The final building block for the newest Disney Cruise Line ship, the Disney Dream, was placed today at the Meyer Werft shipyard signaling completion of a major milestone in the ship’s overall construction. On January 26, 2011, the Disney Dream will set sail from Port Canaveral, Fla. on her maiden voyage and take family cruising to all-new heights, embracing the spirit of innovation, magical family entertainment and immersive experiences that have made Disney Cruise Line the preeminent choice for families since 1998.

The final block placed was a 260-ton portion of the ship’s bow, complete with the signature Disney Cruise Line golden filigree. With all 80 building blocks for the Disney Dream now in place, the focus shifts to outfitting the interiors spaces that include the whimsical, Disney-infused children’s spaces, dynamically chic adult nightclubs, spectacular restaurants and elaborate theatres.

Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz and Captain Mickey Mouse were at the Meyer Werft shipyard to commemorate this important milestone.

“With the steel construction process complete, we’re now looking forward to exciting new milestones such as the installation of AquaDuck, the first water coaster at sea,” said Holz. “Each day, the ship gets closer to its Maiden Voyage, and it is clear that the Disney Dream is destined to be one of the most spectacular ships afloat.”

The Disney Dream will expand the one-of-a-kind family experience guests enjoy while on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. Some of the highlights:

• The ship will feature a first-of-its-kind water coaster that will send guests racing above and around the upper decks of the ship.
• Animator’s Palate restaurant will magically transform into an undersea wonderland with live, impromptu interactions with Crush, the animated sea turtle from Disney•Pixar’s “Finding Nemo.”
• Elaborately themed children’s spaces will immerse children in their favorite Disney stories and feature some of today’s most innovative technology.
• A nighttime entertainment district just for adults will be filled with sophisticated, trendy, fanciful and fun-filled venues.
• Inside staterooms will have a “special” view thanks to a cruise industry first virtual porthole concept.

The Disney Dream will sail alternating three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. During summer 2011, the ship will sail four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay.