Questions about Dream (from a Magic/Wonder veteran)

[Keyser]

For our trip this summer, we'll be taking a 4-day cruise on the Dream (in addition to time at the parks). We've been sailing on the Magic/Wonder a few times, but those were usually longer cruises, and I'm trying to determine just how different things will be, both due to the shorter cruise and due to the ship schedule itself. I'm hoping someone can help with specific questions.

1) We're in a Verandah room, but we could have had a Deluxe Family Verandah room (everything else is sold out!). It seems we would have a slightly bigger room and a round tub (why does this matter?), for about $200 more (and not in quite as ideal of a location). Is there any reason we should change? We've always had oceanview rooms previously, and we were OK with the room size. Does the larger room make a big difference - enough to make it a clear "pay the extra $200" thing? We are a family of 4.

2) I see from recent navigators that there is both an Elsa/Anna and a Princess meet-and-greet that require timed tickets. A few questions on this:
- Any rumors about either of these going away? My daughter wants to see Elsa and Anna on the trip, and it would sure be nice to not have to worry about seeing them during our trip to the parks...
- Assuming we go reasonably soon to get tickets, do these ever run out? Or, are we pretty sure to be able to get tickets if we want them?
- When are these scheduled for - will we need to schedule other things more carefully to avoid a problem?

3) On our longer cruises, there has been a character (Mickey and that group) breakfast in the morning. I don't seem to hear about this, so is there not one? Or, if there is one, how do they schedule it?

4) I'm guessing that since the Dream is always sailing the same schedule, that the navigators, broadly speaking, are pretty consistent (e.g. the schedule of when things are happening, which shows there are). I'm a little disappointed to see Villains tonight on the schedule (we've seen it, and it was one of my least favorite shows...), but I'm looking forward to the Believe one. Are there any rumors of any major changes on the way?

I'm sure I'll have more as time goes on...

 

[PrincessShmoo]

For our trip this summer, we'll be taking a 4-day cruise on the Dream (in addition to time at the parks). We've been sailing on the Magic/Wonder a few times, but those were usually longer cruises, and I'm trying to determine just how different things will be, both due to the shorter cruise and due to the ship schedule itself. I'm hoping someone can help with specific questions.

1) We're in a Verandah room, but we could have had a Deluxe Family Verandah room (everything else is sold out!). It seems we would have a slightly bigger room and a round tub (why does this matter?), for about $200 more (and not in quite as ideal of a location). Is there any reason we should change? We've always had oceanview rooms previously, and we were OK with the room size. Does the larger room make a big difference - enough to make it a clear "pay the extra $200" thing? We are a family of 4.

2) I see from recent navigators that there is both an Elsa/Anna and a Princess meet-and-greet that require timed tickets. A few questions on this:
- Any rumors about either of these going away? My daughter wants to see Elsa and Anna on the trip, and it would sure be nice to not have to worry about seeing them during our trip to the parks...
- Assuming we go reasonably soon to get tickets, do these ever run out? Or, are we pretty sure to be able to get tickets if we want them?
- When are these scheduled for - will we need to schedule other things more carefully to avoid a problem?

3) On our longer cruises, there has been a character (Mickey and that group) breakfast in the morning. I don't seem to hear about this, so is there not one? Or, if there is one, how do they schedule it?

4) I'm guessing that since the Dream is always sailing the same schedule, that the navigators, broadly speaking, are pretty consistent (e.g. the schedule of when things are happening, which shows there are). I'm a little disappointed to see Villains tonight on the schedule (we've seen it, and it was one of my least favorite shows...), but I'm looking forward to the Believe one. Are there any rumors of any major changes on the way?

I'm sure I'll have more as time goes on...

1) While the rooms on the Dream class ship are larger than equivalent category rooms on other cruise lines, the ones on the Dream class ships are smaller than the same category on the Magic class ships. Personally, I wouldn't do it for $200. I could use that money for other options (excursions, souvenirs).
2) No rumors about them going away. There are times that either Anna or Elsa may have "pressing business in Arendale" and aren't in attendance, but I'd guess they're going to be there for a while.
-Yes the tickets can run out. It's best to go as soon as you can after boarding to get them.
3) Character breakfasts (another ticketed event) are only on cruises of 7 nights and longer.
4) Major changes to the productions shows? None have been leaked, if there are any. They just recently changed one of the shows on the Magic, but shows tend to stay onboard for several years before being replaced.

 

[DISGRL13]

2. The tickets for Ana and Elsa and the Princess gathering are free but I would get them the day you board. The earlier you get them the more choice of times you will have. They usually have them scheduled during at sea days. Times can get booked up so you just might not have your first choice of times if you don't get them that first afternoon.

3.On the shorter cruises they do not have character breakfasts.

 

[Keyser]

Thanks!

 

[anricat]

I would pick the better location and an extra $200 in my pocket to spend on board over the slightly bigger room. You just aren't spending that much time in the room. And especially for a 4 night. If it were a 7 night with a bunch of sea days, it might be a different story. But I think good location is also a key ingredient.

I'm with you on Villains Tonight. Not a fave (which is a bummer, because I'm a big villain fan ordinarily). Believe is great. You'll love that one. It's possible the room was a little dusty when we were watching it. I had something in both my eyes at the end.

 

[chirurgeon]

I did love the tub in the family cabin. Of course I was solo, but I loved the rain shower head.

 

[Bishoparc]

1. We've stayed in both (just got off today from staying in the Deluxe Family one), it's not a "huge" difference but I will tell you I enjoyed that little bit of extra space and the rainfall showerhead was nice (but we got a free upgrade so it didn't cost me any extra). I am also going to try to the aft stateroom in November that has the extended verandah as I'm really interested in having that extra outdoor space. Our cruise coming up this September we did go ahead and book the Deluxe Family one as well though, just fyi.

2. We boarded at 1:30P this past Friday, easily got A&E meet and greet tickets for the next day at 11:30 but the princess ones were already gone (which I was surprised by). For our cruise they were at the Port Adventures desk on deck 5 but be sure to check the Navigator as I understand the location does change.

3. Already answered, but no as others have said.

4. Not that I've heard (and I'm with you on Villains tonight)

 

[Bishoparc]

I'm with you on Villains Tonight

I keep marking it as "just ok" on our comment card hoping it will go away lol

 

[SuperDry]

We're in a Verandah room, but we could have had a Deluxe Family Verandah room (everything else is sold out!). It seems we would have a slightly bigger room and a round tub (why does this matter?), for about $200 more (and not in quite as ideal of a location).

The tub makes a huge difference, in my opinion, and it's not just the shape. The regular tubs have no rainshower head, and are exactly 6' from the bottom of the tub to the ceiling. So, if you're 6' tall, your head will literally be touching the ceiling if you stand up straight, requiring you to crouch a bit to wash your hair. If you're over 6' tall, then you always have to crouch. The round tubs have an overhead rainforest showerhead, along with the standard wand on a hose. The bottom of the rainforest head is at least 1", if not 2", higher than the ceiling in the regular tubs. If you have anyone in your party that's 6' or higher, $200 for the better tub is well worth it.