A Disney Dream Vacation

The Disney Dream was the third cruise ship to join the Disney Cruise Line. The Dream currently sails itineraries to the Bahamas of 3, 4, or 5 days...and Disney Cruise Line has recently released a great deal for cruises between August 25 and September 26 of 2013!

Disney Dream

This post will give you some great information about the Disney Dream, plus how to take advantage of these great deals!

The construction of the Dream began in March of 2009. Designed to reflect the golden age of cruising in the 1930s, the ship arrived in her home port of Cape Canaveral, Florida in January of 2011, and sailed her maiden voyage on January 26, 2011.

The ship's fourteen decks include 1,250 staterooms to accommodate up to 4,000 passengers, with 1,458 Crew Members to help make each guest's voyage a magical one. Onboard, passengers can take advantage of youth activities, dining, entertainment, nightclubs, pools, and spa/fitness services.

Accommodations on the Dream include staterooms and suites to accommodate up to 7 people. Stateroom options include standard inside staterooms (184 square feet), deluxe inside or oceanview staterooms (214 suare feet), and deluxe oceanview staterooms with navigator's verandah or verandah (268 square feet including verandah); all of these accommodate 3 or 4 guests. The largest stateroom available is the deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah (304 square feet including verandah), which accommodates 4 or 5 guests. Concierge suite options with verandah include: 1-bedroom suites (614 square feet including verandah) that accommodate 4 or 5 guests, and 2-bedroom suites (945 square feet including verandah) and royal suites (1,029 square feet including verandah) that each accommodate up to 7 guests.



Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah 

A variety of Youth Clubs for ages 3 months to 14 years can be found on Deck 5 of the Dream. It's a Small World Nursery provides childcare for children from 3 months to 3 years old, for a reasonable babysitting fee, and recommendations are highly recommended, as space can fill up quickly.

Disney's Oceaneer Club (activity center) and Oceaneer Lab (play space) are designed for children from 3 to 12 years old. The Oceaneer Club and Lab are included amenities, and children may also eat lunch or dinner in these clubs. Children with special needs are welcome in the nursery or Oceaneer clubs; however, advanced notice is suggested in order to better serve the children.

Oceaneer Club

There are even special areas for "tweens" and teens. Vibe is an indoor/outdoor lounge specially designed for teens ages 14-17 years old, also found on Deck 5. A loft-style lounge is located on Deck 13, specially designed for "tweens" ages 11-14.

Other specified family and/or youth areas on Decks 4, 11, and 13 of the Dream. A family nightclub called D Lounge is located on Deck 4, while the video Arr-cade is located on Deck 11.

Dining on the Disney Dream includes 4 Main Dining restaurants, which guests visit on a rotational dinner schedule to offer a variety of opportunities. These 4 restaurants are: Animator's Palette (where animated drawings come to life), and Cabanas, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Palace (all of which also serve breakfast and lunch). In addition, there are two Adults Exclusive restaurants: Palo (serving Northern Italian cuisine for brunch and dinner) and Remy (serving French cuisine for dinner). The Adults Exclusive restaurants must be reserved in advance for an extra fee.

Royal Palace Restaurant

There are a variety of entertainment opportunities onboard the Dream. Live shows, including musical productions, are performed in the Walt Disney Theatre on Decks 3 and 4. First-run movies and digital 3-D films are shown in the Buena Vista Theatre, located on Decks 4 and 5. In addition, Disney characters can be found onboard for a scheduled and surprise visits.

There are a variety of nightclubs and lounges on the ship. Most of these are located on Deck 4: 687 (a contemporary family sports bar), District Lounge (a lively bar open during the day for all guests and at night for adults only), Evolution (a dance club for all ages), Pink (an elegant adults-only bar), Skyline (an adults-only cocktail lounge), and Vista Cafe. Located on Deck 12 are Meridian (an adults-only bar) and Waves (a beverage location for all ages). Other options are: Bon Voyage (a family lounge) on Deck 3, Cove Cafe (an adults-only lounge) on Deck 11, and Currents on Deck 13.

Evolution Dance Club

Pools and water play areas abound on the Disney Dream. Three pools are located on Deck 11: Mickey's Pool (for children), Donald's Pool (for families), and Quiet Cove Pool (for adults only). Also located on Deck 11 is Nemo's Reef, a fun splash deck for children. Plus, the Dream is home to the first water coaster, the AquaDuck, located on Deck 12.

Aquaduck Water Coaster

A variety of spa and fitness services can also be found on the Dream. Senses Spa & Salon is located on Decks 11 and 12, where guests can experience relaxing spa or salon treatments for an additional fee. The Fitness Center is located on Deck 11, including state-of-the-art fitness equipment and group exercise classes. Goofy's Sports Deck on Deck 13 includes a miniature golf course, virtual sports simulators, and a basketball/volleyball court.

