Dream a Little Dream With Me - 4/3 Final two posts!!!! Hope to see you real soon!

[scrappinmom]

Thinking of booking our first cruise in November 2011....I'm LOVING your TR!!!

I think I know the answer...but is Remy/Palo adults only? I'll be crusing with my 17yr old dd, she's still considered a "kid" correct?

 

[ja_rule_lover420]

is the food good

 

[Happydog]

So this morning was a great morning because we were going to spend the day at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. LET me say, it is the best place to spend the day!!!

Our morning began similarly, we woke up, headed to the workout room, and then back to our cabin to get ready for Castaway Cay!!

So with our bags filled with the beach necessities, we headed down to the Royal Palace for breakfast. We were immediately seated, and though it took a little while to get the order, had a nice breakfast in the main dining room, our first glimpse of the Royal Palace.

Of sit down breakfast, let me simply say it is nice to be waited on, and while there were a few items on the menu I don’t recall seeing at Cabanas, it is more or less the same food. In fact, I think the eggs benedict I had at Cabanas the previous morning were better! However they did have the fabulous mango yogurt blend which I remember from the last cruise. and that was worth it, but more or less I think Cabanas is the way to go for breakfast.
As we were heading to the restaurant I took a few lobby photos. Here they are...

This is the "Bon Voyage" bar, on the midship main lobby.

Here is the other chair and mosaic...

These are all taken in the midship (main) lobby area...

Beautiful chandelier, isn't it??!!

There were so many nice seating areas, all over the ship, but this area was really inviting...

After breakfast, we made our way down to the 2nd level, and to the exit for the ship. The weather was perfect. We were looking forward to a day of sun and relaxing!!

I don't think I really got the size of the boat until I took these photos... I have some I took later in the day, as well. This was a quick one, because we were anxious to get to our destination!!!!

Mickey gives directional clues JUST in case you lose your way!!!

They had a new tram stop, and a few new trams. We hopped on the tram headed to Serenity Bay and we were OFF!!!!

Did someone say KONK KOOLER??!!

 

[Happydog]

We headed directly to Serenity Bay, and found two nicely positioned lounge chairs! Here are some of the photos I took while at Serenity Bay …

It was a beautiful day!! The sun and drinks were plenty...

We spent the morning lounging and reading, and well, Konk Cooler-ing. I bought one of the souvenir cups (just like the one from last year – they make great pool cups in the summer!) at 1:30 (before they closed down the BBQ lunch at Serenity Bay) we headed over to get something to eat -- OH I love the FAB BBQ! I definitely enjoy lunch there! We then rode the tram back over to the main beaches in Castaway Cay.

So here is the new portion of the beach. It is also where the cabanas are. If you look at this photo, you can see the left half of the beach is very empty. This is the "private" beach for the cabanas ... there is a rope down the beach and into the water a little ways to keep this area for those families who have rented them for the day. I am not going to say too much about them, because my opinion is only one opinion, but I will say that I have never stayed in one and not sure that it would be worth the cost for OUR family ($499.00 -- or something like that).. I had entertained the idea when we are on the 7 day cruise, mostly for my DMIL and DFIL, but since it likely won't be that hot, not sure we will need it. I have seen a few threads about the cabanas posted on the cruise board. It does seem that they are worth it for certain circumstances, and families... I think it would be amazingly nice to be in a cabana, not sure how I feel about the line in the sand. From what I can see, they sound VERY nice!!

The rest of these random photos were just taken over the course of the afternoon.. seeing them beats the rain we are getting here!!

The Pelican Plunge looks awesome! You won't see me on it! Sorry!!! LOL!

I am sure you can see the cameos of my CCay cup!!!

When we were on the Feb Cruise LAST year, we saw this area being build... it was fun checking them out in person. We found a couple of lounge chairs near the Pelican Plunge, so we had the opportunity to see what the area was like, and to check out the crowds. I also explored the area myself, including the shops! Gotta love the view of the ship from the pier. There is a bar here as well, so nice access and view from the bar stools they have around.

SOME ship, right???

Here he is, scheming about our next cruise... HA!

THIS sign and the name of course, just made me laugh. And think of WigD.... LOL!!!!

More to come in the final Castaway Cay day... we are SO excited to get back here!!!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

I think Castaway Cay day is the part of the cruise I am most looking forward to, I wish they would just leave me there and pick me up on another stop

Wow, looks like the Cabana area was empty! Wonder if they weren't rented on that cruise or if the inhabitants just weren't on the beach.

 

[Happydog]

Thinking of booking our first cruise in November 2011....I'm LOVING your TR!!!

