Unveiling the Disney Wish Cruise Ship – A Complete Guide to a Magical Cruise

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After many years with no new Disney Cruise ships, suddenly the fleet is undergoing a huge expansion.

Disney Wish was launched in 2022 and is the very first of the new Disney Cruise Ships.

She is certainly the most stunningly beautiful of the Disney Ships.

But she isn’t for everybody.

But most definitely she is stunningly beautiful, brilliantly themed, packed with things to do, and perhaps the most adult-pleasing Disney Cruise ship at sea.

Having sailed with Disney for almost two decades here is my guide to Disney Wish.

From staterooms to food, kids clubs to adult spaces, entertainment, and port stops, you will find it here.

THE BASICS

Disney Wish sails 3 and 4-night itineraries from Port Canaveral Florida.

All sailings have port stops in Nassau and Disney’s Private Island, Castaway Cay.

The 4-night sailings have an extra Day at Sea.

STATEROOMS

After you have decided that you want to sail on Disney Wish, the most important decision that you need to make is which stateroom to choose.

Just like many modern cruise ships, Disney Wish has a high proportion of Verandah and Oceanview staterooms.

We can also see that Disney has dramatically increased the number of Concierge Staterooms to a total of 76.

• 1,254 staterooms (includes 53 concierge staterooms and 23 concierge suites)
• 1,133 outside staterooms (90%)
  • 948 verandah staterooms (70%)
  • 185 oceanview staterooms (20%)
• 121 inside staterooms (10%)
• Inside Staterooms

You can snag an Inside Stateroom, but these makeup just 10% of the total of the cabins onboard.

I have sailed in the Inside staterooms and they are fine.

More than fine.

They have everything you need and if you want to get the lowest price to actually sail on the ship, then usually an Inside Stateroom is the way to go.

The Standard Inside Staterooms are the smallest on the ship.

They have 169 Square Feet of space. Each stateroom will sleep either 3 or 4 guests.

Disney Wish Inside Staterooms are either Category 11A, 11B or 11C.

The Category 11A staterooms are located on Decks 9, 10 and 11. The Category 11B is on Decks 6,7 and 8.

The 11C staterooms are on Deck 2. These staterooms are particularly convenient for the Oceaneer Club and It’s A Small World Nursery.

They are also just steps away from the Walt Disney Theatre.

Disney Wish Inside Staterooms Ultimate Guide

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

There are a total of 185 Oceanview staterooms on Disney Wish.

These are highly sought after as they offer a view to the outside, but will usually be at a lower price point than the verandah staterooms.

Each one offers 213 square feet of space. And all are Category 9 staterooms.

Disney Wish Verandah Staterooms

There are 948 Verandah Staterooms on the Disney Wish. Highly sought after, for good reason, as they offer a balcony where you can enjoy your own private outside space.

Note that there are two different types of Verandah Stateroom on Disney Wish:

• Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
• Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

The Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah sleeps either 3 or 4 guests and has 243 square feet of space.

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah sleeps up to 5 guests and has 284 square feet of space.

Disney Wish Concierge

Disney Wish has the largest amount of Concierge Staterooms of any of the fleet.

They are located on Deck 12 and 13. They all have exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge and Sun Deck.

The Treasure and the third Triton Class ship will have the same number.

• Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom
• Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah
• Concierge One Bedroom Suites with Verandah
• Royal Suites
• The Tower Suite

The Disney Wish saw the introduction of a very unique space – The Tower Suite.

This is sometimes referred to as the Funnel Suite – because it is housed inside the second, decorative funnel on the ship.

Related: Disney Wish Tower Suite Price

RESTAURANTS

Just like all the Disney ships the Wish has various types of dining:

• Rotational Dining Rooms
• Adult Only Fine Dining Restaurants
• The Buffet
• Casual Dining

Main Rotational Dining Rooms

Disney Cruise ships have a unique approach to their main dining restaurants. Rotational Dining.

What is Rotational Dining?

Each guest will “rotate” around each of the three main dining rooms so they will dine in each restaurant at least once.

Your dining servers come with you – so that they get the best chance to know how to give you the best experience.

The 3 dining rooms on Disney Wish are:

• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Experience
• Worlds of Marvel
• 1923.

Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Experience

The back story for the Arendelle Restaurant is that it is Anna and Kristoff’s engagement party.

which is held in a wing of Queen Elsa’s Arendelle Castle.

As you would expect there will be songs and dancing, as well as visits by your favorite characters.

The entertainment and design features are Disney at its best. Look at the paintings on the wall, the details on the tables, the furniture, the overall interior design.

