wattage
Registered: January 2010
Location: Richmond Virginia
Posts: 56
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Review Date: Thu April 11, 2013
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Adult only areas, staff, Castaway Cay
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Cons:
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Noise in main restaurants
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My wife, daughter and I sailed on the Disney Dream on April 4, 2013 for a three day cruise to Nassau and Castaway Cay. We had cabin 7517 – an inside stateroom. My wife’s parents also sailed with us. We are DCV members and paid for our cruise with points.
Parking – There is ample parking at the terminal in the parking deck next to the ship. Regardless of where you park in the deck, you are only a short distance to the elevators or stairs. The deck is clean and seemed secure. I was very comfortable leaving the car. Parking is $15 per day for the deck and there is the option to park in an uncovered “preferred lot” for $20 more.
Boarding Process – Once you enter the terminal, you encounter security on the ground floor. Here you put your luggage through the x-ray machine and walk through a metal detector. This process took us a total of about 10 minutes – including waiting in line and screening.
Ticketing/Keys – Once through security you climb an escalator to the second floor of the terminal building and encounter Disney’s embarkation process. You enter a line based on your past Disney cruising experience. This was our first Disney cruise so we joined the longest line . Even though the line was long, the wait was less than 10 minutes to get to a counter agent. Once all of our paperwork was reviewed, we received our “Keys.” With keys in hand, we got in the line to board the ship. This line did take a few minutes because you’re forced to take pictures before boarding the ship.
Once on Board – When you reach the ship, you are asked for your family’s name and they announce your arrival to everyone in the boarding area. Little kids seemed to be impressed, but most adults seemed to think it was a little hokie. The main boarding area is pure Disney – well themed and beautiful. A large statue of Admiral Donald Duck is in the lobby and everyone is trying to get their pictures with Donald. The six elevators in the main area are all crowed! We went further forward on the ship and found another set of elevators that no one seemed to be using and got on one within 30 seconds of pushing the elevator button. Staterooms are not available until 1:30 so I took my daughter to the teen club, and my wife took her parents to the Enchanted Garden for the lunch buffet.
From the time we parked, got out of the car, and walked on board the ship, it was about 35 minutes. We got there right at noon, and my in-laws were there at 11:00a.m. My in-laws said it took them about an hour to board.
Stateroom – Our stateroom was on deck seven closer the bow (forward) of the ship. The signage in the halls is easy to follow and well positioned throughout the ship. Our cabin had a queen bed with a fold out sofa bed and a fold down ceiling bunk bed. We did not use the bunk bed as my daughter used the sofa bed. There is plenty of storage space under the bed and in the closets. The bathroom was large enough so as not to make you feel claustrophobic. The bathroom had a bathtub that was not quite full sized, but was large enough to take a bath in if needed. Towels were very thick and changed every day by our cabin steward.
Food – The lunch buffet in the Enchanted Garden restaurant on Deck two was very good. The lamb chops were the best I’ve ever had!! There is rotational dinning on the Disney Dream – meaning that you eat at a different restaurant every night, but keep the same serving staff. Our first night was in the Enchanted Garden, second night was in the Royal Palace, and our third night was in the Animators Palate. The food was good, not great. The only real complaint I had was the escargot in the Royal Palace was way over cooked and was very tough – life chewing on a rubber ball. I could not eat any of the snails. So I asked for and received another appetizer. Service was excellent when we were at table #63, but when we changed to table #100, it was not as good. The last night, our server pressured us to provide only “excellent” ratings on the comment cards for her service.
Activities and Ports of Call – We stopped in Nassau and at Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. We went to the Pirates’ Museum in Nassau, after it stopped raining! The museum is a short walk from the ship and is well worth the time. We all enjoyed the museum’s exhibits –including the life sized pirate ship you get to walk through! Castaway Cay is a lovely beach island. Disney does a good job of providing enough beach chairs and floats for everyone. The only downer about Castaway Cay is the food – it’s bad. Way over cooked and bland - what I thought was a piece of chicken was actually a piece of over cooked fish. Even the hamburgers were over cooked and cold – could not even begin to melt the cheese on the cheese burgers. If we ever go back, we’ll come ashore after having our lunch on the ship. There are current movies shown in the movie theater. We saw “Oz the Great and Powerful” one afternoon. The Aquaduck water ride is not to be missed – it’s a complete blast for all ages. My wife and I rode it twice!! Lines can get long so go in the morning, or after 5:30pm.
Debarkation – The ship docks around 5:30am. Everyone is expected to be out of their cabins by 8:00am, and be off the ship by 9:00am. You have the option of carrying your own luggage off the ship, or having the porters take it to the terminal for you to find later. We chose to carry our own luggage and were we off the ship by 8:00am and in line for customs by 8:10am. Customs took a while as the lines were rather long. We were at our car in the parking garage by 8:45. Parking was $15 per day.
