolute favorite video reminder of the fun and magic of a Disney Cruise Vacation. This was taken from the official Disney Parks Blog and really brings to life the Wonder of a Disney Cruise. In 5 minutes you get the fun and flavor of what makes Disney Cruise Line so special.

Video is copyrighted Disney Cruise Line

Ride the AquaDuck- Disney Cruise Line

2010-04-18T15:50:00.000-04:00

Disney Dream to Include First-Ever Shipboard Water Coaster

2010-04-18T15:43:00.001-04:00

This video has been seen before but I just wanted to add it to my site to show off the amazing features of what I'm sure is destined to be the most beautiful ship afloat....The Disney Dream.

Video is copyrighted Disney Cruise Line

Disney Dream Update

2010-04-18T13:30:00.002-04:00

WOW....Last week when DCL announced that in addition to Palo on the new Disney Dream that they were going to have an even more upscale adults only place to eat my reaction was...."I better start saving up now".

Remy, the new french restaurant will feature 8-10 course meals inspired by french chefs and chefs from Disney's Victoria and Alberts Restaurant at the Grand Floridian resort and spa.

I already couldn't wait for my first trip on the Disney Dream and now I chomping at the bit.

Picture is copyright Disney Cruise Line

Trip Report-Stateroom Pics

2010-04-18T13:16:00.003-04:00

Trip Report-Stateroom Pictures

12/5/09

Here are some pictures of our stateroom. We were located on the port side aft in room 5146. We had a Verandah, due to the location at the back of the ship it was a solid wall verandah. Though smaller than the standard DCL Verandah it was nice to have the solid wall as it blocked the wind.

The hallway outside our Stateroom

Belated Trip Report-Day 1 (12/5/09)

2010-04-18T12:48:00.004-04:00

Trip Report

Day 1

12/5/09

The day had finally come and it was time to return to the Disney Magic. This was cruise number 11 for us and I was soooo excited as I woke that morning packed our car and headed to Port Canaveral. About 35 minutes after leaving home we crested the Banana River Bridge and off in the distance I could see the 2 red funnels of the Disney Magic and my excitement at once again being onboard was reaching a fever pitch.

After arriving at the port and parking the car we were able to now use the Concierge guest check in line due to our Platinum Castaway Club status. We were handed boarding pass #1 as a result and went to wait the 10 short minutes until they announced we could board. We were the 4th guests on the ship and went to eat at Parrot Cay for lunch before doing our usual welcome home stroll around the ship, going deck by deck and ending up at the Quiet Cove Pool. Josh had a spa treatment at 445 so I went up and took pictures as we sailed away and our first night onboard was under way.

Arriving at Port Canaveral, there she is......the Disney Magic

Up the gangway and onto the ship

As we depart the cast members wave good bye to us

Setting sail with the DCL terminal in the background

Sailing down the channel at Port Canaveral past my favorite place to eat...FishLips

Jetty Park Beach...almost out to the ocean

Just sailing out to sea

From our balcony........the last we would see of Florida for 7 days....BYE

Some More DCL Decor at my house

2010-04-18T09:04:00.002-04:00

In a post a year or so back I showed some Posters and Lithographs that I have around the house that are constant reminders of my many DCL trips and of my love for Disney Cruise Line.

The poster below is a newer addition to my decoration collection and hangs in my bedroom and is a bright colorful reminder of DCL and all the Magic and memories it has brought to me over the years.

Some Holiday Pictures and a video from DCL and Castaway Cay

2010-04-17T11:03:00.006-04:00

My favorite time to go on a Disney Cruise is at the holidays when the terminal, ship and Castaway Cay are all decked out in some holiday Disney Magic.

The terminal

Tree at Castaway Cay

Tree at the terminal in Port Canaveral

The tram at Castaway Cay...notice the reindeer antlers and nose

Santa Buoys at Castaway

Even the restaurants get some decorations

The atrium

The gingerbread house on the Disney Magic

Some of my favorite pictures from my December 2009 Disney Magic 7 night vacation

2010-04-17T10:34:00.002-04:00

Now that I'm finally back and have some time to be able to post I will get around to doing a much belated trip report from my 11th Disney Cruise Vacation back in December 2009. But I figured I would share a couple of my favorite pictures from that trip onboard the glorious Disney Magic.

Gingerbread house in the Promenade Lounge
Castaway Club Swag. SInce this was our 11th trip and we are now Platinum level we got the additional goodies as well as free Palo and a free gift, which we chose the free bottle of champagne on our 1st night.
Perfect timing as we just departed Port Canaveral I got this beautiful shot as we said goodbye to Florida for a week.
The atrium decked out for the holidays.
The Disney Magic as we sailed off to Norman Island on our snorkeling excursion in Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Finally...Back

2010-04-17T10:21:00.003-04:00

Ahoy everyone....=)

Been a long time since I last posted on my DCL Blog but I finally am back with more pictures and updates from DCL and from my December 2009 cruise. Its getting closer, the inaugural sailing of the Disney Dream. I'm looking forward to a January morning heading to Jetty Park beach and joining in with the thousands will be at the inlet to Port Canavaeral to welcome home the grandest ship ever conceived....The Disney Dream.

Let the dream begin....

2009-08-25T18:02:00.003-04:00

Just got an email from DCL. In Papenburg Germany today the keel was layed for the Disney Dream, the glorious new ship from Disney Cruise Line. The countdown is on until 2011 and I can't wait until the Dream sets sail from Port Canaveral.

Let the dream begin.......

Final Day-Castaway Cay

2009-08-25T17:42:00.004-04:00

Trip Report

Castaway Cay

4/28/09

The last day had arrived. Always a sad day knowing that another fabulous Disney Cruise was coming to an end. Woke up to the Captain telling us due to high winds and strong current we may not be able to dock at Castaway. He tried numerous times and on our last chance he managed to get us docked. Hooray......Due to the high winds and strong current most of the port adventures were cancelled for the day so we decided not to snorkel and just veg out on the island. We ended up getting some great relaxin time on the the hammocks over by the heads up bar. Then lunch and back to the ship and back to reality.

The view from the hammock I was laying in

Mt Rustmore

Day 3- Dinner Pics

2009-06-21T17:51:00.003-04:00

Night 3- April 28, 2009

Dinner

Animator's Palate

After PALO last night I was not looking forward to dinner tonight. Not only was it the last night of the cruise but Animator's has always had my least favorite menu of the dining rooms. Boy was I surprised. The new menus in all the dining rooms were sensational. Had a fantastic meal and can't wait to go to Animator's again on my next cruise.

Garlic Focacia bread. I could make a whole meal out of this.

Roast Chicken with mashed potatoes in a Pomagranite sauce

Penne pasta with julienne turkey and proscuito in a cream sauce with fresh shaved parmesan cheese on top. This was soooooooo good.

Dessert was a baked apple crumble with Vanilla bean ice cream. A fantastic last dessert on our last night on the ship.

Day 2- Nassau- 4/27/09

2009-05-28T06:43:00.003-04:00

Day 2 -4/27/09

Nassau, Bahamas

Woke up this morning after having had a fantastic night of sleep on board the Disney Wonder.

Looked out the window and saw Nassau in the distance so went and changed and went up for Breakfast to Parrot Cay. GOt to sit by the wondow so we saw we were docking and finished up and went up to get some pictures of Nassau and the beautiful blue waters surrounding the island.

