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How to Choose a Disney Cruise Stateroom

Disclosure: This Disney cruise stateroom post contains affiliate links. Read full Disclosure Policy .

How to choose the best Disney Cruise Stateroom for you

By Alisha Molen

Have you decided which Disney Cruise you want to take? Great!

Once you have decided which Disney cruise itinerary is right for you, here is the next step:

Select the perfect stateroom!

Your Disney Cruise stateroom will be your home away from home for a few days and nights. It is also an important factor in the overall cost of your cruise.

What You Should Know about Disney Cruise Staterooms

Disney Cruise Line staterooms are tailored especially to families.

From split bathrooms, to bathtubs, to beds that pop out of the ceiling, to extra storage space and more, Disney has thought of everything!

In fact, their standard cabins are about 25% bigger than standard cabins on other cruise lines. Don’t get me wrong, they are still much smaller than a hotel room, but bigger than the cruise industry average.

Whatever your budget and taste, Disney Cruise Line has accommodations for every traveller. Stateroom options range from cozy and comfortable to grand and luxurious.

What Comes Standard in Every Stateroom?

First, it’s good to know what comes standard in every Disney Cruise Line stateroom:

  • A queen bed (not two twins pushed together)
  • Seating area
  • Desk area with chair and dedicated lighting
  • Privacy curtains that separate sleeping and seating areas
  • Storage: 2 closets, under bed storage space, dresser drawers
  • Hooks for towels
  • Hangers (if you need more, ask your stateroom host/hostess)
  • A mini refrigerator
  • A hairdryer
  • Television (satellite) and in-room movies
  • Full length mirror
  • In-room safes for wallets, passports, phones etc
  • Electrical outlets
  • “Wave Phones” that allow you to call and text both onboard and at Castaway Cay
  • H20 Plus -branded shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, lotion and soap
  • Housekeeping services twice a day—Morning cleaning and nightly turndown service
  • Life jackets for each person
  • Blackout curtains (staterooms with exterior windows)
  • Split bathrooms (in most staterooms)
  • Bathtubs (in most staterooms)

About those Bathtubs

I love the fact that Disney Cruise Line has a bathtub in almost every stateroom! (Accessible rooms have roll-in showers instead of tubs.)

This is not the norm for most cruise lines.

With little kids a tub is kind of a must so it’s nice Disney thought of it all. Naturally they aren’t as big as your tub at home but they should do the trick for your kiddos.

For adults? I’d probably stick with the shower.

What is Not Included in Your Stateroom

Now that we covered what is in the stateroom, here are some items that are not included :

  • Coffeemaker
  • Ironing board

The Four Kinds of Disney Cruise Stateroom

The staterooms on Disney Cruise Line ships can be broken down into four types:

Within each of these 4 stateroom types, there are a number of “ categories ” available.

These “categories” indicate a variance within that room type such as standard or deluxe , a type of verandah, or the location - by deck or area of the ship (forward, midship, or aft).

What Do These Category Numbers Mean?

When it’s time to reserve a cabin, you’ll notice each Disney Cruise stateroom has a “category” and “number” assigned to it.

Example: 5A - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

These can be confusing until you learn these simple rules:

1) The higher the “number”, the less expensive the stateroom

Staterooms start at category 11 (inside staterooms) and descend to category 4 (verandah staterooms). The Concierge is the most expensive and doesn’t start with a number at all.

This is handy to know because if you compare a Category 7 stateroom with a Category 6, you know at a glance that the 7 is less expensive.

2) The “letter” indicates a location on the ship

For example, 9B is a mid-ship oceanview stateroom while 9C is forward-ship oceanview stateroom. Same floor plan, just maybe on a different deck or different part of the ship.  

If there are multiple sub-categories available within a category - such as 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D - then “A” will be the most expensive and most desirable and “D” the least expensive. Of course, “most desirable” is completely subjective so take it with a grain of salt and the price difference between the subcategories is fairly minimal.

How Many Guests Can Sleep in a Stateroom?

Most regular staterooms sleeps 3-4 with a handful that sleep 5. There are also Concierge staterooms that can sleep up to 7. If you have 5+ guests in your party, check out Bonus Tip #1 below.  

How to Choose Your Stateroom

Here are our recommended steps for picking the best stateroom for your voyage:

Now...Find Your Stateroom by Ship

Here's a stateroom guide by ship: >> Disney Magic & Disney Wonder Stateroom Guide >> Disney Dream & Disney Fantasy Stateroom Guide >> Disney Wish Stateroom Guide

BONUS TIPS FOR SELECTING A STATEROOM

1) big family consider connecting staterooms.

If your group has more than 4 guests, you'll have a couple of different options for staterooms.

  • A Family Oceanview stateroom or a Suite (sleeps 5 to 7 guests)
  • Two connecting staterooms (sleeps up to 8 guests)

Connecting staterooms are two rooms that have a door between the adjoining wall.

You can leave the door always open to keep an eye on the little ones in the other room, or close it for privacy. It’s kinda like having your own little two-bedroom suite but for less moo-lah.

Which brings me to my next point...

Many times, getting two connecting staterooms is cheaper than one Family Oceanview stateroom or Suite. Crunch the numbers and see what will work best for your family.

NOTE: Just remember that you must have at least one adult booked in each stateroom.

How many connecting staterooms are on each ship?

There are 137 connecting staterooms on both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

On both the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, there are over 500 connecting staterooms.

How do you know which rooms connect?

When selecting a stateroom, look for the little “doors” that open in between the cabins. If there are doors on the adjoining wall, that means it’s a connecting room.

For example, in the photo below, cabins 7064 and 7066 connect.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

2) View of Beach at Castaway Cay

Want a view of the beach when in dock at Castaway Cay ? 

Book a room on the starboard (right) side of the ship.

Disney ships will usually back into Castaway Cay’s dock, so the port (left) side cabins will face the dock and the tram area while the starboard (right) side cabins will face the beaches on Castaway Cay.

Just know, this is not a guarantee.

Sometimes there are conditions that will require docking in the opposite direction.

3) If You’re On the Fence About a Verandah

First things first...let's start with this question:

What is a verandah?

A verandah stateroom on a Disney Cruise Line ship is simply a room with a balcony attached.

It is a wonderful experience to stand on your verandah and breathe in the fresh ocean air.

A DCL verandah also offers extra visibility when at port or sailing through a particularly scenic area.

If you’re debating whether to add the additional expense of a verandah (instead of an oceanview) cabin, here are some points to consider in favor of a verandah:

  • Verandahs are more valuable on cruises where there is a lot of scenery. Alaska, Panama, and Mediterranean itineraries, for example.
  • If you have a young child that will require a lot of naps in your stateroom, having a verandah gives the parent a place to escape to look at the view, read a book, and enjoy some room service while you wait with the little one.

4) To Avoid Noise, Have Staterooms All Around You

By booking a stateroom that has other cabins above, below and to all sides, you're able to insulate yourself from any possible ship noise (laundry, sundecks, engine, restaurants, theatres, etc).  

5) Request a Crib When You Book

You can request a crib for your baby when you book your cruise. If you have already booked your cruise, go to My Reservations to make your request.

PIN FOR LATER

How to Pick the Perfect Stateroom for your Disney Cruise

Good article. Thanks for this.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

Disney Cruise Lines are perfect for families looking to enjoy quality time together. But with so many different categories and subcategories, how do you know which stateroom is right for you? Let’s investigate how to select the best staterooms on a Disney cruise for your family vacation.

Not familiar with the term “stateroom”?  Disney Cruise Line refers to the individual passenger rooms on its cruise ships as “staterooms.”  You might have heard these previously referred to elsewhere as “ cabins .”

The Disney Cruise Line offers four main types of staterooms: Concierge (the most expensive ), Veranda, Oceanview, and Inside (the least expensive). In each category and within each ship, there are different options (subcategories). Category 1 is typically the most costly, followed by Category 2, etc. Category 11 is the least expensive. Within each category, subcategory A is typically more expensive than subcategory B, and so on.

The amenities and size of the room usually correspond to the price, with Category 1 being the biggest and best while Category 11 has the smallest rooms with the fewest features.

Within each numbered category, the letter subcategories typically designate more preferable locations on the ship’s deck plan (rather than differences in stateroom amenities).  For example, a 4A stateroom might be in a better location than a 4C stateroom, but the interiors of both staterooms will be virtually identical. Note that some Concierge staterooms are an exception to this rule; Category 1A is a drastically different stateroom versus Category 1B.

Generally speaking, rooms located on higher decks or the middle of each deck plan (known as midship or mid ) are considered more preferable than lower decks or staterooms that are forward (front of the ship) or aft (rear of the ship). Which side of the ship the room is on (port side or starboard side) generally does not factor into stateroom category.

Also note that some stateroom categories cater to different travel parties. Some staterooms might only sleep up to a family of four , whereas others can hold five or more.

Please note that this guide does not include accessible suites , which offer the same level of convenience and comfort to guests with disabilities. For questions about accessible suites or any of the below-listed rooms, please get in touch with The Vacationeer .

Their team of experienced Disney travel agents will help you find the best itineraries at the lowest price, and there’s never an additional charge for their services.

Now, let’s look at the best staterooms on a Disney Cruise ship .

Concierge Staterooms (Most Expensive Main Category)

DCL Concierge Wish Tower Suite

The stunning Concierge Wish Tower Suite stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

The Concierge category offers the most luxurious – and expensive – accommodations on Disney Cruise Line. Each room has a large private verandah and premium amenities and services.

The Concierge Wish Tower Suite and the Concierge Royal Suite are the ship’s most spacious and lavishly appointed rooms. Additionally, the Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite is a more modestly priced option that still offers an incredible experience. For families, the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom provides plenty of space and convenient access to all of the ship’s family-friendly amenities.

Concierge-level staterooms in categories 1, 2, and 3 include additional perks , such as access to priority seating for excursions and events and exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge, where you can relax with complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries or enjoy evening hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

Here’s a breakdown of the categories found in the Concierge category.

Category 1A – Concierge Wish Tower Suite (Disney Wish cruise ship only)

The Wish Tower Suite on Deck 14 and 15 is the Disney Cruise Line’s most luxurious room. It has two bedrooms, a space for children with two bunk beds, and a library that can convert into two more rooms. Aside from the four full bathrooms and the half-bath off the living room, the suite has floor-to-ceiling windows on both decks, providing a great view of the ship from the suite.

Eight guests can stay in this 1,966 sq. ft. suite. It has a wow factor like no other!

Recommendation :  The Concierge Wish Tower Suite is the perfect choice for families or groups who have the money to spend and won’t settle for anything less than the best. Nothing out-competes the luxury of this stateroom.  It truly is the best stateroom on a Disney Cruise.

DCL Concierge Wish Tower Suite Exterior

The location of the Concierge Wish Tower Suite | Image © Disney

Category 1A – Concierge Royal Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder cruise ships)

The Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah stateroom is the largest and most luxurious suite offered on Disney’s Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder. The Magic and Wonder ships can accommodate up to 7 guests, and the Dream and Fantasy ships can accommodate up to 5 guests.

The suite features a living area with a formal dining table and sitting area and a massive verandah with a private hot tub on the Dream and Fantasy ships. The decor in these suites is luxurious and tasteful, making it the perfect choice for those looking for the ultimate in luxury and comfort.

Recommendation :  This is the Crème de la Crème of staterooms on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, and Wonder cruise ships. If roominess and luxury are what you’re after, and you have the money to spend, then Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah is a great choice. 

Category 1B – Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Wish)

The Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah on the Disney Wish cruise ship is a luxurious and spacious stateroom that spans two decks (decks 12 and 13). The Suite features a spiral staircase, two large bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large dining and living area, and two large verandahs with a private hot tub.

This stateroom is an impressive 1,759 sq. ft and can comfortably sleep six guests,

Recommendation:  The 2-Story Royal Suite is another fantastic offering from the new Disney Wish. Perfect for families and groups of six who want to be treated like kings and queens. 

