Introduction
The Dream is beautifully designed in the Art Deco tradition with a hefty dose of Disney culture mixed in. Mostly, the ship is a children's area with a few exceptions, like the Remy and Palo restaurants, the Meridian, and the bars in The District. There is a full blown movie theater aboard, showing the latest Disney features in 3D, as well as some more adult films that come with an R rating. The huge LCD screen poolside on deck 11 also plays movies day and night. The AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea, is great fun and should not be missed.
In the Disney cruising tradition, there are some spectacular theme nights like Pirate Night. A dinner fit for a pirate is served at Cabanas restuarant topside. Captain Jack Sparrow and his crew are sure to make an appearance, with a fireworks display that you can only see on Disney ships.
If you have kids that still believe in Disney magic, cruising on the Dream will make for a fabulous family vacation. A wide range of living options on the Dream let you book an affordable vacation or a lavish one, for families of all sizes.
Cabins Overview
There are nine different room types on the Dream, from the 169-square-foot Standard Inside Stateroom to the 1781-sqaure-foot Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah. Each room comes with a "Key to the World" that works both as your room key and as a charge card for the duration of your voyage. Most rooms have a convertible sofa and a pull down extra bed to maximize occupancy for families. Disney expects that even the Inside Stateroom will be sleeping three or four passengers though it would be a little too cramped for our sensibilities.
This mid-level cabin was great for just us, but cramming in a family of five, as Disney suggests, may be a little too cramped.
Cabin Layout
Though no room on a cruise ship is actually big, Disney uses the space in this Oceanview Stateroom well. The shower and the toilet are in two separate rooms. This piece of functional design makes it possible to have a whole family living simultaneously in one room. These two wash rooms are right off the entrance hallway, across from two large closets. The main room opens up to fit a king-sized bed, which can be exchanged for two twin beds instead. Attached to the main room, is a smaller living area that can be sectioned off by a curtain. In this living area is a sofa bed, with a chest serving as a coffee table, and a vanity mirror with desk. The desk has four storage drawers, one of which contains a hair dryer. The TV is also in this room, built into a shelve on top of the desk. The TV swivels such that you can watch it from the bed. Off of the living area is a small balcony.
Bedroom
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We noticed that the bed was a little too soft. There just was not enough support for a good night's sleep, but some people will enjoy sinking into this overly plush bed with four big pillows. On either side of the bed are nightstands with lamps and drawers, one side has a clock radio with an iPod port, the other has the phone.
Though the sofa can be turned into a twin bed, there is an extra pull down berth, and there is storage in the desk and the coffee table, we are not sure how comfortable this room would be with three or four people sleeping in it.
Bathroom
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The toilet and the bathroom are separated, and both have a sink. This allows two people to preen at the same time, or for one to have a shower while the toilet remains available. There is not much storage space in either room. The bath tub is great, a little small perhaps, but it is is still nice to use.
Closets & Storage
There are two closets opposite the washrooms. Both have plenty of hangers, each with a built-in shelf. In the main room, there is a cabinet with three huge drawers. The desk in the living area has a few drawers as well, and the coffee table has a little storage space too.
Balcony
The balcony is small, but has space for two chairs and a little table with an ashtray. We had the misfortune of reserving the last available balcony on the deck, and our view was obscured. There is a dividing wall that can be opened to the adjacent balcony if you are traveling with friends and family next door.
Cabin Description
We've not yet stayed in this cabin, but here's what the cruise line has to say:
"This room offers plentiful space for a family of 4 or 5—substantially more space than a standard stateroom—and features a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath and a private balcony.
• Sleeps: 4 to 5_ • Size: 299 sq. ft. including verandah_ • Room Configuration: Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed (in most) and upper berth pull-down bed, split bath with round tub and shower • View: Private verandah" –Disney Cruise Line
Cabin Description
We've not yet stayed in this cabin, but here's what the cruise line has to say:
"This room offers plentiful space for a family of 3 or 5—substantially more space than a standard stateroom—and features a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa bed, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath with round tub, and a large porthole with built-in seating. • Sleeps: 3 to 5 • Size: 241 sq. ft. • Room Configuration: Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed (in most) or upper berth pull-down bed (in some), split bath with round tub and shower • View: One large porthole window with built-in seating" –Disney Cruise Line
Cabin Description
We've not yet stayed in this cabin, but here's what the cruise line has to say:
"This room easily accommodates a family of 3 or 4 and includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in most, split bath, privacy divider and a crystal-clear porthole view. Relax in more space than you’d find in a standard room. • Sleeps: 3 or 4 • Size: 204 sq. ft. • Room Configuration: Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth pull-down beds in some, split bath with tub and shower • View: One large porthole window or 2 small porthole windows"
–Disney Cruise Line
Cabin Description
We've not yet stayed in this cabin, but here's what the cruise line has to say:
"This accommodation holds 3 or 4, with substantially more space than is offered in a standard stateroom. Includes a queen-size bed with underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in some, split bath, privacy curtain and Magical Porthole with real-time views.
• Sleeps: 3 or 4 • Size: 204 sq. ft. • Room Configuration: Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth pull-down bed (in some), split bath with tub and shower • View: Magical Porthole with real-time view" –Disney Cruise Line
Cabin Description
We've not yet stayed in this cabin, but here's what the cruise line has to say:
"This room comes with many standard amenities, featuring room for 3 or 4, with queen-size bed and underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in some, separate sleeping and seating areas as well as a couch and desk, plus a Magical Porthole with real-time views. • Sleeps: 3 or 4 • Size: 169 sq. ft. • Room Configuration: Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth pull-down bed (in some), bath with tub and shower • View: Magical Porthole with real-time views"
–Disney Cruise Line
Cabin Description
We've not yet stayed in this cabin, but here's what the cruise line has to say:
"This room comes with many standard amenities, featuring room for 3 or 4, with queen-size bed and underneath storage, convertible sofa, wall pull-down bed in some, separate sleeping and seating areas as well as a couch and desk, plus a Magical Porthole with real-time views. • Sleeps: 3 or 4 • Size: 169 sq. ft. • Room Configuration: Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, upper berth pull-down bed (in some), bath with tub and shower • View: Magical Porthole with real-time views"
–Disney Cruise Line
Cabin Description
We've not yet stayed in this cabin, but here's what the cruise line has to say:
"This sumptuous suite is one of the luxurious accommodations for your family. This opulent suite sleeps 5, with a living room, a bedroom with queen-size bed, a bathroom with whirlpool tub, rain shower and vanity mirrors with built-in TVs, walk-in closet, private verandah with Jacuzzi and numerous upgraded amenities." • Sleeps: 5 • Size: 622 sq. ft. including verandah • Room Configuration: 1 bedroom with queen-size bed, living area with double convertible sofa, single wall pull-down bed in the living room, walk-in closet, whirlpool in the master bathroom, 2 bathrooms with rain shower • View: Private verandah
–Disney Cruise Line
Cabin Description
We've not yet stayed in this cabin, but here's what the cruise line has to say:
"This palatial suite is the largest, most upscale offering. It easily sleeps 5 and features 2 bedrooms with queen-size beds, 2 bathrooms including mirrors with built-in TVs (master bath includes double sinks, whirlpool tub and rain shower), media library, wet bar, pantry, walk-in closet, private verandah with Jacuzzi and many lavish amenities. • Sleeps: 5 • Size: approximately 1781 sq. ft. including verandah • Room Configuration: 1 master bedroom with queen-size bed, 1 wall pull-down double bed and 1 wall pull-down single bed in the living room, 2 bathrooms including master with double sinks, rain shower and whirlpool tubs (whirlpool tub is also on the verandah), living room, media library, open dining salon, pantry, wet bar and walk-in closets • View: Private verandah with floor-to-ceiling windows in main living space"
–Disney Cruise Line
Cabin Amenities
The amenities are plentiful yet standard. The only special surprise are the complimentary Wave phones.
Cabin Amenities
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In the desk in the living area, there is an A/C operated hair dryer. In the bathroom, Disney provides the basic toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, Disney brand lotion, hand and facial soap. There is a mini-fridge, but it is empty. You can order drinks to fill it via the In-Room Dining service.
Each room comes with two complimentary Wave phones, allowing you to make calls and send texts to other Wave phones to keep everyone in communication while aboard. The phones do not work off the ship, so taking them home is not going to be that helpful. You can rent additional phones from guest services. The stationary phone in your room will incur charges according to the US international ship to shore rates. You can access the internet at hotspots throughout the ship and the wireless available in the cabins.
The television has movies and TV shows for free on demand, but there are no consistent movie channels unfortunately. There are supposedly 10 television channels in addition to the on on demand, but a few didn't work due to international regulations.
Disney rotates its passengers through all of the restaurants on a strict schedule that works quite well.
For the various restaurants, there are two seating times. The majority of seating happens at 5:45 pm, the second round at 8:15. You and your party will be assigned a specific dining room that changes every day of the cruise, thus rotating the passengers through all of the food offerings on the ship. Each night you will dine at a different restaurant, but your server and table number are always the same. If Bob is your waiter on night one, he will be there for every dinner at every one of the restaurants. Due to this system, the menus never have to change yet the appearance of variety will satisfy your palate.
