Disney Wish and Disney Treasure: Your Ultimate 101 Guide to Disney Cruise Line’s Newest Ships
The Disney Wish and Disney Treasure represent the latest evolution in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, bringing a fresh wave of innovation, luxury, and immersive experiences to the high seas. As the newest additions to Disney’s fleet, these two ships are designed to cater to the modern cruiser, blending cutting-edge technology with Disney’s renowned storytelling. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes these ships special, compare key stats, and highlight the top reasons to choose the Wish or Treasure for your next Disney cruise.
Quick Stats: Disney Wish vs. Disney Treasure
| Ship | Year Set Sail | Major Routes (Planned or Past) | Staterooms | Size (Gross Tonnage) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Wish | 2022 | Bahamas, Caribbean | 1,254 | 144,000 GT |
| Disney Treasure | 2024 (Planned) | Caribbean, Transatlantic (Expected) | 1,254 | 144,000 GT |
Comparison to Other Ships in the Fleet:
| Ship | Year Set Sail | Size (Gross Tonnage) | Staterooms | Notable Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney Dream | 2011 | 129,690 GT | 1,250 | Slightly smaller, more traditional design |
| Disney Magic | 1998 | 83,338 GT | 875 | Smaller, with a classic, intimate feel |
Similarities Between Disney Wish and Disney Treasure
As sister ships, the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure share many innovative features and cutting-edge designs that set them apart from the older ships in the fleet:
- Ship Design and Layout: Both ships are built on the same platform, featuring a modern design with elegant interiors inspired by Disney stories. They incorporate the latest in maritime technology and environmental efficiency, making them both cutting-edge and sustainable.
- Staterooms: The Wish and Treasure offer luxurious staterooms designed with families in mind, featuring Disney’s signature split-bathroom layout, ample storage, and magical touches like virtual portholes in interior rooms. The decor in these staterooms is more contemporary, with subtle Disney theming.
- Dining Innovations: Both ships introduce new dining concepts with immersive storytelling elements, such as the “Frozen” dining experience and the “Marvel Cinematic Dining Adventure.” These ships elevate the rotational dining experience with interactive shows that take place around you as you eat.
- Entertainment and Attractions: The Wish and Treasure are home to the AquaMouse, Disney’s first-ever “attraction at sea,” which combines a water coaster with animated storytelling. Both ships also offer grand theaters with Broadway-style shows, first-run movies in the cinemas, and unique lounges and clubs for kids, teens, and adults.
- Themed Spaces: Like all Disney ships, the Wish and Treasure feature exclusive themed spaces, but these are taken to the next level with even more immersive experiences. For example, the Wish features the Hyperspace Lounge, a Star Wars-themed bar, while the Treasure is expected to introduce new, adventurous themes reflective of its name.
Key Differences Between Disney Wish and Disney Treasure
While these sister ships share many features, there are some distinctions that might guide your decision:
- Theming and Decor:
- Disney Wish: The Wish’s design leans heavily into fairy tale and classic Disney themes. The Grand Hall is Cinderella-inspired, and many public spaces evoke the elegance and fantasy of Disney’s classic animated films.
- Disney Treasure: The Treasure is themed around adventure and exploration, inspired by Disney characters known for their adventurous spirits, such as Aladdin and Captain Jack Sparrow. This theme is expected to be reflected in the ship’s decor and entertainment offerings.
- Unique Spaces:
- Disney Wish: The Wish is known for its Hyperspace Lounge, an adults-only bar that transports guests through different iconic locations in the Star Wars galaxy. It’s a unique offering that appeals to both Star Wars fans and those seeking a high-tech lounge experience.
- Disney Treasure: While specific details are still forthcoming, the Treasure is expected to feature new themed spaces that align with its adventure theme. These may include exclusive lounges, dining experiences, and interactive activities that differ from those on the Wish.
- Itineraries:
- Disney Wish: The Wish primarily sails shorter itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean, including stops at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. These shorter cruises are perfect for a quick, immersive Disney experience.
- Disney Treasure: The Treasure is expected to offer a mix of Caribbean itineraries and longer voyages, possibly including transatlantic crossings and more varied destinations, providing a broader range of experiences for different types of cruisers.
