Disney Cruise Line....Part 1

Last Friday morning (Friday the 13th interestingly enough) we set sail. The morning was rough because Heather still had stuff to pack and other stuff to mail home and we just had more things than I had anticipated that needed to get done before the cruise. Our expected departure time from here was supposed to be 9:30. I believe we were actually on the road around 11:30. But it was no problem because we didn't really need to be at the port until 1pm.

So we took off and arrived at the port around 12:30. We checked our bags, parked, and made our way into the Disney Cruise Line building.



It was under construction so it was hard to get a good picture of it.

Sailor Minnie was there to greet us!



We went over to the check-in area to get our Key to the World cards and eventually, board the ship!!!



Crew members were standing there waiting for us. As we approached a man asked for our names. And as we entered the atrium of the ship, the man's voice came over the loud speaker saying, "Disney Wonder welcomes Dianna and Heather!!!" and a bunch of other crew members cheered and clapped for us. It was amazing! (This picture was actually taken later from the top of the stairs)



After boarding we went to grab some grub. Our whole reason for getting there early was the free lunch! The Beach Blanket Buffet had tons of colorful and awesome foods. Some that I'd never even had before!



There were two new soups that neither of us had tried before so we grabbed some to taste. I got the leek soup and Heather grabbed a bit of the strawberry soup. We sat outside with an awesome view at the back end of the ship and ate our food. It was so tasty!



Turns out I don't like leek soup and Heather doesn't like strawberry soup. But when we traded we liked each others more. However, still, neither of the soups were finished.



We then went to check out our room!











It was actually bigger than I expected. We even had a tub! When we got to the room, one of Heather's checked bags was missing. They told us that all the luggage wouldn't be put into the rooms until 5:30, but we were still worried. We still tried to have fun. Thankfully nothing super valuable was in that bag.

While we waited we explored the ship...



Found the cast member's only pool...



Put on our life vests for the safety drill...



And attended the sail away party!!!



They made the dad's dance to YMCA. It was hilarious! Poor guys. The one in the Indian hat had the thing turn inside out on his head.



Who is that nerdy looking tourist in the sunglasses in the bottom left corner?



When we got back to our room after all this fun, Heather's suitcase was there. We think someone searched through it, I guess checking for bombs or something. But nothing was taken and we could continue our amazing, no-stress vacation!!!

We then walked down the red carpet to the Disney Theater to watch a show called "The Golden Mickeys."



Photos weren't allowed in the theater, but OH. MY. GOSH! Take my word for it. It was unbelievable!!!

After the show we ate dinner in the Animator's Palate. Probably my favorite restaurant on the whole ship.



The colors on the walls became brighter and brighter throughout dinner. As the music played a certain movie or character's theme song, that character would come to life in color. It was fun to pay attention and figure out what movie belonged with what music and then watch that picture for signs of life! (actually, Heather usually figured it out first and told me where to look... she knows everything about Disney. Everything. Haha)

Then, just when you thought the whole restaurant would be colorful, they'd all fade away and start over. It got just a little bit farther and farther to the point of being colorful each time. It's something I can't even really describe. You'd just have to experience it. AMAZING!



Plus, this was the best butternut squash soup I've ever tasted. Okay, so it's the only butternut squash soup I've ever had, but still... pretty sure this is my new favorite food!



The ceiling and paintbrushes became colorful too.



Do you see the hidden Mickey??





Even my dinner was a hidden Mickey! I think this was the veal.



And of course at the end of the meal the walls were getting more and more colorful and all the servers went in the back at the same time. We knew something was up! When they came out, their clothes were no longer black and white, but totally colorful! And they danced for us too.






When we got back to the room we found this little guy on the bed. We couldn't figure out what it was. A bunny? A dog? I think we decided on a floppy-eared dog.





Our room service guy had also been in to turn our couch into a bed so we each had our own place to sleep. We turned on the TV to watch a movie, but both of us fell asleep almost immediately. Such a perfect day!

And to end, here are a few random pictures of the boat...