Wish vs Fantasy

[Disneylovingmomof2]

I wanted to post my thoughts on the Wish vs Fantasy (and older ships in general) topic after having been on the Wish in April of this year and the Fantasy just this week.
My family and I travel to WDW regularly but I will say I was nervous for the cruise we took back in April because I read SO many negative reviews on the Wish - so many that I was actually considering canceling.
The Fantasy is lovely however I will say that objectively the Wish is hands down, no questions asked, a better ship. This is in every way. The ship itself (architecture, layout, lounges, overall aesthetic), the cast members, the itineraries, pirate night, and I could go on.
I booked the Fantasy specifically because I wanted to see Lookout Cay but I would not sail on this ship again. We are having a great time and I will say that Eleuthera is absolutely magical and wonderful but from a ship perspective the Fantasy doesn’t even come close to the Wish. The list would be long if I even attempted to start it but for anyone who was in my shoes and is hesitant to book a new ship based on negative reviews let me know if you have questions and I’ll be happy to answer.

 

[Silvermist999]

I’d be interested to hear about your entire Fantasy experience, not in comparison to the Wish, but overall cruise experience specifically, if possible. We are looking at cruising with DCL for the first time. Thanks!

 

[dreamer17555]

Objectively the Wish is lovely and if she were a resort she would be wonderful... but she is a ship and subjectively the design is poor.

Objectively the adult pool area is a joke compared to quiet cove and Satellite Falls. There is no shade in the adult areas and the Cove Cafe has been stripped of its free snacks unlike on the Fantasy.

Objectively the activity spaces were poorly planned. Tritons Lounge is far too small compared to the D Lounge (the fact they attempt to hold the Family Quest in there is absurd as there is no room). Luna is problematic because it's noise spills into the Pub and Tritons because Luna lacks doors on the balcony. Also it is uncomfortable to me as an adult to attempt to enjoy some of the more adult humor of Match Your Mate as kids stroll pass or a sitting in the balcony during it. Objectively it is easier to keep kids out of the adult area in the evenings when it is in one location.

Objectively the Fantasy also still has a late night snack station in Europa and Happy Hours at the Lounges. The Wish offers neither.

Objectively when they announce your family on the Wish they do not have the crew there to clap and greet you like on the other ships... You do get a wishing wand though so maybe that is a wash.

Objectively there is no mini golf on the Wish.

Objectively the teen club Vibe is much smaller on the Wish and lost the pool deck they have on the Fantasy.

Objectively the Fantasy also has two different splash pads including one gear towards older ones to keep them out of the one geared towards littles.

Objectively the set up on the Laundry Room on the Wish is easier to find a washer to use without checking tons of smaller spots.

Subjectively many would argue the Fantasy has the best crew and some of the BEST Adult entertainment hosts (Emily and Yoyo tend to kill it)

Subjectively I agree the pirate show is better on the Wish but I would also argue the Fantasy has better theater shows but again thats up for debate. However most can area the seating in the movie theaters on the Wish is much more uncomfortable than the on the Fantasy.

 

[ShaneDJ]

I will say that objectively the Wish is hands down, no questions asked, a better ship. This is in every way. The ship itself (architecture, layout...

from a ship perspective the Fantasy doesn’t even come close to the Wish.

Architecture and layout?? Really?? Those were two of the main criticisms of the Wish. Are you aware that the designer of the Wish had never taken a cruise before designing the ship?

Maybe you don't understand the definition of "objectively".

Many things you list are actually your subjective feelings.

Wish's layout is generally deemed more confusing than Fantasy's.

Wish got rid of the deck 4 promenade "wrap around" deck that is on the Fantasy. Many cruisers were disappointed in the removal of this "full circle" walking path.

Wish got rid of the middle bank of elevators...which really helps crowd flow on the Fantasy.

The adult pool area on the Wish is MUCH smaller than the Fantasy's...and with no shade.

Objectively, the dining room tables on the Wish are MUCH CLOSER together than the Fantasy. That stinks.

Objectively, the nice, large, comfortable movie theatre on the Fantasy was removed from the Wish (and replaced with two much smaller theatres). Subjectively, the movie theatre seats on the Wish are uncomfortable compared to the Fantasy.

