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Saturday, May 14, 2011

Disney Dream Staterooms




I want to talk about staterooms, specifically staterooms on the Disney Dream.  Let me begin by explaining that a stateroom is similar to a hotel room in terms of amenities, but on a ship, that space that you can call your own for the length of your cruise is referred to a stateroom, or sometimes a cabin. 



Speaking of space, staterooms have a history of being. . . well, intimate or cozy—just other words for small or tight, but Disney Cruise Line has changed the industry by making their staterooms 20-25% larger than the industry norm.  Just another reason to cruise with Disney! 



And, the staterooms on the Dream are a bit smaller than the staterooms on the Magic and Wonder, yet Disney made changes to the design of the staterooms to make sure that guests are comfortable and don’t “feel” that there is less space.  Take the bedside tables for example.  On the Magic and Wonder, there are actually small tables next to the bed—on both sides.  On the Dream, those tables have been replaced by shelves that are attached to the wall, saving several inches of space.

Staterooms are classified by category; the lower the category number, the more expensive the stateroom.  Staterooms with letters rather than numbers are typically concierge level staterooms and/or suites.  Basic categories include Inside staterooms that are the smallest stateroom.  Then there are Deluxe Inside staterooms, that add the Disney Cruise Line split bath. 

Oceanview staterooms come next and vary by deck—staterooms of this category on lower decks have 2 small portholes while upper decks have 1 large porthole.  This category also offers a Deluxe Family version offering more space to accommodate up to 5 guests in a stateroom. 

Then there are the Verandah staterooms and again those vary by deck—ironically, the verandah staterooms on some lower decks have larger verandahs.  This category also offers a Deluxe Family version offering more space to accommodate up to 5 guests in a stateroom.  The next categories are one bedroom suites and then the Walt and Roy Disney Deluxe Suites.


Other than the Concierge Level suites or staterooms, all guests receive the same level of service.  So, if you are staying in a category 11 inside stateroom or a category 6 verandah stateroom, your cabin host/hostess will visit your room twice daily to tidy up, replace towels and products, and either make your beds or turn them down for the night.  Also, no matter your stateroom category, you have access to all the shows, restaurants, and activities on the ship!  The only difference we have found is that guests staying in staterooms with verandahs get the “solar gel” as a part of their stateroom bath products.

Avid Disney Cruisers know that there are special staterooms on the Magic and Wonder referred to “secret porthole” staterooms or staterooms that are classified as a different category due to obstructed views, etc.  We have taken advantage of the obstructed view Cat. 6 stateroom on the Magic that is charged as a Cat. 7 stateroom.

So turn back time to when we booked our upcoming cruise.  It was December 2009 and we were booking for July 2011 and the Dream was just being built.  We told the on-board booking agent that we wanted a Cat. 9 room with a large porthole with a built in window seat.  She suggested a room that corresponded to the obstructed view Cat. 8 rooms that are charged as Cat. 9 staterooms on the Magic and Wonder.  You know. . . the deck 5 forward staterooms.  We agreed.

As guests frequent the Dream, there are numerous reports of various staterooms.  And, because of that, we have learned that the stateroom we booked is classified as a Cat. 8A stateroom on the Dream.  There are only 12 staterooms of the category on the ship and boy, are they good ones!  They are billed as “Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms” with 241 square feet and a split bath.  But our stateroom—5022—I have now learned has 320 square feet, 2 large portholes, 2 TV’s and is arranged more like a suite.  The only downfalls--no split bath and it only sleeps 3.  Once the secret is out on these rooms, they will go fast.  And, I know, I’m not helping keep that secret with this post!

Are we excited?  You bet!  We can’t wait to see what this stateroom is like and enjoy the amenities.  Something to be even more excited about for our upcoming Disney Cruise!

8 comments:

  1. Hi,
    My husband and I are waiting despirately for our up coming cruise with the fantasy.Our days are counting down.

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  2. Jodi- What are the cabin numbers/categories on the Wonder and Magic that have the secret portholes and window seats? Are they the same configuration as you posted about here?

    http://toddjodybrent.blogspot.com/2011/08/stateroom-5022-on-disney-dream.html

    Amy

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    Replies
    1. Amy,
      The staterooms on the Magic/Wonder have a different configuration and there are no staterooms such as 5022. But, stateroom 5022 on the Magic and Wonder is a partially blocked porthole room so it is a Cat. 9 room for a Cat. 10 (inside stateroom) price. To my knowledge, there are no magic portholes or window seats. There are "secret" porthole rooms on Deck 2 that are offered at a rate of a lower category. A website that could help you: http://www.castawayclub.com/

      Happy planning!

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  3. Really interested to read the blog, we have an 8A stateroom guarantee booked for our 60th birthday/Coral wedding cruise on the Fantasy in February 2013, and our daughter and son in law, who is a wheelchair user, have the accessible 8A, 6014. Can't wait, looking forward to it even more now.

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    Replies
    1. Now that we have stayed in an 8A twice on the Dream, it is going to be difficult to have a different stateroom. We have an 8A booked on the Fantasy--5022--for our next cruise. Have a magical cruise!

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  4. We also have stateroom 5022 reserved for our 1st cruise on the Fantasy in August. Just curious, how was the room on the Fantasy?

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    Replies
    1. Congratulations on your cruise! We will be trying stateroom 5022 on the Fantasy the summer of 2014. So, let us know what you think when you return from your cruise.

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  5. I definitely will! We're very excited... 44 more days!!

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