We’ve just returned from cruising on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Wish! I have so many thoughts about it, and I’ve tried my best to keep them organized in this blog. There were things we really liked and things we absolutely loved. Even though I’m a Travel Agent who specializes in all things Disney, I’m sharing my honest opinion on every aspect of the trip. We paid full price for our cruise and booked it before I became an agent.

As I write this, it’s still hard to believe it’s over. It was truly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had as a family, and we can’t wait to do it again!

Our Trip Details

• Ship & Dates: Disney Wish Cruise, September 26–30, 2022 (extended to October 2 due to Hurricane Ian, making it a 6-night sailing)
• Stateroom: Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah — Deck 9, Room 9544 (Category 05B)
• Theme: Halloween on the High Seas

On Tuesday, September 27, we were told that Hurricane Ian would impact our trip and that we would likely have to return a day or two later. Soon after, it was confirmed that our new return date would be Sunday, October 2. While this wasn’t ideal for our schedule—we had planned to head back to Walt Disney World—we quickly realized this was a once-in-a-lifetime situation. Instead of worrying, we decided to be excited about the two extra nights onboard.

We weren’t charged anything for those additional days, which was such a pleasant surprise. Disney also let us know they would be covering Cast Member gratuities for the extra time, though we still chose to tip a bit more as a thank-you. In the end, we paid for a 4-night cruise but sailed for 6 nights, and we are so grateful for the experience!

For the guests scheduled to sail right after us, their cruise was unfortunately canceled. Disney, however, handled the situation with great care, offering full refunds along with rebooking options.

For reference, we had previously sailed on the Disney Dream in 2016—on the same exact dates, with the same itinerary, and also during a Halloween-themed cruise. While we really enjoyed that trip, we weren’t sure it felt worth the cost and actually preferred spending time in the theme parks instead.

Looking back, my biggest takeaway is that we didn’t take advantage of everything the ship had to offer. Audrey only went to the kids’ club once, near the end of the cruise, and she absolutely loved it. We wished we had encouraged her to go more often. Since she’s an only child, we were hesitant to drop her off earlier in the trip, but in hindsight, we realize it probably would have been a wonderful experience for her.

Disney Wish Basics
The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s fifth and newest ship, setting sail for the first time in July 2022. Described as a “fairytale-inspired castle on the seas,” it stands apart from Disney’s other ships—the Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy.

Although the Wish is slightly larger than the Dream and Fantasy, it only has four additional staterooms. The biggest difference is its layout, which feels noticeably different from the other ships in the fleet.

Currently, the Wish sails exclusively out of Port Canaveral on 3- and 4-night itineraries, with stops in Nassau, Bahamas, and Castaway Cay (Disney’s private island). The ship can accommodate up to 4,000 guests, though our sailing had about 3,100 passengers—likely lower due to cancellations ahead of Hurricane Ian.

What’s Included
Disney Cruise Line includes a wide variety of experiences and amenities in the price of your cruise:

Entertainment, from Broadway-style shows to live music

Kids’ clubs and youth activities

Spacious staterooms

Multiple dining options

Soft drinks, coffee, and tea (which many other cruise lines charge extra for)

Nightclubs and lounges for adults

Pools and recreational areas

Beyond that, there’s always something happening on board—trivia, games, craft and drawing classes, live music, and so much more.

Spacious Staterooms
The staterooms on the Disney Wish are absolutely stunning! While the rooms on the other Disney ships are also beautiful, the Wish feels especially fresh and modern, with the little Disney details you’d hope for. Our room was themed to The Princess and the Frog and featured gorgeous artwork that really set the tone.

Disney Cruise Line’s signature split baths aren’t new, but on the Wish they feel updated, clean, and beautifully designed. We had three people in our room (two adults and one teen who’s taller than me), and we had plenty of space. The room sleeps four comfortably, with a queen bed, a sofa that flips into a bed, and an upper berth pull-down bed. I was worried the pull-down would feel too close to the ceiling, but there was actually plenty of headspace.

The room is also incredibly well-organized, with tons of storage—including space under the bed for luggage—so once we unpacked, it truly felt like home. Our verandah had two chairs and a table, but we moved the side table from the room outside so all three of us could enjoy breakfast together each morning.

We loved the Disney Wish staterooms so much that we’d honestly book the Wish again just for those alone!