Josh and I decided to make it a do nothing day...=) As we watched lots of people get off the ship we enjoyed our day of peace and quiet. Lounged by the pool most of the day. Lunch was an All American Buffet at Beach Blanket and we kept our eating to a minimum because tonight Palo awaited us. By birthday is in the middle of May but we decided we would celebrate on our cruise so I had been lucky to secure a Palo reservation online and was ready to dine at my favorite restaurant on land or sea. After Palo it was Pirate night so as tradition we went and changed into our swimsuits and hopped into the Quiet Cove Pool for the fireworks. After that and some hot tub time it was off to bed for tomorrow is Castaway Cay.

Arriving at Nassau
Docking

Atlantis Resort

Nassau is out there

The lighthouse at the entrance to the bay

Nassau and the beautiful blue water

PALO

The view from our table at Palo

My dinner- Lobster Ravioli with Marscapone Cheese

Joshs Dinner- Chilean Sea Bass with Risotto, Asparagus and a white wine butter sauce

The famous Chocolate Soufle

Shipmade Gelatto

Happy Birthday to me...=)

Towel Bunny

Trip Report Day 1-Misc. Photos around the ship

2009-04-29T17:45:00.002-04:00

Trip Report-Day 1

April 23, 2009

Misc. Photos around the ship

One of my favorite things to do once onboard the Wonder or Magic, well after pigging out at the buffet of course..=) is to wander the ship and take pictures of all the familiar sights that have become so familiar to me over the course of my 10 DCL vacations.

This first night onboard was very special as it was Josh and my 50th night onboard Disney Cruise Line. See how much I love the cruise, I actually sat down one afternoon and figured out how many days I had spent onboard.

Deck 4 at night after dinner
Our 1st night towel animal...a swan

Dusk at sea

Sunset at sea

The view of the ocean out of our stateroom window

The hallway leading to the Walt Disney theatre. To the left in this picture is the Mickey Mates Retail shop and to the right is the Treasure Ketch retial shop. You can see the banners hanging, The Golden Mickeys was the show in the Walt Disney Theatre on the first night.

The Goofy Pool...for Families

The Quiet Cove Adult Pool...no one under 19 allowed. In other words....Paradise

Another view of the Adult Quiet Cove Pool.

The Mickey pool. For the little kids.

Trip Report-Day 1 Dinner Pictures

2009-04-27T19:54:00.004-04:00

Trip Report-Day 1

4/23/09

Dinner Pics

Well for our dining rotation this time we had PTA with a seating time of 8:15.

Parrot Cay, Tritons and Animators Pallate was to be our rotation.

We had already booked Palo for our 2nd night so we were all set for our rotation.

The 3 main dining rooms all have new menus and I was pleasently surprised by all the changes. Even though I have never had a bad meal onboard the Wonder or Magic it is good to see them changing things a bit.

For our servers this time we had Mihailo from Serbia and our Assistant Server was Veronica from Mexico. They were a great team and were always there to greet us with a smile and a great recommendation for dinner. Just as I have never had a bad meal onboard I have yet to have bad servers onboard either.

Our 1st night we ate at Parrot Cay.

My Entree that night was Grouper on top of saffron rice with shrimp on top. Snow Peas and a cream sauce.....yummy.

Josh had Rib Eye of Beef with a twice baked potato.

My dessert....Creme Brulee Cheesecake

Joshs dessert...a Sampler Trio...Lemon Merangue pie, Creme Brulee Cheesecake and Smores Cake.

Trip Report Day 1 On the road, DCL Terminal and Stateroom

2009-04-27T19:28:00.004-04:00

Trip Report-Day 1

April 23, 2009

On the road, DCL Terminal and Stateroom

Well my 10th Disney Cruise Vacation is in the books and it was another amazing trip. 3 nights onboard the glorious Disney Wonder. Had amazing weather, calm seas and lots of food, fun and sun.

This first report covers the trip to the terminal, Terminal pics and Stateroom photos.

On the road to Port Canaveral, Beachline Toll Road 528

A Canaveral Sign....getting closer

Almost there

I see the Wonder

We made it to the terminal around 11am and received boarding number 8. They did things a bit different this time as they gave us our Key to the world card and then we had to go into another line and get our picture taken. I thought they would put our picture on the card which they didn't and for whatever reason when we got off the ship we still needed our Drivers License or Passport.

Oh well....here Josh and I pose with Goofy in the terminal as we await the 12 noon boarding time.

A look at the Disney Cruise Line Terminal in Port Canaveral

Through the Mickey Ear portal we will soon go and onto the Disney Wonder.

A look at the terminal from the ship.

The first thing you see when entering the ship...the Grand Lobby Atrium. It always feels like I have come home when I first see this. After 10 trips and 52 nights spent onboard the Magic and Wonder you can understand why.

Another view of the Atrium.

Stateroom 2590. Outside Stateroom

Stateroom pic....Joshie gets a cameo in.

The new ships-new names and new title of the blog

2009-03-13T15:10:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone-

Well it is finally official, this week Bob Iger announced the names of the new ships....

The Disney Dream, which will sail in 2011 and the Disney Fantasy, which will sail in 2012.

So now that Dreams and Fantasy have been added to some Magic and Wonder my blog has a new name....=)

I guessed that Dream would be the name of one of the ships and I figured it would either be Fantasy or Wish for the next ship. Fantasy it is, who wants to bet the next ships DCL builds one will be called the Wish.

The Wonder sets sail

2009-03-09T06:17:00.003-04:00

I finally got some time off and headed to the beach on Sunday 3/8 for some fun and sun.

Beautiful 81 degree day at Port Canaverals Jetty Park beach. Spent the day, but we all know the real reason I was there....to see the Disney Wonder set sail.

So around 5:15 pm I heard When You Wish Upon A Star behind me and as I turned around...there she was the glorious Disney Wonder. Just voted the number 1 large cruise ship by Conde Naste Traveller.

I was so jealous of everyone waving at us from the ship, I wanted to be in their spot. Oh well in 6 weeks I will be...=)

The Beginning of the......Dream?? Wish?? Fantasy??

2009-03-07T14:30:00.003-05:00

Greetings everyone-

I can't believe I missed posting this to the blog during the week. Work continues to be so crazy I can never post on here anymore.

But an exciting thing happened this week.

The first piece of steel was cut for the brand new Disney Ship at the Meyer-Werft Shipyward in Germany.

And regardless of what it will be called...The Disney Dream?? Disney Wish?? Disney Fantasy??

This was a history making week as we have all been waiting for the start of construction on these 2 new glorious ships.

2011 isn't really that far off when the first ship comes home to Florida. I am already planning on being at the channel opening in Port Canaveral to catch the first glimpse of the new Disney ship. A day we fans of Disney Cruise Line have been waiting for years and years.

Mickey was there to see the first steel cut for his new ship.

What the final product should look like....128,000 tons....50% larger than the Magic and Wonder. 30 feet wider, 150 feet longer and 2 decks taller. It will be a glorious new ship, that I'm going to bet is called the Disney Dream.

Number 10

2009-02-04T18:12:00.003-05:00

Work has been so crazy busy this is the first time I have posted in awhile. And guess what, I'm going on another cruise....=)

Disney Cruise trip number 10 is coming up April 23-26. 3 night Cruise onboard the gorgeous Disney Wonder.

I can't wait. I will get to celebrate cruise number 10 onboard the ship I sailed my first Disney Cruise on back in September of 2003.

