Another Maiden Voyage trip report!

[mrp4352]

I know - I'm late joining the party! I'm so sorry! But I'm here now!

Hi! I'm Michelle. This time last year, I was wishing I could go on the MV, but finances being what they were, it just wasn't feasable. Then, I did my taxes - can you believe my refund was almost to the dollar the cost of what my cruise would run? It was pixie dust of the most major kind! I booked, and then joined the Dream Watch! Scouring the DISboards and internet for any little piece of information about "my" ship and how she was coming along! Waiting very impatiently for my guarantee assignment to come through! Planning and making Fish Extender gifts! And counting down the days until the cruise...

Finally - it was time! I met over 50 of my fellow passengers in the lobby at Saratoga Springs where we were waiting for:

We loaded on our busses and after a quick stop at Carribbean Beach, we were on our way to Port Canaveral! Our driver made phenomenal time – 75 minutes! About 10 minutes before we got to port – there she is! Suddenly we were all leaning into the aisles and taking pictures through the front window! And once started, the picture taking didn’t stop! All of these pictures were taken from in the bus!

After a quick trip through security, I'm in the terminal! Everything says, "Maiden Voyage" and they even had a combo playing for us.

I got my boarding number (36) and headed to check in. I’m waiting (not patiently), listening as they call the boarding groups: “Disney Cruise Line welcomes aboard all passengers up to boarding group 32;” “Disney Cruise Line welcomes aboard all passengers up to boarding group 34”, “Disney Cruise Line welcomes aboard all passengers up to boarding group 35;” and finally – “Disney Cruise Line welcomes aboard all passengers for the Disney Dream!”

WAIT A MINUTE!! You mean I’m in the absolute last boarding group and don’t even get my number called??? But really, who cares – because I’m passing through the magic ears, through the embarkation photo area and hearing, “The Disney Dream welcomes aboard the Price family!”

The atrium is stunning! Pictures absolutely do not do it justice. But, I took a bunch anyway (and thanks Shelly for the picture of me and the Admiral!) – and you get to see a couple of them!

And no, I don't believe I've seen a picture yet that does true justice to the chandelier! All the crystals are Swarovski crystals and 24 carat gold! It glimmers and gleams and glistens!

 

[mrp4352]

I had missed the DISmeet I had organized (sorry everyone, but I didn’t board until 2:40 and we were supposed to meet at 2:30), so I headed to my stateroom to drop my carryon. It’s so big and clean and pretty! (Although a minor side note – the restroom feels small and if the closet doors are open, you can trap yourself between them.)

The coveted red pillow:

After unpacking my carryon and putting my magnets and Fish Extender out, it was time for the safety drill. No more lifejackets! And, quite honestly, we were all distracted watching the dolphins surface right out in front of us…
I went straight from the drill to the sail-away party – where I was greeted with an engraved champagne glass, filled with the special Tottinger’s champagne with the Dream on the bottle! I had left my big Mickey hand in the stateroom – but did grab blue streamers when I got out on deck!

After a few welcoming words from the Captain, the party was underway! It’s a new party, the music is fun and the characters are cute – but I might have been distracted by the sky writer, the plane pulling the banner and the news helicopter!

After the horn sounded (A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes!), the party continued on with dancing on deck and I headed down to deck 4 to watch the land slip away.

Um, not that anyone’s counting, but yes, the glass was refilled as I was leaving the party.

Yes, even the trash bins were decorated in celebration of the voyage!

Look! It's a news helicopter!

Look at all the nice people on the Carnival ship wishing they were me!

From other pictures I saw later – we were actually escorted out by 4 fire ships! And look who came out on deck to wave goodbye to the shore with me!

Actually, it was kind of funny – the were posing for all of us on board, then their handlers had to remind them that people on shore were waiting to see them, too.

People were everywhere wishing us a safe journey! Several radio stations had set up for a large party at Jetty Park and Disney had given out over 1,000 of the Mickey hands to people on shore to wish us a good journey.

Another lucky dolphin sighting and some sunset pictures before I head back to the room!

 

[mrp4352]

I found my luggage back in the room, so I ordered a cheese platter and set to work! Look! The TV knows who I am!

And here's the fun screen saver that was cycling over (and over and over and over) on one of the tv channels!



I did notice while unpacking that I forgot to pack my evening bag. Whatever will I do?? Oh – I know – I’ll go buy a Dooney and Burke DCL clutch! Fashion emergency taken care of – I headed to Bingo in the Buena Vista theater – home of the most comfortable seats on board the ship! I did get to stand twice because I only needed one number, but all I ever won was the door prize. But Mom’s happy! She loves the bingo lip balm!

