SparklesSuitcase 
We recently set sail on the Disney Dream for a 4-night cruise, and it was quite the adventure! While we experienced some incredible magic, there were a few hiccups along the way. For anyone considering a Disney cruise, here’s an honest review of what we absolutely loved – and what didn’t quite hit the mark.
What We Loved On The Disney Dream
1. Boarding Like Royalty
One of the most magical parts of the cruise happened before we even set sail! Boarding the Disney Dream was an experience in itself. As we stepped onto the ship, our family name was announced, and we were greeted with applause. It felt like a mini red-carpet moment, and the kids were thrilled. The ship itself was stunning – the décor, the cleanliness, and even the signature Disney scent in the air. First impressions were spot on!
2. Rotational Dining – A Fun Twist
The rotational dining system on board is such a clever idea. You dine at a different themed restaurant each night, but your serving staff stays the same, which keeps things familiar and ensures the service remains top-notch.
We especially loved:
- Animator’s Palette – The interactive experience with Crush from Finding Nemo was a standout. Our kids were beyond excited when Crush chatted with us at the table!
- Royal Palace – The princess-inspired décor made every meal here feel like a regal event. The kids loved pretending they were dining with Disney royalty.
- Enchanted Garden – While the garden-themed setting was beautiful, I was disappointed to learn that some of its more magical elements (like the transforming ceiling) haven’t been functional since COVID.
Aside from the main restaurants, Cabanas, the buffet, was also a hit for its wide variety of food. However, as I’ll explain later, it wasn’t all smooth sailing there.
3. Our Spacious Oceanview Stateroom
Our oceanview stateroom was a dream! As a family of five, we were a bit concerned about space, but we were pleasantly surprised by how roomy it felt. The large porthole, complete with cushioned seating, was a favorite spot for the kids – they spent hours watching the waves. It felt much more accessible and open than a verandah, and we loved the cozy nook it provided for downtime.
4. Exceptional Staff
I can’t say enough about the crew on the Disney Dream. They went above and beyond to ensure we were happy, especially the kids. Our dining team quickly learned our preferences, making each meal feel personalized. The staff in the kids clubs were equally attentive and really engaged with our children. They even organized activities with characters – from slime-making with Stitch to Pluto’s pyjama party, the kids were in heaven!
5. Kids Clubs – A Parent’s Dream Come True
Our kids LOVED the kids clubs. Whether it was Oceaneer’s Club for the younger ones or Edge for our 11-year-old, we practically had to drag them away from the fun. Characters would drop by for special activities, and there was always something new and exciting for them to do. It was a win-win – they were entertained, and we had a bit of time to relax.
6. Broadway-Caliber Shows
The entertainment on the Disney Dream was exceptional. We saw The Golden Mickeys, Disney’s Believe, and Beauty and the Beast, and each show was as impressive as any West End production. The sets, costumes, and performances were fantastic. If you’re a fan of Disney’s magic, these shows will definitely make you emotional (yes, I cried!).
7. Pirate Night – A Swashbuckling Good Time
Pirate Night was one of the most fun experiences on the cruise. The deck show was full of energy, with characters dressed as pirates and even some abseiling down from the ship! Pirate-themed music played throughout the ship, and the kids loved seeing Mickey and friends in their pirate outfits. The themed menu for dinner added to the fun – a night we’ll never forget.
What Didn’t Quite Hit the Mark
1. The Sail Away Party – A Miss for Us
While we were super excited for the Sail Away Party, it turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. The chaotic muster drill process meant that, as disabled guests, we struggled to get to Deck 11 in time. We had to wait a long time for an elevator (as the stairs weren’t an option for us), and by the time we arrived, the party had already started, and the best viewing spots were gone. My kids were devastated. I’ve since sent a complaint to Disney Cruise Line about the accessibility issues, and I really hope they address this for future guests.
2. Cabanas Buffet – Great Food, But Crowded
While we really enjoyed the food at Cabanas, the buffet restaurant, finding a table was an absolute challenge. Every time we went, it was packed, and we found ourselves circling the room for what felt like ages. The crowds made it difficult for us to fully enjoy our meals, especially as a family with young children. Additionally, we noticed that Disney only opens Cabanas for limited hours, unlike other cruise lines where buffets are open most of the day. Extending these hours would really help manage the crowds.
3. Character Meet and Greets – Long Queues, No Accommodations
One of the biggest letdowns was the character meet and greet queues. Some waits were over an hour, and at one point, we were told that meeting Pluto would take almost two hours! For our neurodivergent children, who struggle with long waits, this was really hard. Unfortunately, Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer any kind of disability access pass like they do at the parks, which would have made this much more manageable for our family.
4. Pool Deck – A Bit Too Crowded
The pools on board were consistently busy, and it was difficult to find loungers or space for the kids to swim. While this is somewhat expected during a peak summer holiday cruise, it was still frustrating. However, we made up for it by enjoying movies under the stars on the pool deck in the evenings, which was much more relaxed and my son did really enjoy riding the Aqua Duck water slide.
5. Technology Needs an Upgrade
Having just sailed with another cruise line that uses technology seamlessly, I was surprised by the lack of tech on the Disney Dream. For example, ordering room service required calling and waiting on hold for ages – an in-app ordering system would have made this so much easier. Similarly, reporting maintenance issues like the flooding we experienced in our room could have been handled more efficiently with app integration. This is definitely an area where Disney could improve.
Would We Sail Again?
Despite a few setbacks, we had a magical time on board the Disney Dream, and we’d absolutely consider booking another Disney cruise in the future. However, we’d be more mindful of the time of year – sailing during a summer holiday made the ship very crowded, which impacted our experience, especially with long queues for characters and activities.
Next time, we’ll opt for a longer cruise during off-peak season. We’ve heard those sailings tend to be more relaxed with fewer crowds. But even with the challenges, the magic of Disney was alive and well, and we created memories that we’ll treasure for a lifetime.
If you’re planning your own Disney cruise, I’d say go for it – just be prepared for the crowds if you’re sailing during peak season!
