DISNEY DREAM detailed review May 5 -8, 2011

[bemidjibelle]

Reba,

 

Thank you for this review and FUN read! I try not to read too many reviews because they can be "Debbie Downers", but decided to take my chances on reading this one. We leave next week for our first family vacation with out three son's. They are ages 7,7, and 10 (celebrating his birthday).

 

I have two "selective" eaters and would love a list of menu items offered to the kids for the evening meals.

 

Also, you mentioned the theater offers snacks, but you must pay for these. Do you remember the cost of some items?

 

Again, thank you for your review. You just kicked my "must go pack" butt in gear :-)

 

Laurie

[monobrow1]

Great Review

 

I am wearing slacks with short sleeves buttopn down polo at Dinner

Is that acceptable?

How about foir Palo?- I do not have a summer jacket so is wearing slacks and a long sleeve shirt ok?

 

also do they have mac and cheese or pasta for lunch or dinner as my son

can only eat soft foods

 

thnaks

 

leaving in 3 Days OMG

[sheena12]

great review...i was feeling a bit concerned because of some of the reviews, we are on the ship sunday 15th, headed to orlando tomorrw. myself and my, just turned 10 DD are disney junkies, annual passes and down there at least 3 times a year. She has been asking to go on the disney cruise for years, and this will be our first one. we are avid cruisers, just never did a disney one, my husband is not interested. I feel much better, thanks for all the detailed info. can you email me copies of the navigator or post them?

thanks

[FoghornLeghorn]

Laurie:

 

We didn't get any snacks before the shows. I saw some things for 3.00, 4.00 and some for 6.00. There is packaged popcorn, not fresh.

Perhaps someone who actually bought something, could chime in and give you a better answer.

 

I did see parents who had brought those "movie size" boxes of candies for their kids. I think they are 1.00 at Wal-mart.

Some people brought cookies from Cabanas to snack on.

 

THE MENUS:

 

ENCHANTED GARDEN

 

Starters:

Cream of Tomato Soup

Tropical Fruit Cup with Strawberry drizzle

Enchanted Garden Salad (with choice of dressing)

 

The Main Event:

Mickey's MacNCheese

Minnie's Mini Burger

Chicken and Spinach Pizza

Chicken Strips

Meatloaf and gravy

Vegetable Croquettes in Tomato Sauce

Grilled Salmon Steak

(all main courses served with vegetables,

smashed Potatoes, or steak fries)

 

A SWEET FINISH

Strawberry Short Cake

White Chocolate Cheesecake

Mickey Ice Cream Bar

Selection of assorted Ice Cream

 

 

ANIMATOR'S PALATE:

 

To start:

Chicken Noodle Soup

Pineapple & Melon Fruit Cup

Animator's Garden Salad (with choice of dressing)

 

The Main Event:

Mickey's MacNCheese

Minnie's Mini Burger

Pepperoni Pizza

Chicken Strips

Mickey Pasta in Cheese Sauce

Filet Steak Medallions

Baked Cod Filet

(all main courses served with vegetables,

smashed Potatoes, or steak fries)

 

A sweet Finish:

Chocolate Fudge Cake w/Chocolate sauce

Apple Pie w/vanilla ice cream

Mickey Ice Cream Bar

Selection of Assorted Ice Cream

 

 

ROYAL PALACE

To start:

Honeydew Melon Boat & Strawberries

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Royal Garden Salad (choice of dressing)

 

For the Main Event:

Mickey's MacNCheese

Minnie's Mini Burger

Pepperoni Pizza

Chicken Strips

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Baked Chicken Breast

Beef Tenderloin Medallion

(all main courses served with vegetables,

smashed Potatoes, or steak fries)

 

A Sweet Finish:

Royal Cup Cake

Banana Split

Mickey Ice Cream Bar

Selection of Assorted Ice Cream

 

The menus are cute. They have coloring pages, word finds, trivia, crossword, etc. There are crayons on the table.

 

The kids can order from the adult menu, too.

and we BIG kids :D can order something from the kid's menu.

[FoghornLeghorn]

Sheena:

I wish I could email the navigators to you, or post them. But, I won't have time to scan those in until next week...and you'll be gone.

 

I'd be glad to look at them for something specific if you want.

HAVE A WONDERFUL CRUISE!!!

Can't wait to hear how you liked it.

 

Monobrow:

 

I posted the kid's menus above.

 

I have not been in Palo, so I don't know. Perhaps previous Palo go-ers can chime in here.

 

The other outfit you decribed is fine!

We saw sundresses, pants & tops, nice capris, skirts.

 

Everyone we saw looked nice every night. Resort Casual.

 

(well, there was this ONE guy who's family dressed accordingly every evening, but he chose to wear his outfit he had worn all day. We would see him out and about in a sports logo sleeveless jersey with kakhi shorts....and he never changed for dinner):rolleyes:

 

The last night was "dress up optional".

There were quite a few families who did.

The little girls in their cute dresses, or princess outfits.

and the little boys in their suits! They were so precious.

