• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Disney Wonder Cruise 2018: Part 4

January 28, 2019 | Disney, Travel, Uncategorized

In case you missed part 3, jump back and read that first!

We left off last time at the end of our Key West Day. The next day was to be Castaway Cay, and let me tell you I was PUMPED.

Castaway Cay is my favorite place on earth, and I couldn’t wait to share it with Emma Kate. I had been talking it up big time. We woke up and I thought it odd that we weren’t pulling into the island. They said something over the speakers about a late arrival, and I couldn’t really hear the rest. Come to find out, we had somehow lost a generator in the night. Never fear, we were still getting to the island just a little later. However, I had a huge pit in my stomach and a bad feeling. The water was a little choppy (I’ve seen much worse) and it was gloomy and windy. The captain tried twice to get us docked, to no avail. It was one of the saddest things to be standing on the edge of the ship, with all the workers standing on the island waiting to greet us, and we inched closer and closer and closer, only to get aallmmosssttt there and then have the captain pull away. I will admit, I cried.

See, I have kind of a sour history as of late with Castaway Cay. In 2016, my husband and I sailed for the first time since 2013. We were SO excited to be going back to the island….only to have bad weather that made us not able to dock. I was so so so upset. Them last January I went on a girls trip, and while we were able to dock, it was FREEZING and super windy. The sand was pelting people in the face and they closed down Serenity bay it was such terrible weather conditions. So this year was going to be my redemption year. Having not been to the island since 2013, I was sssooo ready to be in my happy place…and then to have it happen again was just crushing. Maybe one day we will get to take Emma Kate to Castaway. (silently cries in the corner.) ANYWAY, moving on. The staff did their best to keep us happy and upbeat, adding in character meet and greets and activities. Emma Kate had fun, and I guess she just didn’t realize what she was missing which was probably a good thing at this point.

I honestly don’t remember what we did the rest of the day. I’m guessing we ate lunch at the buffet, and put EK in the kids club. Bobby probably went to the gym, and I probably took a nap (heh.) We did go to a Disney Jr. dance party but EK wasn’t really into it so we walked around the ship instead.

That night was also pirate night…and PALO night for Bobby and me. We took some cute pre dinner photos before dropping Emma Kate off and heading up to the adults only restaurant.

PALO was lovely as usual, a highlight of the trip. It’s just a great time to slow down, relax, and eat a nice meal in peace. Our waiter was amazing and we ate #AllTheFood

We went to bed quite full, watching Elf yet again, ready for a day in Nassau that was coming up next.

Email heather@travelwiththemagic.com for questions about Disney Cruise Line!

Like this:

Like Loading…

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Disney Wonder Cruise 2018: Part 5 - Through Heather's Looking Glass says:
    January 30, 2019 at 3:02 am

    […] out part 4 if you missed that one then come back […]

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 11-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Free Travel Planning with Best Day Ever Vacations (Yes, It’s Completely FREE!)
  • Mom Must-Haves for a Basketball Tournament: The Ultimate Survival Guide
  • Why Spring Is the Sweet Spot for Family Vacation on Alabama’s Beaches
  • You’ll Get It When You Get Here: A Spring Break on Alabama’s Beaches That Actually Feels Like a Break
  • A Word for 2026

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
We didn’t set out looking for a “perfect” trip… we We didn’t set out looking for a “perfect” trip… we just needed a break from the noise.
What we found in Florida was something better than that. #ad

Our first stop in Auburndale was all about slowing down in the best way. We stayed in a cozy tiny home at Camp Margaritaville (you can also stay in an RV!). We enjoyed coffee on the porch, our daughter loved the pool and waterslide (there is even a splash zone for the littles!), and at night we slowed things down with s’mores instead of screens. It felt like nature + comfort + family time all finally in the same place. They have so many other amenities like mini golf, golf cart rentals, pickleball, a playground, cornhole, and more. Nearby, we explored the Florida Children’s Museum and had incredible food and drinks at Smith’s American Tavern and Black & Brew Coffee. 

Then, we headed over to Fort Myers to experience a completely different side of the state. Shelling walks at sunrise, beach volleyball, pool cabanas, and the kind of Gulf sunsets that make everyone go quiet for a minute. Direct beach access at the Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers made it effortless to go from “let’s check it out” to toes in the sand in minutes. There were several restaurants on property, so we never even got in our car. That plus live music, fire pits, the spa, and lawn games made it easy to want to stay put and relax.

