All Aboard the Revamped Disney Wonder!

The beloved animated hit “Frozen” debuted as a new stage show exclusively aboard the Disney Wonder. The story is presented like never before, with an innovative combination of traditional theatrical techniques, modern technology and classic Disney whimsy.  "Frozen A Musical Spectacular" is sure to enchant audience members of all ages and stages - both fans and newcomers. A highlight of the show is  the presentation of "Let It Go," in which the stage is transformed in a way that captivates the audience and transports to the ice mountain. This is definitely a must-see.

Exclusively on the Disney Wonder, the Marvel universe comes to life in Marvel Super Hero Academy. Here, young guests can train to develop the brave and adventurous heroes inside themselves. The Academy is an action-packed addition to Disney’s Oceaneer Club, the engaging and interactive space just for children.

Also in Disney’s Oceaneer Club, open to children ages three to 12 years old, kid-sized fun continues with new play spaces and more character interactions than ever before.

• Frozen Adventures is where fun takes the form of imaginative play and hands-on activities. 
• Club Disney Junior features favorite Disney Junior characters, storytelling and games. During one activity, Doc McStuffins pays a visit to the club to help children diagnose and treat the stuffed animals.

• Andy’s Room is where kids feel toy-sized in the multi-level play space themed to the Disney-Pixar “Toy Story” trilogy. As a special treat, Woody appears in person to join youngsters in a hoedown and Jessie stops by to join in a scavenger hunt.
• A new It’s a Small World Nursery delights the youngest cruisers with a whimsical world inspired by the style of the legendary theme park attraction.

Exclusive to the Disney Wonder, Tiana’s Place restaurant transports guests to an era of southern charm, spirited jazz and street party celebrations. With a menu influenced by southern-style cuisine, Tiana’s Place is not your ordinary restaurant experience. Guests of Tiana's Place are treated to a celebration of New Orleans cuisine and culture, with live music on the stage and an all-guests Mardi Gras style parade at the end of the dining experience - complete with masks and beads! 

By day, most areas of the ship are accessible to all ages. By night, a zone on the ship is transformed into After Hours - an adult district featuring Crown & Fin Pub, newly designed Azure night club and a shiny new model of the popular Cadillac Lounge.



Other new and enhanced areas include:

• A reimagined and relaxing Senses Spa & Salon and a new Chill Teen Spa
• Animator’s Palate main dining restaurant updated to introduce the popular “Drawn to Magic” and “Animation Magic” dinner shows. To explain this further, guests drawing literally become part of an animated feature that's shown to guests during dinner. This was a highlight, to be sure.

• Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique providing magical makeovers for children
• Edge club for tweens

The ship’s upper decks and water areas were also redesigned, including: 

• Twist ‘n’ Spout water slide 

• Dory’s Reef is a splash zone, specifically designed for toddlers

• AquaLab pool and interactive water play area for kids and families

For first-time Disney cruisers, here are a few things to know:

• There is always something to do, for all ages. Always. For children and families, there is always a craft or game or family game night or movie to choose from. And adults can choose from comedy shows to live music and dancing, among other things.
• What's a Disney cruise without characters? Mickey, Minnie, Elsa, Anna, Jake, Sophia, Ariel, and so many more hallmark Disney characters were available at scheduled times for meeting, greeting and, of course, photo opps!

• The boat itself misses no detail. For instance, in the grand lobby, a bust of Ariel serves as the ships "mascot," and the ceiling piece is a large, glass rendering of Ariel's hair flower.

• There are TV's in the rooms that air primarily (what else?) Disney movies. Shows from some news networks, ESPN, and a few other channels are also available.
• The standard staterooms include storage room under beds, as well as additional sleeping areas and two separate restroom areas -one for toileting and one with a shower/tub combo (great for smaller children).

• The theater on board is a great "chill out" spot for catching some wonderful Disney movies - including some recent releases. 
• Prevention of illness is a priority, with handwashing and hand sanitizing stations all over the ship, including at the entrances of all the restaurants.
• If a quiet reprieve from the ship's bustling activities is needed, the adults-only pool is a great spot for tranquility. 

• As one would expect, the courtesy and attention to detail exhibited by the staff members is second-to-none.
• Guests can arrange their own excursions at port, but the cruise provides a list of recommended excursion providers. We had a wonderful Cozumel excursion provided by Jaquar Expeditions. 

After the Disney Wonder underwent dry dock from Sept. 9 to Oct. 23, 2016, in Cadiz, Spain, the wave of new enhancements debuted on sailings which started Nov. 10, from Galveston, Texas.

The Disney Wonder will continue to sail from Galveston to the Bahamas and Caribbean, until the ship sails to San Juan, Puerto Rico on Jan. 20, 2017. On Jan. 26, 2017, a three-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder takes guests from San Juan to Port Canaveral, Fla., where the ship will homeport for the spring.

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, visit disneycruise.com, call Disney Cruise Line at 888-DCL-2500 or contact your travel agent.

Disclosure: The author and one guest were provided a complimentary cruise experience (including most expenses) for the purpose of this overview/review. Views expressed are that of the author.