With all this rotation, you can rest assured that all of these restaurants have a static children's menu, from which adults are also invited to order, featuring mac and cheese, a hamburger, hot dogs, chicken strips, pasta, and yummy desserts like caramel custard, brownies, and ice cream. This menus has puzzles, drawings, and games to keep kids occupied until the food arrives.
In your room, you will find dining tickets stating the assigned dinner times, show times, restaurant schedule, and your table number. You can also find your specific restaurant schedule and table number on your "Key to the World".
There are more casual options like Cabanas, the buffet on deck 11 and Flo's Grill, which serves fast food like pizza, hot dogs, burgers, and some sandwiches.
For more formal occasions, and an extra fee, there are two grown-up only restaurants: no kids, no princesses, no cartoons allowed. Palo, the Italian restaurant on board, has great pasta, meat, and vegetarian dishes ($20). Remy, a fine French bistro, will serve you a five-course meal for an extra $75. The waiters all speak French (or appear to at least). The meal takes place in a very romantic ambience with a great view of the sea. The experience will last about three hours.
Ah, the Royal palace, an aptly decorated banquet hall for princesses and princes.
Overview
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Located on deck 3, midships, right off the atrium, this main dining room is designed after the ballroom in the Disney movie "Cinderella". A rose motif runs throughout the circular floor plan. Fluted columns and iron railings weave around this faithfully recreated space. Note the hints from other Disney movies, like the chandelier from "Beauty and the Beast". There are painted portraits of Disney princesses all around the room, the bread baskets look like the underpart of a pumpkin chariot, and the many other details make this a truly enchanting restaurant.
The lunch menu is tight, but the few options are pretty delicious. Starters: Veggie quesadilla, citrus fruit cocktail chilled mango soup; Main Courses: Turkey melt sandwich, fussili pasta with mushrooms and parsley cream sauce, angus hamburger.
For dinner the options increase. Appetizers: Herb marinated escargot with mushrooms and garlic butter, spinach soufflé, iced lobster and jumbo shrimp, greens salad, french onion soup, cauliflower cream soup; Entrees: Baked salmon, aged angus tenderloin with lobster medallions, rack of lamb with dijon crust, a tofu dish, grilled chicken breast.
This restaurant is a family venue with a reliable children's menu (the picky grownups can order from it as well). Main Courses: Mac and cheese, sliders, ham and pineapple pizza, chicken strips, spaghetti with meatballs, chicken breast with gravy, tenderloin medallion with shrimp; Sides: fresh veggies, mashed potatoes, steak fries; Desserts: Banana split, cupcake, Mickey bar ice cream, other ice cream.
For the Kings and Queens in your party, there are several specialty cocktails available: Double Crowned (Crown Royal, Chambord, Cointreau, Cranberry Juice, Sour Mix), Impérial Illusion (Absolut Mandarin, Apple Pucker, Blue Curaçao liquor, Pineapple Juice), Princess Delight ((Non-Alcoholic) Passion Fruit Juice, Mango Purée).
Breakfast
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Breakfast is available on select cruise days. Depending on the length and itinerary of your cruise, days and times for breakfast will vary. The food is continental, with fruits, hot and cold cereal, yogurt, buckwheat crepes, vegetarian omelets. There are egg dishes, like eggs benedict, but also a traditional big breakfast with eggs, bacon, toast, beans, tomatoes, and onions. There are some creative creations from the griddle, like a waffle sandwich, or our favorite on the trip, a yummy french toast and pineapple stack with layers of strawberry sauce, maple syrup and fresh fruit. Oh yes.
Lunch / Dinner
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Lunch is available on select dates during your cruise, with open seating. One of the days the Royal Palace is open for lunch is a singles event where solo travelers are encouraged to make connections at sea.
Our favorite starter at lunch was the seafood sampler, with shrimps, marinated scallops, and crab claws, which were a little hard to eat without a shell cracker. For main courses, we had the lemon chicken salad with papaya, which was light, sweet, and sour at the same time, with the downfall of not having enough dressing. We tried the meatloaf with mashed potatoes, string beans and gravy. It was total comfort food, a little too much on one plate, but very tasty. We also had the minute steak with herb butter and fries, a meal lightly grilled, heavily fatty, and so deliciously filled with flavor.
Dinner we only had once at the Royal Palace because of the rotating schedule. There was warm herb brioche with olive bread to begin the meal. But there was only one piece of bread and a small amount of dip per guest: really not enough for something this delectable. We started with the avocado citrus salad with iceberg and radicchio topped with orange vinaigrette. We noticed that there was no avocado at all in this salad, so we asked for some. They brought a plate of three small cuts that were already changing colors.
The pomegranate glazed duck for our second course was much better. The glaze on the thinly cut duck breast was deliciously sweet. We had qualms with the Gewürztraminer gelee, which did not have any taste though Gewürztraminer is normally a very strong and tasty wine. We followed this with wild boar tenderloin, with sweet carrot and onion potato cake drizzled with a red currant reduction. The boar proved to be better than the much more popular angus steak, according to other people at the table. Our boar was served medium rare, the reduction complimented the red meat, and the potato cake was superb. Definitely try the boar if you don't mind wild game.
Dessert
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At lunch you can grab a slice of key lime pie, NY cheesecake, or some hot chocolate fudge pudding which was fantastic. At dinner, the options are more refined, like a Grand Marnier soufflé, peanut butter mousse, strawberry short cake sundae, tahitian vanilla creme brulee, sugar free chocolate ganache, mango cheesecake, or the sweet temptation, a combination of the best of these options. Our favorite was the mango cheesecake, a creative and delicious culinary delight.
Wine List
Champagne and wines from around the globe are selected by a panel of certified sommeliers and complied into a menu for the restaurants on the Dream. This wine menu is the same in all of the main restaurants and all dishes have an accompanying wine suggestion on the menu. You can almost hear the fairies in this enchanting restaurant environment.
Overview
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Inspired by the gardens of Versailles, the Enchanted Garden, located midships on deck 2, has walls bedecked with frescoes of green hills and blue skies. The lighting fixtures are encased in custom glass with white latticework and ornamental light posts. The center of the restaurant features a 7-foot cascading fountain, with a stone cherub Mickey Mouse. During the day, the ceiling lights change color as the sun sets, from blue to red to dark colors accented with twinkling stars during the evening. The flower lights change color as they bloom, creating a truly enchanting dining experience.
Breakfast and lunch are open seating buffets, dinner is full table service like the other restaurants. Disney claims to use only market fresh ingredients, matching the ambiance of the restaurant to the freshness of the food. Unfortunately, as part of the rotational dining schedule, and our short stay aboard the Dream (only four days), we did not get to have dinner at the Enchanted Garden, choosing to dine at Palo instead.
The dinner menu features food from all over the world. Appetizers: Ahi tuna and avocado tower with crispy noodles and wasabi dressing, lobster ravioli, tomato soup, cream of asparagus; Entrees: Sea scallops, pork tenderloin, seares sea bass, slow roasted prime rib with thyme vegetables and horseradish, lighter dishes like seared tuna on field greens, wakame squid salad with seasame seeds white shoyu and lemon vinaigrette, a thyme and garlic brioche, glazed portobello mushrooms with brown lentil sauce and a sundried tomato cream drizzle.
The ubiquitous kids menu has some great options too. Main Courses: Tomato soup, tropical fruits with orange strawberry drizzle salad, Mickey’s mac and cheese, Minnie’s mini burger, chicken and spinach pizza, chicken strips, meatloaf with gravy, veggie croquettes with tomato sauce, salmon steak; Sides: Fresh veggies, mashed potatoes, steak fries Desserts: Queen of Hearts strawberry short cake, White Chocolate Cheesecake with Blackberry Sauce, and the same as in the royal palace.
There are a few specialty cocktails being served here as well: Winter Leafs (Rum, Pomegranate, Peach Schnapps, Cranberry Juice, Soda Water), Snow Fall (Vanilla Vodka, Crème de Cacao White, Baileys, Galliano, Vanilla Mix), Northern Garden (Pomegranate Syrup, Sugar Syrup, Harmony Tea, Sprite (Non-Alcoholic)).
Breakfast
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Breakfast is available only select dates. You can check your itinerary for details. The buffet has pancakes, with or without blueberries, Micky Mouse shaped waffles, cereals, yogurts, fruits, nuts, lunch meat, cheese, lox, scrambled eggs, potatoes, tomatoes, bacon, sausage, wraps, roast beef hash, and pastries.
Lunch / Dinner
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Similar to breakfast, there are only a couple of dates where the Enchanted Garden will be serving lunch. The buffet often includes a salad bar, wraps, sandwiches, cheese, bread, shrimps with dip, pasta, soup, steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, lamb chops, chicken breast, salmon wrapped in bacon, and french roast beef.
We found both the lamb chops and the roast beef to be just to our liking. The steamed vegetables and the Waldorf salad were also worth mentioning. We could not make time for dinner here, but the menu looked wonderful.
