Anxiety-does size of ships matter?

[bakerworld]

Book an 'extended' veranda - usually aft. These are very roomy. Family staterooms are generally larger that a normal stateroom. The only areas we try to avoid are the kids areas - will includes the humongous movie screen on the open deck (although I felt the Wish really made this area much more comfortable with improved sound handling).

 

[JM_97]

Hi, we were going to go on the Disney Wish this August (never cruised before). My son started getting some anxiety about the crowds and room in restaurants etc. We usually do DVC so we're use to room. I had 3 days to decide if we wanted to cancel-at that time I'd loose the money for the insurance, but was still eligible for a full refund. I didn't want to take a chance and not cancel, then closer to the date his anxiety kicked in and we would loose a lot of $. Our feeling was we can always rebook if we decide to go again, DCL wasn't going anywhere.
So my question is-do you think the smaller ships would be a better option? We could sail from Ft Lauderdale or Port Canaveral. I thought also instead of summer months we could try more off season to help maybe with crowds. I see the Magic is available, the Dream is also available, but from what I read it's another large ship.
Then I also had read that The Wish was set up a little different than their previous ships, so maybe a different ship altogether would be better?
Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated! Just wanted to look at other options, if he is still uncertain, we'll just hold off, but it's funny, he does want to go but the anxiety kicks in and then he gets nervous.
Thank you!!

Size ALWAYS matters!

 

[JM_97]

Childish comment, I know lol.

But seriously, if it's your first cruise and you are worried about crowds, I'd go with either the Magic or Dream.

The Wish will be more crowded. Just because of the size itself and the fact that it's new and many are wanting to sail on her because of the newness. Plus, you only get 3 or 4 nights on it, so there's so much you won't be able to get to. Of course you can find your little areas and stick to those, but the dining rooms I'm sure will be hectic.

The Dream is another large ship, but probably a little bit more manageable. It's also a more traditional DCL experience with the vibe, layout, etc. There will of course be crowds but more likely than not, it'll be more manageable. Kind of like the Wish, you can find your areas and stick to it. The ship won't be wall to wall people but there will be packed areas.

The Magic is the smallest of the group and if crowds are a major concern, the Magic will fit you best. Still a pretty big ship and lots of people but by far will have the least amount of people. It won't be a ghost town but this would be a good option if you want the smallest crowd possible. Some people prefer the Magic/Wonder because of this.

There are always going to be crowds, just like going to Disney World or any major tourist destination. You go in knowing that, but if you prepare it shouldn't be too bad. If I were in your shoes, I would probably pick Magic, Dream, Wish - in that order.

 

[vakamalua]

Best bet is to go at an "off" time when the ship won't be at full (or near) capacity--not just rooms sold, but number of occupying all those rooms.
We were on the Magic in March--big mistake. It was at full capacity including 1,100 children. It felt unbearably crowded with long lines everywhere. Bottom Line: Every DCL ship will feel crowded based on how many people are on it.