Some of the little boys had on slacks, vest, white shirt with tie.

Some had on slacks, white shirts and Disney ties.

It was so sweet to see all the family members dressed up.

Most, I'm sure, had formal pictures taken.

[onecrazymom]

I BIG thanks for all the information posted...esp the mention about a day

room at MCO we too have a late flight out. And this is God send with

two kids in tow. Also what time did you arrive at the airport after the cruise?

Just wondering what time we will be at MCO with the disney transport.

[bemidjibelle]

Reba,

 

THANK YOU so much for your detailed menu options! It will help me out, a lot :-)

 

I'm going to go with the resort casual dress for my DH and I. However, my boys' will be sporting a dress shirt and tie on one night. They are so excited to "dress up" and look handsome!

 

Again, your reviews and details are greatly appreciated. When I read through you reminded me of the details I woud be looking for.

 

Thanks again,

Laurie

[FoghornLeghorn]

Thanks Laurie and OneCrazyMom for your kind words!

 

Hyatt:

We had breakfast in our room and waited until about 8:30 to leave the ship. We were there by 9:30 and checked in and in our room by 9:45.

You could leave a little earlier. The day rooms are available at 9:00 am.

(until 6pm)

 

It has a nice pool, so you could keep the swimsuits out and in your day bag and enjoy it. If not, just having a place to crash for the day was well worth the money. I took a long hot shower and a NAP! We ate lunch and shopped. MANY stores in the airport. Then we went back up to the room and watched a little TV and made some calls. Was better than sitting all day on an airport bench and keeping up with your day bags.

[dexddd]

For Palo, yes nice slacks and a long sleeve shirt is fine.

[flynnsport]

thanks for the report!

[bemidjibelle]

Reba and any others,

 

You mentioned that you have stopped at Nassau several times and although we too planned to stay on ship and enjoy the day at port, I was wondering if we took the boys' touring for a few hours what we could find to do close to port? They are by far not shoppers, so no "girly" stuff for me ;)

 

Also, do you know if the Rainforest spa had offers to passengers to use just that part of the spa? Celebrity offered it and I loved being able to go in and use the steam rooms for an hour or so each day :D. If anyone knows if this is offered, do you know the price?

 

Thank you,

Laurie

[FoghornLeghorn]

America's Funniest Videos was on tonight.Tom Bergeron and the show was filmed on THE DREAM! It's being re-played on the Disney Family channel.

 

Tom rides the Aqua Duck and he films it.

You also see a Great Shot of him at the end of the ride getting out of it. I know a lot of people have asked how and where the ride stopped.

I think you can see it on ABC.COM - if it's still there.

 

They just mentioned Part 2 for the big Disney Prize was next Sunday night.

I don't know if that means they'll be on The Dream again or not...

But, I'll be watching to see :)

[FoghornLeghorn]

Laurie,

 

I believe the Rain Forest passes are 16.00 per day.

check the Disney web site under the Spa section.

 

The last time I was at Nassau we took a cab to Atlantis. Walked around - it is beautiful. Had lunch there. I played some Black Jack at the casino and tried a few slot machines. NOTHING!

 

I'm not sure now how much of Atlantis you can see without paying.

It's a nice little ride over there and across the bridge. Great view of the ship. If you've not been, would be a good little adventure to say you've been there and seen Atlantis.

[FoghornLeghorn]

bump

[SallyUK]

So glad you bumped this FoghornLeghorn as I hadn't seen it before.

 

What a lovely review. It made me cry with poignancy when I read you friend had never seen the sea - something I take for granted living on an island - then you made my cry tears of laughter with your funny descriptions. It has really got me in the mood for my cruise, even though I'm going on the Magic and not the Dream! Now I'm going to go back to work and if anyone questions the red eyes I'll tell them I've got hayfever:o.

[Bugasbaby]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH!!!

 

We are leaving in 8 days.... and cannot wait!

[FoghornLeghorn]

aww Thanks so much, Sally!

 

Have a wonderful cruise on the Magic

[goofymom71]

First, that was a very awesome review. Thank you much for posting it.

 

I had a few questions as a first time cruiser.

 

I didnt know what kttw was.

 

My other questions are about the Hyatt. We are staying there a day before our cruise. Just was wondering what your thoughts were about it. Was it a nice place to stay. Easy to get to? And you said you were able to get to the food places in the airport easily?

 

Did you purchase your air through disney? If so i was just curious if your flight times were good? We purchased our flights through disney but we dont have flight times yet. I am hoping we get there early enough to enjoy the pool and relax a little before cruise day.

 

Again, thank you for the wonderful review

[ducklite]

My other questions are about the Hyatt. We are staying there a day before our cruise. Just was wondering what your thoughts were about it. Was it a nice place to stay. Easy to get to? And you said you were able to get to the food places in the airport easily?

 

It couldn't be easier. Right in the main terminal. Orlando has some food on the airsides (sterile concourse) and some in the main terminal. There's definitely a Macaroni Grill in the main terminal, and a food court.

