Shrek Takes On Mickey: The Dreamworks Experience Aboard Allure of the Seas 9/18-25

[nenner1]

We went straight up to AO to get the kids. Sarah shows off the envelope she made to hold all of her crafts she makes in the club this week:



And Savannah showed off one of her soon to be many medals for GaGa Ball.

It’s pretty funny that they gave out the medals like candy at the kids’ club but make the Adults do all kinds of crazy things to get one!



We headed down to the Boardwalk Dog House for lunch (after a quick stop for drinks in Park Café. You have to be coordinated like that, remember!).















There was seating in the area across the Dog House.



Here is the menu for the Dog House:



What good is ford porn without wiener pictures?



Brendan and I both started with a Smokehouse: One word- delicious!




Savannah and Sarah had Coney Islands. My second dog was a Coney Island too, and I thought they were very good!





Buns?!?!? We don’t need no stinking Buns!



A German Brat:


A Sicilian:



We loved the progression of a carousel horse artwork. This is Sarah’s favorite. For obvious reasons she called it the “painting” one:



After lunch we headed down to the Amber Theater for the showing of Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D. wE had purposely not seen this movie in the theater knowing it would probably be shown on the boat during our cruise.



Nicely appointed! (Stock photo)




The theater was very sparsely populated. Everyone pretty much had their own row.

Before the movie:



After the movie:





I thought the movie itself was not too bad. I didn‘t fall asleep and that is more than I can say for other movies I’d seen onboard cruise ships(*cough*Wall-E*cough cough*). As far as the theater, we found it quite comfortable. The sound was very good without being too loud and the 3-D glasses/effects worked very well. The kids really enjoyed it.




Sarah, maybe a little too much…

[morgansmom2000]

Listen to those ducks, quack quack quack...Love the photos!

Sorry if this has been covered, you can't get drinks at the hot dog place, etc.?

[MAGICFOR2]

Yay for yummy donuts! What's with the Boston Cream missing the cream Good idea to brew your own iced tea!

I have a hard time shopping with those agressive vendors. Makes me just not even go shopping.

Those hot dogs look delicious! Really gourmet! Poor Sarah just sacked right out in the movie. Love the throne chairs the kids are sitting in - were those out in the lobby?

[Jennifer48]

The Boardwalk is definitely beautiful all lit up at night. What are the cost for those rooms looking over it? Are they more than a veranda?

This picture is freaking me out! Where is the artist's body?? Why do we only see his hands??

Originally Posted by nenner1

The hot tub is very cool!

Hot dogs, donuts, oh my! I'd be so fat if I took this cruise!

[nenner1]

Originally Posted by PoeticMoe

Your response has helped me quite a bit, so THANK YOU! I had a feeling that on Allure they allowed these two age groups to 'mingle' during certain activities, and I'm not too keen with that. I asked my DS is he preferred Allure or Fantasy, and he said "Fantasy". That really surprised me as I thought for sure he'd pick Allure. Go figure!

Awesome!!!

Well, I've got a little under 2 years to decide if we'll go with Fantasy or Allure.....decisions, decisions. Fantasy will be our first Disney cruise and when I compared the price of Fantasy to Allure and Freedom of the Seas (our other choice), Fantasy came out less than both Allure and Freedom - shocker!

Wow! That's terrific! Definitely price around. Sometimes you can get good price drops on Freedom, Allure and Oasis the pirces seem to just keep going up and up like DCL.

It seems that no other cruise ship can compare to Allure and Oasis, but admittedly, I'm drawn to the Fantasy and my first experience with a Disney magical cruise vacation.

Thanks for your great review!

You are so welcome! We are on the Fantasy next September and are very excited! There is definitely magic on a DCL cruise, no doubt!

Originally Posted by heaven2dc

I am loving reading all about your cruise and the comparisons!

Thanks so much! Glad you are enjoying it!

My first comment is on the sail away party. It was not nearly as crowded in front of the performers compared to pictures I've seen on DCL. Is that because the area is bigger and/or people are scattered more on different decks?

