A Most Epic Fantasy DISmeet Cruise-The bitter end 3/21, Bonus Feature, Completed Star Wars Galaxy's Edge 6/20

[pkondz]

I used to freak out every time I thought we had no money left, but I can't even count how many times it's happened and every time she has found a way to bring us back from the brink.

You guys live on the edge!

I know. There is a Starbucks on every corner. Not to mention all the other coffee places.

Ever see Shrek?
There's a scene where giant Gingerbread man rips the top off a Starbucks.
The customers run for the lives.... across the street to another Starbucks.

I can understand that, besides you said Ruby doesn't like excess crap around the house, that's all we have that's worth ripping off. It's not like we have priceless jewels or expensive stereo equipment. Everything we have is average, and mostly only of interest to Disney fanatics.

I should amend that... Ruby doesn't like my excess crap.

And our TVs

Simultaneously.

I get that. We actually like road trips, but then again it seems you do too.

Who, me?
Road trip?
Novel idea!


ahem

I think that my recipe is quite good! This is an old picture, now I make it in a special dish that you might get at a restaurant perfectly sized for the thing, but you can kind of see it here.

That looks good!

Wow, there are some things about her that make me really go as to why you married her.

Sometimes, I wonder that too.

You would think, but then again the place we went to at least the second was just a simple sandwich shop. The first was in an airport, so I can guess why they didn't deal in coffee, especially since there was a Dunkin Donuts right next door and evidently there was a Starbucks somewhere.

Hmmm... Nope. Still think unless it was just a cart that there should be coffee. I mean.... just a drip and regular or decaf, for Pete's sakes.

I think that if they weren't hiding, they would be showing anyone where the valuables were located. I mean they're cats.

Okay, ya got me there.

From what you say about not liking beans, I think this isn't a dish you would like. I think it's great, but I like beans and such.

Depends on the beans.
Kidney beans? Blech. Green beans? Sure!

Thanks, except I wasn't wearing one!

I should have said "outfits".

No, I wasn't drinking.

Not a fan of Tater Tots?????? How can that be?

I don't care for the "processed" flavour.

I don't think they were doing it on purpose, they were just all chatting and didn't notice when someone jumped in front of Fran and we got separated. I also could not walk as fast as the rest of the group. Pam did notice we were missing and came back to find us.

I suppose it's never on purpose...

 

[pkondz]

But by clearing all this stuff out of our garage, we’ll have more room to get the stuff out of the De Soto garages, and then we can rent them out to the tenants. We still have a long way to go!

Would it be possible to hire a couple of strong guys to do this for you?
I know it costs money, but if they can do it in a day what would take you longer, maybe the offset in renting earlier would be worth it?
And easier on you, too.

Once those things are gone, I can start showing the place.

Good luck!

On the “fun stuff” front, even though we’re broke and are having to sell some of our Disney stock to finance this whole remodel, you’ll learn in the course of this TR that we booked a “dummy” cruise on this past vacation. On October 1st Platinum Castaway Club members could book the next block of cruises that Disney is releasing. I decided to go with a travel agent this time around and use my dummy cruise towards a 7 Day Mexican Riviera Cruise in April of 2020. You’ll see in this next update why I don’t trust myself to book these cruises any longer. I’m hoping that a year from now, when the Pay in Full date rolls around that I’ll be able to afford the cruise without having to sell any more Disney Stock!

Uh, oh....

So... you're saying a dummy cruise is one that has a discount but that you do not necessarily intend to take?

I woke up at 5:45AM

Of course you did.

at 6:45 Fran whapped me with her right arm and if I was asleep, I wasn't anymore! Not sure if it was an involuntary movement or on purpose!

The trip to the terminal was quick and we were there in no time, well it was a good hour and a half but we were yapping the whole way and seemed like it was quick.

Conversation makes time go by. Good conversation, especially so.

There was a sign saying only one bag and a purse or briefcase, but they didn't enforce it. I was glad because between the case of water on Frans floorboards and the bottles of wine and Mtn Dew in bags hanging from her tiller, we had way more than one bag and carry on.

What would happen if they'd enforced it?

the lady in the front of the line took her up to the front to wait for Jill and I to get through the zigging and zagging.

Good. Glad to hear that.

I think that somehow the camera got turned on manual focus and I noticed partway through the meal.

Ugh. I don't know how many shots I've ruined doing just that.

I would have ordered the sirloin, but I knew I was having Prime Rib for dinner that night, and I'm weird about having the same thing for two meals or two dinners in a row.

Totally get this. I would do the same.

The Gumbo was pretty spicy but still good.

mmmm... gumbo.

And what are steak fries without ketchup.

Mayo? Only if you're weird.

For dessert I had the no sugar option, it was like a chocolate mousse, nothing special.

But certainly pretty.

I was devastated to find that I had completely spaced out when I booked the room and I had no verandah. It was an oceanview room, with only a porthole. I decided if I could be that stupid, I'd better use a travel agent in the future.

