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

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Just spent the day reading your great TR! We sail on the Dream in 3 weeks. First ever cruise! You are going to have a FANTASTIC time! 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! Uh oh. 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. You know your military discounts are available most of the time at the other resorts too. We have a lot of friends and family in the military so they price it out both ways. Sometimes they end up at a Disney resort. I guess it's all about where you rank.

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.

Please post some pics when you get back. I want to hear how much you like it.

Happy 20 years!

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:

Sounds like the kids club floor! We don't get to experience the clubs at night because of the kids. (I won't leave them in the clubs, not all of them) I am hoping to go with my parents sometime this year and when we do I will be exploring the nightlife.

Thanks for sharing too. Great pix. I hope we can get on the Fantasy before the end of 2013. Trying to save up now.

Hi! Just wanted to stop by and say thank you so much for this thread! It helped out SO much with our cruise! Happy to hear that!We just got back yesterday; and my floors still have a little sway in them! Yes, it will be this way for up to a week. You will be fine. Have a drink, that eases it a little. 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. That's okay. People don't care as long as they see it. Photobucket is evil now. Since they changed it over, I have nothing good to say about it.Well, anyway You probably helped us get a 4 day cruise out of a 3 day with the advance planning, so thanks again! (Smiles!) 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. Boo! I wonder if they only put them up for 4 nighters? That's interesting. 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! My husband can eat plates and plates of them. I think that is his favorite food aboard DCL.Cabanas was definately a huge surprise of quality food. We usually dont do the buffets but this one is a hit!

I agree. Great selection, huh? Our first Dream cruise was so last second I had no time at all to plan. I can't wait to go again.

 

[TinkerbellLuvr7]

Loving all the updates!!!

Question..my luggage tags/booklet never arrived.

I called DCL a few times and the latest person said I can't request new tags until 15-20 days out and that DCL rips off the tags when the bags are delivered to the room anyways.

Is that true???

Also, if I have to get generic tags at the Port that day, is that the same line/will it be holding us up??

If you know, that would be great..thanks

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Loving all the updates!!!

Question..my luggage tags/booklet never arrived.

I called DCL a few times and the latest person said I can't request new tags until 15-20 days out and that DCL rips off the tags when the bags are delivered to the room anyways.

Is that true???

Also, if I have to get generic tags at the Port that day, is that the same line/will it be holding us up??

If you know, that would be great..thanks

I carry on all of our luggage, and both times I sailed I booked so close to sailing date that I never got documents before out trips. In Miami we walked right on the ship within 5 minutes. Check in was a breeze. At PC we were in and out in a few minutes but had to wait for our number to be called. You should be fine. If you're feeling uneasy about it just carry on your bags. You will get new tags before you disembark.

It's almost time for you and your boyfriend to go! I bet you are super excited!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I was planning to do an update tonight but the evil PB took so long to update the other. I will put up new stuff tomorrow. Promise.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

This place is beautiful! Just beautiful. It has a very fitting name ~ Royal Court.

The murals are some fine looking pieces of art. These are some of my favorite things on the Disney ships.

Look at the ceiling, the lighting detail is out of this world!

And if you didn't think it could get better...

How gorgeous was that?

Fit for a princess....

or a Royal family...

Ahhhhhhhhh...

Love the booth

One more time, just because...

My favorite item...escargot. I always look forward to that, and of course desert - Creme brulee.

Not too long ago Target sold a little Cinderella carriage lamp. It lit up in a rainbow of colors. I was going to get it, but at 30% off it was not a great deal. By the time it was marked to 70% off I had missed it, but that's okay. They will have another. They always have the cutest Disney items. I love Target.

As promised another update.

 

[nancy drew]

I really like the lighting in your Royal Court photos. I think those are the most flattering photos I've seen of that room. We've never been on a cruise, but we had one planned for the summer. That was canceled when I realized that by moving the date we could save over $1000, and when I realized I get sea sick on just about any boat. Anyway, I've been reading trip reports like mad, and have always wondered about the "formal" atmosphere some have described in RC. Up until now, I thought it looked cheesy and just plain bad. Now I can see how it could look formal and "royal".

OK maybe that makes no sense, LOL. I'm just reading along and couldn't help but comment!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I really like the lighting in your Royal Court photos. I think those are the most flattering photos I've seen of that room. We've never been on a cruise, but we had one planned for the summer. That was canceled when I realized that by moving the date we could save over $1000, and when I realized I get sea sick on just about any boat. Anyway, I've been reading trip reports like mad, and have always wondered about the "formal" atmosphere some have described in RC. Up until now, I thought it looked cheesy and just plain bad. Now I can see how it could look formal and "royal".

OK maybe that makes no sense, LOL. I'm just reading along and couldn't help but comment!

