I was recently invited by Disney Cruise Lines to spend the day on board the magnificent Disney Dream while she was docked in Southampton, and from the moment I arrived I knew she was something special.
The Disney Dream immediately caught my eye with her two iconic red funnels adorned with Mickey Mouse logos, along with the elegant gold and blue detailing along her hull, make her unmistakably Disney whilst still feeling sophisticated and stylish.
As soon as I stepped into the Grand Atrium, I was greeted with a real wow moment. The space is beautifully designed with rich gold décor and subtle Disney touches throughout, but what stood out even more was the warm personalised welcome guests receive as they come on board.
One of the highlights was visiting the Royal Palace restaurant. The attention to detail was incredible, from roses carved into the backs of chairs to beautiful Disney-inspired artwork on the walls. Even the smallest touches, such as the bread baskets and table numbers, carried elegant Disney motifs.
Animator's Palate exceeded all my expectations. It very cleverly blends dining with entertainment in a way only Disney can. Children are encouraged to draw their own characters which are then brought to life on the restaurant's screens alongside other childrens' creations. It is a fantastic idea that keeps children entertained whilst waiting for their meal. Even the finer details, such as paintbrush-shaped butter knives and table numbers, add to the experience.
We also explored the adult-only venues including Palo and Remy, both offering refined dining with subtle nods to Disney films such as Ratatouille. The adult-exclusive bars were equally impressive, particularly the Pink Champagne Bar, which was my personal favourite with its beautiful pink Piano and lovely subtle Dumbo-inspired theme. District Lounge, Pub 687, Skyline and Evolution all offer stylish spaces where Disney takes a more understated approach.
The adults-only pool area was another pleasant surprise. Peaceful, elegant and much quieter from the bustling family areas, it felt like the perfect place to relax and unwind.
The staterooms showcased excellent use of space, particularly the inside cabins with their interactive portholes, which create the illusion of a real ocean view. The family-friendly layouts and privacy curtains were thoughtful touches, whilst the suites felt luxurious and spacious.
After a wonderful lunch, the biggest surprise of the day awaited us: the children's clubs. They are, without question, the best children's facilities I have ever seen at sea. From large open interactive play spaces flowing through to gaming zones, to areas inspired by Toy Story and space adventures, every corner is designed to spark imagination no matter what age you are, I really wanted to stay longer.
Before disembarking, I took a final look inside the Walt Disney Theatre, which felt every bit as impressive as a London's West End venue. A quick goodbye to Mickey completed a truly memorable visit.
Having never experienced Disney Cruise Line before, I left genuinely impressed. I have to admit, before stepping onboard I expected Disney to be completely in my face at every turn. What I found was quite the opposite. Disney has managed to blend its magic into the ship in a really tasteful and elegant way. The character references, artwork and themed elements are there if you look for them, but they never feel overwhelming. It struck the perfect balance between classic Disney magic and a premium cruise experience, and that was one of the biggest surprises of the day for me.
If you would like to find out more about the magical Disney Dream and discover everything this incredible ship has to offer, please get in touch with Selina at Miles Morgan Travel in Blandford. She will be delighted to share her experience; answer any questions you may have and help you plan your own unforgettable Disney cruise. You can contact Selina on 01258 473355 or email [email protected]
