Disney Wish
Disney Cruise Line
Ship information
Disney Wish
Aaron Saunders
Cruise Critic
The fifth ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet since its inception in 1998, the 4,000-passenger Disney Wish might look similar to its older fleetmates from the outside, but that's where the parallels end.
Inside, Disney has completely rethought the look, layout and feel of Disney Wish from stem-to-stern. Passengers embark into a swooping atrium space known as The Grand Hall -- a space created by removing the midship bank of elevators found on past Disney ships. Gone, too, is the art deco and art nouveau design of past ships, replaced with a crisper, cleaner and, dare we say, more imaginative take on decor. The Grand Hall sets the tone for the rest of the vessel, with its main performance stage, ribbed ceiling, towering columns (inset with hidden LED lighting that switches on dramatically for performances), sweeping staircase, and -- of course, a bronze statue of Cinderella.
Disney could have gone over-the-top with this design, but the decor on Disney Wish is designed to subtly evoke Disney characters, films and settings. Indeed, for those with a keen eye (or a massive personal knowledge of all things Disney), the ship itself reveals its own story that changes deck by deck and space by space.
While kids will no doubt be wowed by the entire experience that includes the most elaborate kid's clubs at sea, the ship is designed to make a meaningful impression on adults, too. The attention to detail throughout is on a scale uncommonly seen, even in the notoriously-detail-oriented cruise industry. From the whimsical "Cheers!" printed in foam on beers ordered in the ship's cozy pub to the subtle Mickey Mouse silhouette designed sunshades in the new forward bow outdoor area of the Senses Spa, Disney Wish is a ship that, truly, becomes a destination in its own right -- for the young and young-at-heart.
Disney Wish Deck Plan Does Away with Separate 'Zones' For Kids, Adults
Beginning with Disney Magic in 1998, every Disney Cruise Line ship was built around the concept of "zones." Kids had their own dedicated zone on the uppermost level of the ship's atrium, and adult-only spaces were clustered away, usually in the extreme bow or stern of the ship. In-between, family-friendly spaces were interspersed.
Disney Wish does away with the concept of zones -- sort of. Kids still have a dedicated zone, this time on Deck 2 below the atrium. This arrangement sounds curious, until you realize that, just off the Grand Hall, is a dedicated check-in to the kid's Oceaneer Club below -- accessible by a grand staircase just for kids, or a fabulous, enclosed slide that swoops down from Deck 3 to Deck 2, right into the Oceaneer Club.
Adult spaces are no longer tucked away like some forgotten secret. Instead, these spaces -- which still welcome kids, for the most part, during daytime hours -- make up the majority of decks 3, 4 and 5. That adult spaces are spread out is a real bonus: It improves passenger flow and allows adults to experience more of the ship than was the case on past vessels. A number of family-friendly entertainment venues are also scattered throughout decks 3, 4 and 5, as are the ship's three distinctive main dining rooms.
On Deck 11, the pool areas aboard Disney Wish begin. In fact, decks 11, 12 and 13 house so many interesting features, activities and spaces for all ages that it is entirely possible to walk right by certain things. And while kids (and adults) aren't likely to miss the entrance to the AquaMouse slide (Disney's first-ever themed attraction at sea), the adults-only Cove Cafe, Cove Bar and infinity pool are a real hike to get to, accessible only from the outer decks and located so far toward the back that only arming yourself with a deck plan will result in successfully finding one of the ship's best adult-minded venues.
Disney Wish deck plans have been ingeniously laid out to encourage discovery and exploration. Don't be surprised if you're still finding hidden gems -- like the mammoth Fairytale Fresh Laundry self-serve complex, tucked away on the forward elevator bank on Deck 8 -- well into your cruise.
Cabins on Disney Wish Offer Space for All and Enchanted Decor
There are 1,254 individual cabins aboard Disney Wish, most of which offer private balconies. Only 121 staterooms are insides, while 185 are oceanview staterooms with picture windows.
Staterooms are crisp and fresh and offer superb space for families traveling together. This includes family categories that feature pull-down Murphy beds inset into the walls of the stateroom (an unusual cruise ship feature), and Disney's trademark split-bath arrangement that includes one bathroom with toilet and sink, and another with a separate sink and shower-tub combination.
