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

[Happydog]

Wow! I never would have thought that those portholes had Disney characters interacting in them. How cute! Jeremy would love that. Now you got me rethinking whether or not to do a balcony or an inside stateroom. Too many decisions to make!!!

Love the picture with Donald and Daisy!

I have really enjoyed following your trip.

Erika

They really are fun! Talk about Disney magic right in your room!!!

The balcony will be very nice! There is plenty of fun around the ship, I would say having the balcony will likely be the best experience, with the idea that you would use it or go out on it? I mean that is one reason why I always consider it. But there is something to be said about natural sunlight vs. the "virtual" porthole. Regardless, to me with kids or without the porthole rooms on this ship are wonderful. Maybe a little small, so it depends on the age of your kiddos. But regardless, you probably won't spend a great deal of time in the room... the veranda gives you a little more space... all four of us would not work in an inside cabin b/c we would go nuts -- that is what I also have to consider... but that isn't everyone, and. that said, if it meant going or not going, I'd be there! As most things Disney, great value for the price, and what a choice accomodation!!!!

It was fun just coming upon them, and to be surprised into a photo! I hope to get more with my boys this summer.

Just a few more pics to share, and then I will concentrate on my PTR!

The portholes are so groovy!! I can see why those staterooms have become so popular!
Cute picture of you and the ducks!!
Oh I have seen the trailer for Pirates Mmm mmm mmm!!

Tracy

They really were neat, made me squeal each time something "appeared" DH was laughing at me...

It was a funny moment and so I just went with it!

Oh yeah... He is ageless... timeless....

That porthole is SOOOO cool!

They sure are!

That porthole is so cool! Wonder if I could talk someone with an inside stateroom into letting me hang out and watch it for awhile?

I am hoping that the show Believe will have the effect you are talking about on Don.......

I am SO excited for Pirates 4 to come out, I may have watched the trailer once or twice, or maybe even a few more times than that I am thinking that it will probably be one of the movies showing on the ship when we sail, but I don't think I can wait that long to see it after it comes out.

Ha! YES, I bet you it will! Such warm fuzzies, really. Well, just lurk around any of the rooms near your cabin!!! LOL!!!

We will be seeing it here, I think, beforehand. I might actually use that as my "reveal" for the cruise.... we'll see. We have seen POC1 like weeky in the past few months... We finally ordered the last two so the kids can see them -- I don't think they will get too spooked. We have only made it to HP #3, to be honest.... even though DS8 has finished all of the books..

great report - I love the porthole!! How cool!

Thanks! They are fun to write! The porthole rooms were MORE expensive than the oceanview room for Feb 2012 if you can believe it!!!!

 

[MagicMe]

Loving your trip report! Can't wait to see the remaining pictures and the souvenirs you picked up.

It's tough to tell about the Dream D&B purse by the picture. I REALLY LOVE the original one that I was able to purchase on my last cruise. I agree that it's more nautical. I'm always getting comments on it. Well, I don't cruise on the Dream until October so I may not need to make a choice at that point if they sell out!! Did they have both types on sale?

 

[Happydog]

Thank you so much for your TR!!!! I have learned so much and now, I have a few questions...if you don't mind!! I read your entire TR and wrote down questions so I wouldn't forget them. We are taking our first DCL cruise on the Dream, Feb 12, 2012 with my 4 kids...DS 14, DD 12, DD 6, DD 3. We have cruised on Carnival ships before, my kids have never been. So, here are my questions....

Hi! Thanks for reading along and glad to throw my 2 cents in for whatever I can!

What was the temperature like? Was the water cold? I'm afraid with it being Feb that it will be too chilly to swim (even though your pics of Castaway Cay showed plenty of people enjoying the water).

Well, we did NOT get in the water People said it was cold, but there were plenty in the water to indicate they were willing to brave it! I am a wimp when it comes to cold water! We went towards the end of February, but only about a week difference it seems... the weather is always the gamble -- but there is plenty to do at CCay even if you don't swim...

