Disney Dream cruise 8/5-8/10

[YFlower]

Here's the first installment of my impressions of our recent Disney Dream cruise. More to follow this week, I hope.

Last week I took two of my nieces (12 and nearly 15) on an 3-night trip to Harry Potter World and Animal Kingdom, followed by a 5-night Bahamas cruise on the Disney Dream. I’m only commenting on the Disney aspect, but if anyone has questions about HPW, feel free to ask. I also want to note that I’m not a hard-core Disney devotee, nor am I a Disney hater. As a child growing up in Northern California, Disneyland was the Holy Grail, and we went a couple of times. Most recently, I’ve enjoyed Disney properties, mostly in California, as I’ve taken each of my six nieces there for their 10th birthdays. I absolutely appreciate the high level of service Disney provides, and frankly viewed the cruise as somewhat of a sociological/observational experiment to see how they translated their land service to the more customer-intense (because of space considerations) cruise experience.

THE ITINERARY: 2 nights at Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel, 1 night at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, 5 nights on Disney Dream (Castaway Cay, Nassau, Sea day, Castaway Cay).

PRE-CRUISE ANIMAL KINGDOM AND ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE: I booked Animal Kingdom Lodge the night before the cruise so as to be able to take advantage of Disney’s group transfer to Port Canaveral. (I found later this would’ve meant arriving at the port around 1-3 pm – which I felt was much too late – so I used Disney to book a private transfer that would get us to the terminal at 11 am, when it opened for embarking passengers.) Animal Kingdom Lodge is a fantastic property, particularly if one springs for the Arusha Savannah view rooms, which overlook the area where giraffe, zebras, emu, Thompson gazelles, and antelope roam. The other savannah has different animals, but to get the “marquee” wildlife, book Arusha. The lobby is gorgeous, and Jiko, the “fine dining” restaurant, was excellent. I was last at Animal Kingdom about 14 years ago, just after the park opened. It’s a much better park with many more attractions now, but still smaller, typically Disney clean, and with the wildlife and Africa/Asia emphasis a nice change of pace.

EMBARKATION: The terminal facade is a modern, beautiful expanse of curved aqua-ish glass with red deco-lettering. Our embarkation was flawless. There’s a special area for Concierge guests, where they take a “family” picture for security purposes and hand you your Keys to the World (AKA stateroom key card; no picture). We had no line, so were checked in immediately and then escorted about 15 paces away to a special small waiting area for concierge guests with seating; the rest of the terminal is notorious for lack of seating. Priority boarding (concierge) commenced less than 5 minutes after we arrived. As you enter the ship, one fun touch is a cast member asks your last name and then announce “Disney Dream welcomes the X family,” and the white-gloved cast members lining the atrium all clap. A cast member then escorts you away from the entry, reviews your lunch options (Cabanas beginning at 11:30), let’s you know rooms will be ready at 1:30 and, in our case, pointed us to the Concierge Lounge. I had read that Enchanted Garden also offered a lunch buffet on embarkation day, but when I specifically asked I was told no. I don’t know if that was dis/misinformation to steer me to Cabanas at that earlier hour or an oversight, but it was a discrepancy with what’s widely reported.

Since you keep your carry-on luggage with you, it behooves you to limit it unless you are Concierge-level, in which case you can proceed to the Lounge (open at 11:15), have refreshments, receive a personal review/briefing of all your scheduled and optional activities with a Concierge, and have access to your rooms at 12:15, not 1:30. Our luggage was delivered shortly thereafter, and we were unpacked before most of the ship even had access to their cabins.

THE SHIP: Though I’ve sailed Royal Caribbean (2X) and Princess, I’m mostly a Crystal pax of late because of the reasonable single supplement. Obviously there are many things that one can’t compare when it comes to Disney vs. Crystal, but compare I will anyway in a few places. First, to my eye, Crystal can’t hold a candle to the Dream when it comes to visual impact and design...down to the littlest details and even without the gee-whiz computer graphic “paintings,” etc. I. Loved. It. The Dream’s 3-level atrium is absolutely spectacular. I’m also an Art Deco fan, so appreciated all those touches. Throughout the ship there’s both a richness and classiness to every little detail from the marble flooring to the railings to the central chandelier and other light fixtures to the different carpets. The standard cabin halls, for example, are “wood” and the metal doors cast to look as though they have rivets in the old-time style; the concierge halls and doors are all high-gloss “wood” finishes.

