Sailing Away On Our First Disney Cruise 🏖️

July 2024

We recently boarded the Disney Wish, for a magical vacation that only Disney could provide! Our itinerary was three days of fun with stops in Port Canaveral, Nassua Bahamas, and Disney's private island Castaway Cay.

Tips and Tricks

I highly recommend avoiding videos and posts about the ships to preserve the element of surprise and fully appreciate the amazing details onboard. To make the most of your experience, I suggest downloading the Disney Navigator app and completing your online registration as soon as possible. Once onboard, you can access daily activities and important information such as opening and closing times for food and shops. To stay updated on activities you're interested in, simply mark them with a heart on the app, and Disney will send you notifications before they start.

One of the great things about a Disney cruise, is that you do not have to pack a lot. They provide towels, toiletries, and there was lots of food! Along with the essentials (hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, toiletries, medications, etc), some items that I was glad that we packed included:

-Lanyards (we ordered our Disney themed ones on Temu) to hold our room keys/ids. It was nice to have them handy at all times. Disney also was selling lanyards in one of the gift shops on the boat.

-Pirate gear (also ordered on Temu). There is a deck party one evening that is entirely pirate themed. There are options for gear available in the gift shop, and I believe that there are "makeovers" also available in the BBB. You can find more information on that on Disney's website.

-Snorkel Gear (Amazon) We had so much fun snorkeling on Castaway Cay! I would recommend that if you are bringing your own snorkel gear, bring fins. Disney hides "sunken treasures" including statues of Mickey, Minnie, Prince Eric, and more!!! We swam all the way out to find the Mickey statue, but without fins the swim back seemed tedious!!! I believe Disney will let you rent snorkel gear, if you wanted to save room in your bags.

-Glow sticks (Amazon). My kids love glow sticks! These were fun for at night!

-Refillable water bottles: These were great for brining drinks back to the room, and keeping them cool for a while

-Autograph books (from Disney World parks). I have seen others post that they have the characters sign a tumbler, or photo frame with a sharpie. We just preferred the autograph book, because we could add pictures and make it more of a scrapbook.

-Socks! If you would like to give the Incredibles Obstacle Course a try.

For more more inspiration/packing essentials, check out my Amazon storefront here

Food

During our cruise, the dining experience was truly exceptional as we had the opportunity to rotate between different restaurant options each night. This added a sense of variety and excitement to our evenings, allowing us to explore different culinary delights. The themed restaurants such as Arrendelle, 1929, and Marvel provided unique atmospheres and menus that catered to different tastes and preferences.

One interesting aspect was how our serving and hostess staff followed us each night, ensuring continuity in service and creating a personalized dining experience. While we did not dine at Palo or Enchante, the options we did explore left a lasting impression.

It was also nice to have the flexibility to dine in different settings on different nights. Some of us preferred the elegance of the rotating restaurants, while others enjoyed the casual dining experience mid ship on Deck 11. This allowed everyone to tailor their dining experience to their preferences.

While I refrain from giving too many details to preserve the element of surprise, I highly recommend experiencing it firsthand to truly appreciate the magic of dining onboard.

Taking Advantage of Activities

Onboard the cruise ship, there is a vibrant array of activities to partake in, each offering its own unique charm and excitement. Among these activities, some stand out as particularly popular and bustling with energy. The nightly shows, with their dazzling performances and captivating acts, never fail to draw a large crowd eager to be entertained. The deck party, a lively event filled with music, dancing, and a jovial atmosphere, is another highlight of the onboard experience. And of course, the Royal Gathering,is a must-attend occasion for many.

To make the most of these busy and highly anticipated activities, it is advisable to plan ahead and arrive a little early to secure a good view and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Arriving 15-20 minutes before the start of the show or event allows you to find a prime spot, whether it's a front-row seat at the theater for the nightly performance or a strategic location at the deck party to soak in the festivities. This early arrival not only ensures a better view but also gives you the opportunity to settle in, relax, and anticipate the excitement to come.

During our unforgettable journey, we were immersed in a world of enchantment as we encountered a myriad of beloved characters both aboard the ship and on the stunning shores of Castaway Cay. It was a magical opportunity to interact with a diverse array of characters, from the timeless classics like Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy, to the elegant Disney princesses who graced us with their presence. The thrill of meeting the swashbuckling Jack Sparrow, the legendary Star Wars characters, and the mighty heroes of the Marvel universe added an extra layer of excitement to our magical encounters. Each interaction was a treasure trove of memories, making our vacation an extraordinary and unforgettable experience that we will cherish for a lifetime.

The movie selection onboard the cruise was impressive, offering a diverse range of entertainment options to cater to different tastes and preferences. One of the highlights was the opportunity to catch recent blockbuster releases such as Inside Out 2 and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes at the Neverland Theater, providing guests with a cinematic experience that rivaled that of traditional movie theaters. Moreover, the evening screenings on the pool deck added a charming touch to the overall ambiance, allowing passengers to enjoy their favorite films under the starry night sky.

For those seeking a more intimate viewing experience, the staterooms were equipped with a selection of streaming movies, cartoons, and TV shows, ensuring that guests could unwind and relax in the comfort of their own private space. This thoughtful inclusion of in-room entertainment options further enhanced the overall cruise experience, providing a convenient and enjoyable way to unwind after a day of exploration and adventure at sea. Whether guests preferred the communal atmosphere of the theater or the privacy of their stateroom, the cruise offered a well-rounded entertainment package that catered to every movie enthusiast's needs.

While I was did not have a chance to take a ride, my son is adamant that the best part of the cruise was the Aquamouse.

Overall, every family member agreed this was a memorable vacation and we would like to cruise with Disney again!!!

For videos of our experiences on the cruise (may include some spoilers!!!) or to follow me on Social Media....check me out on Facebook and TikTok