The newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet, Disney Wish, is having a rough time. Its current voyage has been anything but smooth sailing as the ship encountered multiple problems. The issues began right away and did not get better as the journey went on. Reports state that this has been par for the course as Disney Wish seems to be encountering problems regularly.
To begin with, there were issues with embarkation. Computer issues delayed boarding, which, if you’ve ever cruised before you know that embarkation days are not the way anyone wants to begin their cruise. Boarding the ship is stressful enough without a backlog of people to wade through. There are reports that this same issue with computers preventing timely boarding occurred last Friday as well during a 3-night sailing.
Once everyone was on board, the shop was full steam ahead to Nassau…until it wasn’t. An undisclosed “technical issue” caused Wish to be delayed by several hours. No one knows what the issue was but passengers report that thrusters had to be used to keep the ship on course. Usually, the engine is enough to keep the ship headed in the right direction, thrusters only ever get used for setting sail and docking typically which suggests that Disney Wish is having engine problems.
Nevertheless, the ship was finally able to dock and guests on board were able to depart and enjoy a day in the Bahamas capital city! As far as the guests knew, all was going according to plan. Onboard though, the crew was living a much different reality. Crew members and mechanics were seen scurrying around the ship, presumably attempting to fix the technical issue that caused the delay.
When passengers arrived back on board, however, they were told that they were essentially stuck. The issues facing the ship had not been fixed and the ship would not be departing. Since there was no way to know when the ship would be able to leave, guests were not able to leave the ship. The ship remained docked overnight on Saturday rather than heading to Castaway Cay.
Received this about 30mins ago from a passenger:
“There is some sort of ‘technical’ issue with the #disneywish. We didn't arrive to Nassau until 10:45. Captain Andy informed guests he did not know when they will depart Nassau and that fireworks were cancelled. Lots of confusion”
The ship was able to set sail finally at 11:00 am on Sunday but due to inclement weather, the planned Castaway Cay stop had to be canceled. Due to the very unorthodox sailing guests were compensated and the canceled fireworks were rescheduled.
We will keep a close eye on Disney Wish and watch to see if the issues facing the ship resolve. Disney Cruise Line is currently one of the most expensive companies to cruise with so we want our readers to be well informed of any potential pitfalls to expect before they hit the high seas with Mickey and Friends.
Bringing the Disney Wish, the latest Disney Cruise Line ship, from an idea to the sea was a five-year undertaking by thousands of dedicated crew and Cast Members. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the process, a new documentary by National Geographic gives an amazing behind-the-scenes look at the last year and a half of construction. “Making the Disney Wish: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship” debuts on Disney+ on February 17. We were able to catch a screening of the show and talk to the filmmakers to learn more about this documentary.
The documentary is a 90-minute special that gives an incredible behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring a Disney Cruise Line ship to life. From designing to constructing and launching the Disney Wish, viewers will be amazed at the process and challenges that Disney Cruise Line and Walt Disney Imagineering faced as they worked through the pandemic, which caused numerous delays.
Filmmakers Chad Cohen (director, writer, and producer) and Bethany Jones (producer and writer) have created a great documentary that will give you an appreciation for the ship and shipbuilders and the incredible Imagineers who were challenged to bring this ship to life. It was especially interesting to learn how the cast and crew worked around the clock during the transatlantic voyage from Germany to Port Canaveral in June 2022. The ship transformed before their eyes as spaces went through last-minute construction, such as painting, carpet laying, and more.
When we spoke to the filmmakers, we learned that they wanted to give some great behind-the-scenes look at the engineering and construction of the ship while also highlighting the heart and dedication of Walt Disney Imagineers. We thought they did a fantastic job covering more technical aspects of the Disney Wish while showing the power of people to pull together to make something amazing. Chad Cohen said they tried very hard not to be an advertisement, and we think they pulled it off. He said it well when he told us he tried to make a documentary that showed “passionate people making cool stuff.”
One very cool scene was the speed trials the ship went through to test the systems. Normally, cameras are not allowed during such tests, and the filmmakers were originally told they would not be able to film, but in the end, they were able to gain access. We’re glad they did because it was neat to see how rigorous the testing is. Another cool scene in the documentary was seeing actor Anthony Mackie film his scenes for the dinner experience at Worlds of Marvel. It’s amazing all of the work that goes into one meal a guest would experience during the cruise.
