A week on the Disney Dream! B2B

[Goldeelox9]

This trip report is a report on my Back to Back on the Disney Dream in September 2011. I must finish this in 19 days...We are heading back to Walt Disney World for my niece's 4th birthday.

My Past Trip Reports

My DCL Wedding Trip Report & AKL Honeymoon TR

Vanessa's Wedding Weekend Trip Report 12/12~12/14!

February 2007 - Pop Century, Pete's first Visit.

November 2009 - All Star Movies, Treehouse Villas & Disney Wonder - 1st Anniversary.

January 2011 - Port Orleans French Quarter, BLT, DIsney Magic - Part One & Part Two



Cast of Characters

Me - Lisa
DH - Pete
DSis - Laura
DBIL - Brandon
DNiece - Alyssa - 3.5
DNephew - Austin - almost 1 year, this is his Birthday Cruise
DD - Dad
DA - JoJo, my Aunt
DC - Matthew, my cousin

Me and Pete:

Laura and Brandon

Alyssa

Austin

Dad & Aunt JoJo

Matthew

I planned this trip for all of us. I was so happy my Dad, my aunt and cousin were joining us this time. I love vacationing with my family.

I have over 2000 pictures from this trip. So lets get started.

 

[Goldeelox9]

August 30, 2011 - Travel day

Pete worked today. As soon as he got home we were packed and ready for my BIL to take us to the airport. Brandon and the kids got to my house around 3pm and we loaded the truck. Alyssa helped with last minute packing.

Went we got to the airport she was not very happy to be saying good bye. i told her I would see her tomorrow.

Out flight was uneventful. We landed at MCO around 9:30pm. We made our way to the Magical Express.

We had a small wait. Once we got on the bus we stopped at Old Key West first and then the All Stars, Music I think. Finally we were at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

We checked in and we had been assigned the perfect room facing the pool just like we requested.

At this point it was about 11pm. We were starving and of course the Mara was closed. We ordered a chicken sandwich and a burger. The bill was like $45 but at that point it didn't matter. In room dining was great. They come in a set up a table for you. It was really nice.

After dinner Pete went for a walk around the resort and I went to sleep!

Two Days until we board the ship....

We stayed here at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for our Honeymoon and we were not too impressed. After this trip we changed our tune for sure. We thouroghly enjoyed our stay this year.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

I enjoyed revisiting your wedding TR and am looking forward to reading more. Is that beautiful little baby girl in your wedding the same beautiful toddler in this TR?

 

[Goldeelox9]

August 31, 2011 - Day 2

Today was the day the rest of our family was joining us at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had booked everyone's rooms with our "bonus" DVC points that we got for adding points on. We had rented points from a friend and the original plan was to stay at Old Key West, but we switched to the Animal Kingdom Lodge and used our points for the upgrade in rooms. We got my Aunt & Cousin and my Sister and her family Savannah View rooms. My Dad was crashing with Pete and I.

We woke up this morning and enjoyed our fabulous view.

I was sooo excited that my family was going to be here today. They all got to the airport on time. They had an uneventful flight.

The tram at the airport. Alyssa loves her cousin Matthew. He is her favorite cousin.

Pete and I went to downtown Disney. I forgot the Camera. We had lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express and bought some Christmas ornaments and some treats in Goofy's for the kids.

We got back to the hotel and waited for everyone.

My sister had call me and Pete and I were waiting out front. We wanted to see what everyone thought of the resort right away. I also wanted to help them check in in case there were any issues.

Everyone's rooms were ready right away. It was like 1pm

We went and checked out everyone's rooms. My Aunt and sister's rooms were right a crossed the hall from us.

They had not eaten lunch so we went to the Mara and grabbed lunch.

After lunch we played in the kiddie pool for a bit.

After we ate Alyssa and Pete went to nap while the rest of us went to check out the Animals.

I headed up to our room and found Alyssa still asleep. Pete was already awake.

After everyone woke up we headed to the pool! Alyssa LOVED the slide!!