One last Christmas Post

2009-01-18T21:39:00.003-05:00

It has been ages since I last posted. A busy Holiday season and an even busier start of the year has kept me away. But I'm back with one last picture looking back at my Christmas cruise. Below is a picture of the Gingerbread house. In 2007 on the Wonder the Gingerbread house was located next to the staircase in between the Promenade Lounge and the back entrance to Tritons. On the Magic this year due to the new Photopass type machines being next to the stairs the Gingerbread house was in the Promenade Lounge.

A few pics of Me and Josh

2008-12-28T14:20:00.002-05:00

Here are a few photos from our recent 7 night cruise.

This was Disney Cruise #9 for us.

Can't wait for #10.

Santa Goofy

Our boss, Mickey

Here Iam ready to snorkel at Castaway Cay

Me at the Tulum Ruins in Mexico.

Trip Report-Day 7- Castaway Cay Snorkelling

2008-12-23T16:35:00.006-05:00

One of the old 20,000 Leagues Under the sea submarines from the Magic Kingdom at WDW.

Josh's feet

Josh and Minnie

Theres me with Minnie

Trip Report-Day 7- Castaway Cay

2008-12-23T16:07:00.006-05:00

Trip Report-Day 7-Castaway Cay-12/5/08

The last day....=( but what better place to spend the last day of your vacation that Disney's Private Island Paradise, Castaway Cay.

After breakfast we headed off the Magic and went snorkeling for about 2 hours. Photos are posted in another post. After that we went to lunch at Cookies BBQ. What is it about tropical places that make food taste better. Cheeseburger, Ribs, Chicken, Garlic Flatbread, Apple cake and Chocolate Chip cookies......yummy.

After lunch we caught the tram to the the Adults only beach, Serenity Bay. Heaven on earth. We layed on the beach and read for a while before heading back to the Magic and up to the pool for one last soak in the Quiet Cove Pool.

Dinner was good as always that night even though everyone is depressed knowing that in the morning we will be back in Florida. After dinner we strolled the top deck numerous times hoping for the vacation not to be over, but we finally called it a night and retired to our stateroom for one last night of rest onboard the Disney Magic.

Welcome to paradise

Christmas cheer right at the dock as you leave the ship and head onto the island

My favorite picture from this trip

Snorkel Lagoon

Gil's, where you rent snorkel equipment.

The glorious Disney Magic

The tram is all decked out. We are on our way to Serenity Bay

The back end.......hehe

Serenity Bay, heaven, no one under 18 allowed

Peace and quiet, the only thing you hear is the waves rolling onto the shore.

Look at that water.

Mt. Rustmore

Santa Buoy, which a friend of ours wanted us to bring back to her. She got an 8x10 copy of this picture. =)

The Flying Dutchmen

Heading back to the ship

Welcome Home......for us it sure feels like home.

Sunset as we depart Castaway Cay and head back to Florida

Thanks to Josh for this picture.

Took this on Deck 10 strolling the ship at night before we went to bed. A magical way to end our vacation.

Trip Report-Day 6- Day at sea

2008-12-23T16:00:00.003-05:00

Trip Report- Day 6- Day at Sea 12/4/08

Woke up this morning after our fantastic day at Cozumel and was depressed. Only today and Castaway Cay tomorrow and then it is back to reality again.

Spent most of the day just relaxing by the pool and having lunch at Topsiders. Dinner was of course the Captains Gala with a nice juicy 2lb lobster tail. Biggest Lobster I have had yet onboard. Wandered around the ship and got a few Christmas ship photos.

Went to bed late excited that tomorrow is Castaway Cay.

Sunset at sea

Trip Report-Day 5-Cozumel 12/3/08

2008-12-18T20:37:00.006-05:00

Trip Report-Day 5-12/5/08

Cozumel, Mexico

Woke up for our big day in Mexico. We had arrived early so we were already docked when I got up. Went up for breakfast and got ready for our big day and our visit to the Tulum Ruins. Met in the Buena Vista Theatre and went with our group downstairs and to our ferry boat to the mainland. You know its bad when on the boat ride over they have people walking up and down with vomit bags. I like to say the trip was like Star Tours at WDW on crack. It was an experience thats for sure, it only was 30 minutes across to the mainland but I don't think I have ever been so happy to see land in all my life.

Walked through the shopping area of Playa Del Carmen and onto our bus for a 1 hour drive south to the ruins. We stopped at a shop on the way and had our lunch, provided by Subway...eat fresh.=)

Then on to the ruins, an amazing experience thats for sure. We had a 1 hour guided tour, our guide Felipe was superb, his ancestors were all Mayan so he was very passionate about the ruins and their link to Mexican History. We had about an hour to explore on our own. I was in awe of the amazing structures. Some dated back over 1,000 years. Following our bus trip back to the ferryboat and another 30 minutes of armchair gripping boat ride we were back in Cozumel. A little shopping later it was time to get back onboard the Disney Magic and dinner at Parrot Cay, which was good as always. Our usual nighttime routine of a martini in sessions and some piano music later it was time for the pool and then off to bed. Tomorrow is a sea day so that means one thing....sleeping in =)

The Ferryboat we took to and from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen on the mainland of Mexico

Looking from the Mainland back towards Cozumel

The beach at Playa Del Carmen

Scenery outside the bus window on our drive to the ruins

More Scenery along the way

Welcome to Tulum

Sunset in Cozumel

Sunset

The Disney Magic docked in Cozumel

Cozumel

Trip Report-Day 4-Grand Cayman.....NOT

2008-12-11T14:07:00.002-05:00

Trip Report-Day 4 12/2/08-Grand Cayman....NOT

Awoke this morning to the Captains voice telling us something we had heard from a friend of ours that works on the ship the night before. Due to high winds the Grand Cayman port authority had closed the harbor and no ships would be allowed to dock due to the high winds. So we sailed by the isalnd and continued on to Mexico for a day at sea. We really weren't heartbroken as we never get of the ship in Grand Cayman anymore anyways due to having to tender. Spent the day reading and enjoying the beauty of the Disney Magic. The show in the theatre that night was a showing of Bolt which I greatly enjoyed and then it was time for dinner and of course it was Pirates in the Caribbean night. After a steady downpour they finally shot the fireworks off and we viewed them from our usual uncrowded spot, The hot tub at the Quiet Cove Pool. Following that it was time to go shopping and I bought all my gifts for everyone and picked up the purchase with purchase rolling duffel bag since I was going to need more luggage to carry off all the things I bought..=) Went to bed looking forward to Cozumel and our tour of the Tulum Ruins. We were also told that the ship was going to stay in Cozumel until 1am so we would have lots of time to shop after our excursion as well.

The Atrium decked out in Christmas Magic
This was as close as we got to Grand Cayman.

Wave to Grand Cayman

So near, yet so far.

See you next time Grand Cayman =)

1 more addition from the drydock

2008-12-08T22:11:00.002-05:00

I have one more new addition to the Disney Magic that I forgot to post in a previous blog entry. I had this picture posted but for some reason when you clicked it, it didn't enlarge to a full screen picture. So I have reposted it. This is the new toddler splash area on the Magic, the Wonder got one of these last year in its drydock.

As with all my pictures on the blog feel free to click them to make them larger and use them for Computer Wallpaper. Decorate your desktop with the Magic and Wonder of the Disney Cruise Line.

