Dreams Come True...on the Dream!

Well, I guess being sick is good for one thing- starting trip reports (I currently am stuck at home with laryngitis). So this looks to be as good as anytime to start.

Before getting into the TR, here's some background info. I booked this cruise back in June 2011. The funny thing is, I booked it after seeing pictures/reports from other friends who had just sailed on the Dream! On this trip, it would be just me sailing. I booked an 11C stateroom (I didn't pick a specific room though, as it didn't matter to me). Also, since I get lost VERY easily, me and my dad decided it would be best if I parked at MCO and took a shuttle over. Well...let the TR begin!

 

[joanna71985]

Sunday, Feb 12

I left for MCO around 8am, and was parked by 8:30 (it was a nice morning, with no traffic). However, it was FREEZING!! I think it didn't go over 45* (go figure, when I wanted it to be warm, it would be so cold). Luckily I had my warm coat with me. It wasn't too hard to find the DME desk, though it was a bit of a hike. I quickly found that the best part about checking in at the airport, was that everything was taken care of right there! I got my room card with the dining rotation (I was ERAA- Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace, and Animator's Palate the last 2 nights), my shuttle-loading group (I was in Daisy, the first group to go), and my boarding # for the airport (I was in Group #3- woohoo!). Now there was nothing to do but wait! The wait wasn't too bad though. I had my book with me, but I couldn't really concentrate (as I was extremely excited about the cruise). Soon it was time to get on the shuttle! I dropped off my suitcase (and wouldn't have to worry about it, as it would be dropped off at my stateroom onboard), and got settled on the bus. The ride was not bad (and the video playing was cute). The first glimpse of the ship was awesome! I swear my jaw dropped.

Getting in to the terminal wasn't too bad either. Everything had been taken care of at the airport, so time for more waiting. I took pictures around the waiting room (I loved the model ship), and got my picture with Captain Mickey. Minnie wasn't out that day, but I had a feeling I would see her onboard.

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. I loved how the cast members announced the name of each party entering the ship (it was pretty cool). Lunch was being served, so I headed up to Cabanas. The food was not bad at all

 

[wdweric2.0]

Great report so far! looking forward to seeing more!

 

[joanna71985]

Great report so far! looking forward to seeing more!

Thank you for following along!

 

[enchanted_belle]

I don't think I'll ever get over how pretty that ship is in pictures... can't even begin to imagine it in real life!

 

[joanna71985]

After lunch, now came the longest wait of the morning. It was about 11:45, and the rooms wouldn't be ready until 1:30. So I decided to just wander around and explore.

I really want this mirror!

I stopped in the kids' club during Open House. Dang it was really cool!

At 1pm, there was a tour of the ship, so I decided to do that to kill time. The guides were Jeff and Caitlin, and both were really nice (although...Caitlin was extremely energetic!). The tour ended just around 1:30, so I went from there to my stateroom to drop off my stuff. I wound up with 5509 (which was an 11B, so I had a slight upgrade!). The location wasn't bad, but at times was annoying to get to. Now I had some more time to kill before the drill at 4pm, so I decided to go up to the boat deck to meet more characters.

After I finished, I decided to start up a game of Midship Detective Agency (going with the stolen paintings). I have to say, it really is pretty cute. It was also time to go to the drill station (I was on Deck 4, Starboard side). The drill wasn't too bad, but it did get a little loud.

 

[joanna71985]

I don't think I'll ever get over how pretty that ship is in pictures... can't even begin to imagine it in real life!

It is a beautiful ship! I feel bad for taking my first cruise on the Dream, but I'm sure the Magic/Wonder are pretty too

 

[enchanted_belle]

It is a beautiful ship! I feel bad for taking my first cruise on the Dream, but I'm sure the Magic/Wonder are pretty too

Hey, you're a step ahead of me... I've never been on a cruise at all! lol, it's on the to-do list though.

 

[joanna71985]

Hey, you're a step ahead of me... I've never been on a cruise at all! lol, it's on the to-do list though.

Oh don't worry, this was my first-ever cruise too! I'm just sad I waited this long to go on one

 

[joanna71985]

Once the drill ended, I made my way up to the top for the Sail Away show. However, the elevators were extremely backed up. So I used the stairs...all 7 flights' worth!! Whew, I was tired by the time I got up there! Luckily I was able to get a spot right in the front. And the show was cute. Probably not something I'd want to be in the front for again, but still cute.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I'm so excited you started!!! Sorry you're sick though!