After a few hours at the pool Pete, Alyssa and I were going to head to the Poly to see the fireworks and get dinner. I then realized we had spent too much time in the pool. We didn't have time to get there in time for the fireworks . Instead we all took showers and headed to the Mara for dinner.

After dinner my sister had to do laundry and we all laid around hanging out. Alyssa was in our room with my sister. Brandon had put Austin to sleep so Alyssa and Laura were hanging out with us. Laura had fallen Asleep and Alyssa and my Dad stayed up so late playing. LOL Finally everyone settled down and we all went to sleep!

 

[lablady]

Great TR so far! You take beautiful pictures!

 

[Goldeelox9]

Yes the beautiful bald baby is growing up! We will be celebrating her 4th birthday in 18 days at WDW! Time flies.

Also thank you on the compliments on y pictures....I love taking pictures.

 

[iloverags2]

Enjoying your report and awesome pictures! We often do the same thing...lose track of time and miss fireworks. Oy!

 

[Goldeelox9]

September 1, 2011 - Day 3

We woke up this morning and I was so excited. It was cruise day! I love Disney Cruises soooo much, so much I got married on one. HAHA!

I went to my sister's room and roused them. I got Alyssa dressed and Pete, Alyssa and I headed to the Mara for breakfast.

The rest of the family slowly trickled in. Everyone had a good breakfast before heading back to our rooms for one last look at the "Aminals" LOL

My Dad is the best grandfather, or "Popeye" ever. You can tell by how much the kids truly love him. He is their favorite person in the whole world.

We all dressed in our Disney Tie Dye shirts made by yours truly. We were quite a sight. I can not wait to wear them again in 18 days at Walt Disney World!

I had booked a private van through Orlando Chauffeured Services. I can not recommend them enough! They were professional and punctual. The driver was dressed in a suit and my favorite thing is that they had a trailer for the luggage. The van was spotless and the driver was very nice. I would use them again in a heart beat. If you contact them let them know Lisa from Pixie and Pirate Destinations sent you. They take extra good care of my clients.

We had arranged for a stop at a liquor store to pick up some beer and wine to carry onto the ship with us. We stopped a few miles from the port at a nice shopping center with a liquor store and a supermarket.

Before long we were pulling up to the Disney Dream.

WOW I have been on the Magic and Wonder a few times before but the beauty of the Dream was breath taking.

We went through security and up the escalator. We checked in and got a number 3. Yup a 3...YAY!!!

My friend Patty and her family were sailing on this cruise too. Patty actually had me book the cruise for her over a year before sailing. Once I saw how affordable the sailing was I talked my family into booking also. Then when we were on our cruise last Janaury we rebooked for a lower price.

They were calling our number before we even got the Mickey Picture in the terminal.

We walked down the hallway towards the photo location.

We have a group picture somewhere. I will need to scan it in. Here are some bootleg shots taken with my camera.

One quick picture before we head up the gangway.

Once the announced "Prince Alyssa's Family" we were on the ship.

Oh wow what a beautiful ship. I will do a ship tour in a future post. I wrote up a tour with tons of pictures taken on the empty ship when we boarded the 2nd half of the B2B. It is going to be published in my Travel Agency's newsletter. Once it is I will post the tour here.

Goofy was onboard and posing for pictures. We headed to see him before making way to Cabana's for lunch.

Austin is not too sure...HAHAHA!

Instead of going to the Enchanted Garden like the CM's were guiding us too I knew to head to Cabana's. We got two tables and headed to the buffet.

Austin enjoyed the cookies the most!

I ran in to Patty's family and stopped to say "HI" and to give them their Mickey Tie Dyes. A after a great lunch it was 1pm and we headed to our cabins to check them out.

Nigel showed us the way to the elevator.

We were in Cabin 8648. A Category 5B It was a great cabin in a great location.

My sister was in Cabin 8642, Category 4B, it was larger then ours since it was a "family" cabin. They had three adults and two kids in their room and it was plenty big enough!