Trip Report-Day 3- Sea Day

2008-12-08T15:27:00.004-05:00

Trip Report-Day 3-12/1/08

Day at Sea

Awoke this morning to my favorite kind of day, a day at sea. To me nothing is more relaxing than having the whole day to lounge around without worrying about shore excurions and getting up early to get off the ship and do the ports. Instead we got to sleep in and lounge around all day. Had our usual breakfast at Topsiders which we always then take the breakfast tray over to the family pool and watch Playhouse Disney on the ArielView TV, what can I say Josh and I are a couple of Disney nerds..hehe.

Lunch was an Italian Buffet at Topsiders and Parrot Cay. We always went to Topsiders. Spent the majority of the day by the pool reading, I brought along 4 books and managed to put them all away. My reading list was Wicked, Twilight, Shopaholic and Sister and Undomestic Goddess. Quite a variety of reading material...=)

Saw the Golden Mickey's in the Walt Disney Theatre. Something we never miss are the 3 main stage shows even though we have seen them all almost 10 times it is one of the highlights of the cruise for us.

Dinner that night was in Parrot Cay for formal night. Got to have the new Golden Mickey Menu for the first time, had the Ginger and Lime Swordfish which was really good.

After dinner it was a reading night in Cove Cafe and then bed to get ready for Grand Cayman, which we would find out wasn't going to happen...more on that in the next report.

Enjoy some pictures taken during our day at sea, below.

Gangway Damage

2008-12-07T16:40:00.004-05:00

During our cruise last week I had heard that the strong storm that hit us in Key West causing us to leave early had caused some damage at the Disney Terminal back in Port Canaveral so when we returned we saw for ourself just how bad it was.

The storm had ripped the metal gangway completely off of the rest of the walkway onto the ship.

So when we departed Saturday morning instead of going through the atrium and into the terminal and downstairs to get our luggage we departed via Deck 1 Aft and Forward and just walked from the pier directly into the luggage area.

Was told it would take 6-8 weeks to repair the damage so anyone going on a cruise for a while will be entering the ship by Deck 1 and not through the Atrium as usual. Don't know how Disney will do the welcome aboard for each family like normal but I'm sure they will find someway to make things Magical still.

Trip Report-Day 2 -Key West

2008-12-07T16:09:00.005-05:00

Day 2-Key West

Woke up early in the morning and caught the tail end of the beautiful sunrise. Always wonderful to wake up to the Disney Magic. Christian, who was our cruise director this trip came over the PA to announce that due to an approaching front our time in Key West was going to be cut short and the all aboard time was now 6:00pm instead of 7:30pm. No biggie since in Key West we usually just stroll the shops and have lunch.

Got off the ship and headed to our favorite lunch spot, Bagatelle located on Duval Street.

Had a yummy lunch and then headed out to shop along Duval St. On the way back on the other side we stopped at the Blonde Giraffe for some frozen Key Lime Pie on a stick...a must have on our trips to Key West. After strolling through Mallory Square and a few more shopping stops it was back to the ship for us and to the Quiet Cove Pool for some pooltime.

Around 5:45 that night the wind and rain came up terribly and it looked like a hurricane from our veranda. We didn't get to leave at 6pm due to what sounded like some guests not onboard yet as they were paged 3 times. Finally we left and since we figured with the wind and rain the sea might be a little bumpy we skipped Animators Pallete and tried something new for dinner. We headed up to Topsiders for the Casual Dining. We will definitely do it again next time, had a great dinner, quiet, and we were sat right next to the window looking down at the sea. This became our "Palo" night as we always do Palo but skipped it this time and ended up with a quiet Adult Only meal with a view of the ocean without having to dress up.

After that it was our usual routine, we went to Sessions for a cocktail and some music with Daryl Lockhart on piano before retiring to bed to let the Magic rock us to sleep.

Approaching Key West
The dock at Key West

Mallory Square from the ship

Key West Art Museum

Bagatelle, our favorite lunch spot in Key West

More of Bagatelle

You can see the wind was already starting to blow pretty strong and this pic was taken about 1:30pm

One more of Bagatelle

The Magic docked in Key West

Roosters strolling around the town

Entrance to Mallory Square

More of Mallory Square

Key West art museum to the right with the Magic docked in the background

Key West at night as we were leaving with the rain coming down and the wind howling.

Trip Report-Stateroom Pics

2008-12-07T11:50:00.005-05:00

Trip Report-Stateroom Pic 11/29-12/6/2008

Here are some photos from our stateroom from our recent 7 night cruise.

We had room 6642, a Navigator Vernada.

We were in the Aft section of the ship otherwise known as the back of the ship..=) I love nautical launguage.

Contrary to what I have read on some Newsboards on the internet, I noticed no wear and tear issues with this stateroom. Everything was in tip top shape. The ship is 10 years old so a little wear is expected. However the carpet looked great, everything was in great working order.

Our stateroom door

A peak outside at our Navigators Veranda

A view from the veranda looking back towards the door. Notice the new 22 inch LCD flat screen TV

A view from the door looking towards the Veranda

A queen size bed, you can also request them to split the bed and it turns into 2 twin beds if you need the space.

The 1/2 bath. The tub/shower and sink are located in this one.

The other bathroom features the Toliet and sink as well as a shelving unit.

A view of the closrt, drawers and the steamer trunk which contains more storage space.

A closer look at our veranda. Notice the bench, table and the dials under the opening are Thermometer, Clock and Barometer

The other side of the Veranda, with a chair

Trip Report-Day 1

2008-12-07T11:33:00.004-05:00

Here we go with my trip report for my 7 night Western cruise. November 29-December 6, 2008.

Day 1-Embarkation Day

Josh and I left the house at 9:30 in the morning and we arrived at Port Canaveral at 10:45.

Check in was smooth as always and we received Boarding number 10. I was surprised by the amount of kids and by the fact that the terminal was already quite busy only 15 minutes after it had opened. Bummed around the terminal until it was time to board. Number 10 was called and it was finally time to get back onboard the Disney Magic for the 5th time and our 9th Disney Cruise overall. Had a yummy lunch at Parrot Cay. This time we were smart and wore our bathing suits under our clothes so we went and spent an hour or so in the pool and hot tub. Our room was ready so we headed down and to my surprise our luggage arrived around 2:30, the earliest I can ever remeber our luggage being ready. After unpacking and the boat drill it was time to sail away which we watched from the pool. The water in the pool was so nice and warm the whole time, according to the tv channel the pool was 86 degrees, felt nice.

Dinner our first night was in Lumiere's. We had rotation LAPAPLA with an 8:15 dining time. Met our server Putu and our assistant Rina who were wonderful for the entire week.

After dinner and some more pool time it was an early night to bed as the first day and all the excitement of being back onboard the glorious Disney Magic just wears me out =)

We are getting close, I can see the Magic

Even closer to the Magic

Christmas decor in the Terminal

Some more Christmas cheer

The tree in the Terminal

There she is the most gorgeous ship afloat. Took this from the balcony outside the terminal

Another shot from the outside terminal balcony

The terminal building from our stateroom veranda

Port Canaveral from our veranda

More of Port Canaveral and the Disney Cruise Line parking lot

Just Back from a Magical Cruise

2008-12-06T15:40:00.004-05:00

Greetings everyone, Just returned from my Magical 7 nighter 11/29-12/6. I will be doing many posts over the next few days featuring a ton of new photos from the ship, from the ports and from my excursion to the Tulum Ruins in Mexico.

