One of Disney's newer cruise ships is the Disney Dream cruise ship which is the sister ship to the Disney Fantasy. The Disney Dream features the AquaDuck, a twisting water coaster that extends over the side of the ship, along with broadway style entertainment, high end dining experiences, themed staterooms and more.
Keep reading to learn more about the Disney Dream including the themes of the staterooms, pricing, the AquaDuck slide, fine French dining plus a Beauty & Beast production.
I recently enjoyed a 5-day Marvel Day at Sea cruise on the Disney Dream that included a stop at Cozumel, Mexico and Castaway Cay. During our experience we explored every inch of our cruise ship and our guide provides everything you need to know about this ship including my review on how it stacks up to the other Disney Cruise Line ships.
Disney Dream Cruise Ship Review
Disney Dream is one of the newer Disney Cruise Line ships prior to the newest Disney Wish ship and the upcoming Disney Treasure that sets sail at the end of 2024-2025. Read more about 2025 Disney Cruise Line itineraries in our guide!
Disney Dream is a beautiful ship and is one of the largest Disney Cruise Line ships. Disney Dream has 14 decks while in comparison, older ships like the Disney Magic have 11 decks. So if you are interested in one of the “newer” Disney Cruise Line ships but may not be eager to shell out the higher bucks for the Disney Treasure next year, this is a good choice. Although all of Disney's ships do a great job and offer the same high quality level of entertainment and dining. We loved our experience on the Alaska Cruise on the Disney Wonder!
Since all the Disney Cruise Line ships are so similar, the way to pick your cruise is to look at itinerary. Since the Disney Dream is currently hosting Marvel Day at Sea, trips to Castaway Cay, Cozumel, and Nassuu, this should be your main deciding factor.
However, the Disney Wish really changed the Disney Cruise Line comparison ranking since the dining options on that ship are much more immersive with Frozen and Marvel character interactions during meals. I heard from a few cruisers that preferred the Disney Wish based on this alone. However, I also heard from other cruisers that they love the Disney Dream as they do not necessarily care about the heavy Disney interactions at meals. It all comes down to personal preference.
Personally, we loved the Disney Dream and my 14 year old son heard from other common cruisers in the teenage “Vibe Club” that this particular club is one of the best amongst the Disney Cruise Line ships most notably for its own personal pool deck.
Disney Dream Ports of Call
Most common ports of call for the Disney Dream currently are cruises departing from Fort Lauderdale and include a stop at Castaway Cay (Disney's private island!), Cozumel and Nassau.
The ports of call that the Disney Dream visits are breathtaking but my favorite out of our stops was Disney's Cataway Cay. Pure paradise, Disney style.
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Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah Review
During my recent cruise I stayed in a deluxe family stateroom with verandah on the Disney Dream. Our specific stateroom was located on Deck 6. Our room could slept up to five people with a queen bed, single sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed, and upper-berth pull-down bed.
Since it was just two of us, we only needed the pull down sofa. Every evening during turn down service, our stateroom host would prepare the bed.
This stateroom is extremely spacious, you can see how large it is from the picture above. A curtain divides the room which is nice if your family is on different sleep schedules.
The stateroom has a split bathroom- one room with a toilet and a sink.
And another with a split shower/tub and sink so there are two separate places to get ready in the morning.
The best part of this room is the verandah which comes equipped with two patio chairs and a small table. There are walls separating the ship verandahs for privacy.
I loved having a view of the ocean from our room! What a wonderful way to wake up each day. This was a beautiful room and plenty of space for our two person group. I could see a family of 4-5 fitting well in here although you may feel a bit cramped with five. Having that private verandah was a great perk of this room choice and is worth the extra splurge.
Inside Stateroom
The cheapest room option on the Disney Dream are the inside staterooms.
The inside staterooms have the option of a standard choice or a deluxe option which includes more square footage than the regular inside stateroom. These rooms do not have a window except for a Magical Porthole playing footage of Disney characters, the ocean, and more.
Specifications
- Sleeps: 3 to 4
- Size: 169 sq. ft.
- Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
- View: Magical Porthole with real-time views
Deluxe Inside Stateroom
Specifications
- Sleeps: 3 to 4
- Size: 204 sq. ft.
- Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
- View: Magical Porthole with real-time views
Deluxe Inside Stateroom design features include:
- A sitting area with a couch, TV and desk
- A heavy privacy curtain to separate the sitting and sleeping areas
- A “split bath”: a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and tub and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet
- Elevated wooden bed frames for under-bed storage of suitcases and other large items
- A leather-upholstered ottoman with hollow inside storage
- Attractive yet functional cabinetry in the living area
A mural of Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Wendy and her brothers soaring through a starry sky reveals itself when the upper-berth bed is pulled down!
Magical Porthole
All Inside Staterooms feature a Magical Porthole, providing Guests with a real-time view of the ship’s exterior while reflecting your stateroom’s actual location, port or starboard. High-definition cameras feed live video to an LCD flat-screen monitor cleverly disguised as a porthole, with the help of a stylized frame.
