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Carnival Dream: Kids’ Activities and Family Fun

By Carnival Cruise Line

When you think of embarking on a family cruise to the Caribbean, you can’t help but imagine all the fun you’ll be having both on the cruise ship and at all the tropical ports of call you’ll visit. And when you book your cruise vacation on Carnival Dream ® , you are guaranteed a fun, magical, memorable, and exciting cruise that the whole family will enjoy.

Because Carnival Dream ® isn’t your ordinary cruise ship–it’s packed from bow to stern and port to starboard with family fun activities everyone can participate in, kids and youth programs for young ones and teens, delicious cruise dining options, and much more!

Family Fun Activities

Carnival Dream ® offers a number of exhilarating activities and magnificent entertainment options for the whole family, including:

If you’re ready to get wet, then head on over to WaterWorks , Carnival Dream’s ® onboard waterpark, featuring thrilling waterslides, the exhilarating Speedway Splash, and the astonishing PowerDrencher–possibly the biggest bucket of water you’ll ever see (and be soaked by)! If you’re young or young at heart, you’ll love this incredible waterpark.

There’s nothing quite like playing a round of Mini Golf or two with your family while under the open blue sky and surrounded by the gentle blue waters of the Caribbean. The whimsical mini golf course features a number of fun obstacles and challenges designed to amuse and entertain all ages.

Video Arcade

Teens will love visiting the Video Arcade for a few hours to play some of the newest (and some classic) video arcade games. It’s open 24 hours a day, so any time you feel like challenging your family to a round of Air Hockey, head on down, get some tokens, and show them your skills!

Teens need some spa-time too. While the adults are relaxing and rejuvenating at their own spa appointments, teens can make an appointment at ZSpa , a spa specially geared towards helping teens look and feel their best. From fitness classes to manicures to the hottest hairstyles, ZSpa is the ultimate in spa indulgence for teens.

Dr. Seuss Activities –  Seuss at Sea ™

Carnival Dream brings the Dr. Seuss classic to life with a series of remarkable, whimsical, and memorable activities featuring The Cat in the Hat and other zany characters from the world of Dr. Seuss.

SEUSS-A-PALOOZA Story Time ™

The young ones will delight in this story time extravaganza, where the whimsical characters from the Dr. Seuss books come to life before their very eyes. SEUSS-A-PALOOZA Story Time ™ is also interactive, giving the children a chance to take part in the story and meet characters from their favorite stories.

SEUSS-A-PALOOZA Parade ™

The whole family can join this jolly SEUSS-A-PALOOZA parade ™ of peculiar and quirky Dr. Seuss characters as they promenade across the deck of Carnival Dream. It’s a parade of Seuss-ical proportions!

Kid’s and Youth Programs

Carnival Dream also offers a multitude of fun activities for young ones and teens–it’s like a summer camp at sea!

Camp Ocean ™ (ages 2-11)

At Camp Ocean ™ , supervised groups of children can take part in as many activities as they desire, from making arts and crafts to dancing and singing. There’s a nighttime option too, so that parents can enjoy some of the evening activities while your kids are in good hands and having fun.

Circle “C” ® (ages 12-14)

Young teens can make some new friends at Circle “C” ® , where they can have fun dance parties, watch outdoor movies, and play an assortment of games, all while under the supervision of energetic and cheerful counselors.

Club O2 ® (ages 15-17)

There’s plenty for older teens to do on their own as well at Club O2 ® ! Enjoy music, movies, sports and video games with other teens that are bound to become new friends. There’s even a teen prom you can attend!

Night Owls ®

On Carnival Dream, the fun definitely doesn’t stop just because the sun goes down, and both kids and adults get to stay up late having as much fun as they want. Night Owls ® is perfect for children 11 and under, featuring a wide range of activities to keep them occupied while the adults take in some evening entertainment.

Family-Friendly Dining

There’s plenty of cruise dining options on Carnival Dream ® , offering some mouth-watering favorites for the whole family.

Guy’s Burger Joint

Step up to the counter and sink your teeth into the best burger you’ll ever have at sea Guy’s Burger Joint dishes up fresh-off-the-grill burgers and hand-cut fries, all made just the way you want with an assortment of toppings to choose from.

BlueIguana Cantina ™

Featuring an amazing menu of build-your-own tacos and burritos, the Mexican fare at BlueIguana Cantina ™ is top-notch. Add some fresh and flavorful salsa and tortilla chips, and you’ll be too busy enjoying your food to remark on how delicious it is!

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que

It’s a classic BBQ joint at sea! Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que serves up authentic, mouthwatering barbecue, such as Championship Pork Butt, famous Blue Ribbon Chicken, Smoked Andouille Sausage, and Smoked Round of Beef. Add some classic sides and some delectable BBQ sauce, and it’s a meal made for finger-lickin’!

Pizzeria del Capitano

Serving up tasty-lip-smacking pizza 24-hours-a-day, Pizzeria del Capitano uses fresh ingredients to offer a choice of 5 classic pizzas made to order, or you can make your own with your own selection of toppings.

The perfect thing after enjoying some of the cruise dining listed above is dessert, of course! And what better treat than a cup or cone of ice cream or frozen yogurt at Swirls , scooping up ice cream for you 24-hours-a-day!

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast

Dr. Seuss is in the kitchen as well, with a feast-ful menu of yummy, playful, and fantastical treats for breakfast! Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast ™ also features Dr. Seuss characters come to life, perfect for photo ops with the kids!

On Carnival Dream ® , we know how important it is for everyone in the family to have a great time. And we’ve made sure that the great time never ends, and the memories last a lifetime! So what are you waiting for? Book your family cruise to the Caribbean on Carnival Dream ® today!

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by  ship  and destination.

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What to expect.

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Disney Dream cruise ship review: Mostly magic with a bit of mayhem

TPG's Erica Silverstein accepted a free trip from Disney Cruise Line to cruise on Disney Dream. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

A Disney Dream cruise is not just for families with young children who love Mickey Mouse and princesses. Disney lovers of all ages, including many couples who choose to get married on board or on the cruise line's private island, will appreciate setting sail in an immersive Disney atmosphere.

A Disney Dream sailing is also attractive to travelers who love a good show, as the ship offers stellar musicals, captivating deck parties and all the movies you can watch from the many Disney-owned production companies (Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and more). Cruisers seeking a more midsize ship, with attentive service and plenty of activities geared toward both kids and adults, will not be disappointed.

Unsurprisingly, Disney Cruise Line does themed sailings well. My five-night Western Caribbean cruise was a Very Merrytime sailing, complete with holiday decorations throughout the ship, seasonal shows and activities, and visits from Santa. Mickey and friends, as well as my fellow passengers, were sporting red and green attire, too. The ship gets equally passionate about Halloween and Marvel-themed sailings.

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A Disney cruise might be a magical experience for some, but Disney Dream isn't perfect. On my cruise, dining venues were crowded and loud, and the lobby atrium and pool deck did not have enough space for all the cruisers who wanted to watch the signature shows. Cruisers looking for varied nightlife might be disappointed that many adults are tied up with childcare at night and unable to venture out to the adults-only bars and lounges.

A cruise aboard Disney Dream is pricey, especially when compared with family-friendly lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line . Make sure that Disney Dream is the ship for you by learning everything you need to know about the ship — from its cabins to its restaurants, attractions and activities — as well as my take on where the ship excels and where it misses the mark.

Overview of Disney Dream

The 130,000-ton Disney Dream contains 1,250 cabins and can carry 2,500 passengers at double occupancy and 4,000 at maximum capacity. That makes it small for a family ship when comparing it to Royal Caribbean's family favorite Oasis Class ships. The biggest Oasis Class ship, Wonder of the Seas , for example, measures 236,857 tons — 82% bigger than Disney Dream — and carries 5,734 passengers at double occupancy or 6,988 passengers when full.

The ship also stands apart from competitors in that it defies categorization. The ship would be considered mass-market because it offers a range of cabins from windowless insides through suites, appeals to families, does not focus on gourmet food or high-end finishings, and does not offer all-inclusive fares.

Yet Disney Dream's sailings are priced higher than most family-friendly cruise ships because the Disney brand commands a premium. Plus, you could argue that the service levels are higher and the entertainment is of a higher quality than on Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Related: 5 best cruise lines for families

So who's on board? Obviously, families with young children make up a large fraction of Disney Dream's passenger base. You'll find babies, kids and teens, as well as three-generation groups and extended family or friend groups. Yet the ship also attracts adults who are Disney fans or appreciate Disney's entertainment and service. It is common for couples to plan onboard weddings or take their honeymoon on a Disney cruise.

Because Disney cruise fares are so high, most Disney Dream passengers are willing to spend money, either because they have a high vacation budget or have saved up for a special trip where they will pull out all the stops. I was surprised how many passengers were paying extra for princess makeovers at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, high-priced Disney paraphernalia from the onboard shops, and souvenir drink and popcorn containers.

The other thing to recognize about Disney Dream is that the kid activities are central and the adult amenities peripheral. The pool deck features several bars, but they are tucked away at the ends of the deck, not set out by the main pool. The sports pub, nightclub and other themed bars are hidden at the back end of Deck 4 in a warren of interconnected rooms that aren't always easy to find, and the adults-only specialty restaurants are relegated to a quiet corner at the top of the ship. There is no casino on board.

Because so many of the adults on board are traveling with children, not all are free to go out at night. So, some adult venues and evening activities can be sparsely populated. (Others generate a larger crowd, though.) On the upside, I did not encounter obviously inebriated folks on this cruise — though that could be because I, like so many adults, was traveling with a child and not often in the adult spaces.

What I loved about Disney Dream

The crew and waiters.

Every cruise line promotes the attentiveness of its crew, but the Disney Dream crew really shined, especially our waiters, who traveled with us from restaurant to restaurant. They quickly learned our preferences, bringing us our preferred drinks as we sat down, giving us butter in addition to the day's dip for the bread and remembering our tea preferences.

Our main waiter, Richard, always had a riddle or magic trick for the kids in his section, and Afandi, our assistant waiter, made origami for the kids each night. They would patiently listen as our 7-year-old companion told them jokes and stories, even though they were busy delivering meals and clearing plates.

Our room steward, Panca, left us towel animals every day and always inquired if there was anything we needed. The kids club counselors were always welcoming and ready to answer any parent questions. The entertainment staff did a great job involving as many kids as possible in the activities and were friendly and patient.

I love a good Broadway show, but the song-and-dance revues featured on so many cruise lines often fall flat. The singing ranges from great to mediocre, and while the costume changes and high-tech effects are cool, the shows don't always have a strong thread connecting the various numbers.

Disney Cruise Line takes a different approach — a more Disney approach, if you will. Disney Dream offers three featured musicals, all with a clear story to tell. Adults can appreciate the strong performances and creative use of costumes and scenery, and kids enjoy seeing some of their favorite characters and stories come to life on stage.

This was especially true of the ship's version of "Beauty and the Beast," an abridged version of the story based on the live-action movie. Kids and adults alike were riveted in their seats for an hour and a half, and the performances were stellar, with some of the actors even hailing from Broadway.

The only downside to the shows being so good is that you never want to miss one. That meant my friend and I never sent her daughter to the kids club after dinner, which would have allowed us to enjoy one of the ship's bars and an after-dinner cocktail together.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

Palo brunch

I'd heard from many people that brunch at Palo was amazing, and the experience did not disappoint. If you can sneak away for a couple hours, it's a lovely way to enjoy a relaxed, quiet, kid-free meal without missing one of the featured rotational restaurants. It's also good value, leading some people to claim it's the best $50 you can spend on a Disney cruise .

Our waiter, Victor, was as handsome and charming as any Disney prince. He brought us passionfruit mimosas when my friend said she didn't care for orange juice. We started the meal with a bread basket, and the almond croissants were the best I'd ever had, warm and flaky with a delicious almond filling that elevated the pastry.

The menu is so varied that it's hard to choose. Winners included poached eggs with spinach, asparagus and mornay sauce and the goat cheese flatbread. The mushroom ravioli fell flat, but that was OK because I was getting pretty full by then. The chocolate hazelnut dessert was thankfully small because I only had room for a few delectable bites.

My tip: Book an early brunch, and don't eat anything beforehand. You will definitely want to arrive hungry and with a very empty stomach.

Family-friendly cabins

Disney really thought about what families need in a living space when it designed the cabins on its ships, including Disney Dream. As a mom who has cruised with kids since they were babies, I understand the unique challenges families face when sharing a small cabin together. Disney does, too, and has created cabins to eliminate some of those challenges.

It starts with the split bathrooms, one with sink and toilet and the other with sink and shower. That means two can brush their teeth at once, and if a little person suddenly has to go potty when Daddy is in the shower, it's not a problem.

The cabins have plentiful storage space with lots of drawers because little kid clothing does not fit on grown-up hangers. Our cabin host even left a kid-size bathrobe in the closet, along with the two adult-size ones.

There's a dim light on the ceiling of the room's living area where kids will sleep in sofabeds and pulldown bunks to serve as a nightlight. A floor-to-ceiling curtain can extend across the entire room to separate the kids' sleeping areas from the adults. This way, adults can have the lights on in their section of the room after bedtime.

Even the balconies have childproof locks high up on the door, so you can prevent kiddos from sneaking onto the veranda without adult supervision.

What I didn't love about Disney Dream

Crowds and queues.

Disney does not get everything magically right, unfortunately. One way its ships resemble its parks is in the crowds and wait times for nearly everything.

I was dismayed at how much time we spent on this cruise waiting around. Sometimes, it was waiting in the always-long lines for a meet-and-greet and photo opp with characters or to drop off or pick up kids at the Oceaneer Club. I waited 40 minutes on a sea-day afternoon to ride the AquaDuck, and there was no entertainment in that line, as there might be at a Disney park water attraction.

Any show we wanted to see involved arriving early to get seats, occasionally waiting in line to enter the theater. Show up late to one of the Pirate Night shows or any of the events in the atrium lobby, and you will have terrible sightlines and be unable to see much of the show.

The ship also felt small for the number of people it carried, possibly because of bad design and passenger flow. Unless you go very early or late, the pool deck and its two pools are insanely crowded. Even the dining rooms felt like tables were pushed extremely close together, and it was so loud that I often had to raise my voice or lean across the table to converse with my tablemates. Walking through crowded areas was also tricky since kids would veer unpredictably while ambling slowly, so it was hard to get by; both parents and kids would block stairwells or corridors.

The crowding did make the adult areas feel like a respite. Still, the Quiet Cove sun deck and pool area fill up.

Nightlife district

The majority of Disney Dream's indoor bars and adult lounge areas are grouped together in a warren of interconnected rooms at the back of Deck 4. The District is meant to be a happening nightlife area, but I found it to be more of a dark, confusing afterthought.

I liked the vibe in the pub, with comfy seating and windows to the outside, and the whimsical Champagne bar Pink with its bubbles and corset theming. But the other bars were dark and not necessarily inviting. There was one bar, Skyline, that I could not find until I got turned around in a stairwell and happened upon it.

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

A member of the ship's entertainment team told me that evening adult events were hit or miss as far as attendance goes. It makes sense — I found that by the time I ate dinner and attended the show, it was time to put my friend's kid to bed. I could have ditched them to hang out in a bar on my own, but that wasn't an attractive option.

Disney Dream cabins and suites

The cabins and suites on Disney Dream were designed with families in mind, more so than on nearly every other cruise ship afloat. Cabins come in various categories, with many that can sleep families of three or four. Most have a split bathroom design, with two half baths; one contains a toilet and sink, the other a sink and shower (or shower-tub combo).

My cabin was a balcony room that could accommodate three, with a queen-size bed and a sofa that flips into a twin bed. I was dismayed to discover that, unlike every other ocean-going cruise ship I've sailed, the queen bed did not split into two twins. This forced my friend and I to share a bed. (Cabins that can sleep four will have a pull-down bunk above the sofa bed.)

The room is split in two by a floor-to-ceiling height, full-width blackout curtain, so we could put my friend's daughter to bed on the couch, turn off the lights on her side of the room and then read in bed with the lights on. One downside of this arrangement is that the small flat-screen TV is in the living area, not the bedroom, so we couldn't watch a late-night movie. Another downside: The blackout curtains effectively turned the adult sleeping area into an inside cabin with no natural light.

In addition to the sofa bed, the cabin's living area features a desk with two 110V and one 220V outlets, three deep drawers (perfect for storing kid clothing), a minifridge, the aforementioned TV, an open cabinet with two narrow shelves, a closed cabinet with two tall shelves and a mirror. One of the many light switches by the desk turns on a dim overhead light that can be used as a nightlight. A low-backed chair can be positioned at the desk or turned around to face the coffee table when dining in your cabin.

The master bed is flanked by two small nightstands, each with one drawer, and reading lamps. Only one side of the bed has a 110V and 220V outlet; the other has the cabin's phone. The closet is divided into two sections, both with hanging space and some open shelves. Adjacent is a shelving unit with three deep drawers and a tall two-shelf open cabinet above. The bed is high enough for suitcases, or your small child, to fit underneath.

I found the storage perfectly adequate for two adults and a child on a five-night cruise, and the room could likely handle belongings for a seven-night or longer cruise, as well.

The narrow balcony features two metal and mesh upright chairs and a round metal drinks table. It has a childproof lock you can choose to use to prevent little cruisers from venturing out on the balcony unattended.

The bathroom with the toilet and sink offers three small glass shelves for storing toiletries; the shower room has two. Our bathroom had a tub/shower combo, and at 6 feet tall, I came close to hitting my head on the ceiling; I could not wash my hair without removing the wand showerhead from its holder and reaching it up as far its cord would go.

Each bathroom comes with a refillable hand soap dispenser; the shower room also offers bar soap and refillable containers of Disney brand shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in the tub. You'll find tissue dispensers in each. The shower room has a full-length mirror on the back of the door, which is useful, but this means there are no hooks on the door to hang extra items. There are, however, two retractable clotheslines in the shower and two large hooks on the wall between the bathroom and the sleeping area.

Less expensive cabins are either windowless insides with "magical portholes" (round video screens set in a window frame that display images from outside the ship with some cameos from animated characters) or ocean-view rooms with a round porthole window that does not open.

Higher-tier cabins include Concierge-level cabins and suites that grant you access to the exclusive Concierge lounge and sun deck on decks 12 and 13, respectively. These rooms come in three styles: a balcony cabin, a one-bedroom suite and a Royal Suite, all with private verandas. They come with upgraded amenities and privileges, such as included Wi-Fi, a pillow menu, feather duvets and priority for check-in and debarkation, tendering and reservations.

Wheelchair-accessible cabins come in nearly every cabin category except the Royal Suite.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Disney Dream restaurants and bars

The Disney dining experience is a bit different than what you might have experienced on other cruise ships . The line employs a "rotational dining" system in which you choose early or late seating (5:45 and 8:15 p.m. on my sailing). Then, each night, you are assigned to one of three restaurants each evening. You "rotate" through all the options during the course of your cruise, and your waiters move with you. This way, you can build a rapport, and they can get to know your dining preferences.

Disney Dream does not offer a buffet alternative at dinner, though you can order room service or pick up burgers and chicken tenders at Tow Mater's Grill on the pool deck. If you choose these options or if the adults in your party make a reservation at the adults-only specialty restaurants, Palo and Remy, you might miss out on one of the themed main dining room experiences.

Restaurants

Overall, the food on Disney is fine, but the emphasis is less on impressive food and more on creating an experience that children will enjoy. The waiters work hard, not only taking orders and serving food, but cutting up food for kids or entertaining them with riddles and origami.

Each of the three main restaurants serves its own menu, but on some nights, each menu will serve the same menu, such as the "welcome aboard" menu on night one and a Caribbean-themed menu on pirate night. Every menu is divided into appetizers, soups and salads, main courses, vegetarian options, lighter options and dessert (which always includes an ice cream sundae and a sugar-free option).

The kids menu varies nightly, but is the same at each restaurant on any given day. It's divided into appetizers (a different soup each night and a garden salad), mains (macaroni and cheese, mini burgers, pizza and a changing option such as kid-sized surf and turf) and Disney Check Meals (combo dinners served with a main such as baked cod or penne pasta, a vegetable and fruit).

Mickey ice cream bars are the favorite dessert here; ice cream is also available, as well as a changing dessert such as a chocolate brownie with ice cream or white chocolate cheesecake.

Related: Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey

Unlike the venues on Disney's newer ships, the three main restaurants on Disney Dream have less of a theatrical aspect to them, though all are themed.

The design of the Enchanted Garden restaurant on Deck 2 was inspired by the Gardens of Versailles, and its menu claims to be market-style and international. Try the ahi tuna and avocado tower as a starter and the scallops or the prime rib for your main. The signature pecan tart was a nod to Thanksgiving on a Christmas-themed cruise.

Right above the Enchanted Garden on Deck 3 is the Royal Palace, inspired by four princesses — Cinderella, Snow White, Belle and Aurora (Sleeping Beauty). See if you can find iconic images from their stories around the dining room. Dinner here is the perfect time to wear your princess dress to dinner or dress up a little.

The menu is French, with starters like escargot and baked brie. Mains include duck breast, rack of lamb and Chateaubriand-roasted steak. For dessert, consider the grand marnier souffle or the apple tart tartin.

Royal Palace was also the sit-down option for breakfast and lunch on our cruise. Breakfast offers a nice selection of fruit and yogurt, breakfast pastries and egg and griddle options. A kids menu features fun-sized versions of eggs, pancakes, Mickey waffles and yogurt with fruit. Signature adult breakfasts include a savory power crepe, a plant-based hot breakfast for the vegans among us, southern hash and brioche French toast.

Most families stick to casual options for lunch, but if you want a sit-down, multicourse meal, the Royal Palace is there for you. The lunch menu is split into a choice of soups and salads, small plates (such as beef satay skewers or tomato and mozzarella bruschetta), chef's recommendations (churrasco steak, spiced cod fillet), burgers (including a turkey burger and Impossible burger), pasta, a handful of kid-friendly options and dessert (typically one is a sundae). Sit-down lunch is a great option on embarkation day when you don't want to drag your bags around a crowded buffet.

Animator's Palate, on Deck 3 aft (essentially behind the Royal Palace), is the night to experience dinner with a show. Video screens around the animation-themed restaurant come to life with characters from "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory," with a surprising interactive element. I enjoyed the butternut squash soup, ginger-teriyaki beef tenderloin and the cookies and cream sundae for dessert.

I generally found the three main restaurants loud, with tables spaced extremely close together. (At Animator's Palate, our table was separated from the next by the width of the ice bucket for our bottle of Prosecco.) Dinners are not relaxing events, even though the waiters are outstanding, keeping the kids entertained with riddles, magic tricks and origami.

Perhaps that is why Disney Dream's two specialty restaurants are exclusive to adults over 18. They offer a nice break for the grown-ups in the group to have a quieter, more upscale meal in a less crowded setting. Both the French Remy and Italian Palo are on Deck 12, separated by the Meridian Bar.

Palo is open for brunch on sea days and dinner daily, both for $50 per person. Brunch is a highlight and a great value for all the food they give you. The meal starts with a complimentary Prosecco or mimosa and a bread basket that includes not-to-be-missed warm almond croissants.

Then you can choose as many breakfast or lunch entrees as you'd like; the poached eggs with spinach, asparagus and mornay sauce and the goat cheese flatbread (pizza) were standouts from our brunch. You can also select from frittatas, waffles and pancakes, and mains like lasagna Bolognese, sirloin steak, veal and parmesan-crusted chicken breast.

