Cruising on the Disney Magic in the Mediterranean – Last Chapter

The Disney Cruise Line's Magic in the MediterraneanThis is the last installment of the trip report for our August, 2013 Mediterranean cruise aboard the Disney Magic.  Links to all previous posts are at the very bottom of this page.

To wrap things up, I’m going to mash up all the observations and tips I can offer you in this last installment – if you’re reading this, maybe you’re considering a Mediterranean cruise in the future.  I hope I can help in some small way. 

Wow!  What a vacation!  August 17th dawned exactly like the previous days of our vacation in Europe – sunny and warm.  We’d read many sources that listed reasons to avoid Europe in August; one of them being the weather.  We live in Louisiana where the summers can be brutal!  The sunny weather with temperatures in high 80’s we experienced on this trip was a refreshing break from the heat and humidity at home.  The Mediterranean Sea was so calm, Grant The Shorline of Italy as seen from the Disney Magiccommented that he was actually a little bit disappointed.  Since it was his first cruise, he was looking forward to gaining his “sea legs”, but the water was so calm, he often forgot he was on a cruise.  The weather could not have been more perfect.  On the day we headed home, we were off the ship bright and early, toting our own luggage to catch Disney transportation straight to the airport.

Research paid off big-time!  We were certainly at an advantage with knowing how to dress appropriately for touring cathedrals, knowing how to avoid pickpockets and gypsy scams, and knowing how to speak at least basic phrases in Spanish, French, and Italian.  By researching our options (and not just limiting ourselves to Disney excursions), we were able to feel confident about our private tours – knowing that we were dealing with reputable companies and Florence, Italy on our 2013 Disney Cruisepaying fair prices.

Do NOT underestimate the effects of jet lag.  I researched tips for dealing with jet lag, but ignored them to my detriment!  I knew I was supposed to drink lots of water and get up and move around the plane as much as possible.  I sat like a lump watching movie after movie.  A couple (few?) of the complimentary glasses of wine did not help with hydration.  The result?  Tired, crabby, and puffy!  My swollen feet didn’t recouperate until after the vacation was over!  You want to avoid this at all costs so you can enjoy all the activities and adventures available on a Mediterranean cruise without the distraction of sore feet!

Remember to book onboard activities at the earliest possible time.  We gave spa treatmentsTouring in Italy on a Disney Cruise as gifts during the months leading up to the cruise.  Grant (and Megan) got a couple’s massage – we made up and printed up our own gift certificate for Grant’s birthday and did the same for Joseph and Jason’s graduation gifts – for individual massages.  In order for this to work, we needed to pre-book those spa treatments early to get the best times on “at sea” days.  Same thing with our Palo dining reservations.  By the time we were able to book, Palo dinner on our first at-sea day was completely unavailable, but we managed to get a dinner reservation that would still work.  We were lucky to score brunch for Megan’s birthday on the last day of the cruise (also a day at sea).  If we had been unable to get days/times that we liked, I would have gone straight to Touring Florence, Italy on our Disney Mediterranean Cruisethe Palo reservation line as soon as we boarded the ship – I’ve done that before (Alaskan cruise on the Wonder) and was able to get a last-minute reservation at a decent time.

Disney lets you bring your own beverages – take advantage of this special perk and save money!  We were able to bring wine and water on board in Barcelona, then purchased additional bottles of wine at each cruise port.  This allowed us to have Happy Hour in our cabin each afternoon before dinner and we didn’t have to pay the expensive prices on board.  Raymond and I polished off any leftover wine during late evenings on our veranda – enjoyed with the chocolates left by the cabin steward.  Gazing at the stars Disney's Mediterranean Cruise - Touring Romein the clear Mediterranean sky while listening to the sound of the ship gliding through the water… the perfect way to wrap up the day and just be in the moment.