Look how much larger the desk is in a family cabin.

Pete and I used a Perfect Gift again to send a Birthday Gift basket to Austin for his birthday. It was full of snacks for a one year old and juice boxes as well at sand toys for the beach!

 

[Goldeelox9]

September 1, 2011 - Day 3, Part 2


We left Brandon and Austin for a nap. Pete and I headed to Evolution for the DVC welcome and My sister and Dad took Alyssa to the Kids club to get registered.

We got to evolution and spotted Patty and family. She was a crossed the club from us. We got our free drinks and watched the presentation. Here is Patty being asked a question to win a prize.

Half way through Patty got up and left. I couldn't figure out where she went. Major fail on my part....LOL....She went to the DISBOARD meet. Opps...I totally missed that one!

My sister got Alyssa all signed up for the kids club.

We were worried Alyssa would not want to stay at the kids club based on her reaction to it 9 months ago. Well what a difference 9 months makes. While during the last cruise she didn't want to be left at the kids club this cruise she couldn't wait for us to leave her there. LOL

We met up with out family at our life boat section.

We were super early. Do not be early...all you do is stand there for a LONG time. Next life boat drill we were 5 minutes late and were out of there in no time.

The boys try to pass the time while we wait.

Alyssa snagged herself a Disney Cruiseline cap we had received at the DVC presentation.

This was our view during the Life Boat drill.

We went right up to deck 11 for the Sail Away Party! We wanted good "Seats" next to the railing. Well on the Dream they put the chairs away so we had to stand. We were still right at the rail.

Austin enjoyed this show way more then the show 9 months ago!

I love that DCL logo! It makes me smile every time I see it.

After the sail away party we went to our cabin and decorated the door. We also got dressed for the show and Dinner.

My girl is all ready!

Now see these hallways. They seemed much longer the on the Magic and Wonder. There were only doors on one side instead of both sides. The inside rooms all have mini hallways. There was no art on the walls and felt generic. When I had to walk the length of the ship I would go up on deck instead of walking along the drab hallways.

We met Snow White. She was Alyssa's favorite at the time. She is been edged out, only slightly, by Rapunzel in recent months.

This Snow White was not only the prettiest Snow White I have ever met, but the sweetest. We visited her MANY times in these three days and she always remembered Alyssa's name. She knew me as "Alyssa's Auntie". When I ran into her during the 2nd half of the B2B, the half my sister's family was not on, she asked me about Alyssa.

While waiting for Snow White Pete got a frozen coffee drink. This was the first of MANY through out the cruise. He loved them so much. One sip and Brandon was hooked too.

 

[Goldeelox9]

September 1, 2011 - Day 3, Part 3

I really wish we could post more then 25 pictures a post. I have sooo many! HAHAHA!

After meeting the favorite princess we went to the D Lounge. There were always great characters there and the lines were always much shorter then in the atrium.

On the way there I snapped this picture.

When we got to the D Lounge we met Donald and them Mickey

Captain Hook and Peter pan were chasing each other all around the atrium. It was so funny to see.

We ran into Goofy on our way to the show.

The show tonight was the Golden Mickey's. Alyssa fell asleep about 15 minutes into the show.

When the show was over we went to the kids club for a little while. I was so crowded we did not stay too long.

Even the adults have to wash their hands.

I like that the ceilings are low in the kids club not to overwhelm the kids.

Dinner tonight was in Animator's Palate. The restaurant was decorated so cute.

After dinner it was time for a little AquaDuck

Then it was time for bed! I love DCL turn down service.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Lovin this trip report as I do your others. What are the things you liked best about the Dream and what did you miss about the Wonder and magic?
I am cruising on the Fantasy Dec 15-22. Trying to anticipate what I need to prepare for.

