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If you've ever dreamed of setting sail on a magical voyage across the high seas, then you're in for a treat. Meet the Disney Wonder cruise ship, a floating wonderland where dreams really do come true! From the moment you step aboard, you'll experience an exciting blend of luxury, pixie dust and daring adventures. In this post, we're taking a deep dive into everything this vessel has to offer. Before we set sail, we're so frogcited to share that your favorite frog family now offers bookings for Disney Wonder and all other Disney Line Cruise ships. Be sure to snag your exclusive Disney Cruise Line savings provided by Undercover Tourist with no booking fees. Plus, we have an exciting offer hoppenin' right now! Get a FREE in-room décor set for all Disney Cruise Line bookings, courtesy of Undercover Tourist, when you book a Disney Cruise Line sailing, for a limited time.
Overview of the Disney Wonder
The Disney Wonder was the second ship to join the Disney cruise line fleet. It was built in 1999 and its most recent enchantments took place in 2019. The enhancements included the addition of the French Quarter Lounge, inspired by "The Princess and the Frog." While the size and theming of the Wonder are similar to its sister ship, the Disney Magic, this ship has different theming throughout.
The ship contains 11 decks, has 875 staterooms and can hold up to 2,713 passengers with 945 crew members. The Disney Wonder currently sails out of Vancouver for Disney’s Alaskan cruises and the Port of San Diego which typically includes ports of call such as Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Late in the year and into the spring season, the Disney Wonder offers itineraries to Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.
The interior of Disney Wonder has a classic design mixed with amazing Disney theming. Ariel greets guests in the main lobby and there are Little Mermaid details throughout the ship. The most noticeable Little Mermaid touches are in Triton’s dining, the Guest Services desk and the Port Adventures desk — all of which are located directly off the lobby. The lobby also includes a stunning red chandelier which a crew member told us is meant to reference the view Ariel would have from under the water looking up to the sun and sky.
Disney Wonder Accommodations
The Disney Wonder offers a variety of accommodation options, and we cover the basics of each type of stateroom below. All staterooms come with a refrigerator, in-room safe, a hair dryer, under-bed storage space for suitcases and more. If you’re traveling with a tadpole, complimentary diaper disposal units, bottle warmers, bottle sterilizers, cribs and playpens are available upon request from the stateroom host or hostess.
There are 10 types of rooms on the Disney Wonder:
- Standard Inside Stateroom is 184 sq. ft. and sleeps up to four guests. These rooms contain a queen-size bed, a single sleeper sofa and an upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4). There is a porthole mirror and no exterior view.
- Deluxe Inside Stateroom is 214 sq. ft. and sleeps up to four guests. These rooms contain a queen-size bed, a single sleeper sofa and an upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4). There is a porthole mirror and no exterior view.
- Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom is 214 sq. ft. and sleeps up to four guests with a queen-size bed, a single sleeper sofa and an upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4). While the size is the same as a Deluxe Inside Stateroom, this room type includes a porthole through which guests can enjoy the ocean views outside. The room may have 1 large porthole or 2 small porthole windows.
- Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator's Verandah is 268 sq. ft. including a private navigator verandah (balcony). The navigator's verandah is different from the traditional verandahs in that it is enclosed. Guests still have a balcony to enjoy and sea views and breezes through an open-air porthole above the railing. This room sleeps up to four guests with a queen-size bed, a single sleeper sofa and an upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4).
- Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is 268 sq. ft. including a private verandah. It sleeps up to four guests with a queen-size bed, a single sleeper sofa and an upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4). The private balcony is the perfect place to take in the views at night or enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning.
- Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is 304 sq. ft. including a private verandah. It sleeps up to four guests with a queen-size bed, a single sleeper sofa and an upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4).
- Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is 304 sq. ft. including a private verandah. It sleeps up to four guests with a queen-size bed, a single sleeper sofa and an upper-berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4). Guests also get access to signature Concierge pre-arrival services as well as Concierge onboard services such as exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge.
- Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah is 614 sq. ft. including a private verandah. It sleeps up to five guests with a queen-size bed, a double sleeper sofa in the living room and most rooms also have a pull-down single bed in either the living room or bedroom. Guests also get access to signature Concierge pre-arrival services as well as Concierge onboard services such as exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge.
- Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah is 954 sq. ft. including a private verandah. It sleeps up to seven guests with two bedrooms. There is a main bedroom with a queen-sized bed, a second bedroom with two twin beds and one pull-down bed. There is also a double sleeper sofa in the living room. Guests get access to signature Concierge pre-arrival services as well as Concierge onboard services such as exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge.
- Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah is 1,029 sq. ft. including a private verandah. It sleeps up to seven guests with two bedrooms. There is a main bedroom with a king-sized bed, a second bedroom with two single beds and two pull-down beds. There is also a wall pull-down bed in the living room. Guests also get access to signature Concierge pre-arrival services as well as Concierge onboard services such as exclusive access to dedicated areas on the ship, including the Concierge Lounge.
Do you have questions about choosing the best stateroom? Check out our guide on choosing the right stateroom for your family.
Recreation and Entertainment Aboard the Disney Wonder
There are so many exciting things to do on a Disney Cruise — from character meets to Broadway-style shows, there is a lot of fun to be had! There are also activities designed for guests of every age. Given the variety of entertainment, we've listed the information in three broad categories. Family activities include things that guests of every age may enjoy on their Disney Cruise. Children's activities are limited to children within certain age groups while adults-only activities are for guests 18 and older.
Family Activities on the Disney Wonder
Character Meet and Greets
Character meets take place both within the ship as well as outdoors on the top decks. Be sure to check the Disney Cruise Line App for details about when and where characters will be meeting. Many of the characters will have special outfits during the cruise which we love seeing.
Shutters Photography
Just as in the Disney parks, there are crew members around the ship taking professional photos. These crew members are happy to take photos of you with your favorite characters or get a group photo at dinner. Photo packages are an additional cost and you may preorder a package or purchase any photos while on the cruise ship.
The Disney Wonder also has a professional photo studio on Deck 4. Shutters Portrait Studios offers private sessions that last approximately 30 minutes. These sessions should be booked in advance and purchasing the images is an additional cost. If you’re not able to book a session before your cruise, always be sure to check with Guest Services once you’re aboard to see if any spots are open.
Shopping
Disney cruises have exclusive merchandise that can only be found on the cruise ships. There are two fun Disney shops aboard the Disney Wonder. Be sure to check out White Caps and Mickey’s Mainsail on Deck 4 for all the frogtastic souvenirs! There is also Sea Treasures on Deck 3 which offers some additional Disney merchandise.
Walt Disney Theatre
There are live Broadway-style shows available for free on the Disney Wonder. The shows take place in the Walt Disney Theatre located on Deck 4. The shows may vary based on the cruise, so check your Disney Cruise App when you get on the ship to see which show is playing and what nights it is offered. Longer cruises (for example, the 7-night Alaskan cruise) will offer multiple shows throughout the cruise.
While some of the shows may tell familiar stories, such as Frozen the Musical which retells the story from "Frozen," there are also unique shows such as the Golden Mickey’s Live Show. All of the shows we have seen on Disney cruises have been amazing and they are a must-do item for us. Two times will be offered for the shows each night so that regardless of your dining time, all guests get a chance to experience the show.
Deck Parties
The Mickey's Sail-A-Wave Party takes place on Deck 9 and celebrates the ship leaving port and your cruise officially beginning. There is singing, dancing and a lot of characters! Your cruise may also have shows that take place on Deck 9 later in the cruise. If you are on an Alaskan cruise, there is a "Frozen" deck party which includes music and dancing with several "Frozen" characters.
Buena Vista Theatre
In addition to the live shows, the Disney Wonder has a movie theater onboard. The movies are free; however, concession items may be an extra cost. One unique perk of the theater on the Disney Wonder is that it shows new movies that are currently only available in the theater on land. If a Disney movie premieres one of the days of your cruise, Disney will offer that movie for free in the theatre.
In addition, the main pool area has a large screen that plays Disney movies both during the day and at night.
Disney Wonder Pools
The Disney Wonder has three pool areas. One is in the adults-only section (more on this below), one is the main pool area for guests of all ages and the third area has a waterslide and area geared toward tadpoles.