Dessert
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Desserts were inventive and satisfying. The Sweet Temptations is a trio of esterhazy cake, strawberry cheesecake, and chocolate silk mousse. Also offered were a steamed lemon buttermilk pudding with citrus reduction, a sacher chocolate torte with apricot sauce, banana foster sundae, as well as each part of the Sweet Temptations offered as larger individual servings.
Wine List
Champagne and wines from around the globe are selected by a panel of certified sommeliers and complied into a menu for the restaurants on the Dream. This wine menu is the same in all of the main restaurants and all dishes have an accompanying wine suggestion on the menu. This restaurant has some fun and real-time interactive entertainment with Crush, the turtle from “Finding Nemo”.
Overview
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Located on deck 3 aft of the Dream, the third of the main dining rooms on the rotational schedule, is a spacious and stylized restaurant, decorated in honor of the animators that made the Disney brand so famous. The walls have recreations of sketches, drafts, light boxes, paint brushes, colored pencils, computer work stations, scenes, and characters from Disney films.
Before you sit for dinner, you will notice that the characters on the walls are not quite finished, but on the Dream, miracles do happen. During the course of the meal, the walls become viewing screens and the drawings get colored in. Sometimes Nemo and his friends come out and interact with the guests. Crush the turtle actually speaks with people in live, real-time interactions.
Only dinner is served at this restaurant, except for the final day of the cruise when breakfast can be had for guests that had their last dinner here. Appetizers: Salmon tartare, black truffle pasta prseittes, sesame flavored rock shrimp and caramelized onion cheesecake, baked potato and cheddar cheese soup, creamy butternut squash soup, curly endive arugula and watercress salad; Entrees: Pacific black cod, white shrimp penette pasta with basil and parmesan sauce, stir-fry vegetables on fried noodles, lemon-thyme chicken breast, black bean chipotle cakes over corn kernels and brown rice with tomato cilantro salsa, marinated angus beef tenderloin on wasabi mashed potatoes and bok choy with a tamarind barbecue reduction, arugula and grilled vegetable salad with sliced beef topped with a marjoram bacon and ranch dressing.
The specialty cocktail list is intriguing here: Blueberrilicious (Tequila, Fresh Blueberries, Passion Fruit Juice, Triple Sec, Sour Mix), Golden Breeze (Vodka, Amaretto, Galliano, Orange Juice, Pineapple Juice), Bora Shake (Blue Curaçao Syrup, Ice Cream Mix (Non-Alcoholic))
Lunch / Dinner
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Dinner began with a really yummy herbed foccacia and ciabatta bread with roasted garlic dip. We started with a wild mushroom risotto and porcini twist with parmiagiano-reggiano, though we didn't get any parmiagiano unfortunately. The porcini twist was not as crispy as we had hoped, a little too squishy for our liking. We followed this course with a vine ripened tomato salad with bell peppers and onion topped with an herb dressing on micro greens. This was fresh and light, though it could have used a little more dressing.
For our main course, we got the Animator's Trio with exquisite veal, a great grilled tenderloin (though we were not asked the temperature we would like our meat), and a pulled shank that melted in the mouth. The accompanying tortellacci pasta was great too, a little crunchy on the top though. The sun-dried tomato and sage reduction drizzled over the ordeal was deliciously fresh. The only thing on the plate we did not like was the potato crisp, which was too hard to be enjoyable.
Dessert
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For dessert, you have a choice of crunchy walnut cake, pineapple financier, chocolate brownie cheesecake, cookies and cream sundae or the Sweet Temptations a small tasting of the walnut cake, the pineapple financier, and a lemon mousse. There were sugar free options as well, like a dense chocalte cake and the fantastically light lemon mousse.
Wine List
Champagne and wines from around the globe are selected by a panel of certified sommeliers and complied into a menu for the restaurants on the Dream. This wine menu is the same in all of the main restaurants and all dishes have an accompanying wine suggestion on the menu. Grab breakfast or lunch at this buffet right by the pools.
Overview
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The theme at Cabanas buffet is "Californian", which could mean many things really. We appreciated that this buffet looked more like an outside restaurant than a budget canteen though it is not the premier dining venue on board. There is indoor and al fresco dining available at Cabanas on deck 11 aft.
Decorating this venue are adirondack chairs, shell tables, palm trees, beach umbrellas, surfboards, flooring that alternates from wood paneling to sand to ocean blue carpeting. On the walls of Cabanas, you will find nautically themed clocks, displaying the times of all the Disney Parks around the world, from Tokyo to Florida. You may bump into some familiar fowl friends from the movie "Finding Nemo" scattered throughout the restaurant.
There are two mirrored buffets, with a bar selling drinks and a self-serve beverage station with hot and cold drinks between the two buffets.
Breakfast
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There is a whole host of pancake varieties on offer at the various food stations set up for breakfast: chocolate chip, blueberry, french toast, waffles and more. You can get eggs as you like them at the egg station, which can sometimes take a while due to the amount of people in line. There is a cereal station with hot and cold cereal, yogurt, fruits and nuts. And then there are the pastries, endless pastries, savory sweet and everything in between. Mostly we thought the breakfast buffet was great.
Lunch / Dinner
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Lunch features a carving station, often with a chicken, roast beef, sides like fries, steamed vegetables, rice and a mountain of shrimps with cocktail sauce. In an adjacent buffet was lentil salad, pineapple and chili salad (not very spicy at all actually), sandwiches, wraps, fish, mushrooms, stir fry, steak, mashed potatoes, pasta, mac and cheese, pizza, corn and much more. For a buffet it was very fresh and tasty.
Dessert
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A small table of flavored chocolate and fruit mousse, cookies, fresh fruit, cakes, and tarts stands at one end of the buffet. The fruit and tarts are the best.
Wine List
No wine list at Cabanas but you can order a glass. There are also mixed drinks and beer at the bar between the buffets. This Italian restaurant serves up several courses of amazing traditional dishes.
Overview
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This 18+, adult exclusive restaurant, located on deck 12 aft, serves amazing Northern Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The venue is named after a venetian gondolier's pole, a palo. The surroundings are intimate, with great views of the ocean. In a semi-circular layout, tables are arranged along floor-to-ceiling windows. A backlit bar in the center of the restaurant stands next to occasional pianists, serenading guests from the baby grand residing there. If you ask nicely, you can dine al fresco on Palo's outdoor teak deck. The Maitre d' is authentically Italian, a great guy who told us a story about the name carpaccio.
Palo is an extra fee restaurant ($20) that is outside of the rotating dining schedule. Reservations are mandatory and there is a dress code: Dress pants and shirts with a jacket for men, dress or pantsuit for women, no jeans, shorts, capris, flip-flops, or tennis shoes.
The food is well worth the extra fee. All entrees can be served as appetizers as well, and antipasti dishes are prepared on a tableside trolley in front of you. Primi: Mozarella and plum tomato with balsamic dressing, grilled portobello mushroom and polenta, frito di calamari with deep fried cherry peppers, arugula salad, tuscan white bean sauce with prosciutto and parmesan, cioppino an Italian tomato and fish stew; Segundi: Pizzas: Margerita, quatro formaggi, al prosciutto, fughi, antipasti; Entrees: wild mushroom risotto, lobster ravioli, gnocchi, rosemary parpadelle, penne arrabiata, sea scallops, pan seared turbot, sea bass, grilled tuna with truffle infused potato risotto, bake filled chicken breast, osso bucco, oregano and parmesan crusted rack of lamb, and the Palo signature beef tenderloin with red wine or gorgonzola sauce.
Lunch / Dinner
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At our table were grissini sticks, olive ciabatta rolls, and foccacia with tarragon butter, which was ambrosial. We were able to choose what we liked from the antipasti rolling cart thus making a personalized antipasti plate, selecting from olives, bresaola, prosciutto, artichokes, bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, parmesan, and an array of olive oils and aged balsamic vinegar. Everything in this course was exceptionally tasy. We began our feast with the tuna carpaccio, which was good, but not great. The tuna was a little watery on top of the red radiccio, which was not our favorite, but the lemon oil dressing was genius.
We followed this with the Palo signature appetizer, Sicilian pesto marinated grilled shrimp with crab and cherry tomato ragu, which was one of the best dishes we had during our stay on the Dream. The ragu was perfect with the pesto, and the shrimps were cooked perfectly. There is a little tinge to the dish making it more interesting than expected.
Rather than finish with the acclaimed beef tenderloin, we went a little unconventional and ordered the pan seared calves liver on polenta cake, with caramelized apples and onions, garnished with prosciutto, a decision we did not regret. The liver didn't have any of the bitter, gamey liver taste that can ruin such a dish, and it was cooked perfectly. This is a traditional recipe with a well-paired twist of apples and onions. The polenta cake, rather than a typical serving of mashed potatoes, was just what we needed.
Dessert
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Desserts are typically Italian: Tiramisu, panna cotta with strawberry basil sorbet, a chocolate souflé with vanilla and chocolate sauce, orange soda float with vanilla gelato, pistachio cake with amaretto cream and hazelnut meringue, and a zabaione with sangiovese-infused berries. Of course you can also order an after dinner espresso, capuccino and a few coffees spiked with liquors.
