Family Cruise Advisor » Disney Cruise Line http://www.avidcruiser.com/family Sound advice on family cruise vacations Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:32:42 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Best Cruise Ships For Families http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2011/09/best-cruise-ships-for-families/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2011/09/best-cruise-ships-for-families/#comments Sat, 03 Sep 2011 05:36:52 +0000 Ralph Grizzle http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=1523 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg1(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg1' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg1' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } Children’s programs on ships used to be just a place for parents to park their kids while mom and dad went off to do some important adult relaxing. Today, the best family ships devote a huge amount of resources, acreage, and innovation to making sure kids are having as good a time as their parents [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg2(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg2' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg2' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

Children’s programs on ships used to be just a place for parents to park their kids while mom and dad went off to do some important adult relaxing. Today, the best family ships devote a huge amount of resources, acreage, and innovation to making sure kids are having as good a time as their parents — or even better. For families traveling with kids, here are some of our favorite ships.

Disney’s Disney Dream: Arguably the best ship at sea for families with young kids, Disney Dream offers the biggest and best children’s facilities, a nursery for kids 3 months to 3 years, separate teen and tween centers, a kids’ pool with waterslide, a toddler-friendly splash zone, and a 765-foot water flume called the AquaDuck (if you can’t view the video above click here) — and those are just the highlights. There are also the best standard family cabins at sea, fantastic family oriented shows and movies, and lots of high-tech magic to make kids go “Oooh!,” plus some secluded adults-only areas to make parents go “Aaah.” You can even pre-order diapers and other baby supplies that’ll be in your cabin when you arrive. A near-identical sister ship, Disney Fantasy, will launch in 2012.

On Disney Cruise Line, the fun is not limited to the ship. Disney owns its own private island, Castaway Cay.

Disney’s Disney Magic & Disney Wonder: Though not quite as amazing as the newer Dream, Disney’s two original ships aren’t far behind, offering an almost identical experience at an only slightly scaled down level. There’s no AquaDuck, but there is different scenery outside, with Magic scheduled to sail from New York and Galveston next year, and Wonder doing Alaska and Mexican Riviera voyages.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas & Allure of the Seas: The biggest cruise ships in the world, these two sisters are also the only ones that give Disney’s ships a run for their money in the family category. Each offers a huge open-air family area styled like an old-time boardwalk (there’s even a carousel), 28,700 square feet of kids’ playrooms, a nursery for kids 6 months to 3 years, extensive teen centers with their own outdoor deck, a pool deck with three different pools and a fun water park, a sports deck with surfing simulators and rock-climbing walls, an ice-skating rink, 3-D movies, fun dining options, and more. Courtesy of a deal with DreamWorks Animation, there are also costumed characters like Shrek and the Madagascar penguins, who participate in a parade and other activities throughout each cruise. As with Disney, you can order diapers and other baby supplies and have them ready in your cabin when you arrive. To view the video “A Teen’s View of Allure of the Seas” click here.

Also see Family Cruise Advisor’s Top Ten Family Cruises

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic: NCL’s biggest ship, Epic is also its best for kids, with one of the cruise world’s best waterslides, a splash pool for younger kids, a rock-climbing wall, a trampoline, a 24-foot “spider web”–style climbing cage, a basketball court, a batting cage, a two-story video screen in the atrium that’s great for watching sports; and meet-and-greets by costumed characters from Nickelodeon. The kids’ center offers Wii and Playstation II games, a dance floor, a big-screen TV room full of beanbag chairs; a great play structure with a crawling maze and ball jump. Teens get their own club/hangout, located up a “secret” hideaway staircase. Bonus: Kids under 2 sail free when sharing a cabin with two paying guests.

Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas & Liberty of the Seas: Once the world’s biggest cruise ships but now also-rans after fleetmates Oasis and Allure, these sister ships offer tons for families, including a huge playroom and video arcade, a teen club, a nursery for kids 6 months to 3 years, puppet shows created by Emmy and Tony Award nominee John Tartaglia, a water park, a surfing simulator, an ice-skating rink, a rock-climbing wall, 3-D movies, a basketball court, and a miniature golf course. For fun enrichment, there are educational programs offered in collaboration with Fisher-Price and Crayola; for kiddie celebrity sightings, there are character parades and photo ops with DreamWorks movie characters; and for sugar highs there are Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream parlors and fresh-baked cupcake shops.

On Carnival Magic, kids and adults alike enjoy the SkyCourse, the first-ever ropes course at sea. Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival’s Carnival Dream & Carnival Magic: These two sister-ships — one already in service (Dream) and the other debuting next month — are Carnival’s best for families with kids, especially kids who love water slides, since they come armed with twin 80-foot racing slides; a 104-foot enclosed spiral slide; and a 303-foot-long, four-deck-high enclosed corkscrew waterslide. There are also kids’, teens’, and tweens’ centers, a basketball court, and a miniature golf course, and Carnival Magic will add a “ropes” course, in which kids (and adults) can strap into a safety harness and work their way along 230 feet of beams, rope bridges, and swinging steps suspended above the top deck.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Pearl & Norwegian Gem: These ships were the most recent generation from NCL before its new Epic, and are just all-around fun vessels. For kids, they offer huge, brightly colored play and crafts area; a big-screen TV room full of beanbag chairs; a huge play structure with a ball jump and crawling maze; a computer room; a video arcade; a teen center; and a small outdoor play area. The buffet restaurant includes an adorable “Kid’s Cafe” section with chairs, tables, and serving stations scaled down to pint size, and with kid-friendly food to match.

Princess’s Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess & Ruby Princess: Kid-wise, the best thing about these ships is the fact that their kids’ center includes a large, attached, fenced-in outdoor play area with a splash pool, lots of plastic trikes, a kids’ basketball setup, and kid-size tables and chairs. It’s a great place for energetic kids to work off steam while their parents relax nearby. Inside, the bright, cheerful kids’ centers have toys, games, computer stations, and organized activities. The teen centers have computers, video games, and a dance floor. The line’s “Movies Under the Stars” outdoor movie experience is great for families, with lounge chair seating and free popcorn.

MSC Cruises’ MSC Fantasia & MSC Splendida: Though the children’s programs at Italian line MSC aren’t in the same league as those offered by Disney, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, it still makes this list for one primary reason: because kids 11 and under sail fare-free when sharing a cabin with two paying guests (though government fees and taxes still apply). The line’s recent ships all have smallish children’s centers with games, arts and crafts supplies, PlayStations, and activities, plus an enclosed outdoor area with a wading pool, play structure, and tube slide. The new Fantasia and Splendida add a 4-D movie theater (with moving seats) and a Formula One racing car simulator.

Click the links below to read full ship reviews of the vessels featured in this article.

Disney Cruise Line

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2011/09/best-cruise-ships-for-families/feed/ 17 Disney Dream Is Christened in Port Canaveral http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2011/01/disney-dream-is-christened-in-port-canaveral/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2011/01/disney-dream-is-christened-in-port-canaveral/#comments Wed, 19 Jan 2011 18:10:57 +0000 Carrie Finley-Bajak http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=1220 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg3(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg3' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg3' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }   What a show!   A helicopter delivered a 16-foot oversized bottle of dreams to the bow to commemorate the christening of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship in the fleet, Disney Dream. Under sunny skies and with more than 3,000 people in attendance at the Port Canaveral home to Disney Cruise Line‘s cruise empire, Disney Dream [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg4(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg4' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg4' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

 

What a show!

Disney Dream christening ceremony in Port Canaveral

 

A helicopter delivered a 16-foot oversized bottle of dreams to the bow to commemorate the christening of Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship in the fleet, Disney Dream.

Under sunny skies and with more than 3,000 people in attendance at the Port Canaveral home to Disney Cruise Line‘s cruise empire, Disney Dream was christened.

Port Canaveral gets in on the act, flys a banner over crowd proclaiming “Welcome Home Disney Dream!”

The event was expertly produced combining traditional elements of a ship christening with the magic of Disney. A live webcast on the Disney Cruise Line website allowed fans from all over the world to watch the event. Also, a very active stream on Twitter allowed people to keep up with the non-stop activities. Highlights of Disney Dream christening included:

  • Disney Dream godmother Jeniffer Hudson (who sang on the Disney Wonder as a cast member and Oscar winner for her role in Dreamgirls) sang and delivered the christening prayer, “I christen thee Disney Dream. May God bless Her and all who sail on Her.”
  • Disney Dream flag ceremony, with Navy band performance.
  • An entertainment spectacular featuring fireworks and fanfare.
  • Speeches from The Walt Disney World Company executives. Tom Staggs thanked the hundreds of cast members who were waving from the decks in celebration and Bob Iger informed the crowd why they chose the name: “We named our ship the Disney Dream because she was created to make dreams for our guests.”

Make sure to check out the Avid Cruiser Facebook fan page to follow Ralph as he explores Disney Dream.

Can’t get enough? Check out our other Disney Dream stories on Family Cruise Advisor:

From Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Dream will cruise to the Bahamas on rotating 3, 4, and 5-night cruises. All cruises on Disney Dream will visit Disney Cruise Line’s private Bahamian island Castaway Cay.

 

 

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2011/01/disney-dream-is-christened-in-port-canaveral/feed/ 7 2011 Family Cruise Vacation Shopping Guide http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/2011-family-cruise-vacation-shopping-guide/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/2011-family-cruise-vacation-shopping-guide/#comments Fri, 31 Dec 2010 01:51:17 +0000 Carrie Finley-Bajak http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=1165 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg5(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg5' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg5' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } Tips For Finding A Family Friendly Cruise There is no better remedy for combating the short, cold days of winter than planning a family cruise vacation. For some reason, just looking at itineraries and ship diagrams is enough to lift the spirits. But before long what started as a fun search for your next family [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg6(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg6' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg6' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

Tips For Finding A Family Friendly Cruise

Making memories

There is no better remedy for combating the short, cold days of winter than planning a family cruise vacation. For some reason, just looking at itineraries and ship diagrams is enough to lift the spirits. But before long what started as a fun search for your next family vacation quickly becomes a nightmare as data-overload sends you over the edge.

To help keep things in balance, Family Cruise Advisor has put together a few tips to help make the cruise buying process a little more user friendly.

Think Value, Not Price

Disney Dream It

Although price is a good motivator, value is a better indicator that a cruise will be a success.

Consider what is included in the cruise price.

  • Does the ship have adequate care for infants? Some ships charge for babysitting infants because they do not have facilities for babies.
  • Does the ship offer kids programming for the ages you need?
  • Are soft drinks and juice included in the price? Disney Cruise Line has generous soda fountains and juice available around the clock. Other cruise lines do not.

Consider A Slightly Older Ship, But Watch The Size

When looking at price make sure you are comparing apples-to-apples. New ships typically have a higher price tag than slightly older ships.

Although Royal Caribbean International’s new Oasis-class ship Allure of the Seas has a lot of great features, pricing is significantly lower on Liberty of the Seas and her sisters in the Freedom-class. The cruise experience is almost the same: great kids programs, specialty restaurants, surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice-skating rink, arcade, etc.

Royal Caribbean

Speaking of Royal Caribbean, watch the size of the vessel you select. For example, there are many features that are not available on Monarch of the Seas due to her smaller size. This is an example of too much of a good thing. Savvy shoppers will notice some great cruise fares on Monarch of the Seas, but this ship does not have the bells and whistles found on the larger ships in the fleet.

When to spend money for a cruise on a new ship

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship Disney Dream is fetching top dollar for a product that is completely different than Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The updated technology and innovations on Disney Dream are well worth the additional investment in vacation dollars.

Destination

Disney Cruise Line

In most cases when cruising as a family, the ship is the destination. However, families must also consider where the ship sails. Popular family cruise destinations for 2011 are: Europe, Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Depending on the age of your children and their tolerance for long flights, a realistic destination will become obvious. I say go for gold and head to Europe. But I am also the same person that took a three-month old baby on an six-hour flight to Hawaii.

Show Me The Money!

A lot of people think that if they wait long enough, cruise lines will offer deep discounts. Although this could be the case, when traveling with a family it is better to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Remember that there is little risk to putting down a deposit in advance. In most cases (Disney concierge class suites exempt) deposits are refundable. Final payment is due 90 days before the cruise. Some travel agencies and cruise lines will guarantee the price, which means that if the cruise fare goes down before final payment, you are entitled to getting the lower price.

Family Cruise Basics

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/2011-family-cruise-vacation-shopping-guide/feed/ 2 Meet Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/meet-disney-cruise-lines-disney-dream/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/meet-disney-cruise-lines-disney-dream/#comments Thu, 23 Dec 2010 02:45:55 +0000 Carrie Finley-Bajak http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=1144 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg7(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg7' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg7' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } Auf Wiedersehen, Germany Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream  has left the building and has begun the transatlantic crossing. Just a few days ago Disney Cruise Line‘s newest ship, Disney Dream left Bremerhaven, Germany on a transatlantic journey to Florida. Disney Dream will greet family cruisers starting January 26, 2011 on her inaugural cruise. A Disney [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg8(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg8' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg8' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

Auf Wiedersehen, Germany

Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream  has left the building and has begun the transatlantic crossing.

Disney Dream makes her transatlantic journey

Just a few days ago Disney Cruise Line‘s newest ship, Disney Dream left Bremerhaven, Germany on a transatlantic journey to Florida. Disney Dream will greet family cruisers starting January 26, 2011 on her inaugural cruise.

A Disney Cruise is always a great choice for families looking for a touch of elegance with just the right mix of kid-friendly amenities.

Family Cruise Advisor has compiled extensive reports about Disney Dream to help families navigate the many features and amenities on this new ship.

I am excited to see the blending of classic ocean liner design with state-of-the-art technology. Topping off my list of Disney Dream bells-and-whistles are the AquaDuck water coaster and Disney Cruise Line’s new adults-only Remy restaurant.

Disney Dream posts on Family Cruise Advisor:

  • An Overview of Disney Dream Highlights Too busy to read everything? This is a great place to discover the highlights of Disney Dream’s one-of-a-kind venues and experiences.
  • Disney Dream Youth Programs Everything a parent needs to know about youth programs on Disney Dream. The key to making sure the whole family has fun on a cruise vacation. Disney Cruise Line has one of the best children’s programs at sea. Discover what awaits your young cruiser.
  • Dining Options For Family Cruisers on Disney Dream. I appreciate a cruise line that offers a variety of food that appeals to both adults and kids, and I love how Disney Cruise Line staff will dispense ketchup for kids in the shape of Mickey Mouse as well as offering a sophisticated menu for adults in the no-kids zone specialty restaurants. Disney Dream is upping the game a bit in the food service department, especially for adults. For more on how Disney is pleasing parents and palates, read Disney Cruise Line, Michelin-starred Chef Create Perfect Pairing with French-inspired Remy Restaurant On the Disney Dream.
  • Entertainment on Disney Dream When you think of Disney, animation, technology and entertainment come to mind. It all comes together on Disney Dream, where entertainment
 includes live musical shows, first-run films, Digital 3-D movies and fun-filled family deck parties, which features the largest fireworks show aboard a cruise ship.

Can’t get enough? Check out our other Disney Dream stories on Family Cruise Advisor:

From Port Canaveral, Florida, Disney Dream will cruise to the Bahamas on rotating 3, 4, and 5-night cruises. All cruises on Disney Dream will visit Disney Cruise Line’s private Bahamian island Castaway Cay.

 

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/meet-disney-cruise-lines-disney-dream/feed/ 1 Family Cruise News: Disney Cruise Line Takes The Helm Of Disney Dream http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/family-cruise-news-disney-cruise-line-takes-the-helm-of-disney-dream/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/family-cruise-news-disney-cruise-line-takes-the-helm-of-disney-dream/#comments Thu, 09 Dec 2010 18:57:54 +0000 Carrie Finley-Bajak http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=1133 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg9(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg9' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg9' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } It’s official. Disney Dream is the newest and largest Disney Cruise Line vessel. Disney Dream is one step closer to greeting guests in Florida now that Meyer Werft officially delivered the new vessel to Disney Cruise Line today in Bremerhaven, Germany. Construction of Disney Dream started two years ago in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Dream measures [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg10(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg10' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg10' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

It’s official. Disney Dream is the newest and largest Disney Cruise Line vessel.

Disney Dream is designed like a transatlantic ocean liner with contemporary details.

Disney Dream is one step closer to greeting guests in Florida now that Meyer Werft officially delivered the new vessel to Disney Cruise Line today in Bremerhaven, Germany.

Construction of Disney Dream started two years ago in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Dream measures 128,000 tons and has 1,250 staterooms with the capacity to accommodate 4,000 passengers. The largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, Disney Dream has many  innovations  that will allow family cruisers to have the vacation experience of a lifetime. Perhaps my favorite innovation is the AquaDuck water coaster.

Check out the video. This is not just another water slide at sea. The AquaDuck looks really fast and should provide a lot of fun.

Disney Dream will deliver family cruise experiences like no other.

Other noteworthy features on Disney Dream include:  Inside staterooms with virtual views, Enchanted Art that immerses guests in stories, and fine dining at Remy.

The shipboard experience remains focused on the legacy and heritage of The Walt Disney Company’s most valuable assets – master storytelling, world-class entertainment and legendary guest service.

Disney Dream is ready to welcome family cruisers on its maiden voyage, set for January 26, 2011, from Port Canaveral, Florida.

Want to learn more about Disney Dream?

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/12/family-cruise-news-disney-cruise-line-takes-the-helm-of-disney-dream/feed/ 1 Disney Dream Youth Programs For Family Cruisers http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-youth-programs-for-family-cruisers/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-youth-programs-for-family-cruisers/#comments Thu, 11 Nov 2010 04:35:17 +0000 Carrie Finley-Bajak http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=1072 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg11(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg11' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg11' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } Disney Dream has plenty of big spaces for kids to have fun. Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship Disney Dream has plenty of space dedicated to actively engage children in Disney-themed youth programs. Family cruisers will encounter almost an entire deck created just for kids. Youth programs on Disney Dream: It’s A Small World Nursery Disney’s [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg12(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg12' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg12' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

Disney Dream has plenty of big spaces for kids to have fun.

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship Disney Dream has plenty of space dedicated to actively engage children in Disney-themed youth programs. Family cruisers will encounter almost an entire deck created just for kids.

Youth programs on Disney Dream:

  • It’s A Small World Nursery
  • Disney’s Oceaneer Club
  • Disney’s Oceaneer Lab
  • Edge
  • Vibe

It’s A Small World Nursery

Serving infants and toddlers ages 3 months to 3 years

Disney Dream's It's A Small World Nursery

Family cruisers who want to take advantage of the nursery must pre-reserve space either on the ship or ahead of time online. It’s a Small World Nursery is available at an additional charge of $6 per hour.

The nursery is designed to help small children feel comfortable and to make parents feel confident when leaving their little ones. Upon entering the nursery, parents and children can meet and interact with counselors in the “acclimation zone” so kids can adjust to the nursery.

Parents wishing to check on their children, without disturbing them, can glimpse into the nursery’s main play area through a one-way window. Trained youth counselors play with children, change diapers and feed kids. There is a separate nap room in the nursery where sleepy babies can rest, allowing parents to hang out and relax.

Parent advisory for children ages 3 – 10

Children between the ages of 3 and 10 will choose youth programming in Disney’s Oceaneer Club or Disney’s Oceaneer Lab based on interest instead of age. While some activities are recommended for certain age groups, participation is based on a child’s interest level and maturity — not age. As a result of this, siblings and friends can play together without restriction.

Disney’s Oceaneer Club

Kids ages 3 – 10 have plenty of options to stimulate creative play

Disney Dream's Oceaneer Club

There are four themed play areas in Disney’s Oceaneer Club on Disney Dream:

  • Andy’s Room is about playing with characters from the animated Disney Pixar “Toy Story” films. Children can rearrange features on Mr. Potato Head, crawl through the coiled body of Slinky Dog and get behind the wheel of an oversize, remote-controlled racecar.
  • Explorer Pod is inspired by the Disney Pixar animated film “Finding Nemo.” The bright-blue-and-yellow submarine in the center of the room is the centerpiece in this space. Inside the submarine, children can explore and play games at 16 interactive computer stations. Outside of the sub, there are eight computer stations.
  • Monster’s Academy is a interactive space inspired by the Disney-Pixar film “Monsters Inc.” The centerpiece is a play structure designed for climbing. In addition there are computers integrated into the walls featuring games. There are also props for playing dress up.
  • Pixie Hollow is a dedicated space celebrating Tinker Bell and her fairy friends. A pixie tree stands in the room, its branches extending overhead with hundreds of fairy lights twinkling among the leaves and hummingbird-sized fairy houses hanging from the boughs. This setting is perfect for crafts, or dress up in fanciful costumes.

Disney’s Oceaneer Lab

Children ages 3 – 10 will explore and discover

Animator's Studion in Disney Dream's Oceaneer Club

Disney’s Oceaneer Lab has two main areas where children engage in activities:

  • Animator’s Studio offers young family cruisers a place to learn computer animation. Children can use their imagination to create original, hand-drawn art or learn how to sketch their favorite Disney character. With the help of a counselor and an animation simulator, kids can bring to life computer-animated characters.
  • Sound Studio is designed for children who appreciate and are inspired by music. Kids create their own original tunes using special song-making software. After composing their music and lyrics, they can record their song. The Sound Studio also has listening and music download stations featuring top hits.