After you've completely stuffed yourself, the waiters have the audacity to offer dessert. We sampled the warm amaretto chocolate fondant and the limoncello torte; while tasty, they were definitely not necessary to complete your meal.

For dinner in Palo, choose from the $50 fixed-price menu (a four-course meal with limited options for each), upgrade to the wine-paired menu or order a la carte from the full menu. The chocolate souffle dessert is the signature sweet and should be ordered at the beginning of the meal.

Remy is one of the most expensive specialty restaurants at sea, with menus by acclaimed chefs Scott Hunnel (from Victoria & Albert's at Walt Disney World Resort) and Arnaud Lallement (of Michelin star fame). Disney Dream offers two set menus, one by each chef, for $135 per person, with wine and Champagne pairings for an additional $120 and $160, respectively. You can also order a la carte.

For casual dining, Disney Dream does offer a buffet option on the Deck 11 pool deck. Cabanas serves breakfast and lunch only. In the morning, you'll find all the staples: eggs, breakfast meat, pastries, cereal, yogurt, fruit, pancakes and the famous Mickey waffles. An omelet station is tucked away at the back.

At lunch, you can find pizza and burgers, an array of hot entrees, soup, premade salads, a huge stash of shrimp and crab legs, pasta, deli meat and desserts (including ice cream). Look for themed sections that change daily.

I found Cabanas to have a nice variety of dishes (and the creamiest steam tray scrambled eggs I've had on a cruise to date). However, the layout is awful. The buffet is all one line, rather than station-based, and there is not a lot of room to walk around the venue. The result is that lines are long, and it's tricky to navigate through (say, if you're walking from the beverage station back to your table). This is especially true if you get stuck behind slow-moving, unpredictable small children who are somehow impossible to get around.

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

Unlike other mass-market cruise ships, Disney Dream offers free soda with meals and from beverage stations along the pool deck sides and in Cabanas (where you'll also find water, juice, coffee, tea and hot chocolate). Bring your own refillable drink containers to avoid waste because the poolside stations only offer paper cups, not reusable glasses and mugs.

For a snack or simpler meal, a trio of food counters, collectively known as Flo's Cafe, on the opposite end of the pool deck from Cabanas offers all the kid favorites. Luigi's Pizza serves up five types of pie daily; Tow-Mater's Grill cooks up burgers, chicken, hot dogs and sausages, plus chicken tenders and French fries; and Fillmore's Favorites serves a range of paninis, wraps, salads and fruit bowls. Be aware that while these venues are open all afternoon, only Tow-Mater's is open for dinner; Luigi's Pizza opens again at 9 p.m. for late-night snacks.

Poolside treats include the Eye Scream station with three soft-serve machines pumping out multiple flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, banana and strawberry. Frozone Treats next door offers extra-fee smoothies and refreshing drinks with and without alcohol (such as Dole Whip with a shot of rum).

Room service is complimentary on Disney Dream. You can order continental breakfast items by marking off your selections on a tag and hanging it outside your door before bed. All-day room service is available for order via phone; the menu is on the Navigator app. Selections include soups, salads, American fare (buffalo wings, burgers, chicken tenders), pizza and pasta and dessert. Mickey bars are not on the official room service menu, but can be ordered to your cabin.

If the free treats on this ship aren't enough (which is a concept that's difficult to grasp), you can splurge at Vanellope's Sweet Treats. Indulge with extra-fee ice cream and gelato, crazy sundaes, cupcakes and other baked goods and candy.

Outside the Walt Disney Theatre on Deck 3 is Preludes, where you can buy snacks (popcorn, candy) and drinks to bring into the theater. A secondary outpost of Preludes is outside the Buena Vista Theater on Deck 4.

Parents, be prepared: The pervasive smell of popcorn will have your littles desperate for a snack, and the only way to access popcorn is by purchasing a souvenir popcorn bucket on the first night. The buckets range from $8 to more than $20, but refills are only $1.50.

On a ship where sodas and ice cream bars are complimentary, I was surprised the line charged for popcorn.

On a ship full of kids, it's understandable that adults might need a grown-up beverage or two. Disney Dream accommodates, but the bars are less front and center than perhaps you'd find on other cruise ships.

On Deck 3, the Bon Voyage bar is tucked to one side of the midship elevator banks, between the Grand Lobby and the shopping area. It's in a crowded thoroughfare, so it lacks ambience.

Tucked into a corner on Deck 4 is the Vista Cafe for all your coffee drinks, regular or spiked. It also has a small case of snacks to go with your latte or mocha.

Related: Best cruise ship bars

The District, on Deck 4 aft, is the adult nightlife area, though it's used during the day to host events such as trivia. Grouped together are Pink, a wine and Champagne bar; Evolution, the nightclub and event space; Pub 687, the sports and game bar; Skyline, for bougie martinis with a changing cityscape behind the bar; and the District Lounge for hanging out, sometimes with live music. The District is a dark warren of interconnected rooms, so I only found the Skyline bar halfway through my cruise.

You won't find crowds here, as many adults will be at the family activities in the evening or stuck in their cabins after their kids go to sleep. Fun competitive games, trivia contests, and karaoke in Evolution did get a good-sized audience, but you'll rarely need to search for a seat at any of the venues.

If you're interested in Disney Dream nightlife and are traveling with younger kids, I recommend cruising with extended family or friends; this way, each adult can take turns staying with sleeping children while the others go out. Alternatively, put your kids in Oceaneer Club after dinner and the show, but not every child wants to stay up that late or leave their family for the club.

A buffet of finger foods is put out for an hour each evening to help soak up all that alcohol.

On the upper decks, the Cove Cafe is half coffee shop, half bar by the Quiet Cove adult pool. Grownups don't have to get out of the water to order drinks at the swim-up Cove Bar adjacent to the pool. Forward of the adults area, a juice bar in the Senses Spa will kick start your day or refresh you after a workout with fresh juice blends.

Additional pool bars include the Waves Bar on Deck 12 and the Currents Bar on Deck 13.

Also on Deck 12, the Meridian bar is the perfect place for a pre-dinner cocktail before a meal in the adjacent Remy or Palo. It has both indoor and outdoor seating and is a lovely getaway from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the ship. Passengers booked into Concierge-level cabins can also get drinks at their exclusive Concierge Lounge also on Deck 12.

Disney Dream activities

Disney cruise ships offer a mix of typical and unique-to-Disney activities. Perhaps the most Disney thing you can do on Disney Dream is meet your favorite Disney characters and princesses.

Families have three options: You can sign up for free Royal Gatherings, where you can meet multiple princesses at one time, or extra-fee events, such as the Royal Court Royal Tea. You can look up on the Navigator app when characters will be making appearances and line up for a photo opp and to get an autograph. You'll often find the characters posing in the Grand Lobby or on the balcony just above. Or, you can serendipitously run into a character wandering about the ship.

Even your kids who think they're too cool for Mickey or princess photos will likely become starstruck when they see the characters around the ship and ultimately want a photo or two.

Most kid-friendly activities occur in the multiple Disney cruise kids clubs on board. Most are clustered on Deck 4, where you'll find the It's a Small World Nursery for baby and toddler (up to age 3) daycare for an hourly rate. The Oceaneer Club and Lab offer complimentary drop-off activities for kids ages 3-10. Kids will love flying the Millennium Falcon, playing in Andy's Room, competing in Magic PlayFloor challenges and making crafts in Tinkerbell's Fairy Hollow.

Also on Deck 4 is the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, where families can pay for a range of princess, prince and pirate makeovers for young cruisers. If you decide to splurge, choose your salon times wisely. You might not want to get makeup and an updo at 9 a.m. and then be unable to go into the pool for the rest of the day.

Tweens (ages 11-14) have their own hangout called Edge with video games, movies, crafts and group activities in the fake forward funnel on Deck 13. Teens (14-17) can enjoy an indoor lounge with snack bar, video game and movie space, plus a teen-only outdoor sun deck with a plunge pool and hot tub. Vibe, as it's called, is all the way forward on Deck 5, with a secret entrance from the Deck 4 outdoor promenade.

A range of family activities, from crafts to karaoke and dance parties, take place in the D Lounge on Deck 4. (Don't confuse it with the District Lounge next door, which is a bar in the adults-only area.) Some activities are held in the atrium lobby, including the hilarious Jack Jack's Diaper Dash (ie, crawling baby races). Evolution is the destination for evening adult activities, such as trivia, interactive competitions and karaoke.

The other major family-focused destination is, of course, the pool deck. Disney Dream has options for all ages and interests. Deck 11 midship is the main pool area with Mickey's pool and slide (the latter meant for ages 3-14) and the Goofy pool. Life jackets are available for kids who aren't strong swimmers.

A giant poolside screen shows Disney movies during both daytime and evening. Pools are open late so you can watch the evening film from the water. The pool area stage is where the welcome/sailaway show and Pirate's Night shows take place.

The Nemo's Reef splash area is intended for supervised splashing for junior cruisers in swim diapers, though youngsters of all ages are welcome. There is a hot tub by the kids pool, but it's generally full of kids.

Don't worry, Mom and Dad: Adults have their own pool deck, forward on Deck 11. The Quiet Cove pool and hot tub are exclusive to adults over 18 and are surrounded by a swim-up bar, adults-only coffee shop and lounge spaces.

Two decks up, the Satellite Falls pool and sun deck provides additional sunbathing space and a wading pool with a circular rain curtain under the ship's satellite transmitter. A sun deck exclusive to Concierge-level guests is also found on Deck 13.

Between the two on Deck 12 forward is a small family area with the Funnel Puddle plunge pool.

The pool area's other main attraction is the AquaDuck two-person raft slide that circles the entire pool deck. You must be 42 inches to ride and 54 inches to ride alone or with a smaller person. The ride has some thrills but is fairly tame. Sea-day afternoon wait times can be long (upward of 40 minutes). Ride after dark, and you'll hardly wait at all.

The entrance and exit from the AquaDuck are adjacent to each other on Deck 12, right above Nemo's Reef. I say this so you won't loop the decks multiple times looking for it.

On the opposite side of the ship on Deck 13 is Goofy's Sports Deck for all your athletic or competitive pursuits. A central sports court with basketball hoops is surrounded by a wacky minigolf course, ping pong tables and foosball.

Your running and walking track, however, will be the Deck 4 promenade. You'll find padded wooden lounge chairs here, as well as shuffleboard courts.

If you need some serious pamper time, head to the Senses Spa and Salon on Deck 11 forward. A salon offers mani-pedis and hair styling, or you can book a massage or facial in one of the spa treatment rooms. Couples treatments include various massages as well as time in one of two couples' villas, and teen services are also available.

A fitness center is stocked with resistance machines, free weights, yoga mats and cardio machines with ocean views, plus group class space for spin and core classes. You can also book a pass to the Rainforest Room thermal suite for access to relaxing saunas and steam rooms.

If retail therapy is more your style, you'll find an array of shops on decks 3 and 4, selling all kinds of character-based souvenirs and toys, Disney Cruise Line logo items, fine jewelry and sundries. The Whozits and Whatzits shop on Deck 11 sells swim and beach items in case you forgot something at home. If you plan on splurging, consider packing a foldable duffle that you can fill with all your souvenirs for the trip home.

Related: Tricks to save money on a Disney cruise

Disney Dream shows

Disney Cruise Line is known for its original Broadway-style musical shows. Disney Dream's trio of original productions include "The Golden Mickeys," "Beauty and the Beast" and "Disney's Believe." These are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre on decks 3 and 4. Your showtime is opposite your mealtime; if you have an early dinner, you'll see the late show and vice versa.

"The Golden Mickeys" is a Disney's version of an awards show, honoring the bravest heroes and the most dastardly villains. The show combines video clips with live performances of favorite songs from Disney movies.

"Disney Believe" is another original musical featuring a single dad who goes on a journey to regain his belief in magic. Along the way, he encounters characters from a wide selection of Disney movies, who guide him on his journey with song and dance.

The ship's marquee show, which runs 1 and 1/2 hours rather than an hour, is a stage adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast," based on the live-action movie. The show employs creative use of puppetry and high-tech scenery, and the performers are stellar. (Some even have Broadway backgrounds.) On our sailing, this show also has a matinee performance to accommodate more guests.

The Walt Disney Theatre has both orchestra and balcony seating. Be careful of poles and railings that can block views from the balcony. Sit in the front section of the orchestra if you want confetti to rain down on you during certain performances.

Disney Dream does not have just one theater. The Buena Vista Theatre on decks 4 and 5 is the ship's movie cinema, showing first-run movies from Disney-owned production studios. That means if the film is currently showing in the movie theaters on land, you can watch it for free while you're at sea.

Disney Cruise Line is also famous for its Pirate Night, a shipwide pirate-themed party, complete with pirate-themed games, trivia and kids activities; a special pirate-themed, island-inspired dinner menu in every restaurant; and two pirate shows on the pool deck stage. The early show stars Pirate Mickey and friends and is geared for younger cruisers; the later, all-ages show features Jack Sparrow and culminates in a fireworks display.

Nearly everyone on board, from babies to grandparents, gets into the pirate spirit, dressing up in looks ranging from simple DIY outfits with a few accessories to head-to-toe professional costumes, complete with wigs. Even if your kids think they're too cool, pack some pirate attire because you will feel left out of the fun if you're not in costume.

Another hot tip: The pool deck cannot handle the number of people who turn out for these shows. Arrive a good half hour early to stake out a spot with decent sightlines, and be prepared to potentially hold your child up the entire time if you're standing in the back. Also, plan for an afternoon nap, if your young kid wants to see fireworks. The show starts after 10 p.m.

On our five-night cruise, Pirate Night took place on a night when a performance one of the three musicals was not occurring. On that night, the main stage screened the newest Disney movie, so more people could watch. On the remaining night, a guest magician performed.

If you like shows, keep an eye out for short performances listed in the daily schedule on the app. Early in the sailing, Mickey and friends did a Christmas tree lighting event, complete with a Santa visit. One evening, the Broadway actor who plays Gaston in the ship's theater did a half-hour one-man show, performing numbers from the Disney songbook.

Disney Dream itineraries and pricing

Disney Dream will offer a series of three-, four- and five-night Bahamas and Caribbean cruises out of Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, through early May 2024. Ports of call in the Bahamas include Nassau and Castaway Cay, Disney's longtime private island. Caribbean cruises include Grand Cayman or Cozumel, Mexico.

The ship then crosses the Atlantic for a summer season in Europe. From May through mid-July, it will offer five- to 11-night Mediterranean cruises out of Barcelona and Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Italy.

It will then reposition to Southampton, England (near London), where it will sail two Scandinavian fjords cruises; several three- to seven-night Europe Coastal and southern Europe cruises to ports in Spain, France, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands; and one British Isles cruise before crossing the Atlantic back to Florida.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

The ship returns to Fort Lauderdale from October 2024 through May 2025, again offering three- to five-night Caribbean and Bahamas sailings. This time, certain itineraries include Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney's new private destination on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas.

Fares vary by season, cruise destination and theme, as well as cabin category. Expect the least expensive windowless inside cabins to start at more than $200 per person, per night, based on double occupancy.

On Disney's website, three-night Bahamas cruises start from $1,733 for a couple. Five-night Western Caribbean cruises start at $2,437 per couple, and a seven-night Western Europe cruise starts at $4,427 per couple. Fares increase from there for cabins with balconies or suites, as well as for adding additional guests sharing the cabin.

A family of four would pay upward of $5,859 for a Concierge-level cabin on a three-night Bahamas cruise, for example.

Related: I saved every receipt — here's how much it actually costs to go on a Disney cruise

What to know before you go

Required documents.

U.S. citizens sailing Disney Dream from Port Canaveral will need either a passport or a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate. Children can sail with either a passport or a birth certificate. However, for Disney Dream's summer European sailings, including the transatlantic crossings, everyone traveling (including babies) will need a passport.

If you're sailing with a child who is not your own, you will need to fill out a form certifying that you have permission from their parents to travel with them. Passports, when required, must be valid for at least six months. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality.

Related: Tips for getting a child's passport

Disney Cruise Line charges a crew gratuity of $14.50 per person (including babies and children) per day for most cruisers and $15.50 per person for Concierge-level cabins and suites.

You can prepay this amount, or it will be added to your onboard bill. If you have not prepaid, you can adjust the amount up or down at guest services or give additional tips in cash. The hardworking crew relies on these gratuities; even if you have service snafus, we strongly encourage you to pay the full amount and express your dissatisfaction in another fashion.

To give an idea of the cost, a four-person family on a five-night cruise in a standard cabin would pay $290 in recommended tips. The amount is split among your team of dining room servers who kept your kids entertained at dinner and your cabin host who cleaned up your mess each day.

An 18% gratuity is added to onboard spa, bar, beverage, wine and deck service tabs. You can always add an additional gratuity for any of your services or servers.

While room service is free, it's customary to add a few dollars of tip when you sign the "bill."

A gratuity is added to bills at Palo and Remy because those servers are not included in the automatic gratuity. Leave an additional tip if you enjoyed the service. If you stay in a Concierge-level room or suite, it is customary to tip the Concierge Lounge hosts $8 per person, per day, at the end of your cruise.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Disney Dream offers various Wi-Fi packages for a fee.

On my sailing, you could choose from three Wi-Fi packages and pay per 24 hours or per voyage. The Stay Connected package gives access to just Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It costs $18 for 24 hours for one device or $16/day for the full voyage (so $80 for a five-night sailing like mine).

The Classic Surf package gives access to the entire web, email and audio calling. The 24-hour price for one device is $28; the full-cruise cost is $24/day ($120 for a five-night sailing).

The Premium Surf package gives the same access as the Classic but with the addition of streaming services like YouTube, Snapchat and video calling. It costs $42 for 24 hours on one device or $34/day for the voyage ($170 for a five-night cruise).

For any of the plans, you can purchase full-cruise packages for up to four devices, with a 20% discount for each additional device. There is no discount for a multiple-device package for 24 hours. You can purchase a full-cruise package in the middle of your vacation, and the price will be prorated for the number of days left.

If you're deciding how many devices to add to your package, know that you can switch your plan from device to device throughout the cruise. For example, if you purchase a one-device plan, you can switch the service from your phone to your tablet then back to your phone. However, if you need a connection on your tablet and phone at the same time, you will need a two-device plan.

On my Caribbean cruise, I had no problems using the Navigator app or texting, and my travel companions made several Wi-Fi calls using our Premium Surf package. However, loading webpages and uploading photos on my laptop was often slow.

Carry-on drinks policy

Each passenger 21 years and older can bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 milliliters) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board both at the beginning of the cruise and at each port of call. Not every cruise line allows you to bring drinks back from port without confiscating them, so take advantage of this generous alcohol policy .

On embarkation day, beverages must be packed in your carry-on (not checked) bags. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin or ask your stateroom host for ice.

If you wish to consume wine or Champagne that you've brought on board in one of the dining rooms, you must pay a $26 corkage fee per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted in the following onboard locations only:

• The portside outdoor area of the Meridian Lounge on Deck 12
• The portside deck area on Deck 13 aft by the Currents Bar
• The aft port side of the Deck 4 outdoor promenade, but only from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Passengers caught smoking in their cabins or on their cabin balconies will be charged a $250 cleaning fee.

Disney Dream offers 24-hour, self-service guest laundry facilities on Decks 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. They are not marked on the deck plans on the app, but they are shown on each floor's deck plan by the stairwell and signs in the cabin hallways point the way. On most decks, they are located all the way forward or aft.

Use your Key to the World cruise card to pay to operate the washers and dryers, as well as buy any detergent or dryer sheets you need. Laundry rooms are also stocked with irons and ironing boards for complimentary use; they are the only place on board where you're allowed to use an iron.

If you really don't want to do chores on your vacation, you can send out your dirty laundry for washing, pressing or dry cleaning for an additional fee. Use the laundry bag and form in your cabin and your cabin attendant will pick up and return your clothes.

Electrical outlets

All cabins are equipped with 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada, and 220-volt (European) outlets by the desk and on one side of the bed. A shaver-only outlet is located on the ceiling of the bathroom.

The currency on Disney Cruise Line ships is the U.S. dollar.

When you are on the ship, you will not need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

You will want to have some cash or a credit card for purchases in port. The exception is Castaway Cay, where cruisers can pay for all purchases at the shops and bars with their cruise cards; cash and credit cards are not accepted on Disney's private island.

Drinking age

The drinking age on board Disney Dream is 21. However, if you're sailing on one of Dream's round-trip cruises within Europe, where the drinking age is lower, parents and guardians can sign a form to allow 18- to 20-year-olds to drink on board when in the presence of an adult in their traveling party.

Daytime dress is casual; shorts, T-shirts and casual sundresses are the norm on Bahamas and Caribbean sailings. Many of your shipmates will be dressed in Mickey ears, Disney-themed attire, princess dresses or group T-shirts at all times.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main dining restaurants is "cruise casual," meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don't have to dress up in anything fancy. That said, many guests do dress up in the evening, but it's not required unless you are dining in Palo or Remy. (Palo also asks that diners dress up a bit for brunch, so come prepared.)

Our five-night cruise had one optional dress-up night, and we were also told that it's fun to change into something a bit fancier (or perhaps a princess costume) when dining at the Royal Palace restaurant.

The dress code on Pirate Night is, of course, pirate casual. Bring your bandanas and eye patches, but leave your swords and pistols at home.

On Halloween and Very Merrytime Christmas cruises, costumes and holiday attire are encouraged — and make for great photos.

Related: The ultimate Disney cruise packing list

Bottom line

Disney Dream offers an amazing experience for families with children and Disney lovers of all ages. The ship stands out for its family-friendly cabins, attentive crew and stellar musical shows. You will be able to meet many of your favorite Disney characters and immerse yourself in the world of Disney.

However, you need to be prepared for crowds and queues, loud dinners, other people's children and myriad extra-fee events, treats and souvenirs that will tempt everyone in your travel party. Come with the right mindset, and you'll have a magical trip your family will remember fondly.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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Disney Dream Cruise Essential Guide: What You Need to Know Before You Sail

Jill Robbins

The  Disney Dream’s maiden voyage was on January 26, 2011. She joined the  Disney Magic  and the Disney Wonder  as the third ship in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet of then five ships. The Disney Dream  and the  Disney Fantasy , which debuted the year following the Dream,  are nearly identical in layout. Historically, the Dream  has sailed three and four-night cruises from Castaway Cay to the Bahamas, but Disney Cruise Line has recently changed things up, and the Dream  is currently spending her summers in Europe.

If you’re trying to decide what Disney Cruise Line vessel is the right one for you, here’s a deep dive into what the Disney Dream  offers, although I choose my cruises based on the sailing dates and where they’re going versus choosing based on ship. I’ve sailed four of the five ships in Disney’s fleet and on the  Dream  twice.

Ship Basics

The Disney Dream  is 1,114.7 feet long and 137 feet wide. The ship has 1,250 staterooms and can accommodate a maximum of 4,000 passengers and a crew of 1,458. The ship’s atrium features Art Deco styling and a statue of Admiral Donald. All Disney ships have unique stern art, and the Disney Dream’s  stern art features Sorcerer Mickey directing his magical broomsticks to finish painting the ship’s emblem.