Ohhhhh..... well.... poop.

Fran pointed out that it was probably for the best since we already really couldn't afford to be taking this cruise,

Bright side. Fran is a glass half full kinda gal, then. At least this time.

Okay, that's a really cute photo of you.

I had my Belvedere Martini with a twist of lemon since they didn’t have cocktail onions.

What? Those bast... uh... this is unfortunate.

half the families in our area talked so loud while they were going over the safety procedures we couldn't even hear what was being said.

This seems to be more and more common. People seem to have forgotten what good manners are.

 

[pkondz]

Since Jill's room was two doors down and she had a verandah, I went to her room and we had a sail away party.

See? You did good! You didn't need a verandah since you could borrow Jill's. Saved money without giving up the necessities.

And what sail away party would be complete without our armed escort?

I have no idea. Is this normal? Or just coincidental?

Jill let me borrow her press bag and I finished up with Fran' shirts, my dress, and other such stuff.

I puzzled over that for a while.
"So... Jill has a press bag... probably a recorder, maybe a notebook and pens, her press I.D............ oh."

Then I started to panic about the fourth suitcase, it had our bathroom bags and some of Fran's OTC meds, but once I alerted our stateroom host he found it quickly and we were set.

Phew!

Awww... Nice shot of you guys.

Fran looks a little stunned in this one.

Well... she kinda does! Sorry, Fran!

Off the drink menu, I started off with a nutty chocolate. It had vanilla vodka, Creme de Cacao White, Bailey's, Galliano, and Vanilla Mix. It was almost like having dessert before dinner!

Whoa! That's some drink/dessert!

I had the Romaine wedge, the dressing was a little interesting and I think Fran had part of it too.

Looks good, too.

Prime Rib, yummy! This is what was put down in front of me.

Yum!!!! Want. <drool>

But when I saw how cooked this piece was and Jill saw how rare her piece was we traded so I had the more rare one.

I prefer the medium rare one to the rare. Kay would be all over the more rare one.

Fran got the ever popular favorite, a Mickey Bar!

This just makes me chuckle... and good for her for knowing exactly what she wanted and getting it.
I would never. I'd have to have something more... fancy?

No idea why.

We went back to room to find this towel animal, whatever it is.

Just... stylish, perhaps? Or a crab?

I started Cars 3 as I had never seen it, and I promptly fell asleep within 20 minutes and the movie completed as I slept.

Awww... poor Alison, all tuckered out.

 

[thumper*]

Now that looks nice and relaxing

The menu at dinner made my mouth water, I'd have a hard time making a decision. Is food and drink included in the price of the cruise or do pay extra for it, I've never cruised before?

 

[Steppesister]

Like you, I'm trying to play catch up after my 2 week hiatus. So, while I did read thoroughly and did catch up, I"m keeping my comments brief.

On the “fun stuff” front, even though we’re broke and are having to sell some of our Disney stock to finance this whole remodel, you’ll learn in the course of this TR that we booked a “dummy” cruise on this past vacation. On October 1st Platinum Castaway Club members could book the next block of cruises that Disney is releasing. I decided to go with a travel agent this time around and use my dummy cruise towards a 7 Day Mexican Riviera Cruise in April of 2020. You’ll see in this next update why I don’t trust myself to book these cruises any longer. I’m hoping that a year from now, when the Pay in Full date rolls around that I’ll be able to afford the cruise without having to sell any more Disney Stock!

I'm not sure what a Dummy Cruise is, but I'm glad you are going on one again. You really seem to enjoy them a lot!

It was organized chaos at the port. We were there before it technically opened so there was a long line, but at 10:30 it started moving right along. There was a sign saying only one bag and a purse or briefcase, but they didn't enforce it. I was glad because between the case of water on Frans floorboards and the bottles of wine and Mtn Dew in bags hanging from her tiller, we had way more than one bag and carry on.

I have a little story about the # of carryons on my TR. I was not impressed with SWA.

There was a zig zag queue and the way we had Fran loaded up with all the water, wine and Mtn. Dew in bags on her basket, she couldn't steer very well and the lady in the front of the line took her up to the front to wait for Jill and I to get through the zigging and zagging.

That was nice of them!!! I'm glad they took that bit of frustration out of the picture!

I was devastated to find that I had completely spaced out when I booked the room and I had no verandah. It was an oceanview room, with only a porthole. I decided if I could be that stupid, I'd better use a travel agent in the future.

Whoops!! While it must've seemed disappointing at first...

I figured I might as well make the best of it. There was pretty much nothing I could do about it and Fran pointed out that it was probably for the best since we already really couldn't afford to be taking this cruise, and with this room we saved some money. Besides, it turned out to be way too humid for my taste, and sitting outside wasn't all that pleasant for me. I thought I was smiling when Fran took this picture!