Edge

Tweens ages 11 through 13 can hang inside the Forward Funnel on Deck 13

Where was Disney Dream when I was growing up? Edge is so cool that if I could pass as a tween, I would hang out here all day.

At first look, it seems like tweens have a place to hang out, watch television, listen to music, play videogames, surf the Internet, partake in various activities and make new friends. Look deeper and discover a high-tech space designed to help facilitate interaction between tweens.

High-tech touches like notebook computer stations allow tweens to play games and access the onboard social media application exclusively for them. On this “blog spot,” tweens can communicate with each other during the cruise by leaving messages, comments and posting photos and videos.

Along one wall of the club is a massive video wall that can be used for gaming, movies or television viewing. Stretching more than 18 feet long and nearly five feet tall, the state-of-the-art video wall can be utilized as one giant screen or separated into smaller individual screens.

A lighted dance floor – and multi-colored ceiling lights above that mirror the floor – make the perfect stage for a dance party.

Another hi-tech highlight is green-screen technology, which provides backgrounds for creating fun videos and acting as a screen for lively karaoke parties.

Being in the funnel provides great views of the pool and Disney Dream’s water coaster. AquaDuck winds through the forward funnel of the ship. Three portholes in the tween club provide silhouetted views of AquaDuck riders as they zoom through the tunnel.

For those family cruising tweens that have saved their allowance, there is a Tween menu of spa services just for them at Chill Spa. Tweens have their own space in the spa where they can enjoy special services including facials, massages, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and more.

Vibe

Teens between the ages of 14 to 17 have nearly 9,000-square-feet to enjoy their cruise

Vibe: Disney Dream Teen Club

Teens have Deck 5 forward to enjoy their specially designed indoor and outdoor teen club. Access to Vibe is by special “teen-only” swipe card.

Modular, movable furniture and cushy chairs are plentiful and invite teens to kick back in style. Teen family cruisers have a fountain bar stocked with refreshments such as soda, juice, smoothies and coffee drinks (coffee drinks for a 14 year old?)

A media room serves as the central gathering space with video gaming and movie watching on a 103-inch LCD screen with digital surround sound. Teen cruisers have access to technology to create and edit videos using the latest computer software. Also, teens can access the onboard social media application at one of several computer stations in the lounge or via their own WiFi-enabled laptop.

In the dance club area, aspiring DJs can try their hand at spinning and mixing tracks. A lighted, multi-color dance floor and video wall set the stage for dance parties. On a separate stage, teens can take the spotlight during talent shows, karaoke contests and dance competitions.

Exterior of Vibe Teen Club on Disney Dream

Outside, teens have their own private deck area with two wading pools and plenty of chairs to lounge. Additional water features include fountains, pop jets and misters for cooling off. For recreation, teens can play deck games such as ping-pong, foosball and other favorites.

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-youth-programs-for-family-cruisers/feed/ 4 Disney Dream Dining Options For Family Cruisers http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-dining-options-for-family-cruisers/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-dining-options-for-family-cruisers/#comments Mon, 08 Nov 2010 03:24:32 +0000 Carrie Finley-Bajak http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=1042 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg13(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg13' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg13' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } Family cruisers on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship Disney Dream will have plenty of options when it comes to answering the question, “What’s for dinner?” Disney Dream offers multiple dining venues: three main restaurants two adults-only specialty restaurants and several casual dining options Family cruisers will have the chance to dine in all the main restaurants [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg14(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg14' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg14' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

Family cruisers on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship Disney Dream will have plenty of options when it comes to answering the question, “What’s for dinner?”

A salute to wonderful dining on Disney Dream

Disney Dream offers multiple dining venues:

  • three main restaurants
  • two adults-only specialty restaurants
  • and several casual dining options

Family cruisers will have the chance to dine in all the main restaurants during their cruise vacations. Disney has a unique rotation dining system where guests have dinner at several different themed restaurants over the duration of their cruises. For convenience, be sure to specify dining time when you book your cruise.

On Disney Dream, dinner seating time determines which evening show cruisers will have tickets for. Main dining is scheduled for 6 p.m. and most likely tickets to the 9 p.m. show will be issued unless the earlier 5 p.m. show is requested. Second dining is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. and cruisers will have tickets to the 7 p.m. show but can request the 5 p.m. show.

Main Dining Restaurants

Animator’s Palate

Be ready to interact with Crush the talking turtle from “Finding Nemo”

Animator's Palate will feature interaction with Crush from "Finding Nemo"

Family cruisers will enjoy updates to this popular Disney Cruise Line themed restaurant. Dinner in Animator’s Palate will feature a newly developed show, unique to Disney Dream.

The fun starts after passengers place their food orders. The restaurant starts morphing from a lively animation studio into an interactive dining experience hosted by Crush from “Finding Nemo.”

The exciting thing here is that Crush is capable of having a real conversation. His body language actually changes as if he were, a real talking turtle (this is Disney, and yes it could happen.)

During the transformation of the room, lights dim, walls open and more than a hundred 103-inch HD monitors come into view. Bubbles appear, and everyone is immersed in an undersea world, complete with coral and fish swimming by.

Another fun thing to be on the lookout for are hidden suggestions of Mickey Mouse. Overall the color scheme of red, black, and yellow reminds diners of Mickey Mouse. Also, the chairs in Animator’s Palate are cleverly designed with details like two yellow buttons to suggest Mickey’s famous pants.

In another colorful detail, the ceiling – the artist’s palate of the restaurant’s name – is “painted” in light by fiber-optic brushes that form part of the décor.

Royal Palace

Celebrating the Disney Princesses

Disney Dream Royal Palace Restaurant

Royal Palace is a Main Dining restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The decor is inspired by classic Disney Princess films: “Cinderella,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “Beauty and the Beast” and “Sleeping Beauty.”

With a hand-blown chandelier made of glass slippers and essential elements from classic Disney fairy tales such as royal crests, roses and tiaras, this themed restaurant will wake your inner-Princess.

Royal Palace offers a 4-course dinner, serving a seasonal menu of classic culinary faavorites.

Enchanted Garden

New to Disney Dream

Enchanted Garden on Disney Dream

Inspired by the gardens of Versailles in France, Enchanted Garden is a new theme restaurant. The Enchanted Garden restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring market-fresh ingredients.

Enchanted Garden transforms itself from day to night during the dinning experience. Maximizing the use of lighting technology, the restaurant’s ceiling changes from a bright blue daytime color into the golden red of a setting sun, finally transforming into a nighttime constellation of twinkling stars.

Family cruisers will enjoy looking at suspended overhead custom-glass flower light fixtures that “bloom.” Decorative wall sconces transform into folding fans, wall paintings project a dusky illumination and the centerpiece fountain is flooded with shimmering light.

Enchanted Garden serves breakfast, lunch and dinner as a Main Dining restaurant.

Specialty Dining For Adults

Remy

Remy a French-Inspired Specialty Restaurant on Disney Dream

Remy is a French-inspired specialty restaurant for guests 18 years of age or older. The name of the restaurant is inspired from the star of the hit film, “Ratatouille.” Images of the character Remy will be hidden throughout the design.

Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise, a Michelin two-star restaurant in France, and Chef Scott Hunnel from Walt Disney World’s signature restaurant Victoria & Albert’s are teaming up to create the new French-inspired menu.

Luxury touches await Remy patrons: tables are set with Frette linens, Riedel glassware, Christofle silverware, and china created exclusively for the restaurant.

For an extra charge, Remy offers a stellar wine list in addition to a wine pairing option. Elegant touches include a tableside trolley for international cheeses, decanting stations for wines, and an after-dinner coffee service.

Expect great food at Remy

Private Chef’s Table at Remy - For an even more memorable dining experience, Remy boasts a special Chef’s Table dining room where guests can enjoy a unique multi-course menu while interacting with the head chef. This special room features elegant, Ratatouille-inspired décor that includes bold red chairs and drapes, shimmering chandeliers and inviting scenes of Paris on the walls.

The Wine Room - Dine in a luxurious glass-walled room with marble flooring amid more than 900 bottles of wine, including a rare selection of Old World wines balanced with a solid selection of New World wines.

Reservations are required and can be made online or on Disney Dream. An additional charge of $75 per person is required to dine at Remy, in addition to the cost of wine and alcoholic beverages.

A dress code is enforced during dinner in Remy. Men must wear a jacket. Ladies can get by with a cocktail dress or similar, just no jeans, shorts, capri pants, sandals, flip-flops or tennis shoes.

Palo

Disney Dream's Palo: Great food with a view

Palo, named after the signature long poles used by gondoliers in Venice, is a great place to take a break from the kids and enjoy some wonderful food, great ocean views and adult-time.

Palo is for adults 18 and over only, and reservations are required. This restaurant features outstanding Northern Italian cuisine prepared to order.

Reservations are required and can be made online or on the ship. When dining at Palo, guests will skip the regularly scheduled Main Dining restaurant. An additional charge of $20 per person is required to dine at Palo

Casual Dining

Cabanas

Similar in style to a high-end food court, food stations serve everything from sushi and pasta to desserts, Cabanas is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food stations are designed to look like a seaside beach cabana topped with a colorful awning.

Family cruisers will enjoy the restaurant’s décor. Tables resemble clam shells, and there are Adirondack chairs, palm trees and beach umbrellas. Look for a 30-foot-long handcrafted mosaic depicting an underwater scene from the Disney Pixar animated film “Finding Nemo.”

At dinnertime, Cabanas is transformed into a table-service dining experience where dinner entrees are cooked to order in the show kitchen. Families will enjoy this casual alternative to dinner, especially if traveling with younger kids that have skipped their nap.

Flo’s Café

Flo’s Café is located near the Donald Family Pool on Deck 11. Themed to popular characters from the Disney Pixar film “Cars” – Luigi’s Pizza, Doc’s Grill and Fillmore’s Favorites – this quick-service option serves snacks such as burgers, chicken tenders, pizza, fresh fruit, salads and sandwich wraps.

Eye Scream, Frozone Treats

Frozen sweet treats are available from two quick-service venues conveniently located near the Donald Family Pool on Deck 11:

  • Eye Scream – inspired by the friendly, one-eyed monster Mike Wazowski from the Disney Pixar animated feature “Monsters, Inc.” – offers soft-serve ice cream with plenty of favorite sundae toppings.
  • Frozone Treats – named after the ice-creating superhero in the Disney Pixar movie “The Incredibles” – mixes delicious fruit smoothies.

