Travels of the Rennhack family
🧭 Journey · 3 parts 12/13/2024 – 12/28/2024
Part 1 of 3 🎢 Park 12/13/2024 – 12/15/2024
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside, Magic Kingdom Park
Quick pit stop before we head to the airport. Good times.
Hooray for traveling with big kids. Hello extra legroom!
40 degrees warmer than home.
The family set out for Chicago Midway. They flew from Chicago Midway to Orlando, a late flight, boarding at 7:30 and landing just before midnight. We checked in at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside well after eleven, the lobby done up for the season with a tree that reached the ceiling. Lisa posed in front of it before we finally got up to the room.
A beautiful day at Magic Kingdom. Testing out the new Lightning Lane Premier pass. One word: AMAZING. Standby lines have been running 45 minutes on average. We waited 8 minutes for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. That was our longest line. Lunch at Be Our Guest and then conquering more rides.
Lunch was spectacular.
Glad I sat this one out. I hit my roller coaster quota for the year. Take me to my ships!
The day took in Walt Disney World and Magic Kingdom, the whole family in matching shirts and Christmas Mickey ears for rope drop. Lisa signed I love you at the gate before we headed down Main Street toward the castle.
We rode through the day in order: Pirates of the Caribbean, decorated for the holidays with a jailed Santa in the queue, then the Jingle Cruise, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Tron Lightcycle Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan's Flight, it's a small world (where Lisa used one of the park's captioning devices), the Haunted Mansion, and Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin. We stopped for lunch at Be Our Guest, in the Beast's castle, with the enchanted rose under its glass dome.
We stayed in the park after dark, Main Street lit up with its own tall Christmas tree and the castle glowing blue and gold behind it, before catching the bus back to the resort.
Every time I consider moving to Florida to be closer to the cruise ports, Mickey reminds me why I live where the cold hurts my face
Resort hopping day today. Lisa and I are heading to Hollywood Studios to catch the Skyliner over to Caribbean Beach, Pop Century and Art of Animation. Oh and every resort has a pin-trading board. My girl is obsessed with pin trading. I also have my resort refillable mug to keep me hydrated along the way.
Port Orleans Riverside to Hollywood Studios to Caribbean Beach to Art of Animation to Pop Century to Hollywood Studios to Port Orleans Riverside. Whew!
So good.
Afternoon snack date with my favorite girl. Checking out the French Quarter side of Port Orleans Resort and eating warm beignets.
Campfire on the Bayou with s'mores. Fun!
The family stayed at Disney's Port Orleans Riverside. The day took in Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort and Disney's Art of Animation Resort, all reached by the Disney Skyliner, a slower morning of touring other resorts instead of a park. We came back for lunch, then took the Sassagoula River Cruise boat from the resort dock over to Disney Springs, where the whole family signed I love you together on the way.
Disney Springs was decorated for the holidays, a Happy Holidays tree by the entrance and Mickey and Minnie out in their own holiday outfits by the Rainforest Cafe. We went through World of Disney, and Lisa added to her pin collection. Back at the resort that evening we had beignets at Scat Cat's Club Cafe, roasted marshmallows at the fire pit, and Lisa and Thomas piled into the giant hammock by the river to finish the night.
Part 2 of 3 ⚓ Cruise 12/16/2024 – 12/20/2024
Wahoo! It's cruising day!
First time boarding out of Terminal 10. Just a few slight differences from Terminal 8. There isn't a special Concierge lounge. It's a roped off area in the main terminal. No Mickey ears to walk through and no Disney theming as this is a shared terminal. The cast members we all know and love are here and ready to help. It's an A-O-K place.
A look at today's schedule of events and character greetings on the Disney Wish. The sail away party has been moved inside due to rain. Oh Florida.
Dinner at 1923 tonight. So good!
We started the morning still at our Disney World resort, Port Orleans Riverside, packing up and picking up a few last things in the gift shop before checkout. Kathy handled the boarding paperwork on her phone while we got ready to head to Port Canaveral.
The coach ride out to the terminal took a while, and once we got there we made our way through the Castaway Club line. By 11:49 we were aboard the Disney Wish, and the ship's photographer caught the four of us together in front of the ship graphic, everybody giving a thumbs up.
Inside, the Grand Hall was decked out for the holidays, with a tall gingerbread version of Cinderella Castle near the atrium and a big gold Christmas tree. We got lunch at the buffet, then found our way down to stateroom 11019 by early afternoon. A note was waiting for us welcoming Lisa and the family aboard and inviting us to meet our American Sign Language interpreters that afternoon in the Grand Hall, by the Cinderella statue.
