This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosure policy.
Looking to take the family vacation of a lifetime? Look no further than a Disney Wonder Cruise! Come climb aboard and see the wonders that await this renovated luxury liner for adults and kids alike!
Featured With This Post
Saving up for a dream family vacation but not sure what would be best for the entire gang? There is truly something for everyone aboard the recently renovated Disney Wonder. We had the opportunity to set sail on this ship and we’re pretty much ruined for going on anything other than a Disney cruise after this experience! Children, husbands, grandparents, everyone will have a ball on this boat! If you’re still on the fence, read on for reasons you may want to opt for a Disney Cruise for your next family trip.
A “Wonder”-ful Value!
The Disney Wonder is in the Magic Class, the smallest class of ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, along with its sister ship, the Disney Magic. Clocking in at 964 feet in length with a guest capacity of approximately 2700, the Wonder is only 130 feet shorter than its siblings in the next larger class of Disney ships (the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy), but with 1,300 fewer guests! This means you get to experience a ship with many of the same amenities, attractions, and entertainment as the larger ships, but with nearly 33% fewer guests!
Disney Magic is Everywhere!
Disney is second to none when it comes to attention to detail, and its cruise ships are no exception. From the gorgeous decor to the musical notes from “When You Wish Upon a Star” chiming whenever the captain makes an announcement, to the hidden Mickeys all over the ship, you can’t help but feel like you’re in a magical atmosphere.
Disney Wonder Itineraries
During the fall to spring seasons, the Disney Wonder sets sail out of San Diego and cruises throughout parts of Baja California and Mexico’s west coast (the Mexican Riviera), with 3-day to 7-day itineraries. During the summer season, it will often make its way up to parts of Alaska and Canada. Occasionally, the Wonder even makes its way to Australia and New Zealand for limited bookings.
We recently went on the Wonder for an Alaskan cruise and it was so much fun! You definitely have to pack a little differently for a cruise in Alaska – a lot of sweaters and jackets. It was nice escaping the heat for some cooler weather. We definitely got a lot of rain but had some sunny days too.
Clean Family Friendly Environment
- You’ll be treated like royalty by the staff (aka cast members) the entire time! From your staterooms to your restaurant staff, everyone is kind and helpful.
- Rooms are cleaned every morning. Often, the stateroom staff leaves toys, treats, and funny towel animals that the kids will love!
- There are no casinos aboard the Disney Wonder, which lends itself to a more family-friendly environment.
- Adults wishing to indulge in their vacation can absolutely do so! You can purchase alcohol and enjoy adults-only areas, like the adult pool and lounges.
- Everything is clean and well taken care of. The staff washes their hands at stations going in and out of the dining areas, and there are hand washing stations for all the kids going in and out of the kid’s clubs.
So Much to Do Aboard the Disney Wonder
- Not one but THREE giant pools grace the decks of the ship: one featuring a huge water slide (AquaLab), another with a giant screen playing classic Disney movies around the clock (Goofy’s Pool), and one just for adults (Quiet Cove Pool).
- Each night, the ship’s 977-seat main theater, the Walt Disney Theatre, features a Broadway-style production show with singing, dancing, and impressive special effects.
- There’s also a giant theater room, the Buena Vista Theatre, screening newer Disney movies any time of day.
Kid and Teen Clubs
Kids are treated like royalty aboard a Disney cruise! They’re checked into the clubs with wristbands that lock on so it doesn’t get lost. The check-in/out system is completely safe, with two cast members scanning their wristbands, scanning the adult’s card, and also knowing your family’s secret password.
Kid Clubs
Cast members and Disney characters keep the kids entertained with activities all day! For kids ages 3-12, there is the Oceaneer Club, with fun-themed areas like Andy’s room, the trading post from Frozen, and a Marvel Hero area. There is also the Oceaneer Lab, which includes fun areas such as a craft studio, an animator’s studio, and a spacious area for kids to relax, watch movies, and play video games.
For little ones (ages 6 months to 3 years), It’s a Small World Nursery provides group babysitting (for an hourly fee/reservations required) for parents who need it, as the ship does not provide in-cabin babysitting services.
Tweens and Teens
For tweens (ages 11-14), there is Edge, where kids can hang out and relax with lounge areas, movies, video games, board games, crafts, and other activities. Older teens (ages 14-17) also have a dedicated space, Vibe, a sleek lounge area with a coffee bar (serving non-alcoholic drinks), and a variety of features and activities catering to the teen crowd. The teen clubs also feature designated times for fun activities and competitions. Teens have their own reserved area for some of the outdoor parties on the upper deck. Our kids, spanning different ages, never wanted to leave!
