The author, a single person with no children, who has experience traveling as a backpacker through Europe, attending parties in Las Vegas, and experiencing Carnival in Salvador, initially doubted whether a Disney cruise would be suitable for her, given that the ship is traditionally geared towards families and children.
However, upon boarding, she discovered various entertainment options aimed at adults, including areas restricted to minors. She reported that even without children, she felt accompanied by her 'younger self' from the past, who enjoyed the interactions with the characters and the shows.
The Disney Wish, inaugurated in July 2022, is one of the most recent vessels of the Disney Cruise Line and served as the author's floating residence for five days. The embarkation process in Port Canaveral, Florida, was marked by a warm welcome, compared to that of a beloved grandmother or aunt, provided by a staff largely composed of seniors and middle-aged individuals.
Entering the ship is described as a celebration, with the crew announcing the names of the families. The main lobby evokes the atmosphere of a castle, featuring a sumptuous chandelier, spiral stairs, and a starry ceiling, reminiscent of Disney princesses' glamour. During this moment, the character Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast' waved to the author.
Character Encounters and Shows
One of the great attractions of the Disney Wish is the opportunity to meet Disney characters, either during scheduled times or spontaneously. These encounters make people forget their age and become immersed in the charm of these figures loved by several generations. Among the mentioned characters are Mickey and Minnie, dressed as captains, as well as Donald Duck, Daisy, Pluto, Goofy, and the princesses from the franchise.
The onboard shows are of high quality, comparable to Broadway musicals, and take place daily in a theater with a capacity of over 1,200 spectators. The programming includes the original show 'Disney Seas the Adventure,' based on Mickey Mouse shorts, and exclusive productions for the Disney Wish, such as 'The Little Mermaid' and 'Aladdin,' both featuring remarkable visual effects and choreography.
Gastronomy and Themed Experiences
The dining selection on the Disney Wish is a highlight. Passengers can use the Marceline Market, which offers ten food stations and a café-style bar, or the Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods, an outdoor food hall with quick options like tacos, pizzas, and hamburgers. Ice cream is available all day.
Among the specialty restaurants, 1923 stands out, honoring the founding year of Walt Disney Studios, with decor inspired by the original studio and two named entrances in honor of Roy Disney and Walt Disney. Arendelle provides the world's first theatrical dining experience themed around 'Frozen,' transporting guests to the Kingdom of Arendelle with performances by Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf, while also offering Norwegian cuisine.
For superhero fans, Worlds of Marvel offers the 'Avengers: Quantum Encounter' experience, a themed dinner featuring virtual appearances by Ant-Man and Wasp, and a live appearance by Spider-Man. The dessert spot Inside Out: Joyful Sweets, inspired by 'Inside Out,' serves gelato, artisanal ice cream, macarons, and chocolates.
Adult-Only Oasis and Leisure
Although there are many children aboard, the Disney Wish offers exclusive areas for adults (30+). The lounge The Rose, decorated in crimson velvet and overlooking the sea, is inspired by 'Beauty and the Beast' and is ideal for enjoying a drink at sunset. Couples can opt for Palo Steakhouse, featuring premium meats, or Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement, a luxurious restaurant with a signature menu from the award-winning chef.
The bars are also adult focal points. The Bayou pays homage to the swamp from 'The Princess and the Frog,' while the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge recreates a space bar. At night, the latter becomes an exclusive refuge for adults, although families are welcome during the day. For less themed options, there is Nightingale’s, with piano music, and Keg & Compass, a pub with sports and craft beers.
Quiet Cove, located on decks 12 and 13 at the stern, is a sanctuary for those over 18, featuring an infinity pool and the Cove Café, which serves coffee and wine.
For relaxation, the Senses Spa The Rainforest Room offers a thermal area, sauna, personalized massages, and aesthetic clinic. The ship also has a fully equipped gym and a spinning room. Beauty services include the Untangled Salon and Hook’s Barbery for men.
Other activities include Bourbon tastings and access to the Never Land and Wonderland cinemas, which screen films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Funnel Vision allows viewing of Disney animations on an outdoor screen. For adrenaline, AquaMouse is a themed waterslide, and Pirate Night is a highly anticipated themed party, concluding with fireworks.
Port Stops and Travel Information
The stops include Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, where visitors can see the historic center, the Queen's Staircase, and the Straw Market. The second stop is at the private Disney Castaway Cay island in the Bahamas, which offers beaches, water slides, and activities such as parasailing. The island features Serenity Bay, reserved only for those over 18.
Trips on the Disney Wish generally last three to four nights, departing from Port Canaveral, Florida. The package covers accommodation, shows, and all meals in rotational restaurants, buffets, and fast food, but does not include alcoholic beverages, meals in specialty restaurants, spa treatments, tips, or internet.
Cabin types range from interior, deluxe, deluxe with balcony, and concierge, with prices starting from US$ 1,870.06 for 3-night itineraries with stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay for two adults. Port Canaveral is about an hour's drive from Orlando Airport.