... it does seem like it worked out for the best in the long run.

As for people talking during an important announcement... rude.

 

[franandaj]

I think you should keep movie tallies during your cruises as you always put on so many!

I just love watching the movies in the room. They're free and it beats MSNBC which is what Fran puts on when I'm asleep.

Looks like a great sail away and first dinner! Being in the fancy restaurant on formal night is important!

Exactly!

Nice pics of the two of you!

Thanks! I try to get the most out of the photo package!

I think your drinks looked sooo yummy!

They tasted Yummy too!

I enjoy reading all of your trip reports but I am particularly interested in this one has my husband and I booked the eastern Caribbean in June of next year. It’ll be our first time on the Fantasy.

You will have a great time! It's so much fun!

I've read the majority of your reports but don't think that I've ever posted. We follow quite a few of the same reports as well. So I need to say "Hey" and start posting.

It's so much more fun when everyone chimes in!

Nice sail away party from Jill's verandah.

We had a good time!

Veranda or not, your room looks awesome!

I do love the HA rooms, they are so spacious.

 

[Magical_Suitcase]

DeSoto looks amazing! Gale and team did an excellent job. Here's an attic selfie because how many times do you get to take selfies in an attic?

View attachment 356588

Attic sisters. Cute! Reminds me of a photo of my sister and I working in "the attic" but our photo was taken with an old, old camera, i.e. polaroid.

 

[franandaj]

all caught up now!

Better than I can say!

Ah, interesting costumes! Quite original!

She said that her daughter came up with the idea.

I had this too during MNSSHP. I really liked them but I am a sucker for tater tots and plastic cheese.

I love tater tots. We have them at home fairly often.

That is a gorgeous view. I don't blame you for leaving early. It was so hot - I was drained by midday!

That's why we took it easy that day.

Woah 11 units!! Steve really wants to pick your brains on how to be a property giant/landlord too. We only have one rental property, our old apt, but it's not a great investment property because it's a co-op and there are many board rules about renting.

It would be Fran's brain he would want to pick. She has been in Real Estate in some fashion all her life. They used to have two other (connected) buildings with 26 units (I think), but they sold that in a very bad decision about 13 years ago, before her parents died.

Yay for the cruise, despite having to sell some stock. We all do what we gotta do for some Disney fun. I have sacrificed eating out on many occasions just so we can splurge on vacation.

I make dinner nearly every night to save money. It's a rare evening when we get to go out, but in 12 days I'll be dining at Napa Rose! Oh yeah and in 10 days, I'll be having lunch at a certain special restaurant! I love when DIS friends come to town!

Oh interesting, is it to become more green? I think I did notice the navigators were a little lighter last year than on our previous cruises.

I think it's probably a little of both. With the app being so robust now and it can handle way more than the paper navigators could people may not be using them as much.

I'm the same way! If I have pizza for lunch I don't want it for dinner.
Actually that's not true, I can have pizza anytime.
But I know what you mean. I like variety in my meals.

That's more how I am with pasta, but I still like to mix it up.

I like how you got a kids meal!!

And I love the divided plate!

Yum that looks delicious!
We're never in the MDR for embarkation lunch but I want to try it. It's because Steve really needs to eat all the crab legs all the time.
But maybe we can eat at the MDR and then we can go to Cabanas later for some crab legs, or vice versa.

You could totally do that. I don't necessarily like the crab claws they have in Cabanas because they're so hard to crack open.

Oh no!
Well, at least you have a window! We have an inside stateroom for Hawaii 2020 and I really would like at least a porthole! That cruise is sold out for now though!

That's on the Wonder, so they don't even have the virtual portholes like the newer ships do.

Ooh what is this Rainforest room coupon and how do you get one?

Well it's just a daily pass that I purchased in advance. It's cheaper that way, I think it was $18 per day and I bought six days worth. I think if I did it again I would do five days. They left a coupon in my room that I took to the spa and they gave me these little stickers to put on my room key. At the spa they told me I didn't need to do it in advance, but the people on shoreside said that I should redeem them on the first day in case days sold out.

Cute dress!

Thanks! I had been saving it for the cruise.

The dressing looks like thousand island!

It does, but it didn't taste like it, sort of spicier.

Yum I love dates! I would have ordered this if I had seen it on the Fantasy but I don't remember if I got it! Now I have to look back at my old TR to see if I did actually get this. TR writing comes in handy!

Well, I'm waiting....did you order it?

Melted...crab?

Perfect! You save money on your room and mooch off the other. That's exactly how I'd play it.

It did work out nicely that way!

What? You're taking a photo??

I know really?

Oh man, that looks good. I'd take the cooked one, though.

OK, we'll trade next time if you get the rare one!

Can't ever go wrong with a Mickey bar.

Nope. It's her dessert of choice!

I think that's Olaf in the summer.

Perfect!

That's funny--I've only seen about the last 20 minutes or so.

I love your dress!

