40 is a FANTASY! Chunkeymonkey & Chubbyhubby STAR WARS cruise and POLY Feb 2016 TR Link Added!!

[chunkymonkey]

Wow, they've really got a lot of activities planned for these Star Wars cruises!! You're getting your monies worth

Haha yes I am totally going to take advantage of everything they have offered on SWDAS, it's too bad they don't let adults in on the Jedi Training otherwise you'd see me front and center with my lightsaber!

In my opinion, I think they are very different experiences. The brunch is a set menu, so no choices like the dinner menu. Very elegant, just like dinner, and several small plates are served. You won't feel stuffed like you do after a Palo meal. It's all about tastes (oh, my!) and textures. In that way, it's similar to the dinner service. You begin the brunch with the entire reservation group at the restaurant, so you can chat with fellow cruisers for a bit, and then the chef joins you, says a few words, does a champagne toast, and a waiter passes around some thinly sliced meat (Jamon Iberico) - which is kind of like prosciutto. You get to hear about the special (and very expensive) machine they use to cut the meat so thin. Then you are escorted to your table and have about 4 more small courses, plus dessert and bread. The champagne pairings that are offered are fantastic, and a lot of fun - and I recommend at least one of you getting the champagne pairings. It's pretty cool to taste the differences between the champagnes and learn what they're best paired with. The whole service seems more laid-back, probably because of the set menu and everyone is pretty much getting the same thing. Dressy casual attire, with no jacket required for men, but other than that, the same type of dress as brunch or dinner at Palo. Generally, they don't serve the same foods as they do at dinner, which is another reason to check it out.

Thank you for the info! I'm very excited for both. I love tasting menus and I cannot pass up a good Iberico ham . I just hope my sister is not too lonely when we're at Remy. She's a picky eater and definitely would not appreciate the meals there. But I'm sure she'll find a character or two around the ship to keep her occupied.

 

[kastoney]

Wow, all your cruise ship activities sound great. Just informed my hubby and played him the imperial march and now he wants to go ; ) You've got room for one more, right?

 

[cinderkelly]

Wow your cruise activities look amazing! They have so much fun stuff planned! I listened to the Imperial March horn and got goosebumps!

Not much longer to wait!

 

[natebenma]

So I am a bad, bad, bad trip report friend!!!

I don't get to the PTR forum very often but when I did, I read the first few posts in your report (some a couple of times), however I never responded.

So, I just caught up through Page 7:

The ADRs you booked sound incredible- you have some real heavy hitters there. Definitely a foodie's dream! I haven't seen if you changed from Via to Marrakesh as you were contemplating. Both sound wonderful. We used to go to Marrakesh all the time (the restaurant, but not the country) but haven't been since we started taking the boys to Disney. Haven't been to Via Napoli yet. Considering both for our Anniversary trip in October (just booked that a week ago).

I love, love, love the clever themed names for dishes at Jock Lindsey's. "Squid! Why did it have to be Squid?" Looks awesome!

The food at Morimoto's looks outstanding! That checkerboard sushi!!!

Love your tentative plan for the cruise dining.

Lots of cool Star Wars at Sea merchandise!

I think it is awesome (and maybe your DH's destiny) that The Force Awakens opened on his birthday. I am so glad you got the tickets for where and when you wanted.



On a somewhat related note- I FINALLY saw The Force Awakens last Saturday, with my friend Teena in Florida. She didn't remember the original movies so on the way to the theatre, I gave her the backstories and the descriptions/relationships of the characters.

So, we had to stop at Walmart first, and checkout took a ridiculously obscene amount of time and then we couldn't find a parking space at the theatre. Finally, one opened, but we didn't have much time before the movie started, so I didn't have a chance to hit the restroom. So, you know when you are sitting there, thinking you should have gone to the restroom, and then you really do need to go. I slipped out of the theatre in the middle of the movie. When I got back, Teena told me that I left during the most critical point in the movie. Fortunately, she was able to tell me quickly what had been revealed.

