Comparing the Disney Cruise Ships

Posted on Published: 10/19/2023  - Last updated: 02/18/2024

Disney cruises are popular for many reasons – for their family-friendly amenities, attention to detail, and commitment to providing family magic.

If you are a regular reader here, you know that I’m an avid cruiser on the Disney Cruise Line. After three sailings on the Disney Fantasy , one on the Disney Wonder , seven on the Disney Dream , and one on the Disney Magic , I’ve had the chance to experience Disney’s newest ship – the Disney Wish , twice. If you are considering a trip on the Disney Cruise Line, you may be wondering what is the best Disney Cruise Line ship for your family vacation.

It’s difficult to answer that without looking at the various itineraries as well as comparing the sizes, restaurants, amenities, and more on the Disney Cruise ships. Here are our comparisons.

Disclosure: I’ve been on one complimentary media preview cruise as well as two cruises as part of Disney Social Media Moms. The rest of my cruises were at my own cost. All opinions are my own.

Check prices of Disney Cruise Line Sailings here .

Disney Dream cruise ship docked at Castaway Cay with pier and small boats

Itineraries on the Disney Cruise Ships

Before deciding which ship to sail on, you’ll definitely want to look at the various itineraries offered. After all, a Mediterranean cruise is much, much different than an Alaskan cruise. Itinerary and ports of call really should be your first consideration when deciding which ship on the Disney Cruise Line fleet you’ll want to sail on.

The Disney Fantasy always leaves from the Port Canaveral cruise port and sails on seven-day itineraries in the Eastern and Western Caribbean. Ports include Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, and of course, Castaway Cay .

The Fantasy’s sister ship, the Disney Dream, used to leave from Port Canaveral but now departs from Miami for part of the year. The Dream also has sailings from Fort Lauderdale, San Juan, New York, and Europe.

The other two ships, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic have typically traveled around a bit more. Itineraries (especially in the winter) change year by year, but the Wonder typically goes to Alaska, while the Magic has itineraries departing from San Diego, Miami, Galveston, New Orleans, and San Juan.

Miami cruise port to Castaway Cay and Key West . That itinerary was so much fun, and the four-day trip was the perfect amount of time for our girls’ trip.

Once you look at the itineraries, you’ll definitely have a good idea of which Disney Cruise Line ship you’ll want to be on, especially if you plan to travel on an itinerary that only one ship offers.

Colorful slide on the Disney Wish

Size of the Disney Cruise Ships

There are currently three different classes of Disney Cruise Ships. The original ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are called the Magic class and are smaller. These ships accommodate a maximum of 2,700 passengers.

The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are the Dream class ships, which accommodate a maximum of 4,000 passengers. The new Triton Class ships (the Disney Wish) also accommodate 4,000 but are a bit bigger in Gross Tonnage.

The smaller ships definitely do feel more intimate but don’t have as many amenities.

Restaurants on the Disney Cruise Ships

While all of the dining rooms on the Disney Cruise Line are fun and offer lots of delicious food options, they do vary by ship. Animator’s Palate, as well as the premium, adult-only Palo, are offered on all original four ships.

Each of the original four ships has a French-themed restaurant, although the names and themes are different. There are also three incredibly fun-themed restaurants – Tiana’s Place on the Disney Wonder , Arendelle on the Disney Wish, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table on the Disney Magic. In addition to dinner, you’ll also be entertained while eating at these three restaurants. 

Each of the ships offers free ice cream, as well as a premium coffee bar. They all have various snack options available throughout the day, including pizza, sandwiches, and salads. The Disney Dream also offers a premium ice cream/dessert spot, called Vanellope’s. Everything in Vanellope’s is offered at an additional fee.

In addition to Palo, there are other adult-only restaurants on some of the ships. The Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream offer Remy, while the Disney Wish has Enchante.

For breakfast and lunch, each of the four original ships has the Cabanas buffet, with both indoor and outdoor seating. On the Wish, there’s Marceline Market, which is similar to a buffet but with servers plating the food.

Pink on the Disney Dream

Bars and Lounges on the Disney Cruise Ships

While most people travel with kids on the Disney Cruise Line, there are still bars and lounges that adults can enjoy. Since many kids will likely spend much of their time in the phenomenal kids’ clubs on board, adults will have lots of opportunities to visit the adult-only areas.

The Disney Fantasy offers a whole area of the ship called Europa, filled with European-themed bars and lounges. Ooh La La, a champagne bar, is my personal favorite.

The Disney Dream ship features the District, which is similar to Europa. It’s located in the same area of the ship, and has similar bars. Instead of Ooh La La, their champagne bar is called Pink. My favorite bar of all the ships is the Meridian Lounge, which is located between Palo and Remy on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

The Disney Wonder and Disney Magic also have bars and lounges. The Wonder has the After Hours adult area with several lounges. In most cases, the bars and lounges are open to kids during the day, but are adult only in the evenings.

On the Wish, two of my favorite bars are the Bayou, and Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge. These two themed, unique lounges are great for a drink before or after dinner.

Programming at these bars, including games and entertainment, is sometimes offered – check your Disney Cruise Line app for details.

A Disney Cruise Line Stateroom

Staterooms on the Disney Cruise Ships

While there are some differences between the staterooms on the ships, for the most part, they are very much alike. They offer similar features, and while they are small, they are also comfortable.

My family of four regularly stays in a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah, and we find it to be enough room. We don’t spend too much time in the room because there’s so much to do on the ship.

The Disney Wish, Disney’s newest ship, offers even more concierge rooms than any of the other Disney cruise ships.

Amenities on the Disney Cruise Ships

All of the ships offer a number of amenities that families will love. These ships were clearly built with families in mind.

Each ship offers a pool deck with splash areas and the Funnel Vision signature television screen showing Disney movies throughout the day. On the Disney Fantasy and Dream, you’ll also be able to go on the Aquaduck water coaster. It’s so much fun, and you’ll want to go more than once.

While the Disney Magic and Wonder don’t have the AquaDuck, the Disney Magic does have the AquaDunk, a high-speed water slide tube. The Disney Wish has a new coaster, called the AquaMouse.

There are also sports decks with various amenities, depending on the ship. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have sports simulators, but you’ll need to make reservations for that in advance.

The ships also all have kids’ clubs, Senses spas , hot tubs, shops, and much more. I also recommend walking around the ship when you first arrive so you can learn about everything that is available to you.

Three level atrium on the Disney Wish with chandelier and pumpkin tree

Activities on the Disney Cruise Ships

Each of the ships offers lots of activities, including first-run Disney movies in the movie theater (the Wish has two theaters) and Broadway-style stage live shows in the Walt Disney Theater. The shows do vary by ship, but I’ve seen all of them and everyone is fantastic.

My favorite show is currently Frozen, which plays on the Wonder.  A close runner-up to that is a new Beauty and the Beast show that runs on the Disney Dream. Other newer shows are Aladdin on the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wish, the Little Mermaid on the Disney Wish, and Tangled on the Disney Magic. 

Other activities include family and adult game shows, beverage-tasting seminars, Bingo, and animation classes. There are also Disney character greetings on every ship. Check the Navigatornapp to see the full schedule of events.

Ships typically have a pirate night during one night of the cruise. It’s so much fun – definitely go to the fireworks if there’s a pirate night during your cruise. 

On the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream, kids will love the Midship Detective Agency. This free game lets you become a detective while finding clues throughout the midship section of the boat. When my kids were younger, we’d accompany them on their quest. Once they were a bit older, they loved the freedom of doing it on their own.  

The Disney Wish has a new augmented reality experience, called Disney Uncharted Adventure. It works with the app, and ends with a live event.

So, what is the best Disney Cruise Line ship?

My personal favorite is the Disney Fantasy, the second-newest ship in the fleet (for now). However, that was the first Disney ship that I traveled on, so I’m not sure if that’s why it’s my favorite.

Others really love the Magic. As a smaller ship, it’s definitely more quaint and it’s easier to walk around. I do love the shows on the Magic, as well as the restaurants.

It’s really hard to say which is the best Disney cruise ship because they are all great!

What is your favorite Disney Cruise ship?

See our Disney Cruise Line comparison story here .

Frequently Asked Questions

All of the ships have teen clubs and other great amenities. My teens loved the Disney Wish, which also has the Hero Zone which is where you can play basketball, ping pong, and other sports indoors. But when choosing a ship for teens, I’d focus on the itinerary first.

As someone who sometimes cruises without my kids, I appreciate the adult-only sections. My favorite adult-only area is Satellite Falls, an outdoor sun deck area that is on the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream. I also really love the Rainforest Room in the Senses Spa on the Disney Wish. While all of the ships have Rainforest Rooms (for an additional fee), the one on the Wish is the largest and has a great outdoor area.

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

Disney Wish docked, a yellow twisty water slide on a ship deck, and Disney Dream docked with small boats in front.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

What is the Best Disney Cruise Ship?

We compare and rank to find the best disney cruise ship.

When you combine  cruises  with  Disney , something magical happens! Below we compare the five Disney Cruise Line ships to help you decide which one is best for your next getaway. So, what is the best Disney Cruise ship? Without further ado, here is our list of the top 5!

Ships in the Disney Cruise Line Fleet

Disney Dream cruise ship

The latest industry numbers indicate that Disney Cruise Lines have a 2.3 percent share of the worldwide cruise ship market. With additional ships soon to be added to the roster, we should only expect Disney will increase its market share over the coming years.

Disney Cruise Line has 5 active ships, with three additional Disney cruise ships expected to be added by 2025.

Here is the current DCL fleet:

  • Disney Magic
  • Disney Wonder
  • Disney Dream
  • Disney Fantasy
  • Disney Wish

A sixth ship, Disney Treasure, is expected to join the fleet in 2024. Disney has also announced the purchase  of the partially-constructed  Global Dream  for conversion to a new Disney ship, the Disney Adventure (launching in 2025). Finally, another custom-built ship, as yet unnamed, is expected to also launch sometime in 2025. Once all is said and done, there will be eight ships in the fleet.

Castaway Cay  is a tropical paradise located in the Bahamas and is an  exclusive port-of-call for Disney cruise guests. Disney owns the island, so you won’t compete with non-Disney guests for reservations. In addition,  Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is under construction on Eleuthera as another exclusive port-of-call.

There are lots of similarities between these Disney ships. Each one has its advantages and its magical experiences. That said, some of the entertainment, dining, amenities, activities, and destinations vary from ship to ship.

Want personalized advice on which ship is best for your vacation?

Best Disney Cruise Ships

Each of Disney’s cruise ships has its own unique history and defining characteristics. Here is our list of the best Disney cruise ships, ranked!

1. Disney Wish Cruise Ship

Disney Wish Overview

Disney Wish  is the newest Disney Cruise ship, launched in the summer of 2022. For its inaugural season, the ship focuses on 3- and 4-night Bahamian itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral (FL), with visits to Disney’s Castaway Cay and Nassau.

This ship has a length of 1,119 ft and a gross tonnage of about 144,000. The Disney Wish has 1,254 staterooms and boasts an onboard Guest capacity of 2,508 (at double occupancy) and 4,000 (max occupancy). In addition, 1,555 Crew Members keep the ship running. Disney Wish currently has no sister ships – it is the first in a series of three so-called “Triton Class” Disney ships (the two sister ships are expected to be introduced in 2024 and 2025).

While we admit that the newest isn’t always the best, that’s certainly  not  the case here. Instead, the Disney Wish has quite simply  changed the game  when it comes to cruising.

Arendelle Dining

Disney Wish Dining

Disney Wish offers three rotational dining restaurants, two of which offer a sort of “dinner and a show” experience.

At  Arendelle – a Frozen Dining Adventure , you’re an honored guest of Queen Anna and Kristoff as they celebrate their engagement with Norwegian-inspired cuisine and live musical performances from Elsa and Olaf.

On another night, you’ll experience  Worlds of Marvel , which offers a worldly menu inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe, along with a little adventure in the form of Ant-Man and the Wasp demonstrating Super Hero technologies.

Finally,  1923  offers a dining experience steeped in the golden age of Hollywood. Named after the year the Disney brothers founded their first studio, you’ll enjoy the flavors of California while surrounded by relics of the early days of animation.

For those seeking an elegant (upcharged) experience, try  Palo Steakhouse  for dinner — or drop into  Hyperspace Lounge  for an intergalactic drink. And with casual dining options such as  Marceline Market  and even places to grab a Taco or some BBQ, you’ll never go hungry onboard the Disney Wish!

disney cruise ship rooms

Disney Wish Entertainment

Disney Wish onboard activities include Disney’s first-ever “attraction at sea” called the “ AquaMouse ,” a sort of waterslide meets raft ride meets roller coaster. Live shows include Disney’s  The Little Mermaid  and  Disney’s Aladdin . And, of course, there’s a vast array of movie, nightclubs, pools, pubs, a Walt Disney theatre, and more!

Disney Wish Activities for Kids

Disney Wish offers plenty to keep the kids entertained. Train at  Marvel Super Hero Academy , visit  Star Wars Cargo Bay  or build your own coaster at the  Walt Disney Imagineering Lab .  Edge  and  Vibe  cater to tweens and teens, while  it’s a small world nursery!, Toy Story Splash Zone  and  Mickey & Minnie Captain’s Deck  is waiting for the tiniest travelers.

Set Sail on the Disney Wish with The Vacationeer !

2. Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship

Disney Fantasy Overview

Disney Fantasy  – the sister ship of Disney Dream – was launched in 2012 as Disney Cruise Line’s latest ship. Guests can choose between a seven-night Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise. This ship has a length of 1,114.8 ft and a gross tonnage is 129,750. Like Disney Dream, the Fantasy has an onboard guest capacity of 2.500 (double occupancy) and 4,000 (max occupancy) with a crew of over 1,400.

Routes:  Port Canaveral, Florida; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St Thomas; US Virgin Islands; Castaway Cay, Bahamas; Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Falmouth, Jamaica.

We love Disney Fantasy , and so do other Guests!

disney cruise ship food

Disney Fantasy Dining

Disney Fantasy offers Rotational dining between the always entertaining dinner show named Animation Magic at its  Animator’s Palate  restaurant. The ship’s other  dining locations  include the magical Enchanted Garden and the fairytale dining room of  Royal Court . In contrast, the casual dining options include  Cabanas , Flo’s  Café , and snacks at  Eye Scream  and  Frozone Treats . The Northern Italian cuisine of  Palo  and French-inspired  Remy provide a few upscale and intimate options for adults.

disney cruise ship rooms

Disney Fantasy Entertainment

Disney Fantasy onboard activities include a “water roller coaster” called the “AquaDuck,” the nightclub district called Europa, several pools, pubs, theatres, and more!

Disney Fantasy Activities for Kids

Like the other Disney cruise ships, Disney’s Fantasy has plenty of individual and instructor-led activities geared to kids of all ages.

3. The Disney Magic

Disney Magic Overview

Disney Magic was the first Disney cruise ship that had its maiden voyage on July 30, 1998, and has been in service ever since. It boasts a length of 984 ft, a gross tonnage of 83,338, and has 11 public decks, 875  staterooms , a crew of 945, and enough capacity for 2,700 guests.