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom
Specifications
- Sleeps: 3 to 4
- Size: 204 sq. ft.
- Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa and upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4)
- View: 1 or 2 porthole windows, some with obstructed views
Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom
This option offers more square footage than the standard oceanview stateroom with the same real porthole window.
Specifications
- Sleeps: 3 to 5
- Size: 241 sq. ft.
- Room Configuration: queen bed, single sleeper sofa, wall pull-down bed (in most) or upper-berth pull-down bed (in some)
- View: 1 to 2 porthole windows with built-in seating
Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
These rooms offer the most square footage of all the rooms and are combined with concierge services. Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah are classified as Category V and are located on Decks 11 and 12, Forward. Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah are classified as Category 3A.
These rooms feature warm wood finishes, custom fabrics and carpeting, original artwork, crown moldings, genuine teak accents and a private verandah for magnificent views of the sea.
Specifications
- Sleeps: 5
- Size: 306 sq. ft., including verandah
- Room Configuration: queen bed, double sleeper sofa and upper berth pull-down bed
- View: private verandah with floor-to-ceiling windows
Verandah
Your private balcony comes equipped with:
- Patio furniture
- Deck lighting
- Plexiglas or solid whitewall railings
- Childproof locks
Expanded Main Suite Option
Larger parties can add an adjoining Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah or Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah. On adjoining accommodations, the partition between verandahs can be opened to create a larger balcony for sharing, with access between rooms.
Benefits of signature Concierge service begin with priority check-in and boarding at a dedicated check-in station. The Concierge team will meet you at a private welcome reception—exclusive to Concierge Guests—and will be available to attend to your needs, questions and special requests. Enjoy assistance with:
- Reservations (Port Adventures, Palo and Remy dining, spa treatments and nursery stays)
- Dining reservation confirmations and changes
- Priority tendering in ports of call
- Updates to your personal itinerary
- Special occasions and celebration planning
Concierge Guests enjoy exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge. Located amid the Concierge Suites on Deck 12, this area provides cocktails, internet access, large-screen TVs, and complimentary food and nonalcoholic beverages offered throughout the day.
From the Lounge, Concierge Guests can access a sun deck via a private entrance with cooling water misters, cushioned lounge chairs, and a bar stocked with water and refreshments.
Upgraded Amenities
Guests of our Concierge Suites and Staterooms enjoy an expanded range of offerings:
- Down Duvets: Enjoy a superlative night’s sleep with the softness of genuine feather duvets, featured in Concierge main bedrooms.
- Guests of our Concierge Suites may choose from pillow options including hypoallergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam.
- Personal Robe and Slippers: These plush comforts are yours to use for the duration of your cruise.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet Service: Enjoy up to 100 MB at no extra charge. (Usage fees apply after 100 MB.)
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Disney Dream Pools & Waterslides
The Disney Dream features a variety of pools for kids, teens, adults, and a waterslide! Most of the pools are oriented for younger kids however they are two exclusive pools just for teens and adults!
Mickey & Donald's Pool
The main pools feature a large family pool and two whirlpool spas. This is the most popular pool area on deck and you can watch Disney movies here throughout the day. For evening entertainment, the pools will be covered up and this deck becomes the main area for shows like Pirate Night or Marvel Day at Sea.
AquaDuck
The AquaDuck is the Disney Dream waterslide that twists and turns all around the top of the ship. This water slide is extremely popular! On average, we waited about 30 minutes each time we rode although you could get on with lesser wait on port days when everyone is off the ship. Another smart hack is to have your swimsuits on and ready to go when you arrive on the ship, during the Sailing Away party they will open u the AquaDuck and the slide was a walk on the entire time.
AquaLab and Dory's Reef
This child focused pool area includes a splash pad area and the double-looping Twist ‘n’ Spout slide.
The slide was popular with small kids and did build up quite a line midday.
Quiet Cove Pool
This is the adult exclusive pool which offers the deepest pool on board plus a poolside bar. This area was perfect to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the family area. There was also an adult only hot tub and plenty of lounge chairs.
Teen Only Pool Deck
This deck is only for teens that have signed up at the Vibe Club. During select hours which will be advertised on the Disney Cruise Line app, they will open up this deck that is just for teens and provides lockers for kids to lock up their belongings before they swim. The area includes two splash pools, misters, and fountains plus a variety of deck games like giant checkerboard and ping pong.
Disney Dream Entertainment
There is a variety of entertainment on the Disney Dream from breathtaking Broadway quality musicals to fireworks to characters around every corner.
Disney Cruise Line Live Shows
The live Broadway style productions on the Disney Dream are the best forms of entertainment Disney Cruise Line has to offer. Do not miss these shows! Currently, Disney Dream is playing Beauty & the Beast, Disney's Believe, and Golden Mickeys. There are no photography or videos allowed so all of our photos for this experience come direct from Disney or prior to showtime.
Disney's Believe is a musical about a workaholic father who reconnects with his daughter through a little Disney magic- including songs from popular favorites like Aladdin, Lion King, Princess & the Frog, and more. This was a really cute show and one that our whole group really enjoyed. There was such a wide variety of Disney characters incorporated from it including the show ‘host' the Disney Genie.
