Completed Star Wars Day at Sea Trip Report

Login to post comments
65 posts / 0 new
JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849
Completed Star Wars Day at Sea Trip Report

A long long time ago (or in the future) in a galaxy far far away (or on the ocean) The Hockey Family will be going on a Star Wars Cruise!!!!

Wow, after booking last February and patiently waiting, here we are about a month and a half away from our trip so I thought I would go ahead and get a plan together to share!

Joe and I have the day off Friday and we will be taking Blondie out of school. This cruise didn't happen to fall on Spring Break so she will be missing class for the week. Last cruise she took a little packet of work along with her and we tried to do some each day but that kind of failed so it all got done at once. I told her she will have to write a little report on Mexico and the Cayman Islands!

We have booked a room at the Hilton Beachfront in Cocoa Beach for the night before. We are using points for the stay so yay for the Hilton Honors credit card! We don't have major plans for this day, we will probably stop in Jacksonville for lunch at 4 Rivers before heading the rest of the way down. We will for sure hit Ron Jon Surf Shop when we get into town and maybe just cruise the coast. I have a couple of restaurants picked out for dinner so I have to narrow that down. One is a hot dog place called Mustard's Last Stand! The other is a Steak and Seafood place right on the water with views of the NASA Launch Pad that I can't seem to remember the name of to save my life or find it online. I know I have it written down at the house biggrin

I checked in with an the earliest boarding time available 10:30! I will be heading straight for the buffet! And then the pool because I know that is all Blondie will be worried about.

We have the following itinerary:

Boarding and Sail Away party
Day at Sea 1
Cozumel (Cozumel Highlights, Ruins and Discover Mexico Cultural Park Excursion) & Pirate Deck Party
Grand Cayman & Palo dinner
Day at Sea 2 & Star Wars Day at Sea
Day at Sea 3
Castaway Cay
Home sad

We were looking for new Pirate costumes last night and Joe and I need Star Wars costumes. Blondie has a Rey costume.

Joe was mentioned the other day that he wanted a massage but they are all booked (except the nearly $500 couples massage) should we even try once we get on board?

And the Rainforest Passes (is that what they are called) I was looking at that, it looks like the showers are all open? How does it work? It is really worth it???

Now, for the best part, well, other than the cruise it's self.....

Yesterday afternoon I had posted that the Rivers of Light was starting on 4-22. So on the way to dinner last night, Joe looks at me and says "I haven't watched the video yet but I see the Rivers of Light starts on the 22 which is the day before we get back to port. We should go see it the night we get off the ship." I almost fell out of the car! I just grabbed his hand and said "Really? Are you SERIOUS?" to which he replied "Why not, we are going to be down there anyway, we have annual passes, we can drive over spend the day in the parks and then see Rivers of Light, all we need to do is find a place to stay>" I was so excited I could hardly believe him. I was wondering who he was and if he was feeling well. LOL I thought for sure I would have to wait until June to see it!

That's about it for now. I am taking my laptop so that I can at least get things typed up this time and we will probably purchase an internet package again so I may post a note or two!

***edited to add***

I will be hitting Epcot for Flower and Garden treats during the day before we head to Animal Kingdom!!!!!

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

danijrod's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/23/2014
Posts: 414

I'm so excited for you all this sounds like an amazing trip, and such a good way to end it with the impromptu visit to see Rivers of light.

Allie's picture
Offline
Joined: 06/26/2012
Posts: 5477

Sounds awesome, though I'm still sad I'll be missing you by only a couple of days. Have you guys decided where to stay on your one night there?

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

Allie wrote:
Sounds awesome, though I'm still sad I'll be missing you by only a couple of days. Have you guys decided where to stay on your one night there?

I KNOW!!! I was looking at everyone's dates. I miss you, Robyn/Sy and Amy.... So bummed.

We will probably drive to Jacksonville after the show so that we have a short drive home Sunday morning. I need some time at home after being gone for a week to recover LOL

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

JanJ's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/14/2013
Posts: 1681

Sounds like a lot of fun JMed!! You'll have to report back on the Rivers of Light - I'm very excited to see this in the fall.

JoAnn C's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/20/2011
Posts: 6757

Sounds like fun. Can't wait to hear about it.

__________________

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

JanJ wrote:
Sounds like a lot of fun JMed!! You'll have to report back on the Rivers of Light - I'm very excited to see this in the fall.

Of course I will! I can't believe we are going! He really caught me by surprise! muchlove

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

WOW, we are a short 30 days out! Cruise docs arrived yesterday!

I have already started packing my bag. Lists have been made!

I ordered a BB-8 Ear hat for Blondie that arrived a couple days ago. Needless to say there were screams of joy and jumping around the house when she opened the box.

We booked a room for Saturday night, we will leave after Rivers of Light and head to St Augustine to sleep a bit before driving the rest of the way Sunday. (YAY for a room paid for with points again)

I still have so much to do with so much going on between now and then!

