Is Disney Cruise Line’s Second Australian Season Overhyped and Overpriced?

Watch my full video review on YouTube

Disney Cruise Line has long been synonymous with family-friendly voyages full of magic, entertainment, and, of course, beloved Disney characters. Recently, I booked a short cruise onboard Disney Wonder to experience the magic for myself. But does this ship truly live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what makes this cruise unique and whether it’s worth the journey (and the expense) for families and Disney fans alike.

First Impressions

As soon as I stepped into Disney Wonder, it was clear this wasn’t your typical cruise ship. Disney has a knack for creating environments that are, simply put, stunning. The ship is beautifully designed with Art Nouveau touches that evoke a golden age of cruising, but with that unmistakable Disney flair. It’s a mix of timeless elegance and whimsical charm, with Mickey-shaped details cleverly woven throughout.

But I’ll admit – I was slightly wary about how “Disney” the whole experience might feel. Would it be overwhelming, or would the magic have a way of captivating everyone, regardless of age?

Cabins: Comfortable and Cleverly Designed

The staterooms on the Disney Wonder are surprisingly spacious, particularly for families. Disney has really thought of everything to make the rooms comfortable, functional, and family-friendly. One of the highlights? The split bathroom setup. One side has a toilet and sink, while the other has a shower and sink. This layout might seem minor, but for families, it’s a game-changer. Unfortunately, my standard inside cabin (yes, I booked the cheapest cabin I could) persisted with a regular bathroom layout - all components in the one room. You can watch my Disney Wonder standard inside cabin tour and review here.

The beds are comfortable, there’s ample storage, and – in true Disney fashion – there are fun, magical touches throughout the cabin. It’s not overdone; it’s just enough to remind you that you’re on a Disney cruise without feeling like you’ve walked into a children’s theme park.

Dining: Entertaining, but Mediocre?

Disney Cruise Line does rotational dining, meaning each night you’re assigned to a different restaurant with the same server and table mates following you. This system is quite unique, and it works well.

Onboard the Disney Wonder, there are three main restaurants – Animator’s Palate, Tiana’s Place, and Triton’s. Animator’s Palate is a visual delight, with interactive shows and a menu inspired by global flavours. Tiana’s Place brings New Orleans vibes to the high seas, complete with jazz music and fun Creole dishes. Meanwhile, Triton’s offers a more traditional dining experience, lacking the entertainment of the other two but inspiring nonetheless, with its under-the-sea theme.

Beyond the main dining rooms, there’s also a good selection of casual dining spots and a buffet. Overall, the food quality was satisfactory. There was plenty on offer, but adults might find themselves second best with an overall menu geared towards families and children. An adults only specialty dining restaurant, Palo, occupies deck 10 aft, and is reportedly very good. Expect to pay around US$65 per person to experience the Italian menu over brunch or dinner.

Entertainment: Pure Disney Magic

Now, onto the entertainment – a true highlight of the Disney Wonder. From Broadway-caliber shows like Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, to character meet-and-greets, and themed deck parties, there’s never a dull moment. And while there’s a clear emphasis on family-friendly fun, Disney has ensured there’s something for everyone.

The adults-only areas, like the Quiet Cove Pool area, offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. I was pleasantly surprised by how well Disney manages to cater to both children and adults, balancing the high-energy magic with relaxation areas for those wanting a break. Adult-focused spaces continue indoors in the After Hours section - which by dinner time, converts to an adults only playground of sorts, with an English pub, upscale piano bar and nightclub.

Deck parties were a highlight, though incredibly well-attended and as a result, somewhat chaotic. I do recommend you catch the fireworks (ours were cancelled due to weather) which form part of the Marvel Universe and Pirate Night parties.

Activities for Kids – And Adults!

Of course, a Disney cruise is a dream come true for kids. The Disney Wonder has kids’ clubs that cater to various age groups, from toddlers to teens, with activities and areas that would be hard to pry any child away from. The Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab are standout spaces, full of interactive fun, Disney characters, and themed activities that keep young ones entertained for hours.

But it’s not just about the kids. The adults-only spaces onboard allow parents (or any adult, really) to enjoy a bit of serenity. With quiet lounges, a spa, and dedicated adult dining options, there’s a real sense of balance onboard. So whether you’re there with family or looking to enjoy the Disney experience as an adult, the ship has you covered.

Is the Disney Wonder Worth It?

Particularly when sailing from Australia, Disney cruises are often priced higher than many other family-oriented cruises, so it’s natural to wonder if the experience justifies the cost. After my time on the Disney Wonder, I’d say it depends. The attention to detail, quality of service, and the unique Disney touches make it an experience worthy of your consideration. The ship is impeccably maintained, the staff go above and beyond, and the entertainment is truly top-notch.

However, if you’re not really a Disney-fan, I suggest looking elsewhere. While it’s a special product offering, if you’re not keen on taking advantage of the character meet and greets, there are much better (and more relaxing) family cruise holidays you can consider at a fraction of the cost. Or at the very least, you can cruise in a better stateroom, for a longer time, for the same sort of price.

Final Verdict

For families, particularly those that identify as Disney fans, or even adults wanting to relive a bit of childhood magic, the Disney Wonder offers an unforgettable cruising experience. With its impeccable design, family-friendly features, and captivating entertainment, it’s a cruise that brings Disney’s world-class magic to the high seas. For everyone else, expand the search to include other cruise lines before booking a Disney Cruise.

Considering a Disney Cruise? As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or cruise tips, and check out my full video review for a deeper dive into what makes the Disney Wonder a unique experience.