Thank you! What a sweet thing to say. Maybe I can talk Disney into using some for their advertisements. Well definitely save money, but keep in mind....the new ships are HUGE! If you stay centered it may not bother you at all. Maybe start with a short cruise and see how it goes from there. Dressing up...they don't push formal attire at all. Shoot, I know people from my FB who go in the restaurants with denim shorts and T shirts.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I haven't forgotten about this TR. I just went on The Dream again!!! LOVE that ship! I will update soon. I just need to rest up from this past trip and we will get this one done!

 

[jennyjinx3]

Wow..I just went through your whole report, awesome pictures and a beautiful family! We are going on our first Dream cruise in Nov, and your cabin pictures were just what I wanted to see (we are a family of five too)! In the morning I am going to show DH your pics with Vince Neil and CC, that was his music back in the day. He is in a band now and still lives it. Thanks....I can't wait for your latest installment!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Wow..I just went through your whole report, awesome pictures and a beautiful family! Aw, thank you! We are going on our first Dream cruise in Nov, and your cabin pictures were just what I wanted to see (we are a family of five too)! You are going to absolutely love it!In the morning I am going to show DH your pics with Vince Neil and CC, that was his music back in the day. He is in a band now and still lives it. Oh yeah? Big hair and make-up still? Ha I just made my hubby grow his back out last year. He was so much sexier with his hair long. Thanks....I can't wait for your latest installment!

I will probably update tomorrow. We are officially on Spring Break now and I might have a free day or two.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Well, just as I was coming to an end of this Fantasy update I went back to the Dream again. I have a lot more pictures I can add of that beauty as well as photos from our cruise on the Wonder, if you all care to see them. I'd be happy to share.

Back out on the foyer is more gorgeous lighting

Another beauty....one of the many trees aboard the Fantasy.

Decorated everywhere!

Perfect with and without a flash!

This brought tears to my eyes!

I wish I had that couch!

Tears rolling down my face...

I love these colors!

Concierge desk

Port Canaveral tree...

On her way...

See the people?

That's all I have for now on the Fantasy! I will try and upload my recent Dream stuff tomorrow. I can go forth with a full on trip report from our Wonder cruise if you guys are interested in the older ships. Just let me know. Thank you for reading along, and please, feel free to share your personal pictures too. The more the merrier.

 

[junebugTN]

I love the pictures of all the lighting...just gorgeous!!!

Our first cruise on the Dream sets sail soon. As you know, I booked with the BEST travel expert ever! I am curious about the smaller ships, though. Since I am deathly allergic to crowds, just wondering if our family might actually enjoy the Magic or the Wonder even more than the larger ships.

What do you think? If quiet and small crowds was a top priority, do you think the ship makes any difference or is it just the time of year you have to worry about?

I can't believe I'm already asking questions about our next cruise when I haven't even made it onbord the first one yet!
June

 

[lovethattink]

Your Fantasy pictures are amazing!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

I love the pictures of all the lighting...just gorgeous!!!

Our first cruise on the Dream sets sail soon. As you know, I booked with the BEST travel expert ever! I am curious about the smaller ships, though. Since I am deathly allergic to crowds, just wondering if our family might actually enjoy the Magic or the Wonder even more than the larger ships.

What do you think? If quiet and small crowds was a top priority, do you think the ship makes any difference or is it just the time of year you have to worry about?

I can't believe I'm already asking questions about our next cruise when I haven't even made it onbord the first one yet!
June

You are too kind June. Of course the newer ships have this WOW factor to them with all the new stuff. The pools are bigger, you have the aqua ducks, the interactive art, and even more amazing kid/teen clubs than on the older ships. However, we enjoyed both the Dream and the Wonder but in different ways. We didn't even go into the pools on the Wonder. They are small compared the newer ships. However, the service was out of this world...we felt like our staff was part of our family by the end of the cruise. It was very intimate.

For our family personally, we prefer the new ships, but would sail back on the Wonder or Magic in a heartbeat. That being said our Dream sailing last September was at about 60% capacity so we did not encounter crowds at all. Even the character lines were no existent. You saw the pictures of Castaway Cay! Near empty, at least it felt that way. The Wonder was full (kids sail free, and parents took advantage because it was FULL of little kids) but the only time it felt "crowded" then was during character meet and greets. I think that was mainly due to the smaller foyer as well.

You can't go wrong with a Disney cruise, and I think you would love them all. I do believe your daughter would enjoy the Eastern sailing though for her diving activities. That is on our must do really soon list!

Your Fantasy pictures are amazing!

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Okay, I do have more stuff to add from The Dream but first I'm going to add our trip report for the Wonder. Yay for photobucket for allowing us to upload out pictures smaller than life size!!! I knew if I waited long enough things would change.