Category 1B – Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah (Disney Magic & Wonder)

Disney Cruise Line’s Concierge 2-Bedroom Suite with Verandah features two separate bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, and a spacious sitting area.  The total area is 945 sq. ft., including the verandah, and can accommodate up to seven people. A large verandah is perfect for enjoying the views or relaxing. It is an impressive suite, perfect for a large group or family!

This stateroom is only available on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder .

Recommendation:   An excellent choice for families who want plenty of luxury and space. Choose the starboard (right) side if you sail to Castaway Cay because you will have better views of Disney’s private island when docked. 

Category 1C – 1-Story Royal Suites w/ Verandah (Disney Wish)

With a classic elegance inspired by Sleeping Beauty, the Disney Wish’s 1-Story Royal Suites with Verandah are perfect for families and groups of up to 6. There are two bedrooms, a living room and dining room, three full bathrooms, and an impressive 1,507 square feet of living space. The wet bar is perfect for entertaining, and the large private verandah with a whirlpool tub is the ideal place to relax.

Recommendation :  These beautiful and family-friendly staterooms will make your cruise vacation unforgettable.

Category 2A and 2B – Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite w/ Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Disney cruises offer a 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah for those looking for a little extra space and privacy on their vacation. The suite sleeps up to 5 people and features a separate bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room, and a wet bar.  The main bathroom has double sinks, a rain-style shower, and a whirlpool tub. A large walk-in closet provides plenty of space for storing your belongings.

The main difference between Categories 2A and 2B is location. Magic and Wonder’s 2A suites have a slightly different layout with a longer verandah. Dream and Fantasy’s 2A suites are located between the two connecting Royal Suites and the ship’s front center. The 2A suites of the Disney Wish are located on deck 12 and have a deeper verandah than the 2B suites.

Recommendation:  This is an excellent option if you only need one bedroom but still want plenty of roominess and class. 

DCL-Disney-Fantasy-Concierge-One-Bedroom

A Concierge One-Bedroom Suite on the Disney Fantasy | Image © Disney

Category 3A and 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is a luxurious private room that sleeps up to five people. This room is complete with a private verandah with beautiful sea views and an abundance of warm woods and custom fabrics.

The stateroom features a queen-sized bed, a convertible sofa, a Pullman bunk bed, and a spacious bathroom with a shower, TV, and a safe. There are just over 300 square feet of living space. Additionally, families have concierge-level guests access to a private lounge and priority boarding.

Recommendation:   Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom is excellent for families that want the luxury and perks of a Concierge-level stateroom but don’t need all the bells and whistles (and expense) of the Category 1 and 2 staterooms. 

Category 3B – Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Wish)

The Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom on Disney Wish offers stunning sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

A king bed, a single convertible sofa, and an upper-berth single pull-down bed make up this room, which can accommodate up to five guests. There is also a wall pull-down bed in rooms that sleep five. The 357-square-foot room provides plenty of space for the whole family to relax.

Guests staying in a Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom also have access to special concierge services, including priority boarding and seating at shows and restaurant reservations. If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, book a stay in one of these Little Mermaid-themed spaces.

Recommendation :  These are fun and family-oriented staterooms on Disney’s newest cruise ship. This is a good option if you want a Concierge-level room at a relatively affordable price.

Verandah (Balcony) Staterooms

DCL Disney Magic Verandah Stateroom

A stateroom verandah onboard the Disney Magic | Image © Disney

Verandah staterooms are Disney’s most spacious non-concierge accommodations, each with its own balcony outside the ship where you can enjoy the fresh air while watching the ocean go by.

Category four, five, six, and seven are verandah staterooms. Some rooms in this category offer partial views, but all provide a comfortable and relaxing space.

Category 4 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom w/ Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is the largest stateroom on the ships that are not concierge suites. Roughly 300 sq ft, it sleeps up to 5 and is the only single-room option for a family of 5 on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is also the most frequently booked option for families of 5 on the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy .

All of these factors considered it’s no wonder that this room type is one of the most popular among families cruising with Disney.

Recommendation : The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is perfect for families of four or five who value roominess and want to enjoy the ocean breeze from the verandah . 

Category 5 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on Disney cruises is a fantastic choice for your family cruise. With enough space to comfortably sleep 3-4 guests and an unobstructed verandah, this room type is perfect for enjoying the beautiful view.

Magic and Wonder’s cabins are 268 sq ft, while Dream, Fantasy, and Wish are 248 sq ft. The Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah come with a queen bed, a sleeper sofa, and a pull-out berth (if sleeping four). This room type also features a sitting area, plenty of closet space, and a private verandah to enjoy the view without leaving your stateroom.

Recommendation :   Among the regular-sized verandah cabins, these are the most common and the most frequently booked for families with four or fewer members. They are an excellent choice!

DCL-Disney-Dream-Cat-5-Stateroom

A Category 5 stateroom on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

Category 6 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – Undersized, Obstructed View, or White Wall  (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Category 6 staterooms are located near the back of the ship’s upper deck. Accommodations are nearly identical to those found in Category 5 but have either an undersized, obstructed, or white wall verandah. Those who book a Category 6 cabin on the Magic and Wonder will have full white wall railings, while on the Dream and Fantasy, the white wall only extends halfway up the railing.

All of these staterooms sleep at least three, and many sleep 4.

Recommendation :  Because these rooms are nearly identical to Category 5 rooms, they are a terrific way to save money on your Disney cruise . We recommend the Dream and Fantasy 6B staterooms because of their stunning views, and Disney Magic and Wonder’s Category 6 staterooms on Deck 6 have more verandah space, as do 5650 and 5150.

Category 7 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Navigator verandahs on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder feature mostly enclosed balconies with a viewing window cut out. In contrast, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish have a minimally obstructed view from the verandah.

Recommendation:  The rooms in Category 7 are nearly identical to those in Category 5 and 6, so they are a good way to save on a Disney cruise if you don’t mind having a partial view. We believe these are the best values in the verandah category, particularly on the Dream, Fantasy, and Wish.

Feeling overwhelmed?  Working with an experienced Disney travel agent can calm the waters!  Contact the Disney Cruise experts at The Vacationeer !

Not only will they arrange every part of your cruise, but they’ll provide a generous onboard credit you can use towards purchases while you’re on the ship.  There’s never any obligation to book, and there’s no additional charge to use their planning services!

If it’s your first time cruising with Disney , working with The Vacationeer really is the best way to go!

Oceanview (Porthole) Staterooms

DCL-DIsney-Dream-Oceanview-Stateroom

The giant porthole featured in some oceanview staterooms on the Disney Dream | Image © Disney

The Oceanview category of staterooms (Category 8 and 9) features rooms with scenic vistas through genuine porthole windows. The Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is perfect for families, while the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom provides a more intimate setting.

Category 8 – Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom (Disney Dream, Fantasy, & Wish)

Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, and Disney Wish to offer a truly luxurious cruise experience with their Category 8 Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms.

These staterooms are much larger than the standard size (around 240 sq ft), sleeping between 3 and 5 people comfortably. In addition, they feature unique round tub-showers (see the video above for Category 4) and large portholes with seating, making them the perfect place to relax and take in the breathtaking views. The exceptions to this are the 8As, which are similar to suites with two large portholes and plenty of space. Families and groups can enjoy Category 8A even more since many have a divider between the bed and seating area. None of them will disappoint.

Recommendation :  Families looking for affordability and comfort will find the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom is the right choice.

Category 9 – Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (All Disney Cruise Ships)

The Category 9 Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom sleeps 3 or 4 people and is the same size as the category 10’s with a similar layout and features. The Disney Dream and Fantasy Rooms are 204 sq ft, 214 on Disney Magic and Wonder, and 218 sq ft on Disney Wish. Most rooms have a porthole on one of the walls. On the Magic and Wonder ships, the 9D staterooms on deck 1 have two small portholes instead of one large porthole.

A, B, C, and D designations represent Disney’s assessment of the location and view of the room. In Dream, Fantasy, and Wish, the 9C and 9D staterooms typically have obstructed views and are usually located in the front of the vessel.

Recommendation :  If you prefer to save money over having a porthole in your room, opt for Category 10. 

Inside Staterooms (Least Expensive Main Category)

DCL Disney Wish Inside Stateroom

An Inside Stateroom on the Disney Wish | Image © Disney

The Inside category features Disney Cruise Line’s base accommodations, with no window (no exterior view) but still featuring a nautical motif. The Deluxe Inside Stateroom is slightly larger than the Standard Inside Stateroom and provides additional storage space and a sitting area.

Category 10 –Deluxe Inside Stateroom (Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder)

Rooms in Category 10 are almost identical to those in Category 9, except for being unable to see the outside. These staterooms also have more square footage than those in Category 11.

The Disney Dream/Fantasy Deluxe Inside Staterooms are 204 sq ft, and the Disney Magic/Wonder rooms are 214 sq ft. They can accommodate 3 or 4 people.

Disney Wish does not have a Deluxe Inside category.

Virtual portholes on the Disney Dream and Fantasy ships allow passengers to see what is happening outside (along with a bit of Disney magic thrown in).

There are also a select few unnamed staterooms on the Magic/Wonder ships known in some circles as “secret porthole” staterooms — they actually have porthole windows but Disney decided not to classify them as oceanview rooms because lifeboats or other architectural elements obstruct the views.

Deluxe Inside Staterooms have a split bathroom, with one half having a sink and a shower, and the other half having a toilet and a sink. A, B, and C subcategories are assigned according to their locations, with A subcategories on upper decks or closer to midship, while C subcategories are on lower decks.

Recommendation : Deluxe Inside Cabins/Staterooms are an excellent option for couples or families of 3 or 4 on a budget. 

Category 11 – Standard Inside Stateroom (All Disney Cruise Ships)

Standard Inside Staterooms are typically the cheapest rooms available on Disney Cruise Line .

Standard Inside Staterooms sleep three, and some sleep four.  They’re smaller than other staterooms, but the amenities are the same. The Disney Magic and Wonder rooms are 184 square feet, while the Dream Fantasy and Wish rooms are 169 square feet.

There’s no split bathroom in a Standard Inside Stateroom. The Disney Dream and Fantasy ships feature a Magical Porthole with real-time views, but the other ships do not have exterior views.

Disney divides the rooms into categories A, B, and C based on attractiveness. Category 11A rooms are found on upper decks and near the ship’s middle, while 11B rooms are on lower decks.

Recommendation:  The Standard Inside Statement is a small and cheap option, so you shouldn’t expect too much from it. However, this DCL room offers more space than you would get on other (non-Disney) cruise ships of the same class. It allows couples and small families the opportunity to enjoy a Disney cruise at a reasonable price.

As always seems to be the case, the best option for you may not be the best option for another family.

Ask yourself the question: “what’s most important to me?”  Is it having a balcony? Is it experiencing concierge level service in a suite? Is it having additional beds for kids? Is it saving money and just making sure you’re onboard the ship?

Answering those questions, then reviewing deck plans, photos, reviews, and our guide/tips above will help you decide what’s best for you.

No matter your room type, you’re sure to have a magical experience aboard a Disney Cruise ship.

Thanks for reading our Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise article.  Happy cruising (and don’t forget your passport)!

Ready to Book your Disney Cruise Line Stateroom?

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What are the Best Disney Cruise Rooms?

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If you’re in the process of booking a Disney Cruise Line Vacation , it can be confusing to find the best Disney Cruise rooms for your time on board. That’s why we have created this guide to help you find the best Disney Cruise staterooms for your cruise vacation. Knowing how many people a stateroom can accommodate will be your priority considering the size of your party. But if you have never been on a cruise before, space in your stateroom is an amenity. So something else to take into consideration is the square footage of your Disney Cruise cabins . We cover all this and more down below so keep reading if you want to find the best fit of  Disney Cruise rooms  for you and your family. 

We hope you find this post helpful! And if you are planning a trip on a Disney cruise, 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 best deals on Disney cruises!

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Types of Disney Cruise Cabins Overview

disney-wish-stateroom

Choosing the  D isney Cruise best rooms that are the best fit for your family can make or break your time at sea. There is nothing worse for a vacation than having a room too small to enjoy and make feel like your own. Especially if it’s a multi-day cruise! On the Disney Cruise Line , guests have a choice of 4 major room categories to choose from. All of these come in different sizes, sleep a different amount of guests, and have designated floors you’ll stay on. While all D isney Cruise Line staterooms  are designed for comfort, some are more comfortable than others and may be worth the extra expense. Before we dive into the best Disney Cruise rooms, let’s go over some basic knowledge that you’ll need to start planning your perfect Disney Cruise cabin.

