What it's really like onboard a Disney cruise

I grew up on Disney. We all did, whether you noticed it or not. From the early days of watching Snow White and Cinderella when I was a little girl, to introducing my own kids to the wonders of Lightning McQueen and Buzz Lightyear. I can still quote every line from those movies.

We were lucky enough to venture to the United States and take the kids to Disneyland (how good is Space Mountain!) and Disney World's four Florida theme parks. So how would a Disney Cruise compare?

Surely, without the roller coasters, spinning tea cups and giant turkey legs… it wouldn't be the same?

We boarded the Disney Wonder for her maiden Australian voyage: Sydney to Hobart return with four days of Disney magic. And my goodness, did they deliver.

THE CHECK-IN

It starts before you board the boat. We were greeted by what felt like 20 staff before we even got near the gangway. Everyone is smiling, welcoming and genuinely excited to see you.

But just wait until you board the boat. As you step into the lobby every family or couple is announced by name to a cheering and clapping crew. We lapped it up, dancing down the carpet. We felt like absolute rock stars. And don't just take my word for it. 

I'm cruising with two of the sharpest critics in travel and entertainment: my seven and nine-year-old nieces, Parker and Spencer.

THE ROOMS

Our cabin is a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah.

Kids will love the Mickey detailing to be found in everything from the lamps to the towels and pillows, parents will appreciate the separate bathroom and toilet.

There's a fridge, a TV, plenty of storage and power points (bring US adaptors) and a turndown service at night that turns your lounge into bunk beds. Genius idea.

The balcony is spacious and, as I type, very sunny as we cross Bass Strait.

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KEYS TO THE WORLD

We were all given our own Key To The World. This is your keycard that allows you to get into your stateroom, as well as book the kids into kids club (more on that shortly), buy non-included items like gifts, special onboard experiences like wine and chocolate pairing and alcohol purchases, as well as tracking the official photographs taken onboard.

You link it to a credit card, then it's automatically deducted at the end of your stay. Bring or buy a lanyard to wear it around your neck. Everyone does. Everyone also wears Mickey ears and if you think you won't do it, you're kidding yourself. I wore mine from breakfast to lights out.

THE FOOD

Oh my, the food… where do I begin? Do I begin with the Mickey waffles and churros I ate for breakfast at Cabana's on level 9? The free all-day, soft serve ice-cream? The pizzas by the pool? No, I'll be a grown up and explain the whole dining experience.

Disney wants you to explore all the restaurants onboard, so you'll be rotated around the different places to eat. We started at Tiana's, which is a celebration of southern cooking and jazz music. Apart from the delicious food, the child friendly options and entertainment made this a first class experience. Where else do you stop mid meal for a spontaneous conga line and limbo?

Next up it's Triton's, which takes its name from Ariel, The Little Mermaid's dad. We were here on pirate night, one of Disney's famous themed nights and all the wait staff were dressed to the nines. My nieces loved the Mickey Mac 'n' Cheese and the Minnie burger, but the real highlight was the magic tricks performed by our waiters each night.

You see, that's the genius thing about Disney dining. You rotate restaurants each night, but your servers rotate with you. Our servers, Felice, Organ and Aditya welcomed us by name every night, engaged with the kids and looked after our every whim.  It's a great way to make the kids feel comfortable at every moment.

Saving the best until last, the final of the included restaurants is Animator's Palate, where they combine the magic of Disney animation with a one of a kind dinner show. You draw on your placemats, then they are turned into an after dinner short movie. It's amazing.

We followed the recommendations of our friendly servers and the black truffle pasta and steak were melt-in-your mouth good. But sure to save room to order a Mickey ice-cream off the kids menu too!

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Palo is the adults-only Italian restaurant at the back of deck 10. It's a decadent and grown up experience that the big kids can enjoy as an optional extra, while the little ones enjoy the kid's club. We couldn't get the girls out of there! Again, more on that later. The wait staff are knowledgeable and warm.

For once, I was too full of gnocchi and buffalo cheese to eat dessert. A first for me. But never fear, I made up for it with brunch at Palo the following day where I can highly recommend the lemon torte.

I mentioned Cabana's before. This is the buffet restaurant at the back of the ship. Open for breakfast and lunch, there is every brekkie staple imaginable including the aforementioned Mickey Mouse waffles! 

