Disney Wonder - Ship Inspection

November 2023
Advisor:  Martin Cummings

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With high expectations in anticipation of the price tag associated with the upcoming Disney season in Australia, I was genuinely impressed with my experience aboard the Disney Wonder. Having recently undergone a soft refurbishment, the ship appeared fresh and well-maintained, consistently delivering the renowned Disney quality of service one would expect. From the very first impressions, including the striking paint job on the hull, the ship exuded a sense of quality that was evident in all its common areas.

When it comes to catering to a family market, it's challenging to find a comparable alternative. Disney operates in a league of its own, offering exceptional quality and an array of experiences. Whether the price tag is justified depends on how extensively our clients take advantage of the offerings that enhance the overall experience. If they seek a hassle-free family vacation with the sole intention of spending quality time together, there are suitable alternatives available. However, if they desire an unforgettable experience and have Disney enthusiasts among their family members, then the investment is undoubtedly worthwhile.

The ship strikes an excellent balance between being Disney-themed without overwhelming guests. It features a wide array of Disney themes suitable for all ages, from beloved characters for the little ones to hallways adorned with original Disney artwork, perfect for indulging in nostalgic moments. The ambiance is complemented by a blend of popular songs and timeless Disney classics played over the speakers. The cabins, while offering a comfortable retreat, maintain a serene atmosphere, allowing guests to recharge before returning to the excitement of the common areas.

As it was an embarkation day, I am mindful that the experience may be more open and uncluttered. I anticipate that this could change when the ship reaches full capacity. To manage expectations, I would recommend preparing for potential queues and suggest utilising the ship's app for booking experiences and effectively scheduling their days to make the most of their time on board.

Dining:

The ship boasts three main dining rooms, each offering a distinct culinary experience:

Tiana’s: A Southern-style dining venue that tantalises the taste buds with a unique array of flavours.

Triton’s: A dining establishment known for its rotating menu, offering an ever-changing culinary adventure with no set flavour theme.

Animator’s Palate: This dining experience transcends the mere act of dining; it's an immersive, one-of-a-kind encounter. The menu almost becomes secondary to the overall experience.  What's particularly impressive is the ship's progressive dining concept, where guests and their parties rotate between these restaurants, accompanied by their dedicated wait staff. This arrangement ensures both variety in dining experiences and the consistency of exceptional service, as the same staff caters to guests each night.

For a more relaxed dining experience, Cabana’s, the onboard buffet, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. During my visit for lunch, I found a diverse selection of fresh and tasty options. The buffet caters to various dietary requirements and maintains a pleasant, laid-back ambiance. The offerings include fresh fish, meat carving stations, delectable desserts, and a range of fruits and salads.

In addition to the main dining options, there are several smaller eateries, such as a pizzeria, hotdog and burger stands, snack stations, and select bars featuring a choice of bar food. Room service is also available for added convenience.

Within the ship's Adults Only section, a charming café serves cakes and pastries, along with expertly crafted barista coffee (a service that may incur an additional charge). This area creates a more sophisticated and elegant atmosphere for adult passengers.

Throughout the ship, you'll find drink stations, providing unlimited access to soft drinks, teas, coffees, and hot chocolate. Paper cups are readily available at each station, offering a self-serve experience for guests.

For those seeking a more exclusive dining experience, 'Palo' is the specialty dining option. With its open kitchen, scenic views, and tables conveniently located, this adult-only restaurant offers a rotating menu, elevating the dining experience to a sophisticated and elegant level.

Bars:

The ship features a variety of bars, each offering a unique and distinct ambiance, I was able to visit 3 in the inspection:

Cadillac Lounge: This bar exudes a cocktail-style vibe, creating an intimate and upscale atmosphere.

Crown and Fin: A pub with an 'English Style' influence, albeit with an American twist. It attempts to capture the essence of an authentic English pub, making it a great spot for those seeking a cosy and friendly setting.

Azure: A nightclub-inspired bar, Azure transforms its layout and purpose, adapting to different vibes throughout the evening. It's an intriguing space that evolves as the night progresses.

In addition to these bars, you'll find poolside bars, lobby-style bars, and coffee stations scattered around the ship. There's certainly no shortage of options when it comes to finding the perfect watering hole to suit your mood.

Theatres:

The ship's entertainment offerings include two theatres’:

The main theatre, where you can catch Broadway-style shows with early and late showtimes, providing a classic theatrical experience.