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

We leave in 19 days and I am antsy to plan... This is the ONLY downside to a cruise for me...

I finally found my list of restaurants for possible dinner and breakfast options in Cocoa Beach...
Simply Delicious Bakery - Roberto's Little Havanna are the 2 breakfast picks
Madd Jack's BBQ Shack - Jazzy's Mainely Lobster - Dixie Crossroads- Mustard's Last Stand - Shiloh's Steak and Seafood are dinner options...

I have made FastPass selections for the Saturday we get back. HS - Rock n' Roller Coaster, Star Tours and Tower of Terror. I think I will let the "kids" (Joe and Blondie) hit those while I go to Epcot to take in a little bit of the Flower and Garden Festival. We will all meet up at AK for Rivers of Light before heading to St Augustine for the night.

We went to Hocus Pocus yesterday and I got an awesome deal on a Pirate costume. See pic below. It's $70 online and I got it for $10!!!! It looks really short in the picture but it comes just above my knees. I love it. I ordered one for Blondie today too because I totally forgot to look for her when we were there. Joe is borrowing a Jack Sparrow costume from a friend of ours.

Joe ordered a Han Solo costume. I have a Han dress but Joe really doesn't want us both to be Hans... I did see an awesome Chewbacca dress online. Blondie is of course Rey!

More to come as it gets closer!

PreviewAttachmentSize
Mine
Mine24.41 KB
Blondie's
Blondie's26.7 KB
Chewbacca dress
Chewbacca dress24.37 KB
__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

jtownpluto's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/29/2013
Posts: 337

Cute costumes, really like the Chewwie dress. Sounds like this will be a fantastic trip. Can't wait to hear about Rivers of Light.

Eeyore's picture
Offline
Joined: 11/22/2012
Posts: 1120

Sounds fun!

We did the couples massage on the Fantasy. As you mentioned, it's pricey, but the massage is in a private villa that is rather large. You both get a foot soak pre-massage, which was lovely! The massages were incredible and afterwards you can lounge in your plush robes on your private deck in the lounge chairs or in your private hot tub. The experience was amazing and worth every penny! awesome

We also did the spa passes for two days. I recommend doing it at least for one day. I felt very pressured to go both days and stay for a while because it was not cheap for what you get..($37 per day, pp) The showers are awesome and you must try it at least once. The heated lounge chairs were nice, but that area tended to be crowded. It's worth doing at least once! Your pass gets you into the rainforest showers, private heated lounge area, hot tubs, etc. located in the spa area.

Have fun! I am super jealous!

Kristen K.'s picture
Offline
Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 23803

Eeyore wrote:
We also did the spa passes for two days. I recommend doing it at least for one day. I felt very pressured to go both days and stay for a while because it was not cheap for what you get..($37 per day, pp)

Yikes! I've always pre-ordered my rainforest passes and it's been $16 a day per person. I'm a sucker for getting ready in a beautiful bathroom, so when I had an inside cabin last year we went up there to wash up and dress for dinner each night. Worth it for that alone!

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

Kristen K. wrote:
Eeyore wrote:
We also did the spa passes for two days. I recommend doing it at least for one day. I felt very pressured to go both days and stay for a while because it was not cheap for what you get..($37 per day, pp)

Yikes! I've always pre-ordered my rainforest passes and it's been $16 a day per person. I'm a sucker for getting ready in a beautiful bathroom, so when I had an inside cabin last year we went up there to wash up and dress for dinner each night. Worth it for that alone!

How do the showers work??? It looks like they are just open... are you in there with other people???

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

Kristen K.'s picture
Offline
Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 23803

JMed wrote:
Kristen K. wrote:
Eeyore wrote:
We also did the spa passes for two days. I recommend doing it at least for one day. I felt very pressured to go both days and stay for a while because it was not cheap for what you get..($37 per day, pp)

Yikes! I've always pre-ordered my rainforest passes and it's been $16 a day per person. I'm a sucker for getting ready in a beautiful bathroom, so when I had an inside cabin last year we went up there to wash up and dress for dinner each night. Worth it for that alone!

How do the showers work??? It looks like they are just open... are you in there with other people???

They are open in a communal area, but only fit one or two people, you wear a swimsuit. There are three bays and each one offers a different shower experience in regards to lighting, sound, scent, temp, and sequence in which the water comes out of the jets. They're fun to try, there's only one that I really like, I think it was the blue one. There are also three different thermal rooms with varying degrees of humidity and scent to enjoy. The classic dry sauna has a beautiful ocean view, but the Hamam (medium humidity, lovely scent) is my favorite one.

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

11 days out and post cruise plans are shattered.... Rivers of Light will not be opening on April 22... yuck sad confused eek

So, now I have to convince Joe that we should still go for the day for Flower and Garden Festival. crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers crossfingers I am hoping he goes for it....

