The Disney Dream/A Disney Cruise Line Review

The lobby of the Disney Dream

The lobby of the Disney Dream

Set sail on the Disney Dream and experience the same enthusiasm and energy you find at the Walt Disney World Resort.   The ship has six themed restaurants, including two for adults only.  Experience Broadway-quality productions, first-run and classic Disney movies, and nightclubs.  Separate areas of the ship were designed exclusively for adults and children.

One of the things that makes the Disney Dream, and the Disney Cruise Line, special is that there is something for everyone.  Adults can take advantage of the adults-only restaurants, swimming pools, and nightclubs.   Children can take part in the excellent children’s programs available.   Of course, there are also plenty of activities that Guests can do as a family.   With the Disney Cruise Line, families can choose how much time to spend together and how much time they want to spend pursuing separate interests.

Staterooms range from downright comfy to absolutely luxurious.  Even the least expensive staterooms are decorated in radiant, warm woods and include a television,  phone, cooler, and in-room safe.  The vibrant and cheery bathrooms include a hair dryer and tub.  Deluxe staterooms include a split bathroom, which makes family travel particularly comfortable, and almost half the staterooms offer a private verandah.  Staterooms that sleep four usually have one queen bed, a single daybed, and a single berth.  They are great for families but not so great for two couples.  At the high-end, the two-bedroom Walter E. and Roy O. Disney suites are a feast for the eyes, decorated with exotic wood paneling and cut crystal.  These luxurious suites even include a whirlpool tub!

The Disney Dream has three pools.  One has a Mickey Mouse motif and waterslide and is intended for families.  The second, a little less elaborate, is also set aside for families.  The third pool is adults-only.  The Disney Dream also offers a play area for toddlers who are not fully potty-trained and who wear swim diapers.  This whimsical venue features spurting water jets, bubble makers and fountains.  Special to the Dream (and the Fantasy) is AquaDuck, a 765 foot water coaster that winds up and down through four decks and even extends over the side of the ship.  The pool area can also can be a stage for deck parties and dancing.

Cruises include all food onboard and lunch at Castaway Cay.  Soft drinks are free at meals and at the beverage station.  Alcoholic beverages are extra.  Each night Guests are assigned to a different dining room.  Royal Palace is the most formal dining room and it also open daily to all for full-service breakfast and lunch.  Enchanted Garden is more causal, and also hosts the breakfast buffets.  Animator’s Palate is an extraordinary room that transforms before your eyes.  Palo is the ship’s intimate, adults-only restaurant with an elegant Italian menu and marvelous service.  You may reserve a table at Palo in advance online or in person on the afternoon that you board, and seats can go quickly.  There is also the adults- only Remy, a fine French restaurant.  Breakfast and lunch buffets and snacks are served on Deck 11.  Fountain drinks are complimentary from the beverage station on Deck 11.

The Disney Dream is a modern cruise ships that calls to mind classic ocean liners, but with instantly recognizable Disney touches.  The interior combines nautical themes with Art Deco inspiration.   The ship has two lower decks with cabins, three decks with dining rooms and show rooms, then five upper decks of cabins.   There are plenty of outdoor public areas to relax in.   All of the private and public areas have extensive childproofing, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones falling overboard.

I would recommend the Disney Dream to anyone who wants to relax and have a good time while experiencing the legendary service that only Disney provides.

Can’t Miss Activities for Families at Disney’s Castaway Cay

If you are taking a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas or Caribbean, most likely you will be making a stop at Castaway Cay- Disney’s private island located in the Bahamas.  What makes Castaway Cay unique is that you get to explore a tropical island with the comfort of knowing that your experience is provided by Disney.

Biking at Castaway Cay
Exploring Castaway Cay on bikes.

Castaway Cay has some great activities that your family can enjoy.  You can explore the island on a bike, snorkel with stingrays, go parasailing, rent watercraft, or just relax on the picture-perfect beach. 

Snorkeling at Castaway Cay

Snorkeling at Castaway Cay

The one activity that I recommend most often is to go snorkeling.  Disney provides family friendly & safe snorkeling “courses” that are perfect for children and first-timers.  Besides seeing various sea creatures, Disney has created some of their own underwater surprises that will delight Guests of all ages.

As a travel professional,  I always recommend that my clients consider reserving their port excursions (activities) as soon as they are open for booking.  There are only a limited number of spaces available and you certainly don’t want to miss out on the fun!

Amy Miller

Family Vacation Specialist

Special Offer on California Coast-Pixar Cruise

Guests can get onboard a “first-of-its-kind” cruise packed with lots of Pixar fun! This California Coast itinerary features behind-the-scenes presentations by Pixar filmmakers and artists, a sneak peek of an upcoming Disney·Pixar feature, commemorative gift and lots more!

Offer Details: Set sail from Los Angeles starting at $599* per person, based on double occupancy, in an Inside Stateroom with Restrictions onboard the Disney Wonder®. Government Taxes and Fees are not included.

Sail Dates: Sept. 16 – Sept. 30, 2012

Additional Details:

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking for all Guests and is non-refundable.
  • Full legal names of all Guests are required at time of booking and no name changes are allowed.
  • Specific stateroom will be assigned at a later time, based on availability.
  • Gratuities, Government Taxes, Fees and Port Adventures are not included.
  • The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
  • Rates are in U.S. Dollars.
  • Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line® Terms and Conditions.

* Taxes and fees are an additional charge per person.

For additional information, contact me or request a quote request form.