Sail away was supposed to happen up on deck, but the weather moved the party indoors to the Grand Hall instead, with Captain Minnie and the gang on stage. As we pulled away from Port Canaveral a rainbow showed up over the coastline.
We had dinner at 1923, and the ship's photographer got a shot of Lisa and me signing "I love you." Later that evening the Grand Hall had a Christmas character stage show with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto, and Olivia, one of our ASL interpreters, signed stage-side through the whole thing. We stopped by the lit-up castle display before heading back to the room.
Dinner
Vast improvement over last night. We had 18-foot waves and wind. Today is smooth and calm. Whew!
Now, let's talk inside staterooms on the Wish class of ships. We have booked inside rooms on the classic ships (Magic and Wonder) as well as the Dream class (Dream and Fantasy). They have always been adequate for our family of four. This is our first inside booking on the Wish and we have the same room number on the Treasure next week. It's very, very small. My biggest piece of constructive feedback would be that the ladder for the upper bunk extends too far out into the room. You will inevitably hit it while walking to the bathroom in the dark. Is this room type a no-go? Certainly not, especially for parties of 3 or fewer. But I would caution parties of 4 to look at a larger verandah room. Much to my surprise, we were able to fit all 7 full-size suitcases (6 under the bed and 1 in the closet).
It's time to race those babies! One of my favorite DCL activities is Jack Jack's Diaper Dash. It's a hoot to watch. Who will be the fastest baby at sea?
Palo brunch was fabulous! Can't believe it took us 20 Disney cruises to try brunch.
A day at sea aboard the Disney Wish. The ocean was calm and quiet in the morning, seen from deck and cabin windows. At the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge the family posed for pictures with glowing lightsabers, green blades held up against the star field backdrop.
That evening everyone put on matching green holiday shirts. We stopped for a Santa photo by the gold Christmas tree, then found Pluto in his Santa hat for pictures around 4:45. The ship photographer caught us by a decorated fireplace, Lisa kneeling for a solo shot among the wrapped presents.
The night's schedule listed Mickey and Minnie's Holiday Party on Deck 11 with ASL interpretation, and we went to watch.
Brunch
Today we are in Nassau. Michael and Thomas left bright and early for a day at Atlantis Aquaventure. It's usually the only thing I recommend in Nassau. Unfortunately, the cruise ship no longer does a sea lion Port Adventure through Atlantis, so Lisa and I are heading to the Blue Lagoon for that activity. We'll meet up back on the ship this evening for Pirate Night and fireworks at sea. Yep. Disney is the only cruise line that does fireworks at sea on most cruises. The exceptions are Alaska and Northern Europe.
Not bad for a Wednesday.
My kids' future spouses have been warned. It's a prerequisite to joining this family. You'll need a passport and a good set of luggage.
Pirate Night dinner. Not my favorite, but dessert was on point.
The Wish called at Nassau under overcast skies, and Kathy's photos from the rail that morning show rain streaking the window as we came into port.
We split up for the day. Lisa, Thomas and I started the morning on the Atlantis Aquaventure excursion, riding the inner tubes through the lazy river and spending time around the water park's pink towers, while Kathy went ashore separately on a Port Adventure booked just for her, a dolphin and sea lion encounter at Blue Lagoon Island. Around midday Lisa left Atlantis to join Kathy at Blue Lagoon Island for the rest of the excursion, walking in under the island's own sign and watching the sea lions come up onto their dock, while Thomas and I stayed at Atlantis for the afternoon.
Everyone was back near the ship by late afternoon. Before dinner Thomas and I stopped by Star Wars: Cargo Bay for a photo with Chewbacca and Rey.
That night was Pirate Night. Dessert came out pirate-themed, and the ship's photographer set up a family portrait session in pirate costumes, first against a vault backdrop and then in front of a painted forest. Out on deck, Abdiel and Olivia, our ASL interpreters for the cruise, worked the Pirates IN The Caribbean deck party, and Lisa posed with both of them afterward. We found Captain Hook and Mr. Smee for a photo, then watched the crowd and the fireworks over the ship from the deck party railing.
Another rainy start to the day, but there are churro Mickey waffles at Marceline Market and we are at Castaway Cay, so life is OK. The rain should move out in a few hours, just in time for Lisa and I to go deep sea fishing this afternoon.
It was the best day! The trainers commented on how much the sea lions really loved Lisa. The feeling was mutual.
Booooooo! Thankfully, I also scheduled the same excursion for next Friday when we are back at Castaway Cay on the Treasure.
Not impressed. The child has been trying to do deep sea fishing since 2021. Second cancellation. We'll try again next week.
They came. They saw. They ran a 5K. Now they are heading back to the ship. It's Lisa's 12th and Thomas' 11th trip to Castaway Cay. The pools on the ship are warm and empty right now. We'll catch up with them after lunch.
One of my favorite places. Beautiful views and an almost empty ship. I enjoyed the pools and rode the AquaMouse water coaster after we came back from our morning on the island. Lisa is watching Moana on the Funnel Vision. Thomas is hanging out at the Vibe teen club and Michael is in the adults-only hot tub. Each Rennhack is living their best life and I'm here for it all.
A fabulous dinner at my favorite restaurant in the entire fleet. Arendelle is spectacular.
We reached Castaway Cay in the morning, right on the Disney Wish's private island in the Bahamas. The whole family wore matching navy shirts for the day and posed at the big Castaway Cay sign, jumping for the camera before we started walking the island.
We spent the morning walking the trails and the beach, stopping to meet Minnie Mouse and then Goofy for photos in the sand. Lisa climbed the lookout tower on the nature trail boardwalk and signed from the top with the ship out on the horizon behind her. Thomas had a medal to show off.
Around midday we went back aboard for lunch and the holiday treats set out near the ship's marketplace, then spent part of the afternoon looking down at the island and the turquoise water from high on the ship's deck before the Wish pulled away that evening.
It was our last night on board. After dinner we made the rounds of the evening's character meet and greets, Donald, Goofy, Minnie in her holiday dress, Daisy, even Chewbacca and Rey by the Star Wars lounge, then Rapunzel, and in the Grand Hall, Captain Mickey saluted for photos with Lisa. Two crew members in khaki explorer uniforms stopped to see her too. Before we turned in, Lisa spent a last few minutes with her interpreters, Olivia and Abdiel, all three of them signing I love you together. Lisa and I did the same sign for a selfie by the gold Christmas tree to close out the night.
Dinner
Back where we started. It was a very quick four days on the beautiful Disney Wish. Tomorrow, we'll board her sister ship, the Treasure, for our much-anticipated maiden voyage cruise. Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay with three days at sea.
Eating breakfast on the Wish with a view of the Treasure. Tomorrow she's all ours
Apparently, renovations are set to begin in 2025. This place needs some serious TLC. I will definitely not be booking any clients here. The room is huge (1-bedroom suite), but it has seen better days.
The Disney Wish returned to Port Canaveral overnight. Kathy was up before dawn, walking the ship while it was still quiet, photographing the deck plans and the Grand Hall's gold Christmas tree and floral columns with no one else around.
By mid-morning the ship was docked and the family gathered their tagged luggage to disembark.
We left the ship and the port behind us, the Wish and the Treasure both still at the dock, and checked into the Radisson Resort at the Port for the night. Lisa and I ended up back at the pool that afternoon, soaked through under the rock waterfall in the grotto. It was our last night on land before boarding the Treasure.
Part 3 of 3 ⚓ Cruise 12/21/2024 – 12/28/2024
shipASL interpreters: Kelly (4th sailing together, first in 2019), Stephanie (3rd sailing together, first in 2019)
Crew: Captain Marco Nogara · Darren McBurney (cruise director)
Stateroom: 11019 · 11A - Standard Inside
Firsts: first sailing on the Disney Treasure
Re-packing for today's cruise and implementing a quick wardrobe change. No way will my crew wear shorts with a high of 63 degrees. I will. I'm always boiling hot. Shuffling the schedule and moving pants to embarkation day. Guess who will be back at Fairytale Fresh Laundry for Round 2 tomorrow morning?
All our bags are tagged. We're ready to go. We're leaving on a cruise ship. Don't know when we'll be back again. Well, technically they kick us off the Treasure next Saturday, so I guess we'll be back then.
Hands down, the best youth spaces at sea are found on Disney ships. Vibe is the teen club for ages 14-17. Oceaneer Club is for junior cruisers ages 3-10. Today, during open house, I was able to visit and take videos and pictures. How cool are these areas?
Next item of business, purchasing internet for four devices for the week. Merry Christmas, kids.