 

[natebenma]

Happy Very Belated Anniversary! Your brunch looked really awesome and seeing the Book of Mormon sounds like a lot of fun. I haven't seen that show yet. Thanks for sharing the photos from the wedding. And from this years Halloween adventures.

Now, on to Hawaii. Thanks so much for the beaches tour. Wow, Lani Kai beach looks awesome. Have you done any activities at Kualoa Park? I think we considered doing an excursion there.

Also appreciate your mouthwatering posts about your meals. I would have loved your suggestions when we visited. I think one of your early trip reports was the first I have ever heard of shave ice and I am happy to report that I now know what the hype is about!

If we return to Oahu, I will check out The Pig and the Lady. Just like you had the perfect merged anniversary dessert, the passionfruit crème brulee would be ours. Mark's favorite dessert is crème brulee and passionfruit is one of my favorite flavors.

We had poke for the first time in Oahu and now I make it at home. Ben can eat bowls of it.

I did not know anything about shrimp trucks, but I am in!


I absolutely loved the activities you did on Oahu. First off, on hiking Koko Head. The sunrise photography tour looked fantastic. The Kahuka Farms Smoothie Tour sounds right up my alley. And finally, although I am not much of a shopper, but I think your Little Mermaid tote is super cute!

 

[natebenma]

And I'm caught up!!!



Thanks for the link with all the Star Wars News at HS. I did have the unexpected opportunity to go on Star Tours last Sunday, with scenes based on The Force Awakens. It was awesome!

I am so glad that you got such a good deal on your park tickets. Well done!

A Very Happy Belated Birthday to Steve! What a fantastic weekend celebration! Your suite was sweet and it is awesome that you could celebrate with there with friends. I was really blown away about how good The Force Awakens was. I was mesmerized the whole time, the action was fantastic and I loved the humor.

I loved reading your park plans- FP and dining all together. Your trip is going to be so spectacular, and your birthday in particular sounds amazing.

Thanks for sharing the goings-on at Star Wars at Sea. What a fun themed cruise!

 

[ursalita]

Your update about the cruise has me so excited to finally try a cruise! Thank you for sharing the info. All of the activities sound like they will be perfect for my boys and I could get some beach time. Will definitely look into it for the future.

- Star Wars 101 sessions for those who are not in tune with the galaxy far far away...I will probably send Chunkysis to this.

This is a great idea. Not that anyone should need it...

- At noon, the ship's horn will play the Imperial March - which it has never done before. OMG I just about died when I heard this! They are really going all out with this cruise! You can hear the horn here:

That is beyond awesome. I played your video and my son ran over and said he heard the Star Wars song. I didn't think it could get cooler than this:

Is it in bad taste to order everything off the menu??!?

Absolutely not. You would be remiss not to.

Needless to say, I am BEYOND excited for this cruise especially since we have tangible stuff to look forward to! Now...to find something to wear...

I am so excited to hear about it.

 

[chunkymonkey]

Wow, all your cruise ship activities sound great. Just informed my hubby and played him the imperial march and now he wants to go ; ) You've got room for one more, right?

Actually, yes! We do have an extra pull-down bed since I upgraded ourselves to the "deluxe" family oceanview. Hehehe.

Wow your cruise activities look amazing! They have so much fun stuff planned! I listened to the Imperial March horn and got goosebumps!

Not much longer to wait!

Thanks! I am so excited, I think I'm going to just about pass out once I board the ship from over-excitement, LOL. That happens, right?

So I am a bad, bad, bad trip report friend!!!

I don't get to the PTR forum very often but when I did, I read the first few posts in your report (some a couple of times), however I never responded.

So, I just caught up through Page 7:

yay!

The ADRs you booked sound incredible- you have some real heavy hitters there. Definitely a foodie's dream! I haven't seen if you changed from Via to Marrakesh as you were contemplating. Both sound wonderful. We used to go to Marrakesh all the time (the restaurant, but not the country) but haven't been since we started taking the boys to Disney. Haven't been to Via Napoli yet. Considering both for our Anniversary trip in October (just booked that a week ago).