None of these details has anything to do with the Mouse House, but rather for me it’s just great design in an Art Deco-like style. Overall there’s a unifying palate and theme until one gets to specific venues (e.g., bars); even then the transition is handled much more pleasingly to my eye than Crystal. The art, names of venues, and occasional hidden Mickeys are what remind you you’re on a Disney ship, but in my book they aren’t what drives the overall presentation, but rather compliment it. I’d love to see the Art Nouveau approach the Dream’s sister ship, the Fantasy, uses.

[HostDave]

Thanks so much, I'm really looking forward to more!!

[YFlower]

CONCIERGE-LEVEL CABINS: Disney cabins are known to be among the largest standard cabins in the industry. We were in a Concierge family verandah, which was a little bigger than the standard family verandahs, but not by much = 304+ sq ft (plus because we had the double-sized verandah on the bump-out). It’s designed to sleep five in a queen, pull down bunk, and double pull-out sofa. The queen “pillow-top” bed is far superior to Crystal (as are the Frette linens). The convertible sofa mattress was the best of that type that I’ve ever slept on, land included. (I swapped with my niece one night just to see how it was; it might be a bit short for tall folks, but it was very comfortable for me.) As with Crystal, there’s a pillow menu (might only be Concierge), but we were fine with the feather and fiber-fill already in the cabin. Drawers, closet space, desk space are beautiful and were more than adequate for the three of us on a 5-day cruise. I did a Mediterranean trip with two other nieces on the Serenity in a Category B, and Disney’s configuration and size wins hands-down (except the bathroom and drawer space, though there was more cabinet and closet space on the Dream).

Disney has a “split” bathroom with a round tub/shower+sink in one room and a toilet+sink in the other room. I can see how families might appreciate it, but I would have preferred one larger bathroom. Bathroom storage/shelving, overall space, and appointments are not as nice as Crystal.

As with an increasing number of hotels, Dream cabins have an “energy saver” feature that requires a card be in a slot for lights, etc. to work. I appreciate the effort, but the feature was mildly annoying when, as occasionally happened, one person who was leaving had her card in the slot and had to replace it (with a momentary disruption in lighting, including the bathroom!) with someone else’s. I learned later that any card (e.g., an airline club card) could just be left there, but by then we were in the groove and on the trip’s home stretch.

1-BR and 2-BR suites also are available on the Concierge level, and these can be further expanded by adjoining doors to cabins of our type. The Concierge cabins are on Decks 11 and 12, with the Lounge on Deck 12. Access to these cabin areas is controlled by a gate that requires your KTTW card, which also is required for access to the Lounge. One nice aspect about using the cards is Disney has a “touchpad” system—i.e., not one requiring you to slide it in/out or swipe it up/down in a slot. This touchpad approach also is used to identify photos in your “album,” to disembark/re-embark in ports, etc. Overall it’s much superior because transactions are faster since they don’t require a specific card orientation nor removal from a lanyard or wallet, etc.

FOOD: Obviously food is subjective, but overall I felt the meals were fine for a ship with ~3,900-4,000 pax capacity, though somewhat limited options at dinner compared to other lines. We usually ate breakfasts in the Concierge Lounge, whose food offerings were a cut above. The breakfast buffet we ate at one morning was very standard and pretty limited. On the other hand, Cabanas, the “Lido” buffet, has a HUGE array of options for lunch, and the chicken fingers (which I fashioned over a make-your-own salad) were really, really tasty. Cabanas also is open for dinner, though I don’t know what kind of variety or quality it offers, since we always ate in our assigned dining room. On Castaway Cay, Cookies and Cookies Two offer burgers, veggie burgers, bbq chicken, hot dogs, and a few salads—veggie burger and hot dog were unremarkable, but my youngest niece really loved the bbq chicken.

For dinner, Disney has “rotational dining” where you and your servers move among Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and Animator’s Palate. There were usually ~5-6 appetizer options, 5-6 salad options, 7-8 entree options, and 5-6 dessert options. We all agreed that Royal Palace was our least favorite by far (passable at best) and Animator’s Palate the favorite. Disney attempts more innovative flavor profiles that occasionally really succeeded: The pasta starter and veal three ways in Animator’s Palate were as good as anything on Crystal, whose very traditional Continental flavor profile in the MDR, no matter how well-executed, I personally am not a huge fan of night after night). Disney also was acutely conscious of a food allergy I have, so after the first night the server provided me the menu for the next day and I pre-ordered my appetizer and entree. In one case, the head waiter came by to tell me that the appetizer was not something they prepared from scratch on the ship, so they couldn’t ensure it was orange-free. Since it was potstickers, I figured I was safe, but I really appreciated that attention to detail.