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mickeymom5
Registered: September 2008
Posts: 44
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Review Date: Sat April 6, 2013
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Everything!
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Cons:
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small and crowded pools; tons of kids in the hot tubs
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This was my family's first cruise. It was everything we dreamed it would be. We had awesome servers: Tony and Guillame. The food was awesome! Castaway Cay was a great place. Our crab won the crab race! Woohoo! We didn't really care for Nassau. We just got off the ship and got back on so we could say we had been to the Bahamas. I wish Disney would stop somewhere else. The Mid-Ship Detective Agency game was a big hit with my six year old. She really enjoyed it. The pools were super crowded; even though it was really too cool to swim. Our stateroom was beautiful (6618)! We loved the verandah. All the common areas were beautiful...we will definitely be cruisin' again real soon!
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Fitzboyzmom
Registered: November 2010
Posts: 94
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Review Date: Mon December 31, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Beautiful Ship
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Cons:
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The Dream is just beautiful. We were on a cruise that I think was full (a holiday cruise), and unless you were around when a show let out, it did not seem overwhelmingly crowded. There was always something to do. We just loved it and can't wait to go again.
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xrayvision
Registered: August 2009
Posts: 24
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Review Date: Sun October 28, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Large, Beautiful and Clean
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Cons:
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None
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We took our immediate family on a Dream cruise in Dec 2011. We had 3 Balcony staterooms on the back of the ship. Verandahs were large. We all enjoyed the Aquaduck. The dining and meals were wonderful and room stewards were exceptional. The shows were great and we were able to catch some great movies in the theatre as well. Shopping was fun!! Private island, Castaway Cay, is the best private island of any cruise line, in my opinion. It is fantastic!
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furgy234
Registered: June 2011
Posts: 5
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Review Date: Mon September 10, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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great staterooms !
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Cons:
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no wait staff entertainment
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We sailed Aug.29th- 4 night cruise- we were in cabine 8682- it is an accessible cabin and very roomy the back of the ship. This is our 5th Disney cruise and the first on the Dream. The weather was lovely- the staff exceptional. In the past the wait staff usually has a musical presentation at end of the meal- nothing this trip and no explanation. The food did not seem as good perhaps because of the large passenger list. Our dining partners had cruised on other lines and were also disappointed there was no dining room entertainment even on Pirate night. Overall a great trip - with an exceptional job with fireworks!!
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disfam4
Registered: May 2009
Location: Davis Junction, IL
Posts: 9
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Review Date: Sat June 2, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Attention to detail
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Cons:
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Too much to do!
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Sailed a 5 night cruise on the Dream, May 27-June 1 with family of 4, kids 12 and 14. We were happy with every aspect - attentive staff, excellent food quality and variety, the ship was always so clean, and the attention to detail by Disney is unmatched. We had an oceanview cabin which was plenty of room with comfortable beds. My only complaint is that there was so much I wanted to do and didn't have time to try it all. The Aquaduck was a hit with my whole family, very fun. We had two stops at Castaway Cay. Never had a problem finding chairs on the beach and never waited in line for food at Cookies or Cookies Too. Liked that Cookies offered more than just burgers and dogs - there was cajun chicken, salmon, mahi mahi, and ribs too. Evening shows on the ship were excellent. Villians Tonight was probably my least favorite but the qaulity of entertainment was still good. Liked that the menus in the main dining rooms were different each night. We are DVC members so we used points to pay for this cruise, but feel that it was well worth it.
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Michigan Mom
Registered: May 2012
Posts: 5
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Review Date: Wed May 2, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Beautiful Ship, Terrific Staff, Great food
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Cons:
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Way too crowded at pools
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We had a wonderful cruise aboard the Disney Dream at the beginning of April Our stateroom on deck 9, 9666, had a verandah and was perfect. Beds were the most comfortable I have ever had on a ship, maybe even any hotel! Stateroom attendant was very attentive and room was always clean. Food was different, not your plain old fare. But, there were always enough choices that my 12 and 15 year olds could find something they liked. Castaway Cay, they best place to relax anywhere. Would go back on a Disney Cruise absolutely!
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mindylee847
Registered: April 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 15
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Review Date: Mon April 30, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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fun, relaxing, enjoyable
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Cons:
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not that much to do
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This was probably the best decision we made for our honeymoon. We went on a 4 night Bahamian cruise. Overall, we had a great experience. The cast members were great, the food was generally good if not great, the activities were fun, and I got to nap a LOT.