The main pool deck is located on Deck 9, Midship and includes Goofy’s Family Pool as well as two whirlpool spas. This pool area also has a large screen that plays Disney movies both during the day and at night. While the pools close at night, an automated floor covers the pool and provides guests with more space to enjoy parties and shows that may also take place in the evening in this area.
The other family pool area has the Twist 'n' Spout Slide, the AquaLab and a Dory-themed splash pad. The Twist 'n' Spout Slide is a double-looping waterslide that is fun for any guests 38” or taller. The AquaLab is a 1,800 sq. ft. space with Huey, Dewey and Louie theming and includes leaky pipes and a large Donald Boiler while Dory's Reef is a 400 sq. ft. splash deck for tadpoles ages 3 and under.
Wide World of Sports Deck
On Deck 10 is home to basketball courts and ping-pong tables. If you’re not in the mood for a game, the deck also offers beautiful panoramic views. In addition to the Sports Deck, guests may play shuffleboard or jog along the running track which can also be found on Deck 4.
Family Lounges
D-Lounge (Deck 4) and Azure (Deck 3) are two locations that are frequently used for cruise events for guests of all ages. Guests may participate in seminars, trivia and crafts, just to name a few. The majority of activities are complimentary, but participating in bingo involves buying bingo cards, with the opportunity to win cash prizes, which can range from hundreds to even thousands of dollars.
Experiences for Tadpoles, Tweens & Teens
"it’s a small world" nursery!
The nursery, located on Deck 5, is for tadpoles ages 6 months to 3 years old. The space is themed after the ride, "it’s a small world," and there are quiet rooms for naps. This nursery has a fee and advance reservations are required.
Oceaneer Club and Lab
The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab is a free childcare center for kids ages 3 to 10 years old located on Deck 5. You can pre-register your kids or you may register them once you’re on the ship. These kids-only areas are some of the best-themed parts of the ship. Scheduled open houses are the only time that adults are allowed in and if you’re a grownup, it is worth popping your head in to check it out.
If you have kids, there is a good chance this is where they are going to want to be for at least part of the cruise. Oceaneer crew members facilitate story time, games and crafts. There are also character visits, interactive games and amazingly themed rooms and play areas. The themed rooms in the Oceaneer Club include a Marvel area, Andy’s Room from "Toy Story," animation rooms, video game rooms and Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post (from "Frozen").
Be sure to hop over to our full Disney Kids Club guide here!
Edge
Located on Deck 9, Edge is an area dedicated to tweens ages 11 to 14 years old. This space is meant for tweens to be able to make new friends, play games, do scavenger hunts and have a space just for themselves on the ship. The cast members host a variety of activities in Edge or the tweens are able to come to the space and just relax.
Vibe
Located on Deck 11, Vibe is for guests ages 14 to 17 years old. This teens-only space has a coffee bar with nonalcoholic beverages and smoothies. The loft-inspired space has a variety of video games, board games and TVs for teens to relax and enjoy an area of the ship just for them.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique on the Disney Wonder cruise ship is every young prince and princess's dream come true! This onboard salon is where the magic truly hoppens, as professional Fairy Godmothers-in-Training work their spellbinding expertise to transform little ones into their favorite fairytale characters. From princess gowns to salty pirate garb and even attire fit for royalty, kids can choose from a range of themed makeovers fit for any storybook tale. It's very similar to the experience at Disney World and Disneyland.
Experiences for Grown-Up Frogs
Disney cruises are not just for kids. Whether you're on an adults-only trip or you're a family traveling with little tadpoles, there are plenty of options for adults who are looking for some time away from kiddos while on the Disney Wonder. There are several adults-only areas and activities on the ship.
Palo
Palo is the adults-only restaurant on the Disney Wonder, and it is limited to guests 18 and older. Dining at Palo is an optional experience for guests and is an additional cost of $50 per person for either brunch or dinner. A la carte options are also available for dinner. While all the Disney cruise food is amazing, our brunch at Palo was easily the best meal we had on the Wonder.
