Dreams are definitely built on expectations. There's something to be said for "knowing" that something will work out. And believing that this knowledge is right and will work.

For me, teleporting only works if I know where I want to do. I can't just let my dream come up with something. It generally won't. So visualize something and see if happening with your mind's eye before you do it (like if you choose to use your closet as a portal, see it working, then do it).