Tuesday, December 31, 2019

2019 - It Happened.

It's that time again .... time to look back at 2019 and see what the heck did I do to pass the time. Before even starting I can say it feels like a blur. I feel like I was dealing with medical nonsense for a majority of the year and it kept me from doing more of the things I'd prefer to do. But I bet it was still a busy one. Let's do this!

January - Yeah, that started as a medical mystery. I had an infuriating visit with a wannabe doctor boy that I will NEVER deal with again. But then I met with my new medical person that actually got the ball rolling in the right direction toward getting me fixed! I had attempted to run at home on a treadmill, but realized that was NOT going to happen given the medical disaster I currently was. There was one super exciting that happened this month... we booked our November Walt Disney World/Disney Cruise Line vacation! 

February - Aww, Katura turned three years old and started hula lessons! Sure, she was a drop out a few weeks later, but it was cute while it lasted. I got to see my cousin Christopher direct the Salem Orchestra, so that was pretty darn cool!! It was also this month I was seen by a neurologist and sent for scans which revealed I did in fact have a Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in my head which was causing my intense pain and inability to do anything at all. Also, something all of us in my hometown area won't forget ... Snowmageddon! Man, all those days with no power and just an insane amount of snow. Maybe let's not do that again in 2020?!?


March -  We took our delayed trip to Great Wolf Lodge to celebrate Katura's birthday. And then all 3 of us got really sick from our visit. Ugh, that was the worst! A positive in this month was going to OHSU to see the neurosurgeon and then the ENT doctor that would send me on the path of further tracking down of my CSF leak and getting me fixed! The downside? Then spending a day and a half with things shoved up my nose and in my hears, a lumbar puncture, scans ... so much medical stuff!! But then the month finished on a fabulous note with Katura going to her first day of preschool! She has loved every day of it so far!



April - Backstreets Back, Alright! I celebrated avoiding brain surgery by dying my hair purple and going to Las Vegas! Backstreet Boys two nights in a row? Don't mind if I do! Making eye contact with Kevin as we sang together? Sure, I'll do that! Have a moment with Nick? You got it! Visit Vanderpump Cocktail Lounge for the best cake ever?? Did that, too! Katura had her Spring Program at school and it was just too darn cute. And then she and I had a lovely day together just us girls enjoying the fresh air at the Oregon coast.


May - What happened in May?? I think I was just in medical limbo waiting for a follow up appointment from my day in the hospital. We did the Wildlife Safari a lot. And Katura continued to really enjoy school and making new friends.


 
June - I started off the month learning that my brain was in fact healing itself and so once again I avoided any brain surgery! Hip hip hooray!! And an extra way to celebrate was by going to New Kids on the freaking Block with Amber Dawn. We had so much dang fun, I want to do it again! One of my highlights for the whole year happened when we took the motor home camping with my "twin" Sara and her family. It went by way too fast. Let's do that again, too! Remember the baby deer that was born at our house? That was in June, too. Katura and I also walked in the Pride parade this month. It was so hot, but a great day to be out for a great reason!


July - Swimming lessons began - and they haven't really stopped! July wouldn't be complete without running a relay, and that's what I did! It was my first time as a captain for a Ragnar race. Glory Daze was the best! So much fun, and it brought new friends into my life. Now I don't dare relay without Michael, and Dustin and I got to continue our streak of being hand-off buddies. What was the big takeaway from that relay?? DON'T LOCK YOUR KEYS IN THE VAN!!


We are over half way done. We can do this!

August - Katura and I started this month with our annual trip to the Enchanted Forest. She can do rides all by herself now! Swimming lessons continued. And running was happening. I was feeling great with training, and I was able to hit my fundraising goal for Hood to Coast. And it was at the end of this month that I got to feel the complete exhilaration of running leg 1 of Hood to Coast. Downhill for miles and it just flew by. I absolutely loved it! And I got to meet someone on the winning team, so that was pretty nifty, too!


September - First day of school time, and Katura got to move up to the next level in preschool. Her boyfriend and one of her best friends from the prior year were still in her class, so she was pretty happy about that. Ooh, I forgot about this!!! Comic Con!! The relay trio of Ronda/Dustin/Michael reunited, and introduced Jessica to the posse, so we could get our geek on. I met Tim Curry!! AND we all got to fist bump Zachary Levi TWICE!! This year was also my 10th running of the Prefontaine Memorial race. Always love it, but dang this was the hottest year so far!