But hey, on the Wish you have a better laundry room...and higher cruise prices.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

We take into account the smaller ships seem to have more views of the ocean from lots more locations. Way more. Walking about or sitting inside or outside around the ship

Feel more immersed in the cruise atmosphere especially on at-sea days.
A big deal to us.
The Wish design forgot about all that.

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

Elevators on the fantasy have been no better than the wish. After crowds disperse from larger gatherings and events I see people riding the opposite way of what they need so they can just get in and turn around. I remember reading the negative comments about the wish elevators and went in assuming we’d be walking the stairs but on fantasy it’s been equally as crowded and annoying.

Pirate night was just ok on fantasy. The pre fireworks show was just pirates asking the crowd some questions and singing a song where on the wish there was a whole band, concert, dancers- it was really amazing and I was honestly a little disappointed to not have it.

Our room attendant is wonderful and so is our main server here on the fantasy. On the wish our dining team interacted with the children more. Drew pictures, grabbed my daughter during the day to get her ice cream. Small things like that make a difference imo
The restaurants are more immersive on the wish. We still have to eat at royal court but have been to animators palate and enchanted garden on fantasy so far. They do not offer immersion like Frozen/ marvel where there’s a show and Olaf being pushed around and then spider man for marvel. 1923 imo is the best of them all with the art displays.

My daughter and I did quite a few animation and trivia classes on the wish. They organically flowed into our day. So far on the fantasy all of the animation times have clashed with dinner or a show

We saw Aladdin on both the wish and fantasy. Both great. Frozen on the fantasy was wonderful but so was little mermaid on the wish.
On our Wish sea day there was a show time at 2p which I actually really liked. They don’t have that on the fantasy

Europa is cool but I haven’t seen nearly as many folks hanging in Piazza as there were in the Bayou
We would go to the bayou to watch the piano music etc, it was more open air, and the bar was in the back instead of taking up the whole center
Bayou is prettier

Fantasy feels more cramped/ compartmentalized where the wish feels more open and fluid. Based on comments above I suppose there are folks that actually prefer that so I’ll take back my objective comment however there is still a part of me that thinks the fantasy/dream fans are basing their stances off of nostalgia. I am saying this as someone who has only taken two cruises so I have none of those feelings. My 13 year old said she also prefers wish.

The pool deck lunch is better and more interesting on the wish with the Mexican and bbq options

More pools on the wish. I sat in one of those little side ones that don’t need to be covered up on the main deck. I liked it because it was set higher and to the side and you could just relax and cool off in there. Don’t have that on the fantasy

 

[Intr3pid]

IMO Wish is currently the most beautiful mid/large size ship on the planet.

Treasure may take this crown soon. We'll be on it in January.

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

IMO Wish is currently the most beautiful mid/large size ship on the planet.

Treasure may take this crown soon. We'll be on it in January.

Hoping I can convince my family to try the treasure. After now comparing wish and fantasy we’d be sticking to the newer ships, plus they sold me with the pirates and HM lounges alone

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Elevators on the fantasy have been no better than the wish. After crowds disperse from larger gatherings and events I see people riding the opposite way of what they need so they can just get in and turn around. I remember reading the negative comments about the wish elevators and went in assuming we’d be walking the stairs but on fantasy it’s been equally as crowded and annoying.

Pirate night was just ok on fantasy. The pre fireworks show was just pirates asking the crowd some questions and singing a song where on the wish there was a whole band, concert, dancers- it was really amazing and I was honestly a little disappointed to not have it.

Our room attendant is wonderful and so is our main server here on the fantasy. On the wish our dining team interacted with the children more. Drew pictures, grabbed my daughter during the day to get her ice cream. Small things like that make a difference imo
The restaurants are more immersive on the wish. We still have to eat at royal court but have been to animators palate and enchanted garden on fantasy so far. They do not offer immersion like Frozen/ marvel where there’s a show and Olaf being pushed around and then spider man for marvel. 1923 imo is the best of them all with the art displays.

My daughter and I did quite a few animation and trivia classes on the wish. They organically flowed into our day. So far on the fantasy all of the animation times have clashed with dinner or a show

We saw Aladdin on both the wish and fantasy. Both great. Frozen on the fantasy was wonderful but so was little mermaid on the wish.
On our Wish sea day there was a show time at 2p which I actually really liked. They don’t have that on the fantasy

Europa is cool but I haven’t seen nearly as many folks hanging in Piazza as there were in the Bayou
We would go to the bayou to watch the piano music etc, it was more open air, and the bar was in the back instead of taking up the whole center
Bayou is prettier

Fantasy feels more cramped/ compartmentalized where the wish feels more open and fluid. Based on comments above I suppose there are folks that actually prefer that so I’ll take back my objective comment however there is still a part of me that thinks the fantasy/dream fans are basing their stances off of nostalgia. I am saying this as someone who has only taken two cruises so I have none of those feelings. My 13 year old said she also prefers wish.

