Pearl Travel » Disney

Disney Cruise Line

Pearl Travel Blog — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:47:22 +0000

Having returned from a 3 night Disney Cruise I had to take some time to extol the virtues of a Disney Cruise. I freely admit that I am a ‘Disney Freak’ so of course would really enjoy this cruise, but I tried to look at it dispassionately and really was very impressed with what and how they do as only Disney can do it. First to address those things that I found so distasteful on the other cruise I was on recently. Yes things are expensive and yes you do pay for extras – a lot but it is not so very “IN YOUR FACE” all the time. Disney is about you and your family having a great time and if you are you will spend money anyhow. The availability of the Characters on board is just outstanding and I can’t begin to express how impressed I was with the character interaction with children. They must have special training to be that attentive time after time with each child – just spectacular. If you have a small child this is the place to introduce them to the characters,they will not feel so overwhelmed as they do at the parks. This trip was a 3 night girls getaway with my daughter-in-law and a 16 year old granddaughter and we had a great time. We saw every show and they are of course spectacular with the magic touch of Disney.

Our one day in port was in Nassau and we went to the Dolphin Encounter on Blue Lagoon Island where we did the “Swim with the Dolphins ” what a fantastic experience we were actually in the water petting, getting and giving hugs and kisses, dancing and generally interacting with the dolphins ending with the “push” when the dolphins actually push on the bottoms of your feet and you sort of stand up on them – really a breathtaking ride! While expensive this was probably one of the best shore excursions I have ever been on and worth the money.

Our second day was spent at Castaway Cay and a delightful experience on Disney’s own little island in the Bahamas. Swimming, biking, sunbathing, feeding the stingray’s and snorkeling all made for a full day.

One of the things I have frequently complained about on the Disney Cruise was the food, I am delighted to say they have improved there has been a change in all the dining menus since I was last on the cruise a year ago. Definitely more upscale and tastier but still accommodating the smaller children with their own menu and quick service. on a few night you can even have expedited service sot he children can finish eating quickly and then go on to their activities while you can relax and dine leisurely.

This is now my 4th disney Cruise and I can truly say they just keep getting better.

Pearl Travel Blog — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:11:09 +0000

I have been traveling and unable to get on line to blog but I want to finish the disney experience we just had. We departed the ship and took the disney transfer directly to our hotel The Contemporary at Disney World. We immediately left for the Animal Kingdom because I have tried to ride the Everst ride 2 other times and kept getting rained out. If there is an electrical storm they shut it down as it is the highest point in the Animal Kingdom. We finally made it on and what a terrific rollercoaster -if you like roller coasters. From there we went to Hollywood Studios for dinner at the Brown Derby and the Fantasmick Show. The Rain that held out so we could do the Everst ride hit with a vengance and after waiting 45 minutes for the show to start it was finally cancelled. They did set off some of the lower level fireworks but we did not see the whole show – I was disapointed because it is a terrific show one of the best at Disney. We had one more full day at Disney and spent it at EPCOT. I have been to Disney World many time but I don’t think I have ever gotten fully around to everything – I think it is very dfficult to do in one day. We had lunch at the Coral Reef and it is really a nice interlude and with watching the fish swim by it appeared to keep the kids amused while waiting for their food. We had dinner in Italy then headed back to the hotel early – we had a sick person who had to go to bed. I went to the Magic Kingdom for the parade and fireworks as it was a magic late opening evening. The value of the early morning and late night magic openings cannot be looked at lightly. These make staying at Disney Hotels more than worth it. This night the Magic Kingdom was open until 2AM for those who were staying on property. Something to think about when deciding where to stay. A reminder that it is very important when staying for the late events at the parks – fireworks and parades – that you plan on a meeting place on the way out of the parks. I was not in any hurry to leave so I just sat and watched and I don’t know how families are able to keep together. It is better to simply wait until the rush leaves and then make your way out. The next day we were leaving on a 530PM flight our Magical express transfer was at 330PM - I thought it might be early but found the we only sat at the gate about 20 mintes before boarding. Again an advantage of staying on disney property is you can check yourself and your luggage in for most of the major airlines right at your hotel and not have to worry about it at the airport - you get off the bus and go directly to security and your gate. Since we did have several hours in the morning I went off the the Magic Kingdom and just walked around – looked in the Castle at the new Boutique and saw all the little girls becoming princesses – this is really special to some kids and they just glow. The Magic of Disney World will always be there for me. This September I am planning a trip to Disneyland so watch the blog for information. check the Gallery for picture from my Disney Trip (these will be loaded after June 18th).

