Disclaimer: RoyalTee Magazine was given a special opportunity to attend the media-exclusive, christening cruise of Disney Wish. The following commentary is from that specific experience.
While you’re stamping your passports and adding to your travel goals, put a Disney cruise (DCL) on the list as well! The Disney Wish not only grants wishes for kids but fulfills the hearts of adults as well.
Let’s talk about Disney Wish
The newest Disney Cruise Line ship sets sail on its inaugural cruise on July 14, 2022. At 1,119 feet, the Disney Wish is the fifth ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and joins the Disney Magic, the Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream, and the Disney Fantasy.
Disney Wish has a lot of firsts from Marvel and Frozen-themed family dining experiences and original Broadway-style stage productions to exclusive grown-up experiences, which is what we were there for.
RoyalTee Magazine, along with other selected media, got the exclusive opportunity to sail aboard its christening cruise on June 29.
Adult Disney heart fulfilled
And with a convenient cocktail in hand and some Black Girl Sunscreen, we explored everything the ship has to offer for grown-ups. And the best part about it – is you don’t need the kids to enjoy everything this magical vessel has to offer.
We know what you’re thinking. Disney cruises are only for kids and families. Also, there’s the thought, “I don’t have kids, why should I go?’’ Or, “that’s on my bucket list for when I do have kids.’’ And if we are having a transparent moment, we shared your same thoughts and doubts. But how wrong we were!
“There is this misconception that there’s not a lot for adults to do but that’s the exact opposite,’’ Melanie Johnston, DCL’s hotel operations and guest experiences manager shared with RoyalTee. “There’s all these hidden secrets and all these amazing places that you can experience.”
Whether you’re on a “baecation’’ or girls trip, the Disney Wish has plenty to offer! During our three-day exclusive, we spent our time enjoying and exploring these hidden jewels.
But don’t expect the typical “turn-ups’’ you would have with your crew on the yacht or pool parties. The “Cupid Shuffle” will be the best we get. And unless you’re twerking to your Bluetooth speakers in your room while getting ready for dinner, it’s not that kind of energy.
Nonetheless, Disney still figured out a way to have us grooving to instrumental Disney music with a rum runner in one hand and a fairy wand in the other (which you can flick and say Biddi Boddi Boo to random people at the bar and everyone gets it). Convert the song, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me)” from Pirates of the Caribbean into a full rock concert you didn’t know you needed. Or ready to revisit that vision board or Pinterest on your phone after Princess Tiana, Cinderella, Moana, and Mulan told you to follow your dreams in an inspiring production that only Disney can do.
And let’s not forget shedding real, happy tears when Mickey and Minnie Mouse are right in your face for a photo-op.
It’s the delicate perfect balance for us Black childless older millennials (the ‘cool’ aunties and uncles) who can belt out every single song on “Lion King” but also get annoyed at screaming barefoot toddlers who throw random tantrums in the grocery aisle in their Disney princess gowns.
Now let’s get into it.
5-star royalty treatment
Customer service on a Disney cruise is Chick-fil-a times one hundred. If you know, you know. Stepping aboard the new ship, the foyer gives you immediate royal castle vibes with its marble grand staircase that’s inspired by the movie, Beauty and the Beast.
And if that’s not royal enough when you board, the cast members greet you by front name, and on the balcony, your favorite Disney princess and her beau will welcome you personally. While walking to our stateroom, even the housekeeper knew our names.
All that was missing was our glass of champagne and our personal prince/princess charming to escort us to the ballroom! Alexa: play “Tale As Old As Time.”
Kids are NOT everywhere
Walking down the halls or decks, you won’t be bombarded by a stampede of little people. Your chill pool time won’t be interrupted by a cannonball (lifeguards won’t even allow you to do those).
Although DCL is designed to accommodate everyone, there are specific areas reserved just for adults and kids.
As a matter of fact, if you see the kids, 90% of the time, they are accompanied by their parents, who have them under control for the most part. And the other half, kids can go to the Oceaneers Club, which is basically a complimentary babysitter/daycare.
Parents, this one is for you.
To get there, kids go down a slide, themed to Alice in Wonderland (or you can take the stairs). While there, they’re entertained with dress-up, games, and specifically for Disney Wish, a Marvel Superhero Academy.
Basically, parents, just drop their kids off down the slide and let Disney take care of the rest. They’ll be good.
There’s an adults-only deck
There’s Oceaneers Club for kids. It’s A Small World nursery for even smaller tots and The Quiet Cove area for us.
You know you’re in the right place when you see the sign that reads, This area is reserved for 18 and over.