Yes, the Aquatheater is quite large and can handle big volumes of people but on RCCL - their ships don't tradionally haven't had a 'real' sailaway party like DCL until Allure/Oasis- so people like to line the upper deck and watch the actual sailling away (the party goes on at the same time as actual sailing, so that's why we chose to be where we were and could do both!) If you see in the Port Everglades webcam video linked to youtube the upper decks people are slid in there like sardines.

I loved watching the video of the zip line. What a scary experience for you tho!

I'd love to try it but it seems so short - but better than nothing, right? I love all of the exciting things to do onboard the Allure versus what was offered when I went on my one and only cruise back in 2001 (aboard the Grand Princess).

Yes, it is fast (8 seconds or so). Fun to try once. Or more, if you're up to it! Even I would do it again!

My second comment is on how you enter the ship. I think I prefer entering a grand room rather than a shopping mall. The mall area is beautiful but when I think of entering a ship, I think of the ambience of a grand entrance area. Did you think the DCL has a better set up? (I can't recall if you said so)

Well I do prefer DCL's entrance into the ship. Haven't been on the Dream yet, but I think the new Atrium is just gorgeous! But what really wins it for me is the announcement and the applause welcoming your family. On RCCL you just walk on, and that's it. On DCL it is so very special. I think the areas on both cruise lines that you embark into are beautiful, I do like the promenade a lot. as well.... But yes Disney gets the edge there, IMO.

Can't wait to read more! I was telling my 2 youngest sons I wish I could hit the lottery so we could go on a cruise! If I were to go alone or with my kids (who are all grown), I think we would enjoy the Allure more. If I went by myself, I might try DCL (esp for an Alaska adventure).

In my personal opinion you can't go wrong with either!

Originally Posted by lucas

Tell Jen she has 2 more weeks to finish this thread before my Oasis cruise. No pressure!

Geesh, talk about pressure!!!

The other one will be done by then, at least! I'll try to get as far as I can here!

And thanks for the parking garage info on the other board. I have a different name over there.

Originally Posted by MrsKP

We are on page 19 and we have only completed the first day!

Longest TR ever? May be! LOL!!!

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! As a working mom, I know how little time we have for the "extras" like a trip report!

Immensely enjoying this

Aww thanks so much! It can be hard to get things done sometimes, and it might take a while but I've never left a TR unfinished and I don't plan to start now! I may even catch up on my TR reading this week, I have been trying to do that since before the cruise!

Originally Posted by floydfamily4

I just wanted to let you know that I MISS YOU. Ok, in addition to being a report stalker I have now admitted to missing Nenner1 to the entire internet world (well the Dis at least). I know you're working hard (at real life and this massive report) but I wanted you to know I was thinking of you today. Have a great day!

Aww, thanks so much, I was thinking of you guys today too! See? A TRIPLE! woo hoooo!!!

Originally Posted by iloverags2

The Central Park area is gorgeous!!! And those donuts look fabulous! So odd about the iced tea, but great idea to stock up on teabags and brew your own. Will have to commit that one to memory.

Yes! On Independence (Freedom class) it can be harder to come by ice. They will fill your bucket in your room twice daily but it is hard to find anywhere else. The ice machine was so great for this purpose!

Of course on Disney that isn't a concern at all.

Originally Posted by morgansmom2000

Listen to those ducks, quack quack quack...Love the photos!

LOL, I know, they were going crazy!

Sorry if this has been covered, you can't get drinks at the hot dog place, etc.?

They have canned sodas and bottled waters, etc. for purchase. They do try to trick you that way. No free beverages on the Boardwalk with the exception of coffee at BW Donuts in the AM. So you have to plan ahead and bring it with if you don't want to get stuck being thirsty, or worse...paying...LOL

But Central Park is just 2 decks straight up (or Promenade 2 decks down).

Originally Posted by MAGICFOR2

Yay for yummy donuts! What's with the Boston Cream missing the cream Good idea to brew your own iced tea!

Oh and it tasted a whole lot better. Being an iced tea FREAK I am accustomed to places having the fountain stuff, (even the DCL drink station has it) but this stuff usually tasted worse than any other fountain tea I'd had. Just a bad mix. Too concentrated and bitter. In one of the pictures it actually looks like wine in my glass it was so thick!

