Welcome the Disney Dream

With a dash of Disney magic and a surprising twist, a helicopter hoisted a 16-foot “champagne bottle” across the bow of the Disney Dream during a christening ceremony this morning officially welcoming the newest ship to the Disney Cruise Line family.

Serving the traditional role of godmother for the Disney Dream christening was Jennifer Hudson, the Academy Award and Grammy Award winner whose own dreams of stardom began when she was a performer on the Disney Wonder ship in 2003.

Hudson was joined onstage by Disney CEO Bob Iger and Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Staggs, as the enormous “champagne bottle” filled with dreams of adventure, romance and fun was lifted into the air and broken across the bow of the 130,000-ton ship.

Some 3,000 people were gathered at the Disney Dream for the christening ceremony including celebrities, media and members of the public.

The spectacle befit a ship brimming with innovative “wows” – including gallery art that comes alive, the first water coaster aboard a cruise ship, Magical Portholes that provide inside staterooms with a real-time ocean view, a full-blown shipboard fireworks show, personal interaction with animated characters, play floors like gigantic video games, and original Broadway-style stage spectaculars.

“For over a decade, Disney Cruise Line has been making vacation dreams come true for millions of families and we continue that tradition today with the launch of the Disney Dream,” Iger said. “The mix of imagination and innovation found on the Disney Dream is unparalleled and elevates the family cruise experience to new heights.”

The 4,000-passenger Disney Dream sails its maiden voyage out of Port Canaveral, Fla., on Jan. 26. It joins the 2,700-passenger Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, with the Disney Fantasy scheduled to join the fleet in 2012.

“The addition of the Disney Dream provides an opportunity to extend our horizons and open up Disney cruising to more families,” Staggs said. “From the majestic beauty of Alaska, to the culture and history of Europe, to the fun and sun of the Caribbean, families looking to take a Disney cruise have more options than ever before.”

In 2011, the Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The Disney Magic will sail seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and seven-, 10- and 11-night European cruises out of Barcelona during the summer months. The Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles beginning Jan. 23 and seven-night Alaska itineraries from Vancouver, B.C., during the summer months.

Aboard the Disney Dream
Discover what awaits you and your family onboard the ship:

• Staterooms
  Staterooms on board the Disney Dream feature contemporary amenities, ample space and elegant yacht-style decor. Most boast split bathrooms—a feature perfect for families and a cruise line industry first.
• Youth Clubs
  Youth Clubs fulfill the recreational needs of younger Guests. Kids clubs, activity centers for tweens and teens, and a plethora of unique interactive programs and wondrously themed immersive spaces can be found throughout the ship.
• Dining
  Dining options aboard the Disney Dream include elegant adults-only dining, gourmet Main Dining delights and mouthwatering made-to-order casual fare—in magically themed restaurants.
• Entertainment
  Entertainment aboard the Disney Dream, including musical live shows, first-run films, Digital 3-D movies and fun-filled family deck parties, is available at lavish onboard venues each cruise day—and is unlike anything else offered on the high seas.
• Pools
  Pools aboard the Disney Dream are terrific places to cool down and relax on sun-kissed afternoons. On Deck 11, you'll find 3 sparkling pools—one for kids, one for families, and one just for adults.
• Nightclubs & Lounges
  Nightclubs & Lounges on the Disney Dream fill the nights at sea with live music, dancing and socializing. Explore The District—the ship's adults-only entertainment area, home to 5 distinct lounges and nightclubs.

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