Beautiful artwork situated above the headboard of the bed changes based on deck and cabin category, highlighting Disney movies like Frozen, Cinderella, The Princess and the Frog, or Moana, to name a few.
Passengers will also find dimmable bedside lamps and reading lights and a plethora of power options, from European and North American outlets to USB and even a USB-C outlet.
There are 53 Concierge Class staterooms that include additional perks and access to the wonderful forward-facing Concierge Lounge enclave on Deck 12. A total of 23 Concierge Suites represent the most lavish seagoing luxury aboard Disney Wish, including the massive two-level Concierge Tower Suite inset within the ship's forward (dummy) funnel. Designed around a theme that subtly evokes the film Moana, this creative suite offers three bedrooms, a living area accented by two-story glass windows, 4.5 bathrooms clad in marble and stocked with premium Bulgari toiletries, a grand spiral staircase, and nearly 2,000 square feet of living space -- not to mention its own private elevator and entryway at the base of the funnel.
Disney Wish Introduces a World of Food for All
Dining on Disney Wish is a real treat. Not only are passengers invited to participate in Disney's unique rotational dining, whereby your entire table and waitstaff move to a new main dining room each night, but a number of other options (both included and for-fee) are likely to entice passengers to try them at least once.
The main dining rooms aboard Disney Wish are all included in the cost of the fare and are among the most creative at sea, being themed after Frozen, the Marvel universe, and even Walt Disney himself at the splendidly decorated 1923 that pays homage to Walt and bother Roy Disney.
Disney Wish further honors Walt with Marceline, the ship's casual buffet offering. Named after the childhood hometown of Walt Disney (Marceline, Missouri), the eatery offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, along with complimentary fountain soft drinks -- a rarity among cruise ships.
Other casual pool-deck eateries include a Mexican restaurant and a venue serving up Southern barbecue.
Adults will delight in the fine dining offered at Palo -- the ship's superb steakhouse -- and the French-themed Enchante by Chef Arnaud Lallement.
Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day.
Disney Wish COVID-19 Rules
For the most up-to-date testing, masking, and vaccination requirements aboard Disney Wish, please refer to Disney Cruise Line's
health and safety protocols.
Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Tonnage
144,000
tons
Ship Length
1,118
feet
Launched
2021
Guest Cabins
1,250
Cabins
Occupancy
2,500
passengers
Ship information
Disney Wish
Aaron Saunders
Cruise Critic
The fifth ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet since its inception in 1998, the 4,000-passenger Disney Wish might look similar to its older fleetmates from the outside, but that's where the parallels end.
Inside, Disney has completely rethought the look, layout and feel of Disney Wish from stem-to-stern. Passengers embark into a swooping atrium space known as The Grand Hall -- a space created by removing the midship bank of elevators found on past Disney ships. Gone, too, is the art deco and art nouveau design of past ships, replaced with a crisper, cleaner and, dare we say, more imaginative take on decor. The Grand Hall sets the tone for the rest of the vessel, with its main performance stage, ribbed ceiling, towering columns (inset with hidden LED lighting that switches on dramatically for performances), sweeping staircase, and -- of course, a bronze statue of Cinderella.
Disney could have gone over-the-top with this design, but the decor on Disney Wish is designed to subtly evoke Disney characters, films and settings. Indeed, for those with a keen eye (or a massive personal knowledge of all things Disney), the ship itself reveals its own story that changes deck by deck and space by space.
While kids will no doubt be wowed by the entire experience that includes the most elaborate kid's clubs at sea, the ship is designed to make a meaningful impression on adults, too. The attention to detail throughout is on a scale uncommonly seen, even in the notoriously-detail-oriented cruise industry. From the whimsical "Cheers!" printed in foam on beers ordered in the ship's cozy pub to the subtle Mickey Mouse silhouette designed sunshades in the new forward bow outdoor area of the Senses Spa, Disney Wish is a ship that, truly, becomes a destination in its own right -- for the young and young-at-heart.
Disney Wish Deck Plan Does Away with Separate 'Zones' For Kids, Adults
Beginning with Disney Magic in 1998, every Disney Cruise Line ship was built around the concept of "zones." Kids had their own dedicated zone on the uppermost level of the ship's atrium, and adult-only spaces were clustered away, usually in the extreme bow or stern of the ship. In-between, family-friendly spaces were interspersed.
