Last week I had the absolute joy of setting sail with a fabulous group of friends and colleagues aboard the gorgeous Disney Dream! This ship has such a special place in my heart – she was the first Disney ship I ever sailed, and the one I’ve cruised the most. For me, walking onto the Dream feels like stepping right back into a happy memory.
But this time… it was a totally different vibe. No packing autograph books… no chasing children down the AquaDuck line… no dining room potty breaks… just five nights of fun, girly giggles, late dinners, early champagne, and grown-up relaxation.
Disney Cruise Line with kids is magical in its own way, don’t get me wrong, but doing it with your best girls? Highly recommend. We did allll the relaxing, eating, laughing, and memory-making we possibly could. My cheeks still hurt from smiling! So come sail along. Here’s how it all went, starting with Day 1…
Day 1: Boarding, Bubbles & Besties
We arrived at Port Canaveral ready for smooth seas and girl time, and before we knew it, we were stepping onto the gorgeous Disney Dream right at 1PM. We enjoyed that signature welcome… our names announced in the atrium, the crew clapping, and all of us grinning ear-to-ear. It never gets old!
We were whisked straight to Royal Palace for the concierge embarkation lunch, where we kicked things off the only appropriate way… with bubbles. It felt so decadent to start the cruise lingering over a real meal instead of speed-eating poolside chicken tenders while locating lost MagicBands (moms, you know the vibe).
After lunch, we headed to our staterooms to freshened up and unpack.
Next, we checked into the Concierge Lounge for more bubbly and snacks. We took our glasses up to the private sundeck and soaked it all in – blue skies, ocean breeze, and that dreamy “we’re really here!” feeling.
When the ship’s horn sounded (pure magic every time!), we grabbed our fruity frozen sail-away cocktails and watched from the upper deck as we pulled away from port.
The fun didn’t stop there! We popped into ’80s Music Trivia (and may or may not have dramatically crushed the competition), then made our way back to the lounge for happy hour before dinner.
Our evening wrapped up with the first rotation of dining at Animator’s Palate.
Day 2: Castaway Cay + Halloween on the High Seas
One of the absolute joys of sailing without kids in tow is the freedom to sleep in. We eased into the morning with coffee in the Concierge Lounge before wandering into Cabanas for a relaxed breakfast. Next, it was straight to my favorite beach in the world: Castaway Cay!
Before settling into full vacation mode, I did what any travel advisor worth her salt does: a little reconnaissance. I checked out updated areas of the island – kids clubs details, food and beverage notes, port adventure offerings, transportation – all the little things I like to make sure I can speak to firsthand for my clients.
After that… it was waves, sunshine, and girl talk for the rest of the afternoon. We lounged, we floated, we laughed, and we were among the very last to head back to the ship – always the sign of a perfect beach day!
Back on board, we showered, slipped into something spooky, and joined the fun of Halloween on the High Seas. We caught the deck party, bumped into a few favorite characters dressed in costume, and may have snagged a piece (or five) of trick-or-treat candy along the way.
A quick stop in the lounge for a little liquid fuel… and then we ended the night at more music trivia followed by Silent Disco. It was one of those laugh-until-your-cheeks-hurt nights that reminds you just how good a little girl time can be.
Day 3: A Perfect Day at Sea + Palo Perfection
This itinerary truly spoiled us with two private islands and two full sea days. It simply doesn’t get better than that in the Bahamas, y’all!
We treated ourselves to a slow, breezy morning and then I slipped into advisor mode. One of the biggest reasons I sail so often is to ensure my clients always get the very best guidance and most current information and, as always, my cruise planning services are completely complimentary when you book with me!
I spent time brushing up on everything the Dream has to offer:
✨ Kids clubs (I love hopping in during open house to see what’s new!)
💦 Water play areas, splash pads & the pool deck scene
⛳️ Mini golf & recreation zones
🎨 Animation activities
🎤 Trivia & karaoke spots
🍫 All the delicious grab-and-go treat stops
Your girl takes her “research” seriously. 😄
By late afternoon, I caught up with the ladies on the Concierge Sun Deck for cocktails, sunshine, and absolutely no responsibility. Just how a sea day should be.