The Dream  is one of two Dream Class ships – the other is the  Fantasy  – which are about 40 percent larger than the two classic Disney ships, the Magic  and the  Wonder .

Choose the Itineraries Over Choosing the Ship

I recommend choosing your Disney cruise based on what dates are good for you and where the ship is going. The ships are similar enough to one another that your experience isn’t going to vary widely from ship to ship, so take the vacation that works for you timewise and go where you want to go, whether that’s the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, or one of Disney’s new sailings in Australia and New Zealand.

Unless, of course, you’re chasing a grand slam like me. A grand slam is a term coined by the passengers to indicate they’ve sailed on all of Disney Cruise Line’s vessels. There are currently five, with the new Disney Treasure  being released in 2024.

Staterooms on the Disney Dream

The types of staterooms on the  Disney Dream  are Concierge, Oceanview with Verandah, and Inside. Concierge is Disney Cruise Line’s suite class. The staterooms are more spacious and have enhanced in-room amenities, access to a concierge lounge, and dedicated shoreside and onboard teams to assist them. Sailing concierge has other perks, such as priority embarkation and disembarkation and the first choice of shore excursions and onboard activities.

Of course, this luxury and convenience comes with a price: Concierge staterooms are the most expensive.

The other stateroom categories are pretty much what they sound like, except Disney uses the word ‘verandah’ whereas most other cruise lines use the word balcony. An Oceanview stateroom will have portholes to look out of, and an inside stateroom will have no windows. The inside staterooms are the least expensive.

Rotational Dining on the Disney Dream

Rotational dining is unique to Disney Cruise Line. You’ll be assigned a different dining room each night of your cruise, which is included in the price of your cruise. The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App will tell you where you eat each night.

The cool thing about rotational dining is that your servers go with you. That’s right; you won’t have different servers in each dining room. Your servers will follow you from location to location, and they will make every effort to get to know you and your family throughout the cruise. The Disney Dream has three main dining rooms, Enchanted Garden (Deck 2 midship), Royal Palace (Deck 3 midship), and Animator’s Palate (Deck 3 aft).

Each menu includes bread service. The bread comes with butter and some type of dip or sauce. You’ll also find at least one plant-based option and a “lighter notes” menu, including a salad, a plain steak, plain salmon, and a plain chicken breast. Each venue has unique desserts, a signature dessert, and a sugar-free dessert option.

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Read More: Restaurants on the Disney Dream: Complete Guide to Dining Onboard

Early or late dining

Guests will choose between early or late dining when booking their Disney Dream  cruise. Early seating is at 5:45 p.m., and second seating is at 8:00 p.m. This may vary by cruise, and when the  Disney Dream  is in European ports, the dining times may be pushed later. Once you choose, you’re locked in, and there is no flipping back and forth between early or late seatings.

Enchanted Garden

The gardens at Versailles inspire the Enchanted Garden’s decor. The appetizer menu choices included a cucumber garden roll, an ahi tuna and avocado tower, an applewood smoked bacon and mushroom tart, and lobster ravioli.

The soup and salad menu included asparagus soup, tomato soup, spinach and raspberry salad, and a romaine wedge. Mains included sea scallops, sea bass, roast chicken, seared pork medallions, and prime rib.

The dessert list included:

• A sticky date pudding.
• A chocolate torte.
• A gluten-free orange almond cake.
• A brownie sundae.
• A pecan pie tart.

The food was good and plentiful, and the atmosphere felt pretty and soothing, like eating in a…well, in an enchanted garden. That said, this was my least favorite restaurant on the Dream .

Royal Palace

The theme of the Royal Palace is Disney princesses. There is princess artwork around the dining room’s perimeter that’s fun to walk around and look at if the dining room isn’t too crowded. Appetizers include duck confit, iced lobster, jumbo shrimp, fried brie, and escargot.

Soup and salad offerings include a potato and leek soup, French onion soup, a Bosc pear salad, and a farmer’s salad with goat cheese.

The main dishes are pasta with lobster and tomato, oven-baked salmon, roasted duck, rack of lamb, and chateaubriand.

 The featured desserts are:

• A Grand Marnier souffle.
• Apple tartine.
• Strawberry shortcake sundae.
• Creme brulee.
• A chocolate sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup with chocolate ganache.

I love the princess-like setting, which is just the perfect amount of theming and not too “in your face” Disney. The menu is rich, luxurious, and perfect entry-level French cuisine that will make both more sophisticated palates and picky eaters happy.

Animator’s Palate

I’ll preface this by saying I adore Animator’s Palate, my favorite restaurant across the fleet. I’m bummed that the  Disney Wish  doesn’t have it. Animator’s Palate is your favorite Disney animation coming to life before your eyes. The entertainment is truly spectacular. The  Dream has Undersea Magic, where you can have a real-time conversation with Crush from Finding Nemo as he swims around the dining room, popping up in various picture frames.

Magical Entertainment

Animation Magic is truly one of my favorite parts of Animator’s Palate and Disney Cruising in general. If you’re lucky enough to eat at Animator’s Palate when Amination Magic is happening, you’ll be given a placemat to draw on when you first sit down to your meal. The servers will collect your placemats, and your drawings will become a special, magical part of the entertainment.

Delicious Food

The food at Animator’s Palate is also my favorite of the three main dining rooms. Appetizers include smoked salmon tartare, slice serrano ham, black truffle pasta, and a tomato tart. The choices for soups and salads are butternut squash soup, baked potato cheddar soup, an arugula salad, and a chicken salad.

Mains are pasta bolognese, tuna steak, thyme-seasoned chicken breast, herb-crusted pork, and ginger-dusted beef tenderloin with wasabi mashed potatoes that’s a fantastic explosion of flavors – and I’m not a huge red meat eater.

Desserts at the Animator’s Palate include:

• A lemon icebox pie.
• Cookies and cream sundae.
• Crunchy walnut cake.
• Cheesecake with a layer of chocolate fudge.

Other Included Dining On the Disney Dream

There are many other places to eat included in the cost of your cruise.

Cabanas is the Disney Dream’s  buffet eatery. Serving a wide variety of items for both breakfast and lunch, Cabana’s offers indoor and outdoor seating.

Room Service

Most room service items on the Disney Dream  are included in the cost of your cruise. A variety of soups, salads, pizza, sandwiches, and desserts can be delivered to your room 24 hours a day. Really .

Certain items on the room service menu are not free, so make sure you’re paying attention when you order. Alcohol, canned soda, and snacks such as candy and popcorn aren’t included.

Flo’s Cafe

If you want to eat on the deck or grab some quick service sustenance while you’re enjoying the ocean views, this outdoor eatery is home to three food stations—Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill, and Fillmore’s Favorites, all inspired by Disney Pixar’s Cars . Chicken, pizza, salads, and sandwiches are served so everyone can find something they enjoy.

Eye Scream Treats

Unlimited soft serve is a Disney Cruise Line favorite.

Frozone Treats

The smoothies at Frozone Treats are not included in the cost of your cruise.

Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats

Vanelleope’s Sweets and Treats serves hand-dipped gelato, a variety of sundaes, ice cream treats, candy, and other delights to tempt a sweet tooth. Not included in the cost of your cruise.

Preludes is the concession stand near the theater that serves popcorn that you can smell a mile away, candy and other snacks, sodas, and alcohol. You can also order from a server in the theater before the show starts.

The Cove Cafe serves specialty coffee and tea, with and without alcohol. Aside from the self-service coffee machine in the Concierge Lounge, the Cove Cafe is the only place to get decent coffee on the ship, and if you like your morning java, make sure you’re budgeting for it.

While the drinks at the Cove Cafe aren’t included in the cost of your cruise, the snacks are.

There are usually a variety of pastries in a display case that are free to adult guests. The Cove Cafe is located in the adult-only area of the ship. If you visit between 5:00-7:00 p.m., you might get lucky and find antipasto.

Senses Juice Bar

This juice bar is located near the Senses Spa and Salon and serves nutritious beverages made with fresh fruits and vegetables. Not included in the cost of your cruise.

Adult Fine Dining on the Disney Dream

The  Dream  has two adult-only fine dining venues, Palo and Remy. If you’re looking for a sans kids dinner or brunch date, a coveted reservation at one of these spots is the way to go.

Palo serves dinner and brunch on sea days. Dinner is $45 per person, and brunch is $40 per person. The prices are always subject to change. I’m a big fan of Palo Brunch. Although the buffet portion of Palo Brunch is no more, the current menu is more than ample, and you’re brought an antipasto tray early on in the meal with most of the things the old buffet used to have.

The brunch menu includes tasty delights such as soups, waffles and pancakes, benedicts and omelets, and Italian-inspired dishes such as calzones, pizza, pasta, and chicken parmesan. The current dessert menu includes a light vanilla berry panna cotta, a limoncello torte, and traditional tiramisu. While I can’t find fault with any of the desserts, the brunch menu is so excellent and robust that I didn’t have much room. I didn’t think any of the desserts were worth saving room for and I recommend you go for it and sample as much of the brunch menu as you can hold.

They’ll keep bringing you food as long as you can handle it.

For dinner, Palo has an extensive selection of steaks and seafood that are a little more thoughtfully prepared than what you’ll find on the main dining room menus. If you’re a foodie or really crave a good steak or premium seafood, book your dinner at Palo. If it comes down to the choice between Palo dinner and Palo brunch on the Dream, the brunch is an easy winner.

French cuisine with Ratatouille -inspired decorative touches paired with ocean views? Can you say “Ooh la la?” Remy serves dinner, brunch, and a dessert-only experience. I think it’s approachable for fine dining, but it is fine dining and it may make someone new to truly upscale food experiences uneasy, although I think on board a Disney cruise is a great way to dip your toes in and try something new.

The serves will do a great job explaining the dinner menu to you, but if you’re a picky eater or have dietary restrictions, you might find Remy less than accommodating. If you’re more of a chicken tenders person than a foie gras with cauliflower foam person, $125 per person for dinner might be something you want to rethink, but if you’re an adventurous eater, Remy is a truly delicious gastronomic journey. Allow about three hours, and plan to take a walk on deck after. You will need it!

The famous Remy cheese cart

If you love a good cheese course, Remy won’t disappoint. The cheese cart has several varieties of cheeses plus accompaniments like honeycomb and apricots. The server will expertly plate your cheese and recommend the order to enjoy them.

I love cheese, but I don’t enjoy the taste of Brie or most soft, pungent cheeses, and there wasn’t a lot on the cheese cart that I liked. I enjoyed the presentation and the opportunity to taste something new. My husband more than made up for the share of cheese I did not eat.

Remy Add On’s

If you really want to splurge, you can get the sommelier-curated wine pairings for $230 per person, which adds up to an extremely expensive dinner for two. We did it, and I thought it was worth the splurge, but it definitely pinched our pocketbooks. The wines were outstanding, and our sommelier was very thoughtful and kind, but my husband and I know a bit about wines. Someone newer to fine wine tasting might feel out of their depth.

It’s an additional $30 to add champagne pairings to brunch and $25 to pair wines with a Remy dessert experience.

Palo and Remy Dress Code

Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Dress casual attire with a polished look is permitted (such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts and blouses, and lifestyle shoes). Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear, and sports attire is not permitted.

Bars on the Disney Dream

The district.

The  Dream  has an adults-only, late-night area – and late-night is relative on board the  Disney Dream . Things shutter pretty early. The District has five bars where adults can have a drink before or after dinner or participate in adults-only games, dancing, or quiz shows.

The Skyline Bar features a digital window that displays rotating cityscapes. Pink is a bubble-themed champagne bar, although they serve other cocktails and spirits.

Evolution is a nightclub-inspired space with a dance floor and a stage – check the Navigator App to see what’s happening. If you’re looking for a cozy pub, 687, is named for the shipyard number assigned to the Disney Dream  while she was under construction.

The District Lounge is a stylish space at the The District’s entrance, where you’ll find a full bar and live piano music. The District is open to guests of all ages before 7:00 p.m.

Other On Board Bars

The sophisticated Meridian Lounge, located between Remy and Palo, offers gorgeous ocean views off the back of the ship. Palo and Remy’s dress codes may apply in this space.

The “blink and you’ll miss it” Vista Lounge on Deck is a fun, tucked-away spot to have your morning coffee or a pre-dinner cocktail.

Looking for a family-friendly place to hang out and enjoy games that everyone can play? Check out the D Lounge on Deck Four for family quiz shows, karaoke, and more.

Kid’s Activities On the Disney Dream

Kids clubs are included on the Disney Dream  cruise and all Disney Cruise Ships. There are three kid’s clubs that young passengers can go on based on age, the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, Edge, and Vibe. There’s also a nursery.

The kid’s clubs are open all day and all evening without a break, and there’s no limit to how long a child can stay in the clubs. The clubs will offer an open house on the first day and at various points during the cruise – check the Navigator App for times. Anyone can check out the clubs during Open House. Otherwise, only the kids registered with the clubs can be in them.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab

These co-located kid’s clubs are for kids three to 12. Kids must be potty trained. The Oceaneer Lab’s activities are a little more educational-focused than the Oceaneer Club.

Edge is the Disney Dream’s  tween club for kids 11-13.

Vibe is the Disney Dream’s  teen club for kids 14-17.

It’s a Small World Nursery

The nursery is not included in the cost of your cruise, and reservations are required. Kids between six months and three years old can go to the nursery.

Pools and Slides on the Disney Dream

The Disney Dream  has three themed pools: the kid’s pool, Mickey’s Pool, is two feet deep, and the family pool, Donald’s Pool, is five feet deep. Both are located on Deck 11.

The Quiet Cove Pool is adult-only and has a connecting bar and hot tubs. Disney does a great job at keeping kids out of the adult-only pool area, so it is a much more serene experience than being on the main pool deck with all the excited kids.

Younger Guests and Pools Aboard the Disney Dream

Kids must be three and older and potty trained to be allowed in the pools on the Disney Dream . Swim diapers are not permitted in the onboard pools. Kids in swim diapers can splash in the adorable Nemo’s Reef splash pad if you have a little one.

The AquaDuck

The AquaDuck on Deck 12 is Disney Dream’s  thrilling water slide, sometimes called a water coaster. Guests whiz around the ship in an acrylic tube and are treated to ocean views and a bird’s eye view of the pool deck.

Children under seven may ride with someone 14 or older but must be at least 42 inches tall. Single riders must be at least 54″ tall. Operating hours vary, and the lines will be long, especially on sea days. The best time to ride the AquaDuck on the Disney Dream  is on embarkation day, on sea days, and in the early evening when most families with kids are at dinner.

Entertainment and Live Shows on the Disney Dream

The onboard Walt Disney Theater will have Disney-themed, Broadway-style entertainment on board. The current shows on the Disney Dream  are Beauty and the Beast , Frozen , and Disney’s Believe .

The shows typically run about 50 minutes to give guests time to get to dinner and other activities. Beauty and the Beast  and Frozen  are abbreviated versions of Broadway musicals, and the show’s designers have done a fantastic job of telling the full story in the time allotted without making the guests feel cheated.

Disney’s Believe  is a production exclusive to Disney Cruise Line and is a father-daughter story about a busy inventor who doesn’t have time for his progeny. He learns about the power of believing through interactions with over 20 Disney characters, including Genie from Aladin , Mary Poppins, Tiana, and more.

On longer cruises, the entertainment may include illusionists or family-friendly comedy shows. If there’s a world premiere of a Disney movie while you’re on board, the Walt Disney Theater may hold a Hollywood-style opening night.

Shows are aligned with dinner seatings

There are two dinner seatings and two nightly shows. If you’re dining early, you’ll eat first and then go to the show. If you’re dining later, your designated show will be before dinner.

Movies on Board the Disney Dream

Watch Disney movies on board the Disney Dream  in the Buena Vista Theater. The Buena Vista will show first and second run Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars movies, so if there’s something from one of those franchises playing at the theater when you take your cruise, you’ll be able to watch it on board the Disney Dream , and it’s included in the cost of your cruise.

A schedule of movie times will are posted on the marquee outside the theater, and they’ll also be listed in the Disney Navigator App.

Funnel Vision

If you want to watch a Disney movie from the pool or while relaxing on the sun deck with a piece of pizza, there are nearly round-the-clock movies playing on a giant screen on Deck 11.

In Room Movies

If you prefer to cozy up in your room and watch Disney films, just turn on your TV. The television offerings may vary but on my most recent cruise on the Disney Dream  in 2022, the selection for movies was almost like being inside Disney+ – I found a huge selection of programming.

Disney Character Meet and Greets

Whether you are a first time Disney cruiser  or whether it’s your tenth Disney Cruise, seeing your favorite Disney characters on board is always a fun treat.

There are almost endless opportunities to interact with your favorite Disney characters on a Disney cruise ship. Your Navigator app will tell you the character times and locations, so find out when your favorites will be available and line up early for that photo. Don’t forget your autograph book.

Surprise character sightings are constantly popping up. You might see Cinderella or Belle waving from the balcony overlooking the atrium or spot Pluto clowning around in the elevator, which seems to be a favorite spot. Or, you might get lucky and encounter a character as they’re moving from one spot to the next. I once happened upon Captain Hook traveling down a corridor on Deck 5. He kept moving and gave me a disdainful little wave.

Fun Character-Themed Outfits

If you’re into character greetings, you’ll be delighted to know that character attire on a Disney Cruise Line ship is unique. You’ll see characters in nautical outfits on board, in beachwear on Disney’s Castaway Cay, and pirate garb on pirate night.

If you do an Alaska cruise, you’ll see your favorite character in fur-trimmed parkas, and if you take a seasonal cruise, such as a Halloween or holiday cruise, you’ll see characters in costumes and Christmas sweaters. There’s nothing cuter than seeing Mickey Mouse dressed up like Dracula.

Where Does the Disney Dream Cruise Stack Up For Me?

I love the  Disney Dream , and it ranks number three out of the five ships I’ve sailed on so far. The Disney Wonder  is my favorite, and the Disney Magic  is a close second. I love the smaller ships, and I’ll be heartbroken if they retire these ships without replacing them with a more intimate-sized cruise ship.

In case you’re wondering, the Disney Wish  ranks last for me – so far. That said, I’ve never had a bad Disney Cruise Line experience, and I would sail any of the four ships I’ve been on again in a heartbeat. My bags are packed! Really, they are.

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Carnival Dream Activities

Entertainment & Activities

Encore, a three-deck high theater (Decks 3, 4 and 5, forward), is the ship's main show lounge. It's used for a variety of nightly entertainment, including song-and-dance revues, variety acts and audience-participation "game shows" like the gender showdown, game show mania and the popular love and marriage show.

You'll also find bingo in Encore, both day and night, as well as the final sea day showing of Carnival Legends, which brings together the ship's professional dancers and special effects with audience members who have competed in nightly karaoke sessions for a spot in the final show. Early in the cruise, Encore is also the site of the cruise director's Fun Ashore & Fun Aboard port, shopping and ship talk.

On nights when a song-and-dance or variety act show is offered, two shows will be performed -- an early show for those who like to eat late and a later show for passengers who dine early. All other nights, offerings in the theater change throughout the night, so you've only got one chance to catch each show.

Carnival Dream is jam-packed with stuff to do during the day, even on port days. You'll find equal amounts of fun outside on the Lido Deck, near the main swimming pool, as well as inside (usually centered on the Deck 3 atrium or Deck 5 Ocean Plaza).

Outside is where you'll find the line's infamous Hairy Chest contest (leave your dignity at the door, even if you're just watching), pool games, as well as the once per cruise Red versus Blue mixologist competition, and lots of signature Carnival line dances.

A typical sea day starts off with the cruise director's morning show (go for fun and prizes!), bingo (for an extra fee), several trivia sessions and art, and retail and spa seminars (all of which are aimed at selling you something, rather than educating you about anything).

In the afternoon, look for yet more trivia and bingo, cooking or towel animal demos, charades, dance classes, pool and sport deck games and more art, retail and spa seminars. A port day will have a little less action, but you'll still find trivia and spa seminars on your daily Fun Times schedule.

Evenings and nighttime are as busy on Carnival Dream as the daytime. One of the most popular evening and late-night options is the  Punchliner Comedy Club  (Burgundy Lounge, Deck 5, aft), where you'll find two comedians alternating routines most nights, including one or two family-friendly shows and three or more 18+ shows. Adult shows are typically standing-room only; get there  at least  10 minutes early if you want a good seat. A one-week sailing will usually play host to four comedians, two in the first half, and a second pair who come on halfway through the cruise. Passengers who are easily offended should not attend the adult shows at Punchliner.

Another popular nightspot is the Jackpot Casino (Deck 5). You'll find a multitude of chirping slot and electronic poker machines, as well as blackjack, craps, roulette, Texas Hold'em and Let It Ride poker tables. Poker tournaments are held most nights. The casino bar features a small stage for nightly live music. Smoking is permitted in the casino. Play at a table long enough, and the pit boss will usually offer you free drinks.

Other popular spots at night are the atrium, Ocean Plaza, (entertainment hub on Deck 5 for live music), Sam's Piano Bar for sessions of sing-along piano tunes, and The Song karaoke lounge.

One day-to-night spot that is popular with families is the Lido Deck, which transforms into Carnival's Seaside Theater around 7:30 p.m. (A more adult movie is sometimes shown at 10 p.m.) Films change nightly and are themed around action and adventure, drama, blockbuster and comedy. Fresh popcorn from a machine is served during movies. The Lido Deck is also the spot for themed late-night dance parties, including the Mega Dance party and '80s Rock-n-Glow.

The Caliente nightclub (Deck 5) doesn't open until 10 or 11 p.m. (varies by night) and usually doesn't get grooving until after midnight, unless there's a theme like the '80s or country.

Carnival Dream Bars and Lounges

With nearly 10 bars and lounges, you'll find plenty of spots to grab a drink on Carnival Dream, though the emphasis throughout is on tequila- and rum-based cocktails. Wine and draft and bottled beer (including an IPA) are also available. Most of the ship's lounges are located on Deck 5, making it easy to move among them.

Alchemy Bar (Deck 5): Tucked away in a corner of Ocean Plaza -- yet still hard to miss -- this fleetwide favorite is the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks, while enjoying some live music. The fun, apothecary-themed bar only serves up handcrafted cocktails with unique ingredients (the Cucumber Sunrise is a must-try); zero-proof elixirs also are available. Hint: Bartenders allow you to customize drinks by replacing liqueurs or adding new ingredients. The Alchemy Bar is open from 2 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Dream Bar (Deck 3):  Carnival Dream's atrium bar, the Dream Bar is the spot to gather before or after dinner, as well as a place to sit and listen to live music during the day and in the evening.

Casino Bar (Deck 5):  Located at the aft end of the casino, the casino bar is a place to grab a drink in between slot pulls and hands of poker and blackjack. It's the only bar on the ship where you can smoke. Carnival Dream also dubs this its sports bar (it features multiple TVs), although it's a major inconvenience to nonsmokers who want to watch NFL, MLB or other sports games.

Burgundy Lounge (Deck 5):  At first a bit perplexing, Burgundy's eccentric court jester decor makes sense when you remember the lounge is primarily used as the home of Carnival's Punchliner Comedy Club. (You'll find the occasional retail seminar in Burgundy on a sea day.) The drink menu at Burgundy, only available here, also reflects the lounge's use offering drinks with "funny" names like the zany zombie, screw looZe, sex on the stage and the witty margarita. Punchliner is popular, especially the late-night adults-only shows; you must arrive 10 to 15 minutes before show time to get a good seat. Burgundy is also where you'll find the once-per-cruise session of the  very  adults-only Quest scavenger hunt.