What is a Disney Cruise Stateroom?

  • The D isney Cruise Line staterooms  will be the rooms you sleep in on board the ship. They are also referred to as cabins or rooms. But for most of the planning process and time on the ship, you will know it as a stateroom. So no matter what stateroom category you choose, your Disney Cruise Line staterooms are your home away from home while on the ship. 

What is the Best Level to Stay on a Disney Cruise?

  • No matter if it’s the  best deck on Disney Wish , or any other deck on a ship in the DCL fleet, the best deck to stay on is two decks below any of the restaurants. This is typically decks 8 and 9 on most of the ships. This is typically because the restaurants that are open for breakfast start setting up before the sun rises and you can hear chairs and tables slamming on the floor, or rather your ceiling. But staying on decks 8 and 9 offers easy access to upper decks where pools and recreation are. While also just a quick trip away from lower deck theaters and the main atrium. 

Related Post: What is the Best Disney Cruise Ship?

What are the Best Disney Cruise Staterooms?

disney-dream-stateroom

To discover which is truly the best of the D isney Cruise rooms , we have to cover what kind of staterooms are available to pick from. As we said earlier, there are 4 major categories of staterooms to choose from when sailing with Disney . There is the Concierge level which is the most expensive but is home the the luxury Disney Cruise suites . Then there is the Verandah staterooms which are more commonly known as the Disney Cruise room with balcony. The last two are the Oceanview and Inside staterooms. These bottom two tiers are the smallest staterooms but they’re also the best rooms on Disney Cruise to sail on a budget. 

All of the Best Disney Cruise Line Staterooms

  • Concierge Stateroom
  • Verandah Stateroom
  • Oceanview Stateroom
  • Inside Stateroom

No matter what category room you decide to stay in, you will be surrounded by the magic of Disney at sea. Each room is highly themed, well decorated, and makes use of the space it’s given. The  best room on Disney Cruise can be any room if you plan and know what you’re getting into. That’s why we have broken down every single stateroom available on all 5 Disney Cruise Line ships for you to compare what are the best Disney Cruise rooms for your vacation.

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

Concierge Staterooms

Concierge wish tower suite.

disney-wish-concierge-tower-suite

Ships : Disney Wish (& Disney Treasure 2024 )

Size : 1,966 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 8 Guests

Price : $30,000+

Important to Know : This first-of-its-kind accommodation, perched high in the funnel above the upper decks makes it top of the list for  best rooms on Disney Wish . Featuring décor inspired by the movie Moana, the sprawling room takes up decks 14 and 15 and is accessed via a private elevator on decks 10 and 12. Guests staying in one of the best staterooms on Disney Wish  can relax in the double-height living room which features a spectacular chandelier and floor-to-ceiling glass windows—ideal for taking in sweeping ocean views.

Related Post: Disney’s Newest Cruise Ship

Concierge Royal Suite with Verandah

Disney-magic-royal-concierge-suite-with-verandah-room

Ships : Disney Dream, Fantasy, Magic, & Wonder

Size : 1,029 – 1,781 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 5 – 7 Guests

Price : $20,600+

Important to Know : This sophisticated art deco stateroom incorporates original artwork, vintage Disney hallmarks, and lavish marble-and-granite bathrooms to take your cruise to superlative new heights. Every Concierge Suite also includes a private verandah, affording Guests sweeping ocean views and bracing sea breezes. This D isney Cruise room is a great option for large travel parties or families looking to have space and enjoy private amenities.  This room also is home to 2 bathrooms, including a main with double sinks, a rain-style shower, and a whirlpool tub.

Related Post: How Much is a Disney Cruise Per Person?

1-Story Royal Suites with Verandah

disney-wish-princess-aurora-royal-suite

Ships : Disney Wish

Size : 1,507 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 6 Guests

Price : $20,000+

Important to Know : Only available on the Disney Wish , guests can escape to sprawling quarters boasting extravagant details and first-class amenities inspired by the classic elegance of  Sleeping Beauty.  The plush furnishings in a soft, dreamlike palette of blue and gold are inspired by Aurora’s time in the castle. There are also dark, rich wood tones and stone accents evoking her life as Briar Rose. With 2 main bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, including 2 main bathrooms with double sinks and a Guest bathroom with a shower, there is no shortage of space in this  D isney Cruise stateroom. 

Related Post: Complete Guide to a Disney Cruise for Adults

Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah

disney-wish-2-story-concierge-royal-verandah-suite

Size : 1,759 sq. ft.

Price : $22,979+

Important to Know : This is another Disney Wish exclusive stateroom where you can enjoy the extravagant details and first-class amenities inspired by the classic elegance of  Sleeping Beauty.  The largest difference that separates this  best verandah room on Disney Wish from the others is that this room is split between two decks by a spiral staircase leading up to the sleeping area. Another notable trait of this room is the floor-to-ceiling windows for guests to look out and enjoy the sights of the ocean as they sail the seas.

Related Post: Disney Cruise Halloween

Concierge 2-bedroom Suite with Verandah

disney-dream-royal-suite

Ships : Disney Magic & Wonder

Size : 945 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 7 Guests

Price : $12,000+

Important to Know : Exclusive to the very first ships in Disney’s fleet , this 2 bedroom suite is one of the grandest Di sney Magic rooms . A lavish retreat for up to 7 Guests, these spacious quarters feature deluxe amenities and signature Concierge services. Concierge 2-bedroom Suites with Verandah are classified as Category 01B and are located on Deck 8, Forward. Guests can relax and feel at home in a palatial 2-bedroom suite adorned with original artwork, vintage Disney hallmarks, warm wood finishes with inlaid details, tasteful furnishings, and lavish marble-and-granite bathrooms.

Related Post: What was Disney Cruise Line’s First Ship?

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah

Disney-dream-1-room-suite

Ships : All Disney Cruise Ships

Size :  608 – 622 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 5 Guests

Price : $9,179

Important to Know : This first-class level of D isney Cruise rooms with a balcony can be found on every ship. However, on the brand new Disney Wish, this cabin comes with an extended verandah which makes it that much more luxurious. While this Concierge level room is the smallest available option, it comes with the title of most affordable Concierge tier stateroom. This is a great option for guests who want to save money while still sailing in style.

Related Post: Is There a Cheap Time to Book a Disney Cruise?

Verandah Staterooms

Family deluxe verandah stateroom.

disney-wish-family-deluxe-verandah-stateroom

Size : 299 – 304 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 4 – 5 Guests

Price : $3,000+

Important to Know : Entering the next class of rooms onboard the Disney Cruise Line , the Verandah rooms are the most popular option. Its reasonable price point, access to the ship’s amenities, and private balcony make it the go-to room for many guests. On every ship, this is a serene setting to unwind in while at sea, this room type offers generous square footage and a private place to admire the view. The extra square footage can come in handy for larger families or families with more than two little ones.

Related Post: What is Halloween on the High Seas?

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

disney-dream-verandah-room

Size : 246 – 268 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 3 – 4 Guests

Important to Know : While available on all ships, the Deluxe Oceanview Verandah room is one of the best  D isney Dream cruise rooms . Like the Family Verandah, it hosts enough space for you to feel comfortable while also allowing you a private space on the side of the ship to enjoy the views and fresh sea air. Making it the perfect room to watch the sunrise, bask in ocean breezes and, enjoy your morning coffee or an evening nightcap.

Related Post: Make the Most Out of an Adult-Only Disney Cruise

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – Undersized, Obstructed View, or White Wall

disney-magic-white-wall-verandah-room

Important to Know : While not much changes about These  D isney Cruise staterooms , the private balcony for these rooms can vary quite a bit. While you will still have patio furniture and a great view of the ocean, it might be reduced in size or impeded in some way. However, some cruises say it’s a great way to save a couple of bucks while still enjoying everything there is to have in a Verandah room.

Related Post: How Much should I save for a Disney Cruise Per Person?

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Navigator’s Verandah

disney-wish-navigator-verandah-stateroom

Price : $2,700+

Important to Know : The least expensive D isney Cruise room with a balcony , the Navigator’s Verandah is a smaller and more enclosed private verandah for you to enjoy. Like the obstructed or undersized verandah, nothing will change about the room itself. I loved my experience with the Navigator’s Verandah as it gave me more privacy when using the balcony. It also adds a sense of security since the only open space is the round port hole. My favorite aspect of this room is that it is less expensive and also has less wind making it easier to enjoy a meal on the balcony.

Related Post: What is the Special Halloween Disney Cruise?

Oceanview Staterooms

Deluxe family oceanview stateroom.

disney-wish-oceanview-stateroom

Ships : Disney Dream, Fantasy, & Wish

Size : 237 – 241 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 3 – 5 Guests

Price : $2,900+

Important to Know : Boasting more square footage than a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom, these spacious quarters feature one large porthole as your outlook to the sea. Depending on what room you receive and on what ship, you may even have two port holes in one room! While you can sometimes find these rooms on higher decks like 8 and 9, they are mostly located lower on the ship. The majority of these rooms are located on decks 5 and 6. These D isney Cruise cabins  are ideal for families who don’t need the private verandah. The rooms are essentially the same without the balcony!

Related Post: What is the Best Disney Cruise Ship for your Family?

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

Disney-port-hole-room-on-magic-and-wonder

Size : 204 – 218 sq. ft

Price : $2,800+

Important to Know : With the same square footage as a Deluxe Inside Stateroom, this room type includes a delightful porthole window. Be dazzled by incredible sunrises and stunning sunsets through 1 or 2 portholes, all from the plush comfort of your room. If you’re looking to go on a Disney Cruise for a discount , you’ll find comfort in the Oceanview Stateroom. This room is ideal for guests who are just using their room as a place to sleep and want to fully enjoy everything the ship has to offer. While also providing natural light and still breathtaking ocean views.

Related Post: Are there Discounts on Disney Cruises?

Interior Staterooms

Deluxe inside stateroom.

inside-stateroom-disney-wonder-and-magic

Size : 204 – 214 sq. ft.

Sleeps : 3 – 4

Important to Know : Available on every ship except the Disney Wish, the Deluxe Family Inside Stateroom is ideal for guests looking to use their room simply as a place to sleep and store their belongings. While this room is by no means a  luxury Disney Cruise suite , it still is donned with incredible fabrics and comfortable bedding. On Disney Dream and Fantasy, these rooms also have “Magic Portholes”. These are LED screens in the shape of a circle showing the “ocean” outside. If you keep an eye out, you’ll see some of your favorite Disney Characters float (or swim) by!

Related Post: Which ship is Disney’s newest ship?

Standard Inside Stateroom

disney-wish-standard-inside-room

Size : 169 – 184 sq. ft.

Important to Know : The smallest of all staterooms, the Standard Inside Staterooms are the best  D isney Cruise rooms  to stay in if you’re cruising on a budget. Although small, it is the perfect size for someone sailing by themselves or with one other person. Personally, even though it technically can sleep up to 4 guests, I wouldn’t recommend this room for anyone traveling with more than 2 people total. The space, while designed usefully, is small and can feel very cramped when getting ready for dinners or other events your sailing might have.

Related Post: What is the best Disney Cruise ship for Adults?

Best Disney Cruise Rooms FAQ

f-a-q

Q: Which is the Best Deck to stay on a Disney Wish Cruise Ship?

A: If you’re not staying in a Concierge-level stateroom, the best deck to stay on Disney Wish  is deck 9. On this deck, you will be only 2 decks below the main dining areas and pools. You could stay on deck 10 which is directly below the main amenity deck 11. But book your room with caution! If you stay directly under high-traffic areas, there is a chance you can hear people running around or the Crew Members preparing the restaurants at odd hours. 

Q: Which side of the Disney Cruise Ship to stay on?

