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First look: We got early access to Disney Cruise Line's first new ship in 10 years

Ashley Kosciolek

As Mickey Mouse would say, "Oh boy!"

For the first time in a decade, Disney Cruise Line is debuting a new ship, and — as we saw during an exclusive sneak peek on Tuesday — it's truly spectacular.

Christened Wednesday at Port Canaveral in Florida, 2,500-passenger Disney Wish (4,000 at total occupancy) offers everything from a "Star Wars"-themed bar and a waterslide that features animation to a revamped kids club and interactive "Frozen"- and Marvel-themed restaurants.

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As you can see in our first-look array of Disney Wish photos below, it's a vessel heavy on technology, as well as magic.

Scroll down for TPG's exclusive Disney Wish first look in photos. We'll be posting lots more live from the ship over the next four days as Disney holds a preview event for the media in advance of the ship's first sailings with paying passengers next month.

When you first board Disney Wish, you'll be welcomed by cast members (Disney's term for crew and other employees) with a booming announcement as you step into the Grand Hall. It's a sweeping three-deck Cinderella-themed atrium with a stage area, balconies and bejeweled staircases. There's also a bronze sculpture of Cinderella herself and a chandelier that was constructed to look like an upside-down version of her twirling dress.

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Disney isn't just for kids. In that vein, there are plenty of bars for adults to grab a drink. But this is Disney, after all, so you should fully expect that many libations will come with a bit of fanfare -- and a price tag to match.

Perhaps the most anticipated watering hole on the vessel is the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge. The premise is that you're on a luxury ride between galaxies; every few minutes, the screen behind the bar jumps to a different location at hyperspeed.

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Another great bar that's worth a visit is The Bayou. With its New Orleans vibe, it's an obvious tie-in to "The Princess and the Frog," boasting earthy tones and a ceiling overflowing with flowers. Rumor has it that you can also find beignets at this outpost.

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Disney Cruise Line's Oceaneer Club is for kids aged 3 to 12. There's also the Small World Nursery for little ones aged 6 months to 3 years. Offerings include a nursery area with cribs; Mickey & Minnie Captain's Deck, a nautically themed playground; an Imagineering Lab for creative activities; Star Wars Cargo Bay, a "Star Wars"-themed play area; and other spaces that feature Princesses, Marvel superheroes and more.

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Kids can reach the Oceaneer Club in one of several ways, but usually their preferred method is the slide, located in the Grand Hall. (Don't worry, parents. There are stairs for you.)

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For tweens and teens, there are Edge and Vibe, where the 11-14 and 14-17 crowds can chill with video games, coffee and mocktail bars and a less organized "come and go as you please" setup. Vibe is equipped with a side room that can be separated for use by 18- to 20-year olds who are too old for the kids club but too young to hang out at adult bars.

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Dining is always a production on a Disney Cruise -- and that's a good thing. Disney Wish offers three new main dining room concepts, including 1923, an ode to old Hollywood and the golden age of animation; Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, which celebrates Anna and Kristoff's upcoming nuptials; and World of Marvel, where diners find themselves and their ship shrunken by Ant-Man after a Quantum Core mishap.

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Attractions and public spaces

On Disney Wish, the main pool deck features four tiered pools. There's also a splash area for kids.

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Another one of Disney Wish's highlights is the AquaMouse water slide. Billed as the line's first at-sea attraction, it's a combination of watery fun and animation that both kids and adults will love.

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For anyone who needs some relaxation after a day riding AquaMouse, Senses Spa offers a complete menu of spa treatments. For the first time, the space also has an outdoor area with loungers and hot tubs.

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Entertainment is everywhere on Disney Wish. With that in mind, there are several theaters and lounges that house everything from major Broadway-caliber productions and game shows to trivia and movies.

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For a sweet treat, including gelato, macarons and more, check out Joyful Sweets, near the pool deck.

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Feeling like you need a refresh? Captain Hook now has his very own barbershop for the fellas, and women can head to the Untangled Salon to be coiffed and manicured. For kids, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is the place to be. Parents, be warned: makeovers for your minis don't come cheap.

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A new feature for Disney Cruise Line, the Hero Zone is a multipurpose space that serves as Disney Wish's basketball court and a venue for a new inflatable play area that's set up at select times on each sailing. It also hosts Jack Jack's Incredible Diaper Dash, where parents enter the littlest cruisers into an adorable race.

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Although Disney Wish offers mainly short voyages, anyone needing to do laundry on the ship can take advantage of onboard launderettes, like this one located on Deck 8.

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For more adult respite, seek out the Quiet Cove, which offers pool, hot tub, lounge and bar areas just for grownups. The super-luxe ambiance will leave you feeling refreshed for sure.

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This balcony cabin sleeps two, but there are several options for families that sleep up to five, as well as connecting cabins that make it easy for larger families or groups to travel together.

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Disney Wish is replete with suite options, including Concierge Suites and two-deck options like the Aurora Suite and the Tower Suite. The first has access to a dedicated Concierge Lounge, while the the last has three bedrooms and 3.5 baths and is built into the vessel's fake funnel. The Tower Suite is the most expensive accommodation on the ship, running several thousand dollars per night.

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Disney Wish has taken Disney Cruise Line's Midship Detective Agency to a whole new level with Uncharted Adventure, a high-tech cell phone-based interactive game that takes participants around the ship in search of clues. It's not quite ready yet, but a demo was set up for us by a team of Imagineers during the preview sailing.

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Miscellaneous

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Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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The Disney Wish Cruise Ship: Our Photos and an Honest Review

The Disney Wish is the fifth custom-built ship to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joining the smaller Disney Magic (1998), Disney Wonder (1999), Disney Dream (2011), and  Disney Fantasy (2012). Maiden voyage: July 14, 2022 Size: 144,000 gross tons Length: 1,119 feet (341 m) Number of decks: 15 Number of cabins: 1,254 Number of cabins with Verandas: 877 Number of connecting doors to double cabin space: 451 Inside cabins: 121 Number of passengers at capacity: 4,000 Number of crew: 1,555 Year built: 2022

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

When you board the ship, a crew member will announce you by name to everyone in the Grand Hall, which is at the heart of the ship. That charming welcome is extended on all the Disney ships, but the Wish is the first to add a little performance balcony overlooking it all and a stage that can be used for various character appearances and diversions over the course of the cruise.

Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Most Disney cruises go to warm climates, so of course everyone wants to know what the pool decks look like. This is the main one on the Wish : Scattered across tiers on several levels, you'll find six pools—all of them small, all of them shallow (usually 2 feet deep), and each equipped with a lifeguard despite the pools' teeny sizes. (The generous supply of lifeguards was a running gag in our group: "Last night at dinner, the waiter poured me a cup of water and a lifeguard showed up!") Skirting the high levels of the decks is AquaMouse , a two-rider raft flume that goes uphill and downhill and passes through a clear portion of tube that ventures briefly over the ocean. The company is marketing the ride as the "first Disney attraction at sea," but really, it's pretty much like AquaDuck, which already exists on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. The difference is that AquaMouse has   some added cartoon segments in the lift hill tunnel of the ride. It's easygoing fun and not too scary, but it's still AquaDuck plus screens.  Slide-a-saurus Rex , visible in yellow, is a basic helix-shaped slide. Not pictured, and located on the other side of that funnel, is the  Toy Story Splash Zone , which is the toddler area. Built under a ledge to shelter young skin from strong sunlight, the zone features gently moving, bubbling, and spraying water, all themed after the film franchise.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

At night, the main pools can be covered and turned into cinemas or performance zones, such as for the Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Party , during which a band of melodious pirates plays '80s hits (somehow, the mash-up works) and host a brief fireworks show over the sea.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Some of the most hyped elements of the Disney Wish are its restaurants. This one has an awkward name that most passengers forgo in favor of calling it "the Avengers restaurant." Dinner is interspersed with video of Paul Rudd and Evangeline Lilly delivering gentle, Burns and Allen–style banter as Ant-Man and the Wasp.

There's a plot involving your dinner and the cruise ship itself. Kids are encouraged to help save everyone from a supervillain by pressing a button on their dinner table "Quantum Core" centerpieces—the least stressful way to vanquish a villain, really.  The food you're served doesn't play with Ant-Man 's size-shifting theme in the way that Disney California Adventure's Pym Test Kitchen does, which is a missed opportunity. But the Avengers restaurant still delivers a pleasant dinner, even if most of the innovation lies in watching screens. My 13-year-old nephew, who I brought with me on my cruise, said this was one of his top three experiences on the Disney Wish . He loved the interactivity with the Quantum Core. He even ordered a kiddle mocktail in a light-up version of the Quantum Core (for an added fee). This is only one of the speciality restaurants you'll go to over the course of your cruise. A key feature of Disney Cruise Line is that your party is scheduled to eat at all the big themed restaurants over the course of a vacation—there are no surcharges for the privilege, and you're accompanied by the same waitstaff so kids and crew can get to know each other over time.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

The Arendelle restaurant is closer to a traditional dinner theatre. Positioned on a low deck at the back of the ship, it's a dining hall with a central platform stage. Here the main characters from the Frozen franchise gather to celebrate Anna and Kristoff's wedding and sing a few songs. Olaf doesn't get to sing "In Summer" himself, but he does make an appearance in another way.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Olaf shows up on a dessert cart, chaperoned by Arendelle shopkeeper Oaken, to interact with guests as they dine. The other Frozen characters arrive on their own two feet, which makes Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure a lot like the character meet-and-greet meals that are popular in the Disney theme parks. (No, Disney star Jonathan Bassett, who is talking to Olaf here, is not part of the dinner show cast—he just happened to be one of the many people sailing on the Disney Wish with us.) Each specialty dining location has its own menu of specialty cocktails for adults—the Frozen Fractals concoction is bright blue and twinkles in the light when you stir. And the Arendelle dinner is distinguished by another cruise ship innovation: It's the first restaurant I know that has been configured to usher guests to exit through a souvenir shop.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

After the excitement of the Avengers and Arendelle, the third major restaurant, 1923, is likely to bore small kids. Its main appeal is class—and that's for the adults. This restaurant has two halves, Walt Disney and Roy Disney, which are stylistically similar and identical of menu.  The adult beverages are less twee than at the other restaurants. This drink, the Buena Vista Boulevardier, is a blend of rye, Campari, and Lillet Rouge topped with a chocolate disk. That's a combo ($12 on our sailing) that we wouldn't have thought of ourselves, but it worked very nicely.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

There are a few restaurants you have to pay extra to access. One of them is the steakhouse, Palo, which has splendid wraparound ocean views, costs $45 per person, has a dress code, and is only for diners aged 18 and older. You'll need to make reservations. One additional waiter-service restaurant is even more exclusive: Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement (dinner: an extra $125–$195 per person) is an intimate high-deck space with ocean views that's intended to woo high-spending adults with specialty ingredients and award-level preparation. Other Disney ships have Remy for their special-occasion meal services; the Wish has Enchanté. Most families won't see the inside of either.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Most mega cruise ships have a buffet where you can go without having reservations for all three meals. For the Disney Wish , that space is Marceline, wrapping around the aft section of deck 11. The setup is as regular cruisers expect: various stations serving various genres of food. The food is included in your cruise fare, sodas and juices are free, and there's a bar where you can pay for alcohol or specialty coffee.  We were surprised and pleased to find some atypical items here: Most American cruise ships don't serve congee and fried rice for breakfast (though both dishes are popular morning options in Asia), but the Disney Wish does. So if you get weary of standing in line for bacon and those ever-popular Mickey waffles, you can dip into the alternative fare. Sometimes, Marceline will close for a few hours in mid-afternoon, but you won't go hungry: Near the pools, there are stations for burgers and hot dogs, pizza, burritos and tacos, and barbecue to fill the hours between restaurant seatings.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Disney's kids' clubs truly set the cruise line apart from its competitors. Instead of installing casinos aboard ships, Disney gives all that space to children, and the kids-only areas are kitted out like no other line's.

This is the slide from the Grand Hall to the Oceaneer Club, geared toward kids aged 3 to 12.

And just take a look at some of the rooms inside. The next few photos were taken in the Oceaneer Club—no grown-ups allowed except to drop off or pick up their offspring.

he Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Oceaneer Club has several major elements. One of them is Fairytale Hall, a hub for crafts and storytelling, which itself has three parts: Belle's Library, Anna and Elsa's Sommerhus , and Rapunzel's Art Studio (pictured). 

he Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Another section exclusively for kids aged 3 to 12, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab lets kids approximate what it's like to be one of Disney's famous Imagineers. Youngsters get to design a roller coaster they can then ride (safely) in a small motion simulator. Sorcerer Mickey also makes character appearances here occasionally. 

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Also in the no-adults-allowed club for kids aged 3 to 12, the Marvel Super Hero Academy looks cool enough when it's dormant, but at appointed times, it mounts "Avengers: Mission Training," which Disney calls "a gesture-based game where [players] put their new suits and skills to the test as they virtually battle bad guys." An appearance by Black Panther often figures into the game.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Above, here's more of that delicious Star Wars -themed area for kids.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Kids aged 11 to 14 (including those who qualify for the huge Oceaneer Club but prefer a hangout that's more intimate and ocean-facing) can visit Edge , a zone dedicated to them that's fashioned after an urban loft. There's a stylized Mickey Mouse statue here that proved popular for photos.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

The club for the oldest kids is Vibe , high up on the 12th deck with great ocean views befitting kids who want to feel like they're having a cruise experience. Vibe's official age range is 14 to 17, but staff members have discretion to stretch that minimum age downward if your kid is a grown-up 13. That was the case with my nephew, who later declared Vibe his favorite space on the Disney Wish —he especially loved the coffee machine.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Hero Zone , a few steps from Vibe, is the ship's all-purpose sports center. Here, it's set for basketball below, but there are a few table games (like puck slides) on the mezzanine.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

For preannounced time slots, the inflatable Incredi-Course fills the Hero Zone for obstacle challenges. (The course is packed away most of the time.)

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

One more kids' space before we move on to grown-up diversions: The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique presents essentially the same royal makeovers for kids as its counterparts at the Disney theme parks do. Makeovers start at around $200, and a few of the dresses offered to kids are exclusive to Disney Cruise Line. 

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

There's a serious salon for adults, too. That's Untangled Salon (pictured above), and, a few steps away, it has a tiny pirate-themed counterpart for men in Hook's Barbery .  And while there isn't a casino on board, there is the Senses Spa as well as a Senses Fitness center. 

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

There are plenty of bars on board (although some are for beer and wine only, and one caters to those seeking healthy juices and drinks), but the most ballyhooed is Hyperspace Lounge . Like the adult-only Skyline Lounge on Disney's Fantasy and Dream , the main feature is a large back wall where giant images are regularly changed.

But instead of showing world cities, as on the other ships, Hyperspace Lounge pauses to linger at computer-animated stops across a Star Wars– themed galaxy. Every so often, you hear a rattling sound, the stars streak across the screen just like when spaceships hit hyperspace in the movies, and you're delivered to a new vista for a while.

Yes, there's a little-ordered $5,000 drink that distracted much of the travel press in its coverage, but otherwise the experience for regular drinks (generally $10–$20 each) falls short. There are blue ice cubes. There's a well-used smoker gun. There are designs on foam that only show up under a UV light that your server shines before walking away again (so you'd better take a picture while the waiter is there).

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

But to me, Hyperspace Lounge is another missed opportunity. The décor, for example, has none of the excitement or detail of the  Star Wars : Cargo Bay kids' area we showed you earlier. In fact, although the two spaces are only a few decks apart, they look like they were designed by two disconnected teams with vastly different budgets.

The Hyperspace ceiling is mostly plain, and some of the only flourishes meant to signify galactic panache are some tanks of bubbling water. Oga's Cantina uses those at Galaxy's Edge at the Disney parks, too, but as part of an eye-pleasing riot of steampunk decoration. Hyperspace Lounge has no characters, and the drink recipes are so complex that servers have a hard time keeping up with demand.

The bar also suffers from its own promotion: It simply isn't large enough for everyone who wants to get in, so securing a time slot adds a level of red tape that frequent guests of the Disney parks will know well—you might have to drop by several times before you finally score. Most adults' drinking time will be spent in other spaces.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

The Bayou (pictured above) is right outside Hyperspace Lounge's closed "airlock" door, so don't be surprised if you end up here after failing to get into Hyperspace Lounge. The Bayou lacks direct ocean views but it has musicians at night. Around the corner,  Nightingale's is an intimate ocean-facing piano bar (most likely to be open in the evening and later). The three cocktail locations form a little hub for entertainment on deck 3.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

The nautical-themed Keg & Compass, on deck 5, is the ship's equivalent of a sports bar—it's where games and broadcast events are likely to be shown. There are a few beers on tap that are brewed expressly for the Disney Wish .

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Triton Lounge  (pictured above), across the corridor from Keg & Compass on deck 5, has the perfect setup for comedy or cabaret, but there was none scheduled on my abbreviated preview cruise.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Luna , spanning decks 4 and 5, is a space that was created for the Wish . Luna functions as a lavish cabaret-like performance space. Disney says it will transition from family entertainment during the day to adult-oriented entertainment by night. 

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Another perk of Disney Cruise Line ships: Since Disney owns the rights to a significant chunk of American popular entertainment, ships can show vacationers the same movies that are simultaneously playing in the movie theaters on land. Don't go to the movies right before boarding the Disney Wish. Save your money, because at least two current selections will be playing repeatedly, day and night, in the two classy screening rooms on deck 4.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Disney cruises are also known for their top-tier stage shows, and the biggest ones are mounted nightly in the Walt Disney Theatre (1,274 seats, with a balcony). The company manages to hire some of the best young voices in the business, and true to form, some of the singers on the Wish will give you goosebumps. Sets and costumes are also among the most impressive you'll find on the seas.

Most entertainment is geared to reinforcing the company's most popular stories and songs. On the Wish , the three main shows during the maiden voyage were new stagings of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin as well as a jukebox revue of Disney hits. The presentation is far beyond what other lines can do, and it's fun—as long as you like seeing the Disney canon again and again. Most kids do.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

There's plenty of shopping, of course, across multiple stores that are priced everywhere from the high end to the really high end. There's also plenty of merch that's specific to the Disney Wish , from clothing to toys—Disney knows its fans love to collect souvenirs from across its range of businesses.  This is the largest shop, but there are several spread around the ship, from the pool deck to the entertainment zone.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

There's also a sizable laundry room, and not a miserable closet like some ships give you. Someone at Disney HQ must have had a great sense of humor to give the room this name—fairy-tale princess Cinderella worked hard to meet a prince so she could get out of doing laundry. Still, it's a well-equipped facility and you can charge everything to your room card. (Pro tip: Make sure to twist the knob on the dryer to increase your dry time before pressing the start button; otherwise you may end up paying for a 1-minute cycle.)