What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery… it was how easy it was to actually be together here. No rushing or overplanning. That’s the true Floridays feeling for me. Laid-back, a little unexpected, and exactly what we didn’t know we needed. 🌴☀️

@VISITFLORIDA @visitfortmyers, @visitcentralfl 
#VISITFLORIDA #LoveFL #MyFortMyers #MargaritavilleResorts FamilyTravel FloridaTravel TravelWithKids
When the Smoky Mountain heat gets unbearable, we h When the Smoky Mountain heat gets unbearable, we head to Pigeon Forge Snow. ❄️ #sponsored 

One of our favorite family activities in Pigeon Forge because you can snow tube year-round, rain or shine, without worrying about the weather outside. 

My daughter could do the tubing hill over and over, and the indoor snow play area makes it even more fun. Honestly such a good break from the summer heat. Plus, it’s super close to nearby attractions like Dollywood and several mountain coasters. 

Click the 🔗 in my bio to save on your next visit to the Smokies!

 #pigeonforgesnow @pigeonforgesnow
Here is my favorite in park Disneyland character e Here is my favorite in park Disneyland character experience: The Plaza Inn character breakfast. Here are a few things to know:

✨ Meet Minnie before you even enter the restaurant and get photos with her + a photopass photographer. 
✨ Food is all you can eat. Minnie waffles, bacon, eggs, pastries, fruit, and more!
✨ Multiple characters visit your table throughout the meal.
✨ Reservations are a must and can book up quickly!

This was such a fun way to start a park day and meet several characters without spending part of the day waiting in character lines.

👉🏻When you book your vacation with @bestdayevervacay, they handle all your dining reservations for you so you don’t have to worry about it! It’s such a great perk and one you don’t have to pay extra for! Check out the 🔗 in my bio to learn more. (Affiliate)

#Disneyland70 #DisneylandTips #CharacterBreakfast #bdevambassador #Disneylandandsea
Some days it really is the small things that add u Some days it really is the small things that add up. #mochipartner

Getting in a walk or run when I can. Actually drinking my water. Sticking to a skincare routine instead of overthinking it. Paying attention to my hair and scalp instead of just throwing it up and moving on. Nothing extreme, just consistency in the basics.

I’ve also been using Mochi Health for personalized skincare and hair support, and it’s made it way easier to stay on track without guessing what my skin or hair needs.

If you want to try it, there’s $40 off your first month through the link in my bio. @joinmochi #joinmochi mochihealth
We stopped in the Smoky Mountains for one of the m We stopped in the Smoky Mountains for one of the most unexpected food experiences… where Tennessee whiskey doesn’t just stay in the glass, it shows up on the plate. #Corktoforkpartner 

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro took part in Cork to Fork on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, and every bite felt like a love letter to local flavor. From bourbon-glazed pork belly to a warm cinnamon-bourbon bread pudding that honestly didn’t stand a chance at our table… this was one of those meals you remember.

Mountain views, chef-driven dishes, and whiskey worked right into the menu in the best way. 😋 

If this is what “one stop” on Cork to Fork looks like… I’m curious what the rest tastes like! Head to the website ( 🔗 in bio) to learn more about the trail and download your free digital passport! @tnwhiskeytrail 

#TennesseeWhiskeyTrail #SmokyMountainEats #corktofork #SouthernFoodie  @appalachianbistro
It just tastes better in Disneyland. 🤷🏻‍♀️ ☕️ #d It just tastes better in Disneyland. 🤷🏻‍♀️ ☕️ 

#doyouwantsome #trendingreels♥️ #disneyland70 #disneylandandsea #disneyadult
I really thought struggling with my skin was just I really thought struggling with my skin was just something I had to deal with as I got older or got stressed. I kept trying random products instead of actually being consistent with ingredients that made sense for my skin. 🫶🏻

Lately I’ve been using personalized skincare through Mochi Health and it’s been so much easier having products targeted to what my skin actually needs instead of just guessing every time I break out.

Check out the 🔗 in my bio for $40 off your first month! @joinmochi 

#JoinMochi #MochiHealth #MochiPartner

Copyright © 2026 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

Loading Comments...

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d