Occasionally it was OK. I know on the Magic and Wonder at least they do serve brewed tea int he dining rooms. I hope they continue to do so on the Fantasy!

I have a hard time shopping with those agressive vendors. Makes me just not even go shopping.

TOTALLY agree- I HATED the Straw Market the first time around, just felt like we could not escape them, it was so tight in that tent. it was amazing the sheer amount of square footage the booths took up all spread out on the 'streets like that, it went on and on and ON! But it was nice that they didn't bother to holler at you much this time. I guess you're just too far away! Haha!!!

Those hot dogs look delicious! Really gourmet!

Oh yeah they were sure tasty. Wish I could have one of those for lunch right about, oh NOW~!

Poor Sarah just sacked right out in the movie.

I know, poor thing. She was still adjusting to a more normal schedule. We have her on a weird stay up late-get up late schedule so I can get a couple of hours sleep in the morning and it took her a few days to adjust!

Love the throne chairs the kids are sitting in - were those out in the lobby?

Yes, in the entrance to the theater. They were comfy too!

[lucas]

Great update!

I copied and pasted the Starbucks menu, hot dog menu, food pics and tidbit about Boardwalk drinks and sent them to dh. Thanks for all of that.

[nenner1]

Originally Posted by Jennifer48

[FONT="Trebuchet MS"]The Boardwalk is definitely beautiful all lit up at night. What are the cost for those rooms looking over it? Are they more than a veranda?

Oh no, not usually. They are a little bit cheaper than the Oceanview balconies. There are some back towards the aft of the ship but not totally aft where you can overlook the Boardwalk plus see the Aquatheater and a little bit of the ocean too! price generalizations can be hard because they have like 10,000 room categories. LOL!

This picture is freaking me out! Where is the artist's body?? Why do we only see his hands??

LMAO! Yep there are several sets of amputated hands.

The hot tub is very cool!

Yes it sure is!!! I think that was the only time we were in that one for the whole cruise. I know I have more pics of it though. We spent the most time in the hot tub in the H20 zone- yes, the kids get one just for them! Sarah called it the "Hot Bath"

Hot dogs, donuts, oh my I'd be so fat if I took this cruise! [/COLOR]

LOL, oh you haven't seen the Cupcake Cupboard yet!!! Just wait!!!

Originally Posted by lucas

Great update!

I copied and pasted the Starbucks menu, hot dog menu and pics and tidbit about Boardwalk drinks and sent them to dh. Thanks for all of that.

You're welcome, glad you're still finding parts of it useful! You saw more new stuff over yonder too right?

[karajeboo]

I know why I love your TRs. Because Savannah and Ally are definitely sisters from different misters!!! I swear, are you and I related? Because just looking at pics of Savannah, she dresses like Ally, poses like Ally, you name it! Even she likes looking at your photos because she comments on Savannahs clothes!!! And it looks like you have a Justice shopper, too?

Anyway, loving all the pics and the info.......

[goofymama]

Another faithful reader here .... where are you on the Shrek vs. Mickey tally? I've lost count.

[TexasBelle]

Really enjoying your review on the Allure of the Sea vs Disney Cruise Line... Looking forward to reading more...
Thank you

[lucas]

Hi Ron and Jen,

I know you had your banner aft at sailaway, we won't have a banner. But....... If we want to watch the sailaway from one of the public aft areas - which would be best?

[iloverags2]

You would not believe the things we had to do on the Monarch to get one of those stinkin' medals!

Wow, all those hot dog choices...sheesh! Actually, I would go for a brat if I still ate meat. They look delish!

[JKSWonder]

Originally Posted by karajeboo

I know why I love your TRs. Because Savannah and Ally are definitely sisters from different misters!!! I swear, are you and I related? Because just looking at pics of Savannah, she dresses like Ally, poses like Ally, you name it! Even she likes looking at your photos because she comments on Savannahs clothes!!! And it looks like you have a Justice shopper, too?

Anyway, loving all the pics and the info.......

Ah, Justice. That's where you'll find me every Fall and Spring buying the clothes my Allison insists upon.

