Disney Wonder - Inaugural cruise from Sydney
Disney Wonder from Down Under: Day 1 of Our Magical Voyage
Ahoy from the high seas! Well… technically, we’re only one day in, but I already feel like a seasoned sailor (or maybe just a very full, slightly sun-kissed passenger). We boarded the Disney Wonder in sunny Sydney today, and from the moment we arrived at the port, it was smooth sailing—literally and figuratively. The embarkation process was a breeze; Disney’s crew had it down to an art. Smiling faces, Mickey hands waving, and barely a line in sight. Yes, please!
Once onboard, our first mission was clear: lunch. We made our way to Tiana’s Palace, where the jazz was smooth, and the gumbo was spicy. The New Orleans flair totally worked with the laid-back energy of our first afternoon. Bellies full, we spent the next couple of hours simply wandering. And what a ship! From the classic Disney details to the panoramic views of Sydney Harbour, every corner begged for a photo op. I may or may not have pretended to be a Disney princess near the grand staircase. (No regrets.) We also checked out the Kids club and took a tour of the spa, I highly recommend it!
Dinner took us to Triton’s, where things got a little more elegant. Think oceanic vibes with a touch of French flair. We met our servers and dinner crew for the cruise and they were so welcoming, warm and helpful.
But the night was just getting started. We had the first of three broadway style shows, The Golden Mickeys and it didn’t disappoint. At 10:30 pm, we hopped up on deck for the Sail-A-Wave party
—a blast of music, lights, confetti, and yes, even Captain Mickey dancing like he owned the ocean. There’s something wildly fun about waving goodbye to land with a thousand strangers all doing the conga. Don’t worry, this isn’t a regular time for the Sail-a-wave party, it was just something that happened on our cruise. They are usually at a much more kid friendly time.
We ended the night in the ship’s nightclub, laughing through trivia games and dancing like nobody was watching. All in all, Day 1 was the perfect blend of relaxing and ridiculous.
Disney Wonder from Down Under: Day 2 – Princesses, Pinocchio, and Pure Bliss
Day 2 aboard the Disney Wonder and we are officially in cruise mode—aka the magical state where time stops, calories don’t count, and breakfast in a ballgown feels totally normal.
We kicked things off with a lazy breakfast at Triton’s, where the coffee flowed freely and the pancakes were fluffier than a cloud over Cinderella’s castle. It was the kind of calm, slow-paced morning that only exists when you’re floating somewhere between Australia and Neverland.
After that, things got royal real fast. We made our way to the Royal Gathering, where we met Belle, Ariel, Tiana, and Cinderella—all looking radiant, charming, and extremely skilled at pretending I wasn’t way too excited for a grown adult. (Tiana complimented my outfit and I’m framing that moment in my mind forever.)
Feeling thoroughly enchanted, we floated over to the Senses Spa to take full advantage of our Rainforest Room passes. If you’ve never lounged on a heated stone bed while taking in a guilty pleasure romance novel, I highly recommend it. Throw in some aromatic steam rooms and tropical showers, and suddenly you forget what “real life” even means.
When hunger called, we answered with a casual lunch on deck from Pinocchio’s Pizzeria—because sometimes all you need is a slice of pepperoni, sunshine, and the ocean breeze. Simple, perfect, and surprisingly romantic for a poolside pizza joint.
The afternoon called for a bit of grown-up relaxation, so we popped into the Cadillac Lounge for a round of cocktails. Think classic, cozy, and very “cruising through the ‘50s with a martini in hand.” Smooth jazz, comfy chairs, and the perfect mid-day escape.
Dinner tonight brought us to Animator’s Palate, and it blew us away. Watching the restaurant transform from black-and-white sketches to a vibrant Disney dreamworld never gets old. The food was as stunning as the decor.
We wrapped the night in the most Disney way possible: in our cabin, snuggled up with a cozy in-room Disney movie, room service cookies in hand, and the gentle rocking of the ship lulling us toward sleep. No nightclub tonight—just warm blankets, good company, and a little animated magic on the screen.
Disney Wonder from Down Under: Day 3 – Hobart, Hijinks, and Hidden Treasure
Day 3 dawned with us docked in Hobart, and while the charming Tasmanian town tempted us, we decided on a brief land adventure—just an hour or two off the ship to stretch our legs, breathe in some crisp Aussie air, and pick up a souvenir or two (note: I’m now the proud owner of a Tasmanian devil keychain).
