Erik Johnson Posted May 5, 2011 Posted May 5, 2011 (edited) I recently returned home from a trip to Kennedy's Space Center as well as going on a cruise on the brand new Disney Dream cruise ship. The cruise was simply amazing and I did return home with quite a few photos of the ship. I first would like to start off with a short photo trip report of Kennedy Space Center before getting into the real bulk of the report of the cruise. Part 1: Kennedy Space Center. The last time that I visited KSC, Return of the Jedi was a brand new movie. The current gate prices as well as prices for two different guided tours. This is the number for the final Space Shuttle Endeavour mission. It is currently still on the launch pad. Let us head on over to do the "included in the gate price" tour. You get to ride on one of these air conditioned buses. Where are we again? This would be the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB for short. This is where they connect the shuttle to the external fuel tanks. The windows that you see on the left is the launch command center. We see you Atlantis external fuel tank. They move the shuttles on one of these crawlers. It is along this road where a crawler takes eight hours to get to the launch pad from the VAB. Do you want to see a real shuttle? You first have to climb this metal structure. Not the real space shuttle. There it is. Just hanging out with the shuttle. Ok, just one more! This is all you can see of the now defunct Ares project which was supposed to replace the shuttle program before it was scrapped. Let us check out the Apollo Center V Center. This would be the control center back during the Apollo program. Yes, the Saturn V rocket is huge. Here are a few of the mission flags. Best video game ever! Impressive engineering. Yes, they do have a ride at KSC. Well, really more like a "Green" version of Mission Space. Must be THIS tall. Other than getting shaked around like a rag doll, the ride is not very intense. Not the real space shuttle. They are still waiting for a Go! Hooray for rocket gardens. Yes, you too can walk with history. Walk with history POV. That is a space station! They have astronauts give talks during the day. Wendy has flown on four missions. Does Basil still work here? Ron John Surf Shop. Well, not unless you also count the one in New Jersey. You must really like yourself if you buy this surfboard. Edited June 13, 2011 by Erik Johnson
xmichellex Posted May 5, 2011 Posted May 5, 2011 So cool! I'm a total nerd when it comes to space stuff, and I have yet to get to the Kennedy Space Center. You're so lucky to be able to see the shuttle... I'm bummed I never got to see a launch. Guess I will have to settle for seeing one of them in their respective museums after they're officially done. It looks like there's a ton of stuff to see... I take it it's worth the price?
AllenA07 Posted May 5, 2011 Posted May 5, 2011 I went tothe Johnson Space Center in Houston a few years back. It is hard to believe how large the Saturn V is until you actually see the thing in person!
paiging_jen Posted May 5, 2011 Posted May 5, 2011 Wow....I haven't been to Kennedy Space Center since I was a kid, yet it looks so similar to what I remember with the bus tour. I definitely need to go back now that I'm older and could appreciate it more. And pretty awesome you were able to see the shuttle on the launch pad.
Erik Johnson Posted May 5, 2011 Author Posted May 5, 2011 Are you ready for the Disney Dream? Disney Dream: Part 1 Ooooooo! I see the ship. Did I tell you that this will be my very first cruise? The Disney Cruise Line terminal. Close up! Just follow the signs and you are there. The terminal was not very full yet. It was because we got there early. This is your identity card. If you lose you identity card, prepare yourself to be thrown overboard. I wonder how many it will take. Ok, I want to get on NOW! First say, "hello" to Mickey. Don't forget about the rodents. This would be the main door. Almost there! They announce every family name when they board the ship. Donald would be the main character for this ship. We see you Carnival boat. Ten minutes after boarding, I was already eating. The Aquaduck! The first watercoaster on a cruise ship. I just kinda hung out on the deck for a while. This actually was a great time to go ride the Aquaduck. The line was short. You must be 42 inches to ride The Aquaduck. This is where they feed the tubes into the machine that takes them to the top. Aquaduck Exit It is certainly a tamer version of a watercoater. So, do you want to take a look at our cabin? Wow, that is a super duper window. I wonder if you can fit a person in it? The answer would be....yes! The bed was super comfortable. Another angle. I wonder what is behind those two doors. Behind Door #1 would be the room of business. Behind Door #2 would be a second sink.... As well as a, "tall person friendly" rain shower. The bottom of the shower is actually a small sized tub. For no additional fee you can use these phones that work between cruise ship guests. For me, the real highlight of the cruise was the actual ship. It really is super nice. Unlike the ones on the Wonder and Magic. They do not need ladders to clean this one. You can get a more general idea how big that light is. Disney artwork, hanging on a wall. Part 2, coming soon.
