Williams Family: Meeting New People and Making New Friends on a Disney Cruise

 

One of the many great things about a Disney Cruise is meeting new people, many of whom are Disney fans, just like us.  Our most recent cruise on the Disney Fantasy was no exception.

The first evening on board, we met Michael, Natalie, and their son, Jonathon, from Cleveland.  We were waiting to get our photos taken, they were right behind us.  I asked Jonathon if he was in the 1820 Society and he said he was headed to the 1820 coffee meeting next.  Brent was already there so I told asked Jonathon to look for Brent and tell him that his crazy mother said "hi."  It must have broken the ice as Jonathon and Brent became fast friends with similar interests--acting, movies, Star Wars, Marvel, trombones, college--to name a few, and they spent much of the cruise together with the "gang" staying out until the wee hours of the morning.  

And, we kept bumping into Natalie and Michael at various activities throughout the ship.  Sometimes our young men would join the festivities---one of the few ways we got to spend time them!  Eventually, the parent couples started to plan activities together.   We were also on the same dining rotation but were not seated together.  We would wave across the restaurant!

Note:  Natalie and I are bemoaning the fact that we will miss each other by a few hours on our next Disney vacation as they fly in shortly after we fly home.  Next time!  And, the boys continue to communicate via their chosen social media platforms.  I'm sure our paths will cross again!

Todd and Michael at Castaway Cay

We also met some of our soon-to-be neighbors in Windermere.  The husband and I were set to play trivia and a young woman sat alone at the next table.  We asked her if she was competing by herself, and she said that her family wasn't able to join her for this session.  We invited her to join us.  A part of introductions on a ship is "where are you from?".   Turns out Christina lives in the same condo complex!  Oh, the questions we had for her--in between trivia questions and answers!  She was incredibly helpful on all accounts!  

Christina and her husband, Rudy, joined us, along with Natalie and Michael. . . and the boys, at the next trivia contest.  The next day, we met Christina's parents at Castaway Cay.  

Another meet cute from our recent Disney Cruise was two parts.  As we headed to the elevator on the morning we docked in Tortola, another couple was rushing just in front of us talking about rain and Jost Van Dyke.  We let them go ahead.  Later that day, after the rain and returning from Tortola, the husband and I were floating in the Quiet Cove (adults only) pool and bumped into the couple.

I asked how their day turned out.  I learned that Jost Van Dyke is an island off the coast of Tortola, BVI, that is noted for the famous Soggy Dollar Bar featured in a Kenny Chesney song.  The name of the bar was because you had to get out of the boat and walk to the beach making your money wet or soggy.  

There was more to the conversation with the man and his wife.  Turns out he lives in Florida by way of North Carolina and has done artwork for Disney for almost 20 years.  I kept listening and the conversation lasted for several minutes.  Then, I asked if I could inquire his name.  David Doss.  I was stunned, put my hand on my chest, and turned to look at the husband who was also stunned.  I told David Doss that I was trying not to "fan out" at the moment but we collect his work and it is displayed in our dining room.  In fact, I had purchased a new piece the night before at one of the shops on the ship.  He was flattered and agreed to sign the piece.  He would look for us before dinner in the lobby atrium.

That evening, before dinner, David Doss did sign our newest art piece!  He was gracious and I was over the moon.  

We bumped into David and his wife, Robyn, on Castaway Cay in Serenity Bay.  We had another great chat.  What lovely people!  We are now following their Facebook page and am hopeful to bump into them again during one of David Doss' shows at EPCOT.  

Interestingly, Michael and Natalie, from Cleveland, also collect David Doss' art and met him the day before we did.  It is a small world!

This isn't the only Disney Cruise where we have met great people.  Sean and his wife from Texas come to mind along with Nancy and her family from Michigan!  

It has been our philosophy to say "yes" and come to play when we visit Walt Disney World and we approach a Disney Cruise the same.  Being open to new places, experiences, and people is a gift that keeps on giving!

Related Posts:

Reflecting on the Kids' Clubs on Disney Cruise Line

What's the Best Part of a Disney Cruise? The Ease!

The Rainforest Room--Our Afternoon of Relaxation!

Williams Family: Plans Are In Ship Shape For Our 7-night Eastern Caribbean Disney Cruise

 

As seasoned Disney Cruise Line travelers, we're Platinum Castaway Club members, we are gearing up for our first 7-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary on board the Disney Fantasy.  The "new" in the previous sentence is Eastern Caribbean.