I actually cut out Via Napoli because I wanted to eat at Yachtsman again. I am considering though, having dinner at Epcot instead (my orignal choices of Via Napoli or Marrakesh), because I realize we don't actually have a meal scheduled for WS which is usually a place we eat a lot in each trip. Granted, we will be trying the F and G kiosks while we're there so that may actually fill us up. I'm up for the challenge of stuffing my face though.

I love, love, love the clever themed names for dishes at Jock Lindsey's. "Squid! Why did it have to be Squid?" Looks awesome!

The food at Morimoto's looks outstanding! That checkerboard sushi!!!

DIsney Springs is really stepping up it's food game! I'm really excited to be dining there!

Love your tentative plan for the cruise dining.

Lots of cool Star Wars at Sea merchandise!

Sooo excited. Not sure what I'm more excited about...the food or the merchandise.

I think it is awesome (and maybe your DH's destiny) that The Force Awakens opened on his birthday. I am so glad you got the tickets for where and when you wanted.

On a somewhat related note- I FINALLY saw The Force Awakens last Saturday, with my friend Teena in Florida. She didn't remember the original movies so on the way to the theatre, I gave her the backstories and the descriptions/relationships of the characters.

So, we had to stop at Walmart first, and checkout took a ridiculously obscene amount of time and then we couldn't find a parking space at the theatre. Finally, one opened, but we didn't have much time before the movie started, so I didn't have a chance to hit the restroom. So, you know when you are sitting there, thinking you should have gone to the restroom, and then you really do need to go. I slipped out of the theatre in the middle of the movie. When I got back, Teena told me that I left during the most critical point in the movie. Fortunately, she was able to tell me quickly what had been revealed.

Thanks! Yes I think it was some sort of birthday destiny when it was announced it was opening on Dec 18th. And of course that just upped the pressure on my part. It definitely took a few tries but I'm glad we got what we wanted!

Oh whew! I am glad you were able to catch up from your friend! Boo for lack of parking spaces! I've had that happen before and it's super annoying!

Happy Very Belated Anniversary! Your brunch looked really awesome and seeing the Book of Mormon sounds like a lot of fun. I haven't seen that show yet. Thanks for sharing the photos from the wedding. And from this years Halloween adventures.

Thank you! It was a fun fall season!

Now, on to Hawaii. Thanks so much for the beaches tour. Wow, Lani Kai beach looks awesome. Have you done any activities at Kualoa Park? I think we considered doing an excursion there.

Lanikai is beautiful but it can get really windy. Kualoa ranch is awesome. We did the Movie and Film set ATV tour (the 2 hour one). It was awesome! If you don't want to ride ATVs there is also a bus tour. It's really neat to see the sights that you always see in movies. I do have a blog write up of that excursion!
http://sulynnchen.com/travelblog/?p=343

Also appreciate your mouthwatering posts about your meals. I would have loved your suggestions when we visited. I think one of your early trip reports was the first I have ever heard of shave ice and I am happy to report that I now know what the hype is about!

Thanks! You know we love to eat!

If we return to Oahu, I will check out The Pig and the Lady. Just like you had the perfect merged anniversary dessert, the passionfruit crème brulee would be ours. Mark's favorite dessert is crème brulee and passionfruit is one of my favorite flavors.

The Pig and the Lady is so unique and delicious! And MW restaurant is one of the best "fine dining" in Hawaii. I say fine dining but you can show up in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts and no one would bat an eye when you sit and order the tasting menu.

We had poke for the first time in Oahu and now I make it at home. Ben can eat bowls of it.

Me too! I just made it yesterday for a bunch of friends that came over. It's the perfect food for gatherings because I don't actually have to "cook" anything! LOL

I did not know anything about shrimp trucks, but I am in!

OMG this is a must when you go to the north shore of Oahu. A lot of people go to Giovanni's (it's the most famous) but I am partial to Romy's and Fumi's. But in all honesty a lot of the shrimp trucks do a great plate of garlic shrimp. yum!