Online it says men should wear a jacket and women a dress/skirt for dinner. Are they finicky about this? What is suitable attire for the rotation dining for me and my kids?

I wore white denim and a dressy shirt and strappy sandals one night, a short shift dress and heels the other two nights (a little black going out dress), and denim and a blouse and sandals the other night... I wore a casual easily dressed up or down dress and flat sandals for brunch...

My DH brought a jacket that went with denim or khakis... he wore it once, wore a tie with a light sweater and slacks the other night... Jeans and a shirt other evenings.

I plan to put my kids in khakis, nice shorts and shirts, that sort of combo.

At Castaway Cay, is the BBQ and other food included in the cruise or do we pay for that? What about the plunge slide thing at Castaway Cay...is that included?

BBQ is included, all food is, really... the water slide and all the activities save "excursions" or rentals are open for everyone!

The coffee shop you spoke highly of...is that included??

Alas, NO!!!!! Consider it for your "bar/beverage" fund.... though all the above is relatively reasonable. The coffees were 3 - 4 apiece, like at Starbucks... If you fill a coffee card you get one free! We did that by the time the 5th and final morning rolled around.

I want to make sure I know what is included and what I need to expect to pay for. I very much enjoyed reading your TR and look forward to reading more of your WD experiences.


Thank so much for your help!!!!

Oh I completely get the budgeting for certain items! Souvenirs, tips, movie or theater snacks they sell (like Mickey popcorn, etc.) or beverages that you get at the bar/coffee bars.... that is pretty much it (Oh, and Arcade games and laundry).

I enjoy sharing my experiences, because I have always enjoyed reading what others say about their own! So it is fun. I know I have learned a lot by reading what my fellow Disers say!!!

 

[mrskcich]

Thank you for answering all of my questions...

you said the waterslide at CCay "save "excursions" or rentals are open for everyone!"...does that mean the waterslide is included? Nothing extra?

Sorry, it was a little confusing....

 

[MagicMe]

Thank you for answering all of my questions...

you said the waterslide at CCay "save "excursions" or rentals are open for everyone!"...does that mean the waterslide is included? Nothing extra?

Sorry, it was a little confusing....

The waterslide is free. DCL offers some excursions that you would need to pay for including rentals of floats and bikes.

 

[mrskcich]

The waterslide is free. DCL offers some excursions that you would need to pay for including rentals of floats and bikes.

Thanks so much!

 

[maciemouse]

I am loving your trip report. And your pictures. I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. We are leaving for the Dream this Thursday. I just registered us on line today, a week before our trip. Does that mean that our # to get on the ship will be a long wait? Also, we are going with our kids. Is there anything you can think of that a might need to make reservations for? Do you have to pre book the nightly shows? This is our first cruise, so I am clueless. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you and I look forward to seeing your final pictures.

 

[Happydog]

I am loving your trip report. And your pictures. I have a couple of questions for you if you don't mind. We are leaving for the Dream this Thursday. I just registered us on line today, a week before our trip. Does that mean that our # to get on the ship will be a long wait? Also, we are going with our kids. Is there anything you can think of that a might need to make reservations for? Do you have to pre book the nightly shows? This is our first cruise, so I am clueless. Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you and I look forward to seeing your final pictures.

Hi! Well I have noticed a few threads that have been discussing this, basically there seems to be the opinion that suggest your boarding group (#) is based on when you completed online checkin.... There is a port arrival selection as part of this process. Did you get to select a time? I just don't see how the system could assign boarding group #s to people based on when they filled out the form online, or when they got a "time" for port arrival online. It just seems too complicated. I think they are doing this to try and help with the influx of passengers and the over crowding at the terminal. If your time is later, or you arrive later, you are going to get a number that boards later, at least that is what is understood. The question is if the system is sophisticated enough to give you an earlier boarding # if you checked in online for the first or second time slot, and a later time boarding # if you were not in the first or second time slot but arrived that early anyhow. I just don't see it working! But I guess reports will start coming in for those who are really studying this!