As I was with my nieces, I didn’t have the opportunity to try Palo or Remy, the 18 years+ venues that carry an extra charge ($20/person and $75/person, respectively). If the Concierge Lounge food is an indication, however, those venues are probably quite tasty.

[YFlower]

ENTERTAINMENT: Disney is about entertainment and did not disappoint! I live in New York City part-time and go to ~25-30 Broadway musicals or plays a year—i.e., virtually everything that opens. I have always internally grimaced when Crystal refers to their “Broadway-style”shows,” and of late have eschewed Crystal’s productions (even the new ones). The smaller ship, and hence theater, are limiting, and they don’t even come close to working for me any longer.

Disney also touted its “Broadway-style” productions, and on the Dream they really are (except the running time is only an hour-ish). The production values would be incredible for Broadway, never mind a theater at sea! Unbelievable set changes, hydraulics, use of video footage, costume changes, and special effects. Golden Mickeys alone had multiple uses of fireworks. Villains and Believe were the other two shows, with the latter more in the style of a “true” musical in that there was an overall book with the music and lyrics slotted in. (Villains and Golden Mickeys are vignettes loosely woven together.) The Walt Disney Theater is more luxurious than Broadway houses, given it’s so new, and seating capacity is certainly comparable (or more). The smaller Buena Vista Theater is mostly used for movies and also is a lovely venue.

Besides the production shows, the offerings the other two nights were Brave, a first-run movie, and a “family friendly” comedy act, Alfred and Seymour, who were hilarious. (They also did a couple of adults-only version in one of the cabarets.) Other Disney movies were played throughout the cruise in the Buena Vista or out on the jumbo screen by the pool. There were additional live musical acts in other bars, as well as a couple of groups during evening hours in the atrium that were a nice touch as one strolled the shops or traversed to/from dinner. Additionally there were character+entertainer musical shows by the pool, especially for the Sail-away Party and on Pirate Night. These outdoor deck events were jammed, jammed, jammed, though, so other than a quick peek, we didn’t bother. There also were wine or beer tasting and food classes, bingo, and many other of the usual cruise activities.

Last, but not least, it’s hard to beat fireworks at sea! As my niece said, “totally awesome.”

[Marybeth]

Thank you for your report. I am a big Mouse lover but I have never cruised Disney. Your report is interesting.

[MemberErik]

Thanks for this report. I was wondering if you thought that a Disney cruise would be doable for a couple of adults without children? or do you think it would just be annoying without having kids along.

[YFlower]

@MbrErik: I have been pondering your question myself, wondering if I would go again without my nieces...in part because I'd really like to check out the adult-only areas and restaurants that I missed. If I did, it definitely would only be at a time of the year when most kids are in school. I'd go Concierge, for sure, and probably only eat in Animator's Palate and the rest of the time in Remy or Palo. The entertainment definitely is worth it, and the spa was lovely.

CASTAWAY CAY: This itin had two stops at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. I chose the itin for convenience and length, but for those who like the beach-type cruises, the island is really lovely. I sprang for a cabana on both stops, which was the only way to beat the heat in my book. The cabanas are lovely, and I highly recommend them—they’re totally worth the price! Each comes with a fresh water shower, hammock, inside seating (and changing) area, ceiling fan, fridge, fresh fruit and non-alcoholic beverages, chilled towels, safe, snacks, and sun screen products. Cabanas also include free bicycle and snorkel rentals and a private beach/snorkel area. The concierges from the lounge staff them, making sure you have enough beverages, calling for the golf cart to transport you, etc. The range of activities on CC is broad—one niece did parasailing and they both did the stingray adventure, which they loved.

MISCELLANEOUS: The Concierge Lounge was fantastic. Can’t say enough about the personnel, the food offerings, drinks in the evening, and service from the minute you book Concierge-level to the final breakfast. The nieces and I agreed this made the whole experience Crystal-like in the degree of personal service; I wouldn’t consider cruising Disney again without it. Right now only the Dream and Fantasy have the lounge.

Shopping on the ship is Disney-oriented, needless to say—lots of fun things. There does also seem to be a fair amount of higher-end merchandise that’s not Disney, though (jewelry, leather goods), but it wasn’t why I was on the ship.

The electronic “paintings” that come to life as you pass (and also are part of the “Mid-ship Detective” game) are a marvel.