I absolutely loved the activities you did on Oahu. First off, on hiking Koko Head. The sunrise photography tour looked fantastic. The Kahuka Farms Smoothie Tour sounds right up my alley. And finally, although I am not much of a shopper, but I think your Little Mermaid tote is super cute!

I know right? Super un-athletic me climbing a mountain. I regularly dislike hiking but I guess I thought if this like a workout which I desperately needed after our gastronomic adventures so far. The smoothie tour is fun! But it did get pretty hot, good thing the tour was not that long, but it's worth it for the delicious smoothie at the end.

I love the tote! I realize it's not really ideal for this vacation coming up, because first, it's very structured and bulky and I like to travel with lightweight crossbody bags or totes. Also I won't be needing such a large bag for the cruise since you don't need to bring anything around with you other than your keys to the world card. And it's definitely not a park bag! So sadly Little Mermaid will be staying home, but I can't wait to break her out this spring/summer!

And I'm caught up!!!

YAY!!!

Thanks for the link with all the Star Wars News at HS. I did have the unexpected opportunity to go on Star Tours last Sunday, with scenes based on The Force Awakens. It was awesome!

What! Were you in WDW again?!

I am so glad that you got such a good deal on your park tickets. Well done!

Whew! Yes, so happy when I crossed it off the mental checklist!

A Very Happy Belated Birthday to Steve! What a fantastic weekend celebration! Your suite was sweet and it is awesome that you could celebrate with there with friends. I was really blown away about how good The Force Awakens was. I was mesmerized the whole time, the action was fantastic and I loved the humor.

Thank you!! We had a great day! The movie was so good! And I have seen it 3 times so far and I have not gotten tired of it. I cannot wait to see it again!!

I loved reading your park plans- FP and dining all together. Your trip is going to be so spectacular, and your birthday in particular sounds amazing.

Thank you!! Soooo looking forward to it! In a few days it will be my 30-day mark!!! YIKES! (well, 30 days until the cruise. About 37 days until WDW!)

Thanks for sharing the goings-on at Star Wars at Sea. What a fun themed cruise!

I can't believe there is a dedicated day at sea for Star Wars! I'm wondering what all the non-Star Wars fans are going to do? They are broadcasting John Williams' score all throughout the ship...I don't think there is a way to escape the power of the force! Bwahahaha.

Your update about the cruise has me so excited to finally try a cruise! Thank you for sharing the info. All of the activities sound like they will be perfect for my boys and I could get some beach time. Will definitely look into it for the future.

Yay! How exciting! I hope they continue the SWDAS! It sounds like it was a huge success! I loved seeing everyone's pictures from the day. It was so cool and I can't believe I'm going to experience it in exactly...31 days!!

This is a great idea. Not that anyone should need it...

I know right? I think it should be part of every school curriculum...just sayin'

That is beyond awesome. I played your video and my son ran over and said he heard the Star Wars song. I didn't think it could get cooler than this:[/MEDIA]

LOL! That was awesome! What cruise line is that? I don't think I recognized the logo but in all honestly I am not a regular cruiser so if it doesn't have a big Mickey Mouse head on it's hull I probably won't recognize the ship.

Absolutely not. You would be remiss not to.

Excellent advice and I will probably do just that!

I am so excited to hear about it.

[/QUOTE]

 

[natebenma]

What! Were you in WDW again?!

So, yeah, sort of...

Very last minute trip to help my friend Teena, the Beach Club CM, prepare for her end of the month move to Las Vegas to live with her daughter and granddaughter.

I flew in Thursday night, stayed with Teena. On Friday morning we worked around the house and then we went to Magic Kingdom together, and met up with a mutual friend who was there. A fun girls night! Festival of Fantasy Parade, Hall of Presidents, Haunted, Columbia Harbor House, Peter Pan, Pirates, Dole Whip, Celebrate the Magic, Wishes.

:

Then Saturday, more work around the house and then we went to Walmart, The Force Awakens and Sonny's BBQ.