Just wanted to get a few pics of the new upgrades to the Disney Magic

The Disney Magic docked in Cozumel Mexico. 10 years old and still the most beautiful ship afloat.

The newly retiled adult pool area. Notice the waterfalls from the Hot Tub. The hot tubs are also new, the old plastic ones were removed and the new tubs are metallic feeling. Very nice.=)

An overall look at the redone Quiet Cove Area.

The new flat screen TVs in the staterooms. And for those that want to know, yes the tv swivels out so if you wanted to plug in a portable dvd player or camcorder it is very easy to attach compared to the old tvs.

One more over view of the Quiet Cove Area with the waterfalls from the hot tubs and the new teak sun lounge chairs. Also the entire pool was resurfaced as you can see the lanes in the bottom of the pool and the old flag tiles were removed from the edge of the pool area.

Bon Voyage

2008-11-29T06:50:00.002-05:00

Well today is the day. November 29 has finally arrived and in just a short time I will be off to Port Canaveral and the glorious Disney Magic and a much needed 7 night trip to the Western Caribbean. This is my second cruise this year and my 9th Disney Cruise overall but the excitement is still there. When I walk up the gangway and they announce us as we walk into the atrium I will feel like I have come home. I will have tons of pics of the newly refurbished DIsney Magic and all the holiday happenings when I return, In just a few hours it will be Adventures Away.

Around the ship Part II

2008-11-13T18:54:00.002-05:00

Here is Part 2 of my series of photos that are hard to group with anything. So here are some Misc. shots from around the ships of the DIsney Cruise Line

Treasure Ketch is the more upscale shop onboard.
The entrance sign to Parrot Cay....yummy food

The exterior of the Movie Theatre

The Interior of the movie theatre

Outside Palo

The countdown to the Disney Magic is on

2008-11-13T18:46:00.004-05:00

The most exciting part of a DCL vacation is the countdown to when it is time to sail away. My cruise is coming up November 29-December 6. I got my packet in the mail the other day with shore excursions and all my room info...We got a Navigator Veranda which I love. We booked our tour of the Tulum Ruins in Cozumel and in just...15 days it will be time to set sail on the Magic once more.

Pirates

2008-11-01T12:17:00.003-04:00

Pirates are everywhere on DCL. From the flying Dutchmen ship at Castaway Cay. To the Pirates in the Caribbean dinner and deck party complete with fireworks and an all you can eat buffet. Ever since the popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies Disney has cashed in on the huge craze of anything Pirate.

The pic below though, has nothing to do with Disney pirates..hehe

Took this picture in Grand Cayman standing in front of the Tortuga Rum Cake Factory looking back at the Disney Magic anchored in the harbor.....YoHoYoHo A Pirate's Life for me

The Promenade Lounge

2008-11-01T12:14:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite places to grab a drink before dinner or to just enjoy some live music during the evening is to come to the Promenade Lounde on Deck 3.

The Little Mermaid Connection

2008-11-01T12:02:00.002-04:00

One of the greatest inspirations for the Disney Cruise Line can be found in the classic Disney animated film the Little Mermaid. The story and her characters have graced DCL Merchandise since the very beginning and also inspired some of the interior decor of the Disney Wonder.

The sign above the side entrance to Triton's onboard the Disney Wonder

Inside Triton's

Little Mermaid mural from Deck 6-9 Midship on the Disney Wonder

Replica of the Little Mermaid Statue. The original statue is in Copenhagen Denmark.

This statue is in St. Thomas. U.S.V.I.

Notice the Disney Magic in the background.

Booked

2008-10-28T20:43:00.004-04:00

You would think after 8 Disney Cruises it might not be as exciting as it used to be....WRONG. I just booked cruise #9. November 29-December 6. 7 night Western Caribbean onboard the most beautiful ship afloat, the Disney Magic.

1 month from tomorrow I will walk into the atrium all decorated for Christmas and I will feel as if I have come home.

It is not too long till it is Adventures Away, let the Magic Begin Again.

The Big Cheese and his Girlfriend

2008-10-25T20:58:00.003-04:00

I love Mickey and Minnie, I work for them at WDW after all.....=) Here they are in the merchandise shop window displays from the Disney Magic.

Animator's Palate

2008-10-25T17:47:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite things onboard Disney Cruise Line is dinner. The wonderful food, wonderful conversations with your tablemates and the incredible cast members that serve your dinner. It truely is one of the greatest reasons to take a cruise, food food and more food.

The most "Colorful" of the dining rooms is Animator's Palete, which chages from black and white to color during the course of your meal.

Enjoy some pictures of the most expensive dining room ever built on any cruise ship.

The sign at the entryway

Marble Mosaic as you walk in.

Looking towards the dining room

Looking towards the dining room.

The dining room in black and white. I have never been able to get a good picture of the room when it has transformed into color. And honestly I don't think a picture would do it justice anyways.

Around the Ship

2008-10-25T12:14:00.005-04:00

Sometimes it is tough to put a bunch of photos together in the blog to make one entry. So here are some random shots taken around the ships to help give you a feel of the elegance and beauty of the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic

The area just outside of Parrot Cay onboard the Disney Magic

The door to your stateroom.

The hallway that leads to the Walt Disney Theatre on Deck 4. To each side is one of the shops. Mickeys Mates to the left and Treasure Ketch to the right

A photo of the aft elevators. One of the things that I love about Disney Cruise Line is that you feel like you are on an old Luxury Oceanliner and I think the interior spaces really add to that feeling.

Hallway on deck 5 aft. Across from that circular seating area is the Buena Vista Movie Theatre.

Another view of the same hallway as above

A view of one of the elevator areas

Serenity Bay

2008-10-18T17:46:00.002-04:00

There are few places in our hectic lives as peaceful and rejuvenating as the Adult beach on Castaway Cay, Serenity Bay.

Here are 3 pictures taken from my lounge chair on a visit to Castaway Cay. One Pic was taken straight out at the water, one was taken to the left and one was taken to the right.

I wish I was there with the warm breeze blowing through the trees as the peaceful sound of the water laps up on shore....only 1 more month and I will be there again.

The flying Dutchmen

2008-10-18T17:37:00.002-04:00

One of the best thing DCL did was after filming of the Pirates of the Caribbean films was over, they brought the actual Flying Dutchmen prop over to Castaway Cay and anchored it as a great photo op in the lagoon.

Walt

2008-10-18T17:29:00.002-04:00

Sometimes as we experience all the Magic and Wonder of Disney, not just the Disney Cruise Line. But also WDW and Disneyland, Mickey and the Gang and all the amazing films and animated classics that have touched all of our lives. We forget that it all started with one man and one man's dream. Walt Disney was truely ahead of his time. He revolutionized the way we view entertainment and he brought to life so many wonderful stories and legends that we still share. Walt dies 10 years before I was even born but next to my parents I think he is the biggest influence on my life. I think he would be so proud of the amazing ships that Disney brought to life. And I hope his legacy and the foundation he layed for the company will continue on for decades to come.

I always get a picture of the Walt Disney Theatre whenever I go onboard the Magic or Wonder. Because without Walt none of it would be possible.

The worst part of a Disney Cruise

2008-10-18T17:23:00.002-04:00

The worst part of a Disney Cruise is when it is over and time to get off the ship. Here is the last thing you see as you head back to the terminal at the end of another Magical vacation.

