Magic at Sea: A Solo Parent’s Disney Wish, Complete with Michelin-Worthy Adult Dining at Enchanté

I boarded the Disney Wish with my two young kids and about a million questions: Will I get seasick? Will my introverted kid enjoy the kids club? Will it feel chaotic? The answers: no, no, and also no. Spoiler alert: it was magical. Disney Cruise Line has this down to a science, and even for a solo-parenting, first-time cruiser like me, it felt intuitive, well-run, and surprisingly relaxing.

The ship itself is jaw-droppingly beautiful, full of rich details and clever design. Every space felt elevated but still made for real families—like the pool deck, which had full floor-to-ceiling glass barriers so I could sip coffee while the kids ran around safely. We ate breakfast there one morning as the sun came up, and the light over the ocean was unreal. Our stateroom had a dreamy porthole window, which quickly became the kids’ favorite snack perch—grilled cheese and tomato soup never looked so scenic. Watching the sea stretch out endlessly behind them was one of those quiet parenting moments I’ll remember forever.

The atrium chandelier on Disney Wish—dripping with stars and perfectly beautiful.

Motion sickness? Not an issue. Even the sensitive kids in our group didn’t have a problem. The ship is incredibly stable—there were a few moments I could tell we were moving, but I forgot we were at sea most of the time.

The kids club was a huge win for both of my kids. My introverted 8-year-old felt empowered by checking himself in and heading straight to the Marvel room or iPad station. My social butterfly 5-year-old would have happily skipped meals just to stay longer. And honestly? I didn’t mind the breaks. One night, while they were off building VR coasters and drawing on digital tables, I snuck away to Enchanté, the ship’s adults-only French restaurant. Between the impeccable service, multi-course tasting menu, and ocean views, it felt like I’d floated into a Parisian fantasy.

A trio of amuse-bouches and a glass of rosé—setting the tone for a dream dinner.

Enchanté cheese plate. A cheese course so lovely I almost didn’t eat it (almost).

Enchanté cheese cart. A roving cart of world-class cheese, because Disney knows how to spoil adults, too.

Tender short rib with featherlight gnocchi—both rich and surprisingly delicate.

A single shiso leaf floating in a light broth—minimalist, elegant, and surprisingly flavorful.

Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, was another major highlight. Think powdery white sand, calm warm water, and enough umbrellas, gear, and snacks to keep everyone content. We made sandcastles, hunted for shells, and took our sweet time soaking it all in.

Everywhere on board, characters wandered the halls in full costume. We ran into Captain Mickey (who helped my son with the delightful on-board detective game), hugged Donald Duck, and even had a Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointment that left my daughter feeling like true royalty (pink hair extensions and all). There’s just something about a kid seeing themselves transformed in the mirror and absolutely believing it.

Whether it was the little things (themed door magnets and room service fries) or the big ones (princess gowns and pirate nights), Disney Wish exceeded every expectation. I arrived as an anxious first-time cruiser. I left relaxed, connected, and already dreaming of round two.

• The porthole staterooms are a hidden gem—full of natural light and surprisingly cozy. Ours became a favorite reading and snack nook.

• Disney’s rotational dining means you get to try multiple themed restaurants (don’t miss Arendelle for the music or 1923 for the best food), and you keep the same fantastic servers each night.

• The kids club is broken up by age but is very flexible—introverts can chill with iPads or animation games, while social kids can make friends instantly. Make time to pre-register on embarkation day to skip the lines later.

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is 100 percent worth it if you have a kid who loves dress-up. Book ahead, and be prepared to cry happy tears.

• You can have an elegant grown-up experience on a Disney cruise. Enchanté is a true fine-dining escape, best enjoyed while your kids are happily immersed in the clubs.

• Castaway Cay is stunning and super low-stress. The family beach has plenty of shade, float rentals, and soft sand for hours of play. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes.

• Character meet-and-greets happen everywhere, not just in lines. Be ready with your autograph book at any moment.

• Pro tip: Bring magnets for your stateroom door! Decorating it is a fun tradition and makes your room easier to spot.

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