We've Been Onboard! Magic Awaits On Disney Dream

Ready to add some magic to your cruise holiday? Let us introduce you to Disney Dream!

Containing 14 decks of blissful magic, this Disney Cruise Line ship offers something for everyone- whether you’re a Disney superfan or simply searching for the perfect family getaway.

With world-class entertainment, dazzling dining options, and plenty of onboard fun, this is no ordinary cruise, it's a floating wonderland at sea.

So, to give you the low-down on everything you need to know before setting sail on Disney Dream, Cruise.co.uk’s Commercial & Trading Executive, Jade Nolan, stepped onboard in Southampton for a sneak peek at what you can expect when exploring the high seas- Disney-style!

Checking In

On arrival in Southampton port, there's no doubt that you can spot a Disney ship from afar with its stunning black, red, yellow, navy blue and white colour scheme, based on Mickey Mouse. Parking and check-in were very smooth; we also got given a visitor's pass and a free Minnie or Mickey pin.

Our tour began in the famous atrium and, wow, what a welcome the passengers get onboard! Each guest’s arrival is announced on a microphone by the cast members, with Captain Mickey and Minnie waving from above.

The atrium is stunning with a gorgeous chandelier hanging from the ceiling, a bronze statue of Donald Duck and hidden Mickeys in the decor. Each Disney ship has a slightly different atrium style and a different character statue in the centre.

Main Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

All the main dining rooms are easily accessible from the atrium onboard Disney Dream so we checked out The Enchanted Garden, The Royal Palace and Animators Palate. All the restaurants are beautifully themed and completely immersive.

On every Disney ship, there are three main dining restaurants which you rotate around each evening. Regardless of this, your servers will be the same each night too, so when you rotate to the next restaurant the following night, the same servers will be with you! I thought this was a lovely touch as they get to know you and your preferences. Additionally, the menus are varied, and the crew can easily accommodate any dietary preferences and restrictions.

The onboard shopping area was beautiful and very classic in its decor; lots of different shops to choose from and lots of exclusive Disney goodies to purchase. Each ship has its own exclusive merch for each season, so there were jumpers and bags for the Disney Dream summer itinerary in Europe during our visit.

Located not far from the shops is the Walt Disney Theatre, which showcases Broadway calibre musicals every night and can seat up to 1340 people. The fact that these are included when you would pay around £80 per person for a ticket to see similar Disney shows on the West End is a huge perk!

There are two showings of a show per night to ensure that everyone has the chance to watch the musical, either before or after dinner. Everything is bookable on the Navigator app, which passengers can use when onboard. There is also an onboard cinema which plays old and brand-new films all day, every day.

Staterooms

We got the chance to view each grade of stateroom on Disney Dream (Inside, Verandah & Concierge), which were all very spacious and modern. Inside staterooms even have a magical port hole that shows the outside, bringing some lovely natural light into the room.

Disney ships are some of the only ships to have a split bathroom design in the larger staterooms, meaning the toilet and shower are separate-  a godsend for families sharing a stateroom! 

The balconies were also very spacious in the Verandah staterooms and, in my opinion, definitely worth the small price difference compared to an Inside cabin. Families can enjoy unforgettable scenery from the comfort of their balcony- making the cruise holiday even more special.

Don't forget that room service is complementary and available 24 hours a day! Mickey bars straight to your room at 3 am? Yes, please!

Pools & Recreation

Sadly, during our ship visit in Southampton, it didn't just rain- it poured, all day! However, we did take a look at the pool and outside area, where you will also find a huge LED screen playing films and fun activities.

The pools and water slides were decently sized and looked really fun for kids and adults alike. There's so much to explore on the outside decks, including a miniature golf area, sports arena, running track, lounging areas and plenty of places to get drinks and food around the pool areas. There's so much to keep the little ones (and big ones!) entertained on this ship.

Adults Only Areas

Disney Dream isn’t just a ship for kids! There's plenty to keep adults happy away from the noise too. 

The adults-only area onboard was overall classic with little nods to Disney within the decor, consisting of two restaurants (Remy & Palo), the spa and fitness centre, a drinks lounge and an adults-only pool.

The restaurants are very fancy but do come at an additional charge. They also need to be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment, as they sell out quickly.

Youth Clubs

We finished off our day with the piste de resistance onboard Disney Dream; the youth clubs! Disney prides itself on having the most immersive youth clubs at sea, and it’s easy to see why. It was like being transported to a real-life Disney movie!

On embarkation day, the cast members will open up the youth clubs to everyone so they can come and experience the fun for themselves. Onboard, there are four different youth clubs for various age ranges: catering to either babies, kids, tweens or teens.

The Oceaneers Club & Lab (catering for toilet-trained children between three and 10 years old) was incredible, with a range of rooms themed around different films.

We got to pretend that we were toy-sized in ‘Andy’s Room’ based on the movie, Toy Story; flew the Millenium Falcon in the Star Wars-themed ship room; plus, pretended to be fairies just like Tinkerbell in the Pixie Hollow room.

Overall, Disney Dream is a beautiful ship, with its classic decor and many hidden nods to Disney everywhere you look. The special little touches, such as the welcome onboard, the stunning aroma, and the outstanding customer service from cast members are truly magical.

You can't fault the plethora of different entertainment and activities on offer, particularly for young children and families. I loved the staterooms that are larger than usual,  particularly that they all come with 24-hour Mickey-themed complimentary room service.

Any family or Disney loving adults would adore a cruise holiday on any of the Disney ships, with theming prominent throughout. The fact that you can sail directly from Southampton is also a major bonus, as you can step straight into the magic without having to fly or travel far!

So, what are you waiting for? Your dream Disney cruise is just a click away! Contact us today to start planning your Disney cruise holiday, and get ready to create magical memories that will last a lifetime.