Long way down

2008-10-18T17:14:00.002-04:00

I don't know what it is about this photo but I love it. I took this on Deck 9 looking down through the staircases. It is a long way down........

Some photos of Castaway Cay

2008-10-09T14:46:00.002-04:00

Today brings a couple photos from Castaway Cay. I have a ton of photos of the island and look for more in the next few weeks.

The Disney Wonder
Family Beach
Mount Rustmore
The Adult Beach, Serenity bay
I just think the water is so beautiful

Beat Street onboard the Disney Magic

2008-10-08T12:18:00.002-04:00

Last week I featured the adult nightclub area on the Disney Wonder, Route 66. This update is the adult nightclub district from the Disney Magic, Beat Street.

Themed to a jazz inspired cityscape the 3 nightclubs of the Disney Magic are featured along the way. Rockin Bar D, the adult dance club and theme night location. Sessions a smooth piano bar which is my favorite place to go before dinner and to listen to great piano music deep into the night. And Diversions which is also on the Disney Wonder, which is the sports pub.

I honestly prefer the look and feel of Route 66, on the Disney Wonder as I feel it is more thematically tied together, yet I enjoy this area of the Magic as well and have spent many evenings in the clubs enjoying a magical night of entertainment.

The sign right off the atrium
The forward staircase

A view of the ever changing cityscape along the walls
The piano bar sign.
Looking toward Up Beat, the duty free liquor, perfume and cigar shop. The elevators are on the left and the end of the hall right before Up Beat, to the left would be the entrance to Diversions and to the right of the shop is the 2nd entrance to Rockin Bar D.
The use of lighting here is absolutely beautiful
Looking towards the entrance to sessions, to the right of where I'm standing taking this pic is the main entrance to Rockin Bar D

Classic Poster

2008-10-08T12:15:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite things about the Disney Cruise Line is that they try to make a DCL cruise reminiscent of an old time luxury ocean liner and alot of merchandise ties in with that. This is my favorite DCL piece right now. I have it hanging on the wall in my bedroom. The Transatlantic poster from 2007. I was not able to go on this cruise but was able to purchase the poster on my Oct 2007 Eastern Cruise on sale. I think it really goes to the point of showing how the theme of an old time classic ocean liner is brought to life in graphic form.

The ships at Castaway Cay

2008-10-08T08:55:00.001-04:00

Can there be any more beautiful and magical place in all the world than Disney's private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay?

Here are some photos of both the Magic and Wonder docked at this amazing place.

A stroll along Deck 10-The top of the ship

2008-10-08T08:48:00.002-04:00

Todays update is some pictures taken while strolling along the top of the ship on Deck 10.

You get some great views of not only the ports but of the ship as well.

The Crew member pool at the front of the ship. Notice the Mickey Head on the very front of the ship.
These are the windows for Palo at the back of the ship.

2010 brings new destinations for the Disney Cruise Line

2008-10-06T15:01:00.000-04:00

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail For Russia, Northern Europe and Mediterranean in 2010
NEW YORK (Oct. 6, 2008) – In response to guest demand, Disney Cruise Line will reposition one of its ships, Disney Magic, to Europe for an unprecedented five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises in 2010. With a wide variety of European itineraries in 2010, families have the ability to explore exotic and unexpected destinations with the safety and comfort of traveling with Disney Cruise Line, the leader in family cruising. For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, where guests can experience breathtaking fjords, historic city centers and Viking lore at enchanting Scandinavian ports such as Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. The ship will also sail to Warnemunde, Germany, gateway to Berlin, and to St. Petersburg, Russia. The Disney Magic will overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing Disney Cruise Line guests time to experience the city known as the “Cultural Capital of Russia” or use the second day to book a shore excursion to Moscow. “The Northern European Capitals itinerary provides our guests with an amazing collection of destinations to explore,” said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. “We’re excited to bring the rich history, culture and folklore these ports offer to life for our guests in a family-friendly way only Disney Cruise Line can deliver.”Departing out of Dover, England, the Disney Magic will sail a total of four 12-night cruises to the Northern European capitals in June and July 2010. Rates for the 12-night Northern European Capitals itinerary start at $3,649 per person for a category 11 stateroom.Book-ending the summer season in Northern Europe, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean with 10- and 11-night cruises, but with three new ports of call not offered when Disney Cruise Line last sailed the Mediterranean. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, an island oasis off the southern coast of France known as the birthplace of Napoleon. “The response from guests who sailed on our Mediterranean voyages in 2007 was overwhelmingly positive,” said McAlpin. “We’re thrilled to bring the ship back and look to make the 2010 season in the Mediterranean even better, with new destinations and more one-of-a-kind Disney experiences for our guests.”Departing out of Barcelona, Spain, the Disney Magic will sail four 10-night and four 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean in April, May, August and September. Rates for the 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises start at $2,529 per person for a category 11 stateroom.Disney Cruise Line will also offer four repositioning cruises including two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England, and an eight-night cruise from Dover back to Barcelona.

Guests will be able to book all Disney Cruise Line itineraries for the 2010 season beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Welcome Aboard-The first thing you will see

2008-10-04T15:19:00.003-04:00

The time has come, your boarding number has been called. Through the Mickey ears and first up they swipe your card. Next its time for the embarkation picture. Then up to the cast member waiting at the door to the ship and she announces your name and the cast members will go wild. =)

Welcome aboard Disney Cruise Line

The 1st thing you see onboard the Disney Magic
Looking at the elevators onboard the Disney Magic
The atrium chandelier on the Disney Magic
Ariel is the statue onboard the Disney Wonder
Helmsman Mickey mans the wheel on the Disney magic

DCL's Big Announcement Next Week

2008-10-03T18:20:00.003-04:00

Just received this announcement in my email from DCL.

Seems next Monday in NYC a BIG announcement is coming from the Disney Cruise Line. Speculation is that it will announce either the rumored 2010 Baltic Cruises in the summer for the Disney Magic. Possibly the name of 1 or both of the new ships. We also may see some art work of the interiors for the first time. I will be at work at 12:30 but I'm usually on break at that time so I will try and get online to find out what new magic Disney is bringing to us.

The Disney Cruise Line Terminal

2008-10-03T15:24:00.003-04:00

One of the things that set DCL apart from the other cruise lines in Port Canaveral is the fact that Disney is the only one with its own dedicated terminal. The other cruise lines can all use the others terminals. Disney's is for the Wonder and Magic only. From the minute you arrive at the beautiful terminal you know its special. From the mickey heads on the exterior of the building to the characters along the building exterior. Once inside and through security and up the escalator and you arrive at a gorgeous terminal. Terrazzo flooring, a high wave like ceiling, TVs by the seating area showing Disney cartoons to the excited buzz of guests knowing they will soon be onboard, the terminal really sets you up for the Magical voyage ahead.

The check in desks are to your left, the seating area to the right. The tables in the front are manned by Cast Members who will help you fill out any forms you have left to fill out. Bahamas Immigration forms etc.
Straight ahead you can see the ship through the windows. You can go outside onto the balcony and see the ship. To the right of the windows is the check in area for Child Activities and to the left through the Mickey head is the hallway that leads to the ship.
The ship model in the terminal
The seating area for you to wait in until boarding. Artwork, DCL photos and Disney cartoons play to help you through the waiting until it is time to board.
One more view of the beautiful ship model.

