In 2027, the Disney Wish makes its first visit to Europe. This new type of ship features several key differences that will make it unlike any other Disney ship you will have sailed on from Europe. This guide will help you navigate Disney’s newest class of ship. We’ll look at what’s different, the food choices, the staterooms, theatre shows and much more.
At the end of this guide, you’ll have all the facts you need to decide whether the Disney Wish is the cruise ship for you.
Disney Wish Overview
With the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line moved from an experience that was designed to mirror the classic cruising experience of the mid 20th century to a ship style that was dubbed the “Disney Castle at Sea”. Whilst there are a lot of differences in this new style of ship, the good news for Disney cruisers is that many of the things you know and love are still here – some look exactly the same, and some have had a few differences.
You’re still going to be enjoying rotational dining, there is still a very large kid’s club, you will still enjoy three theatrical productions during your voyage and there is still the large pool deck.Some things will have moved, most notably for those who enjoy the adult areas onboard. In terms of size and crowds, however, it’s pretty much comparable to that of the Dream and Fantasy – although very moderately larger.
Disney Wish main deck areas
The Grand Hall
The first difference is the classic atrium becomes the Grand Hall. The aesthetic is explicitly cinematic, heavily inspired by Cinderella and that is why Cinderella is the atrium statue on the ship. The space is expansive; the blue and gold palette creates an airy, composed atmosphere and makes this quite a pleasant place to be – in fact you’ll probably find yourself here more than you do on the other ships. Make sure you’re in this area on the hour in the evenings and you’ll see a rather charming little moment where the room comes to life – and return on Pirate night for a special version of the same!
Luna
Luna on the Disney Wish is like the D-Lounge and adult entertainment stage all rolled into one. During the day it’ll be home to all your family friendly games and activities and then once the sun sets and the kids have gone to bed, it will host adult entertainment such as the popular Match Your Mate. This area is now split over two floors, and so if you want to participate the games it might be worth making sure you are on the same floor as the stage (Deck 4).
Shops & Boutiques
On the Disney Wish there is one main shop on the lower indoor decks, Mickey’s Mainsail sells all your Disney Cruise Line needs from models, to artwork, t-shirts and plush toys, all unified into one mega store on Deck 5
If you’re in the mood for high end goods, that’s all still here on Deck 3 right next to the Bayou – watches, jewellery, handbags and Pandora charms it’s all right here.
Disney Wish Kids Club
It wouldn’t be a Disney Cruise without a huge kids club! Deck 2 is almost entirely dedicated to this space. With a slide from the Grand Hall all the way down to the entrance of the club, there are five major rooms to enjoy.
Marvel Super Hero Academy is where kids can meet and train with their favourite Marvel Super Heroes. This room will also occasionally hold meet and greet character opportunities for all ages – check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for times.
Star Wars: Cargo Bay is full of creatures and high tech ship controls. Rey and Chewbacca will help make sure you are fully protected from the First Order. Much like the Marvel Super Hero Academy, this room will also hold occasional meet and greet opportunities for all ages.
The Walt Disney Imagineering Lab is where kids can try their hand at designing a Disney attraction. Then, once designed, it’s time to go ahead and ride it in a special motion simulator. For adult Disney fans, make sure you swing by during the Open House hours (in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app) and see all the Disney Parks easter eggs the imagineers have included – there are a lot!
Fairy Tale Hall is a Disney princess themed activity area which features a few different areas themed to different princesses including from Frozen and Tangled.
Mickey & Minnie’s Captain Deck is a Disney Cruise Line themed activity and soft play area featuring nautical motifs.
And for older kids, Deck 12 features Vibe and Edge much like the ships on the rest of the fleet. There is also the it’s a small world nursery for those with younger children who are unable to take part in the other kids club areas.
Cinemas
The Disney Wish features two cinemas on board – one themed to Alice in Wonderland, The Wonderland Cinema, the other is themed to Peter Pan and is called the Neverland Cinema. Both are well worth looking in as they feature really charming seat decorations and wall motifs. These are located opposite one another on Deck 4.
