Day (9/26/11) - Disney Day Two

Since we had already explored Nassau on several other occasions, we decided to stay on board the Disney Dream to take advantage of the smaller crowds and shorter lines, especially for the water slides.  Although we never left the ship, we were still able to enjoy the beautiful views of the tropical Bahamian city and the Atlantis resort.

One of the most popular and unique features of the Disney Dream is the AquaDuck, an "acrylic tube that takes riders on a breathtaking journey up, down, around and off the side of the ship, through the Forward Funnel and into a lazy river.  This elevated water coaster—the first of its kind at sea—travels 765 feet and features exciting twists, turns and plunges."  At its longest, the wait for the ride can be longer than 45 minutes!  Daddy volunteered to take Ryan on his first AquaDuck ride and then reported back to me on how scary it was.  Ryan absolutely loved it and would have ridden it all day long if he could!  Seeing how much fun they had, I agreed to accompany Ryan on his next ride.  Although Gavin wasn't big enough to go on it this year, he did wait patiently for us to slowly make our way through the line and cheered Ryan on as he zoomed by overhead!

As the lines for the AquaDuck grew longer, we decided to explore Nemo's Reef, a "water play area featuring fountains, bubblers and pop jets, starring characters from the movie, Finding Nemo.  It included Nemo, Dory, and Marlin characters that sprayed water in a variety of ways as well as a mini water slide shaped like Mr. Ray."  Both boys loved the Nemo's Reef and spent several hours splashing around in it each day!

Ryan also braved the Mickey Slide by himself!  "Suspended by a gigantic Mickey Mouse hand, the yellow slide at Mickey's Pool begins one deck above the pool and twists and turns, ending down right next to the Mickey Pool."

After several hours playing in the pools and water slides, we decided to dry off and have a snack while watching a movie poolside.  Above the Donald Pool, there is giant screen called the Funnel Vision where you can relax in deck chairs and watch classic Disney animated features or live-action movies.

Before returning to the room to get ready for dinner, we stopped by the Arrgh-cade to play a few interactive video games and air hockey.  Daddy had as much, if not more, fun than the boys!

For dinner, we ate at the Enchanted Garden restaurant featuring decor that is inspired by gardens in the foothills of France.  At the center of the restaurant is a cascading fountain with a stone cherub Mickey Mouse.Over the course of the meal, the room transforms from day to night; the ceiling "changes from a brilliant blue daytime color into the golden red of a setting sun, finally transforming into a captivating nighttime constellation of twinkling stars."

After dinner, we wandered around the boat until the evening show was scheduled to begin.  The live show, "Villains Tonight!" was a new show starring some of Disney’s most beloved villains, including Ursula, Cruella De Vil, the Evil Queen from Snow White, Captain Hook, and Scar from The Lion King.  "'Villians Tonight' tells the tale of Hades as he attempts to hold onto the title of 'Lord of the Underworld.'  After The Fates warn him that he may lose his position as supreme ruler because the Underworld is too happy a place, Hades gathers the most powerful Disney villains in an attempt to make his underground kingdom a bit more wicked. Accompanied by some of Disney's most beloved scoundrels, Hades sets off on a exciting quest brimming with lively musical numbers and wacky antics."

Gavin fell asleep about halfway through the show.  Luckily, we were able to take his picture with the puppy towel animal, change him into his pajamas and put him to bed without waking him up!  Ryan was also exhausted and eager to crawl into his fold-a-way pirate bed!