I love all your pictures so far! I can't believe you were boarded and done eating by 11:45!! That's amazing!!

Keep it coming!

 

[joanna71985]

I'm so excited you started!!! Sorry you're sick though!

I love all your pictures so far! I can't believe you were boarded and done eating by 11:45!! That's amazing!!

Keep it coming!

It's ok! I feel much better then I did yesterday, already (maybe it's from working on the TR?).

I know! I was shocked how quickly I was able to get onboard. Next part should be up soon

 

[joanna71985]

Once the show ended, and we were on our way, I decided to go down and change for dinner? Why so early? The Fab 5 characters were going to be out, and I wouldn't have time to change after meeting them. I already had Mickey, Pluto, and Goofy (they were meeting in their sailor outfits), but I was able to get Donald, Chip and Dale.

Dinner was in the Enchanted Garden (and I was the first of the table to arrive). I wound up being put with 3 other pairs- Ken and Glenn (who had been recently married); Justin and his mom Renee, who were both CMs (what were the odds of that happening! Justin was there celebrating his 21st birthday); and Barbara and her son Chris. They were all really nice, and I liked them a lot

The food was really good, and the desserts were heavenly! Everyone at my table raved about the desserts all week. The show that night was the Golden Mickeys! I thought it was really cute, and enjoyed it a lot. However, I was unhappy about one thing...no photography at all!! =/ I totally understand about there being no flash. But pictures weren't allowed period. I was really bummed out about that (especially because I wanted to try out my new camera). But I still enjoyed the show. After the show ended, I was feeling tired, so I headed back to the room (especially since you could really feel the ship moving the first night).

The friend I found the first night!

I pulled up The Princess and the Frog on the tv, and after the movie ended, called it a night. Tomorrow was Nassau day

 

[The MadHatter]

great report so far...awesome to see some food pics...keep em coming.

 

[PartOfYourWorld]

Excited to read this report!!!!!

That ship is just beautiful! And I love the characters in all their little sailor outfits They are wicked cute!

The food looks absolutely delicious!!!! Especially those deserts!

Can't wait to read the rest!

 

[joanna71985]

Sorry about the delay on the TR! Real life.... Anyway...on with the show!

Monday, Feb 13

Monday was probably my most boring day on the ship! It was the day she docked at Nassau, and I had already decided I wouldn't be getting off, so I remained on the ship the entire time. I wanted to see the sunrise, so I got up earlier then I normally would have. It was really pretty! However, it was also REALLY windy! I felt like I was going to blow away.

I also decided that since I was already up, it would be a good time to take some upper-deck pictures.

 

[joanna71985]

After wandering the upper deck, I went back down to the room to get ready for the day. Then went back up for breakfast, and to map things out. I decided it might be fun to play a round of mini golf. It wasn't a fancy course, but it was cute (and I got a hole-in-one!! Yay). I also ran into 2 golfers along the way!

The view from the sports deck was beautiful! I loved looking over at Nassau.

 

[joanna71985]

After finishing up golf, it was time to head back down to the lobby. The VIPs were out again, this time in Poly-style outfits.

After finishing up in the lobby, it was time to get ready for dinner. And also...more characters.

 

[joanna71985]

great report so far...awesome to see some food pics...keep em coming.

Thank you! My tablemates didn't have any problems of me taking food pictures (one teased a little, but they were all cool with it). Even now, looking at them makes me really hungry

Ohh im waiting to read the rest of this trip report, looks like a lot of fun

Oh it was! I hope I can get the chance to go again soon, because it was such a fun experience

Excited to read this report!!!!!

That ship is just beautiful! And I love the characters in all their little sailor outfits They are wicked cute!

The food looks absolutely delicious!!!! Especially those deserts!

Can't wait to read the rest!

Thank you! I had a lot of fun meeting the characters in all the different outfits (especially Formal and Pirate ones).

 

[joanna71985]

Dinner was held in Royal Palace. While the restaurant was beautiful, I didn't enjoy the food as much as I did the night before (it was still good, but not as good as Enchanted Garden). However, dessert....amazing!! The Grand Marnier souffle was to die for! I absolutely loved it