10-21-12 Dream!!!

[D73]

Ah, here's a good question: where's the best place to sit in the theater?

I would say the best place in the theater is on the main floor in the center area anywhere from the third row and back to include the first 3 or 4 rows of the area under the balcony.

I prefer the main floor because the magic is not ruined by seeing the trap openings in the stage floor which are visible from the balcony. Also if you sit too far back under the balcony overhang, you lose visibility of the upper part of the stage - and remember that Disney has a lot of prominent characters that are able to fly so you want to have the full view of the stage.

With that being said, you may need to plan ahead and go a bit early to ensure that you are able to get seats for your entire party in this area. Holding seats for later arrivals is highly discouraged so going together is the best idea. You can purchase snacks just outside the theater if needed and there are friendly servers ready to take your order for drinks of any kind.

It has been my experience in the past that an additional matinee of Believe is held on the sea day which helps ease the crowds in the evening.....or in my case has allowed for two viewings of the show. This is not necessarily something to be counted on though as the decision will be made based in the number if people sailing on our voyage.

This is my opinion, but I hope this helps.

Christopher

PS I am happy to field questions like this and others about the Dream. This will be my 3rd sailing on the ship and believe me, you are going to love it!

 

[triciari]

I soooo hope there is a matinee on sea day! (although I might have to change my palo brunch to an earlier time, but I hoped to do that anyway.). If offered, what time would it be?

 

[D73]

I soooo hope there is a matinee on sea day! (although I might have to change my palo brunch to an earlier time, but I hoped to do that anyway.). If offered, what time would it be?

If I recall correctly, it was at 3 PM.

 

[huey578]

PS I am happy to field questions like this and others about the Dream. This will be my 3rd sailing on the ship and believe me, you are going to love it!

Christopher,
Have you tried any of the beverage seminars at the Meridian lounge? I heard they have a stricter dress code compared to the other lounges.

 

[tink11]

I know I booked this cruise last minute(couldn't pass up a great deal), but does anyone know how full this sailing is? We booked 30 some days out, and got a 12:00 boarding time, and 1st dining!. I'm not complaining just wondering, I really expected to get a late boarding time, and 2nd dining. (not compliaing about that either, just glad to be sailing!

 

[MomofXandG]

I know I booked this cruise last minute(couldn't pass up a great deal), but does anyone know how full this sailing is? We booked 30 some days out, and got a 12:00 boarding time, and 1st dining!. I'm not complaining just wondering, I really expected to get a late boarding time, and 2nd dining. (not compliaing about that either, just glad to be sailing!

I don't know, but it seems like it's going to be pretty empty. My friend booked a couple of weeks ago (yay Florida resident rate!) and was able to get an adjoining room for just $150 more.

 

[DadeJvon]

i also can't risk it with my mom and sister - even if i drop them off at the terminal, i can't disappear for a long time....

so it's park in the structure and walk across....

I'd prefer parking covered anyway those other ones are open space lots no cover!

 

[D73]

Christopher,
Have you tried any of the beverage seminars at the Meridian lounge? I heard they have a stricter dress code compared to the other lounges.

I haven not tried any of the beverage seminars as I have always had later boarding and they tend to fill up very quickly.

TIP: if anyone is interested In doing a tasting seminar at all through out the cruise, you should go IMMEDIATELY to the Guest Services desk upon boarding to sign up. Once you board, turn to you right and you will find Guest Services.

As for Meridian, it does adhere to a stricter dress code in the evening as it sits between the 2 upscale adult dining venues, Palo and Remy. It serves as a waiting lounge for guests that have checked in for their tables and are waiting to be seated. As these restaurants have a stricter dress code, the lounge does too in order to maintain this level of decorum.

During the day however it is usually not open with the exception of during the brunch. I have walked in there in my "normal" attire in the day time without any problem and I imagine that for any beverage seminar that is held there, the dress code would be relaxed as it is occurring outside of the evening dining times.

It is a beautiful lounge with some really excellent design elements. I recommend that everyone at least take a look and see it. There are also two outdoor seating areas attached, which are rumored to be used for al fresco dining for Palo and Remy, though I have never see it used for that. It does tend to be used by the visitors to Meridian Lounge instead.

If people are interested, we can arrange a lounge rotation where members of the DIS can gather each evening to visit and share bits about their day as we wind down from all the fun and prepare for a sleep to start the fun again the next day. Nothing people would have to sign up to do, just so that people have a common location that they know they will likely find a familiar face if they want to chat......or where to avoid if you want to remain anonymous, I guess.

Christopher

 

[disneyholic family]

I would say the best place in the theater is on the main floor in the center area anywhere from the third row and back to include the first 3 or 4 rows of the area under the balcony.

I prefer the main floor because the magic is not ruined by seeing the trap openings in the stage floor which are visible from the balcony. Also if you sit too far back under the balcony overhang, you lose visibility of the upper part of the stage - and remember that Disney has a lot of prominent characters that are able to fly so you want to have the full view of the stage.

With that being said, you may need to plan ahead and go a bit early to ensure that you are able to get seats for your entire party in this area. Holding seats for later arrivals is highly discouraged so going together is the best idea. You can purchase snacks just outside the theater if needed and there are friendly servers ready to take your order for drinks of any kind.

