I was given a rare glimpse inside the minds of the Disney family.
While on our voyage aboard the sensational new Disney Dream, I was invited to interview the CEO, Mr Bob Iger. A very warm
and approachable businessman with the hearts of all children on his sleeve. Mr Iger explained that through the unrivaled
success of Disney's other cruise ships, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic, it was a natural progression to do the unthinkable.
Build it bigger, better and with more market exclusive features than has ever been seen. Having been there already and seen
the new marvel up close, Disney had in fact achieved their goal. It is truly an amazing sight to behold, both inside and
out.
Our interview had more of a personal feeling, as Mr
Iger used his own personal family experiences to get the corporate points across. His own 3 year old granddaughter asked
to be Tinkerbell for Halloween. His son has also created a web site called TechNewsKids and interviewed his own father for
Toy Story. Another case of living the "Disney Family Experience". Everything that Disney strives to accomplish
has the family unit in mind. I was pleasantly surprised that our interview even touched on social media and how it will play
into the future of Disney's plans. They are truly the most amazing hosts you could ever ask for.
Mr Iger says that the inspiration for the Disney Dream was to keep in mind what was successful
with the other cruise family members and to stretch our thinking even further. The "classic by design" motif was
given to the Walt Disney Imagineers, and they were then tasked into making a modern classic vessel unlike any other ship at
sea. They wanted to blend the elegant grace of early 20th century transatlantic ocean liners with contemporary design to
create one of the most stylish and spectacular cruise ships afloat. She is pixie dusted from her bow to her stern in typical
Disney form.
New technologies, such as energy efficient staterooms which incorporate
your room keys into operation of the lighting system. If you do not have your key in the switch, the lights will not work.
Very smart! Each stateroom is equipped with wavephones, a cellualar like device allowing travelers to go in different directions
on a floating resort at sea and yet still be in touch with one and other. We used it all the time to keep tabs on the children
while I had a little down time with my husband. Safe and efficient to use.
After many hours of jaw dropping at every turn, we were able settle
in for some of the most amazing food ever eaten by this hearty traveler. The Enchanted Garden restaurant incorporates a casual
style of the gardens of Versailles with cuisine matching the crisp and airy feel of the restaurant- a seasonal menu featuring
market-fresh ingredients. And as is always the case, you can eat as much as you want and or sample everything throughout
your cruise.
Mr Iger asked if we had the opportunity to sample
the Animator's Palate restaurant with the kids yet. As it happened, we were scheduled to dine there that evening. He said,
the kids are in for a truly amazing treat. We entered the restaurant to find an awesome array of artwork, original working
drawings from some of Disney's biggest and most successful ventures, including the movie, Finding Nemo. If you remember the
surfer dude turtle, Crush from the movie you will be awestruck at the interaction of the televisions within the restaurant.
Crush shows up on the screens and begins talking to the patrons. Needless to say, my seven year old daughter, who was that
evening celebrating her birthday was a little freaked out when he started to wish her a Happy Birthday. Yo dude, the big
day, whats your name dude? Disney has another life long fan in my little girls. We have only been home for a short while
and already they are asking to go back.
The ultimate crowd pleaser of our voyage was the newest of Disney's
innovations, "The AquaDuck Water Coaster". An industry first, a shipboard watercoaster stretching over 765 feet
in length with many sharp twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration with river rapids included too. It spans over 4 decks
and is an absolute blast to ride on. The AquaDuck combines the thrill of a coaster with the fun of a water slide as powerful
water blasters propel the riders around the perimeter of the ship's top decks. "Doin the Duck", is a show stopper
to say the least.
Disney has a universal appeal for not only families, but also for
single travelers too. Mr Iger expressed that the Canadian market is very rich in it's importance to the overall Disney business
plan. In fact, they have a studio in Toronto for the stage production, Believe. They rehearse the show, and do the casting
for it here also.
If you and your family are looking for
the vacation of a lifetime, the Disney Dream is it, period. You will not be disappointed and your hosts are simply top notch,
all the way.
