Sailing on the Disney Wish is a magical experience, especially for first-time Disney cruisers. From pre-cruise prep to saying goodbye on debarkation day, this guide covers everything you need to know to set sail with confidence. Here’s how to make the most of your first voyage aboard Disney Cruise Line’s most enchanting ship.
1. Pre-Cruise Planning & Essentials
Booking Your Cruise:
The Disney Wish sails out of Port Canaveral and offers 3- to 4-night itineraries to the Bahamas and Disney Castaway Cay. Book early for the best stateroom options and prices. Consider travel insurance and check Disney Cruise Line’s official site for current health protocols or passport requirements.
Online Check-In & Port Arrival Time:
Complete your online check-in as early as possible (30 days before your sail date). This lets you select a Port Arrival Time (PAT)—a crucial step to avoid long waits and get onboard earlier.
Packing Tips:
- Swimsuits: For immediate pool access on embarkation day.
- Dress Code: “Cruise casual” is generally fine for main dining rooms. There’s often a Pirate Night and sometimes an optional dress-up night. Adult-exclusive restaurants (Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté) have stricter dress codes (semi-formal/formal).
- Reusable Water Bottle/Mug: Refillable stations are available throughout the ship for water and soft drinks.
- Magnetic Hooks: The stateroom walls are magnetic, so these are great for hanging wet swimsuits, lanyards, etc.
- USB Hub/Chargers: While the Wish has plenty of outlets (including USB), a USB hub can be helpful. Note that power strips with surge protectors are banned.
- Sunscreen, Lip Balm with SPF: Essential for sunny destinations.
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of exploring!
- Small First Aid Kit: For minor scrapes or headaches.
- Disney-themed attire: Many guests enjoy dressing up for Pirate Night, character meet-and-greets, or just for fun.
Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App:
This app is essential! It shows your daily itinerary, dinner rotations, onboard activities, character locations, and more.
2. Onboard Experience – First Day & Beyond
Embarkation Day:
Once on board, you’ll be greeted with a welcome ceremony featuring your family name, pure Disney magic. Head to lunch (Marceline Market or quick-service options on Deck 11), and explore the ship. Pools, kids clubs, and lounges open early.
Must-See Highlights on the Disney Wish:
- AquaMouse: Disney’s first attraction at sea, part waterslide, part show.
- Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure: A live dinner show with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf.
- Marvel and Star Wars kids clubs: High-tech fun for kids while adults unwind.
- Hyperspace Lounge: A galactic cocktail experience for grown-ups.
- Rotational Dining: You’ll rotate between three restaurants, each with unique themes and menus (and your servers follow you).
Tips for Smooth Sailing:
- Reserve specialty dining or spa treatments early via the app or during your booking window.
- Drop kids off at the Oceaneer Club (ages 3–12) and enjoy adult-only areas like the Quiet Cove Pool.
- Don’t miss the Sail-Away Party and Pirate Night fireworks at sea!
Pro Tip:
Room service is free (tip recommended). Midnight Mickey bars or warm cookies, anyone?
3. Debarkation Day – What to Expect
Breakfast Rotations:
On your last morning, you’ll return to your final assigned restaurant for a quick breakfast (usually around 6:45–8:00 a.m.). If you’re in a hurry, Cabanas or Marceline Market may offer grab-and-go options.
Luggage & Customs:
You can either:
- Express Walk-Off: Carry all your luggage off the ship early (starting around 7:15 a.m.).
- Standard Debarkation: Leave your tagged luggage outside your room the night before and collect it in the terminal after breakfast.
Timing Your Departure:
Port Canaveral is efficient, but give yourself plenty of time before booking flights, Disney recommends flights after 11:30 a.m. from MCO.
Final Tip:
Use the Navigator app’s debarkation info section the night before to track your group’s call time and instructions. The process is smooth, but it helps to be informed and packed up early.
Ready to Set Sail?
Your first cruise on the Disney Wish will be full of unforgettable memories, character encounters, gourmet dining, and magical moments at sea. With the right preparation and these insider tips, you’ll be navigating like a seasoned Disney cruiser in no time!
Don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure, and maybe an extra suitcase for all that Disney merch.
