2nd Anniversary on the Magic 11/6/13

[LuvLuvLuv]

Let's get this party started

We just got home a few hours ago, and boy oh boy do we have some landsickness. Eep! We are all over the place. I never dreamt it would be this bad!

Hi, I'm Deena! Notorious for taking hundreds of photos, being brutally honest, a bit comedic, and never finishing trip reports right towards the end

In August of 2012, DH and I moved super close to WDW--like 3 miles close We have very much enjoyed being close to the parks, but we have dearly missed vacation. We would frequent WDW a few times per year before we moved to the area. When our favorite vacation destination became local fun, it was time to figure out what we could do to escape the world for a few days. You know... a few days when there's no dog barking at you when you're eating, no dishes in the sink to do, and no going to work? Yeah--I need that.

As much as we love Disneyland, it wasn't in the cards for this year. We decided to give DCL a shot for our 2nd anniversary.

I booked November 7-10 on the Dream out of Port Canaveral. Did tons of research for our first cruise ever.... then I got sick. July and August were a real challenge for me health wise. Health challenges follow with financial challenges and we were left having to cancel our cruise

September was looking up. I was getting stronger every day, and getting life back on track. We decided that since it was close, if we kept saving, we could most likely try to get our vacation back if a good Florida resident rate came out. So I waited, and watched, and was really hoping for the Nov 7th Dream. Finally it was getting too close, and I was getting nervous. We found a great rate for a 4 night, 9B on the Magic sailing out of Miami. This meant an extra day I needed to take off work, a 3 1/2 hour drive, Deck 2, and a re-imagined ship. I was nervous because it wasn't my original plan.... but OMG.... We are going on vacation!!!!

The next couple weeks were spent doing as much re-planning as possible. We were nervous with the canceling of 10/20, more nervous with the reviews that came to follow. We promised we were not going to let any of that bother us, although it was weighing pretty heavy in the back of my mind. With less than 2 weeks to go--I became ill again. I was a perfect patient of taking it easy and taking my medicine, and felt almost 100% going in.

Tuesday night we dropped our doggy off with our friend, and did our last minute packing. We are procrastinators for sure!

The adventure starts with the next post! I'm working on uploading and sorting photos and I can't wait to share!!

 

[ALMinVA]

I'm in! Excited to hear all about the new Magic!
Glad you were feeling better in time for your vacation

 

[ness0905]

can't wait for this just planned our trip on the magic for april 28th and had not been thinking of doing a cruise at all so now I am in major planning mode and am trying to get all the info I can looking forward to your report

 

[colachdec]

Subbing. . . We were on this cruise, too! What an amazing time we had!! Can't wait to hear all abut your anniversary cruise.
FTR, we were all a little land sick and this was our third cruise, eek!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Hi all!! Thanks for joining!! Yesterday I spent an hour on my first post, and I lost it So I'm working on re-creating tonight!

 

[basketlacey]

I'm here! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

I realized the night before that I needed to do more laundry. For the number of lists I had, you would think I would have been more prepared. I tossed the laundry in after we dropped Baxter off, got some minor non-clothing items together and decided I was tired and would just get up early.

So my day began a little after 4am. I got everything together as fast as I could, and as time was running out, I just tossed everything within arms reach into my bags. We had over packed. I know. We both took a large suitcase, he had a backpack full of booze, and I had a Vera Bradley Miller Bag full of things we might need during the day. Around 6am, DH finally wakes up, we get ready, and are on the road by 7:10 on our way to Miami!

In the beginning of the year, we got new cars. I went from an Equinox to an Avenger, and he went from a G6 to a Dart. We both went smaller, and took the Dart as the obvious choice which is super amazing on gas. I've been known to be a little claustrophobic, especially when my nerves are on edge or I'm anxious. I felt trapped in this tiny little go kart. Shortly after we got on the turnpike I was sitting Indian style, then laid the seat back, tried to go on my side, jumped in the back, rolled around in about 8 positions back there, sat in the back seat with my head resting on the laid back seat, then upon his request when we were getting close, I got back in the co-pilot's seat to help with directions as we arrived. I never did get a nap, nor did I ever become comfortable.

I want to add that getting the SunPass for the car was an amazing decision. The special lane in South Florida came in handy, and not stopping at booths was really nice!

We pulled into Safe Cruise Parking at 10:20am and handed the attendant our confirmation page. I already know what you're thinking. In the Port of Miami, it is highly recommended to park at the port garage, but I am a strong believer that if something is going to happen, it can happen anywhere... so I'm going to pay $36 instead of $100. I was pleasantly surprised that it was spacious, organized, and looked pretty good to me. The shuttle driver was waiting for us with a van. He was a really nice guy that made friendly (not annoying) chatter with us. We stopped at Premier Parking and picked up another couple, and we arrived at Terminal F safely. The whole experience was mighty efficient.





Well we're here! I'm going to go ahead and post this to assure it's safe More to come!

 

[MizDisney513]

Tuning in for your report!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

This was our cruise ever. I did lots of research, but when you are in the moment, you realized your priorities should have been a little different. Knowing that you can get cookies and milk before bedtime was not going to help me being that we were at the Terminal at 10:42am, and our arrival time was set to 12:30. Were we allowed to be here yet?

I tried to allow a lot of time for traffic, and the shuttle... but since we had no issues, we were really early. Heck, we pulled into the parking lot at 10:20, got to the port, checked our luggage and were in line at 10:42! I made the executive decision to stay in line and see what happened next. If they didn't want us yet, we would find a seat and hang.

We got to the door, they checked our identifications, and we got in the short line for security at 10:48. Security was a breeze. We joked about having to get in line with the "first timers".



In the back of my head, I still didn't know what would happen since we were so early. This line wasn't as swift as the others we had been in, but it still moved faster than your local WalMart on a Saturday. They gave us our Navigator while in line, so I tried to look thru it while moving through. We checked in, no issues, painless process, got our KTTW Card and Boarding #12.

This was another planning fail of mine--I knew nothing about boarding numbers. I had one focus, and it was to try to get a Palo Brunch. Since we booked late in the game, it was already sold out, and I had read too many good things to miss it. I was really nervous that we wouldn't get in. I read in the Navigator that they would open the restaurant at 12:30pm to take reservations--we had to get there.

I didn't know if 12 was good or bad, but the lady behind me had 19... so I knew we were at least better than her

We found a couple seats and I wanted to take a few photos. First up was our Boarding # and KTTW Cards.



As I'm taking this picture, I notice the Dining Rotation for the first time. This won't do.

L (Lumiere's)
A (Animator's) PIRATE NIGHT
C (Carioca's)
L (Lumiere's)

This doesn't even make sense. Since the first time David and I watched that Travel Channel special when we were still dating... all he's talked about was wanting to eat at the "Black and White" restaurant. He was so excited when they didn't completely overhaul it in the refurb so he'd finally see the show. Well we didn't have a show at all--just Pirate Night. I was sad. I was 85% sure in my mind I could fix it, I just needed to find out where to go. I didn't have a clue. Another lack in planning--I just knew it was possible to request a change, but had no clue where to go.

Now it was the waiting game. I'm going to leave you hanging here. I'm exhausted, but am excited to at least get the ball rolling!

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

I have a few extra minutes at work, so I am going to do a little post and will add the photos in later when at home.

So my mind was racing, and I wanted to do a little research, but alas, I left my iPhone charger in my checked luggage and my battery was rapidly passing away. I had to get it together and come up with a plan.

Boarding started closer to noon. I'm not sure why, or if it was late, because the first time available was 12:30 for me when I booked. It was going quicker than I anticipated, so I really needed to think fast because the possibility of getting to Palo at 12:30 was actually possible.

I am the master planner, and my husband appreciates this. He does not make phone calls, schedule appointments, or take initiative on much. He does not take well to approaching strangers with a favor or request. (Even if it is... Hi, I'd like a Large Pepperoni Pizza )

I was nervous to even bring this up, but it couldn't hurt to ask.

"I need your help. Can you help me?"
"What"
"I need you to go directly to Palo and try to get us a brunch while I change our dining rotation. We actually have a chance of getting the brunch if you do this."
"I don't know where to go"
"Ummm, I've never been here either, you are going to have to read a sign and figure it out. It's on Deck 10."
"What do I say?"
"Hi, I was wondering if there were any reservations available for brunch. Take whatever time they give you."
*Sigh*
"Can you do this?"
"I'll try."
"If you want that pizza--you have to do this."
"That's the place with the pizza? Deck 10 right?"
"Yes. Okay. I will go straight to Guest Services and find out where to change the dining rotation, you go to Palo, and we will meet at the Spa to take the tour that enters us in the raffle. Deal?"
"Okay"

Shortly after our plan was official, our number was called. It was up the escalator, around the bend, down the hallway, over the sky walk, and on to the MAGIC!