You can "register" your kids for the clubs online -- I think you must have done that? You dont need to stand in line to get the child tag for your kid(s), but that seems to be the way most people do...

Your cabin key will have your dining rotations, times, listed when you get them. Then basically you go to the show oposite your dining. So we went to the 7pm before our late dining rotation. I think they are changing the times a bit, but that will all be in the Navigator when you get on board. Study it!

How exciting! A week away! Have a great time, and let me know if I can offer any other tips, etc. I try to be helpful!

Final post coming up this weekend!

 

[999ghostslover]

Oooh Happy Dog. My husband is so mad at you right now. Not only are you costing him one Dream cruise because I have fallen head over heels for the ship after this report but also my house is a wreck because all I have done for the last two days is read this report. I think he'll get over it all once he boards though, don't you?
This TR has been amazing. I love all of your pics and descriptions. Can you tell me what was at the Brunch? We will probably eat dinner every night with our kids but we will try for a brunch and rainforest room day I think.

 

[Happydog]

So our next morning started with showers and packing our carry–on bags. We had already left our luggage out the night before, because that is a requirement if you want Disney to handle your luggage. Ours was checked all the way through to the airport, and we did online check-in the day before so it was great to not have to worry about any of that. We went up to Cabanas for breakfast, vs. a sit down. I was glad we did, I think the selection was a little better than the plated options that they offer in the dining rooms. And I liked that we were able to go at our own pace. We enjoyed breakfast, and then went to the Outlook Cafe for our last Lattes -- of course we had one for free with our coffee card!!! Then went back to our cabin to get our things…

These are the final photos I took... here is the outlook cafe, such a nice spot!! Though I have to confess I like the set up on the Classic ships better, especially the second level that walks right outside to the deck... the view was amazing. The "second" level on the Dream is the BAR, that we went to our third evening, but they are not connected, and again, it seems to me they are not advertising that space too much (I think b/c it is a private party venue as well).

You can see SOME of the crowds in this photo, but it does not really show you the MASS of people waiting in this area... It wasn't chaotic, just a LOT of people!!!!

We were not in a hurry to disembark. Rather, we didn't have a flight before 1:30, and the line was ALL THE WAY back almost to the where The District starts..... I kid you NOT!
I just wasn't standing in a line like that!!!

SO DH sat in the lobby on a chair, read, and I took the opportunity to sneak back to the District, so I could get some pictures.... I was glad because I felt weird taking them when guests where there on the evenings we visited them, and this way I could take pictures easily...

DLounge...

Heading down to The District....

PINK!!!!!!!

SIGH. Can I tell you how much I enjoyed this spot! TOO cute! It is really small, and it has a separate entrance (door) which I thought might have been locked, but I was glad that it wasn't, and I could just take a few photos...

A couple more art pics....

a nice Mickey accent above the arches, and the "See You Real Soon" banner!

THE Souvenirs and future plans in the FINAL FINAL POST NEXT!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Oh, OKAY, ONE more shot, I forgot Hitching a ride on the DCL bus... off to the airport we went!!!

SO, I really didn't buy too much. I guess I find it easier to buy stuff at WDW, and I didn't need to get that sort of merchandise on the boat! I do wish I could have made it to DTD when we were at WDW, but there will be more opportunities to shop in the future! I am managing to get a few more goodies for the birthday surprise bags that I am creating for the kids (this is for our SUMMER Cruise, so feel free to head over to my PTR after this if you want to see more!! )

SO, here are my purchases...

YES, I caved. I bought a D&B wristlet... I could never justify the $ for a big bag, but the wristlet was a perfect "cruise" purchase, and I used it three nights, because it was just the right size for what I needed while on the ship. I think I will get plenty of use out of it since we have three cruises in the works!!!

