The Wonder ?

[WDW_Diane]

I had the exact same questions as the OP and my questions were raised when I read reviews on Cruise Critic.' I feel they are another reliable place to research ship information and I believe many people use their reviews when selecting a ship.

Questions/concerns were raised for me when Disney's Fantasy had a 97% rating and Disney's Wonder only 78%! That's a HUGE difference!!!

I've only cruised once and it was on the Fantasy. We loved everything about it!!! I rebooked onboard on the Wonder. I will admit to losing sleep at first over this decision once I got home and read the reviews! I was the first to rebook and in turn 4 other families did too so I felt I had a lot of responsibility on my shoulders.

If I can recommend one thing to people, please take the time to complete reviews both here but on other sites too. If you love the Wonder than please share the love in reviews as I know many use those to select their cruises! Thanks! Hopefully that 77% rating can be raised if people feel it's worthy of raising!

Thanks, I'm the OP and wondered those same things.

 

[Four Swampers]

This is brilliantly stated. Brings a tear to my eye. The Wonder is our favorite. Best service in the fleet.

OOOPS! Meant to say that about this:

"I've sailed on her twice and we are sailing her again in December. There are a few a where there are small amounts of wear and year but she is my favorite ship. The CMs have always been amazing to us - top notch service that no other ship has lived up to!"

 

[jrabbit]

Thanks, sounds like what I enjoy in cruising....although I've only been twice. Booked on the Wonder for March Spring. Break.
Would like to fly SW into Ft. lauderdale but I don't think we cqn book that through Disney and get the transfer or guarantee that the ship won't leave without us.

We fly in from the West Coast so we HAVE to arrive the day before - so both times we flew into FLL we have rented a car and spent the night in Pompano Beach (Beachcomber Suites and Resort). Nice older hotel right on the ocean and so far we are 3 for 3 on great restaurants in the area - that are not overly priced.

We then have driven to the Miami airport (easy to avoid the toll roads) and taken DCL transportation from the airport to the port. I don't know how the reverse works - we have NEVER flown out of southern Florida (drove to Orlando twice after the cruise and had Panama Canal cruise).

There's a Budget rent a car about 2 miles from the port (take a taxi - don't walk it) or hire a car service to take to back to FLL.

 

[mommy2allgirls]

If you do book it make sure to find our meet thread for the March 15th cruise. We also have a Facebook group

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

I'm wondering if the "cheaper" prices for the Wonder are more related to the itineraries offered and less related to the ship itself. We have done the Wonder and the Fantasy. While I did enjoy all the latest technology on the Fantasy, both cruises were simply amazing. Our next cruise is booked on the Wonder and I can't wait!

 

[harrisb1964]

We absolutely loved the Wonder ! Except for the pools you never noticed that there were a lot of people aboard the ship. Loved the Art Deco decor and the chandelier. The Kids Club and Oceaneer's Club were never crowded . My son spent a lot of his there and loved it. The restaurants were awesome and the service and attentiveness to out needs was outstanding. Our room had a porthole window and split bathroom and was very updated . I felt being on a smaller ship have us more access to character meet and greets, attentive waitstaff at our meals, and not overcrowd kids clubs,

 

[WDW_Diane]

If you do book it make sure to find our meet thread for the March 15th cruise. We also have a Facebook group

I did book....how do I find those?

 

[goofynut41]

Where do you usually meet the Characters on the Wonder? Wheres a good place to see them?

 

[jdb in AZ]

Where do you usually meet the Characters on the Wonder? Wheres a good place to see them?

They have meet and greets in the atrium. The schedule will be in your Navigator (daily newsletter) and also posted in the atrium.

The characters are often seen around the ship as well. DH and I were looking at some artwork and Cinderelly strolled by with a couple of her mice. I usually hate having my picture taken (too much danger of breaking the camera lens) but that time it was a pleasure.

If your cruise has three sea days (or a late arrival in port one morning + two sea days) you will be scheduled for a character breakfast.

Characters are featured in the evening theatre productions too.

 

[goofynut41]

They have meet and greets in the atrium. The schedule will be in your Navigator (daily newsletter) and also posted in the atrium.

The characters are often seen around the ship as well. DH and I were looking at some artwork and Cinderelly strolled by with a couple of her mice. I usually hate having my picture taken (too much danger of breaking the camera lens) but that time it was a pleasure.

If your cruise has three sea days (or a late arrival in port one morning + two sea days) you will be scheduled for a character breakfast.

Characters are featured in the evening theatre productions too.

Oh cool they have Character Breakfast!!!!

 

[ILovePixieDust]

Where do you usually meet the Characters on the Wonder? Wheres a good place to see them?

Which character, when and where will all be listed in your navigator. Common places are the atrium, deck 4 midship, the gazebo on deck 9 next to goofy pool, and preludes.

Loved the character breakfast! A bit rushed but fun!

 

[tinkmom2]

I recommend lining up about 10-15 minutes before character greets. The line gets long fast!

 

[Dawg91]

I was on the Wonder in early April. The ship looked great. We didn't miss anything from the Dream. Everything seems much better sized for the number of people on board.

I think it is true that the Wonder has a lot of longtime crew. Our server had been with DCL since 1998 and launched the Fantasy. He also mentioned the distance between dining rooms and the kitchen. He also talked about how meal service works on all ships which will make you think twice about asking for something out of the routine. Our assistant server had been with DCL 6 years. I spoke with another server who had been with DCL since 2002 and had also worked the bigger ships and chose to come back to the Wonder. They all prefer the Wonder to the other ships.

 

[kirkaliciasmom]

When is your spring break? I'm booked first week of March

Are you on the March 6th sailing? If so, I made a FB page if you're interested.