Disney Dream Inaugural Cruise 1/26/2011 Part 2

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Hi Everyone

Our friends Kara and Eric were on one of the recent preview cruises and provided the following comments. Enjoy - Ken

From Kara and Eric

What we loved:
• Cabins
o No longer stick your card in a card reader to open the doors, now just tap the card on a device much like is used in Europe for credit cards.
o New décor is lovely
o Closet doors now swing open, no longer slide open so when the ship rocks, they don’t open!
o There is a very nice knit blanket on the bed, nice for an afternoon nap without needing to turn down the bed
o Bed is nice and big, felt more like a king
o Cabins seemed quieter, better insulated. No more gap under the door - all messages, bills, etc are put in the message holder next to the door. Don’t really hear cabin doors slamming around you or above/below.
o The light in the “dresser/vanity” section of the cabin also doubles as a low, blue nightlight
o Reading lights have been added above the sofa and to the bunk bed
o Curtains are much better over the verandah door!! No longer two pieces that meet in the middle, it is now one curtain that goes all the way across. Even better, the wall comes out just a tiny bit where the curtain comes to an end, so that there is no light that comes through. Probably not explaining that well, but no more light leaks is what I’m saying…
o Shower is larger, and the shower head sits higher. The shower curtain also bows out a little to give even more room.
o There is a small magnifying mirror built into the mirror in the shower side of the bathroom
o Beds are now high enough to put empty suitcases under the bed, but the beds don’t feel like they are too high off the ground. I didn’t need to jump to get on the bed!
o More shelves in the closets
o Full length mirror is now on the bathroom door for the shower section of the bathroom, and the doors open out, not in.
o Two hooks on the wall to hang clothes on while dressing in the evenings
• Animator’s Palate – WOW! The changes are amazing, do NOT miss this in your rotation.
• New show “Believe” is great
• The animated interactive art throughout the ship was so much fun. The pictures work off of facial recognition, so if you stand in front of the picture you will see a short animated show. You really want to check out the two pirate pictures on deck 5 aft. Super cool!
• Walt Disney Theatre – two levels of seating, and there are real balconies to sit in, no longer just for the old man Muppets
• Food in the three regular rotation restaurants was VERY good. In Enchanted Garden, try the sea bass with chili sauce.
• General themeing was amazing, the main atrium from deck 3 up to deck 6 is stunning.
• Lots of elevators, and they are fast!
• Lots of fun outdoor seating areas. We particularly liked the one outside of Skyline on deck 4 and the one all the way forward, deck 13
• Two hot tubs in the infinity style. Very big, and with windows in the bottom that hang over the edge of the ship…cool! One of the hot tubs is by the adult pool, the other is by the family and kids pool.
• There are two sets of drink stations, one port side and one starboard side toward the aft
• Nemo themed water play area for toddlers is so cool!
• Aqua Duck is lots of fun, of course
• Adult pool – has three parts, one is ankle deep and good for sitting on the edge of the pool to read with feet in the water. Next area is deep for floating (not big enough to swim), and third area has under water “seats” that allow head and neck to be above water. In the very shallow end, there are several bar seats in the water. Not quite a swim up bar, but close.
• Lots of really nice seating around all of the pools, and around a lot of the open-air bar areas.
• Shutters – much better organized. Each stateroom is assigned a binder in a library style set of shelves. The pictures taken throughout the cruise are put in the binder. To find your binder or to review your pictures, just walk up to a kiosk in Shutters, or throughout the ship, tap stateroom key, and view pictures. Still gets very crowded toward the end of the cruise, but they now have two sets of registers, one at each end of Shutters.

Stuff we didn’t “love” about the ship:
• Deck 11 aft is taken up entirely by Cabanas, the restaurant that is like Topsiders. It wraps all the way around from starboard to aft. The problem with that is if you have a cabin that is aft and you come up the aft stairs or elevator, to get out on deck 11 you must walk through Cabanas. Kind of a pain, particularly at meal times when they really want you to take a sanitary wipe…
• Bathrooms in the staterooms
o We didn’t like that the doors now open outward instead of inward. You can’t leave the doors open and still move around the cabin to get into the closets or leave the cabin.
o There is no power plug in the toilet section of the bathroom, and only one in the CEILING of the shower section. I couldn’t reach it, but Eric could…to dry your hair, you need to go to the vanity/dresser. The plug in the bathroom only took 220 volt.
o There is less shelf space in the bathrooms.
• No more steamer trunk for storage in the staterooms
• The signs in the elevator areas don’t indicate what part of the ship different venues are in (e.g. aft, forward)
• Recommend skipping breakfast at Enchanted Garden. It’s a buffet, has the most of the same food as was served in Cabanas, but less choices, and when we were there, it was mostly cold because it wasn’t being consumed fast enough.
• Lights in the cabins won’t work without sliding a room key (or any similar shaped card) into a slot at the front of the cabin. Meant to conserve energy, we guessed. Similar to what we encountered in budget hotels in Europe.
• We felt like there weren’t enough trash receptacles out on deck and around the ship…but that may have been due to some stuff still not being completed when we were on board.
• Cove Café was pretty small, not a lot of seating

Thanks Ken for posting this!!!! Lots of great info...

