top of page

Setting Sail with Disney: A Guide to Choosing the Best Ship for You!

Updated: May 17

If you're not a huge Disney fan or have never seen a Disney ship -- you might have the mistaken impression that this cruise line is only for families with little kids who love Mickey Mouse and princesses. You however, would be greatly mistaken. Disney cruise offers unmatched service and is not only for kids but adults of all ages! From adult-exclusive restaurants, to lounges, onboard activities, sun decks, to 18+ port adventures, Disney caters not only to kids on these ships but directly to YOU! In the words of Walt himself, "You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway."


When you’re booking a trip aboard the Disney Cruise Line, you have so many options and choices! 


With six ships to choose from, how do you decide which cruise ship is the best choice? 


- Are some Disney cruise ships better than others?

- What do the ships have in common, what are the differences?

- Which ship is best for your family?


Meet the Disney Cruise Line Fleet

  • jump to the ship you are most interested in if you are looking for a 2 min read


So let's dive into that today and help you decide when you set sail with Disney - which ship is the best choice for you!




Disney Cruise Magic Experience: What's The Same On All Ships


Across all six ships, families can expect the same core Disney experience:


World-class Service—Disney is known for its service, and you will find the very best aboard your cruise, no matter which ship you choose.


Room Categories: The same room categories (Inside, Oceanview, Verandah, and Concierge) are used across all ships.  These rooms provide you with state-of the art comfort in a room that is perfect for your family size and preferences.




 

Character Encounters: All your favorite Disney characters will be available for photos and autographs throughout the cruise.


Broadway-Quality Entertainment: Enjoy daily live shows featuring your favorite Disney stories. The shows are specific to the ships - you can find more details on them below.

 

Waterslides & Pools: Make a splash on exhilarating waterslides, cool off in refreshing pools, or simply soak up the sun on spacious decks. You’re going to love all that your ship has to offer!




Dedicated Kid & Teen Clubs: Supervised clubs cater to various age groups, offering games, activities & Disney-themed fun, making sure that parents also receive some well-deserved relaxation! The kids have so much fun, trust me, they won’t even realize you are gone!


Relaxation at the Senses Spa & Salon - You’ll be able to indulge in what the Senses Spa & Salon has to offer with over 100 different services available… imagine the pampering and relaxation that would be at your fingertips on every ship!


Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: Set an appointment and transform into a princess, knight or sea captain! Do you want to really go all out for Pirate Night? Make sure you join the Pirates League Makeover for a pirate transformation.


First-Rate Dining: Embark on a culinary journey through themed restaurants with Disney’s innovative rotational dining.  If you’re looking for a quiet night out - adult-exclusive dining is available by reservation as well. 



 

Disney Cruise Line Ships: Finding Your Perfect Match


Disney Magic & Disney Wonder: The original Disney duos, these elegant ships boast a classic Disney theme and intimate feel, perfect for families with younger children. While lacking the larger water features of newer ships, they offer a charming and more manageable experience. These two ships are beloved by Disney Cruise fans, considered the classics.



DISNEY MAGIC


Fun Fact: The Disney Magic is Disney’s very first cruise ship.  It is longer than Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom!


Pools: The AquaDunk, a three-story body slide. Riders step inside a clear tube, and the floor under them opens like a trap door, sending them on a near-vertical drop that will eventually take them 20 feet over the ship’s side - wow!


Adult-Only: Keys Lounge is an adults-only nightclub inspired by the piano bars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. 


Entertainment: Tangled the Musical is not to be missed!  Follow Rapunzel as she escapes her tower in this song and dance spectacular, based on the film.



 


DISNEY WONDER

Fun Fact: The Disney Wonder is the only Disney ship that embarks on Alaskan adventures. 


Pools: Are you traveling with little ones and the thought of pools everyone gives you anxiety?  The Disney Wonder may offer the solution!  A 400-square-foot splash deck is dedicated to infants and toddlers 3 years of age and under.


Tiana’s Place: Enjoy live music by Tiana and her band in a venue inspired by the Disney animated classic, The Princess and the Frog. Even Louis, the alligator makes a special appearance during dinner.


Kid’s Club: Inspired by Disney’s Peter Pan, the main hub of The Oceaneer Lab leads to themed “lands” and features multiple flat-screen TVs, a dance floor, reading nook, lounge area with beanbags and stage for interactive games & special Disney Character appearances. Kids can also conduct experiments, develop culinary skills, and engage in fascinating activities at the Oceaneer Lab’s workshop and science laboratory!