Our itinerary includes stops at Tortola, British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, and our personal favorite, Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's island in The Bahamas.  We will also experience three at-sea days to explore and enjoy the ship. 

Part of the planning fun is selecting Port Adventures, sometimes knowns as excursions.  The husband selected our Port Adventure for Tortola, a forest hike and beach visit.  It also includes a stop for a beverage at Mountain View Restaurant in Sage Mountain National Park. 

On this adventure you will… 

•  Board an open-air safari bus for the approximately 20-minute ascent high above the harbor to Belle Vue. Drive along the scenic Ridge Road to Sage Mountain National Park, rising 1,716 feet above sea level, for a one-mile guided hike through a semitropical rainforest. 
•  Enjoy some of the island's best views and the significantly cooler temperatures as your guide leads you along the trail pointing out a variety of flora and fauna. 
•  After your hike, enjoy a beverage at the Mountain View Restaurant before reboarding the bus for the drive back down the mountain. 
•  Upon your arrival at Cane Garden Bay, your guide will escort you to a beach chair reserved especially for you. Then, relax and unwind with 90 minutes to explore the white-sand beach and swim in the stunning azure waters. 
•  Conclude your tour taking in the sights of Tortola during the 30-minute drive back to the pier.

In St. Thomas, our second port stop, we have selected the Flyboard and Beach Adventure. . . for one of us!  The boy will experience the 400 pounds of pressure to make him fly like Ironman.

The husband and I have selected the Flyboard and Beach Adventure Observer option.

Voted “Best Water Sport” in St. Thomas, flyboarding is a thrilling and unique experience. 

On this adventure you will… 

• Board your taxi safari for a scenic drive to Emerald Beach. 
• Receive one-on-one training from certified flyboarding instructors for the safest, most enjoyable experience possible. 
• Get on your board and feel the rush of soaring above the beautiful waters and sand of Emerald Beach. 
• Spend about 2 hours swimming, sunbathing or just relaxing on the sand. 
• Those not interested in flyboarding can watch participating family and friends on the Observer version of this adventure (ST63). 
• Your tour includes flyboarding and beach time. Amenities such as kayaks and paddleboards are available for an additional cost.

At our favorite port, Castaway Cay, we selected Parasailing.

On this adventure you will...

• Make your way to Marges Barges, located just 100 yards from the ship's gangway - the starting point for your parasailing adventure.
• After a short safety briefing, Guests will be divided into groups and escorted to a waiting boat.
• Meet your friendly captain and mate and head out into open water to soar high in the sky while harnessed to a parachute tethered to the boat.
• Enjoy the unforgettable beauty and serenity as you parasail for approximately 5 to 7 minutes at heights of 600 to 800 feet over the waves before returning gently to the boat.

When selecting parasailing, guests have to select an available time.  We chose 9:00 am, first thing.  The last time we did this was eleven years ago, so it will be fun to do it again!  Click here to read about our first parasailing adventure. 

Other onboard fun on our agenda includes Mixology, and beverage tastings. We also have some spa treatments booked and both brunch and dinner at Palo, one of two adult only fine dining restaurants on board. 

We will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary and retirement!

We are also looking forward to an extended verandah stateroom and sailing the during the boy's college "late summer break" at the end of August. 

Our Photos of New Year's Eve on the Disney Fantasy!

Imagine if you will that it is New Year’s Eve on the Disney Fantasy.  Hundreds of guests are milling around in the Lobby Atrium on Deck 3, listening to live music, and getting their photos taken while dressed in some of their finest clothing.  The time is just after the first dinner seating and show and just before the second dinner seating and show.  That’s when we did it!

We walked into the Lobby Atrium in our slippers and matching flannel pajamas.  Why?  We wanted photos! 

We brought along the New Year’s Eve top hats that were left in our stateroom and provided to all guests to commemorate the occasion.

Other guests’ responses?  Smiles, nods, and positive comments.  I’m thinking Disney Cruise Line might get more guests doing the same in the future.  And the photographers were happy to snap our photos.  I had checked with one of the photographers on a previous evening, as she even offered the vestibule area for us to change in if we wanted/needed.  We didn’t use the space but it was great of her to offer.

The pajamas were so comfortable, I almost wore them to the show, but the boy frowned upon that idea.  A guest who had been with us in line for photos with her family of 18 prior to dinner, caught a glimpse of us in our pajamas.  She saw us again as we entered the Walt Disney Theater to catch the production and we were back in our dinner clothes.  She said, “How did you do that?”  Ah, it’s all about the quick change!  I was thinking that the location of our stateroom helps too!