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Not sure if anyone has posted this or not...

I'm on the Christening Cruise right now, and I was in the shops when they opened today. There are a lot of Inagural items, but many things are not out because they are specific to the Maiden. I heard several people as CMs for various items (Vinylmations, Dream Dooney...well, the Dooney question was mine) and it was repeated over and over that it was held back for the Maiden. I spoke with one of the managers and he said that there has been 590 RSPs submitted so far, but people will be able to do it once onboard too, and there will probably be a max number of things allowed per cabin but it wouldn't be too crazy...for example, it should be no problem getting shirts for every member of your party.

He said that there will be no allowing of people hoarding merchandise, and there is special merchandise specific to "the most important cruise...the Maiden Voyage".

I just thought everyone on here would want to know that the CMs are treating the Maiden like the first "real" cruise, and despite all these tester cruises, the one that counts is the Maiden

OMG...a DREAM Dooney...I have to have it!!!!!! I mean a girl can't have too many Dooney's can she????

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

i am excited to hear they are saving stuff for us....so is there going to be a special Dream Dooney and Bourke purse or just the regular DCL ones....i have wanted a purse for a while....what time do the shops open again???? i need to run up my stateroom bill as fast as possible!!!

besides a purse we just want a frame and tshirts...surely no one else wants those things too??!!

also so glad to hear they are excited for all of us...i know there will be surprises in many shapes and forms for us on board...number one just finally seeing the ship in person. Hearing Linda and everyone talking about how big she is makes me excited to explore!!! I am just sad we do not have time to get together with Linda for a scrapbook session...she really is the queen of scrapbooks!!!! She will just have to make kits when she gets home and we will all mail off for them! (hint hint Linda....)

I'll be right beside you in line for a DCL Dooney...it would be even better if they made a very special one for us...but then...if there is the regular DCL Dooney AND a Dream Dooney...I'll have to decide which one to get...oh who am I kidding, I'll probably buy both...I mean there are 7 days in a week!!!!

 

[BobandLee]

I'll be right beside you in line for a DCL Dooney...it would be even better if they made a very special one for us...but then...if there is the regular DCL Dooney AND a Dream Dooney...I'll have to decide which one to get...oh who am I kidding, I'll probably buy both...I mean there are 7 days in a week!!!!

It's just a purse.

 

[Scott H]

It's just a purse.

Walmart bags work well and they can be recycled.

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

It's just a purse.

Bob...you just don't understand...it's a DCL Dooney & Burke purse!!!! LOL

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

I just spent that last 1.5 hours catching up on the thread...boy you guys have been chatty....I was surprised last night that I didn't get any update emails from the Dis for our thread and tonight when I found the thread on page 4 and CLOSED...I got scared...but them found the new thread and boy am I glad...I can't wait to see the Dream Dooney's (yes Bob I know it's just a purse...but I LOVE my 2 Dooney's!!!)

Safe travels to everyone....I was concerned about the possibility of snow so that is why I booked our flights to arrive today in WDW...that way if there was a snow storm we could have jumped in the van and drove to WDW if we had to....so here we are now at Pop Century.....and although it was raining earlier...it is better than the freezing cold temperatures and snow at home...we pick up our rental car tomorrow and head to DHS for lunch at 50's Prime Time.

Can't wait to see everyone at the BBQ, on the ship...or around WDW before hand....

Thanks to everyone for making this a great cruise....

And Linda...maybe we could hold a virtual scrapbook class after the cruise....

Now to go unpack...

P.S. I envy all you guys that can pack light...Mom and I had 4 suitcases...thank goodness for Southwest!!!!!

 

[wrabitdad]

Walmart bags work well and they can be recycled.

Scott,

Doesn't Lynn already have a DCL Dooney??

 

[Fivepin]

Don't let my DH know that there maybe a Dream Dooney!! I used part of our shipboard credit to get the DCL Dooney on our Baltic cruise. That brought the count up to 5. I get so many compliments. If there is one I will be one of those lining up My DH can take care of the kids while take care of the shopping. You can never have enough purses!

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

Don't let my DH know that there maybe a Dream Dooney!! I used part of our shipboard credit to get the DCL Dooney on our Baltic cruise. That brought the count up to 5. I get so many compliments. If there is one I will be one of those lining up My DH can take care of the kids while take care of the shopping. You can never have enough purses!

Amen sister...finally someone who understands the D&B obsession!!!!!

 

[pluto1979]

.