Dinner was in the Royal Palace! I was seated with lovely two couples – a young couple from Florida (I’m very sorry to say I didn’t get their names written down) and a retired pair of snowbirds (Peg and Ira). We are all participants in the DISBoards, so we had something in common we could discuss when our stories from the day were told. Our serving team is Oliviada (from Romania) and Oliver – they’re very nice, but you could tell Oliver was very new. Our meal was slow – and continued to be all week.

We were visited by royalty during dinner; however, they only stopped at tables with children. We did get a drive-by of Belle, though! For dinner, I had the spinach soufflé, Belle’s French onion soup, wild boar tenderloin (Oh My! This was amazing! It looked and tasted like the tenderest beef tenderloin you ever had!) and the strawberry shortcake sundae! The dessert menu comes in an envelope, like an invitation to a royal ball!

After dinner, I strolled through the restaurant - these pictures are all mosaics.

(I loved the way the shadows played with this chandelier. That’s something else about the Dream, every chandelier is prettier than the last – except the atrium one! It outshines them all!)

I went up to get a diet coke on deck 11 before heading back to my stateroom for the night. The picture below is the plexiglass window in the deck looking straight down into the ocean, 11 decks below! (and my foot!) The Dream has running lights underneath the water at night, so it’s really beautiful!

Back in my stateroom, I found another gift! A luggage strap and document book from the Castaway Club. There was also an invitation for gold and platinum level Castaway Club members to attend a special presentation by Tom Skaggs, Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts (which includes the 11 theme parks, DCL, DVC and Adventures by Disney). However, it’s at the same time as my excursion to see the flamingos. After a quick visit with Guest Services (unfortunately, they cannot cancel without penalty since it is less than 48 hours before departure), I decided to eat the excursion cost and attend the presentation. And yes, it turns out to be the right decision!

Full, happy and a ship softly rocking – I sleep like a baby!

 

[kellyb2000]

Cool report so far, Michelle! Just noticed the link in your signature from "our" cruise meets thread.

I like that plexiglass looking all the way down! Hadn't seen that before.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Signing on to hear more. Great report and pictures so far. Like hearing Disney announce their welcome to the Price Family. I am a Price as well!!

 

[mrp4352]

Thanks for coming along for the ride!

I hope to have Thursday up in the next couple of days for you! Sadly, work has been crazy. Happily, we are in the midst of planning our '100-days until we leave on our WDW/DCL vacation' party for this Saturday night! We officially start double-digit-dancin' today!

 

[DisneyMomforLife]

Can't wait for more of your trip report!! We are booked in a family verandah stateroom as well next year on the Fantasy. I'm interested in hearing about your trip since we will be on the 3rd sailing of her so I'm nervous about things you encountered that weren't finished, etc due to it being the maiden voyage.

Looking forward to more!

Kat

 

[mrp4352]

Can't wait for more of your trip report!! We are booked in a family verandah stateroom as well next year on the Fantasy. I'm interested in hearing about your trip since we will be on the 3rd sailing of her so I'm nervous about things you encountered that weren't finished, etc due to it being the maiden voyage.

Looking forward to more!

Kat

Actually, there were just two things that I think fit with your question.

1. There were some panes of cracked glass (very few, but still noticable). Evidently the captain had pulled in the stabalizers and headed directly into a storm to see how she'd handle.

2. Debarkation wasn't as smooth as you would hope. It took me about 30 minutes to get through the queue to the bottom of the escalator. That said - once there, it took me about 10 minutes to get my luggage and make it through the customs line. Evidently customs hadn't increased the number of officers from what they would normally provide for the Magic or Wonder. Disney was helping with that by releasing people down into the luggage area in groups.


One other note: The gift shops were crazy - but this may not be as bad for you. It was mostly people buying anything they could that said Inaugural or Maiden Voyage on it. One night, I waited 30 minutes to even get into a gift shop because they were limiting the number of people in at one time. Really, DCL dealt with it as well as they could - I felt the problems were more with the other passengers. There seemed to be a lot of people with entitlement issues on this cruise. (There were also lots of happy magic makers, but they don't get noticed as much as they deserve.)

 

[praisehisname]

Joining in!

 

[jenseib]

Liking your review and joining in

 

[Raspberry Bubbles]

I love your report ~ especially all the photos! I can't wait to read more!

 

[mrp4352]

Thanks for coming along for the ride - and welcome to the new readers!

Here comes Nassau!

 

[mrp4352]

What a morning! I fought the shower (and eventually won, although I never figured out how to turn on the rainforest shower head) and then I was serenaded by a marching band from my balcony!

It was very sweet of Nassau to celebrate our arrival. Although, I must admit, I am very glad I was already awake:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrHU2XNgLMc - video of the band
On my way out for the day, I stopped to take a picture of my door!

My preordered souvenirs are ready for pickup and I got everything I hoped for! I did decide to have my piece of steel shipped home, though, it comes framed, so it’s HUGE! A quick wave to the Princessess in the Atrium, then I was off for a quick tour of Flo’s V8 Café on my way to breakfast at Cabanas…

And a quick visit on the other side of the funnel, too!

Off to Nassau!

I made a run to the Del Sol store for the color-changing fingernail polish my nieces love. Check out this cool policeman!

This is the nice lady that personalized the bags I bought for my nieces.

Thankfully, I took pictures of the Dream on my way into Nassau. Here comes a Carnival ship – and check out the passenger I noticed on her! He’s got a Mickey hand!

Back in my stateroom, I took some time to work on my Fish Extender gifts until time for the presentation from Tom Skaggs. We were greeted with champagne (although in plain flutes this time instead of the pretty engraved ones) and a DVD on the making of the Dream. After we settled in our seats, he talked for an hour! He started talking about the Dream – Mickey on the aft was crafted in Glendale, CA, but made several trips back and forth between Germany and Florida. He travelled almost 15,000 before installation!
We also got to see concept art and videos for new lands in Hong Kong, Disneyland and Walt Disney World. We even got to see concept art for the potential new part in Shanghai! Then, Mr. Skaggs moved onto upcoming movies. He started with a video that Kermit and Jason Segal made to try and convince Amy Adams to be in the new Muppet Movie. We also got to see previews from Cars 2, the new Pooh Bear movie and Pirates!
I grabbed a macchiato then headed to the presentation by Don “Ducky” Williams. On the way in, I stopped for my ticket for the door prize drawing they were going to have. The castmember handed the gentleman in front of me two tickets, not realizing we weren’t together. The gentleman was very kind and let me pick which ticket I wanted.
Ducky does most of the non-merchandise character artwork for WDW, DCL and DVC. He drew the characters on the sign that greets you when you drive into WDW. He talked about his history with the Disney company , it took him almost 4 years to get on with the Disney company (and even then, he still had to work in Mickey’s Mart – which is now Star Traders in Tomorrowland – before he was hired to draw characters. Here’s a quick blog article Disney did on him: http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2010/03/drawing-characters-is-way-of-life-for-disney-artist/
Throughout the presentation, he sketched Dumbo, Dale, Daisy and Tink. They joined the 22 sketches he had already created for the door prizes. And no, I did not win – however, the gentleman that let me pick from the two tickets did!
After the presentation, I grabbed a bag of popcorn and a Diet Coke and went to see Villians Tonight in the Walt Disney Theater. It’s a cute show! Hades is about to lose control of the underworld because he’s not evil enough and has to figure out how to prove he’s evil. Strangely, two-timing on the Evil Queen with Maleficent isn’t evil enough…

 

[mrp4352]

A quick change – and picture of the dock and a picture of the cool pirate bandana (sorry for the lack of pictures this afternoon, but it just wasn’t appropriate) and I was off to dinner at Remy!

(I think I forgot to tell you, on Wednesday I received a beautiful card in my stateroom reminding me of my reservation and inviting me to meet the sommelier about an hour before my meal time if I would like to tour and possibly select one of the select wines. I chose not to meet him - I wanted to see Villains Tonight and the 5pm show was the only one I was guaranteed to make because of the timing of my dinner.)

I was escorted in by the maître 'd and seated by the window that still had a bit of sunset shining through and a stool was brought for my bag and camera. The champagne cocktail (the Colette - sweet, yet strong 'as the chef it is named for') was very good and I thought it paired well with the first course - a single cherry tomato that had been breaded (possibly panko?) and fried. Oh my, that was the sweetest juiciest tomato I think I've ever eaten - soft and warm on the inside and crispy on the outside. (oh, and a young lady came by with the bread selection - I chose the truffled brioche)

The second course was the Ratatouille. The warm vegetables were chopped very finely and served hot with a small portion of olive oil ice cream - the cold and warm played well together while the flavors melded beautifully. This was probably my second favorite course (after the cherry tomato!).

