Well, I have just returned from a three night cruise on the Disney Dream, and I must say that Disney continues to set the bar on family entertainment. I must admit, I am a Disneyophile. I am addicted to Disney and its high priced family entertainment and have been since I was a small child growing up on the Space Coast. I have been going to Disney World for well over thirty years, and I have yet to get tired of the adventure. However, with the Disney fleet of cruise ships, they have done something extraordinary.
The Disney Dream is the third ship in the Disney family of sailing ships, and is quite different than its older two siblings, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. I have sailed on both the Magic and Wonder and love them! While the Dream shares many of the same characteristics of the Magic and the Wonder, there are some distinct differences that you might want to consider if you’re considering a Disney cruise and deciding between the two.
Passenger Capacity- The Disney Dream can carry 4,000 passengers, which is substantially more people than the Magic and the Wonder which can carry 2,600 passengers. Where you see this effect compounded is in the ships common areas such as the shops, the shows, the family beach, the sun decks, the pool areas and entering and exiting the ship. The shops were elbow to elbow and frustrations where running high as passengers struggled to find just the right combination of Disney memorabilia to take home with them. When it came time to exit the boat, 4,000 people trying to get through security (both on and off) will harken back to those famous Disney World lines that we all know so well. I waited over an hour to exit the ship when we returned to Port Canaveral. In this one area, I would actually prefer to sail on the smaller ships, the Wonder and the Magic. I like the more intimate feel of those ships and the camaraderie of the ships passengers.
Ships Food- The ships food is good. However, it seems to be very bland. And, I suppose when you’re feeding 4,000 passengers you have to create food that is very neutral in flavor to accommodate the various palates. The portions are small; you will not put on any weight on this cruise unless you really try hard. Luckily, there is no shortage of places to eat, and so I assure you, you will find plenty to enjoy. Cabana’s on deck 11 was one of my favorite where I could find endless sushi, stone crab claws, and assorted other goodies. The crowd effect I talk about above also comes into play here so bring patience.
Entertainment- I believe where Disney excels hands down is in its family entertainment. However, it does recycle the live shows on the cruises. So, if you enjoyed the Golden Mickeys on the Magic, be prepared to enjoy the show on the Dream, which I did, for the third time! Disney has added another show to its lineup, Disney’s Believe, which I thought was just excellent on all accounts.
Expensive- Disney sets the bar on expensive entertainment. I booked a cabin with a veranda and for me and my guest (my mother) for three nights with taxes, the fare was $2,004.00. That’s over $300.00 per person, per day. Many other cruise ships run much less. But, “They’re not Disney” as the saying goes. Which is true, they’re not.
Did I have a good time- You bet I did! I took my mother who the day before had retired from her job, and for a special send off into retirement, I wanted to do something really special. And the Disney Dream filled the bill. Would I travel again on the ship? Yes, but I would focus on a longer cruise, three days is not enough time to relax!
