Cruise Ship Review: Disney Wonder




Disney Wonder docked in Nassau, Bahamas
Photo Credit: Shon "Cruise Man 3000" Ford



Disney Wonder is one of the better cruise ships I have embarked during my tenure in the cruise line industry, to date. This ship is remarkable inside and out and is a true crowd pleaser when it comes to the food, entertainment, and overall ship experience. Issued into service in 1999, Disney Wonder has been gracing the high seas with the familiar characters from the Disney Corporation for more than a decade. Currently, Disney Wonder is based to sail the west coast from Los Angeles, California. There, she offers itineraries to the Mexican Rivera, and Alaska.

An identical replica of her sister, Disney Magic (launched in 1998), Disney Wonder is truly the ultimate vacation destination for the entire family. There are certain portions of the ship that are reserved for every member of the family—kids, teens, and adults alike. The food onboard is phenomenal and keeps the palette 100% satisfied! There are four restaurants onboard—you transition through three for the duration of your ‘cruisetacular’ voyage. Each restaurant is different and specializes in certain cuisines from all over the world (the fourth restaurant, Palo, is not included with the cruise price and requires an additional cover charge).

There is an outdoor movie screen on the pool deck. The screen showcases Disney Channel shows and famous Disney films throughout the cruise. There is also an indoor movie theatre that shows films from more of the contemporary Disney film library. The line to meet-and-greet your favorite Disney characters, can be lengthy at times (especially for heavy-hitters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse). But, Disney keeps the characters in heavy rotation making a picture with your favorite character possible before you disembark. One night on the ship, there is a guest interactive deck party. The production is awesome and it ends with a real live firework production from the vessel’s aft.

Unlike many of the other leading main stream cruise lines, Disney Cruise Line offers FREE sodas on every one of their ships for the entirety of the voyage. They also have a cruise check-in at the Orlando International Airport—in essence, when you get to Port Canaveral (where the ship is docked) you walk right onto the vessel. Disney Wonder provides nothing less than world-class entertainment with a collection of spectacular shows that incorporate everyone’s favorite Disney films. Note: Disney Cruise Line does not have a casino onboard any of their vessels.

The cruise prices for a cruise on Disney Wonder can be very expensive, compared to the other main stream cruise lines that run the same itineraries, but IT IS WROTH EVERY SINGLE PENNY! Disney Cruise Line cannot be ranked with any other cruise line, for they are in a completely different league--in my opinion. On a scale from 1.0 to 5.0, I give Disney Wonder a 4.7. This ship is definitely a must cruise for any cruiser or family. Book a Disney Cruise today, and experience the fun children of all ages can’t get enough of (Captain Mickey and his crew will be awaiting your arrival)! Your ship awaits, bon voyage!