October - October meant time in the pumpkin patch, decorating pumpkins, carving pumpkins, eating pumpkin pie and me whining about the ever annoying Great Oregon Shakeout. I seriously hate that day. Also we had front row center seats for Disney on Ice where Katura became good friends with Belle/Anna. A little while later I got a private message from Belle/Anna about how cute Katura was and how she made the skater so happy every time she saw her there in her Belle dress!

November - I did nothing. We stayed home inside our house and never did a thing. OR.... we had the most epic vacation in the history of my life! Walt Disney World AND a Disney Cruise??  WHAT?!?! It was pure magic. You all know I loved it. Absolute Disney perfection. And I flew the Millennium Falcon. This was also the month Katura got to go to a birthday of a classmate for the first time. She was so brave, braver than I'd ever be in my life! Oh and I got first in my age group at a VERY cold race!


December -  We pet George, an elephant! That was just way too cool, thanks Wildlife Safari! This month was all about Christmas gatherings, decorations and presents. I can add Kylo Ren's Shuttle to my Lego collection of the Millennium Falcon and BB-8, and Katura can now say she has a big girl bike!



Pretty much my CSF Leak and Meniere's Disease dictated this whole year. I kinda feel like a failure, but what can ya do. Can't change that, so I just have to continue to always adapt and function as best as I can.

What's in store for 2020? Who knows!?!?

Definitely some Ragnar Relay action -- this time on a mountain and trails, but NO vans!! What?!? We are a small team that will be camping in tents and running our way around Mount Bachelor. I have no idea what I've gotten us all into! No big vacations on the 2020 calendar, but that leaves more time for small getaways in the motor home. I've decided I can't register for races too far in advance anymore - thanks to that stupid Meniere's Disease nonsense. BUT I hope to keep myself running when I am physically able to so I will be ready for our trail relay! Comic Con is batting its eyelashes at me, so perhaps I'll be back at that as well - Michael Rosenbaum, I'm looking at You! And maybe I'll go milk a cow! Bovine? Cow? I'm overthinking now - Jill, I'm looking at You! ;-)


Tuesday, December 17, 2019

What's a Florida Disney Christmas Like?

It's that time of year again that I love.... Christmas specials on television, namely Disney Christmas specials! *At this time I'd like to give a huge shout out to Sarah (you'll see her in this post). She's been helping to make that television magic this year! We all see the shows and commercials showing how fabulous it is during the holidays in Walt Disney World. And it really is. I did NOT want to leave last month. When it started snowing on Main Street USA everyone was just smiling, happy and singing along with the Christmas music while putting their hands in the air to reach for the snow. On the ship we saw some Christmas entertainment and it felt like the most authentic, old fashioned Christmas event. Perfection!

But what is it like to WORK in Walt Disney World on Christmas Day?? In 1997 I had the day off and didn't have to brave the Magic Kingdom and cook an insane amount of burgers and fries. How on earth did I get so lucky? Although I did spend that day alone in my apartment because everyone else had to work. In 2001, however, that was not the case!

You think Disney, you think Florida, you think Sunshine! Here's a visual look at that Florida sunshine....

Eet was tough and just went with a warm hat. Meanwhile I stayed warm in our gigantic coats and a poncho. Those coats were the best. It felt like wearing pajamas to work. I loved when it was "cold" and I could wear it!



We had virtually no guests that day, which gave Laurie some time to clean rafts that came through with dissolving park maps in them.


Moniq, my future roommate, was NOT a happy camper! Perhaps in Indonesia they don't have to freeze on Christmas in the rain? Notice she has on the poncho.. AND long sleeves AND gloves. I'm telling you we really did have to bundle up some days!


Tina had fun with the day!


The sole three Americans working the ride that Christmas. We goofed off A LOT. Why not, we had NO guests!! It legit rained almost non-stop and was cold. I guess most guests didn't feel that was how they wanted to spend their Christmas day?



Poor Pim. I think this photo summarizes her feelings that day.


Beam. She always made me laugh! You might remember Beam from this post about her last day and jumping in the Chakranadi River! Let me explain this photo to you because I love it. The worst idea happened that year. A portable heater was brought to the exit area of our ride. It had a gigantic flame. It really wasn't intended to DRY guests off. Naturally with an open flame it had to have a babysitter. The guests were fascinating to watch, and I don't use "fascinating" in a flattering way. Assholes. They turned into complete assholes. And we had to babysit them. Fights almost broke out because people wanted to get dry at the heater and thought other people took too long. We all hated this spot. Thankfully this was short lived. Absolutely awful idea. Well, Beam was the one babysitting our guests and heater ... and was also noticing that a crazy thing was happening that maybe doesn't happen all the time in Thailand? It was so cold she could see her breath! I had to capture this moment!


