25 Days on the Disney Magic to Europe About This Page:

[Jennifer Marx]

SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed (a.k.a. Bruce's wife)

Looking forward to the trip report, Bruce! I am also insanely jelaous of you both!

[MontiMouse]

What a wonderful report this is going to be. Thanks Jennifer for getting Bruce to do this!

[Zazu]

Sorry this was delayed. Thought I was having trouble with my computer, but it turns out that the brand new all-ship wireless network has a few bugs. It worked fine in the calm of the Caribbean, but once we hit the heavier waves of the Atlantic, the jiggling cables cause the wireless hubs to drop out every 30 seconds or so!

So... I'm having to write these on the benches outside the Buena Vista Theater instead of the comfort of my cabin. Ah well, they seem to be working on things daily, so perhaps all will be well soon.

And to answer one of the questions posed, there are about 1900 passengers aboard. Other guests are convinced that the demand for space just wasn't there, but word I've got from those in positions to know suggest the reduced passenger load is related to the limited refrigerator capacity and the fact you can't get fresh food in the middle of the Atlantic. Choose your own answer.


This morning we discover that Lumiere's is serving brunch each day at sea. Great!

This morning we discover that Lumiere's definition of "brunch" is to print the breakfast and lunch menus on the same page. Less great!

An interesting lecture series by a professor of history begins with a discussion of the history and geography of the Atlantic Ocean. Not terribly coherent, yet interesting. He ends with an announcement of a series of "discussions" to which the assembled throng in the Walt Disney Theater is invited ... at the Cove Cafe! Fortunately, only 15 of us show up, so we fit without upsetting the Captain. We discover that we're pretty well agreed about what's wrong with the country and the world, but none of us has much of a clue about how to cure things. It's a nice change from politics as usual where it's often just the opposite.

Tonight's show is a ventriloquist. He's no Taylor Mason, but he's not bad. We look forward to his "adult" show tomorrow.

We're starting to get into this relaxation thing and out of our hectic routine. A little. Maybe it's just being tired from losing an hour of sleep last night. It's going to happen again for the next four nights, so we had best get used to 23-hour days for a while.

More tomorrow.

Zazu

[Zazu]

Today begins with brunch at Palo. Outstanding, as usual. Our server is Sylvester from Mumbai, India. We've had him before, and by the end of the meal he remembers us too. Bite *this*, Lumiere's!

Mornings at sea include a culinary demonstration by Christine, the Executive Chef of Epcot. An interesting character, and she seems only to know recepies that include potatos. (Yes, she is German. How did you guess?) Among the various items she let leak are two *potential* new kiosks for this year's Food & Wine Festival: Peru and the Dominican Republic. Tastings aren't complete, and these choices are still subject to change, but they do sound like interesting additions to the program.

Today's discussion series continued with only five in attendance. In addition to the professor, SWMBO, and I there is a lady from Canada who is quite knowledgable about US politics, and a Kentucky man who is not.

Dinner tonight is the "French" menu at Lumiere's complete with dancing Beast. I consume my annual quota of snails.

We stay up to watch the ventriloquist's "adult" show. It's good, but it's followed by '80s night in the bar. Maybe it's just me, but there strikes me as something profoundly Wrong about a Disney show that features music from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". You too?

Tomorrow I get to see what's involved in a "spa" haircut. Now I'm not one of those "metrosexuals", I'm they kind of guy who wanders in to the Harmony Barber Shop and waits his turn. We'll see just how much shampoo and fru-fru they try to get.

Set the clocks ahead again. Gonna wear out the stem on my watch with all this time changing.

Zazu

[WDWfan]

Thanks for the updates Bruce! It sounds like a very relaxing way to cross the Ocean!

[Colexis Mom]

More great updates Sorry you didn't like Lumiere's definition of brunch (who would )!

[JoanW]

Very good updates. Still seethingly jealous. Pat has used the SWMBO term on me in the past. I embrace that endearment!

[Mulan2]

Thanks for posting your trip Bruce! What a dream to spend 25 days on the Magic!
Just curious, how are the seas out there? Is it rough or calm sailing so far?

[MakiraMarlena]

You guys coulda saved me the chocolates

[iamgrumpy]

So fun! Can't wait for more!

[joyful1nh]

Thanks for the report Bruce - those of us who aren't sailing with you will live vicariously through you

[DrDolphin]

Great updates!!!

[chezp]

More wonderful updates - so there's a chance that I'll be able to have wireless access in our room when we join you next week? I'm so pleased to hear that they're doing that, that would be so cool!

[Disneynutinlondon]

Thanks for the update, please keep them coming they are making my countdown more bearable

[DCLFANATiC]

Great updates! Thanks for posting!