Entertainment
Disney truly has entertainment for every age group—and most of it is included in your cruise fare. As soon as you arrive at the Disney Cruise terminal, you can open the app to browse the daily schedule and start “hearting” the activities that interest you.

From the moment we boarded, we found ourselves hopping from one activity to the next, and we loved every minute of it!

Pools and Splash Pads
The Disney Wish has plenty of smaller pools scattered throughout the ship, which helps keep things from feeling too crowded. One of our favorites was on Deck 14—it was a bit tucked away and usually less busy, which made it a great spot to relax.

For kids, there are splash pads and fun water play areas designed just for them. While most of the pools are fairly shallow, there are enough options that everyone can find a spot to cool off and enjoy the water.

AquaMouse
The AquaMouse is the first water ride of its kind on the Disney Wish. Guests board a raft and slowly travel through a tunnel featuring Mickey and Minnie shorts with fun interactive elements, before heading into the rest of the ride.

Early reviews made us hesitant, and even after watching videos, we weren’t expecting much—but we ended up absolutely loving it! When lines were long, the wait was around 20 minutes. On a rainy day during Hurricane Ian, the line was practically nonexistent, and Audrey rode four times in a row, just circling around and hopping back on. I’ve read that later at night, just before closing, lines are usually short—but we never made it back at that time due to our later dining seating.

A few things to keep in mind: cell phones aren’t allowed on the AquaMouse at all, even in waterproof pouches. Guests must store belongings in a cubby, so it may be easier to leave items in your stateroom beforehand.

Funnel Vision
Funnel Vision is the enormous video screen that sits above the main pool and stage, playing Disney movies throughout the cruise. During the day, it can be tricky to see from some angles, but at night it’s absolutely stunning.

Later in the evening, the deck in front of Funnel Vision is often fairly empty, making it the perfect spot to spread out a blanket or towel and relax while watching a movie under the stars.

Pirate Night
Pirate Night did not disappoint! Entertainers take the stage performing classic rock hits, building up to the highlight of the evening—fireworks at sea. Disney Cruise Line is the only major cruise line to offer fireworks at sea, and they are truly impressive.

Walt Disney Theatre
The Walt Disney Theatre spans two decks and is absolutely stunning. Guests are asked not to photograph during the shows, so this was the only picture I took.

We watched two of the three stage shows offered. Seas the Academy was phenomenal, and we all really enjoyed it. Disney’s The Little Mermaid was good, though a bit long for our tastes. Unfortunately, we missed Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular because we arrived five minutes after it started and couldn’t find seats in the darkened theater. Hopefully, we’ll catch it next time, as we’ve heard it’s wonderful.

The theater also showed a few movies, including Pinocchio (live-action) and Hocus Pocus 2, and we were able to see both. One fun detail: if a Disney movie is released while a cruise is sailing, it’s usually offered onboard the same day. Hocus Pocus 2 was released on September 30, which was our original return date, so it wasn’t initially available—but once our cruise was extended, it played in the theater, which was a fun addition to our trip.

Tip: Popcorn, candies, and drinks are sold outside the theater, and you can also purchase a refillable Disney popcorn bucket there. Lines can get long, so it’s best to arrive early. If you already have a refillable bucket, you can use it on board for inexpensive refills throughout the cruise.

Movies
The Disney Wish has two smaller theaters, the Never Land and Wonderland Cinemas, both beautifully themed and decorated. They offered plenty of movies throughout our cruise, and we never found them to be too crowded, making it easy to enjoy a film at any time.

The Entertainment Cast Members (Don’t Miss the Games & Trivia)
I can’t say enough good things about these Cast Members! They truly did it all and made the entire trip for us. It wasn’t unusual to see a CM earlier in the day hosting a game or trivia show, then see them later in the evening leading another activity. Their energy and enthusiasm were contagious.

Even when we docked at Castaway Cay, we spotted some of the same Cast Members working on the island. They were just as energetic there, creating wonderful memories for our family that we’ll never forget.

Triton Lounge
Triton Lounge quickly became one of our favorite hangouts! It hosted games and karaoke, and even the Edge Kids’ Club had a few of their own karaoke nights here. We loved how intimate the space felt—it made it easy and comfortable to join in on the fun.

We also got to know several other families simply by attending the same activities, which made the experience even more special. This is definitely one of the things I’ll miss the most about our cruise!