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-dining-options-for-family-cruisers/feed/ 3 Disney Dream For Family Cruisers http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-for-family-cruisers-part-1/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-for-family-cruisers-part-1/#comments Thu, 04 Nov 2010 05:31:40 +0000 Carrie Finley-Bajak http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=1023 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg15(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg15' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg15' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } Family cruisers will love Disney Dream. Award-winning service that has won Disney Cruise Line numerous mentions in the press for a cruise ship filled with industry firsts. Special features on Disney Dream Technology and animation features: Animator’s Palate – new spin on a classic. Dinner in Animator’s Palate is a family cruise favorite. Disney Dream [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg16(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg16' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg16' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

Coming in January, Disney Dream

Family cruisers will love Disney Dream.

Award-winning service that has won Disney Cruise Line numerous mentions in the press for a cruise ship filled with industry firsts.

Special features on Disney Dream

Enchanted Art

Technology and animation features:

  • Animator’s Palate – new spin on a classic. Dinner in Animator’s Palate is a family cruise favorite. Disney Dream has re-imagined Animator’s Palate. Look for more use of color upon entry and then a room that transforms into a coral reef.
  • Magic Playfloor, For young cruisers, Disney’s Oceaneer Club (ages 3 -10) and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab (ages 3-10) will feature a Magic Playfloor. The interactive floor allows children to engage in group activities where their movements control the action. Disney Cruise Line youth counselors will use the Magic Playfloor during storytelling activities where children will fly over the streets of London with Peter Pan or ride the ocean waves with Crush.
  • Living Characters. Through the use of 103-inch screens, Living Characters will bring Disney character to life in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab youth areas. The characters are programmed to interact with children in one-of-a-kind experiences.
  • Enchanted Art. LCD screens positioned around Disney Dream will feature art that comes to life. Designed to look like a framed piece of art, Enchanted art is equipped with motion detectors, which triggers an animated sequence. Guests may see new and different animations each time they come back and visit the Enchanted Art pieces.
  • Magical Porthole. Technology is behind the concept of the Virtual Portholes in all inside cabins. The “window” will show real-time views of what is happening outside the ship. The view corresponds to the stateroom location – with a view to port, starboard, forward or aft. Programmed to make an appearance are characters like Peach the starfish from the Disney•Pixar film “Finding Nemo,” the flying balloon house from “UP” or even Mickey Mouse.
  • AquaDuck. The AuqaDuck is the first water coaster at sea. Think  water slide, lazy river and a roller coaster combined into one. This will no doubt be a cruise highlight for adventure seekers on Disney Dream. Family cruisers can ride as a single or double on a raft that is propelled by Master Blaster hydro jets through a clear acrylic tube.

More staterooms to accommodate 4,000 guests

There are 8 stateroom categories on Disney Dream:

  • Concierge Suites
  • Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
  • Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
  • Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
  • Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom
  • Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom
  • Deluxe Inside Stateroom
  • Standard Inside Stateroom.

More than 80 percent of Disney Dream staterooms feature ocean views and most also include split bathrooms, another first in the cruise industry. Disney’s signature split bath and a half design is found in most of the staterooms except for 121 inside rooms. Families will be glad to know that 1,000 staterooms are connecting.

Bunk beds for the kids

All staterooms have a classic, yacht-like feel. Staterooms are equipped with an iPod docking station and 22-inch flat-screen television on a swivel arm. Parents will be happy that the closet doors swing instead of slide. Pull-down bunk beds are topped with a faintly-lighted sky scene. In my home, the fight is on for who gets to sleep in the top bunk.

More amenities for kids – Hello Nemo, goodbye Captain Hook

Hello Nemo!

My son (aged 6) is thrilled that Disney Cruise Line has decided to toss the popular Peter Pan villain Captain Hook, in favor of a more “happy” Nemo when it comes to designing the kids spaces on Disney Dream.

Disney has moved away from specific age groupings to interest areas. So instead of signing up for a youth program based solely on age, parents can choose a program based on what the child is interested in: either using one’s imagination or playing games and  performing educational experiments.

  • Disney’s Oceaneer Club (ages 3-10) is conducive for imaginative play. The Oceaneer Club’s central rotunda is its main gathering place and, at the same time, a portal to other “lands,” including Andy’s Room, Monster’s Academy, Pixie Hollow and Disney’s Explorer Pod.
  • Oceaneer Lab (for ages 3 – 10)  focuses on discovery and exploration, with workshops and an Animator’s Studio. In the Sound Studio, kids can create music by moving their hands across laser beams.
  • Babies welcome on Disney Dream. It’s a Small World Nursery on Disney Dream allows parents to sign up and pay for care by the hour. $6 per hour is a great value for a little break while on a family cruise.  Infants and toddlers ages 3 months to 3 years are welcome.
  • Tweens (11-13) get to enjoy a loft-style lounge called  Edge, housed inside the forward funnel.
  • Vibe is an indoor/outdoor teens-only lounge accessed by key-card (ages 14-17). Plenty of technology is housed in Vibe with a media room and dance club. Decor reminds me of a posh club.

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/disney-dream-for-family-cruisers-part-1/feed/ 2 Family Cruising: Disney Dream http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/family-cruising-disney-dream/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/family-cruising-disney-dream/#comments Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:37:24 +0000 Carrie Finley-Bajak http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=998 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg17(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg17' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg17' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } Meet Disney Dream Disney Dream is designed to reflect the glamour of the golden age of cruising during the 1930′s. With 1,250 staterooms, maximum capacity is 4,000 passengers. Spanning 14 decks, the 128,000-gross-ton Disney Dream is 1,115 feet long and carries 1,458 crew members. Family cruisers familiar with Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will recognize [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg18(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg18' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg18' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

Meet Disney Dream

Disney Dream in her home port of Port Canaveral, Fla.