Finally the park was closed and it was time to go home. That year we did something special at closing. We did the "good night wave". Other nights I had a cute scarf to wear, but I don't see it in this photo. Basically a few of us Cast Members were stand on the bridge leading from Discovery Island to the Oasis and say good night, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, etc to the guests as they left. Seeing as it was Christmas I was happy to be able to do it that night!


So working in the park at a water right on a cold December day? Quiet and silly!

What about when it is night time and you all work in a park that closes at 5pm? You come to my apartment! Robin had the summer holidays, I took the winter ones. I couldn't the main dishes, but my friends also brought things. Herb brought the best mac and cheese using his mom's recipe! I feel like Jeff brought peanut butter cheesecake, but I could be wrong on who it was. Anyway, this was normal for our crew to get together at either my apartment or Robin's and we would have game night!

Christmas 2002 was one of those nights. Tons of food and dessert... and games! Below you can see Herb and Sarah - previously mentioned for her awesome work with this year's Disney holiday shows.


Not sure what game this was, but clearly we were getting into it as seen by my hand gesture! Notice both of us in this photo double layered in shirts AND sweaters and we are INSIDE! Live in Florida long enough and you will get cold for a couple of weeks each year!


And lastly, here is one of Jeff and Lindsey before they created Hunter. Awww, they made a College Program baby, and that baby is NOT so little anymore. Makes me feel old! 


And there is a look at my Florida Christmas life. Each year was the same.... my apartment, food, and games with my Florida "family"! With all of us being away from our real homes I think we came together quite well to fill that little void!



Friday, December 13, 2019

I Want You To Know

That I'm happy for ME
I wish nothing but
The best for poor Shawn.


If you knew me senior year of high school and spent ANY time in my car you either listened to Gangsta's Paradise or Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill. I still hold that as my all time favorite album in the history of all music. Ask who my favorites are and I will tell you without hesitation:
  • Alanis
  • Fiona Apple
  • Jimmy Buffett
  • Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
  • *NSync
1996 high school grad party. Take note of the
super short hair and the shirt.
It will be referenced at the end.
I'm lucky enough to have seen all of these artists multiple times. Heck, just last month I actually talked to BBVD! Jimmy and I had a moment at his concert in 2010. I thank my coconut bra for that one. Fiona's guitar player used my pen. Don't even get me started on my Joey Fatone in Disneyland story! And then there is the goddess known as Alanis Morissette! I love her.

Jagged Little Pill came out and I instantly bought the CD. My mom will vouch for this fact.... every morning I woke up, went to the living room to crank up Disneyland's Fantasmic soundtrack. Then when that ended it was time... time for Alanis!! Every. Single. Morning. I love her.

I remember my mom brushing her teeth and coming out, toothbrush in her mouth, hands free and trying to ask, while making the hand motions, if she just said "scratch my nails down someone else's back". Yes, Mom, she DID say that... and so much more! I love her.

Notice my giant head on the screen behind me.
And that super short hair. But I got a trophy!
I found myself in Portland for the FBLA state skills competition. I had won the regional stuff so it was now the big leagues. Ha! I had done my competing and it was time to just chill. I learned Alanis tickets were going on sale the next morning. While everyone else was sleeping and getting ready for the awards ceremony I was up and standing in line at the Lloyd Center mall. All of us in line were given a raffle ticket. That then determined the order we stood in. I think I was number 12. I scored what felt like pretty awesome seats, especially since I was just some high school kid and we did all of this pre-internet! I felt like a winner... and then went to the awards ceremony where I won first place in my competition!

Earlier that year I chopped off my long hair. After that Alanis concert I completely regretted it. Her hair was so long and awesome. Hence, the long hair I still have. I love her. 

My second Alanis concert found me even closer to her greatness. I had General Admission tickets for the floor. I still have my wrist band. I was behind a couple that kept making out and one of them was really tall, so I had a hard time seeing. Lesson learned. Garbage was the opening act. They were so awesome that the next day I went to the store and bought both of their CDs. Shirley Manson was the epitome of cool. 

When I lived in Florida I was at the Virgin Megastore ALL THE TIME. Every Alanis import that came in I had to buy. I was looking at my iTunes the other day and just what I have in there ... 21 albums. They aren't all in there either. I love her. 

