Cruising is going strong in Australia, with more cruise ships then ever, more departures, more choices and amazing destinations.
Having been lucky enough to cruise with many brands and to cruise from many destinations, nothing is as breathtaking as cruising from Sydney Harbour. But before I get to that, let’s start from the beginning.
With so many options and amazing deals, I was slightly hesitant about booking the Disney Cruise just due to the price point. However, I can tell you get what you pay for! The inclusions, the service, the best shows I have ever seen at sea. Not to mention the only fireworks at sea.
Now back to the experience ... of a lifetime. Embarking on the Disney Wonder cruise was like stepping into a dream where enchantment and excitement awaited at every turn. From the moment we set foot on this majestic ship, the air buzzed with the promise of an unforgettable journey. The best part of stepping on board was having my two oldest kids with me, who reminded me of the magic. As we stepped onboard, we heard the announcement, “Welcome aboard The Watson Family”.
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Our adventure commenced at White Bay with the iconic Sydney Harbour behind us, the excitement amongst everyone was noticeable from the young to the young at heart. The matching outfits, the multigenerational families, the friends and the Mickey ears! The Disney Wonder stood tall, gliding under the harbour bridge, hearing the horn blast with the sun shining and my kids smiling. This is a moment I will never forget.
I love the fact that you have a dinner reservation every night and you move restaurants but your wait staff move with you, so you can build an amazing rapport with them. The Disney Wonder's Animator's Palate is a dining experience that transcends traditional expectations. Stepping into this restaurant feels like entering an animated world, where the surroundings transform from black and white to vibrant colour throughout the meal. On arrival, you create your own character on paper, the wait staff then magically take these away from you, and during the dinner, the walls come alive with beloved Disney characters as well as your own characters coming to life around the walls, creating an immersive spectacle that captivates diners of all ages. You should have seen the looks on my kids faces! As you savour delectable dishes, the animation evolves, It's a culinary journey that seamlessly merges fine dining with the magic of Disney animation, making every bite a whimsical adventure for the senses.
After the Sail A Wave Party and a big day, it was time to head to bed.
A Day at sea was what we needed to explore the ship. There is so much to see and do. The Aqua duck water slide was the first experience, and what fun was had, swimming, trivia and meeting some of the amazing characters all added to the highlight, with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean.
Dinner on night 2 we head to Tiana's Place. This venue transports us to the bayou with Southern charm and flavorful cuisine. Inspired by Princess Tiana from "The Princess and the Frog," the restaurant exudes New Orleans vibes. Live jazz music sets the mood as we indulge in Cajun and Creole delights, creating an immersive dining experience, add this to the same amazing service we experienced from night one with the amazing food and entertainment and it is another night to remember.
The Disney Wonder offers a variety of kids' clubs catering to different age groups. The Oceaneer Club or the Oceaneer Lab is a magical space where children aged 3-12 can engage in imaginative play, themed activities, and character interactions. There is even a secret hidden door to get between each space. The Edge, designed for tweens (11-14), provides a cool hangout with games and social activities. Vibe, which is exclusively for teens (14-17), offers a trendy and laid-back setting. Each club boasts unique themes, from Marvel and Star Wars in the Oceaneer Club to high-tech fun in Edge and sophisticated lounging in Vibe. Disney ensures every child finds the perfect space. My son Morgan couldn’t get enough of the kids club, he loved meting the characters who would surprise them and turn up, the staff who looked after them, the amazing options and activities on offer. He also made many friends through the amazing choice of activities. The technology and communication is another great point of difference, the Magic Wrist bands allows staff to communicate with parents and also know what part of the kids club each child is in, as well as what staff member is responsible for them. Truly a magical place.
My kids loved the Kids Club on board the Disney Wonder.
Now to the entertainment, it is a spectacular blend of Disney magic and Broadway-style performances. The Walt Disney Theatre hosts Broadway-caliber shows featuring beloved characters and captivating storytelling. Additionally, themed deck parties bring the excitement outdoors, while nightclubs and lounges provide adult-oriented entertainment. Guests can enjoy first-run films in the Buena Vista Theatre, live music in various venues, and then there are the fireworks at sea, yep, the only cruise company in the world with fireworks while at sea. The theatre shows vary from enchanting musicals to lively deck celebrations with acrobatics, zip lining, and amazing music. The entertainment options on the Disney Wonder ensure a magical and immersive experience for guests of all ages and made me believe in MAGIC again. I have never experienced shows like this before. Shows on land of similar production values, you would expect to be paying top dollar for, but they are all included in the price of the cruise, another reason the value is so good.
Our 3rd night sees us dining at Triton’s - immersed in the underwater kingdom of The Little Mermaid inside this elegant restaurant named after her father. Make your way past a fanciful bronze statue of Ariel and journey inside a grand ballroom that recalls the opulent sea palace of King Triton bedecked in a dazzling Art Deco theme. It is brimming with ornate chandeliers, stained glass, sea-inspired architectural flourishes and a sweeping mural of Ariel and her father – that looks like it took years to make, but 2 Italian ladies created it in just 5 months. Triton's serves up a regal atmosphere that guests of all ages are sure to admire, I highly recommend the Lamb & the Crème Brule. My kids will recommend the MAC & Cheese though.
As our trip comes to an end, I can highly recommend Disney cruises, amazing for multi generational families, those young, young at heart, friendship groups and cruise or Disney fans of all ages – I have 2 very tired kids and a tired dad! The memories we made together will last a lifetime. There is so much to see and do onboard and we tried to fit it all in… I am looking forward to my next Disney Cruise experience to experience more magic, more shows, more foods and making more memories and yep the kids are already asking when can we go again Dad?
So contact me or one of my amazing team and start planning! The ship will be back for the 2024 / 2025 season and rumours of Disney bringing a bigger ship and more magic are exciting! So start planning now for your own truly magical cruise.
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