Magical water-coaster, magical portholes and so much more!

Disney Imagineers are about to make cruising with the kids an even more magical experience. We're not kidding - the Disney Dream will reshape how families cruise together.

Disney DreamOn January 26, 2011, the Disney Dream will make its maiden voyage from Florida to the Bahamas. Its sister ship, The Disney Fantasy, will set sail in April 2012. Both ships came to life in Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard and are considerably larger than Disney's first two ships. The Dream can accommodate 2,500 passengers (double occupancy) but is expected to sail regularly with 4,000 passengers (lots of kids in bunk beds).

Like Disney's first two ships, the Dream will be reminiscent of 1930's ocean liners, featuring luxurious spaces where adults can be with other adults, family zones and expansive kid's areas as well. The ship will feature Art Deco-inspired scroll work and have the same color palette as Mickey Mouse.

Disney's automagical wonders

When Disney launched the Disney Magic (1998) and the Wonder (1999) Disney proved elegance and family friendly are not mutually exclusive terms. The launch of the Disney Dream (January 2011) and the Disney Fantasy (April 2012) will continue to challenge other cruise lines competing hard to cater to kids while pampering their parents.

What makes a Disney cruise different than Royal Caribbean or Princess Cruise Lines? Trying taking the fun-factor and putting it on steroids, for starters. The Disney Dream's AquaDuck and Magical Portholes are already getting a lot of attention (and making other cruise ship engineers slapping their head in frustration - why didn't we think of that?)

There's so much new onboard the Disney Dream but here are a few highlights you'll want to know before you book. After all, a Disney cruise isn't for everyone....

AquaDuckAquaDuck - If you like rollercoasters, this is the ride for you. The AquaDuck water coaster whooshes you through a 765-foot long, high-speed flume ride with uphill acceleration and a swing-out loop that delivers a spectacular view of the ocean 150 below. The ride takes about a minute from start to mind-blowing finish. This video from CruiseCritic.com will give you an idea of what you're in for: Disney's AquaDuck Watercoaster.

Motion-sensor art work - As you wander the corridors and stop to admire the art, don't be alarmed if it starts to move. The enchanted artwork is actually an LCD screen that activates if you stand in front of it for more than a few seconds.

Magical portholes - Standard, inside staterooms are a cost-effective way for families to cruise, but Disney puts the sparkle back into them with virtual portholes that stream live video from the ocean and ports of call. Of course, true to Disney style, Mickey and his friends will be swimming by once in a while as well.

Magical PortholesPrefer cruising with an outside room? Almost 90% of the 1,250 staterooms are outside-facing and 90% of those feature balconies. If you're traveling with teens who want their own rooms, you'll have more than an ample selection of adjoining rooms. Oh, and each room has an iPod docking station, raised bed (for easy luggage storage) and tubs with a built-in seat for easy toddler bathing.

Restaurants - Picky kids? Tweens who are too cool for what Mom and Dad want? The Disney Dream boasts a delicious selection of unique restaurants (which means you could dine at a different venue every night).

• Animator's Palate - Themed restaurant featuring American cuisine for dinner only. The kids will enjoy interacting with "Finding Nemo" characters on the screen.
• Cabanas: Indoor/outdoor casual made-to-order dining during the day and elegant table service with main dining specials for dinner.
• Enchanted Garden - Inspired by the gardens of Versailles, you'll find flavors from around the world in a casual setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Palo - Adults-only evening dinner with an Italian menu and upscale ambience.
• Royal Palace - Inspired by Disney classics such as Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty, expect French cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Remy - Sophisticated and adults only, Remy is perhaps the most expensive alternative dining option on any cruise line - $75 per person surcharge.

There are also almost a dozen bars and lounges to choose from, some which are religiously monitored to remain adults-only. Thank goodness Disney understands parents sometimes need to escape the kids - just for a few hours.

Disney'tainmentEntertainment - No big shocker that Disney takes their shows seriously, and the Walt Disney Theatre will impress even the toughest critic. The1,340 seat theatre spans 3 decks and offers orchestra and balcony seating. Actors on stage are tracked by an infrared camera so animated effects can be added to the shows. Disney's Believe, an original stage show directed by Gordon Greenberg takes center stage, but you'll also find Villains Tonight, The Golden Mickeys and sing-a-long Mickey's Pirates of the Caribbean.

Ready to set sail with Disney's Dream? Word on the street has it that the maiden voyage (Jan 26) is booked, but there's still space on the second Disney Dream voyage (Jan 30).Visit Disney Cruise Line online for more info.

Disney has uploaded a good selection of videos to help you decide if the Disney Dream is for you. Visit Disney Parks on YouTube for the full list or watch the Disney Dream below.

We'll be following friends on Twitter who are on the maiden voyage, so if you're on that list, let us know. We'd love to share your excitement with GoGirlfriend readers

Where do you follow fun when you're cruisng? Got a hidden gem to share with your GoGirlfriends? We'd love to hear about it in the comments below, on Twitter or Facebook.