The Disney Treasure is setting sail!
Cheers!
Farewell Florida. We'll see you in a week.
Dinner tonight was at Worlds of Marvel. The Pym Donut Sundae is so good.
We said goodbye to the Disney Wish and turned the family over onto the Disney Treasure in Port Canaveral. After a last night at the Radisson Resort at the Port, a shuttle brought us to the terminal and we walked aboard for the first time around 11:15.
The atrium was decorated for Christmas, with a tree at its center and Mickey and Minnie waiting in captain and admiral uniforms. We stopped at a backdrop of the ship's silhouette and had our portrait taken holding the certificate for the Treasure's maiden voyage, her first sailing with paying guests. Lunch was at Donald's Cantina, and Lisa and Thomas each had a Wheezy's Freezie from the frozen drink stand nearby.
We spent the afternoon working through the ship, from the Oceaneer Club and the Star Wars Cargo Bay to the Marvel Super Hero Academy and the teen hangout called Vibe, before finding our way to stateroom 11019. Late in the day the cast held a sail-away party on deck, dancing to characters on the big screen, and we watched Port Canaveral fall away behind us into a pink sunset.
Dinner was at Worlds of Marvel, with Lisa and Thomas signing "I love you" for a portrait against the Avengers backdrop and an Avengers-themed dessert to finish. Afterward we ran into Chewbacca, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck in the atrium. That night Lisa filled out American Sign Language interpreter request forms for the next day's activities, from the welcome event and crafts to the Jungle Cruise Adventure and the Star Wars Force Trials.
Dinner
Ready to get this day started.
Edge tween club for ages 11-13.
It's time for Disney Cruise Line Trivia at the Skipper Society. This space, located on Deck 3 Midship, is inspired by The Jungle Cruise and serves as the hub for family activities throughout the day.
Dinner at Plaza de Coco tonight. Everything was spectacular, including the show.
Our first full day at sea aboard the Disney Treasure, on her maiden voyage. Lisa was up early, checking out the pin trading boards other families had hung on their stateroom doors, and had her ASL interpreter request form ready for the day before we went for Mickey waffles at breakfast.
Late morning we met Aladdin and then Peter Pan for photos on the atrium stairs. Around lunchtime one of the kids went through a Skipper Society induction with the jungle cruise cast and came away with a certificate. Two of the kids fought it out with training lightsabers in the ship's Star Wars room. Lisa's ASL interpreter joined her for a visit with Santa by the lobby Christmas tree, and again later for a Star Wars show.
That evening was dinner at Plaza de Coco, dressed up, under the Remembering Hector Rivera display, with a chocolate dessert to finish. Lisa signed I love you for the camera. Afterward we had portraits made against the chalk drawn ship backdrop, Kathy and Thomas together and Lisa and I together, then the whole family gathered at the big Christmas tree in the atrium still in our formal clothes. Before turning in we stopped for photos with Minnie Mouse and then Chip and Dale.
Dinner
Day #3 is another sea day. It's also time to visit Fairytale Fresh Laundry. So...much...dirty...laundry. This is a consistent theme both on land and at sea.
Last night, we set our clocks forward one hour in preparation for tomorrow's arrival in Tortola. Suddenly, my 4:30 wake up and client work time wasn't so unreasonable. I rope dropped Marceline Market for breakfast. Not quite as exciting as rope dropping Magic Kingdom, but someone has to test out the quality of the Mickey waffles. I can assure my fellow cruisers that they are perfect. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Today's schedule is full of all sorts of great activities. There's open house in the youth spaces, National Geographic trivia, character greetings galore, port presentations on Tortola and St. Thomas, BINGO, drawing classes, shopping and so much more. Tonight we will put on arrrgh pirate costumes and celebrate Pirates in the Caribbean Night with a rockin' deck party and fireworks at sea.
Tonight's dinner found us in 1923, where I experienced my first "main dish miss" of the vacation. The rack of lamb had a very odd taste. The warm cinnamon donut holes with chocolate ganache were INCREDIBLE!
Our second day at sea started with characters. Lisa and I met Genie first thing, then found Aladdin, and Lisa posed with him in his vest and turban.
The evening was Pirate Night. The four of us put on pirate costumes before dinner, stopping along the way for photos in front of a ship's-wheel and palm backdrop, then again with a prop treasure chest. Dinner included a rack of lamb. Before we went back to the table, Lisa filled out an ASL interpreter request form for the next day's Santa meet, trivia and Go Fetch, and I photographed it so we would not lose it.
