by Lori Edelman
Guest Blogger
Wow, where to begin? We were up early, had a nice breakfast at the Hyatt and headed straight to the Disney Cruise Line bus. As early as we thought we were, a lot of other folks had the same idea. We ended up on the second bus out to the Port. Before I forget to mention it, the weather today was in the 60’s, sunny, but windy. No tornado warnings like yesterday!
The best part of the drive to the Port is coming over that last crest to get our first glimpse of the beautiful new ship! Again, wow.
Huge, but absolutely beautiful. One thing we learned. If you are anxious to get into the terminal, stick with the DCL bus transportation. Our AllEars friends arrived by town car and waited in an incredibly long line outside. We arrived at least 20 minutes after them and immediately entered. Of course, once inside we all waited until close to noon when they finally began the boarding process.
As we boarded, “The Disney Dream welcomes the Edelman family” was announced and we saw the first of several familiar faces among the cast. It was Ponz, a delightful member of the entertainment staff! And, the best part? He remembered our names! We have sailed with Ponz on 3 other occasions.
First order of business was to find the D Lounge where we got on the wait list for Palo brunch and dinner. (Later in the afternoon we did get a call for a dinner reservation for this evening, but declined as Aaron really wanted to see the first of our 3 rotation dining locations. More on that in a bit.)
Next up: lunch. We decided to try Cabanas on Deck 11. This dining location is described as free-flowing with a wide variety of choices and several different stations. I sampled swordfish and grilled chicken while Aaron tried out the chicken tenders and pizza. Michael found a grilled rib eye steak along with grilled asparagus. Everything was delicious.
When we finished lunch, it was just about 1:30. Staterooms are ready! We found our way to 9058, an outside ocean view room with verandah. We find the room layout to be very similar to those on the Magic and the Wonder, perhaps a little narrower. I do miss the extra cabinet for storage found on the Magic and Wonder. The comfy queen size bed, however, is elevated and we have easily stored 4 suitcases underneath.
Now it was time for some exploring. Aaron and I headed up. Deck 13 aft is Goofy’s Sports Deck complete with a very creative 9-hole miniature golf course. Despite some very strong winds, we played a quick round. Great fun! Each hole has a “theme” much like the two mini golf courses at Walt Disney World.
Next we wandered under the Aqua Duck. We are both anxious to give it a try — hopefully tomorrow. As we head forward on deck 11 we pass by all of the pools. Nemo’s Reef for the smallest tots; theming here is incredible. Next is the Mickey pool which is right beside the family pool. Overlooking these two pools is the giant Funnel Vision and Deck Stage, location of most of the major deck parties. Further back is the adult area — Cove Cafe, Quiet Cove Pool with swim-up bar. Finally, the double doors at the back of this area lead you to Senses Spa and Salon. This area is much bigger than on the Magic and Wonder, and even more lovely.
Near the end of our spa tour Aaron and I realized we were late to meet Michael for the adult-version of the Disney Vacation Club welcome get-together. We rushed to D Lounge, deck 4 forward, and I ran into another familiar face. Yelena!!!
In 2008 when we sailed the Disney Magic through the Panama Canal, Yelena introduced us to the world of fine tequila. Needless to say she became our best friend. We sailed with her again In February 2009 and thought we wouldn’t cross paths again until we went back on the Wonder. Unfortunately, she is no longer a bar tender, but instead an officer! The best part (again): she remembered us! What a thrill.
We caught up with Michael in time to have a quick glass of champagne. My name was drawn and I won a really cool drawstring, sling bag! DVC has some excellent deals for those interested in adding points. If you are a member and decide to add on, a cruise is the best place to do it as they generally offer some great bonuses.
I almost forgot to mention the very important safety drill! Good news: our station is located in the Buena Vista Theater. More good news: no life jackets required! Our drill was completed quickly and easily.
Next we headed to Preludes located just outside the Walt Disney Theater to view special limited edition merchandise. I completed a form to purchase a couple of limited edition, maiden voyage pins through their “RSP”, random selection process. Note: credit card — not your key to the world card — is required. When I turned in my form, I received a pick up time for Thursday afternoon.
Now it was the time we had all been waiting for. Sail away!!!
Everyone was on deck listening to music, enjoying champagne, blowing bubbles, waving Mickey hands and streamers. The mood was so festive! Media helicopters followed us out to the open sea. Hundreds of people cheered and waved us on from shore! And, of course, the horn! I lost count of the number of times it sounded!