I think I know the answer...but is Remy/Palo adults only? I'll be crusing with my 17yr old dd, she's still considered a "kid" correct?

Glad you are enjoying it! YES, DCL is great! Remy/Palos are for "adults" only... I think that means 18 and older in their book....

is the food good

HI! Welcome! YES, yes, good selection nice presentation and I think they have very nice menus. You will NOT go hungry!!!

 

[Deemarch]

Loving your report!

 

[MEK]

More awesome pictures.

As far as the cabanas - all I can say is $499 would buy me ALOT of pool drinks. And I'm not sure how I feel about the line in the sand either.

Thanks for another great update. I am really learning alot!

 

[aiken4mickey]

After we were cleaned up we went to the Vista café on deck 4 and grabbed these fabulous frozen Lattes – blended with ice cream OMG. We explored the kids area and some more of the ship. I didn't take photos of the kids areas. I didn't because our kids were not there, and I didn't want them to think I was taking pictures of kids! But I saw many children having a great time, and we could peek in to see the different areas. MAN. I wish I were 6 or 9!!!! LOL!!!!

Here is a shot from deck 4 off the side where we were docked...

This is the "detective agency" station. There is the interactive mystery game you can play on board. Like a scavenger hunt basically, for clues. They go with the interactive paintings/art they have in each stairwell... some are associated with the game but I don't think all are... we will do this in June, but I saw lots of families participating... It reminds me of KP missions in Epcot, without the slushie... LOL!!!! I didn't explore too much, but I did grab one of the info programs that they have at the detective desk, here is a few photos of that...

The game looks like great fun... here is the "desk"

So of the details I saw around the 4th floor deck, these are just a random few... I took more this evening later, as we were waiting to go into the theater.

Hidden Mickeys!!!!

Now Cabanas was closed from lunch until dinner time, but during the day, if you wanted to use the Aft elevators, you essentially went into Cabanas to do so. Even thought the restuarant was closed. So it was a little strange but we got over it. Here are some of the pictures from the Nemo theme...

Not sure when, I think as we were leaving to go explore that afternoon... but this is one of the LONG LONG hallways!!! HA!

Knowing that dinner was a few hours still, we decided to grab a slice of pizza, and then head to the Meridian bar for a cocktail and some time to read.

The pizza at Luigi's was decent, it was good, I had a slice of veggie, DH something I can’t remember, but there were several choices.

We walked back up top, and I took DH to the area I had been at earlier in the morning, the forward deck area. Isn't the glow pretty at this time of day?!

Back at Meridian... SO nice that bar! Great atmosphere.

Here is that painting of Gustau’s kitchen that I was telling you about! It is really neat.

We sat outside on the deck area of the Meridian Bar for about an hour. Then we went back to our room to change, in anticipation of our 7pm show time. Everything was a little blury for me, in terms of time, because I know that the shops were still closed, and the 5pm show was already in performance.
At some point I remember us going to the Outlook bar, waiting for the show to start at 7… It was "Villians" tonight!!!

These photos and more coming in the next post!!! TTFN!!!

LOVED Meridian! Wish we didn't wait until the last night to try it out.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Finally, I had a chance to read your latest update!!!

Serenity Bay does seem to be aptly named! So peaceful and relaxing gazing at all that crystal blue water!!!

The ship is huge!!! I don't think I realized just how big it really is!

My two would be all over that Pelican Plunge! I think I would just sit all day with my Konk Kooler!

Why, yes, Buy the Seashore does remind me of Wigd, too, for some reason!

 

[Happydog]

I think Castaway Cay day is the part of the cruise I am most looking forward to, I wish they would just leave me there and pick me up on another stop

Wow, looks like the Cabana area was empty! Wonder if they weren't rented on that cruise or if the inhabitants just weren't on the beach.

Oh it was great! I know! That is why we opted for the 5 day two stop at CCay cruise this summer. It was for that reason alone!!!

The cabanas were rented, several, it seemed, judging by the line of people there at the check in booth... And I did see people in the water.

Loving your report!

Thanks! Glad you are here to read along!

More awesome pictures.

As far as the cabanas - all I can say is $499 would buy me ALOT of pool drinks. And I'm not sure how I feel about the line in the sand either.

Thanks for another great update. I am really learning alot!

It is an expense, but given the make up of your family, it could be a benefit. I guess I am thinking about people with older family members traveling with them, might be too hot even on the beach under an umbrella, hard to walk in the sand, very young children/babies, etc... I guess if you factor the cost it might be worth it, but not to be "pampered" -- which is what some of the complaints were about -- more the service, vs. the convenience. My DH was interested, until he saw the beach set up.