But the real treasure today? Staying onboard while most guests disembarked. With the ship feeling wonderfully quiet and spacious, we soaked up the peaceful vibe and made the most of the nearly crowd-free magic.
We enjoyed lunch at Triton’s, where the service was as lovely as ever and the pace just right—no rush, no noise, just delicious food and soft ocean views through the windows.
Afterward, we wandered into an afternoon drawing class, where we gave our best shot at sketching Donald Duck. Let’s just say… mine looked more like a flustered snowman in a sailor hat, but we laughed the whole way through and that’s what counts.
Returning to our cabin, we found a delightful surprise waiting on the bed—a pirate bandana laid out just so, setting the tone for the swashbuckling evening ahead. Disney’s attention to detail strikes again!
We got into the spirit quickly and headed out to meet Captain Jack Sparrow himself, who was just as charmingly chaotic in person as you’d expect. We also bumped into Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, and yes, I attempted my best villain pose. (Hook seemed mildly impressed.)
The ship had transformed, too— From rigging and barrels to skulls and treasure maps, it was like sailing into a scene straight from Pirates of the Caribbean. Just wandering around and admiring the decor was an adventure in itself.
Dinner at Animator’s Palate kept the theme going, bathed in glowing pirate reds and golds, and our servers fully committed to the fun in their pirate costumes. Even the menus felt mischievous. The meal? A feast fit for the fiercest buccaneers.
We ended the night in one of the adults-only lounges, sipping cocktails and joining in some light-hearted games and trivia, surrounded by laughter and just the right amount of pirate nonsense.
It was a day of soft adventure and Disney whimsy, with just enough sparkle and silliness to remind us we were still deep in the magic. One more day to go… and something tells me it’ll be a grand finale.
Disney Wonder from Down Under: Day 4 – Steam Rooms, Snow Queens & Sunset Goodbyes
Our final day aboard the Disney Wonder arrived far too quickly, but we were determined to soak up every last ounce of magic before waving goodbye to this floating fairy tale.
We started our morning where every good cruise day should begin—back at the Senses Spa, melting into the blissful warmth of the Rainforest Room. Between the heated tile loungers, steam rooms, and mist showers,, we were basically human marshmallows by the time we left. Not a single worry survived that spa session.
Next stop: Bingo! Our cards were ready, daubers in hand, and hope in our hearts. We may not have walked away with a jackpot, but the laughs were loud, the host was hilarious, and for a brief moment, B-7 felt like the most important number in the world.
The afternoon was all about rest and reset, so we retreated to our cozy cabin for a Disney movie marathon, feet up and snacks in hand. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a classic film while the sea gently rocks outside your window—it’s like a lullaby for grown-up kids.
As evening arrived, we dressed up and headed to the Walt Disney Theatre for Frozen: A Musical Spectacular—and wow. The costumes, the voices, the real “snow” falling from the ceiling—it was pure Disney brilliance. Elsa hit those high notes, Olaf charmed the crowd, and we were this close to singing along at full volume.
Dinner at Tiana’s Place brought all the flavor and flair we’ve come to love, complete with jazz music and a mini Mardi Gras to celebrate our last night onboard. The food was fabulous, the vibe festive, and the servers as magical as ever.
After dinner, we got a quick and easy info session from our cabin steward about disembarkation and how easy it easy to get our suitcases off the ship, , which made the idea of leaving slightly less painful (but only slightly). Disney really does think of everything—even saying goodbye feels organized and kind.
Not quite ready to call it a night, we took one last late-night walk around the ship. The decks were peaceful, the stars were shining, and everything felt just a little more special under the night sky.
And just when we thought the night couldn’t get better, we stumbled upon an outdoor screening of The Lion King, playing under the stars on the big Funnel Vision screen. Wrapped in blankets, with popcorn in hand, we watched Simba’s journey as the ocean breeze whispered around us.
It was the perfect ending to our voyage—quiet, beautiful, and just the right amount of magic.
So long, Disney Wonder. You gave us more than just a holiday—you gave us memories we’ll be replaying for a long, long time. And if you are ready to book your next Disney Cruise click here for my Help !