After we sailed away, I knew they would be opening the shops. Smart move on my part. I waited about 15 minutes in line before they opened the doors. Crazy! Crowds of people just grabbing up all of the maiden voyage merchandise they could get their hands on. I was right there with them. I found cool t-shirts for all 3 of us plus a couple of other items. Exhilarating. One lady compared the experience to Black Friday and I think she was right on.
I hooked up with Michael and Aaron back in our stateroom. Somewhere along the way our luggage did indeed make it to our stateroom. Whew. I took some time to put things away and stow our luggage under the bed. I’m not sure where the day went, but it was time for the show! And, another familiar cast member, Brent! Brent was the cruise director on our transatlantic crossing as well as my birthday cruise in 2009. Michael worked with him to arrange a tour of the bridge and I got to sound the horn on the Disney Magic! What a special moment and one I will always cherish. Tonight’s show began with the winner of the recent reality show, The Phenomenon, Mike Super. He is an illusionist — amazing! Mike was followed by a young lady named Rhema. She is a mere 8 years old, but with the most incredible voice. She sang several selections earning a well-deserved standing ovation.
After the show, we headed back to our stateroom to change for dinner. Michael tried to get us connected to the Internet. He used up 10-15 minutes and never got anywhere! As others who cruised last week on the media cruise reported, the Internet service does appear to be terrible. Fingers crossed that things improve!
Our dinner this evening was in the Enchanted Garden. Lovely! We are seated at table 61 with 3 new friends — Shelly, Ashley, and Sharon. And guess where they are from? Seattle! It’s the Pacific Northwest table!
Oh. I almost forgot. Yet another familiar face and if our friends from the April 2010 transatlantic crossing are reading, you are going to love this. Guess who we have for a our head waiter? None other than Mario, and, surprise, he remembers us… tandoori chicken and all.
Our meal was delicious. I started off with a sushi-grade tuna and avocado appetizer followed by a duck consommé. For my entree I selected organic chicken with sweet potatoes and spinach. So juicy and flavorful. Michael and Aaron enjoyed a lobster ravioli appetizer, salads, and tender steaks. Our servers are wonderful, but I need another meal to remember all of their names and from where they hail! Service was excellent especially when handling our special requests. For example, one dessert offered was an ice cream sundae with rum glazed bananas and caramel sauce. Michael only wanted the bananas and caramel sauce which they happily and easily accommodated.
Something new when we finished our meal and dessert: a kiss goodnight. (You might be familiar with this concept from the theme parks.). Ah, but this kiss was little bite size squares of jellied apricot sweetness and the most heavenly chocolate I’ve tasted. Lucky for me, Aaron asked for seconds and he shared.
We finished up dinner a little after 10pm. (I’m sure my friends at home are shocked since they know I’m such an early-bird.). Michael and Aaron headed to the Buena Vista Theater to watch Tron in 3d. I chose to return to our stateroom and quickly write this blog entry before I forget all of the wonderful things that we experienced today.
Of course, in our room, Sri, our stateroom hostess, had already provided our turndown complete with towel animal. We received a number of gifts from the Castaway Club and from the Disney Vacation Club. You automatically become a member of The Castaway Club when you first sail with Disney Cruise Line. The more you cruise, the more perks you receive. For Michael and me this is cruise #9; Aaron is on cruise #7.
Well, it’s pretty late and we’ve had a long, but exciting day. Tomorrow we dock in Nassau. We have no excursions planned. Perhaps we will get off to snap a few photos of the ship, but mostly we intend to explore even more of this beautiful Dream!
Good night!
P.S. Had a little trouble figuring out how to turn out all of the lights! When we finally thought we had everything set, Aaron, in the pull down bunk complained that he still had a light on near the head of his bed. Next thing I hear, “Genius!” He found the switch and realized he no longer would have to feel his way around a top bunk in the dark! Disney had thought of everything.
Next I hear, “Oh, how cool!” — softly glowing “stars” on the ceiling above his head. Disney really did think of everything!
Thank you so much for this information. We are heading out on our first Disney cruise soon and this info has really helped in our planning!
My children, my husband, and I are really looking forward to it!
Thanks again!
We are sailing on the Disney Dream on 7/5/11 our stateroom is 9058, the same one you were in! We are so excited.
