Dream 5-Night March 4, 2012

[lisagirl88]

We stayed at the Radisson Resort at the Port and my kids loved the pool area with the waterfall and "secret stairs". My 7 year old wants to just go to that hotel for vacation. This time around we are doing WDW before the cruise. We have decided to drive from PA and I'm kinda thinking we are crazy(we have 4 young kids). Anyone else driving a long distance to get to FL and back?? We drove to Chicago last summer(12 hours) and it went well so I figured what is 8 more hours

 

[Morsel (Chris/Lynn)]

Great to hear! We're staying here the night before too. I think there's a few others in our group who'll also be there.

We're really looking forward to having the afternoon/evening in the area. Any good restaurant recommendations? Family friendly. That's always the thing that's hard to gauge from websites. Having a children's menu doesn't always mean they're very welcome!
We won't have a car, but there's a number of cab companies and it doesn't look like much cost to get to cocoa beach.

ShelleyLynn, we're actually doing Universal before the cruise. We looked into lots of travel options, but love not driving while on holiday so opted for a town car. Got a good deal. Pick us up from MCO, to Universal, then universal to port, then port to disney. When we worked out cost pp for shuttles, the town car worked out cheaper. And on our schedule.

Some good links from 'shirley's' page about the port area.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520273

Good idea suggesting people can go to Shirley's page about the port area. Links there will help people who have never been in the area.
As to places to eat that have a real kids menu, Lynn and I have always indulged ourselves at Kelsey's. Yes, Irish name but is a Italian menu. Almost everything is home made. It has a small kids menu that is Italian based also. You can go to their website to view the menu. Outstanding food if you like Italian. We always have trouble narrowing down our choice of what to eat. Very family orientated and very friendly service. Kelsey's is just down from CI&S, on the same side of the road. It's a nice walk for adults but I don't know about chidren. It's about a mile plus from CI&S. We stay away from the places along the waterway the ships go by because they are more an adult atmosphere. We know people who have done these places and they have very good comments about the food. You can go to their websites and view the menus also. We just got spoiled by Kelsey's is the only reason we don't frequent other places. And yes, there are the regular fastfood places.
Hope this helps along with Shirley's site with links.

Chris

 

[fredgirls]

Good idea suggesting people can go to Shirley's page about the port area. Links there will help people who have never been in the area.
As to places to eat that have a real kids menu, Lynn and I have always indulged ourselves at Kelsey's. Yes, Irish name but is a Italian menu. Almost everything is home made. It has a small kids menu that is Italian based also. You can go to their website to view the menu. Outstanding food if you like Italian. We always have trouble narrowing down our choice of what to eat. Very family orientated and very friendly service. Kelsey's is just down from CI&S, on the same side of the road. It's a nice walk for adults but I don't know about chidren. It's about a mile plus from CI&S. We stay away from the places along the waterway the ships go by because they are more an adult atmosphere. We know people who have done these places and they have very good comments about the food. You can go to their websites and view the menus also. We just got spoiled by Kelsey's is the only reason we don't frequent other places. And yes, there are the regular fastfood places.
Hope this helps along with Shirley's site with links.

Chris

Thank you so much Chris!
This is exactly what we were looking for.
Our girls have adventurous taste, but after trying jellyfish they have had an aversion to seafood! They were overjoyed to hear of a good italian we can walk to. Thanks so much!

 

[DCLDivaB]

Hmmm...my husband and I are on the March 1st 3-Night Bahamian cruise on the Dream. So tempted to do Back-to-back and cruise with you guys!

 

[Morsel (Chris/Lynn)]

Thank you so much Chris!
This is exactly what we were looking for.
Our girls have adventurous taste, but after trying jellyfish they have had an aversion to seafood! They were overjoyed to hear of a good italian we can walk to. Thanks so much!

Jellyfish??!! The only thing I'll eat that has the word "jelly" in it is a jelly filled donut or peanut butter & jelly sandwich.

Chris

 

[Morsel (Chris/Lynn)]

Hmmm...my husband and I are on the March 1st 3-Night Bahamian cruise on the Dream. So tempted to do Back-to-back and cruise with you guys!

There are some staterooms remaining. I see you are scheduled for the Wonder's Hawaii sailing in April of this year. If you don't like the stateroom selection Lynn and I will trade our verandah for your Hawaii.

Chris

 

[ShelleyLynn]

I have looked up the average weather for Nassau for our travel dates and I assume that will be close to Castaway Cay? The thing I am trying to figure out is how comfortable will it be during the evenings on the boat? Are most of you bringing shorts for the days and pants or warmer type clothes for evening? Will it be warm enough to swim at night? As I am thinking about clothing my girls want to bring all their favorite sundresses but I think that will be too cool especially at night for dinner and pirate night. Isn't pirate night outdoors? Sorry if this is dumb question but I am trying to start planning our clothing to see what I might need to buy.

 

[FrenchSnowWhite]

Shelleylyne that is not a dumb question at all!!!
I was also looking this afternon in what are twins were going to where.

 

[Morsel (Chris/Lynn)]

I have looked up the average weather for Nassau for our travel dates and I assume that will be close to Castaway Cay? The thing I am trying to figure out is how comfortable will it be during the evenings on the boat? Are most of you bringing shorts for the days and pants or warmer type clothes for evening? Will it be warm enough to swim at night? As I am thinking about clothing my girls want to bring all their favorite sundresses but I think that will be too cool especially at night for dinner and pirate night. Isn't pirate night outdoors? Sorry if this is dumb question but I am trying to start planning our clothing to see what I might need to buy.

Lynn and I were on The Dream this past April. The days were in the mid 80s. The evenings were in the mid 70s. The wind chill will make it seem cooler in the evening. Remember, the ship is moving and that creates the wind chill effect. But still it is pleasant at night. We did the water tube slide a few times one evening and it was cold when you got off. You get wet and that wind does cool you off. I would say the same is for the pools in the evening.
As for what to wear in the evening, other than swim wear, I sometimes had slacks and short sleeve shirt on because I was coming off dinner and went directly to a show and did not want to bother with changing into shorts and t-shirt. If not doing a show, or swimming, I did change into shorts and t. Lynn would do the same. If she did change it was into capris(sp) and top. Lynn is thin blooded so she always had a sweeter on in the evenings when out on deck.
Days saw only shorts and ts/tops, and swim wear. Bring along sunscreen/sunblocker. Plan on using it. You burn easy while sailing.
Yes, Pirate Night festivities are outdoors. There will be a ton of people on the top decks, mainly midship. Get there early and claim a spot and stay on it. When I say early I mean a good 30 minutes ahead of the show.
I hope this helps people out.
Chris

 

[breakingd_awn]

I have looked up the average weather for Nassau for our travel dates and I assume that will be close to Castaway Cay? The thing I am trying to figure out is how comfortable will it be during the evenings on the boat? Are most of you bringing shorts for the days and pants or warmer type clothes for evening? Will it be warm enough to swim at night? As I am thinking about clothing my girls want to bring all their favorite sundresses but I think that will be too cool especially at night for dinner and pirate night. Isn't pirate night outdoors? Sorry if this is dumb question but I am trying to start planning our clothing to see what I might need to buy.

I always get the girls a couple cardigans that match with everything . I also bring some capris and long sleeve shirts,just in case.

 

[westjones]

This will be our 4th cruise during this particular week of the year. You will need a jacket or sweater at night. It does get cool. During the day it can be very nice and shorts are fine. The water at CC can be a little cool, but you can go in it (not like December, we went once during that time and hardly anyone got in the water).

 

[FrenchSnowWhite]

This will be our 4th cruise during this particular week of the year. You will need a jacket or sweater at night. It does get cool. During the day it can be very nice and shorts are fine. The water at CC can be a little cool, but you can go in it (not like December, we went once during that time and hardly anyone got in the water).

Thanks

 

[Kendrakrez]

We are taking our first Disney cruise on March 4th. Can anyone give me some tips on what to pack? I have read all of the "What to Pack" lists that include everything under the sun...but you folks that have cruised a lot in the past...how dressed up do folks get for dinner? Do kids dress up for dinner as well? Do you dress up for the "Pirate Deck Party"? Is it shorts and tees everyday or is it a bit cooler since it is March?

Any advice is appreciated!
TIA
Kendra

 

[fredgirls]

We are taking our first Disney cruise on March 4th. Can anyone give me some tips on what to pack? I have read all of the "What to Pack" lists that include everything under the sun...but you folks that have cruised a lot in the past...how dressed up do folks get for dinner? Do kids dress up for dinner as well? Do you dress up for the "Pirate Deck Party"? Is it shorts and tees everyday or is it a bit cooler since it is March?

Any advice is appreciated!
TIA
Kendra

Hi Kendra,
I sent you a private message - link is top right of the page, under your name, incase you didn't see it.

I too am new to cruising so not the best one to listen to!
I think as far as dinner there are the DCL rules like no jeans, shorts or tank tops for dinner, but other than that there seems to be a wide spectrum of how dressed up people get. I believe the same applies to the kids.
As far as pirate night it seems some people go all out with full costumes and others wear minimal pirate attire. And i'm sure many do nothing. If I wasn't on these boards I'd know nothing about it! We're just wearing pirate tees I printed.

My kids are excited about shorts and tees everyday. I had to warn them today that they're going to need something a little warmer for the evenings or incase we have colder weather, having read the advice in the last few posts. Thanks guys!
We did WDW a few years ago in March and once we got there we had to go and buy woollen gloves and hats it was so cold!

 

[Morsel (Chris/Lynn)]

Hi Kendra,
I sent you a private message - link is top right of the page, under your name, incase you didn't see it.