I also bought a magnet and a simple pin... it was the "retro" looking Captain Mickey that I like, and I think this magnet is one of my favorites. I have one from the Wonder, too. I wasn't compelled to get any of the "inaugural" merchandise... I thought to get the boys the Dream candybars they had, but they were $4.00 apiece! I wasn't going to pay that for the wrapper SORRY!

I also bought these POC pins for my boys... they go with the Mickey Pirate Pins... I have a plan for these....

Now LAST year I bought this Tshirt for one of my boys... I decided to get another one, so they each had it... I think it is a fun Tshirt, that doesn't have too much going on, and so they each have this one for the trip...

Just the loot in the CCay Club bag... Gee, those ricecrispie treats hold up well... I don't think we even ate the two we got last year Cloyingly sweet, but very cute! I prefer my ricecrispie treats plain or dipped in chocolate!

Now THIS I didn't buy, but I had forgotten to share what was left for us on Pirate Night.... here is the bandanas and the "invite" to the party! It was very cute, and of course I will use the bandanas in the gift bag I have for the kids...

These pics of the daily Navigators, and the CCAY map...

Lastly, here is the folder with my rebooked cruises!!! I have two.

ONE with my DMIL and DFIL, the week of Thanksgiving. We are going on the Western Carribbean Cruise aboard the Magic. We decided to take advantage of the week before Thanksgiving, because the impact with school would be less of a challenge, and this coming year we didn't have as many school holidays or days off for elections, etc. that would enable us to get away like we did in October/November.... So a warm destination was a must! This is a Deluxe oceanview on a midship deck, and we are GTY... So we have the hope of an upgrade, but feel good about the GTY category, because this particular category only has cabins on two decks, so it is a win-win for us either way. We will only be on Deck 6 or 7... so that will be great, in my opinion.

We ALSO booked Presidents Day weekend 2012 for DH and I again, as a quick getaway. Instead of booking the inside room, we booked the same category we have for our currently being planned summer cruise with the kids, but this time we are in the forward facing rooms in the front of the ship... that was all they had in that category, and I actually went to see the room (the CM recommended this) on Disembarkation day, it wasn't made up yet, but I could see what it was like, and I think we are going to enjoy it! The room is much larger than what we had, in the inside cabin, and I think it looks great. The window is a dormer angle, but it doesn't take away from the fact that we have natural light, etc. I am looking forward to trying it.

So that is it everyone! I hope you have enjoyed it! Come on by and visit the HD and Family Summer PTR if you want to learn more about our upcoming Disney vacation, a five day cruise and five nights at Disney's Vero Beach! LINK is in my Signature!!!

Bon Voyage!!!

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

Wow--you have 3 more cruises to plan! That is awesome!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I appreciate all the information you shared. It will be of great benefit in my planning.

Looking forward to reading all about your summer adventures.

 

[Cheryl726]

I really enjoyed the pics you took! Love the D&B wristlet, do you mind if I ask how much it was? And congrats on your upcoming cruises!

 

[Happydog]

Oooh Happy Dog. My husband is so mad at you right now. Not only are you costing him one Dream cruise because I have fallen head over heels for the ship after this report but also my house is a wreck because all I have done for the last two days is read this report. I think he'll get over it all once he boards though, don't you?
This TR has been amazing. I love all of your pics and descriptions. Can you tell me what was at the Brunch? We will probably eat dinner every night with our kids but we will try for a brunch and rainforest room day I think.

Gawrsh! So SORRY...

Oh yes, he will most certainly get over it! A Disney Cruise is (in my opinion) one of the best ways to have a taste of Disney Magic, but also enjoy quality family and adult time! I think a family vacation should allow for everyone to have time to do things they want to, and that includes parents stealing a little time for themselves! The kids clubs look AMAZING. I know my kids won't even bat an eye when we take them, but in addition there are so many fun things for us to do TOGETHER as well! I can't wait.