The Song (Deck 5):  Tucked into a corner next to the Burgundy Lounge, The Song is the place to be in the evening for karaoke. Younger singers are welcome to join the fun during an earlier evening PG-rated session. It's lively and fun, but surprisingly competitive, especially in the early days of the cruise. That's because singers are competing to be part of the Carnival Legends stage show, in which select passengers get teamed up with Dream's professional dancers to perform in a full-stage production (with lighting and set).

Sam's (Deck 5):  Carnival Dream's sing-along piano bar, Sam's is hopping most nights, though we didn't hear as much singing along as we have at other cruise ship piano bars. The performances were so-so; what we love most about this space is the piano key-inspired bar surrounding the pianist, at which listeners can sit and pass over requests. It fills up pretty fast, but there's plenty of seating in the rest of the bar. If you love to belt out the best songs by Elton John, Billy Joel and Neil Diamond, Sam's is the place for you.

BlueIguana Tequila Bar (Deck 10):  Part of the Lido Deck landscape on most Carnival cruise ships,  BlueIguana  specializes in everything tequila, offering 10 varieties, as well as tequila-based cocktails and frozen drinks. You also can get buckets of beer or pitchers of hard lemonade or margaritas there (as well as at RedFrog).

Red Frog Rum Bar (Deck 10):  Located across the pool from the BlueIguana Tequila Bar, the  RedFrog Rum Bar  serves up a selection of rum-based cocktails and frozen drinks (coladas, daiquiris, mojitos).

Sunset Bar (Deck 10):  A poolside bar set next to the Sunset Pool; offers a variety of standard cocktails, beer and wine.

Serenity Bar (Deck 12):  This tiny bar counter is solely for the use of passengers relaxing in the adults-only Serenity and has a limited selection of drinks.

Carnival Dream Outside Recreation

Carnival Dream has two pools and 10 hot tubs. Waves, the main pool located on Deck 10, is one of the biggest social hot spots on Dream. On a sunny sea day, the pool is crowded with adults sipping drinks and kids splashing around. Throughout the day, the ship's entertainment crew hosts a variety of poolside games, contests and Carnival's signature line dances.

There's not a lot of open deck space, but that doesn't stop anyone from dancing. Live and DJ-led music fills the air during the day, as do showings of concerts on a large movie screen suspended above the pool. At night, the space transforms into the ship's outdoor Seaside Theater, with two to three movies (usually new releases) shown each afternoon/evening on the big screen.

A second pool, the nominally adults-only Sunset Pool, is located on Deck 10 at the back of the ship. It's a smaller pool, and you won't find live music or games played here, so it's a quieter place to lounge in the sun. On the flip side, it's more intimate feel tends to draw a large crowd, so don't expect to feel worlds away.

Hot tubs are spread around the ship. You'll find two near the Sunset Pool, two in the adults-only Serenity area, four on the outdoor Lanai Deck (Deck 5, two portside, two starboard side) and two on Deck 11, midship.

The Waves pool is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., while the Sunset pool is open from 7 a.m. to midnight. Children must be potty-trained to use any pool. Sunset pool and Serenity hot tubs are open from 8 a.m. to midnight, while the Lanai Deck hot tubs are open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Deck 11 hot tubs are open from 9 a.m. to midnight.

For cruisers looking for more active outdoor activities, there are a few options on Carnival Dream, including a half-court basketball and volleyball court on Deck 14 (aft) and a large 18-hole mini-golf course on Deck 12. Runners and walkers will appreciate the jogging track on Deck 12, which is a bit larger than many others you'd find on a ship; seven times around is 1 mile. The Lanai Deck (Deck 5) also has a walkway (jogging is not permitted); 2.5 laps equal 1 mile. Ping-Pong is available on Deck 11, forward, just above RedFrog Rum Bar.

For those who need to cool off, the WaterWorks water park is the place to be. Here, you'll find the 303-foot-long Twister water slide; the 104-foot Drainpipe, which empties into a giant funnel; two smaller racing slides; and a host of splash features for smaller kids. (As with the pool, kids must be toilet-trained to play in WaterWorks.) On hot sea days, the line for the Twister is long, though it moves relatively quickly.

Sunbathers, rejoice. There are virtually no outdoor areas on Carnival Dream that aren't also used as sun deck space. You'll find blue lounge chairs on Decks 10, 11 and 12, near both pools and along the port (left) and starboard (right) sides of the ship.

There also are a handful of loungers on the Lanai Deck (Deck 5), port side, forward and midship. The loungers on this deck were sparsely used on our sailing, even on sea days. We found this to be a great little spot to escape the pool crowds.

The adults-only Serenity retreat offers lots of sun deck space on Decks 14 and 15, forward. Here you'll find blue loungers, wicker clam shells, armchairs and beds, plus hammocks sized for two. The Serenity space is always open, but you'll only find crew there from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Carnival Dream Services

Carnival Dream's seven-deck-tall atrium is where you'll find both the guest services and shore excursion desks (both on Deck 3). A bank of glass elevators gives passengers a thrill as they look down on the action below. Surrounding the atrium, you'll find Pixels photo gallery (Deck 4) and the popular candy store Cherry on Top (Deck 5). Also on Deck 5 are the shops, which sell duty-free liquor, watches, jewelry, perfume, cigarettes, resort wear and Carnival-branded souvenirs. Look for limited-time sales on sea days or port nights, after the ship has departed port.

After passing through Pixels on Deck 4, you'll find the Page Turner library, a tiny space with a small collection of books and board games for use within the library. Still, it's a nice spot to read or play a quiet game of cards. There's one computer, as well. (For your daily crossword or Sudoku puzzles, you'll need to go to Plaza Cafe on Deck 5.)

Carnival Dream has two FunHub internet centers (Decks 4 and 5), where cruisers can find several computers for checking email and surfing the internet (including accessing their social media accounts).

Carnival offers cruisers three internet plans, all of which can be purchased for a single day or for the length of the cruise. The Social plan ($5/day) lets you access Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, WhatsApp and most airlines' websites. The Value plan ($12/day), includes all the social sites and adds access to most email, news, sports, weather and banking sites. The Premium plan ($17.70/day) includes all of the above, plus adds access to Skype and speeds up the connection by up to three times faster than the Social and Value plans. Streaming services, such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, are not supported. You can use your plan on any device (phone, tablet, laptop) but can only use one device at a time, unless you buy more than one plan.

Two meeting rooms, collectively known as the Chambers can be found on Deck 4, and the Future Cruise Sales Desk can be found on Deck 5, aft. The art gallery is also located aft on Deck 5, next to the Caliente nightclub.

A medical center is located on Deck 0.

DIY launderettes can be found on Deck 2 across from cabin 2375, Deck 7 across from cabin 7347 and Deck 10 across from cabin 10262. Ironing rooms are located on Deck 1 across from cabin 1411, Deck 6 across from cabin 6382, Deck 8 across from cabin 8395 and Deck 9 across from cabin 9403. A load of wash or dry is $3, and detergent can be purchased for $1.50. You'll need quarters.

Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is permitted outside in a designated area on Deck 5 (port side); on Deck 11 (starboard, midship and aft); inside in the Caliente Nightclub; and at the Jackpot Casino bar and floor (port side).

Spa & Fitness

Carnival Dream's two-deck Cloud 9 Spa (Decks 12 and 14) is 23,750 square feet of space dedicated to pampering, relaxation and fitness. At the spa, you'll find the usual array of treatments from massages (Swedish, bamboo, Thai poultice, hot stone) and facials (tri-enzyme, hydralift, microdermabrasion) to wraps, scrubs and  ionithermie  detox sessions. Other treatments include acupuncture, teeth whitening and medi-spa wrinkle treatments. At the salon, you'll find haircuts and styling, along with waxing, manicures and pedicures and men's options like shaves and beard trims.

Listed prices can be high, but specials are offered every day, especially on days Dream is in port. For example, a 75-minute hot stone massage costs $195 on a sea day and $176 on a port day. Also look for mix-and-match specials, and remember: If you purchase three treatments, you get 10 percent off the first, 20 percent off the second and 30 percent off the third.

For an extra fee, a limited number of passes are available for the spa's thermal suite, which includes a thalassotherapy pool, two steam rooms (one with aromatherapy), a dry-heat sauna and a relaxation room with heated loungers. Passes are sold for the length of the cruise only, and are priced per person or per couple. A day pass costs $40 per passenger; cruise-length prices depend on the number of days (a seven-night cruise, for example, costs $139).

Passengers will also find complimentary steam rooms in the men's and women's locker rooms.

Treatment rooms, as well as the salon, are located on the second level of the spa, accessible via a spiral staircase. The fitness center and thalassotherapy pool encompass the first level. This design helps ensure noise from the fitness center does not disturb passengers in treatment rooms.

The spa is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The fitness center (Deck 12) features an array of LifeFitness machines, including treadmills, recumbent bikes, ellipticals and weight machines. A selection of free weights is also available. Most machines offer a great view, as well, thanks to the fitness center's location at the front of the ship.

Passengers can sign up for several extra-fee classes including body sculpt boot camp, Pilates and yoga. Pilates and yoga are each $12 per class, while the boot camp is $99 and includes three 45-minute sessions, a body composition analysis and postural/footprint analysis. Free fitness classes, including stretching, are also available.

The gym is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with morning hours being the busiest.

Families are a major demographic for Carnival, especially during the summer, and Carnival Dream works hard to keep kids and parents happy. The ship feature's the line's Dr. Seuss and Build-A-Bear partnerships, as well as a robust kids club divided into three age groups. Kids also get their own menu in the main dining room, with staples like chicken nuggets, mac 'n cheese and spaghetti.

Branded Dr. Seuss activities include a once-per-sailing Seuss-a-Palooza Parade that winds its way from the Deck 5 Burgundy Lounge down to the Deck 3 level of the Encore theater. The Cat in the Hat and Things 1 and 2 lead the parade, while kids and their parents wave streamers and banners and yell "Dr. Seuss is on the loose." The parade culminates with an interactive reading of "The Cat in the Hat" by the entertainment crew and parent and child volunteers. The Cat in the Hat and Things 1 and 2 also make an appearance at the once-per-sailing  Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (see For-Fee Dining).

Pop-up Build-A-Bear workshops are scheduled once or more per sailing (dependent on demand) and cost $26 for a bear with no outfit, and $5 and up for accessories.

WaterWorks and the extra-fee Warehouse Arcade are two other spaces kids enjoy. To enter the pool, hot tubs or use the water park, kids must be toilet trained; swim diapers are not permitted. To ride the Twister and Drainpipe slides, kids must be 42 inches or taller.

Camp Ocean  (Deck 11) is for kids ages 2- to 11-years-old, but the program further divides daily activities into three groups, one each for 2- to 5-year-olds, 6- to 8-year-olds and 9- to 11-year-olds. Children do not need to be toilet trained, and camp counselors will change diapers. Age-appropriate activities begin about 10 a.m. on sea days (varied hours on port days, depending on demand), and can include arts and crafts, dancing, movies, sports contests and video gaming. Most organized programming ends at about 10 p.m.; the Camp is also typically closed for an hour during lunch and dinner.

Parents (or pre-assigned guardians) must sign kids ages 2 through 8 in and out. Kids 9 and older can sign themselves in and out, except after 10 p.m., during Night Owls babysitting hours.

The Night Owls group babysitting program (for kids 6 months to 11 years) is available from 10 p.m. through 1 a.m. The cost is $6.75 per hour, per child, plus a 15 percent gratuity.

Tweens (ages 12 to 14) and Teens (ages 15 to 17) also get their own hangout spaces on Deck 4. With a mostly open-space design, you'll find gaming stations, a foosball table and dance floor in both Circle C and Club O2.

Circle C  (Deck 4) is for the tweens, and they can come and go as they like. In fact, you'll often find them hanging by the chairs outside Circle C, in the middle of the walkway. Daily activities might include dance classes, karaoke, scavenger hunts, Ping-Pong or Wii tournaments, magic classes, late-night pizza parties, after-hours movies and more. On our sailing, Circle C was open on sea days from noon to 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., and on port days from 4 to 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Teens have  Club O2  (Deck 4), a nightclub-esque space right next to Circle C (much to their chagrin). Activities begin around noon on sea days and might include mini-golf or dodge ball tournaments, karaoke sessions, video gaming and dance parties.

.css-h7fee9{font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-size:1.125rem;margin-right:0.5rem;}.css-h7fee9::before{content:"\e063";display:inline-block;font-style:normal;line-height:1;speak:none;-ms-transform:rotate(-0.001deg);-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;-moz-osx-font-smoothing:grayscale;} Activities & Entertainment

• Aroma Steam Bath *
• Art Auction
• Burgundy Aft Lounge
• Caliente Dance Club
• Camp Ocean - Kids Club
• Carnival WaterWorks™
• Carnival's Seaside Theatre®
• Circle "C"®
• Comedy Shows
• Dance Classes
• Deck Parties
• Dream Street Promenade
• Dream Team Basketball Court
• Encore! Main Lounge
• Evening Kids Programs *
• Fitness Classes *
• Fitness Studio *

* May require additional fees

Find a Carnival Dream Cruise from $459

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

Genting Dream Cruise to Nowhere Review – Part 4: Activities and Shows

By: Author Eva

Posted on Published: October 9, 2021  - Last updated: October 19, 2023

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There’s one similarity that I notice in every cruise trips that I’ve been on: there are too many activities on a cruise and you simply can’t do everything. If you want to experience as much activities as possible, you need to plan your itinerary properly, otherwise, you might missed out on certain activities.

But you can’t plan the itinerary before you’re on board, because cruises only distribute the daily schedule when you’re on board. So, what you can do before boarding is to determine what kind of activities you want to take part in. When you’re on board, you can plan the sequence of the activities.

In this article, I’ll try to share as much info as I have regarding activities on the World Dream Cruise to Nowhere. Hopefully by the end of this article, you’ll know what you want to take part in.

Genting Dream Cruise to Nowhere (2021) Series Part 1: Reservation, ART Test, Boarding Part 2: Balcony Stateroom Part 3: All Inclusive Dining Part 4: Activities and Shows Part 5: Tips for FOMO Travelers

PS: During my visit in 2021, the ship was called World Dream . However, they changed name to Resort World Cruise in 2022. Just want you to know that they’re interchangeable =)

What are the activities in World Dream?

What are the shows in world dream and how to book them, tips on booking activities and shows.

Some activities and shows require advance booking, while others are based on first come first served basis (which means you need to queue before the activities/show start).

The most popular activities that always get fully booked are jacuzzi, swimming pool, mini golf, table tennis and shows. To ensure you get a slot in jacuzzi, pool, golf and table tennis, do turn up at the respective booking counters early in the morning, after your breakfast.

Getting a jacuzzi slot is extremely difficult. If you don’t get a jacuzzi slot, you can bet on your luck by booking a pool slot, then if the person using jacuzzi is done for the day, you can jump in. Alternatively, you can pay for Crystal Life Spa access (SGD 20) to enjoy steam room, sauna and hot bath which is almost similar to jacuzzi except that it’s indoor.

Booking for free shows can be done via Dream App. The slots are not released all at once, instead, limited slots are released every hour, making it quite difficult to snatch a slot if you do not have fast fingers. If you don’t get a slot via the Dream App but you’re very keen to watch the show, here’s a secret: queue at the studio 15-20 mins before the show; if there are guests that don’t turn up when the show starts, they’ll let you in.

If you hate the idea of having to make booking for most of the activities, then you can probably consider booking Palace Suite or above, because Palace customers can book activities via a special lane, they don’t have to queue at reservation counter or constantly checking the Dream App to register for activities.

Non-Palace customers like us can swim at the Main Pool (Deck 16 MID). Reservation must be made in advance at the towel counter beside the main pool. Each reservation is valid for 1 hour only. Towel is provided for free. However, there’s no locker, so you need to put your stuffs on the sun lounge. We decided not to bring our phones to prevent them being stolen. But we still need to bring room key and tracey token with us at all times.

To be honest, I feel that the pool is quite small (and not clean). Once is definitely enough. For us, we couldn’t get a jacuzzi slot because it’s fully booked when we wanted to book it. So what we did was book the pool slot and bet our luck that people who booked jacuzzi during the same timeslot as us would finish their dip in less than 1 hour, and we could use the jacuzzi when they’re done. Our bet paid off.

There are 4 jacuzzi surrounding the main pool (Deck 16 MID), and there are 2 jacuzzi at Zouk Beach Club (Deck 17 AFT). Jacuzzi is a very popular activities that always get fully booked early. It is a hot water jacuzzi so it’s best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon or evening. Some of the jacuzzi are sheltered and some are not, so it really depends on your luck which one you’ll get.

If you manage to snatch a slot, you’ll have the jacuzzi for yourselves and no other groups are allowed to join in your jacuzzi during this corona period. That explains why jacuzzi has a very high demand.

Waterslides

There are 2 clusters of waterslides, let’s call it the kid’s slide and adult’s slides.

The kid’s slide is the orange color slide, and it’s located at Deck 16 MID, just beside the main pool. Beside kid’s slides, there is also a children pool.

The adult’s slides are located at Deck 17 AFT, and it’s called Waterslide Park. There are 5 slides with different difficulties, starting from the easiest at No 1, to the scariest at No 5. It’s recommended that you take the slides in ascending order, starting from No 1 and ending at No 5.

Personally I only took No 1, 2 and 3. I did not dare to take No 4 and 5 because both of them are very steep. No 5 even had a small stretch in the beginning where you’ll experience almost free fall. To be honest, I feel pain at my back from the friction with the slide’s joints, I’m not sure if it’s normal but it definitely discouraged me from going on unlimited slides.

I highly recommend that you try these slides. No reservation is required, just wear your swimsuit and climb the staircase from Deck 16 to Deck 17. When you’re halfway at the stairs, there is a rack for you to hang your mask, watch, glass, and whatever accessories that aren’t allowed on the slides. Since we need to bring key room and tracey token with you all the time, we just put them on sun lounge by the main pool. There’s no other way, there’s no locker for slides users.

Rope Course & Zipline

This is the most challenging as well as the most rewarding activity I’ve done throughout this cruise trip. Rope Course is located at Deck 18 AFT. No reservation is required but you need to join the long queue. From my observation, it is least crowded after 4pm. Of course don’t wait until 4pm on your last evening, because it might rain! You need to wear your own shoes for this activity. There is a small locker for you to keep your room key, token, and accessories, no fee is required for usage of this locker.

There are 2 tiers in this rope course, one is closer to the ground (let’s call it the lower one), one is above the lower one (let’s call it the higher one). No queue/harness system is required for the lower one, and it’s less fun. I skipped the lower one and went straight to the higher one. And, yes, you need to wear mask throughout the entire course!

At the start of the course, we were briefed by the crew on how to lock and unlock the harness hook. Then, we’re off on our own. There are plenty of combination of routes you can take, but most people take the outer edge route. If the inner route (diagonal route) looks easier for you, then you should go for it. For me, I took the outer route.

The rope course is HARD! I am scared of height, and having to balance my body on a shaky rope platform at height terrifies me, but I’m willing to fight through the terror just to get to zipline starting point. You can’t go straight to zipline starting point, you MUST go through the rope course.

I thought the shaky platform was the worst part of this entire course, but I was wrong. At the end of shaky platform, before the zipline, there is a rope wall that we have to scale horizontally! The ropes are not tensed, so you need to exert a lot of strength to support your body. Furthermore, there is no belay system! You’re just relying on your own arm and leg strength. And to make it worse, it’s not a flat rope wall, there is a solid steel plate in the middle of the wall which you need to climb over to get to the other side! Who’s the genius that designed this course??

If your arms and legs are not strong enough and you let go of the rope, you’ll be hanging in the air and people behind you will be stuck because they can’t overtake you. So much pressure was building up inside of me. I told the zipline staff (who’s standing at the other end of the rope wall) that I’m very scared and I don’t think I could do it. He told me not to worry and he would help me. I made the leap of faith to scale the wall and he climbed the rope wall towards me and grabbed my harness over the big steel plate.

In a few minutes, I’m over the freaky rope course, phew! And then, I’m on the zipline, woohoo! I highly recommend this activity to be in your itinerary!

Rock Climbing Wall

The rock climbing wall is located at Deck 18 AFT, just next to Rope Course. No reservation is required. They provide special rock climbing shoes but you need your own socks. There is a place for you to put belongings while you’re climbing the wall, so you don’t need to leave your belonging on the sun lounge while queueing.

There are 4 belay systems, but it doesn’t mean that 4 people will get to climb at the same time. When we queued, only 1 person was allowed to climb at one time (not sure why they didn’t open the entire 4 lines). Because of this, the waiting was incredibly long. When we started queueing, there were less than 10 people in front of us. After q-ing for 1 hour, it’s still not our turn yet, and suddenly rain came. So the activity was stopped for the day, and we wasted 1 hour for nothing.

If you’re not a hard core rock climber, I think queueing for this activity is not worth your time, especially if only 1 person is allowed to climb at one time.

Mini Golf is an activity that falls in the “low supply, high demand” camp. There is basically just 1 mini golf course in the entire cruise, and only 1 group is allowed to play at any time. So, obviously it’s hard to get a slot if you try to book it not on the first day.

Reservation can be done at the counter near rope course & rock climbing. We didn’t get a slot when we tried to book on the second day. We didn’t know there’s a golf course, so we didn’t register early. If you’re keen, do book early.

Table Tennis

Table tennis is located at Deck 18 AFT near rope course and rock climbing. Booking can be done at the counter near rope course.

Table tennis falls in the “high supply, high demand” camp. There are several tables and each reservation slot is limited to 30 mins only. So, it’s quite easy to get a slot for table tennis. Rest assured, rackets and balls are provided. We tried to book a slot on Day 2, and the earliest slot available was Day 3, so we took it.

Basketball/Volleyball

To play basketball/volleyball, you need to make reservation for SportsPlex. SportsPlex is located at Deck 19 AFT and reservation can be done at Deck 18 AFT. Ball sports are not my forte, so we didn’t venture into SportsPlex. From my observation, the sportsplex is always occupied, so you probably need to make a booking early to get a reservation slot.

The gym is called Crystal Life Fitness. It is located at Deck 15 FWD. Reservation is necessary and can be done at Crystal Life Spa (also Deck 15 FWD) or via phone. Each reservation is limited to 1.5 hours of usage.

The gym has spectacular view of the ocean. If you’re a jogger or runner, the gym is definitely a better place to run compared to the outdoor jogging track which is too short and too crowded.

Bridge Viewing Room

We stumbled upon Bridge Viewing Room by accident. We finished our dinner and decided to wander around the ship, then we walked into this room with a model of the ship.

On a normal day, if you visit this room, you can see what’s inside the Captain’s room. However, when we visited at night on Day 1, and the curtain between this room and Captain’s room was rolled down, hence we couldn’t see the room.

It isn’t a Dream Cruise if there is no mention of casino, right? While casinos on mainland Singapore charges SGD 150 for citizens and permanent residents, the casino on the cruise is free to enter, so that probably explains why casino on Dream Cruise is a huge hit. During my trip, the casino is open around 45 mins after departure and close around 1.5 hour before arrival at Singapore.

