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Very Merrytime Cruises Arriving with New Deck Party and Other Magical Enhancements

Today, Disney Cruise Line announced magical enhancements planned for the upcoming Very MerryTime sailings. Disney Cruise Line’s most wonderful time of the year will be even more joyful this holiday season with new festivities for the whole family aboard Very MerryTime cruises. With two brand-new entertainment experiences, Disney characters dressed in jolly new looks and celebratory activities for the whole family, Disney Cruise Line will be filled with the spirit of the holidays this year.

On the first night of all Very Merrytime sailings, guests will gather around the three-deck-tall tree in the ship’s atrium for a new tree lighting ceremony. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy will invite guests to sing along to classic holiday tunes, followed by a countdown that will not only make the tree merry and bright, but will also introduce the guest of honor for the cruise, Santa Claus.

Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party, another brand-new experience on these special sailings, will invite families to the upper decks for a one-of-a-kind celebration at sea filled with good tidings and cheer. This high-energy deck party – thrown by Mickey and Minnie – will feature favorite Disney friends as they celebrate friendship, love and family with a fresh mix of classic and original holiday songs during this special time of year.

In addition to these new holiday offerings, the Disney Cruise Line decks and halls will be filled with boughs of holly from bow-to-stern during Very Merrytime cruises. These guest-favorite sailings will also include:

• Beloved Disney characters debuting new holiday attire;
• Themed Very Merrytime activities for the entire family;
• Carolers singing contemporary versions of songs that celebrate a myriad of holidays; and
• Commemorative merchandise and festive food and beverage items.

With cruises from Florida and California, adults and children alike will discover the wonder of the holidays aboard Very Merrytime sailings in 2023.

Disney Cruise Line will set sail from a new South Florida home in Fort Lauderdale, offering four- and five-night Very Merrytime cruises aboard the Disney Dream to tropical locales in the western Caribbean and Bahamas. Also from Florida, the Disney Wish and Disney Fantasy will continue sailing from Port Canaveral to The Bahamas and Caribbean.

The Disney Magic will set sail to Baja and the Mexican Riviera from San Diego for holiday sailings before wrapping up the season in Galveston, Texas with Very Merrytime cruises to the western Caribbean.

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3 Replies to “Very Merrytime Cruises Arriving with New Deck Party and Other Magical Enhancements”

I see DCL won’t be sailing out of San Diego in Fall 2024. I hope this is just for one season and won’t be the norm.

I was just reading a Twitter post about how there are no Disney dream ship models on the ship. I get on the dream on the 20th and I really need that ship.

Anyone on the Dream in the past week that has seen the ship speaker in stores?

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Very Merrytime Cruises – Disney Cruise Line

Special Days at Sea and Holiday Cruises

• Halloween on the High Seas Cruises
• Marvel Day at Sea

The most wonderful time of the year will be even more joyful this holiday season as Disney Cruise Line unwraps new festivities for the whole family aboard Very Merrytime cruises. With two brand-new entertainment experiences, Disney characters dressed in jolly new looks and celebratory activities for the whole family, Disney Cruise Line will be filled with the spirit of the holidays this year.

In addition to these new holiday entertainment offerings (described below), the Disney Cruise Line decks and halls will be filled with boughs of holly from bow-to-stern during Very Merrytime cruises. These guest-favorite sailings will also include:

• Beloved Disney characters debuting new holiday attire;
• Themed Very Merrytime activities for the entire family;
• Carolers singing contemporary versions of songs that celebrate a myriad of holidays; and
• Commemorative merchandise and festive food and beverage items.

VERY MERRYTIME DISNEY CRUISE DATES

2024 Dates:

2025 Dates:

VERY MERRYTIME CRUISE ACTIVITIES

These seasonal cruises include a sleighful of holiday magic at sea! Enjoy themed entertainment, activites, a life-sized gingerbread house, a huge Christmas tree, garland, poinsettias, festive lights, and more.

Mickey and Minnie’s Holiday Party , a brand-new experience on these special sailings, will invite families to the upper decks for a one-of-a-kind celebration at sea filled with good tidings and cheer. This high-energy deck party – thrown by Mickey and Minnie – will feature favorite Disney friends as they celebrate friendship, love and family with a fresh mix of classic and original holiday songs during this special time of year.

On the first night of all Very Merrytime sailings, guests will gather around the three-deck-tall tree in the ship’s atrium for a new tree lighting ceremony . Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy will invite guests to sing along to classic holiday tunes, followed by a countdown that will not only make the tree merry and bright, but will also introduce the guest of honor for the cruise, Santa Claus.

ARTICLE: Halloween on the High Seas vs. Very Merrytime Cruises ARTICLE: Unique Disney Cruises

Throughout your cruise, enjoy hugs and photos with the beloved Disney characters dressed in their holiday best, plus a chance to meet Santa and give him your Christmas wish list. Not to be left out, Mrs. Claus will host storytime in the atrium, sharing some well-known Christmas tales.

Kids can also take part in themed crafts like decorating stockings and festive cards. There’s also a holiday scavenger hunt! Teens and tweens will have some fun of their own with holiday parties in their clubs.

Of course, the onboard shops will be filled with exclusive holiday merchandise to help fill your holiday shopping list.

For sailings that visit  Castaway Cay , look for holiday fun there, too, as the island paradise is transformed with “snow” flurries, a Christmas tree, and a Mr. & Mrs. Snowman photo opportunity. The island’s tram even gets in the spirit with reindeer antlers and a tail.

If you’re sailing on December 24th and 25th, you’ll enjoy cookies on Christmas Eve, special holiday towel animals, and a chance for the kids to go caroling with the crew.

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Very Merrytime Cruises Over the Holidays on Disney Cruise Line

Every year, a Very Merrytime Cruises  take place on most voyages aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships from mid-November through right before Christmas. In addition to the usual activities and fun expected from a Disney cruise, there are many magical holiday extras in keeping with the holiday spirits. Sailings range in length from three to 14 nights with itineraries to the Caribbean and Bahamas, including stops on  Castaway Cay , Disney's private island. There are four ships that host the Very Merrytime Cruise during the holiday season: Disney Magic , Disney Wonder , Disney Dream , and Disney Fantasy .

Holiday Decorations

Families sailing during the holiday season from late November to New Year's Eve are treated to ships decked out from stem to stern with traditional Thanksgiving fanfare, Christmas festivities, and snow flurries.

Decorations onboard the Disney ships include 124 Christmas trees; 4,473 yards of garland; 14,000 yards of ribbon; over 5.5 miles of Christmas lights; and one giant candy cane for a tropical deck party. While Santa shares 300 pounds of gingerbread cookies, the life-size gingerbread house takes 320 hours to make with 650 pounds of gingerbread, 5,250 gingerbread bricks, and 220 pounds of sugar icing.

When the ships stop at Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay , the celebration continues with a decked-out Christmas tree, Disney character meet-and-greets, and holiday island music. Plus, the island's tram is decorated to resemble a reindeer, complete with antlers and a tail.

Merrytime Cruise Event Highlights

During the cruise, there will be many holiday-themed events to look forward to, from tree lightings to holiday parties.

• Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic takes place on the first night of the cruise in the atrium lobby where Disney characters lead holiday carols and the lighting of the glittering, three-deck-tall tree.
• Santa's Winter Wonderland Ball celebrates the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, offering an opportunity to don holiday attire and join Disney friends and princesses for a glamorous ball. There will be appearances by Santa and meet-and-greet opportunities with Disney characters like Anna and Elsa from the hit movie "Frozen ."
• A variety of family holiday activities include building gingerbread houses and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and favorite Disney characters. Youth holiday craft sessions are held to teach the kids how to decorate stockings and gingerbread men cookies, make holiday cards, and create holiday animation cells.
• Storytime with Mrs. Claus gathers the children in the atrium to hear well-known Christmas stories from her rocking chair by the tree. Holiday storytellers will share tales of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, plus a story about the magical feeling of the holidays on a ship.
• At the Deck the Deck Holiday Party, Disney friends lead games such as hula hooping and limbo under oversized candy canes, along with dances for the whole family like the “Yuletide Slide” and a conga line around the pool. The Disney Cruise Line’s farewell on the final night of each cruise, Til We Meet Again, features a special holiday edition with Disney characters and the ship’s crew in a musical finale led by Mickey Mouse.

Thanksgiving Day Events

On Thanksgiving cruises , families can feast on a Thanksgiving Day dinner and more. Guest will receive visits from Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dressed in traditional Thanksgiving attire, and a special turkey towel animal in their stateroom upon turndown. Also during the special Thanksgiving voyages, big NFL football games are broadcast live on the ships’ outdoor, jumbo LED screen located near the family pool.

New Year's Eve Events

If you cruise on any Disney ship during New Year's eve, expect music, food, fireworks, and a giant midnight deck party. Activities are subject to change depending on each ship and itinerary, but a party hosted by Disney characters dressed in their New Year's best is guaranteed.