The tiramisu was good, the souflé better, but the zabaione was awesome. It may have been a bit too boozy, but it was refreshing and light.
Wine List
Unfortunately, the wine list is no different at Palo than any of the other restaurants. The good news is that the wine list has champagne and wines from around the globe selected by a panel of certified sommeliers. All dishes have an accompanying wine suggestion on the menu. The French restaurant on the Dream is manned by French and American chefs.
Overview
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Right across from Palo, on deck 12 aft, this other extra fee French restaurant ($75) is for adults only. If you have seen “Ratatouille”, you may remember that Remy is the name of the fantastic rodent chef, and this, supposedly, is his restaurant. This is the most upscale dining experience on the Dream. Reservations are required and can be made online prior to your trip or on the first day of your cruise. We recommend doing so because this place books up fast.
Art Nouveau decoration is enriched by soft lighting, accented by green, red, and gold tones. The carpets and the lighting are adorned with floral and leaf patters. High windows show out to great views over the ocean, a perfect setting for a romantic night out.
This multiple course meal starts with a complimentary glass of chilled Champagne cocktail prepared at your table. The menu is crafted by Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise – a Michelin Star restaurant just outside Reims, France – and Chef Scott Hunnel from the award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort. And it shows. The food is the peak of spectacular.
You can choose between two pre-selected menus, or craft your own many-course dinner. The menu is divided into three parts: Freshness: Royal Norway Lobster with nage reduction, green asparagus with black truffles, duck breast sausage and confit with strawberry-rhubarb puree, and a tomato ratatouille in pasta with cuttlefish; Sea: Main lobster with spicy bouillon, seared tuna with black olives in sherry vinaigrette, Atlanitc sea bass with Thai sauce, shrimp wrapped in Iberico ham and melon; Earth: poularde with creme albufera, Australian Wagyü tenderloin, Agneu Fermier lamb loin with herbs and fennel, porcini crusted veal with mushroom ragout.
There is also a tableside trolley with cheeses, decanting stations for wines, and after-dinner coffee service.
Lunch / Dinner
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Dinner began with the Champagne cocktail previously mentioned, as well as our choice of bread from french baguette, whole grain roll, and an amazing black truffle brioche with chunks of truffle accompanied by unsalted butter, and salt. So you can salt your own butter, right?
For an amuse-bouche, the waiters served a watercress soup with chive-garlic cream and a thinly cut slice of bread on top. Crack the brad and mix it into the soup and receive a delicious, mouthwatering spoonful right from the start of your meal.
For our menu, we chose the following:
• Langostine royale with nage reduction and cream. This course was sweet and tasty. It did not need to be cut at all, it melted in the mouth right away. The sauce was worthy of a French King.
• Tomato ratatouille in calamarata pasta with cuttlefish, drizzled with eight-year balsamic vinegar. The pasta was served al dente, and the tomato and cuttlefish were perfect together.
• Atlantic sea bass, grilled crusty on one side and topped with a flavorful sweet and sour sauce made of white wine and carrots. This succulent dish dissolved in the mouth till you came to the complimentary crunchy part where our palate was met with even more flavor.
• Seared tuna with qual eggs, calamari, black olives, and radishes. This was by far the worst dish we had all night. It tasted alright, but the eggs and tuna were not good together. It was not terrible, but there was nothing noteworthy either. We were a little disappointed. Good thing there were several more courses to go.
• Porcini veal with mushroom ragout and a ri de veau (sweetbread). All of this was tender and superb. The mushrooms alone were way too salty, but with a piece of veal, the combination made for some of the best mushrooms we've ever had.
• Australian Wagyü tenderloin with braised short ribs. A delicious red wine reduction sauce came on top of this course with some grilled vegetables, a carrot puree, and a side dish of garlic mashed potatoes. The potatoes were a little too much, considering the meat alone would have made a hefty course, but all in all it was a fantastic dish. The meat was perfectly medium rare, the carrot purre was great, and though the mashed potatoes and the short ribs made this a heaping platter of food, they were quite good as well.
Before dessert, your server will bring by a selection of mostly French cheeses. You are allowed to take as much as you want, from a very soft goat cheese to harder, sharper cheese, but good luck after plowing through the list above.
Dessert
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Dessert gets fancy at Remy's: Vacherin Framboise, two layers of meringue filled with a scoop of strawberry sorbet and one of vanilla ice cream, topped with raspberries and raspberry sauce, in a martini glass, garnished with balls of meringue and more sorbet; Tanzanie Chocolat, white chocolate gelato; Reglisse Chicoree; Tropical fruit mousse on almond cake.
After coffee, there are small sweets of truffles and lollipops. As a final surprise (spoiler alert), there are some handmade truffles in a thank you card in your room when you return.
Wine List
Remy's wine list is a little different and significantly more extensive. You may order off the list available in all the other restaurants, or you may order from a specifically French menu featuring the best of the best. Champagne from Ay, Reims, and Epernay (considered the best regions) are available, as well as sparkling wine from the US. You may select from white and red Bordeaux, Burgundy, wines from Rhone, Loire, Provence, Alsace, and Jura.
Most of these selections are expensive, the cheapest French bottle starts at $42 and goes up to over $1,000. You can find some cheaper bottles on the regular menu, and some can be had by the glass instead. Flo’s Cafe is great for a quick bite poolside.
Overview
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Flo's Cafe is themed after the animated movie "Cars". This small eatery is comprised of three food stations with American comfort food, each with its own name open from 11am to 6pm.
Lunch / Dinner
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Tow-Mater's Grill serves hamburgers and hot dogs. Luigi's Pizza has pizzas and salads, and Fillmore's Favorites makes sandwiches.
The pizza is really good, as are the burgers. If you need to get a quick bite for the family, you can't go wrong with Flo's. Room service is swift and well presented. We were hoping for more desserts though!
In-Room Dining Overview
The room service menu is hidden in the Disney book on the desk. You may not think to look through it unless you are really interested in the history of the Disney brand. The menu is in the back of this book, though there is no indication that it would be there.
Meal delivery takes between 30 and 45 minutes, sometimes less. The servers answer the phone promptly and take your order. Even if you call to make changes, it is a speedy service.
Breakfast
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Breakfast must be ordered by 3am by hanging your selections on the outside handle of your door, or by calling room service. You may also choose the time it will be delivered. Choose from juices, cold cereal, breads, pastries, jams, honey, margarine or butter, cream cheese and other beverages like milk, coffee, and tea.
Lunch / Dinner
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For appetizers, Disney offers a bunch of salads and soups. You can order a Caesar or a Nicoise salad, creamy tomato or chicken noodle soup. There is a selection of international cheeses and a fresh fruit bowl, as well as hot and cold sandwiches like a BLT, turkey and cheese baguette, tomato mozzarella panini, chicken and a guacamole fajita.
For a fuller meal, there is some typical American fare like cheesburgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese, buffalo wings, pizzas of different sizes, a steak sandwich and a salmon steak too.
The chicken fajita and the pizza were our favorites. They were not overly large like some of the selections, but enough to satisfy our hunger.
Dessert
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Dessert we felt was a little lacking in choice. There are only two options: big island cookie and an oatmeal raisin cookie. You can order some snack desserts though, like M&Ms, popcorn, peanuts, and cashews.
Drink Options
For in-room service, you can order from the full wine and cocktail menu.
In addition there are some drink packages to consider:
• Six domestic beers: Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite • Six imported beers: Heineken, Amstel Light, Becks, and Corona • Three imported and three domestic • Six sodas • Six 16 oz bottles of Evian mineral water • 24, 16 oz bottles of Evian mineral water
Prices are available upon request. These packages are essentially a substitute for having a stocked mini-bar. Disney provides unlimited soda and beer packages as well as an extensive wine list with discounted pre-ordering.
Drinks Overview
Drinking age at sea is still 21 and requires a valid, government issued, photo I.D. Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service to anyone.
With that said, there are some great drinking options on the Dream! House spirits in all bars can be had for $5.75, higher quality liquors will cost more, going to up $200 for a 2oz pour of Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac.
Beer & Wine
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Champagne and wines from around the globe are selected by a panel of certified sommeliers and complied into a menu for the restaurants on the Dream. This wine menu is the same in all of the main restaurants, available at the bars and in your room from room service. The list contains various Sauvingon Blancs, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Merlots, Cabernet Sauvingons, and a few other red and white grape varieties. There are dessert wines too: Port from Europe, Oceania, the US and South America. Prices range from $5.75 to $18 per glass, and $27 to $255 for a bottle.
The only other wine list is at Remy, where they have a large selection of French wines that can get quite expensive.
There are fine domestic and international beer choices that start at $4.25, and draught selections at the bars around the ship.
Mixed Drinks
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Flavored martinis are the specialty on the Dream, starting at $8.50 per. There are plenty of specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and the Captain's Mai Tai at the bars and different selections at the main restaurants for $5.75. You can order Margaritas, Mojitos, and Daiquiris in a price range of $5.75 to $10.75.