BRUNCH has a whole spread, seafood, fruits, salads, meats and antipasti, fabulous baked goods, THEN you select a hot entree of your choice. THEN there is the dessert table... OH and the mimosa/sparkling wine... Incredible and very enjoyable! I am sure there are food porn pics somewhere on the cruise thread!!! Or on the Disney Foodblog. Check there!
ENJOY!!!!

 

[Happydog]

Wow--you have 3 more cruises to plan! That is awesome!

Thanks for sharing your trip with us. I appreciate all the information you shared. It will be of great benefit in my planning.

Looking forward to reading all about your summer adventures.

Thanks! I am looking forward to them, but we plan to get some WDW time in there too!

I enjoy writing the reports, I hope they are somewhat helpful -- obviously people travel differently, have different tastes, interests, etc. But if a photo or a tip helps one person, then I feel that the time I spend writing them is at least somewhat worthwhile, and not entirely self indulgent Now my June Cruise with the kids will be more helpful I am sure! We'll see if I survive it!

I really enjoyed the pics you took! Love the D&B wristlet, do you mind if I ask how much it was? And congrats on your upcoming cruises!

Hi! Thanks! Oh no biggie, it was $49.00. The same as all the other wristlets they sell. They had navy blue with red leather trim, and navy with red trim.. I almost bought the red one. I liked these more than the inaugural pattern. But mostly b/c the closure was a flap and not a zip..

 

[eandesmom]

cute souvies! I like the wristlets a lot, had actually thought about getting one since my fav one has a broken zipper but was given a darling one for my birthday so..probably not. I'd prefer flap over zipper as well. And, while inaugural is neat...it's also dated the next day. I do love the giant totes but can't imagine justifying it.

LOVE the bar photo's, what a neat spot that is.

2 additional booked cruises....nicely done

 

[Charleston Princess]

Oh, Pink is just adorable!!!

So, it sounds like you had a good bit of time to enjoy your breakfast, lattes, and explore. What time do people start disembarking?

As always, I love all your souvenirs! I am with you -- if I ever get a Dooney and Bourke it will be the wristlet -- much more in my price range. LOL! The magnet is cute -- I love the Art Deco look of it. Of course, I love magnets period. Is it any wonder that on my Tybee shopping list (yes, I have one LOL) I have put that I want to get a magnet and a Christmas ornament as must-haves?

Hmmm, what are you going to do with the Pirates pins??? I guess I will have to wait over on your other PTR for that.

What a great feeling to know you are doing three more cruises in the next year -- you really will earn that gold or platinum status in no time!

As always, I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip report, Happydog! They are always so much fun to read!!!

 

[SoonerGirl]

Great TR HD! Thanks so much for helping me get excited about our upcoming cruise

So, what time did you finally get off the ship? I know I won't be able to stand in those long lines to disembark without getting a little cranky, seems like such a waste of time.....

Also, on the luggage, do you have to leave it outside your door the night before or can you just hang onto it and take it off the ship yourself? Seems silly to me to give them our luggage, then stand in line to find your luggage, then stand in another line to go through customs. Wouldn't it be easier for us to just keep it with us?

Love your wristlet, very cute! I already warned Don that a cruise D&B would be coming home with us

 

[Happydog]

cute souvies! I like the wristlets a lot, had actually thought about getting one since my fav one has a broken zipper but was given a darling one for my birthday so..probably not. I'd prefer flap over zipper as well. And, while inaugural is neat...it's also dated the next day. I do love the giant totes but can't imagine justifying it.

LOVE the bar photo's, what a neat spot that is.

2 additional booked cruises....nicely done

Thanks! I like it too. I am glad I got one. the flap closure is actually bigger IMO... Yeah, the year on it was one of my hesitations, too... the giant totes are neat, but like you, not something I can consider... in my case just other things I want or need to get (non disney ) But very stylish I must say!

The other cruises were a surprise, but I am glad it worked out for us. Should be fun!