This Disney cruise was the most expensive vacation we’d ever taken and being the epic, world class worrier that I am, I imagined a million things that could have gone wrong from illness to injury to missing flights or the ship!  I worried about pickpockets, bad tour guides and seasickness.  I worried about whether or not everyone would enjoy every activity.  Once we were underway, though, all those worries melted away.  We were all able to fully enjoy and appreciate the tremendous investment of time, money, and effort that went into getting the six of us on this particular cruise – This trip was absolutely, without a doubt worth every single bit of worry and preparation; worth every penny of expense.  Would we do it again?  In a heartbeat.

The Mediterranean Sunset - Viewed from our Balcony on the Disney MagicThank you so much for following along!  I hope you’ve enjoyed this trip report.  If you were looking for tips and helpful information, I hope you found what you needed.  If you have any questions, post them in a comment and I’ll do my best.  Tomorrow, Disney Cruise Line will announce their 2015 late spring and summer itineraries.  We took advantage of the rebooking offer while on board the Magic and booked a placeholder cruise – so tomorrow we’ll transfer that reservation to a new date and begin the whole process again.  Stay tuned to find out where we’ll be headed next!

Links to all the other parts of the trip report:

 

 

 

 

 

What IF – You Had Unlimited Funds on Your Next Disney Vacation

What if WednesdayFellow Disney Fans!  It’s time once again for What-If Wednesday!  The game show where we use our imagination to answer Disney-specific “What-if” questions.  Contestants from Twitter and Facebook go head to head and
compete to invent the most popular answers.  Get ready to let your imagination run wild!  And as Drew Carey would say, this is ”the show where everything’s made up and the points don’t matter.”  Let’s play!

Do you know what I love about What-if Wednesdays?  The passion and creativity contestants bring to the table when coming up with answers.  This week, those two characteristics were especially evident in the responses I received to this question…

What if you had unlimited funds for your next Disney Vacation?  What would you FINALLY get to do?  What would change?

This week, Facebook readers by far had more to say than Twitter followers!  Answers fell CR Instagrammostly into three categories:  WHAT type of Disney vacation you’d take, WHERE you’d be staying and eating, and finally WHAT specific activities you’d enjoy.

Here’s what our Facebook participants had to say:

Our own Megan played along this week with:  “So. Many. Souvenirs. Hahaha.
Really tho I would like to see Cirque du Soleil again. Perhaps stay at the grand Floridian. A very epic spa day maybe!   Some shopping at Down Town Disney.”  – That’s my girl!  I’d want in on that spa day action.  Think about it – halfway through your stay, you book and entire day for a massage, facial, pedi – you’d be so rejuvenated and ready to get back out to those rides and attractions!

Niki said,  “This is a great question!!! I would definitely stay at the Beach Club…maybe Poly…I would spend the extra money on boat rental for fire works, maybe serious shopping at DTD and definitely purchase a come back trip!!!”  I’d never even thought about one of those fireworks cruises.  I LOVE this idea!  Here’s a link to Specialty Cruises at Walt Disney World (in case you want to know what Niki and I are so excited about!).

IMG_5111Randi would enjoy dining at “Victoria and Albert’s and stay at Contemporary.”  I like Randi’s way of thinking – stay at a Magic Kingdom resort on the monorail loop (and the Contemporary is GREAT!), eat at the best fine dining experience at Walt Disney World and then just hop back on the monorail to get back to your resort when dinner is over.  Winner, winner, chicken dinner! (or seafood, or veal, or lamb, or beef – no telling what those chefs at V&A’s will come up with!)

Jenni wins the prize for most substantial plan!  “I’d go to Anaheim, then Hawaii, then Tokyo, Beijing, Paris, Disney cruise, then WDW. You said unlimited funds… I’d spend at least 4-5 days at each with a 7-10 days at WDW.”  I suggested doing the cruise last as a means of recuperating from all that traveling and theme-park walking, but Jenni loves Walt Disney World, she wanted to save the best for last.  Go, Jenni!

Christine had only two items on her wish list: “Stay  at a deluxe resort and spend a night in IMG_5038Cinderella’s castle for my daughter.”  I don’t know how old Christine’s daughter is, but having a mom who wishes she could give you the unbelievably magical experience of staying in Cinderella Castle is pretty darned special!  Loving-mom bonus points to Christine!

