Sweet Sixteen on the Dream! The Good, the Bad, and the Crazy!

[pjstevens]

Loving your TR and just caught up. I too am bummed you are away today. Can't wait for an update. We cruise in two months and I'm loving seeing everything.

 

[JMTStone]

Your daughter is beautiful and I'm loving your report. Keep it coming

 

[mousetravel]

Loving this TR! How fun to go on a DCL for your 16th b-day! What a nice mom!

Thanks!

Have a safe trip! I have been lurking because I too will be fortunate enough to do a Mother Daughter trip on the Dream in September.

Your daughter is beautiful and has fantastic taste (We love the pink mickey shirt)!

I LOVE Mom/Daughter trips! She's all into pink now, so she LOVES getting pink stuff!

I am so saaadddddddddddd!!!!! You are taking a day trip to Atlanta....that means to things No update today and I am not with you!!

Hopefully will get caught up on updates this weekend.

Hurry home from Atlanta...we're all waiting for more..... : )

More updates & pics coming soon. Thanks!

Loving your report! It was nice to meet y'all onboard! Since you are in Atlanta today, you are in my neck of the woods! Can't wait to read more!
Beth

It was great meeting you, too! One day, we'll have to do a "Mini Dis Meet" somewhere in Atlanta!

I hope y'all are having a great time! I can't wait to hear all about it, though I am still sad that it didn't work out for us to meet up today!! Stupid work!!

Had a great time! I know, work always gets in the way of FUN!

I am hoping to have a trip like this when my girls turn 16

It's worth every bit of $$$!!

Loving your TR and just caught up. I too am bummed you are away today. Can't wait for an update. We cruise in two months and I'm loving seeing everything.

Thank you!

Your daughter is beautiful and I'm loving your report. Keep it coming

Thank you!!



More updates coming soon!! Just a quick response to let you all know that we had a great time yesterday. Went to the GA aquarium, walked around Olympic park area, Underground, and a couple of the Malls. We were so tired!


Possibly taking another GA trip tomorrow. Grandma wants to go to the new Babyland Cabbage Patch Kids place. So funny that "grown-ups" would go there without kids!

 

[mousetravel]

After finishing at Cabanas, it was 1:30, so we go find our stateroom. I'll post an update of our room in the next post, cause it's time to tell you about our stateroom host.

As we approach our room, I have my camcorder recording, waiting to catch DD's reaction to the Birthday celebration package that I ordered, as she would open the door. She swipes her card across the reader, and the door won't open. We try & try some more. Here comes our stateroom host around the corner and sees our problem. He tries both of our key cards, and also his "master key". They won't work. He tries to get the door open by pushing & pulling on the handle, about to tear the door down.

Now here's the unbelievable, un-Disney part: The whole time he is swiping cards, about to tear the door apart, etc, he is saying repeatedly "What the Hellllllll??" I AM NOT JOKING!!!
Me & DD are just looking at each other like

He finally says he will call for help, then leaves us standing there as he walks away.

So another 10-15 minutes pass by, and I decide we need to go to Guest Services and report this, since our host didn't come back. As we walk around the corner, there he is. He says "Did you not get your key to work?"

I am thinking "Hello....Duh....Wasn't you suppose to call for help?"
I said "No it isn't working, so we're headed to guest services to see if someone will actually help us."

He then gets on the wave phone thing and calls for help. I told him I would wait 5 more minutes. So here comes a worker (maintance worker?) and he gets the door to work. I go ahead and restart my camcorder as we walk in. She was still surprised, but by now we are both aggravated, so it wasn't a really great surprised, happy, magical moment.


Now, don't get me wrong, I know that the door not opening was not his fault, but he did not have to say the phrase over & over "What the helll?" and appearing to try to break the door down. So this starts a bad vibe I had with the him the entire cruise. I could have actually gotten past that moment if it wasn't for the repeated dissappointing service he continued with.

He never came to the room and introduced himself, etc. I know that they normally come to your room, introduce themselves, and ask if there's anything you need, etc. But he never did. I never even knew his name!!!!



I had to ask for replenished toiletries, especially toilet paper. One time, I had to walk through the hallway, looking for him, to try to get us some. I finally see his cart (or someone else's), and got some TP myself. Another time, we ran totally out, and I had to get the kleenex box out from under the sink and use that!! I finally left him a post it note as we needed stuff!

He would always forget to leave something we needed in the bathroom, for example, one time he didn't leave any washcloths, then one time he didn't leave a hand towel on the rack. There is a "floor mat towel" that they leave for you, but half of the time, he didn't replinish ours.

The only time I seen him was passing by in the hallway maybe twice the whole cruise. I did say "Hello", as I walked by him, and he never asked how our room was, how everything was, etc...

