the disney wonder cruise ship reviews

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Disney Wonder

Cruise line Disney Cruise Line

• San Diego (California)
• Sydney (NSW Australia)
• Vancouver (BC Canada)
• Melbourne (Victoria Australia)

Disney Wonder current position

Disney Wonder current location is at North America West Coast (coordinates 31.85403 N / -116.62551 W) cruising en route to Ensenada. The AIS position was reported 47 minutes ago.

Current itinerary of Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder current cruise is 4 days, round-trip Baja Cruise From San Diego . Prices start from USD 2348 (double occupancy rates). The itinerary starts on 28 Apr, 2024 and ends on 02 May, 2024 .

Specifications of Disney Wonder

•   Itineraries
•   Review
•   Wiki

Disney Wonder Itineraries

Disney wonder review, review of disney wonder.

The 1999-built MS Disney Wonder cruise ship is Walt Disney 's second liner with sistership Disney Magic (1998).

The vessel (IMO number 9126819) is currently Bahamas- flagged (MMSI 308457000) and registered in Nassau .

History - construction and ownership

DCL-Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (shipowner). The company was incorporated in 1996 as "Magical Cruise Company Ltd". Walt Disney also owns the Bahamian private island Castaway Cay (exclusive port of call - for Disney ships only) and an exclusive Cruise Terminal at Port Canaveral (Orlando Florida) . Disney cruises are marketed as "family vacations" and feature unique and exclusive activities, such as costumed Disney Characters, adults-only deck areas, dedicated facilities for teens, kids and infants-toddlers, signature (trademarked) shipboard facilities and activities, themed live entertainment.

The 1750-passenger ship Disney Wonder caters mostly to families with small children, so the adults-only "quiet places" and entertainment areas are your special place to be if running and screaming little angels and devils are not your kinds of fun.

One of the best cruise ships for families with kids, the Disney ship Wonder features a classic 1930's ocean liner design - an elongated black hull and two bright red funnels. The Disney cruise ship Disney Wonder is mostly associated with its Art Nouveau decor, Disney characters all around, "Mickeys" everywhere, amazing onboard children's programs with age-proper activities, excellent service and really great family fun cruises for kids.

Probably the best thing about this Disney fleet mate is that the Disney Lines Wonder ship sails Alaska since 2011 - the newest Disney cruise ship destination with the best Disney deals on Alaska cruises and excursions.

The Disney ship Wonder was launched in 1999 to double company's passenger capacity with another set of nearly thousand of some of the best equipped, largest staterooms at sea. Like all Disney ships, the Disney Cruise Line Wonder ship's primary market is families with small kids (mostly younger than 8). Besides them, the Disney Wonder ship CLIENTELE consists also of an ever-growing number of honeymooners and travelers without kids, simply enjoying the oversized Disney ship accommodations, the adults-only areas, and all the Disney details - both on board and on Castaway Cay.

The Disney Wonder ship DRESS CODE is day resort casual (all ship areas) and evening cruise casual (no shorts-jeans-swimwear), for men pants and jackets (no ties), and summer dresses for women. One semi-formal night (the Captain's Reception), one formal night (not mandatory; most passengers don't participate in it) and one "Pirate Night" (people dress in pirate attire).

Disney Wonder TIPS are the US $12 PP per day (charged to passengers' onboard accounts automatically or pre-payed), given respectively to waiters $8 (dining room servers $4, assistant servers $3, head servers $1) and cabin stewards $4. Additionally, bar drinks and deck service areas have a 15% tipping added to your bill.

Decks and Cabins

Most Disney Wonder staterooms (877 total, in 22 grades) are 225-260-ft2 Balconies. The ship has 22 Suites, 362 Balcony, 235 Oceanview and 256 Inside cabins. The largest accommodations are the Royal Suites (845 ft2 / 79 m2 plus 185 ft2 / 17 m2 terrace).

All cabins boast sizes larger than the industry average, with the majority of them offering a separate bedroom and living room areas, a deep convertible sofa, a bunk bed (folding down from the ceiling, with safety rails, 2 beds convertible to a queen.

Additionally, Disney Wonder family cruise cabins for families of 5 have a Murphy bed (wall-mounted). Plenty of storage space (the suitcases store well under the bed), subtle maple furniture, a closet with a dresser, a desk/dressing table, a smart HDTV with all Disney channels, 2 portable "Wave Phones" (you can text and talk on them throughout the ship), 2 bathrooms (one with toilet-sink, one with tub-shower-sink), a hairdryer. Balcony cabins also have 2 chairs and a small table on the veranda. Standard bathroom amenities by the premium H2O Plus cosmetics (soap-shampoo-lotion, suite guests get additional offerings), Euro-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, luxurious bath towels, upon request - cribs and diaper genies.

Disney Wonder suites are of 3 types (1 and 2-bedrooms), featuring dining tables, Jacuzzis, huge balconies. The Walt and Royal Suites are the Wonder ship's biggest accommodations. In addition, suite guests can enjoy a memory foam pillow, comfortable duvets, robes, and slippers, plus the main dining room's menu available as a room service option.

The boat has 11 decks , of which 6 are with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Disney Wonder ship dining experiences include the Disney Line's rotational dining system pertaining to the ship's 3 main restaurants (you dine each night in a different restaurant, accompanied by the same companions and waiters), with 2 dining times (6:15 and 8:15 pm, table number, and rotations are on your dining tickets). The "Animator's Palate" room features numerous special lighting effects and animations (including the menu holograms, scenes transform from B&W sketches to full-color animated images), the "Parrot Cay" is Caribbean-themed (a delicious seafood buffet and great salad choices) and the most formal of the three is the upscale "Triton's" restaurant (the last two are also open for breakfast and lunch). All main dining rooms offer free drinks during dinner, a wine purchase program.

Disney Wonder food is really wondrous - all is made on the ship, quality ingredients, beautifully prepared, with "light" choices at dinner, a separate kids menu.

"Palo" is the Wonder ship's specialty dining option - an adults-only elegant restaurant (Northern Italian (Med) cuisine), open daily for Champagne brunch and dinner (reservations are required, guests are allowed to book only 1 brunch and 1 dinner per sailing).

On Deck 9 is located the "Beach Blanket" buffet - an indoor/outdoor casual dining venue (breakfast and lunch) with salads, sandwiches, Mickey waffles, cookies, and fruits, with a made-to-order omelet station. Other excellent venues to dine casually are the "Pinocchio's Pizzeria", "Pluto's Dog House" (burgers and hot dogs, chicken tenders) and the Goofy's Galley (wrap sandwiches, a great selection of fruits, ice-cream). The Deck 9 self-serve beverage station offers free juices and sodas.

24-hour room service (Continental breakfast, soups, and salads, cheese, chicken, etc). Suite guests can order from the main restaurant's menus.

Follows the complete list of Disney Wonder restaurants and food bars.

• Triton's Restaurant / Lumiere's (462-seat forward Dining Room, serving Breakfast and 3-course menu for Lunch; with 2 Dinner seatings 5:30 p.m.-6 p.m. and 8 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
• Parrot Cay Restaurant / Carioca's (462-seat aft Dining Room for Breakfast and Buffet Lunch; with 2 dinner seatings/4-course menu).
• Animator's Palate Restaurant (462- seat aft Dining Room, animator's studio design, features favorite Disney-character dinner shows; serves complimentary drinks; Rotational Dining with two fixed Dinner seatings - at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.)
• Tiana's Place (dinner-only main dining room drawing inspiration from Disney's "The Princess and the Frog.")
• Cabanas (self-service complimentary restaurant with American cuisine, pasta, sushi)
• Pinocchio's Pizzeria (outdoor complimentary restaurant, poolside)
• Beach Blanket Buffet (indoor/outdoor fast-food eatery, complimentary
• Pluto's Dog House (quick service fast food restaurant, complimentary)
• Goofy's Galley (quick service outdoor fast food restaurant, complimentary)
• Palo (130-seat Italian specialty restaurant; adults-only, reservation-only; aft location; bookings via the internet or on board).
• O'Gill's Pub (open from about noon to midnight, sports bar/Irish pub, with English decor, live music, large TVs, classic table games, full bar service, Martini Tastings).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Most of the Disney Wonder kids facilities and public rooms are located on Decks 3-4-5 and are interconnected by its 3-deck high atrium, while the Wonder ship's 3 pools are on Decks 9 and 10. Four locations onboard offer Internet access: the teen-only "Vibe" club (Deck 11), the children-only "Edge" club (Deck 2), the "Promenade Lounge" (Deck 3, all ages, open 24-hours) and the adults-only "Cove Cafe" you can borrow a laptop from the cafe).

The Disney Lines Disney Wonder ship spa, sport, and fitness fun starts with Deck 9's pool area (3 age-specific swimming pools) and the 200-ft long waterslide. The "Mickey's Pool" (aft) is kids-only, with a 385 sq. foot pool extension for not yet toilet trained kids in swim diapers). The "Goofy's Pool" is for families (located in between the funnels, alongside the big LED screen), 2 adjacent Jacuzzis and the "Quiet Cove" (forward) is adults-only, with 2 large hot tubs, and a specialty coffee house). Deck 10 has a basketball court and a volleyball area. The "Aft Overlook" (Deck 7) is another "quite" place on the ship (unless when a wedding is officiated there by the captain).

Ship's promenade (Deck 4) offers a walking-jogging track and lounge chairs. The Vista Spa & Salon complex offers massages, facials and treatments, and its "Tropical Rain Forest" area has a sauna and steam rooms. The Wonder ship also features 3 new spa villas for the most expensive spa services (a spa suite with its own private veranda and a Jacuzzi). The recently expanded fitness center is well equipped (Life Fitness equipment) and also has a small room for personal training sessions.

Disney characters appearances are one of the highlights of all the best Disney Wonder cruises for kids with the ever best age-specific activities at sea. The Disney Wonder kids cruise programming and the unique Disney-themed entertainment are the main reasons for the Disney Wonder line's high popularity and loyalty passengers ratio. Like all Disney ships, Wonder has no casino, instead, it has innovative offerings, like the "Studio Sea" (family dance parties and karaoke, scavenger hunts and funny game shows) and the "Buena Vista Theatre" (all the newest Disney company releases and the best Disney 3D movie experience). Another popular day activities for families are the basketball and karaoke tournaments and the ship tour. Some of the greatest advantages on board are the "Wave Phones" (2 per cabin, with text-messaging capabilities and ship-wide coverage).

Unique for MS Disney Wonder Alaskan kids cruise specials are the "Junior Ranger" programs (about Alaska's wildlife, environment, etc, held in the children's clubs, Studio Sea and in the Disney Theater) and the "Base Camp" held whenever the ship sails into Tracy Arm Fjord (all kids programs move on deck for Alaskan themed games and crafts).

All Disney ships also feature the Little Mermaid-themed "Flounder's Reef" nursery (babies and toddlers up to 3 yo), the "Oceaneer's Club" (3-7 yo), the "Oceaneer's Lab" (8-12 yo), the "Edge" club (11-13 yo) and the "Vibe" club (teens ages 14-17).

Singles and couples may attend wine or martini tastings, Alaska seafood-themed cooking classes and demonstrations or a sophisticated art auction. The main area for the Wonder ship's adult-only evening entertainment is "Route 66" (located Deck 3 forward). This dance club features video dance parties, karaoke, and dancers from the crew performing skits to certain songs. Deck 3 also has its "Cadillac Lounge" piano bar and the "Diversions - the sports bar with large comfortable chairs and huge plasma TVs. The "Overlook Cafe" is a unique Disney ship venue (located upstairs from "Cove Cafe") for adult guests to quietly enjoy all the amazing views during an Alaskan cruise.

The 3-decks high Walt Disney Theatre (capacity 977 most comfortable seats) boasts some of the best large production shows at sea, like "The Golden Mickeys" (with all the famous and infamous Disney characters) and "Toy Story The Musical". Another great hit is the "Pirates in the Caribbean" deck party, beginning in the dining room (a pirate scroll menu and bandannas for all), then follows the pool-deck party - and all is on camera and on the huge LED screen (24x14 ft, located on Deck 9, the forward funnel, near the Goofy Pool). Know that the law forbids the fireworks on all Disney Wonder Alaskan cruises.

Follows the complete list of Disney Wonder lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Walt Disney Wonder Theatre (977-seat, 3-decks high; offers live shows, aerial acrobatics performances, grand-style productions, 3D movies; with two evening shows - at 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.)
• Wonder's Atrium (3-deck high central ship area, with "The Little Mermaid"'s Ariel bronze statue)
• Route 66/Beat Street (3 clubs' entertainment district, adults-only after 9 pm; Cadillac Lounge, Diversions, WaveBands)
• WaveBands Lounge & Bar
• Studio Sea (kids & families entertainment)
• Diversions Pub (adults-only sports bar, with large TVs and live music)
• Mickey's Mates (Disney brand logo shops for postcards, souvenirs, DVDs, toys, clothes, games)
• Treasure Ketch (duty-free crystal, brand jewelry, watches, precious stones, Disney merchandise, underwear, sport, and swimming apparel)
• Radar Trap (duty-free brand jewelry, perfumes, liquor, and tobaccos)
• Promenade Lounge (104-seat family venue with full bar service, specialty coffees, and drinks; with the Internet Cafe)
• Buena Vista Theatre (268-seat 4D cinema, features 3D movies, Dolby Surround 7.1, and Dolby 3D movie technology)
• Fathoms / WaveBands Lounge Disco & Nightclub (family- in the day and adults-only in the nightclub)
• D Lounge (family day bar and nightclub, games, dancing, shows, karaoke; full bar service)
• Keys (adult-only piano bar, live piano and vocals music, full bar service/additional charge)
• Preludes Bar (quick wait-service snacks & beverages bar)
• Shutters PhotoShop (photo packages, accessories, photographic services); Art Gallery
• Vibe Disco & Club Lounge (teens only)
• Flounder's Reef Nursery (for 3 months to 3 yo infants and toddlers; reservations required)
• Wonder's Oceaneer Club (kids 3-12 yo; with four play areas with themes from Disney films); Wonder's Oceaneer Lab (play area for kids 3-12 yo)
• Vista Spa & Fitness Complex (with Treatment Salon, Thermal Bath, Sauna, Relaxation Room, Garden Area; Fitness Centre /health and wellbeing seminars; Beauty Salon)
• Vista Spa Villas (private suites with own hot tub, private verandah, Roman bed with canopy, open-air shower)
• Quiet Cove Pool (adults-only swimming pool, served by Cove Bar; with 2 Whirlpools)
• Cove Cafe (adult-only, with big TV screen; Wi-Fi spot)
• Signals Bar (adults-only bar for snacks and beverages, poolside)
• Scoops (ice cream parlor)
• Goofy's Family Pool; Mickey's Pool; AquaDunk Water Slide; AquaLab (kids interactive water play area)
• Quarter Masters (video games arcade)
• Edge Lounge (11-14 yo teens-only club area, with a giant video wall, interactive games, Internet)
• Outdoor LED movie-screen (24x14 feet)
• Wide World of Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer); Shuffleboard, Walking/Jogging Track
• Radio Studio (live radio programs for Disney Wonder itinerary-related news and onboard events)
• Outlook Bar (retreat area with a piano and full bar; hosts weddings receptions).

Itineraries

Disney Wonder itinerary program is based on 7-day Alaskan voyages (departing from homeport Vancouver BC Canada ), Mexican Riviera roundtrips (out of San Diego CA ), Bahamas with Western-Eastern Caribbean roundtrips (from Galveston TX ). Port destinations also include DCL's private Bahamian island Castaway Cay .

Wonder is also the DCL ship that operates Panama Canal transition cruises (on repositioning) before and after its Alaskan deployment during summer.

In Spring 2020, for the first time from New Orleans , DCL scheduled a total of 5x roundtrips on the homeported there Disney Wonder.

• The 7-day Bahamian Cruise (Feb 7-14) visits Nassau , Castaway Cay Island , Key West FL .
• The 7-day Western Caribbean Cruise (Feb 14-21) visits Mexico (Cozumel) , Grand Cayman (George Town) , Jamaica (Falmouth) .
• The 6-day voyage (Feb 21-27) visits Cozumel and Grand Cayman.
• The 4-day voyages (Feb 27 - Mar 2, and March 2-6) visit Cozumel.
• Followed a 14-day Panama Canal repositioning to San Diego .

In September 2022 (at D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim CA) DCL announced the company's inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand (Nov 2023 thru Feb 2024). Disney Wonder's 2-3-4-6-night itineraries in the region depart from 4 homeports - 3x in Australia ( Brisbane QLD ,  Melbourne VIC ,  Sydney NSW ) and 1x in New Zealand ( Auckland NZ ). Disney's maiden Australian voyage departed on October 28, 2023, out of Sydney.

Disney Wonder - user reviews and comments

Photos of disney wonder.

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Disney Wonder Wiki

The Walt Disney ship Wonder is the company's second vessel, with sistership Disney Magic . They are each 40% smaller in size compared to the newer Disney ships ( Dream and Fantasy ). Wonder's first cruise was a Transatlantic crossing from Italy to Florida - leaving from the shipbuilding yard Marghera ( Venice ) to Port Canaveral (Orlando) with 2 stops - in the UK ( Southampton England ) and the Azores ( Ponta Delgada ). Liner's Godmother was Tinkerbell - a popular Disney character from the "Peter Pan" movie (1953).

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard/hull number 5990) is powered by Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (model 16ZAV40S) with total power output 58,25 MW. The propulsion system is diesel-electric.

Wonder has Disney's signature sleek design, black hull, two matching red funnels and yellow Disney insignias. The indoor decoration is in both Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. Wonder is among industry's best family-friendly passenger ships, with numerous entertainment and dining options and regularly scheduled programs targeting not only the kids but the whole family. Families can go together to the evening stage revues, game shows or themed workshops.

On August 15, 1999, the vessel started its Caribbean cruise service with 4-night itinerary from homeport Port Canaveral (Orlando) Florida to Bahamas. The ship originally operated on 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises, but in 2011 was relocated through Panama Canal from the Caribbean Sea to the US Pacific Coast. There, it operated on 7-day Mexico Riviera cruises leaving from Californian homeports (mainly Los Angeles , but also out of San Diego and San Francisco ) to call ports Vallarta , Cabo and Baja Ensenada .

In 2012 (April through October), MS Disney Wonder became DCL fleet's first to visit Hawaii (ports Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu). In 2012 (May through September), this was again the first Disney ship with Alaskan cruise itineraries (leaving from homeport Seattle WA ) to Ketchikan , Skagway , Juneau , and Victoria BC (Canada) .

This Walt Disney ship has as namesakes the cruise liner Wonder of the Seas ( Royal Caribbean International ) and the cruiseferry Moby Wonder ( MOBY LINES ).

Disney Wonder refurbishments review

The list of deck plan changes after the 2016 drydock refurbishment in Cadiz Spain (September 9 through October 23) included:

• Upper decks were redesigned, adding AquaDunk (new waterslide), AquaLab (interactive water play area with the Twist n' Spout waterslide), Dory's Reef (splash zone for toddlers).
• Animator's Palette restaurant (ex-Studio C) with new HDTVs, lights, walls, speakers
• new Carioca's (Brazilian-themed restaurant replacing Parrot Cay)
• Tiana's Place is a new restaurant named after Princess Tiana from the Disney animation "The Princess and the Frog". The new eatery is Disney Wonder ship exclusive and features a stage for live jazz-swing-blues performances and street party style events. The themed decor includes Tiana's family photos and framed culinary awards on the walls, water lily-shaped candleholders. The menu is influenced by southern USA cuisine (Louisiana bayou).
• new Cabanas (replacing Topsider Buffet, hugely enlarged)
• new lounge (D Lounge) is dedicated to family games and themed entertainment.
• On deck 10, Palo Restaurant was renovated (new fixtures, glass artwork, stone floor, new Venetian decor).
• Mickey's Mainsail (new shop)
• (Deck 3) After Hours (adult district) receives Fathoms (new disco nightclub), Keys (piano bar, replacing Cadillac Bar) and O'Gills (new English pub). The new pub has an authentic tavern menu (incl selection of specialty and British beers, draft beer, cocktails), dark wood paneling, brass accents, plush leather furniture, artworks (incl scenes from Disney movies set in London).
• (Deck 4) Animator's Palate Restaurant (dining room) was updated with two dinner shows - "Drawn to Magic" and "Animation Magic".
• expanded Senses Spa and Salon (by 725 ft2 / 70 m2), now with Barbershop, "Chill Teen Spa" and "Smile Spa".
• "Small World Nursery", "Nephews"
• renovated and redesigned passenger rooms (elevated beds for more storage space)
• Lobby Atrium changes (2nd staircase removed, the Chihuly chandelier replaced with an Art Deco one)

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab changes - now with Marvel's Avengers Academy (Marvel Super Hero Academy/the first at sea), Andy's Room (Toy Story-themed, now has the Slinky Dog slide, Mr Potato Head, Hamm the piggy bank, regular Woody and Jessie character visits, scavenger hunts), Club Disney Junior (Disney Junior characters, games, storytelling, Doc McStuffins character visits), Frozen Adventures (play and activities, via digital screen Olaf leads games and singalongs, Anna and Elsa character visits). Also changed are the interiors of the rooms Pixie Hollow and Mickey Mouse Club. The upgraded programming offers more live interactions (Disney character visits).

Disney Wonder's next drydock was at Damen Shiprepair Brest France (conducted in October 2020). The project included mainly general/routine maintenance works and minor upgrades.

The ship's last drydock was in 2023 (September 17 through October 3) conducted at Seaspan Victoria Shipyards in Victoria BC Canada . The 2-week drydocking project was mainly for regular maintenance (technical overhaul and hotel upkeep).

Itineraries review

Follows the ship's concise service history (former itineraries):

• [1999-2011] sailed on 3- and 4-day Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando) Florida
• [2011] relocated to Los Angeles CA for round-trip departures to Mexican Riviera, Baja Ensenada , and the Hawaiian Islands. During summer, Disney Wonder operates on 7-day round-trip Alaskan cruises leaving from Vancouver BC (Canada) or Seattle WA .
• In 2016, the ship was home-ported in Galveston TX (November 14 through January 20) and in 2017 relocated back to Orlando. Galveston departures offered 8-day Western and Eastern Caribbean cruises to Key WestFL, Castaway Cay, Nassau, Mexico (Cozumel, Costa Maya), Jamaica (Falmouth), Grand Cayman.

On April 30, 2017, Disney Wonder became the world's first-ever cruise vessel that passed through Panama Canal's new locks.

Disney Wonder was on a 14-night repositioning voyage from Florida to California ( Port Canaveral to San Diego ). From San Diego, the ship operated several Baja Mexico itineraries before its summer Alaskan season with departures from Vancouver BC Canada .

Disney cruises in Australia 2023-2024 (inaugural season)

In September 2022 (at D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim CA) DCL announced its inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand (Oct 2023 thru Feb 2024).

Disney Wonder's voyages (2- to 6-night itineraries) departed from 4 homeports - 3x in Australia ( Brisbane QLD , Melbourne VIC , Sydney NSW ) and 1x in New Zealand ( Auckland NZ ).

Disney's maiden Australian voyage departed on October 28 (2023) out of Sydney Harbour.

Most departures are from Sydney (12x), followed by Melbourne (10x). The homeporting in Brisbane and Auckland was scheduled for Nov-Dec 2023.

The program also included Transpacific crossings (RepositionCruises.com) from Alaska to Australia via Hawaii (Vancouver-Hilo-Nawiliwili-Kahului-Honolulu-American Samoa-Fiji-New Caledonia-Sydney) in 2023, and on the reverse route (Australia-Hawaii-Alaska) in 2024.

Call ports included Eden (NSW AU) , Hobart (Tasmania) , and Noumea (Grande Terre/New Caledonia) visited on the longest sailings. Cruises to Nowhere (portless roundtrips) were offered as 2-night voyages from the Australian homeports as well as 3-night roundtrips from Auckland.

Bookings for Disney's Australia and New Zealand voyages opened on Sept 26, 2022.

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I going on the Disney Wonder Cruise from Melbourne Australia in November, and was wondering is there Pin Trading with Cast Members on the cruise? ”

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Smooth sailing on a family Disney cruise: Review of Concierge level on the Disney Wonder

Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Cruising with Disney , it seems, is even more fun the second time around -- especially with an upgrade to more spiffy quarters.

Almost a year ago, we had a successful sailing on the Disney Dream out of Florida, so we booked another Disney cruise to start 2020. This time we only needed a two-hour drive from home in Houston to hop aboard the ship in the Port of Galveston. No airplanes were involved on our journey across the sea to Mexico on the Disney Wonder, one of the two original ships in Disney's fleet. I can't overstate how fantastic it was to just drive to the port, board a ship and go. No TSA 3.4-ounce limits on liquids or the five-hour flight delays that had plagued our last few trips.

The Disney Wonder is noticeably smaller than the Disney Dream we sailed on previously. The Wonder has 875 cabins and room for up to 2,700 passengers, as opposed to the larger Dream's 1,250 staterooms and capacity for up to 4,000 guests. I was curious as to whether the smaller, older Disney ship would feel like a lesser experience.

For this cruise, we splurged on the Disney Concierge level in the hope of eliminating some of the disappointments of our first Disney cruise. To say I was excited for our trip is a dramatic understatement, and the experience largely lived up to my highest expectations.

FOR NO COST ASSISTANCE WITH PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR NEXT DISNEY VACATION, CHECK OUT TPG'S DISNEY BOOKING PARTNER, MOUSE COUNSELORS .

Disney cruises are expensive and there aren't many ways to use points for booking, although you can certainly earn a ton of points by booking with the right credit card.

You can earn 3x points per dollar by putting the travel charge on your Chase Sapphire Reserve, which I did.

To use points on a Disney cruise, the easiest way is to make payments with a card that has fixed-value points you can use for travel . This includes the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (currently with a bonus of 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. (worth $750 in travel). Here are some additional tips for using points when booking a cruise .

Although deals and redemptions are scarce, you can purchase Disney gift cards at a discount and then use them toward your cruise. It won't cut the price in half, but you can save 5-10%, depending on available offers and how hard you work on stacking them.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

If you have the Disney Visa , you can save on board with discounts on spa treatments, Castaway Cay packages and photo packages. You can also get a promotional 0% introductory APR for six months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase charged to the card (then a variable APR of 19.24% to 28.24% applies), if you need a little breathing room to pay off all that shrimp and magic. However, in terms of earning or using points, the Disney Visa isn't actually the best card out there, even for a Disney cruise.

On our first Disney cruise, my family of four booked two connecting staterooms to meet our needs for sufficient sleeping quarters and living space. Two cabins aren't necessary for a family of four sailing on Disney, but they were necessary for my family's sanity. We don't sleep well crammed into one small area. On this cruise, my mom came to experience her first cruise while my husband took a different trip with his dad.

We wanted to try another approach to accommodations, so we booked a one-bedroom suite instead of two staterooms. To be clear, two staterooms on Disney are almost always going to be less expensive than a one-bedroom suite. We went this route, in part, to try out Concierge level.

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We've become fans of the website CruiseCompete. This site allows cruise shoppers to select the cruise that interests them and then travel agents "compete" for their business by submitting quotes via email. The base sailing price is typically the same from all sources, including Disney, but the perks and bonuses can and do vary. Our best offer was via Cruise Vacation Outlet. They offer a stateroom credit based on the cost of your cruise, which for us amounted to $750 in an onboard credit. The cruise was pricey -- very pricey -- but that's $750 we wouldn't have gotten if we'd booked directly with Disney.

Looking at prices for a similar four-night cruise from Galveston to Cozumel for next January, prices for a family of four start around $3,300 for an inside stateroom. A stateroom with a balcony starts at $3,800 and a Concierge-level stateroom starts at $5,700. A one-bedroom Concierge suite, like the one we booked, is pricing around $7,000 for the same itinerary next year -- which is about what we paid this year. These suites sleep four to five people, and are 614 square feet, including the balcony.

Related: Interesting way to save money on a Disney Cruise

Embarkation

We arrived in Galveston at 11 a.m. Both times I've cruised, I've been pretty confused about where to go, where to park, where to drop off the bags, etc. There are signs, but it is a little chaotic. Once we figured out where we were supposed to be, the magic began.

I dropped off the bags with Disney cruise tags that had been mailed to us after booking. (Our bags later appeared in the hall outside our stateroom a few hours after boarding.) I also dropped off my kids and Grandma so they didn't have to do the parking lot/shuttle shuffle with me. The nearest open parking lot in Galveston was not within reasonable walking distance of the ship, unlike when sailing Disney from Port Canaveral. After a quick trip back from the parking lot and paying $55 to park for four nights, we were all back together and ready to walk into the terminal. Note that not all parking lots at the Galveston Port Terminal accept guests sailing on Disney, so the official lot is probably your best bet.

Inside the terminal, guests are guided by cheerful employees wearing big white Mickey Mouse gloves. You go through a security check reminiscent of an airport, but with shorter lines and fewer restrictions.

Next up is the Disney Cruise Line check-in desk. This is where our Concierge perks kicked in. We were able to walk right up to a special section with no wait.

Related: What to pack for your first cruise

Our passports were checked again and we were given our "keys to the world." These keycards serve as room keys and ship IDs. They also provide kids club access and charging privileges on the ship. You don't have to wear them on a lanyard around your neck, but it's the easiest way to keep track of them. It wasn't until the end of the cruise that I realized our gold-colored cards meant Concierge level. This made them easy to spot by the crew as most of the keys are blue.

Once we were through all the formalities, we had a brief wait. The waiting areas aren't fancy, though Concierge guests do have their own area and can board first -- just after the Disney-selected "family of the day."

My family was the third to board the ship, at 11:45 a.m. This was hours earlier than we were able to board on our first Disney cruise . I think my mom was overwhelmed with excitement and about ready to cry, which was pretty awesome. She grew up near the water on the Gulf Coast, watching ships her whole life, but this was her first time to step foot on anything larger than a car ferry.

All families are greeted by name as they board a Disney cruise. We were immediately invited to have lunch in Tiana's restaurant, which was reserved for Concierge guests for this meal. However, we had other plans.

On our first Disney cruise, there was almost always a long line for the waterslide and the pools were crowded, so our goal was to enjoy those amenities first thing before the ship was full of more than 2,000 guests.

One quick stop for snacks in the Concierge lounge later, the girls changed into their swimsuits (kept in our carry-on bags) and away we went to start the fun.

Much more on the pools and slide later, but the plan worked. My two girls enjoyed the water features on this sailing for at least an hour and we didn't see another guest during that time.

Laugh if you want, but it was my turn to tear up when I saw our suite: Number 8048.

Regular Disney staterooms are more than fine (and we will probably opt for them when we are lucky enough to cruise with Disney), but the suite was special. Seeing it brought together months of anticipation about the voyage. Square footage is at a serious premium on a cruise ship, so to have two full rooms, two bathrooms and some extra nooks and crannies was really, really cool.

When you enter the suite, there is a bathroom with a toilet and shower immediately to your right.

On the left is a good-sized row of closets, drawers and shelves. This provides storage when the living portion becomes a bedroom.

Past the entry hallway, there is a dining table for four and wet bar with a minibar underneath stocked with soda and water. These are all included, so drink up. You can also refill it as much as you'd like from the large fridge in the Concierge lounge.

The couch was transformed into a bed each evening by the stateroom staff. They do their best to meet with you on the first day to find out what you prefer for sleeping arrangements.

The living room has its own balcony access and TV with Disney movies and shows on demand.

A sliding door separates the living area from the bedroom area. (The door was quite loud. Even in moderate seas, if you tried to shut it all the way, it banged in its tracks all night.)

The queen-size bed in the bedroom area was quite comfortable.There is room for luggage to be stored underneath. (Though that's not how I store luggage anymore .)

A twin-size bed is against the wall across from the TV and next to the queen bed.

Pro tip: You can ask your stateroom hosts to provide cartoon sheets for the twin-size beds.

Rounding out the bedroom is another door that opens onto the large veranda and a second TV.

Between the bedroom and the main bathroom area is a small, but extremely functional, desk area next to the main closet. We used this to store and charge all the electronics. It really helped keep the whole family's smaller items organized.

Finally, there is the master bathroom. The bath area off of the master bedroom features a full-size tub and vanity.

The shower and toilet occupy separate spaces in another section.

Bath amenities are provided in large bottles of the Disney's H2O+ line that you could move from the shower to the bathtub, as needed.

You can't talk about the stateroom without talking about the great stateroom hosts. They cleaned the room and put away the extra beds each morning. Then, while we were out to dinner and a show, they magically transformed it back into a clean, calm space for sleeping. Only once during the cruise did they accidentally try to work their magic while we were in the room -- and that was our fault because we changed dining times at the last minute so we could take a nap.

Overall, this space worked well for our party of four, but it is worth noting that on Deck 8 we heard a fair amount of noise at times, mostly from kids running on the outdoor Deck 9 area above. We were also able to hear when a young child in the room next to ours was crying, which thankfully was only a passing issue at times.

Ports of call

Our four-night itinerary on the Disney Wonder was:

• Galveston, Texas
• Cozumel, Mexico
• Return to Galveston

Our only true port of call was Cozumel, which I was excited to see. I love much of the beautiful Cancun/Playa del Carmen area but hadn't been to Cozumel.

Day 1: Galveston

We spent the first few hours on the ship playing in the pool, eventually enjoying the Concierge lunch in Tiana's, registering in the kid's clubs and exploring. Around 4 p.m. it was time for the fun to officially begin with the "Sail Away" party.

While my mom went to the front of the ship to watch us pull away from the dock, an important moment for her, the girls and I went to a singing, dancing, laughing character-fueled party on deck.

I highly recommend this show; it was a ton of pumped-up fun. We missed it on our first cruise, in part because we just hadn't fully settled into the ship yet.

Drinks are for sale everywhere on deck leading up to this party, if you want to raise a glass to the start of your vacation.

Day 2: At sea

If you follow our adventures, you may already know that my youngest daughter and I both are prone to motion sickness . We were both mostly unfazed by our first Disney cruise, but not this time.

On our first full day at sea, I felt like drunk death for the first half of the day despite being 100% sober. My youngest daughter didn't feel great either. The captain described the sea as moderate in his daily announcements, but when pool water doesn't stay in the pool because the waves are so big, I call it more than moderately yucky. The remedy was some time on deck and Dramamine.

With our sea legs a bit sturdier, it was time to meet some characters and take in a movie. On a Disney cruise, some characters (like the princesses) require advance free reservations, while others are available for walk-up meet-and-greets.

The classic princesses gather in the ship's main atrium while the Frozen princesses gather in a transformed Animator's Palate.

To see characters for whom you don't have reservations, you can beat the lines by having one adult stand near where the character's published appearance is (arrive 10-15 minutes early) and hold the place for the rest of the family to join.

Day 3: Cozumel

Using some of the $750 stateroom credit, I booked a port excursion through Disney that included three stops during our one port day in Mexico: Mayan ruins, Mayan chocolate and Playa Mia Beach Club. It was $55 for kids, $69 for adults and sounded great since it had a little bit of everything.

We met our group at 10:15 a.m. and left the ship with them by 10:30 a.m. The tour operator took the group on a 30-minute bus ride to the Mayan ruins.

There was plenty to see to entertain impatient children for an hour, but our tour guide did more talking in one or two spots than really guiding the group to explore the area. About halfway through our time, we peeled off from the main group so we could see more of the area, which was wise given our interests.

Next up was a 30- to 40-minute drive to the location of the chocolate and beach break. The chocolate was very good with many varieties available for tasting in the gift shop. My favorite part was a sample of homemade corn tortillas with mole sauce -- I wish there had been more opportunities like that on the tour.

Finally, after spending about $40 for chocolate bars to take home, we had 90 minutes at the Playa Mia Beach Club. Lunch was not included in our package, but it was close to 2 p.m. and we were hungry. By this point in the afternoon, the buffet looked less than great to me, so we ordered off the menu. The food was served in an area that could hold hundreds of people at one time and it wasn't great (the margarita was undrinkable and awful), but we survived.

The last hour of the excursion was spent in the pools and on the beach. We didn't fully explore the waterpark area, and the beach was less than glamorous.

I didn't love the way we spent our time on Cozumel. I didn't hate it either, but there probably are better beaches and much better food in the area. Our tour returned to the ship about 15 minutes before the all-aboard time, so almost as soon as we were back on the ship, we were pulling away from Cozumel.

Pirate Night is held aboard ship during the evening after spending the day in Mexico, making for a pretty full day. So full that we begged to change our dinner to the late dinner so we could work in a nap before the nighttime fun.

You want to go all-in on Pirate Night. Trust me, your kids will love it. The meals that evening are all pirate-themed, there are pirate games and then a big pirate show.

There's dancing, pirating, battling and eventually, a fireworks show. Full warning, though, this fun goes on way past normal bedtime, so plan ahead with naps.

Day 3: At sea

On the third day we spa-ed, saw another movie, did a tequila and margarita tasting and ate Mickey bars, lots of Mickey bars. We were legitimately on vacation.

The tequila and margarita tasting was in the Cadillac Bar and Lounge and wasn't quite what I had hoped for. It was much more tequila and much less margarita. Only go to this one if you are a fan of hard liquor, which I'm not.

Even if you are on a shorter cruise, be sure to devote a full day just to exploring the ship and enjoying movies and more. Other than the big-ish waves at first, I was thankful to have two sea days on this cruise; our first cruise had none.

You are paying a premium to cruise with Disney, so make the most out of what is included on the ship.

You don't actually have to get off the Disney ship at all to have a full family vacation. From basketball to pools and waterslides to shows to the spa to kids clubs and more -- there are tons and tons of amenities, most of which are included in your base sailing price.

Pools and slides

On the Disney Wonder, there are three main pool areas for guests. There's the adults-only pool, the main pool and a smaller kid-friendly pool nearest the waterslide and splash area. Children still in diapers are not permitted in the pools, but can go into the splash area with swim diapers.

Here's the thing: The pools are small and they aren't as useable as you might think. We headed straight for the pools as soon as we got onboard this time around to avoid the crowds we experienced on our first Disney cruise. That strategy worked great, and indeed that first hour was the only hour we spent in the pools on our cruise. I won't post the photo of what it looks like when 15 people are in one hot tub, but you can imagine it for yourself.

Not only did the pools and slide get much busier at times, but on our first full day at sea, the water essentially sloshed out of most of the pools because it was so choppy. As shown below, the waterslide was still open on that sea day, but the line stretched all the way down the stairs.

Only one person at a time can go down the slide and you must be 38 inches or taller. My 4-year-old was tall enough by several inches, but the solo-sliding requirement made her decide to stay in the splash zone.

The adult-pool area had lots of swimmers and hot-tubbers at some times but was generally less busy than the family areas.

There are four or five different kids clubs on the Disney Wonder, depending on how you count. The largest, busiest two clubs are the Disney Oceaneer Club and Lab -- designed for children ages 3-12.

The two clubs are on Deck 5 and are connected by a "secret" passageway. The clubs are free for kids in that age range, though they do need to be potty-trained and one-on-one care is not provided. These connected kids clubs have a slide, a video-game area, a Marvel-themed area, Andy's playroom area, craft areas, movies, games, activities and character visits.

Your child's exact location within the club is tracked with what looks like a Disney Magic Band, and you can check them in and out at will. The only time parents are allowed to actually hang out in this club is during designated open-house hours.

On our first cruise, my girls (then 3 and 9) had a blast in these clubs and begged to return together again and again. However, I made a strategic error this time.

The tween club, Edge, is for kids 11-14, but I made the mistake of discovering that 10-year-olds can go to Edge with parent approval. I gave that approval and then my 10-year-old never wanted to go back to the "little kid club." Ever. This created lots of heartache for my 4-year-old who felt left behind. As a result, kids club time for her was not nearly as easy a sell on this cruise.

My 10-year-old, however, never wanted to leave Edge; she enjoyed hanging with the "big kids." Note that Edge is a come-and-go space without a parental check-in process. We did have some issues with my daughter not being where I thought she would be courtesy of that newfound ship freedom.

Lesson learned: Perhaps you should hide the fact that 10-year-olds can visit Edge, especially if you have a younger child still in the main kids clubs.

For teens, there is also Vibe, for ages 14-17. Consider yourself warned: Once your kid gets a taste of the clubs for older children, they may want nothing to do with the more supervised clubs for the young ones.

There are two types of shows on the Disney Wonder, the nighttime Broadway-caliber shows and Disney movies. The nighttime shows are scheduled opposite your dining time. This means if you have early dinner, you go to the late show, and vice versa. Of course, you are free to mix this up by not going to your regular seating for dinner and instead ordering room service, going to a grab-and-go food station or the Cabanas buffet.

On our cruise, nighttime shows included "Golden Mickeys" and "Frozen" -- both of which are excellent.

The Walt Disney Theatre has open seating, so you should get there 15-20 minutes before shows start for better seats. But here's a problem for families: There's no way to enjoy meals in the regular dining rooms (which are very good), see the shows and get to bed at a reasonable hour.

Some pretty cool offerings, like Pirate Night, don't even start until 10 p.m. or later. This isn't a big deal the first day or two of the cruise, but by the end of the cruise, I saw full-scale meltdowns everywhere. I'd love to see more matinee showings of the nighttime shows so families can make the most of their cruise and still get kids to bed at reasonable times. This was offered once, with "Frozen," but typically those with early dinner times (like us) end up going to shows that don't start until 8:30 p.m.

One of my favorite things to do on a Disney cruise is see a movie. It feels luxurious to walk right in and enjoy a first-run movie. On this cruise they were showing movies such as "Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker," "Maleficent 2" and "Frozen 2." Those in Concierge level can pick up sodas in the lounge and free popcorn at the shop right outside the theater. Otherwise, a bucket of popcorn is about $3.50.

There are two movie theaters on the Disney Wonder and some of the showings are in 3-D.

The Senses Spa is located in the forward area of Deck 9 on the Disney Wonder, which means that parts of the spa -- like the salon area -- have some great unobstructed ocean views.

Although I've seen some discounts on the spa during port days in the past, I didn't notice any this time. However, we still had some of that stateroom credit to use, so we happily made a few spa appointments for the last full day of the cruise.

My 50-minute massage was, in short, exceptional. It's hard to judge a whole spa on one service, but it really was great.

The spa treatment room wasn't overly impressive, nor was the area where you change clothes and shower. In fact, there was a line for the two showers at one point. However, the treatment was good enough that I didn't care about the rest. A small warning: They will try to sell you products unless you make it clear you're not interested.

My mom and I also had shampoo/blow-dry appointments in the spa and we both enjoyed them.

If you want some relaxation without paying for full spa services, you can purchase access to the Rainforest area of the spa. During our cruise, it was $29 per day if you purchased access onboard. It is likely cheaper if you buy access online ahead of time. This will also protect you from a potential sell-out which wasn't an issue on this cruise, but can happen. You can also buy a multi-day pass if you want to make this a part of your daily cruising routine.

This tranquil room has heated stone loungers, aromatherapy steam and showers with different temperatures and pressures. But wait, there's more.

Since you're already at the spa, you can use the full-size showers in the spa dressing rooms to clean up instead of relying solely the smaller showers in your stateroom. Beware that there may be a wait for the changing-room showers as there are only two in the women's dressing area of the spa on the Disney Wonder. It is a solid option if you get claustrophobic and want a larger shower space.

Adult-only area

The spa isn't the only kid-free area on the Disney Wonder. You can also head to the Quiet Cove area located on Deck 9.

Here you'll find plenty of comfy lounge chairs, a main adult-only pool and two hot tubs.

There's also an adult coffee shop that transforms into a bar as the day goes on.

This is where you can get your cold brew fix each morning. If you plan to make multiple visits, pick up a frequent-sipper card that gives you a free specialty drink when you buy five on that particular cruise.

The beverages in this shop are sold for a fee, but the pastries in the display case are free.

Concierge lounge

I'm going to do a whole separate article on whether the Disney cruise Concierge level is worth it, so stay tuned for a deep dive into the service and access it conveys. But here's an overview of the lounge itself.

The Concierge lounge is open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and serves meals and snacks at the following times:

• Continental breakfast (7 a.m.-10:15 a.m.)
• Lunch snacks (11:00 a.m.-1:45 p.m.)
• Afternoon offerings (2:45 p.m.-4:15 p.m.)
• Dinner snacks (5:00 p.m.-8:15 p.m.)
• Dessert (9:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.)

For breakfast in the lounge you will often find smoked salmon, diced fruit, muffins, pastries and these truly addictive Mickey-shaped cinnamon rolls. There's also a great coffee machine and sugar cubes shaped like Mickey's head.

At lunch you'll generally find wraps, small sandwiches and single-serve desserts.

In the evening, there are complimentary beverages from 5 p.m.-10 p.m. This is a big deal as alcohol is not routinely complimentary anywhere else on the ship. The bartender on our ship knew everyone's name by the second evening and was a true joy to see each night.

During the evening (and during the day on the first day of the cruise), you have your pick of wine, liquor and beer. Available brands include, Tito's, Bombay Sapphire, Crown Royal, 1800, Jack Daniel's, etc.

For evening snacks, there are small salads, cheese, bread and more.

Having complimentary wine in the evening in a private lounge is pretty great. You can get a glass to take to dinner or your stateroom too.

Second perhaps to the adult beverages, my favorite lounge offering was the stocked fridge -- which you can raid. This means you can have drinks on hand in your stateroom, to take on excursions and enjoy around the ship. There's bottled water, sparkling water, Coke products, juice and juice boxes. I didn't count how many drinks we consumed over the course of a four-night cruise, but a couple dozen is a fair estimate.

A cool event in the Concierge lounge was a special meet-and-greet with a surprise Disney character after the Cozumel port day. On our cruise, the special character was Stitch, but I believe it varies from cruise to cruise. There was a line to meet the character, but it was no more than five minutes while we were there.

In addition to the main indoor area, the Concierge lounge on the Disney Wonder has a private bathroom just outside the entrance, as well as an upper-deck outdoor area that overlooks the adult-pool area.

Food and beverage

Main restaurants.

The Disney Wonder has three main restaurants. These are included in your cruising price and your serving team rotates with you each night. For example, they remembered that my oldest daughter likes barbecue sauce with virtually everything and had it ready at subsequent meals.

The newest restaurant option on the Disney Wonder is Tiana's, a New Orleans-themed restaurant.

This restaurant is an absolute party. We enjoyed shrimp and grits, lobster salad, beignets and way too much fluffy bread.

But that's not even the best part. The best part is the live music, dancing and general merry-making that is the theme of this restaurant.

We missed the main meal in Animator's Palate as we dined at the adults-only Palo that night. We were able to enjoy Animator's Palate during Pirate Night, but it's not the same experience. Rumor has it that the restaurant transforms from black and white to color as the main meal goes on. We'll have to catch it next time.

We enjoyed Animator's Palate during the pirate-themed night with shrimp, crab cakes, noodles, jerk chicken with red beans and rice ... and the requisite kid meal: macaroni with chicken strips. Your kids can order whatever they want from the menu, but my 4-year-old happily stuck to a narrow list of options.

All the restaurants were good, but Triton's was probably my least favorite. It wasn't bad, it just wasn't as fun or themed as the others. If you want to skip one, this is it.

Still, we managed to eat our weight in seafood.

As you are ordering your courses, know that on a Disney cruise, included dessert is never more than a request away. In fact, the servers often insist you at least try it. And in that case, we all know calories don't count.

Quick service

There are a multitude of included quick-service dining options -- pizza, chicken fingers, burgers, hot dogs, chili bowls, ice cream, salads, gyros and more. Basically, no one will ever go hungry.

For lunch, we usually went to the Cabanas buffet which is open for three meals per day -- plus late into the night on Pirate Night. Cabanas has everything from chicken fingers to ham, stir-fry, seafood, salad, fruit, calamari and dozens of other selections.

Room service

I'm a sucker for room-service breakfast and thankfully it's included for all guests on a Disney cruise. The only catch is that the menu is continental. Donuts, muffins, beverages and cereal are no problem, but there's nothing hot (or particularly healthy) on the included menu.

However, a perk of Concierge level is that Concierge guests can order from the Triton's breakfast menu and have hot items delivered to the room. We ordered omelettes, Mickey waffles, bacon, sausage, yogurt parfaits, hashbrowns and more.

Note that although normal room service was always delivered during the time I selected on the door hanger the night before, our one special room-service order from Triton's took a long time to arrive. That may be a fluke, but budget at least an hour for delivery. Once it arrived, it was perfect.

Last, but far from least, ordering ice cream Mickey bars from room service is a must-do. There's no fee for this (other than an optional tip) -- so your kids may want to make this a part of your daily cruise routine. Our oldest daughter learned how to order the bars herself on our previous cruise ... and put those skills to use on this one. (Just be careful what you wear when eating a melting Mickey bar -- something in these bars is very hard to get out of clothes.)

There's no better meal on the Disney Wonder than Palo. This is an 18-an-up restaurant that requires reservations and costs an additional $40 per person. We couldn't get into Palo on our first cruise as Disney newbies because it was already booked by passengers who had access to advance reservations. First-time cruisers are at the bottom of the advance-booking food chain. But this time, Concierge-level access made it happen, and with the kids together in the kids club (at my insistence) my mom and I dined so well that we went into a legit food coma.

Our reservation was at sunset, a visual treat. People also dress up more here, which raised the ambience a notch or two over Pirate Night.

The service was out-of-this-world exceptional. And the food, well, I'll crave it forever.

Palo is an Italian-themed restaurant. On the menu you'll find everything from heirloom tomatoes and mozzarella to tableside antipasti to grilled lobster with pasta, to calamari to handmade gnocchi to scallops to the best meat on the ship (per the chef) -- the prime beef tenderloin.

Every bite was rich and succulent, but my favorites were the butternut squash agnolotti and chocolate souffle (both shown below). Once you pay your $40 fee, you can order away at no additional charge, which can be quite the bargain considering some items on the list. What a wonderful experience this was.

Finally, the ship has bars and an entire area devoted to adults, though kids can enter some of these spaces at times. Outside Tiana's restaurant is the French Quarter Lounge which has live music in the evenings. Kids were welcome here during our visit, though the area was never busy when we stopped by.

There's an English pub, Crown & Fin, that was lively during some football playoff games. There's typically a selection of complimentary bar food at the buffet in this pub.

Also in the "After Hours" portion of the ship is the previously mentioned Cadillac Lounge, where we did the tequila tasting. There is some fun live piano and jazz here in the (kid-free) evenings.

Overall impression

There's a lot to take in on a four-night Disney cruise. Nothing is perfect, but our sailing was pretty darn awesome. It was admittedly very expensive, even by Disney standards. However, it was worth it. We had no worries, my mom got to come with us and it has even piqued the interest of my dad and extended family now taking their first cruises . As for me, it makes me think even bigger when it comes to cruising. Alaska is now on my radar, though likely not in Disney Concierge level as that would probably cost as much as a small car.

The Disney Wonder is a perfectly sized ship. It was large enough to keep us entertained for multiple days, but small enough that my 10-year-old could navigate it pretty well by the second day. The elevators were laughably small (we logged many flights of stairs), but otherwise it didn't feel small in any way.

I wouldn't hesitate to return to the Disney Wonder for this or a longer sailing. The only thing that may get in my way is the temptation of booking a sailing on the all-new Disney Wish when it enters the fleet.

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Disney Wonder Deck Plans & Reviews

Disney Wonder

Activities & entertainment

• ConnectATSea *
• Its a Small World Nursery
• Disneys Oceaneer Club
• Disneys Oceaneer Lab
• Edge _ Tweens Club
• Vibe _ Teens Club
• Mickeys Splash Zone
• Senses Spa and Salon *
• Senses Rainforest Room *
• Senses Treatment Salons *
• Spa Villas *
• Chill Spa *
• Wide World of Sports Deck
• Sports Court
• Character Events
• Fitness Center
• Fitness Classes
• Arts and Crafts Classes
• Deck Parties
• Scavenger Hunts
• Dance Parties
• Extensive Kids Programs
• Pin Trading
• Sing_Alongs
• Video Game Competitions
• Adults_Only Events
• After Hours _ Adult_Only Area
• Whirlpools (4)
• Twist n Spout
• Guest Services
• Port Adventures *
• Port Shopping Desk *
• Onboard Sales Desk *
• Shutters Portrait Studio *
• Vista Gallery *
• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique *
• Retail Shops *
• Concierge Lounge _ Suite Guests
• Medical Center
• Promenade Lounge
• Walt Disney Theatre
• Buena Vista Theatre
• Disney Movies Onboard
• Funnel Vision
• Nightly Live Music
• Stage Shows
• Tianas Place - Rotational Main
• Tritons - Rotational Main
• Animators Palate - Rotational Main
• Cabanas - Buffet
• Crown and Fin Pub - Pub *
• Cadillac Lounge - Cocktail Bar
• Preludes Bar - Theater Snacks *
• Eye Scream - Ice Cream
• Sulleys Sips - Smoothies *
• Petes Boiler Bites - Fast Food
• Signals Bar - Pool Bar *
• Beverage Station - Soft Drinks
• Daisys De_Lites - Light Fare
• Pinocchios Pizzeria - Pizza
• Cove Cafe - Coffee Bar *
• Palo - Italian *
• French Quarter Lounge - New Orleans-Themed Bar *
• Room Service

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• Excellent 68
• Very Good 7
• All languages ( 88 )
• English ( 87 )
• Spanish ( 1 )

Disney Wonder

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line |

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Traveler Reviews

A ship’s traveler rating is provided under license by Cruiseline.com , which manages one of the largest databases of cruise reviews and ratings by travelers. A total of 752 guests have reviewed Disney Wonder , giving it a rating of 4.4 on a scale of 1-5.

Cruiseline Travel Rating:

Reviews by traveler type, most recent reviews.

Great Trip!

Mar 26th, 2024

We met our children and grandchildren for this cruise. We have been on many cruise ships and this was our first Disney cruise. I was very impressed with the staff. They went above and beyond to make everything perfect. The kids had a great time and we made wonderful memories together.

Traveler Type

Family (young children)

Decent cruise; bad itinerary

Mar 18th, 2024

The cruise had many of the special touches Disney is famous for, but the food and drink were not up to par. I would not recommend this itinerary because the seas are so rough coming out of Vancouver and well into Oregon so early in the year. I want to give the ship another try on a different itinerary because I think it has great potential under better circumstances.

10 days to experience paradise!

Aug 25th, 2023

This was the most sea days I’ve ever done in a row. It was 5 days and by the 5th day I was ready to see land. On day 6 we got to land and it was so amazing!

Large Group

Alaska is BEAUTIFUL!!

Alaska is a must do cruise!! It is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. Save your money and book that verandah. Also an Alaskan cruise is to see Alaska and not to enjoy the ship. I will be back but to save money I might try a cheaper cruise line. The views are the same no matter what cruise line you are on.

Jul 22nd, 2023

Loved it, will cruise Alaska again. The Disney Wonder has great crew members. They adult night club Hosts were Fantastic. Photographers were wonderful. servers and stateroom hosts polite , friendly and took great care of us!

4-6 cruises

WONDERful First Disney Cruise

May 10th, 2023

Had an amazing time on my first Disney cruise. ???? ????

Singles/Friends

Disney Cruise Fun

Jan 26th, 2023

We enjoyed it and we're planning to do it again maybe another disney cruise. My kids (boys) 8 and 6 years old had a great time at the kids club, food, snacks, pirate night, and dancing with the characters.

Family (older children)

1 cruise (first)

Baja 3-night Disney Wonder Cruise

Jan 21st, 2023

Food could have been better for but there is no way to express this on the cruise survey they provide you at the end because your servers tell you that "food quality" actually means "how good were my recommendations for you" which is absolute bogus because now you're guilt-tripped into saying the food was excellent when it really was not.

2-3 cruises

There's Magic in the Wonder

Jan 16th, 2023

We took our 5 adult kids, their spouses, and kids. Our group was 19 people. Disney did a good job of keeping us together. We had two large tables for dinner and our own servers. Everyone had a great time. It is hard to compare Disney to other lines. My daughter said it is like Disneyland vs Six Flags; much of the same stuff but Disney is a cut above and somehow magical. It is way more expensive though, so you have to really want the Disney experience to justify the cost.

Very quick but fun.

Jan 10th, 2023

We enjoyed it very much. It was a short cruise and the weather effected our ports of call. The Shows and trivia venues were a lot of fun. The ships venues and layout are different from other cruise lines. I.E. with a larger, more open atrium area, there is more seating to seat down and just relax while going in between different stores and lounges. But, on the other side, it is set up great for family friendly games and venues for your younger children.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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Disney Wonder

Where wonders never cease., onboard fun.

Be immersed in a seemingly endless stream of one-of-a-kind offerings to inspire and delight the entire family—where Disney’s world-renowned quality and service are matched only by the magic that can be found around every corner.

View All Onboard Activities on the Disney Wonder

Entertainment

Enjoy Broadway-style musicals, see your favorite Disney characters in new and exciting ways and behold a new fireworks show at sea. View More

Imaginative kids clubs, adult-exclusive hotspots, 3 themed pools—everywhere you turn, there’s something fun for everyone. View More

Amid fanciful restaurants, savor gourmet dining and casual bites—all with a dash of Disney whimsy. View More

FIREWORKS AT SEA

Character appearances, first-run movies, daily activities.

View all Entertainment on the Disney Wonder

YOUTH CLUBS

For the adults, sports and fitness.

View all Recreation on the Disney Wonder

MAIN DINING

Casual dining, adult-exclusive dining.

View all Dining on the Disney Wonder

SPOTLIGHT AT SEA

Set your sights on some of the newest onboard enhancements and must-see experiences designed to stir your entire family’s imagination and create memories to last a lifetime.

Tiana’s Place

Sup on a stirring celebration of southern cooking and live Dixieland music at this restaurant based on Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.

Crown & Fin Pub

Pull up a chair, share in a frosty pint and enjoy a round of jolly laughs at this adults-only bar resembling a classic British pub.

Marvel Super Hero Academy

Inside Disney’s Oceaneer Club, kids can see their favorite super heroes and enjoy fun-filled games and activities.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

Venture inside this enchanted beauty salon that offers magical, head-to-toe makeovers for young princesses, captains and knights.

Frozen, A Musical Spectacular

For the first time in forever, relive Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Arendelle adventure in a unique Broadway style, musical stage show.

Senses Spa & Salon

Sink into pure bliss at this relaxing retreat, home to therapeutic and beautifying services for women, men and teens.

Whether it's a cozy private retreat or an extravagantly appointed suite, Disney Wonder staterooms are tailored for families—featuring innovative comforts and modern features you won't find anywhere else.

The most spacious and luxurious accommodations aboard the Disney Wonder, boasting separate bedrooms, first-class amenities and unparalleled service.

Breathe in the ocean air from these richly appointed staterooms designed for families of 3 to 5—featuring a private balcony and sweeping sea views.

Relax in roomy quarters bedecked in a charming nautical motif with Art Deco flourishes—plus one or 2 portholes for admiring the scenery.

Sail away in a stateroom embellished with original artwork, warm wood finishes, custom fabrics and beds fitted with fine Egyptian cotton linens.

PORTS OF CALL

Drop anchor in some of the world’s most stunning destinations—from tropical locales bathed in endless sunshine to frozen wonderlands bursting with unspoiled natural splendor—on your next Disney cruise aboard the Disney Wonder.

Rugged mountainsides, sweeping glaciers and lush rainforests make Alaska a scenic utopia everywhere you look.

Inviting wineries, colorful towns, golden beaches and world-class fishing are yours to explore on the Baja Peninsula.

Sparkling waters, invigorating recreation and luxury shopping at deep discounts await you in the cities of the Caribbean.

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Disney Wonder Deck Plans & Reviews

Disney Wonder

• Excellent 68
• Very Good 7
• All languages ( 88 )
• English ( 87 )
• Spanish ( 1 )

Disney Cruise Line Disney Wonder Cruise Review

On the wonder, cabins are spacious and mealtimes are usually rewarding..

Updated October 2, 2014

First setting sail in 1999, the Disney Wonder—and sister ship the Disney Magic—is a modestly sized throwback to the golden era of steamship travel. With its two bright red funnels (one just for show), the ship carries a wealth of design elements in the art nouveau style that gave our voyage an element of class and sophistication. But the Disney Wonder is geared to the family demographic, and although there are appealing adults-only areas of the ship from which one can escape the ankle-biters, on a typical cruise, the Disney Wonder travels with upwards of 1,000 kids. We were intrigued to see how well Disney manages to balance the needs and expectations of such a diverse crowd, especially as other cruise lines have invested heavily over the last decade to court the very same family market. Cabins on the Disney Wonder have several smart innovations for families, and a welcome dose of style, as well.

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Introduction

Standard inside, deluxe inside, deluxe oceanview, deluxe oceanview with navigator’s verandah, deluxe family oceanview with verandah, concierge 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites with verandah, in-room dining overview, presentation, drinks overview, beer & wine, mixed drinks, drink packages, non-alcoholic options, outlook bar, promenade lounge, cadillac lounge, lobby atrium, sports and fitness, wide world of sports deck, treasure ketch, mickey’s mates, vista gallery, oceaneer club, oceaneer lab, flounder’s reef nursery, internet station, quarter masters, walt disney theatre, buena vista theatre, goofy’s family pool, mickey’s childrens’ pool, promenade deck, ship tour overview, dress codes and alcohol policy, loyalty programs, general health and safety, smoking regulations, additional details, shows & performances, sports & fitness.

Not including suites, there are six different types of staterooms on Disney Wonder. Most feature Disney Cruise Line’s unique “split” bathrooms—that is, sink and toilet in one half, sink and shower/tub in the other.

Inside Cabins sleep three or four and come in two sizes. At 184 square feet, Disney’s standard units are slightly larger than the smallest cabins found on most ships. One important distinction from other cabins on the ship: Standard Inside cabins do not have the “split” bathrooms (though you still get a shower and tub). Deluxe Inside features the split bathroom, and comes in at 214 square feet. The next category, pricewise, is Deluxe Oceanview, which have a big round porthole window.

Cabins with balconies come three ways, starting at 268 square feet. Most economical is the Deluxe Oceanview with Navigator’s Verandah, the distinction being that the balcony is semi-enclosed by the ship’s exterior, framing the view. This means you won’t have much of a view from inside the cabin, but the view from the balcony, when standing, is similar to that of other cabins with balconies. The Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah is the same size, but has a traditional balcony, while the Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah has a slightly larger interior (to sleep five), coming in at 304 square feet.

Suites are available in one-, two- and three-bedroom configurations, topping out with the Walt and Roy Disney suites, which each boast posh accents and Disney memorabilia.

Flush with wood tones and nautical embellishments, we loved our cozy cabin.

This cabin was comfortably sized for two, and not too tight for a family of three, with its sofa converted into a bed by the steward each evening. Some of these units sleep four, using a pull down bunk that hides in the ceiling during the day. In addition to having a bathroom split in two compartments, a curtain could be pulled to cordon off the main bed from the couch, providing a measure of privacy while sleeping. One annoyance was that, at check-in, we found the ashtray on our balcony soiled with ashes and cigarette butts.

{{photo_gallery "Cabin 1 Bedroom Photos"}}

The queen size bed was a fine Sealy Posturepedic mattress. It was actually two twins, pushed together, but the plush pillow-top made the split negligible. With 300-thread-count Egyptian linens, we slept very well. We did wish upon a star for brighter bedside lighting, but the Blue Fairy did not grant our wish.

{{photo_gallery "Cabin 1 Bathroom Photos"}}

Disney’s innovative bathroom provides two separate stalls—one with a sink and toilet and a second containing another sink and a shower/bathtub, each with its own door. Combined, they offer more square footage than non-suite bathrooms on most cruise ships. A family sharing this cabin can minimize some of the dressing and time-crunch issues faced when heading out for the day or evening at the same time.

Measuring about 40 inches from head to toe and 12 inches deep, the tub was hardly full-size, but ample for bathing children—bring your own (Donald) duckies. Used as a shower, it was definitely larger than what is offered in most cruise ship bathrooms. There was a retractable laundry line for our wet bathing suits. In addition to hand soap, there were Disney-branded bottles of H2O+ Spa bath and body products—shampoo, conditioner and body butter. We found these amenities to be above average compared to what is supplied by most cruise lines.

We did have a few issues with the bathroom. The shower curtain included a synthetic liner and the liner had a mildew stain several inches across; on the third day of the cruise our cabin attendant replaced the liner, without our prompting. We found the adjustable showerhead to be difficult to rotate to its various settings. A sign hanging on the towel rack invited us to “Be a friend to the earth and oceans” by re-using our towels to save water and energy. Although we always left our damp towels on the racks, as instructed, they were still replaced daily.

There was no makeup mirror in either stall, but the shallow sink counters allowed us to get close to the wall mirrors (a near full-length mirror is in the bedroom). There was not enough shelving in either stall to hold average size travel kits; above each sink was a single glass shelf about 4 inches deep, while four small triangle-shaped shelves were sandwiched into a corner of the toilet stall. There was an outlet for a shaver in both halves of the bathroom; on the toilet side of the bathroom an Elite brand hair dryer was mounted to the wall.

{{photo_gallery "Cabin 1 Features Photos"}}

Naturally, the cabin was designed with families in mind, and one of the unique features was a pair of Wave Phones, an amenity Disney introduced on its ships in 2010. These are Philips G955 handsets that can be used by families to stay in touch with each other throughout the ship. With a kid in tow, these would allow us to keep tabs on each other by voice or text. We could call from one Wave Phone to the other, or call a Wave Phone from our fixed cabin line, effectively giving us three phones to work with (additional phones can be rented from the Guest Services desk for $3.50 per day). These are nifty assets, but parents, take heed: There is a $250 charge for phones that are lost or damaged.

Fronted by sliding wood doors and 60 inches wide, the closet had good storage space for a party of three. There were sufficient hangers on the rod extending the width of the closet, plus a shelf above, where we found three life jackets. Additional storage space for luggage was located under the bed, and there was a cabinet with four drawers next to the closet, a couple shelves above the TV, plus two sets of smaller drawers on either side of the desk.

Cabin lighting was nicely diversified. There were two main sets of overhead lights, controlled by switches at the entry door: one in the entry area and above the bed, another illuminating the couch area. Each of these had a second switch (one bedside, another above the desk). There was also a pair of vertical lights that framed the mirror over the desk and a pair of lamps on either side of the bed—these were a bit dim for nighttime reading. The closet had its own lighting, which went on when the closet doors were opened. The balcony had a pair of lights on each side, at waist level.

There was an oval-shaped coffee table that could be used for meals; under it was a knob that adjusted the height by about 8 inches. There was an empty mini-fridge we could use. At the desk was a crescent-shaped padded stool; it was cute, but uncomfortable to sit on for any extended period.

In-room entertainment channels were fairly broad. In all, 12 channels showed a total of 17 movies at pre-set times throughout the day and night (generally repeating every 2 hours). All of these were releases from the last year, and rated PG or PG-13; about a third were Disney or Touchstone releases. Additionally there were channels devoted to Disney animated features, Pixar fare, live action Disney releases, and Disney Channel content. Our TV was an LG 22-inch flat-screen model, but considering the extent of in-room entertainment, a larger screen would have been nice.

Our balcony was a nice place to while away the day, but unlike most cabins with verandahs on Disney Wonder, which have see-through railings, ours was enclosed by the ship’s metal exterior rising to waist level. When seated we couldn’t see the sea over the railing. We did not stay in the rest of these cabins, but we have summaries here provided by Disney Cruise Line. Note that any photos on this page may be provided directly by the cruise line and not our reviewer.

With a Disney Cruise Line Standard Inside Stateroom, "standard" comes with substantially more! Enjoy more space than you'd find on most other cruise ships in a room befitted with custom-designed furnishings and charming nautical appointments. Make yourself comfortable in an ample seating area complete with a beautifully upholstered couch, desk and television set. It's the perfect place to spend quality time with your family or to unwind after an exciting day at sea or at port. The polished bathroom is fitted with a shower and a tub, and a spacious closet features room aplenty for all your belongings. At night, retire to a bed that's fitted with luxury linens and separated from the seating area with a convenient privacy curtain.

A deluxe room offers you more space for family activities and relaxation than is offered in a standard room. Find a perfect blend of luxury and down-home comforts within your Deluxe Inside Stateroom. Sprawl across the cushions of a beautifully upholstered couch to watch television or first-run movies, or enjoy your morning coffee and daily news at a handsome desk. Fetching nautical fittings and furnishings set the mood for a true high seas escape. When night falls, a cozy bed is waiting for you, with a privacy curtain separating the sleeping area from the activities in the seating area, so your family can rest or play with minimal disruption. You'll also enjoy the convenience of a split bath with a tub, shower and 2 separate sinks

The deluxe room features substantially more space than you would find in a standard room and decor that reflects an elegant nautical motif. Relax in classic maritime style within an environment that offers generous room to spread out and unwind. Watch television and first-run movies in a seating area that includes a handsomely upholstered couch and a sleek and sturdy desk. When it's time for sleep, a luxurious bed awaits, shielded from the activities in other parts of the room by a convenient privacy curtain. These sumptuous private quarters are decked from ceiling to floor in fine-looking furnishings that will please any sea-farer. Best of all, your Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom allows you and yours to be dazzled by incredible sunrises and stunning sunsets through bright portholes, all from the comfort of your room. Of course, you also enjoy the convenience of a split bath, ample storage space and unparalleled Disney service.

A Disney Cruise Line Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah is a spacious accommodation that's specially themed and decorated for adventurous sea-farers. You and your family (of up to 3) can enjoy fun and comfort in a room that features teak siding, imported tiles, antique-style maps on the walls and a unique and intimate verandah. In these spacious quarters, find your stay enhanced by the beautiful details that mark the room's nautical decor, and the remarkable concessions made towards maximizing comfort. An ample seating area contains a television set, couch and sturdy desk. Sprawl out for quality time with the family, or retire to comfy beds at the end of the day, separated by a convenient privacy curtain. A split bath with a tub, shower and separate sinks makes your nighttime routine a breeze, even with multiple family members in the same space. Unique to this stateroom is the distinctive verandah, which is enclosed for added privacy and features a large open-air porthole set in a solid white wall above the railing.

A Disney Cruise Line Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is a richly appointed and spacious accommodation tailored for families of 5, featuring an elegant maritime motif and more square footage than you would find in a standard stateroom. Relax in private quarters fitted with beautifully antiqued fixtures and furnishings and a private verandah for magnificent views of the sea. A Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah features the pleasant comforts of home. Stretch out in a seating area to watch TV and first-run movies from a comfortable couch, or settle down for an evening of quality family time. When the day is done, nestle into plush beds for restful nights on the high seas. The seating and sleeping areas can be separated with a heavy privacy curtain for greater intimacy, and the entire space is decked from ceiling to floor in charming nautical touches. You also enjoy the convenience of a split bath, complete with a luxurious tub and separate sinks that allow for 2 people to use the space at the same time. Best of all, the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah features spectacular sea vistas from the private balcony, which features furniture, plexiglass or solid whitewall railing and child locks for safety.

Disney Cruise Line Concierge Suites are our most spacious, luxurious and upscale stateroom options offered aboard the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder ships. They are best suited to Guests seeking a premium cruise experience in the most sophisticated of accommodations.

Cabin amenities are just fine for couples, but there are smart extras designed for families.

We found the typical amenities well represented, including safe, flat screen TV, mini-fridge and quality bathroom products. But several features cater to the family market, such as Wave Phones that can be used to stay in touch with roaming kids and extensive child-friendly entertainment offerings on the TV channels. A few things we didn’t find: a stocked minibar, make-up mirror, or bathrobe.

In addition to the ship’s pricy laundry services, self-service, coin-operated laundry facilities were offered on decks 2, 6 and 7; irons and ironing boards were available here as well. Ice could be delivered to the room, but we didn’t discover this till finding it on the room service menu.

{{photo_gallery "Cabin Amenities Photos"}}

The room service menu was short, but was sufficient for what a kid might want.

A card was in the room to hang on the door before 3 a.m. to order breakfast at pre-selected times between 5 and 9:30 a.m. On Disney Wonder the selection was limited to continental breakfast—juices, coffee, tea, milk (skim, low fat, whole, chocolate), breads and pastries, packaged cereal and a fruit bowl.

The standard menu—a bit hidden inside the room services directory—was also somewhat narrow, but included some hot choices and was available 24 hours. We found two salads (Caesar or Niçoise), soups (creamy tomato or chicken noodle), a plate of international cheeses with crackers and a fruit bowl. Sandwiches included a BLT, baguette with ham, turkey and Swiss cheese, hot panini with tomato, basil and mozzarella, or a cheeseburger with fries. Chicken tenders, hot dog, mac and cheese, chicken wings and three kinds of pizzas were available. The two larger offerings were a steak sandwich with fries and a grilled salmon steak served with asparagus and orzo. Snacks—including M&M’s, buttered popcorn, peanuts or cashews—could be ordered at a surcharge.

One morning we called in breakfast and were told it would be delivered within 35 minutes; it arrived in 17 minutes. On one port day we ordered lunch and were told it would be delivered in 30-35 minutes; in fact, it arrived just 8 minutes later (the server said it was a quiet day in the kitchen).

Food was brought on a plastic tray and could be eaten at the desk, on the coffee table at the sofa, or on a small table on the balcony. The presentation was simple but appealing, though there was no salt/pepper on the side.

A note on our trays asked us to call room service for collection of our dishes. We did following our lunch but the tray sat outside in the hallway for several hours.

{{photo_gallery "In-Room Dining Presentation Photos"}}

We ordered the fruit, coffee and juice for breakfast. The coffee was hot (in contrast to what we found with the self-serve stations) and the juice cold. The fruit bowl was comprised of sliced melon, apple, pineapple and kiwi.

For lunch we ordered a chicken and guacamole fajita, which arrived hot. The tasty fajita mixture included onions and bell pepper and was folded into a flower tortilla. Small ramikins of salsa (mild) and creamy guacamole were on the side; there was no “crisp lettuce” (as stated on the menu), but the dish didn’t really need it. This wasn’t a full-blown lunch, more like a good-sized snack. The chocolate cake for dessert was a rolled affair—more frosting than cake.

{{photo_gallery "In-Room Dining Food Photos"}}

Beer, soda and bottled water packages could be ordered individually, or in packages (the in-room deal was to buy five and the sixth was free). Beers included Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Amstel Light, Heineken, Beck’s and Corona. Soft drinks included Coke products, Sprite, ginger ale and orange soda. Evian water was available in 16-ounce bottles. With its unique rotational dining (and servers) and moderately aspiring menus, dining turned out to be an unexpected plus during our cruise.

While we would not recommend a cruise on Disney Wonder specifically for its food offerings, with some qualifications we found the overall quality to be above average. Although there were kid-friendly menus at most venues, the cruise also provided an opportunity for junior to stretch his taste buds, to sample new, even exotic fare. And parents will appreciate that, while junk food was readily available, so was a fair amount of more wholesome options.

We did not evaluate the quality of children’s meals, but they appeared to be pretty much par for the course for undemanding palates. A children’s menu was available at all restaurants (other than Palo), with the expected fare: Macaroni and cheese, corn dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, all served with choice of mashed potatoes or fries, and vegetable of the day (offerings were more diverse at the buffet). But we found lots of kids enjoying the ability to order from the regular menu.

A late night, Pirates IN the Caribbean-themed buffet was held towards the end of our cruise, on Deck 9. And tasty nibbles were always available in the (adults-only) Cove Café.

The ambience may be family-oriented but there was no shortage of satisfying cocktails, served in a variety of inviting lounges and bars.

Disney Wonder had seven dedicated bars around the ship (plus those at restaurants). Bar service could also be ordered at the pool areas and at the Walt Disney Theatre. The adults-only Cadillac Lounge was probably our pre-prandial favorite, with its sleek Detroit-inspired styling and live piano providing the perfect backdrop for martinis.

A 15-percent service charge was added to all drink orders. The minimum age for drinking was 21. There was no charge for soft drinks obtained at restaurants or from the dispensers at the 24-hour filling station just outside Beach Blanket Buffet.

The range of beers available on Disney Wonder was somewhat limited. Draught options at several bars included Bud, Michelob Amber Bock and Shock Top Belgian White. By the bottle, the more exotic offerings were Guinness Stout and Blue Moon. Prices ranged $4.25 to $5.25.

The wine list was also not long, but included Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc, La Crema chardonnay, Santa Margherita pinot grigio, Greg Norman shiraz, King Estate pinot noir and Robert Mondavi cabernet sauvignon. Most if these were priced in the $40-$50 range, but a number of bottles could be had for under $30. Wines available by the glass included St. Francis chardonnay, Bogle Vineyards pinot noir and Kendall Jackson cabernet sauvignon, at prices ranging $5.75 to $11.75 per glass.

An expanded, Italian-focused wine selection was available at Palo Restaurant, including Super Tuscans like Solaia Marchesi Antinori and Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido.

{{photo_gallery "Beer & Wine Photos"}}

The ship’s standard drink list included a selection of specialty martinis such as a Pomegranate Cosmo, Citron Martini, Godiva Chocolate Martini—$8.50 each—or the Eco-Tini (VeeV Açai Liqueur, Triple Sec, Agave Nectar, ginger, lime juice) for $9.50 (served with a souvenir Açai seed bracelet!). Featured cocktails were Bahama Mama, Melon Vine and Captain’s Mai Tai, at $5.75 each. A variety of Daiquiris, Margaritas and Mojitos were available ($5.75-$7.50).

{{photo_gallery "Mixed Drinks Photos"}}

Wine was sold in packages of three to seven bottles at a discount off the single-bottle price. If one shopped carefully, savings near 25 percent for seven bottles were possible. One did not have to drink a whole bottle each night; unfinished bottles could be re-corked and rotated to our restaurant for the following night, or taken back to the cabin.

Other drink packages were availed during embarkation. This included 500ml bottles of Evian water—12 bottles for the price of 10, saving $3.50. Buckets of beer were six bottles for the price of five. A 22-oz. Disney Cruise Line beer mug could be purchased for $14.95 with refills sold at the 16-oz. price. The room service menu also included beer and soda packages.

{{photo_gallery "Drink Packages Photos"}}

There were lots of non-alcoholic drinks on offer. Sodas in restaurants (Coke products) were free. Sodas, coffee, decaf, tea and hot chocolate were available at the beverage station outside Beach Blanket Buffet at all hours. The standard bar list included a Passion Fruit Freeze—a blend of juices and vanilla ice cream for $3.95—and a number of mixed drinks could be made virgin. The modestly sized Disney Wonder had an array of activities available, but not as many as some of its newer, bigger competitors.

The Cove Café was an appealing hideout for coffee beverages and small bites.

This inviting café was one of our favorite hangouts on Disney Wonder, with seating inside the cozy coffee hours as well as out on the open area of Deck 9, but protected from most of the wind. Though not designated as an adult area of the ship, most kids bypassed Cove Café on their way to the soft drink machine. The varied magazines on a rack for reading included Vogue, the New Yorker, Bon Appetite, Fortune, Parenting, National Geographic, etc.

In addition to coffee drinks and a full bar, small bites were available from a glass fridge at one end of the bar. In the morning there was croissants and muffins, in the late afternoon we found cold cuts, olives, cheese and veggie sticks and dip, and later on a few trays of desserts appeared. There was also a small selection of cigars (though Cove Café itself was designated non-smoking).

A stairwell connects Cove Café with the Outlook Bar, immediately upstairs.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 14 Overview Photos"}}

Coffee beverages includes espresso, cappuccino, café mocha, café latte ($2.25-$3.95 for a small or large) and a frozen cappuccino and mochaccino that were blended with vanilla ice cream ($3.35-$4.00). The ship’s standard bar menu was available, along with coffee cocktails—Jamaican calypso (coffee, Tia Maria, Myer’s Dark Rum, whipped cream), Italian coffee (coffee and Galliano), etc.

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Cove Café was open daily from 6:30 or 7 a.m. till midnight.

Added in 2009, prior to Disney Wonder’s first foray into Alaskan waters, this adults-only lounge is one key venue not found on sister ship Disney Magic. Also known as the Outlook Café, the bar sprawls from port to starboard on Deck 10, providing good vistas of the passing scenery. Whether coming for a drink or the view or just to read, this was a quiet area of the ship.

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Outlook Bar has a full bar serving the ship’s standard cocktail menu and, like Cove Café immediately below (to which it is connected by a spiral staircase), there’s an espresso machine for various coffee drinks, but no snacks.

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Outlook Bar was open daily from 10 a.m. till midnight, although one port day it opened at 3 p.m. Disney Wonder was conceived with a variety of public areas—some designated for kids, some for adults, while most catered to both crowds.

After dark, Route 66 is Disney Wonder’s adult-oriented area. Although kids scampered through during the day and early evening, the bars here—Diversion, Cadillac Lounge and WaveBands—were designated age 18 and up after 9 p.m. (drinking was still limited to 21 and up).

This was the Disney Wonder’s all-purpose lounge, the first and last bar to open and shut each day. Located in between Triton’s and Parrot Cay on Deck 3, it got busy just prior to the two evening dinner seatings, especially when a nice sunset was illuminating the oversized porthole windows. There were several sets of light live music each night and the lounge is also a venue for some of the many activities taking place each day—trivia contests, talent competitions, charades, etc. Immediately adjacent is the Internet Station.

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Promenade Lounge was open from 8 a.m. till midnight daily.

Although martinis can be made at most bars on the Disney Wonder, the Cadillac Lounge is the place to order one. It not only has an expanded martini and champagne selection, but the swank décor is a seductive immersion into late 1950s Detroit car culture. White fins, red tail lights and leather seats gave Cadillac Lounge its sex appeal, while the piano went live each evening to provide soft background sounds.

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Sitting at the end of Route 66, the adult-oriented section of Deck 3 forward, this dark, subdued lounge was overlooked by many cruisers. Aptly named, Diversions serves as a sports bar and game center—among the scheduled activities were trivia games and Wii challenges, and there were tables with built-in backgammon and chessboards (other board games were available). In the mornings and some early afternoons it was a quiet, untended spot to enjoy a book. Rudimentary nibbles were set out at happy hour—buffalo wings, hot dogs and chips.

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Bartenders staffed Diversions from noon till midnight, though it opened later in the afternoon on port days.

Outlook Bar was open daily from 10 a.m. till midnight, although one port day it opened at 3 p.m.

The Disney Wonder’s main entryway was here at Deck 3 mid-ship, a three-story space topped by a Dale Chihuly chandelier made of faux glass (real glass is too heavy to be safe at sea, we were told on the ship tour, so lightweight acrylics were used—look closely and you’ll see it doesn’t quite have the gleam of real glass).

The Guest Services counter (or front desk) was here, along with a desk for booking shore excursions, which Disney calls Port Adventures. A number of character greetings took place in the lobby, announced in the ship’s daily newsletter, and this was also the main entrance to Triton’s restaurant.

On disembarkation day, this area was jammed to the gills.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 35 Overview Photos"}} The sports court was busy most hours of the day, but we took refuge in the modest but well-appointed gym at the Vista Spa.

Sequestered in the forward reaches of Deck 9, just past the adults-only Quiet Cove, the Vista Spa was a pampering retreat—another area of the ship where parents could dodge familial obligations for a couple hours. The Tuscan-décor facilities are beautifully conceived, with extensive use of mosaic tiles and a lush color scheme we’d call Floridian lite. Overall, a very restful space to chill out.

As with many of the spas as sea, this one is managed by Steiner Leisure. Prices were on par with what we’ve seen on other cruise ships, but still a bit higher than we find at most quality resorts (rates were discounted on port days, and other specials or multiple appointments also availed discount for some treatments). The primary skin care line in use was Elemis and Steiner, and Phyto and Bliss products were also for sale.

Treatments included a variety of massages—seaweed, hot stone, bamboo, chocolate, lime and salt, reflexology, Thai herbal poultice, etc.—ranging $118 for 50 minutes to $249 for 100 minutes. Several treatments are available for couples. Most of the treatment rooms have sea views and there were three also Mediterranean-style spa villas, oversized rooms with whirlpool tubs, foot soaking, tea ceremonies and day beds (starting at $150 for one person, 105 minutes; $449 for two, 120 minutes).

The spa also included a Tropical Rain Forest, which has heated ceramic benches, aromatic steam rooms, and mist fog showers; a pass to use these facilities throughout a seven-day cruise was $99, or $148 for couples. There was also a couples massage workshop held one evening, $60 per couple.

There was a bright full-service salon, where hair and nail services were performed. A new one for Disney Wonder was Ice Cream Manicure and Pedicure, priced $50 and $60 respectively, treatments using various ice cream and sherbet for soaking, buffing, exfoliating and massage—bring your own sprinkles. We’ll try that one next time.

Although the Vista Spa’s gym is not huge, it covered the basics quite well, in a well-maintained crescent-shaped room that overlooked the bow of the ship. We never had to wait to use the Life Fitness cardio equipment, which included the usual array of bikes, treadmills, elliptical machines, etc. (headsets were available for listening to the TVs mounted on these). There were also free weights and exercise balls.

There was a good selection of fitness classes, and a number of them—yoga, spinning, pilates—did not carry a surcharge (there was a fee for the 45-minute boot camp workouts—$69 for two sessions, $120 for four). Arrive early for these classes; space limitations meant a couple of them filled before the start time.

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Sitting at the forward end of Deck 10, this netted area of the ship had equipment for basketball, soccer, table tennis and Foosball. For most of the day and into the evening it was fairly packed with kids, with various tournaments announced in the daily Personal Navigator newsletter.

There were two main shops on Deck 4 that offered a selection of Disney logo merchandize.

There were two main stores on Disney Wonder, both located in the lobby for the Walt Disney Theatre, and they offered a good array of Disney-related merchandise, most of which wasn’t available off the ship.

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We found Disney-logo jewelry, H2O+ Spa products, Fossil leather handbags, wallets and belts, and lots of clothing and purses (Dooney & Bourke) with the Disney Cruise Line logos. This was the place for Timex-brand Mickey Mouse watches along with watches from Citizen and Skagen. There was a wall with a limited selection of fragrances from some of the major lines. Treasure Ketch also sold sundries, including razors, deodorants, pain relievers, sun block, contact lens solution, baby supplies, camera batteries, etc. Even swim goggles were in stock.

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The second of the ship’s two main stores, Mickey’s Mates had even more of the Disney character and cruise line merchandise, much of it aimed at younger passengers.

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This store was awash in princess and pirate outfits plus costumes and T-shirts for other characters. Disney plush toys, Disney games, Disney Wonder model ships—and most of it would not be easily found off the ship.

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Disney Wonder’s duty-free liquor store is a handsome little shop along Route 66 that was pretty quiet most of the time. That might be because liquor purchased on-board cannot be opened until after disembarkation. Still, the duty-free prices availed some attractive deals on vodka, scotch, tequila, whiskey, gin and rum.

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The cognac prices were particularly eye-catching, up to and including Rémy Martin Louis XIV and Hennessy Richard. Cigarettes and cigars were available here as well, also for use after the cruise.

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Disney Wonder’s informal art gallery was better than what we’ve seen on some ships. All of it depicted various Disney/Pixar characters and scenes, and many featured the Disney Wonder.

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Although there was a fair amount of original artwork, the best pieces were available as giclées (reproductions)—good mementoes, but none too cheap.

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A crew of photographers was present to document every inch of the voyage. The images were displayed in this space above the Promenade Lounge. No-obligation private sessions could also be scheduled.

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In addition to selling the photos, Shutters sold camera gear—Pentax, Leica and Olympus point-and-shoots, binoculars, and a few accessories.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 37 Retail Photos"}} Personal Navigator, the ship’s daily schedule, detailed the many activities that took place across the ship each day.

There are five designated kid zones on Disney Wonder, organized by age bracket. Vibe is the club for teens, age 13-17—the area was decidedly off-limits to adults and knee-high types, except for some fairly cool counselors that staffed the room. Occupying Disney Wonder’s faux funnel at mid-ship, Vibe is the only area of Deck 11 accessible to the public. The facility looks like a college dorm, or the living room of the Friends TV show, with mismatched worn furniture and road signs adorning the walls.

A lot of the activities were unsupervised, including computers games, TVs, internet (at an additional charge) and board games, but among the scheduled activities were karaoke, dance parties, pizza and ice cream socials, basketball and a Hidden Mickey hunt.

Soft drinks were free, smoothies and other items were available for an additional charge.

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Vibe was open from 10 a.m. (12 noon on port days) till 2 a.m. daily. The scheduled activities were helpfully listed in the daily Personal Navigator newsletter.

One of the five designated kid zones on Disney Wonder, Edge was designed for tweens, age 11-14, and located deep on Deck 2. The space was primped with low-slung couches, bean bag chairs and lots of computer and TV monitors.

A number of the activities were unsupervised, including the kid-friendly computer lab, videogame consoles, tables for arts and crafts and the stock of board games, but among the scheduled activities were a cooking school, karaoke, bingo, crafts, Guitar Hero, plus pizza and ice cream socials.

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Edge was open from 9 a.m. till 1 a.m. daily. The scheduled activities were helpfully listed in the daily Personal Navigator newsletter.

One of the five designated kid zones on Disney Wonder, the Oceaneer Club was an activity center on Deck 5, mid-ship, where children age 3 to 12 could play in a Peter Pan themed area. There was the façade of a pirate ship with nets and a slide from the crow’s nest, a child-friendly computer lab, a dressing room where kids could change into their favorite costumes, and plenty of toys and games. We loved the child-scaled restroom.

Scheduled activities were almost nonstop, and includes crafts, puppet shows, pirate face painting and pajama parties.

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Hours varied, but Oceaneer Club was generally open from 9 a.m. till midnight daily. The scheduled activities were helpfully listed in the daily Personal Navigator newsletter. Access to the Oceaneer Club was restricted to children and their parents.

One of the five designated kid zones on Disney Wonder, the Oceaneer Lab was an activity center on Deck 5, where children age 3 to 12 could play in a Buzz Lightyear themed area. In contrast to Oceaneer Club, which catered to the same age bracket, the Lab was geared more towards hands-on activities.

Among the scheduled activities were a cooking school, postcard making, a scavenger hunt, human bingo and make your own Disney nametag. Access to the Oceaneer Lab was restricted to children and their parents.

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Hours varied, but Oceaneer Lab was generally open from 9 a.m. till midnight daily. The scheduled activities were helpfully listed in the daily Personal Navigator newsletter.

The Disney Wonder is one of the few cruise ships with a proper nursery for the real young ‘uns, age 3 months to 3 years. Rates for the charming facility are $6 per hour for the first child ($5 for each additional from the same family) and reservations were encouraged—a good idea when headed to shore excursions, the spa or Palo for dinner.

We were told to bring our own diapers, wipes, bottles and milk or formula, sippy cups and jars of baby food as needed.

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The nursery was open from either 7 or 9 a.m. each morning until 11 p.m. We also noted that diaper changing stations were available on decks 1 and 3 aft, deck 4 forward, deck 5 inside the Oceaneer Club, deck 9 forward, and deck 10 aft. Basic care and feeding supplies—wipes, diapers, formula, food, pacifiers—were sold at Treasure Ketch.

Disneys Wonder’s internet station was a collection of nine PCs in a walled-off area of the Promenade Lounge. The facility was not staffed, but there were printers for those who needed them (.25 cents per page).

Basic internet rates were .75 cents per minute, whether using the ship’s computers or your own laptop, with packages available that brought the per-minute price down (100 minutes for $55, etc.).

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The ship’s arcade was a popular spot throughout the day and evening. Arcade Cards, starting at $10, could be charged to rooms.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 38 Overview Photos"}} Though most shows were designed with families in mind, there were an option or two each night that would skew more adult.

With décor and lighting inspired by the guts of an old transistor radio, WaveBands was Disney Wonder’s go-to spot for dancing. Located along Route 66, the lighting resembles both oversized glowing circuit boards and undersized radio towers with bolts of lightning. It’s a quirky room, with a dance floor and small stage at the front, wrapped by booths and tables.

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Shows and Performances

This multi-purpose venue was used for stand-up comedians, magicians, juggling and even a hypnotist. The quality of the performers here was excellent, and the material skewed to adults after 9 p.m. A few game-show type contests were also staged here.

During the day and early evening, Wave Bands was open only during scheduled events. Around 9:30 p.m. it was open for DJ dancing, but this usually petered out by midnight.

The Walt Disney Theatre, located on Deck 4 forward, is an attractive venue that seats 977 guests. The big shows are put on here and they’re fairly impressive performances, though we were disappointed that there’s no live orchestra for accompaniment; it’s strictly a recorded soundtrack for performers to sing to. Although seating is tiered, there’s no balcony meaning that seats in the rear are a fair distance from the stage.

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The line-up of shows on our cruise started with The Golden Mickeys, a tribute to some of Disney’s best known animated films and their songs, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs up through Mulan. The staging is attractive, the singing and dancing solid and the kids love it. Much of the same could be said for a show based on the hit movie Toy Story, which features six new songs written for Disney Cruise Line, in addition to the classic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” The third production on our cruise was Disney Dreams, which—surprise—is a tribute to Disney animated classics. Again, sets and performers were quality, though it helps to have a kid at your side.

Each of the one-hour stage shows were performed two or three times in the afternoon and evening on one day. On other nights there were standup acts held here—a juggler-comedian one evening, ventriloquist-comedian another.

This was one of our favorite places on the ship, a proper 268-seat cinema on Deck 5 that feels like a plush Hollywood screening room transported into the art deco era. The facilities include equipment for 3-D presentations and a Dolby Surround 7.1 sound system. Sight lines are excellent throughout (a steep rake for seating helps), and the projection quality was bright and crisp.

A snack stand was manned at showtimes, offering bagged popcorn, beer, soda and candy for sale.

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The 13 films screened during our cruise were mostly releases from the previous three to six months, but a few were Disney classics like “Peter Pan” and “Beauty and the Beast,” generally played during the day, usually starting by 10 a.m. One evening, a major Disney release was played on the same day it opened in theatres (due to high demand, this film was screened in the larger Walt Disney Theatre as well). Four of the films were presented in 3-D; the schedule on our cruise did not include any R-rated features.

This venue, set up a bit like a bar with seating areas, was a catchall space for other types of shows and activities that didn’t fit elsewhere. There are director chairs and makeup mirrors (to make it look like a television studio), along with billboards along the walls advertising shows on Disney’s ABC TV. The outsized marketing was a bit blatant for our taste.

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Entertainment varied here—some was geared towards adults, but most designed for all ages. On the family end, we saw a napkin-folding demo, a dance party, karaoke and a game show called Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer. For adults, there were presentations by reps from the Disney Vacation Club and cooking demonstrations. Although the crowd on Disney Wonder doesn’t stay up as late as some ships, there was plenty of entertainment following dinner.

Decks 9 and 10, where the pools and main sunning areas were located, were chock-a-block with bodies on sunny sea days.

There are three pools on Disney Wonder—one for kids, one for adults and one catering to all.

At mid-ship on Deck 9, this was one of the busiest areas of the ship, the one pool that could be enjoyed by parents and kids together. Considering the number of water-lovers on the ship, the four-foot-deep pool was a bit small, and deck chairs were in high demand. A pair of small whirlpools were at one end of the pool, also usually full.

Overhead, a 24 × 14-foot jumbo LED screen nicknamed Funnel Vision offered movies and entertainment through the day and evening. Throughout our cruise the movies shown were Disney (and Pixar) classics: Sleeping Beauty, Ratatouille, Swiss Family Robinson, etc. Below the screen was an outdoor stage where some entertainment was offered. The stage was the focus of attention during the “Pirates IN the Caribbean” deck party, when the pool was covered and converted to a dance floor.

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Located on Deck 9 aft, this pool was dedicated to youngest cruisers, a Mickey-shaped pool just one foot deep, with a bright yellow slide snaking into the pool. To use the slide, kids had to be between age 4 and 14, and between 38 and 64 inches in height. A crewmember staffed the slide when it was open. The area was packed throughout the day—though the kids didn’t seem to mind.

An additional Splash Zone to one side was designed specifically for children under 3 wearing swim diapers; water depth here was just a couple inches, with playful fountains for endless entertainment.

There are no sun loungers here, just deck chairs and tables, many of which were in use by passengers dining at Pluto’s Dog House.

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One of Disney Wonder’s designated adult hideouts, the Quiet Cove was not exactly hidden—it was perched right behind the spa on Deck 9 forward—but kids tended to stay clear, making this pool the best outdoor area for grownups seeking sun and quiet. The pool was the same size as Goofy’s Family Pool (4 feet deep), and there were two small whirlpool spas flanking one end and Signals bar at the other. The sun loungers here are upgraded, with cushions and towels at the ready, and there were usually empty ones available.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 27 Overview Photos"}} Deck 10 was our go-to spot for sun worshipping, though the Promenade (Deck 4) offered nice rays in the late afternoon.

This was the big walkway that wrapped around the entire ship, on Deck 4.

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The Wide World of Sports area occupied the forward section of Deck 10, but the further we got away from that frenetic area, the quieter things got. There were lots of deck chairs at mid-ship, but towards the rear of the deck, a sign instructed us not to bring sun beds to that area (perhaps for fear Palo diners might see us!).

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One night of the cruise is designated at Pirates IN the Caribbean night, and pirate outfits are encouraged. A themed menu takes over the dining rooms (other than Palo) and eye patches and ; a 45-minute party on decks 9 and 10 culminates in fireworks and a flyover by Mickey Mouse (we were told that, for environmental considerations, the fireworks are curtailed on Alaska cruises). For dancing amid the crowd, stick to Deck 9; for the best view of the fireworks and Mickey, aim for Deck 10.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 27 Overview Photos"}} The staff was warm and engaging, and services were professionally handled.

The ship’s daily newsletter, Personal Navigator, is packed with details about events transpiring around the ship; it was delivered to our room each night. Of particular note was the listing of scheduled character appearances—dedicated autograph seekers or paparazzi should pay close attention to maximize their face time. And we appreciated having adult- and youth-oriented events broken out separately. The newsletter format is a bit cluttered—we found ourselves discovering lots of tidbits in tiny type that we overlooked earlier. There are 11 public decks on Disney Wonder, though one is dedicated to teens only.

There were no surprises here, with a relaxed dress code that seemed like a good match for the crowd.

Without exception, the crew on Disney Wonder seemed to be chosen for outgoing, upbeat personalities, and their ability to interact with children. Waiters went out of their way to accommodate special requests in restaurants, and performed magic tricks and engaged us with brainteasers suited for all ages. There was quite a bit of disorganization with drink orders at Parrot Cay our first night, but this was not a recurring theme.

Our cabin was generally looked after well, but with its dirty ashtray and mildew-stained shower curtain, it was not quite ship-shape when we arrived (these issues were soon taken care of).

One area we felt let down was during final checkout. While the embarkation process went smoothly and efficiently, disembarkation on the last morning was chaotic. Maybe procedures were in place that guests (hundreds of them) disregarded, but decks 3 and 4 were clogged with bodies, many of them little ones, with luggage filling in any unused spaces. The gleeful pop music blaring in the lobby didn’t help.

The tipping guidelines on Disney Wonder were comparable or slightly higher than those of other lines—a total of $12 per day allocated toward dining room server ($4), assistant server ($3), head server ($1) and cabin steward ($8). Parents should be aware that the recommendations are per person, regardless of age. The day prior to disembarkation we were provided envelopes for gratuities; we could provide the tips in cash or charge them to our room account in exchange for tip vouchers. We noticed some parents giving the tip envelopes to their children to give to the crew.

For bar service a 15 percent service charge is automatically added onto all beverage tabs. Tips for spa staff are left to the discretion of guests.

Overall, attire on Disney Wonder is fairly casual. There are formal nights—two on our seven-night cruise—when dress pants and shirt for men (jacket optional), dress or pant suit for women are “suggested.” But this guideline was overlooked by many. Still, there was a happy minority that enjoyed dressing up on these evenings.

The one place where a dress code was strictly enforced was Palo: Dress pants and shirt for men (jacket optional), dress or pant suit for women are “required.”

One night of the cruise is designated at Pirates IN the Caribbean night, and pirate outfits are encouraged. A themed menu takes over the dining rooms (other than Palo) and eye patches and bandanas were evrywhere; a 45-minute party on decks 9 and 10 follows. Disney pirate-themed attire was for sale in the shops.

Disney Cruise Lines allows guests to carry their own alcohol on board at check-in, but it must be brought aboard in carry-on luggage. It cannot be consumed in lounges or public areas. A corkage fee of $20 per bottle is charged for any personal wine opened in Palo. The drinking age on Disney Wonder is 21.

The frequent cruiser program for Disney Cruise Line is the Castaway Club. Passengers become Silver members automatically after their first cruise and the benefits include separate cruise terminal check-in area and a stateroom gift.

Guests are elevated to Gold status after the fifth completed cruise, which avails early booking opportunities ahead of the general public, a private onboard reception event, and earlier access to online booking tools for future cruises. After the tenth cruise, guests are elevated to the Platinum level with additional benefits. Health and safety standards on Disney Wonder were followed closely.

Attendance at the Muster Drill was required and our room cards were scanned when we arrived at our station. We were not required to bring life vests from our cabin, but the information on their use was explained in a thorough, detailed manner.

Hand sanitizers were present at all restaurant entrances and their use was encouraged.

A health center is located on Deck 1, forward and it was staffed 9:30-11 a.m. and 4:30-7 p.m.

All indoor areas of Disney Wonder—including cabins—are designated as non-smoking. Smoking was allowed in designated outdoor areas of the ship, specifically cabin balconies and the starboard side of decks 9 and 10 (except around Mickey’s Childrens’ Pool). Smoking was allowed on the Promenade Deck (Deck 4) from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

On some nights, Signals next to the Quiet Cove was designated as the Cigar Club at 9 p.m. These two elegant ships deliver a similar immersion into all things Disney, but the Dream is a step above the Wonder in many ways.

When Disney Wonder debuted in 1998 the ship (and sister Disney Magic) was among the half-dozen or so largest cruise vessels plying the seas. Not anymore, and Disney Dream (and sister Disney Fantasy) is 40 percent larger, allowing an even greater variety of activities. With its two additional decks the Dream has more restaurants (including the top-flight Remy’s), a 765-foot “water-coaster,” and new stage shows. With 13 years of experience under the belt, Disney Cruise Line execs were able to tweak, expand and improve on many elements of the Disney Wonder, leaving untouched the elements that worked just fine (like the innovative split bathroom concept that is great for families).

We like the more intimate feel of Disney Wonder, but when sailing at full capacity (as it usually does), the passenger space ratio is very tight; Disney Dream has a bit more elbow-room to work with and crowding isn’t as much a problem at the family pool and buffet restaurant.

Although adult spaces have generally been augmented on Dream, one disappointment was that the adult pool, Quiet Cove, seems more constrained than the same area on the smaller Wonder. Another area where Disney Wonder comes out ahead of the Dream is in variety of itineraries: For now, the Dream is chained to Port Canaveral, just east of Orlando, Florida. But Disney Wonder has matured into a jetsetter, sailing to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and through the Panama Canal. For the foreseeable future, with the Dream offering new bells and whistles to keep the die-hard Disney fans enchanted, we anticipate the Wonder will continue to venture to more varied corners of the globe. Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas is almost twice the size of Disney Wonder—does it work for families?

Almost a decade younger than Disney Wonder, Liberty of the Seas is currently the third largest cruise ship at sea (along with siblings Freedom and Independence of the Seas), and in designing this mastodon for the masses, Royal Caribbean looked both inwards and outside for inspiration. The result is impressive, with blockbuster features like an ice-skating rink and snazzy ice shows, a theatre with productions that aspire to touring-show quality, a towering climbing wall and cool surf simulator, and tie-ins with crowd-pleasing brands like Johnny Rockets and Dreamworks (creator of the Shrek franchise). Based on sheer size alone, there is more to experience on Liberty of the Seas than most of us can tackle in a week—who needs ports of call?

But size isn’t everything. While we found dining on Liberty of the Seas about average for the cruise industry overall, from the buffet to the specialty dining venue Palo, meals on Disney Wonder were better. And Disney Wonder is a surprisingly elegant ship, smartly designed in an art nouveau style that may never age; Liberty of the Seas is a bit more like a big floating mall. Royal Caribbean hasn’t come up with anything as novel as the split bathroom concept Disney conceived for Disney Wonder (and sibling Disney Magic), a great solution when families are sharing a room. And by the way, cabins on Disney Wonder are larger than those of Liberty of the Seas (though you’ll also probably pay more for that cabin on Disney Wonder).

Perhaps the most important comparison is how the ships stack up for families, and here we’d call it a draw. For pre-teens the edge goes to Disney Wonder, where the stable of Disney characters inspires wide grins that go beyond what the Dreamworks characters can muster; the Disney crew seems particularly well chosen to interact with kids. For the tween-and-up crowd, Liberty of the Seas might appeal more because the Disney scene may be passé, and that rock climbing wall and surf simulator are great places for showing off at an awkward age. Disney Wonder caters to families, but a ride on Sapphire Princess offers many family amenities, and is often quite a bit less expensive.

Parents considering a cruise with children might assume that Disney Cruise Line is the first and last place to look for an ideal family experience at sea. And Disney does an excellent job of catering to the under-18 market as well as providing adult options that allow parents some quality time of their own at sea. But when Disney Cruise Line arrived in the market in 1998 it forced most existing cruise lines to reexamine their family offerings, and today Sapphire Princess is an example of a ship that provides facilities and activities for kids, staffed by carefully trained crew-members. While not as extensive as the services on Disney Wonder, the three facilities on Sapphire (each dedicated to a different age bracket) will keep kids engaged from beginning to end of the cruise, and provide parents a bit of escape. Bonus: Sapphire Princess is generally priced less that Disney Wonder on comparable itineraries.

For couples without children, the choice between the two might seem obvious—go with the ship that caters to couples. But Disney Wonder offers a quality experience for adults, and we found a small number of couples on-board this ship enjoying the Disney treatment, without kids. Most of them were members of Disney Vacation Club (a plan similar to timeshare), but Disney Wonder does deliver restaurants that are somewhat better than Sapphire Princess, and the stage shows (though mostly family-oriented) are head and tails above the shows on Sapphire in quality. Still, couples should not be lulled into thinking the Disney Wonder offers an intimate adult-oriented experience; on an average cruise, the ship will have upwards of 1,000 kids roaming its decks. Aboard Sapphire Princess, the number of kids varies heavily by time of year, but can range between as few as a couple dozen to several hundred, and the ship is a considerably larger vessel for them to blend in to.

Disney doesn’t let you forget who’s running the show: From the wake-up calls that use a recorded greeting from Mickey Mouse, to the ship's horns, which blare a discordant version of the seven-note melody from “When You Wish Upon a Star” at sail-away, the company’s branding is pervasive. In common areas of the ship, you’ll be humming along to “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” and “Some Day My Prince Will Come” while an autograph session with Disney princesses commences with the kind of fanfare usually accorded to elder statesmen. For some, this will be a welcome atmosphere; others may chafe. In the end, the passenger make-up is self-selecting and it involves a large percentage of newbie cruisers who are along for the Disney ride, not necessarily for the cruise experience or any particular destination. Veteran cruisers may be put off by the number of novice travelers and their casual attire.

Another important issue should be noted when considering a cruise on the Disney Wonder. When this ship (and sister Disney Magic) was conceived, Disney execs estimated that passenger makeup would be 60 percent families, 40 percent couples. Whether that was an incredibly optimistic projection or a whirl through Fantasyland, we can’t say, but we estimate that couples traveling without children probably made up less than 5 percent of the passengers on our cruise.

One other consideration worth highlighting is that the Disney Wonder isn’t cheap. Leaving out high-end luxury cruise lines, similar itineraries on the major lines almost always cost less than sailing with Disney, especially during summer and school holidays. Several other companies deliver a quality family product—sans Mickey and Minnie—and their cruises are usually priced at least 25 percent less. But Uncle Walt can charge a premium because there’s a sizable herd that will pay extra for the Disney treatment. Still, for families considering a cruise vacation, if itinerary and price are not a consideration, the Disney Wonder delivers the goods. The classiest of the three main dining rooms, Triton’s delivered good food, even en masse.

Opening off the main lobby behind a statue of Arial, the Little Mermaid, Triton’s is where the designers let their art nouveau notions fly most grandly—the room is elegant with lots of swoops and curls, and a vaguely nautical theme. A sweeping mosaic depicting the characters from the Little Mermaid dominates one wall, with stained glass accenting others. We’re not sure if it’s intended or by default but the waiters (the same ones from the other main dining rooms) seemed to be a tad more formal, and the meals seemed to taste better—maybe it was just the beautiful room that inspired.

As one of Disney Wonder’s three main dining rooms, we were assigned to dinner at Triton’s every third night of the cruise.

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Among the appetizers we enjoyed at Triton’s was sesame-crusted tuna shashimi, accompanied by wakame (seaweed) salad, a dollop of wasabi, pickled ginger and a taste of caviar. There was a salad of baby spinach and citrus wedges lathered in a mild blue cheese dressing, and a deconstructed Caesar salad with a roasted bacon-wrapped date for garnish. Entrées that stood out included the seafood linguini with a few pieces of lobster, scallops, shrimp and clam, in a light wine and cream sauce; the roasted half Cornish hen was served atop Israeli couscous with zucchini and bell pepper and a lemon herb sauce. We also tried the oven-baked orange roughy, stuffed with a morsel of crabmeat; we weren’t impressed.

One of our favorite meals on Disney Wonder was lunch at Triton’s. This started with a bruschetta topped with healthy flakes of Parmesan and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. For an entrée we thoroughly enjoyed the pan-seared tilapia, served on spinach and a tarn of cheese grits, ringed by a sweet red wine syrup. Breakfast here were good, if fairly traditional—Triton's offered the best route away from the clamorous Beach Blanket Buffet.

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The ship’s standard bar menu was available at Triton’s.

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There were two seatings nightly at Triton’s, 5:45 and 8:15 p.m. Breakfast was served here daily from 8 or 8:30 to 9:30 or 10 a.m., and lunch was served from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.

The food was fine, but there’s a great concept here that seems unrealized to us.

When Disney Magic and Disney Wonder first debuted in 1998-99 and we heard about Animator’s Palate, we thought the concept—a black-and-white restaurant that evolves into vivid color over the course of dinner—was a promising tip of the hat to the craft of Disney’s animators. During the 75-minute “show,” video screens depict scenes from Pocahontas, Mulan and Little Mermaid while music swells; then the lights dim and Mickey Mouse emerges in his Sorcerer’s Apprentice garb as the room bursts into color.

But we find the actual execution falls short, instead being bombastic rather than magical. If the meals were poor, we’d say the concept was an attempt to divert us from actual dining; instead, we found the reverse to be true—the show begs for attention offering little heartfelt payoff and distracts from fairly decent food, the waiters hustling to stay in step with the pre-determined timing of the show. Given all the high-tech wizardry available to Disney’s creative team, this venue seems overdue for a more imaginative implementation. Unfortunately, we seem to be a minority opinion.

As one of Disney Wonder’s three main dining rooms, we were assigned to dinner at Animator’s Palate every third night of the cruise.

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The menu at Animator’s Palate skews to California cuisine, with references to Asian and other cooking styles. For an appetizer, we loved the wild mushroom risotto, the rice nicely firm and the mushroom flavors bold; the porcini bread stick that accompanied could have used a bit more heft and crunch. The confetti tomato salad showcased flavorful tomatoes with a light pesto drizzle. For entrée we enjoyed the lemon-thyme marinated chicken breast, which sat on a mound of root veggies and mashed potatoes; and the phyllo-wrapped salmon fillet joined by green peas. For dessert the warm apple crumble was fine, finished with a big dollop of vanilla ice cream.

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The ship’s standard bar menu was available at Animator’s Palate.

There were two seatings nightly, 5:45 and 8:15 p.m. A Caribbean theme pervaded this dining room, and sometimes flavored the menu as well.

The third of Disney Wonder’s main dining rooms, Parrot Cay is colorfully adorned with playful fretwork, ceiling fans and bamboo furniture—a theme park-worthy interpretation of the Caribbean. But it’s a fun, less formal room than Triton’s, and we found a few good dishes on the island-accented menu.

As one of Disney Wonder’s three main dining rooms, we were assigned to dinner at Parrot Cay every third night of the cruise. This is also where character breakfasts are held—we had a specific morning assigned to us for this meal (and a photo with Minnie Mouse to prove it).

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Most nights, an island-seasoned menu was on offer, with spices leaning forward. That said, we weren’t surprised that the “sizzling spicy jerk sauce” for the chicken tenderloins wasn’t packing the kind of heat we’ve wilted over in Port Antonio! But although the chefs played it safe we found a tasty grilled rib-eye of beef with sides of “double-baked” potato and over-cooked corn on the cob; a delicious shrimp and avocado salad that made a great, light main course; a serviceable half roasted chicken served with mashed sweet potatoes; and a jerk-seasoned pork chop that was sweet with curried peach relish.

On the night of the captain’s dinner (one of three theme nights on our cruise, when all three restaurants shared the same menu) we ordered the baked lobster tail, which was served on the shell with a wedge of lemon, green beans and rice. It was neither the most succulent nor the toughest lobster we’ve had, but the flavor was okay. A salad of grilled vegetables and beef prosciutto was an interesting find, and we also tried the seafood salad, which had nice chunks of lobster, shrimp and scallops, but the dressing and romaine lettuce that accompanied this dish could have been more sophisticated, lighter.

On a couple mornings of our cruise a breakfast buffet was available. The spread appeared to be about the same as what was offered in Beach Blanket Buffet, but with little of the crowding issues we found there.

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The ship’s standard bar menu was available at Parrot Cay.

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There were two seatings nightly, 5:45 and 8:15 p.m. Buffet breakfast was served here on some days (8:30 to 11 a.m.), as was lunch on select days (12:15 to 1:30 p.m.). The buffet delivered some nice surprises on the food front, but we weren’t happy about the crush of people.

This venue, essentially the only full-service buffet on Disney Wonder, is inadequate to handle the mobs that swarm through every morning and at lunch on sea days. Although there are four lanes and we moved through them fairly well, there are kids bolting in all directions, indecisive eaters in line, and sticky floors (spilled soft drinks, we assume) were a regular occurrence. We never had a problem finding a table, especially when the weather cooperated and we could grab one on the outdoor aft deck—maybe everyone else was similarly looking to vacate tables as soon as they were finished.

That said, we always found tasty items at the buffet, along with a number of middling dishes that were easy to dodge. The spread is not big, but it is diverse, and most of the lunch and dinner selections change daily. And a word to the wise: a nearly identical buffet breakfast was available on some mornings in Parrot Cay, with fewer people and considerably more breathing room—check the daily Personal Navigator for hours.

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At breakfast, most of the selection was predictable, but good. This included Kellogg’s brand boxed cereals and hot oatmeal, unflavored yogurt and cottage cheese with a nice selection of fruits and nuts for topping. There was fresh fruit, pancakes and Mickey-shaped waffles, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, an omelet station, hash browns, corned beef hash, sausage and bacon. The omelet station was not configured well for trays, so one had to take the tray to the table first, then order the omelet; a few pre-made omelets each day were more useful, usually Western, ham and cheese, and the Yankee egg white.

The lunch and dinner selection was pretty strong, and evolved over the cruise. Among the tasty dishes we found were pork chops with apricots, prunes and slivered almonds; an antipasti station with grilled veggies, meats, olives and cheeses; lightly steamed asparagus with feta; apple, walnut and gorgonzola turnovers; flank steak stir fry with asparagus and red bell pepper; sesame-crusted teriyaki glazed cod with bok choy; and a carving station. Other regular offerings included a cold pasta of the day, stir-fried noodles, a vat of macaroni and cheese, a salad bar. There was sometimes a hot pasta station, two of which were risotto; on another day this section was converted to a stir fry station. One day a seafood bar appeared, and the selection included green lip mussels, crawfish, shrimp, Jonas crab claws and snow crab clusters—a great spread for shellfish fans.

A small dessert section included amaretto cheesecake, tiramisu, apple crumble with vanilla sauce, strawberry tart and various cookies.

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There were drink stations at the end of the serving lines that featured Minute Maid apple and orange juice dispensers, along with soda, coffee, tea, and milk (skim, low-fat, whole and chocolate). Soda, coffee, decaf, tea and hot chocolate were available at the beverage station outside the buffet 24 hours—sometimes the coffee here was not very hot.

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The buffet is open daily for breakfast from 6:30 or 7:30 to about 10:30 a.m. Lunch is served from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and dinner from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This top-deck Italian restaurant is well worth the surcharge for parents’ date night out.

The Disney Wonder’s sole surcharge restaurant serves delicious northern Italian meals. Although seafood offerings showcased a lighter touch, the rich cooking style is fairly heavy. But every dish we tried was satisfying, and all of it prepared to order and served with finesse. As such, we found Palo’s $20 surcharge reasonable.

Palo is restricted to those 18 and up, making it a good choice for an evening away from the kids (there is also a wonderful brunch served on sea days, also priced $20). Note the strict dress code: dress pants and shirt for men (jacket optional), dress or pant suit for women. Make a reservation at the beginning of your trip—strongly advised for cruises of less than a week—and aim for a seating just before sundown to enjoy Palo’s sweeping 270-degree views from Disney Wonder’s top deck. On embarkation day, reservations could be made at Wavebands before the Muster Drill.

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Our meal started with a generous plate of antipasti—slices of prosciutto and bresaola, marinated artichoke hearts, sun dried tomato and red pepper, various olives, and shards of Parmigiano-Reggiano, accompanied by breadsticks, olive rolls and several types of flatbread. For appetizers we enjoyed the grilled shrimp, served with pesto over a ragu of mussel, crab and cherry tomato, and the simple but fresh arugula salad.

Our table happily shared an array of entrées, including grilled sea scallops served atop a mound of beans and pancetta; lightly seared tuna perched against a “risotto” of potatoes and garlic marinated artichokes; a braised beef ravioli bathed in a wine reduction sauce and topped with big flakes of parmesan; and melt-in-your-mouth rack of lamb, crusted with parmesan and oregano and accompanied by slow-baked tomatoes. Most of these had little drizzles of pesto decorating the handsome plates. For dessert we indulged in a panna cotta rich with vanilla bean, a conga line of fresh berries marching across the plate.

We also tried brunch at Palo and found a regal spread, arranged like an intimate buffet. For antipasti there was asparagus with hollandaise, prosciutto and melon, tomato and mozzarella, and grilled vegetables. One table had a beautiful array of fine cheeses, including derby sage, Cambozola, port-infused cheddar, along with fresh breads and pastries, including a tasty blue cheese and walnut Danish. A seafood table offered stone crab claws, Alaskan crab legs, jumbo shrimp, a trout mousse, Cajun tuna and poached scallops. Another station was set up to prepare pizzas on request (gorgonzola and grape was a memorable discovery), egg dishes (eggs benedict and frittata for starters), pancakes and a pasta of the day. The dessert line-up followed, including cherry strudel, assorted Danish, marscapone, tiramisu, assorted petit fours and parfaits. We stuffed ourselves silly.

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Palo had an expanded, Italian-focused wine selection. This included Super Tuscans like Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido and Solaia Marchesi Antinori (priced $279-$299) and sparklers from Champagne. But most of the wine list was less heady, and included a few whites under $30 and a couple reds under $40. There were a few non-Italian choices not found on the ship’s standard wine list—Cakebread chardonnay, Paul Hobbs pinot noir, Montes Purple Angel—and the ship’s standard bar menu was also available.

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Palo was open nightly from 6 p.m. with the last seating at 9 p.m. It was open for brunch on at least one sea day during our cruise, but for some reason this was not publicized in the daily Personal Navigator newsletter that arrived in our room each night. This was a good spot for between-meal treats, some of which were healthier than pizzas and hot dogs.

This outdoor deli counter had a small selection of food through the day. A self-serve ice cream station was adjacent.

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In the mornings we found fruit—both whole (bananas, apples, oranges) and sliced (melon, pineapple, watermelon)—yogurt with granola and berries, boxed cereals, Danish and muffins. Later in the day there was simple salads, wraps (chicken Caesar, tuna), ham, tomato and mozzarella panini, and turkey and cranberry sandwiches.

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Goofy’s Galley was open daily for breakfast from about 6 or 7 a.m. till 8 or 9 a.m., and re-opened for lunch from 11 a.m. till 6 or 7 p.m. Burgers and wieners of all stripes were available here.

This outdoor venue next to Mickey’s Childrens’ Pool indulged us with everything mom told us we shouldn’t eat.

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Dog varieties included traditional hot and brats, while hamburgers could be ordered as veggie or fish burgers. Fries came with the plates, and chicken tenders and a Cajun chicken breast were also available.

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The doghouse was grilling from 11 a.m. to 9 or 9:30 p.m. daily. We would be telling a lie if we said there was much to get excited about here.

Overlooking Goofy’s Family Pool, the menu was theme park-simple.

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Pepperoni, cheese, Hawaiian and vegetarian pizzas were the rule, served by the slice.

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Pinocchio runs a full bar, with beer on tap, a few tropical specialties (Bahama mama, mai tai, rum runner) and a selection of soft drinks, smoothies and bottled water.

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The pies were coming out the oven from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and again 9:30 p.m. till midnight.

The ship’s standard drink list was available at the Promenade Lounge.

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In addition to the ship’s standard cocktail menu, Cadillac Lounge was the place to go for specialty martinis and more refined drinks. Signature cocktails included the Limone Basilico (Absolut Citron, limoncello, muddled basil), the Balsamic Grande (Grey Goose vodka, 5-year-old balsamic vinegar, fresh strawberries) and the Elderbubble (Grey Goose vodka, St-Germain Elderflower liqueur, raspberry purée, Taittinger Champagne); prices ranged $9.25-$10.50.

The upgraded wine list included quality champagnes by the glass, including Moët et Chandon Imperial ($18) and Taittinger Prestige Rosé ($19); bottles of champagne ranged $69-$499 and featured Perrier-Jouët La Belle Epoque and Armand de Brignac Gold. Wines by the glass included Cloudy Bay sauvignon blanc ($15.50), Far Niente chardonnay ($18.50), Amarone della Valpolicella ($14) and Barolo Marchesi di Barolo ($19), at prices ranging $10-$26. Johnny Walker Blue scotch, Woodford Reserve bourbon and Remy Martin Louis XIII were among the fine spirits on offer.

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Cadillac Lounge was open from 5:30 or 6 p.m. till midnight nightly. The minimum age was 18.

The ship’s standard drink list was available at Diversions.

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The ship’s standard drink list was available at WaveBands.

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This is the bar that serves the adults-only Quiet Cove.

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The ship’s standard drink list was available at Signals.

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Signals was open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (till midnight on the Pirates theme night). On some nights, Signals was designated as the Cigar Club at 9 p.m.

Outlook Bar was open daily from 10 a.m. till midnight, although one port day it opened at 3 p.m. The Vista Spa and its fitness center were a great retreat.

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This was also the ship’s jogging course—three laps around this deck equaled one mile. And a shuffleboard court with equipment was on both port and starboard sides.

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The nursery was open from either 7 or 9 a.m. each morning until 11 p.m. We also noted that diaper changing stations were available on decks 1 and 3 aft, deck 4 forward, deck 5 inside the Oceaneer Club, deck 9 forward, and deck 10 aft. Basic care and feeding supplies—wipes, diapers, formula, food, pacifiers—were sold at Treasure Ketch. There are three pools on Disney Wonder—one for kids, one for adults and one catering to all.

Overhead, a 24 x 14-foot jumbo LED screen nicknamed Funnel Vision offered movies and entertainment through the day and evening. Throughout our cruise the movies shown were Disney (and Pixar) classics: Sleeping Beauty, Ratatouille, Swiss Family Robinson, etc. Below the screen was an outdoor stage where some entertainment was offered. The stage was the focus of attention during the "Pirates IN the Caribbean" deck party, when the pool was covered and converted to a dance floor.

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A small snack bar called Preludes is open just before showtime, selling popcorn and candy, sodas, and there’s a full bar.

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Entertainment varied here—some was geared towards adults, but most designed for all ages. On the family end, we saw a napkin-folding demo, a dance party, karaoke and a game show called Who Wants to be a Mouseketeer. For adults, there were presentations by reps from the Disney Vacation Club and cooking demonstrations.

{{photo_gallery "Venue 30 Shows and Performance Photos"}} Disneys Wonder’s internet station was a collection of nine PCs in a walled-off area of the Promenade Lounge. The facility was not staffed, but there were printers for those who needed them (.25 cents per page).

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Tucked away on Deck 7, this deck has sun loungers and little else, not even a soundtrack. Its hideaway location—not shown on any ship maps—means it can be a good spot to escape the crowds. The deck is closed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

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Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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Theme parks, disney cruise line – what you need to know, cruise line ships, recent walt disney world, recent disneyland, all reviews, recent reviews, allears style, newsletter home, 7 reasons why the disney treasure will be a must-do for disney adults.

We’re getting closer and closer to the Disney Treasure setting sail!

It will be leaving on its maiden voyage this December, and there are so many reasons to be excited about your time on it! To that point, we wanted to talk about a couple of the reasons why the Disney Treasure will be a MUST-DO for Disney Adults!

Taking into account everything we know about the Disney Treasure so far, we’ve narrowed it down to a list of seven things that Disney Adults will absolutely be on board to experience!

Haunted Mansion Parlor

If you’re a big Haunted Mansion fan like us, you’re already beyond stoked for the Haunted Mansion Parlor coming to the Disney Treasure.

This is going to be a lounge where you’ll be able to have drinks and some eats, all the while being immersed in the spooky vibes. You just might end up spending hours here.

Check out everything we know about the Haunted Mansion Parlor here!

The skipper society.

All you Jungle Cruise Skippers, this one’s for you! The Skipper Society will be the perfect spot for you on board.

There look to be so many hidden details based on the various iterations of the Jungle Cruise attraction from Disney destinations around the world we can already see from the concept art of this bar. You’re going to nerd out when you get in there (and we will, too!).

Let us share all those hidden details with you here!

Periscope pub.

Have you ever heard of the classic movie “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea”? It used to have a popular ride in Magic Kingdom, and Disneyland’s version has been re-themed. Since then, there hasn’t been much in the way of representation for the movie in any of Disney’s offerings. However, that’s about to change thanks to the Disney Treasure!

At the Periscope Pub, you’ll find a selection of craft brews and tasty snacks to enjoy while you watch your favorite sports games on TV. Plus, you might notice a few fun decorations that pay tribute to a famous giant squid.

Check out more about Periscope Pub here!

On the upper deck, adults can enjoy the secluded Quiet Cove aboard the Treasure, which is “dedicated to lounging, sipping and soaking.”

This adults-only area will feature an infinity pool, poolside bar, and cafe. Say less and sign us up!

The Rose is a lounge offering “an upscale suite of epicurean excellence” to enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif or after-dinner cocktail. You’ll find it outside the entrance to Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté.

What other than the rose with falling petals reminds the Beast of his potential fate to serve as the inspiration for this space?

Palo Steakhouse

The Disney Cruise Line’s staple Palo Steakhouse also has a home on the Treasure. It will present its signature combination of “authentic Italian dining with the classic refinement of a modern steakhouse.”

On the Treasure, as with the Wish, the setting will draw inspiration from Cogsworth.

Enchanté (featuring a menu by three-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement) will offer the most luxurious dining experience on the ship in a romantic, intimate setting.

The Candelabra, Lumiere, serves as the inspiration for the space.

Last up, I know we said seven, but here’s one more for ya!

Disney hasn’t said much about this space, but we do know that it will be a central hub for both daytime activities and adult-exclusive entertainment in the evenings.

What we can tell is that it’s themed after The Pride Lands in The Lion King !

Read more about Sarabi here!

These are just a couple of the reasons why the Disney Treasure will be a must-do for Disney Adults, but we’d love to hear what you’re most excited about! Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the Disney Treasure.

Disney Cruise Line Ships: Disney Treasure – Everything You Need to Know

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Will you be sailing on a Disney Treasure cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

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Best Disney Cruises & Cruise Ships Ranking for 2024

A s an aficionado of magical vacations, you're likely curious about the top Disney cruises and cruise ships for 2024. With Disney's renowned attention to detail and service, each ship offers its own unique charm and a myriad of enchanting experiences. Perhaps you're drawn to the Disney Dream 's immersive world or the Broadway-style shows on the Disney Fantasy . Maybe the unique onboard features of the Disney Magic attract you, or the adventures offered on the Disney Wonder . There's also the highly anticipated Disney Wish on the horizon. So, which one will make it to your travel bucket list? Let's find out.

Disney Dream Cruise Review

Stepping aboard the Disney Dream Cruise , you're immediately immersed in a magical world that promises an unforgettable voyage for both kids and adults. As one of the best Disney Cruise Line ships, it boasts sumptuous dining options, spectacular live shows, and round-the-clock room service.

Docking at Port Canaveral , you'll love Disney's Oceaneer Club . Trust the Disney Cruise reviews, your Disney Cruise Line vacation starts here.

Exploring the Disney Fantasy

Moving on from the enchanting Disney Dream, let's set sail and explore the wonders of the Disney Fantasy . Often hailed as the best Disney ship, this gem in the Disney Cruise Line fleet boasts Disney characters , Broadway-style shows, and sumptuous main dining rooms .

Despite the new Disney Wish stealing some limelight as Disney Cruise Line's newest ship, the Disney Fantasy remains a standout in the Disney Cruise Line experience.

Disney Magic Ship Highlights

Let's explore the highlights of Disney Magic, a 2,713-passenger ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Packed with unique attractions like Broadway-style musical performances , flat-screen TVs, and a table-service restaurant , it's all about the magic of Disney.

And, don't forget Caribbean cruises with excellent service.

Use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app for an even better experience.

Unveiling Disney Wonder

Next on our list is Disney Wonder, one of the new ships in the Disney fleet and a sister to the newest Disney cruise ship.

You'll love the friendly cast and crew members, the rotational dining options , and the Walt Disney Theater .

With Disney Wonder, it's all about the exciting port adventures .

Get ready for a journey you won't forget aboard this amazing Disney ship.

Disney Wish: What to Expect

On the horizon of your next dream vacation, Disney Wish stands proud, promising an unparalleled cruise experience. As one of Disney's new vessels, its maiden voyage will take you through grand hall, hyperspace lounge, and the worlds of marvel.

You'll experience the frozen dining adventure, explore Disney's oceaneer club, revel in adult spaces, and relish themed dining . Disney Wish truly is an enchanting journey waiting for you.

Dining Options on Disney Cruises

After exploring the enchanting features of Disney Wish, you might be wondering about the culinary adventures that await on Disney Cruises .

From Rapunzel's Royal Table to the Royal Palace, Animator's Palate, and even dining options on Disney's private island, Castaway Cay , the best Disney cruises cater to every personal preference.

Disney's Oceaneer Club serves up enchanted classics, ensuring a magical dining experience for all.

Entertainment on Disney Ships

You'll find a world of entertainment on Disney ships. Live music fills the air, while Disney films light up screens on the pool deck.

Join the fun at the Golden Mickeys , or meet Captain America at the kids clubs. Dine amidst Toy Story sketches at Animator's Palate , or explore Disney's Oceaneer Club .

There's never a dull moment aboard, ensuring your cruise is a magical adventure.

Family-friendly Features

With family-friendly features in abundance, Disney cruise ships offer an array of amenities and activities designed to delight every member of your family. Picture setting off on a Disney adventure with young children mesmerized by Disney's Oceaneer Club .

You'll find hot tubs, Animator's Palate , Small World, and movie theaters reminiscent of Walt Disney World.

Luxurious Staterooms Breakdown

Beyond the plethora of activities and amenities for the kids, Disney's cruise ships also boast some of the most luxurious staterooms in the industry.

As a first time cruiser, you'll be blown away by the ocean view from both the classic and additional ships.

Whether dining at Rapunzel's Royal Table or Animator's Palate, the royal Caribbean feel extends beyond Disney's private island and into these sumptuous quarters.

Disney Cruise Line Ports of Call

Disney Cruise Line's ports of call offer a world of enchantment, transporting you to some of the most coveted destinations in the globe.

You'll visit various locations, including Disney's private island, Lighthouse Point , and Fort Lauderdale.

Shore excursions might include a Star Wars experience, dining at Rapunzel's Royal Table and Animator's Palate , or kid's fun at Disney's Oceaneer Club.

Specialty Cruises: Halloween and Christmas

If you're looking to add a festive touch to your voyage, consider Disney's specialty cruises : Halloween and Christmas.

Envision sailing the high seas, celebrating the holidays at Rapunzel's Royal Table or reliving a Cinderella story at the Animator's Palate .

U.S. News insider tip: Disney's private island is a treasure trove of holiday fun in the coming years, especially for kids at Disney's Oceaneer Club.

Unique Disney Cruise Activities

You'll find a plethora of unique activities on a Disney cruise that you won't experience anywhere else. From dining at Rapunzel's Royal Table to virtual sports simulators, your voyage will be packed with fun.

You can join Ariel at the Animator's Palate or play at the Oceaneer Club. Despite sailing away from San Diego, you'll feel secure with Disney's excellent health ratings.

Just wait until you see Disney's private island !

Castaway Cay: Disney's Private Island

Picture stepping off your cruise ship and onto the pristine sands of Castaway Cay, Disney's very own private island. Here's what awaits you:

• Serene beaches perfect for sandcastle building.
• Adventures at Pelican Point, snorkeling amidst hidden Disney treasures.
• Mouthwatering BBQ at Cookie's BBQ.

Isn't it time you felt the magic of Disney sprinkled on a tropical getaway?

Comparing Disney Cruise Ships

Exploring Disney's impressive fleet of cruise ships can be quite a challenging task. Each ship offers a unique blend of magical experiences . But don't fret! Whether you're a fan of the classic Disney Magic or the newer Disney Dream, each ship has its own flair.

You've got to take into account size, amenities, and character-themed experiences . So, buckle up, it's time to delve into the world of Disney cruises!

Booking Tips for 2024 Cruises

Explore the world of planning as we share some invaluable tips for booking your dream Disney cruise in 2024.

Here's how you can snag a great deal:

• Book early: The early bird catches the worm, or in this case, the best staterooms!
• Look for off-peak dates: You'll find lower prices during these times.
• Use a travel agent: They can help you navigate the best deals and discounts.

So, ready to set sail on a magical journey? Whether it's the Disney Dream , Fantasy, Magic, Wonder, or the new Wish, each ship is a treasure trove of fun. Remember to pack your sense of adventure, appetite, and your Mickey ears!

Castaway Cay awaits with its pristine beaches. Booking a 2024 cruise ? Pro tip: start early. After all, you wouldn't want to miss the boat, would you?

Happy cruising!

The post Best Disney Cruises & Cruise Ships Ranking for 2024 appeared first on Sarah Scoop EATS .

I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.

• I booked a stateroom on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, one of the biggest cruise ships.
• For $2,000 a week, the 179-square-foot cabin had a private bathroom, a king-size bed, and a view.
• I thought I'd feel cramped in the room, but it had everything I needed and left no space unused.

In April 2022, I cruised on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas . At the time, it was the largest cruise ship in the world , but the title has since been replaced by Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas .

During my voyage, the ship sailed to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas .

For $2,000, I spent seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom on deck eight. The cruise was on sale, as it was originally priced at $3,000. Take a look inside the 179-square-foot space.

My room was a mid-tier cabin at the front of deck eight.

I booked a mid-tier room — a step above interior staterooms , which have no window. It's a category below staterooms with a balcony , and two steps below a suite.

My cabin was on the same deck as Central Park, an outdoor space with 20,000 plants.

I thought it was the most relaxing area on the ship, so I enjoyed being close by.

When I stepped inside my stateroom, I was surprised at how big it felt.

Right away, I thought the cabin made great use of a small space.

To operate most of the electricity in the room, I had to insert my room key into a slot on the wall.

I appreciated the energy-saving system.

On one side of the room, I had a mirror and a desk with several outlets to charge electronics with USB, American, and European ports.

I thought the desk was useful for eating, as well as storing daily flyers about the day's events.

Next to the desk, a set of drawers included a cabinet with a minifridge inside.

The desk drawers were mostly empty aside from a hair dryer, which I didn't end up using.

Across from the desk, I had a couch positioned in between two closets.

Inside each closet, I found a rack of hangers, shelving, and a small safe. I thought it was plenty of space for a weeklong journey

Next to the couch and desk area, a small bathroom used clever storage hacks, like placing the trash can and toilet paper under the counter.

In the bathroom, there were two glasses, a bar of soap, and a two-in-one hair and body wash.

At the top of the shower, a pullout clothing line was useful for drying my bathing suits.

Each night, my stateroom attendant replenished towels and brought flyers and schedules for the next day.

Sometimes, the towels were folded creatively to look like animals.

I noticed that my king-size bed at the back of the room was actually two twin beds pushed together.

All Royal Caribbean cabins come with this configuration, according to its website , so they may be separated for additional guests. I often woke up in the crevice.

A large flat-screen TV was mounted across from the bed with storage hooks below.

Skinny nightstands on either side of the bed held lamps, charging ports, and a room phone on one side.

Because I booked an ocean-view room, I was able to look out over the front of the ship from a window above my bed.

The window was equipped with an electronic shade that could be opened during the day for grand views and closed when I was ready to sleep.

While I thought the room might have been a tight space for a couple with a lot of luggage or a family, it was just right for me.

And watching the sun rise over the Caribbean Sea from the comfort of my room was the best part.

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