New Features on the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship
We finally got to go on a Disney Cruise! For our first cruise, we took a 3 day trip on the Disney Wonder. It is a smaller cruise ship with about 2500 guests. (Some of the other Disney ships are 5000+). So it had a nice, intimate feel but with good amenities.
The Disney Wonder just got out of dry dock in the fall of 2016 after a face lift and new additions. So it was fun to see (and experience) the new Disney Wonder Cruise Ship features! The Disney Wonder also used to sail from Galveston to the Bahamas and Caribbean. Now, the Disney Wonder is in Port Canaveral, Florida.
The following are highlights of the highlights of the new Disney Wonder Cruise ship features.
“Frozen A Musical Spectacular”
The animated hit “Frozen” is a stage show exclusively aboard the Disney Wonder. The performance is phenomenal. While the story isn’t ‘new’, I was captivated with the innovative combination of traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy. It is hard to explain. It is just something you need to see. The special effects are spectacular!
Marvel Super Hero Academy
Young guests can train to develop the brave and adventurous heroes inside themselves. With the mentorship of some of Marvel’s greatest Super Heroes, young trainees learn super hero skills. Like the value of teamwork, bravery and problem solving through hands-on play and programs. In one mission, Spider-Man appears in person to help children hone their spider senses! Throughout the academy, displays feature equipment that helps make Marvel Super Heroes the mightiest in the universe.
Revamped Kids Clubs
Elsewhere in Disney’s Oceaneer Club (for kids ages 3 – 12 years), the kid-sized fun continues with new play spaces and more character interactions. It is included in your cruise price and reservations aren’t necessary. This space provides the perfect settings for children to meet their favorite characters, dance, play and just have fun with them. It’s also a great resource so parents can enjoy a meal by themselves, time at the spa or on the pool deck.
- Frozen Adventures is where fun takes the form of play and hands-on activities. On the digital screen, Olaf leads summery games with a wintery twist and a sing-a-long of “In Summer.” In another festive activity, young guests prepare for a coronation. Then receive a truly royal and in-person visit by Anna and Elsa.
- Club Disney Junior features favorite Disney Junior characters, storytelling and games. During one activity, Doc McStuffins pays a visit to the club to help children diagnose and treat the stuffed animals.
- Andy’s Room is where kids feel toy-sized in the multi-level play space themed to the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy. As a special treat, Woody appears in person to join youngsters in a hoedown and Jessie stops by to join in a scavenger hunt.
A new It’s a Small World Nursery (0-3) delights the youngest cruisers with a whimsical world inspired by the style of the legendary theme park attraction. Reservations are required (first come first served) and is an extra fee.
Tiana’s Place Restaurant
Exclusive to the Disney Wonder, Tiana’s Place is oozing southern charm, with its spirited jazz, street party celebrations, and a menu influenced by southern-style cuisine. Tiana’s Place provides food for the body and soul.
Live music is performed on the main stage, with rhythmic, and toe-tapping notes of jazz. Plus, swing and blues setting the tone for the French Quarter supper club atmosphere.
Guests savor Tiana’s tantalizing recipes that draw inspiration from the flavors and ingredients of the Louisiana bayou. Tiana’s family photos, water lily-shaped candleholders and framed culinary awards tell the timeless tale of Tiana’s journey. Her journey from waitress to frog to princess to proud restaurant owner. Save room for the beignets! You can only find them here, at Port Orleans: French Quarter, and in the French Quarter at Disneyland!
Crown & Fin English Pub
The adult district includes a brand-new pub that invites guests to take a jaunt to an authentic English tavern. Of course, it filled with a selection of specialty beers and British beers with dark woods, plush leather furniture and brass accents.
Observant guests may discover this is no ordinary pub. Subtle nods to classic Disney films set in London can be found in artwork, props and other bits ‘n bobs throughout the space. Brilliant stories of all sorts will be celebrated at the pub, whether those tales be true, tall or flat-out mad.
Other Nautical Notables on the Disney Wonder
- After Hours –adult district featuring Crown & Fin Pub, Azure night club and a shiny new model of the popular Cadillac Lounge
- A reimagined and relaxing Senses Spa & Salon
- A new Chill Teen Spa
- Animator’s Palate main dining restaurant updated to introduce the popular “Drawn to Magic” and “Animation Magic” dinner shows
- D Lounge for family games and entertainment
- Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique providing magical makeovers for children
- Edge club for tweens
- Palo specialty restaurant makeover with Venetian-inspired décor
New Aqua Lab
The ship’s upper decks also are redesigned for ‘waterful’ enjoyment with AquaLab: a pool and interactive water play area, that is in addition to the family pool and hot tubs, for kids and families. (Don’t worry, there is an adult only pool and spa area too.)
- Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide provides splashtacular fun. The loading zone is even heated so sliders won’t feel the chill. Plus, parents can watch from the bottom from cameras and TVs.
- Dory’s Reef is a splash zone that offers fanciful water play for toddlers.
All of the enhancements really blend kid friendly activities with adult hot-spots. It creates a good mix for the kids, for adults, and time together as a family!
To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500 or contact their travel agent! We really enjoyed it and we cannot wait to go back again!!