Ruth was very decisive when she jumped into the discussion with:  “AKL for one week followed by a week with a MK view with all the backstage tours.”  Well, Ruth, I have to agree with you about the tours!  I’m embarrassed to say that (like the fireworks cruises) using unlimited funds to take the tours never entered my mind until now.  I’ve always wanted to do one of the tours, but they are kind of pricey.  Plus the Backstage Magic tours take 7 hours – that’s a lot of precious vacation time, but if you’re going to be at the World, then there’s plenty of time for pretty much everything!

Stephanie had a very well-thought-out list (including my most favorite answer of the day):  “Stay at a deluxe resort, eat at the more expensive restaurants, buy souvenirs for kids I IMG_2544don’t know at the parks, do the dolphin adventure at Epcot, and take a couple of tours.”  Yes, Stephanie said with unlimited funds she would buy souvenirs for kids she doesn’t know at the parks!  Oh, Stephanie!  You are so sweet!  Haha!  For me, other people’s kids are, well….let’s be honest – they’re like a huge downside of Disney vacations and you want to buy them presents.  You are absolutely the nicest person and I’d say I want to be you when I grow up, but…I’m pretty sure I’m WAY older than you and totally (supposed to be) grown up already.  You get 100 bonus points for generosity and liking children!!!

Ellen knew exaction what she’d do:  “I want to go to Aulani!”  Oh, yeah!  Aulani…Disney’s Hawaiian resort.  It looks like a slice of paradise and there are all those Hawaiian things to do and see!  Plus, Disney service, kids programs, and activities!  If you haven’t checked out the website for Aulani, take a peek!  Good answer, Ellen!

Here’s what our friends on Twitter had to say:

IMG_3280Jayne Phipps (@JaynePhipps)  tweeted that the idea of unlimited funds “gives greater freedom especially when shopping :)”  Well, there are a lot of shopping options – and even more in the future when the new Disney Springs (Down Town Disney) is complete.  Trust me – shipping it home instead of trying to keep up with purchases is worth the extra cost – which you can pay with the imaginary What-if money you’re pretending to use right now.

 Wonders of The World (@V24Wonders) “Last year I would easily have said stay at the Poly but because of the construction/refurb I’ll go with Tree House Villas”  – Now, I have heard a rumor that the pool at the Poly (Polynesian) will be closed later this summer for the resort’s re-design (and the addition of DVC rooms/villas) and the pool closure may last a YEAR!  If that’s true, then Tree House Villas would be awfully fun!  If you haven’t seen them yet (at Saratoga Springs) – look here.

 Oli Oliver (@OliRage) Knew exactly what to do with unlimited funds, “Never leave. Victoria and Albert’s.” – Hilarious and brilliant at the same time!  I confirmed with Oli that he hadn’t yet had the opportunity to dine at Victoria and Albert’s and neither have I.  You bet if I had unlimited funds I’d go hang out there with Oli for a meal or two.  It’s quite the splurge, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews.

Sarah (@CheshireCanuck) would “Stay at the Grand Floridian for a week!”  Then added, “Oh I’d also buy out the Magic Kingdom for a night and have all my friends and family show up to a surprise vow renewal for us” – what a creative and romantic answer – Unlimited funds would IMG_0834certainly mean being able to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something extra special.  I like the idea of a Disney vow renewal.  Well played, Sarah!

Jennifer (@Minnie_ears) Would, “Stay at the Poly and the Grand, club level for like, a month!”  Well, Jennifer, I can vouch for the excellence of club level – we were unexpectedly upgraded (Yay, Pixie Dust!) to club level once at the Grand Floridian…sadly, it was only a two-night stay.  The snacks, the breakfast foods, the service, and the Magic Kingdom view were all spectacular!!!  An entire month of that and you’d be SO spoiled!!!

