In May 2018, I had the opportunity to spend 5 days on a Disney Agent Experience in Walt Disney World. Part of the trip included a day excursion to Port Canaveral (approx 60 mins south east of Walt Disney World) to tour the Disney Dream, one of 4 ships in the Disney Cruise Lines. I have to say I was excited about this ship tour as I have sailed on the Disney Magic and Wonder, but had not been onboard the “larger” ships in the fleet, the Dream and Fantasy.

If you know Disney, then you know the story telling begins from the start and if you choose to use the Disney Cruise Line’s transfer, the coach that awaits you, quickly delivers the magic. Your luggage is handled from the moment you arrive at the kiosk desk in the airport and once at the port, is delivered to your cabin, you never touch it. Onboard the coach, you and your family can sit back, enjoy the ride and pickup a few tips on what to expect at the pier with a fun/informative video that plays on overhead monitors.

Before you know it, you catch your first glimpse of your Disney Cruise ship as you cross over a couple of bridges, exit the highway and within moment are at the pier where the story continues. The terminal is your checkin/boarding point for your Disney Cruise, but take a moment to look around at the building is full of stories…keep an eye on the floor for a unique perspective of the region you are about to vacation in. You may have a little wait before the official boarding begins, but there is so much to do in the terminal such as checking out the model ship of the Disney Magic, meet Captain Mickey, relax on the comfortable seating throughout the terminal, step out onto the balcony to view your cruise ship up close, get some of those first day photos and so much more.

As you walk up the gangway from the terminal, you can't help but feel the excitement build.  You may find a slight pause as you near the top of the gangway and about to step on the ship for the first time, but don't be alarmed, there is only one way to board a Disney Cruise Ship and that is to have your family announced/welcomed home by the crew lined up, leading you into an amazing atrium.  You know you are in for a special vacation!

As the ship was on a turn around and guests were boarding for the next sailing, we didn't get much time to view cabins, but we did "explore" the many features that make a Disney Cruise unique.  What you quickly realizes as you explore the ship is that Disney has customized their ships to truly have an area for each family member that will have them relaxing within moments.  Our first stop, the top deck where you will find the main family pool area along with the famous AquaDuck water slide, the adults only pool and lounge and towards the back of the back, the kids pool and activity section.  No matter if you are travelling with kids or just a "kid at heart", there is a spot on the deck waiting for you.

No matter the age of your children, when they step into one of the Youth Clubs onboard a Disney Cruise Ship, they may not want to leave!

It's A Small World Nursery - for 6 months old up to 3 years of age, there is a cost and reservations are required for this childcare centre

Disney's Oceaneer Club - for children 3 to 12 years of age where they can interact with Disney Characters as they explore multi-themed magical lands such as Andy's Room, Disney's Infinity Game Room, Pixie Hallow and Star Wars: Millennium Falcon.  There is no cost for the Club and you may find a few times during the cruise that parents are welcome to participate which should leave you a little jealous of all the fun your kids are having!

Disney's Oceaneer Lab - for children 3 to 12 years of age where they can play and learn at sea with interactive games, activities and more.  The Lab is so much more than just a "video" game room as your kids can try out Animator's Studio creating their own art or learning to draw a Disney character.  Maybe it's the Craft Studio for hands on art and crafts or stopping into Playmation where they battle villains side by side with The Avengers.  There is also The Wheelhouse if they are up for a treasure hunt based on Pirates of the Caribbean. There is so much going on, you may not see your kids the entire cruise!

Edge - the place for Tweens and located in the forward funnel on Deck 13, your Tween will feel like it's their own private oasis.  Along side Disney counselors, your Tween will find dance parties, karaoke, photo booths, tablets, trivia games, DJ spin off challenges, Improv "school" and so much more.  You just may find your Tween making friends quickly after just one visit!

Vibe - it's all about the Teens here (age 14-17)  in this exclusive chill out lounge that hosts dance parties, a coffee bar serving smoothies/beverages and snacks.  Onboard the Dream, there is even a private pool/sun deck area at the front of the ship that is only accessible by your Teen.  If you are second guessing a Disney Cruise for a teen, you can stop right now as this hideaway will be their highlight!

If you are looking for a "night out", Disney Dream will not disappoint as there is an entire area of the ship dedicated to the adults.  Looking for a classic english pub, a champagne bar, maybe it's dancing the night away or just enjoying a cocktail overlooking the skylines of a few iconic world cities, there really is something for every night of your cruise.  Thinking you may have to miss out as your kids are on board? Remember the various youth clubs are open until midnight and you just may be surprised, it's your kids that want to be out each night!

Cruised before and expect another grand dining hall for you and 1000 other guests?  You could not be more wrong as Disney Cruise Lines have created Rotational Dining onboard their ships.  Each evening you will enjoy an outstanding meal in one of 3 unique dining venues that entertains you with a special theme, character or story.  Waiting for you each night will be your amazing dinner staff who are there to ensure your meal is the best possible.  My personal favourite dining venue is Animator's Palate where some special Disney magic will have you talking with Crush or watching the room come to life with color.....believe me, you don't want to miss dinner here!

Looking to celebrate a special occasion, you can also take advantage of 2 adults only venues onboard, but make a reservation early as these fill up fast!  Palo's will have you "escaping" to Italy as you enjoy some outstanding Italian cuisine.  Remy's will have you enjoying a French atmosphere for the evening, but keep an eye out for Remy as he is located throughout the venue.

Onboard the Disney Dream, you will find the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique that will transform your child into a Disney Princess, Knight or Captain (Pirate night) all with the royal treatment.  You do need to pre-book this experience (subject to additional costs) as it's extremely popular with all families.  Ensuring the right Princess, Knight or Captain Attire is onboard prior to sailing is important.  Your little one will enter as themselves, but leave on a "Royal" high!