Comparing the Disney Cruise Line Ships: Which One is Right for Your Family?

​Here at Whitney World Travel we often get questions about Disney Cruise Line and their various ships. For much of the year the ships sail very different itineraries and ship selection is often driven by the port of departure or the destination. Some clients however want to focus on the amazing ships themselves and find the right fit for their family. So here is my advice on what you should consider when making your Disney Cruise Line vacation decisions.

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​Classic Ships
 
In total Disney has four ships currently sailing. The first two, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic, were launched in the late 1990’s. These ships were the first entry of The Walt Disney Company into the cruising business, a radical departure as an entertainment company moved into the space. In many ways these ships and the Disney approach redefined the entire cruise marketplace.
 
As sister ships both the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder share many similarities. In total they are nearly 50% smaller than Disney’s newest vessels. This provides a significantly more intimate experience in my opinion while sacrificing little in the way of amenities. With this smaller size these two vessels are the only Disney ships the homeport outside of Florida at various points in the year--Disney Magic sails to Europe each summer and Disney Wonder will homeport in Alaska, the US west coast, and Galveston, Texas. In the spring all Disney ships can be found in Port Canaveral or Miami, Florida.
 
What sets the Disney Magic apart from the other ships is some of its unique entertainment and dining options. Recently renovated in 2013, the Disney Magic incorporated some of the technologies in the new class of ships as well as several upgrades. This includes the Aqua Dunk, a thrilling water ride on the pool deck, as well as the incorporation of an expanded “splash pad” area with the Aqua Lab. The Disney Magic also incorporates the characters from Marvel’s Avengers, both in the kids club and through character interactions on board. Enhanced dining options were also brought in during the renovation.
 
The Disney Wonder, my favorite ship in the fleet, is about to undergo a similar renovation after it finishes the Alaska cruise season this summer. In the update the kids areas will now feature Marvel Super Hero Academy with a focus on Spider-Man vs the Avengers focus on the Disney Magic. The kids club will also feature enhancements that incorporate Disney’s Frozen and Club Disney Junior. On the dining side a new restaurant experience, Tiana’s Place, will bring to life the spirit of southern charm and New Orleans culture from Disney’s Princess and the Frog.
 
Larger Ships
 
Just a little over five years ago Disney Cruise Line launched two new ships—the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy. These ships are much larger than the “Classic Ships” and again helped re-define cruise ships all around the world. Unique to both of these ships is a larger kids club area, larger and more pool-side options for recreation, enhanced spa services, larger adult-only bars and clubs, and unique French-inspired adult-only dining in Remy.
 
The Disney Dream was specifically designed for shorter cruises of 3- and 4-days. It was the first ship to feature the Aqua Duck, a water roller coaster that actually takes you over the water at one point. The ship also featured larger staterooms—this includes more rooms for families of five and more options with connecting rooms to accommodate large families like mine! The Disney Dream also recently underwent its own update and now features the Star Wars: Millennium Falcon experience.
The Disney Fantasy is in many ways the premier vessel in the fleet. It was built specifically for 7-day voyages, which led to a few minor design differences with its sister ship the Disney Dream. This includes the inclusion of the Aqua Lab on the pool deck and a few other unique experiences. In the kids club you will find the Disney Infinity Game Room, Monsters Academy, and Explorer Pod as unique offerings. The Disney Fantasy is also the only ship that features Star Wars: Day at Sea, which sails every spring.
 
My Recommendation
 
First, you cannot go wrong with any of these ships. Each features top notch service you will be hard to find on similar cruises. My favorite experiences and dining, such as Animators Palate for main dining and Italian inspired Palo for adult-only, are found on all four ships. Senses Spa and its world class treatments are also found on each ship. And no matter what you choose the nursery as well as the kids and teen clubs will be amazing experiences for your children.
 
Personally though my preference is the “Classic Ships”. While the rooms may be slightly smaller and not as geared towards larger families, the intimacy of the smaller ship overall makes a huge difference in my opinion. While I still think the primary deciding factor for these cruise should be the itinerary, I would recommend the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder if the ship itself is driving the decision.

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About the Author

Jennifer Whitney, Owner and Travel Advisor
Jenn has a passion for travel. She loves helping families create amazing memories while exploring the world.  From fun family road trips through the mountains of California, to climbing Machu Pichu, conquering Disney Parks, and even sailing the seas, she has either been there or helped a family get there! Jenn is an Accredited Cruise Counselor, Hawaii Destination Specialist, Certified Sandals Specialist and graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge. She also holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Texas and lives in The Woodlands, Texas.