Golden Mickey's is an award style show similar to the Oscars but focused on presenting ‘The Golden Mickeys' to notorious Disney characters and films. This show was good but definitely not as great as the other two performances. It does have rare characters that often aren't given a stage presence these days like Quasimodo from the Hunchback of Notre Dam.
These shows will also play twice a day and coordinate with your assigned dinner time. Earlier dining times will watch the show after dinner, later dining times will watch the show before. For Beauty and the Beast, due to its popularity, was given a third show time during our cruise around midday.
Fireworks on the Disney Dream
Guests can experience Disney fireworks on most itineraries with a special show of color light and song at sea. If you book Marvel Day at Sea, you can expect fireworks as part of the Avengers nighttime spectacular. All cruises will include Pirate Night which ends with one of the longest fireworks shows seen on the cruise ships.
Character Meet and Greets
You will see have ample opportunities for character meet and greets on the ship including Mickey, Minnie, Captain Hook, Disney Princesses, and more at designated areas. All the character meet and greets will be posted in the Disney Cruise Line app. Cruisers LOVE their character meet and greets so be prepared for high demand especially for characters like Mickey and Minnie.
Disney Movie Showings
Experience the newest Disney movies in the Buena Vista Theatre which is modeled after Hollywood's Golden Age in the style of a luxurious movie palace. You can also catch a Disney movie outside under the stars. This theatre will also be in touch with current events, for example during our cruise we were able to watch the Oscars.
Disney Dream Recreation
There are a wide variety of recreation on the Disney Dream for all ages. Plus options for kids to enjoy so parents can go enjoy the adult exclusive options! This is something that the Disney Cruise Line does best!
Youth Clubs
- Disney’s Oceaneer Club- children can learn and play in larger-than-life spaces fueled by Disney storytelling.
- Edge—Tween focuses featuring plenty of available video games, music and movies.
- Vibe- This youth club is geared for teens and is open until 2AM with karaoke and dance parties.
These clubs are only open to kids in these age groups that register with the cast member. They will have brief open houses throughout the cruise if you want to come in and check things out but otherwise they are exclusive to their designated age group. My 14 year old teen had a blast hanging out in the Vibe and made a ton of friends.
Adult Exclusive Spaces
Adult exclusive spaces on the Disney Dream include
- Senses Spa & Salon-a serene spa and salon so you can fully relax and enjoy your vacation
- The District– adults-only part of the ship featuring mixed drinks a Skyline and Pink, live televised events at 687 Pub and dancing at Evolution
Plus you can enjoy a variety of lounges around the Disney Dream to relax in. These lounges are geared for adults but children are welcome too in many of them. Certain all ages events may take place in these areas along with 18+ only events.
Youth Activities
- Midship Detective Agency- guests ages 9 and older get to solve different mysteries aboard the ship
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique- for littles ones to dress up as fairy princesses and royal knights
Sports and Fitness
The Disney Dream features a full-service fitness center with weight machines and instructional fitness classes. This is located next to the Senses Spa with an exercise room overlooking the water.
Disney Dream Dining
Animator's Palate
The theming of this restaurant is the most “Disney” out of the rotational dining options as it celebrates Disney animation. Kids will love this dining spot!
Royal Palace
Enchanted Garden
This restaurant is beautiful and serene featuring custom-glass flower lights, white trellises, ornamental posts and a centerpiece of a 7-foot tall cascading fountain of a stone cherub Mickey Mouse.
Casual Dining Experiences
There are casual dining experiences located around the ship that are all included in the cost of your cruise. This is where you can enjoy breakfast and lunch plus snacks!
Cabanas
Cabanas is the best place for breakfast and lunch (sometimes dinner is offered too!) with the most selection of options as compared to the other quick dining spots. One of my favorite touches about the atmosphere in this dining spot is there is a wall of clocks all set to the local time for each Disney Park in the world!
Flo's Cafe
Flo's Cafe features three walk up windows with burgers, chicken, pizza and salads. We found ourselves coming here often throughout the day especially for the Four Cheese pizza!
Eye Scream
This soft serve ice cream is available all day with a mix of chocolate, vanilla, banana, and strawberry. We found ourselves eating this nonstop during our cruise! I don't think I've ever had so much ice cream.
Forozen Treats
This window is right next to the ice cream area but these treats come at an additional cost. This is where you can find smoothies plus Dole Whips!
Adult exclusive dining experiences include:
- Palo- Northern Italian delicacies with a modern twist with live music and ocean views
- Remy- French-inspired menu of seasonal ingredients
These two dining options are at an extra cost and are only for adults 18 years old and up. This will be your most luxurious dining options on the Disney Dream.
Plus your room includes complimentary, 24- hour dining. Just don't forget to tip! We utilized this for breakfast a few times, especially on port days when we wanted to get ready quickly and get off the ship.
Overall, the Disney Dream is one of the BEST Disney Cruise Line ships. Some of the cruisers I met during our adventure even said they like it better than the new Disney Wish!
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