Ever had to deal with me and karaoke? You KNOW you heard me sing Alanis! (And if I had more than 1 song you probably got some of Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 or Fiona Apple's Criminal.) 

Well here we are, 2019. Next year JLP will have its 25 year anniversary. Twenty-five beautiful years! And Alanis is going on tour. Where is her tour starting? The Pacific Northwest!! Who signed up for the pre-sale code? This girl. I couldn't concentrate at all. I was logged in and ready. I found myself in a virtual queue. That made me sweaty. I am a pro at buying good tickets, this made me edgy. It took about 4 minutes and finally I was able to buy mine. I clicked on the tickets in the 3rd row. $399.00?? Um, what??? It killed me to not buy them. Tickets were going FAST! I made the executive decision, clicked on my seats and BAM... I'M GOING TO SEE ALANIS AGAIN!!! 14th row instead of 3. I can live with that! I love her!

I'll be at the opening night of the tour! And who else will be there? Garbage! It's all meant to be! And actually, now that I think of it, when I was at my first Alanis concert my mom and her friend were shopping while waiting and her friend bought a CD. Wanna guess whose? Garbage!

Now there is the issue of my date. Shawn. Oh boy. I remember my mom being my date for Fiona Apple once and she just sat there so confused at all of us younger women and our love for this angry, skinny girl. I can only imagine what Shawn is going to think, see and feel when I am once again reunited with my favorite. I wonder if I can crash diet and fit in my "I'm sick but I'm pretty" tank top that I got in 1996?? Probably not. In conclusion, I LOVE HER!!




Monday, December 9, 2019

The Journey of Our Droid

Once upon a time not too long ago there was no Star Wars Land. But things evolve, and we had a whole new world to welcome at Disney's Hollywood Studios. With something so massive coming to the theme park, obviously that meant we would see many commercials trying to entice people to come and spend their hard earned money. Disney Jr is GREAT at marketing to kids! That first trip to Disneyland? Thanks, Disney Jr. That beautiful tropical oasis of Aulani in Hawaii? Thanks, Disney Jr. The magic of Disney at sea? Thanks, Disney Jr. So it is of no surprise that Walt Disney World was desired by our little toddler. Thanks, Disney Jr. And one final thank you for something that DID surprise me... Star Wars Land and making a droid.Thanks, Disney Jr.


Our reservation window was upon us. We could do dining reservations. We could book FastPass times. We could get a time slot to make our own droid! Katura had so many ideas of design and color, but we wouldn't really know until we got there which she would choose. After a ridiculously fun character breakfast we made our way to Toy Story Land for characters and a ride, but then it was straight to the Droid Depot in Batuu! Thanks to already having a reservation we walked right in, looked at all those suckers in the standby line that just had to wait for an opening, paid, and began our experience.

First up, which type of droid. She kept liking the round BB8 style, and again surprised us by choosing on like R2D2! We girls had our basket and went to the conveyor belt. Our basket had pictures showing what pieces we needed to grab. It was completely our decision which colors and exact styles we wanted. Once everything was in our basket we went over to an assembly area and began building. Only a builder (Katura) and a helper (myself) were technically allowed, but with Katura using her stroller as a stepping stool to see, Shawn ended up behind us holding that stroller in place - and thus documenting via photographs. Pieces were assembled, power tools were used (no joke!!), and then our droid was brought to life!

In the spirit of Walt Disney and "plus-ing" things, I got her a fancy voice box for it and her dad got her some stickers to make her already partially purple and blue droid have some pink! With that KIR2 was born. Sure, Katura had some girl name that I can't remember, but as the person with the credit card I gave it the official name of KIR2.


That little cutie played around in Batuu quite a while as I was flying the Millennium Falcon. It fought off some storm troopers and even encountered the always terrifying Kylo Ren. She had a full day! Katura was in love. They played together in the hotel room, too. Apparently it is fun for Katura and her dad to have the droid chase Mom's bare toes when she isn't paying attention!


Finally it was time to sail away. Our new little pet was given a cozy home in a backpack so we could keep her safe while getting to the port and onto the ship. We were so ready to play with her in our stateroom. Disney had other plans.

At the port terminal we sent our bags through security. We knew that certain things aren't allowed on board, and the notice we read specifically said NO light sabers. What it failed to mention was that droids are also a no-no. We were pulled aside and KIR2 was taken from our bag and put into a plastic black bag. I was given a hand written receipt and told I could come back to that spot to collect it when we get off the ship. All of the droids would be playing together while we sailed.