Thank you!

Wow that wake facing balcony is a beauty!

It is nice, I enjoyed sharing it with her!

Love that dress, I'm def looking forward to checking out what they have for dresses when I'm in DL- the Tiki room one has been in my mind for sure

There's a store right next to the place we'll be having lunch.

Mmmm that rare-er looking P.R looks yummy indeed, making me hungry!

Now I want Prime Rib again, and I just made it a couple weeks ago.

Not sure on the towel creature- crab maybe?

Crab seems to be winning on the guesses so far.

Lucifer looks like he's going to go pounce on it

I wish the stateroom host had gotten a little more creative with him, he mostly just placed him in the middle of the bed.

 

[franandaj]

You guys live on the edge!

I'm not sure about that, but if you say so.

Ever see Shrek?
There's a scene where giant Gingerbread man rips the top off a Starbucks.
The customers run for the lives.... across the street to another Starbucks.

I have seen all the Shrek movies. I don't remember that particular joke, but my memory ain't what it used to be!

I should amend that... Ruby doesn't like my excess crap.

Who, me?
Road trip?
Novel idea!


ahem

So when is that TR starting?

That looks good!

It sure was!

Sometimes, I wonder that too.

:

Hmmm... Nope. Still think unless it was just a cart that there should be coffee. I mean.... just a drip and regular or decaf, for Pete's sakes.

Well given the number of friends that I have that don't seem to like coffee, I'm still not surprised.

Depends on the beans.
Kidney beans? Blech. Green beans? Sure!

I think they might have been black eyed peas.

I don't care for the "processed" flavour.

Huh.

Would it be possible to hire a couple of strong guys to do this for you?
I know it costs money, but if they can do it in a day what would take you longer, maybe the offset in renting earlier would be worth it?
And easier on you, too.

It's not the strong part. It's the going through. There are several categories, a) donation, b) sell on Craigslist, c) toss/recycle, d) take back to our house. She would get very pissed off if some big burly guys came in and just started manhandling her stuff.

Uh, oh....

So... you're saying a dummy cruise is one that has a discount but that you do not necessarily intend to take?

I'm going to explain it here since @Steppesister had the same question.

Back before they offered "dummy cruises" or "placeholders", people would book onboard to get the perks, ($XX onboard credit, reduced deposit, and I think something else). They would pick a random cruise that they never intended to take, but it got them the perks of booking onboard. Then when later itineraries came out, they would change the cruise to something that they really did want to book and not just a placeholder. I'm sure it became a pain in the butt for Disney having people book cruises they never intended to take, and then switching them to different ones. I'm sure it created havoc with the occupancy, a cruise might have been sold out and then when the new itineraries came out half the ship changed their cruises.

Now they allow you to put down $250 on a placeholder cruise, which you must roll over into a cruise that sails no more than two years from your booking date. Essentially I booked on August 28th I think it was so I had to set sail by August 28, 2020 or I would get my money back and lose my perks. The cruise sails on April 12, 2020 so I'm well within my 2 years, and I get all the perks of having booked this cruise on the ship even though this itinerary had not been released when we were sailing.

Of course you did.

It never fails, I wake up early on vacation, late at home.

Conversation makes time go by. Good conversation, especially so.

What would happen if they'd enforced it?

I don't have any idea!

Ugh. I don't know how many shots I've ruined doing just that.

Makes me

Totally get this. I would do the same.

Variety is the spice of life!

mmmm... gumbo.

I keep putting that on the dinner menu and for whatever reason we don't end up making it.

Mayo? Only if you're weird.

Well than Fran is weird. She likes Mayo on her fries.

But certainly pretty.

They do nice presentation.

Ohhhhh..... well.... poop.

yeah. poop.

Bright side. Fran is a glass half full kinda gal, then. At least this time.

Especially when I'm upset.

Okay, that's a really cute photo of you.

Thanks.

What? Those bast... uh... this is unfortunate.

Well, I don't expect much from an outside bar. Evidently there are only two bars on board you can get a real martini in a real martini glass.

This seems to be more and more common. People seem to have forgotten what good manners are.

They were also speaking foreign languages that I didn't recognize.

See? You did good! You didn't need a verandah since you could borrow Jill's. Saved money without giving up the necessities.

Someone else mentioned that as well.

I have no idea. Is this normal? Or just coincidental?

I've noticed them on just about every cruise from Port Canaveral and San Diego, not sure if there was one in Vancouver.

I puzzled over that for a while.
"So... Jill has a press bag... probably a recorder, maybe a notebook and pens, her press I.D............ oh."

Very funny. Har de har har.

Awww... Nice shot of you guys.

Thanks!

Well... she kinda does! Sorry, Fran!

Whoa! That's some drink/dessert!

And that's before dinner!

Looks good, too.

Just about everything served on the ships is yummy, at least IMHO.

Yum!!!! Want. <drool>

Love Prime Rib.....

