Truth About the Disney Wish - Our Review of the Ship with Kids

A Disney cruise is an experience that many families dream of, and for a family of six, it can be an unforgettable adventure. The Disney Wish is the latest addition to the Disney Cruise Line, and it promises to offer guests an unforgettable and magical experience at sea. With its grand size, luxurious amenities, and diverse array of activities, the Disney Wish has garnered much attention from families and travel enthusiasts alike.

However, one of the biggest concerns for families planning a Disney cruise is the cost. A Disney cruise is not cheap, and for a family of six, it can be quite an expensive undertaking. The Disney Wish is no exception, and the cost of a seven-night cruise can easily reach several thousand dollars, depending on the time of year, the room type, and the itinerary.

Despite the high cost, many families still choose to take a Disney cruise because of the unique experiences it offers. From the spectacular stage shows to the fantastic dining options, the Disney Wish is designed to provide guests with an unforgettable and memorable experience at sea. And for families with children, the Disney Wish offers a range of activities and entertainment options that are sure to keep everyone entertained and engaged.

In this blog post, we will explore the Disney Wish and discover if it was worth the cost for a family of six. We will take a closer look at the ship's amenities, activities, and dining options, and provide a first-hand account of what it was like to cruise on the Disney Wish with a family of six. Whether you're a family considering a Disney cruise or simply someone who is interested in learning more about the Disney Wish, this blog post is sure to provide you with valuable insights and information. So sit back, relax, and let's take a journey together on the Disney Wish!

Disney Wish Overall Review

The Disney Wish is no doubt a beautiful ship. In the atrium, there is a beautiful chandelier and an amazing statue of Cinderella and her little mouse helpers. Having been on other cruises, especially with the Disney Dream being our first ever cruise that got us into cruising in the first place, I will say that the Disney Wish was kind of a disappointment. It seemed to feel like a smaller ship overall. From the numbers, it may not be. But the Disney Dream felt bigger and had more of an open vibe.

However, everyone comes on the Disney Cruise Line for the unique experiences it offers. I wanted to make sure we call out these unique experiences first.

Overall though, I would say that our cost of around $10,000 for a connecting stateroom for a family of six (2 adults and 4 kids) was not worth it. Granted, we did go over New Years, so that might have increased the price.

>> Check Disney Wish cruise line here.

If you want to check out our YouTube video, here's a quick overview:

Dining Rotation

The Disney Wish Dining Rotation is a unique dining experience that offers guests the opportunity to dine in three different themed environments, each with its own unique atmosphere, menu, and waitstaff.

In 1923, guests can step back in time and enjoy a classic atmosphere inspired by the roaring 20s.

The Arendelle dining space transports guests to the kingdom of Arendelle from the movie "Frozen", complete with icicles and snowflakes.

Lastly, the Marvel themed dining space offers a high-energy atmosphere, inspired by the Marvel universe, with characters and elements from the Marvel franchise decorating the space. The waitstaff in each of these dining spaces is trained to bring the themes to life and provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience.

Disney is unique in this way (on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, your main dining space is the SAME each night).

Other Free Food Options

Marceline Market (also known as the buffet)

One of the highlights of the cruise is the Marceline Market, which is a themed food court that offers a variety of quick-service dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In addition to the Merceline Market, the Disney Wish Cruise also offers deck dining options that allow guests to enjoy their meal while taking in the stunning views of the ocean. For those looking for a more special dining experience, the cruise also offers options outside of the main dining rotation, including special themed dining experiences with exclusive menus, serving staff, and locations. These options provide guests with a truly unforgettable dining experience and are a must-try for anyone looking for a memorable cruise experience with Disney.

Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods

Deck 11 has Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods which includes frozen ice cream, pizza, barbeque, hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, and Disney style Chipotle on board. This was one of our family's favorite places to eat!

Rooms and Amenities

The ship offers a variety of room amenities to ensure a comfortable and magical vacation experience for guests. Room options range from standard inside and oceanview staterooms to spacious suites with private balconies. All rooms come equipped with comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy additional amenities such as a mini-fridge, a safe, and an interactive touch-screen device for managing their vacation itinerary.

The Disney Wish also offers luxurious suites that feature separate sleeping and living areas, additional bathrooms, and expanded balconies. In comparison to the Disney Dream, the Disney Wish offers a more modern and updated design, with a focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly features.

We booked two connecting staterooms, which allowed us to have a larger balcony. However, with a 3 night cruise, it just seemed too short to even have time to enjoy the balcony because the family was too busy doing activities aboard the ship.