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Your Complete Guide To A Disney Christmas Cruise

Embarking on a Disney Christmas Cruise is like stepping into a holiday storybook where festive cheer meets the magic of Disney on the high seas. A Very Merrytime Cruise with Disney Cruise Line is not just a journey; it’s an immersive holiday experience! These cruises offer families a unique way to spend the holiday season with their favorite Disney characters and the chance to meet Santa Claus himself! Whether it’s your first cruise or a cherished family tradition, a Disney Christmas Cruise promises to be an extraordinary holiday adventure. That’s why we have created this helpful guide to give you the tools you need to have a magical adventure to remember!

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip to Disney World be sure to check out our other FREE vacation planning tools. Our goal at The Park Prodigy has always been to help you save time on your next vacation and find the cheapest Walt Disney World vacation packages!

SPECIAL NOTE: If you’re looking for the best time to visit Disney World check out our Disney Crowd calendar!

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Complete Guide to a Disney Christmas Cruise

Sailing on a Disney cruise ship is an experience drenched in the enchantment of Disney. From the intricately themed staterooms and dining venues to the exclusive character encounters. But what truly sets Disney cruises apart are their special-themed sailings! Guests can immerse themselves in the festive spirit with Very Merrytime Cruises.  My first cruise with DCL was a Halloween-themed voyage back in 2019, I can confidently say that it was a spellbinding adventure. And as a former Cast Member and someone who loves cheap tickets to Walt Disney World , it was the most magical vacation I’ve ever had. In this post, I’ll provide helpful information for those considering a Very Merrytime Cruise . Helping you decide if this holiday-themed journey is the perfect fit for your family’s festive celebration.

What Are Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Holiday Cruises?

Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises transform the already magical voyage into a winter wonderland at sea. These cruises, scheduled around the Christmas season, offer guests a unique blend of Disney’s enchanting entertainment and the festive spirit of the holidays. Imagine boarding a ship adorned with holiday décor, complete with a giant Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and garlands galore, setting the scene for a truly memorable Christmas experience.

Related Post: What are the Best Disney Cruise Rooms

When Are the Very Merrytime Disney Cruise Dates?

Now that we know what a D isney Christmas cruise  is, we can start to uncover more details on these cheerful sailings! The V ery Merrytime Disney Cruises  sail dates are November 8th – December 28, 2023. And November 4th – December 29th, 2024. These dates are chosen to maximize the holiday experience, allowing guests to soak in the Yuletide spirit throughout the entire holiday season. When booking a Disney Cruise , one of the first things you should look at is the sailing calendar. This will help determine where you’re sailing from, sailing to, and on what ship you’ll be sailing on. This is also where you can see if your vacation will line up with any specialty cruises!

What are Disney Merrytime Cruise Sail Dates?

• 2023 : November 8th – December 28th
• 2024 : November 4th – December 29th

Christmas Disney Cruise Ships 2023/2024

Disney Magic:

• Sail Dates : December 17, 2023 – December 28, 2023 & November 21, 2024 – December 23, 2024
• Sailing From : Galveston, Texas
• Ports of Call : Progresso & Cozumel, Mexico, & George Town, Grand Cayman

Disney Dream:

• Sail Dates : November 20, 2023 – December 23, 2023 & November 14, 2024 – December 21, 2024
• Sailing From : Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Ports of Call : Nassau, Bahamas,  Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point , Disney Castaway Cay, & Cozumel, Mexico

Christmas on the Disney Fantasy:

• Sail Dates : December 2, 2023 – December 23, 2023 & November 10, 2024 – December 22, 2024
• Sailing From : Port Canaveral
• Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay , Lighthouse Point, George Town Grand Cayman, Falmouth Jamaica, Cozumel Mexico, Tortola British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands

Disney Wish:

• Sail Dates : November 20, 2023 – December 11, 2023 & November 4, 2024 – December 23, 2024
• Ports of Call : Nassau Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay

Related Post : Discounted Disney Cruise Line Staterooms

What is the Cost of a Disney Christmas Cruise?

You might be wondering if the extra activities and unique experiences of a Very Merrytime Cruise come with a higher price tag compared to regular Disney cruises. While themed cruises may sometimes carry a slightly higher cost, the final price is influenced by several factors beyond just the theme. With Disney Cruise Line, the key elements determine the cost of your cruise . These factors include the sailing date, selected ports of call, and stateroom occupancy. Therefore, it’s possible that your Very Merrytime Cruise could align in price with a standard cruise, or even be more budget-friendly.

How Much is a Very Merrytime Disney Cruise?

• $1,004 – $3,059 per person

It’s worth noting that If you’re looking to sail on a themed Disney cruise, we suggest the Halloween on the High Seas cruises for the price point. The Halloween period overlaps with Hurricane Season. This is often met with lower cruise prices. However, the Holiday sailings tend to be a peak time for travel, potentially impacting the cost and availability.

Related Post :   How Much Does a Disney Cruise Cost Per Person?

Very Merrytime Cruise Activities

The distinctiveness of the Disney Very Merrytime Cruises  lies in the complete transformation of the ship to embody the festive theme. This type of comprehensive thematic overhaul is exclusive to the Halloween and Christmas seasons. During other times of the year, Disney cruises showcase the natural elegance and charm of the Disney fleet without any specific themes. But for Very Merrytime Cruises, the experience is entirely different. The ships are adorned with Christmas decorations, including sparkling lights, festive wreaths, and towering Christmas trees. In addition to the visual transformation, these cruises feature an array of themed activities, entertainment, and special appearances by beloved Disney characters in holiday attire. This level of detailed theming is consistent across all ships that host the Very Merrytime Cruises. With each vessel offering a uniquely immersive holiday experience at sea.

Very Merrytime Cruise Info & Entertainment

• Mickey’s Tree Lighting Magic

Characters Wearing Christmas Outfits

• Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball
• The Gingerbread House
• Deck the Deck Tropical Holiday Deck Party

Meeting Santa Claus

• Storytime with Mrs Claus
• One of the highlights of the Disney Christmas Cruises is the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters donning their festive holiday attire. It’s a perfect chance for memorable photos and a unique way to interact with these iconic characters in a Christmas setting.
• No Christmas celebration is complete without Santa Claus, and Disney’s Very Merrytime Cruises make sure of that. Children and adults alike can meet and take photos with Santa, adding an extra layer of holiday cheer to their sea voyage.

Related Post : When is the Cheapest Time to Go on a Disney Cruise?

Is Disney Cruise Christmas Worth It? – V ery Merrytime Cruise Review

Having experienced the magic of a themed Disney Cruise, I wholeheartedly would recommend it to everyone. Especially when you can seize the opportunity to book discounted staterooms through The Park Prodigy. These cruises encapsulate the wonder of the holidays with a unique Disney twist. And offer an array of festive activities, enchanting entertainment, and unforgettable character encounters. The convenience and savings provided by The Park Prodigy make the experience even more enjoyable ensuring a stress-free booking process! This cruise is not just a vacation; it’s a festive celebration that brings the joy of Disney and the spirit of Christmas! Together in a way that’s unparalleled to what you can experience in the theme parks.

Which Cruise Line Is Best for Christmas?

When considering a Christmas cruise, Disney Cruise Line stands out for its unparalleled combination of holiday festivities and Disney magic. From the festive decorations and unique holiday-themed entertainment. Disney offers an experience that’s hard to match. The attention to detail, quality of service, and overall atmosphere make it a highly recommended choice for families seeking a special way to celebrate the season.

Related Post : Enjoy Thanksgiving at Sea!

Disney Christmas Cruise FAQ

Q: Does Disney Do a Christmas Cruise?

A: Yes, Disney Cruise Line offers special Christmas cruises known as Very Merrytime Cruises. These cruises are specifically designed to celebrate the holiday season, featuring festive decorations, themed entertainment, and unique activities that embrace the spirit of Christmas.

Q: Is There a Pirate Night on Disney Christmas Cruises?

A: While Pirate Night is a beloved staple on many Disney cruises, its inclusion on a Disney Christmas Cruise can vary. These themed cruises focus more on holiday festivities. So it’s best to check the specific itinerary of your Very Merrytime Cruise for any themed nights, including Pirate Night.

Q: Do Disney Cruises Decorate for Christmas?

A: Absolutely! Disney cruises are renowned for their elaborate decorations, and this is especially true for the Very Merrytime Cruises. The ships are transformed into a holiday wonderland with Christmas trees, lights, garlands, and other seasonal adornments, enhancing the festive atmosphere onboard.

Q: Can You Do a Disney Cruise in December?

A: Yes, December is a prime time for Disney Very Merrytime Cruises. These special holiday cruises are scheduled throughout the Christmas season, including the month of December, offering guests a unique opportunity to celebrate the holidays in a magical Disney setting at sea.

When is The Best Time to Visit Disney World?

Our   Disney  World Crowd Calendar  is the best tool to help you get the most out of your time in the parks. We break down park crowds, park hours of operation, ticket prices, and average temperature. We also break down   the best time to visit Disney World   based on specific times of the year and special events.

Are You Ready to Plan Your Next Disney World Trip?

Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be sure to speak with a   Disney World Travel Agent   for the most recent deals and promotions. The Park Prodigy will provide a  Free Quote  for all  Disney World Vacation Packages .  The Park Prodigy can also help you save up to $20 per ticket when purchasing your   Walt Disney World Tickets.   A nd we offer promotional discounts for special events such as   Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets   and  Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Tickets .

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Kurt Gillman

Kurt is a former Disneyland Cast Member and seasoned explorer and is your trusted guide to the world of theme park travel. With countless visits to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Universal Hollywood, Tokyo Disneyland, and even aboard the Disney Cruise Line, Kurt's expertise and passion make him the perfect companion for your enchanting adventures. As the Multi-Media Manager, Content Creator and Writer for The Park Prodigy, Kurt hopes his experience and knowledge of the theme park industry can not only save people money, but give them the stress free vacation of their dreams. If he isn’t found trying the newest treats in Disneyland, Kurt enjoys relaxing at home with his dog Sam and playing video games with friends in his free time.

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July 17, 2024

Disney wonder christmas themed cruises.

Yesterday two of Braeden’s favourite things came together in one magical event. On a chilly winter’s morning in Sydney we celebrated Christmas in July with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Meeting Disney characters is so out of this world exciting for Braeden that when we did a character breakfast at Disneyland he didn’t eat a bite of the delicious breakfast buffet. Not even a Mickey waffle could entice him away from the characters. So, you can imagine his delight at joining Mickey and Minnie, dressed in all their Christmas finery, under a Christmas tree for a photo and a hug.

Many of you may remember that last year I had the opportunity to hop on board the Disney Wonder for an afternoon and evening of Disney delights. If you missed it, you can catch up in this review.

I am so thrilled that so many more people can experience Disney’s magic without getting on a long-haul flight. How much easier it is to walk or roll on board a ship filled with all your favourite Disney treats and friends?

The latest exciting news from Disney Cruise Line AU/NZ is the addition of Christmas sailings for the 2024-25 season. From 24 November 2024 to 3 January 2025 enchanting holiday-themed cruises will be happening in Australia and New Zealand. These voyages will be filled with festive cheer, including Christmas themed entertainment and decor. All your favourite characters will be donning their finest Christmas outfits for meet and greets with guests too.

Of course, all the usual Disney magic will be on board with Disney storytelling, Broadway-style shows and exquisite culinary experiences. And for the adults, if all that festive cheer gets a bit overwhelming, don’t worry, you can get some quiet time in the adults-only areas.

It may be a little too hot to wear a Disney Christmas sweater but make like Braeden and get yourself a Disney Christmas t-shirt instead. You’re sure to make some magical family memories and get some lovely photos with your favourite Disney characters to boot.

If Braeden was writing this he’d say, “what are you waiting for?”. Check out the itineraries and booking details on the the Disney Cruise Line AUNZ website .

We were hosted for breakfast but the fabulous smiles and enthusiasm from Braeden are all his own doing.

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Disney Christmas Cruise: The Very Merrytime Cruises from Disney Cruise Line

Posted on Published: 11/06/2023

I love the Christmas events at Walt Disney World, so this year, I was excited to experience the holidays at sea on a Disney Christmas Cruise. Our first Christmas cruise took place over Thanksgiving break. While many people were searching their local shops for Black Friday deals, we were boarding the Disney Dream for one of the Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises.

Since originally cruising during the Christmas season, I’ve returned two more times to sail on a Very Merrytime Cruise on the Disney Dream and Disney Wish. Both were fantastic experiences.

These fun Disney Christmas Cruises include all of the great things that you’d expect on your Disney Cruise Line ship, as well as some other unique holiday experiences. If you are looking for a festive time to hit the high seas, this is a great option. Here’s our experience with Disney Cruise Line’s Very Merrytime Cruises, and what to expect on a Disney Christmas cruise.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. A purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to me at no cost to you. I’ve been on several media cruises at a lower/discounted price, but have also paid my own way for many cruises.

Check prices on Disney Cruise Line sailings here .

Disney Christmas Cruise: The Very Merrytime Cruise

The decor on a disney merrytime cruise.

As soon as we boarded the ship, we could tell that we were on a special Disney Christmas cruise. The Disney Cruise Line staff greeting us at the gangway of the ship were all decked out in festive scarves, and the atrium lobby of the ship had a beautiful tree, as well as Christmas tree garland around the railings.

Poinsettias were spread around the ship and were subtle but a pretty pop of red color. It definitely felt like a holiday atmosphere, and combined with the Disney magic, it was extra special.

My latest Very Merrytime Cruise was the very first Disney Christmas Cruise of the season. As a result, they were decorating the ship for the Christmas season in a few places as we arrived. It was still magical, however, and the decor was really beautiful.

In the atrium lobby, you’ll also find a life-sized gingerbread house. It was pretty crowded with people taking photos right at the start of the cruise. However, later, it was very easy to take photos. If traveling on a Disney Christmas cruise, definitely wait until later in the cruise to take a photo, when most guests have finished taking their photos.

Castaway Cay , Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, is also decked out for the holidays. As we exited the ship, we saw this beautiful display with a tree, sleigh, snowmen, and fake snow flurries!

Like some of the other decorations on the cruise ship, there was a line to take photos, but it was definitely worth the wait. As a Northerner, it’s unusual to associate warm temps with snow, so it was fun to see!

We were lucky to have perfect weather on Castaway Cay too. November can definitely be a beautiful time because it is still warm, but not too hot.

For an extra special experience, try to get a private cabana on Castaway Cay .  They are typically available only to those who are platinum or pearl members of Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Club (or concierge guests), but it’s always worth trying.

Special Events on a Very Merrytime Cruise

In addition to holiday decor, you’ll also get to experience some fun special events on a Disney Very Merrytime Cruise. The first night, you’ll find a special Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on the schedule. Hosted by your favorite Disney characters, this ceremony is not to be missed.

There’s also a Storytime with Mrs. Claus. We didn’t attend (my kids are now too old), but as I passed by, I saw lots of small children eagerly sitting and listening. It’s definitely great for younger kids who’d love to see Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

In the evening on the first night, guests were treated to Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball. This fun event was held pretty late and includes Anna and Elsa bringing in the snow.

Activities on a Very Merrytime Cruise

While you are onboard the ship, you’ll also find some fun holiday-themed activities. During our cruise, these activities included gingerbread cookie decorating throughout the day on our Nassau day. We didn’t do it, but they did encourage sign-ups because space was limited.

When you arrive at the cruise port, I’d recommend looking at the Disney Cruise Line app to see which activities are going to be offered during your sailing. Sign up right away for the best availability.

Holiday Treats on the Disney Christmas Cruise

After Storytime with Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate and cookie station was set up in the lobby. Parents of smaller children would appreciate the “warm chocolate” that was the perfect temperature for younger cruisers. My kids, who always seem to find hot chocolate too hot, really enjoyed it.

Character Costumes on the Very Merrytime Cruises

While the characters still wear their popular cruising costumes (including the pirate costumes), they also wear some festive attire. On our last night, we loved seeing the fab five (plus Daisy, Chip, and Dale), wearing holiday sweaters. It made for a fun photo opportunity.

If your sailing takes place on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day, you’ll also enjoy holiday activities such as caroling and special towel animals.

Our Very Merrytime Cruise was a 3-night Bahamian cruise on the Disney Dream the day after Thanksgiving day. However, there are several itineraries available on the different Disney Cruise Line ships .

This year, Very Merrytime Cruises taking place on several ships, including the Disney Wish, the Disney Fantasy, and the Disney Dream. These ships depart/visit a variety of ports including Nassau, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Cozumel , Grand Cayman , and Castaway Cay.

Overall, we really enjoyed our Very Merrytime Cruise. I think younger children (elementary-aged or younger) would especially appreciate the Christmas-themed activities and events. To learn more, visit the Disney Cruise Line Very Merrytime Cruise page .

When booking a Disney Cruise, I recommend booking with Get Away Today. Plus, when you mention Family Travel Magazine, you get an extra $25 onboard credit! Give their agents a call at 877-510-2929.

More Disney Cruise Ships Resources: Click to read more about the Disney Cruise Line ships including restaurants, tips, itineraries, activities, and more.

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Disney Wonder review: What to expect on the Disney Cruise Line ship with the coolest itineraries

If you like the idea of cruising with Disney Cruise Line , but you want to go beyond the Bahamas and Mexico to destinations in New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Alaska and beyond, then Disney Wonder is likely the best Disney ship for you.

That's especially true if you want a ship with a lot to offer that's a manageable size and doesn't tempt you to spend money around every bend.

Disney Wonder is one of Disney's two smallest ships. It doesn't have amenities like a pay-per-scoop ice cream shop or fancy, adults-only infinity pool like you'll find on Disney Wish . Don't worry, though — Wonder still has all-you-can-eat, included soft serve out on the deck and is absolutely charming in its own right.

Disney Wonder was the second ship in Disney's fleet, first setting sail in 1999, one year after Disney's original ship, Disney Magic .

In many ways, it is Magic's twin; it's the same size (984 feet long) and has the same number of staterooms (875). However, Disney Wonder features certain shows and restaurants unique to the ship and has a litany of unusual sailings that are unparalleled in Disney's line-up.

I've sailed on all but one of Disney's ships (I'll get on Disney Fantasy one day). I have had the pleasure of sailing on Disney Wonder twice: once to Mexico in a concierge-level suite and more recently to Alaska on my favorite cruise yet in a standard ocean-view cabin.

Based on these experiences and my general obsession with Disney Cruise Line, here's what you need to know about Disney Wonder.

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Overview of Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder can host up to 2,713 passengers spread across its 875 cabins, ranging from windowless inside rooms to multi-bedroom suites. Guests can enjoy 11 decks of fun operated by 950 crew members.

Like all of Disney's ships, Disney Wonder has a classic oceanliner vibe and coloring. Its interior is inspired by art nouveau design from the turn of the last century, unlike Disney Magic's bold art deco aesthetic. Disney Cruise Line uses design, colors and onboard fixtures from the Grand Hall's chandelier (inspired by Ariel's flower) to the carpet to tell a story, set the stage and sometimes even subtly communicate to passengers which way to go.

Disney Wonder is made for families, but it didn't forget about adults along the way. On it, you will find a waterslide; restaurants themed to "The Princess and the Frog," animation and "The Little Mermaid"; four kids clubs dedicated to different age groups (babies and toddlers, kids, tweens and teens); and adults-only spaces including a pool, multiple bars and lounges, and a high-end restaurant. (Incidentally, if you can snag a brunch reservation at that dining venue, I'd say that is the best $50 you can spend on a Disney cruise .)

Two theaters, the Walt Disney Theatre and Buena Vista Theatre, show first-run Disney movies and three Broadway-style productions on each sailing.

Disney is famous for its rotational dining, where your tablemates and servers move from restaurant to restaurant each night. On this ship, you can enjoy your included dinners at Tiana's Place, Tritons and Animator's Palate.

Disney Wonder is a classicly Disney ship that doesn't have the interactive virtual-realty-inspired games or paintings and chandeliers that come to life as you might find on some of the newer ships. But it has the pools, shows, kid clubs, games and itineraries to set the stage for a magical vacation.

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What I loved about Disney Wonder

Ports of call.

Disney Wonder's biggest claim to fame is where it sails. While my first sailing on the ship was one born of convenience since it was out of my home port of Galveston, it's since moved on. As Disney Wish joined the fleet in 2022 — and with Disney Treasure to follow in 2024 — Disney Cruise Line got to shake up where it sails. Disney Wonder won the port-of-call lottery, so to speak, when it landed some interesting new sailings.

I adored our Alaska sailing out of Vancouver , bringing us to glaciers as well as cities such as Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau. But if spending the day with Mickey and Minnie in their warmest outfits isn't on your bucket list (and it really should be), the ship also sails to places such as the Mexican Riviera, Sydney, New Zealand, Fiji and Pago Pago in American Samoa.

Tiana's Place

One of the best restaurants in all of the Disney Cruise Line fleet is found only on Disney Wonder. Not only does Tiana's Place have great Cajun specialties (beignets, anyone?), but it's a fantastically fun party from appetizer to dessert. You'll only find Tiana's Place on Disney Wonder, so if you'd love to enjoy shrimp and grits with Tiana herself, this is your chance.

The Disney Cruise Line crew members are always great, but they have the opportunity to be even greater on Disney Wonder. Thanks to a schedule of longer sailings, the crew can get to know the guests on board over the course of a week rather than meeting a new set of passengers every three or four days.

For example, the restaurant servers knew what our kids wanted to drink by the second or third meal. The room hosts learned who our friends were on board and would let us know where our teens were hanging out when they noticed us looking around.

Great entertainment

There's always something fun to do on Disney Wonder, from the game shows to on-deck performances and the three evening Broadway-style shows, including "The Golden Mickeys," "Frozen: A Musical Spectacular" and "Disney Dreams" (which is guaranteed to make your eyes water a bit on your last night).

These aren't just shows that help you pass some hours in the evening; some of them — especially Frozen — are at the level you would pay to see on Broadway. It's also really fun at night to pop into the theater and see a new Disney movie that is still playing on land without worrying about the costs of tickets or pre-reserving good seats.

What I didn't love about Disney Wonder

It's not the latest and greatest.

While Disney Wonder is in great shape and gets upgrades on a regular basis, its bones are 25 years old. Some of the styling — while classic — feels dated compared to Disney's newer ships, like Disney Wish. My family also missed the fun tech-enabled interactive elements they'd enjoyed on the line's newer ships because it gave them something to do between scheduled activities.

The food is good — but not the best in the fleet

I enjoy the food on all Disney Cruise Line ships, but Disney Wonder is a step or two behind the new Disney Wish when it comes to dining. This is especially true in the grab-and-go department. The on-deck food on Wonder leans heavily into comfort food (pizza, burgers and chicken fingers). Although you can find other options if you look carefully, I missed the variety of Disney Wish with its taco bar and BBQ.

Disney Wonder needs a new bar

Not to overplay the comparison between one of Disney's oldest ships and its newest, but you really see the difference in design from the '90s versus today with the onboard bars. On Wish, they are spread throughout the ship, and you can find bright, airy spots to have a cocktail. On Disney Wonder, the bars are concentrated in one area, and all of them are dark and feel like tucked-away pubs. They could use a modern-day glow-up and more views of the sea.

Disney Wonder cabins and suites

Disney Wonder has multiple room types: windowless inside cabins (starting at 184 square feet), ocean-view cabins (starting at 214 square feet), verandah rooms with private balconies (starting at 268 square feet) and concierge-level suites that go all the way up to 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom suites that sleep up to seven guests.

We've had a chance to check out a few of those room types.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

Most recently, we sailed to Alaska in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom that slept up to four guests with a queen bed, single convertible sofa and a pull-down upper berth. It's a comfortable room type for a family of three or a younger family of four.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

This room type is similar to the ocean-view room type, with the difference being the verandah rather than a porthole window. If you will use the private balcony, it can be worth buying up to this room type, as my parents did on our recent Alaska cruise. The cost to go from an ocean-view category to this one can be a few hundred dollars on some sailings or thousands more, as it did on our Alaska sailing.

This room type, like most on Disney Cruise Line, has a split bathroom design. There's a sink and shower in one small bathroom, and a sink and toilet in another. This arrangement allows more guests to get ready at the same time.

One-bedroom concierge suite

On a 2020 sailing, I had the chance to stay in a one-bedroom concierge suite, which measured 614 square feet and had a true living room area, along with a bedroom. The layout features a small dining nook, a living area with the double convertible sofa, a true separate bedroom with a queen-size bed and two bathrooms.

This was an indulgent way to sail with my mom, where we could all have our own space. The suite comes with concierge service, which takes things to the next level in terms of perks.

Those in concierge-level accommodations get access to the Concierge Lounge, found midship on Disney Wonder's Deck 10. You don't need concierge access to have a great time on Disney Wonder, but if you can afford it, it sure is amazing.

When we sailed in a suite, we made the most of the lounge with its small food plates set out throughout the day, the included evening happy hour starting at 5 p.m. daily and the fully stocked fridge to grab bottled water and canned drinks to enjoy around the ship and on excursions.

Related: Is Disney concierge level worth it?

Disney Wonder restaurants and bars

Disney Cruise Line pioneered what it calls "rotational dining." You get a schedule for your cruise, and you rotate through each of the included onboard restaurants, swapping each night. Your serving crew rotates with you, so you always have the same waiters even in different dining venues.

At all of Disney Wonder's rotational restaurants, you can order as much as you want and sample your way around the menu. Want three appetizers? Go for it. Want two lobster tails? They're yours. Want something like chicken fingers that you don't see on the menu? Just ask, and the waiters will deliver if possible.

If you are a true foodie, you won't be overly impressed by the included food on Disney Wonder, but most cruisers will be excited about something on each menu. We certainly enjoy trying various options — especially the seafood — without worrying about the cost.

Animator's Palate

One of Disney Wonder's three included-in-your-fare rotational dining venues is Animator's Palate, a staple on multiple Disney ships. Tucked away on Deck 4, this restaurant has a few different interactive shows and animation offerings on longer sailings — I won't spoil it. The physical restaurant will also come to life over the course of your meal, starting in black and white and ending up in color.

Don't miss the special guest who shows up at the end of your meal at least one of the nights.

While I'm not a huge fan of this dish, a popular item on the menu is the black truffle pasta purseittes.

Previously mentioned as one of my favorite parts of the ship, Tiana's Place on Deck 3 is always a good time. On longer sailings, the entertainment in this restaurant will include jazz performers on one night and a full-on, second-line parade around the room with Tiana herself on another.

I'm a big fan of the shrimp and grits — or anything Cajun-themed — and definitely don't miss the beignets for dessert.

Triton's

Off the main atrium on Deck 3, Triton's is the most formal of the three included restaurants on Disney Wonder.

It's themed loosely on "The Little Mermaid," but not in a way your kids will likely notice. If you are looking for dinner to be an experience and want to know which restaurant to skip, I'd recommend this one. It's more traditional than the other venues in the rotation.

