Back in June 2025, a five-year-old girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream and was miraculously rescued and brought back onboard safely. The father jumped in after his daughter and both were rescued from the water by Disney Cruise Line. While the five-year-old did not sustain any injuries, the father experienced hypothermia and two spinal fractures.
It was reported the mother was taking photos of her five-year-old on the Deck 4 running track. For one of the poses, the daughter sat on a railing in front of an open porthole, which resulted in her falling backwards 49 feet into the ocean. As a result, the mother was initially charged with child neglect. All charges have since been cleared.Â
The Disney Dream recently added a new railing on Deck 4, making it harder to get to the open-air porthole window. Even though there was a railing before, this one extends further out from the window making it impossible to lean over or sit on the edge.
Before
After
While this wasn’t an announced change, it’s reassuring to see Disney prioritizing safety even when not at fault. It goes without saying, safety should always be taken seriously on a cruise. Even though Disney Cruise Line is known for the highest standards, guests still need to follow the rules and be aware of their surroundings. Even in the verandah staterooms, there is a multi-step lock on the door and a high verandah wall with a barrier at the bottom. These safety features make it nearly impossible for a child to get to the verandah on their own.
It’s also nice to see the scenery of Deck 4 hasn’t changed. This is one of my favorite areas on the Dream and Fantasy as it is quiet, has great views of the ocean, and plenty of lounge areas. If you don’t have a verandah stateroom, this is a great place to catch the sunset or read a book with the sound of the ocean in the background.
Thank you Disney Cruise Line for always going above and beyond to make sure guests are safe and the ships are well maintained. If you’ve ever taken a Disney Cruise, you know this is just one of many reasons Disney Cruise Line stands apart from other vacations.
Request a Quote Today