A dedicated movie theatre, showcasing a wide range of films, including current releases, classic favourites, and brand-new Disney movies. The movie schedule in this theatre mirrors cinema release dates, ensuring you won't miss out on the latest releases even while at sea. Movie screenings extend from the afternoon well into the late evening or early morning. It's an experience that closely resembles visiting a traditional cinema, complete with a popcorn stand outside. It's an opportunity to enjoy an unlimited Hoyts-style experience, indulging in as many movies as you desire.

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Spa & Fitness:

The ship's gym is thoughtfully designed, like many ships, it's located forward, offering spectacular views from the treadmills and workout areas. It provides a well-rounded selection of equipment, encompassing cardio and resistance machines, a range of free weights, and dedicated studios for various fitness activities.

Connected to the gym are changing rooms, each equipped with a sauna that's available for complimentary use. Additionally, there's an outdoor running track for those who prefer to exercise in the open air.

The ship's spa facilities offer an extensive range of services, including standard treatment rooms for various types of massages. Beyond massages, the spa menu extends to non-surgical treatments like teeth whitening, Botox, fillers, skin tightening, and fat reduction procedures (excluding liposuction). A salon and a men's barber are also available on board, providing comprehensive grooming options.

While the range of services is extensive, it's worth noting that the prices for these spa treatments are relatively high. However, they do cover a wide spectrum of wellness needs.

A unique feature of the spa is the "Tropical Rainforest" room, which resembles a thermal suite. This space offers a variety of temperature-controlled saunas, steam rooms, invigorating showers, and comfortable loungers. Day passes are available, but it's essential to be aware that capacity is limited, so planning may be necessary to secure access.

Pools and Wet Areas:

There are 2 main pool areas, one being adult only.  There is also a ‘splash zone’ for the little one as well as water slides suited for all ages.   For a midsized ship this would be a decent amount of space, not being onboard with guests I would imagine these spaces are very crowded throughout the day, especially sea days. 

Kids Clubs:

This is where the enchantment truly unfolds. As a cruise line specially tailored for families, you'd naturally expect outstanding facilities, and those expectations are met here. The ship offers a variety of programs and activities that cater to late teens (18+) as well, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their time on board, even accompanying their younger siblings.

For the little ones, aged 6 months to 3 years, there's the 'Small World Nursery.' Although it was temporarily closed during my visit, it boasts various areas where parents can help their little ones acclimate to the environment before leaving them in the capable hands of Disney staff. The nursery includes nap zones and interactive sections. It's important to note that this service is bookable and does come with a cost. If you're travelling with children in this age range, I recommend getting more detailed information.

For children aged 3 to 12, there's the 'Oceaneers Club.' This spacious area consists of themed rooms, and the best part is, no reservations are required, and there's no additional cost. The club offers excellent opening hours, allowing parents to drop off their children while they embark on their own adventures. The space features slides, video games, interactive technology, and ample room for games and activities, making it an ideal spot for kids to have fun.

The 'Edge' program is designed for 11 to 14-year-olds, ensuring a perfect fit for this age group. It offers age-appropriate activities, games, computers, and staff-led activities like trivia and other games. It's a fantastic space for pre-teens to enjoy themselves without feeling too young or too old for the activities provided.

For those aged 14 to 17, there's 'Vibe,' which provides a laid-back and unrestricted environment where teenagers can relax, engage in age-appropriate activities, and have a great time.

Here's a hot tip: If you have siblings who narrowly miss being in the same age group for these clubs, there's an opportunity to sign waivers allowing the younger sibling to join the next category. For instance, if a 13-year-old wants to be with their 15-year-old brother or sister in 'Vibe,' it's possible. This option is also available for family friends travelling together.

Shopping:

If you're in the market for Disney merchandise, you'll find a treasure trove of options right on board. The ship offers a vast array of items to cater to individuals of all ages, body types, and preferences. While I couldn’t obtain a price guide as the shops were closed on embarkation day, I can share that prices are generally in line with what one might expect from DisneyLand, Disney World, or even theme parks in Queensland, based on feedback from a fellow guest.

Beyond Disney merchandise, the ship also hosts a selection of high-end fashion labels, boutique shops, as well as a display of jewellery and watches in glass cases, perfect for those looking to make a special purchase. Additionally, essential items and snacks are available for those who may find themselves in need during their voyage.

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General Info:

When sailing aboard the Disney Wonder, it's important to note that all transactions are conducted in USD. This typically means that prices are subject to tax and gratuity charges, so be sure to review the fine print to understand the total costs.