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2016/04/update-on-nighttime-experiences-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

Well, Joe took the biggest wrench he could find and tossed it in my plans. No fear, I whined and cried a little bit and now it's "kinda" fixed.

He comes home Monday and tells me he has to work in either Bluffton or Myrtle Beach on Friday. FRIDAY!!!! The day we are leaving, the day before the morning we get on the ship! I handled it well and didn't say anything. Until.... I looked at him and said "you do know the boat leaves Saturday right??? I planned lunch and dinner around us leaving Friday, if you work late we won't get to Cocoa Beach until after midnight!" and it helped a little. He is still working but in town. I want to be out of here BEFORE the dreaded Charleston traffic gets bad!

Nails and toes are getting done today (Disney cruise theme of course) and spray tan on Friday morning (the good part of him working Friday).

I am all packed (except for my bathroom bag) yay . Blondie is packed clapping . Joe is thinking about packing waiting .

We are all set up with our Facebook Cruise page meet and greet and the kids are swapping Tsum Tsums and Pops. Blondie has been Facetiming with a bunch of the kiddos so they all know each other already.

This is really happening this week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

RobynPrincess's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/14/2010
Posts: 2859

Ah maaaaan I'm so bummed for you all that joe has to work! Boohoo work getting in the way of Disney mad

But you are so goddamn close to your trip!

__________________

Our Very Merry 24 nighter Nov/Dec 15
Watson's go West May 15
The one with all the birthdays Oct 14 4 Big Birthdays and a Vow Renewal thrown in
The OMG trip June 14 30th Birthday present from the hubs
Girly trip March 14 A last min cheapy week
September 13 our first all DVC stay
TR May 2013 the last min bargain trip offsite
Oct 2012 TR with a cruise!big family trip featuring the beach club, AKL, the dream and a villa offsite
TR on a budget May - June 2011offsite condo
TR Sept - Oct 2010 big family trip in an offsite villa

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

SOOOOOO CLOSE! And before I know it, it will be over. sad But a day in Disney then a short 110 day wait and we will be at OKW for Golf Camp!

These are my nails, my toes are the same red!!

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

JanJ's picture
Offline
Joined: 07/14/2013
Posts: 1681

Have fun! Love the nails. Looking forward to reading about your trip once you return.

RobynPrincess's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/14/2010
Posts: 2859

Loving the nails. I might try something like those for October!

__________________

Our Very Merry 24 nighter Nov/Dec 15
Watson's go West May 15
The one with all the birthdays Oct 14 4 Big Birthdays and a Vow Renewal thrown in
The OMG trip June 14 30th Birthday present from the hubs
Girly trip March 14 A last min cheapy week
September 13 our first all DVC stay
TR May 2013 the last min bargain trip offsite
Oct 2012 TR with a cruise!big family trip featuring the beach club, AKL, the dream and a villa offsite
TR on a budget May - June 2011offsite condo
TR Sept - Oct 2010 big family trip in an offsite villa

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

RobynPrincess wrote:
Loving the nails. I might try something like those for October!

I google, show my girl and she just freehands what ever I come up with. SHe is awesome!

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

jtownpluto's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/29/2013
Posts: 337

Fantastic nails! Can't wait to hear all about the trip.

JoAnn C's picture
Offline
Joined: 05/20/2011
Posts: 6757

Love the nails. I would somehow manage to mess them up an hour after leaving the salon. Lol

__________________

Magic Mirror's picture
Offline
Joined: 09/18/2012
Posts: 2994

Have a wonderful time! Love your nails!

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

JoAnn C wrote:
Love the nails. I would somehow manage to mess them up an hour after leaving the salon. Lol

That's why I get the gel paint. The longest they have lasted is 3 weeks and that's when I had them redone!!!

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

JMed's picture
Offline
Joined: 02/16/2014
Posts: 3849

Well kids, we leave for Cocoa Beach today! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. Been up for about an hour. Taking Blondie to school for a little to avoid and extra absence. Joe is working for a little bit. I'm going to the bank and to get my spray tan then we are on the road by 2:30 (I hope!)

I hope everyone has a wonderful week, I will chat with you all when we get back!!!

muchlove yay

__________________

"I do not like the cone of shame."

"I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell."

"It seems to me that we have a lot of story yet to tell."

Jennifer Huotari | Create Your Badge

The Huotari's Disney Adventures | Promote Your Page Too

MrHub's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/29/2009
Posts: 9504

Have fun!

danijrod's picture
Offline
Joined: 10/23/2014
Posts: 414

Have a lovely time! biggrin

kathys's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/01/2013
Posts: 694

Have a wonderful time.

__________________

[url='http://www.mickeypath.com/']

[/url]

Vettelover's picture
Offline
Joined: 03/28/2009
Posts: 4658

Have a GREAT!! time

__________________

amy1989's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/30/2013
Posts: 1404

have a wonderful time!!!!!!! cant wait to hear all about it!