After watching the documentary, we felt a new appreciation for everyone who brought the ship to life. Having been on the Disney Wish, we know the ship is amazing, and it’s a great reminder that the skill and dedication of the cast and crew are what brought the Wish to life. We highly recommend watching this documentary! We really do think you’ll love it.
“Making the Disney Wish: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship” debuts on Disney+ on February 17. It’s currently available on Hulu Live and on the National Geographic Channel.
Something that is so much fun, is parents can check their children into the kids club in the Grand Hall on deck 3 and then send them “down the rabbit hole” on a twisting slide to land directly and securely into the central hub of Disney’s Oceaneer Club on deck 2.
It’s officially 25 days until Halloween, which means the celebration of this spooktacular holiday is in full swing across the entire Disney Cruise Line fleet! We have a first look today at the all-new Halloween décor aboard our newest ship, the Disney Wish!
The enchantment of the already-gorgeous Grand Hall is elevated with beautiful garland ordained with pumpkins and fall florals.
The highlight of the décor is the all-new Pumpkin Tree. Every Disney Cruise Line ship features a signature Pumpkin Tree in its atrium with a unique look and personality, and the tree on the Disney Wish features lighter bark, graceful branches and a mystical face, setting it apart from the rest. As the tale would have it, this enchanted tree – named Boo! – grew perfect gourds with the help of a Wishing Star at night, producing the perfect pumpkin that became the coach that carried Cinderella to the Prince’s Ball.
Also new this season, we’re putting a spell on Disney Cruise Line guests with a wickedly fun character meet and greet opportunity. While all characters on board adorn Halloween costumes as part of the festivities, Minnie Mouse, Daisy Duck and Clarabelle Cow can be found running amuck on each ship as their favorite Halloween sisters, the Sandersons from the movie “Hocus Pocus.”
And that’s not all! Other special experiences for these sailings include:
Mickey’s Mouse-querade Party: Join favorite Disney characters in Halloween attire for a fun-filled costume party.
Halloween Isn’t Just For Kids: Adult-exclusive venues across the fleet become a ghoulish setting for costume contests and a Villainous Takeover on the dance floor.
Spooky Movies: To get guests into the spirit of the season, Halloween-themed movies will be shown on Funnel Vision by the family pool and in staterooms.
Ghoulish Delights: Enjoy special themed food and beverage items around the ship — and don’t forget about the trick-or-treating.
These spooky cruises will continue throughout the month, or guests can start planning now for their perfect seasonal sailing in 2023 with cruises from Florida, California and New York next fall.
World Princess Week may already be halfway over, but there is still plenty of time left to celebrate and discover the princess that’s inside everyone! Today, we’re making a very special journey as we embark on the Disney Wish to honor our two favorite queens – Anna and Elsa. These heroines inspire us with their acts of bravery, sense of adventure and sisterhood and stories of love that could melt anybody’s heart.
Speaking of love, guests can now help Queen Anna and Kristoff celebrate their love story during Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure aboard the Disney Wish, the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. This first-of-its-kind theatrical dining experience picks up where Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen 2” left off by inviting guests to attend a royal engagement party for Queen Anna and Kristoff! Queen Elsa and Olaf host the celebration with catering provided by their friend Oaken’s “Hearty Party Planning Services.” For the first time in ever, guests can dine inside the iconic Arendelle castle as they enjoy live musical performances by their favorite characters, sparkling special effects and an exciting grand finale that brings everyone to their feet.
Today, we’re sharing a special message from Oaken as he prepares for the festivities and even quizzes the newly engaged couple to find out just how well they really know each other! Check it out below.
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship sets sail on her maiden voyage on July 14, 2022 and with it, families will embark on the vacation of a lifetime. I don’t know about you, but when I think about cruises, children’s activities aren’t typically my first thought. Disney Wish aims to change that!
Aboard the Wish, children of all ages will find an absolute wonderland waiting for them. With areas from the littlest sailor in your crew to the saltiest sea dog, the possibilities are endless! Ever wondered what it’s like to be an Imagineer? On Wish you can be! Have you wanted to train to be a superhero? Wish has got you covered. Perhaps you’ve dreamed of exploring “a galaxy far far away”? Dream no more because your Wish is granted!
Disney Wish prides itself on its storytelling. At the ship’s christening, Disney CEO Bob Chapek said, “[Disney Wish] celebrates nearly 100 years of Disney storytelling excellence, bringing fantastic worlds and beloved characters to life like never before through innovative technology and new approaches…”
The theme of storytelling continues into the children’s areas. Brad Yared, manager of youth activities for Disney Cruise Line explains “There is literally storytelling and immersive entertainment around every single corner here”.
