Living in a Fantasy

Another year & another wonderful opportunity to create memories as a family. This year we went on the Disney Fantasy Eastern Caribbean Cruise. As always, Disney always makes it magical! 

Friday Feb 21st

We spent two nights at the Hampton Inn in Cocoa Beach, FL prior to boarding the ship.

Ron Jon Surf Shop 

What a fun place! We had to run in & out of stores to avoid the rain just to get there! That's what happens when you don't rent a car!

Looking for sea shells at night. That was a blast but slightly creepy. Especially when we saw the little crabs, momma homma! Thank goodness for flashlights on our phones. 

 

Saturday, Feb. 22nd

Aaahhh...... our favorite moment. On our way to the port. Once we got in, they were actually having a coast guard drill so they made us wait  to board. Worst hour ever!

Lunch at Cabanas

As "cruise pros" we know to avoid the pool & we head to the miniature golf course instead. 

This year's gift from Disney was that great little beach bag that got a ton of use while on the ship. The rest was from my wonderful travel agent who gave me an album, flash drive & door magnet.

Our first dinner @ Enchanted Garden

 The beginning of yummy dinners! I ate like a pig & it was worth every pound!

Sunday, Feb. 23rd

At Sea Day

Enjoying shuffle board for the first time. What's wrong with us?! This is our 3rd time on the ship & we finally visit Deck 4.

Riding the "AquaDuck" Always a blast!

Who says crusie pools are always crowded?! Actually, what we've learned after 3 cruises is that the best time to go is after 4pm. Everyone else is heading back to get ready for dinner or the shows except for us. We hit the 3 pm show & then have dinner @ 8:15pm. A little late I know but it's worth having the pool to ourselves & avoiding the lines on the AquaDuck. 

We had our "formal" dinner at Royal Court. Love that this is Disney's version of formal.

Monday, Feb. 24th

At Sea Day

One of the things we look forward to the most is spending some time reading & napping in the adult section of the ship. Best thing ever!

 Dinner at Animator's Palate

 One of the neat things about Animator's Palate is the interactive show where "Crush" talks to people in the dining room. So cool!

This is the note we found from Chris. Not sure why he thought we would care or why he felt the need to change EVERY night after dinner. 

   

Tuesday, Feb. 25th

St. Maarten

We took a cab & headed to Mullet Bay

Before

After

They could have done this all day!

 I want to have this image burned into my memory. Just lovely. 

 Heading back to the ship. Isn't it beautiful?

 Pirate Night!

Our kids love the games on pirate night so much that they asked not to be picked up for  the fireworks. We went without them. 

 I love this little door! 

Wednesday, Feb. 26th

St. Thomas

Magen's Bay

 We found a nice little secluded beach to hang out in

 Our sandman

 He loves being buried!

Thursday, Feb. 27th

At Sea Day

So beautiful!

 Playing at the Splash Pad

 A little Ping Pong

 Watching a movie from the pool

 Nothing better than ice cream by the pool!

What a great view from the hot tub! The kids prefer the view from the glass floor in the hot tub!

 Night mini golf

 Going the extra mile!

Friday, Feb. 28th

Castaway Cay (Disney's Island)

Unfortunately it was a cold, rainy day so we didn't get to enjoy the beach. Luckily, there's plenty to do!

 Love the BBQ at Cookies!

Olaf!

 

Not the best picture of me but the best treat ever! Cream cheese stuffed pretzels! It's a good thing they didn't have these on the ship all week!

 Best trip ever.

Our last dinner at Enchanted Garden

 Thanks for the memories! See you next year!

Saturday, Mar 1st

Heading to Orlando

 Magic Kingdom

 Favorite ride: Space Mountain

Sunday, Mar 2nd

Animal Kingdom

 Favorite ride: Everest

Monday, Mar 3rd

Epcot

 Favorite ride: Test Track

Tuesday & Wednesday, Mar 4th & 5th

Hollywood Studios

 Favorite rides: Toy Story Midway, Rock'n Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror

Thursday, Mar 6th

Downtown Disney

 Lunch at T-Rex before we head to the airport

Even after 2 weeks, we were NOT ready to return home. We love having the opportunity to just spend time together without having any of life's distractions. The older our boys get, the more we feel the need to create these moments. As I look at these pictures & remember the moments we had, the one thing that all of these pictures have in common is pure joy from everyone. As our boys grow up, I hope they look back at these moments with as much fondness as we do. 

In the meantime, we'll be back next year Disney!