Hey everyone, welcome back to your magically cozy corner for all things pixie dust, planning, and a little panic packing! Today is all about something I’ve never done before: I’m planning my very first Disney Cruise—and not just any cruise—we’re talking the Disney Wish! This is an adult only trip. Since we have never been on a cruise before, we really wanted to take and adult trip as a bit of a learning experience so we planned this one around our upcoming wedding anniversary where we will be taking a short Disney Cruise and then spending the rest of the week in Disney World.
If you’ve been thinking about booking a Disney cruise, or maybe you already have one on the calendar and you’re in full research mode like me, this is for you. Let’s talk tips, timelines, must-knows, and a little bit of Type-A energy sprinkled with magic.
Why a Disney Cruise, and Why the Wish?
So let’s start with the big question: why cruise, and why now? As someone who’s all about Walt Disney World vacations, I wasn’t sure cruising would be my thing. But then I saw a video tour of the Disney Wish and then another and another and another… and I said, “Oh. So this is a floating Disney experience… with air conditioning… glorious ocean views and no walking 22,000 steps a day? Sign me up.”
Here’s what made the Wish stand out:
- The Disney Wish is the fifth and newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, setting sail for the first time in 2022.
- It’s a next-generation ship that brings Disney storytelling to life like never before—think of it as a floating Disney castle with Broadway shows, fine dining, water coasters, and character encounters… all with ocean views.
- The staterooms are stunning—even the standard ones.
- Rotational dining with themes like Frozen, Marvel, and 1923? Did I mention Marvel!?!? Come on, perfection.
- And don’t get me started on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island.
How I’m Researching Like a True Disney Nerd
Now, if y’all don’t know me. I’m a Travel Agent. I have been through the training. I have studied. However, I cannot not research something. And Disney Cruise Line? It is its own magical ecosystem. So here’s how I’m diving deep before we ever set foot onboard:
1. YouTube Rabbit Holes
I’ve watched stateroom tours, dining reviews, ship walkthroughs, and even videos of people just walking around the hallways exploring. I’m talking hours upon hours. No regrets. I have learned so much this way and I will continue to watch until we board that ship.
2. Blogs/Forums and Social Media
I’ve been living on websites reading personal blogs, and yes… Reddit. If you’ve ever googled “Do I really need to bring a highlighter for my cruise?” we are friends now. And, by the way, the answer is probably yes. I will let you know when we get back home.
3. Spreadsheets & Packing Lists
Oh yes. I’ve got tabs. Pirate night outfit plans. Fish Extender research (even if I’m still scared to commit because people take that so seriously). A page for rotational dining notes. This is a spreadsheet vacation now.
4. Facebook Groups
Turns out, there’s a group for literally every sailing. I joined ours. These people know everything—from when port arrival times drop to who’s bringing glow sticks for Pirate Night.
Planning the Details
Here’s what I’ve learned so far about actually planning the experience:
1. Check-In Window
Check-in opens 30 days before your cruise. And you want to do it the minute it opens so you can get the earliest possible Port Arrival Time. The earlier you get on the ship, the more time you have to explore.
2. Booking Onboard Activities
This includes:
- Spa treatments
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique
- Adults-only dining like Palo or Enchanté
- Port Excursions, including Castaway Cay
You get access to these based on your Castaway Club level, and as a first-timer, I suggest booking right when your window opens—typically 75 days before sailing. We aren’t actually doing excursions as we really want to spend a lot of time on the ship exploring and getting our cruise legs.
3. What to Pack
Here’s what’s already on my list:
- Magnetic door decorations
- Pirate Night outfit
- Travel Document Organizer
- Cruise lanyards for Key to the World cards
- Luggage Tag Protectors
- Refillable cups for the 24/7 soda station
- Dramamine, ginger chews… and maybe a prayer, just in case motion sickness gets real.
What I’m Still Figuring Out
Even with all the prep, there are still things I’m trying to wrap my head around:
- Do I need a portable fan for the stateroom? People have strong opinions.
- Is Pirate Night more casual or full cosplay? (Because I an not planning to go full pirate)
- Do people actually dress formal on the “optional formal night”? I’m on vacation, not going to prom.
- And how early do I need to get up to grab a beach chair on Castaway Cay? Is the adult section as busy?
The research phase is honestly half the fun… and half the spiral.
So that’s where I’m at right now—deep in the cruise prep zone. If you’ve sailed on the Wish before and have advice, tips, or things you wish you’d known before your first cruise, please send them my way! Later on, I’ll break down our itinerary, dining plans, and everything we actually end up booking. Until then, may your countdown clock tick by just a little faster. And, as always, Stay Magical!
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