Why YOU Will LOVE The Disney Dream!

Posted:  Cruises Disney Cruise Line

For me, the Disney Dream was the ship that started it all. No, it wasn’t the first ship in Disney’s fleet; that was the Disney Magic. However, the Dream is the first cruise ship I ever set foot on. Since then, I have also sailed on the Disney Wish, as well as ships from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, and more, but I always seem to come back to the Dream.

A bronze statue of Donald Duck in an old-fashioned captain’s outfit is seen in the atrium of the Disney Dream. The gold, blue, and wooden Art Deco-inspired décor of the ship is seen in the background.

I recently had the chance to return for another sailing on the Disney Dream with a few of my fellow DVCR Cruise Specialists, and I have to say, I fell even further in love with the ship. I think you will, too, and here are 5 reasons why:

 

#1 – The Service

Look, Disney’s service at sea is just the best. If you’ve sailed on any of their ships, you know what I’m talking about, but every time I have sailed on the Dream, the service gets better and better. 

A Disney Cruise Line Cast Member dressed in blue leads Mickey Mouse through a seating area in the atrium of the Disney Dream. Mickey is dressed in his blue and white captain’s outfit.

The Cast Members are friendly and efficient and are the ones who really make the magic happen onboard. How in the world the amazing CMs remember the names of thousands of guests within hours of cruise embarkation is absolutely incredible and, frankly, mind-blowing! Not only that, but they will also know who you’re traveling with, what your favorite drinks are, your food preferences, and possibly even where you’re traveling from! Even on a quick 3-night cruise, they will go above and beyond to ensure you feel like a treasured friend.

David’s Vacation Club Rentals team member Tiffany gets pixie dusted at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique aboard the Disney Dream as a Cast Member sprinkles glitter in her hair.

Have a question in the dining room? They will get you an answer! Need assistance with something in your stateroom? They’re probably already knocking on your door to get it taken care of! Looking for a certain spot on the ship? They will gladly lead the way! It’s nothing short of magical!

Two cheerful Disney Cruise Line Cast Members greet guests outside the Oceaneer Lab kids club onboard the Disney Dream.

 

#2 – The Shows & Activities

Get ready to be blown away because the Disney Dream is home to 3 stage shows that will make you feel like you’ve traded the ocean for the bright lights of Broadway! I am telling you, the Beauty and the Beast production on the Dream is one of my favorite shows I’ve ever seen at sea across all the cruise lines I’ve sailed with. The performances, the costumes, the set design…it’s all top-notch! There’s also “Believe,” which is a family story full of heart, and “The Golden Mickeys,” which celebrates the beloved Disney songs and stories from many of their classic films. I truly love them all!

The blue background and golden logo for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast show is displayed on a screen in the Walt Disney Theatre aboard the Disney Dream.

In addition to their stage-based entertainment, you’ll also find tons of other activities like deck parties (PIRATE NIGHT is a MUST DO!), trivia (yes, there are prizes!), character meet and greets, movies on the big screens, and my all-time favorite, the silent disco, just to name a few. You will NEVER be bored, and I’ve barely scratched the surface of all the fantastic things this ship has to offer!

The words “Mickey’s Pirates in the Caribbean” are displayed on a red large red screen. There is also a drawing of Mickey Mouse dressed as a pirate captain with two swords on either side of him.

The light-up headphones are in a pile ready for the Silent Disco event onboard the Disney Dream. Guests participating in a trivia event are seen in the background.

 

#3 – The Dining

Speaking as a notoriously picky eater who mainly survives on chicken tenders and pizza, even I can tell you that the Dream does dining right! It genuinely blows my mind not only how many different eateries there are on the ship but also how many different types of food there are to choose from! 

Breakfast items such as Mickey waffles, bacon, and scrambled eggs are served in silver trays at Cabanas buffet on the Disney Dream.

If you’re like me and eat like an unsupervised first grader at a birthday party (we all know calories don’t count on vacation anyway), they’ve got burgers, fries, pizza, chicken, tacos, and more. If you’re a more adventurous eater who wants to enjoy foodie bliss at sea, the culinary creations of Palo (the adults-only specialty dining option that requires an additional cost and reservation) will be right up your alley. 

Two tacos with various toppings from Ramone’s Cantina on the Disney Dream.

Looking for some quick Mickey waffles and coffee before heading out on a morning excursion? The Cabanas buffet has got you covered! Also, the 3 main dining rooms on the ship – Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and my personal favorite – Animator’s Palate – have some beautiful theming and menus with lots of variety. There really is something for everyone! Even those with special dietary needs will be treated to some delicious options! And let’s not forget about room service!

The interior of the Enchanted Garden dining room on the Disney Dream. There is a fountain with a stone Mickey Mouse figure at the top in the center of the room, and the décor is inspired by French gardens.