LOVED Meridian! Wish we didn't wait until the last night to try it out.

YES, wasn't it great!!! outside on the deck area was really nice!!!

Finally, I had a chance to read your latest update!!!

Serenity Bay does seem to be aptly named! So peaceful and relaxing gazing at all that crystal blue water!!!

The ship is huge!!! I don't think I realized just how big it really is!

My two would be all over that Pelican Plunge! I think I would just sit all day with my Konk Kooler!

Why, yes, Buy the Seashore does remind me of Wigd, too, for some reason!

I know it has been a busy week!!! Yes the plunge is serious!!!! I think that will be DH's job this summer!!! LOL!!! And it will most definitely me me sitting on that chair, CP, don't you worry!!!!

I know I know!!!! I just know a certain SHE....

 

[SoonerGirl]

My DH was interested, until he saw the beach set up.

Can you tell me what he didn't like about it? I'm actually considering renting one, mostly because I am fair skinned and will need a good amount of shade to stay at the beach all day. I'd hate to make my family head back to the ship early just because I needed to get out of the sun for awhile. With 4,000 people on board I'm just paranoid that I won't find loungers with umbrellas on the family beach or if we do that one of us will have to remain at our spot all day so that it doesn't get taken, are my fears crazy??

 

[Happydog]

Can you tell me what he didn't like about it? I'm actually considering renting one, mostly because I am fair skinned and will need a good amount of shade to stay at the beach all day. I'd hate to make my family head back to the ship early just because I needed to get out of the sun for awhile. With 4,000 people on board I'm just paranoid that I won't find loungers with umbrellas on the family beach or if we do that one of us will have to remain at our spot all day so that it doesn't get taken, are my fears crazy??

Hi, well, first let me say there will not be 4,000 people on board. I think I explained that earlier in the TR -- we asked a CM and he explained how the ship is considered "full" if every room was filled with a certain # of people (they have a formula) it would be able to hold 4,000. But there is something to the total # of people per cabin and where those cabins are (which side of the ship) based on the lifeboats, etc... so our cruise, for instance, was 3400. And as I said, I never knew there were other people on the ship unless it was time for dinner, or other key moments!!!

Regarding the cabanas... we have rented cabanas at resorts before (not Disney -- only seen those at the Contemporary?). But the ocean, the pool, in one case, was not sectioned off for those of us who paid to have the covered cabana space, or the covered lounges, etc... He didn't like that they had arranged a "private" beach area and ocean access. Now I am not saying there is anything wrong with it, for anyone who does it, seriously, we thought about it for my inlaws in November. But the price was a bit high, and the idea that some of the beach was "cabana renters only" just didn't sit with him -- he would have felt weird. Now it isn't much different from concierge level on the ship -- I mean they have a separate lounge, etc., and that looks very nice, and you are paying for that exclusivity, so I get that. It was just how he felt about it, KWIM? I did hear of people/families splitting the price for one, so that seems more economical, and I think it would be nice to have a place to hang out that wasn't in the sand! There are lots of umbrellas. I think the benefits would outweigh any sense of akwardness depending on the situation. If we were going in high summer with the inlaws I think we would have done it regardless ... I guess Disney wanted to ensure that people in the cabanas had beach access and didn't have to fight for chairs! There seemed to be plenty of lounges, but it is a perk not to have to scramble. Some people on the boards were complaining about not getting enough "service" -- I didn't read them too closely. They look nice.

If you bring your towels, flip flops, etc. No one is going to move that and take your chairs... at least I don't think so. Just leave something on them... drink cups, water bottles, book, etc.

 

[manntra]

Ahhhh CC So very beautiful!! Love the chairs next to the water at Serenity Bay.....I would have been there for hours. Okay maybe not hours but for as long as I could stand the Bahamian sun!!

I like the idea of a cabana. And a cabana boy. C and I have talked about this

Oh I almost forgot, the midship pictures are beautiful too. Such elegance. I think I remember seeing that the Dream is almost twice the size of the Wonder (I know occupancy is about double too) so it really is a good idea that you did this scouting mission to know you way around with your sons

Tracy

 

[Happydog]

So in continuation, we lingered a little longer, I went to the shop and bought a tshirt, and then about 4pm we walked back to the boat.

I love these... I have to get a photo of the kids in June!

What fun the colorful umbrella tops are...

Can you see what a BIG ship the Dream is!!!! ....

SADLY, what is missing is the Flying Dutchman, from The Pirates of the Carribean... Apparently it had been in dock as a display all this time... but they moved it for the new movie, and so there is a big empty spot!!! I do hope it comes back. It really made a great sight in the lagoon!

