DREAMS really do come true! 1/30 4-day Cruise Report with Tons of Photos! Video done!

[MomsOf2boys]

Originally Posted by Roadweaver

The chocolate covered strawberries are free. When you are at the Cove Cafe you have to ask for them but anything in the case is free. In the morning pastries and later dessert which includes your strawberries. It was self service at the cafe area outside Shutters, my daughter and I saw a man taking a plate full and it was not a small plate, before we left the area, we saw him come back for more.

I didn't know that. I thought because coffee/tea had a cost at the cafe that the desserts would as well. Good to know... not that we were starving or anything...

I had read a trip report of either the Magic or Dream and someone was talking about chicken wings... and I thought, "We never saw a chicken wing!" too funny that's all I can say.

[ADP]

Great pics Cass - Flos looks like a major step up from the Magic & Wonder quick service food.

[KarlaG4Kids]

Case, thanks for your awesome report, food porn and sharing your special moments. DH also went through a similar medical scare this fall and it truly does change your life and make you grateful for every moment. We are so looking forward to our "DREAM" cruise and sunrises and sunsets on our veranda with each other! You are making the planning so much more fun!

[ashman]

Originally Posted by mickeydonalgoofyyyy

My 5 year old will eat chicken fingers all week but, my 8 yo DS loves all seafood and would prefer (and devour) choices from the adults' entrees.

I don't know if your question has been answered but the kids can order any food off the "adult" menu. I have two girls 9 and 11. They were 4 and 6 when they went on our first DCL Cruise. We have done 2 DCL Cruises, my girls have yet to order off the kid's menu! THEY WANT STEAK!

[Timon]

Originally Posted by Michelle2

Cass- Love the pics and the TR! You explained everything perfectly!

Thanks! Feel free to add your comments/opinions too!!

Originally Posted by dahuffy

We're doing a 7 day on the Fantasy next year. Our first cruise was a 3 day Wonder back in '04. We swore we'd never do anything smaller than a 7 day after that. Did a 7 Day EC in '06 and then the 15 day EB Repo in '08.

I've only ever done 7-day cruises so the 4-day went by so fast for me but it was good....long enough to get the experience and take photos and then get back to my family!

Originally Posted by KingRichard

Wow

Thank you so much for taking the time to put up all these great pics.

While some people are complaining about the smallest things that went wrong you have provided so much for our family to look forward to.

Food looks great and so many choices!

I like that fact that you went out early and the place was empty and you could sit anywhere.

Like anywhere else if you go to eat when the rest of the world arrives then there will be lines and shortage of seats.

Thank you again!

You're welcome When on vacation, we always try to do things against the flow...go left instead of right....eat earlier or later than most...it just works best for us

Originally Posted by MomsOf2boys

Wow Cass, I didn't realize you had gone through such an ordeal in May. I'm so glad that you came through that and that Rob and Kira have you safe and sound~! Yikes! How terribly scarey!

We never ate at the buffet on the Magic or Wonder. The kids preferred to grab chicken strips or pizza at lunch and since they were all teenagers, breakfast was normally slept through. I can't wait to see your pirate buffet pictures... that last cruise (KKers) we had several seasick people in our party... those were some high seas that night.

I only do the breakfast buffet...just because it's usually pretty good and my fave meal is breakfast and I never eat it at home...usually just have a fruit smoothie so when I am on vacation, I splurge a little

Originally Posted by campinggal

Whoa...those last shots of the Cabanas breakfast totally got me out of 'lurkdom'.

I LOVE breakfast and what an amazing spread they have. Those Ham/Cheese Croissants have my name on them among other things.

My DD (age 13) and I are sailing on the 2/20 Dream and your report is THE BOMB!

We'll both feel like we know what to expect and will be able to take full advantage of the ship because we have studied your fabulous report. Love the details!!

Sounds like you totally deserved this trip.

Thank you Cass!!

Liz

Thanks Liz! Glad my trippie can help you with your vacation! It's why I post trippies...they help a lot of people! Glad you came out of lurkdom!

Originally Posted by lanegang

Cass, your report and photos are amazing. I am loving every installment and can't wait until my June cruise. Thank you!!

June is not too far away!!!

Originally Posted by epcotrulz

Can't wait!! This is one of the best TR's EVER!!

Originally Posted by LITTLEKID58

You r the best...