Castaway Cay

Pearl Travel Blog — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:44:59 +0000

Spent the day at Castaway Cay (key) which is Disney’s own private island. We went off to Serenity Bay (adults only) and had a wonderful quiet peaceful day. Earlier in the cruise we participated in a Match you mate game and won so when we came back to the ship we took advantage of the prize we won in the spa a special couple Rasoul. This is a private room for a couple and they give you the necessary things to exfoliante your skin and then a mud treatment and then time in a steam room that was just out of this world.

We just left the Walt Disney theater where we saw the show Dreams. This show has been voted the best show on the high seas and though I have seen if 3 times I always think it is wonderful. It is always the last night of the cruise and always gets a standing ovation. We are off the ship tomorrow and on to Disney World for a few days. Hope to do Everest, see the Fantasmic Show at Hollywood Studios and then spend a whole day at EPCOT and take the time to see all the flowers for the EPCOT Flowerama going on now. Don’t know if I will get online if not when I get home I will fill in my time at Disney World.

Disney Cruise Nassau

Pearl Travel Blog — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 14:18:16 +0000

What a great day we had. Got of the boat for a very short time and went into Nassua and walked Bay Street. Nothing we wanted to do so we got back on board and spent the remainder of the day by the pool until the hot hot sun became too much for us. Stopped inthe Cadillac Lounge to enjoy the sound of the panio player before dinner. With late seating it allowed us to relax before dinner. Immediately following we went to the Pirates in the Caribbean party up on deck 9 and 10 outside. We just made it in time to see the firework being set off from the smoke stacks. This is a not to be missed opportunity as disney is the only cruise line allowed to have fireworks at sea. Really neat! Disney has also added a large screen on the stack above Goofy’s pool and we hope to watch some of the final four on it tonight. We are heading off for Castaway Cay and a day at the beach.

Disney Cruise

Pearl Travel Blog — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:06:43 +0000

Yesterday we boarded the Disney Wonder – the boarding process is not bad except for the lines into the building and through security. We spent a leisurely afternoon and walked around the boat. There is a new show on board called Toy Story the Musical which we were able to see part of before going to dinner at Palo’s. It was a nice musical with all the characters from the movie. we had to leave a little early to make our reservation for dinner. Palo’s still has the best food on board and is a wonderful adult dinning experience. The chocolate souffle for dessert was divine. Since there are only the 2 of us we headed for Route 66 and the adult area of the ship. This is one place where there have been many changes. We participated in a scavenger hunt kind of game sort of do you have this item and then in a know you mate. We were the couple married the longest and we won the game. We won a bottle of champagne and time in the couple room in the spa. don’t know what that is about but we will find out. Today we are in Nassau – we are going in for a short time just long enough to see if we can find some scotch then spend the afternoon by the pool.

Off to sea again

Pearl Travel Blog — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:38:04 +0000

I am again cruising – this time for only a 3 day cruise. I am sailing April 2nd on the Disney Wonder. while I have been on the ship before disney has been making changes so it will be fun to see the newest things like the huge screen over the pool and the fireworks at night.

After the cruise I will be spending 2 nights at Disney World and taking a good look at Epcot and the flower show going on now. This is an adult vacation even though it is to disney World.