Luna
Luna is a two-story lounge with an open top level, and it quickly became one of our favorites. While servers occasionally came around, most of the bar service was on the top level toward the back. The lounge is well laid out with plenty of seating options, and the top level is especially nice, featuring a few semi-circular booths.

Luna hosts many fun events, making it a lively and enjoyable space to spend time.

Tip: If you want to participate or volunteer for a game, sit on the bottom level toward the front for the best access.

Hero Zone
We all LOVED Hero Zone! This huge, two-story family space has something for everyone. On the first level, there’s a basketball court, while the upstairs features foosball, air hockey, and plenty of spots to relax.

On two nights, we joined the all-ages Silent Disco, where you pick up headphones with multiple music stations. It was so fun seeing parents dancing with their kids, as well as teens and kids hanging out and enjoying themselves.

Hero Zone also hosts the Incredi-Games, a giant inflatable obstacle course where families can compete against each other. Our family participated, and it was a blast—though someone in our group (ahem) had repeated issues with their shorts falling down while crawling through tunnels. It was pretty funny, and apparently a few others had the same problem.

One thing to note: the course is known for giving rash burns when sliding. Audrey and I wore leggings and t-shirts and had no issues, but Edward wore shorts and ended up with burns on his elbow and knee. Make sure you’re covered if you want to tackle the course!

Sail Away Party
I had watched a few videos of the Wish Sail Away Party and thought it might be a little cheesy. As a huge Disney fan, I wasn’t sure what the appeal would be. But when we boarded the Wish and watched it from one of the upper decks, we were completely won over.

The energy of the Cast Members and entertainers was contagious, the music was fun and catchy, and we absolutely loved it. There’s nothing quite like hearing the Disney Cruise Line horn as the ship sets sail. It was such a fun moment, and I would never miss this show again!

Disney Uncharted Adventure
I had heard a lot about this interactive game, which you play through the Disney Cruise Line app, but we didn’t get a chance to try it. We chose other activities instead, but I think kids and teens would really enjoy this experience.

Castaway Cay (Disney’s Private Island)
We aren’t really beach people—we usually prefer cities—but we absolutely love Castaway Cay (pronounced “key”), Disney’s private island in the Bahamas. We’ve been twice during different cruises, and both visits offered unique experiences that left us thrilled with all the island has to offer. Even if lounging on the beach isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy.

For kids, there’s Scuttle’s Cove (ages 3–11). Once your child is registered during online check-in, you can drop them off there. There’s also In Da Shade, a space where kids can take a break from the water and enjoy basketball and ping pong.

Adults have their own area, Serenity Bay, complete with its own BBQ quick-service dining and the Castaway Air Bar. Whether you explore as a family or head to the adults-only area, there’s something for everyone.

Disney provides a tram to get around the island, but we recommend walking to the beach when you arrive—it’s great for photographs. Riding the tram back to the ship at the end of the day is a convenient option.

On our previous cruise in 2016, we booked the Stingray Adventure, which was more kid-focused—perfect for our then 7-year-old. I also ran the Castaway Cay 5K (Audrey was too young, so Edward took her to the beach while I ran), which was a fantastic experience. We skipped the 5K this trip to avoid the early morning heat.

This visit, we didn’t pre-book any excursions and decided to see what felt right that day. Although many activities appeared grayed out in the DCL app, we had no trouble booking once we arrived. Audrey and I grabbed floats while Edward rented snorkel gear. Our beaches were side by side, separated only by a rope—perfect for Edward to snorkel and find hidden Disney treasures while we floated in paradise.

Lunch was at Cookie’s Too, offering basic BBQ fare and a huge covered dining area with plenty of seating. Of course, soft-serve ice cream is included here as well.

Later, we toured the island via tram, then returned to the ship to change before renting bicycles. There were plenty available for walk-ups. The bike path is flat and easy, shared with runners and walkers, and leads to Lookout Point. A few flights of stairs take you to incredible views of the Disney Wish in the background—definitely a highlight of our day.

Tips:

• Arrive back to the island in the afternoon (around 2 p.m. or later) for shorter lines at character meet-and-greets and a much less busy beach.
• If separating from your family at the beach, bring a bright towel or shirt to mark your spot. With so many people and similar beach bags, it makes finding your chair much easier.

Quiet Cove Adult Area
We toured the Quiet Cove area and found it very beautiful. The adult pools were busy when we visited, so I didn’t photograph them. We ended up being too busy to spend time in Quiet Cove on this cruise, and honestly didn’t feel the need to escape to the adults-only area at all.

Even with a teen onboard, we weren’t bothered by children during the cruise. We were seated for later dining at 8:15 p.m., which I highly recommend if you’re looking for a slightly more adult atmosphere.

Disney Senses Fitness Center
Edward really enjoyed the Senses Fitness Center, where many of the treadmills and cardio machines face portholes with beautiful ocean views. The center also includes a spin room and another space for group fitness classes, which are available for an additional fee.

Senses Spa
On our previous cruise on the Disney Dream, I had one of the best massages I’ve ever experienced at the Senses Spa. This trip, I didn’t want to take time away from our family or plans, but I’m definitely planning to enjoy it on our next cruise.

A Variety of Dining Options
Onboard the Disney Wish, there are three main dining rooms included in your cruise fare. Guests rotate between them, and your servers rotate with you. For cruises longer than three nights, you’ll repeat one or more of the dining rooms. The three main restaurants are:

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
• Worlds of Marvel
• 1923

1923 Restaurant
Named after the year the Walt Disney Company was founded, 1923 Restaurant pays tribute to Walt and Roy Disney. The restaurant has two separate dining rooms, and you’ll be assigned to one. While there is no live entertainment here, the space is filled with photos and memorabilia from Disney movies and has a stylish Hollywood glam feel. It’s reminiscent of the Hollywood Brown Derby at Disney’s Hollywood Studios or Carthay Circle in Disney California Adventure.

We were very impressed with 1923 and thought it offered the best food of all the rotational dining options. The atmosphere feels elegant and sophisticated without being stuffy, and of course, it’s included in your cruise fare.

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure
Of the three rotational dining options, we were most excited for Arendelle, thanks to glowing reviews from many bloggers. We were only assigned this restaurant once, and at first, we were a little disappointed (we had one seating at 1923 and two at Worlds of Marvel). I even considered changing our rotation to include another night at Arendelle—and I’m so glad I didn’t! You’ll see why soon.

The venue is stunning and perfectly themed, and the entertainment is incredible. The musicians and performers are extremely talented, offering modern takes on some of our favorite songs. Their version of Into The Unknown was, in my opinion, the best I’ve ever heard, and it was so fun to sing along with other guests in the dining room.

While Arendelle offered my least favorite food options of the three dining rooms, everything was still tasty. The entertainment was the main highlight for me, though I probably should have sampled more of the menu.

Worlds of Marvel
Just saying Worlds of Marvel makes me smile! I had read some less-than-great reviews, with people saying both the food and the show were disappointing. While the show may be a bit underwhelming, the atmosphere is fantastic. Even though we aren’t huge Marvel fans, we absolutely loved this restaurant!

The food was mostly good, with a few hits and misses, but one of the best things about cruising is that you can always order something else. Everyone was able to find something they enjoyed. We dined here four times—three nights as part of our dinner rotation and the last morning for breakfast before debarkation.

The interactive show happened only on the first night. On another night, the restaurant hosted a Pirate-themed dinner with a special menu, and our final visit was just a regular dinner in the space. The show itself features videos along with an interactive Pym Particle device at each table that lights up when you press a button. You can also purchase a souvenir Quantum Encounter Core Sipper Cup, similar to the Pym Particle device—this was the one souvenir we really wanted, and I’m glad they offered it!

On nights without the show, Marvel clips play on screens throughout the restaurant, accompanied by Marvel-themed music. Every table offers a great view, and the lighting is soothing and enjoyable. I imagine kids and teens would especially love this restaurant, but for our family, it ended up being our favorite of the three rotational dining options.

Marceline Market
Marceline Market, which replaces the traditional buffet known as Cabanas on other Disney ships, offers plenty of food stations themed to different Disney characters. At most stations, a Cast Member will plate your food for you, though a few spots allow self-service. We aren’t usually big fans of buffets, so we appreciated how Marceline Market is arranged differently.

The space is beautifully decorated, with several separated dining areas rather than one large dining hall. Once you have your food, it’s fun to explore and find some of the more tucked-away areas that tend to be less crowded. Many spots also offer fantastic views of the ocean.

