WHHHAAA?!?!?
Jason and I took a cruise for our honeymoon. and when Disney got into the cruising business, we looked into taking our family - but with 4 children, it was absolutely cost-prohibitive. they don't make staterooms for 6 people families (well, they DO, but they are the luxury suites, and well, still absolutely cost-prohibitive). so we had to, unfortunately, dismiss the idea that we would ever be able to take the kids on a cruise (and even more specifically, a Disney one...they cost quite a bit more than the other cruise lines). We invested in a Marriott timeshare, and have been more than happy with the ability to take an annual vacation with the kids in that manner.
but then the commercials for the newest ship, the Disney Dream, started appearing in every Phineas and Ferb episode (just one of many Disney channel shows the kids watch). and the kids sat in awe...taking in the waterslide that shoots you over the edge of the ship and back. and they asked - "can we go on a Disney cruise?" given our state in life, it's not often that we truly have to tell the children 'no' - but this was one of those times...we knew we couldn't do it.
and then, just a few months later - in a seemingly random situation - the possibility exists?
as time passed, i thought maybe dad was joking...until it was clear he'd researched, and knew routes and dates and costs - and we were deciding when we could go (a year in advance...and as a bonus for me...sailing on my birthday!) what a secret to keep...and for so long...
now, pay particular attention the end...my brother's kids actually already knew we were going...so grandpa instructed them to act surprised...note porter's disbelief, and celia's incredible acting ability ;)
and so we have been preparing since march as a family for this once-in-a-lifetime vacation! new swimsuits and fancy clothes. lots of discussions of excursions and activities. lots of internet research of all the things we need to be sure not to miss.
the final packing came - and final over-the-top preparations (manis and pedis!)
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| Molly went with a pink Minnie Mouse theme |
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| Maya's red tribute to Minnie Mouse |
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| Lillian's elegant french with a hint of Mickey |
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| the toes of the three girls |
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| My ensemble |
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| and the boy's home-made orange pedis |
we headed to detroit the night before our early morning flight and met up with our favorite asian taxi service for dinner at Famous Dave's, before heading to our hotel.
we boarded the plane on friday the 13th, and that's when it felt like our adventures truly began!
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| molly and porter take in some of a movie on jason's ipad...yay for technology on flights! |
we met up with andy and co. at the terminal to check in for the cruise
and board the bus for the 45 minute trek to Port Canaveral.
and the bus driver also does his job at getting everyone pumped up as he knows just what hill you can see the ship from for the first time....
okay, so you arrive at the Port Canaveral dock...and the ship is beautiful and BIG...and you go into the terminal and there's Mickey and Minnie, and a really cool model of one of the other Disney ships...and you check in to the kids club and the kids get their 'tracking devices' - yes, truly - and then you walk thru the mickey head, up the gangway and TO THE SHIP!
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| the approach |
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| pretty cute 'decorations' on the back of the ship |
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| molly and jason check out the model...VERY detailed! |
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| all aboard! |
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