Dreams come true...on the Dream!!
Dreams come true! I just got back from sailing on the Dream, and it was AMAZING!! Such an awesome vacation. Hopefully I'll be able to remember everything to write down.
Sunday, Feb 12
Sunday was the day the cruise set sail. Back when I booked, my dad and I felt it would be best taking a shuttle over (since I get lost VERY easily). So I left for the airport just after 8, and I arrived around 8:45. It wasn't too hard finding the check-in counter for DME (though it was a bit of a hike). The best part about checking in at the airport was that everything was taken care of there, instead of having to be done at the port. So I got my room card with my dining rotation on it (on DCL, you rotate around the 3 restaurants with the same dining staff and table mates. My rotation was Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and Animator's Palate the last 2 nights), my shuttle card (I was in the first group to go), and my loading group (I was in Group #3. Yes!). Then there was nothing to do but wait- the first shuttle didn't leave until 9:45. Luckily I had a book. So after checking my suitcase, I settled down to wait. The ride down was not bad. The first glimpse of the ship was awesome! I think my jaw dropped. It wasn't too bad getting in to the waiting room. I had all my stuff taken care of, so time for more waiting. I took a lot of pictures of the model of the ship, and got my picture with Captain Mickey! Minnie wasn't out that day there, but I had a feeling I would see her on the ship. Once they started calling numbers, it didn't take long at all to get on the ship. I think I only had to wait 5 minutes or so. One cool thing was as the groups entered the ship, cast members announced each party. So that was neat. Lunch was being served, so I headed up to Cabana's. The food was not bad. Now came the longest wait though. The rooms wouldn't be opened until 1:30, so I just wandered around. I started a game of Midship Mystery Agency, with the missing paintings. And at 1, I took one of the tours. The guides were Jeff and Caitlin. They were both nice, but Caitlin was sooo energetic! The tour ended just around 1:30, so I went off to my stateroom. It was on Deck 5, which was really nice. And the room itself was great. It was a little cramped with the position of the couch, but the bed was really comfy. I didn't have much luck with seeing the Disney characters on the porthole, so hopefully better luck next time. Since I had time until the boat drill at 4, I dropped off my bags and went off to explore. I took more pictures, and finished my game. The boat drill wasn't bad (though it did get quite loud). Once it ended, I took off for the top deck so I could see the Sail-Away show. As the elevators were on the slow side, I took the stairs...7 decks' worth. Whew, that was a workout! But I did get there in time for a front row seat. And the show was cute. After the show ended, I went to get changed for dinner, and then meet characters! The VIPs were out in sailor outfits, and were really cute. Then it was down to Enchanted Garden for dinner. The food was really good! I had tomato soup, beef tenderloin with veggies, and dessert- strawberry cheesecake and chocolate mousse! Sooo yummy. My tablemates were Ken and Glenn (who had just been recently married), Justin and his mom Renee (funny story- Justin is a character performer! What are the chances that I would wind up with a CM at my table. I told him I would visit his friend Mrs. Incredible on Sunday), and Barbara and her son (I want to say his name is Chris). They were all really friendly, and I liked them a lot. The show was Golden Mickeys, and it was cute. The only bad thing is that they had changed the rules regarding photography, and it was not allowed at all. So sad! After the show ended, I headed off to bed.
Monday, Feb 13
This was the day we stopped at Nassau. I wasn't planning on getting off, so I stayed on the ship. I spent a lot of the day meeting characters. One of my favorites was seeing both Max and Goofy up on the sports deck playing golf! And they were both pretty good. And they both were in golf outfits, which made me happy. The characters were in formal outfits, and they were soooo cute! I loved Minnie and Daisy's dresses. Dinner was at Royal Palace. I wasn't as impressed with the food this time. I had a salad and beef, but again dessert- I had a Grand Marnier souffle, cheesecake, and a sundae. They were all sooo good, especially the souffle. The show was Villians Tonight. I know people that didn't like it, but I loved it. I thought the villians were great, especially Hades, and Yzma/Kronk.