The main part of casino is located at Deck 6, 7 and 8, which consists of the usual slot machines, card games, table games as well as arcade-like games such as coin dozers. I don’t know how to play card or table games, so I spent a few dollars playing coin dozer, and sadly, I didn’t make money from it.

Everyday, there are Bingo games held at Deck 6 MID. The grand prize for Bingo increases everyday, so if you want to win the highest amount of prize, the best time to play is at the last game. The game is pretty fast-paced, the host mentions so many numbers in a short span of time, so you need to have sharp ears, fast eyes and fast fingers.

I’m not a gambler, I will only take risk when I know the result is purely based on luck & skill, and result is not easily fabricated by the house. After watching the Bingo games, I noticed that the numbers are generated by computer, not by a physical machine that draws randomly-numbered balls. There is a small chance that the numbers being called is not random, so I decided not to partake in the game even though the reward is very attractive. The reward for the final game is SGD 62,888, and nobody won this prize.

Virtual Reality is located at Esc EXPERIENCE LAB. You can get free VR tickets if you purchase Dream Boys show. I didn’t tried any VR games, probably because I was too focused on water activities, rope course, food and shows. It is something I’d really like to try in the future if I’m going on a cruise again. The price is not cheap, but I think it’s worth trying at least once, since I’ve never tried a VR before.

Shows at Zodiac Theatre

During my time, the main shows at Zodiac Theatre were Vision (magic show), Faith (music/dance show) and Twice as Nice (music show), and Tribute to Teresa Teng. Booking must be done via Dream App.

We managed to watch Vision, Faith and Twice as Nice. But we didn’t manage to watch Teresa Teng because there was always empty slot in the Dream app, and we turned up at the theatre too late, there was no more empty seats.

I feel that there is sort of discrimination for non-Palace customers because we don’t get to sit at the center-front section of the theatre. The center section is reserved for Palace customers. I guess that’s a way to lure you to book Palace rooms for your next cruise.

Before the show, the staffs would sell lucky draw coupons in the theatre. I didn’t buy because they were not cheap and I am just a risk-adverse person. But I could tell that these coupons were quite a hot commodity.

The first show that we watched was Vision. I quite enjoy this magic show, I think the way Vincent engage the audience is sometimes hilarious.

The second show that we watched was Faith. Because the show time was quite late at night (10pm+), I was worn out by the time I sank into the seat. I couldn’t enjoy the show probably due to my exhaustion.

The third show that we watched was Twice as Nice. It’s a music performance by a couple from America, who can sing in various languages. They did a good job by singing familiar tunes and even a Chinese song.

Live Music at Sea

Live Music at Sea is basically small-scale music performance conducted at Tributes (Deck 8) or Palm Court (Deck 19). The schedule can be found in the Dream Daily. No reservation is allowed, keen cruise-goers must queue in front of the venue before the performance starts.

We didn’t manage to watch these performance because we either arrived at the venue too late (it was already full and we weren’t allowed to enter), or we were too exhausted and decided not to watch them. The shows are mostly conducted at night, when our batteries are almost flat. If you’re a night owl, you’ll definitely enjoy live music performance at night.

Cinema at Sea

During the cruise, several movies are played at Lobby (Deck 6 MID) and Zouk Beach Club (Deck 17 AFT). Schedule and venue can be found in Dream Daily. No reservation is required. We didn’t watch them because it’s just not something we’re interested to do. Furthermore, it’s an open cinema, not enclosed, so it doesn’t give the same vibe as the real cinema.

Adventure Laser Display

On the last day, there are laser displays at the main pool deck. They’re short performances, about 5-minute long, at 10pm, 10.30pm and 11pm. Unfortunately I was too exhausted to watch these. Luckily, I can watch it on YouTube, thanks to people who uploaded their videos of this laser show.

Dream Boys is a very popular show featuring hot boys, as the title suggests. Ticket is required to watch the show, and it is not cheap! During my time, it costs SGD 60 per person, and it comes with 2 free VR tickets. Many people recommends the show, but we couldn’t justify spending SGD 60 per person for a 45-minute show plus 2 VR games, so we didn’t watch it. We just have different priorities.

You can’t do everything on a cruise, you have to pick your priorities. For us, our priorities are water activities, physical activities, watching shows, sipping drinks, and eating food. For you, it might be different.

Do take time to shortlist the activities that you want to do, so you don’t have to scratch your head deciding which activities to book when you’re on board.

Next: Part 5: Tips for FOMO Travelers

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Sanctum Una Una

Tuesday 19th of October 2021

Very informative post

Cruise to Nowhere with Dream Cruises

Image: Dream Cruises

Go on a super seacation with dream cruises on board the world dream ship..

Activities on board

Lunar New Year Celebrations on World Dream ‍

With ships sailing at reduced capacities, now is as good a time as ever to go on a cruise.

Dream Cruises' Cruise to Nowhere packages start from as little as 2 nights so they're perfect for families that are looking for a short getaway.

Voted the "Best Cruise Line for Family" in the Travel Weekly Asia 2019 Readers' Choice Awards, parents can be assured that there'll be plenty of activities to keep the family and kids occupied.

Activities on Board

You'll find plenty of entertainment onboard the World Dream ship, from outdoor facilities such as the waterslide park and rock climbing wall, to indoor recreation such as the arcade and VR rides.

Most activities are already included in the cruise price so you just need to pick and choose the ones you want to do.

Outdoor Activities

You can try your hand at many exciting outdoor options if you're feeling adventurous or just want to get some sun.

Waterslide Park ‍

Get the adrenaline pumping by speeding down slippery slides that tower high above the ocean.

Choose from six slides, from easy going chutes for families, to steep drops for the thrill seekers!

Ropes Course

Take on the challenge of navigating the outdoor ropes course then catch a ride on the thrilling zipline which sits 18 decks above the ocean.

Kids can choose to "walk the plank" at the same height for a similar challenge.

Rock Climbing Wall

‍ ‍ Put your strength and agility to the test at the rock Climbing wall.

The wall is suitable for kids and beginners as well as the difficulty is at a manageable level.

Main Pool Deck

‍ Chill by the pool or relax in one of the four jacuzzis.

A large outdoor court where you can play sports such as basketball, tennis, and archery, as well as games such as bubble soccer and  giant snooker.

A nine-hole putting course with a splendid ocean backdrop.

Indoor Entertainment

For those that are more into indoor entertainment and games, there are many options to choose from as well.

Esc Experience Lab

Experience exciting VR experiences such as riding a rollercoaster and soaring over mountains.

You may forget that you're still on a ship!

Esport Arena

‍ The world's first permanent eSports facility at sea, the Esport Arena features state of the art professional level equipment in a 1,700 sq ft facility.

The giant 4K LED Wall will take you to a level of immersive viewing experience that you won't get at home.

‍ Video game lovers can look forward to the latest games at the arcade.

Activities just for kids

Aside from the recreational facilities, there are tons of activities for kids so parents won't have to worry about keeping them happy and occupied.

Little Dreamers Academy at Sea

The signature program of Dream Cruises for kids aged 2-12, it offers an action-packed itinerary of STEAM education activities including the LEGO BOOST Robot Coding Basic Workshop and Advance Maze Challenge, as well as music and storytelling sessions.

Little Dreamers Club

Kids can enjoy different kinds of activities with supervision from professionally trained child care staff so parents get the chance to take a well deserved break too!

Little Dreamers Club (Indoors)

Little Dreamers Club (outdoors)

Junior Talent Shows

‍ Is your child a natural performer? Kids from ages 5-16 can now showcase their talents and be a star on board.

Be treated to a multitude of entertaining shows such as live music and dance productions, as well as a mystifying magic show from renowned European illusionist Vincent Vignaud.

You also won't want to miss the spectacular fireworks and laser show display - Asia's one and only fireworks and laser show at sea!

Cinema at Sea

Movie buffs can look forward to enjoying the latest blockbusters at various locations on board such as the Zodiac Theatre and Zouk Beach Club.

The Zodiac Theatre features the latest 3D blockbuster flicks, complete with Dolby hi-fidelity surround sound and 3D glasses.

The Zodiac Theatre, which is also used for shows and performances.

For a more chill out experience, head to the Zouk Beach Club, a one-of-a-kind outdoor beach club where you can watch movies under the stars on a giant LED Screen.

One of the things that everyone looks forward to on cruises is the food!

And with over 25 dining areas with cuisine ranging from Chinese and South East Asian to Japanese, Korean, and International, you'll be spoilt for choice. Just remember to pace yourself!

Enjoy hot pot on an outdoor deck with the ocean as the backdrop, accompanied by cool sea breezes.

Kick back and enjoy the ocean view at Palm Court.

Halal Friendly

Families looking for a Halal friendly experience will be glad to know that the World Dream is Asia Pacific's first Halal friendly cruise ship.

The Lido, one of World Dream's most popular on board restaurants, offers a dedicated Halal and vegetarian buffet section. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and has a 24/7 snack corner, so you'll be able to savour a wide variety of Halal cuisine at sea.

In-room Halal-certified dining services are available as well.

In addition, there are a whole host of muslim friendly facilities and amenities on board including a prayer room, with quran, prayer mats, and compass available on request.

There are basically four types of rooms starting from the Interior Stateroom to the most luxurious Palace villas and suites.

Interior Stateroom

While you don't get any ocean views at the Interior Staterooms, they are still very comfortable.

Oceanview Stateroom

Oceanview Staterooms give you a panoramic view of the ocean.

Balcony Stateroom

Balcony Staterooms let you admire the sea from your own private balconies.

The highest tier is The Palace which offers an ultra luxe cruising experience.

Image Credits: Dream Cruises

Check cruise packages.

Looking for more staycation ideas? Check out this article on 41 of the best kid friendly hotels and resorts for a family staycation in Singapore

Disclosure: This article contains some affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, we may earn a commission at no extra costs to you. This helps keep us going and allows us to continue creating free content for you. As always, we only recommend things we would use ourselves.

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• GENTING REWARDS

Your leading choice in hospitality.

Experience luxury cruising with the Genting Dream.

Welcome aboard the Genting Dream, the flagship of Resorts World Cruises. We’ve been a pioneer and a trendsetter in hospitality for 50 years and we know luxury cruising like no other. We’ll be bringing you fresh, novel experiences and an array of cuisine, entertainment and themes from across the globe for a cruise that’s limited only by your imagination.

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Your Top Experiences

An exclusive ship-within-a ship boutique hotel enclaved with private facilities and a 24-hour butler service for connoisseurs of true luxury.

Waterslide Park

Slip and slide on one of our six different waterslides! Perfect for those looking to get drenched with some thrilling waterpark-themed fun.

Rope Course & Zipline

For the more daring bunch, get your heart-racing with the feeling of gliding above the ocean on a 35-metre zipline and ropes course.

Our buffet-style restaurant with a smorgasbord of international and halal cuisine including vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian dishes.

Crystal Life Spa

Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit in our Asian and Western-style spas. You can also enjoy a selection of healthy meals and beverages here.

Enjoy world-renowned vintages, premium Scotch whiskies, cocktails or bubbly while we entertain you with performances and live bands.

The Boutiques

Splurge on international luxury brands at our boutiques and take your pick from some of the biggest names in fashion!

Little Dreamers Club

At our kids-only club, we have exciting games, workshops and costume parties lined up just for them! For kids aged 2 to 12.

Zodiac Theatre

Catch one of our live production shows from our critically acclaimed production team in our opulent theatre.

Zouk & Zouk Beach Club

If there’s one thing we know how to do, it’s partying! Dive in at one of our famous pool parties or dance till dawn to the beat of our guest DJs at Zouk.

Our Staterooms

Palace Villa

可容納人數6人 位於17層甲板 一張特大雙人床 + 一張雙人床 + 一張雙人沙發床" }'>Approx. 224 sq.m Max Occupancy 6 Deck 17 1 King-sized Bed + 1 Queen-size Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed

Palace Penthouse

可容納人數4-6人* 位於13/16層甲板 一張特大雙人床 + 一張雙人沙發床 / 一張雙人床 + 兩張雙人沙發床 / 一張雙人床 + 一張雙人沙發床 (*如有特殊需求，指定皇宮行政套房的可容納人數可增加至6人，視預定情況而定)" }'>Approx. 56 - 115.4 sq.m Max Occupancy 4-6* Deck 13/16 1 King-size Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed / 1 Queen-size Bed + 2 Double Sofa Beds/ 1 Queen-size Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed (* The maximum occupancy of designated Palace Penthouss can be up to 6 guests upon request, subject to stateroom availability)

Palace Deluxe Premium

可容納人數4人 位於9/10/11/12/13/15層甲板 一張特大雙人床 + 一張雙人沙發床" }'>From 41 - 61 sq.m Max Occupancy 4 Deck 9/10/11/12/13/15 1 King-size Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed

Palace Deluxe Suite

可容納人數4人 位於15層甲板 一張雙人床 + 一張雙人沙發床" }'>From 41 sq.m Max Occupancy 4 Deck 15 1 Queen-size Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed

Palace Suite

可容納人數4人 位於13/15/16/17層甲板 一張雙人床 + 一張雙人沙發床" }'>From 37 - 40 sq.m Max Occupancy 4 Deck 13/15/16/17 1 Queen-size Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed

Balcony Deluxe Stateroom

可容納人數3-4人 位於8/9/10/11/12/13/15層甲板 一張雙人床 + 一張單人沙發床/一張單人沙發床 + 一張壁櫃床/一張雙人沙發床" }'>From 22 - 28 sq.m Max Occupancy 2-4 Deck 8/9/10/11/12/13/15 1 Queen-size Bed + 1 Single Sofa Bed / 1 Single Sofa Bed + 1 Ceiling Pullman Bed / 1 Double Sofa Bed

Balcony Stateroom

可容納人數2-4人 位於8/9/10/11/12/13/15層甲板 一張雙人床 + 一張單人沙發床/一張單人沙發床 + 一張壁櫃床/一張雙人沙發床" }'>From 20 sq.m Max Occupancy 3-4 Deck 8/9/10/11/12/13/15 1 Queen-size Bed + 1 Single Sofa Bed / 1 Single Sofa Bed + 1 Ceiling Pullman Bed / 1 Double Sofa Bed

Oceanview Stateroom

位於5/9/10/11/12/13層甲板 兩張單人床 / 兩張單人床 + 一張雙人沙發床 / 兩張單人床 + 一張單人沙發床" }'>From 16 - 35 sq.m Max Occupancy 2-4 Deck 5/9/10/11/12/13 2 Single Beds / 2 Single beds + 1 double Sofa Bed / 2 Single beds + 1 Single Sofa Bed

Interior Stateroom

可容納人數2-4人^ 位於5/8/9/10/11/12/13/15層甲板 兩張單人床 / 兩張單人床+ 一張壁櫃床 / 一張單人床 + 一張壁櫃床 + 一張雙人沙發床 (^上圖為2人房佈局圖，另有3人及4人房可供選擇） " }'>From 13 - 14 sq.m Max Occupancy 2-4^ Deck 5/8/9/10/11/12/13/15 2 Single Beds / 2 Single Beds + 1 Ceiling Pullman Bed / 1 Single Bed + 1 Pullman Bed + 1 Double Sofa Bed (^ The image shown is for a stateroom configuration for 2 persons - other stateroom configurations for 3 persons & 4 persons are also available)

At 335m end to end, we’re bigger than a skyscraper and way more fun.

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Gross Tonnage

(下舖床位)" }'>Passenger Capacity (Lower Berth)

Meyer Werft Germany

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Fresh Air Ventilation System

Resorts Cruising At Sea

來最佳的度假體驗。在您探索東南亞的所有景點 時享受難忘的體驗。" }'>At Resorts World Cruises, we bring the classic resort experience to you even while at sea. Enjoy elevated experience while you explore all that Southeast Asia has to offer.

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Kid Friendly Guide To The 2023 Woodward Dream Cruise

August 16, 2023

Classic cars, great food, and awesome fun, await you at the Woodward Dream Cruise. Here’s a guide to make sure your little one enjoys it just as much as you!

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to! Here are some great kid friendly Dream Cruise events sure to make your little one excited!

Friday, August 18th

• M1 Concourse 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Friday’s celebration will feature a unique Corvette display in Event Center, Mopar in the Arena, and over 20 different show car classes. There will be an expanded kid’s zone pavilion, food trucks, full-service bars, and live entertainment. Cost: Adults $29, Ages 6-17 $13.30, Kids under 6 are FREE
• Ferndale Dream Cruise 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM -1pm-7pm: Ferndale Emergency Vehicle Show, 5pm: Woodward Dream Cruise Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. 5:30pm: Lights & Sirens Cruise Parade. ALL DAY: The Kids Car Club & Play Zone, Food & Merchant Vendors. 1pm-9pm: Rock’n Live Entertainment Cost: FREE
• Berkley Cruisefest 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Kick off the Woodward Dream Cruise in Downtown Berkley at Cruisefest. The Classic Car Parade begins at 6:30 pm. Kids activities and live music will be happening, too! Cost: FREE

Saturday, August 19th

• Birmingham Cruise 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM The Woodward Dream Cruise will roll into town on Saturday, August 19, 2023 bringing thousands of classic cars and more than one million people from all over the world. Adding to the festivities, the Birmingham Cruise Event will feature classic cars of all makes and models, sponsor exhibits, food and more. Cost: FREE
• Ferndale Dream Cruise 10:00 AM -9:00 PM 10am – 5pm: Mustang Alley. ALL DAY: The Kids Car Club & Play Zone, WDC Merchandise Tent, Food & Merchant Vendors. 11am-9pm: Rock’n Live Entertainment Cost: FREE

Looking for more fun car themed activities? Check out Greenfield Village! Ride in a vintage Model T car. Or catch a bite to eat at Ford’s Garage (multiple locations in the Metro Detroit area)

Photo Credit: Birmingham Shopping District

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Written by Nadia T • Mar 30, 2022 • Leave a Comment

Disney Dream Cruise Ship Things To Know Before You Go

Check out my Disney Dream Review aboard this Disney Cruise ship. Can you imagine letting loose and having minimal responsibilities while you are rocked and swayed to a refreshing ocean current? No need to clean your room, cook food and you can get a small break from your kids while they are having the time of their lives? This is exactly why I LOVE cruising with kids. It is the most relaxing holiday experience that encourages family bonding. You are away from the outside world and you can take time to really focus on each relationship you have within your family. Husband and wife want time alone? Sure! Send the kids to the kids club! One of your kids lacking time with Mom? Take a walk around the ship and explore with them or better yet, go watch a free movie together. You will see a stateroom tour, kids club activities, princess gathering, Anna and Elsa meet and greet, AquaDuck, Pirate Night, fireworks, Castaway Cay and SO much more!

Disney Cruise

We were invited to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration event that included a land and sea adventure. We paid a conference rate to attend. We have traveled to Disney on our own many times and have loved every second of it. All of my opinions in this post are honest.

Disney Dream

We had so much of fun aboard the Disney Dream Disney Cruise Ship. I have  broken up this post into multiple blog posts so that you aren’t overwhelmed by how many pictures I can’t help but share with you. This is a more generalized post of our overall time aboard the wonderful and fun Disney Dream but you will find small tips to make your future Disney Cruise aboard the Disney Dream that much better.

I did a blog post previously on all the Disney Cruise tips I had after going on first Disney Cruise. I will be making another blog post with more fun tips to add!

All the images are clickable so that you can look at a larger version if you like.

I suggest you watch the day 1 video below and then read through the first day’s post.

We loved checking out the ship model as we waited for our name to be called. It was amazing to see how much actually fit onto the Disney Dream.

We waited in a line to meet Captain Mickey Mouse to take our first cruise picture of 2018 together… 20 minutes into the line Mickey Mouse went to take a break and he was switched out with Minnie Mouse. She called us right over and my daughters were elated.

There are two photo opportunities before you board the ship. One is with a character and the second is a posed family picture. You may want to have your camera ready when you get onto the ship. They announce your family name to welcome you onto the Disney Cruise.

As soon as we walked on board we went to the guest services line. I wasn’t able to get tickets online to the Princess Gathering and Anna and Elsa Frozen meet and greet. I was told that there would possibly be tickets available once on board. I am happy to report that I got tickets for both the princess gathering and the frozen meet and greet!! Yay!

Since we boarded the ship early we wanted to have a look at everything before the crowd got in. There are SO many beautiful photo opportunities aboard the ship. The less people on board.. the prettier the pictures!

Adorable Bows from LaBelleBaby

We also checked out all the kids clubs. The It’s A Small World Nursery and Oceaneer’s kids clubs are open for viewing during this time so it is a great way to actually get to see the inside of everything. When the kids clubs are in session then you are not allowed to take pictures inside.

You can see our tour of the Disney Dream stateroom and kids clubs in the video below:

Since we checked in so early, our room wasn’t quite ready yet so we decided to go get some lunch.

The Enchanted Garden

We had lunch at the Enchanted Garden. The food was AMAZING.. It was a full service restaurant meaning you received a menu and placed a food order with your waiter. The food was AMAZING!!! Our first meal aboard the ship set the stage for what would be amazing food on board throughout our entire stay on the Disney Dream. When we went on a previous Disney Cruise, I remember the food being amazing too.

This was lunch:

Disney Social Media Moms Welcome Aboard

I went to the welcome aboard party that was for the DSMMC while the kids had a few minutes to change into their swimming costumes in the room. (Normally, I have my children where swimming costumes under their clothing when we board a cruise so that they could go straight to the pools.)

Here is a video that includes a tour of our stateroom as well as the kids clubs:

There is also a safety drill that ALL ship guests must attend. This familiarizes you with your emergency station. Then we all went straight to the pool deck for the Sail Away Party. The kids had their swimming costumes on under their clothing.

We also hung up our fish extender and cruise door magnets. You can find out more about the last fish extender we did here.

In the evening we had dinner at The Enchanted Garden again but this time we were served different food. The bread rolls and dip were AMAZING and must haves.

This was dinner:

Special Meal Requests

I had made a request about my specific meat requirements and was told that normally, the first night… special meal requests aren’t fulfilled. But they would be from the following night until the end of the cruise. Basically your head waiter will give you tomorrow’s menu and then you will place your order for food the night before. I opted to eat vegetarian for this meal.

The Golden Mickeys

The show tonight was The Golden Mickey’s. Disney Cruise line shows are so magical.

Day 2: Naussau

I had Disney Social Media Moms Celebration meetings during this morning and I knew I’d miss out on breakfast. I ordered the free room service to the room (all you have to pay is tip) and we had a light breakfast in the room. My husband took the girls for the Princess Gathering and Frozen Anna and Elsa Meet and greets.

You can find our Day 2 Cruise Video below:

Since we had recently gone to Nassau during the Harmony of The Seas cruise we went on in August, we opted to stay on the boat. What I love about not going off to see the islands on port days is that the swimming pools and cruise ship itself is much less busy. When we go on a shorter cruise we want to maximize our time onboard as much as we can.

Princess Gathering

The princesses that were there were Belle, Tiana and Cinderella. My kids brought their autograph books with pens so that they could get autographs. However, they had met both Belle and Cinderella a few days before in Disney World.

Anna and Elsa Frozen Meet and Greet

It was so wonderful to watch the girls interact with Anna and Elsa. They stayed true to character. Anna was just as bubbly as always! The kids swam and then went to spend some time in the kids club. You can get more details about this Disney Cruise on board experience here .

Disney Cruise Pool Time!

