Say Cheese! Big Smile Everyone!

Disney Cruise Item Number 6

Formal Night Family Picture - Dick, Ann, Hannah, Rachel, Brenda, Scott

One of the features of a cruise is that you will have your picture taken a lot of times. You don't have to buy even one of them. But they are hard to resist especially when they are great shots of everyone in the picture. I wonder how many pictures are thrown away after each cruise.

The ships photographers are busy all day and evening long. Taking and printing pictures and posting them on screens for you to look at and buy. Some are informal like at your table in one of the restaurants. Some are formal settings that they put up backdrops in the main lobby and you can stop and have the picture taken or not. Up to you. The formal pictures on Formal Night are keepers if you have dressed up for the occasion. Many do for that night. It is also the night you can get your picture take with the Captain. He's dressed up -- why not you?

Formal Night With The Captain.

Theme nights also provide a reason for picture taking by the professionals of your family. We had Pirate Night, Formal Night, and Informal Night. The rest were Casual Nights with some picture taking going on. Since this is a kid's cruise, we had a Character's Breakfast where the Disney Characters came to your table and got their picture with your kids taken on your camera - no professional pictures. I'll post some of our pictures later.

Included below are several formal and informal pictures taken of our family.

Pirate Night - A lot of people dressed up for this one!

Formal and Casual shots of the family. It's nice to have these to remember your cruise by and share with others.

An Evening With Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman with his two Oscars for Mary Poppins.

Disney Cruise Item Number 5

We were fortunate to have been on the same cruise as Richard and Elizabeth Sherman. He doesn't take these that often but Richard had a working vacation cruise with his family which happened to be the same one we were on. One of the evening shows featured him at the piano demonstrating and telling stories about his career in songwriting.

Who is Richard Sherman? The soundtrack of our childhood resonates with beloved songs written by the Sherman Brothers. Richard and his brother Robert. Their career spans almost 50 years and includes two Academy Awards for Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins" - Best Score and "Chim Chim Cher-ee" - Best Song. Other musical honors include three Grammy Awards, 24 gold and platinum albums, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and introduction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

1960 marked the start of a phenomenal multi-year association with film producer Walt Disney, during which time they composed over 150 songs for his films, TV shows, and theme parks. Their Disney credits include the films "Jungle Book," "The Parent Trap," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Sword in the Stone," "The Aristocats," "The Happiest Millionaire," the "Winnie the Pooh" films, and of course, "Mary Poppins," among many others.

The Sherman Brothers worked directly for Walt Disney until Disney's death in 1966. Since leaving the company, the brother songwriting team has worked freelance on scores of motion pictures, television shows, theme park exhibits, and stage musicals. There is always Sherman Brothers music playing somewhere on the globe through such beloved attractions as "Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room," "It's a Small World" (whose unforgettable and often parodied title song is considered among the most translated and performed songs on earth), "The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," and "Carousel of Progress".

In 2000, The Sherman Brothers wrote the song score for Disney's blockbuster film: The Tigger Movie. This film marked the brothers first major motion picture for the Disney company in over 28 years.

Since 2002, Robert Sherman has lived in London, England. He moved from Beverly Hills while Richard remained in California. Surprisingly however, the separation has not impeded the brothers collaborative process. The brothers have credited this to the technological advents of fax machines, email, and low cost international telephone service. Also, both brothers travel between Los Angeles, New York, and London frequently which also facilitates their work. Since Robert's move, the brothers have continued to collaborate on various musical plays. Richard Sherman said that he would "never" retire! He loves what he does and that keeps him a young 80 year old.

One afternoon he gave a question and answer meeting where the audience could ask him anything and even get a musical rendition of the song they asked about. One of the most asked question was "How did you make up the word Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? Here is his answer:

"That's a word we sort of concocted from our childhood when we used to make up double talk words. In the screenplay version of Mary Poppins we wanted her to give the children a gift they could bring back with them from inside the chalk drawing when they came out into the real world. If it was a tangible thing like a seashell or pine cone it would disappear. So we said, 'Remember when we used to make up the big double talk words', we could make a big obnoxious word up for the kids and that's where it started. Obnoxious is an ugly word so we said atrocious, that's very British. We started with atrocious and then you can sound smart and be precocious, we had precocious and atrocious and we wanted something super colossal and that's corny, so we took super and did double talk to get califragilistic which means nothing, it just came out that way. That's in a nut shell what we did over two weeks. All together you get Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."

(The above information was found on the internet but he discussed all of this in his meetings.)

Our family had the privilege of running into the Shermans several times and they began to consider us friends. They would stop and talk to us when we met up and even consented to be included in our family picture in our Pirate's makeup for Pirate Theme Night.
Richard & Elizabeth Sherman with Dick & Ann and the Ostranders being pirates!

