A WONDERful Disney Cruise: Days 1 & 2

The Disney Wonder at the Dock.

The time has come!

We recently returned from a 5-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder!  From September to October, they have Halloween on the High Seas, which is (you guessed it) Halloween-themed.  There are endless activities, live shows, movies, crafts, and photo opportunities.  Characters come out in different costumes, and kids can trick-or-treat among them.  There is also a Halloween party and costume contest just for the adults!


After we were dropped off, our checked bags were picked up in the parking lot.  Before we could even tip the man, he was gone!  We arrived at the terminal and went through the easiest, smoothest security we've ever been through.  Granted they didn't do a full-body scan like the airport, it was still so much faster than we anticipated.  Once we got through the security line, we were led to another line to check in.  One paper per party was given, which asked about the health of everyone in their party.  It was more of a checklist to see who had or hadn't been sick recently.  It was then signed and given to the cast member.  When we were called up, we gave our documents and check-in form to the cast member.  She checked us in, and from then on it was just a waiting game.  Captain Mickey came out to take pictures with guests prior to boarding.  He was adorable in his little costume.  I wish I had gotten a photo just of him.

Traveler Pepe joined us!

While we were waiting, we wanted something to drink.  Unfortunately the drink machine was out.  But, before we knew it, they were calling us to board.  Our boarding time was between 12:30-1pm, and our group was called a bit earlier.  We headed out towards the ship, and just before the terminal's exit was a photo opportunity.  Most people passed it since they had been on multiple cruises...or they just didn't want their picture taken.  They have strict hand sanitation guidelines.  It makes sense though.  You're in a confined area with thousands of people, and all it takes is one sick person to infect the rest.  So, before we got on the gangway, we sanitized... and again after we boarded the ship.

Being greeted by cast
members as we walked in.

What a chandelier!

A fun little decoration.

Most of the windows
were decorated with
Halloween-themed clings.

When we first walked on board, we were greeted by cruise staff who announced our name.  To the left was a large Halloween tree, and just to its right, Triton's.  One of the three restaurants in the dining rotation.  We explored the ship and grabbed a bite until our room was ready.  The pool and Cabanas (buffet) were open, as well as the quick-service counters.  We started off with a sandwich and fruit, and then made our way to the buffet.  There were so many options to choose from, which we didn't expect to be ready.  We thought there would be a few items, but it was the whole buffet...and it was long!

Our first meal after boarding.

The stage for the deck
parties and movies.

Kids' water/play area.

The water slide!

Pizza (and beer).

Loved this light fixture
in front of Azure.

Stop at Sulley's for liquor
and Dole Whip!

 After getting a bite to eat and taking the time to enjoy our surroundings, we headed to the room.  It was very cozy, but we knew it would be.  It can sleep up to 6 people, though I'm not sure how comfortable that would be.  The first thing we did was decorate the door and hang our Fish Extender (FE).  We also unpacked and began putting our FE gifts together.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the FE process, we joined a group on Facebook.  So many families were put into separate groups who joined the page.  Then, you give a gift (either per family or individual) once... NOT one per day...while you're on the cruise.  You get a little something, and we were so grateful for everything we received!  There is no minimum or maximum price to spend.  Gifts can be homemade, bought, or a combination-- whatever fits your budget.

Our door & FE.

A close-up of what we gave
the kids in our FE group.

We got the gifts in order, the room and door set up, and it was time for the safety announcement.  EVERYONE is required to attend.  They go over the safety protocol in case on an emergency and always do a headcount.  The ship set sail, and it was time for the Sail Away Party on the deck!  Mickey, Minnie, and their pals came out to dance and sing as we headed towards Mexico.  The Coast Guard and Police boats saw us out to the end of the harbor.  By the time we reached the mouth of the harbor it was quite windy and cold.  We went inside to get our cups for some tea before getting ready for our first dinner, which was at Palo.  Palo is a fine-dining restaurant for guests 18 years of age and up.  Children are not allowed, and formal attire is strongly encouraged.  The website states that bathing suits, board shorts, etc. are not allowed.

A dance party send-off (Sail Away Party).

A view of the skyline as the ship
left the San Diego harbor.