The first two courses are the same for all diners, but we get to choose the next three:
http://parksandresorts.wdpromedia.c...blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Remy_Menu.pdf
I decided to select individual items rather than follow one of the two offered suggested courses. For the third course, I chose the tomato four ways (the declinaison tomate). I have never had essence of tomato before - but remember seeing it fairly recently on Iron Chef America. It looks like clear water but tastes almost too strongly of tomato. The tomato gelato was the best of the four preparations.

My next course was the turbot - I asked my waiter to select my seafood course for me. I'm a “popcorn shrimp only” kind of girl so I had no idea what to expect or try (although I know I don't like lobster) and I had decided to experience whatever I could at this meal. The fish was nice - the first time I've truly understood what is meant by fresh fish not tasting fishy. However, the gnocchi - oh.... They literally melted in my mouth they were so light - and the wine reduction sauce. I wanted to tell them to cancel all my other courses and bring out another 5-6 servings of the gnocchi!

My terre (earth) course was a pigeon pie with foix gras. It was a lovely, light, flaky puff pastry with spinach, foix fras and pigeon breast. I didn’t care for the foix gras – but the pigeon was wonderful!

The cheese cart. I'm a cheese fiend - and there was a lovely selection! I selected the three French cheeses (when in Rome - or Paris - so to speak...) and asked the young lady to select the last two for me. The Roquefort was wonderful - especially with the rye crisps I selected from the bread presentation. However, I would have liked more bread with the cheese.

The maître’d then brought my pink rose! It was long stemmed and dethorned. (I later learned that single ladies get a pink rose for beauty and married women get a red rose for love.)

I selected the chocolate dessert. I didn't make my notes fast enough after the meal (I had to do a quick change into pirate gear and get up to deck 11 for fireworks) so I can't be too specific. There was a chocolate dessert - it was bar shaped, with a sweet wafer base and chocolate ganache on top and some edible gold foil! The star for me, though, was the chocolate ice cream with a spicy chocolate foam. I do, though, have a picture for you!

To end the meal, the maître‘d brought a selection of small desserts. It was a tray with 6 or so different bite-sized items. The pistachio marshmallow and key lime tartlet were especially yummy and perfect endings to the meal. I did try a couple of the other items, but honestly at this point, I was full and satisfied. When I stood up to leave, my waiter appeared out of thin air and escorted me out of the restaurant on his arm, telling me he couldn't wait to see me again on my next sea voyage!
During the meal, the maître‘d mentioned that they only seat 50 guests per night – not tables, guests. He said that is the only way they can provide their level of service. Because there was a large party at the Chef’s Table this evening, there were some empty tables in the restaurant.
I think the nicest part of the evening was the service! It was unpretentious, but I felt like royalty! The evening is what I imagine a fine dining experience in Paris should be.

(Note the cool Dooney and Burke handbag!)
After dinner, I ran back to my room to change for Pirate Night! I found a lovely box from DVC – trinkets inside, but the box is lovely – and a Ducky Williams lithograph! WooHoo!!

While I was changing, there was a knock at the door with a delivery – a thank you note and box of truffles from Remy!

After I finished changing, I grabbed my notebook and headed up to stake out my fireworks spot.

The first part of the party was held earlier in the evening, while I was at Remy. I got my journal caught up and enjoyed a fruity fru-fru drink – all I can tell you for sure is that it had blue curacao in it. It was almost too sweet, and that’s something coming from me! A few pictures from my wait – including one of the control booth right behind me!

Then the fireworks began! It’s much better than the old show! (Not the least of which because of the music!) Have pity on the poor picture quality, it’s hard to get shots on a softly rocky boat!

Afterward, this fellow made an appearance on the big screen to warn us of pirates!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Crvm2m8iOLg - My video of the cool Scull and Crossbones!
Suddenly, there was a pirate battle! Everyone was chasing after Captain Jack Sparrow! The men for his treasure and the ladies because he loved and left… You’ll have to cruise yourself to find out if his luck held out! 

After the pirate battle, they opened Club Pirate – a dance club – on the deck. I decided to take some pictures and call it a night, though. It had been a long, wonderful day!

 

[kellyb2000]

How nice Remy sounds! I don't think I will experience it anytime soon so I love hearing about it! I can't wait for the Pirates party!!!!!

