Over 2000 pix! Our first Disney Dream cruise + Fantasy pix + Our Wonder cruise!

[Jubilee]

Just got through your TR. It only took all day with the kids and all

I am a big time WDW veteran but a complete DCL virgin and I am hooked. Will literally be booking within a few weeks or so. Just want to make sure I get it at the right time. My bday is in Sept. so I am considering during then... being a Floridian, am only slightly worried about hurricanes, but it is a risk. I would hate for even windy, cool or overcast weather.

Your post about all the musicians made me giggle. Definitely an interesting read. My husband and I were just having a conversation about Shannon Hoon the other day when watching a "One hit wonder" show and Blind Melon were in there....kinda strange.

We roll to the beat of our own drum here and I can tell you do as well, too. We lived in NC for a while (Charlotte) but are not really southern. "Ya'll" seem like so much fun.

We, too, are concerned about booking with Disney Dream and then "downgrading" to the older ships, however, will still probably go with that anyway.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Just got through your TR. It only took all day with the kids and all

I am a big time WDW veteran but a complete DCL virgin and I am hooked. Will literally be booking within a few weeks or so. Just want to make sure I get it at the right time. My bday is in Sept. so I am considering during then... being a Floridian, am only slightly worried about hurricanes, but it is a risk. I would hate for even windy, cool or overcast weather. Those September rates are hard to pass up. I'm thinking they may be even better than a FL offer that might come out later on. Plus you get that onboard credit. Go ahead and book it! Don't be scared of the hurricanes. If something were to happen they will detour around it, and you might end up with a longer vacation. You will have a super time. We went in September and the weather was perfect.

Your post about all the musicians made me giggle. Definitely an interesting read. My husband and I were just having a conversation about Shannon Hoon the other day when watching a "One hit wonder" show and Blind Melon were in there....kinda strange. I had a very strange dream about them the other night. Freaked me out a bit. One hit wonder? I remember a few albums.

We roll to the beat of our own drum here and I can tell you do as well, too. We lived in NC for a while (Charlotte) but are not really southern. "Ya'll" seem like so much fun. Were you there for work? I think the last time I went to Charlotte was to take my little sister to meet Hanson.

We, too, are concerned about booking with Disney Dream and then "downgrading" to the older ships, however, will still probably go with that anyway.

We liked them both. Of course we liked the Dream a LOT more, both were still great vacations. We missed the aqua duck and the older ships are so tiny in comparison. We still want to try all four though. I am glad we did not do Hawaii now though. I would have died on that little ship with all those days at sea.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Another one we have not tried and probably won't for many years.

The Christmas tree

There you have it. A photo essay of Remy.

I can't believe none of you have eaten here. I'd love to see some food pics.

 

[Jfstorm]

HI! Thank you so much for the TR! I'm loving the pics. we are less than a week out from a 3 night on the Dream for my 16yr old's Bday. Our first cruise ever was on the Wonder for his Bday back in 2010 and we were hooked ever since! we've tried the other lines for a cost savings and have found that while we really like Royal Carribean; nothing was as good as Disney. (Could have something to do with the fact we are WDW obsessed; but I think even without that we would still feel the same. I love all the info. from what differs from the "Classic" ships and the new Dream (and Fantasy). I would encourage everyone to give the Classic ships a chance; they are great and so well maintained. I think it will be a case similar to a different resort at WDW. some things different, but overall experience is the same.
Oh, I also lived in Surfside for a year (as well as everywhere else in SC mostly) so great to enjoy a "homie" "s point of view. I'm wondering if I will be able to get the DS out of Vibe enough to actually spend time with him! It looks awesome! It would Definately be a huge hit at Broadway. I hear it has changed alot since I was there in the early 2000's though. I have to get back to see all my old friends still living there.
Oh, big Q: Where is the Black Pearl at Castaway Cay now? All of the new pics seem like it has been moved??????
Well, I have stopped on page 8, i have to get back to packing for the trip. Leaving for a straight shot down I-95 from exit 57 at 6am next Thursday, hoping to hit the cape by 11am though our online checkin says noon. Hope to get on and Ride the Aqua duck a few times before the crowds hit. I CANNOT BELIEVE how empty CC was!!!!! It was full when we went before, except the Adult beach. Very enjoyable even when full, its so spread out; its like Stormalong Bay on a summer Day, lots of people but so spread out its still enjoyable.
Oh, and if by some strange chance your kids have not read them yet, Highly recommend "Kingdom Keepers" series by Ridley Pearson. we are both re-reading #5 now (takes place on the Dream) while waiting for #6 to come out in April. Disney teens and pre-teens love it, especially books 2 and forward. ( 1 is a little slow setting up everything for the series, but in retrospect is good at lots of hidden gems).
Well, off I go to finish, look forward to finishing your TR by tommorow! apologies for the Spelling, no time to proof read!