A: This is up to you! There is no “bad side” of a Disney ship nor does it change the price you pay. The biggest difference in what side of the ship you stay on is what view you want to have while docked at ports of call. If you want the potential to see beaches and other ships, I recommend booking a room on the starboard (right) side of the ship. But if you’d like to be able to watch people running to the ship at the very last minute, a room on the port (left) side will be best for you.

Q: What is the Best Part of the Ship to stay on Disney Wish?

A: For all cruisers, but especially if it’s your first time sailing or you are prone to seasickness, the best location on Disney Cruise ship is to stay in mid or the middle of the ship. This is where you will feel less of the ship’s movement and more stability as you sail to your destinations. However, I have stayed in both the Mid and Aft (back) of the ship and had a better experience in the back!

Q: What is the most Luxurious Stateroom in Disney  Cruise Ship?

A: By far the most luxurious stateroom on a Disney ship is the Tower Suite on the Disney Wish and soon-to-sail Disney Treasure. This stateroom is a first of its kind and is a full two-deck room in the ship’s forward tunnel. On the Disney Wish, the room is themed to the animated film Moana . While on the soon-to-sail Disney Treasure, it is going to be EPCOT-themed! This will mark the first room themed after one of the Disney Theme Parks! We can’t wait to see this new ship and all it has to offer so make sure to check back for more updates!

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.

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Who We Recommend

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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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  • May 10, 2021

The Best Staterooms in Each of the 10 Categories on the Disney Wish

Storybook destinations.

  • Disney Cruise Line
  • Disney Wish

    It’s almost time to book the Disney Wish! I’m sure you’ve been printing out deck plans, and scouring them for the perfect stateroom, right? No? Just me? Well good news! I’ve done the work for all of us! Let me tell you, I’d be happy anywhere on this ship, I just want to be on it! Crew quarters? No problem. Soft couch somewhere quiet? Sign me up. But hey, may as well aim high, right? There could be some hidden gems in there!

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Before I give my recommendations, I have a few things to note: – I have (obviously) not been onboard. These recommendations are solely based on the virtual deck plans released by Disney, Scott Sanders website – The DCL Blog, and the concept art of the outside of the ship. I am trusting Disney that the plans are somewhat to scale, and accurate. Don’t yell at me if it turns out they weren’t! – I’m not going to recommend accessible staterooms, if you don’t need one, please leave them for others who do. – I normally recommend avoiding connecting staterooms whenever possible if you don’t need them. On the Wish, that will be pretty hard, as over 900 staterooms connect. – There are (obviously) no actual guest reviews of staterooms on the Wish yet. Once we get some, and I get onboard, I’ll rewrite as necessary! In fact, if Disney releases more information before bookings begin on the 17th, I’ll update this particular post! Check back on the 16th for the most up to date information.

So, without further ado, here are my recommendations for each category!

disney cruise best deck to stay on

1. Category 1 – There are two (possibly three), very different category 1’s onboard the Wish. SO FAR, we only know of Category 1B – Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah, and Category 1C – Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah. Do you see anything missing there? Like Category 1A? Why would Disney skip A? More on that in a minute… Category 1B and Category 1C’s both look stunning. The 2-story 1B’s are found all the way forward, and right next to the private concierge sundeck and pool. Stateroom 13000 is the Princess Aurora Royal Suite, and 13500 is the Briar Rose Royal Suite. If I had to pick one, I’d go with 13500, because I always choose starboard for Castaway Cay views. Otherwise, I’d quite happily take either one! There is one accessible Category 1C, and one regular (if regular is a word that can ever be applied to a Royal Suite) 1C. So, keeping to my ground rules above, I’ll recommend stateroom 10666. Interestingly, it’s all the way aft, (and down on deck 10) and thus not near the concierge lounge. But the views should be amazing! Now what about that 1A? The 1A hasn’t appeared on a single deck plan or been in a single announcement. But cruise guru Scott Sanders sniffed out a reference that no one else has found, and he thinks there will be a 1A. Stateroom 14000. IN THE FUNNEL. Can you even imagine? This stateroom may be so special it merits its own special announcement. My guess is that we will hear more about that this week. I don’t see Disney beginning bookings without that one!

Edit – We have the 1A news! It is indeed, a stateroom in the funnel! The Concierge Tower Wish Stateroom! This stateroom is lightly inspired by Moana and is 1966 square feet. There are two main bedrooms, one children’s room and a library that converts to a bedroom! And FOUR AND A HALF bathrooms!! I can’t get over that one. There are floor to ceiling windows, and a porcelain sculpture that comes to live in an “only-Disney-can-do” way. Color me beyond intrigued.

2. Category 2 – The category 2’s look more like the 1-Bedrooms we are used to. They are broken down into two types – Category 2A Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Extended Verandah, and Category 2B Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah. There are only two 2A’s, stateroom 12000, and stateroom 12500. I have to say, from the deck plans, it looks like more than the verandah is extended on those two! But even if not, that verandah looks huge! Between the two, I will go starboard again, and recommend 12500. The 2B’s are found on decks 12 and 13. Deck 13 appears to be more convenient to the concierge sundeck and pool, and deck 12 is more convenient to the concierge lounge. Pick which of those you would rather be closer to, and then I’d recommend starboard.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

3. Category 3 – There are two category 3’s – Category 3A Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah and Category 3B Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom. Category 3B is a brand-new category! Disney has not had a concierge stateroom without a verandah before! We’ll come back to that. Like the category 2’s, Category 3A’s are located on decks 12 and 13. Staterooms 12502 and 12002 do appear to have larger verandahs than any others. So I’d be inclined to grab one of those if available! After that, same recommendations as above. Decide if you would rather be near the pool or the lounge, and then I recommend starboard. Now for the 3B’s! They look so cool! This is actually the first stateroom I’d like to try. What they lack in verandahs, they make up for in views. Located directly above the bridge and all the way forward, 3B’s have floor to ceiling windows for what should be some absolutely spectacular views. The two on the sides look the largest by far! One of which is accessible, so I would recommend the other – stateroom 11006. After that, 11000 is dead center and even looks just slightly larger on the deck plan. Whether the deck plan is to scale or not, that’s got to be a great stateroom. After that, it looks like 11004 and 11502 have a little more window space, so I would pick one of those next!

disney cruise best deck to stay on

4. Category 4 – Category 4’s are known as Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. There are 4A’s, 4B’s, 4C’s and 4E’s. A-C only denote how high of a deck they are on. A’s are located on deck 10 and 11, B’s on decks 8 and 9, and C’s on decks 6 and 7. 4E’s are all the way aft on decks 6, 9 and 10, and have extended verandahs! Category 4’s are where we first encounter the bumpouts. The Disney Wish is the first ship Disney has built with a bumpout along the sides, and it has two! I’ve sailed on a ship with a bumpout before, and while it doesn’t affect the views looking straight out from your verandah, it does slightly affect the views from side to side. While category 4’s are the only kind of staterooms on the bumpouts, they are not all on the bumpouts. I’d probably pick a stateroom on a bumpout if possible. The staterooms on the center of the bumpouts do seem to have slightly larger verandahs though! So those would be my first recommendation. For 4E’s the staterooms on decks 9 and 10 are more convenient to the pool deck, but the 4E’s on deck 6 (staterooms 6196 and 6696) look to have both a bigger configuration and huge verandahs! I’d pick those first. My only caution would be parts of decks 10 and 6. We just aren’t sure of the impacts of pool deck noise from above when you’re on deck 10, or the entertainment noise from below when you are on deck 6.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

5. Category 5 – Category 5’s are what most of us picture when we picture a normal stateroom. Known as a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, they tend to be my go-to category. I don’t think any of them are in bad locations, although I would offer the same cautions as above for decks 10 and 6. The hidden gems here for me would probably be the ones on the edge of the bumpouts! On deck 10, for example, 10544, 10546, 10044, and 10046 all appear to have bigger verandahs. The ones toward the front of the bumpout would have a slightly better view facing forward, and the ones toward the back would have a slightly better view facing forward. So, pick your desired view, and decide if starboard matters to you when you’re picking! If you are interested in the far aft of the ship with what may be a bigger verandah, try 6198, or 6698. Interestingly, those appear to be category 5’s and not 4E’s.

6. Category 6 – Category 6’s are still called Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. They are similar to category 5 but have a slight obstruction on the verandah. Not usually a huge one! If it follows along the pattern of the staterooms on the Dream and Fantasy, it should be fairly minimal, like a short solid wall on the bottom of the verandah. Category 6’s are all found aft on decks 6, 7, 8 and 9. They should all be fairly similar, so I would pick a starboard one. It also appears that 8192 and 8690 are 6A’s on the back of the ship! Which means they may have a big verandah!

7. Category 7 – Category 7’s are still called Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, but they should have a bigger obstruction than a category 6. It looks like they are similar to the 7A staterooms on the Dream and Fantasy, with an overhang of metal from the structure of the ship. They’re located on decks 6, 7, 8 and 9. If I had to guess by looking at the concept art, I would guess that deck 6 staterooms have the least obstruction. But concept art is just that – a concept. Much can change when the ship is actually built!

8. Category 8 – Category 8’s have that magical word – “Family” in their title, which means they fit 4-5 guests, instead of 3-4 guests like most other staterooms. They are called Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms, and there is one interesting thing to note about these! There are no 8A’s! That’s sad news for those that love category 8A’s on the Dream and Fantasy, which are known for their massive size and double portholes. 8B’s and 8C’s are all aft or forward and look to be the same! It’s possible that 6510-6512 and 6012-6014 may have some noise from things that haven’t been announced yet, but that’s also hard to tell at this point! So, my recommendation is starboard.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

9. Category 9 – Category 9’s are the regular oceanview staterooms, and are called Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms. Because of the angle of the ship, 9D’s have slanted portholes. There are a few options here to note! There are some category 9’s on the front of the ship on deck’s 6, 7 and 8 that look big! In fact 8006, 8504, 7006 and 7504 look huge! 7004, 7502, and 6500 also look oversized although they will have the slanted porthole if that matters to you. Some of the oceanviews on deck 2 will butt up to the Walt Disney Theatre, so there’s a chance that they have a little bit of noise.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

10. Category 11 – The first thing you may notice about these Standard Inside Staterooms, is that that’s all there are! There are no category 10’s (Deluxe Inside Staterooms) onboard the Wish. That basically means there are no split bathrooms in any of the inside staterooms. I think that’s an interesting choice, given that Disney pioneered the split bathroom concept onboard cruise ships, and they were included in many inside staterooms on the other four ships. But that’s their choice, and make it they did. They also said there will not be any virtual portholes which is another interesting choice! Is it possible there is more to be announced about the inside staterooms? Like virtual verandahs? Not according to the concept art! But again – concept. Looking at the options here, 11529 and 11511 look intriguing. If those drawings are accurate, I’m not sure what’s happening there! But it could be a good space. Some on the starboard side on deck 2 look to have an interesting shape. And two, 2061 and 2055, on the port side look like they are the sideways layout that some people love! 7533 and 9525 could also be sideways layouts.

That’s it, that’s my list! I hope this helps on booking day! Good luck, and may the Force, may the odds, all of that. Let me know if you see anything I missed or have any questions!

If you would like to get on our VIP list to book and take advantage of our onboard credits, contact us today!

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The Best Staterooms in Each of the 10 Categories on the Disney Wish

It’s almost time to book the Disney Wish !  I’m sure you’ve been printing out deck plans, and scouring them for the perfect stateroom, right?  No?  Just me?  Well good news– I’ve done the work for all of us!  Let me tell you, I’d be happy anywhere on this ship, I just want to be on it.  Crew quarters?  No problem.  Soft couch somewhere quiet?  Sign me up.  But hey, may as well aim high, right?  There could be some hidden gems in there!

Before I give my recommendations, I have a few things to note.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

  • I’m not going to recommend accessible staterooms. If you don’t need one, please leave them for others who do.
  • I normally recommend avoiding connecting staterooms whenever possible if you don’t need them. On the Wish, that will be pretty hard, as over 900 staterooms connect.
  • There are (obviously) no actual guest reviews of staterooms on the Wish yet. Once we get some, and I get onboard, I’ll rewrite as necessary.  In fact, if Disney releases more information before bookings begin on the 17 th , I’ll update this particular post.  Check back on the 16 th for the most up-to-date information.
  • If you want to compare staterooms to the other four ships, here are my recommendations for those.