This really surprised me, because out of the 4 previous cruises we had been on, the stateroom host always would come into the room shortly after opening, to chat and meet us and ask if we need anything.

I did put on the comment card as much of this as I could. Later after returning home, I emailed DCL and explained everything. I haven't heard anything from them and don't expect to, but I did want them to know in detail, all of this.

I have read lots of good reviews of "outstanding" and "great" stateroom host, and just a few of some "not so good ones", but didn't expect to get one like ours.

I really just don't know how this person even works for Disney. Makes me wonder if anyone else had a problem with him, but without knowing his name, I probably will never hear anything about him.

So this experience with our stateroom host, through the entire cruise, put the "bad" in my TR title. There would be a couple more things that would be "semi-bad", and I'll get to those throughout the TR.

 

[mousetravel]

We had stateroom #6001, which was an inside room handicap accessible. We didn't ask for a HC room, but that's what they assigned us. We liked the extra space that the HC room had, and the bigger bathroom. The room was forward on deck 6. Very nice location!!

Since we had an inside room, we had the virtual porthole. It was pretty neat, but I think it has been "overly hyped". We expected it to be full of life (aka cartoon caracters), but we only seen about 5 different characters, which seemed to only appear maybe once or twice an hour. And they go so fast, unless you're staring at the screen watching for them, you'll miss it.


This is from the door, as you walk in. You can see the couch & desk, then on the right is the bed and bathroom.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011065.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011068-1.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011497.jpg

On the bed was our Castawy Club gift
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011099.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011088.jpg

The closet area which had a safe in there. There was 2 closets side by side. We liked having separate space for our clothes & stuff!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011087.jpg

View of room looking toward door
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011077.jpg

Bathroom
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011079.jpg

No bathtubs in the HC room

I appreciated the extra space in there. We let the shower seat down and put our stuff on (shampoo, soap, razors, etc..)
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011082.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011098.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011080.jpg

Little end tables on each side of the bed
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011070.jpg

This was on the right side of the bed, with the fridge in it.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011067.jpg

Closer look at the desk area
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011072.jpg

 

[mousetravel]

Closer view of the birthday decorations & cake
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011085-1.jpg

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http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011076.jpg

They also enclose this card on the desk. When you call in the order for the package, they'll ask what you want on it.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011075.jpg

I put some of our door decorations up and also our FE.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011100.jpg

I was hoping they would have these pillows for sale, but they didn't. I would love to have one at home!!!
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011498.jpg

Here's the one time I actually caught the porthole character in action with my camera.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011500.jpg

 

[SoonerGirl]

What a horrible experiece with your stateroom host! I would imagine you weren't the first guest to complain about him, hopefully he won't be working for Disney much longer!

 

[mousetravel]

Thought I would share the email they sent back to me, which seemed pretty generic to me, but at least I know they read it.

Thank you for your email. On behalf of the entire Disney Cruise Line team, please accept my sincere apology if any of our crew members did not convey the courtesy, professionalism, and follow through you've come to expect from the Disney name. We are very proud of the reputation we have achieved in terms of family entertainment and guest service and realize how important it is that our crew members continually exemplify those standards that have been established by our Company’s heritage. The thoughts of our guests are very important to us in our efforts to provide outstanding guest service. We take these concerns very seriously; your experiences will be reviewed with the appropriate Shipboard Officers to ensure other guests will not encounter similar disappointments. Thank you again for your comments. We value your longtime support for and dedication to the Disney organization and hope you will allow us another opportunity to welcome you aboard Disney Cruise Line.

Sincerely,
Tracy Eargood
Executive Guest CorrespondentDisney Cruise Line

 

[pjstevens]

wow, cannot believe someone like that works for Disney. I hope that something is done about that service. Sorry that is dampened your surprise.

 

[jenseib]

I had the same FE as you.

If you get a chance, can you PM me the email address. We had a not so great host too. He forgot to leave stuff (like excursion tickets and custom forms) in our room as well. We never saw him either, and at one time my enpyt gift card I used to keep the lights activated was taken. I am glad it was empty, but he didn't know that.
I doubt we had the same guy though, as were aft on deck 7...but maybe?

I'm loving your room pictures though.

 

[Pinky3]

Who else will be glad when Disney finally runs out of flip flop rice krispies treats? We sailed two years ago and got the same gift. The water bottles and bag are great. First year we sailed we received a small net day pack with the bag - it really comes in handy and last longer than the treats.

 

[mousetravel]

wow, cannot believe someone like that works for Disney. I hope that something is done about that service. Sorry that is dampened your surprise.

That was my first thought, How could this person be working for Disney?

I had the same FE as you.

