Our Disney Wish Adventure….with kids :)

Let me start by saying: taking a Disney Cruise with young kids (we took our oldest two, ours are 7 and 5) is equal parts magical and mildly chaotic—in the best way possible.

We recently sailed on the Disney Wish, and from the moment we stepped into the glittering Grand Hall, my kids’ eyes (and mine, let’s be honest) lit up like Main Street during the fireworks. If you’re wondering if a Disney Cruise is worth it with littles—here’s what I learned, what I loved, and what I’ll pack differently next time.

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✨ Embarkation Day = Overstimulation in Sequins

From character appearances in the terminal to the crew literally announcing our family as we boarded (cue tears), the magic hit full force. We were onboard by 1:00pm, and our kids were already itching to get in swimsuits. We barely had time to unpack before they discovered the AquaMouse (which I can only describe as a water slide meets animated joy ride meets 5-year-old adrenaline dream).

I was pleasantly surprised how easy it was to board the ship, honestly! We adhered to our port arrival time, and walked seamlessly on board with no issues. We followed every rule for what to bring and what not to bring, and honestly, I think that’s what made it so stress-free. So if you’re wondering if you can sneak, maybe, just one restricted item on board, I wouldn’t. Don’t ruin the magic, and your first trip down a slide.

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Our Favorites as a Family of Four

🚢 For the kids (ages 7 and 5):

• Oceaneer Club: Our 7-year-old made more crafts and pictures than could fit in a 2-inch binder, our 5-year-old trained with Spidey, and we got alone time—a win for everyone.
• Happy Hour: A good friend gave some great advice….get the kids ready for dinner and take them to Kids Club, then, get yourselves ready on YOUR time and enjoy a solid happy hour.
• Mickey & Minnie Pool Time: Multiple shallow pools meant I could sip coffee, and the occasional margarita, while keeping an eye out. The lifeguards don’t play.
• Unlimited ice cream. Enough said.

🍴 For Mom & Dad:

• Rotational Dining: We dined in Arendelle, 1923, and Worlds of Marvel. Each restaurant has its own vibe (and our kids LOVED the live music in Arendelle).
• Quiet Cove Café: Adults-only. Coffee that isn’t in a paper cup. Cocktails in a real glass without a straw or condensation…I may have cried happy tears.

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💡 What Surprised Me Most

• The crew knows kids. Like really knows kids. From pirate bandanas at dinner to towel animals shaped like Mickey, every moment felt tailored to our family.
• So many families Pixie Dust and decorate their doors! I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but honestly, I think their favorite part was going around and leaving small gifts in the fish extenders that so many families had hanging outside their rooms. It made the entire cruise feel like one giant family, it was magical!
• We didn’t need to bring every toy from home. The ship itself was a floating playground.
• My kids ate salmon and shrimp. Will they at home? No. Disney magic.

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📦 Things I Wish I Knew Beforehand:

• Pack pirate night gear—you will want to join in.
• Pack those magnets for your door, add some pixie dust fun (we did slap bracelets and silly straws), and let them stay up late for the shows and fireworks! It’s worth it!
• Download the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App before you sail. It’s your cruise-life Bible.
• Don’t overpack. Swimwear, theme outfits, and comfy shoes are all you truly need.

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🌊 Final Thoughts: Would We Sail Again?

YES. A thousand Mickey-shaped waffles YES. The Disney Wish turned our ordinary vacation into something enchanted. Watching my kids dance, like actually dance without being shy, was the highlight of my trip.

If you’re a parent juggling schedules, sippy cups, and spelling lists, I highly recommend trading it all in—for just a few days—for the magic of the Wish. Or any Disney Cruise for that matter. We can’t wait to try our next ship!

Because sometimes, even moms need fairy dust. ✨

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Want a printable Disney Cruise checklist or packing list next? I’ve got you—comment below or shoot me a message!