It has been my experience in the past that an additional matinee of Believe is held on the sea day which helps ease the crowds in the evening.....or in my case has allowed for two viewings of the show. This is not necessarily something to be counted on though as the decision will be made based in the number if people sailing on our voyage.

This is my opinion, but I hope this helps.

Christopher

PS I am happy to field questions like this and others about the Dream. This will be my 3rd sailing on the ship and believe me, you are going to love it!

how is the front row of the main floor?
my mom is going blind (the optic nerve is dying - nothing can be done about it), so the closer she sits the better.....
i'm really nervous about having to fight the crowds going into the theater..
i hated doing that on the Wonder and that was when i was with my family and kids, who are a lot more mobile than my mom....

If people are interested, we can arrange a lounge rotation where members of the DIS can gather each evening to visit and share bits about their day as we wind down from all the fun and prepare for a sleep to start the fun again the next day. Nothing people would have to sign up to do, just so that people have a common location that they know they will likely find a familiar face if they want to chat......or where to avoid if you want to remain anonymous, I guess.
Christopher

that would be fun i think! assuming it's late enough to not conflict with the adult entertainment - which i am really going to try to get to this time!!

 

[disneyholic family]

I'd prefer parking covered anyway those other ones are open space lots no cover!

i prefer a covered lot too. And they claim that the terminal lot is also more secure.

but mainly i'm going to park there for the convenience.

i wonder if the porter will help us out to our car..
they did that on our last cruise, but that was 8 years ago..

 

[disneyholic family]

i need pillowcase help - at dinner last night, DD mentioned the pillowcase signature thing...she was explaining it to my mom..

and i made some laughing comment about it...

and she said, but you're going to do it aren't you?

and i laughed again, thinking she was joking...

and she said, "but that's the best thing on the ship!"

and i laughed again, but she didn't..

and i said, "seriously? you want me to bring you a signed pillowcase????"

well we went back and forth until it was clear that she was serious and really wants that signed pillowcase!!

(keep in mind that DD is 27 and married...actually on october 3rd she'll be 28 and married)..

ok....so now i realize i shouldn't have been ignoring all those threads about pillowcases and what to do..

so what do i do?

go out and buy a brand new white pillowcase?

do i need to bring markers?

can anyone lead me by the hand with what i'm supposed to do?

 

[D73]

how is the front row of the main floor?
my mom is going blind (the optic nerve is dying - nothing can be done about it), so the closer she sits the better.....
i'm really nervous about having to fight the crowds going into the theater..
i hated doing that on the Wonder and that was when i was with my family and kids, who are a lot more mobile than my mom....

that would be fun i think! assuming it's late enough to not conflict with the adult entertainment - which i am really going to try to get to this time!!

The front row for me is too close because I like to be able to have a better sweeping view of the entire stage. However in your mom's case it is understandable that this may be the best place for her to sit. If my recollections are correct, the front row is set back a bit from the stage so that you are still able to see well without having to look straight up at the performers and you are still able to see the back of the stage.

As you can imagine, these seats tend to poplar with families with children because they think that having no one in front of them to block views is better than farther back. So it does tend to be some of the first areas to fill up.

I would recommend speaking to Guest Services upon boarding to see if they are able to assist you with seating. I don't believe that they will hold seats for you, but they may be able to help arrange assistance with entering the theater just a bit early before they open the doors to everyone. It's would allow a calmer entry as well as allow you to the seat in front though the trade off is having to arrive early. Just a thought.


As for the lounge rotation, I will post something a bit later.

Christopher

 

[D73]

i prefer a covered lot too. And they claim that the terminal lot is also more secure.

but mainly i'm going to park there for the convenience.

i wonder if the porter will help us out to our car..
they did that on our last cruise, but that was 8 years ago..

There are porters on hand that are more than eager to assist you with your bags. They are all around the baggage pick up area and will assist you with a smooth trip through the customs and immigration line as well as out to your car. Just be prepared with a nice tip as a thank you for their help.

Christopher

 

[D73]

i need pillowcase help - at dinner last night, DD mentioned the pillowcase signature thing...she was explaining it to my mom..

and i made some laughing comment about it...

and she said, but you're going to do it aren't you?

and i laughed again, thinking she was joking...

and she said, "but that's the best thing on the ship!"

and i laughed again, but she didn't..

and i said, "seriously? you want me to bring you a signed pillowcase????"

well we went back and forth until it was clear that she was serious and really wants that signed pillowcase!!

(keep in mind that DD is 27 and married...actually on october 3rd she'll be 28 and married)..

ok....so now i realize i shouldn't have been ignoring all those threads about pillowcases and what to do..

so what do i do?

go out and buy a brand new white pillowcase?

do i need to bring markers?

can anyone lead me by the hand with what i'm supposed to do?

The pillowcase signing is something that has become more publicized and more popular which also means that it is something that Disney can not guarantee will be available to everyone that may want it. They do limit it to one pillowcase per cabin and reserve the right to stop the collecting of the pillowcases if they reach a capacity. They can also not guarantee the number of signatures that they will be able to return on the pillowcase. I imagine that also depends on the number that they have to process.