Drink Packages
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Soda and beer packages are listed as follows:
• Six domestic beers: Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite
• Six imported beers: Heineken, Amstel Light, Becks, and Corona
• Three imported and three domestic
• Six sodas
• Six 16 oz bottles of Evian mineral water
• 24, 16 oz bottles of Evian mineral water
Prices are available upon request. These packages are essentially the substitute for having a stocked mini-bar.
There are wine packages too. You can pre-purchase wine at a discount depending on the length of your stay. You can either buy into the classic package, or the premium package. Packages are priced for three, four, five, and seven-night cruises, though the pamphlet detailing the package does not tell you how much you are approximately saving by ordering ahead.
Non-alcoholic Options
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There are several virgin cocktails on the dream, served in a souvenir fairy cup with Tinker Bell or Captain Hook for $6.25. Or you can get non-alcoholic frozen drinks for $3.95, like a passion cream freeze or a parrot song. Soda is unlimited and free for everyone.
Pools & Decks
There are two big pools located midships and a smaller one in the adults only area.
Both main pools, Mickey's and Donald's, are located on deck 11, between the ship's forward and aft funnels. These are good locations for parents to be able to keep an eye on their children. There is a small water park for the real little ones, Nemo's reef, decorated according to the hit movie. The AquaDuck is the first water coaster at the sea, and can be a real blast.The Quiet Cove area is 18+ and has a pool too, but keep in mind that it is not always that quiet.
Flo's Cafe serves food until 6pm and sits poolside for the hungry water goers.
The midships pools get busy during the day, and stay that way through most of the cruise, even on port days.
Pool Areas
There are two big pools located midships and a smaller one in the adults only area.
Mickey's Pool
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There are deep and shallow parts to this pool shaped like Mickey's face. This is primarily a kids pool, so even the deep parts are not much more than waist high on an adult. There is a giant water slide that starts a few decks up and ends at one side of the pool. To ride the slide, kids must be at least 3'2'' and at most 5'4'' and aged between 4 and 14-years-old.
For kids, it looks like it's so much fun. This pool opens at 6am and closes at midnight, the slide from 9am to 6pm.
Donald's Pool
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This is another family pool with loads of deck chairs and seating areas for parents. The deepest end of the pool has a depth of only five feet. The pool bottom has a picture of Donald Duck, so it is easy to distinguish. There are activities at this pool, including trivia and games for all ages.
Above Donald's Pool is a humungous LED screen, the Funnel Vision, that plays Disney features, major sporting and broadcast events. The size is spectacular and the glare isn't bad, even during the day.
There is also a stage and dance floor at one end of Donald's Pool. Here they hold daytime activities and nighttime parties, including the Sail-Away Celebration and the main performance on Pirate Night. On some of these event nights, Disney slides a floor that covers both pools to add more deck space and security.
This pool operates from 6am until midnight.
Nemo's Reef
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This 1,500-square-foot water park, enclosed on deck 11 midships, adjacent to Mickey's Pool, has fountains bubblers and pop jets for the really young ones in your party. The area is decorated with characters from "Finding Nemo" that move and spray water at unsuspecting toddlers.
This mini-park is surrounded by a glass wall, covered to block out the intense sun, and floored with spongy padding to maximize the safety of the area. The park admits children up to eight years of age. There are deck chairs and tables right next to Nemo's Reef so parents can comfortably maintain visual contact with their romping children.
Nemo's Reef opens at 9am and closes at 7pm.
Quiet Cove Pool
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The adults only (18+) pool located on deck 11 forward, is called the Quiet Cove Pool. It is attached to the Cove Bar, a watering hole for cocktails and other beverages to be drank poolside.
There is a waist high, four-foot "deep end" and a 6-inch sunbathing pool at the other end. On either side of the pool are two whirlpool hot tubs overlooking the ocean from a grand height. Surrounding the pool are cushioned lounge chairs, more comfortable than the seating options on the rest of the ship.
In the evening, the Quiet Cove is lit up with mood lights and there is a live musician playing guitar poolside. You can also book massages at this quieter topside deck area. Some activities include trivia and games. You can find times for all events in the Personal Navigator.
The Quiet Cove Pool is open from 6am till midnight.
Aquaduck Slide
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This is the first ever water coaster at sea. You enter this water surging ride on deck 12 aft. The ride consists of an acrylic tube that blasts you along with high powered water on a journey up, down, around, and off the side of the ship, through the forward funnel, and on to a big drop into a river of water.
Developed by Disney Imagineers, this water coaster is 765-feet-long, with an overall 4-deck drop. It is open for adults and children 42'' or taller, single riders must be 54'' or taller.
The ride provides amazing views of the ocean below, that is if you can keep your eyes open. It is definitely a fun ride, recommended for roller coaster junkies.
The AquaDuck is open from 9am until midnight.
Sun Decks & Open Areas
There are many deck areas with chairs, couches, loungers, bars and a couple of smoking areas.
Deck 12
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Around the funnels, there are hundreds of deck chairs. The Waves Bar aft of this deck is right by the AquaDuck. We don't recommend combining these activities. This is a good spot to get away from the crowds actually, as most people are right by the pools.
Deck 13
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This deck area exists midships and forward of the Dream. There are loungers and a walkway that sometimes gets used by classes from the gym. Currents bar, forward on this deck, is one of a handful of smoking areas on the Dream.
Concierge Club Sundeck
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A secluded area for those reserving Concierge level cabins, this sundeck has chairs and loungers away from the rest of the masses.
Atrium
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This area is an inside deck with chairs and couches where many of the Disney character appearances happen.
Ship Tour Overview
This larger ship in the Disney cadre has decks aplenty with activities for the whole family.
Design
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You can find everything Walt Disney, from pictures of the master himself, to old and new cartoon pictures. There are some really awe inspiring pictures hanging about. Some of these frames are interactive and display movies.
Disney Dream has 7 different horns, including the first line of “When You Wish Upon a Star”, as well as the second line of the song “Makes No Difference Who You Are” and several measures of “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” “It’s a Small World,” “Be Our Guest,” “Hi Diddle Dee Dee (An Actor’s Life for Me)” and “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”. If you don't know, these are Disney songs.
Overview
Kids young and old, as long as they are Disney fans in some regard, will have a great time on the Dream.
So much to do on a Disney ship! And most of it doesn't center around the bars, which we find truly refreshing. Stop by the DLounge for family events, like game shows, dance competitions and Karaoke. There are tween and teen clubs with age appropriate activities and an Arcade too.
Of course there are Broadway caliber Disney productions in the main theater. You can also catch a first-run Disney feature, sometimes displayed in 3D. Other feature films get shown at the Buena Vista Theater and at Funnel Vision by Donald's Pool.
For a more active crowd, the sports deck has foosball, table tennis, a basketball court, a mini-soccer field, and a mini-golf course.
Throughout the ship there are character meet and greet opportunities, where you may have a chance to take a picture with Daisy, Donald, Goofy, Mickie, Minnie and others.
No matter who you are, what age or persuasion, you will find something enjoyable to do on this ship. We will say that it helps to be a Disney fan to truly enjoy the whole experience and not get annoyed by the campy atmosphere. There are several lounges that allow for a relaxing morning, afternoon, or evening.
Lounge & Cafés
Disney has lounges for all ages and interests. The following is a detail of the cafés and lounges on the Dream.
D Lounge
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This lounge is a family oriented nightclub on deck 4 midships, with a casual atmosphere and comfortable seating. Expect games and entertainment for the whole family, like karaoke, passenger participating game shows, dance parties, and contests. There is a small stage where most of the fun takes place, a DJ booth and a dance floor providing opportunities for a range of activities.
The seats are cushioned with red, orange, and purple themes, arranged around tables scattered around the lounge. Even though the ship is really new, we noticed that this nightclub has seen some heavy enjoyment. Some of the chairs and tables had seen their share of vandalism, intentional or not we could not tell.
This lounge is only open during show times. Check your itinerary for the next activity at the DLounge.
Vista Café'
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The Vista Café is a bar that serves light food and coffee throughout the day, midships on deck 4. It is a perfect place for a morning coffee or for an evening cocktail.
Decorated in the Art Decco style, this WiFi hotspot has a photo kiosk where you can sort through and print the pictures taken by professional photographers around the ship.
You can purchase different specialty coffees here, like a Frappe for $3.95, small and large lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, café mocha or a frozen cappuccino ranging between $3.25 and $4, as well as macchiatos starting at $2.25 and a chai latte for $2.95.
The Vista Café is open from 7:30am until 10pm.
Cove Café
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An adults-only café, inspired by the luxury travels of the 1920s and 30s, placed forward on deck 11, this Art Deco lounge offers cocktails, gourmet coffees, wines, spirits, and snacks. Passengers can find magazines, books, large televisions with international news and access to the internet via WiFi.
The bar serves the same cocktails as the rest of the ship. The same specialty coffees from the Vista Café are on sale here also: A frappe for $3.95, small and large lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, café mocha or a frozen cappuccino ranging between $3.25 and $4, as well as macchiatos starting at $2.25 and a chai latte for $2.95.