Lunch is everything from Mexican, to salads to panini and delicate cakes and tarts worthy of their own high tea. 

Haven't eaten enough? There's also 24-hour room service available. Our girls delighted in the silver service brought straight to their door.

THE KIDS CLUB

Being Disney, the kids club was always going to be exceptional. My nieces were skeptical until the moment they walked through the door. Sold! There are five different areas for the little ones. The Nursery is for under 3s and provides 1:1 care (this is an additional cost to cruise).

Oceaneer's Club is for the 3-13 year olds and it's set out somewhat like a Disney Theme Park with different areas and themes like Toy Story and Marvel. There are so many activities here from goo making to dance parties, your kids won't even know you've gone.

It's strictly no parents allowed and your kids are cared for and monitored at all times by counselors and a Disney wristband. 

Just down the hall is Oceaneer's Lab for the same age group where there's games, drawing, not to mention plenty of visits from the Disney and Marvel characters themselves. For the tweens and almost adults there's the chill-out spaces of The Edge (ages 11-14) and Vibe (14-17) to play video games or just hang out.

On the last day my nieces tearfully handed back their wristbands. They did not want to leave.

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THE CHARACTERS

Of course Disney is ALL about the characters and they are all here… Goofy, Pluto, Daffy, Cinderella, Ariel, the Marvel characters… and of course true Disney royalty, Captain's Mickey And Minnie Mouse.

The characters all have designated appearance times, not to mention the stage shows, so you can interact with them throughout your holiday.  Being Disney, it is super organised and efficient. Be sure to line up early if you want a photo.

THE ACTIVITIES

Knowing little ones need to be entertained, Disney cruise ships have a jam packed schedule from morning until bedtime. There's all day movies by the kids pool, craft, bingo, trivia ,and dance parties, all loved by kids and adults alike. You'll find your daily schedule on the Navigator App that you download before you board.

You can then highlight the ones you like and get reminders when events are about to start. My favourite? The silent dance party. 

THE POOLS

For kids, the number one requirement on any cruise ship is a great pool area. Here on the Disney Wonder it's on level nine. There's a life-guard manned heated pool which is a Godsend for parents and little ones, not to mention a spa and an amazing water slide and toddler paddling area.

The main kids pool also plays almost non-stop Disney movies. I found myself still watching and loving Cars and Frozen, despite my 50-plus age.

THE STAGE SHOWS

Disney stage shows are like Broadway on the sea. With about 2700 people onboard, the crew have cleverly split dining and show times so half eat while the other half watch the shows. We had The Golden Mickeys, Disney Dreams and the Frozen musical, which were vocally and visually incredible.

The kids also feel very welcome and nobody is going to bat an eyelid at a restless toddler. And frankly, if you haven't eaten popcorn out of a silver Cinderella carriage, have you even lived?

THE PARTIES/THEME NIGHTS

Along with the stage shows, Disney also goes all out for their daily deck parties. Whether it's Crush's Pool Party, Pirate night or the Sail-A-Wave spectacular… you can dance, sing and cheer along. And did I mention they have their own fireworks too?

FOR THE BIG KIDS

Disney is not just for the kids. There are some hardcore Disney fans out there who are well beyond their teens. So if you're in need of some kid-free time, there are plenty of adults only zones on level nine including a pool, bar, cafe and lounge area.

I recommend the frosé from Signals bar. There's also whisky and wine tasting, adult trivia, singalongs and happy hours.

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THE STAFF

I've got to save the final word for the staff. They are in a league of their own. Everyone has a name tag with their country of origin on it. Everyone says hello, everyone is interested in your trip and wellbeing. They all proudly share their stories of their Disney journey. You feel like part of the Disney family and that is a feeling you can't buy.

And that's the thing with Disney. In the end, Disney is more than just a movie studio or a travel company. Disney is a feeling. It's something you notice from the first moment you step on the ship, to the staff who greet you and the kids by name each day, to the special moments they create.

The Disney cruise experience is one you'll be talking about for years to come. Don't just take my word for it. My nieces will be happy to tell you all about it, but you'll have to wear your Mickey ears!

This author was a guest of Disney Cruise Line.