Your Ultimate Guide to the Disney Wish

Welcome aboard the magic

Hey there, fellow adventurers! Let me tell you about the Disney Wish—the newest jewel in Disney Cruise Line’s fleet that launched in 2022, and honestly? It’s everything you’ve dreamed of and more. This beauty is designed to make every moment feel like you’re living in a fairytale, from the moment you step aboard until that last goodbye. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make your voyage absolutely magical!

Embarkation day: Your adventure begins

The check-in process:

First things first—check in online at midnight EST the day your booking window opens. Pro tip: If you’re taking Disney transportation to the port, you’ll likely get an earlier Port Arrival Time (PAT), which means less waiting around!

Your PAT will determine when you arrive at Port Canaveral, typically ranging from late morning to early afternoon. Don’t stress if you get a later time—there are perks to boarding at different times. Early birds get first dibs on spa appointments and specialty dining reservations, while late arrivals can skip the initial lunch rush.

Welcome to the Grand Hall:

The second you walk through those doors and into the Grand Hall, prepare to be wowed. There’s Cinderella herself—well, her gorgeous statue–welcoming you home. Look up at the Juliet balcony above the stage, and you might catch princesses like Belle, Cinderella with Prince Charming, or Rapunzel with Flynn Rider waving hello! Sometimes Captain Mickey or Captain Minnie are greeting guests on the grand staircases. It’s the perfect first photo op.

What to do before dinner:

Your stateroom typically opens around 1:30 pm, so in the meantime, head up to Deck 11. One of the sit-down restaurants (usually rotational dining) will be open for lunch if you’re hungry. Otherwise, hit up Marceline Market (the buffet) or explore Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods—the pool deck quick-service spots that’ll blow your mind (more on those later).

The muster drill: Yes, you really have to go:

Okay, let’s talk about the one thing nobody gets excited about—the safety drill. Disney brought back in-person muster drills (they’re typically scheduled around 3:20-4:30 pm on embarkation day). I know, I know—nobody wants to gather in assembly stations when there’s a ship to explore. But here’s the thing: it only takes about 20 minutes, and it’s actually important stuff.

My insider tip: Check your Disney Cruise Line Navigator App for your assigned muster station location before the announcement. Head there a few minutes early, get it done, and you’ll be back to the fun in no time. The crew makes it as painless as possible, I promise!

Sail Away Party: let’s get this voyage started!:

After muster drill, head straight back up to Decks 11 and 12 for the Sail Away Party! This is THE moment, friends. Characters come out dancing, music is pumping, Mickey’s on the big Funnel Vision screen, and the ship’s horn blasts as you leave Port Canaveral behind. It’s pure joy and excitement rolled into one incredible party. Grab a drink from one of the nearby bars and soak it all in—this is vacation mode officially activated!

Where to stay: Staterooms that suit your crew

Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (sleeps five):

Let me tell you why this is my go-to recommendation for families! At 284–304 square feet (depending on category), these rooms are SPACIOUS and brilliantly designed. Here’s the setup:

• One queen bed for the adults

• A convertible sofa that becomes a comfy bed

• An upper berth pull-down bed (and when it comes down, there’s a magical starfield mural on the ceiling that kids go crazy for!)

• A Murphy bed that pulls down from the wall for that fifth person

The split bathroom is a game-changer, friends. One bathroom has a vanity and toilet, while the other has a vanity, tub, and shower with a glass door. This means two people can get ready at the same time—trust me, when you’re trying to make your dinner seating, this is GOLD.

Your veranda has proper patio furniture where you can sip your morning coffee and watch dolphins play in the waves. The rooms have Disney-themed murals behind the bed (think Moana, Little Mermaid, Frozen, or Cinderella), tons of storage under the elevated bed frames for your luggage, and all the little touches that make Disney special.

The Concierge experience: is it worth it?

Okay, let’s talk about whether Concierge is worth the splurge. Spoiler alert: if your budget allows, YES!

Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah (Category 3A) are on Decks 12 and 13, sleeping five guests in 296 square feet. They feature a king bed, the same clever pull-down beds, and that magical split bathroom. But here’s where it gets really good. The Concierge perks include:

Before you even board:

• Dedicated Concierge agent available Monday–Saturday to help plan everything.

• Reserve activities and dining up to 120 days before sailing (everyone else gets 90–120 days, depending on the booking).

• Priority at check-in with your own dedicated station.

Once onboard:

• Private welcome reception just for Concierge guests.

