Disney Wonder

The 1999-built MS Disney Wonder cruise ship is Walt Disney's second liner, with sistership Disney Magic (1998).

The vessel (IMO number 9126819) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308457000) and registered in Nassau.

History - construction and ownership

DCL-Disney Cruise Line is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (shipowner). The company was incorporated in 1996 as "Magical Cruise Company Ltd". Walt Disney also owns the Bahamian private island Castaway Cay (exclusive port of call for Disney ships only) and a private Cruise Terminal at Port Canaveral (Orlando, Florida). Disney cruises are marketed as "family vacations" and feature unique activities such as costumed Disney Characters, adults-only deck areas, dedicated facilities for teens, kids and toddlers, trademarked shipboard venues and activities, and themed live entertainment.

The 1,750-passenger Disney Wonder caters mainly to families with children. Adults-only "quiet areas" and entertainment venues are popular retreats for those seeking relaxation away from kids’ activities.

One of the best cruise ships for families with kids, Disney Wonder features a classic 1930s ocean liner design – a sleek black hull with two bright red funnels. Her interiors reflect Art Nouveau design, with Disney characters, “hidden Mickeys” throughout, outstanding children’s programs with age-appropriate activities, excellent service, and family-oriented fun.

Since 2011, one of Disney Wonder's most popular deployments has been Alaska cruises.

Launched in 1999, Disney Wonder doubled the company’s capacity with another set of nearly 1,000 of the largest and best-equipped staterooms at sea. While Disney Cruise Line primarily targets families with younger children (under 8), her clientele also includes honeymooners and adults traveling without kids, drawn by spacious accommodations, adults-only areas, and the signature Disney touches both onboard and on Castaway Cay.

The Disney Wonder’s dress code is day resort casual and evening cruise casual (no shorts, jeans, or swimwear). For men: pants and jackets (ties not required); for women: summer dresses. There is one semi-formal night (Captain’s Reception), one formal night (not mandatory), and one “Pirate Night” when many guests dress in pirate-themed costumes.

Gratuities are US$12 per person per day (automatically charged to onboard accounts or prepaid), allocated as follows: $8 to dining room staff ($4 servers, $3 assistant servers, $1 head servers) and $4 to stateroom attendants. Bar drinks and deck service areas have a 15% service charge added.

Decks and Cabins

Most Disney Wonder staterooms (877 total, in 22 grades) are 225-260 ft² Balcony cabins. The ship has 22 Suites, 362 Balcony, 235 Oceanview, and 256 Inside staterooms. The largest accommodations are the Royal Suites (845 ft² / 79 m² plus a 185 ft² / 17 m² terrace).

All cabins are larger than the industry average, most offering separate bedroom and living areas, a deep convertible sofa, a ceiling-mounted bunk bed with safety rails, and beds convertible to a queen. Family cabins for five also feature a Murphy bed (wall-mounted). Cabins provide ample storage (suitcases fit under the bed), subtle maple furniture, closet with dresser, desk/vanity, smart HDTV with Disney channels, two portable “Wave Phones” (for onboard calls and texting), and two bathrooms (one with toilet and sink, the other with tub, shower, and sink). Balcony cabins are furnished with two chairs and a small table. Standard amenities include H2O Plus bath products, Euro-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, and plush towels. Cribs and diaper genies are available on request. Suite guests enjoy additional offerings.

Disney Wonder’s suites (1- and 2-bedroom) feature dining tables, Jacuzzis, and spacious balconies. The Walt and Royal Suites are the largest. Suite guests enjoy memory foam pillows, duvets, robes, slippers, and the option to order main dining room menus via room service.

The ship has 11 decks, 6 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Disney Wonder uses the Disney Line’s rotational dining system, with three main restaurants. Guests dine in a different restaurant each night, keeping the same table companions and wait staff. There are two dining times (6:15 and 8:15 p.m.), with assignments noted on dining tickets.

The three original restaurants include “Animator’s Palate” (with special lighting and animation effects, transforming scenes, and hologram menus), “Parrot Cay” (Caribbean-themed, seafood buffet, and salads), and “Triton’s” (upscale, the most formal, also open for breakfast and lunch). All main restaurants offer complimentary dinner drinks and a wine purchase program.

Food quality is excellent, with all dishes prepared onboard from fresh ingredients, including lighter options at dinner and dedicated kids’ menus.

“Palo” is the ship’s specialty adults-only restaurant, serving Northern Italian cuisine. It is open daily for Champagne brunch and dinner (reservations required; limited to 1 brunch and 1 dinner per voyage).

On Deck 9, “Beach Blanket” buffet (indoor/outdoor) serves breakfast and lunch, with salads, sandwiches, Mickey waffles, cookies, fruits, and a made-to-order omelet station. Casual venues include “Pinocchio’s Pizzeria,” “Pluto’s Dog House” (burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders), and “Goofy’s Galley” (wraps, fruit, ice cream). Deck 9 also has a self-service beverage station with complimentary juices and sodas.

