Category Archives: Disney Cruise Line

Disney’s Magic in Norway – At Sea Day

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Disney-Magic-Sailor-GoofyThe first full day of our cruise would be spent at sea – between Copenhagen, Denmark and our first port in Norway (Stavanger).  This might sound a bit disappointing since logically, after sailing away, you’d think we’d be ready to see and explore more exciting locations.  This day at sea could not have been more welcome – or FUN!

Disney’s Magic in Norway – At Sea Day

When the day began, we only had two solid plans on our family agenda:  Private Mixology with some friends from the cruise’s Facebook group and Formal Night.  On days like this, it goes without saying that Raymond and I, early risers, will do our best not to disturb Megan and Joseph on our way out the door.  Up until our Mixology session, we were all free to do whatever we liked.  Cabana's-Breakfast Cabana's-Wall-MuralRaymond and I chose to hit the buffet in Cabana’s for breakfast and see who we could find out and about before attending the reception for Gold and Platinum Castaway Club Members.  We happened to run into Captain America!  Let me just say that he’s exactly as he appears in the movies!  He was very hero-esque and incredibly tall.  Captain-America-DisneyThis would be our first cruise as Gold level members and we had no idea what to expect at the reception.  We were very glad we checked it out!

If I heard correctly, there were over 600 Gold and Platinum Castaway Club members on this particular cruise.  This would explain why the reception was being held in both Fathoms and O’Gill’s at the same time.  We arrived promptly at 10:30 and were greeted with a cocktail and invited to take a seat.  Castaway-Club-RefreshmentsWe found a table for two to the right of the stage and a cast member offered us a shrimp cocktail…yes, please!  The guests in O’Gill’s that could not see the stage would watch the presentation via television.Castaway-Club-Reception Commodore-Tom-SpeakingCommodore Tom Forberg and (I am embarrassed to say I cannot remember his name) the Chief Operating Officer of Disney Cruise Line were the featured presenters at this gathering and they were GREAT!  This presentation made us huge fans of the Commodore and we were so glad we attended the reception!  Special events like these are part of the reason so many people keep sailing with Disney Cruise Line over and over again.  Captain Mickey was even available post-reception for a photo.Captain-Mickey

There’s a small gift shop in this section of the ship that always has unique, destination-specific items – different than what can be found in the main shops.  We ducked in and found a cap for Joseph and ear-warmers for Megan that were both made in Norway.  (You’ll see Megan and Joseph wearing these in many of our photos.)Disney-Magic-Norwegian-Merchandise Disney-Magic-Norwegian-Merchandise2

Remembering the very strict warning we gave Megan and Joseph about NOT attending the Mixology lesson on an empty stomach, we decided on Lumiere’s for lunch.  We weren’t particularly hungry, but we knew there would be fantastic light options on the menu.  I was hoping to find my favorite appetizer of all Disney Cruise Line offerings – the Chilled Mango Soup.Lumiere's-at-Lunch Lumiere's-Lighting-RoseWe rarely get to enjoy a quiet, relatively kid-free meal in Lumiere’s, so it’s become a habit to try to enjoy lunch there if we can.  The service is always excellent, as is the food!Lumiere's-Lunch-ServerLumier's-Lunch-Menu YES – the soup was on the menu!  Raymond ordered a salad and the halibut main course, I ordered the Chilled Mango Soup and a Lemon Chicken Salad that sounded light and refreshing.Chilled-Mango-Soup-DCL Lumiere's-Salad Lumiere's-Lunch-Fish Lumiere's-Lunch-SaladWe took our time and enjoyed the beautiful atmosphere.  Soon it would be time to meet in Keys.  As it turned out, we ran into Megan and Joseph while we were walking around after lunch, so we headed to Keys together where we would learn all about the art of mixing cocktails.  Megan mentioned that she’d found out that the Marvel characters were on board and she was determined to get pictures with them – checking her Navigator app, she was busy making plans.  We told her that’d we’d seen the Cap and he did not disappoint.Disney-Magic-Mixology-Setup

