Disney Cruise Line: Meet the Fleet

Disney Cruise Line ships were inspired by the luxury ocean liners of the early 20th century

Those who have sailed with Disney Cruise Line will generally tell you there’s something special that sets these trips apart from the rest. Whether it be ports, food, cast members or other magical touches, we’ll be covering all the bases with firsthand feedback from our agents and clients in a new series dedicated to Disney Cruise Line.

To start, we’re introducing you to the ships that become your home on a Disney Cruise Line vacation. 

Comprising five ships, the DCL fleet is a collection of stunning vessels outfitted in black, white, red and gold. They reflect the age of luxury ocean liners, with all the modern amenities and features that you’d expect from any Disney resort or property. 

Each has a unique suite of dining and entertainment options, with activities for kids young and old, families, couples and groups. You’ll find bumper cars to water slides, crafts and games to pools and indulgent spas that have gained a fan base of their own. 

Itineraries span the globe. You and your party can choose an escape to the Caribbean, Nordic fjords, Mediterranean islands, Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii and everything in between. Disney Cruise Line even offers specialty trips, including Halloween on the High Seas, Pixar or Marvel Days at Sea and the Very Merrytime Cruise.

Let’s take a closer look at the ships:

If you’re sailing on the Magic, don’t forget to take a peek of the stern for a glimpse of Goofy painting the ship.

Launched in 1998, the Disney Magic was the first to hit the open seas. Guests are welcomed by a grand, golden atrium with art deco details, and a sculpture of Goofy hanging out on the stern.

It’s home to the cult-favorite Italian restaurant, Palo, as well as Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table. 

The Magic caters to guests of all ages, boasting an Oceaneer Club for kids 3-12 years old, along with two other clubs for tweens and teens to socialize, watch movies or play games, parent-free. Adults can slip away as well, with karaoke or late-night dancing at various onboard hotspots.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to spend the day, indulge in massages or other treatments at Senses Spa, a retreat that has come to be known as one of, if not the best spa option across Disney properties. 

As you’d expect, live shows across the Disney fleet pay homage to classic Disney characters and storylines we all know and love, and are a family-friendly way to come together at the end of the day.

When it’s time to get tucked in, choose from an interior, oceanview or verandah stateroom, or treat yourselves with a Concierge-level suite for separate bedrooms and upgraded amenities and services.

The Wonder is home to some fan favorite onboard eateries, including Palo and Tiana’s Place.

The Disney Wonder joined the ranks the next year, in 1999, with a similar look and feel to the Magic. Donald Duck, along with Huey, Dewey and Louie adorn the stern.

Younger guests have kids-only clubs where they can be more independent, while still taking part in onboard games and activities. The Wonder has multiple pools, splash pads and slides that cater to just the right age groups, including kids- or adults-only areas for play or relaxation.

You’ll find that the Wonder has nearly the same adult-friendly experiences as the Magic, as well, such as the Senses Spa and various clubs and lounges.

Between formal and casual dining, choose from French, Italian, or American classics to satisfy any palate, including southern comfort food and music at Tiana’s Place. Of course, Daily de-Lites and Pinocchio’s Pizza can hold you over with casual “in-between” bites.

Staterooms on the Wonder mirror those on the Magic, including interior, oceanview, verandah or Concierge-level rooms to rest your head at the end of the day.

The Dream boasts a fresh, bright atmosphere and the ever-popular Aquaduck, a waterslide that hangs over the side of the ship.

In 2011, the Disney Dream hit the scene with a beautifully-bright atrium, featuring an ocean blue chandelier and matching carpet. Hanging out on the hull of the ship is Sorcerer Mickey and accompanying magic brooms.

In addition to the various youth clubs and pools on board, the Disney Dream boasts the AquaDuck, a water coaster that twists and turns while perched over the side of the ship.

Onboard dining includes many of the favorites, but with added hotspots like the Enchanted Garden dining room and the adult-only service at Remy. Dress to impress and settle in for fine French fare with an ocean view and seasonal ingredients.

After you’ve filled your belly, don’t miss the fireworks at sea, first-run movies, or live performances that will have you feeling like you stepped into a Broadway show.

Staterooms mirror those of the Magic and Wonder, with fresh details and layouts to suit the needs of everyone in your group.

The Fantasy looks right at home docked by Disney’s revered private island, Castaway Cay.

A sister ship to the Dream, the Disney Fantasy was launched in 2012 with a similarly dazzling atrium to welcome you to your vacation. Check out the hull for a view of Dumbo and Timothy Q. Mouse for added charm.

Along with the kids-only clubs we’ve already highlighted, the Fantasy and Dream also boast a Midship Detective Agency, an interactive game for guests 9+ who want to solve onboard mysteries with clues, maps and detective badges.

The Fantasy is fully-equipped with all of the pool and splash-pad amenities you could want, including the popular AquaDuck and AquaLab water park.

Adults can relax not only at the Senses Spa, but also at the adult-only Quiet Cove Pool or the various bars and nightclubs reserved just for grown-ups.

On top of the classic main dining options like Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden or Royal Court, you can grab a quick bite or sweet treat at Flo’s Café, Eye Scream or Frozone Treats. Looking for a romantic dinner? Palo and Remy are two fine dining options that leave guests raving for months after they disembark.

Staterooms, from interior and oceanview to verandah and Concierge suite, are known for their details, versatility and spacious bathrooms.

The highly-anticipated Disney Wish hit the water in summer of 2022.

The Wish is newest member of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, joining the ranks just this summer with a slew of features that had all of us guessing and waiting to see for ourselves. 

The absolutely stunning atrium is bright and sparkling with fresh marble and glittering chandeliers to welcome you to the ship, alongside Rapunzel painting the hull. 

Bright, colorful theming can be found from the moment you walk into the ship’s atrium, all the way down to the carpeting and artwork in your stateroom.

With a rotational main dining lineup, guests are transported to Arendelle for dinner and a show, dropped into the interactive Marvel Universe right at your table, and brought back in time relive the glamorous days when Walt Disney’s vision was brought to life.

The AquaMouse is a twisting water coaster with special effects that sends you through classic and modern Disney storylines with your favorite characters. A Toy Story splash pad and family-friendly water slide are also on deck for those looking for a few less twists and turns.

You and your family can take on a mystery-solving adventure, game-show-style physical challenges or the various onboard sports during your days at sea. Kids clubs on the Wish have been upgraded with the Marvel Superhero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay and the Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, while budding artists can flex their skills at Fairytale Hall.

Adults will have plenty to keep busy with as well, with new pubs, clubs, lounges, salons and spas. 

Staterooms have been given a fresh and bright new look, with sleek lines and modern colors to match the overall feel of the ship.

Be sure to stay tuned for more in our Disney Cruise Line series, including a much closer look at the Disney Wish from MVT President Michele, who recently got an early look at the ship and all it has to offer.