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Now for a quick look at a stateroom. You can see the shelves to the right, but there are also two closets (including a safe) behind that built-in. Make sure to specify how many people you need your room to accommodate—some units have pullout sofas, some have drop-down cots, and some don't. If your party can't fit in one cabin, you can rent adjoining ones. Beds have night-lights for individual reading plus convenient outlets (both electrical and USB) for charging things bedside. The TV has a full menu of Disney movies for free streaming, which is nice. But we sometimes had a hard time contacting our porter to make simple requests: The phone system routed all our requests to the general switchboard. On one occasion that resulted in a 20-minute hold just to ask for our room's Murphy bed to be opened.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

The desk drawers contain a hair dryer, so you don't have to pack one. There's a European-style pin outlet, too, plus some more U.S./Canada-style outlets and some additional USB ports.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

The shower/tub room is separate from the cubicle with the toilet (and both of them have sinks), so families can maximize their morning routines. 

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Naturally, there are some very lush suite options for people with the spending cash. These rooms all come with concierges and access to private areas that people in standard cabins can't use.

The most notable of these lavish quarters is the Wish Tower Suite , which is installed in the forward funnel. It turns out the front smokestack isn't a smokestack at all and is just there for looks—or for your own private 1,966-square-foot duplex suite. No other cruise ship has a luxury suite in one of the funnels. True, the location means views of the ocean aren't as expansive as in the other types of suites, but the bragging rights are unparalleled.  The price for a typical 3-night sailing is $21,000, so just keep on wishing.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Like most modern cruise ships, the Disney Wish could use a few more quiet spaces to sit and read. There are small ship-side promenades on decks 4 and 5 that don't encircle the ship, and of course there are heaps of loungers in the sun on the top decks. The higher you go, away from the pools, the more likely you'll find a free chair.

I'm partial to these cozy porthole seats off the Grand Hall on deck 3. But when you find yourself searching the ship for a quiet place to sit, you realize that Disney Cruise Line seems to be walking away from its original mandate. When the brand emerged in the late 1990s, it intentionally focused on smaller ships with an old-world ocean liner vibe. The Disney Wish leaves that behind—it's a megaship, jangling like a jukebox, abandoning the antique dignity of bygone sea voyages.

The Disney Wish: Real Photos (Not Staged) of what the Cruise Ship is Like

Disney Cruise Line is already a premium-priced product, and the Wish , being its newest and hottest ship, is priced the highest. (For lower prices, choose older ships.) For October 2022 sailings, a typical price for a 3-night sailing would be $2,140 for two guests. (All cabins are priced per person, double occupancy.) But don't quote us on that, because the prices are ever-shifting depending on date and cabin category. Generally speaking, a Verandah stateroom, which has a small balcony, is $100–$200 more than an Oceanview cabin, which just has a window. There are a few inside cabins with a screen that displays what's outside the ship at any given moment, and those are about $100–$200 less than an Oceanview room. The fare includes meals and basic nonalcoholic drinks (including on Castaway Cay) as well as live entertainment, youth clubs, and access to the water slides. Special activities may be charged. Disney Wish 's inaugural season is comprised of 3- and 4-night cruises to Nassau in the Bahamas and to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (pictured above). Cruises depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, which is an hour's drive east of Orlando.

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Check Out Actual PHOTOS of Disney’s New Cruise Ship, the ‘Wish’

By Sara McOmber Leave a Comment

In case you haven’t heard, Disney is building a NEW cruise ship, called the Disney  Wish . This ship looks like the fanciest one yet, with new dining experiences and shows , adults-only areas and kids’ clubs , and the first-ever Disney attraction at sea !

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Disney ‘Wish’ Cruise Ship

We’ve brought you all kinds of information about the Wish , from details about the new offerings onboard to updates on bookings and itineraries . But now we’re bringing you a NEW look at this ship, with actual photos of the Wish in the shipyard where it’s being built in Germany!

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First of all, we’d like to give a huge shoutout and thank you to Stephan Schröder , one of our readers who lives in Germany and sent us these photos! The Disney  Wish is being built at the Meyer Werft Shipyard, which is located in Papenburg, Germany.

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The Disney ‘Wish’

From the photos, you can see the AquaMouse (the first-ever Disney attraction at sea) located up on the top deck of the ship. And if you look closely at the back, you’ll see Rapunzel painting the ship’s name on the stern .

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A look at the front

The  Wish has 15 passenger decks , and it’ll be the biggest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet . Onboard, there are 3 brand-new restaurants , including one with a  Frozen theme and another with a Marvel theme !

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It’s BIG!

We also got a look at the front of the ship, which has an image of Captain Minnie , along with other Disney characters and some scroll designs. Minnie debuted as a captain of Disney’s cruise ships in 2019 as part of an initiative to inspire “the next generation of female leaders.” She’s taking the helm of this newest ship, and you’ll be able to meet her and other characters onboard .

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It’s Captain Minnie!

We’re excited to see the rest of the ship when it sets sail this summer ! The Disney Wish will set sail on her maiden voyage on July 14th of this year . You can book your voyage now if you’re hoping to sail on this new ship.

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It’s setting sail soon!

Keep following DFB for more updates on the Disney  Wish and other Disney news!

Click here to take a full virtual tour of the Disney Wish .

What You Need to Know About Disney Cruise Line

Learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

Are you going to sail on the Disney  Wish ? Let us know in the comments!

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The New Disney Wish Will Be the Most Magical Ship at Sea — Take a Look Inside

Disney Cruise Line just unveiled details about its newest ship, including the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, Frozen - and Marvel-themed dining experiences, and an adults-only Star Wars lounge.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

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The Disney Wish is going to be Disney Cruise Line's most magical ship yet, and we're giving you a first look at all the incredible experiences guests will find on board. Setting sail July 14, 2022, the Disney Wish is packed with firsts that Disney fans will love, including the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, a Frozen -themed theatrical dining experience, a Marvel dinner adventure, an Imagineering lab for kids, and an adults-only Star Wars lounge. And it doesn't stop there — the ship's staterooms (including four stunning royal suites) are absolutely dreamy, with fairy-tale touches that reflect the ship's overall motif of enchantment.

Travel + Leisure talked to Laura Cabo, portfolio creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering, about the new ship's creation and design. Cabo said the cruise is a uniquely intimate experience because once guests board, they never have to leave the Disney magic — "guests get to live and dine and play with our characters."

Cabo said enchantment is a hallmark of the Disney brand, and it guides every experience and space they create for guests on board, with designs focusing on fairy-tale castles, forests and animals, and the spirit of the sea. From the moment guests walk into the castle-like Great Hall, they're entering the universe of beloved Disney stories and the world of the ports they're sailing to.

She said the ship's name — the Disney Wish — reflects all those fairy-tale characters guests will see throughout the ship, like Rapunzel and Cinderella, and the excitement that guests feel when their dreams come true through these enchanted experiences. All the Disney ships offer magical experiences and fantastic storytelling, but this new ship provided a great opportunity to tell beloved Disney stories in a new and exciting way, according to Cabo.