More portraits followed after dinner: a solo shot of me in full pirate coat, a stop to meet Mickey Mouse dressed as a pirate, and a photo backdrop labeled Pirates in the Caribbean where we grabbed a selfie with one of the costumed cast.
Up on deck, the crew threw a pirate party with music and dancing, capped by fireworks over the ship. Lisa caught them from the rail with fireworks going off behind her, and I noticed one of the ship's ASL interpreters signing along at the party. I had a drink before heading in for the night.
Dinner
Merry Christmas Eve from Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The pilot just came onboard the ship and is taking us into port. Today is a laid-back day for us. While we usually schedule a Port Adventure in every destination, today we did not. Lisa wants to get off the ship and walk around. Thomas would rather ride the Aquamouse and hang out in the teen club with his new friends.
On a much more positive note, our experience onboard the ship so far has been EXCELLENT Great food, service, entertainment and weather. You can't really ask for more than that.
Something tells me it's going to be a beautiful day. I'll take sunny and 82 degrees
Left the ship for about an hour to explore the immediate port area. A few shops and some Christmas spirit. Then back to the ship to enjoy the uncrowded pools.
Dipping fries in mayo. I have raised these kids right.
The Disney Treasure called at Tortola. We were up early to watch the island come into view, the water turning turquoise as we docked at Tortola Pier Park. Ashore there was a lit Christmas tree, a big BVI sign in front of the ship, and shops selling duty-free jewelry and the usual souvenirs. We walked through and took photos at the sign before heading back aboard.
Lisa had filled out an ASL request form the night before, asking for interpreters at three events today: the Santa meet-and-greet at 2:00, 1820 Society Trivia at 4:30, and the game show Go Fetch at 10:00. She got her photos with Santa that afternoon. That evening, at the deck party by the pool, an interpreter in black worked right along the stage rail as Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Chip and Dale danced under the lights.
Lunch was ribs and mac and cheese out on deck, and later a rainbow arched over the hills above Tortola. Thomas and I stopped for backdrop portraits at the Haunted Mansion wall, and Goofy got a hug in the atrium. Dinner was at Worlds of Marvel. Afterward we changed into Christmas pajamas for more portraits, Thomas and I mugging for the camera next to the Haunted Mansion ghost while Lisa posed in her floral pajamas. Lisa and I each took a turn with a lightsaber at the Star Wars backdrop before the night wound down.
Dinner
Last night's dinner found us back at Worlds of Marvel where we experienced an all-new show, "Marvel Celebration of Heroes: Groot Remix." We followed Groot through a series of quests to throw an epic party for his friend, Rocket. Out of the two shows, this was by far my favorite. Having never watched an Avengers movie and failing miserably at the trivia portion, I still had a great time. It was an "eat to the beat" event featuring songs from the Avengers movies, all of which were familiar favorites.
With a seven-night itinerary, you are guaranteed at least two nights in each rotational restaurant. The beauty of Disney dining is that your servers rotate with you, so you always have the same familiar faces. Out of all of the cruise lines I have sailed, Disney, without a doubt, does dining best.
Merry Christmas from beautiful St. Thomas! Today we are off on a non-Disney excursion to Emerald Beach, where we have rented a floating Aqua Cabana. After 21 Disney cruises and multiple visits to St. Thomas, I am comfortable stepping outside of Mickey's bubble. This excursion is similar to one offered by Disney, minus an island drive that didn't interest us. Our cost for a five-hour rental was half the cost of the Disney excursion ($300 vs. $600). Emerald Beach is a five-minute taxi ride from the port. I'm 100% confident in our ability to make it back to the ship for all-aboard time.
Floating cabana for the win!
Living their best life. Merry Christmas, kiddos.
The Disney Treasure called at St. Thomas on Christmas Day. On the pier a signboard listed taxi rates around the island, and I got a shot of the ship at the dock before we headed out.
Ashore, the family went to Emerald Beach Resort on Lindbergh Bay. Lisa was in the water early with a dive mask, snorkeling in the shallows while Kathy waded out past the waves. Later we rented a floating lounger, and Lisa and Thomas took turns posing on it, peace signs up, one shot with a Merry Christmas sticker on it. I got the whole family together for a selfie in the water, and Kathy and Lisa stood for one more together before we came in.