Concierge Floor / Club Floor
There is a concierge floor but we had no access to it.
Children's Areas
Other than the adults-only spaces, the whole ship is really a children's area. Even so, there are a few extra designated areas just for kids, like the nursery, science lab, the Kids Club, and a kids-only deck space.
On deck 5 midships, the It's a Small World Nursery houses children from three months to three years of age. The design is inspired by the classic Disneyland attraction. Day care requires additional charges.
Disney's Oceaneer Club, also on deck 5 midship, is an activity center for kids just too old to be in the nursery. Here, they can dress up as a princess or a hero, play computer games, and take part in one of the many supervised theme activites.
Getting a bit older, tweens can meet other tweens in Edge on deck 13 inside the forward funnel. It's a place to watch television, listen to explicitly censored music, play some video games, surf the internet, and participate in meet and greet activities.
The pre-adults in your crew will need a place to hang out that isn't totally lame. Send them over to Vibe on deck 5 and they can be demure with other teenagers while they watch television, play video games, pump some jams, surf the web in the indoor and outdoor teen lounge.
Conference Rooms
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There are three conference rooms on deck 4. They are rather small actually, but they can be combined into one larger room. All have a TV and the newest conference technology.
Religious Services / Prayer Rooms
The outlook can be used as a chapel for weddings and a reception. The spa is enormous, with a matching list of treatments.
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Spa Overview
Spanning parts of two decks, 11 and 12, the Senses Spa and Salon offers massages, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy, and much more for both men and women. There is a hair salon within that will style hair, service manicures and pedicures.
The spa itself has 17 private treatment rooms, and two private luxury "Villas". The interior is decorated in what Disney calls a "calming palate of green, brown, and blue hues, accented with a tropical flower motif and rich wood finishes". We agree that the place looks great.
If you have booked a treatment, you can wait relax while you wait in the Rainforest Thermal Suite. This rainforest themed section of the spa is separated into three areas, the Hamam (steam bath), the Caldarium (steam room), and the Laconium (dry sauna).
Here is a short list of some of the treatments available at Senses Spa and Salon:
• Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks
• Comfortable waiting areas
• Showers
• Lockers
• Sandals and robes for use during your treatment
• Men's and women's changing rooms
• Massage rooms
• Beauty products (for a charge)
Massages & Treatments
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There are an assortment of different facials, like the 50-minute La Therapie HydraLift ($115), oxydermy facial, pro-collagen quartz lift, skin specific lift, face and body sensation, triple oxygen treatment, and the extra special 24-karat gold facial for $325(!).
You can get many types of massages as well, from a $118 Swedish massage, an aroma stone therapy massage, bamboo massages, deep tissue, couples, castaway cabana massages and the 100-minute absolute spa ritual for $249 where they pamper the entire body (no gold though).
The spa offers what they call "Sensory Suites" and spa villa packages. The body purifying experience is $245, the 120-minute couple's romantic hideaway for $449, the couple's choice is $475. The spa cleansing ritual can be added to any of these packages for an additional $80.
And there's more! Sensory body wraps and firming treatments are being served up like the seaweed massage that runs $188 for 75-minutes, the chocolate indulgence body treatment $141 for 75-minutes, the cellulite reduction program for $155, a cheek lift for $125, lime and ginger salt glow treatment for $151, and a sensory dry float experience upgrade to any of the packages for $20.
With all these couple's treatments, what to do with the kids? You can bring them too. There are special treatments just for the little ones. For a solo massage, the kids are charged $89, or for the parent/kid massage session its $195. That's quite a few weeks worth of allowance, so advise them to start saving well ahead of your trip.
Hair Salon
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At the salon you can get a conditioning hair and scalp ritual for $29, teeth whitening for $199, a mani-pedi from $11 for a nail fix or $27 for the traditional service. Waxing is available from $15 to $90, depending on the area you would like stripped of hair.
The barber shop has men's services like a beard trim for $13 and a men's cleansing facial for $119.
Spa Pools
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The Rainforest Thermal Suite takes the place of a spa pool on the Dream. Split into a few rooms, the Laconium, Hamam, Caldarium, and different showers simulating tropical thunderstorms, waterfalls, and misty rains.
Here, you can also sign up for the Sensory Scrub Experience where you choose a scent and a scrub for use in the thermal suite for $27. You can also grab a daily pass for $16 per day. There is a large and well kept fitness center forward of the Dream, and an extensive sports court high above on deck 13.
Fitness Center
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Forward on deck 11 is a large exercise facility with gorgeous ocean views. Right between the salon and the rainforest spa, this gym is stocked with shiny and new equipment from the Dream's recent launch. The fitness center has all the latest cardio equipment, weight machines, classes in aerobics, yoga, and Pilates. All classes are free, which was a nice change on a cruise ship, but tipping is expected.
There is a small spinning area too, but not much space to put down your yoga mat should you want to work on your own. Some classes are held outside in the sun on one of the deck areas. When you reach Castaway Island, these classes travel to the beach.
Disney holds seminars in the fitness center too, like lectures on detox for health, weight loss, and acupuncture. Personal training is offered at $75/hour. Reservations for classes, seminars, and personal training are mandatory and can be made in the fitness center after 1pm.
A few bonus perks include showers, lockers, complimentary towels, complimentary water, and changing rooms. You must be 18 or older to use the fitness center.
Goofy's Sportdeck
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On deck 13, a wide world of sports awaits you on Goofy’s Sportsdeck from basketball, to volleyball, mini-golf, and a virtual sports simulator. The sportsdeck is one of the highest accessible points on the ship and has some of the best views of the ocean.
The mini-golf course has many levels of difficulty. If you feel like a pro, you can try putting with purposefully crooked or bent club. You can putt from the Goofy or Max tee at each hole, each changing the course and adding to the difficulty. Don’t be surprised if Goofy or Max stop by to offer some tips, or just to mess with your swing.
Looking to shoot hoops, spike a volleyball, or blast a goal during your cruise? Goofy’s Sportsdeck includes a basketball court that can easily be converted into a mini-soccer pitch or a volley ball court. Games are organized by the staff to encourage rigorous competitive gaming.
You can also find some table sports, like foosball and ping pong here, fun for the whole family. And if you’ve slowed down a bit, there is a walking track that circles the entire sports deck with great views providing some low impact exercise.
Sports Court
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Basketball, volleyball, and soccer can be played on this convertible sports court.
Goofy's Mini Golf
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According to Disney, Goofy and his son Max designed this miniature golf course with nine Disney themed holes. Goofy has scrawled some golfing lessons on plaques hanging around the course, which are actually really funny.
Digital Sports Simulator
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On either side of the sports deck, there are digital sports simulators with a variety of state-of-the-art virtual sports games, like soccer, golf, tennis, ice hockey, and basketball. Realistic graphics and sounds make this a fun afternoon activity, and you don’t have to go searching for the ball if you hit it out of bounds.
Shuffle Boards
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On both port and starboard sides of the Dream on the promenade, there are four total shuffleboard courts. The equipment sits right next to the courts making a pickup game quick and easy.
Retail
Branding and merchandising are right in Disney’s wheelhouse. They don’t miss a chance to hock their wares on the Dream.
MIckey's Mainsail
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If you absolutely need a princess dress or a pirate costume, Disney has you covered at Mickey's Mainsail. You can purchase a whole bunch of Disney branded gear, including toys and stuffed animals, a sunk cost if you brought the kids.
Whitecaps
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Luxury goods are sold at Whitecaps on a duty-free basis. Jewelery, leather goods, sunglasses, fragrances, deluxe brands and Disney fashion. You can also buy cigarettes and liquor, but you cannot drink the liquor on the ship, it will be delivered to your room on the last night of the cruise.
Seatreasures
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Boring! You can buy some grown up attire here, but what does that have to do with Disney cartoons and constant fun?
Whozits & Whatzits
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This is a great place to pick up an extra pair of flip flops, a bathing suit, suntan lotion or a magazine to read topside.
Vista Gallery
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Frequent art auctions are held at Vistas Gallery, as well as art history lectures, and trivia sessions. There is quite a bit of Disney art here for the enthusiasts on board.
Shutters
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This photo gallery sells photographs of your trip in CD photo packages, photo books, and has a schedule of the available character photo opportunities. There are two movie theaters and a small Arr-Cade on this sea voyager.
Movie Theater
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In the Buena Vista Theater on deck 4 and 5, Disney shows first-run feature films in 3D and boring old 2D as well. You can also catch feature films on the mega LED screen Funnel Vision, hanging above Donald's Pool, topside, midships.
Arcade
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There is a small arcade on deck 11 by the pools, next to Cabanas grill, with video games and some analog classics like pinball and air hockey. The arcade runs on a cashless system. Passengers purchase game credits with their Key to the World, which go onto a separate Play Card. You can purchase these credits at Guest Services or at the Arr-Cade. The District has all the adult evening activities.