Yes, I know its clear that I have a hard time choosing pictures but looking at them play, discover and explore brings me so much of joy!

I mean, look at her face… she has a fish ‘spitting’ at her while her face is full of utter delight!

My 4 year old was too short for the AquaDuck… but this slide was perfect. My 8 year old went on it a few times, while my 4 year old probably went about 20 times! The line was short enough and she just loved it!

Lunch: My husband, son and I went to have lunch at The Crystal Palace while the girls played in the kids club. They really enjoyed each and every area.

The Oceaneer’s Club (Kids club) had meals for the girls so they asked to stay for a while and play.

Last night I was going through my Cruise Navigator and saw that there was a special offer for a massage, mini facial and foot rub. I knew it was exactly what I needed to unwind after all that walking in Walt Disney World. I made this reservation when I knew the girls would be at the Kids Club. The massage and whole spa facility was sheer perfection.

Pirate Night

Everyone onboard dresses up as pirates. You can make this as simple as you want or as grand as you want. I opted to have us wear black pants and white shirts. I didn’t have a white shirt for my little one so I had her just wear black. We re-used items that we got at The Pirates League Experience like the bandanas and necklaces. There was also bandanas waiting for us in our stateroom. You can see it on my son and I.

For our previous Disney Cruise we didn’t even dress up on Pirate Night (not everyone does) so the bandanas are the perfect accessory to transform any outfit!

Beauty and the Beast Show

Our show this evening was The Beauty and The Beast Show. I was SO excited about it and I’m happy to share that it was everything I imagined it to be and more. The acting, the special effects and the music was all SO grand! Definitely a great show.

It was also the pirate show and fireworks show! You can see that more clearly in the video. Fireworks while cruising is definitely one of my favorite parts of cruising with Disney.

Day 3: Castaway Cay

You can find the Day 3 Castaway Cay Vlog video below:

We began the day by going for Disney Mermaid Makeovers. I will have a blog post and video dedicated to this experience soon. The girls even got mermaid tales!!

Since there are so many wonderful pictures that I have put this into a separate blog post.

Check out the Castaway Cay post then come back over here.

There are a lot of fun activities and things to do on Castaway Cay.

I hadn’t gone on the AquaDuck yet so as soon as we were back on board that’s where I went. My 4 year old was SO sad that she couldn’t go on the AquaDuck. She didn’t meet the height requirement.

Girls swimming costumes can be found here.

This was our last day on board and I wanted to soak in every minute with my children. We spent a lot of time in the Jacuzzi and Nemo Reef splash play zone.

Afterwards, we tried out the Captain Dress up at The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. I think that this experience though, is more suited to younger children.. (like around 3-7). The captain outfit was gorgeous though!

We had to make sure our bags were packed and placed outside of our room by dinner time for the direct transfer from the cruise to the airport. I loved that we didn’t need to worry about carting our bags all around the ship when we were leaving the ship.

We had dinner at the Animators Palate. My little one was a bit niggly this evening and fell asleep just as our food came to our table. We had the sweetest waiters who put together a few chairs so that she had a little bed to lay on. They also helped cut up food for my other children.

We went to the evening show

Disney Dream Cruise Review

We had the most wonderful time aboard the Disney Dream. There are MULTIPLE activities that I wish we would have had a chance to do. If I could change anything about this trip, it would be to definitely book at least a 5 day cruise. In my opinion a 3 day cruise doesn’t give you enough time to do most of what you want to do onboard.

Things I wish I had time to have done:

• Watch more free Disney movies in the movie theater.
• Check out the miniature golf.
• Try out the buffet’s
• Get to try out the adults only pool area on board
• Had more time to eat some free ice cream!
• Use the Gym.
• Play Bingo onboard.
• Check out the adults only area’s on board.
• Play the  detective game!

I need more. I can’t wait to go on another Disney Cruise. Each person in my family from 4 years old up to 35 enjoyed EVERY single moment of the cruise.

Camera Gear:

• For Video I brought my Canon G7x II
• For Underwater video I used my  GoPro Hero 6 with a wrist strap  – I do not plan to travel to islands or water destinations without a GoPro EVER! It was one of the BEST gadgets!! You need to use a wrist strap to use it on rides, slides, etc.
• Most pictures are taken with my Canon 5D Mark III,  with a Canon 24-70 f2.8L II lens and  Sigma 15mm fish eye lens 
• I also took many pictures with my iPhone X.
• There are a few pictures from the Cruise photographers, you can identify those because they have numbers at the bottom of the picture.

More Disney Posts:

• Disney Cruise Fish extender
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Review And Helpful Tips
• The Pirates League Disney World
• Disney Animal Kingdom Fastpass Tips

More Family Vacation Ideas

• Harmony of the Seas Cruise Review
• Things to do in Dubai with kids

Nadia is a mom of 4, with a passion for making childhood education fun through play. She encourages parents to spend quality time with their kids through fun kids activities and enjoys art, traveling, and doing activities with her children.

View all posts from this author

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, ultimate guide to cruising on the disney dream.

They don’t call it the Disney DREAM for nothin’…

The Disney Dream was the third ship to join the ever-expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet. (Seriously… have you heard that the NEW Disney Destiny was just announced ??) The Disney Dream introduced a new class of ships to the line — the Dream Class, of course! And if it’s YOUR dream to sail on this magical ship, then we hope you’ll join us as we explore everything you and your traveling crew need to know about cruising on the Disney Dream!

Disney Dream Overview

The Disney Dream took its Maiden Voyage with passengers on January 26, 2011. The Disney Fantasy, which followed with its first sailing in 2012, is the sister ship to the Disney Dream.

So, in both its size and structure (with 14 Decks and 1,250 Staterooms) and passenger capacity (a whopping 4,000!), it is similar to the Disney Fantasy. That said, each ship boasts some of their own distinguishing features.

These start right in the ship’s Art deco-inspired Atrium, where a golden statue of Admiral Donald Duck himself welcomes you aboard!

Of course, among additional varied features, the ship’s itineraries differ as well…

Disney Dream Destinations

The Disney Dream primarily offers Bahamian cruises departing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida .

However, the summer of 2024 holds something very unique in store for passengers on the Dream, as the ship is destined for Europe following a Transatlantic voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona ! Sailings over the summer include Mediterranean (including the Greek Isles), British Isles, Western Europe, and Norwegian Fjords (with one sailing including Iceland) cruises.

When the Dream returns stateside, she’ll depart again from Fort Lauderdale to offer Bahamian and Caribbean cruises, and select sailings will include a stop at Disney Cruise Line’s NEW island destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point (and, of course, Disney Cruise Line’s beloved Castaway Cay )!

Check out Disney Cruise Line’s itineraries for Summer 2025 here!

Disney dream entertainment.

Unique Disney Cruise Line entertainment kicks things off RIGHT AWAY as your cruise starts with a Sailing Away Deck Party!

When I say “unique” that’s because the pals joining you in the entertainment throughout the voyage are none other than Disney characters!

Select sailings also present Disney Cruise Line’s famous Pirate Night (complete with FIREWORKS at sea!). And don’t forget: your CREW is invited to don all the Pirate-y garb you can pack in yer suitcase, matey!

When it comes to entertainment options, Disney Cruise Line is best known for its Broadway-style productions — presented in the Walt Disney Theatre — that tie in characters, beloved stories, and treasured music from the Disney films.

The three shows that guests can enjoy on the Disney Dream are Beauty and the Beast , The Golden Mickeys, and Disney’s Believe.

Currently exclusive to the Disney Dream, Beauty and the Beast brings the “Tale As Old As Time” to you live on stage!

In addition to seeing the characters and hearing the songs you already know and love from the animated film, this production also includes two new pieces written by Alan Menken and Tim Rice from the live-action film.

While Beauty and the Beast puts the focus on one Disney film, Disney’s Believe and The Golden Mickeys bring together oodles and oodles of Disney stories, characters, and signature songs!  In Disney’s Believe , which Disney shares is a “spellbinding musical about a workaholic father who reconnects with his daughter through a little Disney magic,” you’ll see familiar friends from Peter Pan, Aladdin, Cinderella, The Lion King , and The Princess and the Frog.

The Golden Mickeys is “a dazzling tribute to the enchanting movies of Walt Disney” (and it includes a red carpet pre-show!). Featured Disney films include — but aren’t limited to — Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Mulan, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Toy Story 2.

P.S. You can pay a visit to Preludes before the show to pick up some popcorn (or perhaps a cocktail) to enjoy in the theatre!

Disney Dream Water Features

Passengers of all ages can make a BIG SPLASH on Deck 11 (and even a bit higher…) of the Disney Dream! Let’s start with that part that’s “a bit higher…”

We’re talking about the Aqua Duck , the water coaster that made its debut on the Dream!

To ride, guests enter on Deck 12. From here? As the Disney Cruise Line website shares, you’ll take a 2-person raft on “a wet and wild journey up, down, around and off the side of the ship, through the Forward Funnel—on a daredevil 4-deck drop.”

Be aware, though, that there is a height requirement of 42 inches or taller to ride (and single riders must be at least 54 inches).

Water areas for all ages include Donald’s Pool on Deck 11, as well as a wading pool on Deck 12.

Specifically for the kiddos is Mickey’s Pool , and Nemo’s Reef in particular is a splash area for those 8 and under.

Mickeys Slide , however, can be enjoyed by passengers ages 4 to 14.

The Quiet Cove Pool is reserved for guests over 18 years of age only, as is the Satellite Falls wading pool, complete with a cooling rain curtain. In the same area, adult guests can enjoy a cocktail at the Currents pool bar (the Waves bar is another option), or step inside the Cove Café for a specialty coffee.

Disney Dream Staterooms

The Disney Dream offers four categories of staterooms: Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge. Many of the rooms feature Disney’s innovative split bathroom which allows more guests in a cabin the chance to get ready at one time.

While each category boasts amenities such as premium mattresses and linens, a 22″ LCD flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and a surprising amount of storage space, there are many more details to explore among the varying categories, so we’ve dedicated a page to those options here .

Looking for ALL the Stateroom details for the Disney Dream? Click HERE!

Disney dream dining.

As with all the other ships in the fleet, the Disney Dream presents a wide array of options, starting with a Disney Cruise Line signature: Rotational Dining!

Rotational Dining means that guests have the chance to enjoy dinner at ALL THREE of the ships main dining rooms, each with their own theme and specialty menus on select nights. The best part is that, as you move to a different restaurant each evening, so do your servers! They “rotate” right along with you so they can get to know your group’s dining preferences.

The three Rotational Dining restaurants on the Disney Dream are Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden , and Royal Palace.

Animator’s Palate is an innovative restaurant where the show is drawings coming to life on screens all around you. Undersea Magic immerses diners in the world of  Finding Nemo .

Dinner at the Royal Palace features French and continental cuisine in the opulence of the classic Disney fairytales Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty and Beauty and the Beast.

At Enchanted Garden, guests enjoy their meal as the restaurant changes as flowers bloom and the “sky” fades from day to night.

Be aware that Royal Palace and Enchanted Garden may also serve breakfast and lunch during a sailing, offering guests a full service option if they prefer not to dine buffet or quick service style.

A number of options are available throughout the day, as well. Cabanas hosts a massive buffet for both breakfast and lunch. Help yourself!

Also on Deck 11, several Quick Service options serve classics like burgers, hot dogs, chicken strips and fries, pizza, and healthier fare like salads and sandwiches. These are all available at Flo’s Cafe , which is divided into three different stations: Luigi’s Pizza, Tow Mater’s Grill, and Fillmore’s Favorites.

P.S. Don’t forget to follow up any and all of that with some soft-serve ice cream at Eye Scream Treats!

Additional treats — including scoops from a Gelato Bar —  are available for extra purchase at Vanellope’s Sweets & Treats , a charming spot themed to Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph .

And did you know that ROOM SERVICE is available for breakfast or snacks 24 HOURS A DAY??  The vast majority of items are INCLUDED in the cruise price!

Disney Dream Adult Spaces

In addition to the Quiet Cove mentioned earlier, the Disney Dream offers more areas reserved just for grown-ups. These include the fine dining restaurant, Palo , which may be booked for dinner for an additional charge per adult.

Additionally, the famous Palo Brunch is available for booking during sea days! This option is incredibly popular, so advance booking through your Disney Cruise Line account is recommended.

Be aware, as well, that Palo does have a dress code. The Disney Cruise Line website states: “Formal or semi-formal attire is recommended. Also permitted is dress-casual attire with a polished look, such as dress pants, jeans in good condition, collared shirts, dressy tops and lifestyle shoes. For brunch at Palo and Palo Steakhouse, dress shorts are acceptable. Clothing such as T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire are not permitted.”

The Disney Dream is also home to Remy, another adults only option that adheres to a slightly more strict dress code than Palo: Jackets for men (or collared shirt for brunch) are required and no jeans, shorts, capri pants, sneakers, or open toed shoes.

The cuisine is exceptional French fare and reservations are required.

By the way, before or after your special meal, you might stop at Meridian , a lounge overlooking the back of the ship!

Ready to relax with a drink, or maybe even do a little dancing? Adults can pay a visit to The District , featuring several lounges, each with their own distinct style and atmosphere. District Lounge , for instance, is a relaxing piano bar, while Evolution presents late-night entertainment like dancing, games, karaoke, and comedy shows.

Pink is a Wine and Champagne Bar, while Skyline Lounge immerses you in a “sleek sky bar” boasting views of some of the world’s most iconic skylines!

Meanwhile, sports fans can catch a game at Pub 687. 

Adults might also opt to participate in a Mixology Class or Beverage Tasting Seminar for an extra fee. Featured liqueur and cocktail options include — but aren’t limited to — rum, tequila and margaritas, whiskey, champagne tastings, and more!

Advance booking is highly recommended for these fun and VERY popular opportunities!

The Senses Spa & Salon offers a wide array of services and treatments. (And the Rainforest Room provides an especially relaxing oasis!) Select experiences are available for pre-booking, and you can stop by Senses to inquire about prices for the Rainforest Room and other treatments during your cruise. And the Fitness Center offers workout machines and classes.

And though this is not limited to adults, keep in mind that if you’d like to get a jog or two in, Deck 4 hosts a walking track!

Disney Dream Kids Clubs and Experiences

But what about the kids? Oh, don’t you worry… there are specific areas on the ship dedicated to children, offering experiences tailored for ages from infants to teens!

The It’s a Small World Nursery is available for ages 6 months to 3 years old (save for the Transatlantic cruise, during which the nursery welcomes ages 1 to 3 years old).

Be aware that the Disney Cruise Line website states that “Reservations can be made on a first-come, first-served basis during the open house on Embarkation Day or anytime throughout your cruise. Childcare at “it’s a small world” nursery! is available at an additional fee.” Disney also emphasizes that space is limited.

Meanwhile, Disney’s Oceaneer Club AND Disney’s Oceaneer Lab are available for children ages 3 to 10. The Oceaneer Lab specializes in learning while having FUN!

The Oceaneer Club features activities such as character experiences, storytime, and play areas. (There are also specific guided activities for the littlest ones, ages 3 and 4.)

On the Dream, the Oceaneer Club features the following playful spaces: Andy’s Room (that’s Andy from Toy Story ), the Disney Infinity Game Room, Pixie Hollow , and Star Wars : Millennium Falcon.

Keep in mind that Youth Activities counselors are present at all times in these spaces. Parents will want to know that spaces for your child can be pre-registered via your Disney Cruise Line account, and registration may also take place onboard the ship.

Tweens (ages 11 to 14) can gather at the Edge to hang out, watch movies, play games and make friends during group activities with fun Disney counselors and more. And you want to know something really cool? Edge is located in the ship’s Forward Funnel on Deck 13!

Vibe offers cruisers ages 14 to 17 similar activities geared to their age group, or simply a place to chill. It even boasts its own sun deck on the Dream.

We’ve got one more thing to mention, though it’s not a club, per se. For an extra fee, your little Prince or Princess age 3 to 12 can get a makeover at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique .

Disney Princess, knight, and sea captain-themed packages are available… and there’s an exclusive makeover for Pirate Party Nights!

But we’re STILL not done… because children ages 3-12 can partake in a special tea party with Disney characters. Children get gifts including a jewelry box, tiara, bracelet, necklace, a Cinderella doll, and autograph book. Alternatively they can opt for a package including a cinch bag, sword, shield, pins, Duffy plush, and autograph book. The Disney Cruise Line site will have pricing information available when you book via your Disney Cruise Line account in advance.

Disney Dream Activities

Still want MORE to do 😉 ? That’s good, because the Disney Dream has GOT MORE! D Lounge, for example, is the place to be for family fun with events like game shows and trivia, dance parties,  and more.

Catch a movie on the big screen at the Buena Vista Theatre ! You might choose to watch a Disney animated classic, or maybe a Star Wars or Marvel flick. You never know… your sailing just might feature a first-run Disney feature film at sea! “Funnel Vision” on the pool deck shows movies on the big screen, too.

You can find basketball courts and ping-pong tables on Goofy’s Sports Deck. (My personal favorite option here? It’s 9-hole MINI GOLF!)

Want to explore all sorts of areas on the ship while SOLVING A MYSTERY, to boot? Then get ready to play Midship Detective Agency.  You and your fellow detectives will interact with “enchanted art” in locations all over the ship to gather clues and crack a case wide open! In fact, there are 3 cases to solve (including, but not limited to a MUPPETS-themed caper), so you can play several times — on your own or with your crew — if you like!

And let’s not forget that throughout your cruise, you can meet, hug, get autographs from and pose for pictures with your favorite DISNEY PALS!

Sailing with you are the Fab Five (that’s Mickey and the gang), Disney Princesses, friends from Frozen , and more! Be aware that, while all Character Greetings are included with your cruise, select Greeting times may require advance booking.

Seasonal Sailings

Depending on the time of year, you may find that a special seasonal cruise is in store! For instance, select sailings on the Dream offer a Marvel Day at Sea !

And all ships in the fleet present Halloween on the High Seas in September and October, while Very Merrytime Cruises sail in November and December.

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

Whew! As you can tell, there’s a LOT happening on the Disney Dream! To keep track of what’s happening when and where, be sure to download the free Disney Cruise Line Navigator app before your cruise.

This is where you can easily find ALL of the activities mentioned throughout this post, book select experiences, check out menus for the ship’s dining locations, and MUCH more!

Join the AllEars.net Newsletter  to get the free list of 50 tips for going on a Disney Cruise! Click here to get started!

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Disney Dream Kids Activities: Fun Onboard Entertainment

Updated on Nov 5, 2023 by Seng . This post may contain affiliate links, please see our policy for details.

Discover a fun world by exploring the Disney Dream kids activities on a ship designed for families with kids of all ages. With its renowned Disney-themed entertainment and top-notch service, the Disney Dream provides a variety of fun activities for its young passengers. From the exhilarating AquaDuck water slide to interactive play areas like Disney's Oceaneer Lab and character meet-and-greets, there's no shortage of excitement. Kids can also enjoy scavenger hunts, dance parties, and youth clubs, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for children of all ages on their sea voyage.

Table of Contents

I want to share with you what you can expect as I share our very own experiences from our family with four kids. Renowned for its unparalleled family-friendly atmosphere, the Disney Dream ship offers a treasure trove amazing fun. From exciting water slides to enchanting character experiences, the Disney Dream is the perfect setting for an unforgettable family vacation.

Disney Dream Overview

The Disney Cruise Line ships stand out in the world of cruising. Known for exceptional customer service and meticulous attention to detail, it's an ideal choice for families, much like its peers, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises. Although it's a premium experience, the myriad of offerings on specifically the Disney Dream make it well worth it. If you want to check out some of the upcoming itineraries, check out this page that lists where the Disney Dream is now as well as in the next two years.

Free Activities with Kids

Sail away party.

The adventure on the Disney Dream kicks off on embarkation day with the exhilarating Sail Away party, a high-energy event featuring lively performances and a festive countdown as the ship departs. On deck, families gather to dance and celebrate, with kids and adults alike enjoying live entertainment and the chance to dance alongside beloved Disney characters onstage. This vibrant celebration sets the tone for an unforgettable journey, marking the beginning of a sea of magical experiences. Sometimes, the cast members (e.g., the ship crew) will do a little train dance with the kids. Mickey and Minnie definitely make an appearance on stage.

Personal Take: Make sure that you get there early to get a spot near the stage or at the balcony level so your kids will be able to see the stage.

The AquaDuck on the Disney Dream is a standout attraction, offering a unique water coaster experience at sea. This exhilarating ride, stretching 765 feet in length, winds around the ship's upper decks, providing breathtaking ocean views. Riders embark on a thrilling journey in a two-person raft, navigating through twists and turns, and even soaring through a transparent acrylic tube that extends over the edge of the ship.

With its gentle drops and curves, the AquaDuck is suitable for both adults and children, although there is a 42-inch height requirement to ensure safety. The excitement peaks as the raft glides out 13 feet off the ship's side, hovering 150 feet above the ocean's surface. The queue for the AquaDuck can attract quite a crowd, especially on sunny days, but the experience is well worth the wait. This unique water ride is a highlight for many aboard the Disney Dream, adding an extra splash of adventure to the cruising experience.

Person Take: Our kids absolutely loved this. The lines were long during sail days, but much shorter earlier in the morning or late in the evening. I would recommend planning the time accordingly.

Character Meets

The Disney Dream offers an enchanting character experience that is a must for any Disney fan, although be prepared for lines. It's wise to arrive early, as popular characters attract a crowd and there are often line enders who indicate when the queue will close.

To capture these special moments, bring along an autograph book and a pen, or for something unique, a fabric pen and a pillowcase for characters to sign. While some character meet-and-greet spots are equipped with professional photographers, others are not. However, these photographers are usually happy to use your camera for a personal snapshot. To efficiently plan your day and meet your favorite Disney characters, make use of the Personal Navigator. It provides a schedule of appearances each morning, helping you prioritize which lines to join for a memorable encounter with beloved Disney personalities.

Personal Take : The character meet lines do take up a lot of time, so make sure you pick and choose which ones you go to so you can spend more time exploring the ship.

Pirate Night

Pirate Night is a spectacular themed event that immerses guests in a world of swashbuckling fun and adventure. The night comes alive with a variety of pirate-themed activities, engaging both kids and adults in an unforgettable experience. A highlight of the evening is the live band that plays rousing pirate tunes, setting the mood for a night of high-seas excitement.

As the evening culminates, guests are treated to a dazzling fireworks display, a rare sight at sea and a signature Disney touch. To get the best view of these spectacular fireworks, it's advisable to stand on the starboard side of the ship.

This vibrant celebration, complete with entertainment, music, and pyrotechnics, makes Pirate Night on the Disney Dream a memorable experience for all who partake.

Personal Take : If you do decide to do Pirate's League, make sure you plan the makeover the evening of Pirate Night so you can go to dinner and fireworks dressed in full as a pirate. Also, Jack Sparrow always shows up for a photo op, so make sure you get a photo! We missed it.

Kids' Club: Nursery, Oceaneer's Club, Edge, Vibe

The Disney Dream offers an exceptional array of Kids' Clubs, catering to various age groups, ensuring that children of all ages have a memorable and engaging experience. For the youngest cruisers, ages 6 months to 3 years, there's the "It's a Small World Nursery," a safe and nurturing environment where toddlers can play under the careful supervision of experienced staff. "Disney's Oceaneer Club" and "Disney's Oceaneer Lab" are designed for children aged 3 to 12 years, offering a wonderland of interactive activities, games, and themed play areas inspired by Disney stories and characters. Within these clubs, kids can partake in hands-on experiments, arts and crafts, and even meet some of their favorite Disney characters.

