How to Have the Most Magical Adventure on the Sea with Disney Wish

It’s been a year since our amazing vacation on the Disney Wish Cruise 2022. We still can’t believe how lucky we were to book a concierge-level stateroom, which gave us access to some exclusive perks and services. We want to share with you our experience pre-boarding the ship, which was one of the highlights of our trip.

Boarding the Disney Wish

We arrived at the Port Canaveral terminal around 10:30 a.m. and were welcomed by the friendly Disney staff. They checked our documents and escorted us to the concierge lounge. The lounge was a cozy and elegant space, where we could relax and enjoy some refreshments and entertainment. There were also some Disney characters who came to visit us and take pictures with us. We felt so special and pampered.

The concierge team was amazing. They helped us with everything we needed, from dining reservations, shore excursions, spa appointments, to special surprises. They also gave us some tips and tricks on how to make the most of our cruise. They were always available and attentive to our requests and needs.

When boarding began, we were among the first to board the ship and enter the stunning Grand Hall. The hall was a beautiful and magical space, inspired by fairytales and Disney stories. A crew member announced our name to everyone in the hall, and we felt like royalty. The hall’s magnificent chandelier featured a spectacular wishing star that came alive with magic. Our children received their own wishing wand and made their first vacation wish as we entered the hall. We were amazed by the beauty and elegance of the ship, and we couldn’t wait to explore more.

We also had access to our concierge-level stateroom as soon as we boarded, unlike other guests who may have to wait until 1:30 p.m. or later. Our stateroom was spacious, luxurious, and offered amazing views of the ocean and the destinations. We loved the decor, the amenities, and the comfort of our stateroom. We also had exclusive access to the concierge sun deck, which featured a private pool, a hot tub, a bar, and a dedicated pool deck host. The sun deck was a relaxing and serene place, where we could enjoy the sun, the breeze, and the views.

Pre-boarding the Disney Wish Cruise 2022 was an incredible experience for us. We felt like VIP guests and we were treated like family. We want to thank the Disney Cruise Line and the concierge team for making our pre-boarding experience so memorable and enjoyable. It was the perfect start to our dream vacation.

What to know before you go

Want to have the same memorable adventure aboard the Disney Cruise? Here are some tips on what to prepare, what to expect and how to have the same VIP experience as us:

1.    Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app on every mobile device before boarding.

It’s the only way to see what’s happening at any given time. It also allows you to message other family members and guests. Tip: always use airplane mode on board the ship to avoid (costly) roaming charges.

2.    Arrive before the scheduled arrival time

If you’re driving, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled port arrival time. There are a lot of cars waiting to drop off their luggage and park in the garage. It’s important to point out that you shouldn’t arrive too early, you will not be able to check in until your confirmed arrival time.

 

3.    Learn the elevator system

The Disney Wish is wonderful, but something went askew when they were designing the elevators on this ship. Only some of the elevators go beyond Deck 11, they’re marked with a sign over the door so you know how high the elevator goes, so watch for those. Unfortunately, there’s no way to specifically call the elevators that go beyond Deck 11. More than likely one of the elevators that don’t go above Deck 11 will come simply because there are more of them. You’ll have to wait for the elevator doors to close, press the call button again and keep repeating this process until the right elevator arrives. The elevators are narrow, and there are no windows. It reminds me of The Haunted Mansion, “This chamber has no windows and no doors…”

4.    Expect no dinner buffet

Buffets on cruises go together like tacos and Tuesday but you may be surprised to learn that the Disney Wish Doesn’t offer a dinner buffet. I actually like this because it changes the perception that cruises are all about conga lines and buffet meals. Marceline Marketplace is open for breakfast and lunch but for dinner service, you’ll need to visit one of the excellent rotational restaurants such as Arendelle: a Frozen Dining Adventure, Worlds of Marvel, 1923, room service, or visit Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods. Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods is the quick-service restaurant on the Disney Wish, conveniently located near the pool. It’s similar to a buffet because there are so many options ranging from authentic barbecue, burgers, hotdogs, chicken tenders (of course), macaroni and cheese (of course), surprisingly good thin-crust pizza, and a comprehensive taco/burrito station. “Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods” is included with your cruise fare, as is most dining on the Disney Wish. I do recommend the rotational dining rooms, but if you’re not in the mood for a sit-down dinner, this is a great alternative2.

5.    Book Land and Sea Packages

Disney World and Disney Wish. You should never fly into Orlando the same day your cruise departs. If you experience a flight delay or cancellation, you could miss out on the cruise. Why not arrive a few days early and visit Walt Disney World? Can you really visit Orlando and not go to Disney?

6.    Book a concierge-level stateroom

If you want to have the same VIP experience as we did, you should consider booking a concierge-level stateroom on the Disney Wish Cruise. These staterooms are spacious, luxurious, and offer amazing views of the ocean and the destinations. You will also enjoy a premium pre-boarding experience that includes exclusive access to the concierge lounge, priority check-in and boarding, and personalized service from the concierge team. The concierge team will assist you with any requests or needs you may have, such as dining reservations, shore excursions, spa appointments, or special surprises. You will also have exclusive access to the concierge sun deck, which features a private pool, a hot tub, a bar, and a dedicated pool deck host. The concierge-level staterooms are more expensive than the regular staterooms, but they are worth it if you want to feel pampered, special, and ready for an unforgettable vacation.

We hope this list helps you feel a little more prepared — and a lot more excited — for your own Disney Wish adventure. With the right tips and a bit of Disney magic, your trip can be just as smooth and memorable as ours was!

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