Entertainment: Frozen the Musical - join Anna and Elsa’s Frozen Arendelle adventure in this Broadway style show.



 


Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy: Sister ships brimming with imagination, these ships feature elaborate themed areas, waterslides and dazzling night time entertainment. The first Disney waterslide at sea, AquaDuck is 250 yards of transparent tubing that sends guests soaring over the top decks and at one point – over the ocean! Ideal for families seeking a balance of classic Disney storytelling and modern amenities. They also both host Remy’s, a French-inspired adult exclusive dinner experience on board both ships. 



DISNEY DREAM:


Kids Club: Star Wars, Millennium Falcon in Disney’s Oceaneer Club is one of the most detailed youth spaces ever designed for a Disney ship. Interactive buttons, levers and controls allow children to trigger special detours through the galaxy.


Adults-Only: Adults can celebrate with a signature toast in Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar, with a pink elephant from the classic film “Dumbo” adorning the bottle.


Entertainment: Beauty and the Beast has been reimagined and is yours to enjoy onboard a Disney Dream Cruise. Disney and a team of Broadway top artists have created a new twist within this iconic story. You’re going to love it! 



 


DISNEY FANTASY


Fun Fact: The Fantasy is longer than the Eiffel tower is tall!


Entertainment: Disney’s Aladdin is the musical entertainment on the Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship.  Enjoy the live musical comedy with the wise-cracking genie!


Adults Only: The adult nightlife district Europa features five clubs and lounges that treat the senses to a taste of Ireland, England, France and Italy, plus stunning skylines and signature cocktails inspired by Russia, Greece, Hungary and Spain.

 



 

 

DISNEY WISH


Disney Wish: One of the two newest ships. The Wish has cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences. Explore the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, AquaMouse, a thrilling water coaster adventure or enjoy the Toy Story splash zone. 

Disney’s story-telling comes alive in new ways in the Marvel-themed Hero Zone and through Uncharted Adventure, an interactive experience for guests on board. 


Theatrical Dining: You will still experience the traditional rotational dining but now you will be immersed in theatrical dining and be transported to the Kingdom of Arendelle. The menu is Norwegian-inspired cuisine, but have no fear mamas of picky eaters. You know kids will love it and have classic options because it’s still Disney!The new dining experience doesn’t stop there, join Ant-Man and the Wasp during Avengers: Quantum Encounter where you will own a heroic role using your interactive Quantum Core at your table. 



Entertainment: The Little Mermaid was created exclusively for the Disney Wish and leaves every guest raving about it after their trip! 


Adults-only: Hyperspace Lounge. Families are invited to experience this interstellar watering hole during the day, but at night, the lounge jumps to lightspeed and becomes a haven for adults only.


Rooms: Like all of the other ships the room types remain the same, but the rooms on the Wish are slightly bigger and are themed!  You can stay in a Frozen, Cinderella or Little Mermaid room, if you have a little princess she will be thrilled!


 

Disney Treasure


Disney Treasure is the newest ship in the fleet!  Similar to the Disney Wish, this vessel features larger staterooms, theatrical dining to include Avengers: Quantum Encounter and AquaMouse.   


Entertainment: The Tale of Moana–Join Moana as she sets sail across the vast ocean.  Plus a new area Sarabi is a unique lounge inspired by the film The Lion King where families can enjoy musical performances, comedy and family shows. 


Adult-Exclusive escapes to include Skipper Society themed off of the Jungle Cruise attraction and Periscope Pub inspired by the Disney park attraction, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: Submarine Voyage. If you need a night out, enjoy French cuisine at Enchante Enchanté, where the menu is crafted by 3-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement.


 


As you can see, there are lots of similarities on board each ship but Disney has intertwined magic everywhere aboard the cruise liners. This of course is not an exhaustive list, but only highlights some of the differences.



There is something for everyone and every family, regardless of which Disney Cruise ship you choose.

 

Are you planning to set sail aboard the Disney Cruise Line? Download my Disney Cruise Action Planner Timeline--this is the actual checklist I use with families to help them stay on track with planning a cruise.


If you want personalized recommendations for Disney Cruise Line itineraries, ships and more, and help planning this adventure, click here to a get a free quote.


I would love to help you navigate all of the details and find the perfect ship and itinerary for you!




Comentarios


Los comentarios se han desactivado.
bottom of page