• The STUNNING Concierge Lounge on Deck 12—seriously, it’s the largest and most luxurious in the fleet!

• Complimentary breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, evening wine, beer, cocktails, appetizers, AND after-dinner desserts all day long.

• Exclusive Concierge Sun Deck on Deck 13 Forward with cushioned loungers, a full bar, TWO whirlpools, and a wading pool.

• Down duvets and premium Frette linens and robes (hello, luxury!)

• Pillow menu because even your sleep should be customized.

• 100 MB of complimentary internet per stateroom.

• Priority tendering in port (get off the ship first!)

• Early access to Walt Disney Theatre shows with complimentary popcorn.

• Priority disembarkation.

• Your onboard Concierge team handling all your reservations and special requests.

The one-bedroom suites and Royal Suites get even more elaborate, but honestly, the Concierge Family Oceanview hits the sweet spot of luxury without breaking the bank completely. Plus, that lounge becomes your home base—grab breakfast there to skip the crowds, pop in for afternoon wine and cheese, enjoy pre-dinner cocktails... it’s YOUR space to relax.

Let’s eat! Food and beverage aboard the Wish

Rotational dining: your nightly adventure:

Disney’s rotational dining concept is brilliant—you dine at a different restaurant each night, but your servers move WITH you. You get to know your team, they get to know your preferences, and by night three, they’re bringing your kid’s chocolate milk without even asking. Magic!

• Arendelle: A Frozen dining adventure: This is next-level dinner theater! You’re celebrating Queen Anna and Kristoff’s engagement (post-Frozen 2), and Oaken is your hilarious host. Anna, Kristoff, and Elsa visit your table for photos and quick chats, and if Olaf’s “feeling good,” he joins the show too. The entertainment is so engaging that kids (and adults) are singing along to Frozen songs between courses. The food features Nordic-inspired dishes, and honestly, some of the best meals I’ve had at sea. Book early if you want to attend Olaf’s Royal Picnic ($250/child, $75/adult)—it’s a special character breakfast where you get exclusive one-on-one time with Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff in their summer attire. This is the ONLY place on the ship to meet Kristoff personally!

• Worlds of Marvel: Assemble, Avengers fans! This interactive dining experience has you joining Ant-Man, The Wasp, and other Marvel heroes on a mission. The technology in this restaurant is insane—screens everywhere showing the action, and characters might pop up at your table. At the end, you might even get a visit from Spider-Man or Ant-Man and the Wasp for a quick photo!

• 1923: Named for the year Walt Disney Company was founded, this elegant restaurant serves California-inspired cuisine with a glamorous 1920s vibe. It’s beautiful, sophisticated, and the food is consistently excellent. The menu features dishes inspired by California’s diverse heritage.

Pro tips: On four-night cruises, you’ll repeat one restaurant for Pirate Night with a special menu.

Request a table for just your party if you prefer privacy (though meeting other families can be fun!)

Off-menu Mickey ice cream bars are always available for dessert—just ask!

Quick service: Pool deck perfection

Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods is a revelation! Forget typical cruise ship burgers—this is legit GOOD. Six different food stalls around the pool deck on Deck 11:

• Mickey’s Smokestack Barbecue: Ribs, pulled pork, brisket, cornbread, and a barbecue sauce bar. The meat is tender and smoky perfection.

• Donald’s Cantina: Better than Chipotle! Build-your-own tacos with incredible meat and plant-based options, fresh toppings, the works.

• Daisy’s Pizza Pies: Wood-fired pizzas made fresh. Margherita, cheese, pepperoni—open until 11 pm or midnight for late-night munchies.

• Goofy's Grill: Classic burgers, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs with pretzel bun options, and Beyond Meat alternatives.

• Sweet Minnie’s Ice Cream: Soft-serve in multiple flavors, served by cast members. Always hits the spot!

• The Lookout: Grab coffee, cocktails, and beers while you’re hanging by the pool.

Marceline Market is your buffet option, open for breakfast and lunch (sometimes dinner, but check). It’s themed like an animated farmers market with different stations featuring global cuisine. The seafood bar in the back at lunch is a hidden gem! Head to the very back for the custom omelet station at breakfast.

Adult dining: Splurge-worthy experiences

• Palo Steakhouse ($45 prix fixe or a la carte): Friends, this is one of the best meals at sea, period. The Italian-meets-steakhouse concept works beautifully. Authentic Japanese Wagyu beef, perfect ribeyes, truffle gnocchi, Ciuppin soup... and the chocolate soufflé for dessert is legendary. The dress code is cruise elegant (no t-shirts or swimwear), and you MUST make reservations as early as possible. Pro tip: Try the brunch too—it’s equally spectacular!

