Step aboard the Disney Dream for an unforgettable 5-night adventure packed with magic, relaxation, and superhero excitement! In this blog post, we’re sharing our full review of sailing with Disney Cruise Line—including what it’s really like to experience a Marvel Day at Sea.

✨ Disney Dream Day 1: Concierge Magic, Smooth Boarding & A Picture-Perfect Sail Away

Our Disney Dream adventure started off with a sprinkle of pixie dust—before we even stepped onboard! We had the incredible opportunity to book two Family Concierge Staterooms, and from the very beginning, the experience felt extra special.

🚢 Early Arrival & Seamless Embarkation

We arrived at the port bright and early around 10:30 AM, and to our delight, we were able to head straight into the registration area with no delays. The check-in process was quick and efficient, and before we knew it, we were through security and posing for our Bon Voyage photo—a fun tradition that kicks off the cruise with a bit of Disney magic.

As Concierge guests, we were then escorted to a private waiting lounge at the port, giving us a chance to relax and feel like true VIPs while we waited to board. It wasn’t long before we were among the first guests welcomed onboard, greeted by name, and swept into the enchantment of the Disney Dream.

🍽️ Concierge Lunch & First Impressions

Our first stop? The exclusive Concierge welcome lunch, where we were treated to delicious offerings and—best of all—our included beverages (yes, even adult drinks are included for Concierge guests!). The service was warm and attentive, setting the tone for the rest of our trip.

After lunch, we made our way to our stateroom—and it was already ready for us! No waiting, no lugging carry-ons around the ship. That’s one of the many perks of Concierge-level cruising. My husband and I took a moment to unwind and take in the elegance and comfort of our Family Concierge room, which offered the perfect mix of luxury and Disney charm.

🎉 Sail Away Celebration & Concierge Lounge Perks

Next up: the Sail Away Party! This is an absolute must-do, especially for families with young kids. The energy is contagious, the music is upbeat, and the characters make an exciting appearance. My youngest was living his best life, dancing his little heart out and soaking in the fun. Hearing the ship’s iconic horns sound for the first time gave us chills—it truly feels like the magic is beginning.

One of our favorite daily highlights? Happy Hour in the Concierge Lounge, available from 5 PM to 10 PM every evening—and yes, it’s completely included for Concierge guests! We enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a relaxed atmosphere to unwind before dinner each night.

🎭 Evening Entertainment & Dining

Dinner on our first night was at Animator’s Palate, a visually stunning and interactive dining experience the whole family loved. Afterward, we caught Disney’s Golden Mickeys—a Broadway-style stage show celebrating Disney's legendary characters and films. It was the perfect way to cap off our first day at sea.

📸 Pro Tip: Pre-Book Your Photo Package!

If there’s one tip I highly recommend for any Disney Cruise—it’s to pre-book your photo package! There are so many opportunities to capture special memories with characters, backdrops, and onboard events. Booking in advance not only saves you money but ensures you don’t miss a single magical moment.

🏴‍☠️ Disney Dream – Day 2: Nassau, Palo Brunch & Pirate Night Magic

Day 2 of our Disney Dream cruise brought us to our first port of call: the beautiful Nassau, Bahamas. But for our crew, it was a day of relaxation and indulgence onboard, with plenty of magical moments both calm and swashbuckling!

🌅 A Slow Morning in Paradise

After a fun and energetic first day, we were all feeling a little sleepy—so we gave ourselves the gift of a slow, easy morning. Since we’ve visited Nassau on previous cruises, we decided to skip disembarkation and take full advantage of the quieter ship. Staying onboard while others explore port is honestly one of the best ways to enjoy all the amenities without the crowds!

🍽️ Adults-Only Indulgence: Brunch at Palo

While the kids did their own thing, my husband Dustin, my mom, and I were lucky enough to enjoy brunch at Palo, the ship’s elegant, adults-only Italian restaurant located at the aft of the ship.

Everything about the experience was top-notch—from the impeccable service to the upscale menu. The flavors were rich, the pacing perfect, and those panoramic ocean views from the back of the ship made the moment feel absolutely dreamy. It was the perfect touch of luxury and serenity, and if you have the chance to book a Palo brunch, it’s 100% worth it.

🌟 Cruise Tip: Palo brunch fills up fast—if you’re sailing Concierge or Platinum Castaway Club, book early! And don’t skip the parmesan-crusted chicken or the signature chocolate soufflé!