DarkStitch626 Posted May 5, 2011 Posted May 5, 2011 Yes Erik thank you for the cool report. Honestly, I always love seeing the reports you do. The Disney Dream is one place I will ALWAYS want to be on if I can ever afford it. The KSC, is another place I last enjoyed in 2006 I believe it was. Some of the artifacts and past rockets/pods were always cool to see the engineering of.
Erik Johnson Posted May 6, 2011 Author Posted May 6, 2011 So cool! I'm a total nerd when it comes to space stuff, and I have yet to get to the Kennedy Space Center. You're so lucky to be able to see the shuttle... I'm bummed I never got to see a launch. Guess I will have to settle for seeing one of them in their respective museums after they're officially done. It looks like there's a ton of stuff to see... I take it it's worth the price? Yes, it is very much worth the price.
Erik Johnson Posted May 6, 2011 Author Posted May 6, 2011 Disney Dream Part 2. These are all of the lounge names....Take you pick! The first show of the trip, The Golden Mickeys. We all thought it was the best show on the ship. This would be the logo for the show. Random rodents. Turtle Talk....Now With AMAZING food! Our table number, for the next 3 nights. Yes, you do hear a lot of, "DUDE" while you eat. Random dog on the floor. "We all know you want to be like us, but you might as well go home!" Our first towel animal of the trip. The next morning I wake up to Nassau. Atlantis The Hilton! Ramming Speed Ahead! Since I have never been here, I might as well get off for a little bit. Close up of the back of the ship. "Now, does everyone remember where we parked our boat?" Two things to look at while in Nassau, straw goods. And super clear water. Might as well get a photo with the ship. Part of the old town. I noticed this as we headed back to the ship. Look what is backing up! Yes, it is quite large. Epic, actually. While not bigger, The Dream is actually longer. Oooooo! What is this I see in the background? Yes, it too is huge. You know that the Carnival ship must feel really small right now. If you guessed Oasis of the Seas, you guessed right.
ParkTrips Posted May 6, 2011 Posted May 6, 2011 Wow cruises and space centers... I think if you could manage to include a beer and a naked chick you would cover all of my interests in one thread!
Erik Johnson Posted May 6, 2011 Author Posted May 6, 2011 One of my favorite parts of the trip is that you can have a guided tour of certain areas of the ship. Our tour concentrated on Remy as well as the set of lounges/bars on the ship. They are super informative and I highly recommend doing one if you have the time. We start the tour with the super swanky upcharge place of eating: Remy Remy's place setting. Can you find the hidden rodent? Remy is one awesome rodent. The back dining room is an exact replica of the one from the movie. They even got the carpet right. If you wanted to eat here, it does cost an extra $75 a person. I understand that it is really worth it. There is some expensive wine in there. Once you learn how to "read" your carpet, it makes things much easier to find your way around the ship. I will add a flag decoder key later in this report. The bottom half. Some random pirate video game on deck 5.....I think. These boxes contains the crew's life boats. Next was Pink. It was inspired by Dumbo's drunken scene in Dumbo. It is a really nice and pink campaigne bar. Next was Skyline. How many of you have seen it with the "daytime" windows? The 687 name came from the simple fact that The Disney Dream was the 687th ship built by German ship builder, Meyer Werft. Special bits of the ship are on display. The ship coin is also on display. 687 is pretty much a place to kick back with a beer and watch sports. I really want this in my house.
SharkTums Posted May 6, 2011 Posted May 6, 2011 I very much approve of the amount of rodents in this TR! Keep it coming!
xmichellex Posted May 6, 2011 Posted May 6, 2011 Loving this TR! Didn't realize you could take tour of the ship. All of the cruise ships anchored next to each other was cool - the Oasis is so freaking big! The Norwegian Epic looks so awkward - pretty ship though.
Hotlanta Posted May 20, 2011 Posted May 20, 2011 Wow all these Disney Dream TR's are making me jealous. Fabulous report. KSC is just a fantastic cherry on top of this sundae.
