disney cruise magic vs wonder

Disney Magic vs Disney Wonder

The Disney line fleet has four ships. Here I will discuss two ships. One is Disney magic and Disney Wonder. Disney Magic is the first cruise ship owned and operated by Disney Cruise Line. The vessel is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Magic offers various amenities, including multiple dining options and a children’s area. Disney Magic is known for its charming staff and excellent customer service. Disney Magic offers a variety of ports of call, including some destinations not found on other cruise ships.

The Disney Wonder is the second ship to join the Disney fleet. The ship was operated by Disney Cruise Line and entered service. The ship has a capacity of passengers and offers a variety of themed decks. The ship is known for its AAA service and beautiful architecture. The Disney Wonder is the perfect cruise ship for families looking for a magical experience.

Differences

The difference between the two ships are the following:

Disney Wonder’s portholes are shaped differently from Disney Magic’s. The Navigator’s Verandah staterooms have a category stateroom status. Disney magic is smallish and round, making them difficult to see from the inside.

The verandah is partially enclosed, meaning you can only see a small section of it. If Choose a Disney Magic instead if you are looking for a spacious and luxurious cabin.

Disney Wonder is different from Disney magic. It provides guests in Navigator’s Verandah staterooms with a better view. The portholes of the Disney Wonder are oblong and longer.

You will see two main differences between the exterior of Disney magic and Disney Wonder. You will see the differences between the bow and stern of the ships. The one common things you will observe is that some friends of Mickey are present on both ships.

The exterior of the Disney magic ship is designed to look like the Sorcerer Mickey. The bow is shaped like a sorcerer’s hat and the stern is shaped like a boatswain’s hat.

The stern of the Disney magic ship is designed to look like the Boatswain Goofy. Boatswain Goofy is the head boatman of the Disney magic ship and is always looking out for the ship’s safety.

On the exterior, Disney Wonder has Donald and his troublemaking nephews. The steamboat Willie is located on the stern of the ship.

Decoration and Style

Disney magic is decorated in the Art Deco style, which is focused on geometric shapes, warm tones, and elegance. You can find everything from tablecloths to wall hangings in this popular style. You can use Disney magic to add a touch of elegance to any room in your home.

There are a variety of designs and colors to choose from, so you can find the perfect piece for your home. Disney magic is a popular way to bring a little bit of magic into your life.

Disneyland’s Wonder is decorated in the Art Nouveau style, which is characterized by soft colors and organic shapes. The ride provides a unique perspective of the park and its scenes, and it is a great way to get a sense of the style of Disney’s older rides.

The décor is a great way to add a bit of style to your home, and you can find similar pieces at stores like Target or Home Goods. The ride is a bit of a pain to get to, but it is well worth the experience. If you are looking to add a bit of Disney style to your home, Wonder is a great option.

The inventive atrium of the Disney magic and the Disney wonder shows the Art Deco and Art Nouveau decor of both ships.

The atrium of Disney magic is centered on Helmsmen Mickey. This icon is one of classic elegance and is the main attraction at the entrance of the park. Helmsmen Mickey’s iconic character is the heart of the atrium and is the main attraction at the entrance of the park.

The atrium of Disney’s Wonder is an amazing sight and is centered on Ariel. It is a great place to take photos and enjoy playfulness of Ariel. The grandeur of the ocean liner is evident in every detail of the atrium. The atrium is a great place to take a break and feel like you are on a voyage. It is also a great place to learn about Disney’s history and how it is evolved over the years.

Restaurants

Lumiere’s is the grand dining room in Disney magic’s Beauty and the Beast. The giant Beauty and the Beast mural is a beautiful addition to the room. The restaurant is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The romantic atmosphere will make your dining experience magical.

The menu offerings are diverse and there is something for everyone. You will not be disappointed with your meal at Lumiere’s. The staff is attentive and makes sure that you have a magical dining experience. They will go out of their way to make you feel special. Lumiere’s is a must-visit location when visiting Disney Beauty and the Beast.

On the other hand, the Tritons are the grand dining room at Disney wonder and feature a giant Little Mermaid mural on the wall. Giant seafood dishes and wine are the focus here, perfect for anyone looking to indulge.

Disney magic has many different clubs around the duty-free club district known as Beat Street. You can go see a show at the show club called Rockin’ Bar or purchase duty-free items at the Off Beat store. There is a lot of magic to be found in the adult nightclub district, so have a blast! The Stack is a teen club in Disney magic.

The Disney Wonder adult nightclub district is known as Route 66. There is a show club called Wavebands. The clubs are open until m. You can find transportation to and from the clubs. Admission to the clubs is typically expensive. Aloft is a teen club in the Disney Wonder.

The sports pub on both ships is the same. The pubs are called Diversions. The stack and the aloft are the same.

Ocean quest

The ocean quest is only present in Disney magic. Disney magic is a special experience that can only be found at Disney parks . This magical experience can be found in the form of attractions, shows, and even in the food that is served at Disney restaurants.

Disney parks are always full of magic, and tweens of all ages will love spending a day exploring the space for tweens ages.

Here I have discussed the differences between the two sister ships, Disney magic, and Disney Wonder. Many things are different in these ships. Disney land is overall the best place for entertainment, enjoyment, fun, and many more.

Though they are not the biggest cruise ships in the world, they are really very beautiful and comfortable to take a cruise . If you want to know more about Disney land, look for the two new ships. The two new ships are Disney Dreams and Disney fantasy.

Angel Portillo is an experienced tourism professional who has worked in the travel industry for many years. He has extensive knowledge of the different destinations that are popular among tourists, and is able to provide tips and advice on how to make the most of your visit. His passion for travel is evident in her writing, which is full of interesting and descriptive details about the different places he's visited.

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Disney Magic and Disney Wonder

Glorious ships that recall the golden age of ocean travel around the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with all the magical touches you expect from a Disney experience.

The Disney Magic was Disney's first ship, built in the legendary Fincantieri shipyards in Italy. Its sister ship, the Disney Wonder shares the same spacious layout and outer design with fantastic personality .

You'll find artwork, sculptures and design details that add to your unique Disney experience .

We've added even more magic to the Disney Magic!

Staterooms - Cabins and Suites with a Dash of Disney Magic

You'll have plenty of space to relax in one of our staterooms, which are roomier than the average cruise liner cabin . There are couches and plenty of storage, even in the standard staterooms, and each one has a bathroom with a separate toilet area.

Deluxe staterooms and suites offer options like an ocean view , a verandah or even a whirlpool tub .

Entertainment and Activities

From the moment you step on board, you'll find something to amuse and delight you on a Disney Cruise. Take in a live show , enjoy a family deck party , or marvel at a first-run film in digital 3D .

For teens and tweens there are lounges and deck areas just for kids their age, where they can chat and relax , go online, play videogames or take part in fun activities.

For kids there are supervised play areas and clubs where they can dress up, play games, and take part in themed activities. There's also a dedicated kids' pool.

For adults , it's easy to get a bit of quality time in the adult-exclusive pool, or chill out in one of the nightspots, restaurants and lounges reserved just for grown-ups .

For families , they can always find a place to enjoy their time together , whether it's a fascinating West End-style live show or one of the splash-tacular pools.

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Disclaimer: this Stateroom options for Disney Magic and Disney Wonder page includes affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

Img: Disney Cruise Line

Stateroom Guide: Disney Magic & Disney Wonder

By Alisha Molen

So, you’ve decided you’ll be sailing on either the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder .

Now, it’s time to decide which stateroom is right for you.

First things first though…

Did you review our primer on How to Choose a Disney Cruise Stateroom ?

In that guide, I explain:

• The four different kinds of staterooms available on a Disney Cruise
• What comes standard in every Disney Cruise stateroom
• What is NOT included in your stateroom
• What do these strange category numbers mean for each stateroom?
• How many guests can sleep in a stateroom
• And lastly...our recommended method for selecting a stateroom

If you haven’t read it yet, I strongly recommend you read that guide first , as that will give you the background information you need about Disney Cruise staterooms.

Ready to go forward?

Awesome ...you’re now ready to evaluate the various stateroom options available on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cruise ships.

Table of Contents

Inside staterooms, oceanview staterooms, verandah staterooms, concierge staterooms.

• "Secret" Staterooms

Inside staterooms are the most budget-friendly options onboard the Magic and the Wonder.

They are usually the smallest staterooms and do not offer a window or balcony to the outside.

Two Variations of Inside Staterooms

There are two variations of Inside Staterooms: Standard and Deluxe .

One important difference between these variations is the bathroom configuration:

The Standard Inside staterooms offer a full bath while Deluxe Inside provide a split bath.

A full bath is where the tub/shower, toilet, and sink are all in one room.

A split bathroom means there are basically two bathrooms which is so helpful when multiple people are getting ready. One has a toilet and a sink, and the other has a tub/shower and a sink. 

Below are more details about the “Standard” and “Deluxe” variations of Inside Staterooms and how they differ:

Standard Inside Staterooms: Disney Magic & Disney Wonder

Standard inside stateroom images.

Images: Disney Cruise Line

Standard Inside Stateroom - Category 11A, 11B, 11C

Standard Inside Stateroom (Accessible) - Category 11A, 11B, 11C

Deluxe Inside Staterooms: Disney Magic & Disney Wonder

Deluxe inside stateroom images.

Oceanview Staterooms found on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are called "Deluxe".

These cabins are very similar to the Deluxe Inside Staterooms, except they offer a view outside of the ship. Here are the specifications:

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms: Disney Magic & Disney Wonder

Deluxe oceanview stateroom images.

If you want to be able to sit outside on a private open-air balcony, then a Verandah Stateroom is the way to go.

There are 3 kinds of verandahs:

Standard Verandah . Features an open-air balcony skirted by an acrylic wall, offering a full view of the horizon even while seated. ( Found in Categories 4 & 5)

Standard Verandah - Img: Disney Cruise Line

Whitewall Verandah . Provides open-air lounging with a solid wall from the deck to the railing. Most of these staterooms are located in the aft of the ship. (Found in Category 6A)

Whitewall Verandah - Img: Disney Cruise Line

Navigator's Verandah.  Enclosed for greater privacy, while still delivering a stunning view and sea breezes through a large, open-air porthole above the railing. (Found in Category 7A)

Navigator's Verandah - Img: Disney Cruise Line

Two Variations of Verandah Staterooms

There are two variations of Verandah Staterooms: Deluxe and Deluxe Family.

The difference? Deluxe Family offer a little more square footage and can sleep up to 5 (instead of only 4).

Below are more details about the “Deluxe” and “Deluxe Family” variations of Verandah Staterooms and how they differ:

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah: Disney Magic & Disney Wonder

Deluxe oceanview with verandah stateroom images, deluxe family oceanview staterooms with verandah: disney magic & disney wonder, deluxe family oceanview with verandah stateroom images.

If you’re looking for a splurge to make your Disney Cruise even more magical, take a peek at the Concierge Staterooms .

These lavish cabins are a dream!

On top of the extra room in these suites, you’ll get access to extra amenities, such as:

• Down duvets
• Plush robes and slippers
• Elemis spa products
• Complimentary WiFi service (up to 100mb)
• Dedicated Concierge team
• Access to the Concierge Lounge and Sundeck
• The earliest check-in, giving the ability to begin booking reservations 120 days prior to sail date

Talk about luxury!

Here’s what the different cabins include:

Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah: Disney Magic & Disney Wonder

Concierge 1-bedroom suites with verandah: disney magic & disney wonder.

Room Notes:

• Staterooms 8032, 8034, 8532 and 8534 have a wall pull-down single bed in living room
• Staterooms 8022, 8046, 8048, 8078, 8080, 8086, 8522, 8548 and 8582 have a wall pull-down single bed in the bedroom.
• Staterooms 8100, 8102, 8600 and 8602 only sleep 4 with no wall pull-down bed. These are also accessible cabins.

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suites Verandah Images

Concierge 2-bedroom suites with verandah: disney magic & disney wonder, concierge 2-bedroom suites verandah images, concierge royal suites with verandah: disney magic & disney wonder, concierge royal suites verandah images, secret staterooms.

Have you heard about Disney’s “ Secret Staterooms "?

So why is it a secret?

Well, because you get a higher category cabin for the price of a lesser category cabin.

Basically, you get more for your money on these unadvertised staterooms.

Yes! I love Disney secrets and I love saving money even more!  

Secret Oceanview Staterooms

Both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have 8   secret staterooms  that are priced as Inside cabins, but they are really  Oceanview cabins with obstructed-view portholes.

Even though the porthole is partial obstructed, it gives you some natural light and a little view ... for the price of an inside stateroom .

The view is obstructed by equipment in front of the portholes, and the amount by which the portholes are obstructed depends on the cabin.

In the chart below I have listed the staterooms in order of least to most obstructed views.    

But listen up...

If you want one of these Secret Porthole staterooms, you better plan on booking early as these cabins have become very popular.

• Some natural light
• Partial ocean and/or sky view
• Pay the lesser price of an inside stateroom
• There may be a light on all night outside the porthole. If you close your curtains it shouldn’t be an issue.
• Obstructed view

Secret Porthole Staterooms: Disney Magic & Disney Wonder

Secret Verandah Staterooms

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder also have Secret Verandah Staterooms .

These rooms have a Standard Verandah with an open-air balcony but are priced as a room with a Navigator’s Verandah (an enclosed deck with an open-air porthole).

These cabins are priced lower because of an overhang that cuts off some of your view.

Secret Verandah Staterooms: Disney Magic & Disney Wonder

PIN FOR LATER

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AllEars TV: Disney Cruise Line Complete Tour — Magic and Wonder Ships

We’re bringing you a FULL TOUR of the Disney Magic ship, part of the Disney Cruise Line fleet!

We’ll also talk about its sister ship, the Disney Wonder!

Click Below to Watch Disney Cruise Line Complete Tour — Magic and Wonder Ships!

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Disney Magic vs. Disney Wonder

By Cruising_Christine , December 26, 2012 in Disney Cruise Line

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Cruising_Christine

Hello Everyone,

We just got off Disney Magic, and it was the most wonderful cruise we have ever been on. We are thinking about Disney Wonder next year.

Now, we do not really care about the itinerary - we are in it for the ship. Could someone please tell me how those two ships compare: food, service, entertainment? And most importantly, kids' clubs. (Our DD will be eight next year).

The reason I'm asking is that here, on CruiseCritic, Wonder has slightly lower ratings than Magic.

I would love to hear your input.

Thanks so much,

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We've been on both, it has been awhile and there have been some updates, but basically they are the same. Some of the decor is a bit different but not much else.

Hello Everyone,   We just got off Disney Magic, and it was the most wonderful cruise we have ever been on. We are thinking about Disney Wonder next year.   Now, we do not really care about the itinerary - we are in it for the ship. Could someone please tell me how those two ships compare: food, service, entertainment? And most importantly, kids' clubs. (Our DD will be eight next year).   The reason I'm asking is that here, on CruiseCritic, Wonder has slightly lower ratings than Magic.   I would love to hear your input.   Thanks so much,   Chris

As noted, they are identically built ships. The decor differs (Magic - Art Deco; Wonder - Art Nouveau). And some of the areas are named differently: Magic has Sessions and Wonder has Cadillac Lounge (both piano bars); Magic has

Rockin' Bar D and Wonder has Wavebands (both the adult cabaret bar); and the Wonder has the Outlook Cafe which the Magic does not (at this time - who knows after her upcoming drydock).

The kids clubs are located and arranged the same.

The shows are different, also. Magic - Villians Tonight, Twice Charmed and Dreams; Wonder - Toy Story, Golden Mickeys and Dreams.

Thank you very much for all your replies.

But...which one did you like more?

I looked at the statistics on individual ship reviews, and it looks like my fellow cruise critics rated Wonder the lowest of all four ships.

For example, 85% "loved" Magic but only 77% "loved" Wonder. "Kids' club" was rated 4.3 for Magic and only 3.8 for Wonder.

Does it mean that the experience on Wonder is a notch below Magic?:o Sorry if I sound silly.

Thank you very much for all your replies. But...which one did you like more? I looked at the statistics on individual ship reviews, and it looks like my fellow cruise critics rated Wonder the lowest of all four ships. For example, 85% "loved" Magic but only 77% "loved" Wonder. "Kids' club" was rated 4.3 for Magic and only 3.8 for Wonder. Does it mean that the experience on Wonder is a notch below Magic?:o Sorry if I sound silly.

Personally, I like the Magic more. But I think that's because she was our first (cruise/ship). I like the decor more on the Magic than then Wonder.

I don't really think there's a difference in the ships. Maybe a perceived difference. The Magic (originally) did the 7 night cruises out of PC, and the Wonder did the 3 & 4 night cruises. The Magic had an perception of being a "nicer" ship because of the longer cruises since you could get to know your servers as well as the ship better. The Wonder's quick turnovers tended to make it seem like a lesser quality. And the Wonder tended to get the "new" crew members, so they tended to be less skilled as they trained. The better CMs (at the time) were transferred to the Magic. All that doesn't happen now. All the ships get a combination of new and old CMs.

Oh, and I remembered another difference, on the Magic it's Lumiere's, while on the Wonder it's Triton's.

I don't really think there's a difference in the ships. Maybe a perceived difference. The Magic (originally) did the 7 night cruises out of PC, and the Wonder did the 3 & 4 night cruises. The Magic had an perception of being a "nicer" ship because of the longer cruises since you could get to know your servers as well as the ship better. .   :)

Thanks. This does make sense.

CarnivalGirl3

We booked the Wonder for the same week next year. We didn't care about itinerary, or really ships, but wanted that date, as it worked out well for dh.

I haven't been on the wonder yet, so I can't help there.

• 2 weeks later...

Magic was my first cruise. So it was the best. But the Wonder is just as nice...

Many things were the same, some of the decor was different.

Each cruise is different, but with Disney and the DCL you are guaranteed to enjoy it!

Pictures from the Magic...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluedharma/sets/72157625730874674/

Pictures from the Wonder

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluedharma/sets/72157631680205335/

My husband, twin 12 year old boys, and I have been on the Magic twice, the Wonder once. (We've also done the Fantasy, and are currently booked on the Dream.)

There wasn't much difference between the Magic and Wonder. I found everything to be comparable. Both ships are beautiful. Service is excellent. Entertainment was great. I will say that my husband felt that "the Wonder was beginning to show her age." But we would go again in a second.

• 1 month later...

We have done both several times, different lengths and different areas of the world. The enclosed Outlook Cafe on the Wonder was really a great place to relax especially on the cooler days in Alaska. The Magic in the MED was fantastic with so many of the crew being long time veterans. We like the Wonder better, the adult section, Route 66, seems a little livelier to us. Daughter loved kids clubs on both and never said she had less fun in one or the other. Magic is major dry dock end of summer 2013 and Wonder is major dry dock fall 2014, both will be virtual new ships following.

I have wonder booked. Looking to book magic now

It's been awhile. I have been on both,twice. I like the Magic better. If I am honest though they are really about the same, both times I did the Magic it was a 7 day itinerary and the Wonder was running 3 and 4 dayers. You just like a ship better when you have more time to get to know it.

I also was unimpressed with the Dream. I don't like Mega ships. So far the Magic has been my favorite. I will not do the Fantasy unless I get a rate I can't refuse.

I am thinking of taking my 6 grand kids ( ages 12-5) on the 4 day Disney Wonder cruise out of Galveston Dec. 31-Jan. 4. Will the 12 year olds be bored? What is there to do for the kids the two days at sea? I too have seen some not so outstanding reviews and have been having second thoughts. Of course, i've also seen great reviews. So, any help would be appreciated.

We just took our 4th cruise on the Wonder earlier this month. (Also, like you we cruise for the ship). We've been on both Magic-class ships and other than the minor decor differences and Outlook Cafe mentioned above, I don't notice any other contrasts. Although the Wonder has focused more on shorter cruises (more turnover?), it is a year newer than the Magic and it's in excellent condition. The service, food, and staterooms are wonderful. It is an awesome ship and you will have a fantastic vacation! :)

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Disney Wonder Cruise Ship: Complete Guide

The Disney Wonder Cruise Ship has been part of Disney’s fleet since in 1999. Guests sailing on this vessel will find luxurious staterooms, lots of food, and of course, beloved Disney Characters. Here’s our complete guide to everything you’ll find onboard this magnificent ship.

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In This Guide:

• Ship Overview
• Rotational Dining
• Adult-Exclusive Dining
• Casual Dining
• Lounges, Bars & Snacks
• Room Service
• Pools & Splash Pads
• Oceaneer Club
• Oceaneer Lab
• Broadway-Style Shows
• Themed Nights
• Spa & Salons
• Itineraries & Ports
• Deck-By-Deck Guide
• How To Book

Disney Wonder Ship Overview

Image © Disney

The Disney Wonder is part of the original set of two ships that Disney Cruise Line built in the late 1990s. With a focus on family-friendly entertainment rather than belly flop contests and onboard casinos , Disney Cruise Line set a new standard that some other cruise lines are still trying to catch up to a quarter-century later. Despite the ship’s age, Disney Wonder continues to receive regular updates and improvements, including an extensive dry dock refurbishment in 2016.

The ship boasts a streamlined look that reminds passengers of the grand early oceanliners — but with a classic black, yellow, red, and white color scheme that immediately suggests the iconic Mickey Mouse. An image of Mickey as Steamboat Willie adorns the bow of the ship.

Bow artwork on the Disney Wonder

In back, you’ll see Donald hanging on makeshift scaffolding and trying to paint the ship’s logo on the stern. It’s going about as well as you’d expect.

How Does Disney Wonder Compare to Other Disney Cruise Ships?

The Disney Wonder is a sister ship to the Disney Magic ; the two ships are generally the same in terms of construction (though similar areas on each ship are themed differently from one another). As the original ships in the fleet, they also happen to be the smallest.

There are more new Disney Cruise ships being built , but all of them will be larger than the Disney Wonder.

One notable difference is that the Disney Wonder is the only current Disney Cruise ship which doesn’t have its own water “ride” (such as the AquaDunk, AquaDuck, or AquaMouse found on other ships). But there are still pools and a standard waterslide onboard.

Should I Pick the Disney Wonder Instead of a Larger Ship?

It’s really a matter of personal preference, but my wife and I prefer smaller ships such as the Disney Wonder because they’re just easier to get around while onboard. Remember — you’re walking to everything on the ship, and on the Wonder there’s never more than a 5-10 minute walk from your stateroom to the restaurants, theatres, and pools.

Compare that to a larger ship such as the Disney Dream, where you’ll likely need a bit more time to walk from one part of the ship to the other. And since the larger ships have more decks than the smaller ones, you might find yourself spending more time waiting on elevators as opposed to just using the staircases for a quick jaunt.

This smaller ship is also able to visit ports that are inaccessible to larger ships; that means it’s able to do things the bigger ships can’t, such as sailing right through a narrow Alaskan fjord and getting tantalizingly close to a giant glacier!

At the moment, the Wonder is the only Disney ship offering certain itineraries  such as Alaska or Hawaii; that alone could make your choice for you if you have a particular destination in mind.

Otherwise, if this will be your first time taking a Disney Cruise , a smaller ship like the Wonder might be a better bet versus a larger ship like the Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy , or Disney Wish . It’ll let you “ease into” cruising with Disney without getting completely overwhelmed.

But don’t fret too much over the choice; whatever you pick, you’re going to have a great time. Most of the Disney ships still have relatively equal offerings despite size differences. As an example, the Wonder (smaller) and Fantasy (larger) both have a number of main restaurants plus adult-exclusive dining, a night club district, kids clubs, a spa, and live shows — but there are some differences in size, layout, and theming. The larger ships might have more of each, but the overall experience is very similar.

Jump To: Overview   |  Staterooms   |  Dining   |  Water Fun   |  Kids Clubs   |  Entertainment   |  Spa & Salons   |  Itineraries & Ports   |  Deck-by-Deck   |  Fact Sheet   |  How To Book

Disney Wonder Staterooms

Your stateroom (passenger cabin) is your hotel room onboard the Disney Wonder. It’s where you’ll sleep and spend most of your private time, so picking the right room is important. The type of room you choose is also one of the biggest factors in the price of a Disney cruise , because the per-person cost can increase based on the category picked.

The Disney Wonder has 875 passenger staterooms, and most of them offer some type of outside view (via either a verandah balcony or porthole windows). There are four main types of rooms on the ship; each of those four types is then further divided into multiple categories and subcategories.

Here is a brief look at the types of rooms you can choose from. We’ve listed them here generally from cheapest to most expensive, though there may be some price overlap. You are usually able to choose the exact room you’ll stay in on the ship — check out our complete guide to Disney Cruise staterooms  for more information.

Inside Staterooms on Disney Wonder

Inside Stateroom; note the round mirror in place of a porthole | Image © Disney

Inside Staterooms are just that — completely inside. They have no porthole window and no balcony. On the Disney Wonder, you’ll find a round mirror that sort of looks like a porthole, but it only offers views of yourself staring back.

This stateroom type has standard and deluxe variations. The standard is the smallest onboard (but still larger than on some other cruise lines) and has a single bathroom; the deluxe is slightly larger and has a split bathroom (toilet/sink in a separate room from the shower/sink).

• 11C:   Deck 2
• 11B:   Decks 5, 6
• 11A:   Decks 6, 7
• 10C:   Decks 1, 2
• 10B:   Deck 2
• 10A:   Decks 5, 6, 7

Split bathroom configuration on Disney Wonder | Image © Disney

Oceanview Staterooms on Disney Wonder

A typical Oceanview Stateroom configuration on Disney Wonder | Image © Disney

Oceanview staterooms offer an outside view through one or two round porthole windows which do not open. Window sizes vary, but larger windows are more common than smaller windows. The smallest windows are on Deck 1.

• 9D:   Deck 1
• 9C:   Deck 2
• 9B:   Deck 2
• 9A:   Decks 5, 6, 7

Category 9D Oceanview Stateroom with two smaller porthole windows | Image © Disney

Verandah Staterooms on Disney Wonder

A typical stateroom verandah on a Disney cruise ship | Image © Disney

Verandah staterooms are the most popular room types onboard, with a private balcony just outside your stateroom. Most verandahs offer see-through railings with a clear safety plexiglass covering, but a few categories have solid metal walls or are completely enclosed except for an open-air cut-out.

• 7A:   Decks 5, 6, 7, 8
• 6A:   Decks 5, 6, 7
• 5C:   Decks 5, 6
• 5B:   Decks 6, 7
• 5A:   Deck 7
• 4E:   Deck 8
• 4B:   Deck 8
• 4A:   Deck 8

Category 7A Enclosed Navigator’s Verandah with Open-Air Cutout | Image © Disney

Category 6A Whitewall Verandah | Image © Disney

Concierge Staterooms on Disney Wonder

Concierge One-Bedroom Suite | Image © Disney

As the priciest staterooms on the Disney Wonder, the Concierge categories offer additional personalized perks , access to concierge staff, and an exclusive lounge and sun deck that’s accessible only to passengers in these categories.

• 3A:   Deck 8
• 2B:   Deck 8
• 2A:   Deck 8
• 1B:   Deck 8
• 1A:   Deck 8

Need Help Choosing Your Stateroom?

Trust the Disney cruise experts at The Vacationeer  for free, personalized advice on the different staterooms on the Disney Wonder.  The Vacationeer is an Earmarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner and has helped plan thousands of Disney Cruises for families just like yours!

When you book with The Vacationeer , you’ll have a  dedicated travel planner from start to finish — you’ll never have to play phone roulette and explain your situation to twelve different people in a giant call center! Your Vacationeer will make sure that you get your money’s worth by finding the best stateroom at the best price — they know all the ways to save money on Disney Cruises !

The Vacationeer can even help you set up a zero-interest payment plan that usually requires only a preliminary deposit to book , followed by payments on your own schedule (just pay in full by Disney’s final payment deadline ahead of the cruise).

They even offer a generous onboard credit that can be used toward your purchases on the ship. And best of all, their planning services are free !

So take advantage of free booking help from a Disney Cruise expert — contact The Vacationeer today for a free, no-obligation quote on your dream Disney Cruise!

Disney Wonder Dining and Lounges

The dining experience on the Disney Wonder includes three delightful main restaurants, an adult-exclusive dining location, several quick-service options, and even free room service! Here’s everything you need to know about dining onboard the Disney Wonder.

Rotational Dining Restaurants on Disney Wonder

The heart of the Disney Cruise Line dining experience is its nightly dinner service. And on the Disney Wonder (like all Disney Cruise Ships), dinner is scheduled through something called rotational dining . You’re pre-scheduled to visit a different restaurant each night — no need to make a reservation ahead of time — but you’ll still have the same servers each night.

Your cruise fare includes dinner at these three restaurants at no additional charge.

• Animator’s Palate

A screen at Animator’s Palate | Image © Disney

Animator’s Palate is one of the most popular dining experiences throughout the Disney Cruise fleet, and the Disney Wonder is no exception. Repeat cruisers love its menu, and its whimsical and lively atmosphere is pure Disney.

Popular menu items here include one of my favorites, the black truffle pasta purseittes (I sometimes ask for a double helping — you can do that at no additional charge!). My wife enjoys their butternut squash soup. Other offerings include wild mushroom risotto, a polenta cake with tomato and mushrooms, beef tenderloin, and a lemon-thyme marinated chicken. There are plenty of other options, too, most inspired by the cuisines of California, Asia, and the Pacific.

As good as the food is, the real highlight of dinner here is a tribute to the art of animation. A finale show called Drawn to Magic tells the story of how an animated feature goes from early sketches to a full-fledged film. The dining room itself — and your servers — even take on a bit more color during the dinner service, which includes a special visit from Sorcerer Mickey.

On longer cruises, you might also experience Animation Magic , a different show which allows you to draw your own character and see it animated on the screens during the show! You’ll start by drawing your character on a special paper placemat which is whisked away before service begins; then later in the evening, Sorcerer Mickey does his stuff and your drawing leaps off the page and into motion!

My drawing (left) dances on-screen with other Guest-drawn cartoons at Animator’s Palate

Clearly I won’t be winning any awards, but it was still fun to see my name in the credits at the end of the show.

I made it, ma!

Triton’s is located immediately off the main atrium lobby of the ship, just behind the statue of Ariel. As you’d expect, the restaurant is themed to The Little Mermaid , though elegantly so.

For those feeling a bit adventurous, try the escargot. It doesn’t cost anything extra so you’re not out any money if you hate it — and you might be as surprised as I was to learn that you love it and want to order it on every cruise! If you’d rather stick with Les Poissons , there’s an oven-baked salmon. You might also find chilled jumbo shrimp, a crispy roasted duck breast, and other tempting entrees on the menu. Finish your meal with a dessert of the ever-popular Grand Marnier soufflé or the Instagram-worthy (though admittedly a bit underwhelming taste-wise) Apple Tarte Tatin.

Outside of dinner service, Triton’s is also the non-buffet option for breakfast (French Toast, omelets, crepes) and lunch (whitefish, pork ribs, chicken breast) on most days.

• Tiana’s Place

She’s no longer just almost there — she’s made it! This lively restaurant celebrates Tiana’s journey to becoming a restaurant owner with New Orleans décor and great live jazz music and storytelling. While it’s not quite a full-fledged character dining experience , you’ll still have a chance to see Tiana and possibly say hi to her on the way in. And don’t be surprised if you see a certain musical gator galivanting about!

The menu is a tribute to southern cuisine and the flavor of Louisiana. Try the New Orleans seafood pepper pot, shrimp jambalaya, and Cajun-spiced sea bass — or steer your way toward milder fare. Dessert includes Tiana’s famous beignets and a chocolate bread pudding.

Adult-Exclusive Dining on the Disney Wonder

The Adult-Exclusive offerings onboard Disney Wonder include a famed Italian restaurant that many repeat cruisers swear by.

Palo is the perfect spot for a memorable meal featuring fine Italian food. Giant windows allow you to gaze at the moonlight reflecting on the ocean surface as your tastebuds are tempted by the restaurant’s bill of fare.

Dinner menu items at this specialty dining location include dover sole (fileted tableside), butternut agnolotti, and seared sea scallops. The restaurant’s signature chocolate soufflé is a popular finish to your meal.

A tremendously-popular brunch service is also typically offered on Sea Days, but it can be tough to snag reservations. Try to book book as early as your onboard booking window allows .

Dining at Palo requires an upcharge, around $45 as of June 2023. Adding a wine pairing costs a bit more.

Casual Dining on the Disney Wonder

Breakfast and lunch onboard your Disney cruise ship is usually a casual affair – and there are even low-key options for dinner.

Cabanas is the buffet-style restaurant onboard the Disney Wonder, which offers an eclectic menu featuring great tastes from around the globe.

At breakfast, you’ll be able to pick your favorites from nearly a dozen different food stations. There are plenty of ready-made options such as Mickey Waffles, eggs, sausage, and bacon; you can also opt to spend a few minutes to allow the professional Omeleteer to whip up a custom omelet just for you, filled with the ingredients you selectr.

Thanks to the cruise line’s international clientele, you’ll also find some breakfast offerings not typically found here in the states — rice, miso soup, smoked fish, and such. For me, this is a fun way to step out of my eggs-and-bacon comfort zone and start my day with something I can’t easily find stateside such as a bowl of muesli (“fresh” granola) topped with fruits, nuts, and grains.

Lunch at Cabanas is an ever-changing mix of menu-items. Typical choices include: a wide array of freshly-grilled meats; a carving station featuring selections such as prime rib, roast beef, or ham; jumbo iced shrimp and crab claws; sandwiches and wraps; pizza; and plenty of desserts such as cakes, pie, cheesecake, and hand-dipped ice cream.

Cabanas is also open for dinner, offering an alternative for those who want to skip their assigned rotational dining for the evening. Dinner is table service — not buffet-style — with a somewhat limited menu of items such as salmon, chicken, steak, and the like.

Lounges, Bars, and Snacks on the Disney Wonder

There’s always a place to grab a quick bite to eat or a refreshing drink onboard Disney Wonder. Here are just a few highlights:

Dance the night away at Azure, the Disney Wonder’s liveliest night club in the heart of the After Hours district onboard. Earlier in the day, all are welcome to enjoy family-friendly activities. In the evening, it’s adults-only featuring specialty cocktails and an energetic nightlife.

• Beverage Station

Most non-alcoholic drinks are included in the cost of your cruise, so there’s no need to purchase a drink package if you just want a soda, tea, coffee, milk, or water. This soda station near the pool offers unlimited free self-serve drinks all day long.

• Cadillac Lounge

Classic Hollywood, classic cars, and live piano combine to bring back the 50s in this moody hideaway. You can practically hear Frankie and Dino warming up.

This adults-only lounge serves specialty coffees and teas by day. At night, enjoy cocktails, wine, and a light nosh.

• Crown & Fin Pub

Settle into this traditional English public house for a lively evening of drink and fun. Catch the latest sports via live TV (when available) while quaffing your choice of more than a dozen beer choices (including some British favorites) or other specialty beverages.

D Lounge is a family-friendly venue that hosts interactive entertainment for everyone. Play trivia here, sing Karaoke, or enjoy a live game show.

Daisy’s De-Lites, Pete’s Boiler Bites, and Pinocchio’s Pizzeria

These poolside quick service windows offer grab-&-go goodies. Pizza, hamburgers & hot dogs, tacos, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and other quick bites are on the menu here.

• Eye Scream Treats

Cool down with all-you-can eat soft-serve ice cream from this popular location. I personally can rarely pass by here without grabbing a cone, no matter how full I am.

• French Quarter Lounge

Not far from Tiana’s Place is French Quarter Lounge, a unique location with décor that includes a New Orleans street car. A gazebo stage and wrought-iron accents combine with hot music and hot beignets to complete the Louisiana theme. Kids are welcome earlier in the day to enjoy family-friendly games and character visits.

Room Service on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Many passengers are surprised to learn that Room Service is included in the cost of your Disney Cruise.

The standard Room Service menu on the Disney Wonder includes selections such as soups & salads, hamburgers & sandwiches, flatbreads, pasta, and chicken tenders. You can also select from a few desserts, such as the cake-of-the-day and the ever-popular Mickey’s Premium Ice Cream bar.

I usually get an order of hot wings, though the journey they take from the galley to my room sometimes leaves them a bit less crispy than I’d like. I’m also fond of the All Hands on Deck , a plate of assorted cheese, fruit, and crackers that makes an enjoyable snack while sitting on my verandah watching the ocean roll by.

While all of the above is included at no additional cost, you will have to pay extra for specialty items such as beer, wine, canned soft drinks, deluxe coffees, juices, and pre-packaged snacks/candies.

Also don’t forget to tip the crew member who delivers the food to your room.

Best Bets for Each Meal on Disney Wonder

Below we list each of the main meal periods onboard the ship, and your best options for each.

• Primary option: Cabanas is the best breakfast spot onboard thanks to its long hours, wide selection of food, and all-you-care-to-eat atmosphere. It’s not a quiet meal by any stretch, but given that almost everything is hot and ready on the buffet, you can quickly eat here and move on to a quiet lounge chair in no time flat.
• Secondary option: One of the three rotational restaurants (typically Triton’s) usually offers a table-service breakfast most days, complete with a server who will bring your food and keep your drinks topped off. Although Cabanas will have a wider variety to choose from, dining here instead allows for a much more relaxed start to your day.
• Other options: Room Service has a breakfast option, but you’ll need to pre-order it the night before and choose from an extremely limited menu. The offerings are more along the lines of a continental breakfast (juices, coffees, pastries, cold cereals), with no real “hot breakfast” (no eggs, bacon, sausage, or oatmeal).
• Primary option: Cabanas is the best lunch option (and the most crowded) due to its tremendous selection. Iced jumbo shrimp and crab claws are a signature menu item most days; you’ll also find freshly grilled meats, a wide variety of side items, some interesting international selections, and plenty of dessert. Snag a table outside on the deck to enjoy a beautiful seaside lunch.
• Secondary option: The food service windows on the pool deck are a great option at any time of day, especially if you’re enjoying the day poolside. You don’t even need to change out of your sopping-wet swimsuit to grab a meal. These windows are usually open well after Cabanas has stopped serving lunch, so they’re a great late afternoon option.
• Other options : Triton’s usually serves a lunch option on most days if you want a sit-down meal but don’t want to wade through the crowds at Cabanas. Room Service is another good option.
• Primary option: Your assigned rotational dining restaurant is your best bet for dinner. Dining at these locations is the highlight of each day onboard the ship, thanks to the themed menus, specialty décor, and personalized service from a dedicated wait staff who remains with you each night of the cruise. (They’re likely to become your favorite Crew Members onboard — Katie and I still talk about Potchara and Heny, our servers from a 2019 Alaska Cruise on the Disney Wonder).
• Secondary option: As an alternative to your pre-scheduled rotational dining restaurant, you might opt to dine at Cabanas, which is totally different at night. While breakfast and lunch there can feel a bit hectic, Dinner at Cabanas is much more relaxed. No carrying around your plate and searching for a seat — a server presents you with a menu and brings food to you. This is a great option if the menu for one of your assigned restaurants doesn’t look that appealing to you, or if you’re not keen on dressing up for Formal Night.
• Other options: Many cruisers enjoy dedicating at least one night of their cruise to an adult-exclusive meal at Palo. Otherwise, room service and the poolside quick-service windows are a good choice.

Off-Hours Eating and Snacking

• Primary option: For cravings outside the main meal periods, I recommend the quick-service windows such as Pete’s Boiler Bites, Daisy’s De-Lites, and Pinocchio’s Pizzeria. Their grab-and-go convenience makes them a great choice to tide you over between meals. Individual portions are a bit smaller so you won’t spoil your dinner (unless you want to, because it’s still all-you-can-eat).
• Secondary option: Room Service is available day and night, up until about 1:30 AM on the last morning of your cruise. So if it’s 3AM and you suddenly find yourself in desperate need of a hamburger, it’s the only way to go. As a slightly less extreme example, there’s something delightful about having warm cookies and milk delivered to your room just before bedtime.

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Disney Wonder Pools and Water Slides

Twist ’n’ Spout Water Slide

Part of the AquaLab (see below), Twist ‘n’ Spout is a bright yellow double-looping waterslide. You’ll twist and turn over almost 250 feet before a thrilling splashdown. Guests must be at least 38” tall to ride, and adult supervision is required for kids under age 16.

Pools and Splash Pads

This multi-level water playground is a great place for kids to cool off during their cruise. It includes a small wading pool, plenty of geysers and pop jets, pouring “paint” cans and showerheads, leaky pipes, and Donald’s Boiler (a character-shaped contraption that occasionally blows its top, drenching everyone). Intended for ages 3+; adult supervision required for those under age 16.

Goofy’s Pool

Goofy’s Pool on deck 9 serves as the family pool onboard and is the ship’s largest pool area. The giant FunnelVision video screen and a large stage are nearby, so there’s always something to enjoy while swimming. Intended for ages 3+ (must be toilet trained), with adult supervision required for those under age 16. This pool is occasionally closed so it can be covered and used as additional deck space for the sail-away party and other major events.

• Dory’s Reef

Toddlers aged 3 years or younger can enjoy this 400-foot splash deck featuring spraying water and pop jets. Swim diapers are required, and children must be supervised by an adult.

Quiet Cove Pool

A serene oasis for ages 18+. A pool and whirlpool tubs are the main features, along with ample lounging space and easy access to the adult beverage of your choice.

Disney Wonder Kids Clubs and Teen Clubs

You might be surprised by how much time your kids will want to spend away from you during your Disney Cruise! One of the main reasons Disney Cruise Line is the best cruise line for kids is its fantastic youth activities spaces, including a substantial portion of Deck 5 which is dedicated solely to passengers under the age of 12.

• Disney’s Oceaneer Club

The Oceaneer Club is the place where your kids will likely spend a large amount of their time onboard. This secure facility is accessible only to kids aged 3-10 and trained youth activities staff (though adults are welcome to visit during established Open House hours). Inside, kids will find specially-themed spaces and kid-friendly activities. Best of all, it’s all included in the cost of your Disney cruise!

Andy’s Room

Kids are immersed in the world of Disney·Pixar’s Toy Story movies in this unique multi-level play area including the Slinky Dog Slide.

Marvel Super Hero Academy

Kids visit a top-secret S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, and learn to summon their inner Super Hero. There’s plenty of time for freeform play, with occasional structured activities including visits and training with real Super Heroes.

Disney Junior Area

A favorite of younger Oceaneers, the Disney Junior area features games, characters, and more.

Frozen Adventures

Join Olaf for games and activities celebrating Summer, or prepare for the royal coronation with Anna and Elsa!

• Disney’s Oceaneer Lab

The Oceaneer Lab offers hands-on activities and experiences for kids ages 3-10. It’s connected by an internal hallway to the Oceaneer Club, so it’s easy for kids to swap between the two.

Animator’s Studio

Learn how to draw your favorite Disney characters – or just entertain your own creative instincts.

Anyone Can Cook

Learn how to measure and mix ingredients and bake a batch of fresh chocolate-chip cookies.

Captain’s Workshop

Enjoy movies and video games in a spacious play area.

Pluto’s Pajama Party

This slumber party with Mickey’s pup pal Pluto is sure to be a hit.

Stitch’s Space Goo

Join Experiment 626 and the professor to make a batch of intergalactic ooze.

The Wheelhouse

Take the wheel of a large video screen navigation simulator and see if you have what it takes to steer a Disney Cruise Ship.

Tweens and young teens – ages 11 to 14 – have a space all to themselves onboard the Disney Wonder. Edge is the perfect place to relax thanks to its moody boiler room feel. There’s a huge 98″ video screen for watching Disney movies, a dance floor, plus plenty of video games and crafts. A mix of planned activities and unstructured free time leaves plenty of opportunities for socializing.

Climb right inside one of the Disney Wonder’s iconic red smokestack funnels to reach this teens-only retreat. Passengers aged 14 to 17 can enjoy a specialty coffee or smoothie while relaxing with newfound friends in a safe environment. For techy types, there are plenty of TVs, video games, and tablets. Meanwhile, active teens will enjoy dance parties, karaoke sessions, and group activities.

it’s a small world nursery!

While there’s no in-room babysitting on the Disney Wonder, infants and toddlers aged three and younger are well-cared-for onboard thanks to the it’s a small world nursery!

Youth counselors will happily feed, change, and interact with the little ones while parents and guardians enjoy other parts of the ship.

This nursery service does require a nominal fee, charged by the half-hour with a one-hour minimum. Discounts are available for multiple children in the same family.

Advanced reservations are strongly recommended.

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Disney Wonder Entertainment and Activities

With live Broadway-style shows and lively deck parties, the Disney Wonder offers a wide variety of onboard entertainment.

Broadway-Style Shows in the Walt Disney Theatre

Each night of your cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a live show in the beautiful Walt Disney Theatre. The nearly-1,000-seat theatre hosts three Broadway-style shows during your cruise, with showtimes offered opposite your dinner time; if you have early dinner, you’ll catch the late show… and vice versa. You can even watch a recorded version of the shows on your stateroom television if you don’t want to head to the theatre at showtime.

Passengers on longer voyages will also enjoy other additions such as a magician, hypnotist, or family-friendly comedian on nights when the Broadway-style shows are dark.

Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic

A touching tale of a young girl at the age of not believing – follow along as she learns how to believe in herself thanks to the power of positive thinking along with some help from favorite Disney characters and memorable music.

Frozen – A Musical Spectacular

A lively musical retelling of Anna and Elsa’s journey. Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf are all here to join in the adventure, and of course all the familiar songs are there, too.

The Golden Mickeys

It’s awards night with all the glitz and glamor of the red carpet. Who will win “Most Romantic” or “Most Heroic”? And more importantly, who will host the show? The emcee is missing! Something tells me it’ll all get sorted out in the nick of time, and we might even learn a little bit about believing in ourselves along the way. Featuring songs from about a dozen different Disney films, this show is a fan favorite that’s sure to have you humming along.

Special Themed Nights and Deck Parties

Frozen night.

Select 7-night sailings on the Disney Wonder include a Frozen-themed evening, complete with special menus inside the dining rooms, an Anna’s Chocolate Chase scavenger hunt, and a Freezing the Night Away deck party.

Pirates in the Caribbean Deck Party with Fireworks

Some itineraries may include a Pirate night. Enjoy a special themed menu at dinner, then head up to the pool deck for a raucous live show with favorite Disney characters and fireworks at sea!

Note: not every itinerary offers a pirate night, and fireworks may be canceled due to weather. Pirate night is  never offered on Alaskan sailings due to the fireworks’ impact on wildlife and the natural surroundings.

PIXAR Pals Party

Found only onboard Alaska sailings on the Wonder (in place of Pirate Night), this party features character greetings and lively music from your favorite Disney•PIXAR films.

Disney Movies in the Buena Vista Theatre

First-run and classic favorite Disney, Marvel, PIXAR, and LucasFilm movies are shown all day long in the Buena Vista Theatre. There’s no need to buy a ticket – just drop in at showtime and grab a seat.

If your cruise falls during the premiere of a highly-anticipated Disney film, there will likely be a huge “PremEAR at Sea” showing first in the Walt Disney Theatre. After that, it’ll be shown repeatedly in the Buena Vista Theatre for the remainder of the cruise.

Disney Wonder Spas and Salons

Disney Wonder offers a full-service spa onboard the ship, plus many other health and wellness services to help you melt away the troubles of the real world during your cruise.

Senses Spa and Salon

Pamper yourself like no place else at Senses Spa & Salon onboard the Disney Wonder. Choose from a comprehensive spa menu , salon services, or rejuvenation procedures at this restful retreat on Deck 9. Offerings include aroma stone therapy, deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, facials, acupuncture, teeth whitening, shampooing & cut/style, manipedis, CoolSculpting, and more. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, sandals & robes, showers, and lockers complete the package. Services here require an upcharge.

This special area of Senses offers treatments exclusively for teens aged 13-17. A parent or guardian must accompany the teen for the duration of the treatment, and parent/teen combined services can be purchased if desired.

Fitness Center

Keep up your workout routine even while you’re on vacation with the Disney Wonder’s Fitness Center. Those looking for an equipment-based workout will find a nice selection of weight machines, cardio equipment, ellipticals, and treadmills. For a group experience, try yoga, Pilates, or an aerobics class. You can even arrange for a one-on-one analysis and training session with a professional personal coach.

• Walking/Jogging Track

The Deck 4 promenade of the Disney Wonder serves as a full-circle walking/jogging track. Although I’m no runner, I do enjoy a leisurely walk here at least once per cruise to help break up that sense of “only short bursts of activity” that can set in on a longer sailing. Being on Deck 4 gives you a close-up view of the water — close enough to notice, perhaps, a porpoise breaching the surface. That makes this deck not only a great place to exercise, but also a great place to relax in a deck chair.

Deck 4 Promenade

A nice side bonus of this track is that as you make the turn to circle around to reach the opposite side of the ship, you’ll get a look at some of the mechanical wizardry that keeps the ship functioning. For someone like me who loves behind-the-scenes gadgetry, it’s a neat perk that helps to nudge me out onto the track.

Heavy Machinery

Psst… here’s my favorite super secret tip for the Disney Wonder : if you’re on a glacier day during an Alaska cruise and find that the decks are too crowded to get a good view, take the walking path on deck 4 and head toward the back of the ship. As the path transitions from an open promenade to an enclosed area behind the metal walls of the ship, you’ll encounter several giant open air portholes that offer a great view. Few folks know they’re here, so there’s rarely any “competition” for a spot. Don’t tell anyone! 😉

Look, ma! No tourists!

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Disney Wonder Itineraries and Home Ports

The Disney Wonder is on track to become one of the most widely-traveled Disney cruise ships, visiting Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, and New Zealand.

Disney Wonder has a busy schedule of cruises in 2024 .

• January to early February: Australia / New Zealand Cruises from Melbourne and Sydney
• Mid-February to mid-March: A South Pacific Cruise from Sydney to Honolulu, a Hawaiian Cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver, and a Pacific Coast Cruise from Vancouver to San Diego
• Mid-March to mid-May: Baja, Mexican Riviera, and Pacific Coast cruises from San Diego
• Mid-May to late-September: Alaska Cruises from Vancouver
• Late-September to late-October: A Hawaiian cruise from Vancouver to Honolulu, followed by a South Pacific cruise from Honolulu to Brisbane
• Late-October to end of year: Australia / New Zealand Cruises from Brisbane, Auckland, Melbourne, and Sydney

Here’s a look at the 2025 Disney Cruises onboard the Disney Wonder.

• January through mid-February:  Australia and New Zealand cruises from Sydney and Melbourne, Australia
• Mid-February through early March:  a series of one-way cruises that take it to  Honolulu, Hawaii , followed by Vancouver, Canada, and then to San Diego, CA
• March through May:  Baja California and Mexican Riviera cruises from  San Diego .
• Mid-May:  One-way cruise to Vancouver
• Late May through late September:   Alaska Cruises from Vancouver
• Late September and Early October:  Hawaiian Cruise (Vancouver to Honolulu) and South Pacific Cruise (Honolulu to Sydney)
• Late October through End of 2025:  Australia and New Zealand cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, and Auckland

Here’s the 2026 Disney Cruise schedule on the Disney Wonder:

• January:  Australia and New Zealand Cruises from Sydney
• February:  a series of one-way cruises, including a South Pacific cruise (Sydney to Honolulu),  Hawaiian cruise  (Honolulu to Vancouver), and Pacific Coast cruise (Vancouver to San Diego)
• March through early May:  Baja and Mexican Riviera Cruises from San Diego
• May 7, 2026 and Beyond:  Not yet announced

Find a Cruise Near You and Secure the Best Possible Rate

Disney Wonder Deck-by-Deck

Here’s a look at what’s located on each deck of the Disney Wonder.

• Health Center
• Tender Lobbies (ship exit at ports of call)
• Category 9D
• Category 10C
• Self-Service Laundry
• Category 9B
• Category 9C
• Category 10B
• Category 11C
• Triton’s
• Guest Services
• Port Adventures Desk
• Port Shopping Desk
• Public Restrooms
• Sea Treasures
• Lobby Atrium
• Walt Disney Theatre
• Preludes Bar
• Mickey’s Mainsail
• Shutters Portrait Studio
• Vacation Planning Desks
• Vista Gallery
• Atrium (overlook)
• Buena Vista Theatre
• “it’s a small world” nursery
• Category 5C
• Category 6A
• Category 7A
• Category 9A
• Category 10A
• Category 11B
• Category 5B
• Category 11A
• Category 5A
• Category 1A
• Category 1B
• Category 2A
• Category 2B
• Category 3A
• Category 4A
• Category 4B
• Category 4E
• Funnel Vision
• Goofy’s Family Pool
• Mickey’s Splash Zone
• Pool Deck Stage
• Quiet Cove Adult Pool
• Whirlpool Spas
• Daisy’s De-Lites
• Pete’s Boiler Bites
• Sulley’s Sips
• Pinocchio’s Pizzeria
• Fitness Area
• Rainforest Room
• Twist ‘n’ Spout
• Wide World of Sports Deck
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
• Concierge Lounge
• Concierge Sun Deck

Disney Wonder Fact Sheet

Shipyard (ship’s birthplace).

Fincantieri – Marghera & Ancona, Italy

Maiden voyage

August 15, 1999

Varies by time of year — see Itineraries & Ports above

Ship’s Registry

Approximately 84,000 gross tons

21.5 knots cruising speed

24 knots maximum speed

Diesel-based electric

Crew Members

Maximum capacity.

2,713 passengers

875 staterooms

• 384 verandah staterooms (includes 22 suites)
• 229 oceanview staterooms
• 262 inside staterooms (30%)

How To Book a Cruise on the Disney Wonder

There are many ways to book Disney Cruise Line vacations , but we believe the best way to make your reservation onboard the Disney Wonder (or any other Disney Cruise ship ) is to work with a Disney Cruise expert at our official travel agency partners at The Vacationeer .

As an Earmarked Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner , The Vacationeer offers free help planning and booking your Disney Cruise . Their agents can help pick the best Disney Cruise Ship for your kids and discuss the differences between a Disney Cruise and other cruise lines such as Norwegian , Royal Caribbean , Princess , and Carnival (they book those, too!).

Your cruise won’t cost any more than if you’d booked it yourself — and it might even cost less ! Why? One of the many reasons to book with a Disney travel agent is their excellent knowledge of all the latest discounts and ways to save money.

Speaking of saving money — The Vacationeer offers Onboard Credit . That’s free spending money toward purchases you make while you’re on the ship: spa treatments, souvenirs, shore excursions , specialty dining, even gratuities! Booking through The Vacationeer can earn you up to $1,000 in onboard credit .

And finally, there’s the personalized service . When you book through The Vacationeer , you’ll have a single, dedicated agent who’ll handle your cruise arrangements from start to finish . Imagine — never having to wait on hold to speak to yet another agent in a giant call center!

So what’re you waiting for? The Disney Wonder is waiting to take you on the cruise of your dreams — and Vacationeers are ready to help make it a reality!

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One Comment

Your right about the smaller ships. My husband and I had only sailed on the Magic & Wonder but finally tried the Dream two weeks ago. It was a pretty boat but much bigger than we were used to. It certainly reminded us we’re getting older lol. I think we’ll stick with the Magic once it comes back to Florida next year.

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Comparing Disney Cruise Ships: Disney Wonder, Disney Dream and the reimagined Disney Magic

BY SARAH STONE

In the spring of 2014, Don and I sailed on a 4-night Disney Magic cruise to the Bahamas, and then in the summer of 2014 we took our kids with us on a 7-night Disney Wonder cruise to Alaska and another 4-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream. We were excited to see the reimagined Disney Magic and curious how the now “classic” Disney Wonder would compare. These two ships were the very first Disney Cruise Line ships and are almost identical in their layout. Both have 875 staterooms (2,400 passengers maximum). The Disney Dream and Fantasy are newer and larger: two decks taller than the Magic and Wonder, with 1,250 staterooms (4,000 passengers maximum). We wondered how much bigger the Dream would feel when compared to the smaller ships.

Naturally, all the Disney cruise ships have a lot in common – no casinos, great childcare, lots of character appearances, and a very kid-friendly crew. But we were curious if there would be any significant differences beyond the décor, or if we would have a preference for one ship over another.

What’s new and different on the Disney Magic?

The Magic is the oldest ship in the fleet. It first sailed in July 1998, but in 2013 it went into drydock to do a complete “reimagining,” including big changes in pretty much every area. Let’s start with the staterooms – the Disney Magic now has more adjoining staterooms and more verandahs that have a removable divider, allowing you to create one large verandah for your entire group. Both of those features definitely make it easier to hang out when your family or group takes up 2 staterooms. A few other subtle, but definite improvements are: slightly taller bed frames, so you can more easily slide your suitcase underneath, and regular hairdryers. The old built-in hairdryers on the Wonder were a bit harder to manage – they were shaped like the long thin nozzle on a vacuum cleaner and I found it awkward to manipulate. Although between walking on the windy decks and swimming in the pool, my hair tended toward a more windblown look anyway!

The top deck now has a new thrill slide called the AquaDunk , which is much shorter and simpler than the similarly-named AquaDuck on the Dream & Fantasy. The AquaDunk is a fast body slide, with a short nearly vertical section, a brief spiral, and that’s it. It’s a nice addition, but not nearly as long as the AquaDuck and not nearly as friendly to the thrill-challenged like me. The Magic also added a kid’s water play area with a variety of interactive spouts, showers, buckets, and water squirters for kids of all ages. The main Mickey water slide in the kid’s section has been made longer and fancier, and can now handle pretty much any size guest, so it’s open to larger kids and parents.

What about the children’s areas below decks? Our two boys are teenagers, so we didn’t have much experience with the Oceaneer Club or the Oceaneer Lab on these cruises. We took a look during the open house hours and it was clear that more magical touches had been added on the Disney Magic. The play areas had more theming and more interactive elements. The Disney Magic’s Oceaneer Club now has the Marvel Avengers Academy where kids get superhero training from Captain America, an area called Andy’s Room that makes kids feel like they’re toy-sized and playing on Andy’s bed, and a Tinkerbell-themed dress up area called Pixie Hollow. And yes, parents have a chance to join in the fun too, but only during open house hours. The Disney Magic has also added more automated handwashers for kids to use as they enter and leave the child care areas.

The three main restaurants on the Disney Magic (Carioca’s, Lumiere’s and Animator’s Palate) and the adults-only area also have new décor. We really liked the dark blue and silver décor in the adults-only area. It felt special and more grown up the minute you entered that part of the ship, from the hallway to the 3 lounges. Animator’s Palate has a new participatory show – Drawn to Magic. In addition to adding more screens, everyone gets to create an animated figure that eventually becomes part of the show. Your servers will let you know which screen to keep an eye on so you can see your creation come to life.

So, how does the Disney Wonder hold up now that it’s the oldest ship in the Disney fleet?

In a word, or two, very well! The ship is clean, well kept up and the crew is busy painting, varnishing and generally swabbing to keep things shipshape, as they are on any other Disney ship. One feature we particularly liked on the Wonder was the larger enclosed coffee bar on the top deck. It has more indoor seating than the coffee bar on the Magic and on an Alaskan cruise that’s a great feature. There is so much to see from the top deck as you cruise through the Inside Passage and up Tracy Arm. This enclosed space was a great place to be in the early morning or evening, sipping a hot beverage (or a cocktail) and enjoying the view, but out of the wind and cooler air.

Overall we were quite pleased with the Wonder and didn’t feel it suffered in any significant way by comparison to the Magic. For example, it would have been nice to have the new hair dryers, but in the end I was able to dry my hair with the old ones fine. We felt the same way about pretty much all the other changes. Some would be nice to have, but nothing that seriously detracted from the experience. We did think the newly refurbished Animator’s Palate on the Magic was a big improvement, and the kid’s water play area was very nice and would enhance the cruise for anyone with water-loving small children. Otherwise it was “six of one, half-dozen of the other” for us.

Much of our experience on the Wonder was colored by our destination – we LOVED Alaska! The scenery, the wildlife, the excursions – it was all amazing. Disney brings naturalists aboard to talk about the wildlife you will be seeing – we lucked out and had a fantastic one on our cruise. (But the quality can vary, our friend did the same itinerary a few weeks later with a different naturalist onboard who wasn’t nearly as compelling a speaker.) While sailing up Tracy Arm, the crew serves hot soup in a bread bowl and other hearty lunch items right on the forward deck, so you don’t miss a minute of the amazing views.. And seven days on the same ship gives you time to get to know your servers, the entertainment crew and feel really familiar with the ship. The great crew and the amazing sites we saw insure that the Disney Wonder will always have a special place in our hearts.

Is a Bigger Cruise Ship Better?

When Disney designed their second two ships, the Dream and the Fantasy, they clearly looked at what worked on their first two ships and what they wanted to adjust or improve.

One thing we appreciated on the Dream was having connecting staterooms with the kids in one room and us in the other. Our kids are older, so having completely separate rooms (as we did on the Wonder) wasn’t a concern, just slightly more inconvenient. But having more connecting staterooms available on the Dream is definitely a plus for families with younger children. Another great feature of the staterooms which our younger son particularly enjoyed was the Disney Movies on Demand in our stateroom. On the Magic and Wonder there were Disney movies playing on TV continuously, however on the Dream he could pick from a huge list of Disney movies and start it whenever he wanted and pause it if we had somewhere to go.

We enjoyed the Midship Detective Agency game , currently only present on the Dream and Fantasy. This is a self-guided scavenger hunt of sorts that involves traveling around the ship to find various pieces of magical interactive art that react to your special “Detective Badge” and reveal clues to you after you’ve finished a simple game or task.  It was definitely easy for our teenage boys, but we all enjoyed seeing the art that moves and changes when you walk by. And it was a fun way to explore the ship.

The hot tubs on the Dream, both in the family area and the adult only area, are right up against the side of the ship, which I really liked. Rather than just having a view of the pool, or another couple in the hot tub, you could look out and enjoy the view of the ocean or watch what’s going on in the port.

The restaurants on the Dream are quite different from the Wonder and the Magic. The Enchanted Garden was very pretty; you feel like you are in a greenhouse. We had heard great things about the transformation from day to night, but it was VERY subtle! There was a mural along the back wall that transformed and the lighting above also changed, but if you didn’t know that a transformation was going to happen, we weren’t sure you would notice. There were some very pretty lights shaped like flower blossoms that seemed to having moving parts (as if the blossom could open and shut) but they didn’t move and our server (who had been on the ship about 2 years) said she had never seen them change and wasn’t sure if they were supposed to move or not. So we were slightly underwhelmed, as we had been expecting a more noticeable transformation.

Animator’s Palate is VERY different from Magic and Wonder – with several screens in each seating area. Crush from Finding Nemo eventually swims by on the larger screens and interacts with each area. (Other Finding Nemo characters swim by as well with games and funny interactions, but don’t respond to the audience.) It was fun to watch, but when Crush was in our area we had a hard time hearing him; we weren’t right next to the screen and the people at the tables closest to the screen didn’t particularly respond to him. So unfortunately the interaction wasn’t very long and we couldn’t quite follow what did happen. But we did see him on a screen farther away talking with a group of about 4 boys who were teaching him some Spanish and it looked like they were having a great time.

And that sums up many of our experiences on the Disney Dream – everything was beautiful and we appreciated the extra features and technology, but somehow nothing felt quite as magical or personal as it had on the smaller DCL ships. Our servers were nice, but the service was a bit unorganized and they didn’t particularly chat with us. It was more like being in a normal restaurant where they take your order and generally leave you alone. It didn’t ruin our meal, but part of the upside of having the same servers every night is that you develop some familiarity. As I looked around I didn’t see as much chatting and goofing around by the servers at other tables as I had on the Wonder and the Magic. The overall impression we had of the servers in the restaurants was that they were very busy.

Don and I treated ourselves to a dinner and a brunch at Remy, and wow! We had both enjoyed Palo on the Magic and Wonder, but the intimacy and high level of service at Remy really were wonderful, especially after our less personal experience with the rotational dining. The servers are highly attentive and the food was amazing. In fact, the first time we dined there, the maître d’ addressed us by name as we walked up to check in. It was a delightful and relaxing experience.

What we ultimately felt about the Dream was that the ship is great and has some nice features (Remy being a real standout) but some of the staff we interacted with didn’t feel quite as polished as they did on the Magic and Wonder. We do wonder if having to do 3- and 4-day trips over and over to the same destinations isn’t conducive to job satisfaction. The smaller ships are constantly changing their itineraries and home ports as they move around to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Miami, Galveston, Alaska, etc. We can imagine that would help make the crew’s work more interesting. And don’t get me wrong – we had a lovely time on the Dream, and are already planning a trip on the Fantasy, since we really would like to experience one of the large ships on a longer cruise.

To sum up , every cruise is different so it’s hard to know how much of our impressions were based the length of our cruise or the crew members we happened to interact with, rather than the ship itself. Overall we had a wonderful time on all 3 cruises and the differences were minor. We felt relaxed and enjoyed the different excursions and onboard activities. Our 7-night cruise to Alaska allowed us more time on the ship so, unsurprisingly, we felt more familiar with the ship and the crew. That’s not as likely to happen on a 4-night cruise; you can feel like you spent the whole time trying things, but don’t get the fun of returning to a favorite spot. Which I guess just means that you need to book another cruise on that ship!

Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

Disney Wonder vs Disney Wish

The Disney Wonder was built in 1999. It was renovated in 2016. Disney Wonder's exterior has a old-school steam boat feel while the interior leans into the Art Nouveau styling. Outside the ship, you'll see Donald Duck painting the name on the stern. It's 23 years older than the Wish , which was built in 2022. The Disney Wish is inspired by stories of wish fulfilment. You'll enter the ship through the Grand Hall which is themed after a castle with a large statue of Cinderella and a display of her glass slipper. Outside the ship, you'll see Rapunzel painting the name on the stern.

Comparison Overview

Number of passengers, food and restaurants.

• Bars and Drinks

Pools and Hot Tubs

Ship features and activities, cruise costs, onboard costs.

The Wonder is considered a small size ship. Coming in at 964 feet long and 106 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 2.7 football fields, as wide as 2 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 11-story building. Compared to the Disney Wish, the Wonder is 42% smaller in terms of overall tons.

Disney Wonder holds 56% fewer passengers than the Wish based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, or what we call the "Space Ratio," the Wonder has more space per person compared to the Wish. This means that you might have a bit more space to yourself on the ship, although there still could be some crowded areas like buffets, pools, etc.

Food is a big part of any cruise, and the ship you choose can make a huge difference in your food experience.

The Wonder has 10 different dining options like Triton's , Tiana's Place , and Pinocchio's Pizzeria . Of those options, 8 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 2 options have an additional fee.

The Wish has the same number of dining venues. Some of its popular venues are Marceline Market , Palo Steakhouse , and Worlds of Marvel . 5 of these restaurants are complementary and the other 5 have an additional fee.

The Disney Wonder has about the same number of dining options as the Disney Wish.

If you're looking to avoid extra money while on board, the Wonder might be a better choice then the Wish. More of the dining options are included in the base cruise fare, potentially saving you money.

Restaurants on Disney Wonder & Wish

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Both ships serve the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship.

There are also plenty of bars available on these ships. Alcohol is not included in the base price of this cruise ship. To see if you would save money with a drink package, try our Drink Package Calculator.

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day for 7 days in a pool, a cruise isn't for you. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Disney Wonder has a total of 3 pools and 4 hot tubs. Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 2 of the hot tubs are adults only.

Disney Wish has more pools than the Wonder and fewer hot tubs. There are more exclusive pools and hot tubs on the Wish. If you don't mind paying for exclusive access to areas in order to have less crowds, this might be a better choice.

Both ships have lots of activities to keep you busy throughout your cruise. Below you'll see a list of some of the major features on these ships. On both ships, 83% of the activities below are included in your cruise fare.

Disney is a premium cruise line. Premium cruise lines typically offer upscale food, accommodations, and service. These typically cost about $150 - $400 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year. Typically newer ships cost more, so a cruise on Disney Wonder will likely be cheaper than on Disney Wish.

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you understand what you might spend onboard a Disney ship.

With Disney Cruises, soda is included for meals, but will have an extra cost at bars and throughout the day. While no drink packages are available, you can preorder bottles of wine or beer at a discount.

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10 Differences between the Classic and Dream Class Ships on Disney Cruise Line

I get asked all the time how the four Disney Cruise Line ships differ. And I especially get this question from guests who have sailed on one of the two newer ships ( Disney Dream or Disney Fantasy ) and are contemplating sailing on one of the classic ships ( Disney Magic or Disney Wonder ).  “What are the differences?” “Will I like the Magic and Wonder as much as I liked the new ships?”

To be sure, there are many things about the four ships which are the same, like the level of service Disney Cruise Line is known for, those amazing Disney stylistic touches, and the excellent officers and crew. But, make no mistake, there are differences. I’ll break them down for you here!

2. Crowds – More passengers mean bigger crowds. But with the added space do you really feel it? Sometimes. The terminal in Port Canaveral will feel more crowded when the Dream and Fantasy are in port vs. when the Magic and Wonder are there. Castaway Cay should also feel a little more crowded with more people there, but in truth I’ve never felt a big difference while on that little strip of paradise. I’ve found lines can definitely be longer on the new ships, but the good news is you don’t have to line up that often. The waterslides will have lines, the counter service restaurants, and some (non-ticketed) character meets, but other than that, there aren’t too many lines. Even the buffets are set up in food stations on the Dream and Fantasy (and now the Magic) so you don’t have to wait in line. Most of the time, the added passengers won’t make a significant difference either way in your cruise experience.

4. Slides and Pools – The newer ships upped the game on water activities. The Dream and Fantasy both have the first water coaster at sea – the AquaDuck . All three pools were redesigned and the hot tubs hang out over the edge of the pool deck with clear windows in the floor to see the water (far) below. The Fantasy added a water play/splash area called the AquaLab as well as two other small splash pools. Satellite Falls is one of them and is for adults only. It’s located forward on deck 13. The other is for families and is called the Funnel Paddle. It’s located forward on deck 12. When the Magic was reimagined, they redid the children’s pool and slide, and added a splash zone there too.  They also added the AquaDunk , a super fun three story body slide. The Dream, Fantasy, and now Magic also upgraded the baby/toddler splash areas.

6. Restaurants – While the servers and food quality is pretty much the same across the four ships, there are some differences in the restaurants. One notable addition to the new ships is a second adult-only restaurant option called Remy . Remy is an excellent French restaurant with topnotch cuisine and service (and dinner without a wine pairing costs a cool $75 per person). The new ships also did away with the traditional buffet line and created a buffet area full of convenient food stations named Cabanas . The Magic redid their buffet and is now set up the same way. The Wonder still has a traditional buffet named Beach Blanket Buffet . The Pool Deck on all four ships has similar offerings (although the restaurants have different names) of hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, salads, paninis, fruit, wraps, ice cream (can’t forget that!) and the like. The main dining rooms also have different names and theming but similar food. The one dining room with the biggest difference would be Animator’s Palate on the Dream and Fantasy. The theming is amazing and the screens set up all over the restaurant bring a couple of different experiences. On both the Dream and Fantasy, an interactive Crush (everyone’s favorite sea turtle) visits the tables during dinner. On the Fantasy there is also an incredible animation experience called Animation Magic one night of the cruise. I wasn’t expecting much the first time I saw it, but by the end I was giggling like a school girl. It’s so popular the Magic also added it after its reimagination. Animator’s Palate on the Wonder is a great experience as well with the walls, screens, and even the servers clothes changing from black and white to color as you dine, but perhaps it’s due for an update.

8. Activities – The four ships all offer several activities and we don’t ever find ourselves bored on any of them, but the Dream and Fantasy do bring a few new things to the table. The interactive artwork and Midship Detective Agency are great additions. The Dream and Fantasy also have golf simulators (which do cost extra although there’s usually no charge the first afternoon) and mini golf. The Dream and Fantasy also added more stores! All the better to take your money from you. The Magic did add space to its existing stores as well. The spa onboard all four ships is great, but the new ships and the reimagined Magic are a little bit nicer in my opinion. Shutters , the onboard photography shop, on the Magic has been updated to the better set up on the Dream and Fantasy.  The Walt Disney Theater has the same feel on all four ships but is much larger on the new ships with a balcony to accommodate even more guests. There are different shows on different ships, but all four have excellent shows.

9. Concierge – If you happen to be sailing concierge, there are some differences between the four ships. I covered most of them in a previous blog post on sailing concierge, but the most obvious difference would be the addition of a Concierge Lounge and Sun Deck on the Dream and Fantasy. The Concierge Lounge is a great space and you may miss it on the classic ships if you sail concierge on one of the new ships first. The suites are also very different on the Dream and Fantasy. The one bedroom suites on the Dream and Fantasy have a very open layout as opposed to the Magic and Wonder which feel more like two rooms joined together. The Magic and Wonder do have two bedroom suites whereas the newer ships do not. On the newer ships if you want to sleep more than 5 in concierge, you have to either go right to a Royal Suite or get two concierge rooms. The Magic and Wonder also do not have the category V concierge options which are very similar to the category 4 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah.

So is one ship better than the other? Should you avoid any of the ships? My answer is a very firm no. All four ships are different. If you’ve been on all four, you probably have a favorite. Some people prefer one of the smaller, more-intimate classic ships, others prefer the new amenities the Dream and Fantasy bring to the table. I too have a favorite ship, but I wouldn’t hesitate to sail on a single one of them if it’s going where I want to go! After 17 cruises, many different itineraries and a few times on each ship, I’ve never been disappointed!

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Tammy Whiting

Tammy has been a lover of all things Disney for most of her life. There’s nowhere on this Earth she’d rather be than on a Disney cruise with her family. She’s a Space Force wife and proud mom of two wonderful children and one beautiful daughter-in-law . She fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2008 and became a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. She now owns her own travel agency - Storybook Destinations. You can reach Tammy at [email protected].

20 thoughts on “ 10 Differences between the Classic and Dream Class Ships on Disney Cruise Line ”

Hi, I rarely leave comments but this was such a well written review I wanted to say well done! Also, several years out from this post, I’m curious if anything has changed on these ships with renovations that you know of (excluding the Wish) and now I’m curious what your favorite ship was. We went on the Dream back in 2012, and are gearing up for another cruise in 2022 or 2023: most likely on the Magic. The only thing I’m sad to miss out on is the MidShip Detective Agency, ha.

Thank you, Ashley! That’s very kind! The biggest updates from this article would be updates on the Wonder. It’s been through some upgrades since then, including Tiana’s, Oceaneers, etc. The Magic did update Animator’s Palate, and you will get the Animation Experience on longer cruises! They also added Rapunzel’s Royal Table, which is absolutely wonderful. I love the Magic!

Even though the newer ships have many more guests onboard, they still only have three rotating dining rooms, which means the dining rooms are larger and the noise level is much higher. We have never had a problem getting the internet in our cabin in the Wonder but it was a nightmare on the Dream.

Very true, Linda. The dining rooms on the Dream and Fantasy are huge!

I’ve only gone on two cruises in my life. First was the reimagined Magic in March 2014 and then the Dream in December 2014. Before I went, I read all of your blog posts, Tammy, so thank you for all the information.

In my comparison… 1. The Dream definitely felt huge when I walked from my aft stateroom to the forward spa. I don’t think I’d mind going back to a Magic/Wonder-sized ship, but I’m sure I’d notice. 2. The only place I noticed the crowds was in how large the dining rooms needed to be to accommodate that many people. 4. Loved the AquaDuck, but I only did it at night. Looking forward to trying it again, and when I go on the Magic, I’ll man up and try the AquaDunk. 6 Quick Service. Cabanas on the Magic felt more sensible than the one on the Dream. On the Dream, the buffet was so long, I got disoriented and I wasn’t ever sure I had seen everything. I also liked the walk-up quick-service windows on the Magic more. I liked Daisy’s just outside of Cabana’s and there was nothing comparable on the Dream that I saw. I also feel like the food service windows on the Magic all faced a central area, whereas they face the sides on the Dream. Again, it made more sense to me on the Magic. Also, on the Magic, they had a great “make your own shwarma/gyro” bar. I wanted that again, but didn’t see it offered on the Dream. 6 Table Service. The Crush show on the Dream disappointed me especially after having seen the Animation Magic show on the Magic. 6 Palo. I liked the layout on the Magic more. That could just be because we got a booth with a view of the entire restaurant on the Magic and on the Dream we were at a regular table somewhere in the middle. 7. Nothing wrong with the nightclubs on the Magic — nothing great either. They are infinitely better on the Dream. Skyline must be seen in person. Pink was also very well done. Elegant and girly at the same time. Oddly, Evolution was blah.

Side Note: Cove Cafe is also way better on the Dream. It’s bigger and better organized. Styling: The Magic and Dream are supposed to be art deco, and they are very well done in that style. The Wonder and Fantasy are supposed to be art nouveau, but from what I’ve seen in pictures, it looks like if a few of something had to be made for the Magic and the Wonder, it’s art deco on both ships, whereas the Fantasy got art nouveau treatment all around. (The metalwork around the atrium elevators comes to mind.)

If all goes as planned, my next sailing will be on the Fantasy. I’m such an art nouveau fan, I’m afraid I’ll never want to go on another ship and who knows how often I can get a week off during off-peak times.

Thanks, Ric! Great comparisons! I think you’re right about the compact size of Cabanas really working for the Magic. It felt like just as much food and not so overwhelming. And Cove Cafe is great on the Dream and Fantasy. You’re going to love the Fantasy. 🙂

I first sailed on the Disney Magic in 2010. After 2 sailings on the Fantasy we returned to the re-imagined Magic in November 2014. I enjoyed the changes, but the difference in size causes me to favor the Fantasy. My 1st cruise on the Fantasy was a Very Merrytime cruise as was my cruise on the Magic in November. Guests were definitely packed in a little tighter in the Magic’s atrium during holiday events that occurred there. I agree with you that if the itinerary I wanted was on a Classic Ship, it wouldn’t stop me from sailing on it despite my Dream Class ship preference.

I agree all around, Alecia!

I read your post with my son, who is as much a DCL fan as I am. He stopped me when I read in the Size and Capacity section that the Fantasy has 15 decks. He clearly remembers 14 decks from our sailings and wanted me to verify this with you.

Your son is absolutely right, Alecia! I thought I had 14 in there, that must have been a typo I did not catch! It’s 14. 🙂 Tell him thank you, and I will fix that now!

Thanks, is it adults only?

I think seeing the side by side comparisons in this article made it hard to digest, but I am sure it will be totally great!!

Thanks again!

It is adults only. 🙂

Absolutely. Totally great!

Here may be a couple of other things. The Rainforest room in the Spa on the Fantasy (and I would assume Dream but never been on the Dream) has heated tile lounge chairs in a sunroom that overlooks the ocean and there are also hot tubs there. The reimagined Magic has the same lounge chairs but they are in an interior room with no view.

Also the Wonder has the Outlook Cafe which is on the top deck with floor to ceiling windows and a clear ceiling IIRC. This is my favorite part on any ship.

Good additions, Michelle! I love the heated tile lounge chairs, but the view on the Dream and Fantasy is a nice bonus.

Another vote for the Outlook Cafe! Shame on me for forgetting to mention it.

Oh – we are going on Wonder in a couple of weeks and this actually makes me worried that it won’t be up to snuff. Still a cruise is a cruise so happy to be going on vacation but a lot of the amenities on the other ships would be nice.

Oh, I wouldn’t worry at all, CP! I love the Wonder. It hasn’t made as many updates as the Magic and isn’t as new as the Dream and Fantasy, but it’s still a beautiful ship with plenty to do and see. You’ll still get the same top notch service and yummy food as the other three ships. I’d sail on it again without hesitation. You’ll love it!

Thank for the reassurance! It’s our first DCL cruise so I am sure I am over analyzing everything 🙂

I had a great time on the Wonder over Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out the Overlook Cafe upstairs above Cove Cafe. One of my very favorite spots on a DCL ship and only found on the Wonder.

Thanks for the tip, Laurel! I definitely will!

I forgot to mention the Overlook Cafe! We spent a lot of time in there as well. It’s a great addition.

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Disney Magic review: What it's like to sail the original Disney ship 25 years later

If cars are often considered classics after 25 years, how does that translate to a popular cruise ship that is sailing toward its 25th birthday?

Having sailed on Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, Disney Wish , which is still in its first year of operations, along with both Disney Dream and Disney Wonder , I was curious how my family would find things on the oldest ship in Disney's fleet: Disney Magic.

Believe it or not, it's been almost 25 years since Magic first set sail in 1998, so it truly is an older ship by U.S. cruise line standards.

However, age is just a number, as they say, so I was excited to experience the Disney ship that started it all. After more than two decades of service, would it be a timeless classic or a less-impressive version of the younger and bigger Disney ships?

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On a chilly January morning, my family and I packed our Mickey ears and made the two-hour drive to the ship's winter home port of Galveston, Texas, ready to find out how Disney Magic stands up to the other ships in the fleet.

How old is Disney Magic?

Disney Magic set sail on its maiden voyage July 30, 1998, from Florida to the Bahamas. However, the ship has had work done over the years, and not every piece of it is rapidly approaching 25 years old.

For example, some elements of the ship are just 5 years old because they were added or revamped during Magic's last dry dock, when the cruise line took the opportunity to make some upgrades.

Updated attractions include the teen club Vibe, the adults-only coffee shop Cove Cave and the only "Tangled-" themed restaurant on the ocean: Rapunzel's Royal Table.

Dry-dock refurbishments are a pretty routine occurrence, taking place every five years or so. That means the ship isn't stuck in a 1998 time warp.

Instead, it's quite similar in many ways to all its fleetmates except Disney Wish, which is really a part of the next generation of Disney ships rather than a continuation of the look and feel of the first four.

In other words, don't let the age of Disney Magic scare you.

Related: 26 tips and tricks for sailing with Disney Cruise Line

The size of Disney Magic

Disney Magic may be the oldest (and tied with Disney Wonder for the fleet's smallest ship), but it's still a large ship at 11 decks high and 984 feet long. The 875-cabin vessel holds 3,658 passengers — 2,713 cruisers and about 945 crew members.

The ship features two theaters, five kids clubs, a spa, four restaurants (plus a buffet and quick-service food stalls) and three pools. In other words, you'll stay busy exploring and enjoying the ship for at least several days.

Restaurants and food on Disney Magic

Disney Magic debuted the cruise line's rotational dining system, which is unique in the cruise industry.

Throughout the cruise, passengers rotate through three complimentary dining venues, and your serving team joins you in the different restaurants each night. Other dining options include the extra-fee, adults-only restaurant, Disney Cruise Line's dedicated Italian restaurant. There are also casual grab-and-go venues on the pool deck.

Rapunzel's Royal Table

My favorite of the three included rotational restaurants is Rapunzel's Royal Table, found only on Disney Magic. Here, you get the unique experience of attending Rapunzel's birthday celebration.

Floating lanterns dot the ceiling, and some of the stars of "Tangled" perform a musical show on a central stage while you dine. Eventually, many of the characters work their way around the room, so you can say hi to the movie's villains and heroes. This dinner show was most similar to the Tiana-themed restaurant on Disney Wonder, which is also excellent.

Pro tip: Get the shrimp appetizer if you enjoy seafood — get two if you really enjoy seafood.

Lumiere's

The most non-descript of the three main dining rooms on Disney Magic is Lumiere's, which is "Beauty and the Beast" inspired. However, you'll only know that from the roses on the ceiling and the painting on one wall.

Otherwise, it's just a large restaurant that gives off major art deco vibes. If you need to miss a restaurant in favor of a meal at Palo or relaxing in your room, I'd pick this one as it's the most generic of the three.

Animator's Palate

All original four Disney ships have a version of Animator's Palate, though it varies a bit on each ship.

The one on Disney Magic starts in black and white, but the room and the wait staff gain colorful adornments throughout the course of the meal. A special guest makes an appearance during the grand finale, which is when things really transform into full color, accompanied with exciting music and special effects.

The special guest (spoiler alert: Mickey in his rarely worn Sorcerer's Apprentice outfit) dances his way all around the room, so have your camera ready.

Our turn in Animator's Palate happened on the final night of our cruise, so the entire wait staff came out for a round of well-deserved applause with Mickey, and it was honestly pretty emotional.

You do not want to leave early from this meal, so order extra dessert if you must and stay put until the end.

The most popular dish here may be the black truffle pasta purseittes appetizer, as it has quite the following, though it wasn't my personal favorite. The smoked salmon tartar and vegetarian black bean chipotle cakes were the hits at our table.

The best $45 you can spend onboard a Disney cruise , to me, is unquestionably a meal at Palo.

This adults-only restaurant is open for brunch and dinner, and you can't go wrong with either. There are sometimes last-minute openings. However, this is one meal you'll want to book as far out as possible as it's popular and has limited seating.

This is the only restaurant on Disney Magic where food costs extra, but the cost is reasonable for what you get. The essentially all-you-want-to-enjoy brunch costs $45 with can't-miss items such as chicken Parmesan, wild mushroom ravioli, a seafood antipasti plate and chocolate souffle, along with flatbreads, omelets, waffles and more.

Favorite grab-and-go spots

Out on deck, you'll also find many grab-and-go outlets, which are also included in your cruise fare. These venues serve up such basics as soft serve ice cream, pizza, fries and chicken tenders, but two of these fast-food stations were surprise hits.

Daisy's De Lites mainly offers fruits, salads and cookies, but it also has a build-your-own chicken and rice bowl that was absolutely fantastic. Load your bowl up with everything on offer for the best results.

Another nice surprise was the Duck-In Diner counter that served pita, hummus and gyros — a welcome change from the admittedly also-delicious kid staples of tenders and fries.

Related: 7 ways Disney Wish surprised me

Waterslide on Disney Magic

If you want a thrilling ride on a Disney ship, by far, the winner in that category is found on Disney Magic with its mildly terrifying AquaDunk.

Where the new AquaMouse on Disney Wish is cute and family-friendly, the AquaDunk is something else entirely, making it an alluring attraction for the tween and teen crew.

On this waterslide, you stand in a booth at the highest point on the ship. When it's your turn, the floor drops out beneath you, and you fall 40 feet only to be shot about 18 feet out over the side of the ship.

For this slide, not only do you have to be at least 4 feet tall, but you have to be OK with climbing into an enclosed capsule, having the door shut, hearing that countdown and then dropping and getting soaked.

I tried it once, and that was enough for me to say I've done it. If that's too intense for you or your kids, don't worry. There's a more traditional waterslide on Disney Magic, too. The Twist 'n' Spout slide by the AquaLab was the favorite spot for my 7-year-old.

Related: The best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

Pools on Disney Magic

Disney Magic has a lot of strengths, but the pools are pretty basic.

Options include the AquaLab pool, Goofy's main pool between the two funnels, a small splash area and the adult pool area. If you go during off hours, such as early or late in the day, it's a great experience. However, the pools aren't nearly large enough for the popularity of a midday swim.

The adult pool area was my personal favorite of the three pools, though it's not nearly as cool looking as the infinity pool on Disney Wish.

In the interest of setting realistic expectations, expect pools to look much more like this (or worse) during the heat of the day.

Kid clubs on Disney Magic

Small world nursery.

While most of the kid clubs on Disney cruises are included, the one exception across all the ships is for the Small World Nursery. It's available for little ones from 6 months to 3 years old at a rate of $4.50 per half hour. This was a relatively basic space compared to the other kid clubs, but this age range is the easiest to impress.

Pro tip: There is a one-way mirror so you can check on your little one without them seeing you.

Oceaneer's Club and Lab

The heart of Disney Cruise Line's kid clubs are the Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab, which are connected and available to kids from ages 3 to 12 who are potty trained. Here, you'll find a "Toy Story-" themed slide, crafts, video games, organized activities, competitions, an Avenger's area and more.

Kids can enjoy free play or color, play video games or go on the slide at their own pace, but the youth staff also lead frequent group activities throughout the day. These may be a better fit for kids who need a little more support and structure to their fun.

My 7-year-old would consistently eat her dinner as fast as possible to head here and keep playing.

There's no fee and no reservations required to come and play in these clubs. However, you will need to get a Magic Band from the kids club that is used to track the kiddos while they are in the clubs. If you return it on the last night of the cruise, you won't be charged for its use.

Once your kiddo turns 11 (or 10 with parent permission and enough space), they can start visiting Edge, which has a submarine-under-the-sea look on Disney Magic.

It's nearly identical to the Edge club on Disney Wonder. Youth staff lead organized activities and games in Edge at certain times during the day, but it also serves as a casual tween hangout spot the rest of the time.

The teen club, Vibe, is open for to those ages 14 to 17, though you can get in a year early with parent permission, which is what my 13-year-old chose. Both Vibe and Edge are come-and-go clubs that don't scan your kids in and out or track them with any sort of band.

The youth staff offer some structured games and activities, but Vibe is largely a place to hang out, play video games and get to know other teens.

Pro tip: If your teen wants to make friends on the ship, have them be active and present in the teen club on the first day when there are ice-breaker activities. Lots of unofficial cruise packs of friends form on day one, and then the teens roam the ship together, not necessarily hanging out in the club.

Related: These are the best cruises for teens

Rooms on Disney Magic

I'm sure there are some differences among the cabins on Disney Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy, but they all look the same to me.

The decor is heavy on navy, white, stripes and wood. Below is our cabin on Magic, which slept the three of us comfortably with the couch converting to a single bed. Unlike in some cabins we've had, this one did not have a bed that came down from the ceiling.

It did feature the split bathroom design Disney Cruise Line is known for. One small bathroom contains the sink and toilet, and a separate little room has another sink and a tub/shower combo. The layout is ideal for getting multiple people ready for the day or for bed at the same time.

Here's a look at our most recent cabin on Disney Dream, as a contrast to Disney Magic (or lack of contrast, as the case may be).

Related: Inside a $10,000 suite on Disney Wish

Adult areas on Disney Magic

In keeping with the approach on the other original Disney ships, the adult bars and lounges on Disney Magic are largely clustered in the same area dubbed After Hours.

Here you'll find Keys, a piano bar and lounge with some top-notch whiskey; O'Gills Pub, which is a great place for a pint or to watch sports; and Fathoms, which is a mixed-use lounge that often serves as a meeting point for excursions or family-friendly activities during the day and as a club at night.

I enjoyed listening to a few songs in Keys after dinner a few nights. However, none of these spaces were fully my cup of tea, mainly because they were dark and not super inviting.

Also, the lounges' layouts were not conducive to social interaction among the guests due to an emphasis on clustered seating rather than communal bar space. Or, maybe it's just the luck of the draw, and the cruisers on Disney Magic were less interested in chatting with their shipmates than on my previous cruise on Disney Wish.

The unexpected upside of this was that I did not feel like I was missing out by ditching the bars for my room, where I could enjoy a glass of wine on my balcony.

Pro tip: This adult area of the ship is where you will find the most comfortable port holes for photos, reading a book or relaxing and enjoying the ride at sea.

Related: 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids

Shows on Disney Magic

If you ever get the chance to sail on Disney Magic — or any of the Disney ships — don't miss the Sail Away party that takes place shortly after the muster drill as the ship pulls out to sea. It's the most fun way to kick your vacation into high gear. Arrive a few minutes early to get a spot by the stage, especially if you have little kids.

Disney Magic, like the other Disney ships, has a movie theater where you can see first-run Disney movies. Since there is only one movie theater on Magic, it offers a smaller choice of movies than on the ships with two theaters, but it's still a nice selection.

The evening Broadway-caliber shows currently on Disney Magic are:

• "Tangled: The Musical."
• "Disney Dreams — An Enchanted Classic."
• "Twice Charmed: An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story."

We skipped "Disney Dreams," as it was a repeat of what we'd seen on Disney Wonder. However, all of these shows are worth seeing, with "Tangled" the strongest of the three offerings. "Tangled" and "Twice Charmed" are unique to Disney Magic, in case you need to prioritize.

Fewer temptations to spend money on Disney Magic

On the new Disney Wish, I found an abundance of temptations to spend money around every turn.

These included alcoholic popsicle drinks, the ice cream shop the kids passed multiple times per day (with see-through glass walls, naturally), the Star Wars-themed bar that jumps through hyperspace , the Bayou with pay-to-eat beignets, Nightingale's next to the kid's club with the cocktails served in balls of ice, the coffee and cocktails in the ship's version of a buffet, Marceline Market and so many other fun and enticing ways to part with your dollars.

While Disney Magic does not lack places to buy a cocktail, it does not have a sweet shop, Untangled hair salon, Hook's Barbery with the "hidden" drink cabinet or specialty snacks like beignets that aren't included in your cruise fare.

I found it easier than on Wish to simply enjoy what comes with the experience instead of feeling like you need to spend $10, $20, $50 or more several times a day to get the full experience.

Related: How to save money on a Disney cruise

How I wish they'd make Magic more magical

I'd love for Disney Magic to add a slide into the kids club, a brighter and airier spa and some other elements of Disney Wish that we liked, but that's easier said than done. I do have a shorter list of more realistic upgrades I'd love to see on Disney Magic in the coming years.

This original Disney ship would benefit from at least one brighter bar or lounge, as the ship can feel cavernous at times. As I mentioned, for me, the bars weren't inviting spaces when compared to my own cabin's balcony. This is in stark contrast to all the beautiful bars and lounges on Wish I was excited to spend time in.

It would also be a real plus if Disney Magic integrated a magical scavenger hunt type of activity that you see on other Disney ships. This would layer in one more thing for the kids to do on a sea day or between other activities.

Also, this is personal preference, but while I enjoy and appreciate the bold nautical theme of the classic Disney ships, I do think there's a way to pull that off without the striped decor in the staterooms that may have sailed a touch passed its prime.

Here's a view of a Disney Wish cabin, showing the updated decor I'd love to see on Disney Magic. It retains the deep blue but steps away from the dated stripes.

Related: The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Overall impressions

Disney Magic was a fun and thoroughly enjoyable ship. It doesn't feel old, but it is smaller and a touch more quaint than the line's newest ships.

The ship's smaller footprint with fewer onboard temptations to spend money can be a benefit in that it's easier to get around and just enjoy — not only the ship but also where it's going.

Without all the pay-to-enjoy distractions, my family went to more of the gameshows, spent more time at the pools or reading on the balcony and even watched the baby crawling races, which sound bizarre but are very entertaining.

I would not hesitate to sail on Disney Magic again in its 25th year or in the future — no matter how many newer and bigger Disney cruise ships make their debuts.

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Disney Wonder Staterooms – What You Need to Know

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Which are the best Disney Wonder Staterooms? If you are planning to sail on a Disney Wonder cruise it is important to make the right choice of stateroom for you and your family.

I have sailed many times on Disney Wonder and have booked many different types of staterooms.

Here is the ultimate insider Disney Wonder stateroom guide with pictures so that you know what to expect.

• Disney Wonder Staterooms Guide

Disney cruise lines are known for their larger-than-average staterooms.

However, before you can make a choice you need to know what Disney Wonder staterooms are available.

The Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic are both the same basic design of ship.

This means that the stateroom descriptions and categories are almost exactly the same for both Disney Wonder and Magic.

What are the Different Types of Disney Wonder Staterooms?

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• Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Navigator's Verandah

Disney Wonder Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

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There are 9 different categories of staterooms on the Disney Wonder.

These are Categories 11 to 4 for Staterooms and 3 Categories for Disney Wonder Concierge Staterooms and Suites.

The staterooms are also divided into subcategories according to which deck they are on and for some according to the view they have from the window or balcony.

So you will see categories 4 to 11 with letters after the number.

The letters go from A to E with A being the higher of the subcategories.

Higher decks are seen as more desirable so they will usually be in a higher-priced subcategory.

Obstructed view staterooms will usually be in a lower subcategory.

You will see that most of the staterooms have what is known as a ‘split bathroom’. What this means is that there are 2 separate rooms.

One has the shower over a small bath and separate sink vanity.

The other has a toilet and another sink vanity.

There are certain amenities that you will find inside each Disney Wonder stateroom:

Beverage Cooler . We use the term beverage cooler rather than refrigerator as it isn’t actually particularly cold. It will keep things cool but not chilled. If you need to chill beverages just ask your cabin steward for ice.

An ice bucket and four small glasses are found as standard in your stateroom.

If you want wine glasses ask your cabin steward or bring them from one of the Disney Wonder bars.

There is plenty of closet and drawer space in your Disney Wonder stateroom.

There is an adjustable-height coffee table along with a large desk and a small backless stool that fits underneath the desk.

There is plenty of desk space.

In the drawer, you will find the card which you would leave out to order breakfast room service .

You will also find some postcards and other stationery.

The desk space is very generous for a cruise stateroom.

We always find that we have a lot of electronics on there to charge!

Remember that power strips are prohibited on a Disney cruise.

There is an electronic safe located in the closet.

It is big enough for passports and valuables, but not large enough to hold a laptop.

You will find 2 hair dryers in the Disney Wonder staterooms.

Avoid the one in the bathroom.

It is fixed to the wall and gets incredibly hot.

It also reminds me of something from the 80s!

The hairdryer you will want to use is located in one of the desk drawers.

It is fine, but many guests will want to bring their own.

Each Disney Wonder stateroom has its own adjustable thermostat.

You will also find a desk phone . The desk phone is useful for calling Room Service and Guest Services.

There is a flat-screen television in each Disney Wonder stateroom.

It is mounted on a flexible arm so it is movable to an extent.

The Disney Wonder stateroom television has a number of channels including of course Disney Channel.

Since the Disney Wonder dry dock, it does now have the interactive television which the Fantasy and Dream have.

So if you want to catch up with a Disney movie now is your chance!

However, make sure that you look out for the stage shows which are shown every day.

There is also a useful map so you can see where you are at sea and how fast you are sailing.

There is a very thick privacy curtain that separates the living from the sleeping area.

This is a really nice feature as it can make it a lot easier to travel with others in your Disney Wonder stateroom.

Most of the Disney Wonder staterooms have what is known as the split bathroom . This is where there are 2 rooms for the bathroom.

One has a toilet and a sink.

The other has a small bathtub with a shower and an additional sink.

This split bath design is very popular and makes it a lot easier to share a stateroom with other people!

One of the very nice features of all Disney Wonder staterooms is the complimentary Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, and Body Lotion.

This was always the H2O brand but this is being discontinued so we are not sure what the replacement will be.

You used to get individual small bottles which were replenished each day. However, Disney cruise lines have announced that this will be discontinued for environmental reasons and will be replaced with toiletries in a dispenser.

If you are fortunate enough to be sailing in a Disney Wonder concierge stateroom you will have complimentary Elemis products. You can also find these in the spa changing rooms.

Disney Cruise Packing Guide Essentials

Things You Must Not Do In Your Disney Cruise Cabin

These are Category 11 staterooms . Each is 184 square feet. Each has a Queen size bed with a single convertible sofa bed.

There is a privacy divider between the main sleeping and the living area.

There is also a bathroom.

The standard inside staterooms are the only staterooms not to have a split bath arrangement.

Each Standard Inside Stateroom sleeps up to 3 or 4 guests.

They are located on Decks 2, 5, 6 and 7.

Here is a video of a Disney Wonder Standard Inside Stateroom so you can see exactly what to expect.

Unfortunately, the Disney Wonder Inside Staterooms does not have the virtual porthole which the inside cabins on the Disney Fantasy and Dream have.

This is a very popular feature, but it could not be retrofitted on the classic ships.

I expect that you will see a virtual porthole on the new Disney ships , the first of which will debut in 2021.

I would highly recommend this category of stateroom if you are looking for a way to save money. Typically these are the least expensive staterooms on the Disney Wonder.

Don’t get me wrong, space is pretty tight.

Particularly for 3 guests.

I wouldn’t want to sail with 4 adults in one of these Inside cabins as I think that would be a very tight fit.

However, with adults and children, it should be just fine.

The storage space is so brilliantly thought out in a Disney stateroom. There is plenty of hanging space and drawers.

Do I miss the split bathroom? I think to be honest I really do. However, I found that I used the showers in the gym a lot. This has the advantage of the availability of some very nice free Elemis products in the shower.

The Deck 7 Disney Wonder Inside Staterooms are the most desirable.

It is easy to get to the pool deck and the buffet. I particularly like the staterooms on Deck 7 aft as you can use the quieter aft elevators or even the “hidden” back stairs to easily get to the buffet.

If you are looking for an inside stateroom with quite a bit more space then at 214 square feet then the Category 10 Deluxe Inside Stateroom would be a good choice.

Each Deluxe Inside Stateroom sleeps up to 4 guests and has a Queen bed with a single convertible sofa. If the cabin sleeps 4 it will have a pull-down bunk over the sleeper sofa.

These Disney Wonder Deluxe Inside Staterooms feature the very popular split bathroom.

These staterooms are located on Decks 1, 2, 5 and 7.

I would prefer not to be on Deck 1. However, if you think that you may be prone to seasickness this may be a great choice as there is less movement the lower you are on the ship.

Deck 5 is a great location if you want to be close to the kid’s clubs . I am not sure how I feel about Deck 5 staterooms now my kids are older.

Because of the design of Deck 5, there aren’t many staterooms.

Obviously, there aren’t any mid-ship staterooms either because that is where the kid’s clubs and the atrium are. Deck 5 was fine, but I am not sure I would choose it.

I was allocated a Deck 5 stateroom as a Guarantee so saved a lot.

My personal preference is Deck 7 as you are close to the pool deck.

However, the higher you are on the ship, generally the higher the price.

These are the same size and design as the Disney Wonder Inside Staterooms.

However, the difference is that they have either one large or two small windows.

The Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms are all Category 9 and have 214 square feet of space.

They have a Queen and a single sleeper sofa. There is a split bathroom.

Oceanview staterooms are on Decks 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7.

The staterooms on Deck 1 have the smaller windows and therefore not such a good view.

I am not a fan of Deck 1, but I know many others are.

Often you will get a lower price for a Deck 1 stateroom so it could be a good choice.

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Navigator’s Verandah

These Staterooms are a unique design to Disney cruise ships. It is a very unusual design and very popular with guests.

They have an enclosed private verandah, so you have more space and view.

However, you do not have any true outside space.

The window does not open.

There are just 26 of these true Navigator’s Verandah staterooms on Disney Wonder and Magic.

They are very popular and tend to be booked quickly.

The Disney Navigator’s Verandah cabins are classified as Category 7 staterooms.

All are located on decks 5, 6, and 7.

There are another 4 staterooms (6134, 6634, 7120, 7620) which are category 7 and are described as Navigator’s verandah staterooms, but they do not have the enclosed verandah.

They have verandahs with obstructed views as they are located on Deck 6 aft and wrap around the hull.

They can be a good choice though if you are aware of this, and want to save some money instead of going to a Category 6 or 5 Verandah stateroom.

The Navigator’s Verandah staterooms are 268 square feet including the verandah.

They sleep up to 4 guests and have a Queen Bed with a single sofa bed.

They also have a split bathroom.

These staterooms are 268 square feet. This includes the verandah.

All Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs have a Queen size bed and a single sleeper sofa.

They sleep 3 or 4 guests. The staterooms that sleep 4 have a bunk that pulls down from the ceiling.

All of these Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms are classified as either Category 5 or 6.

There are 114 Category 5 Staterooms on the Wonder and Magic and they are all of Deck 7.

Category 6 are on decks 5 and 6 and has slightly larger verandahs.

I have stayed in this type of stateroom and it is probably my favorite.

I really wouldn’t have any particular preference for any particular Deck. The price generally increases the higher the deck.

I would usually choose Category 5E.

These Disney cruise balcony staterooms have a white wall verandah.

They are usually the lowest priced of the Disney Verandah staterooms for this reason alone.

All the other balconies have plexiglass and are see-through.

You can, therefore, see the ocean when you are sitting down.

If you have a white wall verandah your view of the ocean is restricted when you are sitting down.

As you will see from this picture of the Disney Wonder white wall verandah stateroom balcony you can’t see much of the view unless you are standing up.

This is the conventional plexiglass balcony so you can see the difference.

On my last cruise, this saved me around $450 for 5 nights over having a standard verandah.

For me, the minor inconvenience was worth the saving.

Category 5E does have some of the largest balconies on the Disney Wonder.

This is because this is the point where the ship curves around.

These are all Category 4 and are located on Deck 8.

These Disney Wonder Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah are a great option for larger families.

This is because they sleep up to 5 guests. This is rare for a cruise ship stateroom to sleep so many guests in one cabin.

Each Family Oceanview balcony stateroom has a Queen bed and a convertible sofa with a pull-down bed over it.

There is also a pull-down Murphy bed at the end of the stateroom, across the balcony door.

You can see my complete review of the Disney Wonder Family Oceanview Stateroom if you click here .

The design of the room makes great use of the space available.

However, access to the verandah is a little difficult when the pull-down bed is still down.

When I say difficult I mean you have to climb on the bed and then open the door to the balcony!

Your steward will move this for you each morning and evening though if you are using it for a 5th guest.

The bathroom is just the same split design as most of the other staterooms on the ship.

It is particularly useful to have this split bath design when there are 5 of you in this cabin! That is a lot of people competing for the shower in the morning.

You may have heard that there are some staterooms on the Disney Wonder which are a great value as they are sold as a lower category.

These staterooms definitely do exist on the Disney Wonder. The reason they are sold as a lower category is that they don’t quite fit into the description and Disney cruise lines feel that it would be unfair to put them in the general category.

For instance, a stateroom may be categorized as an inside stateroom because it has a porthole with an obstructed view.

Therefore it wouldn’t be fair to charge full price for an ocean view as your view is blocked by something.

These secret staterooms are limited and highly sought after.

These secret porthole Disney Wonder staterooms are sold at Category 10 Inside Staterooms, but they do have a porthole with an obstructed view.

You can take a look at this video to see a typical secret porthole stateroom. As you will see, the obstruction here is that of the ship’s lifeboats.

It is a great choice as you do get somewhat of a view as well as being able to enjoy the natural light in the stateroom.

This shows Disney Wonder stateroom 5024.

Most of these Disney Wonder secret porthole staterooms are located on Deck 5.

This is the Deck with the Kids Clubs and so this makes them particularly suitable for families with young children.

You are also very close to the Buena Vista Theater on Deck 5.

The Deck 5 secret porthole cabins are 5020, 5520, 5022, 5024,5522, and 5524.

If you are looking for connecting staterooms then 5022 and 5024 connect, as do 5522 and 5524.

There are just two secret porthole cabins on Deck 6 of the Disney Wonder. They are 6006 and 6506. These staterooms on Deck 6 offer the least obstructed views.

On Deck 5 you are best with 5020 and 5520 as they have the least obstructed views. 5022 and 5522 are next.

You will have the most obstructed views in 5024 and 5524.

If you want these secret porthole staterooms you do need to be quick. Usually, they are amongst the first to be booked when cruises are released.

Category 7A on the Disney Wonder is one to look out for.

These four staterooms are known by insiders as the “Secret” Verandah staterooms.

These secret verandah cabins are numbered 6134, 6634, 7120, and 7620.

There are 2 on each side of the Disney Wonder and they are usually priced as the cheapest category of Verandah stateroom.

The reason why they have a Category all of their own is that they have an obstructed view.

I think they offer excellent value as the obstruction is minimal.

If you are saving hundreds of dollars off a Disney cruise but still getting a balcony I think it is an option well worth considering!

Here you can see a video of a secret verandah stateroom. This is on the Disney Magic in the video, but this is identical to the stateroom on the Disney Wonder.

If Concierge is in your budget I would highly recommend that you give it a try.

There are now 4 Categories of Concierge Stateroom on Disney Wonder.

These range from restyled Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah to the Walt Disney Suite.

Concierge guests have access to upgraded amenities in their stateroom.

This includes upgraded down duvets, Elemis products, a Pillow Menu, Plush Robe, and Slippers.

The main attractions, of course, are exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge and Sun Deck.

This is a relatively new category of stateroom on the Disney Wonder.

These used to be Category 4 Family Oceanview with Verandah Staterooms.

However, when the Disney Wonder went into dry dock a selection of mid-ship cabins on Deck 8 got the upgraded decor treatment.

The biggest change was the makeover of concierge staterooms.

Guests of these rooms have all the perks of Concierge. The price went up accordingly!

Each of these Concierge staterooms is exactly the same in layout as the Disney Wonder Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah.

These are now known as Category V.

These are the Category T staterooms that sleep up to 5 guests and have 614 square feet of space.

These suites have a separate bedroom with a Queen size bed and a separate living room with a double sofa bed.

All the suites also have a pull-down twin bed. Some are in the living area, others in the bedroom.

A great feature of the suite is that it has 2 bathrooms. The verandah is very spacious at double the width of standard verandahs on the ship.

All of the Disney Wonder Concierge One Bed Suites are located on Deck 8.

They are very popular and are usually amongst the first categories to book.

At 945 square feet, which includes the triple-wide verandah, these beautiful suites give you plenty of space. Each suite is in Category S.

They have 2 bedrooms which each have a Queen size bed.

The living area has a double sofa bed. There are walk-in closets, a wet bar, a DVD player, and a total of two and a half bathrooms.

One has a jacuzzi tub.

Again these suites book up very quickly. There are 2 suites on the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic both of which are located on Deck 8.

They sleep up to 7 guests.

If you want the ultimate in luxury then Category R Royal Suites will certainly make you very happy!

There are only two suites on each ship and they are named the Walter E. Disney Suite and the Roy O. Disney Suite.

Both are located on Deck 8.

Each suite sleeps up to seven guests in unrivaled comfort. They have two bedrooms.

One has a Queen bed and the other has two twin beds and two pull-down beds.

There is a large living room with a wall pull-down bed, dining area, wet bar, and walk-in closets.

The suites have 2 and a half bathrooms (one with a jacuzzi tub).