And then the main event… Palo dinner. It is my favorite night on any Disney Cruise I’ve ever taken. The food, the service, the views at sunset… it’s just next-level special every single time. We lingered over course after course, catching up and loving every minute.
Beautiful ship, beautiful friends, beautiful day. My cup (and wine glass) was very full.
Day 4: Lighthouse Point Sunshine + Pure Girl Time
Today brought our second private island of the sailing: Disney’s Lighthouse Point!
Getting to visit Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point back-to-back was such a treat. It truly highlights how unique each island is, different atmospheres and different experiences, but both thoughtfully designed and so well executed in true Disney style.
We started the morning with a quick bite in the concierge lounge before heading ashore to our private Serenity Bay cabana. The weather was dreamy, the view was stunning, and the company? Top-tier.
Of course, I put on my travel-advisor hat for a bit scouting:
• The family beach
• Cultural center happenings
• Character meets
• Splash pad & activities
• Transportation routes
• Food + bev spots
I always want to make sure I can guide my clients to the very best choices for their family – and yes, my Disney Cruise planning services are always complimentary when you book with me!
Once the “work” was done, I settled in with the besties for a whole lot of sunshine and zero timelines. We ended up being among the last people on the island, which has basically become our signature move on this trip.
Back onboard, none of us were ready to shift into fancy-night mode so we made a gloriously spontaneous decision to soak in the concierge hot tub, enjoy sunset views, hit the pool deck for taco bowls and take a few whirls on the AquaDuck. It felt like being a kid again and that’s what I LOVE about Disney Cruise Line… the freedom to let the magic lead the way.
Day 5: Final Sea Day Bliss
Our last day at sea came far too quickly but we made the very most of it! We were up bright and early for coffee and a light breakfast in the concierge lounge (truly my favorite way to start a cruise morning). Then it was straight to Senses Spa for a 75-minute massage. Heaven on earth floating on the sea! After fueling up at Cabanas, the rest of the day was ours to follow the sunshine. I read, I napped, I soaked it all in. No schedules. No alarms. Just bliss.
The afternoon brought a little friendly competition with Disney Parks Trivia – and WE WON!
We kept the fun going at the Stem to Stern Wine Tasting before popping into Meridian for the prettiest sunset cocktails.
Dinner was back at Animator’s Palate, followed by Broadway show tunes and one final round of hugs and giggles… paired with the promise: same time next year? Girls’ trips on the high seas just hit different.
Peep the Treasure in the pic below!
Ready to Set Sail? Let’s Make It Happen
If reading this has you dreaming of your own Disney Cruise escape, whether with your best girlfriends or with your favorite little mousketeers, I would love to help plan it. As a Premier Advisor, my services for Disney Cruise Line are 100% complimentary when you book with me:
✔️ Concierge-level guidance from choosing the ship & sailing
✔️ Planning tips, spa recommendations, and exclusive experiences
✔️ Dining, activities, and port adventure assistance
✔️ All the insider knowledge that comes from being onboard often
Disney handles the magic. I handle the planning. You handle the fun.
✨ Let’s get your family on the calendar! ✨
Let’s Set Sail
As a Premier Level Advisor with Glass Slipper Concierge, I am recognized for providing the highest level of customer service, experience, and knowledge in the industry. I use my personal connections and firsthand expertise to craft bespoke vacations for the most discerning clients. On top of that, travel is expensive and I know how to get the best value for your time and money. Most aspects of planning a family vacation look different and now, more than ever, it is crucial to have the most current, up to date information based on personal experience to plan your vacation!
My family are platinum level cruisers on Disney Cruise Line, having sailed on the most magical ships at sea EIGHTEEN times. Not only that, but you can count on my recent and personal experience sailing two to three times a year. I’ve experienced every stateroom type available, from the inside to a concierge suite across every ship in the fleet. And, I’ve dined in the restaurants, enjoyed the port adventures and done it all so I can best advise YOU!
I offer concierge travel planning for Walt Disney World® Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland® Resort, Adventures by Disney®, Aulani, National Geographic Expeditions, Universal Orlando, Sea World and other delightful destinations around the globe! Let’s go there!