The kids are organized into age groups (see the various club options above) so nobody gets stuck with a group too old or young.
The Restaurants
- The Disney Wonder features three main rotational dining restaurants and one adult-only restaurant (Palo by reservation). With three nights on the ship, you can try each of the restaurants. Your servers rotate restaurants with you so you can get to know them and only have one set of servers to tip at the end of the week.
- The first restaurant is Tiana’s Place. The menus are just like the ones in the Princess and the Frog and features the food and festive atmosphere from New Orleans!
- The second is Tritons, featuring French/American cuisine with an Under the Sea atmosphere.
- Last, and my personal favorite, Animator’s Palate. The room starts in black and white and slowly fills with color on the animated walls. Eventually the room comes to life with scenes and music from favorite Disney animated movies.
There are also free quick-service restaurants that are open all the time with unlimited soda fountains and soft-serve ice cream. Cabana’s serves up delicious buffet-style breakfasts and lunches. Pinocchio’s Pizzeria satisfies those pizza cravings throughout lunchtime and beyond. For a delicious poolside snack, head over to Pete’s Boiler Bites, which is grilling up tasty burgers, hot dogs, tacos, and other snacks. For healthier alternatives, check out Daisy’s De-Lites, offering up salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
The Wonder also provides a variety of themed adult bars, lounges, and nightclubs such as the Cadillac Lounge, Crown & Fin Pub, the French Quarter Lounge, Azure, and the Cove Cafe, all serving up an impressive array of adult beverages and cocktails.
Pirate Night Party
Pirate night on the Disney Wonder Cruise is a blast! You can bring your own pirate garb, purchase some at the store on ship, or wear the bandanas that they gave everyone aboard. Head to Deck 9, where the pools are covered with a dance floor, to enjoy the most swashbuckling deck party on the high seas! The evening features dancing with guests and crew members alike, games, and desserts, followed by a fireworks show out at sea! Be sure to check out our entire list of Dos and Don’ts for Pirate Night aboard a Disney Cruise.
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
On the themed evenings, your kiddos can get fussed over and dressed up like a pirate at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a shop that’s very similar to the salon at the Disney parks. So much fun for little girls!
Castaway Cay
Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay is chock full of beach fun! You’ll be docked there for an entire day and there’s so much to do, you’ll want to stay longer. The island features:
- Private cabana rentals
- Teen and kids beach clubs
- Snorkeling, featuring sunken ships, treasure chests, and lots of beautiful sea creatures.
- Castaway Cay 5k race with Disney medals for participants
- Bike riding
- Water slides on the beach
- Barbecue dining areas with all the food included
- Free soda fountains and soft serve ice cream
- Adorable island shops for souvenirs
- To learn more about this magical island, check out our Insider Tips for Visiting Castaway Cay!
Are you convinced yet? Your family will love a dream vacation aboard the Disney Wonder! It may take a bit of saving, but it’s worth every penny. Check out our other posts on favorite Disney tips and tricks for dream trips. Enjoy!
- Tips You Must Know to Vacation Like a Pro on Your Disney Cruise
- Dream Big, Princess
- Dining at Remy: Disney Cruise Line’s Luxury Adults Only Restaurant
- The Disney Dream
- The Real Magic of Disney
Frequently Asked Questions About the Disney Wonder
Yes, the Disney Wonder was dry-docked in 2016 and again in 2019 for various upgrades and refurbishments.
At full capacity, with every pull-down bunk and sofa being used, the Disney Wonder can accommodate slightly over 2,700 guests.
Despite being in the smallest class of ships in the Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder is still an impressive 964 feet in length with a gross tonnage of 85,000. It features 11 decks, nearly 1,000 crew members, and nearly 900 cabins.
Disney Wonder was designed in 1994, commissioned to be built in 1996, built between 1997 and 1999, and officially joined the fleet in August 1999.
(from oldest to newest) Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish.
Depending on the time of year and itinerary, the Wonder cruises to parts of the West Coast of North America, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, Australia, and New Zealand. It has also cruised in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Is it crazy to want to go on a Disney Cruise in your 70’s with no kids
Absolutely not! We’ve gone with family members of all ages and everyone has loved it!!
I just got home from a Wonder cruise. Do you have any idea where I can get the recipe for the shrimp and grits from Tiana’s Place ? It was amazing!
I haven’t been on the Disney Wonder Cruise yet. I’m hoping to go soon because I’ve heard Tiana’s Place is incredible. I’m sure it won’t be long before a copycat recipe is on the internet. I’ll keep an eye out for one, but hopefully I’ll get on a Disney Wonder Cruise soon and try it for myself! Thanks for the recommendation!