 

[jns]

What a great report
thanks for sharing

 

[mrp4352]

I found another note about pirate night! During the fireworks, I scanned the horizon – I counted three cruise ships within viewing distance! They must have been watching our show!

Friday, January 28th
I LOVE SEA DAYS!!!! I slept until 8:30, then moseyed into Cabanas for a huge breakfast of biscuits and gravy, sausage, croissant and more! I can see some small whitecaps, but can’t feel a thing on board!

After breakfast, I checked out Nemo’s reef on my way back to the atrium. Everything in the reef sprays water or mist and Mr. Ray is a mini-water slide!

I was supposed to meet some members from another board for a quick board meet – but sadly, no one showed. It might have had something to do with the 4-5 other activities being offered at the same time! That’s ok! I found someone to help distract me – and without his significant other!

After a quick stop at Shutters to view my pictures, I joined the Midship Detective Agency! As if the enchanted art isn’t cool enough by itself – some of the pictures help you solve a mystery! I chose the case of the missing pictures and started out. You receive a map and an identification badge that certain pictures (marked on the map) can read. When you approach these pictures with your badge up, instead of going to the normal enchanted art sequence, they go to the mystery. Using your badge you pop balloons, unscrew metal plates and other fun activities to find either a clue or one of the missing pictures.

So, here’s some video of the enchanted art that I took while on the hunt!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAPnqWQHwZk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIiaHKeI8JY
And, here are some random pictures of the ship I took while searching!

While searching, I ran into another guest who mentioned that she had just heard that we should be in sight of Castaway Cay soon – so I hightailed it up to deck 12 forward. There it is! And the Magic is docked there!

Not only that, but suddenly there was an announcement that the two ships would greet each other at noon – and the Dream would be playing all of her songs! WooHoo! On the video, please remember, I was standing in the second row of guests while on a moving ship! Sorry the pictures aren’t great – but the sound is good and really, that’s what’s important here…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rofIzlayVk
One or two more quick pictures, then I must go back to work – there are paintings to find!

Ok, back to wor… Oh! Donald’s going to christen the Aquaduck? Well, yes, of course, I would love to attend! They brought water from both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon to pour into the ride, then sent Donald down while Daisy watched anxiously from below!

Ok, now, I really must get back to work on the missing picture mystery! Oh, an animation class? That sounds like fun! And it was! First we watched a video with short clips from all 50 of the Disney animated movies, then in we started! I’m not Ducky Williams, but I’m proud of my Donald!
Finally I made it back to my mystery. Hey, Jafar! Not so fast! I caught you red handed!
After my adventures, I went back to my stateroom to relax for a little while (and to finish my Fish Extender gifts). I love the On Demand tv option (instead of the two channels running Disney movies all day like the Magic and Wonder have)! I watched Mickey in The Three Muskateers! Enjoy these shots of the sea from my verandah doors and a picture of my completed FE gifts – a bottle of Pixie Dust!

 

[mrp4352]

Tonight’s show was The Golden Mickeys! I really liked the updates – the Rapunzel scene is especially beautiful! The technology is almost seamless with the performers.

When I went back to change, I got some beautiful sunset shots! (note the smooth as silk sea!)

I’m all dressed up and have someplace to go! I went down to the lobby, where I ran into Tiana (who sent a message back for my nieces about their cruise this summer) and then met Captain Mickey! I had brought down my brand new Inaugural Voyage Mouse Ears just for the picture with Mickey!

And another random chandelier picture for you! (Isn’t it beautiful!)

I ran back to my room to put my ears up for safe keeping and found the first towel animal of the cruise! I was also given a lovely gift for being on the cruise – unfortunately it’s the same book I bought the day before in the gift shop. However, this one is signed by Captain Forberg!

Dinner was in Animator’s Palette this evening. The meal was ok, and sadly service was lacking. They lost a sale because I couldn’t get the Assistant Server to stop and take my order for Coffee and Baileys… However, the new show is fun! It’s very similar to Turtle Talk – and it makes for a beautiful setting! (I’m not sure my nieces will eat a bite this summer during this meal!)

Isn’t that the coolest bread plate ever?

After my lackluster dinner, I decided to grab some pizza from Flo’s V8 Café and watched some tv before turning in for the night.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Loved the horn battle video!!! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to hearing more.

 

[ddeal1957]

Thanks for the TR... I've enjoyed reading it.... sounds like you had a great time. Question about the animation drawing class - did you have to sign up for it or did you just go to the room location? Sounds like a fun class....