"With the Disney Wish, we're continuing our tradition of delivering the most magical and relaxing vacations at sea, combining legendary service and entertainment with imaginative storytelling and all the care you expect from a Disney vacation," said Josh D'Amaro, chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products, in a statement shared with T+L. "Our newest ship will celebrate everything that families love about sailing with us, from the incredible dining experiences and character interactions, to dazzling shows and the crew's thoughtful attention to detail. We can't wait to welcome our guests aboard the Disney Wish as we expand the reach of our world-class fleet."

The Disney Wish will embark on its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, and it will offer three- and four-night itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida to Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. Bookings will open to the public in less than a month on May 27, 2021.

Here are some of the incredible new experiences guests can look forward to on the Disney Cruise Line's newest ship.

All-new Dining Experiences on the Disney Wish

A trio of new family-friendly restaurants offer totally unique dining experiences. Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure will invite guests to Queen Anna and Kristoff's royal engagement party, picking up where "Frozen 2" left off. A theater-in-the-round style venue will bring the story to life with sing-a-longs, a true-to-scale Olaf puppet, and panoramic windows that will transform from ocean views to the northern lights.

Worlds of Marvel will put guests at the center of an Avengers adventure with a menu inspired by the superhero films. And 1923, a restaurant named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded, will combine old Hollywood glamour with Disney animation. It will feature a California-inspired menu.

Adult guests will get to enjoy a set of exclusive dining experiences on board the Disney Wish, too, including Star Wars : Hyperspace Lounge, an elegant bar serving drinks inspired by the films. The lounge's interior is "inspired by lavish star cruisers similar to Dryden Vos's ship in 'Solo: A Star Wars Story,'" according to a press release shared with T+L. Guests will be transported to iconic locations from the Star Wars universe, with views from a virtual "window" into the action, a holotube presenting holographic models of other starships, and surround-sound audio.

Finally, three adults-only venues inspired by "Beauty and the Beast" will offer upscale dining in beautiful settings. Palo Steakhouse, inspired by Cogsworth, will offer a selection of Italian dishes and incredible steaks. Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement will be the most luxurious option on board, with a gourmet menu crafted by the three-Michelin-starred chef and touches inspired by Lumiere. The Rose, located at the entrance of these two venues, will offer a magical spot for drinks and small plates.

The First-ever Disney Attraction at Sea: AquaMouse

One of the most exciting "firsts" on board the Disney Wish is the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. AquaMouse is a family water attraction that brings Mickey shorts to life, and it will include show scenes, lighting and special effects, and more throughout its 760 feet of tubes perched above the upper decks. Guests will board two-seater vehicles and ascend into the Mickey cartoon world of a new animated short called "Scuba Scramble." They'll zip through tunnels and up and down speed blasters before reaching a loop over the edge of the ship where they'll see clear views down to the ocean.

The fun doesn't end there. The Wish will have more pools and deck space than any other Disney ship, including a Toy Story Splash Zone for children. And only adults can access the Quiet Cove, an 18+ area complete with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, cafe, and bar.

Enchanting Staterooms and Suites on the Disney Wish

The accommodations on board the Disney Wish will feature artwork and designs inspired by beloved fairy tales like Cinderella and include ample rooms for guests to store their luggage and relax. The ship has 1,254 staterooms, most of which will offer an ocean view, with the option to connect many rooms for larger groups traveling together. The new ship will offer more concierge staterooms than any other ship; 76 concierge staterooms and suites will have spacious accommodations inspired by "Tangled." These include one-bedroom concierge suites and the first-ever staterooms located above the bridge, which will offer incredible ocean views with floor-to-ceiling windows. Four royal suites inspired by "Sleeping Beauty" will offer unbeatable space and luxury.

There are two Princess Aurora Royal Suites and two Briar Rose Suites, and each pair includes a two-story and a single-story configuration. These suites have some truly incredible features, including a private hot tub on the veranda, two master bedrooms, and more, plus, the two-story suites will have floor-to-ceiling windows, a spiral staircase, and two-deck-high stained glass. The Concierge Lounge is also getting a sizable upgrade on the new ship — it will be more than three times the size of the lounges on other Disney ships — and it will offer a full bar, light bites, a kids' area, and a private sun deck with whirlpools, a wading pool, and more.

Entertainment on the Disney Wish

Disney Cruise Line ships are known for their world-class entertainment focusing on popular Disney stories, and the Disney Wish will take that to the next level with the fairy tale-inspired Grand Hall stage, celestial Luna venue, and the Hero Zone sports area. The Disney Wish will premiere two new stage shows (to be announced at a later date), and it will include an adaptation of "Disney's Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular." The ship will also have two cinemas and plenty more entertainment options on board.

Kids of all ages will love the themed spaces and fun programming available on the Disney Wish. The It's a Small World Nursery will cater to cruisers ages six months to three years, and Disney's Oceaneer Club will provide state-of-the-art areas for kids ages three to 12. These will include the Marvel Super Hero Academy, Fairytale Hall, and the new Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, where kids can learn Disney Imagineering secrets and design coasters at the Ride Studio. Edge caters to children ages 11 to 14 with a New York City-inspired space, and Vibe, an artsy Parisian hangout, is for teens 14 to 17.

Elizabeth Rhodes is an associate digital editor at Travel + Leisure who loves all things Disney. Follow her adventures on Instagram @elizabetheverywhere .

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11 things you'll be able to do on Disney's newest cruise that you can't do on any other ship

  • Disney Cruise Line recently announced details of its new ship, the Wish, which plans to sail in summer 2022.
  • The cruise ship will have three new dining options and Disney's first at-sea water attraction.
  • Its interactive "Frozen" dining experience will have a light show mimicking the Northern Lights.

Onboard the Wish, passengers can ride the first Disney attraction at sea — the AquaMouse.

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Many cruise ships have water slides, but most don't have music, characters, and special effects.

According to Disney, when passengers board the 760-foot-long AquaMouse , a water attraction on the Disney Cruise Line Wish ship, they'll get to experience one of two original storylines.

"Scuba Scramble" will take riders on an underwater adventure with Mickey and Minnie, and on "Swiss Meltdown," passengers are on a race against the sun to make it to the top of the Matterhorn mountain before the snow melts.

The action plays out on a series of video screens in the conveyor belt area that takes the raft up before passengers come splashing down, according to Disney.

The Wish will also have Disney Cruise Line's first two-story guest suites.

