Disney+Dream = a great adventure awaits!

Good Sunday to our members and readers of this blog.  Sunday means the start of a new week, it means we are one week closer to our next trip, and this week it also means we are shifting gears to a new topic. 
For the past several months now, we have focused on the Walt Disney World portion of this upcoming journey.  Now, I feel it is time to devote some exploration of the cruise segment of this trip.  You say, "what cruise?" Well,  yes indeed!  There is a cruise in our near future.  As a matter of fact after our 5 night stay at my favorite place in the world.......Walt Disney World......we will be embarking on the "second leg", the final segment of this "cancer free" vacation celebration.

It will be 30 years this October since my last cruise.  Really, a lifetime ago.  It will be our first Disney cruise, and my husbands first cruise ever.   We will be sailing aboard the Disney Dream from October 14-18, sailing out of Port Canaveral, Fl.  If any of you are interested in seeing us sail away, you can do it by watching the Port Canaveral webcam.  The web address is portcanaveralwebcam.com. 

At this point in time, we don't really know much about sailing on this ship except for stories from friends who have sailed on her, from things I have read, from my studies in my travel agent training, and from planning clients trips.  We made the choice of a four night cruise as I was not sure how Paul would like cruising since this is his first time.  I loved my last cruise, and would love to do seven days sometime.  I am hoping he will love it, and want to book for a year or two when we are on the ship.  You get a discount when you do that!

Passports: I really thought this process was going to take forever and we did procrastinate a bit in getting this process started, waiting until July.  The paperwork said allow 6-8 weeks for processing.  Paul applied for his on a Saturday in mid-July, and I did mine the following Thursday.  Mine arrived in record time, less that three weeks.  I belive I can attribute that to the fact that I had gotten security clearance when I was working for a water based casino and had to pretty much write the book on my history and send it in to the government.  At that time, you had to have a merchant mariners  license to work there.  That is no longer the case, but I think that is why mine breezed through......either that or I am still so squeeky clean it hurts!  I remember when I got that license, they all told me that it was the fastest they had ever seen one come through. 
Paul's arrived about a week after mine did, so we are both good to go.
I highly recommend getting a passort.  First off, adult passports are good for 10 years.  Second of all, I am a worry wart.  If one of us became ill in Nassau, we would not be able to fly home without having a passport.
You can, at this time travel on a Disney cruise ship with just a state ID, but I don't recommend it. It's just like taking out the cruise insurance.  I would not go without it.  It's another protection for the "what if".  You have the option to get a passport "card", but you can only cruise with that.  You will never be able to fly international with that.  So, still the "just in case" factor comes into play.

We will be taking the Disney Cruise Line bus from our resort at Walt Disney World directly to the Disney Cruise Line Terminal.  The cost of this, is the same as it is traveling directly from Orlando International Airport, $70.00 each guest for round trip.  They are beautiful buses, just like the Magical Express buses.  We actually rode in one when we left WDW on our last trip, as it was being used for transport on the day we left.

The terminal at Port Canaveral is so unique looking, I can't wait to see it in person.  The outside as well as the inside!  

Before you enter the main part of the terminal, all members of your party must go through a security check point.  It is a great deal like going through airport security, as you may be asked to remove your shoes, belts, jackets, etc.  Once you have cleared this area, your entire party needs to go to the check-in counter so security photos can be taken.  At the counter, you will be required to show your valid passport or identification you possess. ( Again, please note that I highly recommend getting a passport.)  Also, you will be asked to present your completed cruise paperwork that you printed as home from your on-line check in.  With Disney Cruise Line you have the opportunity to do an on-line check in way before you are even close to leaving.  This gives you time to have all your documents in order, and make choices for boarding times.   After you complete all the sections of this check-in, you can then print the form, sign it and bring that with you.  It's really great that you are allowed to do this, and take your time.

After the check in process is complete, and the 1pm hour has arrived, you will be able to begin boarding as soon as your boarding number is called.  This will be given to you at the check-in desk.  When your number is up, head for the gangway, and it's ALL ABOARD!

Join us next week, as we explore the boarding experience, finding your stateroom, dining options, and the "sail away deck party"!  See ya then pal!