Though it can get busy at times, we usually found a quiet nook. Overall, the food was very good. While a few items were misses, there are so many options that almost anyone will find something they enjoy. I was particularly impressed with the seafood selections, including crab, grilled shrimp, and peel-and-eat shrimp. They also offer self-serve POG juice (passionfruit, orange, and guava).

Marceline Market has limited hours: typically 7–10:45 a.m. for breakfast and 12–2 p.m. for lunch. To avoid the breakfast rush, try to arrive before 10 a.m. For lunch, we usually arrived around 1 p.m., and it wasn’t crowded at all.

MICKEY AND FRIENDS FESTIVAL OF FOODS

Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods is a selection of several quick service stands: Daisy’s Pizza Pies, Goofy’s Grill, Sweet Minnie’s Ice Cream, Donald’s Cantina, and my favorite, Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue. We didn’t get a chance to try Donald’s Cantina (but friends of ours loved it), but all the others were very good. Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue had some amazing collard greens, sausage, and ribs (Audrey and I don’t even really care for ribs, but they were delicious!). Audrey really enjoyed their Baked Macaroni & Cheese as well. Edward and Audrey tried the burgers from Goofy’s Grill and were surprised at how tasty they were, definitely not your standard quick-service burger. Sweet Minnie’s Ice Cream had soft-serve ice cream cones, where a Cast Member made it for you, and they had some great flavors. Our favorite was the banana/strawberry swirl. This entire area is definitely an improvement over the other Disney ships. 

Room Service
Room service is included at no additional charge on Disney Cruises. Most items on the menu are included, though a few prepackaged foods and beverages have a small fee. For breakfast, you can use the paper order hanger—just place it on your door by the designated time and select a delivery window. For all other orders, you can simply call room service, and your food will arrive like magic!

We started most mornings with pastries, coffee, and juice on our verandah, and sometimes ended the night with the famous All Hands on Deck cheese plate, a dessert, or even Mickey Bars, which you can order even though they’re not usually listed on the menu. Audrey has always loved pairing their cookies with milk—such a simple, perfect treat.

Joyful Sweets
Joyful Sweets is an adorable shop themed to Disney/Pixar’s Inside Out. They offer ice cream and gelato, cupcakes, macarons, and a variety of other treats. Audrey tried a chocolate-covered Oreo here and really enjoyed it.

Keep in mind that treats at Joyful Sweets are an upcharge and not included in your cruise fare.

Adult Dining at Enchanté or Palo
The Disney Wish offers two adult-exclusive restaurants that are not included in your cruise fare and require a reservation: Enchanté and Palo Steakhouse.

Enchanté is a gorgeous new restaurant inspired by Beauty and the Beast, offering both brunch and dinner service. We had the chance to tour it as a family (including Audrey), and everyone agreed it’s the most beautiful space on the entire ship.

Palo Steakhouse is a very popular dining option, available on other Disney ships as well. The food is amazing, especially their brunch.

Lounges
Most lounges are family-friendly during certain hours of the day and switch to an 18+ adult-only atmosphere later in the evening. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for exact hours and details.

Keg & Compass
Keg & Compass is a beautifully designed lounge filled with both obvious and hidden Disney details. In the wood carvings over the portholes, you’ll find hidden treats like a Mickey Pretzel and a Dole Whip. The entire ceiling is a map featuring different characters—it’s truly stunning.

We toured Keg & Compass and explored it on our first day, but didn’t have a chance to return later in the cruise.

Nightingale’s
Nightingale’s is a very pretty lounge with a piano as the centerpiece, offering live music at times. We really enjoyed our drinks here, which included some unique offerings like Seedlip, a zero-proof spirit. And of course, where else can you sip a drink out of a bird’s… umm… behind? LOL

The Bayou Lounge
I am a huge Princess and the Frog fan and adore Tiana, so I couldn’t wait to see the Bayou Lounge. The lounge itself is beautiful and completely open to the surrounding area. They often have live music, featuring a mix of Disney, pop, jazz, and even ’80s tunes.

The lounge offers a variety of drink options and, of course, their famous beignets—a must-try for any fan or foodie.

Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge (Don’t Miss This Lounge!)
Many vloggers and bloggers weren’t fans of the Hyperspace Lounge, but we absolutely loved it! When we arrived at the port, they weren’t taking reservations, and it was quite busy at the start of the cruise. We were able to visit on day three when crowds were lower.