Originally Posted by jenseib

EWWW! I don't think I would WANT someone to make my Taco. That was weird on her part.
I don't think this buffet looks as impressive. It would need much more chocolate for me to eat after just eating.

Yeah, I wouldn't want someone fixing my taco either...this lady was mad they weren't! LOL! To each their own I guess!

Originally Posted by AWHOFAN

Thanks for the 4 day navigator. Let the plan of attack start.

It all starts with the navigator

Originally Posted by mmouse37

Cass.....I have my Cain 8504 pics ready...let me know if you want me to post them in this thread or start another...

MJ

You can post them wherever you like MJ! Can't wait to see them!

Originally Posted by Wadekind

This trip report is EPIC! I am loving it!

Originally Posted by iloverags2

I cannot even begin to tell you how relieved I am they have the Turkey & Cranberry Ciabatta sandwiches!

Thank you so much for posting all the food porn pics!

I know a few people who love those babies!!

Originally Posted by krazy4crusing

Ok, I am crazy sick, laying here in bed trying to keep a fever down and to stop coughing but... DARN!!! I can't tear myself away.

Awesome Cass! Lovin the food porn!!

MMMMMMMMM

Feel better soon!!!!

Originally Posted by Scouter

No seafood for me either. I'm a meat and potatoes girl.
But Bob and Sean will be happy with all the seafood I've seen on the menus.

Yeah, lots of seafood for sure

Originally Posted by disneycruiser22

LOVE the trip report! details details details-just what i love!! I'm hoping to see tons of pics of the quiet cove area-also all of the sun loungers all over the ship-i'm a sun lover

Well, I am a detail kind of girl Yup, those pics are coming up....eventually

Originally Posted by Weedy

Your trip reports are the best!! Thanks for all the hard work.

Thanks for reading

[Crustysgirl]

Great TR as always! I think it is amazing that you got up early every morning to take sunrise photos. The ship must have been so quiet then. What a perfect time to just stare out into the horizon and contemplate life. I admire you for that and would love to see some of those pics. You're awesome Cass!

[Timon]

Originally Posted by Kurby

amazing

now we have to go back and look at all those rooms again to decide what level we want.

ok who are we kidding - we want Walt's suite

Yeah, no kidding eh!

Originally Posted by jenseib

Also how about the chocolate covered strawberries. Are they free? or are they in one of those places where it will ocst you something. If they were free I would be asking for the whole tray!

Yup, all free! They are in the cabinet in Cove Cafe...just have to ask for them! I brought back 2 for me and 2 for Michelle but she didn't want them so I ate all four

Originally Posted by Jillpie

Just catching up tonight and wow Cass, as always, an absolutely awesome report. You seem to know exactly what people need to see. Ok question, I'm looking from my IPad, do you have any idea why I see several pictures at a time and then all of a sudden there will be a bunch with a question mark inside a blue box? Ugh, it's so frustrating, I don't want to miss one single picture of yours!

I take photos of what I would want to see As for the iPad, it happens all the time....sometimes photos just don't show up...even if they aren't in flash! Funny cus Rob asked me the same thing last night...he was reading my trippie and told me that something was wrong with my photos but I knew it was just the ipad

Originally Posted by JOANNEL

I had it in October and it was awful. I love cheesecake and shrimp but together was so bad..........

Yeah, I was thinking that exact same thing....and then you throw in some onion on top of that?????? No thanks!

Originally Posted by mickeydonalgoofyyyy

Oh My Gosh! Thank you so much for the wonderful pics and loads of helpful info! You are wonderful to devote so much time and energy to this report. My family is super excited about our first cruise ever on FEB 27th. I was wondering if you noticed if any children received adult entrees. My 5 year old will eat chicken fingers all week but, my 8 yo DS loves all seafood and would prefer (and devour) choices from the adults' entrees. Also, do you have any suggestions on a good location to catch the deck parties? Thank you so much and many wishes for good health and success with your new venture.

I didn't see it personally but I know on DCL that an adult can order a child's meal and a child can order an adult meal so no worries there!!!

Originally Posted by KarlaG4Kids

Ditto on the choc strawberries! WHERE in the world do I find those babies. Please don't tell me they cost a lot!

Cove Cafe....$5 each Just kidding....they are free

Originally Posted by JLDSMD

Awesome pics of Cabanas and the other pool deck restaurants Cass!!!

Thanks Jeff

Originally Posted by JOANNEL

Cass, you are doing an amazing job. Thanks so much for taking all the time to do this!!! I can't wait to some day get on these new beauties!!!