• Enchanté ($125+ per person): Disney’s most luxurious dining experience, designed by three-Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement. This French fine-dining restaurant has Beauty and the Beast theming that’s elegant and romantic, not childish. Multi-course tasting menus, impeccable wine pairings, and service that makes you feel like royalty. It’s pricey, but for a special occasion? Absolutely worth it.

• Dessert alert: don’t miss Vanellope's Sweets & Treats. This Wreck-It Ralph-themed shop offers premium sundaes and confections (additional cost, but the artistry is incredible).

The bar scene: Adults need magic too

Let me break down the incredible bar and lounge scene because the Wish does NOT disappoint!

• Hyperspace Lounge: Star Wars fans, this is YOUR spot. This high-end bar is styled as a luxury space yacht, and in the evenings, it’s adults-only. The interactive elements transport you to different Star Wars locations as you sip galactic-themed cocktails. The attention to detail is mind-blowing, and the signature drinks are creative and delicious.

• The Rose: This Beauty and the Beast-inspired cocktail lounge is GORGEOUS. Elegant, upscale, with incredible craft cocktails. It’s located near Palo, making it perfect for pre- or post-dinner drinks. The ambiance is romantic and sophisticated.

• Nightingales Piano Bar: Hello, romance! This adults-only piano bar (18+) is inspired by Cinderella’s “Sing Sweet Nightingale” song. Live piano music, cozy seating, and a classy vibe make this perfect for date night. The pianist takes requests, so don’t be shy!

• Keg & Compass: This is Disney’s version of a sports bar meets nautical pub. Think leather chairs, dark wood, big TVs, and a serious beer selection, including craft brews exclusive to the Wish. They also serve pub food (buffalo wings, German pretzels, fish and chips, bangers and mash) in the afternoon and evening. It’s the perfect spot to catch a game or just hang with friends.

• Hook’s Barbery: Here’s a hidden gem! This European-style barbershop within Senses Spa has a SECRET whiskey bar. During treatments and special evening events (guests 21+), you can enjoy specialty whiskey tastings and create your own smoked Old Fashioned with different syrups, spirits, and smoked wood chips. A custom Old Fashioned runs about $26 with gratuity. It’s exclusive and very cool!

• The Bayou: Tiana’s Place inspiration comes to life in this lounge with New Orleans flair. Live music, Southern-inspired cocktails, and great energy.

• Daily drink specials: Most bars offer a rotating “Drink of the Day”—usually a fun signature cocktail at a special price. Check the Navigator app daily to see what’s featured and where. Currents (the pool bar) and Cove Bar offer the same menu, so you can enjoy adult beverages whether you’re with family or in the adults-only area.

Adults-only paradise: Quiet Cove

Parents, grandparents, couples—this section is for YOU! Quiet Cove is tucked away at the aft (back) of the ship on Deck 13, and it’s a serene, 18+ sanctuary.

The space:

• Quiet Cove infinity pool overlooking the ocean

• Two whirlpool spas

• Premium cushioned loungers

• Breathtaking ocean views

• Cove Bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails

• Cove Café—and oh, this café deserves its own paragraph!

Cove Café: coffee lovers’ dream

This Moana-themed, adults-only café is THE spot for serious coffee connoisseurs. Unlike Cove Cafés on other ships, this one serves top-shelf liquors including scotch, bourbon, cognac, AND cigars!

The coffee menu features:

Syphon brewing

Chemex brewing

French press

V-60 brewing

Moka brewing

Your choice of premium coffee beans (Classico, Ethiopia, Colombia, Brasile)

Specialty lattes (the salted caramel coconut latte is legendary)

Nitro cold brew (only spot on the ship to get it!)

By day, it’s gourmet coffee and pastries. By evening, it transforms into a cocktail lounge with wine, coffee-infused cocktails, and those premium spirits I mentioned. The atmosphere is laid-back and sophisticated—grab a book, do some work, play cards with friends, or just sip and stare at the ocean. Bliss!

Pro tip: Ask for a punch card at any café on the ship. For every five drinks, you get a free non-alcoholic beverage!