The pool deck lunch is better and more interesting on the wish with the Mexican and bbq options

More pools on the wish. I sat in one of those little side ones that don’t need to be covered up on the main deck. I liked it because it was set higher and to the side and you could just relax and cool off in there. Don’t have that on the fantasy

Good post. Spot on point.

They blew it with the elevators, but,,, one crew person told me elevators are 20% the cost of building the ship and a major cost in operating the ship.. Eliminating one bank is a hefty savings. Damfino but makes sense.

Also mentioned the view/balcony/Veranda cabins that are in the place of where the running/walking/shuffle board/bench/lounge chair deck should be is mathematically an ample sum in profit.
Scuttlebutt, but it's the tale we we're told.

All financial decisions, and serious bank at that.

Eisner did a lot of good for the company, I'm holding that thought. The first two ships are the ships Walt Would have ordered.

 

[Dive Bar Casanova]

Hoping I can convince my family to try the treasure. After now comparing wish and fantasy we’d be sticking to the newer ships, plus they sold me with the pirates and HM lounges alone

We love being at sea and having an evening drink watching sports in one of the DCL Lounges.
Music, chatting with the most fantastic and enlightening people one could ever meet cruising,, another reason we chose DCL.
Haunted mansion bar,, can't imagine it getting any better than that.

 

[Jim Libasci]

I wanted to post my thoughts on the Wish vs Fantasy (and older ships in general) topic after having been on the Wish in April of this year and the Fantasy just this week.
My family and I travel to WDW regularly but I will say I was nervous for the cruise we took back in April because I read SO many negative reviews on the Wish - so many that I was actually considering canceling.
The Fantasy is lovely however I will say that objectively the Wish is hands down, no questions asked, a better ship. This is in every way. The ship itself (architecture, layout, lounges, overall aesthetic), the cast members, the itineraries, pirate night, and I could go on.
I booked the Fantasy specifically because I wanted to see Lookout Cay but I would not sail on this ship again. We are having a great time and I will say that Eleuthera is absolutely magical and wonderful but from a ship perspective the Fantasy doesn’t even come close to the Wish. The list would be long if I even attempted to start it but for anyone who was in my shoes and is hesitant to book a new ship based on negative reviews let me know if you have questions and I’ll be happy to answer.

The Fantasy right now is our favorite ship in fleet that we've been on. because of the length of the cruise and the ports it goes too. San Juan has been our favorite stop. We have done 9 Disney Cruises. We haven't been on the 2 small ships yet. We have been on the Wish 1 time and we plan on doing our first back to back cruise in June on the Wish. I think we like the dinners shows better on the Wish. We didn't like that we couldn't walk around deck 4. but the crew was as nice as the Fantasy.

 

[dreamer17555]

Elevators on the fantasy have been no better than the wish. After crowds disperse from larger gatherings and events I see people riding the opposite way of what they need so they can just get in and turn around. I remember reading the negative comments about the wish elevators and went in assuming we’d be walking the stairs but on fantasy it’s been equally as crowded and annoying.

Pirate night was just ok on fantasy. The pre fireworks show was just pirates asking the crowd some questions and singing a song where on the wish there was a whole band, concert, dancers- it was really amazing and I was honestly a little disappointed to not have it.

I agree the Wish has my favorite pirate night. But it takes less time to get an elevator in my experience on the Fantasy during large crowd events (which is when it is important to get one)

Our room attendant is wonderful and so is our main server here on the fantasy. On the wish our dining team interacted with the children more. Drew pictures, grabbed my daughter during the day to get her ice cream. Small things like that make a difference imo
The restaurants are more immersive on the wish. We still have to eat at royal court but have been to animators palate and enchanted garden on fantasy so far. They do not offer immersion like Frozen/ marvel where there’s a show and Olaf being pushed around and then spider man for marvel. 1923 imo is the best of them all with the art displays.