So, without further ado, here are my recommendations for each category!

disney cruise best deck to stay on

1. Category 1 – There are two (possibly three), very different category 1’s onboard the Wish. SO FAR, we only know of Category 1B – Concierge 2-Story Royal Suite with Verandah, and Category 1C – Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah.  Do you see anything missing there?  Like Category 1A?  Why would Disney skip A?  More on that in a minute…  Category 1B and Category 1C’s both look stunning.  The 2-story 1B’s are found all the way forward, and right next to the private concierge sundeck and pool.  Stateroom 13000 is the Princess Aurora Royal Suite, and 13500 is the Briar Rose Royal Suite.  If I had to pick one, I’d go with 13500, because I always choose starboard for Castaway Cay views.  Otherwise, I’d quite happily take either one!  There is one accessible Category 1C, and one regular (if regular is a word that can ever be applied to a Royal Suite) 1C.  So, keeping to my ground rules above, I’ll recommend stateroom 10666.  Interestingly, it’s all the way aft (and down on deck 10), and thus not near the concierge lounge.  But the views should be amazing!  Now what about that 1A?  The 1A hasn’t appeared on a single deck plan or been in a single announcement.  But cruise guru Scott Sanders sniffed out a reference that no one else has found, and he thinks there will be a 1A.  Stateroom 14000.  IN THE FUNNEL.  Can you even imagine?  This stateroom may be so special it merits its own special announcement.  My guess is that we will hear more about that this week.  I don’t see Disney beginning bookings without that one!  Unless maybe it’s not available for booking?  A Make-a-Wish room?  Or a Castle Suite experience kind of thing?  Interesting thought!

Edit – We have the 1A news! It is indeed, a stateroom in the funnel! The Concierge Tower Wish Stateroom! This stateroom is lightly inspired by Moana and is 1966 square feet. There are two main bedrooms, one children’s room and a library that converts to a bedroom! And FOUR AND A HALF bathrooms!! I can’t get over that one. There are floor to ceiling windows, and a porcelain sculpture that comes to live in an “only-Disney-can-do” way. Color me beyond intrigued.

2. Category 2 – The category 2’s look more like the 1-Bedrooms we are used to. They are broken down into two types – Category 2A Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Extended Verandah, and Category 2B Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah. There are only two 2A’s, stateroom 12000, and stateroom 12500.  I have to say, from the deck plans, it looks like more than the verandah is extended on those two.  But even if not, that verandah looks huge!  Between the two, I will go starboard again, and recommend 12500.  The 2B’s are found on decks 12 and 13.  Deck 13 appears to be more convenient to the concierge sundeck and pool, and deck 12 is more convenient to the concierge lounge.  Pick which of those you would rather be closer to, and then I’d recommend starboard.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

3. Category 3 – There are two category 3’s – Category 3A Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah and Category 3B Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom. Category 3B is a brand-new category. Disney has not had a concierge stateroom without a verandah before!  We’ll come back to that.  Like the category 2’s, Category 3A’s are located on decks 12 and 13.  Staterooms 12502 and 12002 do appear to have larger verandahs than any others,  so I’d be inclined to grab one of those if available.  After that, same recommendations as above:  Decide if you would rather be near the pool or the lounge, and then I recommend starboard.  Now for the 3B’s.  They look so cool!  This is actually the first stateroom I’d like to try.  What they lack in verandahs, they make up for in views.  Located directly above the bridge and all the way forward, 3B’s have floor to ceiling windows for what should be some absolutely spectacular views.  The two on the sides look the largest by far.  One of them is accessible, so I would recommend the other – stateroom 11006.  After that, 11000 is dead center and even looks just slightly larger on the deck plan.  Whether the deck plan is to scale or not, that’s got to be a great stateroom.  After that, it looks like 11004 and 11502 have a little more window space, so I would pick one of those next.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

4. Category 4 – Category 4’s are known as Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. There are 4A’s, 4B’s, 4C’s and 4E’s. A-C only denote how high of a deck they are on.  A’s are located on deck 10 and 11, B’s on decks 8 and 9, and C’s on decks 6 and 7.  4E’s are all the way aft on decks 6, 9 and 10, and have extended verandahs!  Category 4’s are where we first encounter the bumpouts.  The Disney Wish is the first ship Disney has built with a bumpout along the sides, and it has two!  I’ve sailed on a ship with a bumpout before, and while it doesn’t affect the views looking straight out from your verandah, it does slightly affect the views from side to side.  While category 4’s are the only kind of staterooms on the bumpouts, they are not all on the bumpouts.  I’d probably pick a stateroom on a bumpout if possible.  The staterooms on the center of the bumpouts do seem to have slightly larger verandahs though, so those would be my first recommendation.  For 4E’s the staterooms on decks 9 and 10 are more convenient to the pool deck, but the 4E’s on deck 6 (staterooms 6196 and 6696) look to have both a bigger configuration and huge verandahs!  I’d pick those first.   My only caution would be parts of decks 10 and 6.  We just aren’t sure of the impacts of pool deck noise from above when you’re on deck 10, or the entertainment noise from below when you are on deck 6.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

5. Category 5 – Category 5’s are what most of us picture when we picture a normal stateroom. Known as a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, they tend to be my go-to category. I don’t think any of them are in bad locations, although I would offer the same cautions as above for decks 10 and 6.  The hidden gems here for me would probably be the ones on the edge of the bumpouts.  On deck 10, for example, 10544, 10546, 10044, and 10046 all appear to have bigger verandahs.  The ones toward the front of the bumpout would have a slightly better view facing forward, and the ones toward the back would have a slightly better view facing forward.  So, pick your desired view, and decide if starboard matters to you when you’re picking.  If you are interested in the far aft of the ship with what may be a bigger verandah, try 6198, or 6698.  Interestingly, those appear to be category 5’s and not 4E’s.

6. Category 6 – Category 6’s are still called Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. They are similar to category 5 but have a slight obstruction on the verandah–not usually a huge one, though.  If it follows along the pattern of the staterooms on the Dream and Fantasy , it should be fairly minimal, like a short solid wall on the bottom of the verandah.  Category 6’s are all found aft on decks 6, 7, 8 and 9.  They should all be fairly similar, so I would pick a starboard one.  It also appears that 8192 and 8690 are 6A’s on the back of the ship, which means they may have a big verandah!

7. Category 7 – Category 7’s are still called Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, but they should have a bigger obstruction than a category 6. It looks like they are similar to the 7A staterooms on the Dream and Fantasy, with an overhang of metal from the structure of the ship. They’re located on decks 6, 7, 8 and 9.  If I had to guess by looking at the concept art, I would guess that deck 6 staterooms have the least obstruction.  But concept art is just that – a concept.  Much can change when the ship is actually built!

disney cruise best deck to stay on

8. Category 8 – Category 8’s have that magical word – “Family” in their title, which means they fit 4-5 guests, instead of 3-4 guests like most other staterooms. They are called Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms, and there is one interesting thing to note about these! There are no 8A’s!  That’s sad news for those that love category 8A’s on the Dream and Fantasy, which are known for their massive size and double portholes.  8B’s and 8C’s are all aft or forward and look to be the same. It’s possible that 6510-6512 and 6012-6014 may have some noise from things that haven’t been announced yet, but that’s also hard to tell at this point,  so, my recommendation is starboard.

9. Category 9 – Category 9’s are the regular oceanview staterooms, and are called Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms. Because of the angle of the ship, 9D’s have slanted portholes. There are a few options here to note.  There are some category 9’s on the front of the ship on deck’s 6, 7 and 8 that look big. In fact 8006, 8504, 7006, and 7504 look huge!  7004, 7502, and 6500 also look oversized although they will have the slanted porthole if that matters to you.  Some of the oceanviews on deck 2 will butt up to the Walt Disney Theatre, so there’s a chance that they have a little bit of noise.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

10. Category 11 – The first thing you may notice about these Standard Inside Staterooms, is that that’s all there are! There are no category 10’s (Deluxe Inside Staterooms) onboard the Wish. That basically means there are no split bathrooms in any of the inside staterooms.  I think that’s an interesting choice, given that Disney pioneered the split bathroom concept onboard cruise ships, and they were included in many inside staterooms on the other four ships.  But that’s their choice, and make it they did.  They also said there will not be any virtual portholes which is another interesting choice!  Is it possible there is more to be announced about the inside staterooms?  Like virtual verandahs?  Not according to the concept art!  But again – concept.  Looking at the options here, 11529 and 11511 look intriguing.  If those drawings are accurate, I’m not sure what’s happening there!  But it could be a good space.  Some on the starboard side on deck 2 look to have an interesting shape.  And two, 2061 and 2055, on the port side look like they are the sideways layout that some people love!  7533 and 9525 could also be sideways layouts.

That’s it, that’s my list.  I hope this helps on booking day.  Good luck, and may the Force, may the odds, all of that.  Let me know if you see anything I missed or have any questions!

Tammy Whiting  is the owner of  Storybook Destinations . Did you know Storybook Destinations offers a  complimentary subscription to TouringPlans  with qualified Disney and Universal bookings? Click  here  for a no-obligation quote on your next vacation.

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Tammy Whiting

Tammy has been a lover of all things Disney for most of her life. There’s nowhere on this Earth she’d rather be than on a Disney cruise with her family. She’s a Space Force wife and proud mom of two wonderful children and one beautiful daughter-in-law . She fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2008 and became a travel agent specializing in Disney vacations. She now owns her own travel agency - Storybook Destinations. You can reach Tammy at [email protected].

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8 thoughts on “ The Best Staterooms in Each of the 10 Categories on the Disney Wish ”

We are looking at our first disney cruise. We are trying to decided between the Wish and the Magic. We will be in an accesability room. We have 6654 on the Magic and 9680 on the Wish. As first time cruisers which ship would you recommend? I just don’t want to make a mistake.

Also I am traveling with a 17 year old and 14 year old who love pirates and marvel.

For deck 2 staterooms, would it be less noisy under the grand hall and shops or under restaurant 1923?

I got assigned to 8179 stateroom. does it feel really clausthrofobic?

for a family who has motion sickness issues and also considers noise a factor would you chose 1090 or 6090. I know it is all a gamble at this point.

It is hard to know for sure! 6090 would be better for motion. I probably wouldn’t be too worried about noise there either. Even if there are some loud events in there, they wouldn’t be early, and would probably never go past 10 pm, with the possible exception of the last night!

You mentioned that Deck 6 may have issues with noise from below, but very little of it is above what I would consider noisy venues (with the exception of dinnertime – a good portion of it is above Arendelle (the new Frozen restaurant).

I agree, I wouldn’t worry about a lot of deck 6. But there are some possible noise issues during dinner (I suspect the Frozen show will be loud twice a night, and one of those will be late at night for little ones) and above the Grand Hall for any activities there. It definitely remains to be seen if either of those are a problem, just something to be aware of when picking! 🙂

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Which Deck on Disney Cruise Is the Best?

Ashley

Determining the best deck on a Disney Cruise depends on a variety of factors, including personal preferences, the type of stateroom you choose, and the specific ship you’ll be sailing on. This comprehensive guide will delve into the unique features of each deck, the best options for different types of travelers, and what you can expect in terms of views, noise levels, and proximity to amenities.

The best deck on a Disney Cruise largely depends on personal preferences and needs. Families might prefer lower decks closer to kid-friendly amenities, while couples or solo travelers might opt for decks with no public spaces directly above or below for peace and quiet. Higher decks often provide more panoramic views but can be pricier and busier. Consider factors like stateroom type, views, noise levels, and proximity to amenities when choosing your deck.

Unique Features of Each Deck

Each Disney Cruise ship boasts a unique set of features and experiences, offering something for every guest. For instance, the Disney Dream is known for its virtual portholes in inside staterooms and the first-ever water roller coaster at sea, the AquaDuck. On the other hand, the Disney Fantasy offers the same AquaDuck experience while also featuring a bronze statue of Mademoiselle Minnie.