With 1029 square feet of the total area including the verandah you are going to have a lot of space to enjoy.

Which Disney Wonder Stateroom will you choose?

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Ashley Allen

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

What a wonderful, descriptive article! Thank you! We have our first cruise EVER booked for the Wonder to Alaska in September (we live in Vancouver, so it’s easy access to the ship) we have a deluxe ocean view stateroom booked (My husband, Eight year old son and myself) and I am wondering if the rooms get stuffy at night while sleeping? Since we cannot open the window for any fresh air. Is this something you can advise on?

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Thank you! I am very glad that you enjoyed the article. A Disney cruise to Alaska is such a great choice - you are going to love the experience! I have sailed in every type of stateroom on Disney Wonder, including the oceanview and have never thought that the staterooms get stuffy. Enjoy your cruise!

Sue Brinkmoeller

Friday 9th of April 2021

Hi Alison -- you've answered many of my questions, as I'm ready to book Disney Alaska (Wonder) and can't decide on a room type. I'm leaning toward a Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms w/Verandahs; you mention that Deck 7 / Category 5E have white wall verandahs which require standing to see views. That doesn't work for me . . . short in stature. You go on to mention that, "All the other balconies have plexiglass and are see through." Could you please tell me on which Deck(s) and in which Category the plexiglass verandahs are located? Many thanks for your help!! :)

Tuesday 20th of April 2021

You will find the plexiglass balconies on Decks 5,6, and 7. There are also limited Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah on Deck 8 - these tend to be the most expensive as there aren't many of them and they Sleep 5 so are very popular. The aft verandah staterooms on all decks have a white wall - so be careful to not select one of these. The booking system or your travel agent, will tell you which these are.

Disney Wonder Virtual Tour - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Thursday 2nd of April 2020

[…] The Insider Guide to Disney Wonder Staterooms […]

Disney Dream Secret Rooms - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Sunday 9th of February 2020

[…] If you are looking for a guide to staterooms on the Disney Wonder or Disney Magic you need to click here. […]

10 Things You Should Never Do On A Disney Cruise10 Things You Should Never Do On A Disney Cruise - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Sunday 13th of January 2019

[…] By Alison […]

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Magic vs. Wonder

• Thread starter flytimefl
• Start date Nov 11, 2017

Earning My Ears

• Nov 11, 2017

What are the pluses and minuses for these ships? So far, all of our Disney Cruises have been on the Dream or Fantasy. I know that they are smaller, older ships so how do they compare for children's activities such as Oceaneer's Club and Edge? I seem to recall some posts that said one of the ships was really showing its age but I can't remember which one. Thanks in advance.  

PrincessShmoo

Dis veteran.

flytimefl said: What are the pluses and minuses for these ships? So far, all of our Disney Cruises have been on the Dream or Wonder. I know that they are smaller, older ships so how do they compare for children's activities such as Oceaneer's Club and Edge? I seem to recall some posts that said one of the ships was really showing its age but I can't remember which one. Thanks in advance. Click to expand...

Oops, you were right! Only Dream and Fantasy so far on the Disney line. Just booked the West bound Panama Canal Cruise for Feb. 2019 and am curious about the ship.  

DIS Veteran

I've been on the Fantasy, Magic and Wonder. Of the three my favorite is the Wonder, then the Magic, then the Fantasy. I do love the rainforest room on the fantasy, I actually haven't seen the rain forest room on the Magic/Wonder so can't compare, maybe someone else can weigh in. I don't recall a significant difference in the Oceaneers club. The pre-teen club (Edge) is smaller on the Magic/Wonder but still plenty big. The Teen club (Vibe) has its own pool on the Fantasy, but not on the Magic/Wonder but still its great on both. My boys never ran out of stuff to do and honestly I don't think we really noticed a huge difference. To me it seems the public areas were similar in size between all the ships. The pool set up seems very similar to me between the ships, except on the Magic/Wonder there are less people so more seats available. The Walt Disney theatre does not have a balcony. They all have a dedicated movie theater and funnel vision. I think you will love the ship. I'm a bit bummed they are building larger ships as I really do like the feel of the Magic/Wonder.  

Ralph&Pam

• Nov 12, 2017

flytimefl said: Oops, you were right! Only Dream and Fantasy so far on the Disney line. Just booked the West bound Panama Canal Cruise for Feb. 2019 and am curious about the ship. Click to expand...

• Nov 15, 2017

Currently out of the two, I think the Wonder is better if for no other reason than Tiana's Place, but with the Magic getting a Tangled restaurant that will hopefully be on par with it, I think we are bound to see both being equally good. My guess is the Dream and Fantasy will eventually get similar upgrades and the three new ships will have them out the door.  

• Nov 16, 2017

Sailed on both Wonder and Magic only, with the majority of the cruises being on the Wonder (3 so far) both pre and post major dry dock. I think the changes on the Wonder enhanced the style of the ship more, updating Parrot Cay to Tiana's was a major upgrade, a much nicer and comfortable atmosphere, the Adult areas saw a lot of changes and the new design and style of Azure and the Crown & Finn Pub were much needed in my opinion. The Atrium is much more open with the removal of the starboard staircase (it wasn't used anyway) giving the raised landing by Triton's a larger and much more appealing area and opened up the entire area in a lighter airier way. Cabana's also is better with a smoother flow and better seating arrangements along with 2 complete food service lines to speed things up. Studio Sea became D Lounge and is much nicer and more open and lighter than before, Edge was relocated to Deck 9 and really enhances the accessibility for the parents and kids to the area, while removing so much of the noise and traffic on the lower deck where it used to be. That being said the Magic got some upgrades on it's last big Dry Dock but I really didn't see them as as drastic as the Wonder. But we had a good time none the less on her for the one cruise we took. Our preference is for the smaller "Classic" ships with the Wonder being our "Home" ship since she was the first one we sailed DCL on. Keep in mind on the Magic/Wonder the passenger compliment is smaller so the crowds will not be as large as on the Dream/Fantasy, but the venues, elevators, atrium, hallways and other common areas will also be smaller than on the larger ships. It's a trade off but something that should be considered when booking your next cruise. Good Luck and have a Magical time what ever you do decide to sail on!  

I sailed the Wonder before dry dock and sailed the Magic twice post dry dock, I prefer the classic ships over the Dream class ships because I like the smaller crowds. I thought the service on the Wonder was much better than my experiences on all of the ships so I am looking forward to sailing her post dry dock. Our favorite ship is the Magic because she's perfect after the dry dock but now with the Tangled restaurant, super pumped about that!  

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Why A Disney Cruise Is A Perfect Multigenerational Trip

A costumed princess or pirate squeals with delight as their favorite Disney character comes to life right before their eyes. The joy of sharing this pure enchantment should not be missed. A teen or tween setting down their electronics for a third, fourth, or fifth run down the AquaDunk is nothing short of a miracle. And a quiet gourmet dinner to celebrate your family is salve for the over-scheduled parent’s and grandparent’s soul.

It is not often that the perfect multi-generational trip comes together. But Disney Cruises does an amazing job combining adventure, family bonding, and snippets of quiet time unique to each cruiser’s needs. Here’s why a Disney Cruise is perfect for a multigenerational trip, regardless of who will be going.

Quality Family Time

A cruise is a time to unplug and reconnect with each other. Disney Cruises allow you to spend quality time as a family, secure in the knowledge that the entertainment and surroundings will be kid-friendly and appropriate.

Enjoy watching your children and grandchildren put their devices down to interact face-to-face, except maybe for grabbing the phones to capture a few memorable pictures and videos.

It is so important to be in the moment — a moment that will be a family memory for years to come. Everyone can join in the action and the Disney-inspired youthful exuberance will bring out your inner child, who remembers life is simply having fun.

Disney Cruise Line Navigator App

The best thing about a Disney Cruise is they will plan everything for you; there’s no hassle of coordinating rooms, meals, and activities. Particularly for multigenerational groups with different wants and needs, having a personal agent handle the arrangements allows everyone to get their heart’s desire, and leaves you time to simply kick back and enjoy the family time.

The Disney Cruise Line Navigator app is free and everyone can manage their own schedules once on board so they won’t miss any important events, parties, or celebrations.

Also good to know: All the Disney Cruise ships are handicap friendly and most areas are wheelchair accessible.

Destination Options

Disney’s destination options are geographically diverse. Mickey and the gang are global and have vacation adventures that will please everyone. There are more than you would initially expect. Disney’s ships sail to a variety of national and international locations. With almost 500 itineraries — ranging from a two-night cruise to a 14-night or more transatlantic adventure — you will find a cruise option that fits your family’s vacation desires.

Warm and tropical vacations include stops in the Bahamas, Key West, Mexico, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia, and many others. These southern stops typically include a visit to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Exclusively for Disney Cruise guests, Castaway Cay offers private beaches, snorkeling, boating, sunbathing, and a barbeque feast on shore.

If it’s Europe your family wants to explore, Disney Cruises sail to the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, and European destinations. These adventures combine historic shore excursions paired with Disney fun.

For some West Coast magic, try cruising around Hawaii or Alaska, where you will see exquisite scenery and experience unique North American cultures.

Pre- And Post-Cruise Adventures

Families can enjoy pre- and post- cruise activities in Port Canaveral; New York City; San Diego; Miami; Galveston; New Orleans; Honolulu; San Juan; Vancouver; Barcelona, Spain; Dover, England; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Rome, Italy. All of these cities are vibrant vacation destinations and would be a great spot for a two- or three- day minication, whether that will involve everyone or just part of your group. Disney offers deals on accommodations, and you can even have your Disney Cruise agent organize your pre- and post-cruise adventures.

If you want to double down on Disney, there is an add-on package from the Port Canaveral departure cruise to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. You can enjoy Disney by sea and land — two very unique and wonderful experiences.

The Ship Choices

You can choose your cruise by ship instead of destination if you want to cater to a theme that has a special place in your little one’s heart. Each of Disney’s cruise ships follows its own unique itineraries and has specialty features and destinations.

Disney Magic

The Disney Magic has the high-speed AquaDunk water slide, Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant, clubs for kids, tweens, and teens, and the adult-only nightclub Fathoms and Keys.

Disney Wonder

The Disney Wonder offers great entertainment including Frozen, A Musical Spectacular , and the Marvel Super Hero Academy for kids.

Disney Dream

The Disney Dream ship hosts the play Beauty and the Beast , a Millennium Falcon-themed kids space, and classic French restaurant, Remy.

Disney Fantasy

The Disney Fantasy ships focus on longer retreats. They include the AquaDuck water coaster, the Royal Court restaurant, and an interactive play area Star Wars Command Post.

Disney Wish

The newest addition to the Disney fleet is the Disney Wish , where Frozen , Marvel, and Star Wars-themed amenities bring you right onto the movie sets.

Disney Treasure

Following the Disney Wish and taking its maiden voyage in 2024, stay tuned for news on the next Disney cruise ship: the Disney Treasure.

Kids’, Tweens’, And Teens’ Spaces

Family fun is the best, but when the kids want to play, play, play , the kids and tween spaces are the best place for them to work off some energy. All the youth clubs are staffed by trained Disney counselors, allowing parents and grandparents worry-free, kid-free time.

The little ones will enjoy the It’s a Small World Nursery for the under-3-years-old crowd.

The Oceaneer Club is where 3–12 year olds will be transformed into their favorite Disney characters for the day. Think playing dress up on steroids. The boutiques are on all four ships and offer princess, pirate, and Star Wars makeup and costumes.

The Oceaneer Lab provides kids between 3 and 12 fun sporting games, activities, parties, and face-to-face character encounters. They are staffed by trained Disney counselors.

Edge, the hangout space for 11-to-14-year-old tweens offers engaging activities, video games, and music to keep them entertained with counselor supervision.

The teens club for older (14- to 17-year-old) kids is a hip supervised hangout called Vibe. This chill space invites them to watch movies, listen to music, play games, and just hang.

Adults-Only Spaces

Probably the best part of a Disney Cruise is the ability to have an adult-only respite if you want or need it. Loving your children and grandchildren does not mean 24/7 non-stop bonding. It’s okay — you deserve some special vacation time, too.

Enjoy some me time at the adult-only pool, spa, or fitness center. There are several lounges and nightclubs on each ship that are adults-only. You can even enjoy a quiet dinner sans kids.

Recreation With A Theme

Each cruise ship offers sports and recreation activities. Activities vary from ship to ship, so if you have a particular event in mind, check to be sure you book a ship that offers your desired experience.

The AquaDuck on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy involves 765 feet of water jet-propelled tubes snaking around the ship, including a stomach-churning four-deck drop. There are age and height requirements for this ride.

Other recreational activities include mini golf, basketball courts, virtual sports simulators, a ship-wide crime solving detective caper, ping pong, and water playgrounds.

Onboard Entertainment

If you want to be entertained, a Disney Cruise will not disappoint. There is a mix of family-friendly entertainment with some adult-only entertainment sprinkled in.

Scheduled character meet-and-greets for photo ops and autographs, Disney movies, and themed character parties will entertain the youngsters. For the older kids, there are themed dance parties, trivia contests, and karaoke. Everyone will enjoy the nightly live entertainment, which is a perfect way to come together as a group after your day’s excursion or fun-filled day at sea.

Several ships offer a fireworks night. Most Caribbean cruises have theme days like Star Wars Day, Marvel Day, and Halloween, giving everyone an excuse to dress up and party, party, party .

Diverse Dining Options

Each ship offers multiple dining options that will please even the pickiest youngsters and adults.

Character meals, frozen treats, cafes, pizzerias, sit-down dining, buffets, and 24-hour room service — what more could you ask for? Most of the dining is included in the cruise cost, but some of the upscale dining options involve an additional fee and require reservations.

Try the Animator’s Palate with a show starring Disney characters. The main courses are prepared for adult diners and include the likes of beef tenderloin or lemon thyme chicken. The children’s menu is perfect for even the most discerning young diner. And dessert is the name of the game with the menu including a classic ice cream sundae.

For a night out without the munchkins, Palo offers a spin on northern Italian dining with feasts fit for special occasions, or just a well-deserved adult-only moment. Sample options like butternut agnolotti, dover sole, or sea scallops. Palo’s wine pairings provide the perfect culinary experience. Note: There is a dress code. Dress pants and a collared shirt are required. Reservations are also required.

Family-Friendly Stateroom Layouts

The Disney Cruise staterooms are designed with families in mind. They are not your typical tiny cruise rooms. Many boast extra storage space, a sitting area, a split bath (make sure to ask; these are not available in every room), and a fridge for the leftovers and midnight snack items.

Whether the kids are bunking with parents or grandparents, these staterooms are perfect for families. They offer room to breathe and a cozy space for downtime.

Disney is the master of quality, family-friendly entertainment. A Disney Cruise is just the thing for a family bonding, multigenerational vacation.

Related Reading:

• 8 Reasons Why You Should Consider A Cruise From Boston To Bermuda
• My 6 All-Time Favorite Cruises From A Self-Proclaimed Cruise Fanatic
• The 9 Most Scenic Ferry Rides In Europe

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4-Night Disney Magic at Sea Cruise from Melbourne

What's included in the price of a disney cruise.

Broadway-Quality Shows

Pools, Waterslides & Recreation

Spacious Staterooms

Upscale, Casual & 24-Hour In-Room Dining

Adult-Exclusive Activities

Clubs for Kids, Tweens & Teens

Cruise Itinerary

• Roam the colorful laneways awash with street art
• Soak up the sun at Brighton Beach
• Browse for treasures at Queen Victoria Market
• Watch a Broadway-quality musical and splash it up in a freshwater pool
• Savor upscale restaurants, buffets, poolside snacks and room-service
• Find one-of-a-kind fun in unique clubs designed for kids, teens, tweens and adults
• Shop for treasures at Salamanca Place
• Bushwalk up Mt. Wellington
• Explore the city’s booming culinary scene