Small, golden Mickeys hidden in the bling of the beautiful lobby chandelier on Disney Dream

It’s gorgeous!  The Disney Dream may be the most beautiful cruise ship currently sailing.  Disney ships always stand out from the crowd when docked beside other vessels.  With their sleek and elegant lines, they look decidedly different from the floating shoebox shape that defines the more typical cruise ship style.  With Disney Dream, the classic interiors which are the hallmark of the brand are elevated to a new level.

Make no mistake; this is an enormous ship.  At 1115 feet in length, it’s less than 70 feet shorter than the world’s largest cruise ships.  With a maximum capacity of 4,000 passengers, it is significantly larger than Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.  Since Disney ships have the highest load factor in the industry due to the number of children sharing staterooms with adults, they often do sail at close to full capacity.

The public spaces are marvels of Art Deco design, with glossy woods and rich jewel colors. The entire ship boasts amazing technology ~ Virtual Portholes for inside staterooms; “Enchanted Art” that comes alive when guests move toward it; state-of-the-art RFID keycards; a fabulous new system for locating and viewing onboard photos; behind-the-mirror televisions in suite bathrooms; stateroom “wave” phones that can be carried around the ship and on Castaway Cay to keep in touch; “Living Character” interactive experiences in the kids’ clubs and Animator’s Palate restaurant; a Magic Playfloor for younger children and digital nooks and giant screens in the teens’ area.  The “windows” of the Skyline Lounge offer guests panoramic views of different cities.

On deck, passengers can experience the AquaDuck water coaster, watch movies on the “Funnel Vision” screen and enjoy the only fireworks at sea.  The repertoire of the ship’s whistle has been expanded to include musical motifs from five different famous Disney tunes.

Along with this unparalleled innovation, Disney Dream borrows many of the popular features enjoyed on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ~ Buena Vista Theatre, Disney Cruise Line’s movie palace that shows first-run movies, many in 3-D, throughout the day and evening; the Quiet Cove adults-only area with pool, bar, and Cove Café as well as a spa and adult lounges, bars, and music and entertainment venues; and, a variety of family-friendly activities.

Disney is, first and foremost, an entertainment company, and this extraordinary breadth of experience and creativity informs the whole environment. There are original live stage productions every evening and character appearances throughout the day.  Dinners are another “show” opportunity and every shipboard detail picks up a thread of the story that weaves its way from stem to stern.

Most cruisers will spend at least one day on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay; a tropical playground for all ages.  Disney Dream is sailing three- to five-night itineraries in the Bahamas for 2012.  In March, it will be joined by its sister ship, Disney Fantasy which will feature 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages.

]]> http://www.whimsicalworldtravel.com/blog/2012/01/02/reflections-on-a-dream-1/feed/ 0 http://www.whimsicalworldtravel.com/blog/2012/01/02/reflections-on-a-dream-1/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/whimsicalworldtravel/~3/KhddJhB6ZWo/ http://www.whimsicalworldtravel.com/blog/2011/11/21/hidden-in-the-shadows/#comments Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:41:51 +0000 R.D. http://www.whimsicalworldtravel.com/blog/?p=5972

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It’s a Walt Disney World treasure, and one that’s often overlooked – the magnificent miniature carousel located in the lobby of Disney’s Boardwalk Inn.

Years ago, salesmen carried mini versions of large items as samples so that prospective buyers would not need to purchase sight-unseen.  These tiny, perfect replicas or “salesman samples” were used to demonstrate the features and selling points of an amazing array of merchandise including furniture pieces, farm equipment, the household “technologies” of the day such as stoves and washing machines, coffins and canoes, shoes and eyeglasses, weathervanes, and various patented machinery.

Small, intricate reproductions of fabulous carousels were brought to fairgrounds around the country; used as a sales tool for the full-sized amusement rides.

There seems to be some conflicting information about the beautiful example on display in the resort.  Some sources claim it was made in the 1920’s by famous artist Marcus Illions, and there is wording on the piece itself to that effect.  Others insist it’s of a newer vintage – circa 1980 – reproducing one of his full-scale works.  Since Illions was a carver of full-sized pieces, it’s possible that this is a copy of one such ride.  It is very much in the style of the artist featuring the sense of natural motion, the lively poses, and the intricate detail that he was known for.  In either case, it has certainly been touched with pixie dust to suit its Disney home.

