Give it to me straight about the Wish

[KashasMom]

Our last Disney cruise was a Halloween cruise 3 years ago on the Magic. It was our 9th Disney cruise. We had such a mediocre/underwhelming experience that I swore off Disney cruises. It was after Covid and it seemed the crew was "off", food was no good, etc. It was no where like our previous Disney cruises. We were in concierge and that was the only good part.

So now, we're looking to book an extended-family cruise in concierge. Eye-watering prices for next summer leave us with 2 options - 4 nights on the Wish (we've never cruised) and 5 nights on the Fantasy (have cruised before). The reviews for the Wish seem pretty terrible, even for recent cruises. Fantasy's are just a bit better but we would love new shows and dining experiences and from what I've read the concierge area is supposed to be better on the Wish than the others we've done.

Is the Wish that bad? I know some things, such as food, are subjective but I read that there are less activities for kids/families than earlier and there were a lot of complaints about the lines (ugh) and even the ship's layout/design. Kids won't be going in the kids' clubs, which is a big part of a Disney cruise's "value". Please give it to me straight, without the usual "fairy dust" people post here. Would love to hear from recent summer cruisers, since crowds will be similar. Would you recommend the Wish? Thanks!

 

[OaklynnsMom]

I can't compare to other disney boats but we have cruised on the Wish 3 times and I Love it. Ill be doing fantasy for Christmas but loved the wish and made my 1 and done become a regular thing lol. Food was great and staff was all very polite as well. The food on the pool deck is good too. Those cantina bowls live rent free in my head haha

 

[asgur5]

Wish is better than older ships for dining, kids activities, enhanced experiences, aesthetics, dinner shows, theming.

Worse for adult pool area, no running track.

 

[Wedgeout]

The Wish is not bad. The layout choice of mixing in adult bars and lounges at each turn doesn’t impress. Prefer the theme choices they picked for the Treasure better.

Still same Disney Ship dining food as on the others. Dining room entertainment has improved.

Don’t like you can’t do a full outside loop on the promenade. That rear aft area makes you cut across through the rear side doors. However this ship class makes up for it with front access to that forward bow area. That beats out the other ships. Great viewing there.

Only forward & rear elevators was another design fault but manageable. The Wish is worth a try. Choosing which ship for me still comes down to the number of nights preferred, if it’s a ship I haven’t experienced, and the itinerary.

 

[John VN]

Our last Disney cruise was a Halloween cruise 3 years ago on the Magic. It was our 9th Disney cruise. We had such a mediocre/underwhelming experience that I swore off Disney cruises. It was after Covid and it seemed the crew was "off", food was no good, etc. It was no where like our previous Disney cruises. We were in concierge and that was the only good part.

So now, we're looking to book an extended-family cruise in concierge. Eye-watering prices for next summer leave us with 2 options - 4 nights on the Wish (we've never cruised) and 5 nights on the Fantasy (have cruised before). The reviews for the Wish seem pretty terrible, even for recent cruises. Fantasy's are just a bit better but we would love new shows and dining experiences and from what I've read the concierge area is supposed to be better on the Wish than the others we've done.

Is the Wish that bad? I know some things, such as food, are subjective but I read that there are less activities for kids/families than earlier and there were a lot of complaints about the lines (ugh) and even the ship's layout/design. Kids won't be going in the kids' clubs, which is a big part of a Disney cruise's "value". Please give it to me straight, without the usual "fairy dust" people post here. Would love to hear from recent summer cruisers, since crowds will be similar. Would you recommend the Wish? Thanks!

r.e. 1st bold -- DW and I had a wonderful Dream Concierge 1 Bedroom in 2015 and chose to repeat in 2017 having cruised other lines in between. Expectations were high but our disappointments immediately began when we were 1st to get on the ship with NO WELCOME ABOARD or excitement shown in the Concierge Lounge. Many other issues so we gave up on DCL and continued cruising elsewhere much cheaper.

r.e. 2nd bold -- In spite of the many negative WISH reviews, we would give WISH a try instead of Fantasy -- 1st because of the expanded Concierge and simply the curiosity regarding another ship experience. I also prefer the ability to WALK the deck UNINTERRUPTED but am now OK with the lack of it due to expanding our cruise line choices where other ships do not have the uninterrupted flow.

p.s. For us because FOOD is FOOD, Entertainment is not a priority nor is the DISNEY EXPERIENCE AND the VALUE received for $$$$$ spent no longer exists with DCL - ESPECIALLY in Concierge!!! - we no longer cruise DCL. We now cruise a line that offers much more at a far lesser price than DCL and enjoy more cruising time for our $$$$$ even cruising Concierge that DCL does not give.

