Dream then Wonder

[missyp]

Just got back from a 4 night Dream cruise and booked a 5 night Wonder. I am afraid we will be disappointed, any thoughts?

 

[hamm1207]

Just got back from a 4 night Dream cruise and booked a 5 night Wonder. I am afraid we will be disappointed, any thoughts?

We actually prefer the magic/wonder over the new ships. We enjoy the smaller crowds and smaller ship feeling (because it is smaller).

They are a lot smaller, and do not have the aqua duck or enchanted art. They still have wonderful theaters for movies and shows. Animators palate on the new ships is way better than the old ships, but the old ships have older technology for Animators---the room is black and white and the drawings around the room become colorful as the night progresses---not as flashy as the new one. They still have a classsic cruise ship feeling and the cast members are just as friendly!

Each ship, although similar to its sister ship will have some differences. The Magic is going into drydock in September for a major overhaul and the Wonder is slated for drydock next year.

I have read that some people who travel on the new ships first prefer those, especially as they are more modern. Just try to keep an open mind. You can also check out reviews and photos of the ships on disboards (and youtube).

 

[missyp]

Thanks so much for the feedback!

 

[readytogotodisney]

I'm worried about the same thing. We just got off the Dream, and won't cruise again until 2016, but we're thinking of going to Alaska. As it is now, only the Wonder is sailing to Alaska, and although it could change, I'm hoping we enjoy the Wonder as much.

 

[Douvres Family]

Just got back from a 4 night Dream cruise and booked a 5 night Wonder. I am afraid we will be disappointed, any thoughts?

I'm worried about the same thing. We just got off the Dream, and won't cruise again until 2016, but we're thinking of going to Alaska. As it is now, only the Wonder is sailing to Alaska, and although it could change, I'm hoping we enjoy the Wonder as much.

Me too...I havent been on the Wonder since 2003 and I vaguely remember it. I'm a bit scared...
One thing for sure...we became very close to some CM on the dream and we will be missing them. My DH bonded with Oscor at 687 on the Dream...I told him "we'll make new friends on the Wonder and bond with them too"

 

[missyp]

Keeping my fingers crossed so far I have only heard good things about the older ships. We had a choice between 4 night dream again which we felt was a bit too short and we already did it, 7 night fantasy which we felt might be too long plus we wanted some time in Florida, and the 5 night wonder which sounded like the perfect amount of time.

 

[DisneyOHFan]

We actually prefer the magic/wonder over the new ships. We enjoy the smaller crowds and smaller ship feeling (because it is smaller).

We also prefer the smaller ships. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

 

[egesicki]

Unless having the AquaDuck is a total deal breaker, I think the Wonder and Magic are wonderful ships. Sure they are a little older, but IMO smaller was better, less crowded, easier to get around, and they are well maintained and the classic decor is still beautiful. I read in another thread the Rainforest rooms are nicer on Wonder and Magic but I can't say from personal experience. Is it 5 nt with 2 stops at CC? CC with fewer passengers is also a nice benefit.

 

[jetskigrl]

We sailed on a 2-night cruise on the Wonder first and then did B2B on the Dream a couple months later. Then I went back and sailed the Wonder 2 more times.

I really loved the Dream for all the cool, techie stuff. But for some reason, the Wonder still holds a special place in my heart. I loved how easy it was to get around. I like that the family pools were separated, because it made the pool deck seem less congested. DS will tell you that he definitely preferred the kids clubs on the Dream though (no surprise there).

We are going to be on the Fantasy in June, but I already have 2 cruises on the Wonder booked after that (another 2-night and then Alaska in 2014).
I really look forward to being back on the Wonder again

 

[missyp]

The aqua duck is definitely not a deal breaker ( been there done that). My kids will be 11 and 14 when we sail, hopefully they wont be too disappointed with kids clubs. Less crowds sounds very appealing

 

[Ana~n~Joseph]

I just got back from a 4-night cruise on the Magic. Previously I had only done the Dream. Personally, I prefer the Dream but I wouldn't hesitate to go back on the Magic (or try the Wonder). I think they both have their good and their bad. Personally I found the Magic to be too small and too crowded ... some people think the opposite. It's all a matters of perspective. Give it a try, go with an open mind, I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time regardless of which ship you're sailing.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I'm worried about the same thing. We just got off the Dream, and won't cruise again until 2016, but we're thinking of going to Alaska. As it is now, only the Wonder is sailing to Alaska, and although it could change, I'm hoping we enjoy the Wonder as much.

It's not likely to change anytime soon. The Panama Canal isn't large enough to bring either the Dream or Fantasy to the west coast. The Wonder & Magic barely fit.

 

[missyp]

Unless having the AquaDuck is a total deal breaker, I think the Wonder and Magic are wonderful ships. Sure they are a little older, but IMO smaller was better, less crowded, easier to get around, and they are well maintained and the classic decor is still beautiful. I read in another thread the Rainforest rooms are nicer on Wonder and Magic but I can't say from personal experience. Is it 5 nt with 2 stops at CC? CC with fewer passengers is also a nice benefit.

It is a 5 night without any stop in Castaway Cay ( I am fine with that)). It stops in Cozumel and grand Cayman