Disney Cruise Line Special Offers

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour the latest Disney creation, the Disney Dream. This is Disney’s third ship in its cruise line division and while I love the Magic and Wonder, simply put, the Dream is even more amazing!

The Dream is HUGE (it would have to be to accommodate 4,000 passengers) and it towered over Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas, which was docked next to it in port. I actually felt sorry for Monarch as she looked more like a dingy next to the magnificent Dream!

The Dream clearly has some over-the-top elements but Disney whimsy is actually more understated than you might think and the ship’s decor lends itself to a magical feeling of grandeur. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a spacious, three-story atrium, sweeping staircases and a gold trim, 22-foot-in-diameter, art-deco chandelier, dripping with Swarovski crystals. There are classic touches everywhere that are also beautifully carried throughout the ship.

On par with Disney standards, the attention to detail is unbelievable and surprises abound around every corner. Though the Disney touch is understated, if you look close enough “Hidden Mickey’s” (the term that fans have dubbed the silhouette of Mickey Mouse’s head) can be found in the bedding, carpets, bath towels and even railings. Cinderella’s slipper might even adorn a chandelier or two and don’t be surprised if the artwork you are admiring suddenly springs to life as well. Even the 150 inside staterooms, which are typically the least expensive because they lack windows, are equipped with “virtual portholes” that provide a live view of the outside infused with an occasional Disney character floating by!

The Dream offers more than you will ever be able to do as well. From the fitness center and classes to the spa experiences at Senses (including a separate “Chill Spa” for teens), Disney Imagineers left nothing to be desired. If pampering is not on your list, enjoy the sports deck where you can play miniature golf among other things or venture

to the sports bar and play Wii! You can even take in a movie in the georgous Buena Vista Theater. And, of course, there’s the AquaDuck! This 765-foot “water coaster” whose clear tubes wind and twist above the highest decks is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Besides the spa there are plenty of adults-only spaces too, including a private pool area on the ship and Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach area on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. Dream also offers exclusive restaurant choices featuring French and Italian cuisine and unique lounges such as “Pink”, located in the “District” area. And don’t worry about your kids – they will have the time of their lives in the technology-filled, over-the-top clubs: The Oceaneer Club (ages 3 to 10), Edge just for tweens, and Vibe for teens, who even have their own private “James Bond” access and pool. Your kids will never want to leave!

The staterooms, among the largest in the industry, offer high-tech touches, features such as a split bath plan and the most comfortable bedding on the planet. Don’t even get me started on the suites, which are to-die-for with their art deco styling, walls of windows to the ocean, huge jet tubs, and marble floors and vanities.

In an interview about the Dream Disney CEO, Bob Iger, said “The goal was to create an experience for all generations — for people who come with grandparents and great-grandparents, for people who come without children.”

In my most humble opinion their goal was realized and then some! Disney hit this one out of the park!

~Robin Gantek

Robin is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Universal Orlando Specialist for Magical Travel. You may reach her at robin@magicaltravel.com via e-mail or through her website at www.vacationswithcharacter.com.

Disney Cruise Line®

		THE IMPORTANCE OF VACATIONS... *The Disney Dream…Finally a Reality!* A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour the latest Disney creation, the Disney Dream. This is Disney’s third ship in its cruise line division and while I love the Magic and Wonder, simply put, the Dream is even more amazing! The Dream is HUGE (it would have to be to accommodate 4,000 passengers) and it towered over Royal Caribbean’s Monarch of the Seas, which was docked next to it in port. I actually felt sorry for Monarch as she looked more like a dingy next to the magnificent Dream! The Dream clearly has some over-the-top elements but Disney whimsy is actually more understated than you might think and the ship’s decor lends itself to a magical feeling of grandeur. Upon entering, you’re greeted with a spacious, three-story atrium, sweeping staircases and a gold trim, 22-foot-in-diameter, art-deco chandelier, dripping with Swarovski crystals. There are classic touches everywhere that are also beautifully carried throughout the ship. On par with Disney standards, the attention to detail is unbelievable and surprises abound around every corner. Though the Disney touch is understated, if you look close enough “Hidden Mickey’s” (the term that fans have dubbed the silhouette of Mickey Mouse’s head) can be found in the bedding, carpets, bath towels and even railings. Cinderella’s slipper might even adorn a chandelier or two and don’t be surprised if the artwork you are admiring suddenly springs to life as well. Even the 150 inside staterooms, which are typically the least expensive because they lack windows, are equipped with “virtual portholes” that provide a live view of the outside infused with an occasional Disney character floating by! The Dream offers more than you will ever be able to do as well. From the fitness center and classes to the spa experiences at Senses (including a separate “Chill Spa” for teens), Disney Imagineers left nothing to be desired. If pampering is not on your list, enjoy the sports deck where you can play miniature golf among other things or venture to the sports bar and play Wii! You can even take in a movie in the georgous Buena Vista Theater. And, of course, there’s the AquaDuck! This 765-foot “water coaster” whose clear tubes wind and twist above the highest decks is a one-of-a-kind experience. Besides the spa there are plenty of adults-only spaces too, including a private pool area on the ship and Serenity Bay, the adults-only beach area on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. Dream also offers exclusive restaurant choices featuring French and Italian cuisine and unique lounges such as “Pink”, located in the “District” area. And don’t worry about your kids – they will have the time of their lives in the technology-filled, over-the-top clubs: The Oceaneer Club (ages 3 to 10), Edge just for tweens, and Vibe for teens, who even have their own private “James Bond” access and pool. Your kids will never want to leave! The staterooms, among the largest in the industry, offer high-tech touches, features such as a split bath plan and the most comfortable bedding on the planet. Don’t even get me started on the suites, which are to-die-for with their art deco styling, walls of windows to the ocean, huge jet tubs, and marble floors and vanities. In an interview about the Dream Disney CEO, Bob Iger, said “The goal was to create an experience for all generations — for people who come with grandparents and great-grandparents, for people who come without children.” In my most humble opinion their goal was realized and then some! Disney hit this one out of the park! ~Robin Gantek Robin is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and Universal Orlando Specialist for Magical Travel. You may reach her at robin@magicaltravel.com via e-mail or through her website at www.vacationswithcharacter.com.