On-deck food

Whether you want a quick lunch or are in the mood for a more casual dinner, eating out on Deck 9 is a viable option on Disney Wonder. On-deck eateries include:

• Daisy's De Lites: Salads, sandwiches, fruit and customizable rice bowls (the latter are one of my favorite options on Disney Wonder)
• Sulley's Sips: For-purchase beverages and smoothies as well as free soft-service ice cream
• Pinocchio's Pizzeria: Pizza by the slice with various toppings, available for long hours each day
• Pete's Boiler Bites: Burgers, veggie burgers, chicken fingers, fries, and often-overlooked gyros and hummus

Cabanas buffet

If you're looking for a classic cruise ship buffet meal, head to Cabanas. Currently open for breakfast and lunch on Disney Wonder, Cabanas is a traditional self-serve buffet. It's impossible to go hungry when you make a plate here because the venue offers everything from Mickey waffles (keep an eye out for the mornings that they have churro Mickey waffles) to chilled shrimp and crab legs.

No reservations are required; you can walk in any time during open hours. Some dishes change daily, while others are consistent throughout the cruise. My top recommendation is to start at the back of the line, where you'll find most of the seafood, so you don't fill up too much on the carb-loaded treats at the beginning of the line.

Palo adults-only restaurant

The only place to have brunch or dinner on the ship without the kids is at Palo. The adults-only restaurant is reserved for the 18-and-up crowd.

The dress code here is a bit nicer than in other onboard restaurants. T-shirts, swimwear and sports attire are not permitted. You don't need to go super formal; a dress or a nice shirt with pants or jeans is perfect for dinner.

Unless you have Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club Platinum status or higher, dining at Palo will cost you a bit, but I'd argue it's worth it. In fact, I've said it's the best $50 you can spend at sea .

Brunch at Palo is a set price of $50 for all you care to eat from the menu, served on plates instead of via a buffet. For dinner, you can select the $50 prix fixe menu, with a choice of dishes for each course, or you can order a la carte from options such as baby arugula salad ($7), prosciutto and burrata pizza ($16) and jumbo scallops ($32). No matter what you get, save room for the chocolate souffle ($10) for dessert.

Palo is not part of your rotational dining plan, so you'll need to make advance reservations online or via the Disney Cruise Line app. Booking windows will vary based on your room selection and Castaway Club status, but they will typically open a few months before your sailing.

Bars and lounges

On Disney Wonder, the bars are mainly in the adult area on Deck 3 forward. Though the spaces might be used for general activities during the day, the area transforms each evening into a space just for the over-18 crowd.

The lounges here include:

• Crown & Fin Pub: British-themed pub with beer on tap, sports games on the TVs and small bites in a little buffet offering in the evening
• Cadillac Lounge: Decor inspired by late-1950s Hollywood with live piano some nights
• Azure: Nightclub with a bar where you'll find different evening acts and dancing
• French Quarter Lounge: New Orleans-themed spot where you'll find beignets (for purchase) and cocktails, along with family-friendly activities during the day.

Pro tip: There are usually happy hours somewhere on the ship each day; check the onboard app for details. If you want to save a few dollars on your glass of wine — and like to be surprised — you can also save by having a sommelier's choice glass of wine at some of the bars; you get a nicer glass of wine for a lower price if you let the bartender choose the vintage.

Coffee drinkers can find the basic beverage in Cabanas via room service or at the self-service drink station just outside of Cabanas on the top deck. If you prefer something fancier — such as a cold brew, salted caramel coconut latte or espresso — you'll need to pony up a few dollars at the Cove Cafe. Expect to pay around $6 or $7 for coffee drinks — or more if you go for the cocktails on the menu. The muffins and pastries are free of charge.

Pro tip: Get the Coffee Fanatics punch card if you plan to purchase multiple coffee-based drinks on your cruise. With the card, you get your sixth drink free after you purchase five coffee drinks.

Disney Wonder activities

Pools and water play areas.

Disney Wonder has a few different pool areas. The main Goofy's Pool and two adjacent family-friendly whirlpools are on Deck 9 midship. Only guests ages 3 years old and up (and potty-trained) can use this pool.

Aft of Goofy's Pool is the Aqua Lab area. Here, you'll find a small, shallow pool for kids ages 3 and up; a splash pad meant for cruisers under age 3 in swim diapers; and a twisting waterslide made for those 38 inches and taller. This slide is a one-at-a-time slide and does not utilize inner tubes.

Forward of Goofy's Pool is the Quiet Cove Pool and two whirlpools, all for the exclusive use of adults only.

Pools are heated, and the hours vary, so check your Disney Cruise Line app once on board.

If your young child doesn't meet the age minimum for the older kids clubs, there is a nursery for those ages six months to three years. Unlike with the other kid clubs, reservations are required for the nursery, and you'll need to pay an hourly fee.

The kids clubs are one of the best parts of a Disney cruise. They are so good that most kids want to visit them frequently, which means parents get a chance to be on vacation, too.

The main and largest kids clubs on Disney Wonder are the Oceaneer Club and Lab, open to guests ages 3 to 12 years old (and toilet trained). These two clubs have separate entrances on Deck 5, but they are connected via a "secret" hallway just for the kids who are checked in.

The clubs' schedules offer a mix of activities, games and free play that take place in themed areas, including:

• Andy's Room, where there's even a Slinky Dog-themed slide
• Marvel Super Hero Academy
• Disney Junior
• Frozen Adventures

These kid clubs are free, and reservations are not required. Check the operating hours in your app once on board, but the clubs are often open until midnight.

Disney knows that little kids and big kids don't mix, so it also has separate hangouts for tweens and teens. Edge is the tween club for guests ages 11 to 14. Found on Deck 9, the club is themed as an under-the-sea submarine. Tweens can come here to draw, play video games or hang out, but supervising youth counselors also lead group activities, such as scavenger hunts, dance parties, bingo and more.

Unlike the Oceaneer Club, where there is a formal check-in and checkout procedure, the tween club allows kids to come and go. If you don't want to give your 11- or 12-year-old that independence, then the Oceaneer Club and Lab are better suited for them than Edge.

On the flip side, if space is available, you can sign a waiver for your 10-year-old to level up into Edge a year early if you think they are ready. This is most useful when sailing with older friends or family members already in Edge.

Teens ages 14 to 17 have a space all their own in Vibe. On Disney Wonder, you can find Vibe tucked away in the funnel on Deck 11. Its cool spot gives it an exclusive vibe, befitting its name.

Like in Edge, teens can hang out and play arcade games, video games, draw or chat with the counselors and other teen visitors. If space permits, parents can sign a form to allow their 13-year-old to hang out at Edge one year early.

Bibbity Bobbity Boutique

If your kid has always wanted to be a princess, Bibbity Bobbity Boutique is an awesome (albeit expensive) Disney Wonder experience. It's a salon for kids where fairy godmothers (aka stylists who work there) will transform them into their favorite princess or prince, Captain Mickey or another whimsical character. The character might depend on the costumes available on your sailing.

Depending on the package you book, your kid will choose an outfit before getting a makeover involving a glitter-infused hairstyle, painted nails and fancy make-up. The fairy godmothers do a great job at making their princesses-in-training feel extremely special.

You need to make advance appointments for Bibbity Bobbity, and prices range from $100 to $200, depending on the package you select. (Fair warning: The $100 package doesn't include the outfit or backpack, so BYO if you go that route.)

Activities and shows

From the Sail Away party on deck the first afternoon to the See Ya Real Soon final farewell in the main atrium on the last night, there will be more shows and activities to see and experience on Disney Wonder than you'd ever be able to do in just one trip. (But seriously, don't miss the first and last shows; they are fantastic.)

In your Disney Cruise Line app, you'll find the time for all these shows and activities, such as trivia, bingo and karaoke. All the shows and most activities are free, but there are a few exceptions, such as bingo, that cost if you want to play. While it might feel weird at first doing a family game show or playing trivia, the more activities you participate in, the more fun you have.

On-deck fun

For independent fun, head up to the Wide World of Sports area on Deck 10 forward. There, you'll find a netted area for basketball, ping pong and foosball. Down on Deck 4, the promenade features a walking or running track that goes all the way around the ship. You'll find shuffleboard courts there, as well.

Character encounters

Sailing with Disney isn't complete without meeting some of your favorite pals on the ship.

Guests have a few ways to visit characters on Disney Wonder. Scheduled character meet-and-greets are listed on the itinerary each day in the Disney Cruise Line app. These will be popular events.

For example, if you are on Disney Wonder as it sails to Alaska , the first day that Mickey, Minnie and friends appear in their Alaska-exclusive outfits out on deck (which is also likely the day you sail close to a glacier), lines will form at least 30 minutes before the greetings start.

However, some of the best character interactions will be the ones that aren't announced or planned. You may see a character on the promenade waving goodbye to land as you sail away from a port or "sleep-walking" in their pajamas at night when no one else is around.

