A Disney Cruise Guide: The Disney Dream

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I used to define my perfect vacation as a beach, a frothy drink, and warm nights. That’s still pretty close- but after vacationing on the Disney Cruise Line, I’m adding a few more requests! Please give me an awesome stateroom with the best bed I’ve ever slept on, Broadway-style entertainment, and service that can’t be beaten. The Disney Dream is, indeed, a dream vacation. I’m running down a few reasons why in this Disney Cruise Guide: The Disney Dream. 

Disney Dream docked at Castaway Cay

For some, a trip to one of Disney’s amusement parks is a dream vacation. You know I’m all about that theme park life!

For others, they envision a relaxing vacation on a cruise ship while on a voyage over the vast oceans.

What if you could have Disney’s magic and the serenity of a cruise over the ocean?

Oh, my friends, you can.

Disney has five of their very own cruise ships- with more on the way- so that you can experience both dream vacations at once!

Here is a Disney cruise guide to the Disney Dream.

A Disney Cruise Guide: The Disney Dream

Let’s talk about the ship that I love, the Disney Dream.

The Disney Dream is a newer ship, built in 2011.

Many would agree that this ship is bigger and bolder than any other ship that Disney has put out.

It’s still qualified as having the same look like the other ships, but there are many more innovative features.

This 128,690-ton ship can hold between 2,500-4,000 passengers!

Disney Dream docked in Nassau

The Disney Dream is a Cruise Ship for Families

If you need a vacation that will make everyone happy- from the one-year-old to the 80-year-old, a cruise on the Disney Dream is for you. 

You will notice that the Disney Dream has a certain set of passengers, most of whom are families!

You’re never too old or young to go on the Disney Dream, making it the ideal Disney vacation for multigenerational families.

There is something for everyone on this ship- including Disney cruise wifi if you need it. 

And even if you want to experience a cruise without the kid’s clubs, you can have a great time!

Admiral Donald Duck statue on the Disney Cruise Line Dream

But Wait, It’s Also Perfect For an Adult Only Vacation!

As much as I love vacationing with my family, I cherish and need some time away. (And nope, as you can guess by the name of this blog, I don’t feel guilty about that fact!)

A getaway aboard The Dream is an incredible way to explore, relax, and bond with your friends or significant other. 

I highly recommend grabbing your besties for a girlfriend getaway and hitting the high seas!

Jack Sparrow on Disney Cruise Line Castaway Cay

Disney Cruise Line Departures and Destinations

The Disney Dream primarily sails out of Port Canaveral, Florida and travels to the Bahamas, including stops at Castaway Cay. 

But you have options on Disney Cruise Line!

If the Bahamas isn’t your favorite, check out some of the other destinations on different ships. 

castaway cay hammock Disney's private island

The Disney cruise ships depart from numerous ports in a handful of countries from Europe to Canada and the U.S., including Puerto Rico.

Depending on which cruise you decide to voyage on, they can last anywhere from two days to two weeks.

The magnificent cruise ships will take you to Alaska, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico, the Pacific Coast, the Panama Canal, and the transatlantic.

As for me, nothing has been more magical than Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. I would move in if they would let me!

Disney's Castaway Cay

About The Fleet: The Wish, The Dream, Magic, Fantasy, and Wonder

Each cruise ship has a Disney-related name.

Wish, Dream, Magic, Fantasy, and Wonder are the names of Disney’s spectacular cruise ships.

They are all family-friendly and were designed with both children and adults in mind.

Each ship has multiple pools and splash pad areas to enjoy extra family time, sliding down the AquaDuck water slide, or heading on over to the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool.

Adult only pool Disney Cruise Line
ADULTS ONLY! The Quiet Cove pool in the adult-only area is the perfect place to enjoy while the kids hit up the Kids Clubs!

Meanwhile, the kiddos can enjoy time away from their parents at the special Kids Clubs (separate clubs for different ages), where they will do arts and crafts, play video games, and listen to music while socializing with other children.

And trust me: you won’t be able to get your kids out of these clubs!

They love them and love the friends they make on a Disney Cruise. 

You will also find a full-service fitness center on each ship.

Treadmills in the Fitness Center on the Disney Dream

Which- let’s just be honest here-  you might want to take advantage of so you can enjoy all the food on the Disney Dream without the worry of gaining any cruise pounds. 

And if you gain a few pounds, worry about that when you’re back on land. 

Vacation food is where it’s at, and the Disney Dream does not disappoint!

disney cruise guide dream

Food on the Disney Dream

First of all, there is a ton of it!