Like all other ships in the fleet, Wish sports areas exclusive to children, but does it just a bit differently. Kids ages 3-12 wanting to spend a parent-free day can check in with a Cast Member from the Grand Hall before being sent down the rabbit hole slide into a variable wonderland of activities! From there the sky’s the limit and imagination is encouraged to be set free!
Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck
For the youngest crewmates, Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck awaits!! This nautical playground is chock full of sensory activities to engage the smallest sailors. Little Kid friendly Disney movies will also be shown as well as guided hands-on activities throughout the day! STEAM activities take center stage in this area with a “learning is fun” approach. Kids will become honorary Captains at “Minnie’s Sea Captain Academy”! Here little captains in training will enjoy games, exercises, and imaginative play with an energetic pace that matches an age group that never seems to slow down. This area will be for toddlers beginning at age 3.
Those brand new to your crew, ages 6 months-3 years, can enjoy the “it’s a small world nursery”. While other kids’ areas are complimentary this service does come with a fee of $4.50 for a half hour or $9/hour for the first child with a .50 discount for additional children.
Older sea-faring scallywags will find a treasuretrove of fun waiting once they enter the Oceaneers Club. Each buccaneer will embark on the adventure of a lifetime in themed areas that will appeal to everyone!
Star Wars Cargo Bay
Grab your lightsaber and prepare to explore “a galaxy far far away” at Star Wars Cargo Bay. Kids will find themselves right in the middle of their own galactic adventure as they embark on a first of its kind interactive adventure! Daniel Gallego, guest experience manager of entertainment with Disney Cruise Line explains, “Kids will have a data pad and they will scan these tags and it will give them all the information they need to learn about the creature, how to feed it and how to take care of it, and they learn about all of them. Of course, there is always a challenge with Star Wars, and something is going to happen, and that’s when Chewbacca and Rey will come.” Um, can I be a kid again? That sounds awesome!
Walt Disney Imagineering Lab
Your creative crew will let their imaginations come alive at the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab! Here Kids will learn the secrets of Disney Imagineering and what it takes to bring a theme park ride to life! They’ll even get the chance to design their own Rollercoaster and then experience it virtually in the Ride Studio!
Around the room familiar characters and ride sketches provide inspiration to budding imagineers. Who knows, maybe one of Disney’s brightest imagineers of the future will get their inspiration right here!
Marvel Super Hero Academy
Calling all super heroes! This is the place to be for young crime fighters! This brand new area makes its debut aboard Wish and brings the Avengers to life in an amazing way! At “Avengers: Mission Training” kids will be recruited to join the elite squad of superheroes alongside well know heros like Spiderman, Black Panther, and Ant Man!
What super hero is complete without a super suit? Heroes in training will be able to use their magic bands to create their very own!
Storytelling truly comes alive here with activities like “Challenge of the Taskmaster” with Black Panther, “The Power of Pym” featuring Antman, and in what’s sure to be a fan favorite, a demonstration with Spiderman!
Fairytale Hall
Princesses and Princesses-in-training alike will adore this area full of royal activities. With three rooms devoted to some of Disney’s most popular princesses, your little royal can put themselves directly into their favorite story.
They’ll be able to create floating lanterns in Rapunzel’s Art Studio, interact with their favorite stories in Belle’s Library, and visit Anna and Elsa’s Sommarhaus to create ice magic!
Hangouts
For those who have aged out of the Oceaneers Club, Wish has a spot just for them! With chill vibes and action packed activities, kids 12-14 will find their very own areas– Edge, Vibe and The Hideaway. Video games and other tech will be offered as well as a chance to just relax and hang out with their peers.
Hero Zone Sports Area
Parents aren’t left out of all the fun! Wish boasts a sports arena where families are encouraged to play together and solve new challenges! Basketball, volleyball, and even giant chess will be available for families so make sure you bring your game face! The highlight of this action packed area will absolutely be the “Incredi-games” where families work together to overcome a blow up Incredibles themed obstacle course.
Are you as excited about these fantastic areas as we are? With so many options for kids aboard Disney Wish, you may wonder if you’ll ever actually see your kids during your cruise (pssst! The answer is no, probably not)! You know what that means right? More time in the spa and Quiet Cove adult only pool for you! When you board the Wish you can let your kids “EEEEEEEK!” while you let yourself “AHHHH”! Will you be setting sail on Disney Wish? Let us know what your cruise countdown is in the comments!
