In the first installment of the Disney Dream preview Cruise, we spoke of the new “Let the Memories Begin” campaign. We also previewed the Fantasyland Expansion and its new attractions. The new Castle Light Show, “The Magic, The Memories and You!” was presented for the media. All of this led up to the preview cruise of the new Disney Dream, the newest addition to the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Now we will explore the ship itself and see all the new magic and innovations that guests will experience aboard this luxury Ship. Let’s talk about my favorite part of the cruise: the restaurants!
Food has always been an important element of any cruise line, and Disney’s cuisine is world famous. The growing trends are “Specialty Restaurants” that are developed by celebrity and world renowned chefs to offer guests upscale dining experiences. On the new Dream, Disney had upped the ante with an opulent new restaurant…Remy’s. The French inspired menu was created by two award-winning chef: Arnaud Lallement from Reims France and Scott Hunnel, direct from Disney’s Victoria and Albert’s. The décor is stunning with fantastic views of the ocean, and the menu blends classic and contemporary cooking styles in an elegant setting a la Victoria and Albert’s. There is a private Chef’s table named Chez Gusteau from the restaurant in the movie “Ratatouille,” and the décor is modeled after that fictional eatery. This elegant room has a private entrance as well as an entrance to the kitchen so the chefs can enter easily. Some of the offerings here include classic French smoked bison with fennel salad, Pigeon pie, and foie gras. Decadent French desserts like a dark chocolate praline with cocoa sherbet are served along with French press coffee and grand crème. And, like Victoria and Albert’s you will dine on eight to nine small courses in a slow, leisurely fashion. Dress codes for men? Dress jacket (tie optional), pants and shoes. And for ladies? Pant suits, evening dresses, or cocktail dresses. The cost of dining at this restaurant for those eighteen and older is $75.00 in addition to wine and alcoholic drinks.
Palo’s, a classic guest favorite, is located next to Remy’s on deck 12 aft. As on the Wonder and Magic, the menu is Northern Italian cuisine. The restaurant also offers a private outdoor deck where guests can dine al fresco. I loved the décor of this restaurant; it is a little less “formal” so to speak than Remy’s. It has a more open feel, and, to the rear, it has a beautiful circular dining room that seats thirteen, a perfect place for that special gathering or celebration.
For main dining, Disney has returned to the Animator’s Palate. But this “Palate” is completely different than on the Wonder and Magic. For, instead of artwork that changes from black and white to color, you will experience “Turtle talk with Crush.” The dining area has the pencils and brush “columns” of old, and on all the walls are nooks and shelves which contain books, toys, and all things animation. There are over 100 LCD screens around the room which change from static pictures to moving animations of the ocean, immersing guests into the show with Crush. Crush will swim between panels and speak to guests on a one-to one basis.
Your will not find Parrot Cay on the Dream, but you can dine at the Enchanted Garden. My wife and I thought found this to be one of the most beautifully themed eateries on board! Here you feel you have entered an enchanted garden. The prevailing color is green, both dark and light. You enter through a green wrought iron trellis where overhead vines and flowers appear draped over glass panes, giving the feeling of being in a greenhouse. Overhead are pink tulip light fixtures, and there is a Mickey Mouse fountain in the main walkway. In the rear of the restaurant is a beautiful mural of the French countryside. While the restaurant serves breakfast and lunch, the restaurant is bright and cheery with a blue sky, but at night a field of stars is overhead. It is a relaxing place to dine. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, and dinner is a regular sit-down meal with choices of New York strip, lobster ravioli, and a decadent array of desserts.
The Royal Palace is next, which is themed after the classic princess films: Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and Sleeping Beauty. There are portraits of all the princesses and their escorts, i.e. princes. All of the architecture is modeled after the classic films. You will see the floor plan from the royal palace’s ballroom from Cinderella, a chandelier with glass slippers, marble floors, stunning carpet, fluted columns, and portholes with valances topped with Tiaras. Guests will feel they have entered a fairytale world of royal proportions. Continental cuisine is offered here like rack of lamb, escargot, lobster, and a fine selection of wines. The Royal Palace serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
For the casual cruiser, your best dining choice is Cabanas on Deck 11 aft. This buffet-style eatery is dress friendly, and the offerings are more comfort food than elegant. There is a huge selection at the breakfast buffet: sausages, bacon, salmon, fruits, eggs, pastries, and so much more. There is even a sushi station. The décor is beach-orientated, with beautiful mosaic murals of scenes from Finding Nemo, seagulls, surfboards, and Adirondack chairs. There are 16 stations to get the goodies, and this is the place for a buffet lunch as well as special happenings around the ship. And don’t forget those desserts!
For an even quicker bite, Flo’s Café near the Donald pool has burgers, chicken fingers, pizza, and sandwich wraps. If ice cream is your love, you have two options, Frozone Treats and the funny Eye Scream modeled after Mike Wazowski, both on deck 11 by Donald’s pool.
Contributed by: Bill Iadonisi (NDH#35) Bill is the DDL History Blogger.
Bill has been a Disney lover and fanatic since childhood. He moved to Florida to be near Disney and has been a staff writer for Mickey News for five years. Recently, he added writing for WDW Facts, contributing to the Disney Food Blog, and blogging for The Disney Driven Life to his list of activities. All of this was a natural step for Bill, who spends three to four days of every week in Disney Parks either researching or simply taking in the “magic.”