Disney Wish Staterooms
The Disney Wish features the same stateroom names that you will be familiar with. The rooms are generally more modern and lighter than the ships on the rest of the fleet with more plug sockets included. Each room features a headboard with a artwork piece from a Disney film. All room types have accessible room types available.
Inside Staterooms – These lack external views and are situated within the ship’s interior. These rooms are perfect if you want to save some money on your sailing, or you don’t really use the stateroom too much and prefer to spend all your time out on deck. They typically will hold up to 4 guests (two on the main bed, one on a sofa bed and one on a pull down bed). Unlike the other room types where the bed is typically horizontal to the room, these beds are typically vertical and do not feature the split bathroom design that you may be used to experiencing on Disney Cruise Line. Unlike the Dream and Fantasy there is no magic porthole.
Oceanview Staterooms – These staterooms are larger than the Inside staterooms and feature a large porthole allowing you to view the ocean – or port. The rooms sleep up to four, or five if taking a deluxe room, with two sharing the main bed, one on a sofa bed and one on a pull down bed. If sleeping five there is an additional pull down bed from the wall. These rooms alsofeature a split bathroom (shower and vanity in one side, and toilet and second vanity in the other).
Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah – The majority of rooms of the ship are this type of room. These rooms feature a verandah (balcony) allowing you the opportunity to sit outside in your own private space and enjoy the views during your cruise. These sleep four in a standard type room, or five in a deluxe type. Two share the main queen bed, one on the sofa bed and one on the pull down bed from the ceiling – if taking the deluxe room there is an additional pull down bed from the wall. These rooms also feature a split bathroom (shower and vanity in one side, and toilet and second vanity in the other).
Concierge Staterooms
Within the concierge staterooms there are a few different type of rooms. All these rooms feature concierge benefits such as a concierge lounge, priority booking for onboard activities and boarding, upgraded amenities and dedicated pool deck.
Concierge Oceanview and Verandah Staterooms – Two types of room, but very similar. The Oceanview room features floor to ceiling windows and the Verandah staterooms have a small balcony. Each room sleeps up to five with two on the king bed, one on the sofa bed, one on the ceiling pull down bed and one on a wall pull-down bed. Both feature a split bathroom.
Concierge 1-bedroom suites with Verandah – These rooms feature a living room style area with a dining table, a walk-in closet, two full bathrooms, a soda fridge (filled) and a private verandah. It sleeps five guests – 2 on the king bed, one on the sofa bed, one on the ceiling pull down bed and one on a wall pull-down bed.
Concierge 1 and 2 story royal suites – These rooms both sleep up to six guests with similar sleeping arrangements (two bedrooms with king beds, and one sofa bed in the living room that sleeps two). The verandah features a whirlpool spa and a dining area. You get 3 full bathrooms, and a soda fridge.
Wish Tower Suite – New for the Disney Wish the tower suite is the ultimate luxury at sea. It features a 2 story living area, 4 full bathrooms, a library room and open dining area. It sleeps up to 8 with 2 main bedrooms each with a king bed, a children’s bedroom with bunk beds and a library pull down bed sleeping two.
Which room theme will I get?
Stateroom themes are split by deck:
Deck 2, 6, 7: Cinderella & Frozen
Deck 8, 9: Sleeping Beauty & The Princess and the Frog
Deck 10, 11: Moana & The Little Mermaid
Deck 12, 13: Tangled
Deck 12 Royal Suite: Sleeping Beauty
Deck 14 Wish Tower Suite: Moana
Disney Wish Dining
The Disney Wish maintains the signature Disney Cruise Line rotational dining concept. During your voyage you will rotate through three dining locations keeping the same serving team throughout the length of your cruise. This is great as you strike up a real bond with these super friendly – and helpful – members of the crew and they learn your tastes very quickly. On the Disney Wish the dining locations are:
1923: This stylish restaurant is actually two dining locations in one. You’ll be either dining on the Walt Disney side, or the Roy Disney side – the two brothers who founded the Disney Studio way back in 1923. The restaurant has a distinct old-Hollywood, luxury feel with Disney concept art and sketches displayed in glass cases throughout the restaurant. The 1923 menu draws inspiration from Californian viticulture and cuisine. You can read the current menu on the Disney Cruise Line Blog.
