Being a vegetarian, Thanksgiving is not one of my favorite holidays. For my family, it represents a long weekend that is perfect for hitting the road and enjoying some time together. This year, that meant packing up and heading to Florida!
First stop, Disney World, for a quick one-night stay at Saratoga Springs. We are Disney Vacation Club members and own at the Saratoga Springs resort but this was our first stay there in several years. We chose Saratoga since it sits right beside Disney Springs and visiting there was our plan for this abbreviated stopover. Thanksgiving dinner was accomplished at ‘Ohana at the Polynesian resort (to die for, as always!) and then a few hours at Disney Springs was a delightful treat. I’m amazed with each trip how much Disney Spring evolves. So much of the area is brand-new and super fancy! I love the changes and can’t wait to see everything fully complete.
Disney Springs – Town Center
Black Friday morning for me meant breakfast at Boma at Animal Kingdom Lodge, no shopping! We stuffed ourselves and then hopped in the van to head over to Port Canaveral. Emptying the van and skipping into the terminal at the Port, we got checked-in and waited with the masses. With boarding group #2, we were some of the first folks onboard the beautiful Disney Dream. Cabanas for the lunch buffet then a little ship exploration kept us occupied until the lifeboat drill and Sail Away party.
Pool deck on the Dream after boarding
Sail Away party (before the crowds hit)
Our stateroom was fantastic! When I toured the Dream in January 2015, I saw a room type that I had never been inside of before. I knew when I saw it that I had to book one for myself! The split layout of these rooms and the two large portholes are amazing. So much room in the stateroom to spread out and really get settled in.
Our stateroom on the Dream
During our cruise, which was a super short 3-night Bahamian, the ship docked at Nassau in the Bahamas and Castaway Cay. As I’ve mentioned before, Castaway Cay is Disney’s private island in the Bahamas and it was all decked out for the holidays.
Island paradise
The ship was also adorned with holiday goodness around every turn. The lobby featured a beautiful gingerbread house which also filled the air with its lovely scent.
Dream’s gingerbread house
Pirate night onboard the Dream was a blast (literally!) too with fireworks at sea and the ever-popular Pirate Buffet. They do such a great job putting out these late-night treats for the hungry pirates!
Pirate night food decor
Disney Cruise never disappoints and this trip was another memorable one for the fam!
Type A Travel Mom 