Each visit is limited to 45 minutes so that everyone has a chance to experience the lounge. The atmosphere is a bit loud with special effects and sounds, but we were there just for quick drinks and enjoyed every aspect. The lounge is extremely well done and a must-see for any Star Wars fan. Their drinks are impressive, and there are non-alcoholic options for kids as well.

Hook’s Barbery
Hook’s Barbery is a salon specializing in men’s haircuts, beard trims, shaves, and more. The space is small and designed with masculine touches.

What’s really neat is the “secret” bar inside Hook’s. We toured the shop and met two Cast Members who explained that the bar opens at 5 p.m., revealing “the good stuff” from a locked cabinet. It’s known for its Old Fashioned, which is a favorite of Edward’s.

Kids’ & Teen Clubs
The Disney Wish offers phenomenal kids’ and teen clubs, all included with your cruise fare (with the exception of the nursery). The clubs are divided into five themed zones:

• Fairytale Hall – reading, crafts, interactive games, and movies
• Imagineering Lab – science games, hands-on experiments, and a virtual rollercoaster simulator
• Marvel Superhero Academy – kids can virtually create superhero costumes and battle villains
• Mickey & Minnie’s Captain’s Deck – active play equipment for preschoolers
• Star Wars: Cargo Bay – a space for kids to immerse themselves in the Star Wars universe

Audrey especially enjoyed the Edge Club for tweens (ages 11–14) and loved the special Edge Nights hosted in some of the lounges onboard. Her favorite was the karaoke night at Triton Lounge, which was a highlight of the cruise.

Other offerings for kids and teens include:

• it’s a small world nursery – for infants 6 months through toddlers just shy of 3 years old (fees apply)
• Disney’s Oceaneer Club – ages 3–10; includes Marvel Superhero Academy, Star Wars: Cargo Bay, Fairytale Hall, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and Mickey & Minnie’s Captain’s Deck
• Edge – tweens 11–14, NYC-inspired loft-style hangout
• Vibe – teens 14–17, modern space with movies and games
• The Hideaway – older teens and young adults (ages 18–20) with a dance floor, DJ booth, and karaoke contests

Tips:

• Kids of all ages are welcome to tour the clubs during Open Houses, offered throughout the cruise (check the DCL Navigator app).
• It’s best for kids to visit on the first day, as this is when they’ll meet others and form friendships, making the rest of the cruise even more fun.

All the Activities
There are so many activities onboard that we found ourselves bouncing from place to place. Options include karaoke, drawing classes, trivia, movies, workout classes, character meet-and-greets, dance parties, and so much more.

It was wonderful to have so many experiences included in our cruise fare, with only a few activities requiring an upcharge. If you’re selected to participate onstage in a game or win a trivia competition, you even receive a medal! Edward was quite proud of our little medal collection.

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Things I Love About Disney Cruise Line:

Fresh Flowers
This might seem like a small detail, but I loved noticing that most restrooms on the ship had fresh flowers, and they were gorgeous. It’s little touches like this that make a Disney cruise feel truly special.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere Overall
One of the things we loved most about a Disney Cruise is the overall family-friendly atmosphere. There’s no casino onboard like on other cruise lines, and while there are plenty of lounges and bars, no one ever seemed out of hand.

You’ll see a variety of cruisers—singles, couples, families, and even extended families. Disney Cruise Line is very inclusive, which we truly appreciated. It was so fun getting to know others on the cruise, and the fact that we all shared a love for Disney made it even more special.

That Our Teen Could Go Off with Friends and Be Safe
One of the things we loved most as parents was seeing our teen explore the ship and have fun with friends while we felt completely at ease. Of course, we know that things can happen on any cruise, but Disney does an excellent job of keeping everything safe.

Since we cruised with friends, it made the experience even more enjoyable for our teen, as they could do activities independently. Our rules were simple: always communicate where they were, never walk alone, and be present at each dinner. Luckily, Audrey ended up knowing a few other kids, and since we were all staying on Deck 9, everything worked out perfectly.

Being in a Disney Bubble
Being on any Disney vacation is about enjoying the magic, but the Disney Wish takes the “Disney bubble” to a whole new level. We were able to disconnect from everything happening outside the cruise and focus entirely on having fun.

While Walt Disney World is already a huge Disney bubble, the cruise felt even more immersive. Returning from the Disney Wish was one of the hardest things we’ve done!