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Disney resorts offer a range of luxurious accommodations, such as Disney World's Cinderella Castle , and it appears that the exclusive two-story suites on the Wish ship will be no exception.

The Princess Aurora Royal Suites and Briar Rose Royal Suites, which are both themed to Disney's "Sleeping Beauty," each have two master bedrooms, living and dining areas, floor-to-ceiling windows, stained-glass artwork, a private hot tub on the veranda, according to Disney .

The Wish's third two-story suite, called the Wish Tower Suite, is also Disney Cruise Line's first suite located inside the ship's funnel . The Wish Suite has nearly 2,000 feet of living space and is themed around the 2016 Disney movie "Moana."

The ship's club for kids will let them design their own roller coaster and go for a virtual ride on their creation.

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Disney states that its Oceaneer Club — what Disney Cruise Line calls its onboard club for kids ages 3 to 12 — has been completely reimagined for the Disney Wish.

It will be the first on the cruise line to include the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, where kids can learn what it takes to create attractions for Disney parks.

"It's really taking our young cruisers behind the scenes and looking at how we create the magic and how we use our imaginations," Claire Weiss, a creative director with Walt Disney Imagineering, said during a Disney panel about the ship.

After designing a mockup of their own attraction, kids can virtually test out the rides, Weiss said.

The Disney Wish's Grand Hall will have an unexpected addition: a slide.

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According to Disney, the Wish ship's fairytale castle-inspired Grand Hall will not only include a balcony dedicated to character meet-and-greets, but it will also have a slide for kids to access the Oceaneer Club directly from the ballroom.

The ship will have a "Frozen"-themed dining experience where passengers can see a re-creation of the Northern Lights.

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The ship's dining experience, Arendelle: A "Frozen" Dining Adventure, is set to give a whole new meaning to "dinner and a show."

Rather than watching a stage show while eating dinner, guests get to be part of the fun.

Jimmy Lynett, a Disney Cruise Line cruise director, said during a media panel about the Wish ship that the attraction is Disney's first "Frozen" dining experience.

"We're going to be bringing to life the engagement celebration that our guests are invited to between Anna and Kristoff," Lynett said.

Guests can expect sing-alongs, table-side activities, and light effects that are designed to mimic the aurora borealis . 

The Wish will include another new restaurant called 1923, where guests can enjoy a meal surrounded by hundreds of Disney artifacts.

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Named for the year that The Walt Disney Company was founded, the 1923 restaurant celebrates the golden age of Hollywood and the magic of Disney animation.

Weiss said that the restaurant will house 900 props, maquettes, film cells, hand sketches, models, and other relics from Disney's history. 

"Guests will reside in this high-style Hollywood grand environment, but they will be surrounded by the instruments, the tools, and the history of The Walt Disney Studio," Weiss said.

According to Disney, the 1923 menu will include Asian, European, and South American-inspired flavors.

Guests can also take part in an "Avengers"-themed mission while dining.

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Worlds of Marvel will be Disney's first Marvel-themed dining experience at sea .

While helping out their favorite heroes with table-side activities, guests can dine on dishes inspired by locations relevant to characters and storylines in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Weiss said.

Adults can sip a drink in a futuristic "Star Wars"-themed area on the ship with windows that give the illusion of flying through space.

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The "Star Wars": Hyperspace Lounge transports 21-and-over passengers to a spaceship-themed bar. 

According to Disney, the lounge will have a panoramic "viewport" displaying familiar "Star Wars" planets, including Tatooine, Mustafar, Coruscant, and Batuu. The views will change every seven to 10 minutes, giving guests an otherworldly experience.

The Wish will have theater shows that are exclusive to the ship.

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Disney says that it is developing two new original stage shows for the Wish cruise ship but has not yet announced the themes or storylines.

The new shows will play along with a reimagined version of "Disney's 'Aladdin' — A Musical Spectacular." 

The performances will take place in an enchanted forest-themed theater inspired by the film "Fantasia." 

The Disney Wish will debut a brand-new interactive scavenger hunt that families can complete together.

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The Disney Wish will debut Uncharted Adventure, which Disney describes as an immersive, interactive scavenger hunt that will send families on a magical adventure all over the ship.

Passengers are tasked with helping Mickey and Minnie Mouse find a missing star to save the Disney universe, exploring characters and landscapes from films like "Finding Nemo," "Moana," and more along the way.

Guests can go at their own pace, and even if they don't complete every mission, all participants are invited to work as a team in a final challenge round.

The Wish will also have a family-friendly sports arena, "Toy Story" water play area for toddlers, and other activities that it says it will release as its planned maiden voyage in 2022 approaches.

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Disney Cruise Line's recent unveiling of renderings and designs of its newest ship is only a preview.

Ahead of its maiden voyage in summer 2022, Disney will continue releasing updates about the  Disney Wish on its website .

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EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Disney Cruise Photo Package – What You Need to Know

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If you’re about to, or thinking about going on a Disney cruise, you may be wondering which is the right photo option for you! 

Disney cruises offer several different photo package options, and to help you out, I have put together this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know, including;

  • An overview of Disney cruise photographers
  • How to find your Disney cruise photos
  • Whether the Disney cruise photos are any good
  • How to buy Disney cruise photos 
  • How much the packages cost
  • The Disney cruise photo book
  • How to get the most out of your Disney cruise photo package.

Let’s get into it!

Disney Cruise Photo Package Overview

Here is our complete guide to all the options of the Disney Cruise Photo Package to help you decide if it is worth it.

disneycruisephotopackage

Learn some things along the way which will help you make the most out of your Disney Cruise Photo Package.

Disney Cruise Photographers

Even in the Disney cruise port terminal, you will have your first chance to have a picture for your Disney cruise photo package.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be there for you while you are waiting to board.

When you board a Disney cruise the first thing you do is hand your Key To The World Card to be swiped to show you have entered the ship.

I have to confess I am not the most enthusiastic person about stopping for that embarkation photo.

However, it is often the very best one we have taken for the cruise. I know that feeling of just wanting to get on board the ship as soon as possible, but take a couple of minutes to stop for a photo and you will be glad that you did.

Photographers are everywhere on the ship.

Every character greeting you go to you will find a photographer. You can always use your own camera. However, there will also be a professional on hand.

They also set up lots of photo backgrounds around the ship.

You can even have your photo taken with the captain on certain sailings!

You can see which backgrounds they are setting up so you can choose which one you like.

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The lines for photography on a formal night on a Disney cruise are always the longest.

If you want a formal night photo be aware that you may be standing in line for quite a while.

