4everGoofy
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 27, 2007
- Messages
- 85
I just wanted to give my opinion about our Dream trip on 3/27. This was our first Disney cruise and we have been diligently reading all the boards about the Dream and concierge service for the past year : ) I'll have to say that we started to get very nervous hearing from other people about the crowds, service, and concierge level prior to our cruise. All the worrying was for nothing, the trip was AMAZING.
We stayed in room 12506, 1 bedroom (yes a major splurge for our first cruise). It was absolutely beautiful. The bathroom was amazing, the veranda was huge, the bed fantastic. I can't say how pleased we were with the room. There was plenty of space for clothing (drawers and closets). We brought an over the door shoe holder for extra space but never took it out of the suitcase. The only complaint I have, and it really isn't a complaint, more a nuisance, was the television in the bedroom kept freezing up. We had actually heard about this in another review so we knew to reset it by unplugging it. Our room steward (Mario, who was fantastic) came in and fixed it once. He seemed embarrassed that it happened and commented that many of the tv's were doing the same thing.
As for the concierge staff, they couldn't help us enough. Imran, Tobias, and Lynda were just fantastic. They made a big deal every time our DD's came into the lounge. They made it perfectly clear that we were NOT to stand in line at Guest Services, they would take care of anything we needed. They really seemed pleased to see us and always asked if we needed anything. We booked Palo for dinner but realized it was the same night as AP. We didn't want to miss AP so we asked if they could get our reservations switched to another night (we decided this the same day as our reservations), and they were able to call over and get the reservations switched. There were just so many little things about the concierge service that pleased us that it made us feel much better about the cost. I know people have different opinions on this as well, but it really comes down to what it is worth to you.
I know people were discussing the food in the lounge and we found it to be a nice selection. It isn't meant to be a buffet, it is light snacks. There were always several different types of light snacks, coffee, soda, water, etc. As much food that is provided through out the rest of the ship, I can't imagine wanting more.
We also booked a cabana on CC (another splurge), and the concierge staff was there as well. Tobias chased my wife down when he saw her carrying a tray and refused to let her carry it herself. They checked on us numerous times during the day. I know there have been many discussions about the cabanas and the cost. I have to say that I don't regret the decision to shell out the money. We overheard several people complaining about the crowds on the family beach. It was really nice have a place to put our things and
relax out of the sun and crowds when we wanted.
I didn't feel the ship was overcrowded. Sure it was busy at the pool, you are talking about 1000+ kids, so I wasn't surprised. We went to the kids club numerous times and I couldn't believe how engaged the kids were, it never felt overcrowded in the kids clubs when we were there and our DD 9 really enjoyed the club. Our DD 11 also enjoyed the Edge - she stayed out later than us most nights doing Edge activities and loved the staff and made new friends as well.
As for dinner, our servers were Maria and Annaya and they were extremely friendly. Maria always made excellent recommendations and was very friendly to our daughters. The first night DD 9 didn't want dessert but Maria brought her a special dessert that she thought she might like. Each night she would ask my daughter if she was going to be having dessert and give her a little wink, she really made my daughter feel special. We didn't have to wait long for dinner once we sat down. We never waited in line to be seated (we always arrived about 15 minutes after our seating, 8:15).
I would say that it was our best vacation ever, DD 11 and DW were nearly crying when we left.
I could keep writing but it will probably be easier just to answer questions, so feel free to ask away and I will answer with an honest opinion.
We stayed in room 12506, 1 bedroom (yes a major splurge for our first cruise). It was absolutely beautiful. The bathroom was amazing, the veranda was huge, the bed fantastic. I can't say how pleased we were with the room. There was plenty of space for clothing (drawers and closets). We brought an over the door shoe holder for extra space but never took it out of the suitcase. The only complaint I have, and it really isn't a complaint, more a nuisance, was the television in the bedroom kept freezing up. We had actually heard about this in another review so we knew to reset it by unplugging it. Our room steward (Mario, who was fantastic) came in and fixed it once. He seemed embarrassed that it happened and commented that many of the tv's were doing the same thing.
As for the concierge staff, they couldn't help us enough. Imran, Tobias, and Lynda were just fantastic. They made a big deal every time our DD's came into the lounge. They made it perfectly clear that we were NOT to stand in line at Guest Services, they would take care of anything we needed. They really seemed pleased to see us and always asked if we needed anything. We booked Palo for dinner but realized it was the same night as AP. We didn't want to miss AP so we asked if they could get our reservations switched to another night (we decided this the same day as our reservations), and they were able to call over and get the reservations switched. There were just so many little things about the concierge service that pleased us that it made us feel much better about the cost. I know people have different opinions on this as well, but it really comes down to what it is worth to you.
I know people were discussing the food in the lounge and we found it to be a nice selection. It isn't meant to be a buffet, it is light snacks. There were always several different types of light snacks, coffee, soda, water, etc. As much food that is provided through out the rest of the ship, I can't imagine wanting more.
We also booked a cabana on CC (another splurge), and the concierge staff was there as well. Tobias chased my wife down when he saw her carrying a tray and refused to let her carry it herself. They checked on us numerous times during the day. I know there have been many discussions about the cabanas and the cost. I have to say that I don't regret the decision to shell out the money. We overheard several people complaining about the crowds on the family beach. It was really nice have a place to put our things and
relax out of the sun and crowds when we wanted.
I didn't feel the ship was overcrowded. Sure it was busy at the pool, you are talking about 1000+ kids, so I wasn't surprised. We went to the kids club numerous times and I couldn't believe how engaged the kids were, it never felt overcrowded in the kids clubs when we were there and our DD 9 really enjoyed the club. Our DD 11 also enjoyed the Edge - she stayed out later than us most nights doing Edge activities and loved the staff and made new friends as well.
As for dinner, our servers were Maria and Annaya and they were extremely friendly. Maria always made excellent recommendations and was very friendly to our daughters. The first night DD 9 didn't want dessert but Maria brought her a special dessert that she thought she might like. Each night she would ask my daughter if she was going to be having dessert and give her a little wink, she really made my daughter feel special. We didn't have to wait long for dinner once we sat down. We never waited in line to be seated (we always arrived about 15 minutes after our seating, 8:15).
I would say that it was our best vacation ever, DD 11 and DW were nearly crying when we left.
I could keep writing but it will probably be easier just to answer questions, so feel free to ask away and I will answer with an honest opinion.
We have this suite booked next year, and I'm sooo excited!
