Guest Author Sunday- Welcome Back Leanne Tomala

Guest Author Sunday

Welcome Back Leanne Tomala

Disney Gals are thrilled to welcome back Leanne to our Guest Author Sunday Writer's Chair. This week Leanne shares a special magical encounter from her recent Disney Cruise.

You Just Never Know…
 

I recently returned from a seven day cruise on the Disney Fantasy.  The trip was everything I hoped it would be and more.  I planned, and planned, and planned, from the time I booked in January 2013 up until cruise day in November 2013.   Dinner and brunch reservations were made, as well as port excursions, almost to the point that I knew what I would be doing every single day.  The magic, however, came at a totally unscripted moment. 
 

After a mid-afternoon nap in my stateroom, I was craving those delicious Mickey pretzels that are served on Deck 11 at Flo’s.  I popped out of my stateroom and hit the “up” button for the elevator.  The bell dinged, the door slowly opened, and I am face-to-face with none other than Mickey Mouse!  He’s all alone in the elevator, except for his cast member escort.  I am so taken aback by this discovery that I’m not sure what to do.  I regain some semblance of composure and hop into the elevator cursing to myself that I am without my phone/camera to capture this moment. 

While riding up to four floors to Deck 11, I’m feeling like a school-girl who bumps into her crush in the school hallway and is at a loss for words.  Mickey “asks” me if I am having a good time, and I really don’t remember what I said because the moment was so surreal.  Being the gentleman that he is, Mickey kissed my hand when the elevator door opened at my destination.  I did not want to get out because I wanted Mickey all to myself for just a few moments more.  I floated out of the elevator and wanted to shout “he likes me!” just like I would have done at thirteen years old.  It was not quite my fifteen minutes of fame; more like fifteen seconds. 

Everybody Raise a Glass to O'Gill's Irish Pub

Sláinte!

Céad míle fáilte and welcome to O'Gill's Irish Pub aboard the Disney Fantasy.

When I first heard about the theming of the nightclubs aboard the Fantasy, I couldn't wait to experience them, especially O'Gill's. You see, next to Disney, Ireland is my favorite spot to vacation. More specifically, the west coast, in a small town called Doolin, but that is another post for another day. I had high hopes that O'Gill's would be pulled right out of small town Ireland with a few "locals" playing traditional music in the evening. Friendly barkeeps telling stories, and even friendlier patrons would gather for some good craic. Well, I was half right.

Located on deck 4, aft, O'Gill's is nestled in with the smaller bars of the Europa district. Walking up to the pub, you can feel yourself being transported across the pond. The dark wood and antique lights set the stage perfectly.

 

Inside, the deep wood tones and brass accents are very reminiscent of traditional Irish pubs. Hard wood floors, bar stools crowded around small round tables, big cozy booths tucked in the corners, and Guiness on draught. Well done Imagineers!

However, there are a few issues. Shamrocks, everywhere! I know it's Irish, but enough is enough, and I've never been in a pub with big comfy chairs. I do understand that some concessions must be made for the comfort of the guests, so I'll let that slide.  But crushed were my dreams of live music. Instead O'Gill's is the ship's sports bar, and flat screen TV's are everywhere. The place does get pretty loud and rowdy when a big game is on, not unlike watching a Mayo vs Kerry match in the Emerald Isle. In the daytime when there's no major sporting event being broadcast, the pub plays host to adult trivia games put on by the Cruise Entertainment Staff. Subjects range from TV theme songs to movie quotes and more. So whether you're looking to challenge your shipmates' knowledge or quaff a few pints while cheering on your team, O'Gill's is the place to be!



One final thought, O'Gill's must be quite popular as they are adding it to the re-imagined Disney Magic. Take a look and be ready to book!  O'Gill's aboard the Disney Magic And if anyone from the Disney Cruise Line is reading this, a little live music would be a perfect touch.  :)


Kelly is a Disney Gal who loves finding fun and adventure on the High Seas aboard the Disney Cruise Line. Whether it's pampering, para sailing or the unlimited Diet Coke, she enjoys all the ships have to offer. She is currently wearing down Commodore Tom to allow her to blow any of the ships' musical horns. As of now, he is disinclined to acquiesce. To learn more about Kelly, click here.