On Sunday (WDW Marathon day) I came in to work with Teena. I was just going to hang around the Beach Club, but I was able to get a ticket, so I went solo to EP and MK. I did Behind the Seeds at LWTL, had lunch at Spice Road Table, boat over to HS where I did Star Tours, Frozen Singalong and Toy Story Mania. Then back to the Beach Club to meet up with friends and then dinner at Cape May Café with another friend and his family.

Left Monday morning.

The best part of the trip was helping and spending an extended amount of time with my friend. Previously, I had only visited her at work or spent time with her at dinner. We had a great couple of days together.



And before leaving, I booked an October trip for Mark and me at the Yacht Club to celebrate our 30th anniversary (which is actually in July). Our first time at Food & Wine and Halloween! We are so excited!!!

 

[chunkymonkey]

So, yeah, sort of...

Very last minute trip to help my friend Teena, the Beach Club CM, prepare for her end of the month move to Las Vegas to live with her daughter and granddaughter.

I flew in Thursday night, stayed with Teena. On Friday morning we worked around the house and then we went to Magic Kingdom together, and met up with a mutual friend who was there. A fun girls night! Festival of Fantasy Parade, Hall of Presidents, Haunted, Columbia Harbor House, Peter Pan, Pirates, Dole Whip, Celebrate the Magic, Wishes.

Oh that's so cool! What a nice last minute trip to hang with your friend and to see WDW!

Then Saturday, more work around the house and then we went to Walmart, The Force Awakens and Sonny's BBQ.

On Sunday (WDW Marathon day) I came in to work with Teena. I was just going to hang around the Beach Club, but I was able to get a ticket, so I went solo to EP and MK. I did Behind the Seeds at LWTL, had lunch at Spice Road Table, boat over to HS where I did Star Tours, Frozen Singalong and Toy Story Mania. Then back to the Beach Club to meet up with friends and then dinner at Cape May Café with another friend and his family.

Left Monday morning.

The best part of the trip was helping and spending an extended amount of time with my friend. Previously, I had only visited her at work or spent time with her at dinner. We had a great couple of days together.

Sounds like a perfect weekend! I wish I knew someone who lived down there. LOL!

And before leaving, I booked an October trip for Mark and me at the Yacht Club to celebrate our 30th anniversary (which is actually in July). Our first time at Food & Wine and Halloween! We are so excited!!!

OMG So exciting!! I can't wait to hear more about your plans!!

 

[ursalita]

What cruise line is that? I don't think I recognized the logo but in all honestly I am not a regular cruiser so if it doesn't have a big Mickey Mouse head on it's hull I probably won't recognize the ship.

I'm not sure what the cruise line is. I just liked it for the song it was playing.

 

[soniam]

LOL! That was awesome! What cruise line is that? I don't think I recognized the logo but in all honestly I am not a regular cruiser so if it doesn't have a big Mickey Mouse head on it's hull I probably won't recognize the ship.

I'm not sure what the cruise line is. I just liked it for the song it was playing.

It's MSC Magnifica, a mediterranean cruise ship, that's currently out of service for repairs. It hit a dock or something in Greece I am not a cruise jedi; I looked it up

 

[ursalita]

It's MSC Magnifica, a mediterranean cruise ship, that's currently out of service for repairs. It hit a dock or something in Greece I am not a cruise jedi; I looked it up

Thanks for the save!

 

[chunkymonkey]

PTR Update 1/20/2016: Star Wars Day at Sea menus, Stateroom Door Decor, Shopping for the Trip, and other random stuff.​

31 Days until Disney Fantasy Cruise!
38 Days until WDW Vacation!
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Super excited to see the full menus posted for dinner on Star Wars Day at Sea on the cruise! I got these from the Disney Cruise Line Blog. All rotational dining restaurants will be serving these menus that night. So looking forward to trying these dishes! So let's just have some fun and see what I will order on Star Wars Day at Sea....​

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Menu Cover and special cocktail and mocktail of the day:​

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Appetizers and Entrees:​

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Lighter Fare Menu: ​

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Dessert Menu: ​

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Drinks menu: ​

Everything sounds so yummy! I guess for fun, if I had to pick something right now, I'd probably get the Bantha Empanadas because there was never an empanada I did not like. I'll also get some greens, probably the Lars Homestead Salad although the Sand People one sounds good too. I will probably also try the Padme Amidala Souffle as it sounds interesting and I've always liked the combination of cheese and apples.

