Back at Sea! Recap of My Post-COVID Cruise Onboard the Disney Dream

Recently I had an opportunity to do a Land and Sea adventure between Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line. I specialize in helping clients plan Land and Sea vacations here in Orlando, so be sure to contact me for more information!

We began with 2 nights at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, followed by a cruise to the Bahamas onboard the Disney Dream.

Usually I like doing the cruise first because I want to have Walt Disney World to look forward to. There are advantages of doing the cruise afterwards however, like being able to relax after a touring the parks.

What follows here is a recap of my Disney cruise in a post-COVID (or nearly post-COVID) world. Aside from wearing masks indoors and social distancing, there wasn’t too much that was different.

On this trip, my son came along with me. He was not vaccinated at the time because vaccines were not yet available to 11 year olds.

Disney Cruise Line walked me through the process to show proof of vaccination.

My son had to take a COVID test 3-days prior to the cruise and show a negative test. We ordered the home-test kit from Disney for $90 and sent in the sample via overnight mail. Disney provided the overnight shipping label as part of the kit.

I tracked the entire process online, it was very easy.

Upon arriving at Port Canaveral, we all had to take a COVID test before we were even allowed to get out of the car.

We entered Level 1 of the parking garage where we were greeted by a Cast Member. She explained the testing process and directed us to an available station.

We pulled into a parking spot and a medical professional took the time to review the entire test procedure. She was very knowledgeable and made sure we were comfortable with her performing the test.

It was a light nasal swab (not the brain swab) and it took all of 5 seconds.

We were then instructed to park on Level 2 of the garage and to remain in our car. The idea is that if someone were to test positive, they wouldn’t be walking around the garage mingling with other passengers. Disney things of everything!

Results came back within 20 minutes via email. We were then able to proceed to Level 3 in the garage and exit our car. Everyone on that level has tested negative so it was safe to exit our car and head to the cruise terminal building.

Guests who arrive at the port on a Disney Cruise Line bus will follow a similar process.

If someone tests positive, Disney Cruise Line agents will work with you to make other arrangements. You won’t be left stranded at the port!

It was very reassuring to know that everyone else on board the ship tested negative for COVID and were vaccinated. i don’t know of too many places that can ensure that level of protection.

We departed Port Canaveral in late afternoon. For the first few hours, we sailed with Royal Caribbean before parting ways.

I love when people come outside of the area restaurants to watch the Disney Dream pass through the channel. It’s a sight to see! She’s a beautiful ship. The ship’s horn plays short Disney melodies like “When you Wish Upon a Star.” It’s loud enough to wake the dead, but I think the locals probably enjoy hearing it again.

I’m a huge Disney fan, but one of my favorite things about Disney Cruise Line is that the ships are modeled after the ocean liners from the golden age of ship travel. A lot people say it feels like being on…well, I don’t want to say the name of the ship, but you know the one I’m talking about. Yes, it feels like being on that.

So, it’s not in-your-face Disney, though, there are plenty of Disney-themed activities onboard.

Our cruise was in October so the ship was decorated for Halloween on the High Seas. Some of the activities were scaled back to avoid large crowds from gathering.

October is a great time to cruise and cruise fares are a lot less compared to those in summer.

There are subtle reminders that you’re on a Disney ship, if you know where to look.

After the first day, you learn your way around the ship. The hallways are endless - the Disney Dream is massive ship.

Fun fact: the carpet in the hallways help tell guests and crew where they are, and where they are going. For example, if the map is facing you, you’re walking toward the front of the ship (forward). If the map is upside down, you’re walking towards the stern. See the signal flags? They signal flags spell out the name of the ship!

The top deck can retract to reveal two pools. This is a multipurpose area that is quickly transformed for swimming, sun bathing, dance parties, live performances and movies.

Aqua Duck water coaster is one of the highlights of the cruise. There were so few passengers on board, there was no wait to ride it. I think our record was 9 times in a row.

I love the promenade deck on the Disney Dream. It’s a great place to take a morning run or go for a walk during sunset. This was taken at sunrise over the Caribbean.

The family-friendly parties at night are not to be missed. This was Halloween on the High Seas party, led my Mickey and pals. Guests of all ages were encouraged to come in costume.

Pro Tip: If you’re an early riser, walk to the front of the ship with a hot coffee and watch the Disney Dream arrive at Castaway Cay. You’ll also enjoy a beautiful sunrise.

Castaway Cay coming into view.

The Dream backs in at Castaway. The captain maneuvers the ship like he’s backing into a parking space at the grocery store! Impressive!

After breakfast we were off to Castaway Cay for snorkeling and a bike ride.

On our bike ride around Castaway Cay, we were able to appreciate the natural beauty of the island. I wonder if there’s buried treasure here?

There are Disney characters and princesses throughout the ship. If you’re into meeting Disney characters, there’s no better place than a Disney Cruise. You won’t find long lines like in the theme parks and you get to spend more time with them.

Here we met Ariel. There were no other guests around so she pulled us over and chatted with us for about 5 minutes, in character of course. We were actually late for dinner, but how often do you get to talk one-on-one with a Disney Princess? My son got incredibly shy around her, it was awesome!

The Disney Dream travels through the night and arrives back at Port Canaveral before sunrise. When most people wake up, the ship is already back in Port Canaveral.

It was great to be back at sea. The cast and crew were so thankful to have us onboard and they went out of their way to ensure we were safe and having fun. I actually think cruising is the safest way to travel these days given all the procedures in place.

Of course this is a quick look back at our Disney Cruise. There was so much more that I didn’t get into like the Bingo tournaments, our awesome servers, the food (OMG the food!), Edge tween club, the 5K on Castaway and so much more. But I have to leave topics for my next article, so stay tuned.

Have questions about taking a Disney Cruise? Feel free to contact me . As a travel agent specializing in Disney Cruise Line, I’d be happy to help any way I can.

To get started on a quote, fill out my Quote Form. today!

Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 12 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.

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