Review of Disney Dream

Review of Disney Dream: A Girls' Trip

When I had the opportunity to take my daughter on a girls’ trip aboard the Disney Dream, I expected a great vacation, but what we experienced went above and beyond. While the Disney Dream may not be the newest ship in Disney’s fleet, it certainly doesn’t lack in charm or magic. This is my honest review of the Disney Dream.

Overview of the Disney Dream

The Disney Dream is a large ship, though not quite as massive as some newer vessels in Disney’s fleet or other cruise lines. With a capacity of around 4,000 passengers, it’s still more than enough to offer a vast array of activities, dining experiences, and entertainment. However, one misconception people often have about Disney Cruises is that they’re significantly more expensive than other cruise lines. The reality? You need to compare apples to apples. Yes, the upfront cost may seem higher, but once you factor in what’s included—world-class entertainment, character meet-and-greets, rotational dining, and the overall Disney magic—you’ll see it’s worth every penny.

Dining Experience: Rotational Dining Magic

One of the best aspects of sailing on the Disney Dream is their rotational dining system. Each night, we dined at a different restaurant, but our wait staff followed us throughout the entire cruise. From the first night, our server started to remember our favorite drinks—mine being Diet Coke and my daughters the smoothie of the day—and by the second night, those drinks were already waiting for us when we arrived at the table. The attention to detail made us feel so special, as though we had a personalized dining experience each evening.

Unique Disney Experiences

The experiences onboard were nothing short of magical. One day, we attended a drawing class where we learned how to sketch Goofy. And just as we finished up, Goofy himself waltzed in to greet us! These surprise character encounters are part of what makes Disney Cruises so unique. The seamless blend of entertainment and character interaction created memories that my daughter and I will treasure forever.

Spectacular Entertainment for All

The entertainment on the Disney Dream is truly Broadway-caliber. Whether you’re watching Beauty and the Beast, The Golden Mickeys, or another show, the production value is top-notch. What’s even better? No matter what dinner seating you have, you won’t miss out. There’s a show before or after your dinner, ensuring everyone can experience the magic. My daughter and I loved having a fun-filled evening of both dining and watching Disney classics come to life on stage.

Stateroom Layout and Split Bathrooms

Another feature that sets Disney apart is the thoughtful layout of their staterooms. We especially appreciated the split bathroom setup—one room with a shower and sink, and the other with a toilet and another sink. It made getting ready so much easier, especially when traveling with kids. And for larger families, Disney offers several connecting rooms on every floor, making it simple for everyone to stay close together without sacrificing space or comfort.

Pirate Night: A Swashbuckling Good Time

One of the highlights of our trip was Pirate Night. Disney goes all out for this themed event! From pirate-themed menus to costumes and a deck party complete with fireworks, it was an unforgettable experience. My daughter loved dressing up, and the whole ship seemed to be in on the fun. It’s a must-do for anyone sailing with Disney, offering that extra sprinkle of magic.

Drinking Age and Policy

For those curious about the drinking age, Disney follows the local laws of the ports they visit. While on the ship, however, the drinking age is set at 21 for U.S. sailings. For sailings that depart from Europe, the age may be as low as 18.

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Dress Code: Comfortable but Classy

Disney’s dress code is fairly relaxed. For most nights, guests can enjoy “cruise casual” attire, which means no swimwear or tank tops in the main dining rooms, but otherwise, it’s pretty flexible. There are a couple of optional “dress-up nights” if you want to go all out, and Palo, the adults-only restaurant, has a stricter dress code with jackets required for men and elegant attire for women. We loved having the option to dress up for a fancy night out or keep things casual on other evenings.

What’s Included in the Cruise Fare?

Disney Cruise Line includes a lot in their base fare. All meals, snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and 24-hour room service are part of the deal. Plus, character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, and access to pools, water slides, and the kids’ clubs are all covered. For families, it’s an incredible value considering the level of service and the variety of entertainment that’s included.

A Private Island Escape

Another standout of our cruise was the day spent on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The island was pristine—white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of activities for everyone. Whether you wanted to relax in a hammock, explore the island by bike, or snorkel, there was something for everyone. My daughter and I loved the water slides and beach games, and we both appreciated how well-maintained and uncrowded everything felt. It’s rare to feel like you’re on a private beach during a cruise stop, but Disney has mastered it.

@becky.and.the.beast #disneydream #disneyatsea #disneyapp #disneymagic #disneywish #disneyfantasy #disneywonder #disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneytravelagent ♬ original sound - Becky and the Beast

What’s Not Included?

While a lot is included, there are a few things that come at an extra cost. Specialty dining at Palo or Remy, alcohol, spa services, shore excursions, and gratuities are not part of the base fare. It’s also worth noting that some activities, like wine tastings or certain classes, come with a fee. If you plan to splurge on extras, make sure to budget accordingly.

Adults-Only Spaces and Experiences

Despite being a family-focused cruise line, Disney doesn’t leave adults out of the equation. The Disney Dream offers several adults-only areas, including Quiet Cove Pool, the Senses Spa, and the upscale restaurant Palo. There’s also a dedicated adults-only beach on Castaway Cay, called Serenity Bay, where we spent some time relaxing in peace. Whether you’re looking for some quiet time away from the kids or want to indulge in a romantic dinner, Disney has plenty of options.

Final Thoughts

Though the Disney Dream isn’t the newest ship in Disney’s fleet, it certainly didn’t feel outdated in any way. The attention to detail, personalized service, and unique Disney touches made it one of the best cruise experiences I’ve ever had. And while the fare might seem higher than other lines, you really do get what you pay for—and more. Whether you’re traveling with kids or planning a girls’ trip like we did, you’ll leave with memories that last a lifetime.