101 Disney Cruise Tips You Need To Know

How Do You Find Your Disney Cruise Photos?

Disney Cruise Line makes it very easy for you to see your photos.

On every ship (exepct Disney Wish) on Deck 4, there is a Shutters photo area.

There you will find digital kiosks where you can view your photos.

All you need to do is swipe your Key To The World and all the photos which are in their system will be displayed.

How do they know who you are?

They have a digital facial recognition system which in theory puts all of your photos in your account so that you can view them on the kiosk.

disney cruise save money

I say in theory because it doesn’t always work.

If you think that photos are missing the Shutters staff can help you find them. Just inquire at the desk.

Another way to make sure that your photos definitely make it into your account is to hand the photographer your Key To The World Card.

This then links the photos with your account.

All of your Disney cruise photos used to be printed out.

This is not the case anymore.

They have gone fully digital and your photos are all available to view on the Shutters kiosk.

This is located on Deck 4 of all of the Disney ships (except Disney Wish).

Join my Disney Cruise Group for Tips and Free Giveaways!

Are The Disney Cruise Photos Any Good?

Photos are of course an amazing way to capture the memories of your Disney Cruise. My house is filled with photos from past cruises.

The photographers are generally good. Not outstanding.

However, given that they are working quickly and often with very large parties, they do a good job. They have the advantage over you in that they have worked out the lighting and the best angles.

You really should have as many photos taken as you can just so you can see which ones you like.

Having said that I am not a big fan of the backgrounds that Shutters use sometimes.

The borders around the photos are often just not to my taste.

Unfortunately, you do not have the option to choose to remove or change the borders. I am not sure why in the age of digital ease but you get what you are given with the borders.

I am sure that one day soon that will change but at the moment there is no option to choose a different one.

It’s great also that you actually get a complete family or group photo.

I know that there are such things as selfie sticks but nothing beats a great photo of the whole family having fun on a Disney cruise.

If Minnie Mouse is with you then that’s even better!

How Do You Buy Disney Cruise Photos?

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There are a number of ways that you can buy Disney cruise photos.

If you know you are going to want a Disney cruise photo package then the best way is to purchase it online before you sail on your cruise.

You can do this up to 48 hours before you sail. See below for prices and the Shutters website.

You can also buy a package or individual photo at any time that the Shutters desk is open. Just like anything on a Disney cruise, the amount will be charged automatically to your onboard stateroom account.

What you absolutely must do is purchase the photos that you want whilst you are still onboard your Disney cruise.

Once you have left the ship it is too late.

There is no going back to reorder!

My advice is to choose whatever photos you want prior to the last evening on the ship.

If you try and buy on the last evening of your cruise you are going to be with crowds of people and wait in a long line.

Just really try and avoid it.

That is not how you want to spend the last evening on your cruise.

Disney Cruise Line Photo Package For More Than One Stateroom

This is where people get very confused.

However, it’s simple if you break it down!

Often families or groups stay in more than one stateroom on a Disney cruise

They want to know how to make the Disney cruise line photo package work most economically for them.

The general rule is that it is one package per stateroom. Say you have one stateroom with your kids and the grandparents have a separate stateroom.

This is a pretty common setup on a Disney cruise.

However, you can’t combine a Disney Cruise Photo Package with two staterooms (with certain exceptions I will explain below).

Say for your embarkation photo you have a group photo with all the family. Parents, kids, and grandparents. Just the parents get the package.

The picture will show up in the parent’s and the grandparent’s accounts on the Shutters kiosk.

Facial recognition or the swiping of the Key To The World will make sure they know who you are.

However, if the parents have bought a package they can get it for their account. The grandparents can’t.

If the grandparents decide to get a photo of just the two of them it will not be on the account if just the parents bought it for their stateroom.

Remember. It’s about the stateroom – if you don’t have someone in the photo who has a package it will not be included in the package.

However, if the grandparents decide to get a photo with the kids, that photo will be included on the parent’s stateroom account.

It’s all about who is in the photo.

The package is exclusive to the stateroom but just so long as someone from that stateroom is in the picture and you have bought a package, it will be available as part of what you bought.

There is an exception.

A lot of families travel with parents in one stateroom and kids in another. Just so long as there is one person over 18 in each stateroom this is allowed.

The exception for kids being in another stateroom is for any “children” aged under 21. This is a great exception if you are traveling with older offspring as well!

If you have 2 or more staterooms and your children aged 17 or under are in a stateroom they will be included in the package. That’s easy.

How does this work?

Let’s say Dad is in one room with the 5-year-old and Mom is in the other stateroom with the 12-year-old. If Mom or Dad had a Disney cruise photo package linked to their stateroom, pictures from both staterooms would be included.

To make sure this works you do have to visit Shutters on the first day of your Disney cruise. They can explain what the position is.

disney photo packages

There is another way to get a discount if your family is traveling in 2 staterooms. The first stateroom can buy the Disney cruise photo package online.

Then once you get on board the second stateroom family can buy the package at a 50% discount.

However, this isn’t quite as good as it sounds.

This is 50% of the onboard price. Therefore you do not get 50% off the online discounted rate. You get 50% off the higher price onboard. It is still a discount. Just perhaps not as great as it seems at first.

How Much Do Disney Cruise Photo Packages Cost?

Disney cruise photo package

When it comes to the price of the Disney cruise photo packages, there are several different options. 

The first option is to buy individual prints. This is where Disney will print your selected photos for you, which you can take as a keepsake from your magical cruise. 

Alternatively, rather than receiving hard copies of the photos, you can opt for the digital option. This means you choose which photos you would like to buy, but they are sent to you digitally for you to print how you wish. 

Typically, both the digital and photo prints are billed similarly. The prices for the different options are as follows; 

Furthermore, if you do not wish to select just a few photos from your cruise, you can opt for a length of sailing Disney Cruise Photo Package!

This package gives you access to every single photo you take while on board on a USB, which can be exceptional value for money if you end up taking many photos. 

If you pay for your package before your sailing, you can expect the following prices:

However, if you pay onboard, the prices will be slightly higher: 

Disney Cruise Photo Book

disney cruise photos packages

Another great option is the Disney Cruise Photo Book.

The price if you buy it online at Our Cruise Photos is $139.95.

If you purchase it onboard it is $149.95

There is also a Shipping Charge of $10 for the Continental United States, Alaska & Hawaii.

All other countries are $15.

You can add up to 34 photos to your Disney Cruise Photo Book.

This is a really good way to make sure that you get a good selection of your Disney cruise photos to keep.

