Our Magical Experience Aboard the Disney Dream
- Scott
- Feb 3
- 7 min read
As part of the Annual Disney Creators at Sea Celebration, we had the incredible opportunity to set sail aboard the Disney Dream on a five-night voyage. This trip was a whirlwind of magic, fun, and unforgettable moments with our family. If you're planning a Disney cruise, we’re sharing a breakdown of each day on board, along with key tips to make the most of your own magical adventure!
Arriving Early
Before boarding the Disney Dream, we arrived a day early and stayed at Le Meridien Dania Beach, a fantastic property conveniently close to the Fort Lauderdale airport. This was the perfect way to ensure an stress-free start to our cruise—allowing us to settle in, rest, and avoid any last-minute travel issues. If you're flying in for a Disney cruise, we highly recommend arriving the day before departure to account for potential flight delays and start your vacation feeling refreshed!
Day 1: Embarkation & Getting Settled
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, we arrived at the port filled with excitement. The check-in process was smooth, and before we knew it, we were stepping onto the stunning Disney Dream. The ship's grandeur set the tone for the adventure ahead. We took time to explore, soaking in every detail, before heading to the Sail Away Celebration on the deck.
For lunch, we opted for the sit-down option at Animator’s Palate—a hidden gem that many guests don’t realize is available upon embarkation, offering a relaxing alternative to the bustling Cabanas buffet. That evening, we returned to Animator’s Palate for dinner, where the interactive experience delighted both kids and adults.
To cap off our first night, we enjoyed the Golden Mickeys show at the Walt Disney Theatre, a spectacular production celebrating Disney's greatest characters and films.
Tips for Day 1:
✔ Arrive at the port early for a smoother check-in process.
✔ Download the Disney Cruise Line app to check schedules and reservations.
✔ Pack swimsuits in your carry-on if you want to hit the pools before your luggage arrives.
✔ Get your kids’ club registration sorted early! Even if your child is slightly younger than the age cutoff, check with cast members for possible flexibility.
✔ Bring fun door magnets to decorate your stateroom door—many guests do this, making it easier to find your room while adding a personal touch!
Day 2: Nassau – Exploring the Bahamas & Pirate Night
Our first full day led us to Nassau, where we took the opportunity to walk around and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. While many visitors opt to explore Atlantis Resort and its massive aquariums and water slides, we decided to head back to the ship earlier to take full advantage of the onboard amenities. The boys especially loved the pool and waterslides, and it was a great way to enjoy a quieter afternoon on the ship.
That evening, we dressed up for Pirate Night, a Disney Cruise Line tradition! The festivities included a high-energy deck show featuring Captain Jack Sparrow, followed by an impressive fireworks display at sea. Disney provided themed bandanas in our staterooms, and many guests went all out with costumes. Dinner featured a special pirate-themed menu across all the restaurants, adding to the immersive experience.
Tips for Day 2:
✔ Book your excursions in advance as popular activities fill up quickly.
✔ If staying on board, use this time to enjoy shorter wait times for pools and activities.
✔ Bring a waterproof bag for beach excursions to keep valuables dry.
✔ Pack a pirate costume or accessories to fully enjoy Pirate Night!
✔ Don’t miss the pirate-themed dinner menu at all the ship’s restaurants.
✔ Fireworks happen on Pirate Night, so find a good viewing spot early!
Day 3: Castaway Cay – Disney’s Private Island
Waking up to the sight of Castaway Cay was breathtaking. We opted for the "Getaway Package," which included bike rentals, snorkel gear, and a float rental—giving us a full day of adventure and relaxation.
Biking around the island was a highlight, as it allowed us to explore at our own pace, and we made sure to stop at the lookout tower along the trail for an incredible panoramic view of the island. Snorkeling in the clear waters was a blast, and we even spotted some hidden Disney treasures underwater.
Later, we grabbed a refreshing drink at Heads Up Bar, which offered an amazing photo op with the ship in the background. While we didn’t participate in the Castaway Cay 5K, we highly recommend it—it’s a fun challenge, and you can either walk or run at your own pace.
That evening, we watched a live production of Beauty and the Beast in the Walt Disney Theatre. The Broadway-style adaptation was stunning, with incredible costumes, breathtaking special effects, and some of our favorite Disney songs brought to life.
Tips for Day 3:
✔ Get off the ship early to enjoy the island with fewer crowds.
✔ Bring your Key to the World card for purchases and ID purposes.
