My Top 10 Tips for the Disney Wish
The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, sailing from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida. On my last trip, I created a list of helpful tips that will enhance your experience onboard the ship.
Disney Wish
#10 Arrive before the scheduled arrival time.
If you’re driving, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled port arrival time. There are a lot of cars waiting to drop off their luggage and park in the garage.
It’s important to point out that you shouldn’t arrive too early, you will not be able to check in until your confirmed arrival time.
#9 Learn the elevator system
The Disney Wish is wonderful, but something went askew when they were designing the elevators on this ship.
Only some of the elevators go beyond Deck 11, they’re marked with a sign over the door so you know how high the elevator goes, so watch for those.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to specifically call the elevators that go beyond Deck 11.
More than likely one of the elevators that don’t go above Deck 11 will come simply because there are more of them.
You’ll have to wait for the elevator doors to close, press the call button again and keep repeating this process until the right elevator arrives.
The elevators are narrow, and there are no windows. It reminds me of The Haunted Mansion, “This chamber has no windows and no doors…”
#8 No dinner buffet
Buffets on cruises go together like tacos and Tuesday but you may be surprised to learn that the Disney Wish Doesn’t offer a dinner buffet.
I actually like this because it changes the perception that cruises are all about conga lines and buffet meals.
Marceline Marketplace is open for breakfast and lunch but for dinner service, you’ll need to visit one of the excellent rotational restaurants such as Arendelle: a Frozen Dining Adventure, Worlds of Marvel, 1923, room service, or visit Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods.
Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods is the quick-service restaurant on the Disney Wish, conveniently located near the pool.
It’s similar to a buffet because there are so many options ranging from authentic barbecue, burgers, hotdogs, chicken tenders (of course), macaroni and cheese (of course), surprisingly good thin-crust pizza, and a comprehensive taco/burrito station.
“Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods” is included with your cruise fare, as is most dining on the Disney Wish.
I do recommend the rotational dining rooms, but if you’re not in the mood for a sit-down dinner, this is a great alternative.
On our cruise, we were having so much watching the movie Lilo and Stich on the pool deck that we decided to skip the formal dinner and just sample foods from the quick service options in our swimsuits.
We had the entire deck to ourselves that night and it ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the whole cruise. Those unexpected moments you have on vacation end up being the most fun.
#7 Buy your souvenirs on Day 1 or 2
On the first night, I stopped at the logo store to look for a Disney Wish t-shirt.
I saw a lot of great options but wasn’t ready to commit to any one item at that moment.
Disney Wish chocolate bars!
On Day 3 of the cruise, I returned to the store but most of the things I wanted were sold out, or not my size. Shops onboard have limited quantities of merchandise for each sailing so they regulate how much they put out for sale.
You can own a piece of the steel used to build the Disney Wish.
On Royal Caribbean, it’s best to wait until the last night of your cruise to buy merchandise because the logo store will likely have a big sale, especially on t-shirts. Not so with Disney Cruise Line!
Disney Wish and Disney Cruise Line logo t-shirts
#6 Visit Hyperspace Lounge on Day 1
Hyperspace Lounge is the coveted Star Wars-themed bar onboard the Disney Wish.
Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish
It’s the one thing that everyone wants to see, so naturally, Disney Imagineers made it very small and with limited seating. Although I will give them credit for making it an intimate space rather, it does work better this way from that perspective.
If you want to get inside, go on Day 1 right as you board the ship. Most guests will be trying to find their room and the buffet.
You should also ask if there are reservations needed for Hyperspace Lounge and how you can obtain one for later in your cruise.
When I was there they were passing out reservation cards to guests.
I’m told they might not always be available, it depends on the cruise and how many people are onboard.
Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish
#5 Kids are allowed in the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge
If you have a Star Wars fan who isn’t quite old enough to bend their elbow at the bar, that’s ok!
Young Jedis are allowed inside until around 8 pm.
Visit Hook’s Barbery on Day 1 to make your appointment
Hooks Barbery is part upscale barber shop and part lounge.
Hooks Barbery | Disney Wish
This is a manly-man way to get a shave, beard trip, and/or a haircut.
The barber wanted me to spread the word that you should make your appointment on Day 1 because he does book up fast. He can seldom accommodate walk-ins.
I did notice that he had someone in the chair every time I walked by the shop.
The lounge at Hook’s Barbery opens at 5 pm and you do not need a reservation. Old Fashioneds are their specialty.
Lounge at Hook’s Barbery | Disney Wish
You’re welcome to visit the lounge whether you're having a haircut or not.
Be on the lookout for some Captain Hook references and gags on the bookshelf. You might spot a spare hook and several timepieces. There’s even a small crocodile figure.
#4 Know where to watch the fireworks
Fireworks are usually offered on Pirate Night, weather permitting. They will be off the starboard side of the Disney Wish.
However, if you’re not standing in the right spot, the AquaMouse water coaster will block most of your view.
Pirate Night on the Disney Wish
It may be tempting to party like a pirate in the middle of the top deck because that’s where all the action is.
However, you’ll have a lousy view of the fireworks from there.
Pirate Night and fireworks on the Disney Wish
I recommend standing alongside the outer railing on the starboard side or on the outer railing of the port side for a more panoramic view.
#3 Visit the bow of the ship
This is the only Disney ship that allows guests to visit the bow.
It’s a terrific experience and great for a few pictures. Don’t forget to do your best, “I’m the king of the world” impression.
Visit the bow of the Disney Wish
I recommend going at sunset. Also, be sure to turn around and wave to the crew on the bridge. They might wave back!
Views from the bow of the Disney Wish
The bow is closed at night and during windy conditions.
#2 Check out Hero Zone
This is a multipurpose activity room on Deck 12 with a basketball hoop, air hockey tables, foosball, and ping pong tables.
Hero Zone is indoors and air-conditioned.
It’s often open for free play but there are a number of planned youth activities in this space as well.
I’m grateful that Imagineers moved this indoors and provided air conditioning.
On the other Disney ships, this space is outside on the top deck - in the blazing hot sun.
My son loved Hero Zone more than the kid’s clubs and would spend hours in here shooting hoops with other kids. We had a few air hockey tournaments too.
#1 Book a Land and Sea Packages: Disney World and Disney Wish
You should never fly into Orlando the same day your cruise departs.
If you experience a flight delay or cancellation, you could miss out on the cruise. Why not arrive a few days early and visit Walt Disney World? Can you really visit Orlando and not go to Disney?
Magical Vacations Travel - Darren W
Disney even provides bus transportation from Disney World to Port Canaveral and to Orlando International Airport.
Disney Cruise Line bus service in Orlando, Florida
The Disney Wish sails on alternating 3 and 4-night cruises, so it’s easy to add on a Walt Disney World stay and make it a week-long vacay.
I help people plan Land and Sea vacations with Disney every day. I also offer my clients a generous onboard credit that can be used on upgraded experiences. Contact me now to get started.
Have questions about planning your cruise vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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