Unfortunately, it has one big issue.

The show, which is performed on a stage in the middle of the dining room, is very entertaining.

However, most people have difficulty seeing it. Indeed some people cannot possibly see it because of where their tables are situated.

And the tables are very close together. Don’t expect a quiet dining experience here.

But I don’t want to dwell on the negative.

Most people still love the experience.

The show, and indeed the menu are very good. I just wish there was a bit more space.

Related: Complete Review of Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Experience.

Worlds of Marvel Restaurant

This is another of the rotational dining experience restaurants on the ship.

The restaurant is divided up into 2 identical sides, and these spaces are divided up into smaller “rooms’ with screens on the walls.

There are enough screens so that no matter which table you are seated at, you will get a good view.

It’s a bit like Animator’s Palate on the other Disney ships – except the tables are closer together (yes this is a thing on Disney Wish).

The thing that you will immediately notice is the large centerpiece on your table. 

This is the Quantum Core, which as Ant-Man will explain, can shrink down or increase the size of any object.

The show is a lot of fun and will keep you entertained.

1923 on Disney Wish

For many guests on Disney Wish, including me, 1923 is a favorite.

The most sophisticated and most grown-up of the Wish restaurants, it is divided up into 2 halves. One side is named after Walt Disney and the other side for his brother Roy Disney.

Space here doesn’t seem quite as tight as in the other restaurants.

Take some time to look around and see the huge collection of Disney memorabilia here.

Remember that you can also have a sit-down breakfast and lunch in 1923. This is a great alternative to the Marceline Market buffet.

Disney Wish 1923 Review

Adult Restaurants on Disney Wish

Disney Wish has a large area devoted to the 2 adult restaurants:

• Palo Steakhouse
• Enchante

This whole area, which includes The Rose Bar, is themed for Beauty and the Beast

Even if you don’t make it to the restaurants, try and take some time to look at the fabulous theming in this area.

For anyone who has already sailed on a Disney ship you probably already know that each one has Palo. On Disney Wish, the menu is slightly different and the restaurant is named Palo Steakhouse.

As you would expect, there is more of an emphasis on offering a wider choice of steak here. However, there are still plenty of other choices on the menu.

Brunch is offered on Sea Days and Dinner is offered every evening. There is a charge of $50 for each, and there are a la carte options available for dinner.

Disney Wish Palo Steakhouse – An Honest Review

Enchante

If it is exceptional dining you are looking for on Disney Wish then try and snag a reservation for Enchante.

There are 3 different dining experiences:

• Enchante Brunch
• Enchante Just Desserts
• Enchante Dinner

This is very much a fine dining experience well worth stretching the budget for.

CASUAL DINING EXPERIENCES

You will never go hungry on a Disney Cruise. There are plenty of casual dining experiences to choose from.

Marceline Market

Every Disney Cruise Ship has a buffet, and on the Wish, this is called Marceline Market.

It is open for breakfast and lunch.

Unlike many other cruise lines, Disney does not have a buffet option for dinner.

The buffet used to be open on the older ships before the pandemic, but it doesn’t look as though this feature is coming back any time soon.

Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods

This is a great feature of Disney Wish which can be found on Deck 11 Forward. The theme is inspired by the original Mickey Mouse animated short movies.

This really steps up the quick-service dining options on any of the Disney ships. There are lots of different options so each family member can have entirely different food options:

• Donald’s Cantina – serving Mexican food.
• Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue
• Daisy’s Pizza Pies
• Sweet Minnie’s Ice Cream
• Goofy’s Grill

If you find that you need more food late in the evening then Daisy’s Pizza Pies stays open until 11 pm. Perfect for that late-night pizza fix.

Don’t forget the included self-service ice cream. You can also get a Dole Whip (and you can even get one with rum) for an extra charge.

Looking for something even sweeter? Check out Inside Out: Joyful Sweets which has a lot of extra charge options for a sweet tooth!

Room Service

Want to order a light snack to your room? Coffee and pastries for breakfast?

Disney Wish has an extensive Room Service Menu with most of the items available at no extra charge. Make sure that you don’t forget to tip your Room Service Attendant.

BARS ON DISNEY WISH

• The Bayou
• Hyperspace Lounge
• Luna Lounge
• Keg and Compass
• Nightingale’s
• The Rose Bar

Whether you’re in the mood for a tropical cocktail or a glass of wine, there is a bar on the Disney Wish that will suit your needs.

From the elegant and sophisticated Rose Bar to the Star Wars fan dream location, Hyperspace Lounge, you will find the bar that you are looking for on Disney Wish.