The interior of Disney Magic is decorated in an Art Deco style, while the ship’s exterior color scheme is black, red, and white with 20 yellow lifeboats (matching the colors of Mickey Mouse). Disney Magic’s horn blasts a tune from Disney’s famous “When You Wish Upon a Star.” The ship’s Godmother is Patricia Disney, the wife of Roy E. Disney.

Routes : 4 Night Caribbean Cruises; 5, 6, 7, and 8 Night Western Caribbean Cruises; 2, 3, 4, and 8 Night Bahamian Cruises; 4, 5, 7, 9, and 12-night Mediterranean Cruises; and Special Cruises

Simply put, Disney Magic is… magical!

disney cruise ship dessert

Disney Magic Dining

Disney Magic  offers two dining times – early and late. The Disney Cruise Line uses something they call “Rotational Dining” to ensure that guests have a chance to experience each of the ship’s themed restaurants. Regarding dining options, Disney Magic has several restaurants, and all three participate in the Rotational Dining schedule. Disney Magic’s dining locations include Lumiere’s (themed after Beauty and the Beast), Rapunzel’s Royal Table (inspired by Disney animated movie Tangled), and Animator’s Palate. In addition, Disney Magic’s  Palo restaurant  is located on the aft deck. It serves Northern Italian fare at dinnertime (18+, seats 130 guests).

Disney Magic Entertainment

The fun never stops on  Disney Magic .  There are live Broadway-style shows with your favorite Disney characters, fireworks, character meets, and movie theaters with first-run and Disney movies. The Walt Disney Theater and the Buena Vista Theater, karaoke, games, several pools, and a variety of Disney-themed deck parties, including Pirates Night and Sail-Away Celebration. The ship also boasts a massive LED screen called “Funnel Vision” and numerous lounges and bars (including  O’Gills Pub ). Keys piano bar, the Promenade Lounge, D-Lounge, and the adults-only Fathoms.

Disney Magic Activities for Kids

Disney Magic hosts a variety of  kids’ clubs  to keep the youngsters entertained, including:

-It’s a Small World Nursery is a play area for infants .

– Oceaneer Club  and the Oceaneer Lab are geared towards kids ages 3 to 12 years old. Activities include themed activities, computer games, experiments, costume dress, and more.

-The Edge is an interactive area where younger guests play (ages 11-14).

-The Vibe club is strictly for teens and offers video games, Internet, TV, music, Internet access, and social activities.

Need Help Deciding Which Ship to Pick?

4. Disney Dream Cruise Ship

Disney Dream Overview

Disney Dream  is the 3rd  Disney Cruise Line  ship operated by The Walt Disney Company and has been active since 2011. The ship currently sails three-day, four-day, and sometimes five-day cruises to the  Bahamas . It has a capacity of 2,500 (double occupancy) or 4,000 passengers maximum and has a crew of 1,458. Disney Dream is 1,114 ft in length and has a gross tonnage of 83,000.

Routes : With the arrival of the Disney Wish, the Disney Dream is no longer primarily based at  Port Canaveral, Florida.  It now offers 3, 4, and 5-night Bahamas cruises from Port Miami , along with multiple European itineraries of 4-11 nights departing from Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), Copenhagen, and Southampton.

Overall, the Disney Dream is fantastic. It’s not our absolute favorite, but there’s really not much to complain about.

Disney Dream Dining

Disney Dream has Rotational dining where you will get to experience 3 different restaurants each night of your cruise. The ship is home to a “state-of-the-art” dinner show at  Animator’s Palate , a classic Disney fairytale feast at  Royal Palace , and  Enchanted Garden  set in a serene conservatory setting. For a more casual dining experience, head to  Cabanas  for a casual breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Or check out the pizza, chicken, burgers, and salads at  Flo’s Café . For a delicious icy treat, head to  Frozone Treats , or  Eye Scream  (an ice cream shop). The Italian-inspired Palo and the French-inspired  Remy  are both high-end, adult-only dining options. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day.

Disney Dream Entertainment

Disney Dream onboard activities include digital sports simulators, a 9-hole mini-golf course, a full-sized basketball court, a volleyball court, a pitch, and a walking track.

Disney Wonder is also home to a “water roller coaster” called the AquaDuck, Mickey’s Slide, and has three pools, including the quiet cove pool. The ship also boasts two theaters: the Walt Disney Theater (live Broadway-style performances) and the Buena Vista Theater (first-run Disney movies).

Disney Dream Activities for Kids

Like the other Disney cruise ships, Disney’s It’s a Small World Nursery, Oceaneer Club, Oceaneer Lab, Edge, Goofy’s Sports Deck, and Vibe are geared to kids of all ages.

5. Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Disney Wonder Overview

Disney Wonder  is the second ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and made its maiden voyage in August 1999. She is constructed in a nearly identical fashion to Disney Magic. However, the ship’s interior is decorated in the Art Nouveau style rather than Art Deco. Disney Wonder has 11 public decks, 875 staterooms, a crew of roughly 950, and can accommodate 2,400 passengers. This Disney cruise ship has a length of 974 ft and a gross tonnage of 83,000.

Routes : The routes include Alaska , Hawaii , Australia/New Zealand, and the USA’s West Coast

Still an excellent cruise ship (despite our ranking).

Disney Wonder Dining

Disney Cruise Line uses a dining rotation where guests rotate to a different restaurant each night. Guests are seated at the same table number – with the same table guests and wait staff – for every night they are on board. This creates less confusion and a friendly commodore among the guests.

Disney Wonder has three main restaurants:  Triton’s ,  Tiana’s Place,  and  Animator’s Palate .  Triton’s  features French cuisine in an Art Deco dining room,  Tiana’s Place  serves southern cooking with live jazz music, and  Animator’s Palate  is a dining show offering contemporary cuisine and Disney characters. The other main dining rooms and food options include  Cabanas , a buffet-style restaurant for breakfast and lunch and a casual eatery for dinner, a sandwich and salad shop called  Daisy’s de-Lites ,  Pinocchio’s Pizza , and the adult-oriented Palo, where Italian-inspired food and décor are complimented with live music.

Disney Wonder Entertainment

Some of the entertainment and lifestyle highlights of Disney Wonder include Crown & Fin Pub, an adults-only British-style pub, Frozen, A Musical Spectacular, and the relaxing and rejuvenating Senses Spa and Salon. Check  here  for a list of all onboard activities.

Disney Wonder Activities for Kids

Like Disney Magic, Disney Wonder offers the Oceaneers Club and the Oceaneers Lab for children ages 3-10. The Club provides several TVs, costumes to play dress-up, a slide, and some counselor-led activities. The Lab is geared towards the older age ranges and offers video games, TVs, computers, cooking classes, and more.

How to Book your Disney Cruise and Receive Onboard Credit

Ready to book your Disney Cruise? Do you have any questions?  The Vacationeer  can help!

The Vacationeer offers something called “onboard credit” as a free  bonus/incentive  for booking through their agency. Onboard credit is essentially  free money  – linked to your stateroom account – that can be used to pay for nearly anything on your Disney ship or in Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island. This includes drinks, meals, merchandise, activities, spa treatments, gratuity, and more.

Ask your travel agent about onboard credit  before booking a  Disney Cruise line vacation. If they don’t offer it, then hang up and find one that does! We can tell you that The Vacationeer offers the most competitive onboard credit in the business and doesn’t charge you a single penny to use their services!

See  the Vacationeer’s  Onboard Credit promotion  and our  Disney Cruise Onboard Credit  page, then  get a free quote  today!

The Vacationeer can also help you plan and book your Disney cruise on their newest Disney cruise ships – the  Disney Wish .

Best Disney Cruise Ship for Adults

While there are no Disney cruises exclusively for adults, there are plenty of dining options, bars, excursions, and perks geared towards adults on each cruise.

The Disney Dream is our pick for the  best Disney cruise ship for adults . It offers the cosmopolitan Skyline lounge, an upscale travel-themed lounge called The Meridian, the Italian restaurant Palo, the French fine-dining of Remy, a Quiet Cove for adults, the relaxation and rejuvenation of Senses Spa , and port excursions that cater specifically to adults.

Where is the Best Location on a Disney Cruise Ship?

The best location on a Disney cruise ship for the best views (widest vistas) is the very front or the very back of the ship.

The best location on a Disney cruise ship if you are prone to getting seasick is the center part of the ship because you’ll feel the least movement there. Specifically, try to reserve Deck 6 Midship on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, Deck 6 or 7 Midship on the Disney Wish, and Decks 7 and 8 Midship on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

What is the Best Deck on a Disney Cruise Ship?

The higher decks and cabins at the front (forward) or back (aft) have better views, but the ship will sway the most the higher you go. So it’s really just personal preference.

What is the Best Side of a Disney Cruise Ship?

If you sail out of Port Canaveral and stop at Castaway Cay, the  starboard side is the best side of a Disney cruise ship  because it faces the beach of Port Canaveral, where you can wave to everyone on the beach as the ship sets sail. The starboard side is also  usually  the side that faces  Castaway Cay  when the ship is docked there (though this will always depend on conditions at the time of docking). The starboard side is the right-hand side of the vessel, while the port side is on the left.

Enjoy your Disney Cruise!

We hope our Best Disney Cruise Ships RANKED article gives you some suggestions.

For more Disney information, please see our  How Much Do Disney Cruises Cost ,  Last-Minute Disney Cruise ,  What’s Included and What Isn’t , Best Cruise Lines for Kids ,   Disney Cruise Customer Service ,   Why Use a Disney Travel Agent ,  Disney Payment Plans ,  Disney Transportation Map ,  and  Disney World Tips   articles.

Thank you for reading our page, and we hope you have a fantastic vacation out at sea!

Get Free Help Planning Your Cruise

If you need help planning and booking your magical Disney Cruise Line vacation, contact our friends at   The Vacationeer .

Their services are always helpful and totally  free of charge !

Related Posts:

dcl-where-does-the-disney-cruise-go-789×413-1-min

BeyondCruise

Disney Cruise Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

Disney Cruise Line - Disney Dream

Disney Cruise Line has an active fleet of four cruise ships with a further three ships on order ( Disney Wish and two currently unnamed ships).

In this guide, we will cover all the different ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and how they compare to each other.

Introduction to Disney Cruise Line

Before Disney Cruise Line became its own entity, Disney actually tried to work with both Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. However, nothing really came of this and so in 1994 Disney had their first cruise ship plans drawn up.

Disney announced their first cruises would start in 1998 and commissioned familiar cruise shipbuilder, Fincantieri in Italy to build their first two cruise ships ( Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ).

In July 1998, Disney Magic performed the first maiden voyage for the cruise line – sailing from their homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida.

By 2005, Disney was using Los Angeles as their summer homeport for their ships and the gaining popularity of them was outstripping their capacity.

In 2007, they announced the building of two new cruise ships – Disney Dream , which launched in January 2011 and Disney Fantasy which started operations in 2012.

More recently, in 2016 Disney announced a new class of cruise ship – the Triton-class, which would be used for two new upcoming cruise ships. A third ship was added to the order book in 2017 and the first ship of the class, Disney Wis h is expected to join the Disney fleet in July 2022.

Disney Cruise Ships Frequently Asked Questions

What is disney’s largest cruise ship.

The  Disney Fantasy  and  Disney Dream  are the largest cruise ships in the Disney fleet currently.

What is Disney’s smallest cruise ship?

Disney Magic  is the smallest cruise ship in the Disney fleet, carrying 2,700 passengers.

Which is the oldest Disney cruise ship?

Disney Magic  is the oldest ship in the Disney fleet. It started service in 1998.

Which is the newest Disney cruise ship?

The newest Disney ship is  Disney Wish  which is due to enter service in July 2022.

What is the cheapest month to take a Disney cruise?

Generally, Jan-Mar or Nov-Dec are the off-peak season cruises with Disney and therefore cheaper to cruise!

Do you pay for dining on a Disney cruise?

No. Disney cruises are all-inclusive with no surcharges for dining. However, popcorn is extra!

Can you smoke on a Disney cruise?

You have never been allowed to smoke in the Disney staterooms. But they do have designated areas onboard each of their ships.

What Disney cruise ship is the best?

The best Disney cruise is usually the one your kids will beg you to go on! In all seriousness,  Disney Fantasy  has the highest review scores – probably because it is one of the newest with the latest facilities and technologies onboard too!

Are Disney cruise pools heated?

Yes! For your comfort, they are kept at a heat of around 75f.

Why is Disney Cruise Line so expensive?

Disney itself is quite expensive (parks and hotels) – but this is because you are paying for very high-quality experiences with exceptional guest satisfaction.

Their cruises are also more expensive because of the inclusive dining.

Disney Cruise Ships by Size (from largest to smallest)

What does ‘tonnage (grt)’ mean.

GRT (Gross Registered Tonnage) is a term used to calculate the volume inside a ship. It is a measure of cubic capacity and is calculated by the total volume from inside the hull and decks of the ship. 1 GRT = 100 cubic feet of space. In essence, the bigger the GRT – the more ‘space’ the ship has for passengers, cargo, etc.

How are ‘Passengers (Max)’ calculated?

You’ll see multiple numbers for passengers on ships – this is because many ships include extra beds in cabins (such as the sofa/couch can convert to a pull-out bed) – but the majority of cabins usually have 2 people in them. the ‘Max’ number is if every cabin used their additional pull-out bed, etc. This number is unlikely to be reached very frequently.

Disney Cruise Ships by Age (from newest to oldest)

Are all disney cruise ships new builds.

Yes, all Disney cruise ships are brand new builds and purpose-built for Disney Cruise Line.

As Disney has exceptionally high standards you can guess that they would not be happy with taking on an older ship and converting it to their standard.

Therefore, they build each ship to their exact specification. However, they do use the same cruise shipbuilder as other lines such as Carnival and MSC Cruises use, which is Fincantieri in Italy.

Disney Cruise Ships by Class (from newest to oldest)

Final thoughts.

For many, taking a Disney Cruise is an absolute bucket-list item – whether you are a seasoned cruiser or not. Who wouldn’t want to experience the magic of Disney, but at sea?

From their colorful ships to the very high customer service standards that Disney offers, a Disney cruise is perfect for kids (and adults too).

The cruise line has been slower than others to add extra ships, but with three new ships on order, they will be nearly doubling their fleet by late 2025!

Similar Posts

P&O Cruises Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

P&O Cruises Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

MSC Cruises Status Match – What is it?

MSC Cruises Status Match – What is it?