Not only do we have photos, but we have the fun memories! 

Glimpses Into the Future

In a sea of over 300 photos there has to be some good ones and there are, but of all of the photos from our most recent sailing on the Disney Fantasy, the photo above is one of my favorites.  Here’s why. . .

When we were preparing for our very first Disney Cruise in 2007 I read or heard (think podcasts) somewhere that when cruising with your children you get glimpses of them as their older more mature self.  This has been true for us on every cruise and yet this time, we have a photo that captures that glimpse.

We watched our son navigate room service, plan his day, make new friends both in and out of the clubs, and find his way around the ship.  On the afternoon we first came on board, he got mixed up as to which side of the ship our stateroom was on and was a bit lost for a while, but he problem solved.   We saw him order his meals trying new foods and discovering new favorites.  Escargot was gulped up without reservation as were a variety of sea foods.  He can order sea bass and crème brulee like a pro! 

He also took responsibility for his time indicating what time he would meet us or return to the stateroom and making sure he followed through.  Even though I was sleeping, I was told the story of how he returned to our stateroom one night shortly after 1:00 am, as the Edge closed at 1:00 and asked to go with his friends to another location.  The husband said no.  When I heard the story I giggled.  We were prepared for him to stay in the Edge until it closed, but we weren’t prepared for our 13 year old to be asking to go to the “after party”! 

This event did open the door for the conversation about what is okay on the ship—you can go with your friends to a public place on the ship like the pool or D-Lounge, but you cannot go in someone else’s stateroom unless we had met the parents/family.  When we cruised a year and a half ago, he had met a friend at the airport before we had even boarded the bus to the port and we did get to meet the dad.  The two boys did spend time in both staterooms because it had met the criteria we had mentioned above. 

During the evening shows, he has specific places he wants to sit in the Walt Disney Theater and sometimes it means not sitting with us.  That’s okay, as we know where he is.  And, once again, he managed to get himself on stage during the John Cassidy show and even got $1.00 for it.  When he sits by himself, he visits with the people near him. 

I enjoy getting glimpses of the young man he is turning into and can’t wait to see more!

Disney Cruise Line's Rotational Dining and Our Dining Team!

Lee, our Head Server

A unique feature of Disney Cruise Line is rotational dining.  Each night of their cruise, guests are assigned to one of three main themed dining rooms, visiting each dining room at least once during their cruise.  And, the dining team rotates, too!

Guests wonder what their dining rotation will be and it is almost impossible to know prior to one's cruise, but as soon as guests receive their Key to the World Card at port check-in, they know their dining rotation.  The string of little letters under the guest's name indicate the order of restaurants for each night for the duration of their cruise.  Our first letter was "A" for Animator's Palette.

Once the dining rotation is determined, the next piece of important information is the table number.  Waiting for us in our stateroom on the first afternoon were dining tickets.  The tickets indicated the table number as well as the dining rotation.  It is important to bring the dining ticket with you to the first dining room on the first night.  This helps the serving team determine your location.  Our table was #38.  We dined at table 38 in each of the main themed dining rooms each night, but please know that the table location varies from dining room to dining room.

Julio, our Server

That first evening in Animator's Palette, we met our dining team:  Lee, our Head Server, Julio our Server, and Zaldy, our Assistant Server.

Zaldy, our Assistant Server

The Head Server checks in on you at least once each evening making sure everything is going well.  The Server brings you menus, makes recommendations, takes your orders, including dessert, and serves your food.  The Assistant Server takes your drink orders, makes sure silverware and napkins are available, brings your drinks and keeps them filled, and serves the bread course.

One evening, I order a dish and Julio indicated that he did not recommend it.  He suggested something else.  I took his advice.  He later brought me a bit of the dish I had originally ordered so I could taste it.  He was right.  I would not have enjoyed the original dish.  That was the first time I had had that happen and I appreciated Julio speaking up.  I also then wondered why the dish, that did not taste good, was on the menu. . .

On our first night, Todd asked for a side of asparagus.  It was not available on the first night, but Julio made sure that there was a side of asparagus for him the rest of the evenings. 

The dining team is there to help you have an excellent experience.  We found our team very helpful.  They learned our drink preferences and had them ready to serve us upon our arrival at the dining room.  If we needed to speed up dinner to a scheduled event, such as Pin Trading, they accommodated us.  There were evenings when we ordered off both the adult menu and the children's menu.  The boy wanted the salad from the children's menu but the soup and entree from the adult's menu.  And, sometimes the dessert from the children's menu was my preference.  Each request was easily fulfilled.