As entrees, I really like the sound of Qui-gon's Crisp Chicken which just sounds like a yummy fried chicken dinner. I'm also intruiged by the Obi-Wan Shroom Steak. I rarely pick the vegetarian option but this sounds like a yummy deep fried breaded mushroom and I like the idea of sticky rice with the green curry. Sounds pretty exotic for Disney Cruise Line!

So without really asking DH or my sister, I think I have a pretty good idea of what they will order. Let's just assume they are not as greedy as me and only order 2 appetizers and 1 entree.

DH - He'll probably be complaining about how much food he's eaten on the cruise so far (remember this is Day 5) - so I'm going to think he'll go light to start with one of the salads, as well as the marinated Opee Sea Killer which sounds like a shrimp cocktail. For entree I think he'll be doing steak...so Lord Vader's Nerf Steak. Which is what I totally want him to order so I can get a bite of it.

Chunkysis - She's not much of a salad person so I think she'll get the Bantha Empanada and one of the soups...maybe the Jar Jar Binks Nyork Chowder. I am pretty sure she'll be getting the pasta entree, namely Yoda's Pappardelle Pasta. Whenever she sees seafood pasta on a menu, she's pretty inclined to order that, I've noticed!

LOL, let's see if I'm right after the cruise!

OK So after my 3 appetizers and 2 entrees, I think we should also order an additional entree for the "table" because I also really want to try the Stormtrooper Flatbread...it looks really good but for some reason I don't think of it as an entree but more of a sharing plate so I'm definitely going to get one for the table. I think everyone will be up for this because a) DH will not complain about more free food b) Chunkysis loves Brie!

For dessert, I'm certain we'll be trying one of everything! The Calrissian Red Velvet Cake, the Cloud City Macaros, Han Solo's Frozen Carbonite sundae, and Leia's Warm Apricot Pudding! Except for the no sugar desserts though. I am allergic to aspartame, sucralose, saccharin etc. so we'll probably skip those unless DH or CS wants to try them.

Oh and as for the specialty cocktails, I think the Galaxy in a Glass sounds yummy! The thing is I've noticed DCL makes their specialty drinks too sweet. I hope this is not the case but I think I will order it anyways just to try. Because this may be my only Star Wars Day at Sea and I have to embrace everything about today!
So...I think we're pretty close to trying the entire menu, right?

I've also been working on our Stateroom Door Decor. For those Disney Cruise newbies (as I was last year!) - the doors for all the staterooms are metal (except for concierge which have a wood overlay) so people tend to bring magnetic decorations to brighten up their door and to personalize it abit! So this year, it being an awesome Star Wars cruise, I needed to have equally awesome decor! Here is my first attempt. I painted and decorated the wood frames. The rest are laminated pictures from Star Wars Weekends last year, as well as some cute graphics I found online! I will be sticking magnet tape on all of them.

Still working on a few extra pictures, but kinda liking how this is turning out.

In other news...I've started to pull out the suitcases and put aside clothing that I think I want to pack. I'm beginning to dread packing for the trip because I have too much stuff that I want to bring. And now I have to include all our Star Wars stuff...DH and I have a bunch of Star Wars t-shirts in addition to our regular Disney stuff. And also, packing for 2 weeks...wow that is a lot! I am thinking there will be laundry done sometime in that period.

I am however, still on the lookout for some new park shoes. Here are 2 that I have purchased so far. I'm not sure I'm keeping both of them but I'm looking for one sneaker-type shoe and one sandal-type shoe. I typically like thick-soled shoes (hence my love for Fitflops) especially for WDW!

The ones on the left are Sketchers GoWalks and I have some already but I really liked the blue sole on these. However when I got them I thought the soles on these were thinner than normal! They do not seem as thick as regular GoWalks. It seems like a comfy shoe otherwise and the back of the shoe actually has a thin fabric at the heel so you can convert them to slides too. I guess this may be why the sole is thinner? Overall, these were rather cheap at 35.99 from DSW so I may just keep them anyways even if I don't bring them because I like the blue soles!

The ones on the right are Fitflops. I have continued to stick to my beloved Fitflops but I got ones that were more of a slide rather than a thong style. I like the sparkly straps and they were cheap too at 39.99! I have not worn this style before so I've been wearing them around the house to get a feel of them. I think they are comfy and hopefully they will be ok after walking for hours in the parks! This one is probably a keeper.

Sorry, my feet aren't that pretty but I wanted to show what they looked like on.

Still looking out for perfect shoes!

I also got a new park bag that I'm testing out! I got this exact bag in graphite gray:

It's a Baggallini Hobo tote that I can wear cross-body. I like all the pockets it has and on the back it has a trolley sleeve (so you can slip it on your rolling luggage handle). The inside of the bag is also hot pink which I thought was cute! This is a departure from my usual LeSportSac deluxe everyday bags which I love but I think I just wanted a change. So since I got the Baggallini I've been using it but I think it's a bit small for my everyday use since I like to carry lots of stuff with me. But when I travel and especially at WDW it should be ok since I travel lighter. I may still bring my LeSportSac just in case.

I also got this novelty canvas tote. It seems perfect for Star Wars Day at Sea!

It's a rather small tote though so probably not big enough for beach towels (maybe just one) but it can definitely hold my phone, goggles, ipad, navigators, and other knick knacks. From what I hear, as Silver Castaway Cay members (since it's our 2nd DCL cruise!) you get a tote bag in your room. So I'm fully utilizing that so that I don't have to bring yet another bulky beach bag.

Nieces and Nephew time!

Just wanted to share a few recent pictures of my cute little nieces and nephew.

I bought my niece Eva a princess suitcase at the Disney Store. She totally wanted it but she didn't want to be in the picture, hence the grumpy face. She was very excited about it though.

BB-8 was a contender too but she's a girly girl at heart:

My other niece, Caylee! I got her a little princess bag but she's too young to really want to use it. Here I am babysitting her this past weekend and of course I gave her everything I'm not supposed to, like a giant cookie. Bad auntie.

And here's the newest addition, our nephew Bryan! He's almost 4 months old! He's so cute. He's wearing one of the Mickey bibs I got him for X-mas!

Hope everyone is having a great week! There's supposed to be a huge snowstorm in the northeast this weekend...yikes! Is it Feb 20th yet?

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[disneyguy4life]

'd probably get the Bantha Empanadas because there was never an empanada I did not like.

i'm right there with you. I've got an empanada place done the street from me and I freaked love it. They are sooooo good.

I've always liked the combination of cheese and apples.

My mouth is watering when I think about my favorite grilled cheese sandwich. Gouda, greenapple, and thick cut smoked bacon with real butter toast. Mmmmmmm. oh so gooood.

 

[soniam]

The food looks delicious, and the menu has a lot of nice Star Wars touches. You are going to have a fabulous time. I can't wait until Summer 2017 cruises are released so that we can book our next one. I would love for more Star Wars cruises, but they didn't say there would be anymore. So, I think it's a short run kind of thing It's so cool that you are getting to go, especially for your birthday.

 

[chunkymonkey]

i'm right there with you. I've got an empanada place done the street from me and I freaked love it. They are sooooo good.

Yeah they are sooo good!!

My mouth is watering when I think about my favorite grilled cheese sandwich. Gouda, greenapple, and thick cut smoked bacon with real butter toast. Mmmmmmm. oh so gooood.

Mmmm bacon! That sandwich sounds really good. Is it some place that makes it out by you or do you make it yourself?

The food looks delicious, and the menu has a lot of nice Star Wars touches. You are going to have a fabulous time. I can't wait until Summer 2017 cruises are released so that we can book our next one. I would love for more Star Wars cruises, but they didn't say there would be anymore. So, I think it's a short run kind of thing It's so cool that you are getting to go, especially for your birthday.