Linda Walker, a very kind Facebook group member from Great Britain, was nice enough to organize and book the private group session and greeted each group with a gift (a book on cocktails) as we entered Keys.  I’d been particularly excited to meet Linda at the initial Facebook group gathering the day before since she’s a very loyal listener to The Disney Exchange Podcast – I knew her from social media but hadn’t met her face-to-face until this cruise.Linda and Lisa

We found a table by the window and prepared to learn all about cocktails.  Admittedly, we generally drink beer or wine, so we didn’t know much about mixology, but were eager to learn.  Our instructor, Fletcher, was engaging, knowledgeable, and very entertaining!  Just a weird happenstance – we discovered that none of us (in our family) like Mojitos…not even a little bit.  But, we did enjoy the rest of the cocktails we blended and sampled.Mixology-Expert-FletcherMegan-and-Joseph-Mixology Mixology-Mojito

Once the class was over, Megan, Joseph and I stayed to visit more with Linda.  Raymond said he was going to the cabin, but he was actually going to play a joke on Megan!  I’ll tell you about it in a minute.

Realizing how late it was getting and that we’d all have to get ready for formal night, we reluctantly headed to our stateroom.  We had time to relax and watch some Mickey Mouse cartoons on TV for a few minutes before we put on our formalwear and headed to the Captain’s Reception.  Dinner would be in Carioca’s – my least favorite choice for Formal Night, but the menu would make up for that.  Fam-on-Formal-NightYou’ll see in the pictures that many guests did not dress up – we know that’s going to be the case, but we still go all out.  (If you’re curious why we always dress up for formal night, I explain in this post.)  Carioca's Carioca's-Formal-Night-Menu Carioca's-Formal-Night-Entree2 Carioca's-Formal-Night-EntreeJoe-Formal-Night-DinnerDinner was delicious, but the dinner conversation was hilarious.  With impeccable timing, Raymond asks Megan when she was planning to squeeze in a Marvel character meet-and-greet.  She excitedly shares her plans and mentions which characters will be appearing at different times…that’s when Raymond mentions what he did earlier that afternoon after the Mixology session was over…and shows Megan the pictures he has on his phone.  Oh, the look on Megan’s face was priceless!!!Raymond-and-Captain-America Raymond-and-Thor Raymond-and-SpidermanAfter dinner, we were off to the theater for Twice Charmed.  Twice-CharmedWe’d seen this show before, but it’s entertaining and lots of fun. Megan-and-Joseph-Formal-Night The-Fam-Formal-in-the-Theater Knowing we had a big day the next day, starting early in the morning, we didn’t stay up too late. Towel-PeacockTomorrow we’d have our first BIG adventure in Stavanger, Norway and we could not WAIT!

Thanks for follow along…Lisa

 

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Disney’s Magic – Sailing Away to Norway

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Copenhagen-Shopping-DistrictFinally, the day had arrived!  Two years of anticipation, endless research, packing angst, jet lag, the exploration of Copenhagen – which (incredibly) went precisely as planned – WE WERE READY!  We’d agreed before turning in the night before that we had enough time in the morning (before our bus to the port left) to get ready, enjoy the Tivoli Hotel’s breakfast buffet (very impressive, by the way) and walk to Copenhagen’s pedestrian shopping district.  We really wanted to check out the local Disney Store!

Outside-Disney-Store-CopenhagenThe weather was great and we walked briskly, timing how long it took to arrive at our destination – we did NOT want to miss our ride back at the hotel.  We had enough time, once we reached the shopping district (after a brief pause to listen to…wait for it…the Salvation Army Band play) to not only browse the tiny Disney Store but also check out some Danish versions of familiar stores like H&M (Megan picked up a pair of Sunglasses).  Disney-Store-CopenhagenWhen time was up, we reversed our route and hurried back so we could…

WAIT!  UGH!  Luggage at our side, we waited (and waited) outside the hotel’s lobby for the busses to the port to arrive – poised for action, we did manage to be among the first guests to board the, again, impressively plush and well appointed motor coach.  Off we went!  Before long, we could see her from the window – the Disney Magic!!!  Disney-Magic-in-CopenhagenOff the bus and right into the line, it seemed to take no time at all and we were walking onto the ship.  We boarded on a lower deck, rather than into the main atrium, and without fanfare, but we didn’t mind a bit.  We were finally back aboard one of our most favorite vacation vessels.  That’s the beauty of Disney Cruise Line for us – we love the ships, which allow us to travel in the Disney bubble while we’re seeing the world.Disney-Captain-Mickey-Statue