I'm starting to become afraid that soon she will start requesting that we visit Aeropostale. So far, she hasn't asked, but I've seen multiple girls from her school wearing the clothes so I figure it's only a matter of time.

[nenner1]

Originally Posted by karajeboo

I know why I love your TRs. Because Savannah and Ally are definitely sisters from different misters!!!

Bwahahahahah!

I swear, are you and I related? Because just looking at pics of Savannah, she dresses like Ally, poses like Ally, you name it! Even she likes looking at your photos because she comments on Savannahs clothes!!! And it looks like you have a Justice shopper, too?

Oh most definitely! I'm telling you we just HAVE to cruise together someday because those two would just LOVE each other!!

I wish we were going to be in O when you guys are down next month, but our first trip back over there won't be until January.

And I don't think we are going to do Disney at all until MNSSHP next year. Can't believe we are going to try and hold out that long. We'll see if I can actually do it.

But yeah..Justice, oh yeah. We took SAvannah and her friend to the mall last week..omg, Savannah is a shopper like me-she knows what she wants and moves quickly- but add another girl to the mix ..man they were in there literally over an hour. Poor Brendan was with us too. He took it like a champ!!!

Anyway, loving all the pics and the info.......

Thanks girl!

Originally Posted by goofymama

Another faithful reader here .... where are you on the Shrek vs. Mickey tally? I've lost count.

LOL, I had to scrap the actual tally. it was getting too hard to actually compare some things. Suffice it to say that overall Shrek has the edge. It's just that amazing of a ship.

Still plenty of comparison and contrast to come though. Shrek could learn a thing or two from Mickey when it comes to the character meet & greet department. But one thing I love, love, LOVED- no autographs!
LOL, more on that forthcoming. Thanks for reading!!

Originally Posted by TexasBelle

Really enjoying your review on the Allure of the Sea vs Disney Cruise Line... Looking forward to reading more...
Thank you

Thanks so much, I'm so glad you are finding it interesting! Lots of good stuff to come from this amazing ship!!

Originally Posted by lucas

Hi Ron and Jen,

I know you had your banner aft at sailaway, we won't have a banner. But....... If we want to watch the sailaway from one of the public aft areas - which would be best?

Aah, good question. If you want to be able to see and hear the Sailaway party, then stay as close as you can to it. Deck 11 was good but still way high up. It was hard to see a lot of the show and nearly impossible to hear the parts of it that weren't music. There's some room on Deck 7 near the rock walls- I think it's open then, normally it is the actual rock wall climber's area- if you want to be closer. If it is between decks 11,12, and 14 I'd say 11 since it has the widest and largest overlook. It's also more likely to have others there with you. We noticed about half as many people above us on 12 and then nobody on 14's overlook. The top deck is nuts, as are the "wings" sundeck overlook forward.

And of course you'll have to stay port side to be seen on the camera!

I'm not sure what we are doing the day you leave but I will for SURE try to watch you sail away!!!

Originally Posted by iloverags2

You would not believe the things we had to do on the Monarch to get one of those stinkin' medals!

LOL, oh I know, and we haven't actually seen Quest yet so I can only imagine!!!

Savannah came home with like 9 of them, mostly gold but some silver and some bronze.

Brendan got about 3 or 4 also!

And yes, even Sarah got one!

Wow, all those hot dog choices...sheesh! Actually, I would go for a brat if I still ate meat. They look delish!

Oh they were tasty! But I've got some really awesome vegetarian food porn coming up too (as well as more carnivorous shots as well)!

Originally Posted by JKSWonder

Ah, Justice. That's where you'll find me every Fall and Spring buying the clothes my Allison insists upon.

I'm starting to become afraid that soon she will start requesting that we visit Aeropostale. So far, she hasn't asked, but I've seen multiple girls from her school wearing the clothes so I figure it's only a matter of time.

Oh yes, we've already made the jump to Hollister and Abercrombie too!

I'll tell you what though Hollister has some pretty good sales sometimes. And I like Aeropostale too myself!

[Jennifer48]

Originally Posted by nenner1

LOL, oh you haven't seen the Cupcake Cupboard yet!!! Just wait!!!

Cupcake Cupboard?! Please tell me that the cupcakes are horrible and overpriced