Definitely go to some of the scheduled character interactions if you want to get a photo, but keep your eyes peeled for those unannounced moments, too.

Senses Spa and Rainforest Room

On Deck 9 forward, you'll find the Senses Spa — home to treatment rooms, a nail and hair salon, a fitness center, locker rooms and the Rainforest Room thermal suite.

You can book spa treatments before the sailing and once on board. Look for discounts on booking treatments on port days, and if you book multiple treatments, you can often also qualify for a discount.

The adults-only Rainforest Room features heated stone chairs, various shower experiences and steam rooms. Access to this room costs extra, so visit the spa on the day you board for prices and availability. If you've been to the Rainforest Room on Disney Wish , Dream or Fantasy, know Disney Wonder's version is smaller. It does not include any whirlpools or some of the other offerings you'll find in the larger thermal suites.

Disney Wonder nighttime shows and movies

Each Disney ship has a lineup of Broadway-caliber nighttime shows and a schedule of movies in the Walt Disney and Buena Vista theaters.

Currently, the flagship evening performances on Disney Wonder sailings are:

• "The Golden Mickeys"
• "Frozen: A Musical Spectacular"
• "Disney Dreams — An Enchanted Classic"

Seating is first-come, first-served, so get to the theater early for your pick of seats. Your time to see the evening show will be opposite your dinner time, so early dinner means seeing the late show, and late dinner means seeing the early performance.

In addition to the Broadway-style shows, Disney Wonder has a schedule of first-run and recent Disney movies that you can pop in and watch inside the Buena Vista Theater on Deck 5. If you are on the ship while a Disney show premiers on land, you can catch its opening night on the ship, too.

Disney Wonder itineraries and pricing

As we've mentioned before, Disney Wonder hit the lottery of itineraries.

While every year is a bit different, for at least the next year or two, Disney Wonder's schedule includes summer sailings from Vancouver to Alaska, an October trip to Hawaii after the Alaska season, then fall and winter sailings to, from and around Australia and New Zealand. There's a spring stop in Hawaii, followed by sailings from San Diego to Mexico before it resumes its summer season beginning in May in Vancouver.

Pricing starts less than $2,000 for a family of four on some of the short Australia and New Zealand sailings. Sailings on the U.S. West Coast start around $3,000 for a family of four in an inside cabin.

To do a weeklong Alaska sailing with a family of four, prices will start at $5,100 for an inside cabin in the early or late season. Prime summer sailing dates from June to August cost a couple of thousand dollars more for that same interior cabin and thousands more still for a balcony cabin.

Related: How to save money on a Disney Cruise

What to know before you go

Required documents.

The required documents for sailing on Disney Wonder vary based on your itinerary.

All guests 16 and over who are U.S. citizens on the sailing from Vancouver to Alaska will need a U.S. passport, but children ages 15 and under can do that sailing with a state-issued birth certificate. Americans flying to Canada from the U.S. (or vice versa) will need a passport to enter the country by air, regardless of age.

U.S. citizens on round-trip sailings from the U.S. West Coast to Mexico can do the sailing with a passport or a state-issued birth certificate and a physical government-issued photo ID.

Those on the sailings to and from Australia and New Zealand will need different documents based on their nationality, but those from the U.S. will need passports and potentially visas, too.

Green-card holders and non-U.S. citizens must check requirements based on destinations visited. Additionally, you will need to check in for your cruise online, fill out the appropriate information and select an arrival time for your embarkation day.

Disney Cruise Line recommends $14.50 in gratuities per guest per night; this is the amount auto-applied to your onboard bill unless you request to increase or decrease it. The gratuities are split among your dining room server, assistant server, head server and cabin host.

Those in the concierge level are charged $15.50 per person per night, with the additional going to the cabin assistant host, who helps with those accommodations. Tips for the concierge lounge team are neither included in that amount nor automatically added to your onboard statement. Disney recommends you tip $8 per person per night; you can do this in cash or ask to have it added to your folio toward the end of your cruise. The tips would then be shared among the concierge hosts.

I recommend bringing cash and tipping not only the concierge hosts but also the bartenders in the concierge lounge, assuming you get your drinks there.

For a seven-night sailing for a family of four, automatically charged gratuities come to $406 in a non-concierge cabin and $434 in a concierge cabin, plus an additional $224 in recommended tips to the concierge lounge attendants. In other words, don't forget to budget for this. You can also leave additional amounts charged to your room or in cash.

Also not included in the amounts above are tips at the bar, at the adults-only dining restaurants, at the spa and for room service; tipping is recommended for those services. Note that an 18% gratuity is automatically added to bar, beverage, wine, deck service tabs and spa services.

Wi-Fi is not currently a strength of Disney Wonder. It is quite expensive and priced in an old-school manner.

There is no cost to connect to the ship's Wi-Fi network when used only for the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app (which can also be used for messaging other guests on the ship). Otherwise, Disney Wonder's current Wi-Fi options start at $19 for a 100 MB package and go up from there. At some point, the ship will likely switch to the program most other Disney ships use, which charges by the day and not by the amount of data.

Carry-on drinks policy

Guests 21 years and older (18 or under for round-trip Australia and New Zealand cruises) may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage. You can keep drinks chilled in the small fridge in your cabin.

Guests wishing to consume wine or Champagne brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corkage fee of $26 per bottle.

Smoking policy

Smoking is permitted only in designated deck areas. It's forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies, and those who violate this rule will face a $250 cleaning fee.

For an additional fee, Disney ships offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning services that include the pickup and delivery of clean clothes to your cabin.

On Disney Wonder, you'll also find self-service laundry on Decks 2, 6 and 7 midship. You pay for the facilities by using your Key to the World card. These services can get busy during sea days on longer cruises, so plan accordingly.

Electrical outlets

Cabins are equipped with multiple 110-volt outlets, which are standard in the U.S. and Canada.

Small electrical appliances such as electric shavers, curling irons and flat irons with standard North American plugs will function on board; 110-volt items should not exceed 1,500 watts, and 220-volt items should not exceed 2,000 watts. A hair dryer is provided in every cabin, but you may bring your own as long as it meets the guidelines above.

The currency on Disney Wonder, regardless of location, is the U.S. dollar.

On the ship, you don't need cash or a credit card — all incidentals, purchases and services will be charged to your cabin folio. Your Key to the World card serves as your onboard payment method. The only exception is if you want to tip a crew member in cash.

In port, you may wish to carry cash in a local currency or a credit card to buy snacks and souvenirs or to tip your tour guide.

Drinking age

The drinking age on Disney Wonder depends on where the ship is sailing at the time. For sailings to and from the U.S. West Coast and Canada, the drinking age is 21.

However, for round-trip cruises from Auckland or Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Australia, guests 18 years and older may purchase and consume alcohol. For repositioning cruises between Hawaii and Australia, parents or guardians may sign a "Beverage Consent Form" that allows their 18- to 20-year-old children to consume alcoholic beverages while in the adult's presence.

During the day on Disney Wonder, people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, most passengers will wear T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside). For Alaska cruises, guests should wear layers and bring jackets, hats and rain gear for cooler or wetter days.

During the evenings, dining attire in the three main restaurants is "cruise casual," meaning no swimwear or tank tops, but you don't need to dress up too much. The exception is if you are dining in Palo, where you do need to dress up a bit more.

Cruises that are seven nights or longer schedule one "formal night." Passengers can choose to wear a fancy dress, suit or sports coat, but it's not a problem if you prefer casual attire. You will see folks in jeans and shorts on formal nights alongside passengers in dresses and suits. For the kids, princess dresses and other Disney-themed costumes are always appropriate.

Pro tip: Be sure and pack that pirate gear or themed attire for Pirate Night or Frozen Night on the Alaska cruises.

Related: What to pack for your Disney Cruise

Bottom line

Disney Wonder has been the setting for family vacations for about 25 years, and it doesn't show any signs of hanging up its waterslide anytime soon.

It's not the newest, flashiest or most modern ship in Disney's fleet, but it makes us smile every time we step on board. There's more than enough to do to stay busy on your sailing, and it's still a compact enough ship that you don't spend half your cruise figuring out where everything is.

In other words, Disney Wonder is a great choice whether you want to start your cruising with a ship that is a bit smaller or you are ready to chart an adventure to one of Disney's most far-flung ports of call.

If you're looking for a just-right-size Disney Cruise Line sailing and enjoy a more classic approach to life at sea, Disney Wonder could easily be the ship for you.

Related readings:

• Best tips for sailing with Disney Cruise Line
• Best credit cards for booking a cruise
• 5 reasons why Disney cruises aren't just for kids
• The ultimate guide to Disney Cruise Line ships and itineraries
• The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Disney Cruise Line ship
• Disney cruise tips, tricks, secrets and extra magic to unlock when setting sail with Mickey
• Best Disney cruise ships for everyone — even Disney adults

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Disney Cruise Line Christmas and New Year

Christmas cruises 2024, 2025 new year's eve.

All Disney Cruise Line Christmas and New Year cruise offers listed here are just itineraries and not cruise deals for sale. Vessels are ordered alphabetically. Comparing all the ships in the Disney Cruise Line fleet is a most convenient way to select the best for you Holiday voyages as departures (homeports, dates), destinations (regions, visited countries), itineraries (ports of call, arrival dates, port times) and also to compare cruise prices.

CruiseMapper shows cruise prices per person. These are only indicative fares on the ship's lowest category staterooms. All rates are based on double occupancy (twin share) and don't include cruise line or travel agency promotions, group booking rates or any other special offers and discounts.

See here the Walt Disney's cruise line's Christmas and New Year's Eve special offers of the "Mickey Mouse ships" as itineraries and departure dates, and compare DCL tickets prices per person.

DCL-Disney Cruise Line's December Holiday deals are in the "must-do" list of all vacationers with fun-loving kids, and plenty of money to spend on their Xmas extravaganza. DCL's Christmas and New Year prices listed here are only suggestive, in US dollars, per person. These are the company's min fares (cheapest Inside cabins, based on double occupancy). All itineraries listed here include only information, and they are not deals for sale. December and January dates of arrival in ports of call are shown in brackets. 

DCL's Xmas and New Year specials are a good choice for uniquely themed sailings on all four Disney ships. Families are able to enjoy their vacation in the company of Mickey and Minnie, all their good friends and all the bad villains in the immense family of Disney fun characters. The Walt Disney company's product combines traveling fun family, the Xmas fun itself, the New Years' Eve fireworks at sea, and not to forget the special dinner menus on the ship. All Disney ships are also full to their top decks with themed activities and modern technological innovations.

Excepting only Alaska (as a summer destination), DCL's Caribbean Holiday deals are among the most popular. On each of these voyages, passengers will be visiting the most famous of all private islands in the world - the line's Castaway Cay island in The Bahamas. Being an exclusive island for Disney ships and passengers only, Castaway Cay has all that children need for one unforgettable Xmas Disney-style vacation. 

The Caribbean is operated by Disney with regular roundtrip departures from Florida (Miami, and Port Canaveral/Orlando). The Caribbean packages as destinations visit The Bahamas and the Western Caribbean. When sailing to the Western Caribbean, the itinerary visits Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya) combined with Grand Cayman (where are available a large number of shore excursions for booking). The Eastern Caribbean also voyages visit the islands St Thomas (USVI) and St Maarten (Netherlands Antilles).

Walt Disney's "merry time maritime" itineraries

During the Walt Disney Xmas-themed "Merrytime Voyages", passengers on each ship can enjoy the following "bow-to-stern" theme events:

• On the voyage's first night, guests can enjoy “Mickey’s Tree-Lighting Magic”, celebrated in the atrium lobby. Disney characters will be around the 3-deck-high Xmas tree and singing holiday carols.
• “Santa’s Winter Wonderland Ball” also takes place in the atrium's lobby. The guests of honor - Santa and Mrs. Claus - are welcomed with a Broadway-style show, traditional holiday tunes, and all-favorite Disney characters.
• There's a holiday storytime under the giant Xmas tree, where kids gather to hear all the classic Christmas tales, including the storytelling with the charming Mrs. Claus.
• Kids can join on the stage numerous Dickens-inspired carolers, sometimes accompanied by Disney characters, for a farewell show at the end of the cruise itinerary.
• Family-themed Disney holiday cruising activities, such as meeting Santa Claus and building gingerbread houses, are also offered fleetwide.
• Traditional for the Disney line kids holiday crafts activities are offered. Among those are decorating gingerbread men cookies and Xmas stockings, creating holiday animations, making holiday cards.
• “Deck the Deck Holiday Party” is a tropical-themed celebration hosted by Disney friends who lead signature games, such as limbo and hula hooping, along with dances enjoyed by all family members - conga line around the pool and the “Yuletide Slide”.
• A special holiday farewell celebration event is offered on the last night of each Xmas voyage. All the most popular Disney characters together with the ship's crew will perform in a musical finale. It will be guided by the mouse of all times - the Mickey Mouse.
• Santa Claus and his helpers will surprise kids at the atrium's lobby tree on Christmas Day morning. There will also be a musical performance by children and a traditional Christmas Dinner served in all the ship's dining room restaurants.
• When Disney ships visit the Bahamas and stop at the line's private island Castaway Cay during the Christmas holidays, passengers will be greeted by holiday island music, a decked-out Xmas tree, “snow flurries" (Bahamian) and Disney character meet & greets.
• On the cruise liner, expect special amenities (must be purchased in advance of sailing) available for stateroom delivery. These include holiday-themed treat baskets, gift packages, mini Xmas trees (decorated with red berries, mini carnations, ornaments, bow topper). During the Disney line's holiday cruises, the themed merchandise collection and ornaments will be available for purchase in the ship's gift shop.
• A midnight mass will be held on Christmas Eve.
• Disney sailings over Christmas will also include a special New Year's Eve party. It will feature music, sparkling wine, and the traditional midnight countdown.

Next tables show all DCL-Disney Cruise Line's Christmas New Year itineraries as ships, departure ports, call ports (dates and arrival/departure times), and deployment/regions.

I’ve Sailed on All the Disney Cruise Ship Classes- See Which One Ranks Best!

In the cruise industry, groups of ships are called “classes” which is used to categorize ships that were created with the same general design. The first ship in the class is what names the class of ships. For Disney Cruise Line, there are currently three different Disney Cruise classes for their fleet of five ships.

In comparison to other cruise lines, the Disney Cruise Line fleet is relatively small but there are also more ships coming soon! The Disney Treasure sets sail later this year with the Disney Destiny setting sail in 2025. This doesn't even include the new Asia based ship, the Disney Adventure , plus MORE unnamed ships coming soon in the future. 

I have sailed on the first ship of each Disney Cruise Line class and I'm going to rank the differences between these designs and see which one comes out on top!

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What Are The Three Disney Classes?

Currently, the Disney Cruise Line has three different classes of ship: Disney Magic, Disney Dream, and Disney Wish.

The Disney Magic is the original Disney Cruise Line ship with the other ship in its class called the Disney Wonder . The Disney Dream is the second in the classes with its sister ship called the Disney Fantasy . And the most recent class of ships is the Disney Wish . The two upcoming Disney ships, the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, are both Wish class ships.

Each of these ships has differing designs and size based on its class which guests can often have strong opinions about!

Disney Magic Class- The Original Disney Cruise Line Ships

The Disney Magic is the original ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet. The Disney Wonder is also part of the Disney Magic class. This is the smallest class of ships in the fleet averaging about 84,000 tons. The Disney Magic debuted in 1998 and was followed by the Disney Wonder in 1999.

While both of these ships are the oldest in the fleet, they've both had recent updates so neither of the ships feel outdated. But you will notice the small size in comparison to the Disney Dream and Disney Wish class. Percentage wise, the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder are around 20-30% smaller than the other classes.

Disney Magic Class Destination Based Itineraries

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Due to the ship's small size, they are often used for itineraries that are more destination based where guests are getting off the ship more often like with European and Alaskan cruises .

The small size is a plus for cruisers looking for a ship that is easy to navigate and does not require long winding hallways or long elevator waits. Sometimes bigger doesn't always mean better and you get a small intimate feel with the Disney Magic.

Disney Magic Offers Best Tangled Experience

The Magic also has the plus of being home to the Tangled dinner show and the Tangled live Broadway show making it a win for Tangled fans! This is my favorite dining experiences on all of the Disney Cruise Line ships!

But if prioritizing Tangled isn't a big deal to you, each ship does offer it's own level of Broadway caliber shows! So regardless of which one you sail, you will see the best entertainment out there on any cruise line ship.

Disney Dream Class- A Fan Favorite

The Disney Dream class includes the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. This is a fan favorite amongst Disney Cruise Line fans for its spacious and easy to navigate design. The Disney Dream set sail in 2011 followed by the Disney Fantasy in 2012. The size of these ships are larger than the Disney Magic at about 129,000 tons.

The Disney Dream classes large size is very notable when compared to the Disney Magic including more space for all the offerings on the ship like the pool decks, adult only areas, and youth clubs. In fact, the teen club on the Disney Dream (called The Vibe) has its own private pool deck. The layout of the ship also segregates the adult lounges in their own space which makes the nightlife easy to access and also includes a late night buffet.

Disney Dream Adult Only Areas Are Best

The design of the adult only spaces is part of what makes the Disney Dream classes a fan favorite along with the abundance of offerings that just naturally come with a larger cruise ship.

This ship also offers one of the best Rainforest Room experiences on the Disney ships with an enclosed hot tub space that looks out over the water. You really can't beat the adult only areas on the Disney Dream class.

Disney Dream Lacks Interactive Dinner Show

While the adult only space and youth clubs shine, there is no interactive dining show on the Disney Dream class ships. The closest you get is Animator's Palette which includes screens featuring Crush that talks to guests.

You can find a Tangled dinner show on the Disney magic, a Princess and the Frog dinner show on the Disney Wonder, and a Frozen dinner show on the Disney Wish. So when it comes to your dinner experiences, they are a bit less immersive in this sense.