Can someone tell me the address of Port Canaveal for the Disney Ships for our GPS? Found some addresses, but not sure what pier.

Have safe trips everyone and looking forward to meeting you all real soon !!!!!!!

Thanks,
Peg

Hi Peg,
Here is the info you requested. Have safe travels!

The cruise terminal is located in Port Canaveral at Cruise Terminal A, 9155 Charles M. Rowland Dr., Port Canaveral, FL 32920

 

[Scott H]

Scott,

Doesn't Lynn already have a DCL Dooney??

And I got her a nice five piece Walmart set

 

[bld disney]

Wednesday can't come quickly enough!! Once it gets here though, I then want time to slow down. A couple of months on the Dream would be perfect!
Safe travels to everyone.
See you soon.

 

[Thistle]

We had a very serious fire on the 528 Beachline today, this is the road that goes into the port. You will need to find another way of getting in. I would recommend you call Disney and ask them the best way of getting there. This road will be closed for at least a month.

 

[mrp4352]

P.S. I envy all you guys that can pack light...Mom and I had 4 suitcases...thank goodness for Southwest!!!!!

I'm so glad to read this! I was really feeling guilty about my 2 suitcases and 2 carryons - and it's just me!


And now, it's my turn! I'm flying out in the morning and will see you all WEDNESDAY!!!! Safe Travels!

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

We had a very serious fire on the 528 Beachline today, this is the road that goes into the port. You will need to find another way of getting in. I would recommend you call Disney and ask them the best way of getting there. This road will be closed for at least a month.

Currently here at WDW and saw the fire on the news tonight....they seemed to report that the detour is right at the bridge that was burned....if someone is at the cruise line desk at the resort tomorrow morning, I will ask what route to take and I will report back tomorrow night unless someone posts the info before.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Thank you! So...if I understand, I can fill out before sunday on line or by 5pm on the ship...and there really isn't a difference when i fill it out. The 2nd and 3rd ones...do they put those forms in your rooms at night? Really, I just want a pin for each of my DDs but want to make sure we get a chance at the ones they want.

I filled mine out online. I'm not sure where and when the cut offs are. It should say so on the form.

Oh....and does anyone know the dining schedule? Is there a formal night? Pirate night? etc??? And, I know this question gets asked often, with a variety of responses, but for guys...jeans, button down shirt and blazer...is that ok for dinners?

We have a dress up night and a pirates night. Generally on shorter cruises there is no formal or semi formal......however some people are still getting dressed up because it's a maiden voyage. Some are not. Whatever you're comfortable with is fine. Scott will look great in jeans, button down shirt and blazer. That will fit right in with what John is wearing too.

Thanks everyone...yes, I am finally starting to get ready for this cruise (and we leave tomorrow, LOL)

Safe travels to you and family Kaylee, see you at the terminal!!!!

 

[AndyR]

Ok fellow MV'ers - we're about to call it a night. We have a crack-o'dawn flight to LAX then on to MCO. See ya either at OKW or onboard. Safe travels everyone.

 

[Scott H]

Adam, thanks for the correct info, last time I ask Lynn which terminal, lol

Bummer on the bridge on the beeline, will see if the new nuvi will have a traffic update about a detour.

Too excited to sleep.

 

[Scott H]

A Florida Department of Transportation spokesman said both spans of the overpass must be replaced, as will all supporting columns on the east side of the bridge. FDOT is expected to meet with contractors today to solicit bids and to determine the cost of the repair and how long it will take.

Officials expect the repair to be a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week project. While the repairs are happening, the eastbound lanes of the BeachLine Expressway on the overpass are likely to remain shut down. Drivers heading east will need to get off at North Courtenay Parkway and then immediately get back on.

Traffic on North Courtenay Parkway will not be permitted to cross under the overpass, the FHP said.


Authorities said the debris and damage left from the explosion needed a massive clean-up effort to clear the roads crucial to travelers in and out of Brevard County.
"What we've been able to do with traffic now is to let traffic travel the length of the Beachline, except they are exiting off around the Courtney Parkway exit. They'll have to exit off and then be able to get back on," said FHP's Sgt. Kim Montes.
Inspectors from the Department of Transportation said traffic is not allowed on the bridge or under it because it is not structurally sound and will take roughly 30 to 35 days to re-construct. DOT officials said it will most likely be a 24/7 project.
Steve Olson, of the Florida DOT, said bids to rebuild the bridge are opening on Sunday. He said a winning bidder will be selected, and work will begin as soon as possible after that.
S.R. 3 will be closed under the bridge for the duration. Detours will be in place to move northbound and southbound traffic around the scene.
The Beachline mainline will use the off-ramps and on-ramps as through lanes, and law enforcement will assist with traffic control.
The westbound Beachline, officials said, should reopen early tomorrow.

What I found with a quick search,