The Disney Wish officially debuted in June 2022 as the fifth ship (the first in a decade) to be added to the Disney Cruise Line family. Exclusively sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida, guests can book a 3 or 4 night stay on The Wish. All itineraries include stops in The Bahamas including Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. The ship itself boasts newly imagined kid clubs, thematic dining experiences, immersive bars and lounges, gorgeous common areas, and so much more.
Several of our Castle Coaches were fortunate enough to sail on The Disney Wish, and are ready to spill on all the details! Does The Wish live up to the hype? Should you consider for your next cruise vacation? Read on to hear the opinions and advice from Castle Coach Natalie, Castle Coach Vicky, and Castle Coach Owner, Colette Spirer.
1. What did you like most about your sailing on The Disney Wish?
"Every corner I was discovering something new, which was refreshing and kept me guessing"
Colette- The beautiful ship decor and the rotational dining. As someone who has previously cruised many times with Disney Cruise Line, I even felt like a first timer. Every corner I was discovering something new, which was refreshing and kept me guessing.. There is so much to do and never enough time, so I am already planning my next visit.
Vicky- I think for me the best part about sailing on the Wish was all the character meet and greets onboard with such short wait times. You can never get that in the parks. The food throughout the ship was by far the best I’ve ever had on any cruise!
Natalie- The elegance of the ship, the unique touches and hidden tributes to some of our favorite Disney Characters
2. How does the Disney Wish compare to other cruise ships you have experienced? Both Disney and other cruise lines?
"I don't think I could sail anything other than a Disney Cruise"
Natalie- Since this was my first sailing, I feel super spoiled now, I don't think I could sail anything other than a Disney Cruise lol.
Vicky- The Disney Wish was very luxurious. I would say it’s 5 star all the way!
Between the decor, the food, drinks, entertainment (shows specifically) it was all around an amazing experience. My only complaint is that there is not much for the adult population after midnight.
Colette- I have cruised a ton between Disney and Celebrity Cruises, 15 cruises in the last few years with three upcoming! I love Celebrity as well, but Disney stands out from the rest. It's the small touches and details, storytelling at every corner, amazing customer service, first class entertainment, wonderful amenities for kids and of course fireworks at sea.
3. What surprised you most about The Disney Wish?
"The decor is very different from the other ships and felt more like a luxurious hotel"
Vicky- What surprised me the most was the complimentary soft drinks. On other cruises the soft drinks are an extra charge so that is a really nice perk when cruising with Disney.
Colette- How modern it is. The decor is very different from the other ships and felt more like a luxurious hotel. Also, the Disney Wish offers more pools than the other ships, which was a nice surprise.
4. In your opinion what was the best dining experience on The Disney Wish?
"Each dish was better than the last, and we ordered basically everything on the menu to try so that says a lot" (1923)
Natalie- The best dining experience was hands down 1923 for the food, everything was delicious, and there wasn't anything that I didn't want to eat again. For entertainment, I think Arendelle wins over Worlds of Marvel. The music was OUTSTANDING!
Vicky- Overall as a dining experience I would have to say Arendelle was the best. The food was great and the entertainment was fantastic. Great performance, very inclusive with the audience and the talent was Broadway status. I really enjoyed the experience. I do have to say though 1923 had by far the best food! Also, being able to really focus on the meal and have conversations without the entertainment was a nice change of pace after Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle.
Colette- Food wise, 1923 was absolutely my favorite. Each dish was better than the last, and we ordered basically everything on the menu to try so that says a lot. Experience wise, Arendelle would be my favorite. I am such a Frozen fan to begin with, who doesn't love singing along to those tunes. The performers had beautiful voices and it was such a magical experience from start to finish. World of Marvel wasn't too far behind at all though and would definitely be my boys favorite.
5. What advice would you give to someone about to sail on The Disney Wish for the first time?
"Everything is so special- the details in everything on the ship make the experience a one of a kind"
Natalie- Don't overpack! There's not a lot of room for storage, be mindful of space.
Vicky- As a first timer on a Disney Cruise myself, I think I would say try and experience as much as you can but really stop and take it all in. Everything is so special- the details in everything on the ship make the experience a one of a kind.
Colette- The Disney Cruise Line Navigator App is your best friend. There, you can see all the daily activities and experiences and set reminders so you never miss any of the fun. And then book your next cruise.
6. The Disney Wish only has 3 or 4 night itineraries. How can you maximize your time on a shorter sailing?
"be smart and book a back-to-back cruise"
Natalie- NO SLEEP! Literally, try to take it all in or be smart and book a back-to-back cruise
Colette- Stay onboard when in Nassau and explore the ship and experience the activities. Also, do a back to back!
Vicky- I would say prioritize and try to get a top 3-5 list per day for experiences. Also, if you can skip getting off the ship at the ports this will give you more time to explore and enjoy what the Wish has to offer.
7. All Disney Wish itineraries visit Castaway Cay. What do you like best about Disney's private island?
"How gorgeous the ocean and it's marine life was. It was fun for adults and for families"
Natalie- I really enjoyed the additional experiences that you could book and how gorgeous the ocean and it's marine life was. It was fun for adults and for families.
Vicky- I think what I enjoyed most was that our ship was the only ship at Castaway Cay. It didn’t feel crowded. We had all day to explore and enjoy the island. I enjoyed the character spots on the island and just being able to relax on the beach.
Colette- That there is something for everyone. Whether you want to veg out on the family beaches and build sand castles, shoot down some water slides, be active by going snorkeling/on a run or bike ride, get some adult only time at Serenity Bay, go on an excursion...there are so many options.
8.Would you recommend to others? What demographic(s) do you think would most enjoy The Disney Wish?
"Many assume Disney Cruise Line is just for families, but that could not be further from the truth. Everyone, no matter a party makeup, can enjoy"
Vicky- As a Disney lover I would say I would recommend this to families for sure. The kids clubs seem to be a great hit with the kiddos and this gives the parents time to really relax, unwind and enjoy what Disney Cruise Line has to offer. I did see a lot of teens enjoying the clubs as well so I would say any family with kids of any age should book asap! I would also say anyone who loves and appreciates all Disney Things should experience a Disney Cruise - especially the Wish.
Colette- Absolutely! Many assume Disney Cruise Line is just for families, but that could not be further from the truth. Everyone, no matter a party makeup, can enjoy. This sailing was my third adult only cruise with Disney, and I have two more over the next few months.
Natalie- I think Disney Adults would enjoy the cruise, adults much like myself who aren't into partying the night away but are also quiet night owls.
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