Best Deck for Families

Families with children might prefer decks closer to kid-friendly amenities such as the Oceaneer Club and Lab, and the Mickey and Donald’s Splash Zones. Lower decks tend to be quieter and less crowded, providing a peaceful environment for children to rest after a day full of fun activities.

Best Deck for Couples and Solo Travelers

The best deck for couples or solo travelers will depend on individual preferences and priorities. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, consider choosing a stateroom on a deck with no public spaces directly above or below it. For solo travelers, Disney Cruise Line offers single staterooms, which are a more affordable and comfortable option.

Dining, Entertainment, and Activity Options

Disney Cruise ships offer a plethora of dining, entertainment, and activity options. From themed restaurants and Broadway-style shows to kids’ clubs and adults-only areas, there’s no shortage of things to do. It’s essential to review the deck plans for the specific Disney Cruise ship you’ll be sailing on to find out where these facilities are located.

Views from Each Deck

The views from each deck can vary significantly. Higher decks often provide more panoramic views, but lower decks also offer stunning sights and can be less affected by the movement of the ship.

Noise Levels and Crowding

If tranquility is a priority, consider choosing a cabin away from busy areas. Decks that are not directly below or above public areas tend to be quieter. Additionally, lower decks are usually less crowded and can provide a serene retreat from the bustling activities on the upper decks.

Cost Variations

The cost can vary significantly between decks, depending on the type of stateroom and its location. While staterooms on higher decks might be pricier, they often come with perks such as better views and quicker access to amenities. Consider your budget and preferences to determine if the added cost is worth the benefits.

In conclusion, the best deck on a Disney Cruise is subjective and largely depends on your personal needs and preferences. Whether you’re a family with children, a couple, or a solo traveler, there’s a perfect deck for you on a Disney Cruise ship. Take the time to research and consider factors such as stateroom type, views, noise levels, and proximity to amenities to make the best choice for your dream vacation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the names of the disney cruise ships.

The Disney Cruise Line fleet consists of four ships: the Disney Magic , the Disney Wonder , the Disney Dream , and the Disney Fantasy .

Do all staterooms on the Disney Cruise ships have verandas?

Not all staterooms on Disney Cruise ships have verandas. The type of staterooms available include Inside Staterooms, Oceanview Staterooms, Verandah Staterooms, and Concierge Staterooms. Only Verandah and some Concierge Staterooms come with a private veranda.

What is the AquaDuck?

The AquaDuck is a water coaster at sea, available on the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy. It’s a 765-foot long winding waterslide with a transparent tube that provides stunning views as you glide above the upper decks of the ship and out over the ocean.

What are the dining options on a Disney Cruise ship?

Each Disney Cruise ship offers a variety of dining options, including Main Dining restaurants, Quick Service dining, Casual Dining, and Adult Exclusive Dining. The specific restaurants and dining experiences can vary by ship.

Does Disney Cruise Line offer any amenities specifically for adults?

Yes, Disney Cruise Line offers several adults-only amenities, including adult-exclusive dining options, nightclubs and lounges, fitness centers, spas, and pools. These areas provide a peaceful retreat for adults to relax and unwind.

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Ashley is a true theme park veteran, with insights gleaned from multiple visits to every park in the US. Her goal is to provide an insider's guide to making the most of your visit to any theme park.

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Finding the Best Location for You on a Disney Cruise Ship

4/13/2021   |   Cruises , Tips

One of the most common questions we receive from cruise clients is the best location when selecting a stateroom.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

  • If you are sensitive to motion, having a stateroom center ship and on a lower deck may provide less movement of the ship.
  • Selecting a stateroom with a verandah or an oceanview will also help if you begin to feel queazy so you have the ability to look at the horizon. The verandah stateroom is also an added benefit for the ability to step outside for fresh air.
  • Many people feel being high up on a ship is more desirable. If this is your preference, it’s important to know that staterooms on the deck right under the pool deck tend to have noise early in the morning as they move the deck chairs around the pool getting ready for the day. Therefore, if you are a light sleeper, this location may not be for you.
  • Elevators tend to be very congested before and after dinner. If you do not mind taking the steps, then picking a deck lower will allow for fewer flights of steps to walk up and down. However, if you would prefer to use the elevators, the elevators toward the aft and forward tend to have less traffic and easier to get on during the dinner hour.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

  • For easy access to Cabanas, a stateroom in the aft of the ship will make it an easier and faster commute.
  • When I take an adult-only cruise, I tend to book a stateroom toward the front of the ship since we spend most of our time in this area since the spa, fitness area, the Cove Café (coffee shop) and the adult pool is located.
  • If you are looking for a quiet deck without a lot of hallway traffic then deck 2 is a great choice. Keep in mind, a verandah is not an option in this deck, but for some, the tradeoff is worth it.
  • If you are planning on spending a lot of time in your stateroom and would enjoy a large verandah, then a stateroom at the rear of the ship provides some excellent options, but they go quickly because of the popularity.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

As you can see, there are many options to take into consideration, but your Me and The Mouse Travel Specialist is available to help select the best location to meet your needs.

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best cabin rooms and deck on fantasy

  • Thread starter disneydream4
  • Start date Jan 26, 2015

disneydream4

Earning my ears.

  • Jan 26, 2015

we might be going on the fantasy for a 7 night cruise to the carribean does anyone that has been on the fantasy have a cabin that they really like and in a perfect spot and there favorite deck. this will be are first cruise and not sure what is the best room and deck to get so if anyone can suggest a perfect room and deck that they have loved please share thank you.  

mitsguy2001

Dis veteran.

It depends on what type of room you want. If possible, it's best to have other staterooms above and below you. If you want a verandah, then Decks 7, 8, and 9 are good choices, since they have staterooms both above and below. The same is true of much of Deck 6. Be careful with Deck 10, since much of it has the lido deck or the buffet above. If you want a larger than normal verandah, you can book a Cat. 4E room on Deck 5. Unlike Cat. 4A - 4D, these rooms are normal sized, but have larger verandahs. If you tell us more about what type of room you want, we can help you further.  

By the way, this is a thread I started a while ago that explains all of the different categories of stateroom on the ship. You may find it helpful. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3231583  

thank you for your replies and information we would like to stay in a room with a balacony or a deluxe ocean stateroom with a large porthole. to sleep 4 people 2 adults and 2 child. I hear don't get a room next to the elevator. I don't know of any other information you need so let me know what else you need to know to help me pick out the right room , we were thinking of staying on either deck 7 or 8.  

disneydream4 said: thank you for your replies and information we would like to stay in a room with a balacony or a deluxe ocean stateroom with a large porthole. to sleep 4 people 2 adults and 2 child. I hear don't get a room next to the elevator. I don't know of any other information you need so let me know what else you need to know to help me pick out the right room , we were thinking of staying on either deck 7 or 8. Click to expand...

hardis5

  • Jan 27, 2015

We've done a deluxe family oceanview with the large porthole on both decks 7 and 8 both forward (these are located forward and towards the rear) and next time are doing mid-ship deluxe family with a veranda sticking to deck 8, which we find a good compromise in walking up or down when not using the elevators. You will get as many opinions as people replying about the best location on the ship (read the stateroom reviews) but we've chosen a deluxe veranda this time to be as close to mid-ship as possible for being forward the last two times, we did notice the ships motion. Walking the corridors one does notice more vibration in the rear (whether this translates to noise in the cabins I do not know) than you notice in the bow or mid-ship.  

mama2mickeyfans

Mouseketeer.

We loved our cat 6B - aft verandah cabins on deck 5. 5190/5192 Was also nice to have the laundry right there. We have kids so loved being on the same level as the kids club and nursery. I am a verandah snob though, and I love the extended balconies! Definitely decide what your priorities are - reducing noise, reducing motion, balcony size, proximitiy to various features on the ship... etc. Budget may help you choose a category. For us, 6B was the least expensive cabin with verandah, so we started there. That will help you narrow it down!  

ptcbass

I think you will get a lot of different answers to this question. We like staying aft, 8th or 9th deck. We also like the 7a rooms (not all of them though). It is close enough to Cabanas and the pool deck and drink station. Also we stay near the elevators and have never had a problem with noise or anything. I guess you might if you are near the midship elevators. They are the busiest. I doubt it is a problem there either though. We do like the large porthole rooms. The window seat is a nice place to spend some time. If you get a "family" category room you will also have the round tub and rain shower head. Also some people like starboard v/s port side for various reasons but nothing that will make or break your trip. Ex. CC is visible out your window starboard side. Going south the moon will be out your starboard window, but portside coming back. Also true for sunrises or sunsets. Fireworks go off starboard side. And the list goes on...  

hoffman1

We like veranda rooms on deck 9. We have stayed both forward and aft and both are fine. We had room 10656 on deck 10 once and asked to be moved. The machine that cleans the balconies is parked to the right of the balcony obstructing your view in that direction. I know that it is not there "all" of the time but we were told by our cabin attendant that was where it stayed most of the time.  

disneydream4 said: thank you everyone for all your information and replies. when i go on disneycruise line website and click on state rooms these are the rooms are available which one would best for us and how come they get higher as i go down and they are the same deck could someone explain. which is better oversized private balacony vs private verandah 5c deck7 with private verandah 05b deck8 deck 6 04d dec 5 oversized private verandah which is the better choice. thank you everyone for all your input Click to expand...
ptcbass said: I think you will get a lot of different answers to this question. We like staying aft, 8th or 9th deck. We also like the 7a rooms (not all of them though). It is close enough to Cabanas and the pool deck and drink station. Click to expand...
Also we stay near the elevators and have never had a problem with noise or anything. I guess you might if you are near the midship elevators. They are the busiest. I doubt it is a problem there either though. Click to expand...
We do like the large porthole rooms. The window seat is a nice place to spend some time. If you get a "family" category room you will also have the round tub and rain shower head. Click to expand...
hoffman1 said: We like veranda rooms on deck 9. We have stayed both forward and aft and both are fine. We had room 10656 on deck 10 once and asked to be moved. The machine that cleans the balconies is parked to the right of the balcony obstructing your view in that direction. I know that it is not there "all" of the time but we were told by our cabin attendant that was where it stayed most of the time. Click to expand...
disneydream4 said: thank you everyone for all your information and replies. when i go on disneycruise line website and click on state rooms these are the rooms are available which one would best for us and how come they get higher as i go down and they are the same deck could someone explain. which is better oversized private balacony vs private verandah Click to expand...
5c deck7 with private verandah 05b deck8 Click to expand...
deck 6 04d Click to expand...
dec 5 oversized private verandah Click to expand...
which is the better choice. thank you everyone for all your input Click to expand...
ptcbass said: A cat. 4 might be better than a 5 just because the room is a little bigger and has the round tub. I don't know much about the cat. 5's with the oversized verandah. It also depends on if the rooms are forward, midship or aft. Click to expand...
mama2mickeyfans said: As the numbers get lower 7,6,5,4 the categories improve = higher cost. Higher cost is associated with 1) more sq foot or 2) better perceived location on board or 3) combination of things On one deck there may be many different categories available (be sure to look at deck plans) 4>5 Within a Number there are subcategories 4A>4C Others can better explain the precise differences in each category you are considering. Happy planning! Click to expand...

Quellman

Donald Duck

We prefer being closer to the aft elevators than anywhere else on ship. You can easily get up to cabanas for extra drinks (or food) easy to get to Animators, Palo, and Remy. Not to mention the sports deck and adult only spaces. We didn't spend much time in either theater in October so being near those and the adult sun deck didn't really matter.  

thank you for the link of the cabin report list so if i pick cabin o5c deck 7 it says it has plexiglas oversized balcanies facing aft with white wall. is this midship or and the end by the aft.  

disneydream4 said: thank you for the link of the cabin report list so if i pick cabin o5c deck 7 it says it has plexiglas oversized balcanies facing aft with white wall. is this midship or and the end by the aft. Click to expand...