Carnival Cruise Ships by Size and Age (2022)

Carnival Cruise Ships by Size and Age (2022)

Everything MSC Meraviglia – Part 4 – Cabins and Experiences Guide

Everything MSC Meraviglia – Part 4 – Cabins and Experiences Guide

MSC Magnifica Ultimate Buffet Guide

MSC Magnifica Ultimate Buffet Guide

MSC Meraviglia Deck by Deck Guide

MSC Meraviglia Deck by Deck Guide

Picture the Magic

  • Disney Cruise: Start Here 1️⃣
  • 101 Disney Cruise Tips 💡
  • What to Expect on Your First Disney Cruise 🚢
  • Disney Cruise Packing List
  • Castaway Cay Tips
  • What’s Included Disney Cruise?
  • Fish Extenders
  • Disneyland Paris
  • Disney Good Neighbor Hotels
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge Tips
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge Rooms
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge Restaurants
  • Aulani Tips
  • All About the Aulani Spa
  • Aulani Daily Iwa
  • BoardWalk Inn Tips
  • BoardWalk Inn Rooms
  • BoardWalk Inn Dining
  • 50 Magical Disney Coronado Springs Tips
  • Disney Coronado Springs Dining: 2022 Guide
  • Disney Coronado Springs Rooms: Full Guide & Reviews
  • Polynesian Village Resort Tips
  • All About Spirit of Aloha Luau
  • Best Dining at Polynesian Village Resort
  • 50 Magical Pop Century Resort Tips, Secrets & Hacks
  • Disney Pop Century Dining: 2022 Guide
  • Disney’s Pop Century Rooms: 2021 Guide
  • Port Orleans Riverside Tips
  • Port Orleans Riverside Rooms
  • Port Orleans Riverside Dining
  • Saratoga Springs Tips
  • Saratoga Springs Rooms
  • Saratoga Springs Dining
  • Star Wars Hotel News
  • Rent DVC Points
  • 101 Disney Gift Ideas 🎁
  • Latest Disney Deals 🔥
  • Disney Black Friday Deals
  • Disney World Tickets
  • Disneyland Tickets
  • Why Use a Disney Vacation Travel Agent
  • Mickey Mouse Shirts
  • Star Wars Shirts
  • Moana Shirts
  • Beauty and the Beast Shirts
  • How to Get Two Free Audiobooks for Your Disney Vacation
  • Disney Shirts
  • 101 Disney Freebies
  • Mickey Mouse Nails
  • Minnie Mouse Nails
  • Star Wars Tattoos
  • Harry Potter Tattoos
  • Disney Recipes
  • Get Disney+ Free
  • Disney Plus Gift Card
  • Disney+ Bundle
  • Best Movies on Disney+
  • Best Shows on Disney+
  • Disney+ Marvel
  • Mickey Mouse Coloring Pages
  • Minnie Mouse Coloring Pages
  • Toy Story Coloring Pages
  • Star Wars Coloring Pages
  • Frozen Coloring Page
  • Moana Coloring Pages
  • Little Mermaid Coloring Pages
  • Tangled Coloring Pages
  • Avengers Coloring Pages
  • Captain America Coloring Pages
  • Spiderman Coloring Pages
  • Coco Coloring Pages
  • Frozen Font
  • Star Wars Font
  • Free Disney Character Pennant Banner
  • Free Disney Vacation Scavenger Hunt
  • What’s in the Cricut Mystery Box?
  • The Cricut Maker…Everything You NEED to Know
  • The Cricut EasyPress Mini – Everything You Need to Know
  • 101 Disney Cricut Ideas
  • Star Wars Cricut Ideas
  • How to Make a Disney Shirt
  • How to Make Disney Luggage Tags with Cricut
  • How to Make a Disney Card
  • How to Make a Disney Water Bottle
  • How to Make Mickey Mouse Earrings
  • How to Make a Mickey Mouse Inspired Wreath
  • Best of 2022
  • Travel Credit Cards
  • Hotel Credit Cards
  • Airline Credit Cards
  • Cash Back Credit Cards

Disney Cruise Ships

The Best Disney Cruise Ships in 2018

The Best Disney Cruise Ships

Disney Cruise Ships    |    New Disney Cruise Ships    |    Disney Cruise Overview     Disney Wish    |    Disney Fantasy    |    Disney Wonder    |    Disney Magic    |    Disney Dream |    Disney Treasure

The Best Disney Cruise Ships 2018

Introducing my detailed guide to each Disney Cruise Line ship!

In one place, I have brought together everything there is to know about each Disney Cruise ship.

In this complete Disney Cruise Ship guide, you’ll learn about different stateroom categories, dining options, all the entertainment and fun, and so much more.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet consists of five ships: Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream,   Disney Fantasy, and the newest addition, the Disney Wish .

Additionally, a sixth ship, Disney Treasure , has been announced and is expected to be seaworthy some time in 2024.

The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are sister ships, as are the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.  Both pairs of sister ships are similar in size as well as some features but they are definitely not twins.

Even though the sister’s have similarities, each of Disney’s five ships features different designs, deck plans , restaurants, entertainment, and activities onboard to make every voyage unique.

Disney Cruise Line is now well-established as a leader in the highly competitive cruise industry, having set itself apart by providing the most unique sailing experience on the seas.

Now...let's meet the ships!

The Disney Cruise Line Fleet of Ships

Use the following Disney Cruise ships comparison chart to help learn which is the best Disney Cruise ship for your vacation.

How to Use this Disney Cruise Ships Comparison Chart

You can use this handy information sheet to compare Disney ships by size, capacity, tonnage, staff, and age.

While this is all useful information to have, I highly recommend you click through the button on each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet to get a fully-detailed guide that goes way beyond the sizes of the ships.

Compare Disney Cruise Ships

Disney magic.

Disney Magic Cruise Ship

Image: Flickr

  • Passenger Capacity: 2700
  • Staterooms : 877
  • Entered Service : July 1998
  • Sister Ship : Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship

Img: Flickr

  • Passenger Capacity : 2700
  • Staterooms : 875
  • Entered Service : August 1999
  • Sister Ship : Disney Magic

Disney Dream

Disney Dream Cruise Ship

  • Passenger Capacity : 4,000
  • Crew : 1,400
  • Staterooms : 1,250
  • Entered Service : January 2011
  • Sister Ship : Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship

  • Entered Service : March 2012
  • Sister Ship : Disney Dream

Disney Wish

Disney Wish Cruise Ship

  • Staterooms : 1,254
  • Entered Service : July 2022

Disney Treasure

Disney Treasure Cruise Ship

  • Estimated Passenger Capacity : ~4,000
  • Estimated Crew : ~1,400
  • Estimated Staterooms : ~1,250
  • Expected Maiden Voyage : 2024

Three New Disney Cruise Ships

Disney cruise line has announced three new ships.

I nspiring speculation and excitement amongst crazed DCL fans like us, Disney Cruise Line has announced they are building three new cruise ships .

New Disney Cruise Ships are coming! This is what they will look like

Image: Disney Parks

Pin for Later

Disney Cruise Ships: All You Need to Know!

Disney Cruise Ships by Size [2022] with Comparison Chart

Disney Cruise Ships by Size [2022] with Comparison Chart

Below you'll find a complete list of Disney Ships by Size . From their smallest ship, the Disney Wonder, to the largest Disney cruise ship (soon to be), the Disney Wish.

While some cruise lines differ in size by a factor of 5x between their biggest and smallest ships, Disney has less variance. It also has significantly fewer ships. Once completed, the Disney Wish will be the fleet's 5th ship. Compare that to Carnival and Royal Caribbean's massive fleets (totally roughly 60 ships).

However, the difference in size between the Magic Class of ships vs Disney Class is worth noting. The Dream and Fantasy are roughly 55% larger than the Wonder and Magic! If you're in the "bigger is better camp," you'll want to opt for the Dream Class.

Here at Gangwaze, we don't discriminate when it comes to our Disney ship size. Sometimes we need a bit more breathing room. Think big family reunions. While other times we prefer a cozier cruise.

First, a little clarification is needed before checking out our sizing chart below. We're comparing Disney cruise ships by size using the metric, " Gross Tonnage ." This always causes a few shoulder shrugs in our community. We're not simply talking, "weight." The definition is a bit nuanced. And by "nuanced, we mean "boring." Here it is nonetheless.

Hey, wake up! So why do we use this measurement to determine Disney Ship Sizes? As noted above, it's used for safety rules and whatnot. As such, it's the standard across this cruise line and all others. Every passenger cruise ship will have this measurement . That makes it easy to compare ship size across ship, class, cruise lines and more.

Ok, we're done with today's course on maritime verbiage. Here's the good stuff.

Does Disney Ship Size impact cruise price?

The price of a Disney cruise isn't directly correlated with size. You won't find that the bigger the ship, the more the cost. Nor will you find the opposite. You won't necessarily pay less for the largest Disney ship vs the smallest. It will all depend on the specific itinerary. To get a sense of pricing, please use our widget below. You can switch between the different Disney ships to see the difference in cost.

Below you'll find all Disney ships ranked by size (in Gross Tonnage). Additionally, you'll find a number of other stats in our ship list. These include ship length, beam, draft, passenger count, and a few others for your viewing pleasure.

Disney Cruise Ships by Size (Largest to Smallest)

Your experience on any of the above ships will be consistent. You'll find the same cast of characters and many of the same dining venues and attractions. With Disney, you really can't go wrong.

When choosing our next DCL vacation, we tend to focus more on factors other than size. These include available itineraries, departure port, cruise length, price and more. You can click through any of the ships below to find our pricing page. There, you'll see all these factors in play and easily sortable.

Here's a menu of all Disney Ships by Size. Click on any for quick access to ship stats for that vessel.

  • 1) Disney Wish
  • 2) Disney Dream
  • 3) Disney Fantasy
  • 4) Disney Wonder
  • 5) Disney Magic

DISNEY CRUISE SHIPS BY SIZE

Without further ado, here's our full list of Disney ships ranked from biggest to smallest!

1) Disney Wish Size

The Disney Wish has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 144000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,119 feet (341 meters) in length and falls in line as number 1 among Disney's 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Disney’s Triton Class. At full capacity, the Disney Wish holds 5,458 passengers. That includes 4,000 cruise vacationers and 1,458 staff members. The Disney Wish total number of staterooms is 1,250.

  • Gross Tonnage : 144000 GT
  • Ship Length : 1,119 feet (341 meters)
  • Beam : 135 feet (41 meters)
  • Draft : 28 feet (9 meters)
  • Max Speed : 28 mph (24 knots)
  • Year Built : 2022
  • Years Served : Future-2022
  • Capacity : 4,000 passengers
  • Crew Members : 1,458
  • Total on Board : 5,458
  • Total Staterooms : 1,250
  • Flagged Country : Bahamas
  • Ship Cost : $900 Million
  • Status : future ship

2) Disney Dream Size

The Disney Dream has a construction date of 2011 and a total size of 129690 gross tons. The ship measures 1,115 feet (340 meters) in length and falls in line as number 2 among Disney's 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Disney’s Dream Class. At full capacity, the Disney Dream holds 5,458 passengers. That includes 4,000 cruise vacationers and 1,458 staff members. The Disney Dream total number of staterooms is 1,250.

  • Gross Tonnage : 129690 GT
  • Ship Length : 1,115 feet (340 meters)
  • Beam : 137 feet (42 meters)
  • Draft : 27 feet (8 meters)
  • Year Built : 2011
  • Years Served : 2011-Present
  • Status : active

3) Disney Fantasy Size

The Disney Fantasy has a construction date of 2012 and a total size of 129690 gross tons. The ship measures 1,115 feet (340 meters) in length and falls in line as number 3 among Disney's 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Disney’s Dream Class. At full capacity, the Disney Fantasy holds 5,458 passengers. That includes 4,000 cruise vacationers and 1,458 staff members. The Disney Fantasy total number of staterooms is 1,250.

  • Max Speed : 25 mph (22 knots)
  • Year Built : 2012
  • Years Served : 2012-Present
  • Ship Cost : $950 Million

4) Disney Wonder Size

The Disney Wonder has a construction date of 1999 and a total size of 84130 gross tons. The ship measures 964 feet (294 meters) in length and falls in line as number 4 among Disney's 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Disney’s Magic Class. At full capacity, the Disney Wonder holds 3,658 passengers. That includes 2,713 cruise vacationers and 945 staff members. The Disney Wonder total number of staterooms is 875.

  • Gross Tonnage : 84130 GT
  • Ship Length : 964 feet (294 meters)
  • Beam : 106 feet (32 meters)
  • Draft : 25 feet (8 meters)
  • Year Built : 1999
  • Years Served : 1999-Present
  • Capacity : 2,713 passengers
  • Crew Members : 945
  • Total on Board : 3,658
  • Total Staterooms : 875
  • Ship Cost : $350 Million

5) Disney Magic Size

The Disney Magic has a construction date of 1998 and a total size of 83969 gross tons. The ship measures 984 feet (300 meters) in length and falls in line as number 5 among Disney's 36 existing and former cruise ships. It’s included in Disney’s Magic Class. At full capacity, the Disney Magic holds 3,658 passengers. That includes 2,713 cruise vacationers and 945 staff members. The Disney Magic total number of staterooms is 875.

  • Gross Tonnage : 83969 GT
  • Ship Length : 984 feet (300 meters)
  • Year Built : 1998
  • Years Served : 1998-Present
  • Ship Cost : $400 Million

We hope that the above list of Disney Cruise Ships by size helped you to find your ideal ship.

If interested, we also have a post showing Disney Fish Exchange Gifts . The FE program is a ton of fun. These are time-tested, kid-approved gifts they'll love to get.

Please use the "Share" buttons below to help other RC fans find this ships sizes info!

Gangwaze is your one-stop destination for shore tours, pre-cruise hotels, transfers, vacation insurance & more. We’ve partnered with industry leaders to bring you the best deals and the most convenience.

We love hearing from you. Email us directly or holler through socials.

  • Credit cards
  • View all credit cards
  • Banking guide
  • Loans guide
  • Insurance guide
  • Personal finance
  • View all personal finance
  • Small business
  • Small business guide
  • View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

Disney Cruises: The Complete Guide

Carissa Rawson

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Table of Contents

About Disney Cruise Line cruises

Disney cruise line prices, disney cruise line loyalty program: castaway club, what is the best disney cruise line ship.

Disney has a massive global footprint across its theme parks, films and merchandise. And it doesn’t stop there. Among its many offerings is the Disney Cruise Line, whose fleet of five ships sails all over the world.

Family-friendly but with adults-only areas, Disney cruises offer some of the most comprehensive cruise options around. Let’s break down everything there is to know about the Disney Cruise Line, including pricing, destinations and its loyalty program.

You can always expect some magic from Disney, and there is no exception when sailing on Disney Cruise Line. Although its fleet is small, it offers a high-end, family-friendly experience for guests. Here’s a quick overview of Disney Cruise Line’s key features.

Cabin types: Disney Cruise Line offers all the usual cabin types, including inside, oceanview, verandah and concierge-level rooms . Disney Cruise Line’s cabins are larger than average and designed for families, with split bathrooms and privacy curtains. Their largest rooms can accommodate up to seven guests. 

Main U.S. routes: Disney has several departure points from within the United States, including options from San Diego, New York City, Miami, and Galveston, Texas. However, its most frequent departures are from Port Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida, to the Bahamas and the Caribbean or from Vancouver, British Columbia to Alaska.

Loyalty program: Disney Cruise Line offers the Castaway Club to repeat guests. It has four membership levels — Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl. The first level is earned by completing a single cruise. 