Tipping is a significant consideration when cruising with any US-based cruise line, and the same practice applies, even when sailing within Australian waters.

The ship offers laundry rooms, providing guests with self-service options, though specific costs may vary. Additionally, there's a paid in-cabin laundry service available for those who prefer the convenience.

One of the delightful highlights of Disney Wonder cruises is the fireworks show, a magical experience for all passengers. The frequency of these shows depends on the length of the sailing. Most Australian season voyages feature at least one fireworks display, with slightly longer sailings possibly offering two. Notably, Disney's fireworks are eco-friendly and dissolve into edible fish food once they enter the water, making them a sustainable and responsible choice, especially when launched into the open ocean.

Embarkation day starts on a heartwarming note as guests entering the Atrium are greeted by at least one Disney character, with their family's name announced to the crew. The crew members respond with cheers, setting a positive and welcoming tone for the service throughout your voyage. While this welcoming gesture may add a little time to the embarkation process, it's an excellent way to kick off your Disney experience.

Photos taken during your cruise are tagged to your account, allowing you to view them digitally on screens throughout the ship. Photo packages are available for purchase, and it's worth noting that purchasing packages in advance may offer good value. This might be because not every photo is printed and displayed for all guests to see. The daily program also includes announcements about which Disney characters will be available for photos, providing numerous opportunities to capture memories.

One unique feature of Disney Wonder is the absence of casinos on board. While there are plenty of adult activities in the evening, these do not include gambling options, aligning with Disney's family-friendly approach to cruising.

Keep an eye out on your itinerary for themed nights, Pirates theme is on most sailings, make sure clients have something to join in the fun with.  

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Cabins (inspected only):

Deluxe Family Oceanview with Veranda:

The Deluxe Family Oceanview with Veranda cabin on the Disney Wonder is meticulously designed with a layout that maximises space. Throughout the day, it offers ample room for a family of 4 or 5, thanks to cleverly designed bedding arrangements. The standard double bed remains fixed, while the day sofa can be converted into a bed, and a bunk bed folds down from above. Additionally, there's a bed that conveniently folds down from the wall in front of the door to the balcony, making it an excellent choice for larger families.

While the cabin may feel somewhat cosy at night, it's a great option for accommodating families of five. A standout feature of this cabin is the separate toilet room, distinct from the shower and basin area. This separation is a significant benefit when multiple people share a cabin, offering added convenience that many passengers appreciate. In fact, it's a feature that cabins on all ships should ideally incorporate.

Storage space in this cabin is somewhat limited, but the wooden bed frame provides an opportunity to store a couple of medium-sized suitcases underneath, offering additional storage solutions. For travellers with a substantial amount of luggage, it's advisable to consider using multiple slim-profile cases rather than a single oversized one to make the best use of available space.

1 Bedroom Suite with Veranda:

The 1 Bedroom Suite with Veranda, which has been recently refurbished, stands out as one of the most impressive cabin options aboard the Disney Wonder. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by the unmistakable scent of newness. This suite boasts a very modern and comfortable ambiance, making it appealing even to the most discerning travellers who may not necessarily flavour children or Disney themes.

It's essential to highlight that there's no overt 'Disney' theming within this suite. The space is thoughtfully designed, making efficient use of available room, resulting in a spacious and overall impressive setting. The bathroom setup is particularly noteworthy, with the shower and toilet located in a separate room, while the bathtub and basin are situated in the 'entrance' to the shower and toilet. Additional features include a dedicated makeup table that can double as a makeshift office desk, a generously sized wardrobe, and ample space for luggage.

Both the bedroom and lounge areas provide balcony access, allowing guests to enjoy the scenic views from the privacy of their own veranda. This 1 Bedroom Suite with Veranda offers a harmonious blend of sophistication and comfort, creating a space where travellers can truly relax and unwind.

Deluxe Inside Stateroom:

The Deluxe Inside Stateroom was not only sufficient but also thoughtfully designed. The efficient use of space made it feel fresh and appealing. The bathroom featured both a shower and a toilet, providing convenience for guests. While there might be limited storage, the wooden bed frame offered a clever solution by allowing travellers to easily fit a couple of medium-sized cases under the bed for additional storage. As a tip, I'd recommend those with ample luggage to consider using multiple slim-profile cases rather than a single, oversized one to make the most of the available space.

To protect the integrity of Disney and the quality of their products, photos are not permitted to be taken while there may be rehearsals, incomplete set up, or making up of rooms.