Tuesday, Feb 14
Day at Castaway Cay! Due to some reason (I believe it was a medical emergency), we were delayed getting there. But that was fine with me! Why? They had the characters that would have been meeting around the island on the ship, and that made it a lot easier finding them. I found Chip and Dale, Mickey, Pluto, Daisy, and Captain Jack on the ship. By then, we had arrived. I was able to find Minnie and Goofy on Castaway Cay, but I gave up meeting Donald (because it would have meant running back to the ship, and I probably wouldn't have made it). The island was really nice. I made my way to the second stop, by Pelican Plunge. It was fun! The only annoying part was that you had to swim out to the slides, and the swim back to the beach was not fun (because I kept inhaling water after dropping off the slide). I rode several times, then took a break (plus by then, the line was getting crazy). Once lunch started, I grabbed some then decided to go back to the ship. I figured since I was wet, it was a good time to hit up the AquaDuck. Man, that was fun! I can see why it had such big lines. I rode 5 times in a row before going back to the room. And there I found out that I got sunburned...pretty bad on my left arm too. Youch! This was the night of the pirate event! I had decided to dress up for this, and had my pirate outfit from Halloween. All the characters loved it! I met Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Chip and Dale, and Stitch (Pluto was not out, for some reason). They were all soooo cute! I also met Captain Jack again. Dinner was at Animator's Palate, and the pirate menu was not that good. I skipped dessert to go up and get a good spot for the deck show. Luckily I was able to get a decent spot (the one annoying thing is that the strap from the rope winds up in the pictures). By this point, I was not feeling that great (especially because of the sunburn), so I decided to call it a night early. I feel bad I missed the fireworks (I have heard they are great), but there's always next time.
Wed, Feb 15
This was the at-sea day. I didn't really do much. I slept in, then went to see the Muppets movie in the theater. I decided it would be fun to play bingo afterwards, so I went to that. I didn't win, but it was still fun. There was an afternoon showing of that day's show, Disney's Believe. So I decided to see it. It was great! I still keep singing the opening song. I then went to see which characters were out for the main meeting. It was just the VIPs in sailor outfits. So I skipped it (since it was a bit crazy). Dinner was at Animator's Palate again. I enjoyed the menu better this time, though it took forever for everything to arrive. I had the potato and cheese soup, which was AMAZING!!, beef with veggies and mashed potatoes (are you seeing a theme here?), and dessert was peanut butter cheesecake and a ice cream sundae. Then it was time for the show, which I decided to see again. And then it was time to go pack. After packing, I decided to go see Muppets again, as a final hurrah. And funny thing is, a lot of people had the same idea. After it ended, it was time to go back to the room.
Thurs, Feb 16
Sadness! Cruise is over. I had decided to skip breakfast, and sleep in. So after getting up, I headed down to the lobby as the ship had docked and people could disembark. I dropped off the comment card, and left. Getting through customs wasn't bad, though finding my suitcase was a pain. The trip back went quickly, and I was back at the airport. Bye Dream!
Final note- the trip was a lot of fun, and quite relaxing. I booked again onboard, and if all goes well will be sailing on the Fantasy in Sept or Oct. Oh yes, I almost forgot! On the last day, I saw my friend James there! It was so good to see him! I don't see him very often anymore because he does Disney Live! on tour. I am very jealous.
Sunday, Feb 12
Sunday was the day the cruise set sail. Back when I booked, my dad and I felt it would be best taking a shuttle over (since I get lost VERY easily). So I left for the airport just after 8, and I arrived around 8:45. It wasn't too hard finding the check-in counter for DME (though it was a bit of a hike). The best part about checking in at the airport was that everything was taken care of there, instead of having to be done at the port. So I got my room card with my dining rotation on it (on DCL, you rotate around the 3 restaurants with the same dining staff and table mates. My rotation was Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and Animator's Palate the last 2 nights), my shuttle card (I was in the first group to go), and my loading group (I was in Group #3. Yes!). Then there was nothing to do but wait- the first shuttle didn't leave until 9:45. Luckily I had a book. So after checking my suitcase, I settled down to wait. The ride down was not bad. The first glimpse of the ship was awesome! I think my jaw dropped. It wasn't too bad getting in to the waiting room. I had all my stuff taken care of, so time for more waiting. I took a lot of pictures of the model of the ship, and got my picture with Captain Mickey! Minnie wasn't out that day there, but I had a feeling I would see her on the ship. Once they started calling numbers, it didn't take long at all to get on the ship. I think I only had to wait 5 minutes or so. One cool thing was as the groups entered the ship, cast members announced each party. So that was neat. Lunch was being served, so I headed up to Cabana's. The food was not bad. Now came the longest wait though. The rooms wouldn't be opened until 1:30, so I just wandered around. I started a game of Midship Mystery Agency, with the missing paintings. And at 1, I took one of the tours. The guides were Jeff and Caitlin. They were both nice, but Caitlin was sooo energetic! The tour ended just around 1:30, so I went off to my stateroom. It was on Deck 5, which was really nice. And the room itself was great. It was a little cramped with the position of the couch, but the bed was really comfy. I didn't have much luck with seeing the Disney characters on the porthole, so hopefully better luck next time. Since I had time until the boat drill at 4, I dropped off my bags and went off to explore. I took more pictures, and finished my game. The boat drill wasn't bad (though it did get quite loud). Once it ended, I took off for the top deck so I could see the Sail-Away show. As the elevators were on the slow side, I took the stairs...7 decks' worth. Whew, that was a workout! But I did get there in time for a front row seat. And the show was cute. After the show ended, I went to get changed for dinner, and then meet characters! The VIPs were out in sailor outfits, and were really cute. Then it was down to Enchanted Garden for dinner. The food was really good! I had tomato soup, beef tenderloin with veggies, and dessert- strawberry cheesecake and chocolate mousse! Sooo yummy. My tablemates were Ken and Glenn (who had just been recently married), Justin and his mom Renee (funny story- Justin is a character performer! What are the chances that I would wind up with a CM at my table. I told him I would visit his friend Mrs. Incredible on Sunday), and Barbara and her son (I want to say his name is Chris). They were all really friendly, and I liked them a lot. The show was Golden Mickeys, and it was cute. The only bad thing is that they had changed the rules regarding photography, and it was not allowed at all. So sad! After the show ended, I headed off to bed.
