Disney has some of the largest standard cabins at sea, and it's amazing how far a few extra square feet go for four people sharing the typically tight space of a cruise ship stateroom. On Dream, outside staterooms start at 202 square feet (verandah cabins at a roomy 246), while insides start at 169 square feet. (Deluxe insides are the same size as outside cabins). Ample closet space, the option to eat room service without bumping elbows on the couch, and split bathrooms will please even those not traveling with kids. The split bath setup -- which provides one room with a shower, small tub and sink, and another with a toilet and sink -- is a simple but ingenious concept that Disney pioneered on Magic and Wonder. Two vanities are a godsend, and beds have been raised on Dream, with room enough to store a pair of medium-sized suitcases underneath. Cabins each have a 22-inch LCD TV, iPod docking station and a pair of rechargeable "Wave Phones" that can be used throughout the ship.
Those opting for an inside cabin can check out a nifty industry first: Magical Portholes. They're flat screens designed to look like portholes above the beds, which project a real-time view outside the ship by means of high-def cameras and a live video feed. Stare at the screen for long enough, and you may catch a dancing hippo or two.
Verandah cabin balconies each feature two chairs and a small table, deck lights, railings covered in plexiglass (or solid white walls) and childproof locks.
For those requiring more space, Disney has introduced Concierge Suites, as well as roomy Concierge Family Cabins, located on Decks 11 and 12. Both offer access to Dream's concierge facilities, which -- even though they're not particularly noteworthy, comprising only a small lounge and a private sun deck area with some chairs -- do offer easy access to free food and drinks and coveted extra space. Concierge cabins start at 306 square feet, and one-bedroom suites start at 622 square feet; most have connecting doors. One-bedroom suites have queen-sized beds, sitting areas with double convertible sofas, single wall pull-down beds in the living rooms, walk-in closets, and two bathrooms (with a whirlpool in the master).
Really want to spoil yourself? The 1,781-square-foot Royal Suite has all that plus a living room, wet bar, kitchenette, media library and hot tub on the verandah.
This was the perfect size for our family of 4. Two daughters age 4 and 12. Very clean, quiet at night. PERFECT location, right below the atrium, easy to go back to the room if you forget anything! Didn't have to take the elevator all that often. We were very pleased with...continue