Disney Wish does away with the concept of zones -- sort of. Kids still have a dedicated zone, this time on Deck 2 below the atrium. This arrangement sounds curious, until you realize that, just off the Grand Hall, is a dedicated check-in to the kid's Oceaneer Club below -- accessible by a grand staircase just for kids, or a fabulous, enclosed slide that swoops down from Deck 3 to Deck 2, right into the Oceaneer Club.
Adult spaces are no longer tucked away like some forgotten secret. Instead, these spaces -- which still welcome kids, for the most part, during daytime hours -- make up the majority of decks 3, 4 and 5. That adult spaces are spread out is a real bonus: It improves passenger flow and allows adults to experience more of the ship than was the case on past vessels. A number of family-friendly entertainment venues are also scattered throughout decks 3, 4 and 5, as are the ship's three distinctive main dining rooms.
On Deck 11, the pool areas aboard Disney Wish begin. In fact, decks 11, 12 and 13 house so many interesting features, activities and spaces for all ages that it is entirely possible to walk right by certain things. And while kids (and adults) aren't likely to miss the entrance to the AquaMouse slide (Disney's first-ever themed attraction at sea), the adults-only Cove Cafe, Cove Bar and infinity pool are a real hike to get to, accessible only from the outer decks and located so far toward the back that only arming yourself with a deck plan will result in successfully finding one of the ship's best adult-minded venues.
Disney Wish deck plans have been ingeniously laid out to encourage discovery and exploration. Don't be surprised if you're still finding hidden gems -- like the mammoth Fairytale Fresh Laundry self-serve complex, tucked away on the forward elevator bank on Deck 8 -- well into your cruise.
Cabins on Disney Wish Offer Space for All and Enchanted Decor
There are 1,254 individual cabins aboard Disney Wish, most of which offer private balconies. Only 121 staterooms are insides, while 185 are oceanview staterooms with picture windows.
Staterooms are crisp and fresh and offer superb space for families traveling together. This includes family categories that feature pull-down Murphy beds inset into the walls of the stateroom (an unusual cruise ship feature), and Disney's trademark split-bath arrangement that includes one bathroom with toilet and sink, and another with a separate sink and shower-tub combination.
Beautiful artwork situated above the headboard of the bed changes based on deck and cabin category, highlighting Disney movies like Frozen, Cinderella, The Princess and the Frog, or Moana, to name a few.
Passengers will also find dimmable bedside lamps and reading lights and a plethora of power options, from European and North American outlets to USB and even a USB-C outlet.
There are 53 Concierge Class staterooms that include additional perks and access to the wonderful forward-facing Concierge Lounge enclave on Deck 12. A total of 23 Concierge Suites represent the most lavish seagoing luxury aboard Disney Wish, including the massive two-level Concierge Tower Suite inset within the ship's forward (dummy) funnel. Designed around a theme that subtly evokes the film Moana, this creative suite offers three bedrooms, a living area accented by two-story glass windows, 4.5 bathrooms clad in marble and stocked with premium Bulgari toiletries, a grand spiral staircase, and nearly 2,000 square feet of living space -- not to mention its own private elevator and entryway at the base of the funnel.
Disney Wish Introduces a World of Food for All
Dining on Disney Wish is a real treat. Not only are passengers invited to participate in Disney's unique rotational dining, whereby your entire table and waitstaff move to a new main dining room each night, but a number of other options (both included and for-fee) are likely to entice passengers to try them at least once.
The main dining rooms aboard Disney Wish are all included in the cost of the fare and are among the most creative at sea, being themed after Frozen, the Marvel universe, and even Walt Disney himself at the splendidly decorated 1923 that pays homage to Walt and bother Roy Disney.
Disney Wish further honors Walt with Marceline, the ship's casual buffet offering. Named after the childhood hometown of Walt Disney (Marceline, Missouri), the eatery offers breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, along with complimentary fountain soft drinks -- a rarity among cruise ships.
Other casual pool-deck eateries include a Mexican restaurant and a venue serving up Southern barbecue.
Adults will delight in the fine dining offered at Palo -- the ship's superb steakhouse -- and the French-themed Enchante by Chef Arnaud Lallement.
Room service is complimentary and available 24 hours a day.