Teens aren't left out either; "Edge," for those aged 11 to 14, provides a cool lounge where tweens can hang out, play games, and participate in special activities. For older teens, aged 14 to 17, "Vibe" offers a trendy space to socialize, watch movies, or enjoy a variety of teen-focused activities. Each club is meticulously designed to cater to the interests and developmental stages of its age group, making the Disney Dream an ideal place for kids to explore, learn, and make new friends while on their cruise adventure.

Personal Take: Our kids absolutely loved the Oceaneer's Club because they were able to see characters, do art, and have fun with other kids. It also gave my husband and I time to explore the Disney Dream together.

Pools and Hot Tubs

The ship's pool deck features areas for all ages, from the bustling Mickey's Pool with its spiral slide to the tranquil Quiet Cove for adults. Donald's Pool provides a great spot for family fun, with a giant LED screen enhancing the experience. All the pools can be found here , including information on Nemo's Reef which is a splash area for little toddlers.

Personal Take: We loved watching movies in the pool on the Disney Dream!

Broadway-Caliber Shows

Guests are treated to shows that are a true highlight of the cruising experience. These spectacular performances, held in the lavish Walt Disney Theatre, showcase Disney's knack for storytelling and stagecraft. Current shows can be found here for the Disney Dream .

Each show is a visual feast, featuring stunning costumes, elaborate sets, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound. Guests can enjoy a variety of shows, including adaptations of classic Disney tales and original productions exclusive to the Disney Cruise Line. The performances often include beloved Disney songs and characters, bringing the magic of Disney to life in an intimate, sea-going setting. For many passengers, these shows are a not-to-be-missed part of the Disney Dream experience, offering family-friendly entertainment each evening of the cruise.

Personal Take : We saw Beauty and the Beast. I've seen it on actual Broadway prior, and I can say it is just as great on the ship!

Royal Princess Gathering

The Royal Princess Gathering on the Disney Dream is a dream-come-true event for those who adore Disney's princesses. This enchanting experience allows guests to meet and interact with a selection of beloved Disney princesses in a single, regal setting.

Although this magical opportunity is free, it is immensely popular, leading to limited availability. To ensure a spot at this coveted event, working with a travel agent can be incredibly beneficial.

They can assist in navigating the booking process and securing a time slot that fits seamlessly into your cruise itinerary. Due to the high demand, it's essential to book as early as possible, as spaces fill up quickly. The Royal Princess Gathering is a not-to-be-missed experience for fans of Disney's royal characters, offering a special moment of magic that will be cherished long after the cruise has ended.

Personal Take: Our travel agent took care of the booking for us, but we wished that we had planned the princess gathering on a different day so the girls didn't have a princess makeover before pirate night.

Watching movies on the Disney Dream offers a unique cinematic experience, blending the magic of Disney with the thrill of cruising. While some might hesitate to spend precious vacation time in a theater, the Disney Dream provides a compelling reason to do so: the opportunity to watch the latest Disney releases at sea, often concurrently with their theatrical release. These screenings, offered free of charge to all passengers, take place in the ship's state-of-the-art theater, providing a full cinematic experience. For those looking to enhance their movie-watching, popcorn and drinks are available for purchase, adding to the ambiance of a night at the movies. This feature is especially appealing for families looking to enjoy the latest Disney blockbusters together. It's a perfect way to relax and unwind after a day full of activities, offering entertainment that's both convenient and captivating.

Personal Take: When the kids were all under 7, I would not recommend this. However, I would recommend it if you have a mix between 6 and 12 due to their attention spans.

Sports Deck and Promenade

On Deck 13, families can engage in sports or play mini-golf in Goofy's quirky style. For a more relaxed pace, the promenade on Deck 4 offers a nostalgic setting with wooden loungers and shuffleboard.

Personal Take: We didn't spend a lot of time here because we had only 4 days to explore.

Rotational Dining Entertainment

Dinner is not just about the food, but also about the entertainment, thanks to its unique rotational dining system. This system allows guests to rotate among three distinctly themed restaurants, each offering a different dining experience and atmosphere. At Animator's Palate, diners are treated to a show where the walls come alive with colors and characters, creating an interactive animation experience that delights both young and old. Enchanted Garden offers a more serene experience, with a décor that transforms from day to night, but doesn't feature a show akin to Animator's Palate.

Royal Palace, the third option, provides an elegant dining setting inspired by Disney classics, though it also doesn't host a specific show during mealtime. While not every restaurant features a performance, the unique themes and settings of each provide their own form of entertainment. This rotational dining ensures that each meal on the Disney Dream is a special event, adding an extra layer of excitement to the cruise experience.

Frozen Experience

The Disney Dream offers a delightful Frozen experience that captivates fans of Elsa and Anna, bringing the beloved story to life at sea. Guests have the chance to immerse themselves in the world of Arendelle through a special meet-and-greet session with Elsa and Anna. This magical encounter allows children and adults alike to interact with their favorite characters, take photos, and even share a warm hug. The Frozen experience often includes a live performance featuring songs from the movie, allowing guests to sing along with Elsa and Anna. These moments are beautifully crafted, complete with stunning costumes and enchanting backdrops, making you feel as if you've stepped right into the movie. Additionally, the ship's décor and activities during this experience are themed around the icy world of Frozen, enhancing the overall atmosphere. This exclusive Frozen experience on the Disney Dream is a cherished highlight for many, creating unforgettable memories with the beloved sisters from Arendelle. (Checkout our Disney Wish review for more details on how this cruise ship has a whole dining service with Elsa and Anna front and center with Olaf!)

Animal Towels

Paid Activities with Kids

Bibbidi bobbidi boutique - princess makeover.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique aboard the Disney Dream offers a whimsical experience, where children are transformed into princesses or captains. The makeover includes a simple yet elegant hair styling, typically a bun or half bun adorned with a crown and a sprinkle of glitter for that extra sparkle.

To make the most of this experience without overspending, consider purchasing costumes online beforehand and bringing them along. The true value lies in the magical transformation process. Securing an appointment can be challenging due to high demand, so advance planning is essential. For an added touch of enchantment, schedule the makeover just before the Royal Princess Gathering event, creating a perfectly timed, memorable experience for your little ones.

Personal Take: Girls absolutely loved this!

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique - Pirate's League Makeover

On select nights, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique aboard the Disney Dream undergoes a swashbuckling transformation, offering pirate makeovers for young adventurers in the Pirates League. This special experience aligns with the ship's Pirate Night, allowing children to fully immerse themselves in the theme. Kids can choose from a variety of pirate styles, complete with temporary tattoos, eye patches, and bandanas, turning them into fearsome pirates of the high seas. The makeover also includes hair styling and makeup to match their pirate persona. The boutique's transformation into a pirate haven adds to the excitement, setting the stage for an evening of buccaneer fun. It's a popular attraction, so booking in advance is recommended to ensure your little pirates can join in on the adventure.

Personal Take: My son was delirious and tired (ready for a nap) so he was half asleep during the makeover, but I would do it again in a heart beat. He's 9 now, and at the time he was 6. So if you want this memory, that's how much time you have until they say no 🙂

Fish Extenders

Fish extenders on the Disney Dream represent a unique and unofficial tradition among passengers, enhancing the sense of community and fun during the cruise. These are small, multi-pocketed fabric hangings that guests place outside their staterooms, on the "fish-shaped" hooks used for delivering messages. While not officially sanctioned by Disney, this passenger-initiated activity involves exchanging small gifts and surprises with other participants.

To take part, cruisers often join groups on Facebook where they can connect with others on the same voyage and organize their fish extender exchanges. These groups provide a platform for coordinating gift exchanges, sharing ideas, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among travelers. Participating in the fish extender activity adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the Disney Dream experience, allowing guests to create lasting memories and friendships during their sea adventure.

Personal Take : This takes a lot of planning, takes up a lot of luggage space, but the kids faces are priceless when they see their loot.

Is Disney Dream Kid Friendly?

Absolutely! The Disney Dream excels in catering to children of all ages. With characters popping up everywhere, dedicated kids' spas, and special amenities for the youngest cruisers, it's a child's paradise. Parents can rest easy knowing that their little ones are not just entertained but also cared for, with facilities like the Small World Nursery and Pixie Hollow play area.

A Disney Cruise LIne Vacation is more than just a cruise; it's a world of fantasy and fun rolled into one giant floating playground. From water slides and dance floors to board games and dance parties, it offers something for everyone in the family.

Disney Dream ensures that every moment is filled with magic and joy, making it the perfect place for creating new memories with your favorite characters and new friends. So, step aboard and let your Disney dream vacation begin!

Disney Dream Inspiration

• Disney Dream Cruise Ship
• Disney Dream Expectations vs Reality
• Honest Review of the Disney Dream Unbiased
• Connecting Verandah's on the Disney Dream
• Symphony of the Seas vs Disney Dream Cruise Ship
• Disney World and Disney Cruise Packing Tips
• Disney Dream Kids Activities

Disclosures

Book your next vacation, more uncategorized.

• 11 Awesome Tips for Visiting Kaleidoscope (Hallmark) in Kansas City

What Parents Need to Know About the Disney Dream Kid’s Club

Are you planning a Disney Cruise vacation? My kids loved the Disney Dream Kids Club and we are sharing all the things parents need to know about the Disney Cruise kids clubs.

The Disney Cruise Kid’s Clubs are amazing youth clubs for kids of all ages aboard the Disney Cruise line ships.

If you are taking a Disney Cruise line vacation aboard any of the Disney ships, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, and Disney Wish , expect to find special kid friendly areas divided by age group.

We spent time on the Disney Dream and although there are so many great activities on the Disney Dream for families, Disney’s Oceaneer Club was one of our favorites.

The Disney Cruise lines do an amazing job at creating different areas themed to your favorite characters as well as incorporating all things Disney into the activities.

From the littlest kids to the tweens and teens, the kids club on a Disney Cruise have something for everyone.

As a mom I had a lot of questions about the kid’s clubs. I was concerned about the safety of my kids and if they would even enjoy it.

I did a lot of research and was happy to discover how much I really enjoyed the Disney Dream Kids Club as an option aboard the Disney Dream.

All About the Disney Dream Kids Clubs

The Disney Dream Kids Club includes “it’s a Small World” nursery, the Disney’s Oceaneer Club, Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Edge and Vibe. Each area is age specific and tailored to meet the needs of the kids.

Disney Cruise Kids Club Ages

To visit each of the clubs kids must be within the required years of age for that specific spot.

• “it’s a Small World” nursery (Ages 6 months to 3 years) This is the only kids club on the Disney Cruise not included with your price of the cruise. You must make reservations and there is an hourly rate. Learn more here .
• Oceaneer Club & Oceaneer Lab (Ages 3-12) The Oceaneer Club and Lab are connected to each other but at times during the cruise one, or the other, may be closed. This is included in your cruise.
• Edge (Ages 11-14) Edge is great for tweens and at this age they can visit the Oceaneer Club and participate in the Edge activities.
• Vibe (Ages 14-17) Vibe is a teen only area that even has their own pool!

All About “it’s a Small World” Nursery on the Disney Dream

Even though “it’s a Small World” nursery on the Disney Dream is not included in your cruise cost, you may want to make reservations for a special parents night out.

The Disney counselors are trained to work with young children and there are cribs for nap time.

Disney Dream Kids Club: Disney Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab

The Disney Dream kids club for ages 3-12 is called the Oceaneer Club & Oceaneer Lab. It is an amazing and immersive play and activity center.

The Oceanner Club and Oceaneer Lab are for children in the age group of 3 through 12. Each ship has a slightly different set up and activities. We cruised on the Disney Dream and the kids club was one of our favorite things!

The Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab do not have many difference except for the theme. There are board games, video games, planned games by the cast members, dance floor, and many more activities.

During our stay there were times when the Oceaneer Club had open house hours and the Oceaneer Lab was open for drop off.

Open house hours are when parents can tour the clubs. During those times you do not check your child in. You can explore the areas together.

Typically on embarkation day there is an open house at the kids club where the parents can walk through the clubs with their children. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the area.

On the Disney Dream you receive a daily activity sheet called the Navigator. The Navigator tells you what time and where activities will be taking place.

My kids loved looking over the schedule each night to see what they wanted to participate in the next day. Most days the hours of the club started at 9:00am and went until 12:00am.

They will also serve your kids lunch or dinner if you want to plan an adult only meal.

My kids participated in making Flubber, Game Challenges, and a game of Gaga Ball. They also played on their own. On the Disney Dream the themed spaces are so cool.

Each Disney cruise kids club has different themeing. The themed areas on the Disney Dream are:

• Andy’s Room: Colorful play area themed to Toy Story
• Pixie Hollow: Tinker Bell themed area with craft and art stations.
• Disney Infinity Game Room: Video game area featuring Disney themed games.
• Star Wars Millennium Falcon: Arts and crafts, design a starship, pilot the ship.
• Character meet and greets and special activities happen continuously throughout kids club.
• The Oceaneer Lab has daily science experiments and special activities and games.

The kids liked the Disney Infinity game room, the Milennium Falcon, and the Oceaneer Lab for hands-on activities.

Disney Cruise Tween Club: Edge

This was our first year having a child that could go in the Disney Cruise Tween club. My daughter could visit Edge and the Oceaneer Club.

Kids going to Edge can check themselves in and out of the club, which we approved. Edge does not have a sign-in/sign-out procedure. The kids can come and go as they want.

There are a couple ways to contact your kids when they are at Edge. If they have their own device, have them upload the Disney Cruise Line app before you board the ship.

There is a chat that you can do on the app to stay in contact.

There are also wave phones in your room. These “cell” phones can be used on the ship only. They are a bit bulky but a good option to communicate if you don’t have access to your own electronics.

They can also contact you by calling your stateroom phone from Edge. My daughter really enjoyed all the activities at Edge and they did a great job creating fun activities for the kids.

Some of her favorites were gaga ball, crafts, and other games.

All About Disney Cruise Teen Club: Vibe

Vibe is the Disney Cruise teen club and has the same sign-in/sign-out privileges at Edge. They also have their own pool and lounge.

There are counselors on hand for questions and to help lead group activities.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Disney Dream Kids Club

Is the oceaneer club safe for my family.

As a parent my biggest concern was for my kids safety when they visited the Disney Dream kids clubs.

I knew the entertainment would be incredible and that they would love it, but I wasn’t sure how I would feel about dropping the kids off.

I was really happy to discover that safety was a top concern. The Oceaneer Club and Lab make your kids safety a priority by:

• No adults are allowed in the club except during open house hours and when picking up your child.
• Each child is fitted with a magic band that is kept on them through the duration of the cruise. They use a clip to secure the band.
• This band is scanned and has a picture of your child and the adults that have permission to pick them up or drop them off.
• You will set up a secret word that will be used to pick up your kids and take them out of the club. This is a word that only you and the adults responsible for your kids should know.
• Each band is also equipped with GPS on the ship. At pick-up they will tell you exactly where the kids are playing inside the club. This is also great if for any reason you get separated while on the cruise ship.

How Do They Keep the Oceaneer Club Clean?

The hand washing process was part of the fun when you enter the Oceaneer Club. Each person(kids & adults) who enter the Oceaneer Club or Lab must stop at the hand washing station.

You can use a hand sanitizing wipe or put your hands in the hand washing machine.

It might seem like a little too much excitement to talk about a hand washing machine, but it was impressive.

It is like a 12 second mini-spa for your hands and it was always my kids choice for hand washing as we entered and exited the clubs.

What do the Kids Love about the Oceaneer Club?

There is so much for the kids to love about the Oceaneer Club. It is designed for kids and has so many different activities to keep them entertained.

The cast members that work with your kids are fun and keep them busy during their stay. My kids really enjoyed playing Disney Infinity and the group games led by the cast members.

Do we need to pay for the Disney Cruise Kids Club

No the kids club on the Disney Cruise is included in your vacation package with the exception of the nursery that requires payment.

Parents also need to pre-register for the kids club before you leave for the cruise or on the day you board. Sign in to your reservation to register.

Disney Kids Club on Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is the Disney Cruise Line’s private island that you visit during a Caribbean cruise. The best part is the kids club comes with you onto the island offering fun activities for the kids.

Learn more about Castaway Cay and What We Regretted on Our Visit .

What Parents Need to Know?

The one thing I wish I would have known about the Disney Dream kids club is that my kids would want to spend so much time there.

This was tough for me because we couldn’t participate with the kids during their time other then during the open house hours.

My husband and I did enjoy a lunch date while the kids played, but we were excited to do more stuff as a family.

As a family you should decide what works best for you. Do you want to have adult-only meals? Are you going to visit the adult-only pools and activities?

What activities do your kids want to participate in? Spend time as a family deciding what works best for all of you and plan your day based on that.

Overall I was pleasantly surprised with how much we all enjoyed the Disney Cruise kids clubs. I knew my kids would love it, but my concern of safety was my first priority.

I was very happy that I felt comfortable knowing my kids were safe and having an amazing time at the Disney Dream Kids Clubs.

Read Next: Is a Disney Cruise Worth It? (Disney Cruise Pros and Cons)

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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester , Undercover Tourist , and Home Publications . She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road .

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2 thoughts on “What Parents Need to Know About the Disney Dream Kid’s Club”

we are cruising soon (not disney) and this morning we were watching videos about our ship! i love finding posts like these to research what i want to know about a ship!

We love watching videos and researching before we visit. It creates excitement for the trip and helps us stay prepared!

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Think You’ll Be Bored On A Disney Cruise? This List of Disney Dream Family Activities Will Change Your Mind

I never dreamed I would go on a cruise. I like an active vacation and thought I would be bored on a cruise ship. However, our Disney Dream cruises provided us more activities and fun than I ever imagined. There are so many Disney Dream family activities it is impossible to do them all (if you plan on sleeping). Here is a comprehensive list all of the options that were available on our Disney Cruises and specific tips for the ones we did.

Disney Dream Family Activities We Did

Sail away party.

The Sail Away Party is one of the very first events on your Disney cruise. Just before the ship leaves the dock, Mickey and friends put on a welcome show. The sail away party is a fun start to your cruise and gets everyone excited about the trip ahead.

Pirates League

Starting in the afternoon of Pirate Night, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is transformed into the Pirates League. This allows your budding pirate the chance to be transformed into a true scalawag. The Pirate League is for girls and boys ages 3 years and older with no upper age limit.

The boys can choose from 3 different make up options with varying guy-liner and facial hair. Girls have one pirate princess option.

Some packages are makeup and accessories only; others add a costume for an additional charge. We already had super cute pirate costumes for Elizabeth, so she opted for just makeup and accessories each trip.

A pirate makeover at Pirates League is one of Elizabeth’s favorite things about our Bahamian Disney Cruises.

Pirate Night

Pirate night occurs on one special evening during Disney Cruises in the Caribbean (get it… Pirates in the Caribbean?!). Pirate Night is an event people really get into and after our first Pirate Night I understood why.

Here’s more information on Disney Cruise Pirate Night activities and tips for a fun evening.

Adults and kids are allowed to dress up in their best pirate attire on Pirate Night. Lots of families get completely decked out in pirate costumes or do Disney bounding inspired outfits. Each person in your stateroom will receive a Mickey pirate bandanna for optional use during the night’s activities. Elizabeth dressed up and did Pirates League while I opted for a more pirate inspired look than true costume.

Pirate Night Shows

There are two different pirate stage shows on Pirate Night. Pirates In The Caribbean is the first show of the night. This stage show features Mickey training his new crew, which is you, in pirate etiquette. Captain Hook and Smee try to take control of the ship, but Mickey prevails.

The second show starts after second dinner seating and features Captain Jack Sparrow with some other fun pirates sharing silly songs. Although this show is entertaining, I think the Pirates In The Caribbean Show is better overall. 

Buccaneer Blast Fireworks

Fireworks are set off over the ocean in this event that takes place after the second pirate show. We skipped the fireworks the first time, but made sure to see them on subsequent cruises. The fireworks over the ocean are beautiful and worth staying up to see them if your kids can manage.

Club Pirate

After Buccaneer Blast Fireworks a DJ plays family friendly dance music in front of the Funnel Vision stage. Dancing and having fun at Club Pirate is a nice way to finish off Disney Cruise Pirate Night. If dancing works up your appetite then head to Cabanas for a late night pirate buffet.

Kids Club Open House

I thought the kids clubs were for kids only throughout the cruise. However, there are various times that the Oceaneer Club is available for family open house. This allows you to enter the kids club and enjoy the activities with them.

During the open house we were able to watch Elizabeth participate in Jedi Training: Experience the Force. This cool interactive show has an enthusiastic Jedi wannabe who meets a real Jedi. I won’t ruin the show with all the details, but expect the kids to move some items around and Storm Troopers to arrive during the show. It was a lot fun to watch since we grownups were not allowed to participate.

During the Oceaneer Club open house we also got to play Disney Infinity on Xbox in one area, do crafts in Pixie Hollow, and check out our favorite toys from Toy Story in Andy’s room. If you have younger kids,  It’s A Small World Nursery is a nursery/kids club for guests age 6 months to under 3 years old. Read more about it and get other great advice for taking a baby on a Disney cruise at Tear Free Travel. 

Character Meet and Greets

There are characters all around your cruise ship. You can find when and where each character will meet in the daily Personal Navigator or on the Navigator App. 

Find out more about meeting characters on your Disney Cruise in this article.

Most of the character meet and greets operate like they do in the parks. You line up for the character, and a cast member closes the line when it reaches its maximum length.

There are some character meet and greet options that you book ahead of time. This scheduling of tickets for character meetings occurs online when you register for excursions and online check in. Tickets are free, but limited, so I recommend you obtain them right when the check in window opens.

The two ticketed options on our cruises were Princess Gathering and Frozen Gathering. The Princess Gathering ticket allowed us to meet Rapunzel, Tiana, Belle, and Cinderella in about 15-20 minutes. The Frozen Gathering ticket allowed us to meet Elsa and Anna in front of a winter scene, but this line took a little longer.

Midship Detective Agency

The Midship Detective Agency is run by Mickey, Donald, and Goofy, but they need your help to solve a case. You can choose from 3 different cases with varying difficulty.

Once you register your badge (which has a QR code on the back) you use a map to find the special interactive paintings around the ship. Each painting will have a different video or sometimes a task you need to complete with your badge.

Once you have gathered enough clues, you execute a search warrant based on your guess of the villain responsible for the crime. You watch as the villain’s room is searched, and then if you are right the case is solved. If you guess wrong you can guess again! It took us about 45 minutes to complete a case, and we thought the game was really fun.

First Run Movies

Each of the Disney Cruise Line boats has a movie theater on board. This theater shows current releases at no additional charge. It seems that generally the 3 newest released Disney movies are available on board your Disney Cruise ship.

Live Broadway-Style Shows

Each Disney ship has its own live shows that are performed nightly at no additional charge. Generally there are two times for a show each night. Having two showtimes allows people with main or second dining to see a performance.

On the Disney Dream is the new Beauty and the Beast musical. This show uses creative set pieces, live actors, and technology to retell the story from the 2017 live action movie. I was extremely impressed with the performances and so glad we saw this recently unveiled show while on our cruise.