You do need to provide the pillowcase as well as the markers......a multi-color pack of Sharpie permanents are the best way to go. Take it to Guest Services when you board and make your request.

I don't imagine that having a white pillowcase is obligatory but you don't want it to be patterned material as you will lose the effect of the signatures. There are sellers on eBay who will personalize a pillowcase with embroidery including the sailing date and ship name....but it may be a bit late to order one and guarantee it will arrive before you depart for Florida. However if there is a local embroidery shop near your family, perhaps they could arrange for something like this.

Guest Services will be able to let you know if you need to pick up the pillowcase or if they will be able to deliver it to you.

Again, this is a Magical extra and not something to be expected as a definite thing to happen.

Christopher

 

[WG86]

I wish I could go into the cruise!
Guess there is no change to join in by that time

 

[disneyholic family]

The pillowcase signing is something that has become more publicized and more popular which also means that it is something that Disney can not guarantee will be available to everyone that may want it. They do limit it to one pillowcase per cabin and reserve the right to stop the collecting of the pillowcases if they reach a capacity. They can also not guarantee the number of signatures that they will be able to return on the pillowcase. I imagine that also depends on the number that they have to process.

You do need to provide the pillowcase as well as the markers......a multi-color pack of Sharpie permanents are the best way to go. Take it to Guest Services when you board and make your request.

I don't imagine that having a white pillowcase is obligatory but you don't want it to be patterned material as you will lose the effect of the signatures. There are sellers on eBay who will personalize a pillowcase with embroidery including the sailing date and ship name....but it may be a bit late to order one and guarantee it will arrive before you depart for Florida. However if there is a local embroidery shop near your family, perhaps they could arrange for something like this.

Guest Services will be able to let you know if you need to pick up the pillowcase or if they will be able to deliver it to you.

Again, this is a Magical extra and not something to be expected as a definite thing to happen.

Christopher

thanks Christopher!!
well if i manage to get it, it will be a bonus! if not, i am quite sure she'll be able to deal with the disappointment rotfl: )
my kids are so totally psycho disney it's insane...but i shouldn't make fun as it's my fault after all!!

ok...so two new things added to my list - pillowcase and markers...
i guess i'll have to get the markers when i get to orlando, i think the only permanent markers here are in black...
i'm sure i can get them at walgreens on the way back from sweet tomatoes, so no problem. I just have to remember to get them!

 

[disneyholic family]

There are porters on hand that are more than eager to assist you with your bags. They are all around the baggage pick up area and will assist you with a smooth trip through the customs and immigration line as well as out to your car. Just be prepared with a nice tip as a thank you for their help.

Christopher

and they deserve a good tip!!!

 

[D73]

thanks Christopher!!
well if i manage to get it, it will be a bonus! if not, i am quite sure she'll be able to deal with the disappointment rotfl: )
my kids are so totally psycho disney it's insane...but i shouldn't make fun as it's my fault after all!!

ok...so two new things added to my list - pillowcase and markers...
i guess i'll have to get the markers when i get to orlando, i think the only permanent markers here are in black...
i'm sure i can get them at walgreens on the way back from sweet tomatoes, so no problem. I just have to remember to get them!

Ahhhh. Sweet Tomatoes! That is the lunch plan for my family on Saturday the 20th as well.

It is so nice to have the location at Crossroads now instead of having to drive all the way up to Kirkman near "the other park".

 

[D73]

THE FE EXCHANGE SIGN UP HAS NOW CLOSED

I have sent each participant a Private Message with the details of the participants to each of you. If you have friends that are participating but not posting on the board, please share it with them.

My next step is to create a map of the ship that highlights the rooms of the participants. I will bring them to the meet at 3 15 on sailing day and if you are not able to attend then I will place on your fish on the first evening. I have found that a map helps make the trip around the ship for deliveries much easier to plan so you are not walking around searching for the cabins willy-nilly.

Please remember that some of this information in the Private Message is private and should not be posted on the main threads out of respect for the wishes of each participant. My basic rule is if it is posted in a thread by the participant or in their signature it is okay to repost or reference. If not, err on the side of safety and refrain from posting.

As always, let me know if you have questions.

Christopher

 

[triciari]

THE FE EXCHANGE SIGN UP HAS NOW CLOSED

I have sent each participant a Private Message with the details of the participants to each of you. If you have friends that are participating but not posting on the board, please share it with them.

My next step is to create a map of the ship that highlights the rooms of the participants. I will bring them to the meet at 3 15 on sailing day and if you are not able to attend then I will place on your fish on the first evening. I have found that a map helps make the trip around the ship for deliveries much easier to plan so you are not walking around searching for the cabins willy-nilly.

Please remember that some of this information in the Private Message is private and should not be posted on the main threads out of respect for the wishes of each participant. My basic rule is if it is posted in a thread by the participant or in their signature it is okay to repost or reference. If not, err on the side of safety and refrain from posting.

As always, let me know if you have questions.

Christopher

Christopher, this is awesome. I was just about to try to make a map for myself! Thank you for doing it for us!!