Thanks!! My excitement is through the roof! I can't see why they won't have these cruises again, especially during the non-peak vacation times. I am thinking they will complete these SW cruises, then go back to the drawing board and see what worked and what didn't and tweak it some more and the next set of SW cruises will probably be bigger and better!! I've read about how some of the stuff that was announced didn't really happen, like the "Cantina" that they said would be in the adult bar area was not there, and that there were no Disney characters dressed as SW characters like they have during SW Weekends. But still, it should be interesting to see the progression and see if anything improves/changes within the next 30 days. The next SWDAS is next week! So excited to hear what those passengers have to say!

 

[disneyguy4life]

Mmmm bacon! That sandwich sounds really good. Is it some place that makes it out by you or do you make it yourself?

I make it myself. It is a comfort food and really hits the spot when I need something relatively quick. You'll have to try it. Its sooo good.

 

[KathyM2]

Great updates and I can't believe how close your amazing trip is getting!!

I'm going on an epic birthday trip in less than 2 months!

Crazy!! It all sounds so awesome!!

Also, now that Soarin' is closed, I hope that touring Epcot will be a little less crazy in the morning.

I wonder about this...I hope like you that it will make Epcot less crazy...but it may be nuts because Soarin' takes up so many people normally...where will they all go?

Lunch ADR at noon for Morimoto Asia!

Will you have enough time to get off the boat and make this? I hope so because that place looks awesome...but doesn't it take some time to get off the ship?

Star Wars-themed dinner at the main dining rooms.

This is the coolest thing ever!!

These sound awesome! Is it in bad taste to order everything off the menu??!?

Not at all...and it wouldn't be the first time someone ate a lot on a cruise ship lol

Galaxy in a Glass and Planetoid Punch. They sound STELLAR.

So cool...love fancy drinks!

sticky rice with the green curry. Sounds pretty exotic for Disney Cruise Line!

Sticky rice is my fave thing in the whole world. I could just have that for dinner.

Lord Vader's Nerf Steak.

This just made me laugh and make me think of an orange Nerf gun steak lol Can you tell I am the mom to a boy?

It seems like a comfy shoe otherwise and the back of the shoe actually has a thin fabric at the heel so you can convert them to slides too.

I love those shoes!! Too bad they may not be great for parks...but I love them anyway...and the thin back looks so comfy!

 

[chunkymonkey]

Great updates and I can't believe how close your amazing trip is getting!!

30 days from today before we board the Fantasy!!

I wonder about this...I hope like you that it will make Epcot less crazy...but it may be nuts because Soarin' takes up so many people normally...where will they all go?

My guess is that adults and those with kids who are tall enough will head to TT...and everyone else will head to...LWTL once they realize Soarin' is closed!

Will you have enough time to get off the boat and make this? I hope so because that place looks awesome...but doesn't it take some time to get off the ship?

I hope so! But I guess the Fantasy is larger than the Magic so it may take longer. Last time we were off the boat by 8:15am - and out on by the pick up area by 8:40. We had to wait like 30 minutes for our driver to show up because I didn't know when to schedule the pick up for so I did it for 9:15! I may move our Lunch a bit later though...like closer to 1pm just in case.

This is the coolest thing ever!!

I know!! So excited!

Not at all...and it wouldn't be the first time someone ate a lot on a cruise ship lol

Welcome to my life... I feel like I eat like I'm on a cruise ship every day!

So cool...love fancy drinks!

Me too!

Sticky rice is my fave thing in the whole world. I could just have that for dinner.

I know! It's soooo good!

This just made me laugh and make me think of an orange Nerf gun steak lol Can you tell I am the mom to a boy?

Hahaha funny!

I love those shoes!! Too bad they may not be great for parks...but I love them anyway...and the thin back looks so comfy!

Thanks! They are comfy - just look a little different from my other sketchers. I will probably keep them though since they are so versatile!