Tips for Making the Most of Your Disney Wish Cruise Experience
As we get ready for our 8th Disney Cruise and second sailing on the Disney Wish, I wanted to take a moment to share some of the tips we’ve learned along the way. As a family of Star Wars, Marvel, and overall Disney fans, we’ve fallen in love with the look and feel of the Wish. Although we’ve only spent four nights on it so far, compared to the other three Disney ships we've sailed, we're counting down the days to explore even more.
Whether it’s your very first Disney Cruise or you're a seasoned Castaway Club member, some planning can go a long way. In this guide, I’ve included practical advice, firsthand experiences, and the small details that can make your Disney Wish Cruise smoother, more magical, and packed with unforgettable moments. From the excitement of embarkation day to winding down at Castaway Cay, here’s everything you need to know to sail with confidence and make the most of every moment onboard.
Before You Arrive for Your Disney Wish Cruise
Helpful tips on what to do before you step aboard the Disney Wish...
Let’s start with one of the most essential things—download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App before you leave home. Trust me, you don’t want to be figuring that out once you’re on the ship. Make sure it’s updated too! The app is your go-to for checking in, accessing daily activities, booking onboard experiences, and even messaging family while onboard.
When it comes to packing, think comfortable and fun. Pirate Night is a big deal on Disney Cruises, so pack some gear—even if it’s just an eye patch or bandana. If you like to theme your outfits for dinners or character moments, plan those too. And while you *can* buy things on board, you’ll be paying a premium. Bring your travel essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and basic meds—it’ll save you time and money.
And please, don’t risk arriving the day your cruise leaves. It might feel like you’re saving by skipping an extra hotel night, but airlines are unpredictable. Flight delays or cancellations could mean missing the ship altogether. You’ve probably planned this cruise for months, arranged time off, maybe even coordinated with friends or family—don’t let one flight ruin it. We consistently arrive the night before and recommend staying in Orlando if you’re flying in.
Checklist Reminder
- Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to check in, access activities, and book onboard experiences.
- Pack pirate gear for Pirate Night and optional outfits for themed dining experiences.
- Bring your favorite travel essentials: sunscreen, swim gear, and medications.
- Arrive the night before if you're flying—consider staying in Orlando to avoid delays.
💡 Tip from Ruth Caffery (@ruthcaffery):
- Use the DCL Navigator App: It’s essential for staying updated on events, showtimes, and activities.
- Restaurant & Activity Layout on the Disney Wish:
- 🍽️ Sit-down restaurants are located AFT.
- 🍕 Quick-service dining is on Deck 11.
- 🎭 The main theater is FORWARD, while screening rooms are FORWARD/MID.
- 🛍️ Merchandise shops are scattered across different decks.
- 🍷 The adults-only area is on Deck 13 AFT.
- Reminder: “Don’t expect to do it all in one sailing. This is my fifth time on the Wish, and there are still things I haven’t done. Slow down and relax—this is your vacation, after all!”
Embarkation Day Tips for the Disney Wish
What Time Should You Arrive at Port Canaveral?
Arrive at your assigned port arrival time and soak it all in. The energy at Port Canaveral is electric, especially if it’s your first time sailing on the Disney Wish—or even if it’s your eighth, like us! Be sure to stick to the port arrival time assigned during online check-in, since arriving earlier won’t get you on the ship faster—they’ll only begin boarding once your group is officially called.
Where to Eat Lunch When You Board
Once you're on the ship, breathe and explore. While many guests head straight to Marceline Market, (it gets packed quickly), we prefer starting with a sit-down lunch at one of the rotational dining restaurants available on embarkation day. It’s a more peaceful way to ease into the cruise and enjoy great food without the buffet crowds.
Before your stateroom is ready (usually around 1:30 PM), use this time to explore the ship. Take a peek at the pool deck, find the drink stations, locate the kids’ club entrance (and the slide if you have little ones!), and snap some photos while the ship isn’t as crowded.
Booking Palo, Bibbidi Bobbidi, and More Once Onboard
Book or confirm experiences. This is also the best time to finalize or make last-minute reservations for premium experiences like:
- Palo Brunch or Dinner (adults-only fine dining)
- Enchante by Chef Arnaud Lallement
- Senses Spa treatments or Rainforest Room passes
- Character meet-and-greets like the Royal Gathering
- Excursions (Port Adventures) or Castaway Cay rentals
You can use the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to manage most of these bookings or confirm in person at the designated onboard venues right after boarding.
Don’t Miss the Muster Drill
Complete the Muster Drill. The safety drill is required for all guests, and you’ll be instructed to visit your designated muster station. The quicker everyone gets there, the quicker you can enjoy your first day. Please don’t skip it, as sailing can’t begin until everyone is checked in.
When your stateroom is ready, head there to drop off your bags. Unpacking early helps you settle in faster and entirely shift into vacation mode. We always slide our luggage under the bed to keep the space open and organized.