Of all of the Disney ships, the Wish has some of the most innovative drinks menus. I am not just talking about the Kailburr Crystal Cocktail in Hyperspace Lounge which has a $5,000 price tag (and a visit to Skywalker Ranch included).

On Disney Wish the bartenders go above and beyond to recommend or create a cocktail or drink that you are going to enjoy.

Many of the bar locations are family-friendly and children are welcome. But you will also find many quiet spaces which are definitely out of bounds to the little ones.

RECREATION

Disney Wish Pools

The Disney Wish Pool Deck is very different from any of the older ships in the fleet.

This difference is somewhat controversial and certainly has sparked some criticism, particularly of the adult space.

There are four pools on Deck 11:

• Mickey’s Pool
• Minnie’s Pool
• Daisy’s Pool
• Pluto’s Pool

Here you will find Disney movies playing for most of the day. For a schedule of the movies just look at your Navigator’s App.

Deck 11 is also where you will find Marceline Market and Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods.

There are two pools on Deck 12:

• Donald’s Pool
• Goofy’s Pool

These pools have a view of Funnel Vision.

and in addition:

• Toy Story Splash Zone
• Trixie’s Falls

Disney Wish Adult Pool Deck

On Deck 13 you will find:

• The Quiet Cove Pool
• Quiet Cove Whirlpool
• Aqua Mouse Entrance
• Cove Bar and Cafe
• Adult-Only Pool Deck

This is for over 18’s only.

You will also find the Concierge Pool Deck on Deck 13.

The adult pool deck on Disney Wish has certainly sparked a lot of controversy and comment – with not everyone being a fan of the design.

There is a fabulous infinity pool at the aft of the ship, but it is small. And the seating area around it is also small.

There is just one hot tub and this is in a slightly strange place which is at the side of the adult area, away from the pool.

Related article: Disney Wish Pool Deck – Hit or Miss?

The AquaMouse

Billed as the very first Disney attraction at sea, the AquaMouse is very similar to the AquaDuck on Disney Dream and Fantasy.

Board a raft for up to two people, and journey through the twists and turns of this innovative attraction.

This water ride combines views of the ocean, with innovative storytelling as you travel through the 760 feet of tubes.

It is fun rather than scary. There is a minimum height requirement of 42” and guests must be 48” tall to ride their raft alone.

This is a popular attraction and lines do build up quickly. Try to ride at quieter times such as on embarkation day, port days, and particularly Castaway Cay day.

Sports and Fitness

There are plenty of opportunities to burn off the extra calories from all the amazing food you will be enjoying.

As with all the Disney ships, there is a fully equipped gym. This is located on Deck 5 of Disney Wish.

There are plenty of exercise machines and free weights. You can also sign up for classes, some of which do have a fee.

Unlike the other Disney ships, you cannot walk around the ship on the promenade deck in a continuous loop.

If you want to use this as a running or walking track and go in a loop, you do have to change levels and walk up and down the steps. This isn’t ideal and is one of the things that some people are critical of in the design of Disney Wish.

Hero Zone

Here is a very new concept for a Disney Ship – Hero Zone.

The Hero Zone is more than just a sports complex; it’s a huge inflatable obstacle course based around the Characters from the Pixar Incredibles movies.

 This innovative space also offers more conventional sports activities including basketball, soccer, table tennis, air hockey, foosball, and shuffleboard.

It is also here that you will find the incredibly popular Jack Jack’s Diaper Dash. Inspired by the youngest member of the Parr family from the movie, this is where Disney races babies!

If you have a baby who cannot yet walk but can crawl, you can race them against their fellow baby passengers. This is one of the most entertaining events on all of the Disney ships!

The Spa on Disney Wish

The Senses Spa on the Disney Wish offers a variety of treatments and services designed to help guests relax and rejuvenate during their Disney Cruise vacation.

The Senses Spa on the Disney Wish is a tranquil oasis, offering a range of spa treatments and services to help guests unwind and de-stress. Guests can indulge in a variety of treatments, including massages, facials, body wraps, and manicures.

The spa also features a Rainforest Room, which includes a variety of steam rooms, saunas, and showers, as well as heated loungers and a hydrotherapy pool. This is one of my very favorite places on Disney Wish.

The Rainforest Room on Disney Wish is unlike any of the others on a Disney ship because it has a very distinct outside area.

On the classic ships, the area is entirely inside, and on Disney Dream and Fantasy the Rainforest is open to the outside air, but you do not go outside.

The Rainforest on Disney Wish is both inside and out. Some people are not a fan of the fact that people can look down on the outside area from the deck above, but this honestly didn’t bother me at all.