If you get a chance, can you PM me the email address. We had a not so great host too. He forgot to leave stuff (like excursion tickets and custom forms) in our room as well. We never saw him either, and at one time my enpyt gift card I used to keep the lights activated was taken. I am glad it was empty, but he didn't know that.
I doubt we had the same guy though, as were aft on deck 7...but maybe?

I'm loving your room pictures though.

I went to the DCL website, to the "contact us" section.
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/contact-us/

Who else will be glad when Disney finally runs out of flip flop rice krispies treats? We sailed two years ago and got the same gift. The water bottles and bag are great. First year we sailed we received a small net day pack with the bag - it really comes in handy and last longer than the treats.

I have seen pics of the red mesh bag on other TR's. I wish we would have gotten one!

 

[Toria]

That is horrible! I hope nothing like that happens to us because I would blow a gasket. Like my mom told me and what I tell my children"If it don't belong to you keep your hands off of it".

 

[mousetravel]

After we checked out our room and unpacked (and had a little slice of that cake...it was yummy!!), we decide to go check out Vibe. They have an open house from 12pm-6pm, so the parents can check it out. They have a big writing board where they list all of the daily activities. On arrival day's activity board, it had a huge note that said After 6:00pm TEENS ONLY!!!!(I thought it was cute)

They REALLY should have made this part of the ship, the Adult Only area! I have read people's opinion about that on other TR's, and I totally agree! I know this is a great place for the teens, but after visiting the Quiet Cove pretty often, I can see why lots of people said that.

They have the general area of the club, Smoothie/coffee bar, movie room, portholes where the kids could sit alone & listen to Ipods, game stations, etc. and the outdoor area was so neat!!!! We only got a few pics in there (and some video), cause I didn't want to embarrass DD with too much picture taking/video, etc.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011096.jpg

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http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011095.jpg





DD wanted to hang out in there for a while, so we decide to meet back up at the room for the lifeboat drill and then on to the Sail Away Party.


I walked around checking out different areas of the ship


http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011101.jpg

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[mousetravel]

Here is a fun little bit of information for anyone who might get stuck in the Aquaduck. They regularly inform you that if you do get stuck while on the Aquaduck, that you need to stay where you are, and a CM will come to your rescue! What a nice bit of info if you are slightly claustrophobic! (like me)

I never did get on that thing!

My DD did and she loved it. She rode it 4 or 5 times.

But they were not kidding when they say that. I noticed this sight several times throughout the cruise!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011118.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011119.jpg

 

[Toria]

Here is a fun little bit of information for anyone who might get stuck in the Aquaduck. They regularly inform you that if you do get stuck while on the Aquaduck, that you need to stay where you are, and a CM will come to your rescue! What a nice bit of info if you are slightly claustrophobic! (like me)

I never did get on that thing!

My DD did and she loved it. She rode it 4 or 5 times.

But they were not kidding when they say that. I noticed this sight several times throughout the cruise!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011118.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011119.jpg

UUUUUUUMMMMM! I would freak out for a moment and my daughter would have a Coronary

 

[DMMarla07860]

I didn't have any complaints about Cabanas, I just thought it was kinda strange (as previous discussions said the same), that the elevator dropped you off right into the walkway to the Quiet Cove, to get through to Cabanas. Through the whole cruise, I jokingly kept calling it the "Not So Quiet Cove". There was always kids & teens (including mine ) walking through there. But there never was a problem with them making lots of noise. It was just that anyone who was going to Cabanas had to get there, through that way.

Quiet Cove elevators weren't all that bad, Cabanas was worse I think having to go to the aft elevators through Cabanas

loving your trip report

 

[pjstevens]

Here is a fun little bit of information for anyone who might get stuck in the Aquaduck. They regularly inform you that if you do get stuck while on the Aquaduck, that you need to stay where you are, and a CM will come to your rescue! What a nice bit of info if you are slightly claustrophobic! (like me)

I never did get on that thing!

My DD did and she loved it. She rode it 4 or 5 times.

But they were not kidding when they say that. I noticed this sight several times throughout the cruise!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011118.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/***********/DisneyDream2011119.jpg

what would cause someone to get 'stuck'?

 

[UGAFan0829]

Ok, I was all excited about the AquaDuck til now!! I think I would totally freak if I got stuck in there. And it would totally be my luck that I'd get stuck on the part that goes out over the side of the ship!! Like the PP, I wonder what it is that causes people to get stuck in there?!

Great updates! I loved seeing the pictures of the room...it looked nice and spacious!

I'm glad that you e-mailed Disney about the stateroom host...that was awful, and definitely very un-Disney like. The proper people definitely needed to be made aware of him!

 

[jenifred]

Loving your report. Great pics! So sorry your stateroom host was a bummer. I could get over a lack of personality, but no TP?!? Yikes!!!