Guests dine in the Royal Palace dining room aboard the Disney Dream. The dining room is decorated with rich jewel tones, dark wood tables, and Disney Princess-inspired artwork.

Crush from the film Finding Nemo chats with dinner guests at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream.

I should also mention the unlimited soft-serve ice cream here, right? Yeah, you’ll find that up on deck 11 of the Dream. It’s a well-loved cruising perk for obvious (and tasty) reasons! 

A silver and blue sign displays Mike Wazowski with an upside-down ice cream cone dripping down his head. The sign reads “Eye Scream Treats” in green writing and the soft serve machine can be seen in the background.

A little pre-dinner ice cream (and, let’s be honest, post-dinner ice cream, too) is an unofficial DVCR team member tradition that we’re always quick to recommend to others! Just keep in mind that if you eat too much ice cream and skip dessert during dinner, the Cast Members might serve you up an alternative dessert plate as a fun little joke! This may have happened to my teammates and me on our recent sailing…it was hilarious!

David’s Vacation Club Rentals team member Tiffany holds up a white dessert plate with the word “nothing” written on it in chocolate sauce at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream.

A white plate with “I’m full” written in chocolate sauce with Mickey sprinkles on this side is seen at Animator’s Palate on the Disney Dream.

 

#4 – The Staterooms

The staterooms I’ve called home on the Dream remain my favorite of any ship I’ve sailed on. I love the classic, nautical-inspired colors and details, and the split bathroom layout found in many stateroom categories is such a gift when you’ve got multiple people trying to get ready at the same time!

The interior of a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Dream. The stateroom is decorated with white and blue nautical-inspired accents as well as dark woods. There is also a privacy curtain open between the sofa and bed.

The white-tiled bathroom of a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is seen. The photo shows a toilet, sink, large mirror, and hand towel with the Disney Cruise Line logo embroidered on it.

I remember the first time I sailed, the amount of storage space in the stateroom had me *shook*! Despite my best efforts, I am a chronic over-packer and am also someone who likes to fully unpack my things when on vacation. Even sharing with my teammate, we didn’t run out of hangers or closet space! The bathroom wasn’t cluttered; you could still see the vanity, and our suitcases sat neatly tucked away under the bed. It was awesome, and it was very easy to stay organized!

Wooden hangers are shown in the closet of a stateroom on the Disney Dream. Above the hangers there are orange life jackets on a shelf, and a white laundry bag on a lower shelf below.

In addition to how impressed I was by the storage and closet space, I also have to say that the beds on the Dream are some of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept on. Even the sofa bed is remarkably comfy! Combine that with the soft, gentle rocking of the ship as it sails overnight, and you are bound to sleep like a baby!

A queen size bed in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is seen. The bedding is white with blue accents that are decorated with nautical shapes, Mickey Mouse, and the Disney Cruise Line logo.

The interior of a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Dream. The décor is mostly white and blue with nautical accents and artwork as well as dark wood.

 

#5 – The Style

The design of the Disney Dream is heavily inspired by the popular Art Deco style that was popular in the 1920’s and 30’s. You can see this in many areas of the ship, but it is especially prominent in the main atrium lobby. 

The Art Deco atrium of the Disney Dream is seen. The lobby of the ship is decorated with dark woods, gold accents, and pops of blue, yellow, and red. A large crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling with a bronze statue of Donald Duck seen next to the grand staircase.

As soon as you step onboard, your eyes will be treated to the stunning décor that perfectly blends the luxury and glamor of the Art Deco movement with the whimsy and delightful Disney details you’d expect. Trust me, if I could figure out a way to get the phenomenal crystal and glass chandelier off the ship and into my living room, I would! It is one of my favorite features on the Dream and really elevates the ambiance of the ship with classic yet whimsical elegance. It is just so unique and unlike anything I’ve seen from other cruise lines.

The blue, white, and red crystal chandelier of the Disney Dream is seen from an upper deck. It emits a magical glow and features small, black hidden Mickeys around the top of the design.

The other ships in Disney’s fleet are fantastic, too, but the Dream will always hold a special place in my heart! It’s the first thing that pops into my mind when I hear the word “cruise,” and it is a gorgeous ship with decks full of magic to experience! 

Mickey Mouse greets guests in the atrium of the Disney Dream. Mickey is dressed in his blue and white captain’s outfit with a Disney Cruise Line captain hat.

Whether you’re sailing through the turquoise waters on your way to the Bahamas or through the picturesque landscapes of Europe, I have no doubt that you, too, will fall in love with this beautiful ship! She truly is a DREAM come true!

The pool deck of the Disney Dream is seen at sunrise. The ship’s logo is seen on the large screen, and the iconic red funnel and AquaDuck waterslide tubes are visible in the background.

 

~Stacy 

 

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