Worlds of Marvel: At this restaurant you’ll watch – and participate in – the Avengers: Quantum Encounter, a thrilling new short film that takes place on the Disney Wish in locations you’ll be enjoying throughout your cruise. The menu takes inspiration from the Marvel films. You can read the current menu on the Disney Cruise Line Blog.
Arendelle: This spectacular dining room is themed to the royal castle in Arendelle. It also hosts a special dinner show that you are going to be involved in. Throughout your dinner be charmed and delighted by Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Oaken as well as their royal band. The menu is inspired by Norwegian cuisine. You can read the current menu on the Disney Cruise Line Blog.
Marceline Market – Buffet
If you’re used the other Disney Cruise Line ships, you probably will be familiar with Cabanas as the buffet restaurant on board. Here on the Wish, it is called Marceline Market (named after Walt Disney’s hometown), but largely it’s the same concept. Marceline Market is open for breakfast and lunch daily and serves a range of foods that will cater for all tastes and pallets.
Adult premium dining
For many, a Disney Cruise Line sailing is not complete without enjoying a meal in the more relaxed and refined atmosphere of the adult premium dining locations. The Disney Wish has two of these: Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté.
Palo Steakhouse is a twist on the Palo restaurant on the classic four ships, it mixes the classic Italian flare with a range of American style prime steak dishes.
Enchanté is a gourmet restaurant from renowned chef, Arnaud Lallement. This restaurant features seasonal dishes with the highest quality ingredients making dining here a true culinary experience.
Disney Wish Shows & Entertainment
Much like the other ships on the Disney Cruise Line fleet, the Disney Wish features three theatre shows that rotate in the Walt Disney Theatre.
Disney Seas the Adventure: This musical revue style show features a wide range of Disney characters and songs that provides an upbeat evening on the cruise. It’s slightly on the short side but the vibes are truly there. This is a show that leaves a big grin on your face and perfectly sets your evening up on board the ship.
The Little Mermaid: This show is a traditional broadway style theatrical production of The Little Mermaid. It features all the songs and characters that you know and love. This is a timeless tale that everybody will love.
Aladdin: Another full-length broadway-style production on the Wish is Aladdin. With a wise-cracking Genieand excellent musical numbers , it is yet another show that everybody will enjoy .
Set Sail on a Wish
The sail away party onboard the Disney Wish takes on a refreshed look. Using a larger stage area, Set Sail on a Wish is an energetic way to start your Disney Cruise Line vacation. This show features truly unforgettable music and an outstanding set of characters. It will be one of the highlights of your sailing.
Pirate Night
One of the key events on a Disney Cruise is Pirate Night. Good news, it’s here on board the Disney Wish too. The menu in the restaurants is the same as it is on the other ships (and so might be the perfect night to try out those adult premium dining restaurants).
Activities around the ship will take on a Pirate theme for the night – expect pirate trivia, game shows, and films playing all over the ship.
There are two deck parties to enjoy – the first is Mickey and Minnie’s Pirates in the Caribbean Party. If you have sailed on Disney Cruise Line before, you’ll likely be familiar with this. Captain’s Mickey & Minnie teach us how to become pirates and all the rules we need to follow. This musical show is a lot of fun and is always worth making time to go and see. The second is unique to this Wish class of ships, the Pirates Rockin’ Parlay Party is a rock music twist on traditional pirate night parties. Captain Redd and her band will perform some classic rock songs to get the party going and features some special character guests during the show.
Pool Deck
The pool deck on the Disney Wish is significantly different from the older ships. Rather than one large family pool, instead there are 8 pools spread over 4 decks. 7 of these pools are for all ages, with one reserved exclusively for adults.