Disney Wish COVID-19 Rules
For the most up-to-date testing, masking, and vaccination requirements aboard Disney Wish, please refer to Disney Cruise Line's
health and safety protocols.
Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line
Tonnage
144,000
tons
Ship Length
1,118
feet
Launched
2021
Guest Cabins
1,250
Cabins
Occupancy
2,500
passengers
Cabin Information
26 Cabin types available with images
Available on decks: Deck 8
Available on decks: Deck 6
Available on decks: Deck 7
Available on decks: Deck 2
Available on decks: Deck 7
Available on decks: Deck 6
Available on decks: Deck 10
Available on decks: Deck 8
Available on decks: Deck 6
Available on decks: Deck 10
Available on decks: Deck 10
Available on decks: Deck 8
Available on decks: Deck 6
Available on decks: Deck 8
Available on decks: Deck 6
Available on decks: Deck 6
Available on decks: Deck 14
Available on decks: Deck 13
Available on decks: Deck 10
Available on decks: Deck 12
Available on decks: Deck 12
Available on decks: Deck 12
Available on decks: Deck 11
Disney Wish has 26 cabin types available
Outside Cabins
Outside Cabins
Outside Cabins
Outside Cabins
Outside Cabins
Outside Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Balcony Cabins
Suite Cabins
Suite Cabins
Suite Cabins
Suite Cabins
Suite Cabins
Suite Cabins
Suite Cabins
Deck Plans
14 deck images available
Theater and Shows on Disney Wish
The Walt Disney Theater is the primary show lounge aboard Disney Wish, spanning three levels between decks 2 and 4 forward. Disney's full entertainment lineup wasn't ready at the time of our preview sailing, but expect the line's tremendous shows (many of which hold kids and adults alike spellbound for 70 minutes) to hold up to this grand space.
Luna is a two-level secondary show lounge and activity space located on decks 4 and 5. Featuring a stage and full lighting packages, numerous activities can be held here throughout the day, from character meet and greets to performances, trivia challenges and even private meetings and events.
Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas dual theatres (located on opposite ends of Deck 4 forward) showcase first-run and classic Disney movies in an attractive space. Rather than have just one large theater, as has been the case on past Disney ships, Disney Wish breaks up its onboard cinemas into two more intimate venues that showcase different movies. There's no charge for admission, though popcorn and other cinema snacks can be purchased at a small concession booth.
Funnel Vision is Disney's outdoor movies at sea concept, offering one of the most crystal-clear screens we've encountered strapped to the funnel, overlooking the pool deck. First-run Disney movies are shown here.
Daily Things to Do on Disney Wish
Boredom is not an option aboard Disney Wish, which offers a many activities for young and old alike.
Kids will have to be dragged away from Disney's Oceaneer Club on Deck 2, which offers some of the most creative spaces, programming and activities we've seen at sea. Likewise, teens will want to hang out in their own spaces, Edge and Vibe, which offer their own blend of activities ranging from traditional games to social events and video game tournaments.
But throughout the rest of the ship, days are punctuated by Disney's famous character meet and greets, trivia sessions, live music, first-run Disney movie screenings, and plenty of pool deck activities.
Adults aren't left out of the mix, either, with pursuits such as wine and scotch tastings, mixology classes, and spa and fitness seminars.
Disney Wish does not have an onboard casino.
Nightlife on Disney Wish
Dinners at Disney's unique main dining rooms offer a mix of meal and entertainment, and often become a bit of a nightlife event.
Kids will delight in the full-blown production shows in the Walt Disney Theater and by roving acts of entertainment that pop up in the Grand Hall Atrium.
Adults, on the other hand, will want to check out the live music around the ship, from a folk trio in The Bayou to the classy sounds of Nightingale's Piano Bar. The ship's spa and outdoor pools stay open fairly late, allowing for a late-night treatment or refreshing plunge.
Keep an eye out for little touches of Disney whimsy at night: A Kiss Goodnight, a signature event aboard Disney Wish, is offered in The Grand Hall on select evenings at 10 p.m. and midnight.
Disney Wish Bars and Lounges
Disney Wish has one of the most diverse selection of indoor and outdoor bars and lounges we've seen aboard any ship. And, unlike many ships, each bar and lounge boasts its own distinctive cocktails, beers, wines and spirits, from Champagne-infused martinis adorned with smoked bubbles to a selection of craft beers made exclusively for Disney Wish.