[Host Mick]

It couldn't be easier. Right in the main terminal. Orlando has some food on the airsides (sterile concourse) and some in the main terminal. There's definitely a Macaroni Grill in the main terminal, and a food court.

 

They also have a baggage service. They'll pick up your bags at the carousel and bring them up to your room. Call them for details.

[FoghornLeghorn]

Bugasbaby: Thank you! Have a wonderful time - Bon Voyage - let us know how much fun you have :D

 

GoofyMom: thanks for the kind words.

 

KTTW = key to the world card. The wonderful plastic 3x2 card that will open your "home" door for the duration of your cruise...and.. the same card that will allow you to buy things on board, and on Castaway Cay.

:D

 

Hyatt:

Very easy to get to. Once we grabbed our luggage, there was a sign nudging us up the escalator...once you're on that level you can see the Hyatt. It's all around you. In fact, several people argued with me there wasn't a hotel close by. I pointed up and showed them the rooms facing the atrium of the airport lobby we were standing in.

 

As Host Mick said... Hyatt will take care of your luggage for you, also.

Just give them a call.

 

There are glass elevators inside the atrium that will take you to the check-in desk for the Hyatt. (also an escalator)

 

The rooms were lovely, nice bathroom, all the amenities.

 

We ate at the food court for some quick snacks, had dinner at the Chimmis too and on the last day when we did the "day room", we ate at Macaroni Grill. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not as expensive as our local one in my home town. (that was a shocker) Food was very good.

I will stay at the Hyatt at MCO again. Would not hesitate.

and I'm kind of picky about where I stay. OK OK "kind of" is probably not accurate :D

 

It was easy to check in and get the info about the next morning's ride to the ship. Everyone there is very helpful, polite and courteous.

 

If you google search for MCO airport, you will see a map of the different levels. It also lists all the food places, and stores.

 

There is a Disney Parks Store called Mickey's EARport. There is also another Disney store a few stores away. Lots of stores to wander through. Universal, Sea World, shoe stores and all the other normal

You-forgot-it-but-we-have-it-and-it-will-cost-U-your-first-born stores.

 

Air:

No, we did not purchase through Disney, as I could beat the price on my own. I did look at what they offered. But, I am not a morning person and do not like having to be at my home airport early. I prefer the crack of noon :D So I normally book my own flights.

[goofymom71]

Bugasbaby: Thank you! Have a wonderful time - Bon Voyage - let us know how much fun you have :D

 

GoofyMom: thanks for the kind words.

 

KTTW = key to the world card. The wonderful plastic 3x2 card that will open your "home" door for the duration of your cruise...and.. the same card that will allow you to buy things on board, and on Castaway Cay.

:D

 

Hyatt:

Very easy to get to. Once we grabbed our luggage, there was a sign nudging us up the escalator...once you're on that level you can see the Hyatt. It's all around you. In fact, several people argued with me there wasn't a hotel close by. I pointed up and showed them the rooms facing the atrium of the airport lobby we were standing in.

 

As Host Mick said... Hyatt will take care of your luggage for you, also.

Just give them a call.

 

There are glass elevators inside the atrium that will take you to the check-in desk for the Hyatt. (also an escalator)

 

The rooms were lovely, nice bathroom, all the amenities.

 

We ate at the food court for some quick snacks, had dinner at the Chimmis too and on the last day when we did the "day room", we ate at Macaroni Grill. I was pleasantly surprised that it was not as expensive as our local one in my home town. (that was a shocker) Food was very good.

I will stay at the Hyatt at MCO again. Would not hesitate.

and I'm kind of picky about where I stay. OK OK "kind of" is probably not accurate :D

 

It was easy to check in and get the info about the next morning's ride to the ship. Everyone there is very helpful, polite and courteous.

 

If you google search for MCO airport, you will see a map of the different levels. It also lists all the food places, and stores.

 

There is a Disney Parks Store called Mickey's EARport. There is also another Disney store a few stores away. Lots of stores to wander through. Universal, Sea World, shoe stores and all the other normal

You-forgot-it-but-we-have-it-and-it-will-cost-U-your-first-born stores.

 

Air:

No, we did not purchase through Disney, as I could beat the price on my own. I did look at what they offered. But, I am not a morning person and do not like having to be at my home airport early. I prefer the crack of noon :D So I normally book my own flights.

 

 

Thank you !! I found your review to be very helpful. Did you post any pictures?

[FoghornLeghorn]

No, I've not posted any (yet) I might at a later time.

Still dealing with the damage from tornados and bad weather here.

 

I was going to post the Navigators...but someone else on our cruise posted theirs, so that saved me the time and scanning.

[SallyUK]

Still dealing with the damage from tornados and bad weather here.

 

Sorry to hear that FoghornLeghorn. The tornados have made the news here and look absolutely awful. What a horrible thing to come back off of a lovely holiday to. Stay safe.

[goofymom71]

I know you mentioned not traveling with kids but does it list what the activities are for the kids programs in the navigator? I have a 11 yr old and was wanting to get an idea of some of the activities they offer for kids.

 

thank you