There’s no sign of Han Solo or Chewbacca in the Millennium Falcon but R2-D2 is bleeping away and there’s already a crowd of young would-be Jedi Knights (and their parents) starting to gather, eager to take control of the many computer screens and try their hands at steering the space ship through a galaxy far, far away.
Welcome to the latest innovation on board Disney Dream. a ship where fantasies will, and really do come true.
In addition to the new Star Wars - themed immersive space, children can be transformed into a princess, pirate or other hero from their favourite Disney films in the new onboard Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. And if you’re an adult who wants to chill out in a swim-up bar, enjoy indulgent spa treatments, or drink martinis glowing with illuminated ice cubes before hitting the nightclub, there’s nothing to stop you (although I’m hoping Disney will introduce a Bibbidi Bobbidi experience for grown-ups at some point – who doesn’t want to dress up as Elsa or Captain Jack Sparrow?)
As with all Disney Cruise Line ships, the décor is sophisticated, evoking the spirit of Art Deco and cruising in the 1930s, but with every contemporary convenience; there are occasional subtle character references around the ship to make you smile (including the interactive ‘enchanted art’ – there’s even a detective adventure game you can play); the glamorous atrium sets the ambience with its sweeping staircase and glorious chandelier.
Our deluxe ocean view stateroom with verandah is extremely comfortable, with a good-sized seating area, desk, TV (showing Disney classics of course), privacy curtain, double bed, sofa bed and cabin beds. As I’m sharing with my 19-year-old niece, Harriet, for whom travelling light is a totally alien concept, the split bathroom and two wardrobes come in very handy indeed, and there’s plenty of space to relax and enjoy room service, which we decide to do for lunch on our sea day.
Turtle talk with Crush at Animator’s Palate
Of course, with a stay-and-cruise holiday that starts in Walt Disney World you can get into the spirit of the House of Mouse from the moment you touch down in Orlando. Our hotel was the very comfortable Disney’s Beach Club Resort, close to Epcot, and we had plenty of time to go around four of the parks, enjoying classic rides including The Tower of Terror, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder Railroad. We used the new FastPass+ app to beat the crowds on some of the more popular rides. We also enjoyed dinner at Disney Springs, where we had a ride in a genuine vintage Aquacar, which took us sailing on the lake.
Our four-night cruise included ports of call in Nassau in The Bahamas, where we snorkelled (the first time for Harriet, who was absolutely enchanted) with all kinds of tropical fish, stingray and very small sharks; and a day on Disney’s very own private beach, Castaway Cay, with its idyllic powder white sandy beaches and crystal-clear warm turquoise water.
There we swam in the sea at the adults-only Serenity Bay, had an indulgent massage in one of the ocean-front cabanas (where you’re lulled into total relaxation by the sound of the waves – it’s utterly blissful) and also devoured the freshly-grilled barbecue lunch.