The Pools of the Disney Cruise Line-Mickey's Pool

2008-10-03T15:10:00.002-04:00

Today we look at the Mickey Pool on board the Disney Cruise Line. This pool located at the back of the ship in between the Aft funnel and Beach Blanket Buffet/Topsiders is for the kids only. The right ear of the pool is reserved for non potty trained guests. Swim Diapers are a must.

The water slide that Mikey's giant hand is holding up is also reserved for the little ones between the ages of 4 and 14 and between 32 and 64 inches tall. The water in the main part of the pool(Mickey's Face) itself is 18 inches deep. In the Mickey Pool area is located the Deck 9 drink station where you can get free soda(Coke Products), hot tea, hot chocolate, milk and coffee all day. Pluto's doghouse is located under the waterslide. Pluto's offers up Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken Fingers, Chicken Sandwiches and Tacos. Also on the opposite side is Goofy's Galley which serves Paninis, wraps and fresh fruit and off to the left of Goofy's is the self serve ice cream station.

The Pools of Disney Cruise Line-Goofy Family Pool

2008-10-02T15:21:00.002-04:00

Here are 3 photos of the Goofy Pool. This is the family pool and also where deck parties are held. A big cover slides over the pool to make it into a dance floor. You will also notice the Arielview TV attached to the back of the forward funnel. During the cruise they show Movies, Sports Events, in the morning they show Playhouse Disney shows from Disney Channel. They also do trivia and Walt quotes and Bridge and Galley Tours on the big screen during the cruise.

The pool and 2 hot tubs are in this area as well as Pinocchios Pizzeria.
The Goofy Pool at night. After the Pirates IN the Caribbean deck party they show Pirates of the Caribbean on the big screen. It is a unique feeling watching a movie on cruise ship in the middle of a dark ocean with the stars overhead.
Also notice the stage under the Ariel TV. That is where the characters are for the Adventures Away sail a away party. Bands are also frequently in this area. My last cruise in March they also had an ice sculpture demonstration.

Magical vistas on a Disney Cruise

2008-10-02T15:06:00.003-04:00

Sometimes the magic of a cruise is in simple things like Sunsets or looking out your porthole and finding a rainbow at sea. Enjoy these pics.

Took this one afternoon on a sea day, heading to Grand Cayman. I had gone back to my stateroom to grab some more sunscreen when I look out the window and a rainbow was out in the middle of the ocean.
This rainbow greeted us as we returned to the ship after a day at Castaway Cay.
Same rainbow as above on Castaway Cay. I liked taking this pic with the life preserver in the corner since I think the words on the preserver describe my feeling when I took this pic.
A Key West sunset. I had early dining on that cruise and was in Animators Pallete that night and everyone kept peeking at their watches to make sure they were outside at sunset to capture the amazing colors that you can only see in Key West. We all lierally slurped up dessert and ran out the hallway and out the door onto deck 4 just as the sun was setting.

1 last sunset photo from Key West Florida.

How I like to relive the magic of The Disney Cruise Line

2008-10-02T10:59:00.005-04:00

Besides books on the Disney Cruise Line another way I like to keep the magic and wonder of a DCL vacation going is by decorating the walls with Merchandise and keepsakes from the ships.

These items are things I have bought over the years and they are all hanging or sitting by my desk in my office so that even on a dreary day I just have to look up or off to the side at home and there is a reminder of the Disney Cruise Line.

This was a purchase with purchase Pirates in the Caribbean litho that I had signed by Capt Thord. And of course I have one of my many Castaway Club flags hanging off the pic.
Here are 3 of my favorite items all together on my DVD case.

This is the old propellor clock that used to be in the staterooms. It is by Howard Miller Clock Co. so you can find this is some stores around.

This is the new clock in the staterooms. This one is done by Disney as it has a cruise line logo under the clock hands. It also has an alarm that plays When You Wish Upon A Star. This can be purchased onboard both the Wonder and Magic for $46.00

The ship model that is sold onboard

The cruise line map showing all the ports of call for the Disney Cruise Line. The bottom left corner is a Castaway Club Return Cruiser Magnet.

Inside the book. The Disney Magic, Launching of a Dream

2008-10-02T10:50:00.005-04:00

Yesterdays post about different books I like to read to relive the cruise experience brought some feedback. Mostly it was about the book Disney Magic, Launching the dream. So I took a few photos of the inside of the book, to show you all what it looks like.

The book and all photos are copyrighted by Disney Enterprises Inc.

This book is available through Walt Disney World Mail Order at

407-363-6200. The SKU is 400-144-18690 and it costs $14.95

The mural from behind the Guest Relations desk
The nautical alphabet found on deck 5
Alot of great pics from the building of the Disney Magic in Italy
Also alot of concept art like these pages for Palo. Including fabric designs and color palletes

My favorite books to relive the Magic of a DCL Vacation

2008-10-01T15:49:00.004-04:00

Here are some of my favorite DCL books that I have on my bookshelf at home. These books all help me to relive the cruise experience. Most of these are older versions of books you can get currently. Having been as many times as I have I don't really have a need to get updated versions all the time. If you are looking for these I know the Birnbaum official guide and the passporter DCL book are available at most bookstores. The Disney Magic Launching of a dream is available through WDW Mail Order and the Stateroom book I got off of EBay a few years ago, so you might have luck with it on there.

This book is the older version of what is currently in the staterooms onboard the Magic and Wonder. This book has maps, shore excursions, ads for different retialers in the different ports of call and ship information. This book was updated a couple years ago so Disney sent the older versions to Disney shops like MouseSurplus where you could buy them. I got this copy off of Ebay for like 5 bucks a couple years ago.

This book, Disney Magic the Launching of a dream is a fantastic look at the making of the Disney Magic with lots of concept art, photos from the shipyard in Italy as the Magic was being built as well as a lot of the art work and Walt Disney photos from around the ship. I love this book. If anyone is interested in purchasing this book you can purchase it through WDW Mail Order at 407-363-6200. The SKU is 400-144-18690 and it costs $14.95

The Passporter guides are widely recognized as the authority on DCL and WDW as well. The book is so informative and well written as you read through it you can almost feel the waves and smell the sea air. This book is great. I got my copy off of EBay.

Finally, the Birnbaum official guide to DCL. Most people don't like this book as they say it basically gives you the company line since it is published by Hyperion which is a division of the Walt Disney Co. I like this book as well as it gives you an overview of the official website as well as all the shore excursions and has lots of color photos from the ship and Castaway. This book is available at all bookstores as well as online sites like Amazon.com

I will post some pics of the insides of a few of these books in the near future.

WOW

2008-10-01T15:08:00.002-04:00

You know sometimes you take photos that just seem normal and then after you get them developed or you really look at them you see things that makes the picture a WOW.

I intended for this pic of the Atrium Chandelier on the Disney Magic to simply be a picture of the chandelier nothing more. But after I looked at this and saw the light from the portholes glowing up towards the chandelier even I have to say WOW...=)

The Billboards of Route 66 on the Disney Wonder

2008-10-01T12:21:00.003-04:00

To continue my theme for the day, here are more photos from Route 66, the Adult nightclub area onboard the Disney Wonder.

This set of pictures features the billboards and signs on the walls which remind me of the billboards and old travel postcards you see in old magazines and old travel brochures.

