Disney Dream Gets Ritzy on the High Seas

Disney Moms Panelist Ritzy McCarthy reports on the Inaugural Cruise

- by Ritzy McCarthy, February 6, 2011

So how did I get invited to the Disney Dream Inaugural Christening Cruise?

It all started with a phone call from my Disney Fairy Godmother, Laura Spencer, inviting me to attend the event. Laura is the Social Media Manager for Disney Parks and a huge Disneyphile! I could hardly contain my excitement as I told her I would most definitely be able to attend.

Who in their right mind wouldn't?

I've been following the Disney Dream since its first steel cutting in 2009 at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Going on the Dream's Christening Cruise was indeed a dream come true and an experience I will never forget.

Ritzy's Dream Come True

The journey to the Dream began on a less than auspicious note when a winter storm threatened to prevent the departure of my early morning flight. However, the Tiki Gods smiled upon me and after the de-icing trucks cleaned the airplane I was on my way to Orlando.

Upon arrival I collected my bags and headed over to Disney's Magical Express to board the motor coach bound for Disney's Polynesian Resort. I received my Key to the World at the main desk in the Grand Ceremonial House and was instructed to check in for the cruise and collect my credentials at the hospitality center located in the Tangaroa Terrace 'longhouse'.

Disney World Moms Panelists Andi, Bernie, Jill, and I were staying at the same resort. We had been invited to a special media event in Magic Kingdom that evening where we attended a presentation in Mickey's PhilharMagic about the Fantasyland expansion project, the new 'The Magic, the Memories, & You' nighttime show, and Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Dream.

That night we had the opportunity to enjoy a buffet-style dinner, visit some attractions, and meet some rare characters. The highlight of the evening was "The Magic, the Memories, & You" presentation. Cinderella Castle was lit up with projected images of Disney park guests.

This was followed by the traditional Wishes Fireworks display. Jill and I sat near the Partners statues in awe. We were overjoyed to have been part of such an incredible and impressive event.

Christening Celebration

The spectacular Christening Celebration, held on January 19th, 2011 in Port Canaveral, was everything we have come to expect from Disney and much more. My fellow panelists and I were escorted through a red carpet stretching from the Disney Cruise Line Terminal to the dock and finally to a large multimedia display and stage area.

Robert A. Iger, President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company, delivered some brief remarks, as did Thomas O. Staggs, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (joined by Captain Mickey).

The impressive ceremony featured beloved Disney characters, elaborately staged musical numbers, and majestic fireworks.

Jennifer Hudson, the Dream's Fairy Godmother, blessed the ship before it was baptized.

Then a gigantic champagne bottle was flown to the bow of the Dream via helicopter in time for a magical appearance by Sorceror Mickey.

Ritzy Boards the Dream

After the Christening Ceremony was over we were escorted outside the Disney Cruise Line Terminal for a champagne toast and some delectable hors d'oeuvres. We had the opportunity to meet Captain Mickey before walking through the terminal's Mickey Ears leading us to the much anticipated Disney Dream.

Upon entering the expansive three-deck Atrium Lobby, home to an iconic statue of Steamboat Willie, I immediately noticed the dazzling ceiling chandelier adorned with sparkling Swarovski crystals and the whimsical bronze statue of Admiral Donald prominently displayed at the bottom of the grand staircase.

The magnificent Atrium Lobby showcasing intricate art deco design with understated Disney touches certainly set the standard for what we would experience during the voyage.

Ritzy Enters Her Stateroom

I found my Category 4A Stateroom 9616 located Starboard side on Deck 9.

At 299 sq. ft., this Deluxe Family Ocean View Stateroom with Verandah beautifully decorated in an elegant nautical motif [pic 1 | pic 2], was significantly more spacious than I had originally anticipated, with plenty of room for the queen-size bed, sofa (which becomes a sofa bed), desk, and even a few appliances.

Sleeping up to five guests, these accommodations feature a convenient split bathroom [pic 1 | pic 2] to allow for multiple family members to get ready at the same time.

My verandah offered spectacular sweeping views of the open ocean. From this private sanctuary I watched dolphins swim near the Dream as if to welcome her to their waters.

Ritzy Eats at the Enchanted Garden

My traveling companions and I had a delicious buffet-style lunch at Enchanted Garden, a restaurant designed to look like an open air conservatory in the Versailles Gardens of France with a Mickey fountain as its centerpiece.

We enjoyed our lunch in one of the adorable booths near the restaurant's entrance attended by solicitous servers.

During evening meals Enchanted Garden undergoes a spectacular transformation from day to sunset to nighttime, when the restaurant's ceiling is filled with twinkling stars.

