If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing the high seas on a Disney Cruise but didn’t know which ship to sail on, then this article is for you!
After sailing on all 5 Disney Cruise ships, I’ll compare every ship’s amenities, itineraries, staterooms, entertainment, kids clubs, and dining, in order to help you decide which one will be the best for your next vacation.
So with that said, let’s jump straight to my rankings of the best Disney Cruise ships!
Jump to:
- Disney Cruise Ships Ranked
- Best Disney Cruise Ships
- What’s the same on every Disney Cruise ship?
- What Disney Cruise Ship has the Best Food?
- Best Disney Cruise Ship for Toddlers
- Best Disney Cruise Ship for Adults
- What’s the best Disney Cruise Ship on a Budget?
- What is the most luxurious Disney Cruise ship?
- What Ship has the Best Concierge Staterooms and Lounges?
- What is the most expensive cruise ship?
- What are the best Disney Cruise destinations?
- How many Disney Cruise Ships are there?
- Does Port (left) or Starboard (right) have the Best Views?
- Should I go on a Disney Cruise before or after Disney World?
- Final Thoughts
Disney Cruise Ships Ranked
Here are the Disney Cruise Ships ranked from best to worst, based on amenities, staterooms, dining options, and itineraries.
- Disney Wish
- Disney Dream
- Disney Fantasy
- Disney Magic
- Disney Wonder
Although there are a lot of similarities between these ships, each one has its own advantages and disadvantages that make them unique in their own ways. I’ll go into more detail about that in the next section.
Best Disney Cruise Ships
Here is my list of Disney Cruise ships, ranked!
1. Disney Wish
As Disney Cruise Lines’ newest ship, The Disney Wish is the undisputed goat at this moment.
Yes, the layout is wonky, but the overall aesthetics, stateroom quality, immersive restaurant options, and youth clubs take this boat to the next level.
If you’re looking for the nicest staterooms, this is the ship for you.
Disney Wish Entertainment
The entertainment onboard the Disney Wish is fantastic. The two highlights are the Hero Zone and Luna, which is the main hub for all daily/nightly entertainment including bingo, game shows, and some trivia.
There are two movie theaters onboard where you can view first run Disney movies as well as some older releases.
The Walt Disney Theater is home two three Broadway-style shows – Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Disney Seas the Adventure.
You can find daily activities at Luna and Keg Compass, just to name a few.
Lastly, you can’t forget about the fireworks at sea.
Disney Wish Dining
The restaurant and food quality onboard the Disney Wish is the best of the entire fleet.
For counter service, you can grab some quick bites from the Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods which fathers fan-favorite options like pizza, burgers, chicken strips, fries, barbecue, tacos and burrito bowls, and all you can eat soft serve ice cream.
I couldn’t believe that they had all you can eat barbecue and build your own burrito bowls on board.
The Main Dining rotation is by far the most immersive thanks to World of Marvel (where Ant Man, The Wasp, and Spider-Man an appearance), Arendelle (a Frozen dining adventure), and 1923 (a glizy steakhouse). Not to mention the adults-only options are top notch at Palo Steakhouse and Enchante.
And let’s not forget about Marceline Market, which is a buffet open for breakfast and lunch. My only complaint about Marceline Market is that the seafood selection is lacking compared to Cabanas onboard the Dream and Fantasy.
In terms of bars and lounges, the Wish is home to the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge, which is so cool. It reminds me of a microscopic version of the Galactic Starcruiser. The Bayou is also a great place to listen to live music and snack on some beignets. There are numerous other bars located throughout the ship, but these are the two most popular.
Disney Wish for Kids
The kids clubs aboard the Disney Wish are by far the most immersive of the fleet thanks in part to Marvel Super Hero Academy, Star Wars Cargo Bay, Walt Disney Imagineering Lab, and Fairytale Hall. The clubs for teens and tweens are just as cool too!
But the highlight of the boat is definitely the AquaMouse waterslide which is the first ever Disney attraction at sea.
2. Disney Dream
Prepare to be dazzled by the Disney Dream, a magnificent vessel that takes guests on an extraordinary voyage filled with imagination and luxury. With its iconic Art Deco design, innovative features, and world-class entertainment, this ship offers an enchanting experience that combines Disney storytelling with the ultimate in comfort and indulgence.
It by far has the best layout of any of the other cruise ships and is well-loved by many guests.