Bars are relegated to a part of the ship called The District on deck 4 aft of the Dream. There are also a couple of smaller bars serving cocktails by the pool and scattered about, but the bars with nighttime activity are in The District. You can find pub trivia, bingo, dancing contests, and disco nights in The District. All the bars have more or less the same drink menu. You can enter the bars if you are 18 or older, but drinking is strictly 21+. There are no casinos on Disney cruise ships.
Evolution is the main venue for late night adult oriented fun.
Overview
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This inventive bar is decorated as an artistic interpretation of the transformation of a caterpillar to a butterfly, not something we would have thought of. The walls are covered with rounded light fixtures that change color regularly. There is a small stage done in gold and black, and silver chairs all about. The bar is a rounded ordeal, matching the irregular surroundings. The whole place looks very stylish.
There is generally a DJ spinning tunes for this joint, which can at times turn into a 70s disco night. The Evolution Dancers may make an appearance one night, an adults only comedy show another, and karaoke in between.
Evolution is open from 10pm until 2am daily.
Drinks
Flavored martinis, pomegranate, citron, godiva chocolate, are all $8.50, or the special eco-tini for $9.50. All the bars serve a similar list of specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and Mai Tai for $5.75. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call.
Bottled or draught, domestic and imported, beers start at $4.25. White, red, and sparkling wines by the glass start at $5.75. Wines by the bottle are available upon request. House spirits start at $5.75 and get as classy as you can afford, up to $200 for a 2oz pour. This small lounge serves specialty drinks. We noticed the lighting was rather low, but it is comfortable.
Overview
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This small lounge is connected directly with Evolution on deck 4 aft of the Dream. The walls are lined with "windows to the world", LCD displays showing different city skylines from around the world. This venue was pretty dark, but also rather quiet. It's a good place to be secluded and grab a late night libation with a close friend.
Skyline is open from 5pm-12:30am.
Drinks
The drink menu at Skyline is different than the rest of the bars. The menu is split into four parts, with drinks from New York City, like the Metropolitan, the New Yorker, and the Stiletto Manhattan, drinks from Chicago, like the 1914, the Blues, and the Avenue, drinks fro Rio de Janiero, like the Caipirnha, the Brazil Breeze, and the Eco-Tini, from Paris, like the Martini Royal, the Paris 75, and the Ooh Lala, and drinks from Hong Kong, like the Nine Dragon, the Zen-Chanted, and the Pearl. All of these specialty cocktails run from $7.50 to $10.50.
Other drinks are available upon request. This Champagne bar bubbles with excitement.
Overview
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For a more intimate night out, this elegant bar has nooks for smaller parties. In The District on deck 4, Pink primarily serves champagne drinks, Taittinger being the Champagne of choice, with the standard bar menu available as well.
The design is intended to look like the interior of a champagne bottle. This stylish round bar has lights that look like bubbles in an effervescent bottle. The mascot, a pink elephant, from which the bar takes its name, implies the age old adage that if you get drunk enough, you will start to see Pink Elephants. Or if you are completely disconnected with literature and popular culture, you may think that Pink Elephant refers to women in the GOP.
Pink is open from 5pm until 12:30am.
Drinks
There are many Champagne cocktails, all made with Taittinger, with names like Tropicale, The Legend, Absolutely Fabulous, Blue Angel, and Elderbubble for $10.50.
You can also order Champagnes by the bottle or glass. Being named Pink, most of the Chanpagnes are rosés, including a Taittinger Prestige Rosé ($19/91), and a Moet et Chandon Imperial ($18/79). Other sparkling wines and Champagnes fill the menu starting at $5.75 for a glass of Italian sparkling, going up to $499 for a bottle of Armand du Brignac Gold. Red and white wines are served by the glass, and bottles available upon request.
You may order from the standard bar menu as well. Every cruise ship needs a sports bar, 687 does a great job.
Overview
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The Dream's sports bar, 687 on deck 4 aft, has a bunch of TVs and board games. Before 9pm it is a nice place to take the family for games and broadcast sporting events. After 9pm, it is adults only.
687, with its rich wood interior, dark leather, and fluorescent lights, is actually rather comfortable. Booths are great to create a closer atmosphere, each one with its own TV. The biggest screen is in the back of the venue and plays all the top sports games.
The sports bar is open from 12pm until 12:30am.
Drinks
Enjoy a Baha Fog, a Tequila and Lime, or a Green Villain, one of a few Beercktails (beer cocktails) served at 687 all for $5.75. Beer flows like water at this venue, with bottled or draught, imported and domestic beers starting at $4.25.
Flavored martinis, pomegranate, citron, godiva chocolate, are all $8.50, or the special Eco-Tini for $9.50. Like the other bars, 687 serves a similar list of specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and Mai Tai for $5.75. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call. This walkthrough venue has live music at night and serves the standard bar menu.
Overview
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Jammed between Pink and 687 in The District, this lounge has a modern design with rounded arm chairs and wooden coffee tables. The bar is done in a stone motif, as though it were built out of a cave. Points of light speckle this bar to create a sensual low light experience. Mostly, you will not hang out here, The District Lounge is more of a walk through venue with live music to serenade your stroll.
Before 9pm, families are welcome, but afterwards, it's 18+. The Lounge is open from 12 noon until 12 midnight.
Drinks
Flavored martinis, pomegranate, citron, godiva chocolate, are all $8.50, or the special eco-tini for $9.50. All the bars serve a similar list of specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and Mai Tai for $5.75. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call.
Bottled or draught, domestic and imported, beers start at $4.25. White, red, and sparkling wines by the glass start at $5.75. Wines by the bottle are available upon request. House spirits start at $5.75 and get as classy as you can afford, up to $200 for a 2oz pour. Outside beneath the AquaDuck, this bar is refreshing for all ages.
Overview
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Outside on deck 12, right underneat the AquaDuck, Waves Bar has comfortable outdoor seating and aluminum tables. There are cushioned cutout areas to relax and enjoy a drink after a wild ride on the water coaster. Guests of all ages are welcome at waves, from 12pm to 7pm daily.
Drinks
Flavored martinis, pomegranate, citron, godiva chocolate, are all $8.50, or the special Eco-Tini for $9.50. All the bars serve a similar list of specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and Mai Tai for $5.75. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call.
Bottled or draught, domestic and imported, beers start at $4.25. White, red, and sparkling wines by the glass start at $5.75. Wines by the bottle are available upon request. House spirits start at $5.75 and get as classy as you can afford, up to $200 for a 2oz pour. Currents bar is another outside bar with some of the best views on the ship.
Overview
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Topside, forward on deck 13, you can find Currents Bar. This bar has the best views from the highest point on the ship. The bar is shaped like a wave, with dark rattan chars and tables strewn about. There are lights here for post sunshine partaking.
Currents serves from 12 noon till 12 midnight, opening early at 11am on sea days.
Drinks
Flavored martinis, pomegranate, citron, godiva chocolate, are all $8.50, or the special eco-tini for $9.50. All the bars serve a similar list of specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and Mai Tai for $5.75. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call.
Bottled or draught, domestic and imported, beers start at $4.25. White, red, and sparkling wines by the glass start at $5.75. Wines by the bottle are available upon request. House spirits start at $5.75 and get as classy as you can afford, up to $200 for a 2oz pour. Meridien, located centrally between the two specialty restaurants, is an upscale lounge with martinis, wine, and cigars.
Overview
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This bar and lounge, located between specialty restaurants Remy and Palo, is great for an aperitif before your scheduled reservation time. Decorated in old-style nautical ornaments and pictures, sextants, maps, and the such, this lounge has an outdoor deck where smoking is allowed. Quality dark leather swaths the chairs and benches, the tables have marble tops. In addition to fine wines and classy martinis, this cozy lounge cells cigars to be smoked outside only.
Meridien is open from 5pm to 12:30am.
Drinks
Some signature cocktails paint the picture at Meridien: Limone Basilico, Gin Garden, Chambord Mojito Martini, Latitude 46.5, Balsamic Grande, Creme Brulee Martini all for $9.25.
The regular bar menu is available as well. Flavored martinis, pomegranate, citron, godiva chocolate, are all $8.50, or the special Eco-Tini for $9.50. The Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and Mai Tai are for $5.75. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call.
Bottled or draught, domestic and imported, beers start at $4.25. White, red, and sparkling wines by the glass start at $5.75. Wines by the bottle are available upon request. House spirits start at $5.75 and get as classy as you can afford, up to $200 for a 2oz pour. A small bar on your way to other activities.
Overview
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Right in the atrium where character photo opportunities are abundant, Bon Voyage is a cute little bar with red sofas and armchairs. If you are waiting to be seated at the Royal Palace, or for your excursion to depart, this is the place to relax and imbibe.
Bon Voyage is open from 12 noon until 11pm.
Drinks
Flavored martinis, pomegranate, citron, godiva chocolate, are all $8.50, or the special eco-tini for $9.50. All the bars serve a similar list of specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and Mai Tai for $5.75. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call.
Bottled or draught, domestic and imported, beers start at $4.25. White, red, and sparkling wines by the glass start at $5.75. Wines by the bottle are available upon request. House spirits start at $5.75 and get as classy as you can afford, up to $200 for a 2oz pour. Right in one of the funnels, this high point is worth a visit.
