cheapster316
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- May 24, 2014
- Messages
- 339
Some thoughts on the Dream:
Cabin location- 8076. This was midship on deck 8, 2 doors down from the mid ship elevators. I loved it. Little to no motion even when captain announced rough seas the first night. Last trip we were in the front of the ship and this was so much better. No worries about extra noise from the elevators. I wanted deck 6, but after switching my dates 3 times, that was not left. I like taking the stairs at times and deck 8 was a hike from 3 or 4. I definitely recommend mid ship. We also really enjoyed the balcony. The kids loved it. I was also worried about having the bunk bed. No problems at all, there is a built in bedrail. I did hate the shower in this room. I also love having magnets on the door to find your room.
Pirates Night- We love dressing up, love doing the pictures and was very sad I missed the fireworks and dance party. If there was a night to miss in the dining room, I was glad it was pirates menu.
Pirates League- I made the appointments month in advance, upon entering our room were cute pirate passes with the kids names inviting them with the date and time. It was $44.95 for the cheapest package and DS loved it. He had a patch, a necklace with a key, a pouch with something-don’t remember what was in it, he loved it, a sash, bandana and a plastic sword. He had a black eye, scar and beard. DD was sick and they did not charge us a cancellation fee because of illness. We brought our own costumes which I bought at Target for 90% off after Halloween.
Movies-I always think I am going to watch all these movies on board and never do. This time we made it into Star Wars Rogue One in the Walt Disney Theatre. Very few people attended but I was glad we did. It seemed like a lot of the times the movie times were just not convenient. The popcorn was yummy and you could get cheap refills $1.50 if you bought a container. We bought a Star Wars fighter ship.
Kids clubs-My kids are 8 and 10, last time they were 6 & 8. They definitely had more of an interest and wanted to do the Dine and Play every night. Last time they went to a few activities. This time they would look at the navigator and be like we want to go Super Sloppy Science or any Star Warsactivity. DS loved playing Infinity and DD loved doing crafts. DD can’t wait to do the Tween club next time.
Characters- This time we saw a lot more random characters around the ship without a photographer. Belle was in her blue dress in the Atrium as we were debarking on Castaway Cay, I met Pluto hanging out by the railing on deck 5.
Cabana- Castaway Cay- Worth every penny and would love to do it again. Shade, ceiling fan, cold drinks and the beach to ourselves at times. It was great. I am not one to splurge but we loved it. We also do not do any excursions so I was fine with the cost. I also brought back to the ship the unopened drinks we did not use.
Aqua Duck- We only did it twice this time. Waits were less than posted and the kids loved it.
Room Service- Nice treat, ok food. This was great for snacks like Mickey Bars and Uncrustables sandwiches. I brought $50 in singles for tipping and had $ leftover.
Service- Our Dining Room waiter Sam, was amazing. Assistant waiter was pretty bad and the head server brought my son’s birthday dessert to a different kid at the table, wished Makayla happy birthday, instead of my son, but fixed it when we told him who’s birthday it actually was. We could have whatever we wanted. The one night I wanted to try scallops with my steak and asked for a small portion of scallops to go with my dinner. He brought me a whole scallop dinner and said Surf and Turf. He did magic tricks, brain teasers and most importantly told me to go sit down and eat when I tried to cut up DDS chicken.
Food- It was Ok, I liked the dinners but the kids got sick of the food fast and are not adventurous eaters. We all liked up by the pool at the sandwich place, chicken tenders, pizza etc. Cabanas always was busy, difficult to find a seat and when you would go at off times, never silverware. I do like the unlimited fountain drinks on the top deck and often filled up our WDW mugs and brought back to the room. The kids loved Eye Scream which was free soft serve. We tried Vanellope’s once and it was not too expensive.
Birthday Celebration- DS actually turned 8 on our cruise. The room steward brought him a birthday pin and card, the night before. At dinner they had a celebration pin for him. They were similar to the park pins but smaller. At dinner they sang to him.