» Learn more: Disney Cruise Review — Mickey at Sea Gets an A+

Disney Cruise Line destinations

Although Disney currently operates only five ships, the cruise line still manages to cover most of the world. Here are the locations you can currently sail on a Disney cruise:

New Zealand.

Pacific Coast. 

Panama Canal.

South Pacific. 

Transatlantic. 

Cruises are available in a variety of lengths, from three nights up to 15 nights.

Disney cruises tend to be more expensive than the average cruise. Currently, for example, the cheapest cruise departing from Port Canaveral is a three-night trip to the Bahamas, which costs $1,958 for two guests.

disney cruise ship comparison

And you’ll pay more to take a "special occasion" Disney cruise. The same three-night Bahamas cruise sailing during Disney's Silver Anniversary at Sea starts at $2,345 for two guests.

disney cruise ship comparison

When it comes to timing, standard logic applies. The high season will cost more, especially during holidays and the summer break.

The cheapest rate we found — the previously-mentioned $1,958 — is for a cruise in late January, a time when those with school-aged children might have trouble getting away. Meanwhile, the most expensive period for this cruise takes place over the Christmas holiday and rings in at $3,737 for an inside stateroom.

For all destinations, if you’d like to save money, avoid peak periods and search all available dates to find the lowest rates . This is true even on less popular cruises, such as those sailing up to Alaska .

disney cruise ship comparison

The cheapest cost for two guests to Alaska from Vancouver is $2,983 in mid-September, while the same cruise will cost you $4,607 if you sail over the Fourth of July holiday.

One-way positioning cruises — that is, those that end in a different location from where they started — are often much cheaper per night than standard round-trip cruises.

What’s included

Disney cruises are more inclusive than most cruises. You don’t, for example, need to pay extra for soft drinks on a Disney cruise like you would on Norwegian Cruise Line . You’re also entitled to complimentary room service 24/7, unlike on Virgin Voyages, where you'll be charged a $5 fee for each delivery.

Here are more inclusions you can expect.

Live, high-quality entertainment.

Large staterooms (designed for parties of up to three guests).

Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay (on most Bahamas and Caribbean cruises).

Upscale restaurants, quick-service dining, poolside snacks and room service.

Adults-only lounges and pool areas.

Waterslides (on some ships).

» Learn more: How much does a Disney cruise cost?

Disney isn’t known for its loyalty programs. For example, there is no frequent traveler program associated with staying at one of its resorts or frequenting its parks. However, Disney Cruise Line rewards repeat customers with various benefits, including a complimentary specialty dinner, free photo downloads and an exclusive terminal check-in area.

Castaway Club levels

The Castaway Club levels are Silver, Gold, Platinum and Pearl.

How to earn : Sail on one cruise.

Best benefits : Book cruises one day before the general public, online activity planning 90 days before sailing, check in 33 days early, exclusive terminal check-in.

How to earn : Sail on five to nine cruises.

Best benefits : Book cruises two days before the general public, online activity planning 105 days before sailing, check in 35 days early, onboard reception, special discounts. 

How to earn : Sail on 10 to 24 cruises.

Best benefits : Book cruises three days before the general public, online activity planning 120 days before sailing, check in 38 days early, complimentary specialty dinner.

How to earn : Sail on 25+ cruises. 

Best benefits : Book cruises four days before the general public, online activity planning 123 days before sailing, check in 40 days early, complimentary unlimited digital photo package. 

» Learn more: Which is cheaper, Disney World or a Disney cruise?

The Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise Line ship and certainly its best. It just launched in the summer of 2022. Among its many amenities, guests can find the first-ever Disney attraction at sea. It’s a 760-foot water slide filled with show scenes, lighting, music and more that touches down into a lazy river.

The Disney Wish also has dedicated areas themed for "Frozen," the Marvel Universe and "Star Wars."

In addition, the Disney Wish has all the regular amenities you’d expect on a Disney cruise, including live entertainment, pools and spacious staterooms.

Disney Cruise Line does not offer free Wi-Fi. Instead, it has three levels of packages from which to choose:

Stay Connected: $10 per day for the entire cruise or $12 per day for a 24-hour period.

Basic Surf: $20 per day for the entire cruise or $24 per day for a 24-hour period.

Premium Surf: $30 per day for the entire cruise or $36 per day for a 24-hour period.

These packages are available on the Disney Wish, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream. The Disney Wonder still operates on the old data-usage Wi-Fi packages.

Most of your daily expenses, including your food and non-alcoholic beverages, are included when sailing on a Disney cruise. However, if you’d like specialty drinks or alcohol, you’ll need to pay extra. Gratuities are not included, and Disney Cruise Line's recommended tip is a minimum of $14.50 per guest, per night.

Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer the standard drink package other cruise lines offer. Drink packages allow you to pay a flat-rate price and drink as much alcohol as you’d like.

Instead, you’ll either pay per drink or purchase bundled quantities onboard. It’s also possible to purchase a specialty beer mug at the pub onboard, which can then be refilled across the ship. Much like Disney’s popcorn buckets, your beer mugs entitle you to cheaper refills on all your beer.

In the past, Disney Cruise Line required that you be vaccinated or tested for COVID-19 before sailing, but this is no longer the case. Guests departing from the United States are not required to do either, though the cruise line highly encourages you to get vaccinated before sailing.

Most of your daily expenses, including your food and non-alcoholic beverages, are included when sailing on a Disney cruise. However, if you’d like specialty drinks or alcohol, you’ll need to pay extra. Gratuities are not included, and

Disney Cruise Line's recommended tip

is a minimum of $14.50 per guest, per night.

(Top photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-10x Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

1x-3x Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services, and select streaming. Earn 1X points on all other purchases.

30,000 Limited-time offer: Earn Companion Pass® good through 2/28/25 plus 30,000 points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

disney cruise ship comparison

We compared every aspect of Disney's largest and smallest cruise ships. Here's what it's like to sail on each.

  • Jill sailed on the Disney Magic, the Disney Cruise Line's original and smallest cruise ship.
  • Amanda sailed on the Disney Wish, the company's newest and biggest ship.
  • Our writers compared the cabins, restaurants, entertainment, and overall experiences on both. 

Jill and her family rode on the Magic, the oldest and smallest ship in Disney's fleet.

disney cruise ship comparison

Disney's oldest ship, the Magic , first set sail in 1998. The boat measures 984 feet long, and can hold up to 2,713 passengers in 875 staterooms — making it the smallest cruise ship in Disney's current fleet.

The ship has three themed restaurants and is focused on a lot of Disney's original staple characters, like Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy. 

Each Disney cruise ship has a bronze statue of a character in the atrium. Since this is the original Disney cruise ship, the Magic's statue is Mickey Mouse dressed as a helmsman steering the wheel of his ship.

In another nod to the originals, Goofy can be found painting on the stern of the Disney Magic.

Amanda rode on the Wish, Disney's biggest and newest ship.

disney cruise ship comparison

The Disney Wish officially set sail for the first time in 2022. The boat measures 1,119 feet long, and can hold up to 4,000 passengers in 1,254 staterooms — making it the biggest cruise ship in Disney's current fleet.

It's also unique in representing all of Disney's entities: classic princesses, Mickey Mouse and his crew, Pixar, Star Wars, and Marvel.

The characters can be found through more than 4,000 art pieces onboard, three themed restaurants that are included in the cruise, and Disney's first theme-park attraction found on a boat.

In the main lobby of the Disney Wish, you'll find a bronze statue of Cinderella with her furry friends around her and a glass slipper nearby. In front of the boat, Rapunzel is hanging from her hair while painting the stern.

Jill, her husband, and her two kids set sail on the Disney Magic for $2,570.

disney cruise ship comparison

One reason I booked this trip is because my goal is to go on all five Disney Cruise ships before the upcoming Disney Treasure is scheduled for delivery in 2024. 

I snagged a last-minute booking on the Magic and selected a standard inside stateroom for myself, my husband, and two 12-year-old sons. This was the cheapest option for a stateroom at the time of booking.

We paid $2,570 for a three-night cruise out of Miami. This price included dining and onboard activities and entertainment .

I splurged on a massage and champagne tasting, but otherwise focused on keeping spending at a minimum.

After a few boarding issues, Amanda and her sister set sail on the Disney Wish for $2,707.52.

disney cruise ship comparison

My journey to experience the Disney Wish wasn't an easy one.

Shortly after I booked a trip on one of the first Disney Wish sailings for June 2022, Disney canceled because the ship's construction wasn't complete.

I then rescheduled for a date in July, but was denied boarding when my sister tested positive for COVID-19 at the port .

Luckily, I made it onto the ship for a three-day cruise to the Bahamas in early September. My sister and I opted for the cheapest accommodation — an inside stateroom with no window — and paid $2,707.52 for our trip .

We also chose not to purchase any add-ons — like spa services or island excursions — and didn't eat at any signature restaurants where you have to pay for your meals.

This was Jill's first time staying in an inside stateroom.

disney cruise ship comparison

An inside stateroom has no window and shares three walls with other staterooms.

Fortunately, we received an automatic upgrade to a deluxe inside stateroom, which gave us an extra 30 square feet and a split bathroom . The value of the upgrade was $47.

The stateroom attendant cleaned each morning and did a turndown service at night, converting the couch to bunk beds. Evening turndown service included chocolates and a different towel animal every night.

Amanda said her stateroom felt fit for a princess despite being small.

disney cruise ship comparison

Our room was decorated with "Cinderella" decor and truly felt fit for a princess — even if it had no window and was small, measuring 169 square feet.

Like Jill experienced on her cruise, staff cleaned our room each morning and turned it down at night with chocolates and towel animals.

Jill was surprised by how much space they actually had.

disney cruise ship comparison

Room 2601 had a closet, a narrow chest of drawers, and an under-the-bed storage space for suitcases. There were also drawers inside the desk, on either side of the bed, and in the bathroom.

Amanda's room was the perfect size for two people.

disney cruise ship comparison

The queen bed easily fit two people, though you could also choose to sleep on the pullout couch for more room. 

There was also plenty of space for our luggage both under the bed and in the many cabinets and closets located across from the sleeping area.

Jill's stateroom was narrow, but there was enough room for a family who spent little time there.

disney cruise ship comparison

The space that felt the most narrow was the area between the bed and the dresser. I liked our location on the second deck because we could go up one flight of stairs and be where all the action was.

Amanda was especially impressed with the bathroom, which felt luxurious for being so tiny.

disney cruise ship comparison

It was brightly lit with multiple shelves, provided toiletries, and even had a small tub inside.

I'm not sure that we would have loved the stateroom if we were traveling with more people, but for two of us, it was the perfect size.

Jill could choose from three restaurants on the Disney Magic.

disney cruise ship comparison

The Disney Magic has three main restaurants that are part of Disney Cruise Line's rotational dining system.

Guests are assigned a team of servers, and the servers rotate through the various restaurants with the passengers. Since my family sailed on a three-night cruise, we visited each of the restaurants — Rapunzel's Royal Table, Lumiere's, and Animator's Palette — once.  

Passengers could choose between main seating — 5:45 p.m. — and second seating — 8:00 p.m. — but we chose the latter. We always pick this time because I don't think early dining offers enough transition time between day and evening activities. 

All menus had a "lighter fare" section with a salad, and plainer foods, such as basic steak and chicken. There were also vegetarian options. Each dessert menu also offered a no-sugar-added option and a different sundae each night. My husband is a huge fan of ice cream, so it was fun to see the different sundae concoctions at each meal.

Amanda also had three options on the Wish.

disney cruise ship comparison

Like other Disney ships, there are three rotational restaurants on board. Guests are assigned a specific restaurant each night of their cruise, and they remain with the same guests and servers at their table.

As for menu options, there are simple dishes for light meals, vegetarian snacks, full courses, and more dessert than you could eat in one sitting.

We had the same two seating options to choose from and we had to choose the latter. The earlier option was filled when we booked the trip.

That said, we ended up preferring the later option. We didn't find ourselves hungry until later in the day because we snacked so much at buffets, and the later spot gave us more time to participate in activities.

Jill's family enjoyed Rapunzel's Royal Table, the Magic's "Tangled"-themed restaurant.

disney cruise ship comparison

Rapunzel's Royal Table had a ceiling aglow with the sun-embossed lanterns that are the hallmark of the movie the restaurant is named for.

The menu was mostly heavy, German-inspired fare, such as pretzel bread, cream soups, roasted chicken, and prime rib. Sadly, this was my least-favorite menu at the rotational restaurants because it was so heavy, and the dishes weren't plated nicely.

Still, the atmosphere and entertainment made up for it.

Rapunzel's Royal Table dinner entertainment includes skits and songs. The finale was Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder singing their signature ballad as the servers filed through the restaurant with lanterns. My family enjoyed the singing even though we were seated at the rear of the dining room and couldn't see much of the show.

Jill's family also ate at Lumiere's, a traditional, French-inspired restaurant named for the candlestick from "Beauty and the Beast."

disney cruise ship comparison

The "Beauty and the Beast" theming was so subtle it was almost nonexistent, but I enjoyed the classic, slightly formal atmosphere.

The menu featured tons of French-style dishes, like escargot gratinés, iced lobster and jumbo shrimp, chateaubriand, and crème brûlée.

Lastly, Jill's family visited the Animator's Palette.

disney cruise ship comparison

Animator's Palette is animation themed, with rudimentary black-and-white drawings on the walls that take shape with more color and detail as dinner progresses.

My favorite menu items were the ginger-dusted Angus beef teriyaki filet with wasabi mashed potatoes, black-truffle pasta pursiettes, and the butternut-squash soup.  

Dinner entertainment was animation magic. Upon being seated, guests were given a coloring sheet and markers and instructed to create their stick figure style drawing.

The waiters collected the sheets, which magically turned into animated characters who moved, danced, jumped, and interacted with Disney favorites on the big screens around the restaurant.

Amanda had a decent experience at The Worlds of Marvel restaurant.

disney cruise ship comparison

The Worlds of Marvel restaurant celebrates Ant-Man, the Wasp, and other beloved superheroes.

It's originally dark and moody inside, but later lights up with neon lights, giant TV screens, and Quantum Core technology located on each table.

The food is also unique and entirely inspired by the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Dishes include steamed-bao buns, "Wakandan" salads, steak, and more.

Though I enjoyed eating there, the restaurant wasn't my favorite. I'm not a huge Marvel fan, and I would only order one of the dishes I ate — the Golden Mystic pasta — again. The entertainment was also mostly shown on a screen, which made it feel less special.

Amanda was blown away by the Wish's Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.

disney cruise ship comparison

The Disney Wish is also home to Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure.

From the minute you step inside, you feel as though you've been transported into the animated franchise. Each room is decorated to look like ones seen on screen, and musicians play fan-favorite songs in the middle of the room.

Characters like Oaken, Anna, Elsa, and even Olaf are also present during the Norwegian-inspired dinner. Our table indulged in Frozen Fractal cocktails, scallops with a flaky pastry side, Sven's favorite carrot soup, and a butter cake called Kvafjordkake .

If this restaurant existed at Disney World or Disneyland , I would visit regularly. The food was spectacular, the entertainers were Broadway level, and the opportunities for guest participation were unique.

