DAY 1 - November 17th, 2011 - Port Canaveral (Part 1)
By the time we completed our online check-in, the earliest port arrival time was 12:00-12:30. Now, were typically at the terminal by 10:30, so this would be a new concept for us! Also, with the growing parking prices to park at the terminal ($15 a day which includes embarkation and debarkation days, so $60 for a 3-night cruise? No thank you!) we decided to try a new route for parking at the terminal. Thanks to recommendations found here, I went ahead and reserved a spot at the Park and Cruise near the port. For just $6.99 a day (special online rate), we paid just half of what we wouldve at the parking garage!
So, unlike previous cruises, we actually slept in on our debarkation day. We got ready in a leisurely manner, packed the remaining last few items, and we were on our way to the port at about 10:00. As we were leaving, it was VERY gloomy. Then, it started to rain! Oh goody...what a great way to start the trip! We arrived at the Park and Cruise at roughly 11:15 and thankfully the sun shining through the clouds (and no rain!). We unloaded the luggage, James handled the payment, and then I was directed to park the car. After parking, I walked over to the shuttle and James and I hopped on. We waited for a family or two to finish unloading, paying, and parking before driving away (about 5-10 minutes after we boarded the shuttle). Within 5 minutes or so, we were pulling up to the terminal! The driver unloaded our luggage, gave his goodbye spiel, and then we got off the shuttle (not before tipping the driver, though!). We found a nearby porter, had him take our luggage, tipped him, and then proceeded to the terminal entrance.
We waited at the gate behind a family that unfortunately did not have it together. They were hunting for IDs, trying to figure out their stateroom number, their whole party wasnt together which slightly threw off the Cast Member, and then as they were walking away, the Cast Member didnt realize the boy was with them, so had to get him checked off as well. Phew! Now our turn. IDs out, stateroom number given, names checked off, and away we went. Literally took less than 15 seconds! Guess we are pros, haha.
At this point it was about 11:40 and as we were walking towards the building itself to go through security, a security officer told us to head upstairs as the line was shorter. Sweet! We had never utilized this option before so it was fun to check it out. After another 5 minutes, we were through security (once again, being prepared by having our pockets emptied, unlike those in front of us, haha) and walking into the main terminal area. It was decorated for Christmas, and crowd wise wasnt too bad. We filled out our health form and then proceeded to the check-in line. Return cruisers? Why of course! We were directed into the
Castaway Club line (no wait) and we were directed to an open counter immediately. Overhead I heard that they were calling for boarding number 10. By the time we were done checking in (like 2 minutes later) they were on 12. We were given number 14, and by the time we organized ourselves and put on our lanyards after checking in, they were calling for number 14! My goodness! We were walking on the ship before 12:00! That was the smoothest and fastest check in process we had encountered to date. I guess the port arrival times work well if people adhere to them! We were actually early for our arrival time, but still got on the ship fast!
Since we got on the ship so fast, I was unable to take any pictures inside the terminal! Just know that it was all decked out for Christmas, haha (and the decorations looked the same as last year). After they swiped our Key to the World cards, we were directed to the lines for the embarkation photo. Well, the lines were backed up all the way to where they swipe your card (aka...they were LONG). Not finding it necessary to have this photo taken, we asked to skip it and we were directed around the lines. Next, we walked right up to the Cast Members announcing your name as you boarded! The Disney Dream would like to welcome aboard Kevin and James! Holy moly! The Christmas decorations were OUTSTANDING! The lights were twinkling on all the decorations and the tree was so grand! (Pictures to come later...we were headed straight for FOOD and didnt stop to take pictures!) Another Cast Member gave us the run down of events and then we boarded a midship elevator to Cabanas.
Once we arrived at Cabanas, we unfortunately saw chaos. Apparently Enchanted Garden hadnt opened yet, so EVERYONE was up here trying to get food. Cast Members were trying to tell guests that you dont have to stand in one long line to get food at all the pods, but people werent listening. We did, though! We observed each pod and would jump in the line for each specific pod to grab some food.
After gathering all the food we wanted, we went to find a table. Luckily, we found one by the window!
At roughly 12:20, we were done eating. Now it was time to explore this glorious ship! We went ALLLLLL over the ship at this point so Ill just post the photos!
District Lounge:
Hallway near D Lounge:
D Lounge:
Vista Gallery:
Atrium:
Near the Walt Disney Theatre:
Now, the last time I was on the Dream, there was nothing where Mickey is at. Heres the before (February Dream cruise) and after (November Dream cruise):
Bathroom near the Walt Disney Theatre:
Outside the Buena Vista Theatre:
Atrium again:
