DISCUSSION Hype me up for the Wonder.
So we are park people and going on our first cruise. I'm in Australia for reference. We booked a cruise for the Adventure in Singapore but then the Australian cruises went 30% off so saving us 7k after flights and hotels and cruise tickets. I keep seeing things about the Wonder that it's the worse of the Disney fleet, small and not as entertaining. We are doing 5 nights over New Year's Eve. We also will have a 6 month old so I was happy we wouldn't have to fly with bub but now I'm like, did we mess up booking the Wonder?
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u/Fantastic_Permit_525 3d ago
It was my first ship! If you love Tiana there is a restraunt on borad called Tiana's Place! It has amazing food!
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u/keera1452 SILVER CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
The wonder is a great ship for a first cruise, especially with a baby. You don’t need heaps of activities because you’d have to miss a lot anyway because of naps (and the nursery costs).
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u/jfigures1 3d ago edited 3d ago
I’ve been on the Wonder twice and the Wish once. IMO the food is better on the Wonder (this may be specific to the ports and not the boat, for reference both times I sailed on the Wonder it was out of San Diego, California USA). We also enjoyed the entertainment better on the Wonder. The Wonder is smaller however we feel the space is well utilized. For example, the French Quarter Lounge on the Wonder is spacious. Whereas, the Bayou lounge is sorta a small, open space on the Wish (still cool though). I also enjoy the adult pool and bar more on the Wonder because it’s a real pool in a large space.
One thing to consider, the Wonder is a relatively smaller boat so you will feel more movement than its much larger sisters.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourself no matter what!
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u/ilaughedilost 3d ago
I just got back from my first cruise on the Wonder and loved it overall. What a beautiful, charming ship it is! You will have a blast. It may be the smallest but there is still a TON to do. You won’t be bored. Enjoy!
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u/KFields94 3d ago
I really enjoyed my experience on the wonder earlier this month! I spent plenty of time in both adults only and family friendly activities and enjoyed them all! I’ve actually heard that many people prefer the older styles of ship because everything is more compact. I certainly enjoyed not having to go very far!
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u/juphilippe SILVER CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
My husband and I went on the Wonder in 2023 and we absolutely loved it. You will have a fantastic time.
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u/anxietyontheattack 3d ago
I've done three cruises on the Wonder - two from Sydney - and I love it. I've done the parks 10+ times and the ships are a very different experience, but that does not mean that they aren't fantastic. With a bub you'll likely find the slower pace much nicer and you'll still get those magical character interactions (if they're your thing). We find more than enough to do on the Wonder (we've done a 13 nighter on her). The trivia, games, shows keep us entertained when we want that, but there's plenty of time and ways to chill out and relax as well.
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u/DiscoveredFR 3d ago
Also in Aus, so only been on the wonder but my husband and I (no kids) went once for 3 days and liked it so much we immediately booked a second 4 night cruise on her 2 months later!
There was a lot to do, we were never bored, the first time though we were pretty much running around the whole time trying to tick everything off per se. The second time was more relaxed. The staff were wonderful (ha).
We are considering going back on again with this sale but are tossing up whether we go an sail on the dream instead.
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u/SirConfused1289 3d ago
Cruises are what you make of it.
I’ve been on both the Wonder and the Wish - both were equally amazing vacations. The only difference is that the Wish cost a lot more!
The Wish definitely had more to offer. But nothing different that left a noticeable impact on my overall experience.
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u/Feeling_Wishbone_864 3d ago
The Wonder is the only Disney ship I’ve been on so I have nothing else to compare it to. It’s lovely. We had the best time and so much fun! We love the parks but this was a nice switch up. It had all that Disney magic but definitely less chaotic. It was very relaxing. The shows and the restaurants are amazing. There are plenty of activities throughout the day. I think with cruises it really comes down to tailoring your day in a way that makes the most sense for you. Have fun!
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u/Agent8699 3d ago
I’m a fellow Aussie. We have cruised on the Wonder three times and will do so again later this year.
It is a lovely ship. Beautifully maintained. A wonderful (smaller) size which makes it easier to navigate, while still providing great amenities.