His last working public appearance on the ship was an autograph session which was scheduled for 45 minutes. It ran 1 hour and 45 minutes. Our granddaughters, Hannah and Rachel, stayed in line holding number 80 (out of 100) until they could get him to sign his autograph and get pictures with him. He took all the time you needed and was very gracious to everyone. His wife, Elizabeth, was there waiting and came over to talk to us once more. They are a very humble couple and someone you would like to know.

Hannah & Rachel with Richard Sherman at autograph session.

The latest DVD version of Mary Poppins has a long addition with Richard Sherman talking, demonstrating, and interviewing giving viewers and insider's look at making the film. Worth picking up for the additional information.

Let The Chips Fall Where They May

Disney Cruise Item Number 4

One of the afternoon activities they offered on this cruise was a golf chipping contest. In the main lobby they laid out a rug designed with several point values on it. Sometimes it is plus 15 and sometimes it is minus 3. You get three shots a round and a couple of rounds to get your final score and then they declare a winner. The day before this contest I wasn't able to make the time for the chipping contest and heard that a 12 years old girl had won. The cutoff age for this event was 12.

The ball was one of the whiffle balls with Velcro strips around them. The yellow one was for double points. That strip made the balls hit and stick. No rolling at all. where you hit it, that is where it stayed.

Check out that form! We got to practice a few before hitting for good.

On this contest day that 12 year old girl was there again! Her name was Lexie (probably for Alexis) and was an athletic person who played soccer and other active games in school but not golf. There were probably six contestants for this test of your skills and take a wild guess who won? Well, it wasn't me! It was Lexie again. Then they had a "chip off" for the two next highest scores and that was Lexie's dad and myself.

We both got one shot. The highest score got second place. We both hit the same spot! So a tie was declared and we each got a prize of two Disney Cruise golf balls and some tees in a case. We also won a medal to hang around our necks that said "I'm A Winner" in the shape of (be surprised) Mickey's head and ears. I wore mine the rest of the afternoon. Why not brag a little?

Dick and his prize winnings. I know exactly where I can lose them!

Lexie's Dad, Lexie, and Dick. Organizer of the contest is in back.

Lexie and her family live in the San Francisco area. Nice family.

Erin Ochoa - Disney Cruise Cast Member

Disney Cruise Item Number 3

We attend Saddleback Valley Community Church (plug) in Lake Forest on Saturday nights at the 4:30 p.m. service. Sitting around us are friends that make up our "church" and we get caught up on things we are doing. Right behind us every week are Buzz and Loretta Busby. I was chatting with Loretta on June 28th and told her that the next day we were going on a cruise on the Disney Magic for a seven day trip to the Mexican Riviera. She got excited about that because her granddaughter, Erin Ochoa, works on that ship in the Children's Activities. She showed me a picture of Erin and I told her that I would try to find her and tell her that we know her grandmother.

Do you know that there were 2,700 passengers and 1,000 crew on that ship? Finding someone is pretty difficult but we set out to do it. Went to the Children's Activities room and asked about her. She wasn't around that time so we thought we'd try later. One of the staff told Erin that someone was looking for her and she didn't have a clue who it might be.

A later visit to a room where children's activities were going on turned up good information. Erin is somewhat of a standout on a cruise ship -- she is from the United States of America! Most of the crew comes from all over the world but very few from the U.S. The girl that I asked (from another country) told me exactly where she was at that moment. At the children's pool on Deck 9. She was watching the kids and keeping order.

We went to Deck 9 and the pool and there was one (1) staff member there -- Erin! We caught her at a very busy time as she had to get all the kids out of the pool -- an "accident" had occurred and they would have to close the pool for 4 hours while chemicals took care of the problem. When she had a moment, I went up to her and said that Loretta Busby sent me. Her look at me was interesting -- she said "that's my grandma"! We took the pictures shown here on this story and chatted with her for a few minutes.

Erin had just started on the Disney Cruise Lines and the Disney Magic about 4 weeks earlier and loved her job. I wish we had more time to get better acquainted with her but time is limited when you are working as she was. Perhaps when she has her two month vacation we will be able to chat more.

Ann makes beautiful cards of events or greetings using pictures. She made a card for Loretta and gave it to her when we returned to church after the cruise. Since then she has made one for Erin and her mother and gave them to Loretta. Something to remember a chance meeting that we had with Erin.

Ann Moore with Erin Ochoa on the Disney Magic cruise ship.

Making Mealtimes Fun -- John, David & Adrian

Disney Cruise Item Number 2

This is the family at the Parrot Cay dining room.

When you think of a cruise, what comes to mind first? Is it the destination and ports of call? Activities on board? Entertainment? Relaxing? Chances are -- it's the food! 24 hours a day availability! Anything you want or desire. Don't want to leave your room? Call Room Service! The cruise director said that the people come on board as passengers and leave as cargo! There is a lot of truth in that.

