These days, life is kind of getting back to normal in Florida, with tourism finally mounting a rebound in our state. Hotel revenues are up. So are vacation rental bookings. But what about cruises? (Fun fact: that was the last trip I took pre-pandemic!) As a mom, I love to cruise–especially with my extended family. All-inclusive vacations are just so much easier with a group. And, I was so excited when I heard cruising could potentially restart as soon as this summer in American waters.
Disney is certainly counting on that, and looking even further ahead to 2022 when Disney Cruise Line launches the fleet’s fifth ship, the Disney Wish, in Port Canaveral! When they set sail next year, families will discover a mesmerizing new world centered around enchanted storytelling bringing to life the fantastical worlds and beloved characters at the heart of Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars adventures. Of course my biggest takeaway is that there is a new Star Wars BAR onboard! But there are so many other highlights too!
Big Additions to the Disney Wish
On the upper decks, an expansive district themed to Mickey and Friends will feature AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. It will immerse guests in “The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse” animated shorts as they embark on a “splashtacular” adventure with the most famous of Disney characters. Little ones will go to “swim”-finity and beyond in a new Toy Story-themed water play district designed especially for families with toddlers and young children. It will feature a Toy Story Splash Zone water playground, Slide-a-saurus Rex family waterslide and Trixie’s Falls wading pool.
If you’re an Avengers fan, you won’t want to miss the first Marvel cinematic dining adventure where families are invited to play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission at Worlds of Marvel. Just call me Black Widow! Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure will also offer an interactive dining experience for cruisers. Guests will be welcomed into an enchanted castle ballroom where they’ll celebrate the engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff, a story line that picks up where “Frozen 2” left off.
And as I mentioned before, a high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship—Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge—will be reserved exclusively for adults every evening. Also on deck for grown-ups, there are some elegant new dining options inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Beauty and the Beast” – Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement and The Rose.
As for Broadway-level entertainment, The Walt Disney Theatre will premiere a reimagined adaptation of “Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular.” If you’re not familiar, this fast-paced musical comedy is based on the classic animated tale of “street rat” Aladdin meeting the wise-cracking Genie, battling the evil Jafar and falling in love with Princess Jasmine.
The Disney Wish will sail its maiden voyage—a five-night cruise to Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay—on June 9, 2022, followed by an inaugural season of three- and four-night cruises to the same destinations from Port Canaveral, Florida. Bookings open to the general public on May 27, 2021. We can’t wait!
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, a lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida Mommy. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