Most are reasonably priced in the $13 to $16 range for a cocktail, though big spenders might want to splurge on the $5,000-a-hit Kaiburr Cocktail in the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge. We don't know what's in it but expect that five grand will get you a whole lot of Disney surprise and magic.
Our Picks
**For the Outdoor Lover: **You can't beat the Cove Bar for pure serenity aboard Disney Wish. Shuttled all the way back on a forgotten end of Deck 13, this bar serves as the main watering hole for the gorgeous aft deck area dedicated just to adults. Flanked by an infinity pool, hot tubs and padded loungers, the Cove Bar is also adjacent to the caffeine-haven that is the Cove Cafe. Try the two beers on tap; they're exclusively at this bar, and they're delicious.
For the Cocktail Connoisseur: Nightingale's Piano Bar on Deck 3 won us over with its gorgeous decor, subtly inspired by the Disney film, Cinderella. But the real winners here are the custom cocktails that are mostly gin and sparkling wine based. A selection come inset into large balls of ice, which guests then smash open dramatically with a small rock hammer. Others are infused with an oversized bubble of smoke that wobbles over the top of the martini before it bursts into an Alice in Wonderland-style haze. Spirits are all top-shelf and unique; we were pleasantly surprised to find the purple-colored Empress 1908 Gin from Victoria, British Columbia, stocked onboard.
For The Whiskey Maven: Don't miss the tiny craft bourbon joint hidden within Hook's Barbery. No haircut or beard trim is needed -- though you can get one if you want. Patrons start out by choosing their bourbon of choice from a selection of top-shelf spirits, before moving onto infusions, bitters, and garnishes. It isn't cheap (our craft-made old-fashioned ran us $38), but it's one of the more unique spaces -- and experiences -- on the ship.
For The Star Wars Fanatic: Sign up early in the day to reserve a spot in the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge to sample all manner of intergalactic libations. Drinks here are creatively presented, from cyan-blue balls of ice in one martini, to egg-white-foam garnishes featuring intricately printed designs that can only be seen with the aid of a black light. Even if you don't splurge on the $5,000 Kaiburr Cocktail, the rest of the drinks -- which are much more reasonably priced -- are so cleverly presented and designed that you'll want to try them all.
Pools, Hot Tubs and Waterslides on Disney Wish
There are eight pools aboard Disney Wish, spread across the ship's upper decks, along with numerous hot tubs. Rather than having one large midship swimming pool, Disney Wish breaks pools up into smaller segments, a move that allows for more open space for the line's famed theme deck parties.
Four main pools are clustered amidships on Deck 11. These family-friendly pools are named Micky, Minnie, Daisy and Pluto, and are attractively styled and tiered. Two additional small pools -- Donald's Pool and Goofy's Pool -- are located one deck up, on Deck 12 aft.
The Toy Story Splash Zone on Deck 12 forward is intended for Disney's youngest cruisers.
Themed after the Disney/Pixar franchise Toy Story, this area offers plenty of water features, small slides, pop jets, geysers and bubblers to keep toddlers interested -- and thoroughly soaked.
The Concierge Pool is located all the way forward on Deck 13 and is part of the exclusive Concierge Lounge that suite passengers have access to. This restful, relaxing space is bordered by its own bar, supremely plush loungers and a private, forward-facing deck.
The Quiet Cove Pool is located on Deck 13 aft and is accessible to all adult passengers over 18. With an attractive infinity-style pool overlooking the ship's stern, the pool area is bordered by rows of plush chairs and loungers and situated next to the Cove Cafe and Cove Bar. The downside: It's quite a hot, long hike from the aft elevator banks to get here, as there is no internal staircase or elevator access to this part of the ship.
Disney Wish debuts the AquaMouse, a massive tube-style attraction on the upper pool decks that also functions as Disney's first true attraction at sea. Passengers sit on rafts that are pulled up a large, fully enclosed slide filled with digital screens and movie panels accented with colored LED lighting before dropping down the slide itself, much of which is fully enclosed, save for an open-air portion toward the end of the slide. A transparent, fully enclosed tube swings out over the side of the ship before returning riders to the entry area near the base of the ship's aft funnel.
Sun Decks aboard Disney Wish
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outer decks aboard Disney Wish.