Whether you’re looking to pamper yourself on your Disney vacation or simply relax and unwind, the Senses Spa on the Disney Wish is the perfect place to do so.

Disney Wish Senses Spa Menu

If you want to indulge in some hair treatments go to the Tangled Salon or Hooks Barbery.

Activities

You will never be short of entertainment on your Disney Cruise.

You can do as much or as little as you want to, but there are plenty of activities throughout the day to keep you busy if you want to join in.

You will never be short of entertainment on your Disney Cruise. You can do as much or as little as you want to, but there are plenty of activities throughout the day to keep you busy if you want to join in.

• Trivia
• Cooking Demonstrations
• Game Shows
• Craft Activities
• Expert Talks
• Character Greetings
• Bingo

One very popular activity for the adults is the Beverage Tastings.

These reservation-only activities are scheduled every day and are available to book before your cruise, as well as on board.

Complete Guide to Beverage Tastings

ENTERTAINMENT

A highlight of any Disney Cruise is the entertainment including the Broadway Quality shows in the Walt Disney Theatre.

You will find these shows on Disney Wish:

• Disney Seas the Adventure
• The Little Mermaid
• Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular

You will get the chance to see these shows as each plays twice at a time that fits in with your dinner seating.

Until you have seen a show onboard a Disney Cruise you really can’t fully appreciate just how high quality the productions are.

If you wanted to experience something like this on land you would be paying hundreds of dollars for tickets. On a Disney Cruise, the entertainment is included.

There are two performances each night at the Walt Disney Theatre. The schedules are built around your rotational dining times so if you have early dinner you will go to the late show, and if you have late dining, you will go to the early show.

PIRATE NIGHT

One of the highlights of a Disney Cruise in the Bahamas and Caribbean (and certain other select sailings) is Pirate Night.

If you are on a 4-night sailing you will have a different Pirate Night menu in the rotational restaurant that you are dining in that evening.

If you are sailing on a 3-night cruise you will not have the separate Pirate Night menu.

Here is a Complete Guide to Pirate Night.

A lot of people dress up for Pirate Night and join in with the theme!

Disney Pirate Night’s Best Outfits

KIDS CLUBS ON DISNEY WISH

As you would expect, the kid’s clubs on the ship are an excellent facility for all ages from 6 months to age 17. 

There are different spaces on all of the Disney Cruise Ships for children of all ages.

From the Oceaneer Club for kids ages 3 to 12 to the Edge Club for tweens and the Vibe Club for teens, there’s something for everyone.

A unique feature of the Disney Wish is that kids (and adults if you want to) can slide down to the kid’s clubs from the side of the Deck 3 Grand Hall.

Kids can enjoy games, crafts, and music, and even meet some of their favorite Disney characters.

And the best part?

Parents can enjoy some time alone while their kids are having an amazing time in the clubs. You may find it difficult to get your kids to leave.

It’s a Small World Nursery

Disney Cruise Lines is one of the few cruise lines to offer a nursery for the under 3’s.

Unlike the other kid’s clubs, you do have to book this ahead of time and there is an hourly fee, but it is a great opportunity for parents with very young children to have a break.

Related: A Complete Guide to It’s a Small World Nursery

Oceaneer Club

The Oceaneer Club is designed for children ages 3 to 12 and features interactive games, toys, and theming inspired by beloved Disney characters.

Even if you don’t have children make sure that you go and look around at one of the Open Houses that they have every day.

The space is spectacular!

There are several distinct spaces in The Oceaneer Club:

• Fairytale Hall
• Marvel Superhero Academy
• Star Wars: Cargo Bay
• Walt Disney Imagineering Lab
• Mickey and Minnie’s Captains Deck

Edge and Vibe for Tweens and Teens

Older kids and teens will love Edge and Vibe, the dedicated spaces for tweens and teens on the Disney Wish.

Edge is designed for kids ages 11 to 14 and features a New York City loft-inspired design with hangouts like The Hideaway and The Tower. It is located on Deck 5, aft.

Vibe is designed for teens ages 14 to 17 and features a more sophisticated design with spaces like The Hub and The Club.

Both clubs have programming like movie nights, entertainment, and other themed activities.

Overall, the kids clubs on Disney Wish are top-notch and offer something for every age group.

SHOPPING ON BOARD

If you love shopping, then you are going to enjoy sailing on Disney Wish.S

She offers more shopping square footage than any of the other Disney ships.

Some, including me, would say that there is rather too much space devoted to stores on Disney Wish, but if you love Disney merch, and high-end shopping this is going to be paradise for you.