The Quiet Cove area encompasses half of the back deck of the ship. It includes a bar, a two-level plush lounge area, a poolside bar, and four adult-only swimming areas. There is a jacuzzi, a warm water infinity pool that overlooks the beach of the ship, and a sitting pool area that immediately puts you in South Beach or Malibu rooftop vibes.
For a moment, you forget that you’re aboard one of the most luxurious family cruise ships in the world.
Even the laughs and squeals of kids on the other end of the ship on the new Aqua Mouse water slide (the first Disney attraction at sea) were mute, overpowered by the soft contemporary jazz playing softly in the background.
There’s also a Cove cafe coffee shop that Moana lovers can appreciate with coffee flavors from around the world. The Cove is also where you will find the best adult drink on the ship – a popsicle-based cocktail called the Pop Spritz. It costs $15 a glass and is served with your choice of Moet, White Claw or Topo Chico. It comes in four flavors including Cucumber Honey Dew, Berry and Mango Tajin. But our top recommendation will be the Strawberry Basin.
An adults-only spa
After detoxing or charging up at The Cove (depending on which type of drink or shots you’ve had with the other folks you met in the infinity pool and became your instant pool buddies), rest up at the Senses Spa.
Definitely one of the more #metime, selfish experiences we can occasionally deprive ourselves of because of our hectic 9 to 5 lives.
The spa is a rainforest-themed, outdoor oasis with plush lounges, spa whirlpools, and steam and sauna chambers. Also first of its kind on DCL, an ice chamber lounge, which would be ideal after laying out all day by the infinity and cooling down for the festivities at night.
Fun fact: Each DCL has a Senses Spa but what’s different about the one on the Wish is that it’s expanded due to customer pleasure.
Dinners felt like date night
Date nights are usually not the first two words that come to mind for a cruise dinner (which are prescheduled during your booking), but it’s easy to slip in your grown and sexy vibes when dining on the Disney Wish.
The 1923 restaurant, for example, is low-key, intimate, and a little sensual if we’re being honest, especially if it’s just you and your plus one. The restaurant gives you old Hollywood feels and commemorates the year the Walt Disney World company was founded. It’s a general idea of what it may feel like to dine at the historic Biltmore in Los Angeles. Our top recommendations for dinner would be the lamb chops and salmon dishes.
If you’re lucky, you could get the window seat that looks out on the ocean, which adds to the aura.
Another date night vibe spot is the Enchante, an adults-only, restaurant, which could be booked via reservation. There’s also the Rose Lounge, which has panoramic views overlooking the sea and an expansive wine and cocktail list. Both are Beauty and the Beast-themed.
During our personal experience, we ended one evening with dinner and a movie! The ship has a theater and Lightyear was playing. Side note: although the movie is supposed to be an origin story about Buzz Lightyear (90s kids stand up), the cat character, Sox, is the star of this show.
@bizzybee90 Had to share my food experiences on the #DisneyWish my #foodie heart was fulfilled ? Read about all the adult fun you can have on Disney cruises on royalteemagazine.com @royalteemag #disney #disneycruise #waltdisneyworld #disneybae #travel #royalteemag #explore ? Instrumental R&b – Teaga
Nightlife is moderate
As we mentioned earlier, don’t expect any swag-surfs on Disney Wish or any DCL to be exact. But the nightlife is quite vibrant.
If you’re looking for a NOLA-vibe, go no further than The Bayou, the ship’s main lounge. Inspired by the movie, The Princess and The Frog, there is a live band at night. The Hurricane and beignets are the signature drink and dish there.
Star Wars lovers will appreciate the Hyperspace lounge. Everything from the drinks to the decor is themed to the movies from the Republic and Empire to the First Order. Our best suggestion is to get there early, preferably around 4 p.m. If not, you’ll have to go on a waiting list because seating and space are limited. Disclaimer: Ask about the $5,000 cocktail!
And if you’re looking for a more authentic, upscale nightcap, there are also nightly wine, bourbon, and whiskey tastings for an extra fee.
Off the ship
During our christening cruise, we docked at Castaway Cay, which for first-time Disney cruisers could be an immersive experience by itself. Located in the Bahamas, the island is privately owned by Disney and includes three beach areas, including an adults-only area called Serenity Bay.
And the beach lives up to its name. Lounging under your umbrella with your pina colada, the only sound you hear are waves.
The water is crystal clear, and the shallow part extends nearly a football field, so definitely ideal for a floatie and a drink without the worry of getting knocked over by a rough wave (thanks to the man-built rocks Disney put down to break up the hard tide).
If you must have some music, bring your phone or a Bluetooth speaker. But we highly suggest opting out and simply unplugging. Then get back on the ship and do all of the above all over again, as many days as you’re booked.
Speaking of booking, a cast member shared with RoyalTee that the Disney Wish is booked for the next 17 months. For more info, go to the Disney Cruise website.