Booking.com

Free Activities

Character Meet and Greets

The Disney Wish Cruise offers a unique opportunity to meet and greet with your favorite Disney characters in person. From Mickey and Minnie to Elsa and Anna, you will have the chance to take photos, get autographs, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The character meet and greets take place in various locations around the ship and are carefully orchestrated to provide guests with a safe and enjoyable experience. Each meet and greet session is filled with laughter, joy, and the magic of Disney, making it the perfect way to bring your Disney dreams to life. Whether you are a lifelong Disney fan or a newcomer to the world of Disney, these meet and greets are a must-do experience.

They also appear randomly on the ship out of nowhere!

Kids Clubs: Oceaneer, Edge, and Vibe

The Disney Wish Cruise caters to families with kids and offers a variety of exciting and engaging activities for kids of all ages. The Oceaneer's Club, Vibe Club, and Edge are three of the most popular venues on the ship and are designed to provide kids with endless hours of fun and adventure. The Oceaneer's Club is a play-based learning environment that encourages kids to explore and learn through hands-on activities. The Vibe Club is a teen-only space that provides a fun and relaxed environment for older kids to socialize, play games, and participate in a variety of activities. Finally, the Edge is an innovative space for tweens that offers cutting-edge technology, interactive games, and a variety of activities designed to keep kids entertained and engaged. Each of these venues is supervised by trained and friendly staff, ensuring that kids have a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether your kids are looking for fun, adventure, or learning opportunities, the Disney Wish Cruise has something for everyone.

Incredibles Obstacle Course

The ship also offers a one-of-a-kind experience for guests with the Incredibles Obstacle Course. This exciting and challenging course is inspired by the hit Disney-Pixar movie and provides guests with the opportunity to test their skills and show off their superhero moves. The course features a variety of obstacles and challenges that will put your agility, speed, and endurance to the test. From navigating through tunnels to scaling walls, the Incredibles Obstacle Course is the ultimate test of strength and determination. The course is designed for all ages and skill levels, making it a fun and inclusive activity for families and friends. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself or just want to have some fun, the Incredibles Obstacle Course is the perfect place to do it. So, grab your superhero cape and get ready to show off your skills!

Aquamouse

One of the most popular attractions is the Aquamouse Water Raft Slide, a twisting and turning water adventure that is not for the faint of heart. This unique water slide combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the thrill of a water slide, taking guests on a wild ride through a colorful and imaginative world. With sharp drops, tight turns, and unexpected twists and turns, the Aquamouse Water Raft Slide is a must-try experience for anyone seeking a high-energy adventure on the Disney Wish Cruise.

Slide-a-saurus Rex 

This is a tamer ride, but still fun for adults!

Toy Story Toddler Slides

These are slides for the smaller kids in the group.

Princess Gathering

For those who are fans of Disney Princesses, the Princess Gathering is a special event where guests have the opportunity to take photos with their favorite princesses and create memories that will last a lifetime. The Princess Gathering takes place in the beautiful atrium, making it the perfect backdrop for photos with the princesses.

Guests are encouraged to sign up for the Princess Gathering as soon as they are able to (generally 30 days before your sailing, earlier if you are a Castaway Member), as this is a popular event that often fills up quickly. On our ship, we were able to take photos with Moana, Cinderella, Tiana, and Rapunzel. So, sign up early and get ready to experience the magic of the Disney Wish Cruise with the Princess Gathering.

Broadway Disney Shows

The shows are absolutely incredible. There is a broadway show for Aladdin and the Little Mermaid, both must see if you have the time!

Paid Activities

Adult Dining

The Rose, Enchanted, and Palo are three of the finest dining experiences for adults on the Disney Wish. The Rose offers a luxurious and elegant atmosphere, featuring contemporary cuisine with a touch of Disney magic. Enchanted offers a whimsical fairytale-like ambiance, serving up a delicious selection of international flavors and signature dishes. Palo, inspired by the traditional Italian grand villas, is a more intimate and upscale setting, offering guests a delightful culinary journey through Northern Italian cuisine and stunning ocean views. All three of these dining experiences offer a unique atmosphere, impeccable service, and delectable cuisine, making them perfect for a romantic evening, special occasion, or simply a night out with friends. Whether you are looking for an intimate, elegant or whimsical setting, each of these restaurants offers a memorable dining experience that is sure to leave you enchanted.

Bippity Boppity Boutique (Princess, Captain, or Pirate Makeover)

Bippity Boppity Boutique on the Disney Wish is a magical makeover experience where children and adults can transform into their favorite Disney Princess, Captain, or Pirate. Located on the ship, guests can choose from a range of packages that include hair, makeup, costumes, and accessories to complete their transformation.

