If you've been thinking about booking a cruise for the 2024 holiday season or are intrigued by the recent announcement of summer 2025 itineraries, you'll want to check out our look around Disney's newest ship: the Disney Wish!
Editor's Note: This is part of an occasional series of features highlighting Disney destinations which are outside of the traditional collection of DVC resorts. Many of these destinations can be booked using DVC points. For details, see our information regarding Using DVC Points for Non-DVC destinations.
The Disney Wish is the newest ship in the Mouse's fleet, having made its debut back in 2022. In 2023, we decided to check it out during its second holiday at sea.
Similar to the Disney theme parks and resorts, Disney cruise ship fleet is swaddled in Christmas decor for the holiday season. A large multi-story tree dominates the Grand Hall, with additional lights and garlands draped along the balconies.
Many Disney characters, including Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast,' out posing for photos in their unique holiday costumes.
On display in the atrium is a large chocolate replica of Cinderella Castle. Many of these holiday displays and characters make great photo spots for guests.
The ship's primary gift shop, Mickey's Mainsail, offers a wide variety of merchandise with both general cruise line themes as well as items created especially for these Very Merrytime Cruises.
But the appeal of the Disney Wish extends beyond just the holidays.
Guest cabins are everything we've come to expect from Disney Cruise Line. Character theming has been added to each of the rooms, this one with images from 'The Princess and the Frog.' The room is suitably spacious for a cruise cabin with a queen size bed and convertible sofa to sleep 2 more.
All Disney cruise cabins have split bathrooms with a vanity and tub/shower in one room and a second vanity and commode in a separate room.
The ship's main pool deck is often the hub of activity. Aside from the various pools, slides and other water features, it is also home to a full day of "Funnel Vision" family-friendly movie presentations, as well as playing host to events like the sail away party and pirate night fireworks.
The Aqua Mouse is the latest evolution of Disney Cruise Line's water coaster. Similar to Crush n Gusher at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, guests ride a raft through a winding water slide high above the ship's deck. This version has been enhance by a lift hill at the start of the ride which plays-out an exclusive Mickey Mouse cartoon story. A different story is available each day of the cruise.
For us older folks, the adults-only area has been plussed-up with an infinity pool that overlooks the rear of the ship.
Disney Cruise Line is famous for its rotational dining program. Guests move between three unique themed restaurants over the course of their cruse. On the Disney Wish, the first is Worlds of Marvel. Throughout the meal, diners are treated to a unique Marvel adventure which plays out on video screens throughout the restaurant. Familiar characters are featured throughout, including Paul Rudd as Ant Man and Anthony Mackie as Captain America. The meal culminates with appearances from the heroes including Spider-Man.
Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure brings the spirit and cuisine of Norway, along with a live stage presentation of 'Frozen' throughout the meal.
Finally there's 1923, the most formal of the three rotational restaurants. The inside and outside of the restaurant are decorated with artifacts from throughout the history of Disney animation.
Either before or after dinner, guests can attend a live stage show in the Walt Disney Theater. All productions are unique to Disney Cruise Line. Performances currently offered on the Disney Wish include 'Aladdin', 'Disney Seas the Adventure' and 'Disney The Little Mermaid.'
Guests looking for a less formal meal during most hours will find a wide variety of quick service options on the pool deck. Disney's older cruise ships offer mostly standard fare including pizza, burgers and cold sandwiches. These options are also available on the Disney Wish, but the selection has been boosted with a barbeque venue and a Mexican window which offers Chipotle-style made-to-order burrito bowls.
Along with the standard dining fare, with most items included with the price of the cruise, there are a handful of a la carte venues scattered around the ship. One of those is Joyful Sweets, themed to the Disney Pixar film 'Inside Out.' Joyful Sweets offers a selection of elegant desserts, ice cream and snacks for an added fee.
Themed bars and clubs are also present throughout the ship, many offering unique live entertainment during the evening hours. Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge takes a nod from Skyline on other Disney ships, offering a window view of familar planets and space craft from the Star Wars universe. A variety of themed cocktails are available to purchase.
The Bayou is an open venue situated prominently on Deck 3 which borrows its theming from 'The Princess and the Frog.'
The ship's multi-use space is called Luna. It expands on the D-Lounge concept from older ships with two levels of seating overlooking the main stage. Luna is host to a variety of game shows, trivia contests and other popular shipboard activities.
One of those events is the Disney Vacation Club member meeting on the ship. All current DVC owners are welcome to attend, and will be treated to some free swag and cocktails. The meeting typically follows a game show format, with a handful of owners invited on the stage to participate. Cast members will also discuss some of the recent DVC developments and present any special purchase incentives offered during the cruise.
Members can even grab a photo with a Disney character at the meeting's conclusion.
One of the things families love about Disney cruise ships are the unique kids clubs with themed play areas and activities for kids of all ages.
Younger kids will enjoy the Mickey Mouse jungle gym and storytime area with artwork that evokes 'It's a Small World.'
Smaller rooms feature settings from 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Frozen.'
Older kids may enjoy the STEM focus of the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab. We even found a few artifacts that should be familiar to Disney Vacation Club owners.
Other areas of the kids clubs feature Star Wars and Marvel theming. And check out these cute Pixar-themed doors on the kids' restrooms!
One more great holiday photo spot is available to guests. That's on Disney's private island Castaway Cay. The tree features a variety of sea creatures and nautical decor. Other theming is scattered around the island.
Every 3 or 4 night cruise on the Disney Wish includes a stop at Castaway Cay.
As Disney Vacation Club members we all love the theme parks. But Disney offers many other experiences with similar quality and vibe that members have come to love at Disney theme parks and resorts. Check out our Using Points for Non DVC Destinations page for details on how some of these options can be more affordable for members.
Disney Cruise Line has just announced its itineraries for summer 2025. Destinations include Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean and more. Booking begins on March 18 for Pearl Castaway Club members, and expands to Platinum members on March 19, and Gold members on March 20. Disney Vacation Club owners and Silver Castaway Club members can book on March 21 and the general public on March 22.
For more than a decade, DVCNews has trusted travel agent Sandy Nussbaum to manage our non-DVC travels. Book your Adventures by Disney trip, Disney Cruise Line voyage or anywhere on your bucket list and save so much money today! For details, contact Sandy at ezdisez.com or by calling 877-ezdis-ez (877-393-4739.) Be sure to ask about special stateroom credits offered on select Disney Cruise Line voyages!