Erik Johnson Posted June 13, 2011 Author Posted June 13, 2011 (edited) I guess I should get back and finish off this report. Sorry for being so late. I went back to the room to find some pirate stuff. Oh, I get it! But first, let us take in a show. Villians Tonight! Just think of a show based off of the more obscure Disney movies in the last 15 years. Yes, it even includes the roller coaster scene from Emperor's New Grove. Yes, a bunch of villians. Time for the pirate party! The Aqua Duck has a special light package at night, but the only time you get a chance to ride it is after the pirate party. Getting dark now! Pirate versions of all your favorite Disney characters. It is easy to learn the words to this song. Dinner time in a new location. This is what one of the tables looks like. Mickey fountain. Menu. The next morning! I see you exclusive Disney island. Let's get off the big boat. There is a lot of theming across the island. In true Disney fashion, there are trams that take you all over the island. Noted! This would be the cheat sheet. Go back a page and translate the flags. The map of Castaway Cay. This is what is on the back of the ship. This is more of a long shot. Where are we again? Bye ship....see you later! Another rodent photo. In case if you wanted to know. More theming. All the Coke products you can drink. All the ice cream you can eat. You have to swim out to the water play area. No worries, there is a bar here. Yes, you can snorkle here. Let us hop on the tram. Yes, that is a landing strip. This would be the beach only for adults. Want to join me on a bike ride to explore the island? This is one of the cabanas you can rent for the day. We still see you! Looks like the end of this trail. The adult beach from the other side. Kind of nice that there is a water cooler here. Bike POV! Wave to the tram! Let us head down another trail. Yes Renee, there is a 5K run early in the morning. More random stuff. Ooooh! I like observation towers. This is what it looks like from up high. Boat and cell tower. Hee hee! That is the road back home. It is good to follow directions. I have never seen these guys before. Photo op! I have to admit, I was really bummed that they removed the Black Pearl from the lagoon. One final photo of the ship. Ok, that is all of the island. Edited June 13, 2011 by Erik Johnson
Erik Johnson Posted June 13, 2011 Author Posted June 13, 2011 Ok, one final post to finish this all up! I thought the island was pretty good, but I honestly prefer being on the boat. Plus there is mini golf to play! There are 9 holes total. Yes, larger than Disneyland's. There is a large movie theater which shows first run movies. Also in 3-D! We found these back in the room! Yum! The final show features Genie from Aladdin. Mickey showed up as well. Wave good-bye! I am not sure why that this is the only photo I have of our final dinner. The final towel animal. Special pillow. Aww....the next morning. Freedom of the Seas...I bet that ship is awesome. Wave goodbye! The End!
Godwyn Posted June 13, 2011 Posted June 13, 2011 I'm loving your report Erik! I miss being at that island. We loved taking the bike trail. You really get to see the island from a different view.
Chrisrad Posted June 13, 2011 Posted June 13, 2011 Great TR! Loved all of the photos! With all of the cruise TRs on here, I'll have to plan on one in the future.. they're simply too awesome. Pardon my asking, but after you pay for the cruise, and are on the ship, what are the additional costs involved out-of-pocket? Are bar drinks extra? What about all of the shows/entertainment - all-inclusive (mini golf, the rides, etc.)?
Erik Johnson Posted June 13, 2011 Author Posted June 13, 2011 ^ Brooze and certain special drinks cost extra. None of the shows cost extra. You tip your wait staff at the end of the cruise. Mini Golf and movies are all included.
cfc Posted June 17, 2011 Posted June 17, 2011 Good stuff, Erik! I'm glad that birds have their own outhouse on the island--keeps them from crapping on your head.
Erik Johnson Posted September 11, 2011 Author Posted September 11, 2011 I am curious, has anyone else been on this cruise in the past few months?
crazydaveh Posted September 12, 2011 Posted September 12, 2011 ^ I did the first Alaskan cruise back in May, quite different scenery! Looks like a nice little ride around hurricane alley! How packed was the ship? I know it's been at capacity but did it really seem packed or was it calm in terms of the amount of people on board?
Erik Johnson Posted September 14, 2011 Author Posted September 14, 2011 ^ I am pretty sure that the ship was at near capacity. While the Pirate party was pretty crowded, the rest of the time was not bad at all.
figment1986 Posted September 15, 2011 Posted September 15, 2011 I am curious, has anyone else been on this cruise in the past few months? I've cruised on her back in June for a 5 day double dip (2 visits to castaway cay) Very fun and relaxing!
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