Just again to give you size perspective, when you are walking along side this ship you do feel SMALL...

We had a plan to try out the rain room in the spa this afternoon, and it was a perfect way to end the afternoon. Talk about detox!! I didn't take too many photos around this area, so I am going to borrow a link to an awesome review of the spa on Allears. HERE.

I WILL say the rain room was very cool , and just a great way to unwind from the beach. We enjoyed steaming and jacuzzi-ing and the different showers are neat, too! We also really enjoyed relaxing on the lounge chairs (these are the tiled heated chairs) It was a great way to end the day as we drifted from Castaway Cay and out to sea for our Pirate's night celebration!!

I had purchased the rain room passes in advance, and I am glad we got them. I think we easily spent two hours in the space. It was hugely relaxing and enjoyable. They give you robes which you can wear over your swimsuit, and the view of Castaway Cay as we drifted away was very nice from the spa Jacuzzis!!!!

Knowing that we would be headed back to the Dream in June made dinner at Palo's this evening an easy choice. I know Pirate night is a fun night on the cruise, but since this was a cruise for DH and I, we let slide a few of the events on the ship that we knew we couldn't miss when we had our boys with us. Hence, a second dinner at Palos was a must. Now we didn't see the actual stage show for Pirate night, though we did catch the fireworks, but again (having seen it before) I knew we’d be back in a few months to see it!

So here is our porthole, when we returned to the room…

And a few I took as we were walking on deck… The party fun was already starting!!!

More exciting was a new place we checked out that night for our before dinner drink… it was the Outlook bar. GOOD LUCK finding it, because you’ll miss it if you blink! It is one floor above the Tween club in the smoke stack. It overlooks the pool. It is really pretty, and again we were the only people there! Besides the CM Bartender, who was very nice, and actually visited with us for a ½ hour, just chatting, etc. It was nice to have someone to talk with! Apparently it is used for private events in the afternoon, and open for drinks in the evening… Maybe they will do more with it in the months ahead, but it isn’t advertised, there isn’t a sign, and you could miss it if you were not looking for it!

Dinner at Palos was fabulous, we had a great meal, very yummy choices, I had fish, and DH had the lamb... we split a pasta entree with our mains, and with all those choices and a 1/2 bottle of wine, we rolled out of there stuffed! There wasn't a “show” that evening in the theater, because it was Pirate Night and there was plenty of great entertainment! But they did had a comedian, a performance artist type, who was entertaining! So after the fun on deck (watching the fireworks, etc.) we walked inside to check him out. It was well attended, but we didn’t last too long… We headed back to our room around 11:30… here is what was waiting for us!

Pirate night is something I am looking forward to taking full advantage of this summer. I have watched it enough to know it will be great fun as a family for sure! I even have some projects in the works so we can all participate! It was fun to see everyone in their pirate garb around the ship! Argh!


NEXT up our FULL day at Sea!!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Hi, well, first let me say there will not be 4,000 people on board. I think I explained that earlier in the TR -- we asked a CM and he explained how the ship is considered "full" if every room was filled with a certain # of people (they have a formula) it would be able to hold 4,000. But there is something to the total # of people per cabin and where those cabins are (which side of the ship) based on the lifeboats, etc... so our cruise, for instance, was 3400. And as I said, I never knew there were other people on the ship unless it was time for dinner, or other key moments!!!

Yep, I do remember you telling us that, and I am hoping that my 'sold out' cruise is similar to yours! Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst

Regarding the cabanas... we have rented cabanas at resorts before (not Disney -- only seen those at the Contemporary?). But the ocean, the pool, in one case, was not sectioned off for those of us who paid to have the covered cabana space, or the covered lounges, etc... He didn't like that they had arranged a "private" beach area and ocean access.

Ok, I gotcha now! I was afraid that there was actually something distastful about area itself.


You are on an updating roll lately HD!

It must have felt sort of strange to be the only people inside the Outlook bar, no wonder you said it felt like you had the ship to yourselves at times! And I bet that bartender was very excited to actually have someone to serve.

Pirate night will be so fun with your little guys in June! None of my boys are the slightest bit interested in dressing up

 

[Charleston Princess]

The spa sounds like a lovely place!

I think it is neat that you saved some things like the Pirates Night to experience with your boys! I bet that is going to be a blast with them! Can't wait to see the outfits you are conjuring up for everyone!!!

 

[svcutler]

Subbing!

 

[Native NYer]

HD, love all of of your photos! Castaway Cay looks so relaxing.
A Disney cruise is definitely calling my name.

 

[whitfive]

LOVE your TR! Can't wait for our cruise!