I prefer the medium rare one to the rare. Kay would be all over the more rare one.

I like my meat still mooing.

This just makes me chuckle... and good for her for knowing exactly what she wanted and getting it.
I would never. I'd have to have something more... fancy?

No idea why.

I usually go for the more fancy as well, but sometimes, you just can't beat a good Mickey bar!

Just... stylish, perhaps? Or a crab?

Crab seems to be the consensus.

Awww... poor Alison, all tuckered out.

That happens to me a lot.

Now that looks nice and relaxing

The menu at dinner made my mouth water, I'd have a hard time making a decision. Is food and drink included in the price of the cruise or do pay extra for it, I've never cruised before?

I've been on enough cruises, that I've narrowed down my choices in the main dining rooms to my favorites and I almost always get the same things. I don't know what I'd do if they changed the menus!

As far as "included", everything in the MDRs (Main Dining Rooms) is included, except alcohol. All the quick service food and buffet food is included as well. I'll try and make sure to point out what has an upcharge. Palo and Remy (the adult dining rooms) which you will be seeing a lot of, are both additional, but totally worth it, in my opinion.

 

[franandaj]

Like you, I'm trying to play catch up after my 2 week hiatus. So, while I did read thoroughly and did catch up, I"m keeping my comments brief.

I've been back for over a month, so I don't know what my excuse is!

I'm not sure what a Dummy Cruise is, but I'm glad you are going on one again. You really seem to enjoy them a lot!

See below if you missed it when @pkondz asked.

Back before they offered "dummy cruises" or "placeholders", people would book onboard to get the perks, ($XX onboard credit, reduced deposit, and I think something else). They would pick a random cruise that they never intended to take, but it got them the perks of booking onboard. Then when later itineraries came out, they would change the cruise to something that they really did want to book and not just a placeholder. I'm sure it became a pain in the butt for Disney having people book cruises they never intended to take, and then switching them to different ones. I'm sure it created havoc with the occupancy, a cruise might have been sold out and then when the new itineraries came out half the ship changed their cruises.

Now they allow you to put down $250 on a placeholder cruise, which you must roll over into a cruise that sails no more than two years from your booking date. Essentially I booked on August 28th I think it was so I had to set sail by August 28, 2020 or I would get my money back and lose my perks. The cruise sails on April 12, 2020 so I'm well within my 2 years, and I get all the perks of having booked this cruise on the ship even though this itinerary had not been released when we were sailing.

I have a little story about the # of carryons on my TR. I was not impressed with SWA.

I'll have to get over to your TR.... after I post an update.

That was nice of them!!! I'm glad they took that bit of frustration out of the picture!

It was nice, plus she would have held up the line and possibly ran over people.

Whoops!! While it must've seemed disappointing at first...

... it does seem like it worked out for the best in the long run.

Yeah, it did end up working out, but I will have a Verandah on the Mexican Riviera

As for people talking during an important announcement... rude.

They made me put away my device, but no one said anything to the people talking.

Attic sisters. Cute! Reminds me of a photo of my sister and I working in "the attic" but our photo was taken with an old, old camera, i.e. polaroid.

I remember those, even have a few pictures from them laying around somewhere!

 

[franandaj]

So I realize that I have neglected to tell you about another update to the March trip. While we were wrapping up the cruise, Southwest released the airfare for our time period. My parents booked their airfare promptly and got a nice non stop flight out of San Jose to Orlando. I don’t know what took us so long, perhaps it was that little side trip to Arizona, perhaps it was the fact that we are trying desperately to get the old house up on the market, but for whatever reason when I finally sat down and looked at the airfare options, arriving on our scheduled day and departing on our scheduled day had airfare looking at $395 per person EACH WAY! Multiply that by three seats and you’re looking at practically $2400 for round trip airfare, that could pay for the dining plan for the entire @Captain_Oblivious family

So I did what any good Disney planner did, I looked into extending our trip and arriving two days earlier. I couldn’t do anything about the return trip, fares were just as high for the following four days after our departure date, but I could get a flight for less than half the price by flying in on Tuesday rather than Thursday. Since I consider my DVC as sort of “free”, I just pay a monthly subscription charge to Disney (now that we are paying our dues monthly instead of one big lump sum), it wouldn’t cost us any extra to stay those two days, right? Fuzzy Disney Math. It turns out that I did find a return flight cheaper than $395 and all in all our tickets for round trip airfare came to $438pp. Remember when we used to fly First Class on American on miles? I sure miss those days!

Now, we begin our vacation at Old Key West, I finally get that lovely jacuzzi tub that I wanted so much last September. We will go to DHS and do Toy Story Land on our first full day. After that we’ll pick up a rental car at the Swolphin and head back to our room, maybe have dinner somewhere off campus. The next day we’ll check out, send our bags to the Beach Club via Bell Services, and we are going to go to the Kennedy Space Center. It’s been 10 years since we visited and decided that would be a great way to spend our day that we are homeless. We’ll get back in time to check into the room and greet my parents when they come via DME.

