Taking your family on a Disney cruise for the first time is an experience like no other. When we decided to surprise our kids with the ultimate holiday gift of a Disney cruise on the Disney Wish, we knew we were about to embark on an unforgettable adventure. With our first cruise on the horizon, we had a few questions, and we want to share everything we learned to help you plan your Disney cruise, from booking to onboard activities.

Why We Chose the Disney Wish for Our First Cruise

As a family that enjoys both adventure and relaxation, we were drawn to the Disney Wish for its balance of exciting experiences and relaxing spaces. This Disney cruise ship offers a wide variety of activities for kids and adults alike. From themed rooms to family-friendly dining, the Disney Wish caters to every aspect of the Disney magic. Our kids were especially thrilled when we revealed the surprise on Christmas morning with a phone call from none other than Mickey Mouse himself, announcing our Disney cruise! (Pro tip: You can schedule this magical call through the Disney Cruise website!)

View of the Grand Hall

Booking Your Disney Cruise

Booking a Disney Wish cruise is a straightforward process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth reservation experience.

Choosing the Right Stateroom for Your Family

We booked our Disney cruise about a year in advance through the Disney Cruise Line (DCL) website. DCL offers several room types, including:

• Inside Staterooms: No windows or natural light.
• Oceanview Staterooms: Rooms with a porthole for sea views but no veranda.
• Veranda Rooms: Rooms with a private balcony for fresh air and ocean views.
• Concierge Rooms: Premium rooms with additional amenities and services.

Since our family of five wanted to enjoy the fresh sea air without leaving our room, we opted for a Veranda Stateroom. This room comfortably sleeps five, with a queen-sized bed, a pull-down bunk bed, a couch that converts into a bed, and a Murphy bed near the veranda door. We found that this room was more than spacious enough for us, especially since we spent most of our time enjoying the ship’s amenities.

When booking, Disney requires a deposit, with the final balance due about 90-120 days before departure (depending on the cruise length). You’ll also select your room and deck level at the time of booking.

Room Themes and Deck Selection Tips

One of the most fun parts of booking your Disney cruise is choosing a room theme. The Disney Wish features themed staterooms based on popular Disney movies such as Cinderella, Frozen, Sleeping Beauty, Moana, and The Little Mermaid. We were drawn to the Sleeping Beauty room, as it’s a favorite of our whole family.

As for deck selection, we chose a room on the 8th deck, positioned more toward the center of the ship. This location helps reduce any motion sickness, which was a potential concern since this was our first cruise. Researching the best deck for your family’s needs can make a big difference in your cruise experience.

Tips for Booking the Best Room on the Disney Wish

• Consider the “Bumpout” Rooms: These rooms, located in the bumpout sections of the ship, offer slightly more veranda space.
• Port vs. Starboard: The choice between port (left) and starboard (right) depends on personal preference. We chose starboard for the best view of the fireworks during Pirate’s Night and the perfect view of Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.

Fireworks on Pirate Night (Left) View of Castaway Cay from our Veranda (Right)

Pre-Cruise Preparation: Download the Disney Cruise App

Once you book your Disney cruise, make sure to download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. This app is essential for managing your reservations, booking excursions, and viewing daily activities during your cruise.

Sailing Away Party (Left) Incredi-Games Obstacle Course (Right)

Important Pre-Cruise Tips for Disney Cruise Line First-Timers

• Castaway Club: If you’ve sailed with Disney before, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the Castaway Club, which provides perks like priority booking for excursions and activities. New cruisers can still enjoy a smooth experience, though, with early access to online check-in (available 30 days before departure).
• Book Activities Early: On the DCL website, you can view available port excursions and activities as well as the cost and length of the activities. Once you’ve paid for your cruise in full, you’ll be able to book these excursions and onboard activities as well as specialty dining. Plan ahead, as popular activities fill up fast. Of note, the Royal Gathering with the Disney Princesses does not open until 30 days prior to the cruise.
• Check-In Day: Online check-in begins at midnight EST 30 days before your sailing date. If you’re in a different time zone, like we were in Central Time, be prepared to stay up late to get the best port arrival time (and to book the Royal Gathering!).

Packing for Your Disney Cruise: What to Bring!

Packing for a Disney cruise can feel overwhelming, but with a solid checklist, it’s easy to stay organized. Check out my post that includes our Disney Vacation Packing Checklist for essential items to bring for a smooth and stress-free cruise experience.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment: What to Expect

There’s no shortage of things to do on the Disney Wish. From Broadway-style shows to character meet-and-greets, your family will always find something fun to enjoy. Be sure to use the Navigator app to check the daily schedule for popular events like Open Houses for the Oceaneer’s Club, Trivia, learning how to draw characters, and the exciting Pirate’s Night celebration.

Experiencing Mickey and Minnie’s Pirates of the Caribbean Show

Tips for Character Meet-and-Greets

• If you miss out on the Royal Gathering, don’t worry—there are plenty of other opportunities to meet the characters throughout the cruise.
• Keep an eye on the app for times and locations of meet-and-greets, and arrive early to avoid long lines.
• On the last night of the cruise, there is typically a final Character Farewell in the Grand Hall where you can get signatures and photos with Mickey, Minnie, and many other characters including many princesses!

Final Thoughts: Is A Disney Cruise Worth It?

Our family had the most magical time on the Disney Wish, and we can’t wait to sail again. The combination of family-friendly activities, amazing dining, and of course, the Disney magic, made this vacation unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned Disney fan, the Disney Wish offers something for everyone.

Are you planning your first Disney cruise or have you already experienced the magic? Share your tips and thoughts in the comments below!