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Disney Cruise Line Information

DCL Fan is your source for Disney Cruise Line Information, News, and Discounts

Pros and Cons of Deck 2 On the Disney Magic

disney cruise best deck to stay on

We loved sailing on Disney Cruise Line’s flagship, the Magic . It’s one of the smaller ships in the fleet and it feels both classic and intimate, in comparison to the newer and larger ships in the DCL family. Our stateroom preference when sailing on the Magic tends to be on Deck 2 in an Oceanview Stateroom. There are plenty of reasons why Deck 2 is worth considering on your next DCL cruise.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Pros of Deck 2 on the Disney Magic:

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Deck 2 on the Disney Magic is comprised of both Inside and Oceanview staterooms . So if either of these room categories appeal to you, it is worth considering deck 2.

Deck 2 is quiet without any real foot traffic, because the deck is staterooms only. We enjoyed this especially at night, because there was never any real hallway noise when we were trying to sleep.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

The Afterhours area of the Disney Magic is directly above on Deck 3 which gives those staying on deck 2 easy access. If we decided to enjoy a few after-dinner drinks, it was an easy walk down one flight back to our stateroom.

Also on Deck 3 is Rapunzel’s Royal Table, Lumiere’s , and Guest Services. We found that having quick access to both rotational dining locations made it easy for us to get ready for dinner and not have to rush as much as we may have if we were higher on deck. Also, we found that being close to Guest Services allowed us to always be able to grab a printed version of the next day’s onboard Navigator before bed.

If shopping is your thing, deck 2 is just two floors below White Caps and Mickey’s Mainsail (deck 4), the two onboard shopping areas. This makes it easy to carry all your souvenirs back to your stateroom.

Deck 2 is also two decks down from the Walt Disney Theater, The D Lounge, and Animator’s Palette (all on deck 4). A very convenient walk for when the elevators are packed.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Deck 2 is also priced lower, due to the room categories, so you can find a good deal if you are searching for a DCL bargain.

Cons of Deck 2 on the Disney Magic :

For some people, the location is less desirable simply because it is lower on the ship. Or this deck does not accommodate the room type you are looking to book. For example, if you are looking for a different stateroom category like a verandah or concierge room, you would need to book a room on a higher deck.

Because of its location directly below the Afterhours lounges, there will be some noise. But it’s important to remember that that area closes around midnight and then it gets very quiet. We were directly below Keys Lounge on a Disney Magic sailing and while we did periodically hear some muffled music, it wasn’t something that was bothersome. However it is worth taking this into consideration if you have small children, or you are someone who likes to go to bed early.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

While deck 2 is convenient to many popular areas of the ship, it is also quite removed from other areas. For instance, the Kid’s Clubs and Nursery are located on deck 5. If you have small kids that will be using either of these services during your sailing, you may want to consider how close you want to be to them. Also keep in mind that deck 9 is going to be where Cabanas, Cove Cafe, the spa, the pools, Club Edge (for tweens), and all your grab and go quick meals and snacks are located.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

In my opinion, deck 2 is a great spot on the Disney Magic solely because of its location. It’s quiet but has easy accessibility to popular areas of the ship . And because the Magic isn’t an overwhelmingly large ship, you never feel too far away from anything, including the top decks where most of the activity takes place during the day. We wouldn’t hesitate to book another DCL sailing stateroom on deck 2.

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EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Disney Wonder Staterooms – What You Need to Know

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Which are the best Disney Wonder Staterooms? If you are planning to sail on a Disney Wonder cruise it is important to make the right choice of stateroom for you and your family.

I have sailed many times on Disney Wonder and have booked many different types of staterooms.

Here is the ultimate insider Disney Wonder stateroom guide with pictures so that you know what to expect.

  • Disney Wonder Staterooms Guide

tippingonadisneycruise

Disney cruise lines are known for their larger-than-average staterooms.

However, before you can make a choice you need to know what Disney Wonder staterooms are available.

The Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic are both the same basic design of ship.

This means that the stateroom descriptions and categories are almost exactly the same for both Disney Wonder and Magic.

What are the Different Types of Disney Wonder Staterooms?

What is standard in each disney wonder stateroom, disney wonder standard inside stateroom, disney wonder deluxe inside stateroom, disney wonder deluxe oceanview stateroom.

  • Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Navigator's Verandah

Disney Wonder Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

What is a white wall verandah, disney wonder deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah, disney wonder secret staterooms, disney wonder secret porthole staterooms, disney wonder secret verandah staterooms, disney wonder concierge staterooms, disney wonder concierge deluxe family oceanview stateroom with verandah, disney wonder concierge 1 bedroom suite with verandah, concierge 2 bedroom suite with verandah, disney wonder concierge royal suite with verandah.

There are 9 different categories of staterooms on the Disney Wonder.

These are Categories 11 to 4 for Staterooms and 3 Categories for Disney Wonder Concierge Staterooms and Suites.

The staterooms are also divided into subcategories according to which deck they are on and for some according to the view they have from the window or balcony.

disneywonderstateroom

So you will see categories 4 to 11 with letters after the number.

The letters go from A to E with A being the higher of the subcategories.

Higher decks are seen as more desirable so they will usually be in a higher-priced subcategory.

Obstructed view staterooms will usually be in a lower subcategory.

You will see that most of the staterooms have what is known as a ‘split bathroom’. What this means is that there are 2 separate rooms.

One has the shower over a small bath and separate sink vanity.

The other has a toilet and another sink vanity.

There are certain amenities that you will find inside each Disney Wonder stateroom:

Beverage Cooler . We use the term beverage cooler rather than refrigerator as it isn’t actually particularly cold. It will keep things cool but not chilled. If you need to chill beverages just ask your cabin steward for ice.

An ice bucket and four small glasses are found as standard in your stateroom.

disneycruiseglasses

If you want wine glasses ask your cabin steward or bring them from one of the Disney Wonder bars.

There is plenty of closet and drawer space in your Disney Wonder stateroom.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

There is an adjustable-height coffee table along with a large desk and a small backless stool that fits underneath the desk.

There is plenty of desk space.

In the drawer, you will find the card which you would leave out to order breakfast room service .

You will also find some postcards and other stationery.

disneywonderdesk

The desk space is very generous for a cruise stateroom.

We always find that we have a lot of electronics on there to charge!

Remember that power strips are prohibited on a Disney cruise.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

There is an electronic safe located in the closet.

It is big enough for passports and valuables, but not large enough to hold a laptop.

disneywonderhairdryer

You will find 2 hair dryers in the Disney Wonder staterooms.

Avoid the one in the bathroom.

It is fixed to the wall and gets incredibly hot.

It also reminds me of something from the 80s!

The hairdryer you will want to use is located in one of the desk drawers.

It is fine, but many guests will want to bring their own.

Each Disney Wonder stateroom has its own adjustable thermostat.

You will also find a desk phone . The desk phone is useful for calling Room Service and Guest Services.

There is a flat-screen television in each Disney Wonder stateroom.

It is mounted on a flexible arm so it is movable to an extent.

The Disney Wonder stateroom television has a number of channels including of course Disney Channel.

Since the Disney Wonder dry dock, it does now have the interactive television which the Fantasy and Dream have.

So if you want to catch up with a Disney movie now is your chance!

However, make sure that you look out for the stage shows which are shown every day.

There is also a useful map so you can see where you are at sea and how fast you are sailing.

There is a very thick privacy curtain that separates the living from the sleeping area.

This is a really nice feature as it can make it a lot easier to travel with others in your Disney Wonder stateroom.

Most of the Disney Wonder staterooms have what is known as the split bathroom . This is where there are 2 rooms for the bathroom.

One has a toilet and a sink.

The other has a small bathtub with a shower and an additional sink.

This split bath design is very popular and makes it a lot easier to share a stateroom with other people!

One of the very nice features of all Disney Wonder staterooms is the complimentary Shampoo, Conditioner, Soap, and Body Lotion.

This was always the H2O brand but this is being discontinued so we are not sure what the replacement will be.

You used to get individual small bottles which were replenished each day. However, Disney cruise lines have announced that this will be discontinued for environmental reasons and will be replaced with toiletries in a dispenser.

If you are fortunate enough to be sailing in a Disney Wonder concierge stateroom you will have complimentary Elemis products. You can also find these in the spa changing rooms.

Disney Cruise Packing Guide Essentials

Things You Must Not Do In Your Disney Cruise Cabin

These are Category 11 staterooms . Each is 184 square feet. Each has a Queen size bed with a single convertible sofa bed.

There is a privacy divider between the main sleeping and the living area.

disney cruise inside stateroom

There is also a bathroom.

The standard inside staterooms are the only staterooms not to have a split bath arrangement.

Each Standard Inside Stateroom sleeps up to 3 or 4 guests.

They are located on Decks 2, 5, 6 and 7.

Here is a video of a Disney Wonder Standard Inside Stateroom so you can see exactly what to expect.

Unfortunately, the Disney Wonder Inside Staterooms does not have the virtual porthole which the inside cabins on the Disney Fantasy and Dream have.

This is a very popular feature, but it could not be retrofitted on the classic ships.

I expect that you will see a virtual porthole on the new Disney ships , the first of which will debut in 2021.

I would highly recommend this category of stateroom if you are looking for a way to save money. Typically these are the least expensive staterooms on the Disney Wonder.

Don’t get me wrong, space is pretty tight.

Particularly for 3 guests.

I wouldn’t want to sail with 4 adults in one of these Inside cabins as I think that would be a very tight fit.

However, with adults and children, it should be just fine.

The storage space is so brilliantly thought out in a Disney stateroom. There is plenty of hanging space and drawers.

Do I miss the split bathroom? I think to be honest I really do. However, I found that I used the showers in the gym a lot. This has the advantage of the availability of some very nice free Elemis products in the shower.

The Deck 7 Disney Wonder Inside Staterooms are the most desirable.

It is easy to get to the pool deck and the buffet. I particularly like the staterooms on Deck 7 aft as you can use the quieter aft elevators or even the “hidden” back stairs to easily get to the buffet.

If you are looking for an inside stateroom with quite a bit more space then at 214 square feet then the Category 10 Deluxe Inside Stateroom would be a good choice.

Each Deluxe Inside Stateroom sleeps up to 4 guests and has a Queen bed with a single convertible sofa. If the cabin sleeps 4 it will have a pull-down bunk over the sleeper sofa.

These Disney Wonder Deluxe Inside Staterooms feature the very popular split bathroom.

disneywondersplitbathroom

These staterooms are located on Decks 1, 2, 5 and 7.

I would prefer not to be on Deck 1. However, if you think that you may be prone to seasickness this may be a great choice as there is less movement the lower you are on the ship.

Deck 5 is a great location if you want to be close to the kid’s clubs . I am not sure how I feel about Deck 5 staterooms now my kids are older.

Because of the design of Deck 5, there aren’t many staterooms.

Obviously, there aren’t any mid-ship staterooms either because that is where the kid’s clubs and the atrium are. Deck 5 was fine, but I am not sure I would choose it.

I was allocated a Deck 5 stateroom as a Guarantee so saved a lot.

My personal preference is Deck 7 as you are close to the pool deck.

However, the higher you are on the ship, generally the higher the price.

disneywonderoceanview

These are the same size and design as the Disney Wonder Inside Staterooms.

However, the difference is that they have either one large or two small windows.

The Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms are all Category 9 and have 214 square feet of space.

They have a Queen and a single sleeper sofa. There is a split bathroom.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Oceanview staterooms are on Decks 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7.

The staterooms on Deck 1 have the smaller windows and therefore not such a good view.

I am not a fan of Deck 1, but I know many others are.

Often you will get a lower price for a Deck 1 stateroom so it could be a good choice.

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Navigator’s Verandah

These Staterooms are a unique design to Disney cruise ships. It is a very unusual design and very popular with guests.

They have an enclosed private verandah, so you have more space and view.

However, you do not have any true outside space.

The window does not open.

Disneycruisesandiego

There are just 26 of these true Navigator’s Verandah staterooms on Disney Wonder and Magic.

They are very popular and tend to be booked quickly.

The Disney Navigator’s Verandah cabins are classified as Category 7 staterooms.

All are located on decks 5, 6, and 7.

There are another 4 staterooms (6134, 6634, 7120, 7620) which are category 7 and are described as Navigator’s verandah staterooms, but they do not have the enclosed verandah.

They have verandahs with obstructed views as they are located on Deck 6 aft and wrap around the hull.

They can be a good choice though if you are aware of this, and want to save some money instead of going to a Category 6 or 5 Verandah stateroom.