Don’t forget to check my other TR for bonus features, I just posted one about a week ago, and I’ve got more to come. In just about 10 days, I’ll be checking into the VGC for more fun with Jill and Jenny, and a whole other crew!

No more exciting news. Still working on the odds and ends of the old place, but we’re getting closer and closer.


Day 4 - Sunday


Today's Navigator

I woke at 6:30AM and realized that the sun hadn't actually come up yet so threw on my cover up, grabbed the camera, sandals, room key and darted out the door. I went up to deck 12 and about 20 minutes later watched the sun rise up from the horizon.

After the sun came up, I realized that the Cove Cafe would be open and headed towards the front of the ship for my morning coffee.

I got Fran this little Rice Krispy treat, which did not cost anything. My coffee did, and I got a brand new coffee card! You purchase a certain amount of drinks here and you get one free. I'll let you know which day I get the free one!

On the way back to the room I realized that the spa would open in about 20 minutes and I could use my rainforest pass and enjoy the jacuzzi probably before anyone else got there. If you haven't been to the spa, this is the changing area.

So when I got to the Rainforest Room I had it all to myself, I spent about 20 minutes in the tub before moving over to a heated tile lounger.

I took my shower and got ready for the day. Back in the room, Fran got dressed and we headed up to Palo. While she dressed I started Cars 3 again, I stumbled upon how to forward to where I left off, but it would take several more attempts to get it, and even then it was hit or miss. I just never got the hang of the onboard video system. We paused the movie and headed on up to meet the rest of our party of nine.

We were seated together as promised.

Our server Diogo was hilarious, we loved him! He was just standing there being a normal waiter, but when he saw that I was taking his picture, he went all GQ, "I'm too sexy for my shirt" on me, posing for the photo.

We started with prosecco or mimosa, and those who didn't were served POG juice. Passionfruit, Orange, Grapefruit.

[Continued in Next Post]

 

[franandaj]

[Continued from Previous Post]

We were given the menu and placed our orders before we headed over to the buffet.

You can see Fran is laser focused on the chocolate covered strawberries!

Diogo warned us not to try and eat this, even though it was made of chocolate.

Moving on to the breakfast pastries table.

Diogo told us that the Albondigas were a new addition to the buffet. I almost forgot to try them!

And then the meats and salads.

And finally the seafood table.

My first plate

Fran's first plate.

We sat and chatted as we finished our first and second plates from the buffet. And then Digio, started bringing out our plated entrees. Fran and I started with the buttermilk pancakes, which were fluffy with just a hint of crispness. They were very yummy.

He gave us ample time between courses before he brought the next one. Fran and I split the Eggs Benedict.

It was cooked perfectly.

And we split the Chicken Parmesan. Always delicious!

Pam's mom JJ had ordered the Artichoke Ravioli and she shared one of them with me.

Diogo had brought several plates of Lasagna Bolognese to the table, not realizing that we had several vegetarians in our party. I did have a couple bites and it was tasty, but I was getting so full.

After the savory portion of the meal was over I went back to the buffet for dessert.

Everyone else had already visited the buffet for dessert, with the exception of Pam, she was waiting for the chef who had promised her special Gluten free versions of the raspberry panna cotta and the cappuccino mousse. Instead she was brought "apple nipples" as she called them, and she wanted to cry.

Digio brought her several desserts from the buffet and she risked the cross contamination for her favorite desserts.

We relaxed for a while longer before paying our checks and heading back to our rooms.
Fran laid down for a nap and I put Cars 3 back on. We had less than an hour before Martini tasting and when it came time to wake her up, she was feeling awful sick from all the rich food we ate that morning. So I left her in the room and went to the tasting all by myself. And I'll just take a break here.


Oh, and did you see it? Those of you who are on @pkondz’s threads are familiar with the game. Its It's kind of like “Where's Waldo?” with Flat Jenny.


To make it fun for everyone, be a little bit subtle or vague when you post your answer. Don't just blurt out, like “she's on Deck 11 at the sunrise in your first picture!”

 

[Steppesister]

Great! Now I have not one but 2 updates to read and reply to that were posted RIGHT after I got caught up (yours and Jeff's). Sigh... it's hopeless! Hopeless I tell you!!!!

 

[franandaj]

Great! Now I have not one but 2 updates to read and reply to that were posted RIGHT after I got caught up (yours and Jeff's). Sigh... it's hopeless! Hopeless I tell you!!!!

I know, I'm behind on your TR too! But if Fran keeps sleeping all day, I'll be able to catch up!

 

[rentayenta]

Apple nipples? Poor thing. It looks terrible.

The rest of the meal however looks incredible!

How darling is Diego!

Love that you had your sail away party on Jill’s verandah. On my next Disney Cruise, that’s what I want to do. With Joshua we did the deck party which was fun for him but not wonderful for me. Cute though but a glass of bubbly on a quiet deck looking out to sea sounds heavenly.

Your sunrise pics are AWESOME!

Where Flat Jenny? Love you girls.

Can’t wait for Jill’s bday trip! #Mitchell

 

[chunkymonkey]

It would be Fran's brain he would want to pick. She has been in Real Estate in some fashion all her life. They used to have two other (connected) buildings with 26 units (I think), but they sold that in a very bad decision about 13 years ago, before her parents died.

Ah a born real-estate mogul! Got it!

Well it's just a daily pass that I purchased in advance. It's cheaper that way, I think it was $18 per day and I bought six days worth. I think if I did it again I would do five days. They left a coupon in my room that I took to the spa and they gave me these little stickers to put on my room key. At the spa they told me I didn't need to do it in advance, but the people on shoreside said that I should redeem them on the first day in case days sold out.

Oh ok, is this cheaper than buying the week-long pass? I think if we did the couples pass it was cheaper than buying the individual days for each of us. But I can't remember.

Well, I'm waiting....did you order it?

Apparently no, we did not. I don't remember seeing it on a menu. On our Royal Court night we got some sort of banana pudding instead, which I thought could have been it, but it was not date.

So I did what any good Disney planner did, I looked into extending our trip and arriving two days earlier. I couldn’t do anything about the return trip, fares were just as high for the following four days after our departure date, but I could get a flight for less than half the price by flying in on Tuesday rather than Thursday. Since I consider my DVC as sort of “free”, I just pay a monthly subscription charge to Disney (now that we are paying our dues monthly instead of one big lump sum), it wouldn’t cost us any extra to stay those two days, right? Fuzzy Disney Math. It turns out that I did find a return flight cheaper than $395 and all in all our tickets for round trip airfare came to $438pp. Remember when we used to fly First Class on American on miles? I sure miss those days!

Now, we begin our vacation at Old Key West, I finally get that lovely jacuzzi tub that I wanted so much last September. We will go to DHS and do Toy Story Land on our first full day. After that we’ll pick up a rental car at the Swolphin and head back to our room, maybe have dinner somewhere off campus. The next day we’ll check out, send our bags to the Beach Club via Bell Services, and we are going to go to the Kennedy Space Center. It’s been 10 years since we visited and decided that would be a great way to spend our day that we are homeless. We’ll get back in time to check into the room and greet my parents when they come via DME.

Sounds good
I think we may pare back that trip because we keep extending other trips but I do want to do F&G more than once, so I think we're going for a long weekend instead of 5 nights. But either way we will definitely be seeing you both!

Don’t forget to check my other TR for bonus features, I just posted one about a week ago, and I’ve got more to come. In just about 10 days, I’ll be checking into the VGC for more fun with Jill and Jenny, and a whole other crew!

OK will do so now!

gorgeous

That is a very cool rice krispie treat!
Also, in the picture before that, I spy with my little eye...a certain someone.

Our server Diogo was hilarious, we loved him! He was just standing there being a normal waiter, but when he saw that I was taking his picture, he went all GQ, "I'm too sexy for my shirt" on me, posing for the photo.

Haha that's so funny! He seems like such a fun server! I love it when they are so personable!

We started with prosecco or mimosa, and those who didn't were served POG juice. Passionfruit, Orange, Grapefruit.

Oh didn't know they have POG! Yum!

You can see Fran is laser focused on the chocolate covered strawberries!

Haha I would too! Love them!

Diogo told us that the Albondigas were a new addition to the buffet. I almost forgot to try them!

They look good! Were they good?

Everyone else had already visited the buffet for dessert, with the exception of Pam, she was waiting for the chef who had promised her special Gluten free versions of the raspberry panna cotta and the cappuccino mousse. Instead she was brought "apple nipples" as she called them, and she wanted to cry.

Hahaha, more like apple boobs...it's nice they came in a pair...

 

[pooh'smate]

Palo looks amazing.

Apple nipples =

I spy Jenny looking over someones shoulder.

 

[pkondz]

I have seen all the Shrek movies. I don't remember that particular joke, but my memory ain't what it used to be!

That one just stuck out... but it was such a small scene.

So when is that TR starting?

soon I think. I have the first photos done (all... 8? of them), just gotta start writing.

Well given the number of friends that I have that don't seem to like coffee, I'm still not surprised.

Huh. Here I thought I was the only one.

I think they might have been black eyed peas.

Hmmm... I'll give that an "I dunno" then.

It's not the strong part. It's the going through. There are several categories, a) donation, b) sell on Craigslist, c) toss/recycle, d) take back to our house. She would get very pissed off if some big burly guys came in and just started manhandling her stuff.

Ah. Okay, I get it now.

I'm going to explain it here since @Steppesister had the same question.

