Our spring break this year was a magical journey aboard the Disney Wish cruise ship. Join us as we share a detailed review of our experience and everything you can expect as first-time Disney cruisers. While we're seasoned cruisers on other lines, this marked our first Disney cruise adventure, with our energetic 6 and 3-year-old boys in tow.
Booking and Check-in
We arranged our trip through a travel agent, who promptly provided us with a confirmation code for the Disney Cruise app. Using the app, we effortlessly made reservations and scheduled activities. On check-in day, I stayed up until 11 p.m. CST to secure the earliest possible port arrival time, a crucial tip for first-time cruisers. It's worth noting that the earlier you check in (typically available 30 days prior to the cruise), the more options you'll have for arrival times at the port. Ensure you have all your travel documents and a photo of each person ready to go when you check in.
Accommodations
We settled into a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, finding it remarkably spacious for our family of four. With a queen bed and two single beds, the room catered perfectly to our needs. The inclusion of two bathrooms—a full one with a bathtub/shower combo and a separate one with a toilet and sink—was a thoughtful touch. We especially appreciated the night mode feature, offering a gentle glow for those inevitable midnight bathroom visits. Ample closet and drawer space kept us neatly organized throughout our stay. To create an even cozier sleeping arrangement for the kids, we brought magnetic hooks to hang a second curtain around the bunk beds.
Requesting amenities such as a bed rail for our 3-year-old was effortless, which can be handled seamlessly over the phone and online. Complimentary distilled water for my husband's CPAP machine was a convenient amenity. If you are traveling with an infant, you can request a pack n play and a diaper genie for your room. Ample outlets for electronics and the peaceful ambiance of the rooms added to our comfort. Kudos to our attentive room steward, whose small touches, like neatly organizing our electronics' cords with velcro cord organizers, did not go unnoticed.
Our cabin was located near the elevators, which we originally worried would cause noise in the hallway, but the room was surprisingly peaceful and quiet. It was also conveniently located near the laundry room, which came in handy after realizing my kids go through clothes more quickly on vacation.
Kids Oceaneer Club
A highlight for our boys was the Kids Oceaneer Club, a space of fun and excitement. We took advantage of the open house on embarkation day, allowing us to explore the club with our kids. Our two boys begged to be dropped off every day. The slide entrance from the floor above made drop-offs a breeze, affording us some much-appreciated adult time before and after dinner.
A gentle reminder: ensure your kids are fully potty trained, as the club maintains this requirement. Despite our 3-year-old's occasional accidents, the staff exhibited understanding and grace throughout.
Entertainment
Disney's entertainment was on another level compared to other cruise lines. The only inconvenience was the timing of the evening shows. An 8:30 p.m. start time meant a 10 p.m. bedtime for the kids. However, a matinee show was offered on the sea day. My 6-year-old and I were blown away by the Aladdin performance, and at that point I realized what we had missed by skipping the other evening shows. The fireworks display on Pirate Night was the highlight of the voyage for our two boys. The fireworks are shot off the Starboard side of the ship for those who want to catch the show from your balcony instead.
Food and Drink
Disney's food and drink offerings surpassed our expectations and exceeded the standards of other cruise lines. Not a single dish disappointed throughout our cruise, with desserts leaving a particularly lasting impression. Donald's Cantina was a lunchtime favorite for myself, serving up delectable tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls. And the boys ate their weight in chicken fingers that week. The rotational dining concept, with three main restaurants, provided a delightful variety, with themed entertainment enhancing the dining experience. We had the same servers each evening, which was a nice touch. Special mention goes to World of Marvel, a hit with our young boys, where we even had the pleasure of meeting Spider-Man! My husband and I really enjoyed the Star Wars-themed Hyperspace Lounge while the kids were enjoying the kids club.
Castaway Cay - Disney’s Private Island
A highlight of our itinerary was a visit to Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant marine life lent an idyllic backdrop to our beach day. We hopped on the tram and set off for the second family beach, where we enjoyed convenient access to the waterslide. The first family beach was closer to rentals like kayaks and paddleboards. During our next visit, we would likely opt for the first beach to provide more entertainment for our older son. There is ample seating along the beach, so there’s no need to rush off the ship to snag a spot. The one thing I was slightly disappointed in was the unimpressive splash pad, which was out of sight of the beach.
Characters
For Disney character enthusiasts, the ship has plenty of opportunities for magical encounters. Our boys couldn’t wait to meet Rey and Chewbacca in the Star Wars Cargo Bay area of the kids club.
Fish Extenders
A new experience that we stumbled upon is called Fish Extender, which is essentially a gift exchange with other cruisers. If you search on Facebook for your Disney cruise name and dates, you will likely find a group of other people on the same cruise. In that group, there will be a spot where you can sign up for the group in which you would like to participate.
We signed up for a kids-only gift exchange. I spent around $10 per cabin ($5-10 per kid). I received a list of the kids’ names, gender, ages, and which characters they like. All in all, it was fun to experience one time but something we may forgo in the future and instead purchase our own souvenirs.
Is the Price Tag Worth It?
The ultimate question: is a Disney cruise worth the investment? While our children emphatically answer yes, our perspective remains nuanced. While undoubtedly magical, we'd perhaps wait until our kids are slightly older to fully appreciate the experience and the late evening shows. Nonetheless, for families with older Disney-loving kids, the Disney Wish promises an unforgettable vacation.
Commentaires