🏴‍☠️ Pirate Night Shenanigans

As the sun dipped lower, the ship transformed into a high-seas celebration—because Pirate Night had arrived! This themed evening is a Disney Cruise Line staple, and it’s safe to say everyone goes all in. Guests of all ages were decked out in pirate gear, from striped bandanas to full-blown Jack Sparrow-style costumes.

Our youngest, DJ, took it up a notch and headed to The Pirates League for a full pirate beard makeover—and let me tell you, he looked the part! It’s little touches like this that make Disney Cruise Line so magical for kids (and, let’s be honest, adults too!).

🥘 A Casual Dinner with a View

For dinner, our family opted for something a bit more low-key. The kids weren’t feeling the themed Pirate Night dining room menu, so we grabbed a bite from the quick-service options onboard. There’s such a wide variety available—burgers, sandwiches, fruit, pizza—that it was easy to find something everyone liked without a formal meal. Plus, dining alfresco while looking out over the ocean never gets old.

🎆 Fireworks at Sea: A Signature Disney Moment

The grand finale of Pirate Night was, of course, the incredible fireworks show at sea! This is one of the most magical parts of a Disney cruise—and currently, Disney Cruise Line is the only line that still does fireworks at sea.

We found a great spot on the upper deck, and the show was spectacular. There’s something truly surreal about watching fireworks burst in the sky above the open ocean, with music, characters, and the night breeze swirling all around you. As a bonus, a few other cruise ships lingered nearby to catch a glimpse of Disney’s signature display—talk about a proud moment!

🏝️ Day 3: Castaway Cay Bliss – Beach Time, Character Magic & Enchanted Dining

There are few places in the world as enchanting and serene as Disney’s Castaway Cay—and Day 3 of our cruise was all about soaking in the magic of this private island paradise. Whether you're looking to unwind on a postcard-perfect beach or dive into family fun, Castaway Cay is the ultimate tropical escape, Disney-style.

🌴 A Slice of Paradise: First Impressions of Castaway Cay

We spent the majority of our day doing exactly what we needed—relaxing by the water, enjoying the sunshine, and watching our boys laugh and explore. It's hard to describe Castaway Cay in words because it truly has to be experienced in person. The moment you step off the ship, you’re greeted with swaying palms, white sandy beaches, turquoise water, and that familiar Disney attention to detail. You instantly feel like you’ve arrived in your happy place.

One of our favorite features of the island is the protected Family Beach, which provides calm, shallow waters perfect for kids to swim and play safely. The entire area is designed with convenience and comfort in mind, from complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas to lunch options served island-side at Cookies BBQ (included with your cruise!).

💦 Pelican Plunge & Surprising Entertainment

Our boys couldn’t get enough of Pelican Plunge, the floating water play area just a short swim from shore. With two twisting waterslides and a giant bucket that dumps water, it’s a must-visit for families with energetic little ones. Let’s just say… we spent a lot of time there!

One surprise highlight of the day? The boys were absolutely fascinated watching the crew perform maintenance on the aft of the ship, which was visible from the island. Watching the crew in action was not something we expected to enjoy so much, but the boys were glued to it—it added an extra layer of wonder seeing just how much goes on behind the scenes of a ship this size.

📸 Character Meet-and-Greets in Paradise

Of course, no Disney day would be complete without some character magic! Character meet-and-greets on Castaway Cay are an extra special treat. You get to see some of your favorite pals dressed in tropical outfits, and the relaxed island atmosphere means shorter lines and more interaction. We met a few familiar faces throughout the day, and every encounter brought huge smiles to our kids' faces.

🌺 Dinner at Enchanted Garden & A Surprise Encounter

After a perfect day on the island, we returned to the ship and got ready for dinner at Enchanted Garden, one of the Disney Dream’s beautifully themed rotational dining rooms. The setting is whimsical, designed to feel like a blooming garden with soft lighting that changes throughout the meal. The food was fantastic and the ambiance felt like a fairytale come to life.

And just when we thought the day couldn’t get any more magical… we had a surprise run-in with the captain herself—Minnie Mouse! Dressed in her nautical best, Minnie was making the rounds and greeting guests. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with wonder, relaxation, and a whole lot of Disney magic.