On our Disney Magic cruise this month we experienced something that we hadn't in the eight previous cruises -- rotating among three restaurants on board. We are usually assigned a restaurant and you stayed there for all meals. On this cruise, you get to visit all three eating places AND your dining room staff goes with you. We had the late seating at 8:30 p.m. for our dinner. Most times we finished between 10:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. That is late but we managed.

Those working in the restaurants come from all over the world. You name a country and chances are there is someone from that country working there. Our dining room staff consisted of John from Scotland who was the Head Server over an area of several servers, David from Czechoslovakia was our Server and Adrian from New Zealand was his Assistant Server. They were responsible for three tables I believe. Brenda and her family have been on this same ship for the last two years in the Caribbean and then found out that it was coming to the West Coast for the summer cruises to the Mexican Riviera this year. They know some of the staff and were very pleased to get John as the Head Server since he was responsible for Hannah's meals before (she is allergic to many foods). Here is a picture of John and Hannah at our table.

David and Adrian entertaining everyone in a parade.

The rotation and same staff is for the evening meal only. During the day you have several choices for breakfast and lunch. You will not get your usual server most likely as you are placed at a table where they want you to be served. So you get a chance to meet other servers which was nice. The three places are Parrot Cay (see picture above), Lumiere's, and Animator's Palate. They are all unique which enhances your dining pleasure.

We had this young lady from Italy as our Assistant Server for breakfast one morning. The difference in height told me this was a "Kodak Moment". Yes, our daughter is tall -- but this girl is really short too!

John always insisted on riding Ann's scooter back to an area he could park it and then when we were ready to leave, he got the key from us and brought the scooter back. He didn't take the short way back and enjoyed using the horn to let everyone know he was coming. Here is a picture of John on the scooter.

David and Adrian loved having their picture taken and even tried to get into some family pictures that we were taking at the table.

Adrian had some puzzles he showed us using crayons that taxed your brain trying to figure out the answers. Those were always fun. One time Brenda ordered hot tea and he asked her if she was calling him a "hottie". Adrian is 25 years old and has visited 40 countries so far.

The dining staff sign a contract for four months and literally work every day for most of the day. They do get some time off but not much. They finish one meal and then start working on getting the place ready for the next one. Not an easy job. Then if they re-up (sign a new contract) they are flown back to their home country for a two month vacation and then back to the ship for their next tour of duty. The two month vacation is not paid but they rely on the tips given them at the end of each cruise for their service. They do a great job and you don't mind helping them out.

A Week Of Magic On The Disney Magic

Leaving on our cruise --

Back row - Dick, Brenda Scott

Front row - Ann, Hannah, Rachel

We've been planning (and saving) for one year for one week on a cruise ship. This started last June 2007 when our daughter, Brenda, and her family wanted us to join them on the Disney Magic for a seven day cruise to the Mexican Riviera. They had been on this same ship the last two years taking the East & West Caribbean cruises. Now the Magic was coming to the West Coast and they signed up for another magical cruise wanting Nana and Papa to go with them.

We've been to Mexico a number of times and it wouldn't have been our choice of locations but the family wanted us to join them so we agreed. We've taken three 5 day cruises from LA to Catalina Island to San Diego to Ensenada and back to LA. We took the Panama Canal trip from Florida to San Diego and stopped in four ports in Mexico on the way. Two of the ports were ones that we stopped at on this current trip.

In 1975 we were a part of the 120 voice choir from Melodyland Christian Center that flew to Mexico City for a week of concerts. We also took a bus over to Pueblo (about 100 miles) for one of the concerts.

We pretty much have seen all of Mexico that we want to see so we decided to stay on board while our family took the excursions when we were in port. Besides, Ann had her electric scooter to get around on and you don't board a tender boat with a scooter at Cabo San Lucas to go into the city. The other two ports visited by Disney Magic were Mazatlan and Puerta Vallarta where you could walk directly off the ship. We saw them from Deck 9 as we were relaxing and reading. At Puerta Vallarta there is a WalMart and Sam's Club near our docking that we could see!

Over the next two months I will be writing stories and showing you pictures of our magical week. Stay tuned!

Is It Still A Vacation If You're Retired?

Ann and I are going on a vacation with our daughter and her family for a week of cruising down to Mexico. We are taking a Disney cruise starting Sunday which stops at three ports and returns to San Pedro. No flying! Just the crazy drivers on the 405 Freeway.

Brenda, Scott, Hannah and Rachel have taken this same ship two times before in the last two years. Both Caribbean cruises -- East & West. Now Disney has brought this ship over for the Summer to cruise the Mexican Riviera. They wanted Nana and Papa to join them on this cruise so we will be taking our 9th cruise and the first one since 1999.

We don't plan on getting off the ship at any of the ports -- Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta. We've been to Mexico five times before and have no desire to see any more of that country. We are taking this cruise to be with the family.

I will not be posting anything on this BLOG while I am away. After we return and I have time to write, I will let you know what a great time we had. Hopefully some pictures to share with you.