ENJOY either ship simply because you will be cruising.

 

[KashasMom]

r.e. 1st bold -- DW and I had a wonderful Dream Concierge 1 Bedroom in 2015 and chose to repeat in 2017 having cruised other lines in between. Expectations were high but our disappointments immediately began when we were 1st to get on the ship with NO WELCOME ABOARD or excitement shown in the Concierge Lounge. Many other issues so we gave up on DCL and continued cruising elsewhere much cheaper.

r.e. 2nd bold -- In spite of the many negative WISH reviews, we would give WISH a try instead of Fantasy -- 1st because of the expanded Concierge and simply the curiosity regarding another ship experience. I also prefer the ability to WALK the deck UNINTERRUPTED but am now OK with the lack of it due to expanding our cruise line choices where other ships do not have the uninterrupted flow.

p.s. For us because FOOD is FOOD, Entertainment is not a priority nor is the DISNEY EXPERIENCE AND the VALUE received for $$$$$ spent no longer exists with DCL - ESPECIALLY in Concierge!!! - we no longer cruise DCL. We now cruise a line that offers much more at a far lesser price than DCL and enjoy more cruising time for our $$$$$ even cruising Concierge that DCL does not give.

ENJOY either ship simply because you will be cruising.

1 - We've always had a good experience in Concierge so no issues there. Last cruise kids missed the private character meeting, which I was wondering if they didn't do because of COVID?

2 - I really don't want to go on the Fantasy again, even if it's a day longer. No issues with it but want different, although the ports are disappointing on the WISH cruise.

For us food is important (we have a few with special restrictions/requirements and Disney has always handled that well). Entertainment and shows ARE important to our family, as is the Disney Experience with our younger kids. The flip side is that casinos/bars are not so we're good there. My own preference is RC Oasis class but those suites are as expensive/more than Disney. I agree that the value is no longer there and this will definitely be our last Disney cruise. And yes, we will ENJOY just because we're all together, which is rare.

 

[jrez]

I’m the contrarian who prefers the adult pool on the Wish/Treasure more. Way better view and no reason for kids/families to be walking through!

 

[CamColt]

Speaking from an adult's perspective (my kids are adults now but we have sailed DCL all throughout their lives) my biggest complaint on the Wish is the adult areas are inferior to the other ships. I'm at a point where that is what we cruise DCL for as we have always enjoyed that part of it on other ships. Not having those plus having "Disney in your face", as they say, made me not love the Wish. I think with kids, I would enjoy it more.

With that said, we thought the food was great, and might give a slight edge to the Wish (and definitely the Treasure) on that.

So, overall not a bad experience (I don't think any cruise can be) but it wouldn't be my first choice ship.

 

[BillO]

You should choose another cruise line -- the glass slipper just doesn't fit. You'll be second-guessing the decision throughout the cruise. You'll be miserable along with everyone in your cruise party.

 

[AquaDame]

As you're going with extended family and are conflicted I would recommend asking what their thoughts are. Have them look at the Wish and perhaps some other lines too. (I know, I know...) when we sailed with extended family we went with RCCL as they are not Disney people and as you said the price is such a jump. We included them on the decision and are glad we did rather than risk them paying much more and feeling bad about it.

Personally I did not enjoy the Wish but I'd sail on the Treasure again. I'm in the group who thought her themeing wasn't on par with the other ships. They'd do well to add something like Sage and Coriander / Zayah and Gamble. As Camcolt said I didn't find the adult areas to be as enjoyable and well thought out as on the other ships. Even Cove Cafe hits different though its very pretty inside. The adult pool in the back is a joke... again, pretty, but we usually just make the long trek through it to get a coffee and leave as there is no seating. When we swim its mostly in the Chip & Dale pool unless its closed as it felt like it often was. We only got in the one in the back once and only because we'd already gotten our suits on and gotten wet on the AquaMouse. You'll usually find us in Satellite Falls on the Dream class or the adult pool on the Magic class.

 

[dreamer17555]

Why are you considering DCL over another line? Especially since the kids dont do the kids club? What is the draw? I understand extended family trip but idea of paying for a vacation that you seem already upset about or having someone on an extended trip who is upset about the cost does not appeal.

 

[DCLMP]

Our last Disney cruise was a Halloween cruise 3 years ago on the Magic. It was our 9th Disney cruise. We had such a mediocre/underwhelming experience that I swore off Disney cruises. It was after Covid and it seemed the crew was "off", food was no good, etc. It was no where like our previous Disney cruises. We were in concierge and that was the only good part.