 

[linetbo]

 

[lovethattink]

Gorgeous pictures. Never eaten at those restaurants.

 

[Jfstorm]

We drove when we went to HH. It seemed to take us forever to get to HH from I 95. I would like to go down and see the Disney resort for a day or two. I've heard good things about it. If they give you a good discount I'd definitely check it out. It can't be too far from the ocean. I wouldn't think so anyway. Have you been to other SC beaches? My husband used to work on Kiawah Island. We were thinking getaway weekend to either KI or HHI sometime this fall. I have an annual state park pass too, and there was an island near HH that looked deserted. Wild Horses running free, nothing built anywhere for miles and miles...this place looked like Heaven on Earth. I have to figure out exactly where that is. We have to spend a day there.

i lived on HHI for about 4 years, the DVC HHI resort was a frequent stop for a Disney fix. It has great rooms, and a nice location off the marshlands mid island at shelter cove Harbour. If you go in the summer it is very much like being in WDW, you have fireworks once a week at shelter cove. It IS about 1.3 miles from beachfront; but they have a shuttle that takes you to the "Beach House" which is an awesome base for a day at the beach. The decor is VERY much like Wilderness Lodge mixed with just a little Beach Club, think Fisherman's Lodge decoration. They have a small store, and a Piggly wiggly grocery store is in the shelter cove complex along with the Mall ( I worked there for 3 years). there really isn"t much of a disney dining experience, just quick service style, one at the resort and one at the beach house. It is definately designed to cook your own food or eat out at the hundreds of restaurants in hhi. I personaly love skillets for Breakfast, they remind me of the food at the Poly. across the road is great cajun food and a Wild wing cafe that is one of the most popular spots on the island. Just dont get Mexican or chinese. for whatever reason these places SUCK on HHI!!!!!!
They do however have a BBQ on Tuesdays that is out of this world! NO WDW ribs here; they are the true real deal. And you can catch your own Blue crabs off the dock pier behind the resort. I spent many a day firing up a grill, cooking some Steaks while we played horseshoes and just chilled in the hammocks under the big oaks. AND, best of all; you can enjoy it WITHOUT actually staying there!!! Just pull in and say you are coming to shop at the store, and they will let you in just like a resort at WDW. you can use all of the amenities for a few hours even if you could not book a room.
Just don't expect characters, because there arent any other than "Shadow" the golden Lab who roams the place. He is woven into the backstory of the Resort. I think they are on Shadow 3 at this point.

The deserted island you may be thinking of is Hunting Island? or possibly one of the smaller ones on the way. I grew up in Edisto Beach just under Kiawah Island and right above Beaufort. It is still a fantastic family beach when you want to escape from the hustle of modern life. It used to be a true 50's style beach, no high rises or towers. Now they have a few taller condos (10 floors tops) but they are only on the Sound side. They first few rows of beach are houses only.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Disney Park trip report finally started! Click here to check it out.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