Favorite Activity- Jedi Training in the theatre. This was so awesome, truly a never forget moment. The kids loved it, we loved it. Darth Vader was so huge, the effects were great and it was DS 8th birthday. Definitely a magical memory.
Paying with Gift Cards- I went to guest services on 2 different occasions to pay on my bill with absolutely no issues.
Entertainment- We loved Villains Tonight, so sad it is going away. We skipped Believe and Golden Mickeys and really liked the Magician Justino. Ds bought a $40 magic kit that he was selling onboard. We never went to any bars except Evolution when Justino had a family show where he shows how to do some tricks.
Rebooking while on board- We tried a few times but the hours were odd and finally were able to do it on the day at sea. You sign in and they have a computer screen, showing who they are waiting on and who is next. It was easy. We booked a place holder cruise since we will want to do January 2019 and it is not out yet. The deposit was $250 and you have to sail within 2 years. The amount is refundable prior to final payment and you get 10% off your next cruise. I was able to give my TA credit and when I got off the ship I had an email from both her and DCL about rebooking.
WDW and DCL- we did 2 nights prior to the cruise at Art of Animation, 1 day at Magic Kingdom. We loved the Nemo suites. We booked transportation 1 way from AOA to the port. I do not like getting to the port so late, it was after 2 when we did our paperwork and only having time to eat really quick and hurry to the muster drill. Next time I will do a car service. We did a limo from Happy Limo back to POFQ and the kids loved it. I was very happy with Happy Limo and will definitely use them again. I did not do any parks after the cruise, just relaxed at POFQ. Last time we did 3 parks after the cruise and it was too much.
Final thoughts- I loved DCL. I have sailed Princess, RCL and Carnival before we had kids. DCL is more money but while my kids are young it is worth it to me. I like that the fountain drinks are included. I am not a Bingo person and do not feel it was pushed on me all the time like Carnival. I also like not having drink waiters constantly in my face. I love the rainforest room and kids clubs as well as the shows. I love getting all the pictures digitally, having character pictures and the memories for my family.
Cabin location- 8076. This was midship on deck 8, 2 doors down from the mid ship elevators. I loved it. Little to no motion even when captain announced rough seas the first night. Last trip we were in the front of the ship and this was so much better. No worries about extra noise from the elevators. I wanted deck 6, but after switching my dates 3 times, that was not left. I like taking the stairs at times and deck 8 was a hike from 3 or 4. I definitely recommend mid ship. We also really enjoyed the balcony. The kids loved it. I was also worried about having the bunk bed. No problems at all, there is a built in bedrail. I did hate the shower in this room. I also love having magnets on the door to find your room.
Pirates Night- We love dressing up, love doing the pictures and was very sad I missed the fireworks and dance party. If there was a night to miss in the dining room, I was glad it was pirates menu.
Pirates League- I made the appointments month in advance, upon entering our room were cute pirate passes with the kids names inviting them with the date and time. It was $44.95 for the cheapest package and DS loved it. He had a patch, a necklace with a key, a pouch with something-don’t remember what was in it, he loved it, a sash, bandana and a plastic sword. He had a black eye, scar and beard. DD was sick and they did not charge us a cancellation fee because of illness. We brought our own costumes which I bought at Target for 90% off after Halloween.
Movies-I always think I am going to watch all these movies on board and never do. This time we made it into Star Wars Rogue One in the Walt Disney Theatre. Very few people attended but I was glad we did. It seemed like a lot of the times the movie times were just not convenient. The popcorn was yummy and you could get cheap refills $1.50 if you bought a container. We bought a Star Wars fighter ship.
Kids clubs-My kids are 8 and 10, last time they were 6 & 8. They definitely had more of an interest and wanted to do the Dine and Play every night. Last time they went to a few activities. This time they would look at the navigator and be like we want to go Super Sloppy Science or any Star Warsactivity. DS loved playing Infinity and DD loved doing crafts. DD can’t wait to do the Tween club next time.
