Everything You Need to Know About a Long Weekend on Disney Cruise Line's Disney Wish
Curated By
Shasta Reeves
Curator’s statement
In October of 2024, my family embarked on a multi-generational cruise aboard the Disney Wish, fulfilling a long-held dream of mine. I was around 11 years old in 1998 when Disney Cruise Line first launched. For 25 years, I had eagerly anticipated the day I could experience the magic for myself. That dream finally became a reality — and what made it even more special was seeing the wonder in my children's eyes as they experienced the enchantment of Disney on the high seas. The combination of nostalgia and new memories made this cruise an unforgettable adventure for all of us.
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Where to stay in Port
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Things to do in Port
Accommodations
We stayed in spacious family ocean-view verandah staterooms, and with three of my six children along (we travel in packs!), there was still plenty of room. Even with a pack-and-play in the room, complete with Mickey Mouse sheets courtesy of Disney, we never felt crowded. The split bathroom layout — with a shower and sink on one side and a toilet and sink on the other — is a game changer, making it easy for everyone to get ready without feeling cramped.
Day trips:
Pre or post-cruise for those who have a little extra time, I highly recommend visiting the Kennedy Space Center. Explore the history and future of space travel at NASA’s launch headquarters. Visit the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, meet real astronauts or experience the thrill of a rocket launch simulator. This is an exciting and educational trip for all ages, especially for space enthusiasts. For more of a charming small-town experience, visit historic Downtown Melbourne. Enjoy boutique shopping, local dining and riverside views along the Indian River. It’s a peaceful escape with a local flair, ideal for a more laid-back day trip. For beach lovers who just cannot get enough of the salt water, Cocoa Beach is perfect for relaxing on the sandy shores, swimming or even taking a surf lesson. The Cocoa Beach Pier is a great spot for dining, shopping and enjoying beautiful ocean views. Of course, if you need a little more Disney Magic, the parks are about an hour from Port Canaveral.
Places to eat & drink in Port
On-board dining was brilliant. We loved the rotational dining for our evening meals and the quick-service dining was excellent. There are also two exquisite adult dining options available.
Arendelle: A Frozen dining adventure
This immersive dining experience brings guests into the world of Frozen with live entertainment from Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf. The menu is inspired by Nordic cuisine, and the entire dining room feels like a grand celebration in the kingdom of Arendelle. If you like a cocktail with dinner, I highly recommend the Frozen Fractals — a not frozen delight.
Worlds of Marvel
A unique dining experience where guests are invited to a heroic mission alongside their favorite Marvel characters. The restaurant features high-tech displays and interactive elements, with a menu inspired by global cuisine that reflects Marvel’s diverse universe. Even my two-nager was fully engaged throughout the meal.
1923
They named this one after the year the Walt Disney Company was founded, 1923 combines elegance and nostalgia with Hollywood glamor. The restaurant serves California-inspired cuisine, blending fresh and seasonal ingredients, all within a setting that celebrates Disney’s animation legacy. It happened to be Halloween on the High Seas the night we dined with them and many diners were in costume. Thankfully, there was plenty of room for Sebastian, Flounder, Ariel, Ursula and King Triton.
Marceline Market
Marceline Market is a casual, buffet-style restaurant that offers a wide variety of international dishes for breakfast and lunch. It’s themed as an old marketplace, with food stations representing different cuisines, giving a nod to Walt Disney’s hometown of Marceline, Missouri. Of course, Mickey Waffles were available each morning.
Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods
A quick-service option located near the pool deck, this vibrant spot features different food stalls offering fan-favorite bites like pizza, burgers, Mexican-inspired dishes and soft-serve ice cream, perfect for grabbing a quick meal between activities. We headed straight for the Pizza once we boarded the ship.
Palo Steakhouse
A refined, adults-only restaurant combining the best of Italian cuisine with high-quality steaks. The décor reflects an elegant Venetian theme, and the restaurant offers a quiet, intimate setting, perfect for a romantic night at sea. Reservations are required.
Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement
Another adults-only dining experience, Enchanté offers French-inspired gourmet cuisine by Michelin-starred chef Arnaud Lallement. With an intimate and luxurious setting, this is the ultimate fine-dining experience onboard, designed for those seeking something extra special. Beast not included, but you will see the beauty everywhere you turn. Reservations are required.
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Travel Advisor
Shasta Reeves
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This guide is a part of our ongoing series on cruise travel. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Marilyn Fay's guide, Beginner's Guide to Planning a Large Family Disney Cruise Vacation.