HI! Thank you so much for the TR! I'm loving the pics. we are less than a week out from a 3 night on the Dream for my 16yr old's Bday. Our first cruise ever was on the Wonder for his Bday back in 2010 and we were hooked ever since! we've tried the other lines for a cost savings and have found that while we really like Royal Carribean; nothing was as good as Disney. (Could have something to do with the fact we are WDW obsessed; but I think even without that we would still feel the same. Our Disney obsession wasn't quite as bad when we sailed with RCCL. I do have concerns to how it will differ from our previous RCCL cruise. Those super ships look fantastic though. I love how they made the inside rooms overlook the inside of the ship. GREAT idea!!! I love all the info. from what differs from the "Classic" ships and the new Dream (and Fantasy). I would encourage everyone to give the Classic ships a chance; they are great and so well maintained. I think it will be a case similar to a different resort at WDW. some things different, but overall experience is the same. We liked Dream a lot better but the service on Wonder was so good. They really go out of their way on that ship to make you feel like family. It could be the more intimate feeling with it being smaller. The whole pool deck was a big turn off. We didn't even go swimming, but for the most part the ship was great. We had a really good time. Everything was different, but the same if that makes sense. I'd go again any time.
Oh, I also lived in Surfside for a year (as well as everywhere else in SC mostly) so great to enjoy a "homie" "s point of view. Really? That's cool. I'm wondering if I will be able to get the DS out of Vibe enough to actually spend time with him! It looks awesome! It would Definately be a huge hit at Broadway. I hear it has changed alot since I was there in the early 2000's though. I have to get back to see all my old friends still living there.
Oh, big Q: Where is the Black Pearl at Castaway Cay now? All of the new pics seem like it has been moved?????? No sight of it on my trip. Good luck with seeing your son. If he is anything like mine he will want to sleep in the darn club. Seriously if I had a way to build one here I'd do it. Kids would be there all the time. That place on the blvd is so gross and disgusting. I walked in to check it out and went right back outside. Never would I leave my kids there.
Well, I have stopped on page 8, i have to get back to packing for the trip. Leaving for a straight shot down I-95 from exit 57 at 6am next Thursday, hoping to hit the cape by 11am though our online checkin says noon. Hope to get on and Ride the Aqua duck a few times before the crowds hit. I CANNOT BELIEVE how empty CC was!!!!! It was full when we went before, except the Adult beach. Very enjoyable even when full, its so spread out; its like Stormalong Bay on a summer Day, lots of people but so spread out its still enjoyable. People tell me what we experienced was extremely rare. Makes me want to travel in September again. (Over 9/11)
Oh, and if by some strange chance your kids have not read them yet, Highly recommend "Kingdom Keepers" series by Ridley Pearson. They do. My oldest son had to buy a couple of new books. He read them over and over to the point where they were falling apart. we are both re-reading #5 now (takes place on the Dream) while waiting for #6 to come out in April. Disney teens and pre-teens love it, especially books 2 and forward. ( 1 is a little slow setting up everything for the series, but in retrospect is good at lots of hidden gems).
Well, off I go to finish, look forward to finishing your TR by tommorow! apologies for the Spelling, no time to proof read!

Shoot, me either most of the time. Thanks for stopping by!

Gorgeous pictures. Never eaten at those restaurants.

Us either. If my family ever goes with us I will definitely try them. Are ya'll ready to go again yet? We are looking at the Fantasy EC in November.

i lived on HHI for about 4 years, the DVC HHI resort was a frequent stop for a Disney fix. It has great rooms, and a nice location off the marshlands mid island at shelter cove Harbour. If you go in the summer it is very much like being in WDW, you have fireworks once a week at shelter cove. It IS about 1.3 miles from beachfront; but they have a shuttle that takes you to the "Beach House" which is an awesome base for a day at the beach. The decor is VERY much like Wilderness Lodge mixed with just a little Beach Club, think Fisherman's Lodge decoration. They have a small store, and a Piggly wiggly grocery store is in the shelter cove complex along with the Mall ( I worked there for 3 years). there really isn"t much of a disney dining experience, just quick service style, one at the resort and one at the beach house. It is definately designed to cook your own food or eat out at the hundreds of restaurants in hhi. I personaly love skillets for Breakfast, they remind me of the food at the Poly. across the road is great cajun food and a Wild wing cafe that is one of the most popular spots on the island. Just dont get Mexican or chinese. for whatever reason these places SUCK on HHI!!!!!!
They do however have a BBQ on Tuesdays that is out of this world! NO WDW ribs here; they are the true real deal. And you can catch your own Blue crabs off the dock pier behind the resort. I spent many a day firing up a grill, cooking some Steaks while we played horseshoes and just chilled in the hammocks under the big oaks. AND, best of all; you can enjoy it WITHOUT actually staying there!!! Just pull in and say you are coming to shop at the store, and they will let you in just like a resort at WDW. you can use all of the amenities for a few hours even if you could not book a room.
Just don't expect characters, because there arent any other than "Shadow" the golden Lab who roams the place. He is woven into the backstory of the Resort. I think they are on Shadow 3 at this point.

The deserted island you may be thinking of is Hunting Island? or possibly one of the smaller ones on the way. I grew up in Edisto Beach just under Kiawah Island and right above Beaufort. It is still a fantastic family beach when you want to escape from the hustle of modern life. It used to be a true 50's style beach, no high rises or towers. Now they have a few taller condos (10 floors tops) but they are only on the Sound side. They first few rows of beach are houses only.

Huge help. Lot's of great info in that post. Thank you.

 

[linetbo]

 

[shrinkingmoody]

We sail 5/5 and now I'm even more excited! I especially loved seeing Andy's room in the kids club and hearing about the open houses- my 3 year old, Jordison, will love it but maybe not by himself.

PS I'm in Columbia - but MB would be much more fun

 

[nenis]

Just wanna let you know I'm here!
Can't wait to see your pictures

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Welcome!

We sail 5/5 and now I'm even more excited! I especially loved seeing Andy's room in the kids club and hearing about the open houses- my 3 year old, Jordison, will love it but maybe not by himself.