Room service is available 24/7 (continental breakfast, soups, salads, cheese, chicken, etc.). Suite guests can also order from main dining menus.

Complete list of Disney Wonder dining venues:

• Triton’s Restaurant / Lumiere’s (462-seat forward dining room; breakfast, 3-course lunch, and dinner with two seatings).
• Parrot Cay Restaurant / Carioca’s (462-seat aft dining room; breakfast, buffet lunch, and dinner with two seatings).
• Animator’s Palate (462-seat aft dining room; animator’s studio theme, dinner shows with Disney characters, complimentary drinks).
• Tiana’s Place (dinner-only main dining room inspired by “The Princess and the Frog”).
• Cabanas (self-service, complimentary; American cuisine, pasta, sushi).
• Pinocchio’s Pizzeria (outdoor, complimentary, poolside).
• Beach Blanket Buffet (indoor/outdoor, casual dining, complimentary).
• Pluto’s Dog House (quick-service fast food, complimentary).
• Goofy’s Galley (quick-service, outdoor, complimentary).
• Palo (130-seat specialty Italian restaurant; adults-only, reservation-only).
• O’Gill’s Pub (sports bar/Irish pub with English décor, live music, large TVs, table games, and bar service).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Most kids’ facilities and public rooms are on Decks 3-4-5, connected by a three-deck-high atrium. Pools are on Decks 9 and 10. Internet access is available in the teen-only “Vibe” club (Deck 11), kids-only “Edge” club (Deck 2), “Promenade Lounge” (Deck 3, all ages, open 24 hours), and adults-only “Cove Café.”

Deck 9 offers three age-specific pools and a 200-ft waterslide. “Mickey’s Pool” (aft) is kids-only, with a small pool extension for toddlers in swim diapers. “Goofy’s Pool” (midship, between funnels) is for families, with two Jacuzzis and a large LED screen. “Quiet Cove” (forward) is adults-only, with two hot tubs and a coffee house. Deck 10 has basketball and volleyball courts. The “Aft Overlook” (Deck 7) is another quiet space, often used for weddings officiated by the captain.

The Deck 4 promenade offers a jogging track and lounge chairs. The Vista Spa & Salon provides massages, facials, treatments, and the “Tropical Rain Forest” area with sauna and steam rooms. Spa Villas include private verandas and Jacuzzis. The fitness center is equipped with Life Fitness machines and offers personal training.

Character meet-and-greets are highlights for kids, alongside themed entertainment. Unlike many cruise lines, Disney ships do not have casinos. Instead, venues include “Studio Sea” (family dance parties, karaoke, scavenger hunts, game shows) and “Buena Vista Theatre” (first-run Disney movies in 3D). Other activities include basketball and karaoke tournaments, ship tours, and family-friendly shows. Each cabin is equipped with two Wave Phones for onboard messaging and calls.

Unique to Alaska cruises are “Junior Ranger” programs (on Alaskan wildlife and environment) held in kids’ clubs, Studio Sea, and the Disney Theater. During sailings in Tracy Arm Fjord, “Base Camp” brings all kids’ programs on deck for themed games and crafts.

Dedicated youth venues include “Flounder’s Reef” nursery (for babies/toddlers up to 3), “Oceaneer Club” (ages 3-7), “Oceaneer Lab” (ages 8-12), “Edge” (ages 11-13), and “Vibe” (ages 14-17).

Adults can enjoy wine and martini tastings, Alaska seafood cooking classes, art auctions, and nightlife in “Route 66” (Deck 3 forward). This adult entertainment district features video dance parties, karaoke, and crew performances. Deck 3 also has “Cadillac Lounge” piano bar and “Diversions” sports bar with large plasma TVs. “Overlook Café” (above Cove Café) is a quiet spot for panoramic views, especially on Alaska itineraries.

The 977-seat Walt Disney Theatre (three decks high) stages large productions such as “The Golden Mickeys” and “Toy Story: The Musical.” Another highlight is the “Pirates in the Caribbean” deck party with themed dining, live entertainment, and fireworks (except in Alaska, where fireworks are prohibited).