The brunch includes a combination of breakfast favorites and a variety of Italian-inspired lunch items (see below for a photo of the menu from our cruise). Palo is a popular experience for Disney cruise adults and an advance dining reservation is highly recommended. If you are not able to get a reservation prior to your cruise, we always recommend checking for open reservations right after you board the ship for your cruise. Lastly, Palo does have a dress code which includes jeans in good condition (no holes), dress pants, collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses.
Quiet Cove Pool
Quiet Cove is the adults-only pool area located on Deck 9 of the Disney Wonder. There is a main pool, two whirlpools and plenty of seats and lounge chairs to enjoy the outdoors. Signals Pool Bar is located next to Quiet Cove Pool and provides a convenient place for adults to grab a drink and relax. This adults-only area is also home to Cove Café which serves coffee and tea during the day while also serving cocktails and wine at night. One of our favorite items to get here is a specialty latte with a Mickey or Disney character on top. Alcohol and specialty drinks, including specialty coffees, are an additional cost.
Adults-Only Experiences
Adults-only experiences such as beverage tasting classes are an additional cost activity that is popular on Disney Wonder. Given their popularity, advance reservations are recommended. If there is availability, you can also book these experiences while on your cruise directly in the app or at the Guest Services desk. The drink seminars vary based on the cruise itinerary but often will include experiences such as champagne tasting, chocolate and liquor tastings and mixology classes. These experiences are restricted to guests aged 21 and older.
Bars and Lounges are located throughout the Disney Wonder. We love enjoying all of the bars and lounges and of course, they all have amazing Disney details and theming. Here is an overview of the options available:
- Cadillac Lounge (Deck 3) — This bar is themed after cars and classic Hollywood.
- French Quarter Lounge (Deck 3) — With some Dr. Facilier details, this New Orleans-inspired lounge is one of our favorites.
- Crown & Fin Pub (Deck 3) — Themed after a British Pub, the lounge includes sports items as well as a couple hidden Disney details.
- Azure (Deck 3) — Often used for trivia and seminars during the day, this bar typically has music and dancing later at night.
- Signals (Deck 9) — This outdoor bar is in the adults-only area section of the ship.
- D-Lounge (Deck 4) — Often used for activities for guests of all ages, the lounge does have a bar and plenty of seats.
Senses Spa and Salon offers full services at an additional cost. The Spa offers treatments such as massages, body wraps and facials. The Salon offers professional services such as manicures, pedicures and hair styling. Lastly, there is a Rainforest Room which is a special area of the spa that has saunas and rain showers. Guests may purchase a pass to gain access to the Rainforest Room. Some services may be booked in advance (such as massages) and the remaining services can be booked when on board, based on availability.
The Fitness Center is located within the Spa and is free to use throughout the cruise. There are weight machines, treadmills and bikes looking out over the ocean. Personal trainers are also available for an additional cost.
Dining Aboard the Disney Wonder
There is a wide variety of dining options on the Disney Wonder and most of them are included with your cruise.
Rotational Dining Locations
The Disney Wonder has three rotational dining options and they are all froggerific! On a 3-night cruise, you will have each location scheduled for a dinner each night of your cruise. If your cruise is longer than three nights, then you visit some locations more than once, but don’t worry! The menus and fun at the restaurants will change for your second visit.
One of our favorite aspects about the rotational dining is that the amazing crew members who serve your dinner follow you each night of the cruise. We love this opportunity to get to know the crew members, and the crew members do an amazing job of learning your preferences and helping to make recommendations.
When on the Disney Wonder, there are two dinner seating times: Main Dining and Second Dining. You can pre-select your preference when you book your cruise and while the times vary based on itinerary, main seating normally begins around 5:45 p.m. and second seating begins around 8 p.m. You will not know the order of your dining locations (which restaurants you have on which nights) until you are on the cruise. In addition to dinner, the rotational dining locations are also used for breakfast and lunch for guests who wish to have a sit-down breakfast during the cruise.
- Animator's Palate on the Disney Wonder is one of our favorite cruise dining experiences. The restaurant celebrates the magic of Disney animation and goes from a black-and-white theme to full color at the end of the meal. There is also plenty of entertainment included with the meal, which we love.