Back near the dock we stopped at the St. Thomas welcome sign for a photo, then had lunch of mac and cheese, ribs, and coleslaw, and walked past a big Christmas tree strung with lights near the port before heading back aboard.
That evening the four of us put on matching green Christmas sweaters for portraits, first at a holiday fireplace backdrop, then a snowflake backdrop, and again in front of a Worlds of Marvel setting at dinner, where we raised a toast. Lisa kept the sweater on for photos on the grand staircase, Santa hat and all, holding a gift, and later met Mickey Mouse still dressed for the holiday.
Dinner
Day #6, a day at sea. Tour guide Lisa is here to give you all of the details about the Aquamouse water coaster. It will be extremely busy today. Pro tip: ride it at night or on a port day. You can often go multiple times without getting back in line!
Finally made it into the Haunted Mansion Parlor onboard the Disney Treasure. It did not disappoint. The theming is incredible. I like it so much better than the Hyperspace Lounge that occupies the same space on the Wish. The details on this ship have far surpassed my expectations. The vessel is a destination itself.
Last night's Christmas dinner at Worlds of Marvel. All wonderful selections. Tonight we are at Plaza de Coco for the "Remember Me" Dia de Muertos menu and show. Plaza de Coco has been my favorite main dining venue on this ship, so much so that I am skipping Palo Steakhouse to eat here.
Dinner at Plaza de Coco was spectacular!
The ship was quiet at sunrise. Kathy caught the sun coming up over the water from the rail before the pool deck filled in, and we started the morning with Mickey waffles for breakfast.
We wandered the newer parts of the ship, past Slide-a-saur Rex, the Toy Story Splash Zone, AquaMouse and Goofy's Pool, then down to the Haunted Mansion Parlor lounge for our first character portrait of the day. The photographer caught one of the lounge's projected ghosts appearing behind us mid-shot.
At midday the atrium had a sailor-themed stage show, Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto all in captain's uniforms. In the afternoon Lisa watched a storytelling show with an ASL interpreter signing the whole performance on stage, a genie rising out of a lamp behind her. We met Jasmine for photos with Kathy and Thomas not long after.
Before dinner, Lisa and Thomas were handed matching red Maiden Voyage hoodies and a small keepsake gift near the Christmas tree outside Plaza de Coco, where we ate that evening. We also met Tiana in her green gown in the atrium.
After dinner we changed into the jackets for a Coco-themed portrait session, playing along with a prop guitar and a Miguel cutout, then an Encanto backdrop with a flying donkey. Lisa closed out the day meeting Jasmine and Aladdin together, close to eleven at night.
Dinner
We are docked and the weather looks superb. I'm off to snap photos and grab some video for future projects. When I say, "Living my best vacation life," this is exactly what I mean
Someone is going fishing!
This will always be my happy place.
Dinner at 1923.
The Disney Treasure called at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. Kathy was up early and walked the ship while it was still nearly empty, before the island came into view. The family gathered by the Christmas tree near the pier and then headed ashore.
Lisa went out on a fishing charter with the boat crew and spent late morning into early afternoon reeling in fish, one after another, off the back of the boat. The rest of us stayed on the island, had lunch off the tray at the barbecue stand, and walked past the carved character heads at Mount Rustmore and the family name boards the Castaway Club puts up for repeat sailors. We found Minnie Mouse out on the beach with the ship anchored behind her.
By mid-afternoon everyone was back together for ice cream and the candy shop before we headed back aboard. That evening Thomas had portraits taken in a Jungle Cruise skipper costume, first with Minnie Mouse in the atrium, then at the Cave of Wonders backdrop, and again with Belle on the grand staircase. Late that night, at 9:45, we ran into our ASL interpreters Kelly and Stephanie and got a photo with them before turning in.
Dinner
And just like that, our vacation is over. Off to the airport we go. No worries though. We are wheels up to Australia in 40 days for a 15-night adventure on the Disney Wonder!
We are a well-oiled machine. Off the ship, on the Disney bus, dropped off at the airport, bags checked, through security and waiting at the gate an hour before our flight begins boarding at 10:30. I think we've done this a time or two. Next stop, Chicago and then a two-hour drive home.
We left the Disney Treasure at Port Canaveral and worked our way through the terminal early in the morning, bags in tow. Driving out we could still see the ships in port behind us.
We drove to Orlando and flew home on Southwest, a 737 MAX8, watching the plane sit at the gate before we boarded. From Chicago Midway we drove the rest of the way home to Coloma.