✔ The Getaway Package is a great way to experience multiple activities with ease.
✔ The Castaway Cay 5K is a fun way to start the day, and you can choose to walk or run.
✔ The island offers a kids’ club, which is great for families looking to let their little ones enjoy some supervised fun while parents relax.
Day 4: Lookout Cay – Disney’s New Private Destination
Our second island stop was at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s newest private paradise. The natural beauty of this destination was stunning, with vibrant coral reefs and lush landscapes.
We spent the morning unwinding on the beach and later stopped by Sandsational Smoothies for some refreshing drinks—the spicy watermelon limeade and guava strawberry colada were our favorites!
Lookout Cay also offers private cabanas for those looking for extra comfort and shade, with both family and adults-only options available. The island also features a kids’ club, which we took advantage of, allowing the boys to enjoy some structured activities while we relaxed.
If you’re looking for a quieter spot, head to the Reef and Wreck Bar area—it’s much less crowded than the center of the beach.
That evening, we watched a spectacular Marvel show onboard, filled with thrilling stunts, incredible special effects, and appearances from some of Marvel’s most iconic characters. It was truly a must-see experience!
Tips for Day 4:
✔ Plan activities in advance as Lookout Cay offers unique excursions.
✔ Stay hydrated and wear plenty of sunscreen, as shade can be limited.
✔ Private cabanas are available, with both family and adults-only options.
✔ The island features a kids’ club, perfect for families looking for supervised activities for little ones.
✔ Head to the Reef and Wreck Bar area for a less crowded beach experience.
✔ Fireworks happen on this night too! If you love fireworks at sea, this is your second chance to enjoy them.
Day 5: Marvel Day at Sea – Superhero Fun
This was an action-packed day from start to finish! One of the biggest highlights of our cruise was Marvel Day at Sea, which transformed the entire ship into a superhero-themed adventure.
We started the morning with breakfast at Enchanted Garden, a relaxing way to ease into the day before diving into all things Marvel.
We pre-booked a Marvel meet-and-greet, which we highly recommend. This allowed us to have a personalized experience without waiting in long lines. During our session, we met Spider-Man and Iron Man, and it was one of the highlights of the day!
Throughout the day, there were Marvel-themed activities, interactive shows, and trivia contests, keeping us entertained at every turn. The ship was buzzing with energy, and we saw plenty of guests dressed up in Marvel-inspired outfits—which added to the excitement!
Since this was our final full day onboard, we made sure to soak in every last moment of the experience. We also packed up our bags in the evening, as luggage needed to be placed outside our stateroom by 10 PM for collection. Keeping a carry-on with essentials for the next morning was key!
Tips for Day 5:
✔ Pre-book your Marvel character meet-and-greet for a more relaxed and personal experience.
✔ Dress in Marvel-themed outfits to fully embrace the experience.
✔ Participate in the themed activities and trivia contests for an immersive experience.
✔ Pack up before heading to bed so you’re ready for disembarkation in the morning.
Day 6: Disembarkation – A Bittersweet Farewell
All good things must come to an end, and as we arrived back in Fort Lauderdale, we prepared to disembark. We had one last breakfast at Animator’s Palate, reminiscing about our incredible journey and the unforgettable moments we shared as a family.
Disembarkation was smooth and well-organized, though we recommend getting up early to avoid the rush. Since we had placed our luggage outside the night before, we only had to carry our essentials and any last-minute items as we made our way off the ship.
Before leaving, we made sure to download any professional photos from the Disney Cruise Line app, as access may no longer be available once you disembark.
Tips for Day 6:
✔ Settle any onboard charges the night before to avoid last-minute stress.
✔ Have your carry-on packed with essentials, as your luggage will have already been collected.
✔ Eat breakfast early if you want a more relaxed experience before leaving.
✔ Download any professional photos from the Disney Cruise Line app before disembarking.
✔ Book your next Disney Cruise onboard for a special discount!
Final Thoughts
Sailing on the Disney Dream for the Annual Disney Creators at Sea Celebration was nothing short of magical. From the stunning islands of Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay to an action-packed Marvel Day at Sea, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder.
This trip gave us a chance to fully immerse ourselves in Disney magic, enjoy incredible entertainment, and create lifelong memories as a family. Whether you're planning your first Disney cruise or are a seasoned sailor, we hope these highlights and tips help you make the most of your own Disney Dream adventure!
This trip was hosted as part of a collaboration, but as always, all opinions are our own.