Our table, which consisted of six girls in our mid-20s, was even chosen to form a conga line and sing "Love Is an Open Door" for the entire restaurant — an experience I'll never forget.

Lastly, Amanda experienced 1923 — she said it was nice but forgettable compared to the other two.

disney cruise ship comparison

Finally, there's 1923, a restaurant inspired by Walt Disney Studios and the year the company was founded.

Though still casual compared to the signature restaurants on the ship, it's arguably the fanciest of the three rotational options. Guests arrived in evening dresses and 1920s attire during my trip, and the atmosphere was comparable to a giant jazz bar.

The menu, on the other hand, was pretty standard, with appetizers like tortelloni and entrees like salmon. 

I enjoyed the food and calm atmosphere, but would have preferred to eat at this restaurant first if I'd had the choice. The other two restaurants were so exciting and interactive that this one felt almost forgettable when visited afterward.

Jill and her family also visited the Magic's buffet.

disney cruise ship comparison

Located on deck nine, Cabanas is the ship's buffet.

Its breakfast offerings included eggs, sausage, bacon, Mickey waffles, fresh fruit, cereal, baked goods, an omelet station, and just about anything else you could think of for breakfast.

The buffet food was good but the layout felt crowded and chaotic .

Amanda was also overwhelmed by the buffet.

disney cruise ship comparison

The main buffet on the Disney Wish is called Marceline Market. To my sister and my's surprise, the location had just about every type of food you could imagine.

There was a breakfast bar, dessert section, and countless lunch options available — from sandwiches and salads to seafood. It was almost overwhelming.

The market was also extremely crowded, with adults and children carrying giant plates of food every which way. That said, it was tough to find a table that wasn't occupied by another family.

So although we weren't overly impressed by the area or dishes we tried — many items were cold — there were so many other options that, if we'd had time, we likely would have found something to our tastes.

Jill also experienced a few quick-service options on the ship.

disney cruise ship comparison

I was never hungry or had to look too hard or long to find food.

Quick-service food options on deck include Pinocchio's Pizza (pizza), Duck-In Diner (burgers, chicken fingers, and fries), and Daisy's De-Lites (salads, sandwiches, and lighter fare).

Amanda was really impressed by the quick-service meals and beverages.

disney cruise ship comparison

Surprisingly, quick-service meals at Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods were some of the best my sister and I had during our trip.

I couldn't get enough of the chicken tenders at Goofy's Grill, and my sister loved making her own bowls at Donald's Cantina. 

We also enjoyed the endless free refills of soda, coffee, and ice cream cones that were available for most of the day.

Jill skipped the pools and slides like they usually do because they can get so crowed.

disney cruise ship comparison

There were two family-friendly pools on deck nine, Goofy's Pool and the Huey, Dewey, and Louie Pool. Goofy's Pool is the largest of the two pools (this is not to say the pool is all that large) and has a Funnel Vision screen where passengers can watch Disney movies.

The Magic has two water slides, the Twist 'n' Spout, and the AquaDunk, which is a drop slide. 

There are two splash pads, Nephews Splash Zone and the Aqua Lab. Kids must be three and potty trained to use all the water amenities except Nephews' Splash Zone.

The adult-only area also has a pool and two hot tubs.

Me and my family did not use the pools or slides on this cruise . We usually avoid pools on Disney Cruise Lines because we don't like dealing with the crowds. 

Amanda also skipped the pools but enjoyed some of the other water activities.

disney cruise ship comparison

The Disney Wish is home to multiple pools. There are four on the main deck that face a giant TV screen, three pools on the deck above, two adults-only pools, and a "quiet" pool on the top deck.

There's also a children's splash zone inspired by "Toy Story" and the AquaMouse water ride that wraps around the ship.

Like Jill and her family, my sister and I didn't spend any time inside the pools because they were constantly filled with people. We did, however, ride the AquaMouse and highly recommend it.

Jill's cruise stopped in Nassau and Castaway Cay, but they skipped the former port.

disney cruise ship comparison

We did not get off the ship in Nassau because we'd been there before and wanted to use the time to enjoy the ship's amenities.

My family's Castaway Cay day was a success — we snorkeled, swam, and had a buffet lunch complete with lots of ice cream. We achieved their goal of staying on budget by skipping alcohol and bringing our own snorkel gear.

Amanda's ship also stopped at Nassau and Castaway Cay, and she also skipped the former to enjoy on-board activities.

disney cruise ship comparison

The Disney Wish currently stops in Nassau and Castaway Cay.

My sister and I didn't visit the former spot because there were so many activities on board that we wanted to experience. Instead, we experienced the Bahamas via Castaway Cay — a spot that we loved.

We snorkeled, enjoyed the adults-only beach, and rented bikes for $10 each that we used to get around the island.

With so many youth activities, Jill said she hardly saw her kids.

disney cruise ship comparison

My two kids took advantage of the Oceaneer Club, which is for kids 3 to 12, and Edge, which is for kids 11 to 14. There's also Vibe for kids 14 to 17 and a nursery for kids under 3.

Anyone can explore the kids' areas during several open houses, which are listed in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app.

My entire family agreed that the teen club, designed to look like a New York City loft complete with a smoothie bar, was the coolest space. My tweens participated in joint activities with the teen club, including a flash-mob performance.  

All of the kids' programming except the nursery are included in the cost of the cruise and don't require reservations. The kids' activities happen all day and all night and I saw little of my kids because they were hanging with new friends.  

Amanda enjoyed the activities for adults and felt welcome at a few that seemed angled toward children.

disney cruise ship comparison

My sister and I were originally nervous to board a Disney cruise as two women in our mid-20s. Would there be more kids than adults onboard? And would there be any activities for people our age?

We did feel overpowered by children at times, but we still had fun. Via our dinner table, we met two other sets of sisters who were in our age range, and we spent time with them throughout the trip.

We also took advantage of adult-catered activities like walking tours and scrapbook classes when possible.

And to our surprise, even the activities meant for kids, like the "Incredibles"-themed obstacle course, welcomed adults, so we got to do that too.

Jill said the Disney Magic had Broadway-quality entertainment.

disney cruise ship comparison

My three-night sailing included "Tangled: The Musical," "Disney Dreams: An Enchanted Classic," and a comedy/magic show.

The evening shows are aligned with the assigned dining rotation. Guests who have early dinner go to the show after they eat while guests who have second seating go to their show before dinner. There's no assigned seating but shows fill up early. I suggest arriving 30 minutes before showtime.

The "Tangled" show is exclusive for the Disney Magic and I think it's a must-see. The hour-long stage show is an abbreviated version of the animated movie and manages to hit all the high points and favorite songs, like" I Have a Dream" and "At Last I See the Light" and other popular tunes from "Tangled."

"Dreams" is a montage of favorite Disney songs and characters. The main character is a young girl who learns to believe in herself through visits from beloved characters such as Peter Pan, Aladdin, and more. The production was flawless but "Dreams," which I also saw on another Disney cruise, is not my favorite. 

Other entertainment included comedy, game shows, and trivia, all listed in the Navigator app. There was a mix of both family-friendly events in the D Lounge and adults-only events in the designated After Hours area.

There was also musical entertainment throughout the cruise, such as pianists and singing duos playing various genres of music. I didn't hone in on any of the musical entertainment. It felt mostly like background noise, not something I felt compelled to stop and watch.

Amanda was also impressed by the almost Broadway-level productions on the ship.

disney cruise ship comparison

A highlight of the Disney Wish is its three Broadway shows — all of which were created for the new ship. Currently, there's "Disney Seas the Adventure," "Disney The Little Mermaid," and "Disney's Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular."

We definitely preferred some shows over others — the stage take on "Aladdin" was our favorite. We also spent an hour in line to enter the theater before each show. Seats filled up fast.

But we found ourselves looking forward to each production, and once our vacation was over, we joked about driving to New York City to attend a Broadway show each night.

Overall, Jill enjoyed sailing on a smaller ship and felt the trip was worth the cost.

disney cruise ship comparison

In addition to the Magic, I've also sailed on the Dream (second-biggest ship in the fleet) and Wonder (second-smallest ship in the fleet).

Still, the smaller ships are my favorite because they feel more intimate and easier to navigate. I was happy with how much I spent , my accommodations, and the ship overall.

That said, the Magic did show a few gentle signs of wear and tear, like peeling wallpaper in some common areas and a broken spring on the couch in my room. It wasn't a big deal to me at all, but I definitely think newer ships will have a fresher look. 

Overall, Amanda had a good time but isn't sure the cruise is worth the high price.

disney cruise ship comparison

During our trip, my sister and I had trouble moving past the price of our vacation. Though we loved almost every minute of it, nearly $3,000 felt like a lot to pay for a three-day vacation that at times felt very rushed. 

So if we had to pick between a Disney cruise and a stay at Disney World, we'd pick the latter.

That said, our time on the Disney Wish was unlike anything we'd ever experienced, and I find myself growing fonder of it as time goes on. I miss the buffet, the beautiful beach at Castaway Cay, and even the $3 popcorn we ordered before each theater show.

So although I'm not sure if I'd book the same vacation again or regularly, I'd definitely say it's worth taking at least one Disney cruise.

disney cruise ship comparison

  • Main content

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Disney Cruise Line Fleet

Disney cruise line ships, meet our fleet.

With their distinctive designs and gold-swirled bows, the 6 Disney Cruise Line ships inspire awe wherever they pull into port.

Disney Magic

This classic-looking vessel awash with modern conveniences is home to the high-speed AquaDunk waterslide, splash zones for little ones, Rapunzel’s Royal Table restaurant, Fathoms and Keys nightclubs for adults, and imaginative clubs for kids, tweens and teens.

Disney Wonder

Boasting immersive storytelling touches at every turn, this impressive craft is celebrated for its notable onboard dining experiences like Palo and Tiana’s Place—and such can’t-miss entertainment options as Frozen, A Musical Spectacular and our Marvel Super Hero Academy for kids.

Disney Dream

Custom-built for magical moments, this ship will captivate your senses with its one-of-kind diversions, including our Broadway-caliber rendition of Beauty and the Beast , a kids play space themed after the Millennium Falcon in Star Wars and a mouthwatering selection of French-inspired cuisine at Remy.

Disney Fantasy

You’ll be delighted to find countless activities, eateries and entertainment to match any mood on a vessel designed with longer retreats in mind—standout features include the AquaDuck water coaster, the lavish Royal Court restaurant, an array of live shows and interactive play areas like Star Wars : Command Post.

Disney Wish

Step aboard this magnificent vessel and embark on a journey that brings to life the fantastical stories you know and love. Be transported to the worlds of Frozen , Marvel and Star Wars inside wondrously themed dining and lounge spaces. Meet royalty and train alongside heroes at imaginative kids clubs, rest and play at adult-exclusive spaces, and ride the first-ever Disney attraction at sea.

Disney Treasure

Discover the Disney Treasure—the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The spirit of adventure awaits around every corner as you explore the bold tales behind classic Disney park attractions and films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars . Venture through jungles, ancient ruins and the depths of the sea. Get lost in a gilded palace or in a galaxy far, far away. And delight in dedicated spaces created especially for kids, families and adults. Sailings begin December 2024.

EatSleepCruise.com

Home » Cruise » Disney Cruise Line » Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Ships By Size

Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Ships By Size

If you’re wondering how Disney Cruise Line ships compare, look no further than our guide to Disney cruise ships by size, age, and amenities.

Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Ships By Size

Share this post:

The magic of Disney takes to sea aboard Disney Cruise Line’s fleet of well-maintained cruise ships. For the past 25 years, Disney has sailed the seas with just four ships. However, between 2022 and 2025, the cruise line will double its fleet, adding three more ships in an all-new class and purchasing a fourth — set to be DCL’s biggest ship yet.

If you’re wondering how each ship compares across Disney Cruise Line — including size, age, and amenities — look no further than our guide to Disney’s cruise ships.

Disney Cruise Line Celebrates Summer 2023 with Family Adventures - Disney Cruise Ships by Size

EXCLUSIVE RATES: Get Deals on Disney Cruises Now!

Guide to Disney Cruise Ships by Size

How many disney cruise line ships are there.

At the time of publication, there are five Disney Cruise Line ships in three ship classes. By 2025, there will be eight ships in the fleet, across four classes.

What are the differences between the Disney cruise ships?

Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are both Magic-class ships built in 1998 and 1999 but completely refit in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are Dream-class ships built in 2011 and 2012. Dream underwent a refit in 2015, while Fantasy did in 2017.

Disney Wish is the first ship in the Triton Class, debuting in 2022. Disney Treasure in 2024 and another yet-unnamed vessel in 2025 will join Disney Wish.

Also in 2025, the Global Dream will make its debut, Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever acquired vessel. Originally ordered for now-defunct Dream Cruises, the ship remains unfinished at the shipyard in Germany, but will bear the Disney brand and potentially a new name when it launches. This ship is the cruise line’s first for the Asian market, setting sail in Singapore .

Disney Cruise Ships by Size

Disney ships vary in size, with the oldest ships being the smallest and the newer vessels being the largest in the fleet. They also differ in their entertainment offerings.

While top-quality production shows and dinner theater is a hallmark of every ship in the fleet, the offerings vary from ship to ship. You’ll find that “Tangled” might be the musical onboard Magic, while Disney Wonder offers the interactive Tiana’s Place restaurant.

All ships offer the Oceaneer Club, a state-of the-art kids club, but they vary slightly by ship. Imagine the characters of Pixar’s “Toy Story” alongside a Marvel Superhero Academy or a functional Star Wars Millennium Falcon. These onboard spaces are all so tricked out, adults will be jealous.

Disney’s ships also differ in itineraries. These destinations can vary from year to year and ship to ship. In summer, you might find Disney Dream in Europe while Disney Wonder is sailing in Alaska.

The remainder of the fleet sails popular itineraries in the Caribbean and Bahamas from Florida-based ports as well as a few voyages from San Juan, Puerto Rico. These itineraries often feature a stop at Disney’s private island of Castaway Cay .

Of course, these differences across the fleet also impact Disney cruise costs .

Which Disney cruise ship is the biggest?

With the introduction of its Triton Class, Disney has built its largest cruise ship to date. Disney Wish accommodates up to 4,000 passengers, like its Dream-class sisters. However, it is a bit roomier at 144,000 gross registered tons (GRT).

However, when Global Dream debuts in 2025 in Singapore, it will weigh in at an estimated 208,000 GRT. When it comes to Disney cruise ships by size, this is nearly double the size of any current Disney ship.

SCORE EXCLUSIVE RATES ON YOUR NEXT DISNEY CRUISE!

What Disney cruise ship is the newest?

The newest Disney Cruise Line ship currently sailing is 2022’s Disney Wish. After a 10-year shipbuilding hiatus, Disney will double its fleet size in three years, imminently adding three more new ships: Disney Treasure (2024); the third Triton-class ship (2025); and the ship formerly known as Global Dream (2025).