What to Do on a Day at Sea Aboard the Ship
Day at Sea on the Disney Wish is your chance to really enjoy everything the ship has to offer—but keep in mind, you're not the only one with that idea. The AquaMouse and other popular attractions get busy quickly, so if that’s a priority, try to hit it early or during off-times like dinner.
Start Slow: Coffee & Breakfast Options
We personally love starting our day slow at Cove Café. It’s tucked away in the adult-only area, so it’s a quiet little retreat where you can sip a specialty coffee and unwind before jumping into the day's activities.
Using the Navigator App to Stay Flexible
Another relaxing way to begin the day is by sitting down for breakfast at one of the rotational restaurants or heading to the buffet. Check the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App to see which dining venues are open for breakfast—it’s a nice alternative to the morning rush and gives you time to ease into the day.
Popular Activities and When to Do Them
If you’re like us and don’t love overplanning, just keep the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App handy. We check it in the moment to see what’s going on—whether it’s trivia, a character meet-and-greet, or one of the amazing Broadway-style shows. It keeps things flexible and lets us enjoy every moment without a packed schedule.
💡 Tip from Lanie Ann
“There’s extra seating by the entrance on the side in Marceline Market (buffet) that usually has empty seats—quieter too!”
Cruise Stats: 4th time on the Disney Wish, 31st Disney Cruise Line sailing 🛳️
Nassau
With the Disney Wish offering shorter itineraries, we usually take advantage of port days like Nassau to explore the ship more. While Nassau has shops and a few nice areas to walk around, we often just get off the ship briefly to stretch our legs, grab some sun, and it honestly helps with not feeling the boat movement as much once we disembark on the final day.
Snorkeling and catamaran tours are great family-friendly options if you want to make the most of the destination. But staying onboard has its perks too: pools, water slides, and even character experiences tend to have much shorter wait times while most guests are ashore.
Whether you’re adventuring or just recharging onboard, Nassau can be the perfect pause in your cruise flow.
💡 Tips from @amocruzeirodisney (8th Disney Wish cruise, 45th Disney Cruise Line sailing):
- Booking Palo or Enchanté: If you didn’t pre-book them, head to the Dining Team (usually at Triton Lounge on the Wish) once you board. A line typically forms before noon.
- Want to switch dinner times? Visit the Dining Team right after boarding to check for availability.
- Trying for Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Go there as soon as it opens—they often have some same-day availability onboard.
- Royal Gathering reservations: If you missed booking in advance, try through the app once connected to DCL-Guest Wi-Fi onboard.
- Incredicourse at Hero Zone: Only set up during specific hours and days. Check the app so you don’t miss it!
- Grand Hall “Kiss Goodnight” light & music show: This magical moment happens around 10 PM, 11 PM, and midnight. On Pirate Night, it features a special themed version. It’s short—but worth catching!
Castaway Cay Day on Your Disney Wish Itinerary
We usually swing by Marceline Market in the morning while waiting to disembark at Castaway Cay, but here’s a pro tip—order room service the night before so you can enjoy breakfast in your stateroom and be among the first off the ship.
Where to Relax
We keep it simple and enjoy the beach and island without overscheduling ourselves. That Islander and Puerto Rican mindset kicks in—just soak in the sunshine, float in the water, and enjoy the moment. But if you’re looking for a more structured day, you can kick things off with the early morning 5K and then dive into options like bike rentals, snorkeling, or Pelican Plunge.
No matter your pace, don’t miss the BBQ lunch at Cookies and Cookies Too—a satisfying way to refuel before heading back to the ship or catching a nap under a palm tree. For those adults at Serenity Bay, there is the Serenity Bay BBQ for you to eat lunch.
Returning to the Ship Before All Aboard
Check the all-aboard time in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App before you head to Castaway Cay or Nassau. The ship will depart without late passengers, so we always recommend returning at least 30 to 45 minutes before the listed time. There’s usually a short line at the gangway, allowing you to cool down, grab a drink, or freshen up before dinner. Better early than watching the ship sail away without you! And don't forget your Key to the World Card and an ID for those 18 and over. Everyone in your party needs to scan the Key to the World card, even your little ones, to get off the ship and board.
Dining Experiences on the Disney Wish
Rotational Dining Explained
Dining on the Disney Wish Cruise is part of the magic, especially with its signature rotational dining system. This means you’ll rotate through three stunning main restaurants: 1923, Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, and Worlds of Marvel—all while your serving team follows you from venue to venue, making every dinner feel personalized and familiar.
- 1923: A classy nod to Old Hollywood, split into Walt and Roy dining rooms, filled with animation history and elegant dishes.
- Arendelle: Enjoy live entertainment from Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as you dine in a Nordic setting during a royal engagement party celebration.
- Worlds of Marvel: Dive into an Avengers dining experience with interactive storytelling and appearances by Ant-Man and The Wasp.
