What will I find different from the classics if I go on the Dream?

Snowwhyt

I feel the Magic with every visit ❤️
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Nov 2, 2008
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I’ve had 5, 7-day cruises coincidentally on classic ships. Our first Dream class in January could feel strange especially since it will be 4 days.
Does anyone have recommendations of things we(5 adults) shouldn’t miss? Differences that we should be aware of to enjoy or avoid?
Advice for a handicap, unable to use stairs?
Thank you in advance. You guys are always the best.
 
The biggest difference for me is Satellite Falls, and the sun decks on the sides of the ship around it. I have never had trouble getting a lounge chair up there, while I have on the classic ships, and I just love sitting Satellite Falls to cool off. It's so relaxing!

Also if you are on the Dream, do not miss Beauty and the Beast. We almost didn't go but after seeing it I was so glad we did. It's amazing! And I'm not usually big on seeing the shows, but this one is a do not miss.
 
The biggest difference for me is Satellite Falls, and the sun decks on the sides of the ship around it. I have never had trouble getting a lounge chair up there, while I have on the classic ships, and I just love sitting Satellite Falls to cool off. It's so relaxing!

Also if you are on the Dream, do not miss Beauty and the Beast. We almost didn't go but after seeing it I was so glad we did. It's amazing! And I'm not usually big on seeing the shows, but this one is a do not miss.
Thank you, I had planned on missing the shows. My parents said they are done with Mickey. I’ll just insist they give this one a try. I loved Frozen but the first and last show of the Magic line is getting old for me as well.
 
We have been on 9 cruises, all ships but the Dream (cruises are too short). The differences that we have seen between the two classes is the Detective Agency (great for kids of all ages...even in your 70+s), more room/decks and more people, animated pictures, different shows and animated portholes in the inside staterooms . Maybe you concentrate on the ports and excursions on the Dream with those who are "done with Mickey." I am always impressed by the creativity and originality that DCL puts into its ships and we have always had a sprinkling of pixie dust somewhere during the cruise to make each one special.
 

I forgot to mention that the bigger ships have all the horn songs, while the smaller ones only have one....not a big seller, just a little extra that we look forward to.
 
Elevators are much larger, but still hard to get on one if you need it. My dad was suffering from back, hip and nerve pain, so he couldn’t use the stairs. The elevators were a nightmare for him. He couldn’t move fast enough to get on one without people rushing by him and filling the elevator. People can really be awful sometimes.
 
The main atrium is much larger for sure.
I feel like cabanas is bigger.
The concierge lounge is in a different spot.
Restaurants are a little different.
As an adult only dinner option, you have Remy.
Walt Disney theater is larger.
Kids klubs are laid out differently

probably tons more items that others will chime in and add to the list.
 
The Dream has the Aquaduck water coaster. It has a nice upcharge sweets shop. It has the Midship Detective Agency virtual scavenger hunt. It has some magical artwork. Its inside staterooms have virtual portholes. Cabanas is bigger. It has miniature golf. It has upcharge/reservations-required virtual golf & virtual sports. The Dream also has Remy.
 
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Meridian bar aft on deck 12. Indoor and outdoor. Love hanging there especially at night or when leaving ports. They don’t have it on classic ships. Dream class ships also have skyline bars where the walls are basically giant iPad screens, so every 10 or 15 mins you’re hanging out in a different city somewhere in the world. Music also changes to match what city you’re in. Love it.
 
My mom was wheelchair/walker bound as well on the Dream. We had no problem using the elevators with her. Meridian is amazing and the mixology class is wonderful. The live shows are also adult orientated and not so “Mickey”. Champagne bar is great and all the live Bingo and variety games at night were a lot of fun.
 
Elevators are much larger, but still hard to get on one if you need it. My dad was suffering from back, hip and nerve pain, so he couldn’t use the stairs. The elevators were a nightmare for him. He couldn’t move fast enough to get on one without people rushing by him and filling the elevator. People can really be awful sometimes.
While the midship elevators are terribly crowded - I never had a problem in Aft on the Dream. If you need an elevator - I'd suggest staying Aft (straight up to Cabanas) or Forward for the elevators.
 
Pink champagne bar is also on the Dream. The bubbles on the wall are fun to watch.

Vanellopie’s ice cream shop is fun to see even if you don’t buy anything.

I find that the rooms have less storage than the Classic ships, so, if you’re an overpacker like me, be aware of that.

Animator’s Pallet is different too and there’s no Mickey Show. Honestly, if very loud dining rooms bother you, I’d skip it and do Palo or deck food that night.
 
We always find that the elevators fore and aft are less crowded, except after an evening show when the forward one is swamped. Hardly ever use the middle ones, but fun once in a while for the views.
 
Our first ever sailing was on the Fantasy. When we sailed the second time it was on the Wonder and the first thing we noticed was how much smaller the atrium was. Our first sailing left port late and it was raining, so the "Sail a Wave" party was in the atrium and was still a blast! The other thing I missed was the Mid Ship Detective Agency. Our third sailing was on the Magic. But we are looking forward to the extra space again when we complete our grand slam sailing on the Dream at the end of February 2021. I hope we'll be able to sail comfortably and safely by then!
 
Do you know of another example? Kind a looks like an opal attached to the wall. I’m having trouble with perspective. I’m definitely intrigued.
The pink "bubble" is a light about 2" across. Pretty small. There are several of them running up the wall. The small white "thing" fades in and out. It's an elephant.

That was the best picture I could get.
 
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Thank you, I had planned on missing the shows. My parents said they are done with Mickey. I’ll just insist they give this one a try. I loved Frozen but the first and last show of the Magic line is getting old for me as well.
Just want to back up the PP on this. Imo Beauty and the Beast is the best show on DCL. It would be a shame to sail on the Dream and miss it.
 
The pink "bubble" is a light about 2" across. Pretty small. There are several of them running up the wall. The small white "thing" fades in and out. It's an elephant.

That was the best picture I could get.
Your description is intriguing and gives me a little perspective on the pink bubble. I most definitely will make sure that we sit down for a drink there.
 

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