Our time at Palo was, hands down, one of most impressive dinner experience we have ever had.  We have done quite a bit of travel over time, and Palo blew us away.  Not only was the food delicious (and all-you-can-eat, as is everywhere on board), but the service was impeccable.  Our server, Samet, was informative, professional, and so much fun.  He made our experience so wonderful that we asked if we could also book brunch, but only if he was our server.  At $30.00/person (brunch and dinner are the same price), you couldn't ask for more.  Dinner was full of lobster, soufflés, pasta made in-house, black truffle (and no, they didn't overuse it), risotto... I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.  When we are on vacation, diets are also on vacation for the most part.  There are certain things we cannot/shouldn't have, but for some, we can take medication to lessen the effects (i.e. lactase pills).  We don't do this often, and want everyone to know that we do care about our bodies.  Luca, the manager, was also a pleasure to work with, and he set us up for brunch on the last day at sea. 

The menu at Palo.  $30.00/person extra
(not incl. tip), and so, so worth it!

The other half of the menu at Palo.

The most amazing fresh papardelle
w/lobster in a black truffle cream sauce.

Gnocchi.

Lemon sorbet to
cleanse the palate.

Amaretto souffle and coffee ice cream.

Creamy lobster risotto. 
So delicious!

A digestive made with lemon,
served in a murano shot glass.

 After dinner we went back to the room to change, distributed our FE gifts, and relaxed.  Room service is 24 hours with the exception of the last night.  While we were watching Ghostbusters, we decided to order room service.

Room service:  Chicken Wings.

Mickey Bars!  Not listed on the menu,
but always available through room service.

 We woke up the next morning in Ensenada.  We did not debark.  Instead, we took time to explore the ship, have a leisurely lunch, and see what crafts they had available.  Our first stop was at Triton's for lunch.  They had brought the wrong dish, which ended up being better than what I had originally ordered.  The food was okay.  I love how the napkin was in the shape of Eric's white shirt.  After lunch we sat outside the Cove Cafe, looking out over the cost of Ensenada.  The drink machine called to us, so we headed over for some tea and ginger ale. 

A view of Ensenada from our window.

Page 2 (sorry for
the shadow!).

The menu cover.

Page 1.

Creamy penne pasta.

The napkins at Triton's are
formed into Eric's shirt!

A strawberry dessert.  It looked better than it tasted.

The ship left Ensenada and headed for Cabo San Lucas.  We saw that there were crafts and made it just in time to grab 3D paper pirate Minnie and Mickey sheets, which transformed figures.  After more exploring and found the gift shop and theater.  We picked up a Mickey bucket (they were cheaper than in the parks!) and went back to the room for a snack.

Who says crafts are just for kids? 
They were themed for Pirate night!

More room service!

Dinner was at Tiana's again (our dining rotation was 2 nights at each location except the last, where we had breakfast on the debarkation day), with an extensive menu.  Want one of everything?  No problem!  We did not do that, but we did try a couple of different desserts that were okay.  Since it was Pirate night, the menu in all three dining rooms was themed specifically for the night.   

The entrance to Tiana's.

I love the napkin folding at the tables.

The dining room at Tiana's.

Savory bread pudding.

Similar to roast beef and
Yorkshire pudding.

A sundae w/rum sauce.

Following dinner was the Pirate Party.  So many adults and kids dressed up like pirates; it was wonderful to see!  Some villains came out-- most notably Captain Hook-- and Mickey swooped down to save the day.  The show was followed by a short but beautiful fireworks display.  We were told where to stand, and the fireworks shot off right in front of us.  Can you guess what followed the Pirate Party?  Yes, more food!  Cabanas was opened, serving up tasty desserts, BBQ-basted turkey legs, a taco bar, crêpes, and more.  The guests descended like vultures.  You would've sworn it was the first time they had eaten...and most of us had dinner just an hour or two before!  Anyway, within 20 minutes, the line was non-existent.  We got a few things to try and take back to the room.  The taco bar and sweet potato pie were wonderful.

Pirate Party!

Pistachio and almond dessert.

A small sampling.

Sweet potato pie!

We got back to the room and were greeting by this towel head and some chocolate gold coins.  After a quick shower, it was time for bed.  We also made sure to refill the candy Mickey we had on our FE for the kids.  They were welcome to take as much as they wanted.  Days 3 and 4 are coming up!     

The first of many towel creations by out stateroom host.