Marcy’s official guide to the Disney Dream Cruise experience.

Warning: Not normal post. Intended as a permanent reference for those planning to experience the Dream. Not interested in my Disney coverage? Just ignore this post k?

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Where to start? Having spent a few days on board the Disney Dream I can honestly say I am overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with all GOOD, but still overwhelmed.  Here in this novel long post I am going to attempt to break it all down for you….what to expect, what not to miss and what you should know to help you enjoy the magic of this new cruise liner. Suffice it to say, it was a very positive experience and well I am not anyone to make comparisons about how much better the Dream is compared to other ships, because I have never taken a family cruise. But this post should help prepare you for what to expect on your Disney Dream cruise….9

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WHAT YOU’LL SEE….

Decor: Well this is a broad topic, but the Dream is essentially an Art-Deco design explosion. And while I banned the kids from saying the ‘T" word (Titanic) while on board, I have to admit I really felt like we were experiencing something close to the glamor and beauty from the golden age of cruising. After walking in and seeing the stunning lobby with the AMAZING chandelier, I was thinking I could walk around this ship in a ball gown and fit right in. Take note of all the original animation cells and sketches on the walls in the hallways as well.

 

Marcy’s  Tip: Photos hardly do it justice. But I tried, taking thousands of photos I am sure I only captured about 1% of this ship experience. Bring your camera everywhere you go. And if you plan to get off the boat at Disney’s Castaway Cay, bring along an underwater camera too for snorkeling, jet ski and catamaran opportunities.

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WHAT YOU’LL EAT….

Dinning: Okay, I know it is a cliché to mention food when reviewing a cruise..but I can’t help it. The meals and offerings are as good, diverse and thrilling as anything in the world. And the ability to eat in a different restaurant every night or meal? Wonderful. I was particularly fascinated that our two  table servers followed us each night. So no matter where you reserve to dine, you have the same servers each night. Oh and don’t worry, the little’s are allowed in all but two of the restaurants, and they are given their own menu too. It is fine dining for the whole family. And yes, there are tons of other food options with endless possibilities for meals and treats. You won’t go hungry.

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Marcy’s Tip: Pants are required for dinner. So be sure to pack them. I was very pleased to see the vast majority of guests actually dressed for dinner (dresses with sandals or heels for the girls/ladies, and collared shirts and pants for the men/boys). The dinner locations are all rather regal, and dressing for the night adds to the experience. Sadly there were still a handful of people who came in wearing torn jeans and flip flops. And they looked rather silly.

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WHAT TO DO….

Shopping: Naturally there are stores on board. All with lovely merchandise from high end indulgencies to everyday practical items. I was not able to locate any toiletries. I imagine they must have some, or perhaps if you are looking for flu medicine- they want you straight to the on-board doctor?

Marcy’s Tip: These shops are not open 9-5. Check the schedule when you board since they have very shortened hours.

The District: There are 24 bars on the Dream. Yes, 24. But the best of the best live in an area called ‘The District”. Essentially it has several nightclubs, sports bars and glamorous locations all linked together. Taking bar happing to a new level. I was enthralled with these spaces. Insanely creative décor choices and not one Mickey reference insight.

     

Senses Spa: With 17 treatment rooms, a separate Teen Spa (called the Chill Spa naturally), couples villas with private treatment rooms, hot tubs on the balcony and more. They have a full beauty salon, barber shop, nail salon and yes, TEETH WHITENING center (Called adorably Smile Spa), sauna rooms, steam rooms and MORE.

 

Marcy’s Tip: Book early. And by early I mean before you even board. I was told on good authority that the spa treatments will be booked solid before the ship even leaves the port with a long waiting list.

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WHERE THE KIDS WILL BE…

AquaDuck: The world’s first water coaster at sea is as impressive in person as you would expect. It takes you in a water raft blast over 2.5 football fields long, around the top of the ship in a CLEAR tube which projects out over the side of the boat. The sign said for ages 4 to 14…although many adults could be found riding the current. I did not see a weight restriction, but if that is an issue I would check ahead before you ride. And yes, it operates at night with thrilling lights on the tube at the connection points.

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The Midship Detective Agency: This coincides with new technology that makes ‘artwork’ magically move when you pass by. Hold up a specially activated card and you are able to search for ‘clues’ to your mystery in the ‘artwork’. It is a virtual, interactive scavenger hunt that encourages kids to explore the ship alone. Alone? Yup. My boys are 10 and 12 and since the ship provides little ‘wave phones’ I was able to let the kids go off and have fun without me.

 

Marcy’s  Tip: Plan on walking several miles each day just going around the ship from place to place. The sheer size of the boat is astonishing. It is 14 stories tall and very very long. Of course everywhere you are  is simply beautiful. Just like visiting the Disney parks, bring very comfortable shoes. You will walk MILES a day on board just going from place to place.

Teen Club-Vibe: (ages 14-17) This is an indoor/outdoor space (9,000 sq.ft) with very cool décor (all orange and modern). Kids here can get sodas and smoothies (and coffee drinks!) then kick back in rooms centered around gaming, editing videos and even mess around with a DJ set up to mix tunes. They have a cool social media thing, that lets the teens leave messages for their friends onboard. There are planned activities like talent shows and karaoke as well. On the private pool deck- they can also play ping pong, foosball, chill by the wading pools and more.

