Disney Wonder-ful and Parks

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We did a 5-night cruise down the California Coast on the Disney Wonder. How did Jason and I end up on a Disney cruise you ask? Good question! My sister and her husband were interested in trying a cruise, and this short journey seemed like a good intro. Oh, and they have two small children. So off the family went, along with in-law’s, our mom, myself and Jason. This was a repositioning cruise that started in Vancouver, did one stop in San Francisco then ended in Los Angeles. From here the ship was heading to the Panama Canal, then to the Caribbean for the winter.

Surprisingly, the ship is not as “Mickey” as you would expect. It is a classic design with Disney touches. This really helps with not feeling overwhelmed by non-stop Disney.

The cruise is excellent for children, which is what you would expect. But how is it for the adults? Particularly those without children? Well, Jason survived and I enjoyed it (but then again, I am a huge Disney fan!). There are some adult only areas on the ship, and we made sure we had a room with a balcony (this by the way is totally worth it as we saw two schools of dolphins in the wild one day! One of my favorite experiences in life!). There are also a few adult only activities organized as well. Between standing in lines to meet the Disney characters, and having quiet time at the pool or lounge, you are plenty busy.

We have done a few cruises and resorts over the years so we have a good spectrum of experience. As such, we are usually very skeptical of participating in any activities or watch the evening entertainment because of what we have seen/participated in so far. But Disney is different. The activities and entertainment are excellent! I would highly recommend trying a few things, and not to miss the evening shows!

Would we do it again? Not likely, we’ve experienced it once and it was a good time. We would suggest Disney cruises for people with children/grandchildren or the hard-core Disney fans!

TIP 1: Character Autographs - take your autograph book, shirt, card, or whatever you would like signed to the Guest Services desk. They can have one or all characters sign your item, which will be returned to your cabin before you disembark - no charge!

TIP 2: Boarding/embarkation - do an on-line check-in, and select a check-in time of 1 pm or later, your room will be ready by 1:30 and you can head directly to it without waiting.

TIP 3: Express disembarkation - If you can carry your own luggage off the ship, you can simply walk-off the ship once the announcement is made (approx. 7:45 am). No need to wait for your color to be called or wait for your luggage.

And since the cruise ended in LA, it would have been wrong it we did not visit Disneyland and California Adventure with the kids :) So much Disney, so little time!

TIP 4: See the World of Color show at California Adventure. A breath-taking display of water, color and fire set to Disney songs. Get a fast-pass ticket near the Grizzly River Run. This fast-pass does not impact your ability to get a fast-pass for a ride.

TIP 5: Radiator Springs Racers - get to the park 30 min before opening. Head straight to the fast-pass line, then head to the ride. You may be able to do the ride with a short wait, then go back with your fast-pass for a second ride! Or try single rider line! If you hold a fast-pass for Racers, you can still hold a fast-pass for another ride. All other fast-pass tickets indicate a time when you can get your next fast-pass.

We also drove all the way to Universal Studios so Jason could do Transformers: The Ride. Was it worth the hour drive you ask? YES! And if that doesn’t convince you, we did the ride 6 times in a row!

TIP 6: Transformers: The Ride - visit this first thing in the morning! Also try the single rider line!

 - Christine