Pros and Cons of Disney Wish and Disney Treasure
Disney Wish:
Pros:
- Innovative Design: Modern, high-tech design with immersive themed spaces like the Hyperspace Lounge.
- Perfect for Families: Shorter itineraries are ideal for families with young children or those looking for a quick, magical getaway.
- Cutting-Edge Entertainment: Offers the first-ever “attraction at sea” with AquaMouse, plus new dining experiences that combine entertainment with cuisine.
Cons:
- Shorter Itineraries: Primarily focused on shorter cruises, which may not appeal to those looking for a longer, more leisurely experience.
- Newer Ship: As the first of its kind, some may prefer to wait until the ship has had more time to settle into its operations.
Disney Treasure:
Pros:
- Adventure-Themed Decor: Themed around exploration, the Treasure promises a unique atmosphere different from other Disney ships.
- Diverse Itineraries: Expected to offer a mix of Caribbean routes and longer voyages, appealing to a wider range of travelers.
- New Themed Experiences: Anticipated to introduce new lounges, dining, and entertainment experiences that cater to the ship’s adventurous theme.
Cons:
- Unproven Experience: As a new ship (launching in 2024), some details are still under wraps, making it a less known quantity compared to the Wish.
- Potentially Longer Voyages: The Treasure may offer more extended itineraries, which might not be suitable for all travelers, especially those with young children.
Top Reasons to Sail on Disney Wish or Disney Treasure
When comparing the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure to other ships in the Disney fleet—or even other cruise lines—here are the top reasons why these ships might be the perfect choice for your next voyage:
1. Immersive Theming and Cutting-Edge Experiences
- Disney Wish: The Wish sets a new standard for Disney Cruise Line with its innovative theming and technology. The ship’s Cinderella-inspired Grand Hall, combined with experiences like the AquaMouse and Hyperspace Lounge, offer a level of immersion and fantasy that’s unmatched, even by other Disney ships.
- Disney Treasure: The Treasure, with its adventure-themed decor and expected new experiences, will appeal to those who love the idea of exploring new frontiers. It’s poised to offer a fresh take on Disney’s storytelling at sea, with a focus on characters and stories that embody exploration and daring.
2. Modern, Family-Friendly Design
- Both Ships: Both the Wish and Treasure are designed with families in mind, offering state-of-the-art staterooms, interactive dining experiences, and extensive kids’ clubs. Their layouts are optimized for family comfort and convenience, ensuring a seamless experience from embarkation to disembarkation.
3. Unique Itineraries and Voyage Lengths
- Disney Wish: The Wish’s shorter itineraries make it an ideal choice for families seeking a brief but magical escape. These cruises offer all the highlights of a Disney experience in a compact, accessible package, perfect for those new to cruising or looking for a short getaway.
- Disney Treasure: With its anticipated longer itineraries, the Treasure is expected to cater to cruisers looking for a more in-depth experience. Whether it’s exploring the Caribbean or embarking on a transatlantic adventure, the Treasure’s diverse routes will offer something for every type of traveler.
4. New Dining and Entertainment Concepts
- Both Ships: Both the Wish and Treasure push the boundaries of cruise ship dining and entertainment. The interactive, story-driven dining experiences, combined with Broadway-style shows and cutting-edge attractions like AquaMouse, make these ships stand out not just in the Disney fleet but in the entire cruise industry.
5. Perfect Blend of Tradition and Innovation
- Disney Wish: The Wish beautifully blends traditional Disney magic with modern luxury. Its design and offerings appeal to those who love the classic Disney experience but crave something new and exciting.
- Disney Treasure: The Treasure is set to build on the Wish’s foundation, adding layers of adventure and exploration to the Disney cruise experience. It promises a unique, thematic journey that’s perfect for those who seek a cruise with a narrative twist.
Conclusion
The Disney Wish and Disney Treasure represent the pinnacle of Disney Cruise Line’s innovation, offering experiences that blend cutting-edge technology with the timeless magic that Disney is known for. Whether you’re drawn to the Wish’s fairy tale elegance and shorter itineraries or the Treasure’s adventurous spirit and anticipated longer voyages, these sister ships promise an unparalleled experience