Here is a list of stores onboard Disney Wish:

• 3 Wishes (Deck 3)
• Enchanted Castle Jewels (Deck 3)
• Once Upon a Time (Deck 3)
• Royal Regalia (Deck 3)
• Treasures Untold (Deck 3)
• Mickey’s Mainsail (Deck 5)
• Don’t Forget Me Knots (Deck 11)

The shops onboard Disney Wish are the largest and have the most ship-exclusive merchandise of the whole fleet.

Whether you want a mug a high-end bag or a jewelry item, you will find it here.

WHERE DOES DISNEY WISH SAIL?

Disney Wish – sailing from Port Canaveral on 3 and 4-night Bahamas Cruises.

All of the Disney Wish sailings include a port stop in Nassau and a visit to Disney’s Private Island Castaway Cay.

Complete Guide to Castaway Cay

Disney Wish 3 Night Bahamian Cruise

• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Nassau
• Castaway Cay
• Port Canaveral, Florida

Sailing on 

• 1/5/24, 1/12/24, 1/19/24, 1/26/24
• 2/2/24, 2/9/24, 2/16/24, 2/23/24
• 3/1/24, 3/8/24, 3/15/24, 3/22/24, 3/29/24
• 4/5/24, 4/12/24, 4/19/24, 4/26/24
• 5/3/24, 5/10/24, 5/17/24, 5/24/24, 5/31/24
• 6/7/24, 6/14/24, 6/21/24, 6/28/24
• 7/5/24, 7/12/24, 7/19/24, 7/26/24
• 8/2/24, 8/9/24, 8/16/24, 8/23/24, 8/30/24
• 9/6/24, 9/13/24, 9/20/24, 9/27/24
• 10/4/24, 10/11/24, 10/18/24, 10/25/24
• 11/1/24, 11/8/24, 11/15/24, 11/22/24, 11/29/24
• 12/6/24, 12/13/24, 12/20/24, 12/27,24

• Port Canaveral
• Castaway Cay
• At Sea
• Port Canaveral

Disney Wish 4 Night Bahamian Cruise

• Port Canaveral, Florida
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Castaway Cay
• At Sea
• Port Canaveral, Florida

Sailing on:

• 1/8/24, 1/15/24, 1/22/24, 1/29/24
• 2/5/24, 2/12/24, 2/19/24, 2/26/24
• 3/4/24, 3/11/24, 3/18/24, 3/25/24
• 4/1/24, 4/8/24, 4/15/24, 4/22/24, 4/29/24
• 5/5/24, 5/13/24, 5/20/24, 5/27/24
• 6/3/24, 6/10/24, 6/17/24, 6/24/24
• 7/1/24, 7/8/24, 7/15/24, 7/22/24, 7/29/24
• 8/2/24, 8/9/24, 8/16/24,
• 9/2/23, 9/9/24, 9/16/24, 9/23/24, 9/30/24
• 10/7/24, 10/14/24, 10/21/24, 10/28/24
• 11/4/24, 11/11/24, 11/18/24, 11/25/24
• 12/2/24, 12/9/24, 12/16/24, 12/23/24, 12/30/24

Related: Where are Disney Ships Sailing in 2025?

FINAL THOUGHTS

Disney Wish isn’t for everyone.

In all my years of experience with Disney Cruises, she is the most controversial ship to date – although I am guessing that Disney Adventure is going to take this crown when she is launched.

Disney Wish is stunning.

She wins the prize for most beautiful in the Disney Cruise fleet.

But there are some definite issues.

The rotational dining restaurants. 1923 is a standout in the Disney fleet.

But really and honestly. The tables are far too close together in the restaurants.

1923 is not so bad, but Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle are just really not big enough. The idea is there but unless you get certain tables in Arendelle you are going to be frustrated.

Disney Treasure and the third Triton ship are also going to have this problem.

And the adult area. Good idea but bad execution.

There simply is not enough space in and around that fabulous infinity pool in the adult area. I want to say otherwise, but it’s just not enough.

However, the pool deck in general is great because it splits up the areas so much better than any of the other Disney ships.

I think that Disney Wish has the best bars of any Disney Cruise ship. The innovative cocktails and experiences are a whole level up from the other ships.

The kid’s clubs are just amazing. As an adult I am enthusiastic about the kid’s spaces, so can you imagine if you were an actual kid??

Disney Wish is a truly magnificent ship and you will experience the unsurpassed quality of entertainment and service on board that DCL is so well known for.

What do you think of Disney Wish?