Disney Wish- The Newest Disney Cruise Class

The Disney Wish is the newest in the lineup of Disney Cruise classes with two more ships in this class coming in late 2024 and 2025. It's the biggest of all the classes but still pretty similar in size to the Disney Dream class at about 140,000 tons.

Surprisingly, this newest Disney class was met with a bit of controversy from regular cruisers since its design differed so much from the Disney Magic and Disney Dream classes. Most of the pushback seems to focus on two areas: the lack of midship elevators and the way the adult only areas are space out on the ship.

Disney Wish Lacks Midship Elevators

All the other class of ships offer midship elevators so the lack of midship elevators on the Disney Wish is pretty noticeable since you spend more time walking to the front or back of the ship to use them. This also does create long lines at peak times of day although we easily avoided that by just going up the stairs a floor to catch them.

But if the sacrifice of midship elevators was to create that impressive Grand Hall then I think it is worth it. The design and beauty on the Disney Wish is absolutely unmatched when compared to the other class of ships. The design of the Great Hall is themed around the idea of enchantment and even includes a nightly show paying tribute to Cinderella.

Disney Wish Offers Immersive Lounges

As for the adult only spaces, they are more spread out although the lounges on the Disney Wish are impressive especially with the cool Star Wars themed bar. But they are mainly located right off the Great Hall with the Princess & The Frog themed lounge being placed in the center of a walkway.

There are more lounges on another floor but that just further separates these adult spaces. So the critique here is warranted but the immersion of these lounges are so great that Disney likely did not want to hide them away off the beaten path.

Newness of Disney Wish is Huge Advantage

Since the Disney Wish class is the newest, it does offer more than the other classes with that advantage of size and recency. The Disney Wish is the only class of ships to feature the first ever water slide attraction, the AquaMouse, which takes guests past immersive screens of Mickey and friends before the big slide goes around the ship deck.

Although both the Disney Magic and Disney Dream classes feature the AquaDuck water slide, which is a two person raft experience, but it is missing that element of interactive screens which qualify the AquaMouse as an attraction.

Which Disney Cruise Ship Class Ranks Best?

My gut instinct is to lean towards the Disney Wish because the beauty and immersive elements on that class of ship are so breathtaking.

But this is something that's not necessarily linked to the layout itself which is often what really defines a ship class. As we've seen with the updates to the Disney Magic class, immersion and beautiful designs can be added later as potential upgrades to keep ships current.

Disney Dream Class Ranks Best

So if we considering the superior Disney class in terms of layout and design, the Disney Dream class of ships comes out on top. The layout of the adult only areas and youth clubs make logical sense plus they are both far more spacious on the Dream classes. The Rainforest Room on the Disney Dream classes is a win with the spectacular set up of the hot tubs with an ocean view.

As for navigation, the Disney Dream class is the easiest to get around with three elevator systems spaced throughout the ship making the ship itself feel quick to get around on. This comes in handy when you are doing back to back activities and need to get from one place to another in a hurry.

The biggest drawback on the Disney Dream classes is the lack of an immersive dinner show like the Disney Magic and Wish classes currently offer. But that's a small drawback when you compare the superior layout so based on my experience sailing on all these ship classes, the Disney Dream ranks best.

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About Lindsay Brookshier

Lindsay is a college English instructor and has years of writing experience through various nonprofits, charities, newspapers, and online magazines. As the content director of Mickey Visit, she oversees article content and leads our fantastic team of writers to meet guest vacation needs. You can still find her writing weekly content to help make your Disney Parks trip fantastic here on Mickey Visit and Disney Dose- you can also view her recently featured posts on Disney Parks travel on Visit Anaheim, Nerd Wallet and SFGate. Lindsay comes from a dedicated Disney family and enjoys taking her son to the Disney parks as often as possible.

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Disney Christmas Returns to Tokyo Disney Resort

Beginning November 15th, guests visiting the Tokyo Disney Resort will be able to celebrate the holidays with offerings at Tokyo Disneyland , Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo Disney hotels, the Disney Resort Line, and Ikspiari.

The Most Magical Time of the Year:

• Tokyo Disney Resort’s Disney Christmas event is back again!
• Featuring entertainment options, specialty merchandise, exciting dining opportunities, attraction overlays and more, Tokyo Disney Resort is the perfect way to usher in the heartwarming holiday.
• Disney Christmas will take place from November 15th through December 25th.
• Let’s take a look at how guests can celebrate the Christmas season throughout the resort.

Tokyo Disneyland

• Story 1 – Donald Duck celebrating the holidays at home with Scrooge McDuck and Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
• Story 2 – Toy Story’ s iconic toys will celebrate Christmas.
• Story 3 – Spend Christmas with Snow White  and the Seven Dwarfs.
• Story 4 – Mickey Mouse enjoying Chrismtas with Minnie, Goofy, Max, Pluto, Chip and Dale.
• Story 5 – Have a tropical holiday celebration with Lilo, Stitch, and Angel.
• Story 6 – Spend a warm and romantic Christmas with Belle and Beast.
• Story 7 – Elsa will celebrate the winter holiday with her ice powers with Anna and Olaf.

• In front of Cinderella’s Castle, guests will find the Starbright Christmas firework spectacular. This approximately 5-minute pyrotechnic celebration will happen most nights during the holiday season.
• Another nighttime Christmas offering at the park will bring a holiday version of Tokyo Disneyland Electrical Parade Dreamlights  through Tokyo Disneyland.
• World Bazaar will showcase a towering, 15-meter-tall Christmas tree featuring ornaments of Li’l RingRing, a Christmas Elf.
• For the first time in 5 years, the Country Bear Theatre will feature the holiday overlay Jingle Bell Jamboree. The musical revue style show will highlight the Country Bear Band performing a selection of seasonal songs to usher in the Christmas spirit. This offering will begin on November 8th and be available through January 13th.

• Beginning next Friday, Haunted Mansion  will be infested with characters from The Nightmare Before Christmas in Haunted Mansion “Holiday Nightmare.” The seasonal overlay will usher in spooky seasons greetings for guests at the resort from September 19th through January 13th.
• Additionally, special Christmas food options will arrive at Plaza Pavilion Restaurant on November 8th. Featuring a Li’l RingRing Yule Log, guests can purchase a themed topping kit to customize their sweet holiday treat. Other seasonal food items include a new sandwich at Sweetheart Cafe and a festive Strawberry Milk from Refreshment Corner.

Tokyo DisneySea

• Mickey, Duffy and other friends will sail throughout Mediterranean Harbor in Disney Christmas Greeting. The festive and floating offering will flood the park with the Christmas spire, including holiday music and an appearance from Santa Claus.
• In the American Waterfront, guests will find a 15-meter-tall Christmas tree. Cape Cod will highlight the season with their own Christmas tree inspired by Duffy and Friends.
• Throughout the New York area of the American Waterfront, guests will be treated to seasonal merchandise, festive foods, and holiday decorations in Dazzling Christmas in New York.
• Really coming to life at night, guests will be able to immerse themselves completely into the Christmas spirit.
• In Waterfront Park, visitors will be able to purchase customizable plush charms and pouches that double as ornaments. For those looking for a snack, all food and beverage items will be wrapped in special Dazzling Christmas in New York packaging. Guests will also find snowmen inspired by Mickey and the gang.
• Christmas Carolers, who will perform a cappella arrangements of Christmas favorites.
• Holly Jolly Trio – This musical act will serenade visitors throughout Waterfront Park.
• Holiday Wonder Band – Get in the holiday spirit with upbeat and cheerful musical performances.
• Beginning November 2, Duffy and Friends characters experiencing the joy of winter will be featured on special merchandise and souvenirs included with menu items.
• Guests visiting the Horizon Bay Restaurant will also find special holiday-inspired seasonal food and beverage options. These offerings include a potato and egg tart in the shape of a christmas tree and a grilled beef dish with snow-inspired white sauce.

Disney Hotels

• Photo opportunities with Disney characters in the Christmas attire.
• Special seating at the Disney Christmas Stories parade.
• All the other incredible benefits of Tokyo Disney’s Vacation packages.
• Empire Grill at Disney Ambassador Hotel – Featuring a Christmas themed course meal, guests will be able to enjoy a specialty snowflake-inspired dessert. Other menu items will come with a special Christmas charm.
• BellaVista Lounge at Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta – At this romantic dining location, guests can enjoy the heartwarming views of Disney Christmas through the restaurant's large windows while enjoying a masterfully created course meal.
• Canna at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel – Featuring a poinsettia-inspired dessert, this beautifully crafted course meal is the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season.
• Each of Tokyo Disney’s hotels will be festively fitted with specialty Christmas decorations. The Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel will also join the lineup this year. Start dates for the Christmas decorations vary per hotel.

Disney Resort Line

• Commemorative day passes for the Disney Christmas season will be available for guests to pick up all monorail stations. Additionally, Tokyo Disney’s monorail fleet will be adorned with festive decorations.

• Tokyo Disney’s premiere shopping destination will be dressed up for the Disney Christmas event, providing a cheerful atmosphere for all your Christmas shopping needs.

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