Overview
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The highest spot on the ship, on deck 14 in the funnel, Outlook is bedecked in white and silver arm chairs, marble tables and dark wood paneling. This square-shaped venue can be converted into a chapel for weddings and the following reception. A truly romantic spot, this bar and lounge has some of the best views you will see anywhere. Frequently, you can catch a live band playing here.
Drinks
Flavored martinis, pomegranate, citron, godiva chocolate, are all $8.50, or the special Eco-Tini for $9.50. All the bars serve a similar list of specialty cocktails like the Bahama Mama, Melon Vine, and Mai Tai for $5.75. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call.
Bottled or draught, domestic and imported, beers start at $4.25. White, red, and sparkling wines by the glass start at $5.75. Wines by the bottle are available upon request. House spirits start at $5.75 and get as classy as you can afford, up to $200 for a 2oz pour. An adults-only outside area topside, this pool bar serves up drinks, in and out of the water.
Overview
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Nestled within the Quiet Cove, the Cove Bar serves its adult patrons with aplomb. There is seating in and out of the pool, acrylic stools in the water and rattan furniture out.
The Cove Bar serves from 12 noon until 12 midnight (open early at 10:30am on sea days).
Drinks
This bar primarily serves beers, both bottled and draught. The domestic and imported selection is repeated here, with beers starting at $4.25. There are frozen drinks of course, like daiquiris, strawberry, banana, lime, or peach for $7.50 and margaritas, strawberry, peach, and orange for $5.75 or more depending on the level of tequila you call. Disney is known for it’s shows, the Dream keeps the tradition alive.
Shows & Performances
In the Walt Disney Theater, vertically spanning decks 3 and 4, Disney puts on Broadway caliber performances. These numerous musicals are heavily laden with recognizable Disney characters. You could be lucky enough to see any of the following:
• Disney's Believe
• Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic
• The Golden Mickeys
• Villains tonight
• Remember the Magic: A Final Farewell
There are also a couple of Comedy and Cabaret performances held in this theater that are just for the grown ups.
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Character Appearances
Meet and greet Disney characters all over the ship. Take pictures with Donald, Minnie, Daisy, Mickey, Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and many other favorites.
{{photo_gallery "Other Entertainment 1"}} The staff were great, providing excellent room service and laundry options.
The staff were very pleasant and likeable, one of the reasons we would go on another Disney cruise.
Laundry service can be done a number of different ways. You can have your clothes picked up from your room for a charge. You can do it yourself in the Guest Laundry Room with coin-operated washers and dryers at $2 per load, where they have ironing equipment and detergent which will cost an extra dollar.
Your voyage will bring you to Castaway Island, a piece of land surrounded by water and owned entirely by the Disney corporation. There are bars, shops, a post office, fitness classes, a handful of different beaches and a barbecue. It's a lot of fun.
Staff
The room steward was mostly invisible. This is a good thing. He always knew when we were not in the room to clean up a little. In the main dining rooms, the head waiter seemed a little distant; we didn't see him much. Our table's waiter was very personable, but sometimes a little bit behind schedule. Wait times at dinner were longer on the Dream than other cruise ships. In the specialty restaurants however, the waiters at Remy and Palo were extremely attentive, friendly and never forgot anything.
Tipping
For your dinner service, $16 per guest is expected for your server, $12 for your assistant server, and $4 for the head server per cruise. In addition, $16 for your stateroom host/hostess seems appropriate according to the Disney website. All of these gratuities can be paid up to three days before your vacation, otherwise they will be added to your onboard account.
For any liquor purchases, 15% additional gratuity will be added to your bill.
Dress Codes
Meals in the main dining room are cruise casual, meaning no shorts, swimwear, or tank tops. Disney, rather than having a formal night like most cruises, has a pirate night, where instead of a tux you can dress like a pirate.
The specialty restaurants require a bit snazzier dressing. Palo asks that men wear dress pants and a shirt or jacket, a dress or pantsuit for women. Remy is more formal, requiring a a tux for the men, or at a minimum a sports jacket (ties apparently are optional, women should wear cocktail dresses or pants suits.
Loyalty Programs
If you've been on a Disney cruise, you automatically are enrolled in the Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club. The more you sail with Disney, the more benefits you get.
Castaway Club members enjoy:
• Castaway Club Members Enjoy Great Benefits Including:
• Advance booking of shore excursions,
• Child care at Flounder's Reef Nursery,
• Fine dining at Palo and pampering at Vista Spa & Salon
• Welcome Back stateroom gift
General Safety
On embarkation day, there is a mandatory lifeboat drill that we find comforting. There is a second drill for the crew during the cruise; more comforting. Fire hoses and extinguishers all over the ship. Disney makes sure there are enough lifeboats on board for everyone, even if the ship is fully booked.
Clinics
There is a medical clinic on deck 1, open every day from 8-11am and 4:30-7pm. There is a fee if you would like to see the doctor.
Smoking Regulations
Smoking inside anywhere on the Dream is prohibited, this includes your staterooms, where smoking will incur a $250 fee. You are free to smoke on your balcony if you have one however. There are designated smoking areas outside on the Promenade on deck 4 on the starboard side from 6am to 6pm. The Meridian outside deck allows for smoking as well. Families will find a welcome cruise on both of these ships, but the Freedom has a bit more to do for adults.
Overview
While the Disney Dream markets towards families of all sizes, the Carnival Freedom appeals to a broader range of sea travelers. On the freedom, the bar culture is prevalent, with so many options all over the ship. We pegged it as a best bet for singles looking to meet some adventurous travelers. However, the Freedom has quite a few options for the kids as well, with a large water slide, a few different kids lounges, an arcade, and a movie theater. It is hard to beat Disney in terms of family attractions though, there are so many venues specifically geared towards the younger crowd, while providing relaxation and romantic getaways for the parents at night.
The food on the Freedom lacked the quality we were hoping for. The claims of gourmet this and gourmet that were not met with proper follow through. Disney on the other hand played it safe, by offering a delicious, if somewhat uninventive, menu with which very few people could disagree.
Depending on what type of vacation you want, you can get a really good value out of both of these cruises. The Dream will get you the family cruise of a lifetime, the Freedom has large rooms and a bar culture fit for a several day floating party. These two ships offer a very different vacation experience.
Overview
The Celebrity Summit is an older, smaller ship than the Disney Dream. It is a bit quieter too. The older crowd will appreciate the elegance of a cruise on the Summit, with lecture classes in Art History, wine tasting, and cooking. The gourmet level food and higher expectations of the dress code definitely appeal to a different crowd than the rabble-rousing adventurers on a Disney cruise. Though families do make their way on the Summit, they will have a much better time (happy kids make for a happy vacation) cruising with Mickey and his friends on the Dream where there are several levels of children's lounges, a water coaster, a couple of movie theaters and photo opportunities with characters from Disney. The Epic has so much to do in the evening, but the kids may feel a little left out of all the hip, adult entertainment.
Overview
The Epic is a monstrous ship, with almost twice the capacity of Disney's largest cruiser. There are so many restaurants, bars, clubs, and brand name shows on the Epic, like the Blue Man Group and a Second City improv troupe. We noticed that the Epic sounds like a rip roaring good time, but maybe not for the kids. It will be early bedtimes and mostly pool activities for days at sea for the younger crowd, a blast-and-a-half for the adults after 9pm.
The food on the Dream does not venture into challenging, offering mostly American continental cuisine with hints of international. The Epic gets a little wonky in this regard, trying to perfect cuisines from all over the world, and sometimes falling short of the mark.
Disney obviously has kids entertainment down to a science, so if your vacation needs include adolescent and younger, treat them to a magical cruise with the Dream. On the other hand, if you are looking for time away from screaming infants, and you have a reliable babysitter at home, the Epic beckons you weary land lubbers.
Conclusion
We enjoyed our stay on the Disney Dream for the fun and variety offered. We appreciated that entertainment was not just relegated to the bars. There were fantastic shows, a great movie theater, a whole water coaster, pirate nights and other Disney magic.
We will say that to fully enjoy this type of cruise, you obviously need to have kids or be a devout Disney fan. The more cynical cruiser could get pretty annoyed with the lighthearted campiness thickly applied to everything on the ship.
As for the food, it was above average. Not one of the restaurants turned us off, and the specialty restaurants had top-quality nosh. Disney did not venture into the obscure or challenging with their cuisine. The results are somewhat predictable, but really great tasting meals.
Disney makes sure to provide some unique entertainment. The AquaDuck water coaster is the only ride like it on the seven seas. The fireworks display is also a one-of-a-cruise-kind of experience (we did wonder where the firework casings end up...trash in the ocean perhaps?). Pirate night also was a lot of fun. Even the grumpy cruiser can find mirth in dressing like a sea terrorist and growling at children.
We don't need to reiterate that if you have a family, you can't find a better cruise than aboard a Disney ship. The Dream is the largest and most decked out of all the cruisers in the Disney line and we highly recommend it for you and your brood.
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