Disney Dream is designed to reflect the glamour of the golden age of cruising during the 1930′s. With 1,250 staterooms, maximum capacity is 4,000 passengers. Spanning 14 decks, the 128,000-gross-ton Disney Dream is 1,115 feet long and carries 1,458 crew members.

Family cruisers familiar with Disney Magic and Disney Wonder will recognize the black hull with two funnels (only one is functional) and porthole windows. All Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow.

One-Of-A-Kind Venues and Experiences

Family cruisers know they can count on Disney Cruise Line to offer memorable family vacations. In addition to award winning programming, Disney Dream is offering new venues and experiences that show off Disney’s wizardry.

AquaDuck watercoaster on Disney Dream

AquaDuck – the first water coaster at sea. A high-speed thrill ride that combines the ups and downs of a roller coaster with all the twists and turns of a water slide and a lazy river.

Magical Portholes – a “virtual window” to the world for inside staterooms, with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras feed live video to each stateroom, and they reflect the scene outside. For example, if Disney Dream is in Bahamas, you see the Bahamas, real-time, in your porthole.

An inside cabin with a view. Disney Dream virtual porthole.

Enchanted Art – Throughout Disney Dream, guests will encounter Enchanted Art that immerses guests in Disney storytelling in a completely new way. Appearing as traditional framed art, Enchanted Art magically comes alive when guests pause to admire the artwork. Enchanted Art looks like other hanging art pieces around the ship, but is actually a framed LCD screen with technology that recognizes a guest is present. There are 22 pieces of Hidden Art on Disney Dream.

Enchanted Art on Disney Dream

Magic Playfloor – Young cruisers in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab will enjoy the Magic Playfloor, a cruise industry first that blends the latest in gaming technology with Disney storytelling.

e

Magic PlayFloor is an interactive experience, a first on Disney Cruise Line.

Living Characters – In Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab youth areas, Disney characters will interact with children via a 103-inch plasma screen. Look for Crush, the animated sea turtle from the Disney Pixar motion picture “Finding Nemo,” or the animated alien Stitch to chat, play and joke with kids in what Disney Cruise Line promises to be “live, unrehearsed conversations.”

Discover what awaits you and your family onboard the ship

Entertainment - Disney Dream includes live musical productions shows, first-run films, Digital 3-D movies and fun-filled family deck parties.

The Mickey Pool on Disney Dream with AquaDuck in the background.

Pools – On Deck 11, cruisers will find three pools—one for kids, one for families, and one for adults only.

The District caters to adults in the evening

Nightclubs & Lounges – A new feature on Disney Dream is The District. This adults-only entertainment area offers five distinct lounges and nightclubs.

Fine Dining at Remy – this French inspired specialty restaurant is for adults only. The gourmet menu, created by Chef Arnaud Lallement from l’Assiette Champenoise — a Michelin 2-star restaurant just outside Reims, France — and Chef Scott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Walt Disney World Resort will be a cruise highlight. Cost $75 per person for the nine-course menu.

Itineraries

Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises to the Bahamas from Port Canaveral, Florida. Calls on Nassau and Disney’s Castaway Cay are featured on all itineraries. In addition, some five-night departures feature a visit to Key West, Florida, Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Some five-night Disney Dream itineraries will feature a second call on Disney’s Castaway Cay. These non-consecutive days allow more time at this popular Disney themed family destination.

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]]> http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/11/family-cruising-disney-dream/feed/ 12 Video: Disney Cruise Line Floats Out Disney Dream http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/10/video-disney-cruise-line-floats-out-disney-dream/ http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/2010/10/video-disney-cruise-line-floats-out-disney-dream/#comments Sat, 30 Oct 2010 22:35:07 +0000 Ralph Grizzle http://www.avidcruiser.com/family/?p=972 function sbmgValidateFormPostPg19(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg19' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg19' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; } Disney Cruise Line floated out its first new vessel in more than a decade today in Papenburg, Germany. Disney Dream is the first of two ships that Meyer Werft shipyard is building for Disney. Along with other journalists, I’ll spend two days at the shipyard inspecting the new vessel. Stay tuned for additional reports.  Meantime, [...]]]> function sbmgValidateFormPostPg20(name,email) { var name_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg20' + '_' + name); var email_fld = document.getElementById('sbmgValidateFormPostPg20' + '_' + email); var reg = /^([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\@([A-Za-z0-9_\-\.])+\.([A-Za-z]{2,4})$/; var msg = ''; if ( name_fld.value == '' ) msg = '- Name Required\n'; if ( reg.test(email_fld.value) == false ) msg += '- Valid Email Required'; if ( msg == '' ) return true; else alert(msg); return false; }

Mickey Mouse was present at Disney Dream's float out - as were other celebrities, including one big name from the Travel Channel. To find out who, view the video below.

Disney Cruise Line floated out its first new vessel in more than a decade today in Papenburg, Germany.

Disney Dream is the first of two ships that Meyer Werft shipyard is building for Disney.

Along with other journalists, I’ll spend two days at the shipyard inspecting the new vessel. Stay tuned for additional reports.  Meantime, experience today’s event by viewing the video below.

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