Lifeboat Drill, Then Drinks and a Tour

The mandatory lifeboat drill took place promptly at 4:15 PM before the Sail Away Party and cocktails on Deck 11. After the drill, my traveling companions and I met near Admiral Donald's statue in the Atrium Lobby for a partial tour of the ship.

We visited Skyline, an impressive upscale bar in The District, featuring ever-changing panoramic vistas of various cities continuously cycled on 65-inch LCD screen 'windows'.

As a former Chicago resident, I was thoroughly impressed to see Downtown Chicago in all its nocturnal glory painstakingly detailed with traffic moving on Lake Shore Drive and the spinning Ferris wheel at Navy Pier.

We also toured Pink, the Concierge Lounge, The District Lounge, 687, and the Rainforest Room in Senses Spa & Salon.

Ritzy Dines at the Royal Palace

That evening, after walking across the beautifully detailed marble floor near its entrance, we dined in the Royal Palace, an elegant restaurant drawing its opulent design inspiration from the classic Disney animated fairy tales - Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Beauty and the Beast.

The restaurant has a circular floor plan detailed with rich elements from each classic story such as, royal crests, roses, tiaras, and glass slippers chandelier.

For dinner, I enjoyed the Cinderella's Coach Bread Basket followed by Belle's French Onion Soup served in a darling 'Beast' bowl.

As my entree, I had the Royal Palace Aged Angus Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Medallions, which exceeded my expectations, as did the Chocolate Ganache served with Breton Sable and Mango Coulis, a no-sugar-added dessert option.

The Theatre and the Salon

My dining companions and I walked the red carpet on our way to a performance of The Golden Mickeys in the Walt Disney Theatre with its beautiful art deco ceiling fixtures in the lobby.

The most noticeable enhancement to this classic stage show was the addition of characters from the animated Disney movie 'Rapunzel'. A less obvious modification was incorporated into Ariel's 'flying' performance to the tune of Under the Sea from 'The Little Mermaid'.

After leaving the Walt Disney Theater I walked over to Senses Spa & Salon. I asked for a recommendation on a facial treatment. Darling Emma, from Yorkshire, England, suggested a first-night-special, only available that evening. It consisted of an exfoliating facial and massage for only $99! I couldn't pass it up!

Emma led me to the locker rooms where I got changed into a plush and comfy, yet somewhat oversized robe. I met Emma back in the private treatment room where I drifted into a semi-conscious state while she worked her magic on my face and back. It was difficult to return to a waking-state for the walk back to Deck 9.

Day Two Dawns

The next morning I got up early to find we had arrived at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island paradise in the Bahamas. My traveling companions and I met at Cabanas for a quick self-serve breakfast buffet before reporting to the media Interview Staging Area.

That afternoon we were treated to the brand new musical of Disney's 'Believe' in the Walt Disney Theatre. Declared a new favorite, this elaborate stage production combines a delightful musical score, incredible choreography, groundbreaking technology and special effects, beloved Disney characters, and a heartfelt story.

Ritzy Dines at Animator's Palate

Later that evening we dined in the re-imagined Animator's Palate restaurant.

This Dream signature restaurant is designed to resemble an animator's studio depicting scenes and displaying characters from popular Disney and Disney Pixar films. The animator 'cork boards' on the walls of the restaurant underwent a magical transformation changing to an underwater view of the ocean.

Here, as in the Royal Palace, dinner was excellent. My companions and I enjoyed Shrimp Pasta, Black Cod, Beef Tenderloin, and for dessert, Chocolate Ganache. A nice touch was the salt 'n pepper shakers in the form of Mickey ears.

Crush, the beloved sea turtle from 'Finding Nemo', delighted us throughout the course of the evening's meal.

More Fun on the Dream!

That night we enjoyed Mickey's Pirate IN the Caribbean with special character appearances, including Captain Jack Sparrow.

The Club Pirate dance party took place on Deck 11 and featured some stunning visual special effects.

The swashbuckling performance was followed by the brand new, and only, fireworks spectacular at sea, Buccaneer Blast! The fireworks display was perfectly choreographed to dramatic scores from the Disney classic theme park attraction and hit movies, 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.

Ritzy Meets the President

On the last day of the cruise I had the opportunity to meet Karl Holz, President of the Disney Cruise Line. Later I introduced him to Jill and the three of us had a brief but meaningful discussion about Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line.

In a trip full of amazing experiences, celebrity sightings, fantastic entertainment, upscale dining, and incomparable Disney service, meeting Mr. Holz was most definitely the icing on the cake!

Back at Port

That morning we waved goodbye to the Disney Dream at the conclusion of an unforgettable Inaugural Christening cruise.

Thanks to a very special Fairy Godmother, my dream had come true!

Disclaimer: The views expressed by Disney World Moms Panel members are those of the Panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees. Panelists have received/will receive some compensation for their participation on the panel.

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