With my face enthusiastically pressed against the bus window yesterday morning, I must have resembled a young boy (minus the male pattern baldness, of course) as I first caught glimpse of the 4,000-passenger Disney Dream upon our arrival at Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship was actually visible from quite a distance thanks in part to its impressive length—1,115 feet—and two red smokestacks with the Disney Cruise Line logo and white “Mickey Ears” shadow. As if on cue, the morning sun shone brightly on the ship.
After leaving the bus and passing through security, I headed outside to the docking area where bleachers and a seemingly endless collection of floor-level chairs were placed before a stage and massive video screen backdrop. For maximum viewing potential (and to partially be shaded from persistent Florida sunshine) I strategically positioned myself near the top of a section of bleachers as close to the 50-yard-line as possible (sorry for the football reference) and eagerly awaited the beginning of the christening celebration. A short time later, the program began and what a celebration it was.

Costumed performers representing a variety of Disney-produced classic shows and movies including The Incredibles, Pirates of the Caribbean and High School Musical, among others, frequented the stage area.  Guests dressed in everything from t-shirts and shorts to 'red carpet' dresses and business suits were entertained with appearances by the likes of Mickey Mouse and Goofy as well as by a variety of singing and dancing acts. Other highlights included live appearances and welcoming words by Robert Iger, the president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company and Thomas Staggs, the chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

We were even treated to a brief performance by American Idol finalist and Dreamgirls star Jennifer Hudson, who was also recognized as 'godmother' of the Dream.  Fireworks filled the air near the end of the christening celebration. 

 On Board

Upon entering the ship, guests were welcomed by name over a loudspeaker and walked through two lines of applauding Disney staff members. (I couldn’t help but wonder if these warm-faced greeters had somehow conditioned their hands for such a continuous task.)

After passing into a vividly colorful central atrium lobby with stairs leading to multiple vantage and gathering points and an impressive chandelier, I headed for my stateroom with an impressive view even though we were still docked. Eager-to-help staff members were almost everywhere.

Lunch options were numerous and after a plentiful buffet at Cabanas, I conducted a self-guided tour of the Dream’s various outdoor entertainment offerings, including miniature golf, table tennis and a basketball/volleyball court on Goofy’s Sports Deck (Deck 13). I also caught my first up-close glance of the ship’s AquaDuck water coaster at sea, which begins on Deck 16 and ends on Deck 12 (more on this tomorrow). I also took a tour the Senses Spa & Salon, where tranquility, pampering and relaxation in an ocean view environment is an option many guests will enjoy, whether in search of a facial, a body wrap or a massage.

Aboard the Disney Dream, guests are given the opportunity to rotate with their primary wait staff from one dinner restaurant to another. My first experience was at Animator’s Palate where numerous examples of Disney animation are displayed as wall décor. Without revealing too many of the restaurant’s secrets, I quickly learned that character sketches, film strips and scenes from popular Disney and Disney Pixar films have a tendency to change during a given evening’s dining experience. I wasn’t expecting to have an actual conversation with a wall-based Disney character while enjoying my potato and cheese soup, roast beef with barbeque sauce and cheesecake.

The evening ended with “The Golden Mickeys: A Timeless Tribute” in the 1,340-seat Walt Disney Theatre. The awards-style show celebrates the musical heritage of Disney animated films through colorful on-stage performances that are both engaging and entertaining for guests of all ages.

More tomorrow....