Fast forward to Friday morning. We had a porter with us to help with all of our luggage. He was taking us to our Walt Disney World bus, and we told him we had to make a stop to grab the droid. Guess what was not there waiting for us. Our droid. The woman seemed to be kind like, "No, there isn't one here with your room number on it." and then almost just dismissed us. I gave them my receipt. They kept looking at the bags. Nothing matched. I repeatedly explained where we were when it was taken and kept telling them it looks like R2D2 but is pink and purple. A phone call was made. There was something left on the ship! Was it ours? No. (That's when we learned that our baby droid DID actually go with us to the Bahamas after all!) 

The porter was stuck with us, so that meant not able to go earn more money from other passengers. The clock was ticking. Our bus was getting close to leaving. We had to make decisions. I made sure Shawn had all of his things. Katura and I took our bags and went with the porter to the bus. I thanked him profusely, gave him a hefty tip and then got on the bus. The cast member there said they hoped Shawn would make it because this was the last bus to Disney!

Katura was so confused. Where was her toy? Where was her daddy? Why did we got on a bus without him?

Meanwhile back in the terminal it was almost very complicated and expensive. Paperwork was going to be filled out. Disney Cruise Line would have to pay for us to get back into the park, get us a droid reservation, pay for another droid and the upgrades... and we were flying home the next day!

Finally someone must have listened when Shawn again said it is pink and purple and they finally looked in bags. There she was! Our cabin number was there, but someone else's number was partially over it. We had our girl back!! Shawn came hustling to the bus and made it just in time!

Now KIR2 is home, safe, and monitoring all of the activity near our Christmas tree!





Friday, December 6, 2019

Docking the Disney Dream... For Now

I've sufficiently shoved the Disney Cruise Line down your throat, so I shall end it now with a final wrap up post. At least I think it is the last one. Who knows. Don't hold me to it.



Things I Loved and Learned on our Disney Cruise is the main topic for today!

I did A LOT of homework before our cruise. I'm so glad I did. I went in very prepared and we didn't have moments of panic because we were missing anything important. But still, without having actually cruised I was eager to get on the ship, experience it and see what new things I could take away from it. So here we go, in no particular order at all!


Things I Disliked:   *this section intentionally left blank*

Things I Loved:
  • Walking onto the ship, hearing our name called out and all of the Cast Members welcoming us.


  • The smell. It ALWAYS smelled good.  Everywhere. All the time. Especially in the atrium! The gingerbread house smelled so delicious, and it was subtle enough to just waft through and not overpower anything. So yummy! 


  • Shopping! I learned during our first night that while there are multiple shops on Deck 3 you do NOT have to pay in each shop for what you want. Let's say you want a shirt in one, some toys in another, and that pretty bracelet in a third... you can just carry your purchases from store to store and pay all at once, which then makes it easy to buy your "gift with purchase purchase"!

  • The cleanliness. I can't recall any moment where I thought something seemed dirty or saw trash laying around. Even at the bars we passed I never saw dirty napkins left behind or empty glasses. It just seemed like it was always impeccable. Even at the morning buffet with all of the people there trying to load up their plates with Mickey waffles and syrup, never did I see any food left anywhere!

  • Being cash free. Yeah, you pay for your adult beverages and merchandise purchases, but you NEVER carry around money. The only time you need it is for room service to be nice and give the person delivering your snacks a tip. That's it. We had our IDs and money all tucked away, only getting it out when we got off the ship in Nassau! What a stress relief. Now about that bill you get at the end ....

  • The bathrooms. What? Yes, oh my gosh, the public area bathrooms - you will never find another cleaner. At first I was kind of shocked that an attendant happened to be there right when we were. Then I realized! They are ALWAYS there, but not in a creepy or annoying way. You don't tip them. They aren't handing you your paper towels. You go in, they might point to an open stall for you (the doors are so nice, real actual doors that nobody can see through!), you come out, they go in and make sure all is tidy and freshen up the toilet paper. Every time you go you have that fancy pointed toilet paper waiting! And they do subtly pay attention to your hand washing. Katura and I were on one of our many visits and a couple of little girls came to use the bathroom. When they were done they started to leave. The attendant reminded them they needed to wash their hands, so they did without any fuss at all! I loved it!
                           

  • Dinners. It wasn't just food, it was an experience. I went out of my taste bud comfort zone and really enjoyed every single minute of them. Definitely something we looked forward to every night!
                                          

  • The motion of the ocean. You'd think with Meniere's Disease and my balance issues that maybe I wouldn't like it, but I did! Sure I was always grabbing the wall, but it just became funny. And I absolutely loved the feeling that we were out to sea and not at a dock!