Back before they offered "dummy cruises" or "placeholders", people would book onboard to get the perks, ($XX onboard credit, reduced deposit, and I think something else). They would pick a random cruise that they never intended to take, but it got them the perks of booking onboard. Then when later itineraries came out, they would change the cruise to something that they really did want to book and not just a placeholder. I'm sure it became a pain in the butt for Disney having people book cruises they never intended to take, and then switching them to different ones. I'm sure it created havoc with the occupancy, a cruise might have been sold out and then when the new itineraries came out half the ship changed their cruises.

Now they allow you to put down $250 on a placeholder cruise, which you must roll over into a cruise that sails no more than two years from your booking date. Essentially I booked on August 28th I think it was so I had to set sail by August 28, 2020 or I would get my money back and lose my perks. The cruise sails on April 12, 2020 so I'm well within my 2 years, and I get all the perks of having booked this cruise on the ship even though this itinerary had not been released when we were sailing.

Got it! Thanks!

Variety is the spice of life!

You mean it's not oregano?

Well than Fran is weird. She likes Mayo on her fries.

Yup! Then she's weird! But a loveable weird, so that's okay.

Especially when I'm upset.

That is a very good attribute to have.

They were also speaking foreign languages that I didn't recognize.

Hmmm... does that make it acceptable? Or worse?

I'm really not sure.

Very funny. Har de har har.

Was being serious! I actually thought that maybe she worked for a news organization or something. I've heard of reporters having press kits, so that's the first thing that came to mind.

I like my meat still mooing.

So does Kay.

 

[dizneeat]

So I did what any good Disney planner did, I looked into extending our trip and arriving two days earlier.

My kinda girl!
That is the exact reason it says "tentative" summer vacation on my ticker.

No, honestly - it pays off to juggle dates a bit. Just did the same and came up with 4 nights/5 days DLRP which was cheaper than a three night stay and flights.

I woke at 6:30AM and realized that the sun hadn't actually come up yet so threw on my cover up, grabbed the camera, sandals, room key and darted out the door. I went up to deck 12 and about 20 minutes later watched the sun rise up from the horizon.

You DO get up early. We were still blissfully asleep then.

He was so much fun!

OMG did we laugh hard when they were served. And poor Pamela got teased a lot lateron.

 

[pkondz]

$2400 for round trip airfare, that could pay for the dining plan for the entire @Captain_Oblivious family

I suppose I shouldn't laugh, but... those numbers match!

it wouldn’t cost us any extra to stay those two days, right? Fuzzy Disney Math.

It turns out that I did find a return flight cheaper than $395 and all in all our tickets for round trip airfare came to $438pp.

Much better.

Remember when we used to fly First Class on American on miles? I sure miss those days!

Yep. I do.

we are going to go to the Kennedy Space Center.

Niiiice. I need to get back there some day.

I woke at 6:30AM

Of course you did.

Lot of nice shots, but I really like this one.

After the sun came up, I realized that the Cove Cafe would be open and headed towards the front of the ship for my morning coffee.

Good timing.

I got Fran this little Rice Krispy treat

Looks good. Was that chocolate on top?

My coffee did, and I got a brand new coffee card! You purchase a certain amount of drinks here and you get one free. I'll let you know which day I get the free one!

I know that card! I remember from last time.

I spent about 20 minutes in the tub before moving over to a heated tile lounger.

ahhhhhhhhh.....

We were seated together as promised.

Nice!

Good looking group.

Pretty.

when he saw that I was taking his picture, he went all GQ, "I'm too sexy for my shirt" on me, posing for the photo.

those who didn't were served POG juice. Passionfruit, Orange, Grapefruit.

mmmmm... love POG. Especially on vacation.

You can see Fran is laser focused on the chocolate covered strawberries!

Fran is smart.

Diogo warned us not to try and eat this, even though it was made of chocolate.

Very nice.

I think I'll just take a tiny little bite.... as the entire sculpture tumbles over onto the floor.

Diogo told us that the Albondigas were a new addition to the buffet. I almost forgot to try them!

What is that?

Fran and I started with the buttermilk pancakes, which were fluffy with just a hint of crispness. They were very yummy.

I'm not a huge pancake person; I never order it in restaurants, but those do look very well prepared.

Fran and I split the Eggs Benedict.

mmmmmm..... I won't split those. All mine!

Diogo had brought several plates of Lasagna Bolognese to the table, not realizing that we had several vegetarians in our party. I did have a couple bites and it was tasty, but I was getting so full.

I bet! So much food to choose from!

Instead she was brought "apple nipples" as she called them, and she wanted to cry.

Apple nipples...

But why did she want to cry? Because she liked them? Or because she couldn't get what she wanted?

Oh, and did you see it? Those of you who are on @pkondz’s threads are familiar with the game. Its It's kind of like “Where's Waldo?” with Flat Jenny.

It took me 3 tries... but I did finally see her... Wonder if she was thirsty?