Disney Cruise Ships by Size

Disney Cruise Line Ships Ranked Biggest to Smallest

  • Global Dream (2025) – 208,000 GRT, approximately 3,000 guests at double capacity
  • Unnamed Triton-class ship (2025) – 144,000 GRT, 2,508 guests at double capacity
  • Disney Treasure (2024) – 144,000 GRT, 2,508 guests at double capacity
  • Disney Wish (2022) – 144,000 GRT, 2,508 guests at double capacity
  • Disney Fantasy (2012) – 129,690 GRT, 2,500 guests at double capacity
  • Disney Dream (2011) – 129,690 GRT, 2,500 guests at double capacity
  • Disney Wonder (1999) – 84,000 GRT, 1,754 guests at double capacity
  • Disney Magic (1998) – 84,000 GRT, 1,754 guests at double capacity

Magic Class

Disney’s two oldest ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, are still in incredible shape. Guests love their intimate feel as they are about a third smaller than the other ships. Art Nouveau style melds with Disney characters and thematic flair for a stunning ship atmosphere across the Magic Class.

Disney Cruise Line concepts like rotational dining (where you change restaurants each night, but your servers follow you from venue to venue) shine on Magic and Wonder. Animator’s Palate is an interactive way to draw up some fun with dinner.

The AquaDunk was added as a drop-out waterslide to both ships during refurbishment, amping up its pool decks, which also host the AquaLab and Goofy’s Pool.

Popular film franchise “Frozen” takes form on Disney Wonder as “Frozen: A Musical Spectacular.”

Disney Wonder- Disney Cruise Ships By Size

Dream Class

Built in the mid-2000s, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy were built to be a bit bigger than their predecessors. Cabins — even inside cabins — feature views, thanks to “magical portholes.” This virtual window marked a first in the industry when they debuted on Dream in 2011.

Despite a low-sounding number for double occupancy, the family-friendly cabin configurations of the Dream Class allow for up to 4,000 passengers. In fact, many staterooms allow for families of four and five to bunk comfortably. This includes two half-baths, one with just a toilet as well as a room with a tub or shower, to make it easier to get ready morning, noon or night.

Out on the pool deck, the AquaDuck is a kid-friendly water coaster that allows parents to ride with their tots through translucent tubes.

 The Oceaneer Club features the Marvel Superhero Academy since the ships’ refurbishment.

Tuck in for complimentary top-tier stage productions on both ships, like musical “Aladdin” on Disney Fantasy.

disney cruise ship comparison

Triton Class

After a decade-long hiatus, Disney introduced its Triton Class in 2022 with Disney Wish. The company is making the most of its Star Wars and Marvel brands with new programs and spaces for kids and adults.

Onboard Wish, a Hyperspace Lounge brings passengers into the world of Star Wars with the feeling of enjoying a cocktail in space. New interactive dining concepts like “Avengers: Quantum Encounter” introduce Ant Man and the Wasp as dinner companions, shrinking and growing at the push of a button.

“Frozen” makes another appearance on Wish as well, this time as a dinner theater experience.

Parents and adults can indulge in a kid-free evening at Palo Steakhouse or Enchante, new specialty dining concepts for DCL. These restaurants are themed after Cogsworth and Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast.

On the pool deck, AquaMouse is a Disney attraction that pairs lighting and special effects, bringing Mickey and Minnie along with you for a water tube ride. Meanwhile, Disney Uncharted Adventure is a first-of-its-kind interactive storytelling experience onboard that implores families to solve quests using their smartphones as an “enchanted spyglass.”

Disney Wish Bahamas Cruise Review

As for accommodations, Royal Suites on Wish are inspired by “Sleeping Beauty” and feature two cabins with two levels including a spiral staircase and stained-glass artwork fit for princes and princesses.

Disney Wish is currently sailing a series of three- and four-night Bahamas sailings from Port Canaveral, year-round.

Disney Treasure, the forthcoming second ship in the Triton Class, will debut in 2024. Initial announcements reveal inspiration from “Aladdin.” In the ship’s Grand Hall, guests will absorb the grandeur and mystery of a palace influenced by Asian and African architecture. Information about Treasure’s dining, cabins, and entertainment is forthcoming.

Dream Cruises Acquisition

Little is known at this time about what will be featured onboard Disney’s Global Dream cruise ship and how its class will be determined. Apart from its notably large size and the introduction of Asia as an entirely new destination for Disney’s oceangoing ships, few details exist on plans for this Singapore-based vessel.

Ready to Book Your Disney Cruise? Get Exclusive Rates!

Have you sailed with Disney Cruise Line? Which of the Disney cruise ships by size is your favorite? Drop us an anchor below to share what you love about DCL.

Related Posts

Related Posts

Disney Cruise Line Cancels June Sailings

Cruiseline module – Remove Title

1 comment on complete guide to disney cruise ships by size, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to our newsletter!

Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Ships By Size

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

disney cruise ship comparison

What’s Trending

Royal Caribbean Drink Prices 2023

Contact Us: [email protected]

disney cruise ship comparison

EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Disney Cruise Ships Compared: Finding the Perfect Ship for Your Magical Journey!

Sharing is caring!

In Disney Cruise circles it’s known as the Grand Slam.

This is only achieved when you have sailed on all of the Disney Cruise Line ships in the fleet.

As the years go by, and the expansion of DCL gathers pace, it is becoming more difficult!

Right now there are five ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, but soon, with the launch of Disney Treasure, there will be six. All of the ships offer different experiences

disneywishpooldeck

Wait until 2026 and you will have to sail on eight Disney Cruise ships to get your Grand Slam title including the brand-new Disney Adventure. From having just four ships not so long ago, DCL is now becoming a major player in the cruise industry with a rapid expansion of the fleet.

Which Disney Ships Are Currently Sailing?

Right now Disney Cruise Line offers:

  • Disney Magic
  • Disney Wonder
  • Disney Dream
  • Disney Fantasy
  • Disney Wish

By 2025, three new Disney Ships will be launched making the total fleet of eight ships.

  • Disney Treasure December 2024
  • Disney Adventure
  • Triton Class Ship

disneytreasurecruseshipprogress

Disney Treasure Progress – Follow the Building of Disney Treasure

The Different Classes of DCL Ship

Right now there are three different “classes” of Disney ships:

  • The Classic Ships – Disney Magic and Disney Wonder
  • The Dream Class Ships – Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy
  • The Triton Class Ships – Disney Wish and Disney Treasure (her maiden voyage is set for December 2024).

There will be at least one more Triton Class ship in the fleet as this has already been ordered. It is not known when construction will start or when she will sail.

As yet there is no news on what the name of this Disney ship will be.

2025 will also see the launch of the new ship that Disney acquired which was already 75% completed when they purchased it.

The acquisition of Global Dream was a bit of a surprise. This almost completed ship was headed for the scrap yard unless a buyer was found. Disney stepped in.

The Global Dream reportedly cost $1.8 billion to build and lenders had financed about $1.6 billion of this.

DCL had an eye for a bargain and reportedly paid only $41 million for the partially completed ship. Considering that you could easily pay around that for a home in Malibu California (obviously, the ship has rather higher running costs), this was a deal.

This ship will be very much larger than any of the others in the Disney fleet. Not only that, but she will be one of the biggest cruise ships in the World.

She will even rival the largest Royal Caribbean ships in size – although will not be quite as huge as Icon of the Seas!

It has been announced that the biggest ship in the fleet will be named Disney Aventure.

We know that this Disney ship will sail out of Singapore – but very few other details are known.

Disney Buys New Ship – What Will She Be Like?

Disney Wish Cruise Ship Size

disneywishgrandhall

The Disney Wish is the newest addition to the fleet and is the first of the Triton Class of ships. She is currently the largest ship in the fleet, but she will soon be overtaken by the new Disney Adventure.

  • Gross Tonnage : 144000 GT
  • Length : 1,119 feet
  • Beam : 135 feet (41 meters)
  • Draft : 28 feet (9 meters)
  • Max Speed : 28 mph (24 knots)
  • Launched : 2022
  • Capacity : 4,000 passengers
  • Crew Members : 1,458
  • Total on Board : 5,458
  • Total Staterooms : 1,254
  • Registered : Bahamas
  • Ship Cost : $900 Million

Here is a look at the different types of staterooms available on Disney Wish .

  • 1,254 staterooms (includes 53 concierge staterooms and 23 concierge suites)
  • 948 verandah staterooms (70%)
  • 185 oceanview staterooms (20%)
  • 121 inside staterooms (10%)

Disney Wish Restaurants :

  • Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Experience
  • Worlds of Marvel

How Big Is Disney’s Dream Cruise Ship?

There are two Dream Class ships. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

They are smaller than Disney Wish – although they have the same number of staterooms and identical maximum passenger capacity.

Gross Tonnage : 129690 GT Ship Length : 1,115 feet Beam : 137 feet Draft : 27 feet Max Speed : 28 mph (24 knots) Launched : 2010 Capacity : 4,000 passengers Crew Members : 1,458 Total on Board : 5,458 Total Staterooms : 1,250 Registered : Bahamas Ship Cost : $900 Million

Disney Dream Restaurants :

  • Animator’s Palate
  • Enchanted Garden
  • Royal Palace

Disney Fantasy Size

The Disney Fantasy is identical to the Disney Dream in its capacity and construction. However, the interior design is different.

Disney Cruise Canadian Deals

She was launched a year later than her sister ship, in 2011.

  • Gross Tonnage : 129690 GT
  • Ship Length : 1,115 feet
  • Beam : 137 feet
  • Draft : 27 feet
  • Launched : 2011
  • Total Staterooms : 1,250
  • Ship Cost : $950 Million

There are a total of 1,250 staterooms on the Disney Fantasy .

  • 150 Inside Staterooms (12%)
  • 199 ocean view
  • 901 verandah (includes 21 suites)

Disney Fantasy Restaurants

  • Disney Fantasy Enchanted Garden
  • Disney Fantasy Animator’s Palate
  • Royal Court Restaurant
  • Palo on Disney Fantasy

Disney Magic Cruise Ship – How Big is She?

Disney Magic was the first Disney Cruise Ship to be launched.

The Magic and Wonder are both known as the Classic ships.

The Magic was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.

One fun fact is that she was built in two halves at two different locations of the Fincantieri shipyard. When each was completed they were carefully welded together. I

f you look at the exterior wall in the middle of the promenade Deck 4 you can see the welding join where the two halves were joined.

  • Gross Tonnage : 83969 GT
  • Ship Length : 984 feet
  • Beam : 106 feet
  • Draft : 25 feet
  • Max Speed : 25 mph (22 knots)
  • Launched : 1998
  • Capacity : 2,713 passengers
  • Crew Members : 945
  • Total on Board : 3,658
  • Total Staterooms : 875
  • Ship Cost : $400 Million

Disney Magic Restaurants:

  • Rapunzel’s Royal Table
  • Lumiere’s

Disney Wonder Cruise Ship Size

The Wonder is almost identical in construction and capacity to Disney Magic.

disney wonder atrium

However, the Wonder was not built in two halves as the Magic was. She was built in one shipyard location in one piece.

However, by the usual Disney attention to detail if you look at Deck 4 on the Wonder on the exterior wall in the middle of the deck you will see a join line.

This is a fake welding line but was included to make it look like the real one on Disney Magic.

Gross Tonnage : 83969 GT Ship Length : 984 feet Beam : 106 feet Draft : 25 feet Max Speed : 25 mph (22 knots) Launched : 1998 Capacity : 2,713 passengers Crew Members : 945 Total on Board : 3,658 Total Staterooms : 875 Registered : Bahamas Ship Cost : $450 Million

Disney Wonder Restaurants :

  • Tiana’s Place
  • Tiriton’s

DCL Ships Size Comparison

The Global Dream will be the giant of the fleet. This Disney Cruise ship will be one of the biggest in the world.

Disney is not known for the size of its ships. Royal Caribbean usually takes this distinction.

Ships Ranked Biggest to Smallest

  • Global Dream – 208,000 GRT
  • New Triton-class ship – 144,000 GRT
  • Disney Treasure – 144,000 GRT
  • Disney Wish – 144,000 GRT
  • Disney Fantasy – 129,690 GRT
  • Disney Dream – 129,690 GRT
  • Disney Wonder – 84,000 GRT
  • Disney Magic – 84,000 GRT

Which Disney Cruise Ship is the Biggest?

disneyplutowishpool

Right now the biggest Disney Ships is the Wish.

Disney Treasure will be equal in size to the Wish. So will the third Triton Class ship which will launch in 2025.

In 2024 with the launch of the new Triton Class ship, this will be equal between the Disney Wish and Treasure.

When we reach the launch of the Global Dream, she will be, by far the biggest of the Disney Cruise ships.

Which Ship is the Smallest?

The smallest is Disney Magic. Well, it is pretty much a tie between Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. They are identical in most ways.

One interesting difference is that Disney Magic was built in two parts and welded together. Disney Wonder was built in one part.

Look closely at Disney Wonder and you will see a “fake” welding line on the ship, in the same place that the real one is on Disney Magic.

Which Disney Ship is the Newest?

At the beginning of 2024, Disney Wish is currently the newest of the Disney cruise ships.

However, in December 2024 the Disney Treasure will be launched and will take over this title.

Which Ship is the Oldest?

Disney Magic is the oldest of the fleet, having been launched in 1998. She is the sister ship of Disney Wonder, which was launched just a year later in 1999.

She is from the time when most of the cruise industry was focusing on smaller ships and the mega cruise ships of today were simply a glimmer in the eye of the designers!

Just because the Magic and Wonder are the older sisters of the fleet doesn’t mean that they don’t have a lot to offer. These older ships still offer the signature cruise experience of Disney characters, themed main dining, kids’ clubs, Broadway-quality entertainment, specialty restaurants for adults, adult pool decks, family pools and character meet and greets.

All of the ships in the fleet are updated during frequent dry docks.

Where Will Disney Cruise Ships Sail in 2024?

Disney Cruise ships are now sailing from more ports than ever, including Disney’s Private island Castaway Cay. And in summer 2024 there will be port stops at their new island destination Lighthouse Point.

  • Disney Wish – sailing from Port Canaveral on 3 and 4-night Bahamas Cruises with port stops at Castaway Cay
  • Disney Fantasy – sailing from Port Canaveral on mostly 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean Cruises with port stops at Castaway Cay.
  • Disney Magic – sailing from Galveston, New Orleans, Fort Lauderdale, and San Juan.
  • Disney Dream – sailing from Fort Lauderdale on Bahamian and Caribbean Cruises
  • Disney Wonder – sailing Australian, New Zealand, Transpacific, Pacific Coast, Alaskan, Mexican Riviera, and Baja Cruises.

Disney Cruise Sailings 2024

Disney Cruise Tips

Here are some articles and guides to help you if you are sailing on a Disney Cruise or thinking of booking one. These guides will help you decide which is the best Disney Cruise ship for your family vacation whether you are a first-time cruiser or have sailed with different cruise lines previously.