Thanks Joanne

Originally Posted by lovesDCL

Loving your TR!!! Thanks for including all the details!

Can't wait for more!

Thanks!

Originally Posted by weloveheidi

Wow, I love your trip report, and ESPECIALLY the food porn - thanks so much for taking the time & effort to share it with us. And I appreciate you sharing about how much you value each breath. I'm glad you're doing better now! I'll join in on all the hugs you're getting.

I think I'm booked for a room much like yours, 5A, 9th deck, more forward than aft - did you guys have the pull-down bed from the ceiling? I'm guessing not, or surely there'd be a picture

Thanks! And yes, we had a pull down bed in the ceiling and I was going to ask our room host, Clifford, to pull it down one night but the inside room we saw already had it down so I didn't bother Clifford

Originally Posted by Scouter

I couldn't tear myself away from this tonight, finally caught up.
Awesome job Cass!

I'm ready to go in June
and I'm going to eat myself stupid!

Just walking around that huge ship will burn off all extra calories

Originally Posted by chrissycassie

I was feeling pretty depressed about our May 1st cruise on the Dream until I read your report and saw all the pictures. All the "bad" reviews are pretty depressing. Thank you so much for the details and especially for the pictures of everything! I am packing for three kids and seeing so much of the rooms really helped. I am hoping to see your Castaway Cay pics and any others you took. Thank you, thank you.

Like I said, a cruise is very personal and depends on what happens on your cruise! Everyone is different and some like to focus on the bad and some like to focus on the good! Your cruise is what YOU make it!

Originally Posted by ibouncetoo

Glad to see the chocolate chip cookies at Flo's. A word from a DISer to the correct "man in white" on the maiden voyage made some magically appear that day and a promise was made that they they would be there from then on. Looks like that promise was kept!

.

Love it when people keep their promises!

[Timon]

Originally Posted by dsnydaddy

Cass, I'm so glad that you were there to enjoy all of that. Life has a way of sneaking by us and we don't really notice it until it becomes dear. There has been a number of times when I walk out of the ER and shuck off the hardened shell that I wear to cope with what I do and then take a deep breath of the fresh air and thank God that I can do that one simple thing. I enjoy feeling every bit of that breath and then look about at the world before I go on with the rest of my day. Your trip report is great. I enjoy the way you look at things, I can hear it with your words and see it with your camera lens.

Awwwww.....such wonderful words from such a wonderful guy!!

Originally Posted by Karen Mouse

Another amazing read Cass.... cant wait for the next installment.

I have one question if you dont mind... I noticed walnuts and pecans on one of the lines (I think brekkie) was it close to the rest of the food cabinets? - could there be cross contamination with other stuff that is NOT in that cabinet? or are the cabinets totally seperate so the serving spoons wouldnt "travel" from one cabinet to the next? We can easily avoid that cabinet but am nervous re people dipping in and out of food with the same spoons.. does that make any sense at all!

You mean the different pods? No, unless the chefs contaminate them behind the scenes, there shouldn't be any cross from other pods by the guests. I can't even imagine how tough it is for you guys to travel!!

Originally Posted by Launchpad11B

Best trip report ever! Cass, you da man!!! errr..........WOman!

Originally Posted by cntkg1

Great to know they still have the Turkey/Cranberry sandwiches but did I somehow miss those Mickey waffles??

And Cass, since Disney isn't selling your honey mustard maybe we'll be able to find it in the stores now!

Great pictures kiddo. Can't wait for that Fantasy cruise next year.

That would be fabulous if they sold it in stores now!!! I would have to bring a whole bottle on the Fantasy for my next cruise

Originally Posted by Roadweaver

My daughter is a chef, she was talking to the head chef of Cabana's and he told them that there are no Mickey Waffles because they only put in 2 plugs and they need at least 12 for a ship this size. He also said that there are no waffles because there is no ventilation in the area. They tried to have waffles on the maiden voyage and it was a disaster.

Thanks for the info

Originally Posted by MomsOf2boys

There were a couple of different pictures with CM's in them that seemed to pose for you! That was too cute! The one with the lady that was holding a chip or something out to you was my favorite.

Yeah, they were great!