Disney Dream Entertainment
The signature show onboard the Disney Dream is Beauty and Beast, which is great! You can also watch Disney’s Believe which lets you relive some of Disney’s greatest movie moments onstage as well as the iconic Golden Mickeys.
You can view first-run movies in the Buena Vista Theater or even watch some movies under the stars via FunnelVision.
The Dream is also home to Marvel Day at Sea during select sailings!
Throughout the day, you can find daily activities at the D Lounge or some fun adult-only games shows at Evolution.
The best part of the Dream for adults is that there is an exclusive area filled with bars, lounges, and a nightclub in the back of the ship.
Disney Dream Dining
Food-wise, the Dream has three great rotational dining spots – Animator’s Palate (with Crush), Royal Palace, and Enchanted Garden. Animators Palate is by far the most interactive dining experience onboard. And for adults, there is a Palo and Remy, which are both fantastic in their own ways.
For counter-service food, you can find pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and all you can eat ice cream.
Cabanas is probably my favorite Disney Cruise buffet due in part to it’s stone crab selection.
Disney Dream for Kids
Onboard the Disney Dream, there are a variety of kid’s clubs such as the It’s a Small World Nursery (for infants), Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (for kids ages 3 to 12), Edge (for guests ages 11-14), and Vibe (which is strictly for teens).
There’s also a Goofy’s sports deck with mini-golf and an AquaDuck waterslide that’s fun for all ages (adults included).
3. Disney Fantasy
The Disney Fantasy is a majestic ship combines sophisticated design, immersive entertainment, and unparalleled service to create an extraordinary vacation experience.
The Fantasy is the sister ship to the Dream as they share almost the same layout and amenities, with a few minor changes in the hard and soft product. The Fantasy currently sails 7-night western and eastern caribbean routes out of Port Canaveral, FL.
Disney Fantasy Entertainment
The Disney Fantasy is home to three Broadway style shows – Aladdin, Frozen, and Disney’s Believe.
Onboard the ship, you’ll also find a movie theater that shows first-run Disney movies as well as D Lounge for daily activities and game shows and a nightclub district called Europe which features several bars, lounges, and a British-mode nightclub called The Tube.
Disney Fantasy Dining
The Fantasy has identical dining locations to the Dream. The main dining restaurants are Animator’s Palate, Enchanted Garden, and Royal Court. There is also two adults-only restaurants called Remy and Palo.
For casual, quick service options, you’ll find a buffet called Cabanas, Flo’s Cafe for burgers, chicken, pizza, and salad, as well as Eye Scream Treats for unlimited ice cream.
Disney Fantasy for Kids
Onboard the Disney Fantasy, there are a variety of kid’s clubs such as the It’s a Small World Nursery (for infants), Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (for kids ages 3 to 12), Edge (for guests ages 11-14), and Vibe (which is strictly for teens).
You’ll also find a Goofy’s Sports deck for some mini-golf
There is also a water roller coaster called the AquaDuck!
4. Disney Magic
The Disney Magic cruise ship embodies timeless Disney charm and elegance, offering a captivating experience for guests of all ages. From its classic design to its immersive entertainment and dining options, this vessel showcases the perfect blend of enchantment, adventure, and relaxation on the high seas.
The Magic can be found on Caribbean itineraries as well as those found in northern Europe.
Disney Magic Entertainment
Onboard the Disney Magic, you’ll can watch Broadway-style live shows in the Walt Disney Theater like Tangled the Musical, Disney Dreams, and Twice Charmed An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story.
There is also a Buena Vista Theater that shows first-run Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars movies.
Not to mention you’ll be able to participate in daily actives in the D Lounge or Premade Lounge during your sailing.
The adult’s only nightclub on the Magic is called Fathoms which is home to disco dance parties and adults-only game shows. You’ll also find bars and lounges scattered throughout each deck.
Disney Magic Dining
The best part about the Disney Magic is the Duck-In Diner, if you love schwarma!
Besides that, you can find three main dining restaurants – Animator’s Palate, Lumiere’s, and Rapunzel’s Royal Table, which is a Tangled-themed immersive dining experience. There is also only one adults-only restaurant called Palo.
Quick eats include Cabanas buffet, Pinocchio’s Pizzeria, Duck-In Diner, and Eye Scream Treats.
Disney Magic for Kids
On the Disney Magic, there are a variety of kid’s clubs such as the It’s a Small World Nursery (for infants), Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (for kids ages 3 to 12), Edge (for guests ages 11-14), and Vibe (which is strictly for teens).
