5 things you need to know before you set sail on a Disney cruise
For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line has sailed onto Australian shores. So is it as magical as Mickey and Donald claim it to be? We jumped on board to find out.
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For die-hard Disney fans, it's been a long time coming waiting for the Disney Cruise Line to sail onto our shores Down Under. And now the wait is finally over!
For the first time, the Disney Wonder was spotted in Sydney Harbour this week ready to begin her inaugural voyage across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand.
It promised to be a magical experience worth waiting for so we jumped on board to see why people have literally travelled across the globe for years to experience her beauty.
In just a few minutes, we found out why.
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First, let's get into some facts about the ship we checked in on.
The Disney Wonder is just one of the many ships in the Disney Cruise Line family. It boasts 875 staterooms and can host up to 2,713 passengers and 950 Disney crew.
It has 11 decks to explore - including areas that can cater JUST to kids and JUST to adults, so everyone is ensured a special time. But there are some standout things you need to know before you set sail.
1. Rotational dining with a twist
There are plenty of dining options on board the Disney Wonder - from elaborately-themed restaurants like Triton's (inspired by The Little Mermaid) to Animator's Palate (where you can indulge in your own animator dreams.)
But there's a twist to your meal times when you're setting sail with Captain Mickey and pals.
The Disney Cruise Line offers a unique dining experience by offering guests the opportunity to dine at one of their three restaurants each night. Not only will you get to munch at a different place with a different vibe each night, but there will be something familiar going along with you each time. Yes, sure the magic. But it's actually your waiter!
You will have your own dedicated member from the service team rotating with you, so your favourite dining options and beverage choices don't have to be explained each time you take a seat. And speaking of the menu, did we tell you that you can order however many meals you want?
If it's two entrees, three mains and ALL of the dessert options that you want, the staff will not even flinch at the request.
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The kids club feels like Disneyland
With kids aged 11 and 9, I've seen and experienced a lot of kids' clubs through our family travels and I don't hesitate one bit when I declare this is possibly the BEST one I've ever come across.
Stepping out of the lift and walking onto the kids club on level 5 instantly feels different and there's a reason why. According to our guide, the ceiling on the level has purposely been built lower than the other levels to make children feel safe and less intimidated by a large space. It's a tiny thought-out detail that is so typical of Disney and sets the mood for what's to come for little ones.
The kids' club is split into different clubs including the Small World Nursery for really little ones, the Oceaneer Club for adventurous little minds, and the Vibe teen club for those too cool to hang out with other kids or the adults they're travelling with. Ah, teens!
Sliding down the slide in Andy's Room feels like you've stepped right onto the Toy Story set and kids will also lose their minds sitting at the table at Oaken's Trading Post - hoping Princess Anna or Elsa will walk through those doors. And spoiler alert... sometimes they actually do!
Hidden Mickey's and Disney references are everywhere
Any Disney fan will tell you that Disney cruises are known for their hidden Disney references. And they're right - little images and touches of magic are literally everywhere.
The staircase in the atrium features outlines of Mickey Mouse in the staircase as does the lift taking you to each level on board.
Our favourite though was the roof of Animator's Palate, which is literally one giant paint palette and paintbrush.
Just be on the lookout all the time or you'll miss those hidden touches in the decor that are so appreciated by Disney fans.
RELATED: Is it better to go to Disneyland or a Disney Cruise?
Head to the sail away party - just to hear the horn!
All cruises will have a little celebration when departing, but Disney's sail away party is made extra special.
Not only will you see a few of your much-loved Disney characters walking around to say hi to their guests, but the horn is also extra special.
No, it's just not an ordinary, deep and loud ship horn - it's Disney - so is played to the tune of 'When You Wish Upon A Star'.
You can literally hear everyone gasp when it is blown. Guests know it's only the start of something really special.
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Pirate night is not to be missed
According to staff on the ship, apart from the sail away party, there is another standout moment during your cruising holiday that will be a clear stand-out.
Pirate night is a night not to be missed and a time EVERYONE on board gets into the theme. Guests often bring their own elaborate pirate costumes for the evening but if you're not prepared, there are also bandanas handed out.
Staff also get into the spirit and everyone is also treated to a firework display off the back of the ship making you feel like you're a part of a live show of Pirates of the Caribbean.
They say a Disney Cruise is pure "Magic At Sea" - and we're here to confirm it really is.
Disney Cruises are now available to book from Australia and New Zealand. For more info, head to: https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/ . You can also book via Flight Centre here, or Expedia here.
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Originally published as 5 things you need to know before you set sail on a Disney cruise
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