So now, we're looking to book an extended-family cruise in concierge. Eye-watering prices for next summer leave us with 2 options - 4 nights on the Wish (we've never cruised) and 5 nights on the Fantasy (have cruised before). The reviews for the Wish seem pretty terrible, even for recent cruises. Fantasy's are just a bit better but we would love new shows and dining experiences and from what I've read the concierge area is supposed to be better on the Wish than the others we've done.

Is the Wish that bad? I know some things, such as food, are subjective but I read that there are less activities for kids/families than earlier and there were a lot of complaints about the lines (ugh) and even the ship's layout/design. Kids won't be going in the kids' clubs, which is a big part of a Disney cruise's "value". Please give it to me straight, without the usual "fairy dust" people post here. Would love to hear from recent summer cruisers, since crowds will be similar. Would you recommend the Wish? Thanks!

No running track. That's a deal breaker for me, maybe not for you.
Adult area is small- another deal breaker for me, but won't be an issue if your sailing concierge.
Dinner shows and crowed restaurants- Some people like this. I'm not a fan
Venues are small- may or may not matter.
Palo is great. Not just the food, but I liked the decor and layout-totally subjective.
Gym is small, but all the DCL ships have small gyms. This one has no view of the ocean.
Food in the MDR is fine. It's just like every other DCL ship.
The quick service options are a lot better on the Wish.
Bars and shops are scattered around. Not saying that's bad, but that's the layout.
Little mermaid is the only DCL show I did not like, but again that's totally subjective.

The ship has very small venues, but it does have a lot of them. If you like variety that's a plus. Everything is inward and not a lot of ocean views similar to Oasis class ships. I was really hoping when DCL built their new ships they would be more outward facing, but they did the opposite. I like feeling like I'm on a ship.

I personally did not like the ship, but a lot of people do. The more I cruise the fussier I get so it could just be a me problem. I also can't help but consider price when evaluating a cruise experience. If I walk off a ship feeling like I overpaid it leaves a negative impression.

I sailed on her last Summer it was packed, but I sailed on the Dream this Summer and it was packed. There's just a lot of kids on Summer cruises making the ship feel crowded. I don't think that's avoidable.

 

[Skippyboo]

I sailed the Wish this August on a discounted GTY rate plus Disney Visa $250 OBC. It was my second time on Wish both times solo. I have also done Fantasy twice and Treasure. I didn’t enjoy my first time onboard mainly due to a poor matched dinner partner. This time was seated with 5 great ladies which definitely helped. I didn’t spend much time out on the pool area because it’s was really hot outside plus it was only a three night cruise w CC stop.

You have the back and a side of Deck 12 as the adult area with the other side is Aqua Mouse. Unfortunately the adult hot tub is under the Aqua Mouse so you hear the audio cues from it.

The lounges and bars are fine. The Star Wars bar isn’t like the Star Wars bar in the parks. I’m not a coffee drinker but there are 2 coffee bars mid ship plus the cove cafe in the back in adult area. The pool food court is excellent and the buffet is fine. The only difference is CM serves you instead of 1000 people touching the tongs.

The Treasure has the same layout as Wish and is my favorite ship. With 7 nights, there’s more entertainment options that the shorter Wish cruises don’t have.

 

[DCLMP]

I forgot to mention the laundry room. That is something DCL really did right. If the Triton ships ever went to Europe that would be a big benefit. I have weird priorities such as running tracks, gyms and laundry. If I didn’t work out and run I would not need to do laundry as often.

 

[Skippyboo]

I forgot to mention the laundry room. That is something DCL really did right. If the Triton ships ever went to Europe that would be a big benefit. I have weird priorities such as running tracks, gyms and laundry. If I didn’t work out and run I would not need to do laundry as often.

Wish is supposedly doing Europe in summer of 2027 and then do her dry dock

 

[Flcruising]

Our last Disney cruise was a Halloween cruise 3 years ago on the Magic. It was our 9th Disney cruise. We had such a mediocre/underwhelming experience that I swore off Disney cruises. It was after Covid and it seemed the crew was "off", food was no good, etc. It was no where like our previous Disney cruises. We were in concierge and that was the only good part.

So now, we're looking to book an extended-family cruise in concierge. Eye-watering prices for next summer leave us with 2 options - 4 nights on the Wish (we've never cruised) and 5 nights on the Fantasy (have cruised before). The reviews for the Wish seem pretty terrible, even for recent cruises. Fantasy's are just a bit better but we would love new shows and dining experiences and from what I've read the concierge area is supposed to be better on the Wish than the others we've done.