My favorite sign is the first picture below. Look at the TV and you will notice Uncle Walt himself.

A stroll down Route 66 on the Disney Wonder

2008-10-01T11:11:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite themed areas on both ships is the Nightclub District.

The Disney Wonder's is themed to Route 66, otherwise know as the Mother Road.

If you have seen Disney-Pixars Cars you will know about Route 66.

Below are some pictures of the area starting with the signs you see when you enter the area from the Atrium.

I love the way the themeing is done for this area. The carpet is a map of Route 66. The walls are adorned with old billboards like you might have seen along the highway and the posts are done to look like telephone poles. The walls and ceiling are adorned with clouds and desert rock work to tie this whole area together. This truly is one of the best examples of how good Disney is at telling a story through themeing.

Wish I could be sitting in one of these

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Anyone who has ever sat in one of these deck chairs on Deck 4, otherwise known as the Promenade Deck will know how incredibly comfy they are. Many nights I have found my self falling asleep in one of these as the Magic sails through the dark ocean.

Christmas at Castaway Cay

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To finish up my Christmas theme today, I offer up some photos of

Castaway Cay all decked out for Christmas.

These are from December 8, 2007

The tram loading area all decked out
The post office in the holiday spirit
The Sand Snowmen photo op right off the ship

Tree and photo area right at the dock

Christmas Flying Dutchmen

Notice the Reindeer nose on the front of the tram
The Reindeer tail on the back of the tram

The press release on the enhancements the Disney Magic just received

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A Wave of Enhancements for the Disney Magic Cruise Ship as it Returns from Dry Dock

CELEBRATION, Fla. – New enhancements are now in place on the Disney Magic as the ship returns from dry dock. The 2,700 passenger cruise ship received a series of upgrades from Sept 6 - 24, 2008.
Here is a glimpse at what's new onboard the Disney Magic:
Indulgence and Relaxation Quiet Cove, the serene pool retreat reserved for the enjoyment of adults, received a makeover including upgrades to Cove Café, the pool and the deck area. Cove Café, the ship’s sophisticated coffee lounge, now features a new seating area with plush, comfortable chairs providing the perfect venue to relax while sipping a cup of gourmet coffee. Meanwhile, the adult pool was outfitted with soothing, cascading waterfalls from the two hot tubs. Teak deck and lounge chairs with plush cushions line the pool, creating an inviting, stylish ambiance in line with the Vista Spa and Salon.

Fun for the Little Ones The Oceaneer Club, a Neverland-themed play space for 3-7 year olds, and the Oceaneer Lab, a whacky and interactive laboratory exclusively for 8-12 year olds, were enhanced with new registration areas that make the check-in process more efficient and hassle-free. This sets the stage for incorporating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in the youth activity areas later this year, which will further enhance and streamline the check-in process. The technology uses RFID tags embedded on wristbands, allowing children to simply tap a sensor to check in and out of the clubs. Even the youngest cruisers now have a splashtacular time in “Mickey’s Splash Zone,” a new toddler water playground inspired by Fantasia’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice. This 385-square-foot extension to the Mickey Pool on deck 9 features star- and moon-shaped interactive fountains, a soft play surface and whimsical splash zones; creating an inviting environment for children not yet toilet trained and in swim diapers.

New ConveniencesThe guest staterooms onboard the Disney Magic received an infusion of technology with the installation of flat-screen LCD television sets. The new 22-inch units are mounted on a swivel arm to allow easy viewing from multiple locations within the stateroom.
A leader in the family cruise segment, Disney Cruise Line offers three-, four- and seven-night itineraries to The Bahamas and the Caribbean. Land/sea vacation packages that include a stay at the Walt Disney World Resort are also available. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at 888/325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

Christmas Terminal Photos

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To continue with my Christmas theme for the day.

Here are some photos from the Terminal at Port Canaveral, taken

December 6, 2007

Christmas on the Disney Cruise Line

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It is never too early for a little Christmas Spirit,

My favorite time of year is Christmas. And what better place

to spend the holidays than onboard the Disney Cruise Line.

For 2008 here is the decoration schedule for the ships, terminal and Castaway

Terminal-November 7-January 14

Disney Magic-November 15-January 15

Disney Wonder-November 9-January 13

Castaway Cay-November 27-January 13

The ships are truely spectacular all year but they take on a special

Magic at the holidays.

Here are a few photos I took on my Dec 6-9 Wonder Cruise Last year.

The atrium onboard the Disney Wonder
Disney Wonder
Outside the Theatre
Christmas Tree in the atrium
Gingerbread house along the hallway in between Tritons and Promenade Lounge

Wonder Upgrades(Magic got these too)

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Here are some photos from the Disney Wonder showing off the upgrades she received during her last drydock.

The Disney Magic received these upgrades a few weeks ago as well.

I will be on the Magic in November and will get some upgrade photos of the Magic.

An overview of the Quiet Cove Adult Pool Area

Super Comfortable Teak Loungers by the Adult Quiet Cove Pool

The Quiet Cove pool...Adult Heaven. Notice the waterfalls coming out of the

hottubs as well as the mother of pearl overlay to the hot tubs and deck area.

This is a nice upgrade over the nautical flag look previously.

Another view of the Adult Pool area
The kids splash zone by the Mickey Pool. The stars shoot water up like fountains and the Mickey hand is holding a wand which shoots water down as well.

Verandah View

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Here are some pictures taken from my Veranda on board the Disney Wonder.

These pictures were taken March 7, 2008.

I took these as we were headed into Nassau that morning.

The beauty of the ocean and the sunrise really adds to the

romance and elegance of a cruise.

Stateroom Photos

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Here are some photos of an Outside Category Stateroom. These were taken on

board the Disney Wonder last December 6- December 9 2007

by yours truly

This is the view from the door looking in with our large porthole.
This is the 1/2 bath that is always mentioned.

The one bathroom has the toilet and sink and the other has

the shower/tub and another sink.

Notice the steamer trunk to the right of the TV, gives a lot of extra storage space in this category.

Lots of closet space and drawers with the propeller clock on top.

The TV/Desk area along with a small beverage cooler underneath

A great cut away graphic of the Disney Cruise Line Ships

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I have always loved the graphic of the DCL ships done as a cutaway. Even though this is an old graphic as it still shows the old ESPN skybox and Common Grounds it is a cool way for a new cruiser to see the layout.

It reminds me of the cutaway ship model in the terminal at Port Canaveral. Below the graphic is a picture of the terminal model for you to see what I'm talking about.

The Disney Magic

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Here are some photos of the original ship in the fleet. The Disney Magic, now celebrating

its 10th anniversary as the flagship of Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Magic in St. Thomas
The Disney Magic in Cozumel Mexico
The Disney Magic in St. Marteen
The Disney Magic and Flying Dutchman at Castaway Cay
The Disney Magic in Cozumel Mexico

Disney Cruise Line Towel Animals

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One of my favorite things from the cruise is to return to my stateroom at night and see what towel animal my stateroom host/hostess has left for me.

Disney Cruise Line

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Hi everyone

I decided to make my blog less about WDW and more about my first love the Disney Cruise Line. As of today I have been 8 times on DCL. 4 times on the Magic and 4 times on the Wonder so I have a ton of photos to share with everyone. I hope my photos will help those who have never been with some of their questions about cruising and I hope my photos will help those who have been on DCL before, remember the magic and wonder of a Disney Cruise Vacation. Enjoy