I didn't really like how few activities were provided for adults. I don't like to stay up til the crack of dawn and I don't work out on vacation... I just take the stairs instead.  Disney Trivia was actually quite difficult and if you weren't at least 70, you hadn't lived through those cartoon releases that they asked you about. Match Your Mate was funny and so was adult Dream Quest but that really was only available one night. The Quiet Cove was far from quite so we passed on that and the pool deck is scorching hot without shoes on. I just wish there was a bit more to offer since I'm not huge into drinking either.
I enjoyed the shows and dinners. I definitely was able to relax so that was great. I would do this again... but I'm going to save up and go to Alaska where the port adventures sound a bit more fun!
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babagogi
Registered: March 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Mon March 19, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Fantastic vacation for all ages
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Cons:
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Nothing
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We just returned from a 5 day Bahamian cruise aboard the Disney Dream! The thrill of our first cruise was fueled even more by the organization of embarking. We did on-line boarding that made it much easier. We were given our Keys to the World and a number. We were able to enjoy pictures with Captain Mickey before embarking even though our number had been called for swift entry onto the shift.
In no time at all, we were enjoying a delicious buffet style lunch in the Enchanted Garden. It had every kind of food you could think of to fill the appetites of all in our party. (my mom, me, my 17 year old son and 9 year old son)
We were told luggage may not arrive in room til 9 pm but our room and luggage were ready for 1:30! Our host, Robbi, introduced himself to us and from that moment on greeted us every time he saw us by our names. I have never experienced such an immaculate room as the one he provided including towel creatures at turndown and chocolates! Our stateroom was huge with the queen bed, fold out couch, ceiling bunk bed and murphy bed so we all had our own bed.
Restaurants were on a rotational basis each night with a stage show before or after. We had 2nd seating at 8:15 so we were able to enjoy the events and excursions longer during the day. Our servers were Anthony and Gusti and we will never forget them! We wanted to bring them home!!! They knew us by name and knew our preferences for drinks every night and had it all ready for us! Anthony entertained my 9 year old with jokes and magic during dinner and suggested the most scrumptious food. Servings were small but we were able to try anything and everything more than once. If we needed changes to the menu they were very obliging.
The pirate deck party was out of this world with dancing and a DJ and beautiful fireworks while at sea! They even supplied us with pirate attire! My 17 year old practically lived at the Vibe doing a ghost night and karaoke and a game based on The Dating Game! They even had a late night pool party! My son hung out at the Oceaneers Club/Lab where he played computers, danced on a lit up dance floor, made wands and learned to cook! Disney movies played all day on the pool deck so you could swim AND watch movies!
I did snorkeling with the family at Castaway Cay and parasailing! Everyone one on the ship treated you like they had known you for years and we were all great friends. I felt so at home! The last night had the Going Home party with all the characters dancing and posing for pictures.
I know this seemed long and winded but there are not enough words or praise I can give to Disney! I definitely am going back and hope to see my friends still there making my vacation a magical one again!
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sonya07
Registered: March 2012
Posts: 1
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Review Date: Sat March 17, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Ship was fantastic, lots to do, very inviting atmosphere
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Cons:
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pools were to crowded
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Went on the Dream couple of months ago and it was wonderful experience. Nine of us went ages ranging from 40 to 3 and we had so much fun I'm ready to do it all again!
The food leaves your mouth watering for more. I also liked that we had the same wait staff each time we were to eat dinner. That made it very personal.
The entire boat is exquisite. From the views of the ocean to the detailed paintings on the walls. My three year old at the time was amazed by the rooms of so many activities and the in room free Disney movies.
We are planning another Disney cruise next Sept for his birthday. I'm sure we will have the same great time!!!
Oh and castaway cay is AMAZING. Loved to of stayed longer!
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Ranger275
Registered: February 2009
Location: Michigan
Posts: 40
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Review Date: Tue February 14, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Ship is beautiful and very clean
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Cons:
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Lots of people, kids pool area is really crowded
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Went on the 4 day cruise from Feb 5th thru 9th. Our 5th cruise with Disney, 2nd on Dream. Great time and great ship. Food was very good and we also loved Palo. We had a great time both on the ship and at Castaway Cay but we stayed on board for Nassau as it isn't worth getting off for unless you have a excursion planned. We were adults only on this trip. So we had a great time at all the adult nightclubs, at the adult pool and at the adult beach at Castaway Cay. Very relaxing time.
We had cruised the same week last year but this year the ship had at least 800 more people at it. The only time it was noticable was at the buffet which was more crowded but still not bad. Also the middle family pool area was a mad house. It really makes me wonder about bringing our family back as hanging out there for a day would be crazy. Just so crowded and the pools are so close together.
Everything else was great, meals were all good and while we only went to one show this time it was also great as usual. Our servers and all the staff were great, love getting to know them.
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jontek77
Registered: May 2009
Posts: 9
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Review Date: Tue January 3, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Ship is absolutely beautiful. Staff are top quality
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Cons:
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Pools are too small, public areas poorly designed
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This was our third cruise on Disney, and we have been on all three ships.