Your dining rotation and assigned restaurant schedule will be listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App and on your Key to the World card.
Specialty Dining: Palo, Enchanté & More
If you’re looking to elevate your dining experience on the Disney Wish, consider booking one of the adults-only specialty dining options. These are not included in the cruise fare but are well worth the splurge for a romantic night or special celebration.
- Palo Steakhouse: A sleek, modern steakhouse inspired by Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast. Known for its elevated brunch and dinner menus, Palo offers top-tier service and stunning ocean views.
- Enchanté: A French fine dining experience inspired by Lumière. It's the most luxurious dining venue on the ship, perfect for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary journey. Think multiple courses, curated wine pairings, and impeccable presentation.
- The Rose: A beautiful lounge that connects Palo and Enchanté. Ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail or digestif with elegant decor and a quiet ambiance.
If you didn’t secure a reservation in advance, head to Triton Lounge right after boarding. The Dining Team will be there to assist with specialty dining reservations, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique appointments, or dinner time adjustments.
Allergies and Special Diets
Our family is vegetarian and mostly eats vegan, with soy allergies in the mix, so we know the drill. Let your head server know your dietary needs immediately. The first night might take a little more effort to get things right, but once the team knows, they’ll go above and beyond to accommodate you for the rest of the cruise. That’s the beauty of rotational dining—you get the same team every night, and they’ll remember your preferences.
Of the three main dining experiences, Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure stood out. The live music and show made it one of the most memorable nights of our trip—we were singing along with big smiles on our faces by dessert.
Entertainment Highlights Aboard the Disney Wish
Top-tier entertainment is one of the best parts of any Disney Wish Cruise. The Broadway-style shows like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid are worth your time. We’ve seen Aladdin several times on different Disney ships, and it continues to be one of our absolute favorites. If you want a good seat (and you do), plan to arrive 20–30 minutes early. Trust us, it’s worth it to be center stage for the magic.
Pirate Night is also a fan favorite and a can't-miss event. From themed dinners and pirate costumes to fireworks at sea, it’s one of the best deck parties on any cruise line. You’ll be humming “Yo Ho” well past disembarkation.
For a more laid-back evening, we enjoyed grabbing drinks at Hyperspace Lounge—the special effects and galactic vibes made it feel like we’d jumped into another universe. The Bayou was a charming, relaxing spot with live music and a great ambiance. Both are perfect for adults looking to unwind after a day of exploring the ship or shore.
Shopping and Photo Tips for Your Disney Wish Cruise
If you plan to take lots of photos (and you should), consider pre-purchasing the photo package. It gives you access to all your professionally captured memories without the per-photo cost adding up. It’s especially valuable with so many character meet-and-greets, scenic backdrops, and moments you’ll want to remember forever.
But if you’re like me and love taking your own photos, the Disney Wish is full of beautifully designed spaces that are a dream to shoot. As a photographer, one of my favorite things about this ship is the abundance of natural light, thoughtful design, and clean, modern aesthetics—it’s minimalistic in a way that lets the magic shine through your lens.
Forgot something at home? No worries—there are several shops onboard with Disney Wish-exclusive merchandise, apparel, toiletries, and all the last-minute essentials you might need. Whether you're looking for a souvenir or just realized you forgot sunscreen, they've got you covered.
Packing Tips for Your Disney Wish Cruise
- Bring a refillable water bottle: There are water and soda stations onboard, and having a bottle with you saves money and reduces waste. Pro tip: bring one with a filter if you're picky about taste.
- Pack a small crossbody or lanyard pouch: These are perfect for holding your Key to the World card, photo ID, and phone while exploring the ship or ports.
- Don’t forget themed outfits: Coordinate for Pirate Night, Marvel Day at Sea (if applicable), or even character color schemes for cute photo ops and DisneyBounding moments.
- Bring motion sickness remedies: Even if you don’t usually get seasick, it’s best to be prepared—whether it’s ginger chews, SeaBands, or Dramamine.
- Pins & Lanyards for Trading: While pin trading isn’t as active on cruises as in the parks, kids (and adults!) still love trading with cast members or other guests.
- Don’t forget laundry items: Disney ships have self-service laundry rooms. Bring detergent pods or travel-size detergent and dryer sheets if you plan on doing a mid-cruise wash.
- Portable phone charger: Between taking photos and checking the DCL Navigator app, your phone will be working hard. Bring a power bank to stay charged without running back to your room.
- Magnets for stateroom door: Decorating your door with themed magnets is a fun cruise tradition—plus it helps kids spot your door more easily!
Ready to Plan Your Disney Wish Cruise?
As a Disney travel advisor (and fellow Disney fan!), I’d love to help you book and plan every part of your Disney Wish Cruise—at no extra cost.
Let’s take the stress out of the process and make your sailing smooth, magical, and unforgettable.
✨ There is no additional cost to you for planning your trip with me!
