Our First (Not Last) Disney Cruise
Disney Dream Cruise Review
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 5
Helpful Votes: 81
4 Night Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)
Sail date: August 19, 2019
Ship: Disney Dream
Cabin type: Balcony
Cabin number: 5164
Traveled as: Family (young children)
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
It was our first Disney cruise. Did the 4 night and we loved it. Getting to see all the characters and having the experiences that are provided on the ship were beyond what I expected.Embarkation
We had an 11:30-11:45 arrival time. As we pulled into the port, we dropped off our luggage and went to park the car. We walked into the check-in area where we waited on lune for about 15 minutes. We checked in, got our Key to the World card and got a pic with the character visiting the port at that time, Pluto. We were on the ship within half hour.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
We loved knowing that the cruise has rotational dining. We were able to experience the different decor and menus provided however, we were bot thrilled with the food options and taste of the food. We ordered room service on the last night due to packing and loved it. We figure room service the next time around every night.
What we didnt like was the fact that the buffet did not provide dinner which would be great for something quick on those busy nights.
Buffet at lunch time offered many different types of foods. I enjoyed that everyday they had shrimp and crab legs.. amazed!!
Onboard Activities
On the ship there were many activities starting from day 1. We decided to explore the ship day 1. We played minigolf, which had 2 different paths to each hole for Max (young ones) and Goofy (older ones). The Aquaduck looked fun. We got up there and my 6 yr old bailed so we didnt ride. The kids water area looked fun. My son enjoyed the Mickey pool. He didnt do the water slide either my husband enjoyed the fitness center. It had all the equipment that he needed. The sports simulators were always full. No arcade which was a bummer for my son until he realized all the other things he could do. (And it saved us money).
Entertainment
Entertainment was beyond what I expected. I dont even know where to begin. I guess from the beginning. Sailaway party was the first opportunity for the children to see their favorite characters. Disney Cruiseline even saves the front for the children so they don't have to look over the adult heads. The singing and dancing was very interactive.
The shows were amazing. If you love Disney you will enjoy the shows. They have character appearances and songs from all different movies. The shows could be on broadway. That's how good they were.
The DJ played a mixture of music to fit everyone on the ship during ship events.
I did not expect a full firework show during Pirate night. I was impressed! I thought a few booms and bangs but it was a full show. Knowing that the fireworks are environmentally safe and that it becomes fish food is wonderful.
The movie theater showing the most recent movies is a bonus. Toy Story 4, Lion King, Aladdin and something else were playing.. movies play throughout the cruise.
Children's Programs
We took the tour of the club the first day and was amazed at what we saw. There are themed rooms. Toy Story room with life sized toys and replicas. The Tinkerbell room with tablets and a TV to watch and play with. A life size Star Wars simulator and play area. An enormous lab area for cooking and doing activities. The other side of the club had tvs, an animators room and craft area. Table top games. There were 2 dance floors within the club.
There were character meet and greets often. We say every character and there different daily outfits. We waited on lines for no more than 15 -20 mins. If you get there early you are good. We had 5 of us, so I waited on 1 line while others waited on other lines. The characters are all in the same area within 2 decks so it was easy to maneuver.
On Castaway Cay, Mickey and Minnie came out to dance with the children. There is also a dance party with the characters on the ship in the atrium.
My son did the morning wakeup with disney junior. He was the only one there and got to dance with Goofy.
Oh the Castaway Kids Club is also fun for kids. My son didnt want to go and then didnt want to leave.
Service and Staff
The staff was very professional. Our room was cleaned and the towel creations were fun to end the day with. Our waitstaff knew us and all that we liked. They were accommodating with our meals and drinks. The other staff throughout the ship stopped what they were doing to help and talk. They were personable and seemed to enjoy their job.
Ship Quality
Staff made sure that the ship was clean and well-maintained. It was easy to navigate throughout the ship. Our room was located in a great area (deck 5). We were very close to the kids club and close to restaurants and character meet and greet areas.
Cabin / Stateroom
We chose to do an extended balcony cabin for a few extra dollars. We were on deck 5 room 5164. We had a great location, close to restaurants, kids club (it wasn't noisy), and character experiences. We had the separate bathroom areas. 1 room with toilet and sink and the other with sink and shower. Extended balcony was nice but our room was seen by the oceanview room next door to us. We never used the balcony because it was a short trip with lots to do.
Ship tip
1) decide what's improtant and do those things. 2) don't miss the shows. 3) the characters change their outfits daily depending on the ship location.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
I didnt get off the ship this time. Ive been to Nassau many many times. We love the fish fry. The rest of my family hot off to get foo# from the fish fry and shop a bit. Atlantis is too overrated. We usually just got to take a few pics. The zoo is small but cute if you are looking for something to do close by. We have hired ppl to take us on tours. Go see the forts and the Queens Staircase.
Castaway Cay (Disney Private Island)
Beautiful Island that can be explored. We stayed at the beach and enjoyed the DJ and dance party. Characters are out in their swimwear to take pics. The kids club is fun for the children. The buffet was good and offered a great selection on food.
Disembarkation
There is breakfast provided to all depending on your dinner time. We had the 2nd second breakfast time in our last restaurant. Breakfast was good. But we wound up waiting on a long line to disembark. It did move at a decent pace. We found out luggage quickly but our security line moved at s snails pace. The other line was much faster.