Olaf has been missing since May as far as being rolled around. We get more riddles and magic tricks on the Fantasy but it depends on your server.

My daughter and I did quite a few animation and trivia classes on the wish. They organically flowed into our day. So far on the fantasy all of the animation times have clashed with dinner or a show

I do not understand that. Comparing navigators (and having done a sailing on the Fantasy followed by the Wish two days later) they are held at the same times. Normally with some major trivia happening at 7:30 between dining times.

The animation classes on the Wish are not live animators. They still had actual crew drawing on the Fantasy in September. I do not find watching a video of an animator I could find on youtube a valuable experience. I much prefer actually learning from a crew member (especially since the animator is using a slant rotating desk which obviously none of us have to use on the ship)

We saw Aladdin on both the wish and fantasy. Both great. Frozen on the fantasy was wonderful but so was little mermaid on the wish.
On our Wish sea day there was a show time at 2p which I actually really liked. They don’t have that on the fantasy

Actually the Fantasy does often have a matinee (which is why you often have Aladdin trivia the same time as the Aladdin show, ditto for Frozen to give those who saw the afternoon show something to do in the evening). Afternoon shows on any ships depend on how full they are and number of children onboard. I have sailed the Wish x3 times so far and not a single afternoon show on any of our sailings but we tend to travel off season.

Europa is cool but I haven’t seen nearly as many folks hanging in Piazza as there were in the Bayou
We would go to the bayou to watch the piano music etc, it was more open air, and the bar was in the back instead of taking up the whole center
Bayou is prettier

Bayou is beautiful. But because they choose the spread out layout it means much less privacy and many more children in the lounges (even during the hours they shouldn't be). The Bayou location means you will have kids walking by at all hours. I love kids but I also enjoy my adult entertainment.

Fantasy feels more cramped/ compartmentalized where the wish feels more open and fluid. Based on comments above I suppose there are folks that actually prefer that so I’ll take back my objective comment however there is still a part of me that thinks the fantasy/dream fans are basing their stances off of nostalgia. I am saying this as someone who has only taken two cruises so I have none of those feelings. My 13 year old said she also prefers wish.

I do not think it is nostalgia. I do think you loved the Wish (which I am happy you did) and were disappointed when the Fantasy was different.

The pool deck lunch is better and more interesting on the wish with the Mexican and bbq options

I agree the pool deck food on the Wish is a step up.

More pools on the wish. I sat in one of those little side ones that don’t need to be covered up on the main deck. I liked it because it was set higher and to the side and you could just relax and cool off in there. Don’t have that on the fantasy

All of the pools on the Wish are tiny and even the deepest ones are rather shallow. They do not have a 5 ft deep pool on the Wish at all. I enjoy a deeper pool but not everyone does. The adult pool is so small (especially because those benches at the back take up so much space) that even the beautiful location doesn't fix it. Not to mention the adult hot tub is right under the Aquamouse speaker on the Wish so you get to hear Mickey & friends on a loop. Not my idea of relaxing.

 

[TheRichFam]

I wanted to post my thoughts on the Wish vs Fantasy (and older ships in general) topic after having been on the Wish in April of this year and the Fantasy just this week.
My family and I travel to WDW regularly but I will say I was nervous for the cruise we took back in April because I read SO many negative reviews on the Wish - so many that I was actually considering canceling.
The Fantasy is lovely however I will say that objectively the Wish is hands down, no questions asked, a better ship. This is in every way. The ship itself (architecture, layout, lounges, overall aesthetic), the cast members, the itineraries, pirate night, and I could go on.
I booked the Fantasy specifically because I wanted to see Lookout Cay but I would not sail on this ship again. We are having a great time and I will say that Eleuthera is absolutely magical and wonderful but from a ship perspective the Fantasy doesn’t even come close to the Wish. The list would be long if I even attempted to start it but for anyone who was in my shoes and is hesitant to book a new ship based on negative reviews let me know if you have questions and I’ll be happy to answer.

Couldn't agree more.

Well ... except for the part where I absolutely, 100% would go on the Fantasy again in a heartbeat.

Other than that, you're spot on imo

 

[TheRichFam]

Architecture and layout?? Really?? Those were two of the main criticisms of the Wish. Are you aware that the designer of the Wish had never taken a cruise before designing the ship?

Maybe you don't understand the definition of "objectively".