Decks 11, 12 and 13 function as the main outdoor pool decks and contain the majority of the ship's poolside attractions, bars and features.
Disney Wish also has a pseudo-promenade deck that spans decks 4 through 6 on each side of the ship. Weather and navigational conditions permitting, passengers can walk right to the tip of the bow on Deck 6 through a gorgeous area known as the Shipside Promenade, which offers amazing views forward and a great look at the "face" of Disney Wish, including the forward superstructure and navigation bridge.
Services and Wi-Fi on Disney Wish
Disney Wish offers the usual assortment of services, from guest services to self-serve photo-printing and artwork-printing stations and an ATM.
The ship also offers a sprawling, self-serve laundry complex, known as the Fairytale Fresh Laundry. This area houses 26 washers, 30 dryers, 10 fold-down ironing boards, six keycard-activated soap dispensers, two folding areas and even a comfortable vestibule waiting room for those who prefer to stay close to their things.
These are provided for a nominal fee. Change isn't required; just tap your keycard and the amount will be debited to your shipboard account.
Along with the various shops onboard that sell an excellent selection of Disney and Disney Cruise Line-branded merchandise, kids will want to stop by the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a high-end boutique and salon where children ages 3 to 12 can get made over into the prince or princess of their dreams. And while plenty of prince and princess costumes are available (complete with optional accessories), kids can also elect to get a more nautical makeover in the form of Captains Mickey and Minnie. Seven makeover packages and two accessories-only packages are offered but be forewarned: The upper-tier packages that kids will no doubt want most come with a steep price tag, though basic packages start at around $100.
Disney's Wi-Fi isn't blazingly fast, but it gets the job done. During our voyage, we found the weakest signal was actually in our stateroom; signal strength improved greatly in the ship's public spaces. Internet packages can be purchased through the Disney app, which also contains the daily activity program (printed copies are no longer offered) and can be purchased for just one, or multiple, devices, for an additional cost.
A small Disney perk: Messaging through services like iMessage seem to send and receive, even without a package. Using the Disney Cruise Line app is also free.
Dining is an event aboard Disney Wish, thanks in part to Disney's rotational dining concept that places diners (and their waitstaff) in a new main dining room each evening. By keeping diners together, rotational dining encourages passengers to get to know their servers and vice-versa, while allowing cruisers of all ages to experience three distinctive main dining rooms that offer unique decor, cuisine and themes.
And while Disney Wish offers all the standard pool deck grub you'd expect, there are a few new additions aboard Disney Wish, such as the "Festival of Foods" eateries located on the pool deck that include smoked barbecue, Mexican, fresh-made pizzas and, of course, plenty of ice cream.
Adults aren't left out of the game, either. Those looking for some quiet time will relish the pub food in the Keg & Compass Pub, or the sublimely adult culinary experiences found in the ship's two high-profile specialty restaurants, Palo Steakhouse and the French-inspired Enchante (pronounced on-shon-tay).
Room service is available 24/7 at no additional charge.
Free Restaurants on Disney Wish
1923 (Main Dining): The first of three complimentary main dining rooms aboard Disney Wish, 1923 is actually split into two venues: The 1923 Roy Disney Dining Room, and the 1923 Walt Disney Dining Room, located across the elevator bank from each other on Deck 3. Named after the year the Walt Disney Company was founded, these two rooms have a sort of "Glamor of Hollywood" theme going on, with plenty of art and decor culled from the Disney archives. California fusion cuisine is on offer, with entrees featuring dishes like seared verlasso salmon filet, Italia flat parsley and rosemary-crusted rack of lamb, and even lighter fare like the los feliz lobster salad. Breakfast is offered here, too, on select days.
Arendelle (Main Dining): Inspired by Disney's Frozen, Arendelle includes Disney's first-ever aft-facing restaurant with views thanks to a wall of gorgeous windows on Deck 5 situated around the back. Kids will love the performances here that include a very impressive animatronic version of Olaf, while adults will find the cuisine to be pleasantly surprising. A number of Nordic dishes and flavors have been included here in a nod to Frozen's unique setting. Elsa & Anna's baked salmon is about as Norwegian as you can get, along with similarly themed (and very tasty) dishes like Queen Iduna's potato lefse with Aquavit Jarlsberg cream and the Arendelle kjottkake -- pasta with egg noodles, braised meatballs and lingonberry chutney.