  • No technology. We could have forked over $$$ for internet, but why? It was awesome not getting text messages, no Facebook messenger, no spam phone calls, no daily newspapers with what was going on in the world. We were just there enjoying our trip!

  • The Cast Members. Being on that ship made me want to be a Cast Member again. Every one we encountered was just filled with happiness and helping make that Disney Magic come to life. I had the feeling I had when I first started working in the Magic Kingdom and wanted to keep Walt's dream alive and going. This ship had what the parks seem to be slipping in with regard to that. 


  • The guests. I had a lot of interactions with strangers and nothing negative jumps out at me. It is a completely different vibe compared to the theme parks. You aren't rushing to use your FastPass, you don't wait in a long line for overpriced food, you don't have to sit in the atrium for an hour prior to the next event happening. The show is at 8? You can walk up at 8 and still see everything going on! Nobody was every pushing or trying to make sure their kid had something better than yours. It is like we were all just there to chill!

  • The Oceaneer Club. Katura wanted to keep going. She had so much fun! And when she was ready to leave, they just sent us a message and we were able to go grab her. Characters would appear, they had so many different things to do, and they even got lunch! Best of all we were never once concerned about her safety or security while there. We went to Open House and talked to Cast Members and felt absolutely comfortable letter her have some time away from us old people!


  • Walking up to a glamorous theater to watch a movie and just going in and having a seat. No ticket. No admission. You CAN buy snacks at the entrance -- or go just get some free ones on the upper decks to bring in with you!And they aren't just old movies. We watched the Maleficent sequel, which is still in theaters!


  • No sales tax, and getting a discount when I made purchases in the stores.

  • The dolphins. It has been a lifelong dream to be close to dolphins. Our day with them was just... I don't even have words. We learned a lot, laughed a lot, danced a lot.. the best!


  • Castaway Cay. Everything about it from the race to the water to the bathrooms - where I accidentally walked in on a dude peeing and looking way too happy to be doing so. Oops!
                                             

  • Walt Disney. We saw this photo all the time. It always made me pause and smile. Thank you, Walt.


Things I Learned:
  • There are chat codes with the DCL app that you get so you can talk to other people on the ship. Had I put this all together prior, I could have made sure that we exchanged codes with Katura's pen pal. I knew their cabin number, so I could have easily given them our code and we could have then met up so the girls could play. This didn't occur to me until well after we were back home in Oregon. Next time we won't let this happen!

  • Don't be too quiet when walking around on the upper decks at night. Huh?? Yeah, we were going to the back of the ship to see the water and have a Titanic moment... and totally discovered a young couple that was clearly trying to get busy! We didn't linger too long, and as soon as we were back by the pool we died laughing!


  • Don't try to see and do everything. Everyone tells you this and it is true, you just can't do it all - especially on a shorter sailing. Another reason to just go and do it again! Tara, I'm talking to YOU! ;-)

  • You don't really need your own reusable cups for the drink station. The cup size they had worked absolutely fine for us. I think ours were used only one time when we had our nightly pizza and fries before dinner.


  • If you find yourself in your cabin relaxing, hit the menu button and you'll have endless options of Disney programming! Took me forever to find this. Guardians of the Galaxy was my movie of choice once discovered!

  • SUNBLOCK!!! We lathered up, but somehow all of us came back pink. Katura faded to tan very quickly. The adults on the other hand? Yeah, we might be done peeling by now. Shawn has some serious color now thanks to all of that snorkeling at Castaway Cay!


  • Bring feminine hygiene products just in case. Trust me, you don't want to have to buy and use what they sell at Disney locations.

  • Just keep waving! If you leave Port Canaveral there is a webcam across the way steaming live. My mom was watching us as we sailed away. We were waving our hearts out until we were very clearly beyond the camera spot. Obviously we didn't wave long enough... as seen by this photo below. That's me, in the gray with my lanyard on... getting ready to play more miniature golf.


I could keep going. It was absolutely pure Disney magic. I absolutely loved everything. I nearly cried walking onto the ship AND when walking off. Knowing we were going straight back to Walt Disney World helped lessen the blow a tiny bit. But still, best vacation experience ever!

º0º See ya real soon! º0º



Anything else you're curious about? Anything I skipped and you need me to babble about? Just let me know! Heck, I'll be happy to go on another cruise just to investigate and get your answers if I don't already have them!