Disney Dream and Fantasy – Secret Staterooms Guide

Disney Cruise Money Mistakes – Avoid Wasting Money on Your Cruise

What You Really Shouldn’t Pack on a Disney Cruise

What Is Not Included in a Disney Cruise and What You Have to Pay Extra For

Things You Really Shouldn’t Forget on Your Disney Cruise

disney cruise ship comparison

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Saturday 17th of February 2024

It was the wonder built in halves not the magic as fincantiarri only had small dry dock avail worked there at the time say the pix of the bow going up the coast of Italy by tug as no engine

Sunday 18th of February 2024

Thank you for posting but it most definitely was Disney Magic which was built in 2 halves. DCL included a fake welding line on Disney Wonder in tribute to the Magic.

The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

Gene Sloan

Disney may be a giant in the vacation business, thanks to its many theme park and resort complexes around the world. But in the world of cruising, it's a relatively small player.

Disney's 24-year-old cruising arm, Disney Cruise Line , only operates five vessels — a small fraction of the number you'll find in the fleets of cruising's best-known brands. The world's two biggest cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, by comparison, have 26 and 23 ships in their fleets, respectively. MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have 19 and 18 ships, respectively.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter.

If you're thinking about going on a Disney cruise, it's relatively easy to get a handle on your ship options — much easier than it is at a line like Royal Caribbean.

At first blush, you only have to figure out the differences among five different ships. But, in fact, it's even easier than that because the five vessels can be bunched into just three groups. If you know one member of the group, you know them all.

Each of these groups — known as "classes" in cruise industry lingo — is made up of ships that were constructed around the same time to the same basic design.

An introduction to Disney Cruise Line ships

As noted above, Disney Cruise Line is a relatively small player in the cruise world — even smaller than it might at first appear.

Not only does Disney have far fewer ships than the big cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian that dominate the cruise business, but Disney's ships also aren't as big as the biggest ships operated by those brands, and they don't carry as many passengers.

That makes Disney Cruise Line an even smaller brand, relative to the big lines, on a passenger capacity basis.

For instance, cruise giant Royal Caribbean has about five times more ships than Disney. But on a passenger capacity basis, based on double occupancy, Royal Caribbean is about 10 times larger than Disney Cruise Line.

That said, Disney's cruising division is getting bigger, fast. After going a decade without adding a new vessel, Disney Cruise Line is in the midst of building three more ships. The first of the new vessels, Disney Wish , just began sailing this summer, and two sister ships are due to begin operating in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The new ships, which collectively are known as the Triton class, are nearly doubling the line's size when measured by passenger capacity.

The Triton class is one of the three classes of ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. Disney's two oldest vessels, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, make up its Magic class. Disney's two next two vessels, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, make up its Dream class.

Related: 17 tips for sailing on Disney Cruise Line

Triton Class

Ships in class: Disney Wish (2022); Unnamed (coming 2024); Unnamed (coming 2025).

Size: 144,000 tons.

disney cruise ship comparison

The Triton class is the shiny new thing at Disney Cruise Line, with the first vessel in the series (Disney Wish) having just arrived in July. At 140,000 tons, Disney Wish is only a tad bigger than Disney's last two new ships, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. But it has a whole new array of Disney wow on board, from a Star Wars-themed " hyperspace lounge " that offers a "window" view of passing starships to Marvel- and "Frozen"-themed restaurants.

First looks: Disney Wish's new 'Frozen' dinner show | Disney Wish's new Marvel-themed restaurant

In addition, cabins on the ship include seven ocean-view rooms located over the bridge, a first for Disney Cruise Line. The rooms have extended living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the bow and out across the ocean. If that isn't enough, there also are four Royal Suites with a Sleeping Beauty theme, two of which feature a two-story floor plan.

Designed with families in mind (as is the Disney way), Disney Wish's cabins are built with lots of extra berths for kids. While its 1,254 rooms can hold 2,508 passengers at double occupancy (the way most cruise lines measure passenger capacity), it can sail with as many as 4,000 passengers when every pull-down bunk and pull-out sofa in cabins is filled.

The top deck of Disney Wish also is particularly family-friendly, with such attractions as a new-for-the-line high-tech water ride called the AquaMouse. Other notable new features on Disney Wish are a reimagined Oceaneers Club (the area for kids ages 3 to 12 on Disney ships) where children can enter via a slide. The Oceaneers Club also offers a Marvel Super Hero Academy where kids can design (and virtually fly) in their own super suit.

TPG has posted an extensive array of first-look reviews and guides of Disney Wish in the wake of its unveiling, including:

  • Exclusive first look: Peek inside the new Disney Wish
  • 7 things about Disney Wish that surprised us
  • 9 things you'll only find on Disney Wish
  • Yes, there's a $5,000 drink on Disney Wish — but it's more than a drink
  • Why Disney Wish isn't just for kids

Disney Wish is just the first of three new Triton-class ships that Disney Cruise Line will roll out by the end of 2025. The ship currently is sailing a year-round series of three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral (near Orlando, Florida).

Dream Class

Ships in class: Disney Fantasy (2012); Disney Dream (2011).

Size: 129,690 tons.

disney cruise ship comparison

Disney's Dream-class ships — Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy — are not all that much smaller than Disney Wish, and they also feature several over-the-top attractions, such as the 765-foot-long AquaDuck water coaster that encircles the main pool deck of the vessels.

Designed as a ride that parents can do with their little kids (read: fun, but not too scary), the AquaDuck is a two-person raft ride through a transparent acrylic tube raised up above the pool deck on stilts. If you're an engineering type, you'll be amazed as much by its construction as the experience.

Both Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy also are home to a kiddie waterslide, a deck-top kiddie play area and several pools. The ships' insides are loaded with huge children's play areas, family entertainment and even an adults-only zone packed with bars and clubs.

The children's areas include such Disney movie-themed pizzazz as a Marvel Super Hero Academy area and a "Star Wars" command post.

The two Dream-class ships also are known for windowless inside cabins that still have an ocean view, thanks to "magical portholes" that offer a real-time glimpse of the outside. These portholes actually are screens built into the walls of the cabin to give the illusion of a porthole view.

If the above idea sounds a little hokey, it is. But the illusion is surprisingly real. The addition of the screens really changes the feel of the rooms. Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy were the first two cruise ships in the world to offer such virtual windows in normally windowless inside cabins — an idea since copied by Royal Caribbean.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

For many years, Disney based both Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream in Port Canaveral, the line's main Florida port. But with the arrival of Disney Wish, the line has moved Disney Dream to Miami for most of the year. Disney Dream is operating short sailings out of Miami to the Bahamas and Caribbean, while Disney Fantasy is devoted to longer Caribbean sailings.

Both Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy — like all Disney ships — cater heavily to families when it comes to cabin configurations. In many cabins on the ships, you'll find extra pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas that will allow for four or even five people to stay in a single cabin.

All the extra bunks can make for some confusion when comparing the passenger capacity of the ships to vessels at other lines. Both Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are designed to hold 2,500 passengers, based on double occupancy — that is, with two people per cabin. But with every pull-down bunk and pull-out sofa filled, the total occupancy of the ship jumps to 4,000.

In another major nod to families, most cabins on the Dream-class ships (and on the Triton-class and Magic-class ships, too) have two bathrooms — one with a sink and a toilet, and one with a sink and a shower or tub. This is something you rarely see in the cruise world, and it's designed to make it easier for families sharing a room to get ready in the morning.

Magic Class

Ships in class: Disney Wonder (1999); Disney Magic (1998).

Size: 84,000 tons.

disney cruise ship comparison

While more than a decade older than the Dream-class ships and more than two decades older than Disney Wish, Disney's two Magic-class vessels still feel up to date, thanks to major makeovers in recent years.

An overhaul of Disney Magic brought such cutting-edge features as the AquaDunk, a 37-foot-tall body slide that careens over the side of the vessel. Disney Magic also got a new outdoor kiddie fun zone called AquaLab. An overhaul of Disney Wonder brought a new French Quarter Lounge with New Orleans-inspired live entertainment and drinks.

Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder have multiple pool areas and indoor children's zones that cover almost an entire deck, plus multiple indoor restaurants (in Disney tradition, passengers — and their waiters — rotate each night among three main restaurants) and lounges. They also have large showrooms for nightly Disney-themed shows.

Still, overall, the Magic-class ships have a more intimate feel than the Triton-class or Dream-class ships, in no small part due to their smaller size. The difference in size is quite noticeable. At around 84,000 tons, the Magic-class ships are about 42% smaller than Disney Wish and 35% smaller than the Dream-class ships.

Because they offer fewer and smaller attractions and venues than the newer Triton-class and Dream-class ships, Disney Cruise Line typically uses Disney Magic and Disney Wonder for its more destination-intensive itineraries — trips where you're going to spend much of your time off the ship and onboard amenities are less important.

Disney Magic, for instance, is the ship that Disney sends to Europe every summer for itineraries that are all about exploring cities such as Barcelona and Rome (reached via the port of Civitavecchia, Italy). Disney Wonder is the ship Disney sends to Alaska each summer; it's also recently been assigned to spend much of its time sailing out of San Diego to Mexico.

Both Disney Magic and Disney Wonder hold 1,754 passengers at double occupancy. With every pull-down bunk and pull-out sofa filled, the capacity for both ships jumps to 2,713.

Like the Triton-class and Dream-class ships, the Magic-class ships boast lots of cabins with split bathrooms — a boon for families.

Bottom line

The Disney Cruise Line fleet is relatively small and easy to understand. For now, there are just three classes of vessels with a total of five ships. If you're looking to experience the most advanced, modern, amenity-filled ships in the Disney fleet, you'll want to look at the Triton-class or Dream-class vessels. But the Magic-class vessels are wonderful ships, too. Among their pluses: They offer more intimacy than the other ships and a broader range of itineraries.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • What to pack for your first cruise

Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

Disney Wish vs Disney Magic

Disney Wish cruise ship

The Disney Wish is a fairly new ship, being built in 2022. The Disney Wish is inspired by stories of wish fulfilment. You'll enter the ship through the Grand Hall which is themed after a castle with a large statue of Cinderella and a display of her glass slipper. Outside the ship, you'll see Rapunzel painting the name on the stern. It's 24 years newer than the Magic , which was built in 1998 and renovated in 2013. Disney Magic's exterior has a old-school steam boat feel while the interior leans into the Art Deco styling. Outside the ship, you'll see Goofy painting the name on the stern.

Comparison Overview

Number of passengers, food and restaurants.

  • Bars and Drinks

Pools and Hot Tubs

Ship features and activities, cruise costs, onboard costs.

The Wish is considered a medium size ship. Coming in at 1,119 feet long and 128 feet wide, it's roughly the length of 3.1 football fields, as wide as 2.4 tractor-trailers and the same height as a 15-story building. Compared to the Disney Magic, the Wish is 71% larger in terms of overall tons.

The Disney Wish holds more than double the amount of people as the Magic based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you look at the "Space Ratio," or the total tonnage of a ship compared to the number of passengers, the Wish has less space per person compared to the Magic.

Enchante by Chef Arnaud Lallement on the Disney Wish

Food is a big part of any cruise, and the ship you choose can make a huge difference in your food experience.

The Wish has 10 different dining options like Enchante by Chef Arnaud Lallement , Marceline Market , and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure . Of those options, 5 are complementary, or included with your cruise fare. The other 5 options have an additional fee.

The Magic has the same number of dining venues. Some of its popular venues are Palo , Rapunzel's Royal Table , and Lumiere's . 8 of these restaurants are complementary and the other 2 have an additional fee.

The Disney Wish has about the same number of dining options as the Disney Magic.

If you're looking to avoid extra money while on board, the Magic might be a better choice then the Wish. More of the dining options are included in the base cruise fare, potentially saving you money.

Restaurants on Disney Wish & Magic

In terms of drinks and cocktails, you have a variety of choices. Both ships serve the Coca-cola family of products. That means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Barqs Root Beer, although the selection can vary by ship.

There are also plenty of bars available on these ships. Alcohol is not included in the base price of this cruise ship. To see if you would save money with a drink package, try our Drink Package Calculator.

Minnies Pool on Disney Wish

Nothing beats relaxing by a pool with a nice drink in hand as you feel the fresh sea breeze pass by you. The problem is that with thousands of people on a ship, there's not always room. If you want to spend all day for 7 days in a pool, a cruise isn't for you. You would have a much better bet choosing a resort with a huge pool complex. That being said, a quick dip in the pool can be nice on a hot day.

The Disney Wish has a total of 8 pools and 3 hot tubs. Tired of loud kids and splashing? 1 of the pools and 1 of the hot tubs are adults only. 1 of the pools and 2 of the hot tubs are exclusive access, which means there's either an extra charge to access them or you need to book a certain class of cabin to have access to them.

Disney Magic has fewer pools than the Wish and more hot tubs. There are fewer exclusive pools and hot tubs on the Magic. If you like ships without extra charges or exclusive areas, this might be a better choice since everyone will have access to these areas.

Both ships have lots of activities to keep you busy throughout your cruise. Below you'll see a list of some of the major features on these ships. On both ships, 83% of the activities below are included in your cruise fare.

Disney is a premium cruise line. Premium cruise lines typically offer upscale food, accommodations, and service. These typically cost about $150 - $400 per person per day.

Cruise pricing is dynamic and varies for each specific sailing based on factors such as departure point, ports of call, and time of year. Typically newer ships cost more, so a cruise on Disney Wish will likely be more expensive than on Disney Magic.

Another way to gauge the cost of a cruise is to consider how much you'll spend on board. Even though a lot is included in the base cruise fare, you may still spend money on things like spa treatments, specialty dining, drinks, and excursions. In addition, guests can also have to pay for things like gratuities and tips.

Typically guests can expect to spend about 25 - 40% of the cost of the cruise on onboard expenses. In other words, if the cruise fare is $1,000 per person, you might spend between $250 and $400 on extra expenses.

The table below will help you understand what you might spend onboard a Disney ship.

With Disney Cruises, soda is included for meals, but will have an extra cost at bars and throughout the day. While no drink packages are available, you can preorder bottles of wine or beer at a discount.

Want to Stay Up-To-Date on All Things Cruising?

Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Threads , or subscribe to our monthly newsletter .

Articles Related the These Ships

Night-time dive-in theater showing on a movie screen on the Carnival Vista

How To Enjoy Dive-in Movies on Carnival Cruise Ships

80's rock and glow party

What Theme Parties Are on a Carnival Ship?

Carnival Behind the Fun Hat

What is Carnival’s “Behind the Fun” Like?

bar at disney haunted mansion parlor with 3 ghosts

Disney Is Adding a Haunted Mansion Themed Bar to the Disney Treasure

sun princess spellbound venue

Enchanting Magic and Mixology Await Aboard Sun Princess

Pineapple Martini at the Atrium Bar on Carnival Pride

All You Need To Know About Carnival’s Cheers Package

The Points Guy

The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

I s a voyage on a Disney Cruise Line ship on your bucket list? You'll find a growing number of options when it comes time to pick an itinerary.

While the cruising arm of Disney has long focused mostly on voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, with year-round sailings to those destinations out of Florida, it also now offers a relatively wide range of seasonal sailings to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, Bermuda, Europe and Canada.