🌺 Day 4: Exploring Disney’s New Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point – A Tropical Dream Come True

Let me just say it—I haven’t had this much fun exploring a brand-new island in a long time. Day 4 of our Disney Dream cruise took us to Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, Disney’s newest tropical destination in the Bahamas—and WOW, it absolutely delivered.

This vibrant, culturally inspired paradise had everything we were hoping for: stunning views, tranquil waters, unique island vibes, and that signature Disney touch we’ve come to love. It was a day full of sunshine, surprises, and a few “firsts” we’ll never forget.

🏝️ Welcome to Lookout Cay: First Impressions

While the dock may look long at first glance, don’t let that intimidate you! The walk took us about 10 to 15 minutes at a casual pace, and it was honestly lovely. Along the way, we were treated to gorgeous island views and plenty of photo-worthy moments. For those looking to save energy (or avoid the heat), there’s also a tram available, which we took later to get to the visitor side of the destination. It’s a quick, easy 6-minute ride and super convenient for families with young kids or beach gear.

🌊 Beach Day Bliss & A Cabana Surprise

We felt incredibly lucky to have scored a private cabana for the day (full review on that coming soon—stay tuned!). Having the cabana really elevated our entire island experience. It provided shade, a private space to unwind, and made the day feel even more luxurious and relaxing.

We spent most of the day simply enjoying the beach, the crystal-clear waters, and the peaceful vibes of this gorgeous new destination. The boys loved playing in the sand and surf, but the biggest win of the day? Ethan discovered he LOVES snorkeling! Watching his excitement while exploring the underwater world was truly a highlight of the trip and something we’ll always remember.

The food served on the island was also a hit. Disney brought its A-game with beachside BBQ offerings and plenty of fresh, tasty options to refuel without having to head back to the ship.

👑 Dinner at Royal Court & A Semi-Formal Evening

That evening, we dined at the elegant Royal Court—a restaurant themed like a regal European palace straight out of a fairytale. This night also happened to be semi-formal night, which I always look forward to. It’s the one and only night I ask my kiddos to dress up (even if it’s just a bit).

However, after a full day of sun and beach adventures, the boys were absolutely spent and opted to skip dinner and relax in the stateroom. That left Dustin and me with a rare dinner date—just the two of us. It was such a sweet moment to slow down and enjoy the atmosphere, the incredible food, and a little quiet time together. Royal Court truly made us feel like royalty for the evening.

🦸‍♀️ Day 5: Marvel Day at Sea – A Supercharged Day of Heroic Fun

Marvel Day at Sea was, without a doubt, one of the most jaw-dropping and immersive themed days we've ever experienced on a cruise—or anywhere, for that matter. From the moment we woke up, it felt like we had stepped right into the heart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Disney Cruise Line went all-in on creating a fully immersive day at sea that had our entire family buzzing with excitement from start to finish.

🛳️ Entering the Marvel Universe: Morning Magic

As we stepped out of our stateroom that morning, the transformation of the ship was immediate and thrilling. Marvel-themed music echoed through the halls, signage and décor throughout the ship had shifted, and there was a buzz in the air unlike anything else we’d experienced during the cruise.

It was like waking up in an alternate reality where superheroes were real—and we were along for the ride.

🕷️ Superhero Meet & Greets: Fan Dreams Come True

One of the most unforgettable parts of the day was getting to meet some of our favorite Marvel characters up close and personal. Thanks to advance reservations, I was able to secure exclusive meet-and-greet slots with some of the MCU’s most iconic heroes:

• Groot – Towering, gentle, and yes, he only says “I am Groot”… and it was adorable

• Loki – As charming and mischievous as you'd imagine (he stayed in character perfectly!)

• Spider-Man – Playful, energetic, and amazing with the kids

• Iron Man – Commanding and cool, his suit was next-level impressive

Each interaction felt meaningful and was handled with Disney’s signature attention to detail. The characters took time with each family, posed for photos, signed autographs, and really made the kids (and adults!) feel like part of their universe. Throughout the day, there were also pop-up sightings of other characters like Captain Marvel, Black Panther, and Thor—you never knew who you'd run into next!

🍽️ Dinner at Animator’s Palate – With a Marvel Twist

Our evening meal was served at Animator’s Palate, and it, too, got the superhero treatment. The restaurant’s usual whimsical vibe gave way to an epic Marvel makeover. From themed menus to interactive screens featuring Marvel animations and trivia, dinner felt like part of the adventure.

