Making Magical Memories on the Disney Wish Cruise

Hello, fellow adventurers! I hope you are having a wonderful December and getting ready for the holidays. As the year comes to an end, I wanted to share with you one of the most memorable experiences of my life: spending New Year’s Eve of 2022 on the Disney Wish, the newest and most enchanting ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. My family and I were lucky enough to book one of the inaugural sailings of the Disney Wish, which departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, on December 29, 2022, and returned on January 2, 2023. It was a four-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay — truly a dream come true. In this post, I will tell you all about our amazing adventure on the Disney Wish, and why you should consider booking a cruise on this magical ship for your next vacation.

Aboard the Ship: The Disney Wish

The Disney Wish is a marvel of design, technology, and storytelling. From the moment we stepped on board, we were immersed in a world of Disney magic, with stunning details and surprises around every corner. The ship’s theme is “enchantment”, and it shows in every aspect of the ship, from the grand atrium with its three-story statue of Cinderella, to the whimsical staterooms with their interactive artwork, to the themed districts and lounges that cater to every age and interest.

Some of the highlights of the ship that we loved include:

• The AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, which is a water coaster that takes you on a splash-tacular adventure with Mickey and Minnie through a colorful cartoon world. My kids had a blast on this ride, and so did I! It was so much fun to see the different scenes and effects and to hear the classic Disney tunes along the way.
• The Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, a high-end bar that transports you to a galaxy far, far away, with views of iconic planets and ships from the Star Wars saga. My husband is a huge Star Wars fan, and he was in awe of this lounge. He enjoyed sipping on some galactic cocktails, and watching the Millennium Falcon fly by. He even got to meet some of his favorite characters featured throughout the lounge.
• The Walt Disney Theatre, a state-of-the-art venue that showcases original Broadway-style shows, such as Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular and Disney’s The Little Mermaid: A Live Musical Adventure. We are big fans of musicals, and we were blown away by the quality and talent of these shows. The costumes, the sets, the music, and the performers were all amazing. We especially loved the flying carpet scene in Aladdin, and the underwater effects in The Little Mermaid.
• The Hero Zone, a futuristic sports arena that lets you play interactive games and challenges with your family and friends. This was one of our favorite places to hang out as a family, and to compete with each other in a friendly way. We played games like dodgeball, soccer, and basketball. We also tried some new and exciting games, like laser tag, virtual reality, and augmented reality. It was a great way to stay active and have fun at the same time.
• The Disney Wish Tower Suite, the most luxurious and exclusive accommodation on the ship, which is located in the ship’s funnel and features a two-story living room, a spiral staircase, a private elevator, and a floor-to-ceiling window that offers a panoramic view of the ocean and the ship’s upper decks. Okay, I admit—we didn’t actually stay in this suite, but we did get a chance to see it during a ship tour, and it was absolutely stunning. It was like a fairy tale come true, with a Cinderella-inspired decor, a hidden library, and a wishing star that grants your wishes. Maybe one day, we will get to stay in this suite, but for now, we were very happy with our cozy and comfortable stateroom, which also had some magical touches, like a virtual porthole that showed us the view outside, and a hidden Mickey that we had to find.

The Food

The Disney Wish offers a variety of dining options, from casual to elegant, that appeal to every palate and preference. The ship features three main dining rooms, each with its own unique theme and menu, that rotate among the guests each night. The dining rooms are:

• 1923, a sophisticated restaurant that celebrates the golden age of Hollywood and the legacy of The Walt Disney Studios, with California-inspired cuisine and decor that showcases the early animation process. We loved the ambiance and the food of this restaurant, and we also learned a lot about the history and the art of Disney animation. We even got to see some rare sketches and drawings of some of the classic Disney characters, like Mickey Mouse and Snow White.
• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, the first Frozen-themed theatrical dining experience, where you are invited to a royal engagement party for Queen Anna and Kristoff, with live musical performances by Elsa, Olaf, and more, and a Nordic-inspired menu created by Oaken himself. This was one of the most fun and interactive dining experiences we ever had, and we felt like we were part of the Frozen story. We sang along to some of our favorite songs, like “Let It Go” and “Love Is an Open Door”, and we also enjoyed some delicious dishes, like smoked salmon, roasted lamb, and chocolate cake. The highlight of the night was when Elsa used her ice powers to create a beautiful snowfall in the restaurant. We all made snow angels and snowmen.
• Worlds of Marvel, a cinematic dining experience that puts you in the middle of an Avengers mission, with interactive technology at your table that lets you shrink and grow objects, and a global menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This was the most thrilling and exciting dining experience we ever had, and we felt like we were part of the Avengers team. We used our table screens to help the heroes fight the villains and also enjoyed some amazing dishes, like shawarma, sushi, and tacos. The highlight of the night was when Iron Man flew into the restaurant, and thanked us for our help.