Goofy's Sports Deck

Now to talk about the ports of call! All Disney Dream itineraries currently stop at Nassau in the Bahamas, and Castaway Cay, Disney's private Caribbean island. Some longer itineraries include a day or days at sea as well.

Disney's Castaway Cay

Are you ready for a Dream vacation?

Disney is currently offering a great deal on 3- and 4-day Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream, departing from Port Canaveral between August 25-September 26, 2013. Cruises must be booked by February 28, 2013 to receive this deal. In addition, Disney is offering $50-$100 onboard credit for these cruises, depending on the type of stateroom booked.

Plus, Disney Vacations by Katherine is offering an additional $25-$50 onboard credit, depending on the type of stateroom booked. That's $75-$150 onboard credit to use on your Dream cruise! See www.disneyvacationsbykatherine.com or email me at katherine@enchantedearstravel.com.

Feel free to post questions and/or comments in the comments section!

Disneyland Park: Disney's Original Theme Park

Don't forget about the world of magic in California! There's nothing like the original.

The Disneyland Resort has come a long way from Walt Disney's original theme park. At the time considered a large undertaking, Disneyland has undergone several expansions. The resort now includes 2 theme parks, a Downtown Disney area, and 3 Disneyland resort hotels. This post will focus on the Disneyland Park.

Disneyland Park is the only Disney theme park that Walt Disney himself lived to see realized. The park opened on July 17, 1955. Walt Disney's opening day speech is still one his most famous quotes. See a video of this speech below:

 

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World was designed after the original Disneyland Park, so frequent visitors to Disney World will recognize the hub layout of the Park. There are a several differences in lands and rides. See a map of the Disneyland Park.

 

Sleeping Beauty Castle

The main entrance to Disneyland Park opens onto Main Street, USA with a view of the Sleeping Beauty Castle (in comparison to Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom). The Disneyland Railroad has several stops within the Disneyland Park.
 

Disneyland Train Station

There are four lands at Disneyland that have the same names and themes as the Magic Kingdom: Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. However, each of these areas contains some differences:

• Adventureland: In addition to the original Tiki Room and Jungle Cruise, Adventureland at Disneyland also includes Tarzan's Treehouse (instead of the Swiss Family Treehouse) and Indiana Jones Adventure (which is a ride as opposed to the show at the Hollywood Studios in Disney World). Lovers of the Dole Whip will be pleased to note that this delicious pineapple concoction is also sold at Disneyland Park.

Indiana Jones Adventure

• Frontierland: Visitors to Frontierland at Disneyland Park can ride on the Sailing Ship Columbia in addition to the Mark Twain Riverboat. Disneyland's Frontierland also includes the Pirates' Lair on Tom Sawyer Island and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Entertainment and dining options include the original Golden Horseshoe Saloon (soon to stage a tribute to the original Golden Horseshoe Revue) and the Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue.

Sailing Ship Columbia

• Fantasyland: This land seems to have the most differences with the Magic Kingdom. Rides that are the same include: King Arthur Carousel (different name), Casey Jr. Circus Train (different name), Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan's Flight, Mad Tea Party, and it's a small world. Disneyland's Fantasyland also hosts the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. However, there are several differences. There is a Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, as well as Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Snow White's Scary Adventures (recently closed at Magic Kingdom as part of the new Fantasyland), Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (closed at Magic Kingdom years ago to be replaced with Pooh), Alice in Wonderland, Pixie Hollow (where you can meet the Fairies), Matterhorn Bobsleds, and Storybook Land Canal Boats.

Matterhorn Bobsleds

• Tomorrowland: Similar attractions to Magic Kingdom include: Space Mountain, Autopia (different name for the Speedway), Astro Orbiter, and Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters (different name). Also found are: Innoventions and Captain EO (at Epcot in Disney World), and Star Tours - The Adventures Continue (at Hollywood Studios). The Jedi Training Academy is also here (at Hollywood Studios). Different attractions include the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Starcade (game arcade).

Finding Nemo's Submarine Voyage

Disneyland Park is also home to 3 differently named lands, though some of them have similar themes to current or former Magic Kingdom lands, and there are many of the same attractions.

• New Orleans Square: This land is similar to Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom. The attractions here are similar to attractions in the Magic Kingdom: Haunted Mansion Holiday and Pirates of the Caribbean (found in Adventureland).
• Critter Country: This land is home to Splash Mountain (in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom) and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (found in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom). A unique attraction is Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes.

Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes

• Mickey's Toontown: This land is still alive at the Disneyland Park, though it was demolished at the Magic Kingdom in favor of the new Fantasyland expansion. Here you can meet Mickey at his house, as well as visit Minnie's House, Goofy's Playhouse, Donald's Boat, and Chip and Dale's Treehouse. Rides include Gadget's Go Coaster and Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin.

Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin

As you can see, the Disneyland Park includes many of the favorites found at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom (and a few from other parks). However, there are many attractions that have been discontinued at Disney World that can still be found at Disneyland. In addition, there are several attractions unique to the Disneyland Park that make this park worth the visit.

This post only covers the adventures found at the Disneyland Park. There is still another world of magic found at Disney's California Adventure. Disneyland Resort's second theme park and other areas of the Disneyland Resort will be covered in future posts.

So stay tuned, and as always...have a magical day!



Disney in Hawaii: A Magical Tropical Vacation

Do you love Disney and dream of a tropical vacation? Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawai'i has the best of both worlds!

Aulani Resort and Spa has authentic Hawaiian activities that will delight all ages, combined with Disney service and character!

Included with a stay at Aulani Resort and Spa:

• Beach fun: relaxing, swimming, sandcastles, games, teen beach parties, and more!
• Fitness center: 2,000 square feet housing a state-of-the-art health club
• Whirlpool spas: 4 spas in 3 different areas of the resort
• Pools: 2 pool areas - one for quiet relaxation and a zero-entry 8,200 square foot pool for splashing and family fun
• Water play areas: a kids play area plus a "lazy river" experience with water slides
• Aunty's Beach House interactive children's club with childcare for ages 3-12
• Entertainment: Hawaiian story-telling and performances, pool parties, Disney movie nights, and more!
• Family and cultural activities: hula and ukelele lessons, scavenger hunts, sand sculpting, Hawaiian crafts, resort tours, and more!

In addition to the included amenities, you can also purchase the following activities for an extra fee:

• Spa experiences: luxury spa treatments for adults, plus a teen-only spa
• Island excursions: guided visits to ranch, waterfalls, and/or rainforest areas of the island
• Fitness classes
• Specialty lessons: hula, ukelele, crafts, and more

Dining is not included in an Aulani vacation package. However, there are several unique dining experiences to choose from:

• Disney character breakfast: the magic of Disney in Hawai'i!
• Quick service and lounge dining
• Makahiki: buffet and à la carte options in an open-air dining room
• AmaAma: signature beachside dining specializing in modern Hawaiian cuisine

Accommodations at Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa include room and suites for up to 6 people. Guests can also stay in spacious 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom villas through the Disney Vacation Club property at Aulani.

If you're ready for a Hawaiian vacation, but still want the Disney magic, consider Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa, where you can have a truly magical tropical vacation!

Resort Spotlight: Disney's Wilderness Lodge

One of my favorite Deluxe Resorts at Walt Disney World is Disney's Wilderness Lodge.

In my opinion, Wilderness Lodge has some of the best theming of all of the Disney World resorts. Designed around the ideas of the Pacific Northwest, the resort opened in May of 1994, and resembles a grand forest lodge. The Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone Park was the inspiration for the main building, and the design of the buildings and grounds incorporates natural and Native American elements.

The main lobby features Lodgepole Pine imported from Oregon, authentic totem poles towering 55 feet, and an enormous fireplace of 82 feet.

The resort features the Silver Creek Springs pool and Fire Rock (man-made) geyser. In the morning, even the ducks like to go for a swim!

For all the rustic charm of the Wilderness Lodge, it earns its deluxe designation by the top-line amenities and services, including a signature restaurant. Artist Point is a fine dining restaurant specializing in cuisine from the Pacific Northwest, with a dining room inspired by National Park Lodges and murals depicting scenes of the American frontier.

In addition, there is the Roaring Fork quick service restaurant, and Whispering Canyon Cafe, where guests who ask for ketchup receive every bottle in the restaurant and large drinks come in enormous jars. And of course, every deluxe resort has room service!

Rooms are spacious and can accommodate up to 5 people. Some rooms even have bunk beds! Suites are available, as well as club level rooms with concierge service. If your party requires additional space, you can also reserve a villa through the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, the Disney Vacation Club property located adjacent to the main resort.

Wilderness Lodge is located on Bay Lake, and the Magic Kingdom is just a boat launch ride away. Boat transportation is also available to Disney's Fort Wilderness (home of the Hoop-de-Doo Musical Revue) and Disney's Contemporary Resort (site of Chef Mickey's and California Grill). The ease of transportation to the Magic Kingdom, combined with the beauty and service of the resort itself, make this a favorite deluxe resort for many Disney World guests.

 

Watch this video for more trivia tips about Disney's Wilderness Lodge!