Most guests barely give it a second glance and, indeed, it’s somewhat difficult to see.  With a current value of more than $80,000.00, it’s perched up behind a circular seating area and protected by plexiglass. Sitting in opulent silence, it will suddenly burst into life, playing Disney themes and slowly moving as hundreds of tiny twinkling blue lights turn it into a scene from a fairytale.

The detail is extraordinary – jaunty and jewel-studded with a gaily-striped canopy, lavish gold embellishments, and gilded poles.  A dappled mare hides Hidden Mickeys on her coat and there is a splendidly subtle Hidden Mickey on another horse that’s a challenge to find.

Some of the changes this year include the addition of booths in the World Showcase that represent the Caribbean and Portugal.  A complete listing of the participants and menus, along with a schedule of the popular Eat to the Beat concerts, is included in the Festival Guidemap.  Fans of Party for the Senses will be happy to learn that cast members from Cirque du Soleil will once again add their special brand of fun and excitement to this popular event.

Also new for 2011 is the addition of Sweet Seats to the “3D” Disney’s Dessert Discovery, The Discovery of Chocolate series, the Cranberry Bog Display, Home Entertaining Seminars Hosted by HGTV, Mixology Seminars, Scent Demonstrations, Italy Food & Beer Pairings, Italy Dessert & Wine Pairings, Italian White Truffle Lunch, Mexico Tequila Lunch, The Magic of Healthy Living Dinner, and the Kitchen Memories seminars.

For your convenience, we’ve  put together a series of printable guides which highlight the program offerings for this year.  Those wishing to attend any of the special events and seminars can begin making reservations on August 16, 2011.

Premium Events and Experiences

Premium International Events

Special Festival Seminars and Experiences

Special Sweet Events

You can also get further details about past Festivals by reviewing earlier posts.  It’s a wonderful time to visit Walt Disney World ~ the weather is beautiful, the Magic Kingdom is festively dressed for Halloween, and there is so much to see and do and taste!

Beginning July 26, 2011, tickets will be available for the 2011 season of EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional Dinner package.  Performances will begin on November 25^th and run through December 30^th, with three shows daily at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m.

This annual favorite features a beautiful performance of seasonal music by a large chorus comprised of the wonderful Voices of Liberty, a cast member choir, and numerous guest choirs from around the country, accompanied by a full orchestra.  The highlight of each show is the reading of the Christmas story by a special celebrity narrator.

Prices are tiered to reflect both the dining venue and choice of lunch or dinner.  Guests with either the Magic Your Way Plus Dining or the Magic Your Way Plus Deluxe Dining plans can use two table-service credits.   Those on the Premium and Platinum plans can substitute the dinner package for one of their meals.

We’ve provided a downloadable document with complete details including a current list of guest narrators and a pricing chart for the various restaurants participating in this year’s package.

We invite you to review past posts for more information about the Candlelight Processional programs.

Our favorite kind of Hidden Mickey – atmospheric and artistic; merged with surrounding themes and waiting for us to find it.  A wonderful capture from a new contributor, Kurt!

In response to the demand for more Family Suites, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is now accepting reservations for 2012.  Guests can immerse themselves in classic animated films with a stay at this new Value Resort.  The resort is made up of four wings, three of which have family suites and one which features standard rooms.  It’s being opened in stages with the suites being offered first.  The property will ultimately include 1,120 family suites, and 864 standard rooms.

For arrivals beginning June 1, 2012, guests can stay in a Finding Nemo Family Suite.  Cars Family suites are available for dates from September 1, 2012, and on October 1, 2012, The Lion King Family Suites will be added to the roster.

An interesting element of these new suites is the addition of an Inova TableBed, a dining and work table that can quickly be converted into a double bed.  Suites will continue to offer a queen bed in the separate master bedroom and a double sleep sofa in the living room, as well as two bathrooms and a kitchenette with small refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker.

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort will also include standard category rooms in The Little Mermaid wing which will be opened for occupancy later in the year.

All images – Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

Cunard, a cruise line famed for its “queens,” published a book in the 1930’s celebrating the wonders of the Queen Mary.  Known as the Book of Comparisons, it illustrated different statistics and features of the ship by comparing them to well-known landmarks and concepts, affording the public a true appreciation of the size and complexity of this enormous ocean liner.

Disney Cruise Line has taken a page from this book with their own version featured on the walls of Disney Magic.  While guests might find it hard to imagine, for instance, just how long 964 feet truly is, a glance at these illustrated “Seaworthy Facts” helps put it all in perspective!