Thank you for taking the time to mention the itinerary you followed. Especially mentioning some dress codes. If anyone has been to the Bahamas in July, can you blog the weather you’ve had. Also I would love to hear from frequent cruisers if you’ve ever encountered bad weather, and how the ship fared. I watched a series on the Bermuda Triangle and now I’m very worried, can’t seem to shake the feeling. I learned, if true of course, that the sun is shinning one minute and without warning you can have very bad weather at sea. I’m going on the Disney Dream Cruise July 10th-15th. I still have time to cancel. Thank you for any input you can offer. Rose
What is the best deck to watch the sailaway and the Pirate party on? Thanks
AllEars: To be in the midst of all the action be on deck 11 where the family/kids pools are. The watch from above, Deck 12.
Thanks Lori for all the info. We are going to be going on our first every cruise on the “Dream” on Feb. 13th. Where would be the best place to watch the sail-away party and the Pirate Party. Also did you find that the elevators were very slow or always busy? Our 13 year old daughter is in a wheelchair so we will be using the elevators a lot. Thanks!!!
AllEars: There are more elevators and they are larger. Except at certain really busy times, we felt the elevator wait time was fine.
Amy – Castaway Club members received a heavy duty style sling bag that contained a couple of metal water bottles, two rice krispy treats, and a key chain. As a “maiden voyage” gift, each stateroom received one litho designed by Don “Ducky” Williams. On the last night we also received a “keel” coin and a book on the building of the Dream. Castaway Club gold and platinum members that attended a special presentation by Tom Skaggs received a DVD that documents the construction of the Dream.
Kelly – the first DCL bus left the airport about 9:30am. The ride to the port takes about 45 minutes, but feels faster as you watch a video with Mickey and friends discussing what to expect. At the airport, you catch the DCL bus on the lower level at the same place where the Magical Express busses depart. In fact, you get completely checked in for your cruise.
Thanks so much for a overview of the new Dream. I am booked for a 4 day leaving Feb 6. Your blog gave me a heads up on what to expect. I’ve been on the Wonder but the Dream seems so much bigger. Loved your description of dinner & the Royal Palace – much different than the Wonder.
Thanks again and can’t wait for my trip on the Dream!
What are they giving out for Castaway Club gifts on the Dream? Just curious if they’ve changed things up a bit….
Our families are going on our first cruise on the dream in May. There will be 9 of us. This was great reading and anyother information will be great to read. Love the pictures.
I can’t wait to cruise on the Dream !
Hi-I just got off of the maiden voyage too! I’m a HUGE disney park and cruise fan–and virtually NOT critical at all– and LOVED my time on the Dream– but I do have a FEW things to point out– mostly in hopes that more people will bring these items up to Disney to improve..
*I LOVE all of the NEW improvements [aquaduck, cabin wireless phones, enchanted art, easy scan photos, and so much more]… BUT — what happened to CABARET shows!?!? On Magic/Wonder, I loved how the magicians, comedians, and others–would always have a family show–and an adult show– in a spot like Rockin’ Bar D–virtually every day– when they werne’t available–there were things like guest talent shows.. sometimes magicians would do daytime workshops w/ the kids etc;– the ONLY time that occurred was ONE seating of ONE magician cabaret show on ONE day– LOL I don’t mean to sound spoiled– but I do LOVE those extra shows–and I sorely missed them on the Disney dream–and they certainly have room to add them!
*same w/ family game shows? I think they only had one–and again, early in the cruise…
*The personal navigator design was GREAT– dunno if they’re using that on the classic ships [haven’t sailed since July 2009]– BUT it was lacking info like what DECK things were on [and this ship was sometimes a bit confusing to navigate–i.e. finding Meridian]– It also often omitted details like that Wine Tasting cost $ and required a reservation [the bartender reported turning away 60+ angry guests — who didn’t know…I saw at least a few of them arguing when I arrived.. I waited patiently –and managed to get in though]–I’m sure these types of kinks can be easily worked out though..