Special activities and experiences

• Bourbon and whiskey tastings:

• Disney offers premium spirit tastings (additional fee, around $40–60 depending on the tasting). The Reserve Whiskey Tasting features high-end pours like Lagavulin 16, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Glenmorangie Signet, The Macallan Rare Cask Black, and other premium whiskeys. There’s also a Bourbon-specific tasting with American craft bourbons. These tastings sell out, so book as early as possible—120 days for Concierge, 90 days for everyone else.

• AquaMouse: Disney’s first attraction at sea:

• This is NOT your typical water slide—it’s a water attraction with storytelling! AquaMouse is a water coaster that takes you through animated scenes featuring Mickey and Minnie. The original storyline follows them on adventure, with actual animation playing on screens as you’re splashing through the enclosed tube slide. It’s thrilling but family-friendly, and the views from the top are incredible!

• Pro Tip: Lines can get long midday, so hit it early morning or during dinner time. Also, there’s no height requirement, so even little ones can ride with an adult!

• Character meets: magic at every turn:

• From the moment you board, characters are everywhere! Here’s where to find them:

• Embarkation Day: Princesses on the Grand Hall balcony waving as you board (typically Cinderella, Rapunzel, or Tiana). Captain Mickey and Captain Minnie often greet on the grand staircases.

• Royal Gathering: This complimentary experience (requires reservation) lets you meet multiple princesses at once with minimal wait—we’re talking Belle, Tiana, Moana, Cinderella, and Rapunzel all in one session! Book this as soon as your window opens because it fills FAST. It’s held in the Grand Hall, and it’s pure princess magic.

• Character dining: Anna, Kristoff, and Elsa visit every table at Arendelle (with Oaken providing comedic relief). At Worlds of Marvel, you might get a visit from Spider-Man or Ant-Man and the Wasp after the show.

• Scheduled meet and greets: Check your Navigator app daily for scheduled character appearances throughout the ship. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Chip 'n' Dale, plus rotating appearances from modern favorites and Marvel characters.

• Random encounters: Keep your eyes open! Characters pop up throughout the day in the Grand Hall, on deck, by the pools. Part of the magic is those surprise meetings.

• Hero Zone: Kids can train with Avengers at the Marvel Super Hero Academy in Disney’s Oceaneer Club.

Parties and entertainment

• Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party: On three-night cruises, this is THE party! Captain Redd (a female pirate captain) leads an incredible deck party with rock music, dancing, special effects, and—wait for it—FIREWORKS AT SEA! Pirates of all ages are encouraged to dress up (pirate gear is available in the gift shops if you forget yours).

• Four-night Pirate Night: Slightly different format but equally fun, with themed dining and festivities.

• Sail Away Party: Already mentioned, but it deserves another shout-out because it’s THAT good!

• Funnel Vision: Throughout your cruise, the massive LED screen on Deck 11 shows Disney movies under the stars. Grab blankets (available from crew members), pool chairs, and settle in for movie nights at sea. It’s free popcorn from the Walt Disney Theatre if you grab it during the day!

• Walt Disney theatre shows: Broadway-caliber productions featuring Disney characters—check your Navigator app for showtimes and show up early for good seats.

• Deck parties: Spontaneous dance parties and character shows happen throughout the cruise—Mickey’s Pirate Crew celebration, holiday-themed parties on special sailings, and more.

Coffee, cocktails, and casual sips

Beyond the bars, you’ve got cafe options throughout the ship:

• Wishing Star Café and Enchanted Sword Café: Located off the Grand Hall atrium, these are perfect spots to grab coffee (or something stronger) and people-watch. You might catch princesses on the balcony above while you sip.

• Wheezy's Freezies: Toy Story-themed smoothie bar next to the Toy Story splash area. Fruity, refreshing, and perfect for pool days.

• The Lookout: Your go-to by the pool for coffee, cocktails, and beers without leaving the sun.

Accessibility: Disney gets It right

Let me share something close to my heart—Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to accessibility is genuinely exceptional, and it made all the difference for my family when we sailed together.

• On the ship: Accessible staterooms are thoughtfully designed with wider doorways, roll-in showers, grab bars, and lowered fixtures. But it’s the little things that matter—like how Guest Services has wheelchairs available, and the crew is trained to assist with everything from boarding to navigating the ship.

• At Castaway Cay: Here’s where Disney really shines. They provide special beach wheelchairs with large, oversized tires that roll right across the sand and into the shallow water. I’ll never forget watching my mom’s face light up as we wheeled her right to the water’s edge, letting the waves lap at her feet. She said it made her feel “grounded”—connected to the earth in a way that brought her such peace. Those beach wheelchairs meant she could fully experience the island with us, not just watch from the sidelines.

