We boarded the Disney Dream around 11:45 and then went straight to Cabana's for lunch. After enjoying what I thought was a really good meal of tenderloin, shrimp, crab legs and various other offerings, I was ready to check out our connecting staterooms. At exactly 1:30 pm, the ropes came down and guests were allowed in to their staterooms. We had obstructed forward ocean view rooms on Deck 6 (6000 and 6002). They were considered obstructed because the bow of the ship was immediately below our windows. You could still see the view in front of the ship, so I didn't mind paying less for what I didn't consider a horrible obstruction.

With six in our family, we needed connecting staterooms. Chelle and I shared a room with Lily, while the boys took over the other room. Both rooms had queen beds and a single sofa bed. There was ample storage space and even some bonus floor space in these particular rooms because of the angle of the front wall of the ship. The split bathrooms in each room allowed someone to use the toilet or a second sink while someone else was showering. This was really convenient as we prepared for the day and cleaned up for dinner each evening.

The stateroom host did an excellent job of keeping our room clean during the day and preparing it in a special way each night before bedtime. Although we didn't spend a lot of time in the rooms, we appreciated the space when we were there.

-CEK-

When you head upstairs at the Disney Cruise Line terminal at Port Canaveral following the security check, there are two things difficult to miss -- the big model of the ship and the big mouse ears at the other end of the room. Following a pretty easy check-in process, the next big step is joining your boarding group and walking through the big ears toward the ship. The portal to fun and adventure aboard the Disney Dream!

The boarding process at the Disney Cruise Line terminal is so nice. It's a beautiful facility, organized and you have an opportunity to see Disney characters while waiting to board. You just don't get all of that with other cruise lines.

Of course, boarding is not the best part of the Disney Cruise -- it's just how we start the fun. The whole family weighs in over the next few days on what they liked best about the Disney Cruise.

-CEK-