The last words I said were... "Don't stop to look at anything, don't stop for Mickey, GO!"

And we did

Heading home now More later on this adventure!

 

[DoomBuggy0922]

I haven't logged into the DIS in a millennia...


ANYWAY, I would also do anything for the pizza. Just FYI. I want pictures of the room!

 

[slindamood]

Loving your report! And the photos

We sail Dec. 18 and its so nice to see what it will be like arriving, checking in, etc.

-Waiting for more!

 

[Larkinfamily]

Loving your trip report

 

[Mickey Mark]

Going on the Magic 1/17/2014. Can't wait

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

Thanks everyone for being patient!! I hope everyone had a great holiday, got good shopping deals, and ate lots of turkey! Somehow when I get home, things escape me, but I have a little time to type now, and I will add photos in later.

As we step on the ship, they ask our name and announce us as we enter Deck 4. We knew going in that Miami does not have the set up that Port Canaveral does. This didn't take any magic away for us because we were on missions. We blew past the character lines as we got our first glimpses of the Magic.

My first reaction was that the atrium was much smaller than I envisioned. Perhaps it is just the angles of photos I had looked at, or maybe the absence of the second staircase I found the stairs and went down to guest services. The first thing I noticed was a sign saying the ship was full and no upgrades were available. GOOD. I was happy that they weren't tempting me with giving my brand new KTTW card a work out upon arrival. I wasn't ecstatic about being on Deck 2, but it was a good deal with the FL resident rate, and we were on vacation, so I would suck it up. There was no line so I walked right up and asked where I could change my dining rotation. This made me feel very touristy. I know all of Disney World and Disneyland like the back of my hand, so asking for help was odd for me. She directed me to Lumiere's and told me they would start doing changes at 12:30. It was 12:25, so I took a look around before peeping my head in the door. There were two gentlemen at a table with laptops who asked me to come in and have a seat... so I did.

I asked them if I could change my dining rotation, and upon their request, I handed them my KTTW card. Once they pulled me up in the system, the gentleman on my right (Sorin) asked why I would want to change, that I was on his service and assured I would be well taken care of. I didn't know how to take this, but I quickly realized through his accent that he was being genuine. I said that I really wanted to see the animation show and that we were only schedule for pirate night.

Both of them got very confused and took another look at my card. They determined that it was a mix up and that my card shouldn't have been printed with LACL, but LLAC. They apologized and said they were still working out a few things with the re-imagine. I could tell they were hiding panic that they were going to get bombarded with people not knowing where they were going and others unhappy about their rotation. They printed me out tickets to show my correct rotation and I was on my way. I was the first one in there, so I'm not sure how it went after that... but I hope it wasn't too painful for them.

My mission was complete. I wonder how DH was doing with his? As I was battling some crowds I was giggling to myself as I pictured in my head his interaction at Palo. I shouldn't be like this, but it's funny. When he is presented with a situation where he has to call somewhere or talk to someone, he changes his voice, and almost a little bit of an English accent comes out. I remember a while ago I had asked him to call Red Lobster to see when they closed and I hear, "Um, yes ma'am, can you tell me what time your establishment closes?" Perhaps you needed to hear it, or know him personally to find it quite as funny as I do. I am visioning him going to Palo with his "phone voice" asking for a reservation with his "Um, yes Sir" salutation. I'm laughing as I type this.

Our plan was to meet at the spa to take a tour. Palo reservations started at 12:30, and it was just 12:30 now. I figured there would be a line, so I had a few minutes to explore and take some photos. So I did. I was trying to retain where everything was, but I was a bit overwhelmed with how beautiful the scenery was and found myself taking photo after photo of Miami and the water.

I make it over to the spa and find him lounging in a chair. I was shocked to see that he made it there before me. Apparently his mission was as efficient as mine and he scored us a 10:00am spot at Palo Brunch The manager told him to get there early so we could get a window seat for our anniversary. Super Sweet! I asked him how he asked him (because I just wanted to hear it), but he just summarized for me and I didn't push. I was just really happy that luck was on our side!