Disney Wonder lounges, clubs, and entertainment venues include:

• Walt Disney Theatre (977-seat, three decks; live shows, acrobatics, musicals, 3D movies).
• Atrium (three-deck central area with Ariel bronze statue).
• Route 66/Beat Street (adult district after 9 p.m.; Cadillac Lounge, Diversions, WaveBands).
• WaveBands Lounge & Bar.
• Studio Sea (family entertainment).
• Diversions Pub (adults-only sports bar with TVs and live music).
• Mickey’s Mates (Disney logo shops for souvenirs, toys, clothing).
• Treasure Ketch (duty-free jewelry, watches, apparel).
• Radar Trap (duty-free perfumes, liquor, tobacco).
• Promenade Lounge (104-seat family bar with specialty coffees and Internet Café).
• Buena Vista Theatre (268-seat 4D cinema with Dolby Surround and 3D tech).
• Fathoms/WaveBands (family by day, nightclub by night).
• D Lounge (family games, karaoke, shows; full bar service).
• Keys (adults-only piano bar).
• Preludes Bar (snacks and drinks).
• Shutters PhotoShop & Art Gallery.
• Vibe Disco & Club Lounge (teens only).
• Flounder’s Reef Nursery (3 months–3 years; reservations required).
• Oceaneer Club (ages 3-12) and Oceaneer Lab (ages 3-12).
• Vista Spa & Fitness Complex (spa treatments, sauna, beauty salon, fitness).
• Vista Spa Villas (private suites with verandas, Jacuzzis, canopy beds).
• Quiet Cove Pool (adults-only, with Cove Bar service and two whirlpools).
• Cove Café (adults-only coffee lounge, Wi-Fi spot).
• Signals Bar (adults-only poolside bar).
• Scoops (ice cream parlor).
• Goofy’s Family Pool, Mickey’s Pool, AquaDunk waterslide, AquaLab play area.
• Quarter Masters (video arcade).
• Edge Lounge (teens 11-14, with video wall, games, Internet).
• Outdoor LED movie screen (24x14 ft).
• Wide World of Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, soccer).
• Radio Studio (live broadcasts of onboard news/events).
• Outlook Bar (bar and piano lounge; also used for weddings).

Itineraries

Disney Wonder’s itinerary program includes 7-day Alaska voyages (from Vancouver), Mexican Riviera roundtrips (from San Diego), Bahamas and Western/Eastern Caribbean cruises (from Galveston). Calls also include the private island Castaway Cay.

She also operates Panama Canal repositioning cruises before and after her Alaska season.

In Spring 2020, Disney Wonder homeported in New Orleans for the first time, with five roundtrips:

• 7-day Bahamas (Feb 7-14) to Nassau, Castaway Cay, and Key West.
• 7-day Western Caribbean (Feb 14-21) to Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth.
• 6-day Caribbean (Feb 21-27) visiting Cozumel and Grand Cayman.
• Two 4-day voyages (Feb 27-Mar 2 and Mar 2-6) to Cozumel.
• Followed by a 14-day Panama Canal repositioning to San Diego.

In September 2022 (at D23 Expo 2022 in Anaheim CA) DCL announced the company's inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand (Nov 2023 thru Feb 2024). Disney Wonder's 2-3-4-6-night itineraries in the region depart from 4 homeports - 3x in Australia (Brisbane QLD, Melbourne VIC, Sydney NSW) and 1x in New Zealand (Auckland NZ). Disney's maiden Australian voyage departed on October 28, 2023, out of Sydney.

The Walt Disney ship Wonder is the company's second vessel, with sistership Disney Magic. Both are about 40% smaller than the newer Disney ships (Dream and Fantasy). Wonder's maiden voyage was a Transatlantic crossing from Italy to Florida, departing from the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard (Venice) to Port Canaveral (Orlando) with stops in the UK (Southampton) and the Azores (Ponta Delgada). The ship’s Godmother was Tinkerbell, the beloved Disney character from the 1953 movie “Peter Pan.”

The vessel (Fincantieri Marghera yard, hull number 5990) is powered by Wartsila-Sulzer marine diesel engines (model 16ZAV40S) with a total output of 58.25 MW. Her propulsion system is diesel-electric.

Disney Wonder features the company’s signature sleek design with a black hull, two red funnels, and yellow Disney insignias. The interiors combine Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles. She is recognized as one of the industry’s best family-friendly ships, offering diverse entertainment and dining options along with programs designed for both children and families. Families can enjoy evening stage shows, game events, and themed workshops together.

On August 15, 1999, the vessel entered Caribbean service with 4-night cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando) to the Bahamas. She initially operated on 3- and 4-night Bahamas itineraries but in 2011 was relocated via the Panama Canal to the U.S. Pacific Coast. There, she sailed 7-day Mexican Riviera cruises from California (mainly Los Angeles, but also San Diego and San Francisco) with calls at Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, and Ensenada.

In 2012 (April through October), Disney Wonder became the first DCL ship to visit Hawaii (Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu). Later that year (May through September), she also inaugurated Disney’s Alaskan itineraries, departing from Seattle to Ketchikan, Skagway, Juneau, and Victoria BC.

This Walt Disney ship shares her name with two other vessels: Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) and Moby Wonder (MOBY LINES).

