Amanda Knapp
Disney Cruise Line has five active ships, with multiple additional ships expected to be added by 2025. The best Disney cruise ship is a matter of personal preference, but the Disney Dream is rated the best by customers, followed closely by the Disney Fantasy. The oldest ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, are still highly rated, with the Magic being the preferred option of the two. The newest ship, the Disney Wish, has received mixed reviews and is rated the worst of the five ships.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Launch date | 1998 (Magic), 1999 (Wonder), 2011 (Dream), 2012 (Fantasy), 2022 (Wish) |
| Capacity | 2,700 (Magic, Wonder), 4,000 (Dream, Fantasy), 2,508 (double occupancy) or 4,000 (max) (Wish) |
| Number of staterooms | 875 (Magic, Wonder), 1,250 (Dream, Fantasy), 1,254 (Wish) |
| Dining options | Animator's Palate, Royal Palace, Enchanted Garden, Cabanas, Palo, Remy, Eye Scream, Frozone Treats, Marceline Market, Mickey's Festival of Foods, Palo Steakhouse, Hyperspace Lounge (vary by ship) |
| Entertainment | Live shows, stage shows, nightclubs, pubs, pools, theatres, water roller coasters, mini-golf, basketball court, volleyball court, walking track, spa, salons (vary by ship) |
| Activities for kids | It's a small world nursery, Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, Vibe, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab (vary by ship) |
Disney Dream vs Disney Fantasy
The Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy are sister ships, so their layouts and some of the offerings are identical. However, there are some differences that may help you decide which one is best for you and your family.
Dining
Both ships have the same three restaurants: Enchanted Garden, Royal Palace (known as Royal Court on the Disney Fantasy), and Animator's Palate. The menus and the atmosphere on both ships are the same. You'll also find the same buffet-style restaurant on both ships: Cabanas. In addition to the buffet, the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy offer other quick-service-style locations, including Flo's Cafe, Eye Scream Treats, Frozone Treats, and Vanellope's Sweets & Treats.
Bars and Lounges
Both ships have the following bars and lounges: Currents, an outdoor bar located inside the adults-only section; Cove Café, an adults-only lounge offering specialty drinks and coffee; Vista Café, an Art-Deco-inspired café; Skyline, a sky bar known for its martinis; Bon Voyage, located in the grand Atrium of the Disney Dream; and Meridian, a sophisticated lounge located between the adults-only restaurants on board.
The Disney Fantasy has five additional bars and lounges: D-Lounge, a family nightclub; La Piazza, an adults-only merry-go-round bar; The Tube, inspired by London's subway; O'Gills Pub, an Irish pub; and Ooh La La, a champagne bar.
The Disney Dream has three additional bars and lounges: District Lounge, a piano bar; Pink, a wine and champagne bar with a Dumbo theme; and Pub 687, a sports bar that offers small bites for an additional cost.
Itineraries
The biggest difference between the two ships is their itineraries. The Disney Dream offers shorter cruises, with three- to five-night cruises to the Bahamas. The Disney Fantasy offers longer cruises, with seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
Entertainment
Both ships offer two theaters, one for shows and one for movies, and a variety of events such as trivia, drawing classes, and cooking classes. They also have pools and water fun, including the AquaDuck water coaster.
The shows on each ship differ. The Disney Dream features a musical production of Beauty and the Beast, while the Disney Fantasy offers Frozen, A Musical Spectacular. The Disney Fantasy also has the "Animation Magic" show at Animator's Palate, where visitors can design their own animated characters.
The Disney Dream will also be adding the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for princess makeovers and the Satellite Sun Deck for adults-only relaxation, both of which are currently only available on the Disney Fantasy.
Pools and Amenities
The two ships are very similar in size and capacity, carrying up to 4,000 passengers in 1,250 cabins. The kids and teens clubs, including the nursery for babies and toddlers, are the same on both ships.
The Disney Fantasy has the AquaLab, a water splash zone, while the Disney Dream does not. The Disney Dream, on the other hand, has a family hot tub, which the Disney Fantasy lacks.
Overall, both ships offer a wide range of dining, entertainment, and amenity options for adults and families. The main differences lie in the bars and lounges, the itineraries, and the specific shows offered. If you prefer a shorter cruise and want to experience the Beauty and the Beast musical production, the Disney Dream may be the best choice. If you prefer a longer cruise and are interested in the Frozen musical and the additional bars and lounges, the Disney Fantasy may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal preferences and what best suits your family's needs.
Repairing Small Drill Holes in Your Boat: Easy Fixes
You may want to see also
Disney Wish
The Disney Wish is one of the newer ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, having premiered in 2022. It can hold up to 4,000 guests in 1,254 staterooms. The Disney Wish offers a range of dining options, including three rotational dining locations: Worlds of Marvel, Arendelle, and 1923. The food available in these restaurants is reportedly superior to that of other Disney ships, with more varied and interesting options. The Wish also has a buffet onboard called Marceline Market, which has been praised for its food quality and organisation. In addition, there are several quick-service restaurants, including Mickey's Festival of Foods, which features a Mexican buffet and a barbecue buffet.
The entertainment on the Disney Wish caters to both children and adults, with Broadway-level shows such as The Little Mermaid and Aladdin, as well as stage shows and first-run movies in the theatre. The ship also has a variety of bars and lounges, including the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, The Bayou (themed after The Princess and the Frog), Keg and Compass, Nightingale's, The Rose, and Luna.