In addition to the main dining rooms, the ship also offers several specialty restaurants and quick-service venues, such as:

• Palo Steakhouse, an adult-exclusive restaurant that combines the elegance of an Italian trattoria with the sophistication of a modern steakhouse, with a menu that features prime cuts of beef, seafood, and pasta, and a wine list that boasts over 200 selections. We had a romantic dinner at this restaurant on our last night, and it was the perfect way to end our cruise. We savored every bite of our food, and we also enjoyed the stunning view of the ocean from our table. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was cozy and intimate.
• Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, the most upscale and romantic restaurant on the ship, which is also adult-exclusive and features a menu crafted by the three-Michelin-starred chef, with exquisite French cuisine and champagne pairings, and a refined atmosphere inspired by Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast. We didn’t get a chance to dine at this restaurant, but we heard from other guests that it was an unforgettable experience. The food was exquisite, the presentation was impeccable, and the ambiance was enchanting. We hope to try it on our next cruise, but we also heard it was very hard to get a reservation, so next time we'll have to plan ahead.
• Marceline Market, a casual and convenient food court that offers a variety of cuisines from around the world, from American classics to Asian fusion, with stations that are themed after some of the most beloved Disney characters and stories. This was our go-to place for breakfast and lunch, and we loved the variety and the quality of the food. We could find something for everyone, and we also got to try some new and different dishes, like dim sum, curry, and crepes. We also liked the theming and the decor of the stations, which made us feel like we were in different Disney worlds, like Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and The Lion King.
• Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods is a fun and festive outdoor venue that serves up fan-favorite treats and snacks, such as Mickey-shaped pretzels, pizza, burgers, ice cream, and more, with a seaside boardwalk theme inspired by the Mickey Mouse animated shorts. This was our favorite place to grab a quick bite or a sweet treat, and we loved the fun and colorful design of the venue. We also loved the Mickey-shaped food, which was not only cute, but also delicious. We especially liked the Mickey-shaped ice cream bars, which were dipped in chocolate and had a crunchy coating.

Cultural Connections and Unexpected Delights

The Disney Wish is a ship that never sleeps, with entertainment options that keep you entertained and engaged throughout the day and night. The ship features a wide range of activities and events that cater to every age and interest, such as:

1. Deck parties, fireworks, and live music, that celebrate the magic of Disney and create a festive atmosphere on the upper decks, with themes such as Pirates in the Caribbean, Frozen Fun, and Disney Dreams. We had a blast at these parties, and we loved the energy and the excitement of the crowd. We danced, we sang, we cheered, and we watched the sky light up with fireworks.
2. Character greetings, meet and greets, and photo opportunities, that let you interact with your favorite Disney characters, from princesses to superheroes, and create lasting memories with them. We loved meeting the characters, and we were impressed by how friendly and authentic they were. They talked to us, hugged us, and posed with us for pictures. We met some of the classic characters, like Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, and some of the newer ones, like Moana, Rapunzel, and Spider-Man. We also got to see some rare and special characters, like Stitch, Jack Skellington, and Maleficent.
3. Movies, trivia, and games, that let you enjoy the latest Disney films, test your Disney knowledge, and have fun with your family and friends, in venues such as the Buena Vista Theatre, the Wonderland Cinema, and the Never Land Cinema. We enjoyed watching some of the new and old Disney movies, and we also had fun playing some trivia and games. We tested our Disney knowledge in Disney Family Feud, the Disney Name That Tune, and the Disney Bingo. We also played some games like the Disney Scavenger Hunt, the Disney Charades, and the Disney Pictionary.
4. Pools, slides, and splash zones, that let you cool off and have fun in the sun, with areas that are designed for different ages and preferences, such as the Quiet Cove Pool for adults, the Mickey’s Splash Zone for toddlers, and the Twist ‘n’ Spout Slide for everyone. We loved the pools, slides, and splash zones, and we spent a lot of time in the water. We relaxed in the Quiet Cove Pool, which was a serene and tranquil oasis for adults only, with a swim-up bar, a whirlpool spa, and a sun deck. We also had fun in the Mickey’s Splash Zone, which was a colorful and playful area for toddlers, with a shallow pool, a slide, and a fountain. We also enjoyed the Twist ‘n’ Spout Slide, which was a fun and fast slide for everyone, with twists, turns, and splashes.

Unexpected Delight

Even if we didn’t stay in the Concierge tower suite, we still had access to the concierge lounge, which is a great perk. The concierge lounge is a private and exclusive area for guests who book concierge-level staterooms or suites on the Disney Wish. It is located on deck 13, near the funnel, and it offers a variety of benefits and amenities, such as:

• A comfortable and elegant seating area, with a fireplace, a library, and a TV.
• A complimentary food and beverage service, with continental breakfast, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and drinks throughout the day.
• A dedicated concierge team, who can assist you with your cruise planning, reservations, requests, and questions.
• A priority check-in and boarding, with a separate entrance and a personalized welcome.
• A priority access to the ship’s facilities and activities, such as the spa, the pools, the shows, and the shore excursions.

My family and I enjoyed the concierge lounge a lot, and we visited it every day. It was a nice and quiet place to relax and unwind, and to enjoy some delicious food and drinks. We also appreciated the service and the attention of the concierge team, who were very friendly and helpful. They made us feel special and taken care of, and they also surprised us with some extra touches, like a bottle of champagne, a fruit basket, and a personalized card. They made our cruise more enjoyable and memorable.

The concierge lounge was one of the best features of our cruise, and we are so glad that we had access to it. It was worth every penny, and we highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the Disney Wish in a more luxurious and exclusive way.

Lessons Learned

Our family had a wonderful time on the Disney Wish Cruise. We enjoyed the amazing dining, entertainment, and activities that the ship offered, inspired by our favorite Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar stories. We were among the first to experience the Frozen-themed dining, Avengers: Quantum Encounter, and the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. We also loved visiting the Disney Castaway Cay, a private island paradise in the Bahamas.

The Disney Wish Cruise was truly a wish come true for our family, and we will always cherish the memories we made on board. Thank you, Disney Cruise Line, for making our dreams come true!