Disney Wonder refurbishments review

The deck plan changes after the 2016 drydock refurbishment in Cadiz, Spain (September 9 through October 23) included:

• Upper decks redesigned with AquaDunk (waterslide), AquaLab (interactive water play area with Twist n’ Spout slide), and Dory’s Reef (toddler splash zone).
• Animator’s Palette restaurant (former Studio C) with new HDTVs, lighting, décor, and speakers.
• New Carioca’s – Brazilian-themed restaurant replacing Parrot Cay.
• Tiana’s Place – exclusive to Disney Wonder, themed after “The Princess and the Frog.” Features live jazz, swing, and blues, party-style events, themed décor (family photos, culinary awards, lily-shaped candleholders), and a Southern U.S. (Louisiana bayou) menu.
• Cabanas (buffet) replaced and expanded from the former Topsider Buffet.
• D Lounge – a new family lounge for games and themed entertainment.
• Palo Restaurant (Deck 10) renovated with new Venetian décor, fixtures, glass artwork, and stone flooring.
• Mickey’s Mainsail – new shop.
• After Hours (Deck 3 adult district) redesigned with Fathoms (nightclub), Keys (piano bar replacing Cadillac Bar), and O’Gills (English pub) featuring authentic tavern menu, dark wood décor, brass accents, leather seating, and London-inspired Disney artwork.
• Animator’s Palate Restaurant (Deck 4) updated with two new dinner shows – “Drawn to Magic” and “Animation Magic.”
• Senses Spa and Salon expanded by 725 ft² (70 m²), now including a Barbershop, Chill Teen Spa, and Smile Spa.
• New “Small World Nursery” and “Nephews” areas.
• Refurbished staterooms with elevated beds for increased storage.
• Lobby Atrium redesigned with removal of the second staircase and replacement of the Chihuly chandelier with an Art Deco fixture.

Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab upgrades included Marvel’s Avengers Academy (first at sea), Andy’s Room (Toy Story-themed with Slinky Dog slide, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, Woody and Jessie visits, scavenger hunts), Club Disney Junior (games, storytelling, character visits), and Frozen Adventures (interactive play with Olaf, plus Anna and Elsa visits). Pixie Hollow and Mickey Mouse Club were also redesigned. Programming enhancements focused on more live character interactions.

Disney Wonder’s next drydock was at Damen Shiprepair Brest, France in October 2020, primarily for routine maintenance and minor upgrades.

The ship’s most recent drydock took place in 2023 (September 17 through October 3) at Seaspan Victoria Shipyards in Victoria BC, Canada. This two-week project focused on regular maintenance, technical overhauls, and hotel upgrades.

Itineraries review

A summary of Disney Wonder’s service history (former itineraries):

• [1999-2011] 3- and 4-day Bahamas cruises from Port Canaveral (Orlando).
• [2011] Relocated to Los Angeles for Mexican Riviera, Baja Ensenada, and Hawaiian itineraries. Summers featured 7-day Alaska cruises from Vancouver BC or Seattle WA.
• [2016-2017] Homeported in Galveston TX (Nov–Jan), later returning to Orlando. Galveston itineraries included 8-day Western and Eastern Caribbean routes (Key West, Castaway Cay, Nassau, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Falmouth, Grand Cayman).

On April 30, 2017, Disney Wonder became the world’s first cruise vessel to transit the new Panama Canal locks.

This was part of a 14-night repositioning cruise from Port Canaveral to San Diego. From there, she operated Baja Mexico itineraries before her summer Alaska season from Vancouver.

Disney cruises in Australia 2023-2024 (inaugural season)

In September 2022 (at D23 Expo in Anaheim CA), Disney Cruise Line announced its first-ever season in Australia and New Zealand (Oct 2023–Feb 2024).

Disney Wonder’s voyages (2- to 6-night itineraries) departed from four homeports – three in Australia (Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney) and one in New Zealand (Auckland).

The maiden Australian voyage departed Sydney Harbour on October 28, 2023. Most departures were from Sydney (12), followed by Melbourne (10). Brisbane and Auckland hosted departures in Nov–Dec 2023.

The program also included Transpacific repositioning cruises (RepositionCruises.com) between Alaska and Australia via Hawaii in 2023 (Vancouver–Hilo–Nawiliwili–Kahului–Honolulu–American Samoa–Fiji–New Caledonia–Sydney) and the reverse route in 2024 (Australia–Hawaii–Alaska).

Call ports included Eden (NSW), Hobart (Tasmania), and Noumea (New Caledonia) on the longer sailings. Cruises to Nowhere (portless roundtrips) were also offered – 2-night sailings from Australian ports and 3-night sailings from Auckland.

Bookings for Disney’s Australia and New Zealand voyages opened on September 26, 2022.