Worlds of Marvel (Main Dining): Perhaps the most technologically sophisticated of the main dining venues aboard Disney Wish, Worlds of Marvel puts diners in a futuristic (and decidedly cinematic) culinary experience. Wall-mounted LED screens broadcast interactive clips featuring Ant Man (Paul Rudd) and The Wasp (Evangeline Lilly). It's a fun experience, even for those who are completely unfamiliar with the Marvel universe and its characters. Dishes here are varied and include things like the delicious steamed bao buns, heart of palm ceviche, chicken schnitzel, shitake and tofu udon, and lamb shwarma salad.
Marceline: The main casual buffet aboard Disney Wish, Marceline takes up the entire aft end of Deck 11. Cuisine here is a notch or two above most cruise ship buffets, with plenty of variety and stations serving up lighter fare alongside standard cruise ship staples. Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be found here, along with complimentary soda drinks, lemonade, coffee, Twining's teas, and water. Seating is spacious and cleverly designed, and a number of windowside counters allow for solo diners to enjoy a meal without taking up a table for four.
Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods: This is actually split into six individual venues clustered around the pool deck (Deck 11) that serve as additional quick-fare options for those who'd rather remain poolside than go into Marceline for a quick bite to eat. Eateries include Mickey's Smokestack Barbecue, serving meatatarian comfort foods like St. Louis Pork and smoked kielbasa sausages; Daisy's Pizza Pies, offering freshly made pizza's; Donald's Cantina, serving Mexican burritos, bowls and tacos; Goofy's Grill, where hot dogs and burgers reign supreme; and Sweet Minnie's Ice Cream.
Room Service: Try the chicken tenders, which have been elevated to cult status -- rightly so -- by Disney's past passengers.
What Restaurants Cost Extra on Disney Wish
Keg & Compass Pub, $: This cozy, Nordic-inspired pub on Deck 5 forward offers an excellent selection of craft beers and pub fare, from the warm German-style pretzel served with mustard and beer cheese to classics like bangers and mash, and fish and chips. Prices range from about $6 for desserts to $16 for entrees.
Palo Steakhouse, $$$$: Dinner at Palo is a real event to be savored, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and the venue's gracious service. A $45 prix fixe menu is available, but to really experience Palo, go for the a la carte options: it isn't cheap (the average meal, with wine, will easily run into the $300 territory for a couple) but the quality of the food, service and the overall experience rival anything we've seen on even the highest-end luxury ships. Authentic Japanese Waygu beef, ribeye steaks, veal chop and classic filet mignon are among the highlights here, accented by Ciuppin soup, herbed yellowfin tuna, and shrimp and calamari in a light lemon-garlic mayonnaise dip. Only those 18 and older can dine here, there's a dress code and reservations are required.
Enchante, $$$$: New to Disney Wish is Enchante, a French-style specialty restaurant that draws on subtle themes from Beauty and the Beast and distinguishes itself by being possibly the most romantic space onboard. Crafted by Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement, who also created the menus for Remy aboard Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, Enchante offers both a prix fixe menu ($195 per person, with an optional $140 champagne pairing option, or a less-expensive pairing at $125 per person), or a la carte options. The full degustation experience is the way to go -- it's expensive, sure, but the surroundings, food and exemplary service (as in Palo next door) make dinner here an experience to remember. Champagne Brunch is also offered for $75 per person on sea days.
Cruise Critic Restaurant Picks on Disney Wish
Despite not being steakhouse fans, Palo won us over on our pre-inaugural sailing. Our Waygu beef was prepared expertly, and appetizers, sides and desserts were delivered with flair and panache. Nestled within a space on the port side of Deck 12 aft, Palo only looks more gorgeous at night, and leads directly into The Rose, Disney Wish's upscale cocktail bar geared toward adults. Despite the cost, it is an experience we were eager to immediately repeat.
Dietary Restrictions on Disney Wish
Dietary restrictions are well-catered to aboard Disney Wish. Servers in all venues immediately ask if there are any dietary restrictions in the group as part of their introductory speech, and we found our nut allergy was well catered to. In self-service options like Marceline, we found crewmembers knowledgeable about ingredients; if they didn't know something, they went and asked, just to be sure.
Vegetarian options some dishes suitable for vegans are offered.