The music in the restaurant, elevators, and other areas is subtle and low volume and nearly all orchestral versions of the music from the full range of Disney offerings. Still, Hakuna Matata, orchestral version or not, finally started penetrating my brain by Day 4, and from that point on the music was a mild annoyance...i.e., I was glad it was a 5-day and not 7-day cruise.

The spa is quite, quite lovely, and limited to 18 years+; there's a separate tween/teen spa. The workout equipment and facilities are limited to 18 years+, as well, which was a nice feature in my book.

I didn’t go on Aqua Duck (the “water coaster” that sends riders out over the side of the ship), but the girls did and loved it. The lines were sometimes quite long (45-60 minutes), and other times not long at all (evenings, when others were out on the island or on tours).

DISEMBARKATION: As easy as embarkation was, disembarking was a complete and total disaster. I have a hard time believing it’s always this way, but I also can understand why it was a mess. You’re not given set slots to leave the ship. Rather, if you have early seating dinner your breakfast is at 6:45 am and if you have late seating dinner it’s at 8 am. You take all carry-on luggage with you, because once you leave your cabin, that’s it. You can hang around lounges or other public areas to leave later, but theoretically most people just get off after breakfast. Concierge guests may eat in the Lounge, which is open until 8:45 am...too bad there wasn’t a special Concierge-level disembarkation plan!

Despite the theory of about 1/2 the ship leaving after their early breakfast, if a lot of people just lounge around, it seems like Disney never really knows how many will get off at a given time—i.e., a potential bottleneck can occur if people don’t get off right after the early breakfast because they don’t have early flights to catch. I’d certainly rather wait in a Disney lounge than sit at MCO! People who have flights before 1 pm are told they must be off the ship by 8 am and everyone else by 9:15 “per U.S. Customs and Immigration.” Well good luck with that, despite the ship being cleared for disembarkation on time (according to the literature from the previous night and the public announcements that morning).

We left the Concierge Lounge at about 8:35 am, planning to sit around until 9:00 am for our 9:30 am private transfer. The lines were absolutely ridiculous when we went downstairs, so we sat off the Atrium (along with others). When it became clear 15 minutes later that the lines were getting worse (though they did open a second line), we joined the shorter, new queue and finally got our bags and cleared customs about 10:05 am ... and there were loads of people behind us! A few cast members were going up and down the line, which sometimes came to a total standstill, saying Immigration was backed up and so they couldn’t let people down into the arrival hall to pick up their bags. Once in the luggage hall, I did ask the porter if this was unusual, and he kind of shrugged and said there were some new Immigration/Customs people who were doing things a little differently, but I also got the impression that it wasn’t that unusual. Bottom line is 1.25+ hours just to leave the ship is totally unacceptable!! Plus, if we’d have had to join the original line snaking aft vs. the newly created one snaking forward, I believe it would have easily taken another 30 minutes.

[YFlower]

POST SCRIPT: Since returning, I’ve had questions from many friends and colleagues on the pros and cons of a Disney cruise without kids. I wasn’t sure when MbrErik first asked, but with the passage of time, I would now say yes...with a few caveats. So, I thought I would add one more post.

I decided in advance, and to the extent possible, to avoid crowds (of children or otherwise) when it was within my sphere of control: We had private transfers to and from the ship; arrived at the port just as concierge guests were permitted to board (first); were on the concierge floor; had private dining (i.e., just the three of us at a table) and at the late seating; and booked a cabana for both stops at Castaway Cay. Next time, I’d travel when school is in session. Except for Animator’s Palate, I’d eat at Remy and Palo. I would definitely consider a 1BR suite, which would then mean I could order room service from Animator’s Palate and not go to the rotation restaurants at all. I also would book a room on the starboard side so as to be able to watch the fireworks from the cabin’s verandah. The spa, gym, and adult pool areas, as well as adult entertainment areas, have good separation (though I was only able to take advantage of the spa). With <18 year olds in tow, I felt there really was a lot of the ship I missed.

So, I’m definitely up for one more round of hearing the horn blast notes from “When You Wish Upon a Star” or “A Dream is What Your Heart Makes,” seeing the great shows again, and experiencing such a beautiful ship. I can’t see going more than one more time sans kids, though, because cruising for me is about the itinerary. The Disney Dream and Fantasy focus on the Caribbean/Bahamas, which don’t hold my interest.

[MemberErik]

Thanks, Y Flower, I think this is something we might consider....I have been reading good things about the quality of a Disney cruise and am intrigued.