Many things you list are actually your subjective feelings.

Wish's layout is generally deemed more confusing than Fantasy's.

Wish got rid of the deck 4 promenade "wrap around" deck that is on the Fantasy. Many cruisers were disappointed in the removal of this "full circle" walking path.

Wish got rid of the middle bank of elevators...which really helps crowd flow on the Fantasy.

The adult pool area on the Wish is MUCH smaller than the Fantasy's...and with no shade.

Objectively, the dining room tables on the Wish are MUCH CLOSER together than the Fantasy. That stinks.

Objectively, the nice, large, comfortable movie theatre on the Fantasy was removed from the Wish (and replaced with two much smaller theatres). Subjectively, the movie theatre seats on the Wish are uncomfortable compared to the Fantasy.

But hey, on the Wish you have a better laundry room...and higher cruise prices.

Jesus, dude. Take a breath. OP gave an opinion. No need to fire up the outrage machine.

 

[dreamer17555]

Jesus, dude. Take a breath. OP gave an opinion. No need to fire up the outrage machine.

I think it was how the OP gave the opinion. Objectively being used to state an opinion makes it come across as one opinion is right and the other is wrong. Like Objectively 2 apples +2 apples =4 apples but it was a subjective opinion ie eating 2 apples at once is too many apples to eat at one time.

 

[TheRichFam]

I get it. I initially had the same reaction ... but then I remembered this is a forum about Disney Cruise Line and not a college entrance essay and decided not insulting OP's intelligence would be the right move.

 

[disney2you]

I did not have much fun on the Fantasy. I have been on Wish and the Wonder. On Fantasy I was so glad I was on a 4D cruise and not a 7D or 10D in Europe cause I might have left the ship lol.

Fantasy dislikes:

No character greeted you as you boarded. Maybe it was just for my sailing? I was confused, its a whole wish ceremony on the Wish with multiple characters and Wonder rotated characters in sailor outfits.

It seemed like on Deck 12 there is no way to get from one side to the other. Probably don't want bathing suit people standing outside the adult dining windows.

I could never find doors to go inside from outer deck as well and would wanter aimlessly about. One time another family was following me as they similarly could not find a door back inside. We ended up going upstairs and all the way around Goofy sports simulator.

So many places with 2 doors but only 1 door ever opened. I always felt like a sardine or even having to wait for people to enter or exit, especially from Cabanas.

So many dead ends.. and not just dead end but around the corner for 3 ft and then dead end.

Art was so bland and lacking compared to Wish.

Who designed the adult areas?? The carousel area could have been so beautiful but no. Whoever ordered the seating for Oh La La never sat in it first (the couch was wayyy to deep and had to stack 3 slippery leather pillows together). Same with the tube, I thought the stool would be a nice plush chair and sat down and it almost tipped over, lady next to me said she did the same thing when she sat down. What on earth is that hallway with the bathrooms? Why is so it so odd with designed and only 3 feet wide when its a main passageway?

Service level was also not to my standards, it was good, but not wow. But then I was slightly spoiled as the same crew from the Wish were on the Wonder when I went.

So much chaos on Halloween night. Never seen such long lines for characters and photo-ops and all right on top of each other in the atrium and so many characters having to stay 10 min late to meet more people. And I did Alaska characters on the Wonder and the chaos didn't compare at all.

To be fair the Fantasy had a few good things:

The pool areas were amazing and very varied. Especially the adult pool.

Atrium was very nice.

Disney Believe show was also very good. (much better than Golden Mickeys or Disney Dreams).

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I must not cruise enough to have any complaints about any ship in the fleet. Note to self: cruise more with DCL so you can have these impassioned opinions and not just be so elated to be there.

 

[GeneralTso]

We've only been on the Fantasy and absolutely love that ship.
Sailing on the Wish in February and very excited.
It's helpful to read all of your (very VERY) detailed accounts of what you like/don't like about each ship.

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

I think it was how the OP gave the opinion. Objectively being used to state an opinion makes it come across as one opinion is right and the other is wrong. Like Objectively 2 apples +2 apples =4 apples but it was a subjective opinion ie eating 2 apples at once is too many apples to eat at one time.

I still think that if you took non Disney people who have no emotional connection to these ships and asked them to vote on Wish v Fantasy they’d pick Wish. That’s why I used the term objective. I took it back once the emotionally invested weighed in.