Swimming/Splash Pads

On the Disney Dream there are many ways to play in the water. You have your choice of Donald’s Pool, Mickey’s Pool, Funnel Puddle, Nemo’s Reef, and Mickey’s Slide (in addition to the AquaDuck). I was a little surprised that the pools were on the small side, but having two made this better. There were tons of deck chairs both around the family pools and on the upper deck where you could hang out and enjoy some sun.

Pro tip: Wear your swim suit under your clothing on embarking day and pack any pool gear you need. This way you can swim or play on the slides even though your room may not be ready yet.

There is live music in the lobby atrium most evenings. We’ve seen a variety of musicians play and they have all been amazing. It is great fun to see people of all ages hanging around the atrium or dancing to the music. We even saw Pluto come out and dance a couple of times with guests.

Funnel Vision

One of the funnels of the Disney Dream has a huge screen that is used during deck parties like the Sail Away Party and Pirate Night to show what is occurring on-stage. When it is not being used for these events, the immense screen plays older Disney movies. This allows you to watch some of your favorites while hanging out in the pool area.

This 9-hole miniature golf course is found on Deck 13 aft on the Disney Dream . You just find the first hole, help yourself to a club and ball then play as many rounds of miniature golf as you please. Not surprisingly, Goofy Golf holes were pretty silly and increased in difficulty as you went along the course. This was a great way to fill in what little free time we had one night before dinner.

Disney Dream Family Activities We Did Not Have Time To Do

Bibbidi bobbidi boutique.

Your little princess can get the royal treatment at the on ship Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Just like with Pirates League there are several packages available, some with hair and makeup or others that also include a costume.

Please note: When Elizabeth had makeovers at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Disney Parks we always brought our own costume from home.

This huge water slide, sometimes called a water coaster, winds its way around the Disney Dream and her sister ship Disney Fantasy . No matter if the weather is warm or cool there is almost always a line for this fun ride. You must be 42 inches (107 cm) tall  and be 7 years or older to ride with another person. To ride alone you must be 54 inches (138 cm) or taller.

Family Crafts

Several family crafting activities were offered while on our cruise, including make-your-own door hangers. It was on my list, but we didn’t end up having a chance to make it. I did see other people’s finished products, and they were pretty cute.

Castaway Cay 5K (ages 10 years and older)

This 5K occurs the morning you dock at Castaway Cay. The course takes you around Disney’s private island and gives you a great overview of the property (in addition to some good exercise). You are awarded a Castaway Cay 5K finisher’s “medal” for completing the event, which although plastic is still pretty awesome. 

You must sign up to participate once you are on board, not online.

Family Dance and Karaoke Parties

Certain lounges are family friendly on the ship. At different times during your cruise there are opportunities to attend a family dance party or go sing karaoke.

Family Game and Trivia Shows

These lounges also host trivia and game shows. For example, during our cruises there was a family Disney Trivia game as well as the So You Think You Know Your Family? game.

Sports Simulators

Found indoor near Goofy Golf are two sport simulator games. You can choose from golf, baseball, basketball, foootball, hockey, or soccer.

Please note: These simulators on Goofy’s Sports Deck are one of the rare extra cost items. Reservations are also recommended.

Final Thoughts On Disney Dream Cruise Activities

As crazily long as this list is, I know I will have forgotten some family friendly activity on our Disney cruise. There are also tween-, teen-, and adult-only activities that I didn’t even include here. That goes to show how many amazing things there are to do on your Disney cruise. Some of these options are specific to our ship, the Disney Dream , but each of the 4 Disney Cruise Line ships have special offerings that are similar. 

Have I, a former cruise skeptic, convinced you to try a Disney cruise yet? If not, what is holding you back? I really do have to admit that I was wrong and now we are huge Disney Cruise fans.

Are you curious what a Disney Cruise Line stateroom really looks like? Find our complete stateroom review here .

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About The Author

Disney Cruise Line

Beginners Guide to the Disney Dream Cruise Ship

by Elyssa Esposito , Digital Integration Specialist

I’m so excited to pass along the next pocket guide in the  Disney Cruise Line  series, the Disney Dream! The  Dream  joined the fleet in 2011 with 14 decks of onboard activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here are some of the offerings you’ll find onboard the first ship in the Dream Class:

1. Welcome Aboard 

As you embark on your Disney Dream adventure, crew members will greet your party by name, and you’ll be welcomed into the atrium by a bronze-sculpted Admiral Donald Duck. Be sure to look up as you won’t want to miss the one-of-a-kind Art Deco chandelier embellished with crystals.

2. Signature Dining

Rotational dining ensures that guests can enjoy all three themed dining experiences while on board. Your party and service team will rotate to a different table service restaurant each night. As part of your rotational dining experience on the Disney Dream, you’ll savor flavors from around the world at  Enchanted Garden , dine in the center of a classic Disney fairytale at  Royal Palace , and embrace your inner artist at  Animator’s Palate !

3. Broadway-Style Entertainment

It is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that the  Walt Disney Theatre  proudly presents a musical production of the Disney classic  Beauty and the Beast  on board the Disney Dream. You can also catch a showing of  Disney’s Believe , a heartwarming story of a family who comes together through the power of Disney magic, or attend “ The Golden Mickeys ,” a Hollywood-style award show featuring dazzling performances that pay homage to the magic of Disney storytelling. 

4. Adult-Exclusives 

If you’re an avid Disney cruiser, you may be familiar with the exquisite Italian cuisine at  Palo . But did you know that the Disney Dream is home to two adult-exclusive dining experiences? Indulge in a luxurious evening at  Remy  and treat your tastebuds to carefully crafted French-inspired fare surrounded by elegant, “Ratatouille”-inspired décor. 

For late-night drinks, dancing and entertainment, visit The District. This adults-only area is home to a collection of lounges and nightclubs for every taste and mood, featuring  District Lounge ,  Evolution ,  Skyline ,  Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar , and  Pub 687 . 

5. Just for Kids

While adults take advantage of the nightlife on board, there are several themed spaces for the rest of your crew to enjoy age-appropriate, supervised fun. For an imaginative experience that is exclusive to the Disney Dream, Jedis-in-training can learn to pilot the  Star Wars : Millennium Falcon at  The Oceaneer Club !

To learn more about additional offerings and planDisney tips, be sure to swipe through our planDisney Pocket Guide:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by planDisney (@plandisneypanel)

You can also download a copy of the Disney Dream planDisney Pocket Guide here .

Stay tuned for more planDisney pocket guides as we explore all the Disney Cruise Line ships, and don’t forget to check out our past editions on the  Disney Magic  and  Disney Wonder . Complete your pocket guide collection with the  Disney Resort hotel pocket guides to help you plan your next vacation ashore! For more fun tips and great advice for planning your next Disney vacation stop by @planDisneyPanel on Instagram, @planDisney on Twitter, or planDisney.com . We look forward to answering your planning questions.

Panelists receive compensation for their participation on planDisney.

Destinations: Disney Cruise Line

Topics: planDisney

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4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids

Posted on Last updated: January 8, 2024

Home » Pacific Northwest » 4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids

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Are you planning a trip to Vancouver, British Columbia Canada ? Keep scrolling for my 4-day Vancouver itinerary with kids and families!

This 4 day vancouver itinerary with kids was written by pnw family travel expert marcie cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, i will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. all opinions remain my own..

If you are looking for an easy trip from Seattle, look no further than Vancouver, British Columbia . Located just a few hours from Seattle, Vancouver has lots of kid-friendly attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

My family spent 4 days in Vancouver, BC in the summer with our toddler.

Check out how you can explore Vancouver with kids with my Vancouver 4-day itinerary.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Vancouver blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Vancouver with kids.

Popular Vancouver Tours/Activities

• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (amazing bridges and tree walks)
• FlyOver Canada (a cool ride that makes you feel like you’re soaring over Canada)
• Grouse Mountain (lots of activities in winter and summer)
• Harbor Tour (it’s a fun way to see Vancouver from the water)
• Flytographer photo shoot (they are easy to book are really affordable)

Kid-Friendly Vancouver Hotels

• Sutton Place Hotel (easy walk to the waterfront and Robson Street and has an indoor pool)
• Delta Hotels (easy walk to the waterfront and has free WiFi)
• Fairmont Pacific Rim (easy walk to the waterfront and has an outdoor pool)
• Hyatt Regency Vancouver (easy walk to the waterfront and Robson Street and has an outdoor pool)

Vancouver with Kids: Day 1

If you are driving from the Seattle area, I recommend driving early in the morning. We left Seattle a bit later than I planned and we felt a bit rushed. If you have more time, I highly recommend this scenic drive from Seattle to Vancouver .

Thankfully, the Canadian border wait at the Peace Arch crossing was just a few minutes and we headed straight to the  Historic CPR 374 Locomotive  that is on display in Yaletown at the corner of Davie St and Pacific Blvd. It closes at 4 pm.

We got there at 3:50 pm and literally ran to get in to see it because my son LOVES trains!

HISTORIC CPR 374 LOCOMOTIVE

George, one of the docents there, was so nice to explain the importance of the train to Vancouver’s history.

In the late 1800s, this train hauled spices and silk from Vancouver to Toronto in just 7 days. And 7 days after that it was in London. Talk about fast shipping for those days!

My toddler climbed aboard the locomotive and rang the bell. This is a really fun thing to do in Vancouver with kids! Plus, it’s in Yaletown so there’s plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the Skytrain to Yaletown, which is ALWAYS a hit!

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK

After we dropped our bags at our hotel, we headed straight to the  Capilano Suspension Bridge Park . This is one of the top attractions in Vancouver and it’s easy to see why.

Yes, there’s the swinging bridge. But, once you cross it, THAT’S where the real adventure begins!

If you’re visiting Vancouver with kids, I recommend going earlier in the day so you can give your family a few hours to explore the Cliffwalk, Treetop Adventures, and participate in the Kids’ Rainforest Explorers Program.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 2

We spent our second day in Vancouver, BC at the world-famous Stanley Park. With a toddler, you could easily spend a couple of days at Stanley Park exploring and doing all the activities.

STANLEY PARK HORSE DRAWN TOUR

We chose to do the  Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tour  first so that we could get a layout of the park. This tour lasts about one hour and new tours depart every 20-30 minutes.

Once you climb aboard, your guide will start the narrated tour. You’ll see Deadman’s Island, Vancouver’s Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest, Totem Poles, the Girl in a Wet Suit statue, the Rose Garden, and more.

STANLEY PARK TRAIN

Once we passed the sign for the Stanley Park Train ride during our tour, my toddler decided that we needed to do that next. So, we drove over to that side of Stanley Park.

The train ride was adorable. You purchase tickets at the little train station and then climb aboard a miniature train.

The train ride takes you through a small area of the park that is decorated with beloved characters like Charlie Brown, Foghorn Leghorn, Kermit the Frog, and more!

They also do themed train rides around Easter, Halloween, and  Christmas  and I’d definitely want to do one of those to see how they change it up.

After the train ride, we grabbed burgers, hot dogs, and pretzels at the nearby concession stand and headed back to the hotel to rest.

HOP ON HOP OFF TOUR OF VANCOUVER, BC

My toddler loves to ride in any type of vehicle, but buses are always a hit! We climbed aboard the open-air double-decker bus for a  Hop On Hop Off tour of Vancouver .

The tour was perfect in July because we could enjoy fresh air while marveling at the city.

We spent about 90 minutes on this Hop On Hop Off bus tour because our destination was the Vancouver Aquarium. My son had been so excited to ride that he skipped his nap. So, he ended up falling asleep halfway into the tour.

That worked out because he was refreshed enough to continue our day at Stanley Park.

VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

We made it to the Vancouver Aquarium about 2 hours before it closed. That was enough time for our family. But, since it’s home to thousands of incredible ocean species, you may want to spend an entire afternoon here.

The Vancouver Aquarium provides several family programs where kids ages 8 and under can participate in crafts, singing, puppet shows, games, and make-believe journeys involving sea life.

They also have Clownfish Cove, located next to the Exploration Gallery.

This is a place for kids to pretend to be junior animal technicians, build octopus dens, and learn more about animal preservation.

One of the coolest parts of the Vancouver Aquarium is its outdoor mammal shows. These shows feature dolphins, sharks, sea lions, penguins, and more. We also enjoyed seeing the jellyfish and large mammals.

We grabbed a quick dinner at the Vancouver Aquarium specifically so my son could enjoy a chocolate ice cream cone. Yes, they have ice cream in a prominent location and your children won’t be able to think about anything else.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 3

I love to do day trips when we travel. We decided to spend our 3rd day in Squamish, BC. Located just an hour from Vancouver, Squamish is right on the Sea to Sky highway.

If you’ve ever driven to Whistler from Vancouver, you would have passed Squamish.

Railway Museum of British Columbia

We headed straight to the  Railway Museum of British Columbia  because my toddler really wanted to see the trains. It was even cooler than I imagined! Lots of stuff for kids and adults and the staff were really friendly.

The Railway Museum of British Columbia (formerly the West Coast Railway Heritage Park) features a typical mid-20th-century railway station and old-style town center. They have more than 90 pieces of railway cars and artifacts. It’s also massive at 12 acres of park.

And they have historic exhibits including the Brightbill House, blacksmith forge, wash house, and vintage printing press.

Additionally, they have a Roundhouse that’s home to 5 vintage trains, including the world-famous Royal Hudson steam train. If your kids love Thomas the Train as much as mine, seeing a “steamy” in a roundhouse is a HUGE deal!

My son’s favorite parts of the Railway Museum of British Columbia were the outdoor Thomas the Train Tables and riding the Mini Rail. Oh, and buying a Polar Express train puzzle.

We were there for 2 hours and could have easily spent another hour there.

SEA TO SKY GONDOLA

I’m not afraid of heights, but I’m a nervous flyer. When we pulled into the parking lot, I saw all the gondolas racing up and down the mountain and I instantly panicked.

Thankfully, those fears easily subsided.

I was thrilled that the  Sea to Sky Gondola  in Squamish was so family-friendly!

The gondola ride is about 10 minutes long and it takes you 885 meters above sea level. Each gondola can seat 8 people. They are stroller accessible, although I’d recommend wearing your baby in a baby carrier  like this one .

There are floor-to-ceiling glass windows so you can enjoy breathtaking views of Shannon Falls and the famous Squamish Chief climbing area.

At the summit, you’ll find two different interpretive loop walking trails with stunning viewing platforms. There’s also the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, numerous hiking trails, and rock climbing.

We rode the gondola up and walked across the suspension bridge. The views were incredible! Since it was afternoon and my toddler was tired, we spent about 20 minutes soaking in the gorgeous viewpoints.

If you were to arrive earlier in the day, you could easily spend a few hours walking around. They even have a restaurant at the summit with the best view!

At the base, we headed to the grab-and-go cafe and ordered pre-made sandwiches. This hit the spot for us!

My toddler got the rest of his energy out at the playground there and then we hopped in the car so he could nap on the drive back to Vancouver.

ROBSON STREET

If there’s one famous street in Vancouver, it’s Robson Street. Known for its incredible shopping, Robson Street is worth a leisurely stroll. They have international luxury brands, souvenir shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and a mall.

We always stop at both Roots locations and stock up on sweatpants for the whole family. I also like to pick up a crepe to eat while walking around.

Oh, and we like to hit up London Drugs to pick up massive Lindt chocolate bars and specialty potato chips not found in the U.S.

You’ll also see Robson Square, which features the Vancouver Art Gallery. Every time we go, we always run into a street festival or event. We like to walk all the way to Gastown.

Another day trip option is to head out to the  Panama Ridge hike  in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Families with young kids can plan to stop at Garibaldi Lake, which is the crown jewel of the park.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 4

For our last day in Vancouver, we opted to walk around downtown to people-watch and see what we could see. We ended up walking to the Vancouver Lookout near the waterfront.

It was a nice walk from our hotel and my toddler was excited about the elevator ride.

VANCOUVER LOOKOUT

I thought we’d be able to see more of the city from the elevator since there were glass panels, but we really couldn’t see much during the short ride.

But, once we got up to the observation level of  Vancouver Lookout , we had incredible panoramic views of the entire city!

If you are going with kids, take advantage of their Sky Scouts program. Sky Scouts is designed for children ages 6-12 to learn about Vancouver through exciting and interactive activities.

They have both guided and self-guided tours. And each child receives a fun activity book filled with puzzles, coloring pages, and games.

VANCOUVER HARBOUR CRUISES

Since Vancouver is a waterfront city, it would be a shame to not experience it FROM the water. We boarded a  one-hour harbour cruise  and it was lovely.

We learned a bit about Vancouver’s history through the humorous narrated tour, however, we spent most of the time gawking at the amazing views and soaking up the sunshine.

Not only was the weather beautiful, but we got to watch seaplanes take off. There was a lot for my toddler to see and one hour was the perfect time to be on the boat. They have 2 restrooms on board and sell snacks and drinks.

Summertime is also a great time to do  whale watching in Vancouver .

Then, we hopped in our car and headed to the U.S. border. It ended up taking us 2 hours to get from Vancouver to the Peace Arch crossing because of afternoon traffic.

Additional Vancouver Kids Activities

Vancouver hiking trails.

Another fun thing to do in Vancouver with kids is take advantage of all the cool hiking trails.

One of the  easiest Vancouver hikes  is the Quarry Rock Trail. It’s the perfect half-day adventure, especially early in the morning.

GRANVILLE ISLAND

This is a popular Vancouver family attraction. We’ve done it a few times. We like to take the mini ferry to get there!

They are almost like toy boats that come around every 2-3 minutes and ferry families between Granville Island and other mini docks around False Creek. It’s a blast for kids!

Once you get to Granville Island, wander through the Public Market and sample the tasty treats. Last time we were there, we enjoyed Dole Whip (usually only found in Hawaii or at  Disneyland !)

There’s also live music, restaurants, and artwork. But, your kids will probably be most interested in the Kids Market. Here, you’ll find independent toy stores, children’s clothing, and a play area.

And there’s also the largest free water park in North America!

GROUSE MOUNTAIN

If you enjoyed the Sea to Sky Gondola or don’t have time for a day trip to Squamish,  visiting Grouse Mountain  is a good alternative. Enter the Skyride and head 3,700 feet above the city for a spectacular panoramic view of Vancouver.

During the summer, you’ll experience a grizzly bear refuge, a lumberjack show, and outdoor activities.

During the winter, you can enjoy a sleigh ride, skiing, snowboarding and even visit with Santa.

SCIENCE WORLD

Telus World of Science   is one of our favorite kid activities in Vancouver. My husband enjoys it just as much as our toddler! Here you’ll find the latest feature exhibits, hands-on interactive displays, and special events.

You can also watch OMNIMAX films on one of the world’s largest dome screens. There’s also a restaurant and a fabulous gift shop.

Kid-Friendly Hotels in Vancouver

Are you wondering where to stay in Vancouver with kids ? We’ve stayed at the Auberge Vancouver Hotel and love that there’s a door to separate the bedroom from the living room.

During the holidays, we love staying in the condo side of Sutton Place because it’s all decked out for the holidays!

I’ve reviewed the  Executive Hotel Vintage Park   and the  Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel  on my blog.

We’ve also heard great things about the  L’Hermitage Hotel , Fairmont Vancouver Waterfront , and  Hilton Vancouver  for families traveling to Vancouver.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Vancouver

Rocky mountain flatbread co..

This restaurant offers a fun atmosphere and a kids’ menu with healthy and delicious options, including flatbreads and pastas. There is also a play area for kids.

Burgoo is a cozy spot that specializes in comfort food, such as mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. They offer a kids’ menu and crayons for coloring.

Circus Play Cafe

This is a great spot to let the kids play while enjoying breakfast or lunch. They have locally sourced and organic food options for kids and adults.

And kids can get a “tapas box” with things like fruit, crackers, and wraps. Plus, they have a play space perfect for imaginative play.

This is a European pancake house that also has gluten-free options. We visited their West 2nd location. They have a play kitchen and tons of toys to keep kids occupied while you wait for breakfast.

Getting Around Vancouver

Walking : Vancouver is a very pedestrian-friendly city. If you are staying downtown, you’ll be able to walk most places.

Taxis : Taxis (including accessible wheelchair taxis) are plentiful and can be hailed on the street, as well as found at designated stands, and called for pick-up.

Driving : Whether you drove to Vancouver or have a rental car, this is the easiest way to explore outside of Vancouver.

Skytrain : This is one of our favorite ways to explore Vancouver, especially when we stay in Richmond. It’s a fast subway-type train that zips in and out of Vancouver.

Marcie in Mommyland received an Experience Pass from Tourism Vancouver for review purposes.

Vancouver with Kids FAQs

Vancouver offers many family-friendly attractions, such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The best attractions will depend on your family’s interests and preferences.

Vancouver has many kid-friendly restaurants, including Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co., Burgoo, White Spot, The Flying Pig, and Breka Bakery & Cafe.

Vancouver has many outdoor activities for families, such as biking, hiking, and visiting beaches and parks. Stanley Park and the seawall are popular destinations for families.

The best time of year to visit Vancouver with kids depends on the season and your family’s preferences. Summer offers warm temperatures and many outdoor activities, while winter offers skiing and snow activities.

Vancouver is generally a safe city for families to visit, but it’s important to be aware of potential hazards, such as traffic and natural disasters. It’s also important to follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities.

4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids Wrap Up

Vancouver is a fantastic family vacation destination that offers a range of activities and attractions for kids of all ages.

With this 4-day itinerary, families can explore Downtown Vancouver, visit Grouse Mountain and North Vancouver, and enjoy many fun family activities within walking distance.

From taking in the stunning Vancouver skyline to enjoying outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

By following this itinerary, families can make the most of their time in Vancouver and create unforgettable memories together.

Plan your family trip to Vancouver today and get ready for an adventure-filled vacation that the whole family will love!

Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Vancouver, BC? Check out Things to do in Stanley Park , Vancouver Lookout + Harbour Cruise Reviews , Vancouver’s Science World with Babies + Toddlers , Holiday Festivities in Vancouver, BC , Bright Nights at Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC , where to stay in Victoria BC , best Vancouver hotels for families , and Day Trip to Squamish, BC !

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Wednesday 18th of April 2018

Would 100% follow this itinerary even without kids! I’ve already got the suspension bridge very firmly on my list of things to do if I ever go to Vancouver since reading your post specifically about it. The World of Science looks so cool! We have something similar here in Cardiff called Techniquest, although significantly more outdated than Vancouver’s.

marciecheung

You would LOVE Vancouver! I've been loving your blog posts about your adventures! You should definitely make it over to the Pacific Northwest :)

Abhinav Singh

Tuesday 17th of April 2018

You have shown us a different side to Vancouver. I didn’t know Vancouver can be so much fun for the kids. Though I do not support the use of horses or dolphins for carriages and entertainment respectively, I am definitely excited about the train ride. What got me most excited was Sea to Sky Gondola. It must be thrilling!

This sure looks like an amazing trip! The Suspension Bridge Park and Gondola looks especially neat. Thank you for sharing your great trip.

Yes, those are my favorite highlights from this trip!

Yes, Vancouver is a fun family destination!

I had never thought about Vancouver as a destination...especially with children. Now, it is going to the top of my list of places we need to go as a family!

It's a gorgeous city and there's tons of yummy food!

It's amazing - the Vancouver you saw is so different from the one I saw, the only common point being Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Isn't it interesting how differently people travel?

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