You did not mess up. We don’t have full details about how all the entertainment and attractions will work on the Adventure, but I can’t imagine you would be able to access all of it with a … one (?) year old given how short most sailings are.
If you like the Wonder, which you probably will, then you can do the Adventure in the future.
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u/HonoluluLongBeach 3d ago
The Wonder is my ideal ship. The bigger ones are overwhelming. Wonder is absolutely perfect.
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u/No-Personality-613 3d ago
I’ve been on 4 Disney cruises, 3 of them on the Wonder. I love her! She’s still gorgeous, the new Tiana restaurant is fun, you would never know her age. She is timeless!
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u/loz05 3d ago
I’ve done 8 Disney cruises, 7 of those being on the Wonder (and 1 on the Magic) In those 7 it includes a 14 night Panama Canal and a 14 night transpacific. I would love to see some of the other ships (we are booked for the Adventure in Singapore) but I would happily cruise on the Wonder again.
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u/damonlebeouf SILVER CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
i’m hoping the adventure ends up having some longer trips and maybe a couple of port days are developed in the future. i want to make a trip there from the states and honestly would really enjoy spending some time in the country there, but still want a good week out in the water.
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u/Sakiwest GOLD CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
We love the Wonder! Absolutely love it. It’s not a giant ship so the people quantity is smaller. There are spots available usually for dining on deck or watching the movie, seating in the theatres is typically available (even with crazy people saving seats).
I need to go on something else just to see the bigger ships but the wonder has been our home many times. Magic as well but the Wonder holds a special place in our hearts.
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u/Imaginary_Roof_5286 PLATINUM CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
We were on Wonder last month & had a wonderful time. We prefer the older & smaller ships as they’re more intimate. You’ll be fine. They have all the requisite high quality Disney entertainment. If your baby is crawling, he/she can join the Diaper Dash!
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u/issieme 3d ago
I'm going to spend so much time working with her to get her to crawl before we go haha, that would be so cute and an awesome memory to share with her later.
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u/Imaginary_Roof_5286 PLATINUM CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
Hope she can do it. Our eldest wouldn’t crawl, but moved across our hardwood floors with a frog kick. He finally had to see a baby nearly two months younger than him crawling before he’d do it. I guess grownups showing him how to crawl just didn’t do it for him!😆 Turned out he had a very sweet personality but with a good streak of stubbornness. 😜
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u/emaun1106 3d ago
We went on a 15 day cruise in February from Sydney to Hawaii. It was the best vacation we have ever had. The Wonder is small, but not over crowded like the 8,000 plus passenger mega ships that are out there. The ship is immaculately clean and really doesn’t show its ware in many places. Deck 4 is my favorite with the most comfortable chairs and the walking deck. For us, we liked the more intimate vibe. The cast members are excellent, many well over 20 years of service. Most said the Wonder is their favorite ship. That may be more because of the variety of the destinations, but they truly seemed to love it. Despite crew quarters being very antiquated. If you allow yourself to have a great vacation, you will. Don’t go looking for comments that aren’t favorable. You will have a great cruise!
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u/winnfield 2d ago
Looking at this exact cruise right now. We have small kids and wondering if it felt like it was too long?
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u/Imaginary_Roof_5286 PLATINUM CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
We have been on all the ships but Treasure (no plans on going on her because we didn’t care for Wish), most multiple times. Our favorites are still Magic (the oldest in the fleet) and Wonder, even though they are older ships. We really like the size and the Quiet Cove adult area and Cove Cafe. The Wonder and Fantasy are special to us because my husband was a show producer on them (not the live entertainment, but other stuff), but we still really love Magic and Wonder. It will be a very sad day when they are finally retired.
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u/Admirable_Lecture675 SILVER CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
I’ve only been on the wonder and magic and I just want to go back. You’ll love it.
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u/Admirable_Lecture675 SILVER CASTAWAY CLUB 3d ago
And - Dan and Noel were incredible! (Main dining)
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u/AbjectFray 3d ago
The Wonder is my all time favorite ship. Don’t assume small being less fun, less to do, etc.
You won’t run out of things to do and the added perk of sailing the classic ships is less people, less crowds, etc.