Originally Posted by Roadweaver

The chocolate covered strawberries are free. When you are at the Cove Cafe you have to ask for them but anything in the case is free. In the morning pastries and later dessert which includes your strawberries. It was self service at the cafe area outside Shutters, my daughter and I saw a man taking a plate full and it was not a small plate, before we left the area, we saw him come back for more.

Originally Posted by ADP

Great pics Cass - Flos looks like a major step up from the Magic & Wonder quick service food.

Totally!

Originally Posted by KarlaG4Kids

Case, thanks for your awesome report, food porn and sharing your special moments. DH also went through a similar medical scare this fall and it truly does change your life and make you grateful for every moment. We are so looking forward to our "DREAM" cruise and sunrises and sunsets on our veranda with each other! You are making the planning so much more fun!

Case? bahahahahah....never been called that one before

Sorry to hear about your hubby but yeah it really does change your life....good and bad!

Originally Posted by ashman

I don't know if your question has been answered but the kids can order any food off the "adult" menu. I have two girls 9 and 11. They were 4 and 6 when they went on our first DCL Cruise. We have done 2 DCL Cruises, my girls have yet to order off the kid's menu! THEY WANT STEAK!

Exactly!

[mmouse37]

Ok...with Cass's permission I am posting the pics to Cabin #8504 to this thread - the larger Cat 9 corner room on Deck that we stayed on the Jan 30th cruise.





VIEW FROM THE DOORWAY...A SHORT HALLWAY





PULL DOWN BED IN CEILING



VIEW TO COUCH AND PORTHOLE



SPLIT BATHROOM



CONVERTIBLE SOFA








SLANTED PORTHOLE - I AM 5'7" AND I COULD "STAND UP" IN THE PORTHOLE AREA AND LOOK OUT...NIGHT SKY WAS AWESOME



EXTRA SPACE



TONS OF FLOOR SPACE



VIEW TO THE DOOR



DESK AREA



CLOSET AREA - NOTE: THIS DID NOT HAVE THE EXTRA SHELVING IN THE CLOSET THAT OUR CAT 9B CABIN ON DECK 2 HAD





And here are links to all my other pics from around the ship....We were on the Boy and Girls Preview Cruise, the MV and the Jan 30th cruise so. here are pics of the Boys & Girls Preview Cruise with Karl Holtz (pres of the cruise line), stars from Sonny with a Chance from the Disney Chanel, the MV, the crowds lined up to see us off and the Jan 30th cruise.....Donald Duck Christening the Aquaduck, Palo Brunch, pics of the Magic at CC for the horn battle and all kids of stuff.....any questions on any pics let me know and I will tell you where it is onboard.

http://travel.webshots.com/album/579713838MbSvrJ

http://travel.webshots.com/album/579703545DurDnd

And Cass....if there are any pics that you would like please feel free...I know you took EXTENSIVE pics but I think I may have the entrance to the Royal Palace in the one of the albums.....

MJ

[ibouncetoo]

I wonder why the don't just put a chair in this spot?



I know the bunk is above there, but you think it would still fit OK. Or even another of the vanity/desk charis. It just seems like the room isn't 'finished' with that empty space.

.

[Kurby]

Originally Posted by ibouncetoo

I wonder why the don't just put a chair in this spot?



I know the bunk is above there, but you think it would still fit OK. Or even another of the vanity/desk charis. It just seems like the room isn't 'finished' with that empty space.

.

isn't that one of the accessible rooms? maybe they are keeping the space for a wheel chair?

[Karen Mouse]

Originally Posted by Timon

You mean the different pods? No, unless the chefs contaminate them behind the scenes, there shouldn't be any cross from other pods by the guests. I can't even imagine how tough it is for you guys to travel!!

Excellent - just what I'd hoped you'd say Thanks Cass, loving this trippie - your best one yet

[Jennifer48]

Originally Posted by Timon

...but I am SUPER DUPER mad that they got rid of the Ken's honey dijon dipping sauce

That was the best part of eating chicken strips on the ship!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree! What did they replace it with? Do they have ranch yet?!

[JLDSMD]

Originally Posted by mmouse37

PULL DOWN BED IN CEILING



MJ

MJ,

How close was the edge of the pull down bed from the edge of the main bed? Is there enough room that you don't feel like you'd hit your head if it were down?

Also, based on the TV location and the sofa, is it even possible to see the TV from the sofa?

Thanks for the pics.

[Timon]

Palo Part 1

I will break this up into a few parts...first one will just be photos

These ones I just took when I went exploring on the first day...





















































More in the next post...