Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to sit and chat with Walt Disney Imagineer Gary Hoffman and Jason Lasecki, Public Relations Director for the Disney Cruise Line, to learn more about the Disney Dream Cruise Ship. Having attended the press event in New York City and pouring over the Press Releases, I had some follow-up questions. Also, I was curious as to specifically where in the build process are the various components of the ship.
We jumped right into a discussion of the AquaDuck!
A partial mock-up of the coaster currently resides in Canada, although at this point, no actual ride testing has begun. The current stated minimum rider height requirement for AquaDuck is 48 inches, however that may change once actual testing begins. The rafts will have a minimum and maximum weight capacity. Solo riders will be able to enjoy the coaster! Each person will need to climb stairs in order to get to the loading zone, there is no lift or elevator. The water temperature can be controlled. Look for some special surprises and lighting effects for rides at night!
If you want a sneak peak at the Aqua Duck rafts and are a fan of Blizzard Beach you’re in luck. The rafts will be “tested” in Blizzard Beach in the near future!
Pools and Recreation!
The biggest difference you’ll see in the pool area is that the Mickey and Donald (yes, Donald instead of Goofy) pools will be in the same ultra large deck space. Instead of having the funnel between them as in the case with the current Magic and Wonder ships, families will be able to be closer together. This area (from funnel to funnel) is the size of a football field! A hard deck will cover the pools for special parties and events. It might even be the ultimate dance floor for Pirate Night!
Quiet Cove, the adult only pool, will have a main pool lounge area as well as an upper deck for sun bathing. The pool itself will have different water levels. To accommodate adults who enjoy dangling their toes in the water, you’ll be able to sit in a lounge chair and have your feet in 6 inches of water. For those that enjoy more depth, there is a deeper section of the pool. There will be an adult beverage station in the Quiet Cove area.
When asked about a “zero entry” pool on the cruise ships (like several of the newer pools at Walt Disney World) Gary explained that the zero entry pools require much more space than the traditional pools. With very limited space allocated, they are unable to build a zero entry. He did assure me there are transfer tiers into the pools.
When I inquired about additional recreational activities, a smile came across the faces of both gentlemen. As I had been told at the press event, there are still surprises and details to be announced for the Disney Dream. It sounds as though this may be one of the bigger announcements still to come!
Entertainment
First, many of you have asked if the Disney Dream will have the ability to shoot off fireworks – and the answer is YES!.
The new Villains show, announced at the press event, will feature a new take on the villains – a tongue in cheek, fun approach, and not so scary. One of the artist renderings says “Welcome to the Funderworld!”
With this new show, I began to think perhaps Pirates night would be replaced by Villains night. However, at this time, Pirates night will continue on the Disney Dream. With the short itinerary of the Disney Dream, there is a limit to the entertainment options that can be done. However, I think the Villains show will open up a huge opportunity for Disney Cruise Line Entertainment and look forward to what enhancements roll out!
That’s it for now.. check back tomorrow for Part 2 of my conversation with Gary and Jason about the Disney Dream!
Hey Deb,
Thanks for all the info and updating us all on the Disney Dream. I’m a huge fan of ships and particularly the Disney Ships so it is awesome to read your updates and “see” the ship being built from the “ground” up.
I would like to make a comment and suggestion regarding the Aquaduck (perhaps the suggestion could be passed on to the Imagineers). In short I love the idea and I will be looking forward to it! Seeing the model though I hoped they would make a little better use of the transparent tube that jets out over the side of the ship. In the model it seems to just go out and over and swing back around following a pretty tame down hill slope. Setting in a raft I’m not sure how much you would even get to see below. So my suggestion and what I would prefer to see as you round the bend and pass over the railing in the transparent tube is a short quick but very steep little drop that would allow the passengers to see out in front of them to the water below giving the illusion that you are going over the railing and plunging 150ft into the ocean below!! Following the quick little surprise drop it could then swing back around and reconnect back to the ship. I think this would make better use of the feature and maximize on its potential! Thanks!!
Rob
Hi Deb,
Thanks for all the info! So it sounds like Quiet Cove will be two stories, so we’ll probably get some extra lounge chairs in the adults-only area — sounds great! Does the beverage station include a full service bar? I wouldn’t think they would want folks going into the Cove Cafe in wet suits for drinks . . .
Thanks – Dale
Dale – I’m guessing it will be a full service bar. It does appear as tho there are a number of decisions not finalized yet. It does sund like the adult area will be really nice. I