Dining in each of the three main themed dining rooms on a Disney ship is part of the Disney Cruise Line experience.  Given the number of empty tables in the dining rooms told us that some guests chose to skip the experience and dine elsewhere on the ship.  We wouldn't miss the various menus and experiences that each of the dining rooms provide.

Disney Cruise Line's AquaDuck--Now With Pictures!

Disney Cruise Line is famous for it's family activities, first rate entertainment, and stretching the limits of what can be available on a cruise ship by creating the first ever water coaster at sea--the AquaDuck!   The tubed ride features a clear loop over the side of the ship, two dips and blasts forward, goes through both funnels, and encircles Deck 12.  We have ridden the AquaDuck on the two ships that feature the attraction, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy.

Not familiar with the AquaDuck--click here.

On our most recent cruise on board the Disney Fantasy, we discovered that there is now an option to capture a photo of your ride!  The photo is taken by a camera on the second dip and guests riding will see a flash of light.

When guests climb the stairs and then load the AquaDuck, they will see a screen to the left that has information about photos and most likely the screen will say that the photos are disabled.  What we discovered was that there was previously an option to scan your Key to the World Card at this screen/kiosk and the photo would then load into your Shutter's account based on your stateroom.  This option has since been disabled.  Probably not many folks have their Key to the World Card handy when getting ready to ride.

So, how does one get their AquaDuck photo?  Well, we learned that the previous days photos are "loaded" into the system at 11:00 am the next day.  Guests can then go to a Shutter's kiosk--located in the Shutter's Studio between the Vista Gallery and the hallway on Deck 4 or at one of the kiosks located just outside Enchanted Garden on Deck 2.  Then, scan you Key to the World Card and go to the "Find Photo" option.  Choose the day and then select "On Board" and the "AquaDuck" will appear as an option.  You can then scroll through the photos to find yours.  Keep your eyes peeled or have your glasses as the photos on the screen have a strike through so guests don't photograph them with a phone or camera.

Once you find your photos, tap the photo and add it to your account.  A Shutter's manager will then electronically verify that it is you and add the photos to your account.  This last step is invisible to the guests so need find Shutter's personnel.

It sound like a lot of work and a lot of steps, but it was easy. 

I lost my visor on this ride, but it eventually came down and I got it back.

Let's say you rode the AquaDuck on Sunday.  By Monday at 11:00 am, those photos would be available to scroll through and find to add to your account.  If you don't see them in your Shutter's account via kiosk by later that evening, seek assistance.  

We also learned that the camera is disabled on embarkation day.  While this day is the best day to ride the AquaDuck due to shorter lines, just know that photos won't be taken.

Have fun and smile for the camera!

Personal Navigator--That First One Is Very Important!

You've arrived at Port Canaveral and are in awe of the port.  You can see the Mickey ears just ahead of you, you've checked in and taken the security photo, completed the health form, and are waiting for your group boarding number to be called so that you can step onto that magical Disney ship.  Then, Disney characters begin to arrive! You are trying to keep track of your stuff and your people.  It feels exciting, magical, even overwhelming!  We know, we've been there.  But for your sake and the sake of your vacation, please take a moment and read over the very first Personal Navigator you were given upon check in. 

Why?  Well, because there is important information inside those four glossy pages.  In addition to character schedules, dining times, and drink of the day, there's news about upcoming events during your cruise.

Want to meet the elusive Anna and Elsa?  The Personal Navigator has information on how to obtain a ticket.  Does your darling have their heart set on interacting with Disney Princesses?  If so, that very first Navigator tells parents where to pick up a ticket to meet four Disney Princesses.  And, while we didn't take advantage, there is also a ticket for a special character breakfast featuring Jake from the Neverland Pirates.  Our Navigator indicated that tickets needed to be obtained at the Port Adventures Desk on Deck 5.  That was our first stop after we boarded the ship.

When we presented our ticket for the Princess Gathering, the Cast Members taking and checking our tickets had to fend off other families attempting to get in line.  They were directed to get tickets for further events.  I asked the Cast Member why he had to keep repeating that information as it was in the Navigator.  He thanked me for reading the Navigator and told me that we were now his "favorite family."  Note that throughout the cruise the location to obtain tickets for events changes.  Contact Guest Services if you are not sure.

Ask the husband about the peanut butter and jelly martini!