Is the Wish that bad? I know some things, such as food, are subjective but I read that there are less activities for kids/families than earlier and there were a lot of complaints about the lines (ugh) and even the ship's layout/design. Kids won't be going in the kids' clubs, which is a big part of a Disney cruise's "value". Please give it to me straight, without the usual "fairy dust" people post here. Would love to hear from recent summer cruisers, since crowds will be similar. Would you recommend the Wish? Thanks!

I dont understand why you are considering DCL? Using your words...
1. "mediocre/underwhelming"
2. "swore off Disney cruises"
3. crew was "off",
4 food was no good,
5. Eye-watering prices
6. Reviews "seem pretty terrible"
7. read that there are less activities for kids/families
8.a lot of complaints about the lines
9. Complaints about ships layout and design
10. Your kids wont go to kids club
In another post you said
11. don't want to go on the Fantasy again, even if it's a day longer
12.the ports are disappointing on the WISH
13. value is no longer there and
14. this will definitely be our last Disney cruise.
15. we will ENJOY just because we're all together.

The main positive comment is "just" being together which can happen elsewhere.
Apparently you have had a better experience on another line. So with 15 negatives mentioned in 2 posts why are you considering DCL?

Your heart seems to be clear. If your mind makes this decision against your heart how will that effect the cruise? The other people? Especially if they have to listen to your comparisons and criticism on the cruise.
I dont want to be rude but y.ou asked for us to give it to you straight.

 

[Cfabar1]

Wish is a great ship... It is absolutely beautiful on it... You feel like you are on a castle at sea.. Very bright and enchanting color palate.

The rooms are a little more themed than I would like (I don't need Ariel's grotto or Cinderella's palace above my bed). But they too are beautiful, large, and practical. Also, there are many Deluxe Family Verandah rooms, which means there is less a price increase when booking the larger rooms compared to other ships. In the negative, the rooms are smaller, 305 sq ft on the Magic, 299 sq ft on the Dream class, and 284 on the Triton class (wish & treasure).

The dining venues are problematic for me - I find Arendelle claustrophobic - especially if the guests close to you are boisterous or obnoxious. Worlds of Marvel isn't too bad, but I'd prefer they vary the show a little more. 1923 is lovely. I prefer on the Dream how there is only one "show" - Animator's Palate which is lightly themed, or on the Magic how there is 1 real show - Tangled, 1 semi-show - Animator's Palace, and 1 normal dinner.

They made some truly maddening design choices - most articulated above already and in many many posts on this board, but overall I love the ship very much.

Based on what you have written, I am not sure DCL is the right line for you. If we didn't have young kids, and were eligible for big discounts, there's no way I would pay DCL prices personally. But the little things - the nursery, the kids clubs, the bathtub, the family-friendly atmosphere, smaller ship sizes than say RCCL, all add up and keep bringing us back.

 

[insureman]

4 nights is too short. My vote would be with the Fantasy 5 night and because the Wish is just not for us. Weird layout, distracting dining rooms and adult areas that seem like an afterthought.

 

[DCLMP]

Wish is supposedly doing Europe in summer of 2027 and then do her dry dock

We'll see what the itineraries are. I cancelled my DCL cruise in favor of NC next Summer in Europe. I just can't spend that much money going places I've been before.

 

[DCLMP]

I dont understand why you are considering DCL? Using your words...
1. "mediocre/underwhelming"
2. "swore off Disney cruises"
3. crew was "off",
4 food was no good,
5. Eye-watering prices
6. Reviews "seem pretty terrible"
7. read that there are less activities for kids/families
8.a lot of complaints about the lines
9. Complaints about ships layout and design
10. Your kids wont go to kids club
In another post you said
11. don't want to go on the Fantasy again, even if it's a day longer
12.the ports are disappointing on the WISH
13. value is no longer there and
14. this will definitely be our last Disney cruise.
15. we will ENJOY just because we're all together.

The main positive comment is "just" being together which can happen elsewhere.
Apparently you have had a better experience on another line. So with 15 negatives mentioned in 2 posts why are you considering DCL?

Your heart seems to be clear. If your mind makes this decision against your heart how will that effect the cruise? The other people? Especially if they have to listen to your comparisons and criticism on the cruise.
I dont want to be rude but y.ou asked for us to give it to you straight.

Maybe there is other people in the party to consider. Maybe she wants to give DCL another chance. Every cruise is different once you've been on enough your going to occasionally disembark feeling underwhelmed or disappointed. I read her post on asking for clarification on some of the negative reviews she has read about the ship.
She also made a number of positive comments that you left out.
She stated that she didn't want to go on the Fantasy because she wanted something different not because she hated the ship.
There is nothing wrong with cruising on a certain cruise line because it's the best fit for a large group. Nothing wrong with it being the last DCL cruise either. Many people are one and done due to the cost.