At risk of this "poofing" like some of my previous posts.... I'm going to submit this. If all stays quiet today... I should be able to do some more!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

I found you! And I'm all caught up! Please keep writing as I need something to read as I slowly heal.

 

[Janet B]

Deena!!

Will print and get caught up later .... getting ready to go someplace today ...

heck you can give me an update in person!!

See you Wed!

I found you! And I'm all caught up! Please keep writing as I need something to read as I slowly heal.

Linda, remember to give me an update today

 

[LuvLuvLuv]

So we're at the spa. I love going to the spa. I've worked in cosmetics and skincare the majority of my adult life. My most favorite spa is at Saratoga Springs. I haven't been since they've changed from Niki Bryan to Senses, but I hope to go soon. I find myself going thru the menus of Saratoga Springs, Grand Floridian, and Mandara at Swan/Dolphin quite often. I know all the treatments, explanations, and prices off the top of my head. Lately I've had some crazy pain in my neck and shoulders, so I saved a few pennies to get that taken care of while we were there. I read that they tend to do specials while on board, so I didn't book yet. I had, however, purchased a rainforest pass in advance, and booked the Rasul for our last day out of sheer curiosity.

We enter the spa and tell them we're there for a tour. They hand us a menu and tell us someone will with us in just a moment. Within a moment of looking at the menu, my confusion set in. The services and products were Mandara Spa services and products, but it was under the Senses name. I never did ask, but I just found it odd. I like the Elemis products better anyway, so no need to complain. I'm probably the only person in the world to take notice of this. I'm observant, what can I say?

So we got our tour guide. I'm sure a lot of people just go on the tour and zone out. I'm like the attentive nerd in the front row that takes it all in. I really do love this stuff. The pain I have been having has been pretty intense. I play it off because life must go on, but boy oh boy, when they explained the seaweed wrap with massage, I was positive that it would help me... but I was also positive that it was a million dollars. Moving on. DH was pretty intrigued by the acupuncture. This surprises me, but maybe just because I am terrified of needles. The amount of stress that being in a room with so many needles would cause me would negate any benefits that they could possibly provide. They were really pushing the fat and cellulite treatment. Ladies and Gentlemen... I am on a cruise. I am going to eat steak, shrimp and french fries until I explode and be happy about it They also pushed the tooth whitening hard too. The rooms were beautiful. The villas were amazing, and in the future I will for sure save some money to spend some time in one, unfortunately that would not be this trip. After the tour, we put our names in the raffle and were told to be back at 3pm, and that you must be present to win. I was hoping the novelty of the AquaDunk would keep people from the raffle, so I would be there!

Okay... now we breathe. What next? I'm ready to eat my arm off, but he was really wanting to drop his backpack full of booze which was weighing him down. The rooms aren't supposed to be ready until 1:30, but he insisted we try. We get down to Deck 2... nope, not ready. I was having an "I told you so" moment, but I refrained expressing this out loud. We made our way up to Cabanas and found a seat by the window in the corner. There was a nice little space behind our table to put our carry on stuff. We took turns getting our food. I took a little longer because I had to take pictures of everything.

I thought everything was really good. My favorites were the fresh shrimp and pumpkin pie We took our time there. We knew we didn't want to carry our stuff anymore, so we hung out, nibbled, and played on Facebook until 1:30 when we knew the rooms would be ready.

We made our way down to room 2584. This would be our home for the next 4 nights. When choosing this room, I used the room reviews to see that it was a quiet room, not far from anything. Using DCLs site, AND double checking with the cast member on the phone that it was a non-connecting room. Connecting rooms bug me, and you can hear every last detail beside you and that annoys me. I have also been all over the boards and Facebook to know that lots of rooms have had issues since the dry dock. The best we could do is cross our fingers. So we enter the room............

And I'm going to leave it there.... gotta wrap up some stuff before lunch

 

[pas130]

Hello sweetie!!!! (I should TOTALLY be packing as we leave for the airport in a few hours...but in true PACKcrastination PAScrastination ....I'd much rather read your TR)

 

[sjs314]

Deena I can not wait to read more!