Disney Wish Cruise Review | A Magical Voyage for Families ✨

Ready to set sail on a floating fairytale? 💫

In May, Michael and I (along with several family members) sailed on the Disney Dream. If you missed that recap, be sure to read all about it here. We absolutely LOVED our cruise—the ship was stunningly clean, the cast members were delightful, and the entertainment? Pure Disney magic! After a week on the Dream, I thought it would be impossible to top that experience.

Disney Wish docked at Port Canaveral with blue sky backdrop

Then came the Disney Wish.

As Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, launched in mid-2022, the Wish had some big shoes to fill. As part of a Platinum Earmarked Disney travel agency, I was fortunate to be invited aboard for an exclusive tour while the Wish was docked at Port Canaveral. I couldn’t wait to compare this grand new vessel to the Dream!

Theming:

I honestly think that theming is where Disney shines brightest. After all, they're storytellers, and they do an incredible job of putting guests right in the middle of their own vacation story! The Disney Wish is designed to be the "Castle at Sea." This should give you an idea of what the theming and overall feel of the ship is. From the moment you step aboard, you’re immersed in elegantly whimsical décor, blending classic fairytale magic with elevated, adult-friendly style.

Compared to the Dream and other Disney Cruise Line ships, the Wish feels a bit more refined. Gone are the bright primary colors—in their place, you’ll find soft hues, gold accents, and romantic nods to beloved Disney tales.

Entertainment:

This ship is a creative celebration of 100 years of Disney Magic. You'll find all of your favorite childhood stories woven into the theming throughout the ship. On the stern of the ship, you'll see Rapunzel and throughout the interior of the ship, you'll continue to see subtle nods to the Tangled story.

Celebrating 100 years of Disney storytelling, the Wish brings characters and magic to life in new and creative ways. At the stern of the ship, you’ll find Rapunzel, and inside, you’ll notice touches of Tangled woven throughout.

Make time for the Broadway-style shows, especially:

🎶 Disney Seas the Adventure

🧜‍♀️ The Little Mermaid – a reimagined version created just for the Wish!

And don't Miss:

🏴‍☠️ Pirate Night (a Guest Favorite)

🎉 Sail Away Deck Party

👑 Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (cue the sparkle overload!)

🎮 Amazing kids clubs for littles to teens – seriously, your kids might never want to leave. Including It’s a Small World Nursery (ages 6 months+) to Vibe (teens 14–17)

Dining on the Wish:

There are three rotational dining locations on board. If you aren't familiar with rotational dining, it's Disney's dining system that allows guests to rotate through three main dining rooms throughout their sailing. Wait staff travel with guests to their assigned dining location on each night of their cruise. This is great because you get the chance to experience different locations and menus, but your assigned cast members who know your preferences travel with you. For the Wish, Disney truly kicked it up a notch when it comes to dining entertainment.

🍽️ Arendelle:

Arendelle is a grand celebration of the royal engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff. Dine on Norwegian-inspired dishes prepared by Oaken. Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Oaken, and Olaf make appearances throughout this Frozen-themed dining adventure. Ahh, this is my favorite dining location on board! If you have a little princess, she will be in heaven here. It just feels so immersive. Even the hall leading to the restaurant is beautifully and intricately themed. I guarantee that little girls will truly feel like they're in the world of Frozen!

🦸 Worlds of Marvel:

Calling all Superheroes! If Arendelle is a little girl's dream, Worlds of Marvel is the boys' counterpart. This action-packed dinner includes techy surprises and Wakandan-inspired eats.

🎬 1923: Walt and Roy

Named after Walt and Roy, this one’s a nod to old-school Disney animation. It has a classic, vintage-Hollywood feel—think Brown Derby at sea. ✨ No characters here, just amazing food and that warm, nostalgic glow.

Quick & Casual Bites for Busy Families 🍕🌮🍦

Marceline Market is the ship’s buffet, and it’s delish. Tons of variety, cute kids' station (just their size!), and yes, even real coffee.

Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods = quick bites like tacos, pizza, BBQ, and more. Easy, fast, and Mickey-approved. 🐭💛

Date Night at Sea: Adults-Only Dining 💑🍷

Do Mom and Dad want a special dinner? ✨✨

Palo Steakhouse is Cogsworth-inspired and blends rich steakhouse vibes with Italian dishes. yum! 🍝🥩

Enchante (inspired by Lumière!) is a splurge, but I think it would be worth it for date night. Plus, the ocean views are stunning! 🌅

Just a heads up—these are à la carte and you’ll skip your regular dinner rotation if you dine here.

Character Magic Onboard 🐭💃👑

What would a Disney Cruise be without Characters?! 💫

Expect:

Storybook dining with princesses 👑

Twirling and photo ops galore 📸

Pirate Night surprises with Mickey & friends 🏴‍☠️

The Wish really steps up the character connection game— I just know your kiddos will be over the moon! 🌙

Belle waving from the balcony in the grand atrium of the Disney Wish, surrounded by golden railings and elegant fairytale decor

Ready to Set Sail? 🌴⚓

If you’re curious about cruising but aren't sure where to start, the 3- and 4-night sailings out of Port Canaveral are perfect for a short-but-sweet intro. Pair it with a Walt Disney World stay, and you’ve got the dream Disney vacation. ✨

Want help planning it all out? I'd love to be your go-to for all things Disney! Let’s make some magical memories for your crew. 💌