PS I'm in Columbia - but MB would be much more fun

Andy's room was the best thing I've ever seen for a Toy Story fan. I wanted to stay in there and play all day, but the looks... I will not let my youngest stay in the clubs by himself. They have family time scheduled in the clubs too. It's called Open House. When they do these all of you can go join in the fun.

May will be here before you know it! Make a note now...I always forget to do this...BRING BINOCULARS! That will be the first thing I pack for our next cruise.

Just wanna let you know I'm here!
Can't wait to see your pictures

More coming soon! I've been having photobucket issues since they "improved" their site. Thanks for reading along.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

On the Dream and Fantasy you will find Cabana's. This is a buffet set up with a variety of food on it. Always check the entire thing. As you walk down and look around you might find different items. On our first cruise I was a little clueless. I could never find the place open for one. It always looked like this.

When I did I thought both sides were the same. Like one end would have basic breakfast while the end I was missing had hot food. By the middle of our Dream cruise I had it figured out. I could kick myself for not going there the day we first arrived on the ship.

The food here was always good, and you had a huge selection. Even crab legs! (But they were chilled) SAD FACE

There's something for everyone here...

This was my sampler plate. Real healthy, huh?

For those who prefer the healthy food....

On Pirate night they have the Pirate buffet in here. They serve tacos, turkey legs, and endless desserts.

Sometimes Cabana's is only open for pizza...I remember this being the case one day on the Dream. It was for a couple of hours.

This picture is from when we were docked in Nassau. Most people were off the ship that day. We got off for a few minutes but not long. We spent that day exploring the ship.

Outside seating...

All closed & cleaned up

Look, my hubby made a friend. ha ha

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Love!

Next cruise we will be visiting this place a lot more!

 

[disneymom1980]

Adam will be excited about the crab legs. I have a feeling he may be spending a lot of time there!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Adam will be excited about the crab legs. I have a feeling he may be spending a lot of time there!

Do you see how good they look? Being in Myrtle Beach we are surrounded by these all you can eat crab leg places and I have to say, the DCL ones look perfect! Sidney loves the peel n eat shrimp too. He could sit there forever and eat a pile of 'em. My seafood has to be warm though. Darn it, now I want crab legs.

*Not gonna happen. We have 7 kids in the house tonight.

 

[ptisme]

Just spent the day reading your great TR! We sail on the Dream in 3 weeks. First ever cruise! Just me, my DH, and DS12. My DH tends to get sea sick on smaller vessels - found out on a whale watching trip in San Diego one March in 2006 - not a good experience! We will be married 20 years this year so I finally convinced him that it was time to try a cruise as my anniversary/birthday present! We are going to follow up the cruise with a few days at WDW and are staying at Shades of Green. We almost always stay there because it is so much cheaper for us. I am the Disney fanatic in the family and my DH just follows along. Last year he was able to be stationed in Orlando for 6 months on active duty and I was thrilled to visit for Fall and Winter Breaks! Unfortunately, he came home just before spring break so only two trips to Disney that year but did get to go to MNSSHP and spent Christmas day in MK, both firsts for us.

Thanks for all the great pictures and info, we are really in count down mode now. Most of the shopping is done for the trip but won't start packing for another week or so.

 

[Donald_Quackers]

OneTree.. you inquired about the Tube at night. I was there almost every night when I was on the Fantasy last April. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the performers were awesome, as was the music!

In the floor is a screen that they can put lots of different stuff on, and the lights above can be turned on/off in almost any patter I could think of.

This is also where they held the skit "If I were not upon the sea". I got to see the first performance of it ever on the Fantasy, and have a video linked in my youtube page if you want to see.

I can't wait to get back on in December!

Here's a few photos:

 

[Jfstorm]

Hi! Just wanted to stop by and say thank you so much for this thread! It helped out SO much with our cruise! We just got back yesterday; and my floors still have a little sway in them! I'm really going to give a shot at doing my first TR here. i guess i have to sign up for Photobucket. You inspired me to take a lot of Pics on this trip, got just about everything except I kept forgetting the food sometimes! Its 3/4 eaten and I remember! LOL. Well, anyway You probably helped us get a 4 day cruise out of a 3 day with the advance planning, so thanks again! Oh, one BIG change: Cabanas on embarkation day (and afterward) does NOT have crab legs anymore. they are now serving "Jonas" crab claws(?) they look exactly like stone crab claws but are not as good. BUT, the peel and eat (well, not really peel; they have already split and deveined it so its more "pull and eat") shrimp were great! Cabanas was definately a huge surprise of quality food. We usually dont do the buffets but this one is a hit!