*They went through so much trouble to go over-the-top–BUT — the hot tub area for the adults–quiet cove– was kinda blah– I like that you can “see the ocean” below the hot tub–but for my personal taste– just me– I would’ve preferred a more lush tropical– relaxing look [like on some Royal Caribbean ships]
*Even though there are a lot of experienced staff from MAGIC– at times, some staff were understandably stressed/confused– maybe due to size of ship/new ship etc;– On the first day, my girlfriend was literally manhandled by a stressed castmember when she unknowingly sat her tray in a “reserved seating area” at the buffet [GREAT buffet, by the way]… when she simply confused–told him “I don’t understand”-0- she was firmly told “you need to calm down..and move.. NOW”– Never seen anything like that on Disney– I told her they were prob stressed..first full voyage.. or whatever..new ship.. Everyone else was GREAT as usual– lots of old familiar faces from the Magic and Wonder–WOW–although drink service/bread– etc seemed consistently slow/confused in the dining rooms–even though very friendly– One evening my 6 year old daughter got a hamburger– there was no bun [understandable– we asked for “pickles or tomatoes–just the burger and cheese–so they must’ve assumed no bread]–but it took a full 20 minutes for the bun to show up–and the burger was a cold patty by then– stuff like that happened almost every night–but still, we’re spoiled americans LOL– great food– atmosphere– etc– im just pointing out–there seemed to be KINKS in the systme on this ship–that would make me question if it’s worth it to go on a MAIDEN voyage–or wait until staff is more settled in for a few weeks
*OCeaneer’s Club/Lab — OMG — phenomenal– indescribable– Me and another parent noticed on the last night though–after the — smoke and excitement had cleared– “Why didn’t they put in any kind of slide like on the Magic/Wonder?”– minor detail– but it would be a GREAT addition
*Animator’s Palette– I went last night..hadn’t read much about cruise beforehand–so I was BLOWN away by detail–decor–and TURTLE TALK all around the room– WOW WOW WOW [one of my fav attractions anyway]– YET — I still have to say– I was GIGGLING in my seat there–because I THOUGHT they would top all that off w/ the grand finale–wait staff show– the change of vests/shirts [they weren’t wearing vests–and had colored ties.. hmmm]…but they don’t do that on the Dream– I think that dramatic grand finale is still needed even w/ Turtle Talk– If they want to be different, make their own version of it !
*The magician/singer were great– thought they’d mix in some “welcome aboard” theme too though ?
*I love all the updates to Castaway Cay over the last 2 years– GREAT slides ! Anyone know where the pirate ghost ship went ? I’ll google it– ! just asking !
*Seemed to be some kind of problem w/ disembarkation– maybe it was a customs issue– or was it due to size of passenger load ? I’m usually one of last ones off–when we finally rolled out of our cabin at almost 9:30 after much delay, procrastination etc;– there were lines in EVERY direction gridlocked–trying to get off– people worried about flights etc; we got off after 10 (?)–and now cars soon after were lining up to try to check in early for next cruise–this caused an issue it seemed w/ the pick up line being blocked–my family waiting w/ bags– couldn’t get to where they were to pick them up as usual–was a big mess
*I’m not a big gambler–but why, exactly, do disney ships not have casinos? I know they’re family ships–but they go out of their way to have adult districts, adult themes and more– why not put a casino in the adult district ? they tell X rated jokes, serve liquor, and more– how does a roulette wheel w/ a donald duck theme NOT fit in ?!?!?!
Great review — heading out on our first cruise in 19 days on the Dream! Please share more info and pictures!
Thank you so much for taking time from your trip to share it with us! We may be surrounded by snow up here but the pictures and details can help me pretend I’m on the Dream for a few minutes — please keep the reports coming, it sounds absolutely perfect! Although the ‘black friday’ atmosphere at the shops had me laughing…but I would have been right in line also!
My family and friends will be embarking on our first ever cruise on the Disney Dream for 4 nights in September. As a veteran to cruising, what is the dress code for dinner? I will have two young boys, ages 7 and 11. Are dress shorts appropriate for dinner?
Deb Koma replies: Resort casual dress is the norm in the Royal Palace, Enchanted Garden and Animator’s Palate. I should think dress shorts would be totally fine. We didn’t have a formal night on my short cruise, but I’m not sure if they have them on longer cruises. The upscale adult restaurants Palo and Remy have a much more formal dress code.
Love the blog! Thanks for all the great details. We will arrive in Orlando the day before our sail date. Not enough time to enjoy WDW. Where were you able to catch DCL bus? What time did you leave your hotel? Thanks so much! 1st time cruiser…Kelly
I want to book a cruise right now. Love that Oregon duck on your stateroom door. I love my Ducks!!
Yay!!! I’m so glad you were able to get internet access to get this blog submitted – and with photos, too! Wish I was there with you, but I’m having fun reading along!
Thanks for sharing your vacation with us! I can’t wait to sail on the new ship. Waiting for my 1 year old son to turn 3 so he can enjoy the kids program.
it all sounds fantastic so far.. thank you for sharing! 🙂
Lori,
Thanks soooooooo much for sharing this maiden voyage experience.
Here in NYC we just had our 6th snowstorm.
I wish I could be on there with you, too.
Guess, I will have to Dream!
Looking forward to the next post.
Rina