In addition to obtaining tickets for certain character meet and greets, that first Navigator told us where to go to sign up for various tastings and beverage seminars.  We went there, too, and obtained tickets for Mixology classes and a rum tasking seminar for the husband. 

Now, what to do with these tickets?  Well, we hung them on our stateroom door using magnetic clips--click here to read more about organizing your stateroom.  Then, we made sure we had the tickets when we proceeded to the various events.

The first Navigator also had the movie schedule for each day of the cruise.  That was also helpful as we planned our days.  The guys were able to watch three movies in the Buena Vista Theater while on board.

Out Best Tips For Keeping Everything Ship Shape in Your Stateroom

An example of items left in your stateroom each evening that keep you well informed!

Let's be honest, staterooms can feel small especially when compared to a hotel or resort room.  Even with Disney Cruise Line staterooms being 25% larger than the industry average, a stateroom can still seem cramped when you add all of the stuff.  We have found ways to keep our stateroom ship shape where everyone knows where things are and how to find them. 

Previously, guests were allowed to bring over the door organizers, you know, the ones with the metal hooks.  Disney Cruise Line has now restricted those due to the damage being done to the doors.  We accommodated to meet the new guidelines.

I found the shelf hanger on Amazon.

An organizing tool we use is a shelf hanger in the closet.  It has velcro attachments at the the top and the loops go around the bar.  We put it in one of the closets, as we usually have two closets in our stateroom.  The shelves hold the clothing for each day but could be used for anything.  I even appreciate the very top which also acts like an extra shelf.  Horizontal space can be limited in a stateroom and this adds an additional 6 square feet of horizontal space. Note:  This item weighs a bit so I pack it in our carry on.

The inside of our stateroom door.

We also pack magnetic clips that let us use the metal stateroom doors as another option for organizing all the papers, tickets, and even lanyards.  Found packages of these colorful magnetic clips at Dollar Tree.

The bathroom door is also metal so magnets work great on it, too.  On our last cruise, one of the Castaway Club gifts was a magnetic dry erase white board and magnetic marker.  We brought it back and used it for communicating with each other when we weren't in the stateroom.  I used the bathroom door handle to hang the bag with all of our gear which made it easy to grab on the way out of the stateroom.

Here's our organizational corner that's ship shape.  Notice the Key to the World Card in the slot by the door?  On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, a magnetic key is needed to activate the lights in the room.  We bring a card from a previous cruise and slide it into the slot--it stays there the entire cruise.

There you have it.  Our best tips for keeping your stateroom ship shape!  What are yours?

Our Pants Problems!

I want to talk about pants.  Specifically the trials and tribulations we had with pants during our recent Disney Cruise on board the Disney Fantasy.

As chief packer and planner, I had made sure that plenty of pants had been packed for all along with coordinating shirts.  And, I had ordered tuxedos after measuring each of the guys—you have to put in the specific measurements into the website when ordering.  But even after all of this, we still had pants trouble.

It began night one when the boy went to put on the pants that had been packed for him in our carry-on bag to avoid any issues changing for dinner if our luggage arrived late in our stateroom.  Thing is, our luggage did arrive later after dinner, so it was a good thing we were prepared.  Anyway, the pants fit everywhere except the waist.  I got out my handy-dandy kit that includes duct tape, clothes pins, and a bit of powdered detergent and found rubber bands to secure the top of his pants—button hole to button with a slip loop.  Worked like a charm and we were off to enjoy our evening.  But it got me thinking that there may be further issues as some of his other pants that were packed were the same size.  Hmm. . .

Night two was formal night and the boy's tuxedo pants fit just fine.  It was the husband who was having difficulty.  He said that he had cinched in the pants as much as he could, but they were still falling down and required hands in his pockets to hold them up.  Rubber bands to the rescue again!  I grabbed the excess waist and put them into a pants ponytail that was covered up by his tuxedo jacket.

Night three the boy put on his pair of pants only to discover that they were too short. He wore them anyway.  At least the wait fit!

Another night, the boy's pants required the rubber band at the waist again.  My gosh, he continues to grow!

 By the sixth night, the pants bit both in the waist and were just right in length.  We hung the up after he took them off and wore them for the seventh night, too!

7th night!

Interestingly, all but one pair--the too short pair--were the same size!  And, the husband had made a declaration that he will only wear tuxedo pants if he has suspenders.  No worries, our next cruise doesn't have a formal night!

As for me, I wore the same "pants"--capris actually, for three nights!  Made packing a breeze!