You’ll find buffet options available pretty much any time of the day on the Disney Dream. 

There are a variety of food options on board that will keep everyone happy and full. I honestly have a hard time deciding which meal is my favorite. 

From the fun Animator’s Palate to the high-end Palo, your cruise will never leave you hungry!

Dessert from Animator's Palate on the Disney Dream

 

Scallops from Palo on the Disney Dream

 

While the restaurants and dining are amazing, the real winner for food on the Disney Dream is the 24-hour FREE room service.

That’s right: FREE, y’all. 

On my last cruise, we ordered milk and (warm!!!) cookies every night before bed. And the Mickey Bars were flowing like the Atlantic Ocean below us. 

Free Mickey bar from room service on the Disney Dream Disney cruise guide tip!

Holiday Cruises and Special Days at Sea

From mid-September through the end of December, the Disney Cruise line has special cruises to help you celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

And you can do some of these cruises on the Disney Dream.

During these cruises, you can expect to be surrounded by appropriate holiday decor and you may notice a little extra magic in the air.

And if the No-Guilt Fangirl in you needs to come out, guys, this Disney cruise guide must point out some special cruises you might need to see!

captain america marvel day at sea cruise

EEK! Yes, it’s true! There are two awesome cruises for the nerdy fans.  

Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea will allow you to meet and greet with special characters, movie screenings, and other exciting offerings for these super celebration cruises.

(But both of those special cruises are on a different ship than the Dream, but I thought you might want to know about them!)

What to Wear on the Disney Dream

Every Disney Cruise Ship has some type of dress code. But for the most part, what you might wear at a Disney park will be fine on the cruise. 

Mickey Ears are always ok.

I’m partial to the Rose Gold Minnie Ears myself!

Rose Gold Ears on the Disney Dream

While you may see most kids wearing princess and pirate gear, the adults on the Disney Dream can dress casually during the day.

You’ll be comfortable wearing shorts, swimsuits, cover-ups, flip-flops, and sunglasses. 

Everyone dresses a little nicer at night- swapping out the shorts and tank tops for pants, casual dresses, skirts or leggings and tunics. 

Donald Duck character meet and greet on Disney Cruise Line

Think resort/beachwear when packing for the day, but dress a little nicer for dinner & shows in the evenings. There is usually one “formal” night (I’ve seen everything from ballgowns to dressier sundresses on this night!). 

Be sure to check with your travel agent if you have any questions about what is appropriate for your cruise. 

Remember that you can’t wear swimsuits in the dining rooms!

Enjoy the Senses Spa on The Disney Dream

If there’s one favorite place for me on the ship, it’s the Disney Dream Senses Spa.

I could not leave this out of my Disney cruise guide because relaxing while on the ship is SO important. 

Disney cruise guide tip: visit the Senses Spa

And there are options here for everyone.

Yes, guys, even YOU will love visiting Senses on the Disney Dream!

From full-service salon services (think pedicures, manicures, shave services, hair cut and color) to spa treatments like massage and facials, you will find whatever you need at Senses. 

I never miss a chance to get pampered, and I adore hanging out on the heated deck chairs in the RainForest Room.

Disney cruise guide important note: visit the Senses spa rainforest room for the heated lounge chairs 

The Cost of a Disney Cruise

Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? Well, I would never lie to you. 

I’ve traveled a lot of places in the US, and the Disney Cruise Line experience tops them all when it comes to pampering, luxury, and comfort. 

And they’re a lot of fun, too!

But you know what they say…

all magic comes at a price meme

And a dream vacation on the Disney Dream is not a super-budget vacation.  

It’s worth it, but it certainly is not one of the less expensive cruise options. 

Remember that the Disney Cruise Line is pretty much all-inclusive in price: you won’t pay for things like meals, non-alcoholic drinks, snacks or room service like other cruise ships.

Keep that in mind when you are comparing the costs. 

It might turn out that the Disney Cruise Line is the better option for you. 

Money Savings Tips for Disney Cruise Vacations

Disney cruise guide protip: book as soon as you can! In most cases, the prices of staterooms increase over time as the ship fills up.

Book early to save. 

While on your cruise, consider booking a return vacation.

You can put down a $250 placeholder for your next vacation and receive 10% off your sailing price!

You can also bring your own wine, beer, and champagne on board. If you drink, this might be a nice way to reduce your bar costs. 

Money saving tip Disney cruise guide: Bring your own booze on the Disney Cruise Lines

If you are a drinker, you know that’s some good money savings right there!

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