Panama Canal Cruise Recap: Day Two
Day two is coming to a close onboard Disney Wonder. Here’s a look at some of the highlights.
We started the day with breakfast in Cabanas, the buffet restaurant on the Lido deck. There was certainly something for everyone, from hot oatmeal and cream of wheat to cereals to breakfast meats and pastries. There were also blueberry pancakes, Mickey Mouse waffles, and even healthy options like fruits and yogurt.
Following breakfast, it was time for the first of several lectures presented by Captain Ken Puckett. Captain Ken is a former Panama Canal pilot and has transited the canal almost 1500 times (over 40 of them with Disney Cruise Line). His presentation today focused on his life history, how he came to be a pilot in the canal and the early stages of building the canal. He will have several more lectures prior to our transit of the canal on November 4th. He had fascinating stories and was very funny too. I’d highly recommend looking him up to learn more and perhaps even searching YouTube to find videos of his presentations.
The next big event of the day was a couple of character meet and greets. We started with the Princess Gathering in the lobby atrium. Four princesses were in attendance, taking photos with everyone and spending a few minutes chatting with each guest prior to the picture. The princesses at this gathering were Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. Following our time with the princesses, we headed to Animator’s Palate for a photo with the most famous residents of Arendelle – Anna, Elsa and Olaf. The entire restaurant where the photo op took place was Frozen themed, with snow falling on the video monitors and a huge “Frozen” backdrop for the photos.
Lunch today was in Triton’s, the location of last night’s dinner. We could have eaten at the buffet at Cabanas but wanted table service. Following lunch, we headed to the Crown and Fin pub to catch some college football and TV Theme Trivia. We didn’t win.
At 4pm, it was time for some personal pampering. One of my favorite things to do on every cruise I take is to head to the spa and get the Gentleman’s Grooming Package. Over the course of an hour, I get a shave (including hot oils and towels), plus a hand, arm and neck massage. It’s great pampering and since this is the first formal night, I thought it was a nice way to get ready for the evening.
Later, we assembled in the Walt Disney Theatre for this evening’s show – The Filharmonics. You might know them from “The Sing-Off” or “Pitch Perfect 2.” This acapella vocal group is comprised of five Filipinos and they did not disappoint. Their set list included “Friend Like Me” from “Aladdin,” “Shut Up and Dance” and a special version of Maroon 5’s “Sugar” dedicated to a favorite dessert onboard – the Mickey Bar.
After the show, we spend a few minutes back in the Crown and Fin pub watching the Astros game and then headed off to dinner.
Tonight’s rotational dining was in Animator’s Palate. When you enter the restaurant, the walls are covered with various sketches of famous Disney characters. As you dine, the digital paintings around the restaurant turn into blank canvases and favorites like Aladdin, Belle, the Beast, Stitch, Dumbo, Pinocchio and many more are sketched and later animated right in front of your eyes. The evening ends with a parade of the wait staff led by Sorcerer Mickey Mouse from Fantasia as the entire restaurant transforms into a magical series of scenes from the various Disney animated films. It’s a breathtaking show.
Following dinner we decided to enjoy a nightcap in the Cadillac Bar, which is the ship’s piano bar. As we enjoyed some delicious cocktails we were serenaded by one of the onboard entertainers. With a port day tomorrow, we decided to turn in early so we’d be rested up for our first stop – Cabo San Lucas.
More tomorrow from the Mexican Riviera.