It’s a lot of fun putting together your Disney Cruise Photo Book. You can do this at the Shutters kiosk.

It’s easy to change photos in and out of your Disney Cruise Photo Album and arrange them on the page as you want to. Don’t leave this until the last moment.

The Shutters area on the Disney ships is very crowded on the last evening. Don’t leave it that late.

I suggest that you keep looking at your photos every day so you know what is there and start arranging them in the Disney Cruise Photo Book. You do not want to be leaving all of this to the last evening of the cruise.

Shutters will be crammed full of people on the final evening and you may feel pressured to get it done. It’s a lot easier to do it a bit at a time. You can always rearrange things if you get photos that you prefer.

I actually think that the Photo Book is a reasonable option as you do get to have a lot of printed memories for a reasonable price. However, if you prefer to put your pictures on display this is obviously not the best option as they are all in a book.

How To Get The Most Out of Your Disney Cruise Photo Package

A Disney Cruise Photo Package is pricey. There is no denying that. Some people think it is an amazing value. Others think it is a huge expense. Only you can decide which view is your view.

However, if you do decide to get the Disney Cruise Photo Package there are ways to make it more valuable.

By getting more photos taken.

It is one thing to pay $349.95 for 10 photos on a USB but quite another if you get 100 photos!

How can you maximize the number of photos in your Disney Cruise Package? There are so many photo ops you really can go all out and maximize it.

We have heard of guests having 800 photos on a 14-night cruise.

Not sure if you would actually get a chance to sleep if you were having your photo taken that many times. However, it definitely is possible.

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The secret is planning.

You know that every day on the cruise there will be photographers out setting up backgrounds.

Go and take a walk before the first seating of dinner and see what your options are.

Arrive early so you minimize the time spent in line.

Sometimes the photographers will be in your rotational dining room .

They always suggest what pictures they take.

For instance, they may say a photo of you as a couple, as a family, and then separate photos of the children.

Ask for what you want. If you want extra ones tell the photographer.

It is not going to take much extra time, but it will mean that you get more photos in your account.

Disney photographers are even found on Disney Castaway Cay . 

You may be floating along in your inner tube in the ocean and see a photographer approach. Go and seek them out.

If you want a family photo then set one up.

Photo of you and your significant other? Ask for one.

The photographers want to sell as many photographs as possible so they are happy to oblige.

In my experience, a lot of people ignore them on Castaway Cay. So go for it. You may get a great Castaway Cay picture for your Disney Cruise Photo Package.

Character greetings are often the best chance you have to get a really great photo for your Disney Cruise Package.

Every day the character greetings are posted on the Navigators App.

If you want to be even more organized and plan further in advance use the Disney Cruise Navigator App so that you can see where the characters will be more than one day in advance.

Mickey and Minnie appear most often in lots of different costumes. I love the Golden Mickeys costumes for Mickey and Minnie.

However, if you want to have your photograph taken with one of the more minor characters, say Peter Pan or Captain Hook this takes a little more planning as they don’t appear as often.

If you have your heart set on a photo with Captain Jack Sparrow he appears on Castaway Cay as well as on Pirate Night.

You do need to plan ahead to seek out the Disney characters which appear less often.

It is so much easier to get a picture with a Disney character on a cruise than at Disney parks.

You can wait for less time.

In air-conditioned comfort.

Make the most of it and get as many photos as you can.

Then the value of the Disney Cruise Photo Package really kicks in.

Will you be buying a Disney cruise photo package? Let me know in the comments below.

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Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Monday 22nd of April 2024

I just inquired about the photo book. I was told that they no longer offer it pre cruise price of $139. We love the photo book. We have purchased the photo books on our last 4 cruises.

Wednesday 14th of February 2024

You forgot to mention the "Magic Photos" I did several on my Disney Cruise & loved them. You night feel a bit silly holding your hands out but you never know what or who will be in them later. And the multi pic is cool too

Monday 1st of January 2024

Thank you for all the information! Do you know if you have a Disney Annual Pass with the photo package, does it apply to photos taken on the Disney ships? Or will I have to buy a totally a separate photo package for on board?

Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Glad that you enjoyed the information! The parks and cruises are separate so even as an Annual Pass Holder you will have to purchase a separate package for the cruise. You may like to join my Disney Cruise Facebook Group for lots more information about all aspects of your cruise https://www.facebook.com/groups/309675872918213

Friday 27th of October 2023

I am confused - do you have to buy the package before the cruise, or can you pose for photos, see if you like any of them, and then buy a 10-photo package?

You can buy the package up to 3 days before the cruise to get a discount. If you buy it on the cruise the price is higher. However way you buy it if you see the photos and you don't want a package any more, and you haven't downloaded any photos , you can go to Shutters on the ship and ask to cancel the package.

Tonya Moctezuma

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

Single mom, so I’m never in any pictures. So I will be buying the unlimited package, so I can have lots of photos of me and my kids.

10 magical photos as Disney Dream luxury cruise liner returns to Liverpool

The cruise liner has a Disney-themed water park, an adult-only pool area and a luxurious spa

  • 17:21, 11 SEP 2024

Cruise ship Disney Dream on its visit to Liverpool

The Disney Dream returned to Liverpool for a short stay in the city today. The luxury cruise liner arrived on day four of its seven-night British Isles cruise, after beginning her voyage in Southampton.

The ship will also stop off at Greenock, Cork, Portland and have two days at sea. The cruise liner arrived in Liverpool at approximately 8am on Wednesday and is scheduled to set sail at 5pm tonight. Pictures show the cruise liner docked at Liverpool Cruise Terminal .

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The Liverpool ECHO shared stunning pictures from inside the magical ship showing the luxuries it has to offer. Guests can enjoy its Disney-themed water park, parties and restaurants. Adults also have the option to relax at the adult-only pool area and luxurious spa.

Although non-ticket holders were unable to board, it didn't stop people heading down to the waterfront to catch a glimpse of the ship. Below, you can see all of the best pictures from the Disney Dream's short stay in Liverpool.

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Disney Dream cruise liner arrives in Liverpool off Hightown Beach

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The luxury cruise liner is on day four of its seven-night British Isles cruise

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The ship holds up to a maximum of 4,000 passengers

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Many braved the gusty winds to get a look at the cruise ship today

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Cruise ship Disney Dream on its visit to Liverpool

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The ship is currently on a seven-night British Isles cruise, with stops including Greenock, Cork and Portland

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Many went down to the waterfront to see the luxury liner

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The luxury cruise liner docked at Liverpool Cruise Terminal today

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The Disney themed ship was built in 2011 and is 1115 ft long

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