I too am new to cruising so not the best one to listen to!
I think as far as dinner there are the DCL rules like no jeans, shorts or tank tops for dinner, but other than that there seems to be a wide spectrum of how dressed up people get. I believe the same applies to the kids.
As far as pirate night it seems some people go all out with full costumes and others wear minimal pirate attire. And i'm sure many do nothing. If I wasn't on these boards I'd know nothing about it! We're just wearing pirate tees I printed.

My kids are excited about shorts and tees everyday. I had to warn them today that they're going to need something a little warmer for the evenings or incase we have colder weather, having read the advice in the last few posts. Thanks guys!
We did WDW a few years ago in March and once we got there we had to go and buy woollen gloves and hats it was so cold!

Hello fredgirls and kendra

Fredgirls, your reply to kendra was on the money. DCL does have a dress code that says no jeans, shorts, t-shirts, swim wear in the main dining rooms. But that code has not been enforced the last couple years we have been on DCL cruises, the latest being April 2011. With the exception of Palo and Remy dinner, the main dining rooms code has been casual dress (slacks and shirt for men and equivalent for women). But people have been wearing jeans, shorts with printed t-shirts. Short shorts, tank tops, swim wear have not been allowed. Cruises less than 7 days do not have a "formal night". They have a "dress up night" which is optional. That night you will see people not dressed up, people dressed in slacks & dresses, people with sportcoats & dresses, and people in tuxedos and dinner gowns. It is the night with all out pic taking opportinuties. In fact everyday will have pic opportunities throughout the ship, even the dining areas you will see photographers going from table to table taking pics.
Pirate night will see people not dressed in any manner as a pirate, some with pirate themed t-shirts (allowed in dining rooms) or headbands, and people dressed all out as a pirate or maiden.
And as fredgirls stated, be sure to have a sweater or light jacket packed. Lynn always does that. I even have a couple of pics of her on our verandah during the day with temps in the 80s wearing a sweater and blanket. It was not because it was cool, she just has thin blood.
You all are going to love the cruise. DCL does a good job.

Chris

 

[ShelleyLynn]

Thanks so much for all the replies with weather advice/experience. It is so helpful to talk with people that have first hand knowledge about a trip you are trying to plan for the first time!We will pack the girls favorite sundresses but will include shirts to wear underneath and also some sweaters! I had not read closely enough to realize jeans and shorts are not allowed in main dining rooms so I will make sure to pack accordingly. We just booked our ground transportation from MCO. I am using executive VIP limo from the info page. They seem to get good reviews, if anyone has used them recently and has any advice or info feel free to share. We are coming in on Saturday and staying at the Doubletree in Cocoa Beach. I am getting super excited! We have booked the Blue Lagoon dolphin swim thing for Nassau but I think we are going to cancel. I am afraid the water will be cold even with wetsuits and my girls would have last minute reservations. For $800 I want to make sure we get a home run! We have added 3 nights after the cruise at Universal after the cruise so we will spend the money anyway! I keep reading on the "what you would do again or not do again" thread how many people say they would not get off the boat in Nassau but enjoy all the boat has to offer with less people to deal with so I am taking that advice. Thanks again for all the great help from the experienced cruisers!

 

[FrenchSnowWhite]

We have the 40 days mark today

Anyone doing the door magnet thing????

Our group of 13 is working very hard on this, we are almost done!!!!

Can't wait for this cruise to come, believe me!!!!

 

[bpitzer20]

Just Booked! My father, sister, and I are ready to go! We are all adults, and have been on other cruise lines, but Disney is still our favorite.

Sorry to miss the FE excitement, but we are so thrilled to be taking another cruise and our first on the Dream!

Most looking forward to Remy and the 2 days at Castaway Cay!

Hope everyone has a fantastic trip!

 

[Jenene]

We have the 40 days mark today

Anyone doing the door magnet thing????

Our group of 13 is working very hard on this, we are almost done!!!!

Can't wait for this cruise to come, believe me!!!!

Door magnet thing? What is that about?

 

[Thetowlers]

We stayed at the Radisson Resort at the Port and my kids loved the pool area with the waterfall and "secret stairs". My 7 year old wants to just go to that hotel for vacation. This time around we are doing WDW before the cruise. We have decided to drive from PA and I'm kinda thinking we are crazy(we have 4 young kids). Anyone else driving a long distance to get to FL and back?? We drove to Chicago last summer(12 hours) and it went well so I figured what is 8 more hours

We drove straight through to New Port Richie Fla, which is an hour north of Tampa and 1 hour and 20 minutes to WDW. It took us 16 hours on the way down. We left at 7:30 pm and realized when we were 15 minutes away that we forgot movies for the DVD players in our truck and had to turn around and get them. With that half hour added in it still was only 16hrs. We made it back in 15 hrs and 15 minutes. That was moving with traffic. Doing 65 in 55 and 70 in 65 and 79 in 70. On the way home we left at 6:00 pm. Pretty easy drive except for the tolls southbound in Maryland. We live in the North Eastern part of Chester County. Right across the river from Pottstown. Good luck on your drive.