The staterooms on the Disney Wish are reportedly bigger and better themed than those on other ships. Guests can stay in rooms themed around Frozen, Cinderella, or The Little Mermaid, with themed hallway art and lighting throughout the decks. The Wish also offers comfortable pull-out couches with actual bedding and blankets.
The Disney Wish has several pools, including the Quiet Cove Pool in the adults-only section, Mickey's Pool, Minnie's Pool, Daisy's Pool, and more. The ship also features the AquaMouse, a water coaster at sea. The spa, called Senses Spa, has been praised for its relaxing atmosphere and treatments. The Rainforest Room, located within the spa, is a popular extra charge feature.
Overall, the Disney Wish offers a range of dining, entertainment, and relaxation options for both adults and children. While it may be more expensive than other cruises, many reviewers believe that the food, staff, and entertainment provide good value for money.
Taking Pipe and Boat Samples: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Disney Magic
Despite being one of the oldest ships, Disney Magic has its charm. It is easy to navigate and has been well-maintained and updated over the years. The lower capacity makes it less crowded, especially at the private island, Castaway Cay. The adult-only pool area is great and offers a good amount of space. The adult nightclubs are located in one area, creating a nighttime district. The kids' clubs are fantastic and have been updated. The dining options include Animator's Palate, which is not available on the newer ships.
The staterooms on the Disney Magic are well-maintained, although some guests have reported minor issues such as rusty balconies and paint splatter. The service, amenities, and entertainment on the ship are unmatched, providing a relaxing and carefree experience.
Overall, Disney Magic is a great choice for those who prefer a more intimate and classic cruise experience. It offers a good balance of amenities and entertainment for both adults and children, making it a popular choice for multi-generational families travelling together.
Stugots Boat's Fate: What Happened and Where Is It Now?
You may want to see also
Disney Wonder
The Disney Wonder originally sailed three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas. However, since 2011, it has been sailing a variety of itineraries that include stops in Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and passages through the Panama Canal. In 2013, the ship was stationed in Miami, Florida, offering four and five-night itineraries to the Bahamas and the Western Caribbean. The Disney Wonder has also sailed from Vancouver, Canada, offering Alaskan cruises.
The Disney Wonder provides a range of entertainment options for all ages. The ship features live Broadway-style shows, such as Frozen, The Golden Mickeys, and Disney Dreams, at the Walt Disney Theater. It also has the Buena Vista movie theater, which showcases Disney films and first-run movies. The ship offers several nightclubs and lounges, multiple pools, and various Disney-themed parties, such as a Sail-Away Celebration, Pirate Night, and Frozen Night for Alaskan cruises.
For children, the Disney Wonder has the Oceaneer Club and the Oceaneer Lab, connected by a passageway. The Club features a slide, dress-up clothing, and counselor-led activities, while the Lab provides video games, computers, cooking classes, and TV time for older children. There are also dedicated spaces for tweens and teens, with activities tailored to their age groups.
Adults can enjoy a pool reserved exclusively for older guests, featuring a poolside bar and deck chairs. The ship also offers a shipboard spa, a gym, and adults-only activities, such as limited alcohol tastings and trivia in the After Hours section, which becomes adults-only after 9 pm.
The Disney Wonder is known for its rotational dining setup, where guests rotate through three differently themed restaurants during their cruise. These include Triton's, Tiana's Place, Animator's Palate, and the upscale, adults-only restaurant Palo, which requires a separate reservation.
Repairing Boat Canopies: Fixing Holes and Restoring Protection
You may want to see also
Disney Treasure
The Disney Wish has received mixed reviews, with some people loving the newness and beauty of the ship, and others finding the layout confusing and crowded. The Disney Treasure is expected to have a similar layout to the Disney Wish, so it may have some of the same issues. However, the Wish does offer some great features that may also be available on the Treasure, such as the "`AquaMouse` attraction", live shows, nightclubs, pools, pubs, and more.
The Wish also offers three rotational dining restaurants, two of which are "dinner and a show" experiences. It's likely that the Treasure will offer similar dining options, although the specific restaurants and themes may be different.
Overall, the Disney Treasure is likely to be a beautiful and exciting ship, offering a range of entertainment, dining, and activities for guests of all ages. However, it may have some of the same issues as the Disney Wish in terms of layout and crowding.
Sahara's Boat: A Unique Vessel for the Desert Adventure
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Disney Dream is considered the best cruise ship for adults. It offers the cosmopolitan Skyline lounge, an upscale travel-themed lounge called The Meridian, the Italian restaurant Palo, the French fine-dining restaurant Remy, a Quiet Cove for adults, the relaxation and rejuvenation of Senses Spa, and port excursions that cater specifically to adults.
All Disney cruise ships offer plenty to keep kids entertained, but the Disney Wish stands out for its range of kids' activities. These include the Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay, and the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, where kids can build their own rollercoaster.
The Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy are considered the best ships for families with teenagers or adult-aged children. They offer more amenities in the outdoor areas, including the AquaDuck water coaster, and more space for adults to relax poolside.
The Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder are considered great starter ships, as they are easy to navigate and are smaller, so they don't feel as crowded. They are also good options for multi-generational families travelling together.