Pros: The ship is breathtaking and huge. I am in the Navy and have served on an aircraft carrier, and this ship feels bigger than that, because it IS.
Everything is kept immaculate and staff could not be more helpful, friendly or courteous. They helped us find all the characters only available on the cruise line.
Cons: Public areas, particularly the top deck, were always crowded and difficult to navigate compared to the Magic/Wonder layout. Aquaduck line was ridiculous long, except when in port. Ride it then! Fireworks were EXTREMELY difficult to get good seats for, and the design of the top deck once again is the main culprit.
Food: Restaurants were all excellent, and tried a few new things that were alright. Portions were good when you consider dessert. Our wait staff was the best we have had on Disney Cruise Line, and always went out of their way.
Child programs: These were on a huge step above the Magic/Wonder. Especially the under 3 years areas. Bigger is definitely better here. The 3-12 areas were so good, I couldn't get my 4 year old daughter to leave, even to meet Minnie or the Princesses! Be aware that they let the kids just do what they want and are loosely supervised.
Shows: We enjoyed all the shows, and everything was pretty well done. The shows are better when something doesn't go as planned and the cast just adapts. Did not enjoy the magician show.
Movie Theater: It is a state of the art movie theater. Picture quality, seats and sound were awesome and comfortable like your couch. Nothing like most theaters. We got to see the New Winnie the Pooh movie the day it was released in theaters and Pooh himself was greeting us before the movie.
Pools: WAY too small for this amount of people.
Stateroom: Beautifully done with all the Disney touches. Balcony was awesome. Love the separate toilet/shower layout. Wish it was like that at home!
Overall, I think it was a great cruise, but would prefer the smaller Magic/Wonder cruise for next one. Costs twice as much for the Dream/Fantasy and I don't think its worth double.
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ldeglian
Registered: August 2006
Posts: 85
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Review Date: Mon January 2, 2012
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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crew, activities
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Cons:
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None
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We recently took our second 4 night cruise on the Dream. Our first was the maiden voyage so we were anxious to see how things had progressed in the 11 months since that cruise.
We enjoyed this cruise much more than the first cruise. I suspect that had to do with our being more comfortable with the ship layout. It's much larger than the Magic or Wonder. There are many more bars and night spots on the Dream, but I think I still prefer the Magic and Wonder from a size perspective.
We were lucky enough to upgrade (at the port) from a porthole cabin to a concierge cabin. What a treat! We enjoyed the lounge and staff who we have sailed with many times in the past. Without a doubt, our favorite spot was the private concierge sundeck. We spent each afternoon up there virtually alone. The pools were crowded so having a private sun spot complete with sunscreen and lounge chairs was very relaxing!
Our cabin steward was fantastic. We didn't spend much time with our meal servers as we had reservations for Remy and Palo during our stay. We enjoyed both restaurants--the food and service were fantastic in both.
Overall we had a great time--and are looking forward to the additional 2 cruises we have booked!
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cruisin
Registered: November 2011
Posts: 7
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Review Date: Fri November 4, 2011
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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practically everything
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Cons:
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Wave phone
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Just did a cruise on the Dream. Absolutely fantastic! Love it from the ships beauty to the dining to the hang out areas. So much to do. Got to do two cruises just to attempt to see a bunch of it. No need to get off ship at Nassau unless you really want to. Rooms are fantastic. Food is great. Pools are fun. Adult pools should be bigger to match Magic and Wonder but that's ok. For relaxing, it works. There is so much good and you will get exercise walking around!
One negative. The wave phones stink. They are a great idea however the implementation is weak as they worked very poorly (unusable) for phone conversations. Texting was ok but for all the technology bragged about, this was a sore spot.
Aquaduck is lots of fun but riding it at night is the best. Super cool!
Loved it and can't wait to do it again!
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LuAnnL23
Registered: December 2010
Location: NY
Posts: 4
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Review Date: Tue October 4, 2011
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Would you recommend the product? Yes
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Beautiful decor, great dining servers & room host
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Cons:
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Long wait for elevators, character lines too long
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My husband & I were on the 5 day cruise the week of 9/25. We loved every minute of it. Food selections were great & dining staff were wonderful Room was beautifully decorated & clean. the pools were small for that size ship & were very crowded. Wall to wall people the day we were at sea. The aqua duck was fun. The shows were very good except for the villain show, very weird. The shopping was good & prices were better then I expected. One thing that Disney should change the stop at the Bahamas. I would like to see them switch it up with either Key West or somewhere else. The Bahamas are dirty & many stores are empty. But loved the Dream & as usual never disappointed with Disney! We are booked on the fantasy for next year, can't wait.
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