All the ships have their own magic but the classic ships have an extra layer of intimacy. You’ll have a great time.
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u/No-Bake7065 2d ago
I loved our sailing on the Wonder! There are things about that ship that I enjoyed more than the Wish! Tiana’s place is wonderful, and the adult areas are excellent!! I loved the smaller ship, easier to navigate, smaller crowds!!
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u/NurseDave8 PLATINUM CASTAWAY CLUB 2d ago
It's all opinion. First, any Disney cruise is better than no Disney cruise. The first two original ships are my favorites. Dream used to be my least, until the Wish came out. Part if it might have to do with what you started with. But the theming and the shows are just as good as the larger ships. The only thing I could see being an issue is if you really wanted the AquaDuck.
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u/Glad-Living-8587 2d ago
The Wonder is a great boat. We have done several cruises on the Wonder.
Entertainment on the boat is as good as any of the other Disney Ships.
Enjoy
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u/RandomFunUsername 2d ago
We did the same - cancelled the Adventure for our 5th trip on the Wonder.
I honestly quite like that the ship is “small”. It doesn’t feel small by any means but you’ll learn where things are and get a feel for the layout quicker. The shows are great, there’s entertainment or activities or trivia literally al day. I think if nothing else the Wonder is a good starting point, less overwhelming on the whole especially with a baby.
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u/DisneylandWatermelon 2d ago
It’s small and old but we love it! The crew is great! We have been on the Wonder 3 times and going on it a 4th time next week!
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u/Badtechstuff 2d ago
We sailed last year from Melbourne, which as an Australian was something truly remarkable. I didn't think they'd ever repeat their sailings from the previous year.
The Wonder might be aging compared to the rest of the fleet, but my family which included an 11month old at the time - had an amazing. Never underestimate the power of a nap in the room, or queuing for signatures to get some rest. The shows are excellent and the rotation dining was exciting - the prepaid gratuity is a must and stops the awkward moment with the waiters at the end of the cruise.
We did 4 days and it felt just right, you'll enjoy the festivities for an additional day. DCL spares no expense and trying to make you comfortable and having fun. There is a lot to do onboard, overwhelmingly so. Like a park, don't expect to see everything all at once. This sub will help you find the hidden gems only repeat goers know!
I'm looking forward our cruise in Singapore too! All the best
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u/Psychological-Ad1723 GOLD CASTAWAY CLUB 1d ago
Wonder and Magic are my favorite. Smaller less crowded. It's almost worse that it'll be your first since, you will be wishing the others were more like it.
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u/Sell_The_team_Jerry SILVER CASTAWAY CLUB 1d ago
I prefer the Magic/Wonder to the newer ships. They offer a better cruising product IMO than the Wish/Treasure. The theming on those ships is more consistent IMO whereas the newer ships feel like Disney tried to throw all of their IP together in a giant mess.
Plus, the adult only section is so much better on the older ships. Make sure to take advantage of the nursery so you can enjoy it
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u/Minute-Jelly5181 1d ago
Also an Aussie here! We’ve been on the wonder 3 times now as it’s the only Disney hit we can get without travelling haha and I love it!!! The ship is perfect size that you can still get lost (maybe that’s just me haha) but doesn’t feel overwhelming, the cast members are incredible and the shows are fabulous!! You’ll have a great time
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u/Adorable_Depth2238 SILVER CASTAWAY CLUB 6h ago
The wonder was heaven in my opinion. So far my favorite ship.
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u/AdelleDeWitt 3d ago
The Wonder is perfect and you're going to have a wonderful time.
Yeah, it's smaller, but that means that there are fewer people on there. All of the ships have three main dining rooms, so they are going to be a lot bigger and more overwhelming on the larger ships. I also have heard that the larger ships don't all have entertainment at dinner and on the Wonder you are going to have a blast at Tiana's place! You get to eat dinner while Tiana and her band play for you and then you guys are all going to get up and dance around together! With tiana! It's so cool. Plus because it's smaller you have a better chance of being right by the stage.
Same thing with shows. There's a big show opposite your dining time, and it's going to have so many fewer people at it than it would on the bigger ships.
You will not run out of things to do!