Things We Would Do Differently
One thing we (Audrey and I) would change is dressing up for themed nights. For dinner at 1923, many guests wore 1920s attire, including flapper dresses. On Halloween night, families dressed in costumes, and for Pirate Night, many wore pirate-themed outfits (we did this on our first cruise). While dining at Arendelle, people were dressed even fancier, some in full gowns.

That said, we never felt underdressed. The app listed “cruise casual” for all meals (except adult-exclusive dining), so I wore a mix of dresses, jumpsuits, and even t-shirts with leggings at times.

Since the Disney Wish currently sails only 3- and 4-night itineraries, we would consider a back-to-back cruise next time to combine them into a longer trip. There’s so much to experience onboard that 3–4 days feels too short—even with our extended two extra nights and skipping Nassau, we still didn’t have enough time. I would definitely encourage anyone to book a minimum of 4 days to fully enjoy the ship.

Random Tips

• Travel with friends if you can. We cruised with the Smith Family, and it made such a difference! We all enjoyed doing our own thing during the day, meeting up occasionally, and coming together for dinner each night. So many laughs and fun memories were made.
• Bring a refillable popcorn bucket. They are available for purchase onboard, and refills are about $2. The popcorn/refreshment line can get long and moves slowly, so give yourself plenty of time before a show or movie.
• Arrive early for stage shows. The Walt Disney Theatre has two levels, and both fill up quickly. We arrived at 6:05 p.m. for a 6 p.m. Aladdin show, and most seats were already full. It’s best to get there early so you can enjoy the show comfortably.
• Take advantage of activities and entertainment. Though some say a cruise is relaxing, we were jumping from activity to activity and loved it. Use the DCL app to heart activities you’re interested in, and it will send reminders so you don’t miss them.
• Visit Kids Clubs early. Audrey didn’t attend the Edge Club until day two and wished she had gone on day one. Kids Clubs have many activities that help children get to know each other, and friendships often form on the first day.
• Maximize your time on AquaMouse. Wear your bathing suit under your clothes on embarkation and head straight to the ride to beat the crowds. Alternatively, ride later in the evening before it closes.
• Lunch on embarkation day. Head to the dining room that’s offering lunch or the Mickey & Friends Festival Foods area near the AquaMouse. Most guests tend to go to Marceline Market, so these spots are often less crowded.

Overall Thoughts
I’ve had the hardest time putting our Disney Wish cruise into words. Overall, it was absolutely one of the best trips we’ve ever taken as a family! The cruise gave us the chance to experience new activities, try different foods, and enjoy special moments with friends and new people along the way.

The Cast and Crew Members truly become like family, and saying goodbye at the end is always difficult. Writing this has been bittersweet for me, and it’s hard not to get a little emotional thinking back on such a magical experience.

The biggest question I’ve been asked constantly…WAS DISNEY CRUISE LINE WORTH IT? SPECIFICALLY, THE DISNEY WISH? 

ABSOLUTELY, it was! In fact, what’s kept us from cruising more often is the cost of a Disney Cruise. But with rising costs at the Disney theme parks, I’d recommend a Disney Cruise for a change of pace. You have the opportunity to relax, unwind, or really stay active and do all the things. It also requires very little planning compared to the theme parks. If you have kids or teens, I highly recommend a Disney Cruise. It really does give you the best of a vacation, family time and also adult time. 

Going forward, we’ll do what we did this trip, go to Disney World for a few days, then head to Disney Cruise Line to end our trips. I can’t think of a more beautiful thing! 

If you have any questions at all about our cruise, or Disney Cruise Line in general, feel free to email me:

[email protected]

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Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook here for the latest news and blogs! I’ve got an entire album of Disney Wish photos with descriptions on my FB page. 

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Are you ready to take a magical cruise of your own? I book ALL cruise lines: Disney, Royal Caribbean, Viking, Virgin Voyages, Princess, Celebrity, etc. 

You will pay the same amount if you book directly with the cruise line or with me, but I offer my clients complimentary concierge planning services and onboard credit as a way of saying thank you. 

Email me for a no obligation quote, and I’ll help you plan the most magical vacation! My services are complimentary when you book with me, including all my tips and advice. [email protected]  

Or fill out the quick form below:

Tinker Tanchez Travels Vacation Quote Request (jotform.com)