 

[Goldeelox9]

I did not miss anything from the Magic and Wonder. I thought I was going to hate the adult pool area, but I did not. It is smaller, but was never really crowded. I never had an issure getting a big round cushy lounger. I had many of good naps on that seat. HAHAHA! I loved the new Movies. The seats were so comfortable. I loved Palo...Please tell me you are eating there. It blew the Magic and Wonder's Palo away. Even though the dream is bigger and has more areas I do not like it "More" then the Magie & Wonder, just differant. We are sailing on the Wonder in 285 days and I can not wait. The Dream did feel a little less personal, but I was on it a week. I can see 3 or 4 night cruisers thinking they need more. I was not comfortable getting around until atleast the 3 or 4th day. You hear complaints about Cabana's, but I liked yhr elevator opening there. We were near between the mid ship elevator and the rear elevator (closer to the back one) and used that elevator a lot. It made getting a drink easy and it was near the adult pool. Also I hardly ever saw any children in the adult pool area. I know it's a complaint, but there was a CM who was there to chase the kids out and he did his job very well! All in all you will love it!

 

[NancyLuvsMickey]

I love the tye-dye tshirts... You did a great job on them!!!

And is that a hidden Mickey I spot on the back of your Dad's head??? Way cool!!!

 

[Trinity524]

Love your trip reports! Have you taken an Eastern Cruise? You should sell those shirts!

 

[Goldeelox9]

I love the tye-dye tshirts... You did a great job on them!!!

And is that a hidden Mickey I spot on the back of your Dad's head??? Way cool!!!

Thank you! The shirts were a hit, we got a lot of compliments on them. That is a Hidden (or not so Hidden) Mickey in my dad's hair. It's not the first time either.

I about killed him when he walked in my house the day we were leaving for the wedding trip and I saw his head. Then I realized he is my dad and is Goofy, nothing new. Plus I am the only girl who's Dad was that dedicated to her wedding theme. HAHAHA!

Love your trip reports! Have you taken an Eastern Cruise? You should sell those shirts!

Thank you. I have not done the Eastern. We would like to do one in 2015 (he we are planners, what can I say). We were originally thinking 2013 would be our Eastern Year, BUT we booked Hawaii in 2012 and have no trip (besides a quick weekend trip) planned for 2013 now.

 

[Goldeelox9]

September 2, 2011 - Day 4 - Part One

Today was a big day...It was the day of the Princes Meet and Greet. Pete and I were up bright and early. We headed to Cabanas for breakfast.

I have no pictures of our buffet breakfasts. This was the day we ran into our assistant server from our January cruise. We were happy to find out he is now a head server.

The princess meet and greet started at 9am. Pete and I got in line about 8:05am. We called my sisters room over and over again. I was getting nervous. It was getting later and later and we were line 4th in line. FInally at 8:45 Pete got ahold of Laura and she said Brandon was on his way to the lobby with Alyssa. Thank goodness! I was a wreck.

Finally my girl was here!

She looks thrilled right. HAHAHA! She was full of all kinds of interesting faces today!

About 3 minutes before 9:00am my sister and Austin showed up. He doesn't look ready for princess love does he?

Alyssa had her autograph book and was very excited!

Up first was Aunt Lisie's favorite. Cinderella. Cinderella knelt down to be on Alyssa's level, but Alyssa plopped down too. Soo cute.

Austin was not impressed.

Next was Belle. I really love how they have you stand in one line and then work your way down the line. Alyssa tells Belle about her Cinderella dress.

Now they talk about how old Alyssa is. Look at those cute little hands.

Princess Aurora was next in line. I love the smile on Alyssa's face in this picture.

Is it just me or does Tianna have the most beautiful dress? I love it.

Ariel (Popeye's favorite) gets Alyssa to spin around.

Last but certainly not least is Snow White. She remembered Alyssa's name and they talked a while before posing.

Right next to the princesses were a few more Characters. We hit the Character jackpot this morning. Pinocchio was here with such a short line.

My dad showed up around this time. Of course Austin wanted my Dad. Popeye is his favorite person in the whole world!

On the other side of the Lobby was Aladdin. We got into his line. Look at Austin checking him out. Ha!

Alyssa was getting tired and headed over to the lobby chairs where Pete was hanging out. She climbed up for a little rest. Princesses and Autographs is hard work.

This are was perfect. As each princess was done with her line she walked this way past the Bon Voyage bar, down past the shops and down to the cast member entrance. We were staking out a watch for Ariel.

Then Snow White made her way down the hall! "Hi Snow White" yelled Alyssa. "Well Hello Princess Alyssa, come walk with me" replied Snow White. Alyssa took off with her. Of course Popeye was right there with her. One of her best memories of the cruise I am sure!

 

[Goldeelox9]

September 2, 2011 - Day 4 - Part Two

Then it was time for Austin to shine.

The Diaper Dash! They have a contest where all of the crawling babies compete in a crawling contest. There was only one other little guy who was participating. Austin smoked him. But in the little guys defense he had just started crawling and Austin was an old pro. He started walking very shortly after this cruise.

We were all so proud of our little guy though. Fastest Baby on the Ship.

You can watch the video here!

Austin wasn't overwhelmed. LOL

Whatever! LOL

I took a few more pictures of my princess before we go on with the rest of our day.

The was the day we were in Nassau, Bahamas, but since my family has been before we had no interest in getting off of the ship.

We used the empty ship as a good time to play in the pools!

My Dad however loves to play the slots. He headed right for Atlantis. He took this picture....

Which ship is prettier???

I love the Mickey Hand. Alyssa loved the slide!

Our first stop however was Nemo's Reef. What fun! The best part is that it is in the shade!

The kids really had a good time. I think the family splash area on the Fantasy is going to be a lot of fun!!!

The kids slide is really really fast! Notice the black cushy mat.

Alyssa insisted she pose with each and ever Nemo Character.

While we were on deck we had some lunch before the crowds started rolling back in.

The kids were getting so sleepy

and I needed my Adult pool fix!

We headed to the Quiet Cove and it was getting more and more crowded as people returned from Nassau. We spent a few hours in the Adult Pool. Patty and Dale and Aubre joined us. It was great to recap our vacations so far and talk.

I found my favorite chair and read my book...code for took a nap. LOL

This was my view

To the right....

To the left ....

I had to get up though, I needed to shower and get ready for Pirate Night!

After we were ready we headed over to my sister's room and grabbed our favorite pirate.

Alyssa wanted her picture with the Girl Pirate who was welcoming us to the Walt Disney Theater.

Pete and I along with pirate Alyssa went to the show. We got seats, not saved them, just sat there with enough seats around us for our family.

 

[heaven2dc]

Love your TR and pics!! I love how Alyssa had 2 adorable dresses to wear when she met Snow White - I loved both of them! All of the kids are so adorable - and I love your tie-die shirts - you are so creative!

I had to go peak again at your honeymoon TR - I remember reading it and had to get reacquainted with you both! You are so beautiful and your hubby so handsome in your wedding photos (well for that matter in ALL of your photos!) Can't wait to read more!

 

[4 mickey]

Hi Lisa
Love your TR what a cutie little nice and nephew you have there cannot wait for the rest of this beautiful TR

 

[Goldeelox9]

Love your TR and pics!! I love how Alyssa had 2 adorable dresses to wear when she met Snow White - I loved both of them! All of the kids are so adorable - and I love your tie-die shirts - you are so creative!

I had to go peak again at your honeymoon TR - I remember reading it and had to get reacquainted with you both! You are so beautiful and your hubby so handsome in your wedding photos (well for that matter in ALL of your photos!) Can't wait to read more!

Awe thank ou so much! We are leaving for Disney World in less then two weeks and ALyssa has 6 princess dresses packed. she wants to change into a different one each time we see that princess!

The Tie Dye shirts were not too hard, I followed the directions I found here on the DIS.

Hi Lisa
Love your TR what a cutie little nice and nephew you have there cannot wait for the rest of this beautiful TR

Thank you....they are the cutest!!! I will have more up today! The hardest part is trying to decide what pictures to leave out since I have thousands...LOL