• The service: The accessibility extends beyond equipment. The crew genuinely cares. Our servers learned my grandkids’ preferences by night two—bringing chocolate milk without asking, knowing who wanted extra bread, remembering dietary needs. They followed us through rotational dining every night, becoming part of our family story. And when my grandson looked at Spider-Man during a character meet and asked if he was hungry (because “Spider-Man doesn’t have a mouth!”), the crew member didn’t miss a beat—staying in character while we all dissolved into laughter.

• Special accommodations: If you need a private dining space (perhaps for sensory reasons or medical equipment), Palo can arrange private room dining. We were able to celebrate together in an intimate setting, away from the bustling main restaurant, and enjoy what remains the best chocolate soufflé any of us have ever tasted. These accommodations aren’t afterthoughts—they’re built into the Disney experience.

If accessibility is a concern for your family, reach out to Disney’s Special Services team when booking. They’ll work with you to ensure every need is met so everyone can fully experience the magic.

The little things that make it special

• 24/7 room service: Most items are complimentary. Sandwiches, salads, pizza, continental breakfast, and desserts delivered right to your door. Pro tip: Mickey ice cream bars and cheese plates are available even though they’re not on the menu—just ask!

• Split bathrooms: In most staterooms, the genius design means no more bathroom traffic jams.

• Magical portholes: Inside staterooms have LCD screens showing real-time views from ship cameras, plus occasional character visits on screen.

• Storage: Disney knows families have stuff. Elevated bed frames, drawers, closets, and that ottoman with hidden storage—they thought of everything.

• Towel animals: Every night, your stateroom host creates a different towel animal on your bed. Kids love it.

• Navigator App: Your digital cruise director. Schedules, dining menus, character meet times, activities, messaging other guests—it’s all there.

• Funnel Vision magic: There’s something special about gathering as a family under the stars on Deck 11, watching Disney movies on that massive screen with the ocean breeze and the gentle rock of the ship. Grab those complimentary blankets and make it a nightly tradition—these quiet moments together often become the memories you treasure most.

The bottom line

The Disney Wish isn’t just a cruise ship—it’s a floating resort where every detail is designed to create magic. From the moment Cinderella’s statue welcomes you in the Grand Hall to that last night when you’re hugging your servers goodbye, every element is crafted to make you feel special.

Whether you’re sailing as a family of five in that perfect Family Oceanview stateroom, splurging on Concierge for the VIP treatment, or somewhere in between, the experience is phenomenal. The food is legitimately excellent, the entertainment is world-class, the bars rival any high-end hotel, and those little Disney touches (towel animals, character encounters, “hidden Mickeys” everywhere) make every moment feel special.

This is vacation the way it should be—where the kids are having the time of their lives AND the adults are genuinely relaxed and happy. That’s the Disney Wish magic!

My final tips and tricks:

• Book early, always. Popular experiences (Palo, Enchanté, Olaf’s Picnic, whiskey tastings) sell out FAST.

• Use the Navigator app religiously. Download it before boarding and have everyone in your party get it. You can message each other ship-wide for free.

• Pack a power strip. Staterooms have limited outlets, and everyone's got devices to charge.

• Bring your own wine. You can bring wine and beer aboard from each port (check Disney’s policy for limits, usually two bottles or a six-pack), but it will save you money on drinks. Perfect for sitting on the Verandah while the kids sleep after a long day of cruising.

• Don’t overpack your schedule. Build in downtime. Some of the best moments are unplanned—chatting with fellow cruisers, watching the ocean from your verandah, or spontaneous character encounters.

• Try new things! Even if you think you won’t like something, give it a shot. The bourbon tasting, Arendelle dinner show, AquaMouse—these are experiences you can’t get anywhere else.

• Be flexible with dining time. If your preferred time isn’t available, take what you can get and then try to switch at Guest Services once aboard. Or embrace the different time—late dining means you never miss afternoon activities and dinner isn’t rushed.

• Pack patience. This is a family ship. Kids will be everywhere. Embrace it, find your adult sanctuary in Quiet Cove when needed, and remember—you’re all there to make memories.

• Attend the Concierge lounge if you’ve upgraded. Don’t let those perks go to waste! Start your day with breakfast there, enjoy afternoon snacks, pre-dinner drinks, post-dinner desserts—milk it for all it’s worth!

• Take photos, but also live in the moment. Yes, document everything, but also put the phone down and just experience the magic!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.