The family-friendly cruise brand, notably, is expanding its footprint worldwide as it adds four new vessels in quick succession.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Already, the first of those ships, the 2,508-passenger Disney Wish , has arrived, boosting the size of the Disney fleet from four ships to five and allowing for more departures to the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe.

Two more sister vessels to Disney Wish are due to begin sailing in 2024 and 2025, respectively, allowing for further expansion in Disney cruise itineraries. In addition, the line has yet another new vessel coming in 2025 that isn't related to the other three. Called Disney Adventure, it's a one-off vessel originally designed for an Asian line , and it'll sail in Asia (perhaps catering mostly to Asian travelers; Disney has been mum so far on the target audience for it).

All these new ships arriving in quick succession will likely mean not just more departures to destinations where Disney Cruise Line is established but also sailings in new regions. For example, Disney has never before offered Asia sailings.

Here are our picks for the five best Disney cruise destinations you can visit with your family.

Caribbean and Bahamas

Disney Cruise Line's top destination has always been the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Since its founding more than two decades ago, the brand has based the bulk of its fleet in Florida to offer sailings to the islands. Port Canaveral, which is just an hour away from Disney's Orlando-area theme parks, has always been its biggest hub.

The line is particularly known for three- and four-night cruises out of Port Canaveral to Castaway Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas. These short getaways let families get a taste of Disney cruising that some Disney fans pair with a stay at Disney World.

The cruise line also regularly offers seven-night sailings out of Port Canaveral that visit Caribbean islands like St. Thomas and Tortola.

Related: First look at Disney Wish in photos

In recent years, Disney has also built up its Caribbean and Bahamas cruise offerings from other ports in Florida — initially Miami and, more recently, Fort Lauderdale. The ships the line has based in these ports typically offer four- and five-night sailings to Castaway Cay and one other port, such as Cozumel or Grand Cayman.

In addition, Disney is offering a growing number of Caribbean sailings out of Galveston, Texas, and New Orleans.

For 2024, the line will have four of its five ships — Disney Wish, Disney Dream, Disney Magic and Disney Fantasy — sailing to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of one of the above ports, with their home bases often shifting between them.

Disney Wish, which is Disney's newest ship, will be based in Port Canaveral year-round to operate the line's classic three- and four-night sailings to the Bahamas. These voyages are designed to be paired with a visit to nearby Disney World for a longer Disney vacation.

Disney Fantasy will also sail out of Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Caribbean year-round, offering longer voyages.

Disney Dream will spend the start and the end of the year sailing short trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale, with a stint in the middle of the year (from May to October) sailing in Europe.

Disney Magic will take Disney Dream's place sailing short trips to the Bahamas and Caribbean out of Fort Lauderdale from May to October. During the early and late months of the year, it'll sail out of Galveston.

Come 2025, Disney will have four ships — Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Magic — sailing three- to five-night getaways from Florida to the line's Bahamian destinations, including its new private beach destination Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and its long-open private island Disney Castaway Cay. Disney Fantasy and Disney Wish will operate the trips from Port Canaveral, while Disney Dream and Disney Magic will sail from Fort Lauderdale.

Before taking up residence in Florida in April 2025, Disney Magic will also offer three months' worth of sailings out of Galveston, Texas, to Progreso and Cozumel in Mexico and Grand Cayman.

All of the 2025 sailings are already open for bookings.

Related: The best Caribbean cruise for every type of traveler

Disney has cut back on voyages out of San Diego for 2024, after increasing its San Diego departures sharply in 2023. But it still offers several trips to Mexico out of the city on Disney Wonder.

For 2024, the 1,754-passenger vessel will offer a mix of three- to seven-night sailings to Mexico during March and April. Shorter three- and four-night sailings typically feature calls at Ensenada, Mexico, and California's Catalina Island. Seven-night sailings include calls at Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

Related: 11 ways to save money on a Disney cruise

The big factor driving Disney's cutbacks on sailings out of San Diego in 2024 is its new focus on voyages out of Australian ports. Disney Wonder will spend much of January and February sailing out of Australian ports and then return to the region in October for another season of Australia trips.

Disney offers a wide variety of itineraries in Europe every summer, from Mediterranean voyages out of Barcelona and Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), to Northern Europe sailings out of Southampton, England.

Ranging from seven to 11 nights, Disney's Europe voyages each year typically take place on a single ship that sails from multiple home ports throughout the season. For 2024, that ship will be the 2,500-passenger Disney Dream. The line has yet to announce which of its ships will go to Europe in 2025.

Typical for the shorter itineraries the line offers in Europe are seven-night sailings out of Civitavecchia to the Greek Islands. These sailings stop in Mykonos, Santorini and Crete in Greece, as well as Naples, Italy.

Related: 17 tips for sailing on Disney Cruise Line

A longer, 11-night itinerary starting in Civitavecchia and ending in Barcelona includes calls at Piraeus (the port for Athens), Santorini and Mykonos in Greece; Messina (on the island of Sicily), Naples and Livorno in Italy; and Toulon, France.

Among Northern Europe itineraries, Disney offers focused, weeklong sailings to Norway with calls at the Norwegian ports of Alesund, Nordfjordeid, Eidfjord and Stavanger.

Disney does not have a large presence in Alaska. The line sends just one ship to Alaska each year. Family-friendly cruise rivals Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, by contrast, each send three ships to Alaska each year, and Norwegian Cruise Line sends five vessels to the destination.

Still, Disney fans won't feel like they're missing out. The one vessel Disney sends to Alaska each year, the 1,754-passenger Disney Wonder, stays for nearly the entire summer season, from late June to mid-September and offers a distinctly Disney take on The Last Frontier.

Always beginning and ending in Vancouver, British Columbia, and lasting seven nights, Disney's Alaska sailings typically include stops at three of these four Alaska ports: Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point (which three vary by departure date). Itineraries also include a visit to Stikine Icecap, which is south of Juneau.

Related: 5 reasons Disney cruises aren't just for kids

These are fairly typical ports for an Alaska cruise. But the (extra-charge) activities that Disney has organized for the ports aren't always the same as what other lines offer.

As one might expect for Disney, the line has crafted some of its shore excursions in Alaska ports with special Disney touches, such as Disney character appearances at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp & Salmon Bake tour in Ketchikan. (Having done this one myself, I will say, for the record, that it's a little hokey; but it does get you a Disney character fix if that's your aim.)

Another shore excursion with a Disney touch is the outdoor Family Scavenger Hunt at Icy Strait Point, where participants join a local guide on a hunt for items such as clam shells and native plants, as well as a "special surprise" with a Disney theme.

Unlike many lines, Disney does not offer one-way sailings to Alaska from Vancouver or Seattle that can be paired with add-on land tours to create an extended sea-and-land Alaska vacation — something known as a "cruisetour." If that's what you're looking for, and you want to stick with a family-friendly line, you might want to consider the one-way cruisetour offerings from Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.

Related: The ultimate Alaska cruise guide

Disney typically offers at least one and sometimes several cruises to Bermuda each fall, ranging from quick, five-night trips to longer, eight-night sailings.

For the year just ending (2023), the line offered four such sailings, and it's offered even more than that in certain years. Alas, for the coming year (2024), Disney currently does not have a single Bermuda sailing scheduled — a bit of an anomaly.

That said, we would expect Disney to bring back its Bermuda sailings for 2025 or 2026. It's been such a mainstay of the brand.

So ... stay tuned.

Related: The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line

Bottom line

Family-friend Disney Cruise Line is a relatively small cruise brand, with just five ships (one of its biggest rivals in the family cruise market, Royal Caribbean, has 26 vessels). But that doesn't mean its itinerary choices are limited. The line offers regular sailings to the Caribbean and Bahamas, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Bermuda and Europe.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
  • What to pack for your first cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

DIsney Dream docked at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

IMAGES

  1. Complete list of Disney Ships by Size. From Biggest to Smallest, you'll

    disney cruise ship comparison

  2. Disney Cruise Ships by Size [2022] with Comparison Chart

    disney cruise ship comparison

  3. Wishdrawals Travel: Disney Cruise Line Ship Differences

    disney cruise ship comparison

  4. Comparing the Disney Cruise Ships

    disney cruise ship comparison

  5. Disney Cruise Ships Comparison (By Size & Age)

    disney cruise ship comparison

  6. Disney Cruise Line Ship Comparison Guide

    disney cruise ship comparison

COMMENTS

  1. Comparing the Disney Cruise Ships

    There are currently three different classes of Disney Cruise Ships. The original ships, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are called the Magic class and are smaller. These ships accommodate a maximum of 2,700 passengers. The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy are the Dream class ships, which accommodate a maximum of 4,000 passengers.

  2. We RANKED and found the Best Disney Cruise Ship

    Disney Wish is the newest Disney Cruise ship, launched in the summer of 2022. For its inaugural season, the ship focuses on 3- and 4-night Bahamian itineraries sailing from Port Canaveral (FL), with visits to Disney's Castaway Cay and Nassau. This ship has a length of 1,119 ft and a gross tonnage of about 144,000.

  3. Disney cruise line ships ranked by size from biggest to smallest

    What is the smallest Disney cruise ship? The smallest Disney Cruise Line ship is Disney Magic. At 83,000 gross tons, it's about 40% smaller than Disney's biggest cruise ship, Disney Wish. Unveiled in 1998, Disney Magic also is the oldest Disney cruise ship. Its arrival marked the beginning of the line.

  4. Disney Cruise Ships Comparison (By Size & Age) (2024)

    The newest Disney cruise ship is the Disney Wish, launched in July 2022. She is the first of the new Wish class of ships, with two sister ships planned to launch in 2024 (Disney Treasure) and 2025/6. She was christened on June 29th, 2022 before a maiden voyage to Castaway Cay. One thing that makes Disney Wish unique is that, rather than a ...

  5. Compare Disney Ships

    Compare all ships in the Disney fleet by key info like price, size, and amenities to discover which vessel is the best fit for your next cruise. ... Disney Cruise Line Disney Dream. 782 Reviews ...

  6. Disney Cruise Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022)

    Disney Cruise Ships by Size, Age and Class (2022) Disney Cruise Line has an active fleet of four cruise ships with a further three ships on order ( Disney Wish and two currently unnamed ships). In this guide, we will cover all the different ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet and how they compare to each other.

  7. [UPDATED] Compare the Disney Cruise Ships!

    The Disney Cruise Line fleet consists of five ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and the newest addition, the Disney Wish. Additionally, a sixth ship, Disney Treasure, has been announced and is expected to be seaworthy some time in 2024. The Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are sister ships, as are the Disney Dream ...

  8. Best Disney cruise ships for everyone

    With that in mind, one vessel stands out for the older set: Disney Fantasy. The ship boasts a dozen bars, including three exclusive to the vessel. In addition to bars in the atrium, by the pool and sun deck, and in the theater, you'll also find the Europa area, which is only for adults after 9 p.m.

  9. The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries

    The smaller two ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet are Disney Wonder and the line's first ship, Disney Magic. These two ships are 984 feet long and 11 decks high, and each has the capacity for 2,713 passengers across 875 staterooms. On these two smaller ships, 70% of passenger cabins have ocean views or verandahs.

  10. Compare Disney Ships

    Compare all ships in the Disney fleet by key info like price, size, and amenities to discover which vessel is the best fit for your next cruise. CYBER MONDAY DEALS! Get discounts on top-rated cruises.

  11. Disney Cruise Ships by Size [2022] with Comparison Chart

    The Disney Wish has a construction date of 2022 and a total size of 144000 gross tons. The ship measures 1,119 feet (341 meters) in length and falls in line as number 1 among Disney's 36 existing and former cruise ships. It's included in Disney's Triton Class.

  12. Disney Cruise Line 101: Comparing Every Aspect of the Magic, Wonder

    Every Disney Cruise Line ship has a Pirate Night featuring a deck stage show and fireworks presentation. Disney Magic also has the Frozen Deck Party on select 7-night sailings. Disney Cruise Line features several original Broadway-style stage shows, which sometimes rotate to different ships. Each ship has three shows at a time.

  13. Compare Cruises

    Explore Our Ships. Ships Overview. Disney Treasure. Disney Wish. Disney Dream Staterooms. ... Paying for Your Disney Cruise. More Vacation Magic. Disney Vacations by Land & Sea. Pre- and Post-Cruise Hotel Stays. Weddings & Honeymoons. ... Compare Cruises. Add a sailing.

  14. Disney Cruises: The Complete Guide

    Disney Cruise Line prices. Disney cruises tend to be more expensive than the average cruise. Currently, for example, the cheapest cruise departing from Port Canaveral is a three-night trip to the ...

  15. Disney Wish Vs Magic: Biggest and Smallest Disney Cruises Compared

    Jan 3, 2023, 5:28 AM PST. The Magic is Disney's oldest, smallest cruise ship and the Wish is its newest, largest one. Jill Robbins. Jill sailed on the Disney Magic, the Disney Cruise Line's ...

  16. Meet Our Cruise Ship Fleet

    Disney Treasure. Discover the Disney Treasure—the newest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The spirit of adventure awaits around every corner as you explore the bold tales behind classic Disney park attractions and films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. Venture through jungles, ancient ruins and the depths of the sea.

  17. Complete Guide to Disney Cruise Ships By Size

    The magic of Disney takes to sea aboard Disney Cruise Line's fleet of well-maintained cruise ships. For the past 25 years, Disney has sailed the seas with just four ships. However, between 2022 and 2025, the cruise line will double its fleet, adding three more ships in an all-new class and purchasing a fourth — set to be DCL's biggest ...

  18. Disney Cruise Ships Compared: Finding the Perfect Ship for Your Magical

    Disney Wish. Wait until 2026 and you will have to sail on eight Disney Cruise ships to get your Grand Slam title including the brand-new Disney Adventure. From having just four ships not so long ago, DCL is now becoming a major player in the cruise industry with a rapid expansion of the fleet.

  19. The 3 types of Disney Cruise Line ships, explained

    The world's two biggest cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, by comparison, have 26 and 23 ships in their fleets, respectively. MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have 19 and 18 ships, respectively. ... The Disney Cruise Line fleet is relatively small and easy to understand. For now, there are just three classes of vessels ...

  20. Disney Dream vs Disney Magic

    Number of Passengers. Disney Dream holds 43% more passengers than the Magic based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you compare the total tonnage of the ship to the number of passengers, or what we call the "Space Ratio," the Dream has more space per person compared to the Magic. This means that you might have a bit more space to ...

  21. Disney Magic vs Disney Dream

    Number of Passengers. Disney Magic holds 30% fewer passengers than the Dream based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you look at the "Space Ratio," or the total tonnage of a ship compared to the number of passengers, the Magic has less space per person compared to the Dream. Disney.

  22. Disney Wish vs Disney Magic

    The Disney Wish holds more than double the amount of people as the Magic based on double occupancy (two people per room). When you look at the "Space Ratio," or the total tonnage of a ship compared to the number of passengers, the Wish has less space per person compared to the Magic. Disney. Wish. Disney.

  23. The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship

    Family-friend Disney Cruise Line is a relatively small cruise brand, with just five ships (one of its biggest rivals in the family cruise market, Royal Caribbean, has 26 vessels). But that doesn't ...