Monday, Feb 13
This was the day we stopped at Nassau. I wasn't planning on getting off, so I stayed on the ship. I spent a lot of the day meeting characters. One of my favorites was seeing both Max and Goofy up on the sports deck playing golf! And they were both pretty good. And they both were in golf outfits, which made me happy. The characters were in formal outfits, and they were soooo cute! I loved Minnie and Daisy's dresses. Dinner was at Royal Palace. I wasn't as impressed with the food this time. I had a salad and beef, but again dessert- I had a Grand Marnier souffle, cheesecake, and a sundae. They were all sooo good, especially the souffle. The show was Villians Tonight. I know people that didn't like it, but I loved it. I thought the villians were great, especially Hades, and Yzma/Kronk.
Tuesday, Feb 14
Day at Castaway Cay! Due to some reason (I believe it was a medical emergency), we were delayed getting there. But that was fine with me! Why? They had the characters that would have been meeting around the island on the ship, and that made it a lot easier finding them. I found Chip and Dale, Mickey, Pluto, Daisy, and Captain Jack on the ship. By then, we had arrived. I was able to find Minnie and Goofy on Castaway Cay, but I gave up meeting Donald (because it would have meant running back to the ship, and I probably wouldn't have made it). The island was really nice. I made my way to the second stop, by Pelican Plunge. It was fun! The only annoying part was that you had to swim out to the slides, and the swim back to the beach was not fun (because I kept inhaling water after dropping off the slide). I rode several times, then took a break (plus by then, the line was getting crazy). Once lunch started, I grabbed some then decided to go back to the ship. I figured since I was wet, it was a good time to hit up the AquaDuck. Man, that was fun! I can see why it had such big lines. I rode 5 times in a row before going back to the room. And there I found out that I got sunburned...pretty bad on my left arm too. Youch! This was the night of the pirate event! I had decided to dress up for this, and had my pirate outfit from Halloween. All the characters loved it! I met Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Chip and Dale, and Stitch (Pluto was not out, for some reason). They were all soooo cute! I also met Captain Jack again. Dinner was at Animator's Palate, and the pirate menu was not that good. I skipped dessert to go up and get a good spot for the deck show. Luckily I was able to get a decent spot (the one annoying thing is that the strap from the rope winds up in the pictures). By this point, I was not feeling that great (especially because of the sunburn), so I decided to call it a night early. I feel bad I missed the fireworks (I have heard they are great), but there's always next time.
Wed, Feb 15
This was the at-sea day. I didn't really do much. I slept in, then went to see the Muppets movie in the theater. I decided it would be fun to play bingo afterwards, so I went to that. I didn't win, but it was still fun. There was an afternoon showing of that day's show, Disney's Believe. So I decided to see it. It was great! I still keep singing the opening song. I then went to see which characters were out for the main meeting. It was just the VIPs in sailor outfits. So I skipped it (since it was a bit crazy). Dinner was at Animator's Palate again. I enjoyed the menu better this time, though it took forever for everything to arrive. I had the potato and cheese soup, which was AMAZING!!, beef with veggies and mashed potatoes (are you seeing a theme here?), and dessert was peanut butter cheesecake and a ice cream sundae. Then it was time for the show, which I decided to see again. And then it was time to go pack. After packing, I decided to go see Muppets again, as a final hurrah. And funny thing is, a lot of people had the same idea. After it ended, it was time to go back to the room.
Thurs, Feb 16
Sadness! Cruise is over. I had decided to skip breakfast, and sleep in. So after getting up, I headed down to the lobby as the ship had docked and people could disembark. I dropped off the comment card, and left. Getting through customs wasn't bad, though finding my suitcase was a pain. The trip back went quickly, and I was back at the airport. Bye Dream!
Final note- the trip was a lot of fun, and quite relaxing. I booked again onboard, and if all goes well will be sailing on the Fantasy in Sept or Oct. Oh yes, I almost forgot! On the last day, I saw my friend James there! It was so good to see him! I don't see him very often anymore because he does Disney Live! on tour. I am very jealous.