u/FastBackground658 — reddlx

Just got off the Disney Wish, and for context, this was our 6th Disney cruise. We’ve sailed on Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy, so we’re not new to how Disney usually does things. We also sailed concierge this trip.

1. Appearance / Decor – 5/10
This was probably the biggest letdown for me. The Wish just feels plain. I kept waiting for that signature Disney “wow” or elegance you get walking into the atrium on the older ships, and it never really hit. It’s not ugly, just not memorable or glamorous. The older ships feel more classic and intentional. This one felt a little watered down.

2. Layout – 6/10
The layout is fine, but not great.
Biggest gripe: the track doesn’t go all the way around the ship. That was a huge miss for me. It sounds small until you actually want to walk or run and realize you’re doing weird turnarounds instead of a clean loop.
Overall, the ship feels more segmented than the others.

3. Kids Club (Edge – Tween) – 10/10
This was a massive win. My kid lived in Edge. If it was open, that’s where they wanted to be. No complaints, no convincing needed, just gone. Honestly, this might be one of the best things the Wish does.

4. Food – 5/10
This one hurt a little.

Dining room food was… mediocre. Not terrible, just not what I’ve come to expect from Disney.
Quick service hours were frustrating. Outside of pizza, options didn’t line up well with our schedule, which meant we were constantly working around food instead of the other way around.

Room service is still clutch though. Reliable, easy, and honestly saved us a few times.

5. Excursions (Private Islands)

Lookout Cay Banana Boat – 2/10
Not worth it. It lasted maybe 8 minutes, they packed about 16 people onto it, and it wasn’t even really a banana boat. Felt rushed and overcrowded.

Castaway Cay Parasailing – 10/10
Completely different story. Smooth, fun, and actually felt worth the money. Would absolutely do it again.

6. Private Islands Overall – 8/10
We had cabanas on both islands.

Castaway Cay Cabanas:
The new cabana locations are questionable. When the tide is low, there’s basically no water access right in front. That was disappointing.

Lookout Cay Cabanas:
Huge upgrade. Better location, better setup, just overall felt more premium. This is how cabanas should be.

7. Service – 8/10
Mixed, but leaning positive.
Dining room servers were clearly stressed. Tables are packed tight, and you can feel the pressure they’re under. They worked hard, but the environment makes it tough for everyone, including guests.
Housekeeping was fantastic.
Concierge staff was friendly, helpful, and made things easy.

8. Activities – 10/10
This is where the Wish shines.
We did both family and 18+ activities, and every single one was fun. Great hosts, great energy. Didn’t win a single game, but still had a blast. No complaints here.

Live Shows & Movies – 10/10
The live shows and movie selections were top notch. The Aladdin live-action show was hands down the best show we’ve seen on any Disney ship. Seriously that good.

9. Retail – 5/10
I don’t understand the shopping setup.
Why are there so many jewelry stores? It felt excessive. Meanwhile, the actual souvenir space is limited, and when it’s open, it’s packed. Would much rather see more space dedicated to Disney merch.

10. Embarkation / Disembarkation – 10/10 (Concierge)
This was seamless. Fast, easy, zero stress. Concierge absolutely makes a difference here.

The Wish isn’t a bad ship, but it didn’t hit the same level as the older Disney ships for us.
It feels like it prioritizes capacity and newer design over the charm and flow that made Magic, Wonder, Dream, and Fantasy stand out.
That said, the kids club and activities are top-tier, and concierge definitely elevates the experience.

Would I sail it again? Maybe.
Would I pick it over the older ships? Probably not.