So, I'm not sure if I went over this or not but my first trip to WDW was in 1982. I have not missed a year since (that is a crime, right?) However, our first ever Disney cruise was in 2012. Say what!!!??? I know, I know. I was one of those people who kept putting it off for many years. We walways wanted to sail with Disney since we were docked beside them back in 1998. So finally in September 2012 we made our "DREAM" come true. We did a 4 night out of Port Canaveral and had an amazing time. In December I toured the Fantasy and found it even more amazing than the Dream.

In January the perfect opportunity arose for us to sail on the Wonder. This was a last second trip, literally. I booked and sailed within 72 hours. It wasn't even that long I don't think. The ship only had room for four of my five to cruise so my oldest son volunteered to stay home. (I had to work out a deal and he spent $300+, but four of us were headed to Miami!) I was a little concerned about sailing on an older ship after being on the new ones. I was excited to go though, and no matter what we would make the best of it.

I packed as quick as one could. Instead of driving down and staying a night in Miami we left during the night and drove straight down with barely any sleep. I know, crazy! We actually made great time and even had an hour to stop and spend with one of my long time dearest friends that lives in the area. It was nice to just get out of the car and relax for a little bit. You know I have this thing for palm trees. Our yard looks like a tropical island. Well, my friend lives right close to a palm tree farm. Hello!!! I LOVE IT!!!!





Near the port...



Check it!!! I see a Disney ship!



As soon as it was time to load in we went to the Port of Miami. We parked, walked in, went to the check in desk....less than five minutes later we were on the ship. There was no wait at all. Port Canaveral moved along quick too, but not like this. We saw very few people and I was beginning to "WONDER" if anyone else would be sailing with us.

The first thing we see inside ~







All done.



Time to board this ship!







Cirque?



Another view of the port from the ship...



From our balcony...



Oh by the way we got a free upgrade! I had paid for an oceanview room but they put us in a room with a balcony, which was perfect. The only problem was this was our second cruise which made us Castaway Club members and we wanted our goody bag. I'm not sure if it was left in that original room or what but we did eventually get it. (A few hours later)

This was our room





The bathroom...



No round tub this time





We were so tired and starving. It had been hours since we had eaten anything. We went to the buffet to grab a bite to eat.



We were some of the first people in there, but the food must have been left over or something. It was dry and had no taste at all. I was very disappointed in our first Wonder dining experience. I tried to eat fish and a chicken breast. Blah!

The kids agreed so we hurried out to their fast food service area. I tried a sandwich (horrible) and then the pizza (ick). Between this awful food and missing my oldest son like crazy, plus being so tired and worn out everything was going downhill and fast.

By the way, I have all of the food pictures linked together and will do an entire dining section later on.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

We went back and tried to unpack a little, and get our things in order. I knew if we even sat down that would be it. We'd sleep through the entire first day, so we hurried out of the room for the "sail away" party.

I think we were the last to sail away...









Sidney was having a grand time.



I was crying my eyes out feeling like I had neglected my son. I know parents go on trips all the time without their families, but this girl can't do it and feel right. It tears me up to leave them behind, and this was my first time ever doing it, and I was leaving the darn COUNTRY!!!! I was all nerves and emotional.

I was on the phone with my baby during all of this. He wanted to hear the horn sound and he did.







Still looks empty, huh?



Well, it wasn't. Just so happens this ship was full, and it was full of kids! Someone took advantage of kids sail free!



And we were off to the open Atlantic and leaving Miami. Empty stomach, tears running down my face...would it get better?

 

[junebugTN]

How odd - I didn't get my usual DIS notification that your thread was updated, so I missed your reply to my question. Thanks for the help about the different Disney ships!

I like the latest sail away pictures. I think I'll probably get all teary-eyed when I hear the horns for the first time!

I can't wait to hear what happens next!
June

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

How odd - I didn't get my usual DIS notification that your thread was updated, so I missed your reply to my question. Thanks for the help about the different Disney ships!

I like the latest sail away pictures. I think I'll probably get all teary-eyed when I hear the horns for the first time!

I can't wait to hear what happens next!
June

You will! The other night when the Fantasy came back in for medical emergencies I watched her sail away that night. Even that made me cry!

 

[Jiminy'sGirl]

Girl. you are a NUT and a HOOT. And I say that with nothin' but mad luv! This TR has made me neglect my laundry, my children, and my career. I hope you are happy with your yourself!

Now, kids, get Mommy her wine... she is waiting for more updates.

 

[OneTreeHillAddict]

Girl. you are a NUT and a HOOT. And I say that with nothin' but mad luv! This TR has made me neglect my laundry, my children, and my career. I hope you are happy with your yourself!

Now, kids, get Mommy her wine... she is waiting for more updates.

LOL, they're coming. I have a ton to add. Life is just crazy busy. Now go do that laundry! (get the kids to help)