Lunch first, in Carioca’s, while waiting for our stateroom to be ready…check!  Stateroom located, carryon luggage stored, door magnets in place…check!Disney-Magic-Stateroom-Detail Disney-Magic-Stateroom-Sitting-AreaDisney-Norway-Cruise-Stateroom-Door-MagnetsIt was time for the Facebook group meet-up (we could only stay briefly, but made new friends), then the mandatory lifeboat drill – which we have found we actually enjoy.  Disney-Magic-Lifeboat-Drill-CM

Lifeboat Drill Lineup

Lifeboat Drill Lineup

I mean it IS mandatory, so we might as well stir up some fun while we’re at it, right?  And, finally, the sail away party.  I don’t know what was more fun – watching the party on deck or the people on shore who came to wave us bon voyage.Disney-Magic-Sailaway-Party

Post sail-away bash, we had time to unpack (luggage arrived earlier than expected), meet our stateroom host, Kenneth, unwind, and get ready to meet our dining room servers (April and Andres) at Animator’s Palate (the first restaurant in our dining rotation).  April We would spend this cruise with six other table-mates each evening:  A retired couple from California enjoying (I think they said) their 36th Disney Cruise, and another family – mom, dad, and young adult son and daughter.  We enjoyed visiting with our co-diners every evening to find out what adventures everyone had been on each day.  Meg&Joe-Animator's-PalateOur precious angels were so well behaved at the dinner table!

Disney Cruise Line shows are the best & we caught two that night (don’t ask me how we stayed awake, I have no idea) – Let the Magic Begin followed by the Irish trio, Runa, in O’Gill’s Pub.Let-the-Magic-BeginFinally, we called it a night and it felt good knowing we could sleep in the next day if we wanted to since it would be a day at sea.  After that, things were going to get a lot busier!Towel-Snake

Coming up – A day at sea followed by one of the most challenging adventures we’ve ever had!

Thanks for following along…Lisa

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Disney’s Magic in Norway – Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

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RM-Tivoli-Gardens-ArchI’d be completely remiss if I didn’t tell you  how we spent the one pre-cruise evening we had in Copenhagen (after our Segway tour).  We spent several wonderful hours in Tivoli Gardens, but I’ll apologize right now for the lack of great pictures.  By the time we made it to the Gardens, we were indescribably tired, but very committed to experiencing this amazing, truly magical place to the fullest extent possible (under the circumstances).

Tivoli Gardens is famous for many reasons.  This popular Danish amusement park and beautiful gardens first opened in 1843 (2nd oldest in the world).  In the very heart of Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a compact, excitement-filled novelty!  Restaurants, rides, entertainment (Elton John will be playing there this week!), attractions – even boasting its own aquarium – it’s no surprise to guests that this place was an inspiration to Walt Disney for Disneyland.  Both park’s are based on the premise that they’ll never be complete – always changing, yet maintaining the heart of the original design.  Tivoli-Small-World Tivoli-ChurrosSo much about Tivoli Gardens was unique, but many things were oddly familiar!

Our all-inclusive tickets (pre-purchased months earlier online) were a bargain at around 80 dollars US.  We’d get park admission, aquarium admission, all-ride access (rides are usually purchased a la carte), free ride photo of our choice, and a meal (limitations apply).  We arrived early evening and decided to get the lay of the land and knock off a few rides before getting something to eat and reassessing our ability to power on.  We received paper wrist bands for ride access and small, tear-apart paper tickets for our meal and photo.RM-Tivoli-Octopus-Ride

The rides varied wildly in age and thrill-level.  Some were quite old and others really new (and cutting edge) – all were outdoors and many resembled carnival rides.  Here’s where an open mind helped – the rides that looked tame were actually loads of fun!  The rides that looked super scary were actually thrilling yet smooth.  ALL were great fun!