With the help of the Fairy Godmothers-in-training, guests will leave the boutique feeling like royalty, ready to embark on adventures and make unforgettable memories. Whether you want to be a beautiful princess, a daring captain, or a fearless pirate, the Bippity Boppity Boutique has something for everyone. Starting price for this begins at $99 and goes all the way up to $500!

Olaf's Royal Picnic

Olaf's Royal Picnic is a special event that takes place on the Disney Wish for kids under the age of 12. During this event, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a picnic with Olaf, the beloved snowman from the movie "Frozen," and other Disney Frozen characters like Ana, Kristoff, and more. The picnic includes a variety of foods and drinks, as well as entertainment and photo opportunities with the characters. The kids also get some amazing swag. It comes at a cost of around $200 per kid and $69 per adult. You must have a kid under the age of 12 in order to attend.

Untangled and Hook's Barbery

Hook's Barbery and Untangled Salon are two of the many exciting places to visit on the Disney Wish Cruise. Hook's Barbery is a pirate-themed barber shop that offers haircuts and styling services for guests of all ages. With a lively atmosphere and a team of experienced stylists, Hook's Barbery is the perfect place to get a new look and make memories with friends and family. Meanwhile, Untangled Salon is a relaxing beauty salon that offers a variety of spa services such as massages, facials, and nail treatments.

Whether you're looking to pamper yourself or simply unwind, the calm and serene atmosphere at Untangled Salon is sure to help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Both Hook's Barbery and Untangled Salon are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to make the most of their Disney Wish Cruise experience.

Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge

The Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish is a thrilling and immersive experience for Star Wars fans of all ages. Guests are transported to a galaxy far, far away as they enjoy signature cocktails, small plates, and live entertainment in a sleek and futuristic lounge inspired by the iconic Star Wars franchise.

From the moment you step inside, you'll feel like you're on board a spaceship, surrounded by holographic star maps and state-of-the-art technology. With multiple interactive stations, guests can explore the galaxy, play the latest Star Wars video games, and even engage in a friendly lightsaber duel. The Hyperspace Lounge also features exclusive Star Wars-themed merchandise, making it the perfect place to purchase unique souvenirs to take home.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a fun and futuristic experience, the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge is not to be missed.

Castaway Cay

Castaway Cay is the ultimate island paradise for guests aboard the Disney Wish, and it's the perfect place to get active and have some fun in the sun. One of the most popular activities on the island is the Castaway Cay 5K, a scenic race through the lush tropical landscape that offers breathtaking views of the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches. Participants receive a commemorative medal and the chance to celebrate their accomplishment with friends and family. Another must-try activity on Castaway Cay is the Pelican Plunge, a floating water park with exciting slides and activities for all ages. From towering water slides to a peaceful lagoon, the Pelican Plunge is the perfect place to cool off, relax and enjoy some sun-soaked fun. Whether you're an experienced runner or just looking for a fun way to spend a day on the island, Castaway Cay offers a wide range of activities for guests of all ages and interests.

For us though, we though that Royal Caribbean's private island offered more amenities and fun for all ages (for comparison).

Service

In 2022 when we went, I will say that the wait staff may have still been finding their way around the ship. It seemed as though our food was slower to arrive.

Cost

The cost of a Disney Wish cruise can be a major concern for many families, especially when compared to other cruise lines. It's no secret that Disney cruises are expensive, and the Disney Wish is no exception. In fact, the cost of a seven-night cruise on the Disney Wish is often double the price of a similar itinerary on a Royal Caribbean ship. This can be a significant investment for families, and it's important to carefully consider the cost when planning a Disney cruise. Despite the high cost, many families still choose to take a Disney cruise because of the unique experiences it offers.

Below is an image of the cost of our cruise ship for our family of six over New Years Eve for a 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral.

Summary

The Disney Wish is an exceptional cruise ship that offers a world of magical experiences and unforgettable memories for families, couples and solo travelers. From the stunning ocean views and luxurious accommodations to the diverse dining options, entertainment, and themed activities, the Disney Wish offers something for everyone. However, it is important to note that the Disney Wish is one of the most expensive cruise ships on the market and is only recommended for those who are specifically looking for a Disney-themed vacation.

For those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are many other cruise lines to choose from, such as Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of itineraries, excellent dining, exciting activities, and comfortable accommodations at a more affordable price point. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, Royal Caribbean has something for everyone. Ultimately, the choice between the Disney Wish and Royal Caribbean comes down to personal preferences and what you're looking for in a cruise vacation.

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