For those looking for a quieter family pool, the Chip & Dale pool on Deck 14 cannot be beaten. It’s quite far from the other pools – so much so that many people actually don’t even know it’s there. It’s also actually rather large and faces the front of the ship making the views also quite spectacular. Younger sailors can enjoy the Toy Story Splash Zone, a multi-sensory child friendly splash area.
The Aquamouse is often described as the “first Disney attraction at sea”. This is probably a bit exaggerated, but it is a really fun twist on the traditional water slide. On your inflatable ride vehicle, you go up a hill which features one of two Mickey Mouse cartoons – and will rotate during your vacation – before going down and around the ship on a water slide. This is a pretty low intensity water slide that pretty much anybody can enjoy. For younger sailors, the Slide-a-Saurus-Rex is a perfect introduction to water slides.
For those wanting a light bite, the all-day quick service dining location Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods is a perfect way to get a hearty meal. With different booths offering multiple dining options with some unique to the Wish class of ships including a BBQ grill. There is also a Mexican food station with multiple sauces to put on your tacos, burritos etc. – this dining booth has become so popular that it was been added to the Dream and Fantasy!
The Wish does not have a traditional outdoor sports deck area, but it does have something arguable better – the Hero Zone is an indoor sports area where you can enjoy basketball, air hockey, table tennis and more. The Hero Zone is also home to the Incredi-Course, which is a obstacle course involving climbing, sprinting, slides and more.
The Adult area also makes a comeback with an excellent infinity pool towards the rear of Deck 13. You’ll also find here the Cove Bar and Cove Café, much like on the other ships.
Disney Wish Adult Areas
Disney Cruise Line is known for being a family-friendly cruise line, but it is also known for having excellent adult escapes. On the Disney Wish there are some changes to adult areas, they are more spread out rather than having a singular “adult district”.
Keg & Compass is the sports bar area onboard the Disney Wish. This is where you’ll go for quizzes, to watch live sports and to try a range of beers. The design is very Nordic and nautical. Disney Parks fans should look out for references to the famous EPCOT attraction The Maelstrom.
Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge is a Star Wars themed bar which takes heavy inspiration from the Skyline bar on the other ships. During your time in the bar you’ll visit several planets and enjoy Star Wars themed cocktails. During the day children are permitted to visit the lounge but in the evening the age restrictions are heavily enforced.
The Bayou is a lounge type area on Deck 3. This area, themed to Princess and the Frog serves a range of drinks and you can even sample some of Tiana’s famous beignets (at an extra charge). There will often be live music in this area whilst you enjoy your beverages – much like the Hyperspace Lounge, children are permitted in this bar during the day.
Nightingale is the Wish’s martini and cocktail piano bar. This bar is located within the Grand Hall on Deck 3. A piano player will play a wide range of sets throughout your voyage, check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app to find a style of music that interests you.
The Rose is located on Deck 12 and is a premium cocktail bar that can be visited as part of you visit to Enchanté, Palo Steakhouse or just for a more refined experience at your leisure.
Senses Spa is also on the Disney Wish offering their full range of treatments. New for the Wish is an expanded Rainforest Room with indoor and outdoor areas on Deck 5. This outdoor sun deck is a great addition to those who prefer their cruises in the spa with all the amenities that comes with.
Overall thoughts on the Disney Wish
The Disney Wish is a new class of ship that has a lot more Disney injected into it. If you are a Disney lover, then this ship is actually perfect for you. If you prefer your cruise holidays with a mix of Disney and the the classic light-touch Disney areas , then you probably won’t get on with the Wish as strongly. The loss of the dedicated adult area is felt particularly keenly on the lower decks with some strange design choices of placing some bars in the middle of corridors meaning that children are walking right through the adult bars.
The food on the Wish, however, is the true star of the ship. These new menus are elevated beyond the other ships with the restaurant character being injected into the menu choices – that’s not to say that picky eaters will have a hard time, these menus are expertly designer to cater to all tastes.
Overall, you’ll have a fantastic trip on the Wish, you may find this ship more to your liking that the older ships, or you might prefer the older ships. I see this as two distinctly different Disney Cruise Line holidays, it’s great that these options exist.