- Tiana's Place is themed after Tiana’s restaurant in "The Princess and the Frog." There is live entertainment, and you may even get to see some of your favorite Disney characters from the movie, such as Tiana and Louis.
- Triton's is themed after "The Little Mermaid" and has a beautiful mosaic along the back wall of the dining location. This location does not have any entertainment tied to it, but it's still a magical experience.
24-Hour Room Service
Room service is free and included with your cruise (alcohol is an additional cost). You can find the menu in the Disney Cruise App. Allergy-friendly options are not listed, but they are available. Also not listed, but typically available are complimentary ice cream Mickey bars!
There is also an order form that you can fill out at night if you want breakfast items delivered to your room at a specific time in the morning without having to call and wait for it to be delivered. The pre-order morning menu is a bit more limited in items, but it's great if you want an early morning coffee. We love getting room service on the Disney cruise.
Dining on Deck 9
Deck 9 is home to a variety of locations where you can get food throughout the day without an assigned dining time (like the assigned time you will have for your rotational dining).
- Cabanas Buffet is one of our go-to locations for breakfast. In addition to an amazing breakfast buffet (see my breakfast plate from Cabanas as pictured!), Cabanas also serves buffet lunch throughout the cruise. The buffets offer a wide variety and guests with food allergies can speak with a cast member and they will work with you to make sure you have a meal that you love. In addition to grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, Cabanas serves a 4-course dinner. This is a great option for guests looking for an alternative to their scheduled rotational dining restaurant.
- Daisy’s De-Lites offers a variety of salads, sandwiches and bowls. Many of the items offered will change each day of the cruise, so always be sure to stop by to see what they have.
- Pete’s Boiler Bites offers many classic American items such as hot dogs, burgers and chicken tenders.
- Pinocchio’s Pizzeria has a variety of pizza flavors that guests can get by the slice.
- Eye Scream Treats has free all-you-can-eat soft-serve ice cream machines.
Best Tips for Sailing on the Disney Wonder
Here are some general tips we've learned from sailing on Disney Wonder!
- Beginning March 19, 2024, DisneyBand+ can now be used on the Disney Wonder! You can use your band to access your stateroom and charge merchandise or specialty food to your account. Just like in the Disney parks, your band will light up and interact with certain features on the ship. If you already have a MagicBand+ that you've used at either Disney World or Disneyland, it can be used on any of the Disney ships. Just make sure it is linked to your Disney Cruise account.
- We highly recommend downloading the Disney Cruise App onto your phone as soon as you book your Disney cruise. Not only is there a cute countdown leading up to your cruise, but the app is an essential resource while on your cruise. While on the ship, the app provides daily activities, your dining schedule, restaurant menus, excursion opportunities and more. Not only does it list everything there is to do, but you are also able to "heart" activities that are of interest to you and the app will remind you when the events are about to take place. The app also has a chat feature. You can create chats with your travel party to keep track of everything while on the ship and you can also use the chat feature to communicate with Guest Services.
- One invaluable piece of advice for a smooth start to your Disney Wonder cruise is to come prepared with a well-packed day bag or carry-on containing all your essential items for the day. Think swimsuits, an extra change of clothes and your toiletries — the must-haves that will keep you comfortable and ready for the day's adventures. Keep in mind that while you're exploring the ship and getting into the vacation groove, your main luggage won't typically be delivered to your stateroom by around 5 or 6 p.m.
- Internet service for the Disney Cruise App is free with your cruise. That means you will be able to look up all the items for your cruise activities and use the chat feature with no problems for free while on your cruise. However, if you plan to use the Internet for anything else, such as email or social media, there's an additional cost. The Internet packages vary based on the data usage and multiple devices can use the same package simultaneously. For pricing, check the app while on the ship or visit the Guest Services desk when you are on board.
- While there's so much to see and do on a Disney cruise, don't froget to take some time to relax. Whether it's lounging by the pool, enjoying a spa treatment or simply taking in the ocean views, make sure to unwind and savor the experience.
From character meet-ups to gourmet dining and thrilling shows, this ship truly delivers the Disney magic. Do you have any questions or have you sailed on the Disney Wonder before? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: Overview of the Disney Dream: Where Cruise Dreams Come True!
Hoppy planning!
