We, DB(45) TB(50) EB(16), took a 4 day cruise on the Disney Dream. We were skeptical on how great of a vacation it would be considering it was spring break, our family usually gets sea sick, and our daughter was going to have no one she knew to hang out with. Despite that fact she was the most excited out of all of us to go on the cruise. She spent hours on the website memorizing the floor plans and "pre-ordering" her meals on the online menus.
BOARDING THE SHIP: Disney has a very efficient check-in system. Being that at the time we were vacation club members, check-in took around 5 minutes. However the line for regular cruisers is never too long due to the surplus of workers. At check-in they take each individuals picture before giving the individual their stateroom key. So later when you pay for something using your key a picture pops up on the screen to prevent "identity theft". Also in the terminal you can register your children for the clubs (younger kids only). Here they put a wristband on your child. It is actually a tracking device so that if anything happens to go wrong you can locate your child quickly. Your first steps on the boat truly are magical as the crew announces your family's name and applauds your arrival.
ON BOARD