When the Disney Dream was welcomed into its new home in Port Canaveral, the cruise line made sure it had that “Disney magic,” by showcasing an elaborate christening ceremony with character appearances, fireworks, and a performance from Jennifer Hudson, the ship’s godmother who started her musical career on a Disney ship. The party didn’t end there – the official maiden voyage kicked off yesterday, January 26, following Port Canaveral's traditional “Sail-A-Bration” (which it hosts for every home port vessel) with family entertainment, prizes, and music in which the community was welcome to attend.

The Dream is Disney’s first new ship in over a decade (with a sister ship due out in April of next year), and as the reports come in about the out-of-the box amenities and whimsical amusement, it seems the inventors were locked in a Disney think tank during the 11-year hiatus.

The industry’s first water coaster, the “Aqua Duck,” is among the “must dos”  on board. Guests hop on an inflatable raft and hold on tight as the water pressure shoots them down a twisting, turning ride that spans more than two football fields in length. The ship’s appeal for families is undeniable: there’s a mid-ship detective agency game that is a mix between the classic board game “Clue,” and an on board scavenger hunt (that is a challenge for adults as well as kids), a pirate party for kids that gets the entire “cast” involved, and original theatrical shows in the three-deck Walt Disney Theater.

Interior staterooms come equipped with high-definition porthole “windows” with real time views and animated characters, dining venues each have their own themes – including the specialty restaurant “Remy, “ which is inspired by one of my favorite Disney movies “Ratatouille.” For more information on all the Dream, check out this virtual tour.