There’s also a Wide World of Sports which has basketball court!
5. Disney Wonder
With its classic charm and impeccable attention to detail, the Disney Wonder offers a magical experience for Disney fans of all ages. From its elegant design to its captivating entertainment and dining options, the Disney Wonder invites guests to embark on a journey filled with enchantment, imagination, and cherished memories.
The Wonder was the second ever Disney Cruise ship and currently sails the west coast of the US on itineraries for Alaska, Hawaii, Cabo, Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia.
Disney Wonder Entertainment
Onboard the Disney Wonder, you’ll find a nightclub for adults called Azure, a D Lounge for daily activities, a movie theater for first run movies, and a main theater that has nightly performances of Frozen A Musical Spectacular and the Golden Mickeys.
Disney Wonder Dining
The dining options are plentiful onboard the Disney Wonder. The main dining rooms include Animator’s Palate, Tritons, and the fun and musical Tiana’s Place. If you love the Princess and the Frog, you’ll love this spot!
Adults can also dine at Palo, the only adult exclusive restaurant on board available for brunch and dinner.
For counter service, you will find burgers, pizza, and all you can eat soft serve ice cream. Unlike the Magic, there is not a place to get schwarma.
Disney Wonder for Kids
Onboard the Disney Wonder, there are a variety of kid’s clubs such as the It’s a Small World Nursery (for infants), Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab (for kids ages 3 to 12), Edge (for guests ages 11-14), and Vibe (which is strictly for teens).
What’s the same on every Disney Cruise ship?
There are a handful of things that you’ll find on ever Disney Cruise:
- Service – regardless of what ship you’re on, you’ll immediately notice that the world class service is consistent on all of the ships
- Movie Theater – every ship has a movie theater that shows first-run Disney movies
- Pool – every ship will have a pool but the number of pools vary depending on the ship
- Room Service – regardless of stateroom or ship, you have access to complimentary room service 24/7
- Unlimited Ice Cream – you can enjoy all you can eat soft serve ice cream
- Pirate Night – you can participate in Pirate Night on every ship
- Adults-only areas – every ship has a Quiet Cove pool, bars, lounges, as well as an exclusive adults-only restaurant like Palo
- Spa – every ship has a Senses Spa, salon, and gym
- Rotational Dining – every ship has three rotating main dining rooms
- Buffet – you’ll find a buffet on ever Disney Cruise ship
- Character Meet and Greets – you can meet characters on every sailing
- Shopping – every ship has their own stores
- Key to the World Card – every guest will receive a Key to the World Card to access their stateroom and make purchase without cash
- Sail Away Deck Party – you’ll find a sail away deck party on every ship
- Youth Club – you’ll find youth clubs including a nursery onboard every ship
- Alcohol – every ship serves alcohol and each guest over the age of 21 has an alcohol allowance that they can bring onboard
- Concierge Lounge – every ship has a Concierge Lounge available exclusively for guests staying in Concierge staterooms
What Disney Cruise Ship has the Best Food?
The Disney Wish has the best food on any Disney Cruise Ship.
Although it’s a tight race between the Magic, Wonder, and Wish, the food options on the Wish are slightly better.
From a counter service perceptive, the Wish has a taco spot and a barbecue spot, both of which can’t be found on any of their other ships.
Plus, it’s the only ship currently to have a Palo Steakhouse which I believe is far better than the normal Palo.
And in case you were wondering, the second best ship in regards to food options is the Disney Magic mainly due to one thing I love so much – schwarma.
Best Disney Cruise Ship for Toddlers
The Best Disney Cruise Ship for toddlers (or kids in general) is the Disney Wish.
The Wish is jam packed with amazing Youth Clubs as well as some exciting areas such as the Star Wars: Cargo Bay, Mickey and Minnie’s Captain Deck, Marvel Super Hero Academy, Fairytale Hall, and Imagineering Lab.
Not to mention, the AquaMouse is the best waterslide on any Disney ship!
But, regardless of what ship you sail on, your kids will have so much fun thanks to the countless character meet and greet opportunities, fun Broadway-style shows, all you can eat ice cream, and fun pools.
Best Disney Cruise Ship for Adults
Hands down, the best Disney Cruise Ship for adults is the Disney Dream.
The Disney Dream is home to several lounges and bars like Skyline, Pub 687, the Meridian, and Pink: Wine and Champagne Bar. The Dream also has a nightclub called Evolution which is home to adults-only live shows, dance parties, and so much more.
