Disney Cruise Line – Disney Dream
The Disney Dream
- Maiden Voyage Jan. 26, 2011
- 216 feet in height
- 1115 feet in length
- 130,000 gross tons
- 1458 crew
- 4,000 passengers
- 22 knots cruising speed (maximum 23.5 knots)
Now that we know the ship by the numbers, it is time to get to know her as I did over a three-night sailing to the Bahamas and, of course, Disney’s private island Castaway Cay; as a floating paradise! Now FULL DISCLOSURE: I was part of an invited media group aboard the ship, but all opinions are my own.
Disney Cruise Line – Port Canaveral, Florida
Growing up in Southern California, the closest I ever got to a cruise was watching The Love Boat. My impressions of cruises were based on that and the I Love Lucy episodes where she sails to Europe, so I really didn’t know what to expect. Of course, when the Disney Cruise Line started in 1998, I read up on it and just like all Disney properties over the years have paid attention to changes and upgrades, but never (even with a good friend offering me multiple cruises) thought I would actually make it on one.
Disney Cruise Line – Port Canaveral, Florida
Stepping into the Disney Cruise Line terminal, you feel like you are at one of the parks, getting ready to queue up for an attraction — including special appearances by Mickey and Minnie and great Cast Members helping you get ready for one of the ultimate E-Ticket rides!
Disney Cruise Line – Mickey and Minnie
As you board the ship and your family name is called out, you are engulfed in the beauty and majesty of the Disney Dream.
Disney Dream – Atrium Lobby
I can (and will) write many times about different aspects of this ship, but today I just want to highlight some of the how amazing my first cruise was, starting with how much fun the main deck is. From Funnel Vision and the Aqua Duck to just being a place to relax and enjoy a beautiful sunset, I enjoyed many aspects of it.
Disney Cruise Line – Disney Dream Main Deck
The highlight of the first night is the Sailing Away party where you get a chance to meet some of the most energetic Cast Members you will ever see and, of course, have some fun dancing.
One of the biggest difference between the Disney Parks and the Disney Cruise is the ship is open 24 hours a day. I had a concern about being able to fill the time and I found there was always something to do, be it seeing one of the Broadway-caliber shows (which I will go into in a future piece) or enjoying Goofy’s Sports Deck with its basketball court or the nine-hole mini golf course that can actually be 18 hole if you play both the Max and Goofy levels.
Disney Dream – Mini Golf
Disney Dream – Goofy’s Sports Deck
The main deck also has pools families, little ones, and, my favorite, Satellite Falls adults-only area. I must have walked this area a hundred times and each time would find something new. Be it the Funnel Vision showing a Disney Classic film or Disney Trivia, one of my biggest regrets is not being able to spend enough time relaxing on this deck.
Disney Dream – Main Deck
Disney Dream – Satellite Falls Adult area
Before I start to move into the food, rooms, or other hundred of things to enjoy on a Disney Cruise, I am going to wrap up for this week. Next week we move into the lower decks., but a cruise post wouldn’t be complete with out a beautiful sunset photo.
Disney Dream – Sunset