The Disney Wish to Bring Immersive Disney Storytelling to the High Seas in New and Innovative Ways

Since its state-of-the-art ships first set sail, Disney Cruise Line (DCL) has been an industry leader when it comes to technical innovation, guest experience and family entertainment. The newest ship in DCL’s fleet, the Disney Wish, will sail its maiden voyage on June 9, 2022, and in raising the anchor of its fifth ship, the cruise line is also raising the bar on what a vacation experience at sea can be. The Walt Disney Company’s incredible portfolio of brands is inspiring innovative new spaces on the ship, as well as an elevated level of immersive storytelling that heralds the next generation of cruises, with just-announced offerings that include the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, a unique Marvel cinematic dining adventure and a first-of-its-kind Star Wars experience on board a Disney ship.

While the elegant, classical exterior design of the Disney Wish pays tribute to the golden age of cruising, a portrait of Captain Minnie Mouse that has been incorporated into the intricate filigree artwork on the ship’s bow may be the first sign that guests are about to embark upon an exciting new experience. Today, DCL shared new details about what’s in store for guests on board the Disney Wish in a virtual grand reveal event on the Disney Parks Blog.

DCL became the first cruise line to have a shipboard water coaster when it debuted AquaDuck aboard the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy, and the Disney Wish will be the first to launch an immersive, inaugural Disney attraction at sea: AquaMouse. Guests will dive in to The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse animated shorts as they experience a wild water ride that’s complete with show scenes, lighting and special effects—along with a few “splashtacular” surprises on their thrilling journey through 760 feet of winding tubes suspended high above the upper decks.

And while the Disney Wish makes its way from Port Canaveral, Florida, to Nassau, Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, it will also transport guests to a galaxy far, far away like never before. Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge is a high-end bar styled as a luxurious yacht-class spaceship, inspired by lavish star cruisers similar to Dryden Vos’ ship in Solo: A Star Wars Story. The lounge will offer interactive tasting experiences and signature beverages inspired by destinations such as Batuu, Tatooine and Mustafar—destinations that guests may glimpse through a virtual “window” over the course of their space-faring voyage. This lounge is fully immersive and presented “in story,” ensuring that every visit to Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge will be different from the last.

DCL is also assembling Worlds of Marvel—the first-ever Marvel cinematic dining adventure—which invites guests to play an interactive role in an action-packed Avengers mission that will feature an original storyline created for the “upscale-restaurant-meets-technology-showcase.” While heroic events unfold around them, guests can enjoy a menu inspired by the real and fictional settings of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The all-new theatrical dining experience Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure takes the story of favorite characters such as Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and Olaf directly from the screen to the high seas, picking up where the film Frozen 2 left off. The immersive experience celebrates the engagement of Queen Anna and Kristoff, inviting guests to join the festivities in an enchanted castle ballroom that’s been designed in the style of a theater-in-the-round. Through invisible fiber optics embedded in the ceiling, guests will be wowed by Elsa’s icy magic, and the venue’s panoramic windows will magically transform from real-time ocean views to the colorful dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis as the story comes to life in the 360-degree environment. In addition to brand-new looks for Anna and Kristoff, and an all-new way to encounter Olaf through true-to-scale, cutting-edge puppetry that can talk and interact with families as they dine. And DCL’s commitment to honoring the beloved story extends to the world-class cuisine, which will be infused with Nordic influences.

Disney and Pixar’s stunning short La Luna has inspired the celestial design of the entertainment hub Luna, which will offer a variety of live shows and interactive programming throughout the day. During the day, Luna is the perfect setting for family fun and after the sun goes down, it transitions into an elegant evening venue for adult-exclusive entertainment. Guests—especially families with toddlers and young children—will also encounter favorite Pixar pals in a new Toy Story-themed waterplay district where little ones will go to “swim”-finity and beyond.

As revealed today, there are so many additional ways that Disney’s iconic characters and unparalleled storytelling will come to life on the Disney Wish, from the fairytale-inspired Grand Hall that pays tribute to the story of Cinderella to the Walt Disney Theatre, characterized by a magical forest setting that’s reminiscent of Disney Animation’s legendary film Fantasia. A new restaurant debuting on board the Disney Wish, 1923, is named for the year The Walt Disney Company was founded and serves as an elegant celebration of the Company’s legacy. The restaurant’s two lavishly appointed dining rooms are aptly named for the men behind the magic of the original film studio—Walt and Roy Disney—and the rooms are adorned with more than 1,000 drawings, props and other tools of the trade that provide an inside look at the evolution of Disney animation from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Frozen 2.

Of course, the Disney Wish will also feature offerings that guests have come to know and love—from Broadway-quality stage productions, screenings of first-run Disney films and fun family activities to best-in-class accommodations and the unparalleled service DCL is known for. Year after year, the cruise line has been recognized as a leader by not only travel professionals and hospitality industry groups but by guests, bringing DCL top honors from Travel & Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Newsweek and more.

“With the Disney Wish, we’re continuing our tradition of delivering the most magical and relaxing vacations at sea, combining legendary service and entertainment with imaginative storytelling and all the care you expect from a Disney vacation,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. “Our newest ship will celebrate everything that families love about sailing with us, from the incredible dining experiences and character interactions, to dazzling shows and the crew’s thoughtful attention to detail. We can’t wait to welcome our guests aboard the Disney Wish as we expand the reach of our world-class fleet.”