Going on the Dream-first time- need help to plan-Thanks!

[BruinEd03]

Thank you for the information! Was able to add my Castaway Club numbers and the reservation was in my name and my mother's is the other cabin. Because this was last minute, most activities and packages are booked, but that is ok, I am sure there is plenty to do.

I would check online, and again when you board if there are specific activities that you want. Sometimes people cancel (they can cancel up to 3 days before boarding). Also, if you can swing it, I would suggest Palo or Remy at least once. If you can't get a reservation, go to Palo or Remy once you board to set up a time. This is an adults only dinner and do have dress codes. You can call ahead for your dining rotation (so you can know the repeat day if you want to do one of the adult restaurants). https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/dining-food-beverages/dining-dress-codes/

If you are using the Wi-Fi be sure to disable any background apps. Otherwise that 50 mb will go in a few minutes. However, you can text each person that has the disney cruise app for free. This was much more convenient then using the wave phones (and you also don't risk the possibility of losing the wave phones and facing a stiff penalty). If you need to make phone calls, I believe you can actually use the Internet to do it. I believe my wife did it using facetime audio, however there may be more data-sensitive apps. Here is a thread on the subject: https://www.disboards.com/threads/facetime-on-wifi-v-cellular-at-sea-plan.3564584/

If you or your children have any food allergies, be sure to call ahead of time. Most times they will be fine onboard, but it is always good to just give the heads up.

With the new checkin process, I believe you can also get your kids squared away for activities. http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...h-all-new-youth-activities-registration-form/

If you know you want photos, you can pre-purchase for a discount. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/photography-service/

To save money, you can bring alcohol on board. However the policy has changed since you last cruised. No hard liquor is permitted. 2 x wine bottles or 1 x 6 pack of beer per person at boarding and per port stop. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/prohibited-items/carrying-alcohol-onboard/

If you want to get your passport stamped at Castaway Cay or Nassau, here is the procedure (for Castaway Cay you have to ask the customer service, and if one of the officers agrees to help you out, then basically they will tell you to be at a certain location on the ship early in the morning when they dock. They will then wave you in if the customs official allows it. It is not guaranteed that they will let you get the passport stamped.): https://www.disboards.com/threads/passport-stamp-from-castaway-cay.2859115/

You can call ahead to see what movies will be playing aboard the ship.

Don't forget to run the 5k at Castaway cay and get a nice looking medal (definitely upgraded from a few years ago) However there is a minimum age requirement of 10 years - however you can drop off the younger one before the race at the kid's location on castaway cay. You will have to register for the 5k ahead of time at Port Adventures. It can run out of space, especially on a large ship such as the Disney Dream, so I would put that on a to-do list when you board.

 

[Wayde]

I would check online, and again when you board if there are specific activities that you want. Sometimes people cancel (they can cancel up to 3 days before boarding). Also, if you can swing it, I would suggest Palo or Remy at least once. If you can't get a reservation, go to Palo or Remy once you board to set up a time. This is an adults only dinner and do have dress codes. You can call ahead for your dining rotation (so you can know the repeat day if you want to do one of the adult restaurants). https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/dining-food-beverages/dining-dress-codes/

If you are using the Wi-Fi be sure to disable any background apps. Otherwise that 50 mb will go in a few minutes. However, you can text each person that has the disney cruise app for free. This was much more convenient then using the wave phones (and you also don't risk the possibility of losing the wave phones and facing a stiff penalty). If you need to make phone calls, I believe you can actually use the Internet to do it. I believe my wife did it using facetime audio, however there may be more data-sensitive apps. Here is a thread on the subject: https://www.disboards.com/threads/facetime-on-wifi-v-cellular-at-sea-plan.3564584/

If you or your children have any food allergies, be sure to call ahead of time. Most times they will be fine onboard, but it is always good to just give the heads up.

With the new checkin process, I believe you can also get your kids squared away for activities. http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...h-all-new-youth-activities-registration-form/

If you know you want photos, you can pre-purchase for a discount. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/photography-service/

To save money, you can bring alcohol on board. However the policy has changed since you last cruised. No hard liquor is permitted. 2 x wine bottles or 1 x 6 pack of beer per person at boarding and per port stop. https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faq/prohibited-items/carrying-alcohol-onboard/

If you want to get your passport stamped at Castaway Cay or Nassau, here is the procedure (for Castaway Cay you have to ask the customer service, and if one of the officers agrees to help you out, then basically they will tell you to be at a certain location on the ship early in the morning when they dock. They will then wave you in if the customs official allows it. It is not guaranteed that they will let you get the passport stamped.): https://www.disboards.com/threads/passport-stamp-from-castaway-cay.2859115/

You can call ahead to see what movies will be playing aboard the ship.

Don't forget to run the 5k at Castaway cay and get a nice looking medal (definitely upgraded from a few years ago) However there is a minimum age requirement of 10 years - however you can drop off the younger one before the race at the kid's location on castaway cay. You will have to register for the 5k ahead of time at Port Adventures. It can run out of space, especially on a large ship such as the Disney Dream, so I would put that on a to-do list when you board.

First, thank you for all of the information! This is very informative and I learned somethings I did not know. Will look into the 5k for sure. That would be fun for everyone except my youngest ( who has done a couple 5ks before but I'm sure they will not waiver on the age).
Was hoping to do Remy for brunch if possible. We have done Palo, but that was 15 years ago.
I was looking at the navigator app and thought that could be the way to contact the family, I am just worried about the tablet/iPad and iPod uses. Was thinking of paying the fee for the wifi use and that way my wife can face time or Skype her parents. The wave phones will be left in the room.

Personally I can not wait to disconnect!

I am a little concerned were drinks are concerned. From what I have read, most if not all drinks ( unalcoholic) ghost money unless you visit the self serve station. My youngest hates soda and loves water or milk. I do not drink soda and just drink water. Is there a way we can bring a case of water on?

I love beer but it does not love me. If I get off in Nassau and grab a couple of bottles of Tequilia would that be allowed?
I think there will be plenty to do and I am hoping that the kids will get involved in the oceanear lab. We shall see.

 

[diznymom]

You can bring water and other non-alcoholic drinks aboard. They must be in a carry-on. The ship's water is fine for drinking if you want to go that route. (I ask the room host for ice and bring a few cups from the drink stations for my ice water (I like the coffee cups) Milk is available at the drink station. Milk and fruit juice is available from Room Service for no extra cost. Milk and fruit juices are available in Cabana's.

If you buy Tequila in Nassau, DCL will take it up and you can have it after the end of your cruise.

There will be lots to do.