Wishes do Come True
Disney has so many amazing IPs under their umbrella - Marvel, Star Wars, Disney Princesses, and classic characters like Mickey, Pluto, and Clarabelle Cow. Okay, maybe scratch Clarabelle Cow off the list. What I’m trying to say is that it would be incredible if Disney created a cruise ship that combined all of their most popular IPs and packed it with entertainment venues. Yeah, I wish they did something like that, and... oh... Ohhh!
Say hello to the Disney Wish, a cruise ship with its homeport in Florida that loves to take you to the Caribbean. It also takes you to Tatooine, Arendelle, and several other iconic locations from Disney movies and cartoons. The Disney Wish offers a wealth of entertainment and fun onboard, featuring everything from the Avengers and a Star Wars Cantina to shows based on The Little Mermaid, a special waterslide called the AquaMouse, and much more. It’s a blast and is probably the best Disney cruise ship... at least for now.
What we like about the Disney Wish
Everything about the Disney Wish has a fairytale feeling, from the overall design to the dining venues and even your rooms. Each room features a bit of Disney magic, whether it’s the Fairy Godmother ready to cast a spell or Bambi and his friends strolling through the forest. It’s a delightful touch that makes you feel like you’re in a whole new world (cue to Aladdin and Jasmine singing).
The best thing about the Disney Wish, in my opinion, is the huge amount of entertainment venues based on the different Disney IPs. It all starts with great dining options, following Disney’s traditional rotational dining style. You have options that range from Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure to Worlds of Marvel and 1923.
Arendelle and Worlds of Marvel are a mix of a restaurant and a show, where characters from their respective franchises enter the restaurant to sing and interact with guests, while 1923 is a more standard restaurant venue that celebrates the art of animation. They’re all great in their own way and have a few tricks up their sleeve.
The food is also above aboverage, especially if you consider the optional, paid venues. Palo Steakhouse is excellent and so is Enchanté. The main downside is that they can be rather expensive, especially if you consider that Enchanté costs about $125 per head. It’s not cheap by any means, but you’re inside a Disney ship.
As expected, the entertainment options are amazing for kids. Disney has the best Kids Club on the high seas, but the Disney Wish also features several mini-pools on the main deck aimed at a big screen that plays Disney movies and cartoons on a loop. There are a total of six pools on the Disney Wish, a water splash zone based on Toy Story and two water slides - including the AquaMouse, a high speed water slide that is similar with a theme park ride, telling a story and using visuals similar to Hollywood Studios’ Mickey & Minnie Runaway Railway.
All in all, Disney Wish is great. The food is even better than what you’d find onboard other Disney ships. Even the complimentary options are amazing, like the tacos at Donald’s Cantina and the dishes at Mickey’s BBQ. You can meet Disney Princess onboard, classic Disney characters, Star Wars characters and Marvel heroes. You also have access to some great shows like The Little Mermaid and Aladdin. The staff, as usual with Disney cruises, is extremely nice and polite.
What we don't like about the Disney Wish
The main drawback of the Disney Wish is something that typically applies to every Disney cruise: it’s expensive. A Disney cruise can easily cost three times more than what you’d pay with Carnival Cruise Line. That’s the price of Disney, and it makes sense considering the top-notch quality, amazing entertainment options, and meticulous attention to detail. Still, a vacation with DCL definitely isn’t cheap.
Now, about the ship specifically, I wish (see what I did there?) they had more options for adult entertainment. I know, I know, Disney ships are geared more towards families and kids, and the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge and Nightingale are fun adult-only areas. The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge is cool with some great visuals, but it can feel a bit claustrophobic, and on crowded days, you may be asked to limit your stay to just 45 minutes. Nightingale is also a nice touch - a piano bar for adults only, inspired by Cinderella’s rendition of Sing Sweet Nightingale.
The main issue with the Disney Wish is that it might feel crowded for some guests. Although it’s one of the largest Disney ships, it can feel claustrophobic at times, with narrow hallways and a layout that can leave you... well, a bit lost. The pool area can also be overwhelming on busy days. Remember, this is a very popular cruise ship, and you’re traveling with lots of Disney fans and their children, so expect the top deck to be chaotic. This also means that the AquaMouse will often have a 90-minute wait time, and there will be lines everywhere. Elevators are also small and made for 8 guests only, and you can take a while just waiting for them.
Will Kids enjoy the Disney Wish?
Oh, yes. Absolutely yes. Kids will love it! There are six main pools, most of which are designed for kids, the best Kids Clubs on the high seas, plenty of meet-and-greet opportunities, restaurants that combine dining with entertainment, and so much more. This is an amazing cruise ship for kids, and they probably won’t mind that everything is crowded or that it takes a while to ride the AquaMouse. If you’re okay with spending more than usual for a fantastic family vacation, then you can’t go wrong with the Disney Wish.
Disney Wish FAQ
What are the Disney Wish's main destinations?
The Disney Wish primarily offers short 3- to 4-night cruises to the Bahamas.
What stage shows are available onboard the Disney Wish?
The three main stage shows available onboard the Disney Wish are Disney Seas the Adventure, The Little Mermaid, and Disney's Aladdin - A Musical Spectacular.
What are the rotational dining restaurants onboard the Disney Wish?
The three rotational dining restaurants onboard the Disney Wish are 1923, Worlds of Marvel, and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.
Does the Disney Wish visit Castaway Cay?
Yes, the Disney Wish visits both of Disney's private islands: Castaway Cay and Disney's Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.
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