11 minute read
Disney Wish
Captain Minnie & Captain Mickey are ready to welcome you aboard the Disney Wish
YOUR WISH IS GRANTED
BY JASON GORDON
Recently, Disney Cruise Line launched its fifth cruise ship, the Disney Wish, and it is truly a wonder to behold!
From the moment you step aboard this magnificent vessel, you’ll immediately notice the air is scented with a captivating bespoke fragrance—which is fitting as the theme of the Disney Wish is all about enchantment! And this theme, which is emblematic to most Disney stories, greets you in awe-inspiring flair as you enter the Grand Hall, where a massively whimsical chandelier is anchored by a bold and shining wishing star. The thematic elements in this cavernous gathering place, is truly one of many crowning touches that you’ll find aboard the Disney Wish. During its inaugural season, the Disney Wish offers 3- and 4-day sailings from Port Canaveral, Florida (which is about 45 minutes east of Walt Disney World) with exciting stops in the Bahamas at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (3- and 4-day sailings) and Nassau (4-day sailings). These port stops provide amazing opportunities to interact with locals, take in culture, activities, shopping and so much more!
There’s always something to do on a Disney Cruise, and this is even more the case on the Disney Wish! Whether it’s spending the day in the expansive Senses Spa, relaxing in the adults-only Quiet Cove, having a cocktail among the Magnolias in The Bayou Lounge, watching a classic or first run movie in one of the onboard cinemas, swimming in
one of the ship’s pools, unwinding in a whirlpool spa tub or working out in the fitness center, you won’t run into boredom while on-board. However, if you’re seeking something with a bit more heft, visit the Hero Zone where you can shoot hoops, or compete on the challenging The Incredibles Incredi-Games inflated obstacle course. And if you want to experience the apex of recreational innovation at sea, you should experience Disney Cruise Line’s first attraction at sea, AquaMouse! This exciting experience combines custom animation from “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse,” with lighting, special effects, and a bevy of aquatic surprises that Disney calls “splashtacular!” This thrilling 760-foot water ride is certain to be a hit for everyone in your family as they careen through winding slide tubes that are suspended high above the upper decks of the Disney Wish. One note: You will get wet.
Cruising with kids is a particular delight when sailing aboard the Disney Wish! For the littlest cruisers ages 6 months to 3 years, It’s a Small World Nursery offers babysitting services in a themed environment that is inspired by the eponymous and iconic Disney attraction. For those who have younglings ages 3 to 12, parents can drop them off at the Oceaneer Club where they will begin their experience by literally sliding into the facility. From there, they will begin to experience a real-life wonderland with expertly developed activities: Marvel Super Hero Academy where young “recruits” train to be the next generation; Star Wars: Cargo Bay where children take
Disney Wish at its home port in Port Canaveral, Florida
Disney Wish as seen from Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, Bahamas
Upon first entering the Disney Wish, this will be your view, The Grand Hall
Wish Tower Suite, Bathroom and Primary Bedroom on the important role of creature handlers sourced from across the galaxy; Fairytale Hall where kids let their creativity shine; Walt Disney Imagineering Lab where kids can discover the secrets of world-renowned Disney Imagineers; Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck which is a nautical playground inspired by the colors, icons and magic of Disney Cruise Line. And your Tweens and Teens haven’t been left out! Edge (ages 11 to 14) and Vibe (ages 14 to 17) are trendy hangouts where tweens and teens can chill and play in their own way, with dedicated programming designed to engage the unique interests of these age groups.
Guest accommodations aboard the Disney Wish are some of the most spacious in the cruise industry. Staying true to the Disney Wish’s theme of enchantment, every one of the ship’s 1,254 staterooms are luxurious destinations that are replete with generous space and storage for families. And if your family is large, no worries! The Disney Wish provides 451 staterooms with connecting doors to adjoining rooms. Most staterooms feature Disney Cruise Line’s signature split-bathroom concept, which is ideal for families with children. Bathroom amenities in the staterooms are from Disney’s signature H20 line. However, if you seek an elevated experience, the Disney Wish offers Premium Concierge Staterooms and Suites, which provides dedicated services and access to an exclusive lounge with a private sun deck. What’s more, there are four Royal Suites, which accommodate up to six guests and feature extravagant details and first-class amenities, including the Disney Cruise Line’s first twostory staterooms. The height of luxury aboard the Disney Wish is the Wish Tower Suite which is a first-of-its-kind accommodation set high in the forward funnel of the ship (don’t worry, the forward funnel is a façade). This
At Edge aboard the Disney Wish, tweens ages 11 to 14 years old play games and make new friends in a bright, colorful hangout inspired by a chic New York City loft
1,966-square-foot “penthouse in the sky” accommodates eight guests and features an elegant design inspired by Disney Animation’s Moana, incomparable ocean views, Bulgari bath amenities and premium Disney service. Cocktails in Deep Space? A Bourbon Bar in a Barber Shop? Yes, both can be experienced on the Disney Wish! For the first time on a Disney ship, you can experience a space-jumping tour of the Star Wars galaxy at Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge. Once you cross the threshold of its Star Wars “whooshing” doors, you’ll immediately enter a high-end bar that’s nestled within a luxurious yacht-class spaceship. This richly themed, immersive experience is reserved exclusively for adults every evening. Specialty otherworldly cocktails abound and craft brews are on tap – all of which may be enjoyed as you enjoy ever-changing views from a galaxy far, far away. And be sure to stop by Hook’s Barbery for a haircut, shave and some tasty Bourbons—with all of the trimmings (no pun intended).
