Choosing between Disney Wish and Disney Dream is one of the most common questions from Disney Cruise planners. Both ships offer incredible family vacations, but they have distinct personalities. This guide compares every aspect to help you pick the perfect ship for your family.
Overview: The Ships at a Glance
| Feature | Disney Wish | Disney Dream |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2022 | 2011 |
| Class | Triton Class | Dream Class |
| Capacity | 4,000 Guests | 4,000 Guests |
| Adult Dining | Palo Steakhouse, Enchanté | Palo, Remy |
| Water Slide | AquaMouse (Attraction) | AquaDuck (Coaster) |
| Main Lobby | Cinderella (Grand Hall) | Donald Duck (Atrium) |
| Kids Clubs | Slide to enter, Marvel/SW | Standard entry |
Disney Wish (2022): The newest ship in the fleet featuring cutting-edge technology, Frozen and Marvel themed dining, the AquaMouse water coaster, and an enchantment theme throughout. Sails from Port Canaveral on 3-4 night Bahamas itineraries.
Disney Dream (2011): A beloved classic that introduced the AquaDuck water coaster and set the standard for Disney's larger ships. Features Animator's Palate, Enchanted Garden, and timeless Art Deco elegance. Sails from Port Canaveral on 3-4 night Bahamas itineraries.
Rotational Dining Comparison
Disney Wish Restaurants:
- Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure - Interactive show with live performers
- Worlds of Marvel - Avengers-themed with special effects throughout dinner
- 1923 - Elegant Hollywood golden age theming
Disney Dream Restaurants:
- Animator's Palate - Classic interactive screens with animation that comes to life
- Enchanted Garden - Transforms from day to night during dinner
- Royal Palace - Cinderella-themed elegant dining
Winner: Wish edges ahead with more immersive experiences, but Animator's Palate on Dream remains a fan favorite for families with young kids who love seeing their drawings animated.
Water Attractions
Disney Wish - AquaMouse: A 760-foot water coaster that's more theme park ride than slide. Features Mickey Mouse cartoon storyline, lighting effects, and show scenes. The experience feels completely new to cruising.
Disney Dream - AquaDuck: The original Disney water coaster that extends 4 decks over the ocean. A thrilling ride with amazing views, pure water coaster fun without the theming.
Winner: AquaMouse wins for theming and innovation; AquaDuck wins for classic thrills and ocean views. Kids typically love both equally.
Adults-Only Areas
Disney Wish: Features the stunning Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge (the highlight for many adults), The Haunted Mansion Parlor, and an elegant Quiet Cove pool area.
Disney Dream: Satellite Falls adult-only splash pool, multiple bars and lounges, and the classic Quiet Cove setup.
Winner: Wish wins with Hyperspace Lounge being an must-do experience for Star Wars fans.
Kids Clubs
Both ships offer Oceaneer Club (ages 3-12) with supervised activities. Disney Wish has updated theming including Marvel Super Hero Academy, while Dream has classic favorites. Edge (11-14) and Vibe (14-17) teen clubs are available on both.
Winner: Tie - both excellent, with Wish having slightly newer amenities.
Staterooms
Disney Wish staterooms feature newer furnishings and the same split-bathroom design pioneered on Dream-class ships. Both offer virtual portholes in inside staterooms showing real-time ocean views with surprise Disney character appearances.
Winner: Wish wins slightly for newer décor and finishes.
Price Comparison
Disney Wish typically costs 10-25% more than Disney Dream for equivalent dates and stateroom categories. For families, the price difference on a 3-night cruise can be $500-$1,500 depending on room type.
Winner: Dream wins for value; Wish is worth the premium for those wanting the newest experience.
The Verdict
Choose Disney Wish if: You want the newest ship experience, love Frozen or Marvel, prioritize the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, or this is a special celebration worth splurging on.
Choose Disney Dream if: You want excellent value, appreciate classic Disney elegance, are first-time cruisers wanting the traditional DCL experience, or are traveling with very young children who love Animator's Palate.
The truth? You can't go wrong with either ship. Both deliver the magical Disney Cruise experience that keeps families coming back year after year.