The “Magic” and “Wonder” Of It All (Wonder)

There are two Disney cruise ships (so far), the Magic and the Wonder. Both are tied for second place in the category “largest cruise ship on the seas”. Like a floating resort, each ship houses staterooms one third larger than any other cruise ship and a variety of entertainment venues. There are four full service restaurants, one buffet, and several counter service restaurants on board both ships – all themed in Disney magic. Indeed, in order to make choosing which ship to sail upon easier, the restaurants and their menus are exactly the same with the exception of one: On the Magic, Lumiere’s offers a Beauty and Beast theme while on the Wonder, Triton’s creates an undersea Little Mermaid environment. Both ships have a stadium theatre with delightful Disney productions and a movie theatre showing first run features. Both ships offer state-of-the-Art fitness and spa facilities as well as the best in children’s’ facilities. Characters abound on both ships. In other words, with only a slight variation in colors and theming, one can choose either the Magic or the Wonder and count on a very similar ship experience.

The entrance to the ship from the port is on deck three into a beautifully designed three story lobby reminiscent of early cruise ships from the ‘30’s with curved staircases and ornate Disney sculptures. Also on this floor is the adult section of the ship – themed Beat Street on the Magic and Route 66 on the Wonder. Here, live music, both jazz and dance, as well as comedy improv talent extend cruise activities into the early morning hours. Tritons, on the Wonder, and Lumiere’s, on the Magic, are on the third floor, too. The fourth floor holds the stadium theatre for live performances and two more full service restaurants: Parrot Cay, with a Caribbean flare, and Animator’s Palette, a Disney dining “show” not to be missed. The fifth floor houses the children’s wing for fun and adventure: The Oceaneer’s Club for the younger set and the Oceaneer’s Lab for older group. The ninth floor has the buffet, a pizzeria, hot dog and burger stand, ice cream shop, and pools for both families and adults only. On specified evenings, one of the pools is covered to become a dance floor for a live music party with buffet and fireworks. Deck ten is the home for Palos, the adults only restaurant, a strolling deck, and the ESPN Sports Bar.

There is 24-hour room service on board, and special meal requests are accommodated (with supplies on board). There are excursions for all ports of call, though the ship activities continue for those who wish to remain on board. Concierge service, for stateroom levels 1, 2, and 3 includes a staff person to make all spa and excursion appointments as well as process all personal requests. As well, concierge level staterooms have additional snacks brought to the room each day. The ships hold over 3.000 people, and the staff to cruise ratio is approximately one staff member for every two guests, however, so service is excellent regardless of the concierge amenities or stateroom size.

Disney Cruise Line Disney Wonder6/5/2010 by Franniepoppins
Disney Cruise Lien provides you with such a wonderful cruise experience from start to finish.  The Disney Wonder is such a beautiful ship with nice, large staterooms.  The crew on this ship are the best!  From your cabin stewards to the wait staff at the restaurants, you will be treated like royalty.   I am looking forward to one more cruise on this ship, before she heads to the West Coast for awhile. Read reviews by this author

Food just gets better and better!2/22/2008 by Ahnalira

We've sailed 7 Disney cruises since the Disney Cruise Line first opened, and - while we always enjoyed the entertainment - we weren't always impressed by the food in the first couple of years.

I want to commend Disney on always looking to improve and succeeding!  The menu, presentation, and quality of food is now excellent, in my humble opinion.  Every meal was a delightful experience!

I do like the colors better!10/28/2005 by Ser Alan

The Wonder is the newer ship and I do like the colors better! Food is about the same as the Magic though so its still getting a 3 from me!

early boarding
2/17/2001 by Alicia
We arrived by auto too early to board, so we dropped off our luggage, went to an arcade a couple of miles away and returned an hour later. Check-in and boarding was a breeze. We were too early to check in to our room, so the staff directed us to a wonderful buffet. When we had finished our meal we were able to get into our stateroom, into our swimsuits, and up to the pool deck. From the minute we entered the ship the fun never stopped. We tried the four day cruise and within six months we booked a seven day cruise. It was the best vacation I have ever experienced.Read reviews by this author

internet access!
10/2/2000 by Ahnalira
That's right - an internet cafe on both ships meaning that, for a nominal fee, one can check emails and surf the net while onboard:) How cool is that?!Read reviews by this author

Self parking at the terminal
5/15/2000 by Beth K
If you decide to drive your own/rental car,parking at the terminal costs $28-cash-up front.(for the 4 day cruise) Drive up, drop off your party and the luggage and, by the time the car is parked, the luggage will be taken care of..and off you go! Be sure to attach the Wonder/Magic luggage tags to your stuff before the guys on the curb take your bags... because the tags have your stateroom number on them and the next time you see your bags will be in your stateroom!Read reviews by this author

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