Oh, Pink is just adorable!!!

So, it sounds like you had a good bit of time to enjoy your breakfast, lattes, and explore. What time do people start disembarking?

It really is very fanciful! So much on that ship is.

Disembarkation was based on when you needed to take DCL transportation. They assign people to breakfast based on your "dining time" but really, everyone pretty much does there thing, with everyone supposedly off the boat by 10am I think it is... That was us, around 10 I think... We just were not in a hurry to stand in line! Not with carry-on luggage.

As always, I love all your souvenirs! I am with you -- if I ever get a Dooney and Bourke it will be the wristlet -- much more in my price range. LOL! The magnet is cute -- I love the Art Deco look of it. Of course, I love magnets period. Is it any wonder that on my Tybee shopping list (yes, I have one LOL) I have put that I want to get a magnet and a Christmas ornament as must-haves?

Hmmm, what are you going to do with the Pirates pins??? I guess I will have to wait over on your other PTR for that.

Price was definitely a factor for me, as well as just wanting something different. I had been eyeing them for the past year, so I finally said I'm getting one! I am glad I did.

YES, I know we both are magnet freaks!

I love your shopping list! Great choices!!

Well the pirate pins are for their hats (I am going to put them on their Pirate hats, which will go in the birthday bags...) at least I think that is my plan.. Subject to change,

What a great feeling to know you are doing three more cruises in the next year -- you really will earn that gold or platinum status in no time!

As always, I have thoroughly enjoyed your trip report, Happydog! They are always so much fun to read!!!

Yes! There are three! How did that happen... I still can't believe it. Well, the summer cruise has been planned for a year, but with the other two, Thanksgiving made sense when we discussed having a family holiday event, and going somewhere warm... And it will be nice to take the grandparents.
The getaway in February, well, we have enjoyed it the past two years, so it was a no brainer to book it!

Thanks for always reading along with me CP, I enjoy sharing and chatting!!!

 

[Happydog]

Great TR HD! Thanks so much for helping me get excited about our upcoming cruise

Thank you!!!! AND YOU are welcome! You know I am excited for you guys just as much! You are going to have so much fun, talk about a new chapter of Disney experience for you!!!!

So, what time did you finally get off the ship? I know I won't be able to stand in those long lines to disembark without getting a little cranky, seems like such a waste of time.....

Also, on the luggage, do you have to leave it outside your door the night before or can you just hang onto it and take it off the ship yourself? Seems silly to me to give them our luggage, then stand in line to find your luggage, then stand in another line to go through customs. Wouldn't it be easier for us to just keep it with us?

I agree, that is why we didn't... but out of courtesy to the CMs I wanted to get out of our room at a reasonable time. They keep making announcements, to remind you to disembark, etc. I think we were in the lobby for about 30 minutes, before we braved the line, as long as you have a place to sit, a book, etc., you are fine to just wait for the crowd. They sort of let people off in waves, so it seems like the line is really long, then a big chunk is let out.. kinda like in the ride queues! LOL! But I want to say it was around 10am.. we were certainly not the last on the boat, and we had to walk down the hall that leads towards the district, a bit, before we got to the end of the line, and it was "shorter" that it had been... So get down there, and then relax, take pics, etc... Also Shutters (the photo place was crazy busy).... No, you don't have to give up your suitcase... we did because we had to to take advantage of online airport checkin. HOWEVER last year since we were driving we kept out luggage. Since that is you, I would just keep it, too...I will probably allow them to take it for me this summer, b/c I won't be able to manage the boys, and two suitcases PLUS carry ons... You have to get them 1/2 way through the process anyhow, but I won't want to be that burdened with stuff for breakfast, etc... Just remember you have to carry it everywhere with you. But having said that, we left it in our room, went to breakfast, then came back to get it by 9 I think....

Love your wristlet, very cute! I already warned Don that a cruise D&B would be coming home with us

Oh now HOW did I know that??!!! LOL!!!!!