Dining aboard the Disney Wish is nothing short of abundant! Throughout the day, you can enjoy casual bites near the pool at the expansive Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods. Here, several themed stations serve up BBQ ribs, smokehouse chicken, mac & cheese, turnip greens, cornbread, tacos, burritos, burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, ice cream and - of course, Disney Cruise Line’s famous Chicken Tenders!
For dinner, rotational dining will transport you to different stories every evening—with unique dining offerings to match:
• Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure which is Disney’s first Frozen-themed theatrical dining experience where cuisine is infused with Nordic influences. ProTip: If it’s on the menu when you sail, be sure to order the Scallop appetizer! It will send your taste buds dancing!
Dinner with characters from Disney’s Frozen in the Arendelle dining room Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge
Star Wars: Cargo Bay
Families can enjoy sumptuous meals at Marcelline Market food hall
While the kiddies are in the Oceaneer Club, parents can enjoy some peace at the Quiet Cove Named for The Walt Disney Company’s founding year, 1923 is an elegant dining experience celebrating the company’s legacy of animation and o ering a tasteful tribute to Californian heritage
• Worlds of Marvel is Disney’s first Marvel cinematic dining adventure, where guests play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission unfolding around them, complete with a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
• 1923, named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, is an elegant celebration of the company’s legacy, paying homage to the golden age of animation and offering a tasteful tribute to the company’s Californian heritage with dishes inspired by the state’s unique fusion of cultural flavors.
In addition, the Disney Wish offers its guests a variety of casual dining options: Marceline Market is a stylish food hall inspired by popular marketplaces from around the world. An ever-changing menu along with ocean views from both indoor and outdoor seating can be enjoyed during Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. However, if you find yourself missing dinner because you rode the AquaMouse well into your rotational dining time—or past Marcelline Market’s closing time—never fear, you can enjoy 24-hour room service in your stateroom.
While the aforementioned dining options are included in your cruise fare, you should consider some of the fine dining options which are offered aboard the Disney Wish for an additional cost. Both of which are thematically inspired by Disney’s Beauty and The Beast:
• Palo Steakhouse is the next generation of Disney Cruise Line’s popular Palo Restaurant. Here, diners can enjoy numerous Italian specialties (which Palo Restaurant is famous for) as well as American prime cuts steaks, Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef as well as decadent A5 Wagyu.
• Enchanté is specialty dining restaurant that offers selections curated by three Michelin-starred chef Chef Arnaud Lallement of L’Assiette Champenoise, near Reims, France. While focusing on dinner, Enchanté offers a Champagne Brunch as well as a 5-course dessert experience aptly named, “Just Desserts.” Chef Lallement’s menu focuses on seasonal high-quality ingredients sourced from around the world that is complimented with a wine list that is transcendent.
The Disney Wish is as magnificent in size as it is environmentally conscious. Weighing in at 144,000 gross tons, the Disney Wish is the first of three new Triton Class ships that will be powered by liquefied natural gas
The Bayou lounge Marvel Super Hero Academy is a high-tech Avengers headquarters where young “recruits” will train to be the next generation of Super Heroes with the help of their own real-life heroes
that Disney Cruise Line will launch through 2025. This new fuel and associated propulsion technology is not only cleaner and better for the environment, it means a much quieter sailing experience (and if you’ve cruised within the last 30 or so years with most other cruise lines, you know just how loud things can get when you’re near the funnels).
Entertainment aboard the Disney Wish is what one would expect from Disney: Perfect! Stage performances in The Walt Disney Theatre comes alive with original stage productions developed exclusively for Disney Cruise Line. The Disney Wish debuts two brand-new shows and revisits a guest favorite: A Broadway-caliber adaptation of The Little Mermaid invites audiences to rediscover iconic scenes, acclaimed music and beloved characters in new and unexpected ways. An embarkation day celebration called Disney Seas the Adventure takes guests on a musical journey into favorite stories helmed by Captain Minnie, Goofy and an all-star cast of Disney and Pixar characters and Disney’s Aladdin— A Musical Spectacular, a fast-paced musical comedy based on the classic Disney Animation feature. And one night during your sailing you will have the opportunity to experience Pirates Rockin’ Parlay Party which features live action, live music and live fireworks, all themed after Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean! After experiencing the Disney Wish for its Christening sailing, I am convinced that Disney has raised the bar for the cruising experience. This was my 3rd Disney cruise and with every sailing, each experience tops the previous one. When it comes to luxury, I am keen on details and materials utilized. It’s clear that Disney spared no expense in the design and construction with this vessel. However, all of the right infrastructure and amenities mean nothing unless you have a team of crew members and staff that make it all come together and function properly. Disney has executed this quite well as the Disney Wish onboard experience exceeds anything I have experienced on a cruise to date.
Truly, the Disney Wish is another jewel in the very heavy crown of assets of the Walt Disney Company. It is my sincere hope and desire that you experience this phenomenal vessel soon.
DisneyCruise.com
Time to swim aboard the Disney Wish