Even the servers joined in the fun with themed outfits and trivia games that kept the kids engaged between courses. It was the perfect blend of delicious food and family-friendly Marvel magic.

🎆 "Heroes Unite" Nighttime Show – A Grand Marvel Finale

To top off an already amazing day, we headed up to the pool deck for the “Heroes Unite” nighttime stage show—and it was beyond epic. This isn’t your average cruise ship show. It’s a full-on, action-packed live performance featuring dozens of Marvel heroes, complete with stunts, fight scenes, pyrotechnics, and even characters soaring in from the sky!

Yes, some of the heroes literally descended from above—cue the gasps and wide eyes from the crowd! The energy, special effects, and storytelling made this a true showstopper. The entire top deck became a stage, and everyone onboard became part of the action.

The finale included fireworks, music, and a collective cheer from every Marvel fan on that ship. It was the perfect way to end a day of nonstop superhero excitement.

✈️ Disembarking in Fort Lauderdale: How We Got from Ship to Airport Smoothly

As much as I didn’t want our Disney Cruise to end, disembarkation day came faster than I was ready for. Thankfully, Disney Cruise Line made the entire process surprisingly smooth—and since we disembarked in Fort Lauderdale at Port Everglades, I wanted to share exactly how it all went down, especially if you're planning the same itinerary.

🧳 The Disembarkation Process: Simple & Streamlined

The night before we arrived back in Fort Lauderdale, Disney delivered luggage tags and instructions to our stateroom. We had the option to either carry off our own bags (Express Walk-Off) or leave our luggage outside the room by a certain time to have it delivered to the terminal (Standard Disembarkation). Since we weren’t in a huge rush, we chose the standard option so we didn’t have to drag everything ourselves.

Early the next morning, we had a quick breakfast in our assigned dining room (which Disney does a great job coordinating—even on the last day!), then waited for our group to be called. Once we were cleared to leave, we made our way off the ship and through customs. Everything moved quickly and was very organized. We found our bags right where they said they’d be, and we were curbside in no time!

🚕 Getting to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport (FLL)

FLL is SO close to the port, which made the whole morning even easier. We didn't book a Disney transfer this time—though we’ve used them before and they’re great—so we just grabbed an Uber once we got outside. There were plenty of ride shares and taxis available right at the pickup area, and we were at the airport in under 15 minutes.

Our ride cost about $20, and we didn’t hit any traffic. If you’re flying out of FLL, you really don’t need to stress. It’s a quick and easy trip from the ship to the terminal.

⏰ What Time Should You Book Your Flight?

We booked our flight for just after 11:00 AM, and I felt like that gave us the perfect buffer. We weren’t rushing off the ship, but we also had plenty of time to get through security and grab snacks at the airport. Personally, I wouldn’t book anything earlier than 11:00 AM, just to be safe—especially if you’re not doing Express Walk-Off.

That said, if you’re trying to catch an earlier flight, Express Walk-Off is definitely doable, especially if you’re comfortable handling your own bags.

As sad as I was to leave the Disney Dream behind, disembarking in Fort Lauderdale was easy and stress-free. Between Disney’s organization and the port’s proximity to the airport, everything felt smooth and well-planned. If you’re cruising out of or into Fort Lauderdale, rest assured—it’s a convenient way to end your trip on a positive note.

And who knows… maybe next time, we’ll build in an extra day or two to explore Fort Lauderdale before heading home!

🌟 Final Thoughts: A Cruise Full of Magic, Memories & Marvel

Our 5-night sailing aboard the Disney Dream was nothing short of unforgettable. From the luxury of the Concierge experience to the pure joy of Castaway Cay and the incredible energy of Marvel Day at Sea, every moment was filled with magic, connection, and adventure. Disney Cruise Line truly goes above and beyond to create memories that last a lifetime—for kids, adults, and everyone in between.

Whether you're cruising for the first time or you're a seasoned Castaway Club member, I can’t recommend this itinerary enough. With thoughtfully themed nights, Broadway-style shows, delicious dining, and surprises around every corner, it’s a vacation that brings out the wonder in all of us.

Thank you for following along on our journey! I hope this post helps you plan your own Disney Cruise experience. If you have questions, need help choosing the right sailing, or want tips on booking Concierge or special experiences like Palo or Marvel meet-and-greets—I’m always happy to help!

Until the next adventure… 🌊✨