Characters- This time we saw a lot more random characters around the ship without a photographer. Belle was in her blue dress in the Atrium as we were debarking on Castaway Cay, I met Pluto hanging out by the railing on deck 5.
Cabana- Castaway Cay- Worth every penny and would love to do it again. Shade, ceiling fan, cold drinks and the beach to ourselves at times. It was great. I am not one to splurge but we loved it. We also do not do any excursions so I was fine with the cost. I also brought back to the ship the unopened drinks we did not use.
Aqua Duck- We only did it twice this time. Waits were less than posted and the kids loved it.
Room Service- Nice treat, ok food. This was great for snacks like Mickey Bars and Uncrustables sandwiches. I brought $50 in singles for tipping and had $ leftover.
Service- Our Dining Room waiter Sam, was amazing. Assistant waiter was pretty bad and the head server brought my son’s birthday dessert to a different kid at the table, wished Makayla happy birthday, instead of my son, but fixed it when we told him who’s birthday it actually was. We could have whatever we wanted. The one night I wanted to try scallops with my steak and asked for a small portion of scallops to go with my dinner. He brought me a whole scallop dinner and said Surf and Turf. He did magic tricks, brain teasers and most importantly told me to go sit down and eat when I tried to cut up DDS chicken.
Food- It was Ok, I liked the dinners but the kids got sick of the food fast and are not adventurous eaters. We all liked up by the pool at the sandwich place, chicken tenders, pizza etc. Cabanas always was busy, difficult to find a seat and when you would go at off times, never silverware. I do like the unlimited fountain drinks on the top deck and often filled up our WDW mugs and brought back to the room. The kids loved Eye Scream which was free soft serve. We tried Vanellope’s once and it was not too expensive.
Birthday Celebration- DS actually turned 8 on our cruise. The room steward brought him a birthday pin and card, the night before. At dinner they had a celebration pin for him. They were similar to the park pins but smaller. At dinner they sang to him.
Favorite Activity- Jedi Training in the theatre. This was so awesome, truly a never forget moment. The kids loved it, we loved it. Darth Vader was so huge, the effects were great and it was DS 8th birthday. Definitely a magical memory.
Paying with Gift Cards- I went to guest services on 2 different occasions to pay on my bill with absolutely no issues.
Entertainment- We loved Villains Tonight, so sad it is going away. We skipped Believe and Golden Mickeys and really liked the Magician Justino. Ds bought a $40 magic kit that he was selling onboard. We never went to any bars except Evolution when Justino had a family show where he shows how to do some tricks.
Rebooking while on board- We tried a few times but the hours were odd and finally were able to do it on the day at sea. You sign in and they have a computer screen, showing who they are waiting on and who is next. It was easy. We booked a place holder cruise since we will want to do January 2019 and it is not out yet. The deposit was $250 and you have to sail within 2 years. The amount is refundable prior to final payment and you get 10% off your next cruise. I was able to give my TA credit and when I got off the ship I had an email from both her and DCL about rebooking.
WDW and DCL- we did 2 nights prior to the cruise at Art of Animation, 1 day at Magic Kingdom. We loved the Nemo suites. We booked transportation 1 way from AOA to the port. I do not like getting to the port so late, it was after 2 when we did our paperwork and only having time to eat really quick and hurry to the muster drill. Next time I will do a car service. We did a limo from Happy Limo back to POFQ and the kids loved it. I was very happy with Happy Limo and will definitely use them again. I did not do any parks after the cruise, just relaxed at POFQ. Last time we did 3 parks after the cruise and it was too much.
Final thoughts- I loved DCL. I have sailed Princess, RCL and Carnival before we had kids. DCL is more money but while my kids are young it is worth it to me. I like that the fountain drinks are included. I am not a Bingo person and do not feel it was pushed on me all the time like Carnival. I also like not having drink waiters constantly in my face. I love the rainforest room and kids clubs as well as the shows. I love getting all the pictures digitally, having character pictures and the memories for my family.
