We’ve just sailed aboard Disney Cruise Line’s brand-new, sparkling Disney Wish, where a treasure trove of delights awaits your clients. As Sharon Siskie, sr. v.p. & general manager for the cruise line, noted in an onboard interview with Recommend, “I think Walt Disney would be very proud of the Disney Wish. I think he would love [the ship]. I think at his heart he was all about storytelling and that’s what you see here around every corner. It’s that magic of Disney.”
So, where did we find those pixie dust-sprinkled magical spots? Here are some of our favorite experiences—in no particular order—on board the 1,254-stateroom ocean liner, which is set for her maiden voyage on July 14.
When it comes to the Disney Wish’s rotating family dining offering, there are three brand-new restaurants, but the one that blew us away? 1923. Named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, 1923 offers two dining rooms brimming over with more than 1,000 drawings and props that provide an inside look at the evolution of Disney animation from “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” to “Frozen 2.” It’s a truly unique concept and hopefully your clients will be seated near the glass cases that hold sketches of their favorite Disney character (we were lucky enough to cozy up to stunning memorabilia from “Pinocchio”). When it comes to the menu—inspired by the fusion of cultural flavors found throughout the Golden State—passengers will find appetizers like Alameda porcini spiced ahi tuna, or perhaps they’ll like something from “the kettle,” such as roasted roma tomato soup. For the main dish, we opted for the Tortiglioni pasta, and for dessert, the churros caught our eyes, but we went for the Burbank blueberry-lemon Bavarian cream (check out the photo of that gorgeous dessert).
Another one of our favorite eating spots—for that quick lunch while enjoying the pool deck—is Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods, where we found two brand-new selections: the fleet’s first dedicated quick-service venues for barbeque and Mexican-inspired fare. The latter, finger-licking good (build your own taco, burrito or bowl – can’t go wrong with any of those options).
The Rainforest experience at Senses Spa—specifically, the dedicated outdoor relaxation space (a brand-new extension to the Rainforest experience) as well as the fleet’s first ice lounge. It’s a lovely way for those 18+ to enjoy a few hours re-energizing (day passes are available).
Of course, this being a Disney ship, kids’ clubs are top of mind, and if you can slide into that fun, even better. This new experience, where kids can slide from the ship’s striking Grand Hall directly into Disney’s Oceaneer Club, is really a brilliant addition. And the slide itself as seen from the back angle is quite stunning (check out that photo). The club itself will blow kids’ minds away, but the one that really took our breath away is the Star Wars: Cargo Bay area, replete with exotic creatures and a dreamlike vibe. Although Fairytale Hall and It’s a Small World Nursery also stole our hearts, with eye-catching details and whimsical designs. Oh…and at Vibe, for older teenagers, we swooned over the Hideaway, with its retro 70s/80s decor.
Part 2 — or 5 more fab experiences — to come.
Disney Wish will sail on 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, from Port Canaveral, Florida.
For more information, visit disneycruise.disney.go.com/travel-agent-login.