“The Roller Coaster” built in 1914 and one of Tivoli Gardens most popular rides was incredibly fun.  “The Star Flyer” took all my bravery – it was basically two-seater baby swings hurling around and around on a single middle post – WAY up in the air!  Tivoli-SwingsLots more fun (and less sickening) than anticipated.  Also a testament to Denmark’s lack of crime – any and all possessions (empty pockets were mandatory) had to be left on the ground in unlocked “lockers” to be retrieved once the ride was over.  Our favorite ride by far was “The Demon” – imagine Rock’n’ Roller Coaster, but four seats across, outdoors and much, much smoother.  We were in awe!Demon-Tivoli-Ride-Photo Demon-Track-Design The-Demon-Tivoli-Gardens

Realizing how hungry we were, we decided on the Biergarten for supper.  It was the only option (as far as we could tell) for a meal that wasn’t a sandwich.  We’d each be getting a half a roast chicken, fries, pickles, and a beer.  Sounds great, right?  We presented our meal tickets at the counter and, after what we thought was a pretty substantial wait, our buzzer/flasher thing indicated that our food was ready.  Tivoli-BiergartenWhoa!  We did not go away hungry!  The chicken was of a generous size, the beer even more so, and the fries were without a doubt the best I’ve ever eaten.  I was alone in my love for the pickles, but thought they were fantastic!Tivoli-Biergarten-Beer

Giant Beer in Tivoli GardensFortified, we headed back into the park for a few more attractions and a tour of the aquarium.  Tivoli-OctopusWhile not large, the displays were well-done and full of interesting fish.  For the final event of the evening, Megan and Joseph rode “Aquila” which was a spinner ride experienced mostly upside down.  (I have short videos of a couple of the rides and the octopus from the aquarium that I’ll post over on our Facebook page.)  On the way out, Megan and Joseph stopped for ice cream and we slowly made our way back to the Tivoli Hotel.  At 10:30 pm, the sun was setting on our incredible day in Copenhagen – and our vacation had jut begun!

Up next, embarkation day, the sail away party, meeting new friends, and our first day at sea on the way to the first port of call in Norway – Stavanger.

If you have any questions or want to know more about anything in particular, please let me know.  As always, thanks for reading.

 

Disney Cruise Food – Palo’s Chocolate Soufflé

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In my non-vacationing life, I rarely eat dessert.  When I’m on a Disney cruise, though, I tend to order dessert with dinner.  It’s expected.  In fact, on the occasional evening I’ve attempted to pass on dessert, our server seemed genuinely saddened by this and vowed to find something to tempt me.  I’ve ordered plain vanilla ice cream or a Mickey Premium ice cream bar from the children’s menu just to feel less guilty about my lack of a sweet tooth.Chocolate Souffle Presentation

When we dine in Palo, our favorite adults-only restaurant on the high seas, it’s a completely different story.  Palo serves THE Chocolate Soufflé – a delicious work of confectionary art that makes me inordinately happy!  Made-to-order, if you want this particular dessert, it’s best to let your server know early in the meal so the 20-ish minute cooking time can be taken into account (while you’re enjoying Palo’s amazing Italian dishes).Chocolate Souffle

Hot, straight from the oven, the Chocolate Soufflé is served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and two small pitchers of sauce, one chocolate, one vanilla.  You get to choose how you’d like to combine the separate components to make the perfect blend of hot, cold, chocolate, vanilla, crispy, gooey fabulousness that is this dessert!Chocolate Souffle Closeup

After I pause for a moment to admire the beauty of my dessert, I take that spoonful of ice cream and smoosh it right into the center of the soufflé.  That blend of hot and cold is SO perfect, but won’t last forever so I immediately drizzle a little bit of both the chocolate and vanilla sauces right into the cavern I’ve made with the ice cream spoon and start eating.  Oh, boy, this is just the best dessert!  The crust on the outside, the gooey filling, the delicate powdered sugar topping – the blend of textures and subtle flavors really defies description, but trust me when I say it’s one of my most favorite treats in the world.  If you find yourself dining at Palo, save room for dessert and order the Chocolate Soufflé – you won’t be sorry.

Have you taken a Disney Cruise?  What was your favorite sweet treat?

Want to try Palo’s Chocolate Soufflé at home?  Here’s the recipe!