Although the Wish is the best ship in the fleet, it lacks a separate area for adults in the evening, similar to what you’ll find in The District. There’s just something nicer about having a separate area to drink and lounge that’s not located directly in the middle of the ship where everyone needs to pass by.
The Disney Dream also has a nice Quiet Cove area for adults as well as a very scenic Senses Spa, Salon, and gym area.
And when it comes to food, adults can dine at both Palo and Remy (no kids allowed).
What’s the best Disney Cruise Ship on a Budget?
If you’re looking to cruise on a budget, the cheapest ship with the lowest priced itineraries can be found on the Disney Magic.
Although prices will vary depending on the time of year you choose to sail, most itineraries on the Disney Magic appear to be a couple hundred dollars cheaper than the ones on the Dream and Wish.
Honestly, you can use these strategies to make any Disney Cruise affordable.
What is the most luxurious Disney Cruise ship?
The most luxurious Disney Cruise ship is the Disney Wish. The sheer quality of suites (including the Wish Tower Suite), high-end shopping, superior Concierge Lounge and sundeck, as well as the dining options, and makes it a true masterpiece.
In terms of luxury, nothing else comes close, at the moment.
What Ship has the Best Concierge Staterooms and Lounges?
The best Concierge Lounge and stateroom options can be found on the Disney Wish.
The Wish’s Concierge Lounge and private sundeck is massive and completely blows the other ships’ out of the water.
Not to mention the quality, size, and style of Concierge Suites found on the Wish is significantly nicer and larger than the ones found on any of the other ships.
That said, the perks, benefits, and service you receive as a Concierge guest are completely identical on every ship.
What is the most expensive cruise ship?
Technically speaking, the most expensive cruise ship has nothing to do with the ship itself but instead the itineraries it follows, as well as the stateroom that you stay in.
Generally speaking, the most expensive destinations include Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe (Mediterranean, Greece, and Norway).
If you sail decide to book a Concierge Stateroom, you’ll notice the significant price different between the next highest room category (Verandah).
That said, The Wish appears to cost more for sailings to the Bahamas cruises compared to the Dream when it previously sailed the same route from Port Canaveral.
What are the best Disney Cruise destinations?
Everyone’s opinion will be very different, but based on my own personal sailing experience, these are my favorite destinations ranked:
- Alaska
- Mediterranean (out of Barcelona)
- Bahamas
- Western Caribbean
My bucket list includes sailings to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Norway, and Cabo.
How many Disney Cruise Ships are there?
There are currently 5 Disney Cruise Ships sailing with two more on the way. The next ship that’s going to start sailing in 2024 is named The Treasure.
The names are:
- Wish
- Fantasy
- Dream
- Wonder
- Magic
Does Port (left) or Starboard (right) have the Best Views?
This strictly depends on what destinations your ship is sailing to. But from personal experience, the Starboard side always seems to have the better views. Not to mention, you can see the fireworks at sea from your stateroom balcony if you are on the Starboard side.
When leaving out of Port Canaveral, the best side will be the Starboard (right) side because it faces the beach in Castaway Cay, as well as the beach when leaving Port Canaveral. When in Nassau, Bahamas, the best side of the boat is Port (left) because gives you the best view of the island.
Should I go on a Disney Cruise before or after Disney World?
If it were up to me, I would 100% go on a Disney Cruise after a Disney World vacation.
As fun as Disney World is, it can be pretty stressful and tiring with all of the planning, itinerary-building, walking, heat exhaustion, etc.
Disney Cruises, on the other hand, are the exact opposite. Cruising is more peaceful, there’s less walking involved, and you’ll leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.
That’s why I recommend that you always start with Disney World and then end with a Disney Cruise.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it!
We’ve sailed through the rankings and comparisons of all five magnificent Disney cruise ships. From the timeless elegance of the Disney Magic to the dazzling innovation of the Disney Dream, the enchanting Disney Fantasy, the classic charm of the Disney Wonder, and the majestic nature of the Disney Wish, each ship offers a unique and unforgettable voyage.
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly adventures, luxurious indulgence, or the perfect blend of Disney magic and relaxation, there’s a ship waiting to fulfill your dreams on the high seas.
So, set your course, plan your voyage, pack your bags, and embark on a Disney cruise experience that will create memories to last a lifetime. Bon voyage!
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