The Edge: (ages 11-13) This is a loft-style space with lots of high tech stuff. Lots of individual computing stations which is used for the social media application (which only works with communicating with other tweens on board). The cool thing here is the green screen video making, which kids can create mini-movie postcards to send off. Essentially it is like a hang-out room for a very specific age group.

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Marcy’s Tip: They are a stickler for age. Don’t even think of fibbing here. Your Key to the World has your age programmed in, and there is nothing you can do if say your 10yr old son and 12yr old son want to play together but can’t. So unless you have TWIN siblings (or siblings close in age and in the ranges) don’t expect to have your kids hanging out together in these spaces. This was hugely disappointing to my boys. So be aware- and prepare your kids ahead of time.

 

Oceaneers Lab/ Club: If your kids (ages 3 to 10) could design a hang out spot this would be it. Interactive computer games and activities, virtual tables and dance floors and most importantly tons of enthusiastic Disney staff to watch your kids and help even the shyest kid have a great time. They check the kids in, and out and seem to have a great handle on where the kids are at all times. The space is huge, and if high-tech awesomeness is not your kids cup of tea- there is an entire traditional game room (yes, board games) and plenty of fun staff to organize a game. (Note: The use of these spaces are included in the price of the cruise)

   

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The Nursery: An adorable space (with a slight Small World theme) with ample toys and rocking chairs to and of course those Disney Staff who make you feel like you are doing them a favor by leaving your little one with them. There is a large quiet crib room too. Does your little one only fall asleep by taking a ride in the stroller? They have those lined up and ready to be used. The nursery is not complimentary- you do have to pay to leave your little one.

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WHAT YOU’LL WATCH…

Walt Disney Theater: This is a glamorous state of the art theater facility. The Golden Mickey show had an actual red-carpet before hand, in which they interviewed the guests as they enter the theater and it is broad cast the rooms on the ship and to live projection screens in the theater for the waiting guests. The show itself is cute, well produced and timed perfectly for the younger guests (read: no intermission and not too long). The other performance I enjoyed in this theater is the much talked about Disney’s Believe. This utilizes a wide variety of technological advancements to bring a Christmas Carol-esque (The Aladdin Genie is plays the part of the ghosts in a way) to help a father believe in magic. In doing so the guests are treated to live renditions of some of Disney’s most fabled scenes from movies. Chimney Sweep dance from Mary Poppins, Princess and the Frog and even Pocahontas perform live and many appear out of thin air. This is a do not miss experience on the cruise.

Marcy’s Tip: Go ahead and bring that soda or cocktail into the theater. Drinking is not only allowed, they have servers who are more than happy to bring you that fabulous mai-tai you are craving right to you in the theater as you wait for the performance to start.

Buena Vista Movie Theater: Missed the recent Disney release? No worries you can see the most recent movies while on board in this charming movie theater.

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WHAT ELSE YOU SHOULD KNOW….

Navigating: It is a big ship and honestly very confusing. There are signs and maps every where, but it took me an entire day to understand Aft, bow and other ship terminology. However, there are approx. 1400 crew  on board the Dream. That is a lot of staff- which means you are never ever looking for very long to find a crew member to help you.

Marcy’s Tip: That ship map they give you when you board? Carry it with you. You won’t look stupid.

Stateroom expectations: All of the rooms, even some of the top tier rooms are by anyone’s standard very very SMALL. Think of it more like camping. Pack smart and pack small. One of the major upgrades on the Dream is the bathroom space. The toilet is in its own little room with a separate sink. Very convenient. And yes, the rooms have baths and showers. Tiny ones, but they are there! The room was beautiful- like a little jewel box with space saving ideas at every turn. The best of which is the bed on legs that accommodated 4 very large suitcases underneath. Shampoo, conditioner and a blow dryer are all provided. (the following photos were all taken while sitting on the edge of the queen size bed)

Cleanliness: Clearly Disney has taken the recent on-board epidemics (on other cruise liners, not Disney) of illness to heart. Every time you enter a restaurant or activity there are several crew members armed with hand wipes and it is mandatory that you take one to wash your hands. I found this to be ANNOYING. Really my only complaint. Once I was just passing through a restaurant on the way to the pool and they literarily chased me down and made me take a wipe. I wasn’t even eating there! But in the kid play areas they have automated this concept with these high-tech hand wash stations. The kids do nothing but stick their hands in and they are automatically sanitized. Oh and before you board you have to sign a document stating that no one in your family has a cold, flu or even a sore throat.  So stay healthy!

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Wave Phones: There  are ‘phones’ in your room which act as ‘walkie-talkies’ which is really a blessing considering the fact that once you reach International waters you are going to be paying astronomical per minute phone charges if you try to use your cell phone to stay connected with your kids/spouse.

WiFi: Yes. The boat has a satellite WiFi available for a charge. You pay in minute packages (50 mins, 100 mins etc.) Wifi works in nearly every corner of the ship as well.

Marcy’s Tip: This is super important to remember, when you are done using the wifi, you need to LOG OUT (enter 1.1.1.1 in your browser) otherwise your minutes will continue even if you are not actively online. Most people will learn this the hard way…so make a mental note before you board.

Laundry: I saw several laundry rooms available which include ironing boards as well.

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Watch my video tour of the Dream here…

Disclaimer: I was given this experience (at no cost to me) on the Disney Dream as a guest of Disney on this media/press cruise. I was not compensated for this post or any others that I write about Disney at any time. I just love ‘em. What can I say?