Rebecca Kelly (@rkellyWDW) After careful consideration, Rebecca needed two tweets to respond: “OK. Unlimited funds: Land & Sea cruise and WDW trip. Deluxe Dining plan. Stay at AKL for 5 days before, Savannah level, &…then at the Poly for 5 days after the cruise. I think I’d have to do a 7-day cruise but doesn’t matter where. ;).  – So we’re talking a 17-day vacation!  Sounds DSCN3118perfect and I agree that as long as you’re cruising with Disney, it really doesn’t matter where you go – it’ll be a great time with phenomenal service, good food, and the best nighttime entertainment in the cruise industry.  All this imaginary fun! Can I pretend go with you, Rebecca?

DisneyPrincess83 (@OzGoofyPrincess) would “stay for 3 months. We stayed for 6 weeks last year. Just over 5 weeks at WDW and a Disney Dream Cruise.”  Really?  SIX weeks for vacation would be so incredible, I can’t even begin to imagine 3 months.  If you spent five weeks at Walt Disney World before your Disney cruise – and you still want to come back for more, then that answers one of the questions I’ve always had:  How long do you have to stay before you’re satisfied?  Clearly the answer is longer than five weeks.  The closest to a six week vacation I’ve ever had was maternity leave…and…. yeah, that’s not at all like a Disney vacation.  At. All.

WOW!  What great participation and thoughtful, creative answers!!!  I appreciate everyone for playing and if you have any suggestions for future “What-if” questions, be sure to let me know. 

The Creatures of Disney World

Joe's Animals 2

Squirrel at Home, Moth in Key West, Raccoon at Home.

Little Back Story:

Before I delve right on into today’s post topic.  I need to give you some background info on the youngest member of The Fam, Joseph. He was, like many a boy-child born here in the Sportsman’s Paradise, a big fan of catching and studying all manner of creepy-crawly things.  Almost from birth.  We implemented a catch-and-release rule at our house by the time he was five.  We did allow a few pets and over the years Joseph cared for dogs, cats, pet rats, a gecko, a hairless guinea pig named Rufus (oh, just imagine how cute! No.), and some mail-order larvae that, thankfully, did turn into butterflies.  The rest of Joseph’s animals just came for a visit and then moved on.  That list included many snakes, skinks, and lizards, one baby possum, a baby rabbit, a baby raccoon, a flying squirrel, and an enormous garden spider named Mildred that lived outside our dining room window (Joseph tossed bugs into her web and she lived there for five months).  Joseph!  If you are reading this, call your parents!  (Sorry, empty nesting is HARD!)  Back to my post.

Here’s the Disney part: 

Animals at WDW

Bunny: Epcot, Ducks: Magic Kingdom, Lizard: Studios

What Joe’s awesome animal finding skills mean for us when we’re on vacation at Disney World is that, if there’s a creature or critter around, Joseph’s going to spot it.  Duck and baby ducklings at Magic Kingdom?  Joseph will point them out.  Lizard on a tombstone at The Haunted Mansion?  Joseph will see it.  Bunny in Epcot?  You bet Joe will show it to you.  All that is, and was, just fine.  Until one day at the China pavilion in Epcot.  Our darling boy, with no advance warning whatsoever, reached into the carefully manicured landscaping and pulled out a snake.

SNAKE!

SNAKE! Epcot China Pavilion

Genuinely concerned about the snake’s well-being, Joseph began looking around for an Epcot Cast Member he could give the snake to-hoping it could be safely moved from such a high-traffic area.  I was freaking out – not about the snake itself, I was used to that (at least it wasn’t poisonous this time)- I just knew there was pretty much no chance at all that any Cast Member would be willing to take that snake off Joseph’s hands.  So I began quietly trying to talk him into putting the snake back where he found it.  I took a few pictures (and noticed a few random strangers doing the same), and continued to coax Joseph – I argued that the snake looked like it would be just fine if only Joseph would PUT IT BACK!  Took me a few minutes, but finally Joseph decided that it did indeed look healthy enough and he gently sent it on its way up the same tree below which the snake had been found.  Whew.  We resumed our vacation with no further reptile encounters. 

What’s your most unusual animal encounter at Disney World?