The Navigator’s Verandah staterooms are 268 square feet including the verandah.

They sleep up to 4 guests and have a Queen Bed with a single sofa bed.

They also have a split bathroom.

These staterooms are 268 square feet. This includes the verandah.

All Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs have a Queen size bed and a single sleeper sofa.

They sleep 3 or 4 guests. The staterooms that sleep 4 have a bunk that pulls down from the ceiling.

All of these Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms are classified as either Category 5 or 6.

disneywonderstateroom

There are 114 Category 5 Staterooms on the Wonder and Magic and they are all of Deck 7.

Category 6 are on decks 5 and 6 and has slightly larger verandahs.

I have stayed in this type of stateroom and it is probably my favorite.

I really wouldn’t have any particular preference for any particular Deck. The price generally increases the higher the deck.

I would usually choose Category 5E.

These Disney cruise balcony staterooms have a white wall verandah.

They are usually the lowest priced of the Disney Verandah staterooms for this reason alone.

disneywonderwhitewallstateroom

All the other balconies have plexiglass and are see-through.

You can, therefore, see the ocean when you are sitting down.

If you have a white wall verandah your view of the ocean is restricted when you are sitting down.

disneywonderwhitewallverandah

As you will see from this picture of the Disney Wonder white wall verandah stateroom balcony you can’t see much of the view unless you are standing up.

disneycruisepackingtips

This is the conventional plexiglass balcony so you can see the difference.

On my last cruise, this saved me around $450 for 5 nights over having a standard verandah.

For me, the minor inconvenience was worth the saving.

Category 5E does have some of the largest balconies on the Disney Wonder.

This is because this is the point where the ship curves around.

Disney Wonder Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom With Verandah Review

These are all Category 4 and are located on Deck 8.

These Disney Wonder Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah are a great option for larger families.

This is because they sleep up to 5 guests. This is rare for a cruise ship stateroom to sleep so many guests in one cabin.

Each Family Oceanview balcony stateroom has a Queen bed and a convertible sofa with a pull-down bed over it.

There is also a pull-down Murphy bed at the end of the stateroom, across the balcony door.

You can see my complete review of the Disney Wonder Family Oceanview Stateroom if you click here .

The design of the room makes great use of the space available.

However, access to the verandah is a little difficult when the pull-down bed is still down.

When I say difficult I mean you have to climb on the bed and then open the door to the balcony!

Your steward will move this for you each morning and evening though if you are using it for a 5th guest.

The bathroom is just the same split design as most of the other staterooms on the ship.

It is particularly useful to have this split bath design when there are 5 of you in this cabin! That is a lot of people competing for the shower in the morning.

You may have heard that there are some staterooms on the Disney Wonder which are a great value as they are sold as a lower category.

These staterooms definitely do exist on the Disney Wonder. The reason they are sold as a lower category is that they don’t quite fit into the description and Disney cruise lines feel that it would be unfair to put them in the general category.

disneywondersecretstaterooms

For instance, a stateroom may be categorized as an inside stateroom because it has a porthole with an obstructed view.

Therefore it wouldn’t be fair to charge full price for an ocean view as your view is blocked by something.

These secret staterooms are limited and highly sought after.

These secret porthole Disney Wonder staterooms are sold at Category 10 Inside Staterooms, but they do have a porthole with an obstructed view.

You can take a look at this video to see a typical secret porthole stateroom. As you will see, the obstruction here is that of the ship’s lifeboats.

It is a great choice as you do get somewhat of a view as well as being able to enjoy the natural light in the stateroom.

This shows Disney Wonder stateroom 5024.

Most of these Disney Wonder secret porthole staterooms are located on Deck 5.

This is the Deck with the Kids Clubs and so this makes them particularly suitable for families with young children.

You are also very close to the Buena Vista Theater on Deck 5.

The Deck 5 secret porthole cabins are 5020, 5520, 5022, 5024,5522, and 5524.

If you are looking for connecting staterooms then 5022 and 5024 connect, as do 5522 and 5524.

There are just two secret porthole cabins on Deck 6 of the Disney Wonder. They are 6006 and 6506. These staterooms on Deck 6 offer the least obstructed views.

On Deck 5 you are best with 5020 and 5520 as they have the least obstructed views. 5022 and 5522 are next.

You will have the most obstructed views in 5024 and 5524.

If you want these secret porthole staterooms you do need to be quick. Usually, they are amongst the first to be booked when cruises are released.

Category 7A on the Disney Wonder is one to look out for.

These four staterooms are known by insiders as the “Secret” Verandah staterooms.

These secret verandah cabins are numbered 6134, 6634, 7120, and 7620.

There are 2 on each side of the Disney Wonder and they are usually priced as the cheapest category of Verandah stateroom.

The reason why they have a Category all of their own is that they have an obstructed view.

I think they offer excellent value as the obstruction is minimal.

If you are saving hundreds of dollars off a Disney cruise but still getting a balcony I think it is an option well worth considering!

Here you can see a video of a secret verandah stateroom. This is on the Disney Magic in the video, but this is identical to the stateroom on the Disney Wonder.

If Concierge is in your budget I would highly recommend that you give it a try.

disney wonder concierge lounge

There are now 4 Categories of Concierge Stateroom on Disney Wonder.

These range from restyled Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah to the Walt Disney Suite.

disney wonder concierge deck

Concierge guests have access to upgraded amenities in their stateroom.

This includes upgraded down duvets, Elemis products, a Pillow Menu, Plush Robe, and Slippers.

The main attractions, of course, are exclusive access to the Concierge Lounge and Sun Deck.

This is a relatively new category of stateroom on the Disney Wonder.

These used to be Category 4 Family Oceanview with Verandah Staterooms.

However, when the Disney Wonder went into dry dock a selection of mid-ship cabins on Deck 8 got the upgraded decor treatment.

disney wonder concierge cabin

The biggest change was the makeover of concierge staterooms.

disney wonder concierge family stateroom

Guests of these rooms have all the perks of Concierge. The price went up accordingly!

Each of these Concierge staterooms is exactly the same in layout as the Disney Wonder Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah.

These are now known as Category V.

These are the Category T staterooms that sleep up to 5 guests and have 614 square feet of space.

These suites have a separate bedroom with a Queen size bed and a separate living room with a double sofa bed.

All the suites also have a pull-down twin bed. Some are in the living area, others in the bedroom.

A great feature of the suite is that it has 2 bathrooms. The verandah is very spacious at double the width of standard verandahs on the ship.

disney wonder one bed suite

All of the Disney Wonder Concierge One Bed Suites are located on Deck 8.

They are very popular and are usually amongst the first categories to book.

At 945 square feet, which includes the triple-wide verandah, these beautiful suites give you plenty of space. Each suite is in Category S.

They have 2 bedrooms which each have a Queen size bed.

The living area has a double sofa bed. There are walk-in closets, a wet bar, a DVD player, and a total of two and a half bathrooms.

One has a jacuzzi tub.

Again these suites book up very quickly. There are 2 suites on the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic both of which are located on Deck 8.

They sleep up to 7 guests.

If you want the ultimate in luxury then Category R Royal Suites will certainly make you very happy!

There are only two suites on each ship and they are named the Walter E. Disney Suite and the Roy O. Disney Suite.

Both are located on Deck 8.

Each suite sleeps up to seven guests in unrivaled comfort. They have two bedrooms.

One has a Queen bed and the other has two twin beds and two pull-down beds.

disneywonderroyodisneysuite

There is a large living room with a wall pull-down bed, dining area, wet bar, and walk-in closets.

The suites have 2 and a half bathrooms (one with a jacuzzi tub).

With 1029 square feet of the total area including the verandah you are going to have a lot of space to enjoy.

Which Disney Wonder Stateroom will you choose?

disney cruise cabins

Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando.  In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.

Ashley Allen

Tuesday 5th of March 2024

What a wonderful, descriptive article! Thank you! We have our first cruise EVER booked for the Wonder to Alaska in September (we live in Vancouver, so it’s easy access to the ship) we have a deluxe ocean view stateroom booked (My husband, Eight year old son and myself) and I am wondering if the rooms get stuffy at night while sleeping? Since we cannot open the window for any fresh air. Is this something you can advise on?

Wednesday 6th of March 2024

Thank you! I am very glad that you enjoyed the article. A Disney cruise to Alaska is such a great choice - you are going to love the experience! I have sailed in every type of stateroom on Disney Wonder, including the oceanview and have never thought that the staterooms get stuffy. Enjoy your cruise!

Sue Brinkmoeller

Friday 9th of April 2021

Hi Alison -- you've answered many of my questions, as I'm ready to book Disney Alaska (Wonder) and can't decide on a room type. I'm leaning toward a Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms w/Verandahs; you mention that Deck 7 / Category 5E have white wall verandahs which require standing to see views. That doesn't work for me . . . short in stature. You go on to mention that, "All the other balconies have plexiglass and are see through." Could you please tell me on which Deck(s) and in which Category the plexiglass verandahs are located? Many thanks for your help!! :)

Tuesday 20th of April 2021

You will find the plexiglass balconies on Decks 5,6, and 7. There are also limited Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah on Deck 8 - these tend to be the most expensive as there aren't many of them and they Sleep 5 so are very popular. The aft verandah staterooms on all decks have a white wall - so be careful to not select one of these. The booking system or your travel agent, will tell you which these are.

Disney Wonder Virtual Tour - EverythingMouse Guide To Disney

Thursday 2nd of April 2020

[…] The Insider Guide to Disney Wonder Staterooms […]

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[…] If you are looking for a guide to staterooms on the Disney Wonder or Disney Magic you need to click here. […]

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A Complete Guide to Disney Fantasy Cruise Rooms

By Wendy Leave a Comment

AAAHH , the Disney Fantasy ! Following a magical day of sunning, splashing, and dining aboard this beautiful Disney Cruise Line ship, the only thing left to do is settle into your stateroom to dream about the next day’s adventures!

disney cruise best deck to stay on

The Disney Fantasy

Now, as far as I’m concerned, ANY stateroom on the Disney Fantasy is a great one… because it means you’re on the Disney Fantasy! That said, there are a LOT of stateroom options to choose from. And depending on the size of your group as well as your personal preferences, it’s best to know and understand all of the options and features of each room before you book your “home away from home” at sea.

To that end, we’re taking a look at ALL of the staterooms onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise ship. But first? A quick overview…

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Disney Fantasy Stateroom Overview

The Disney Fantasy joined the Disney Cruise Line fleet as the fourth Disney Cruise ship, and it’s the sister ship to the Disney Dream (hence, it is known as a “Dream Class” ship). The Disney Fantasy’s maiden voyage set sail on March 31, 2012.

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Did you know that Disney Cruise Line ships offer some of the largest staterooms in the cruise industry? From inside cabins to verandah views to luxurious concierge suites, you may be surprised at the sheer amount of booking options available to you for the Fantasy. Here’s a quick glance from a numbers perspective:

  • The Disney Fantasy is 1,115 feet long, and 216 feet tall;
  • The Disney Fantasy can carry 4,000 passengers;
  • 150 — or 12% — are inside staterooms;
  • 1,100 — or a whopping 88% — are outside staterooms:
  • 199 of the outside staterooms offer ocean view windows;
  • 901 staterooms offer verandahs (including 21 suites)

That said, even within those numbers, there are still more specific room categories. Let’s break it down, starting with the Concierge Level rooms.

BTW, you’ll notice a small series of letters or a number (or a combination of both) after the name of each style of room . These are the Room Categories on the Disney Fantasy for booking purposes.

Concierge Level

Concierge royal suite with verandah (category oor).

  • Size: 1,029 sq. ft. including verandah
  • View: Private verandah

The Concierge Royal Suites with Verandah are the largest and most luxurious suites aboard the ship. There are two on the Fantasy: one named after Walt Disney and the other after his brother Roy Disney.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

©Disney Cruise Line

Concierge Royal Suites with Verandah have two bedrooms (one with a queen-size bed; and one with 2 twin beds and 2 pull-down upper berths).

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Guests will find 2.5 bathrooms (including whirlpool tubs), a living room, a media library complete with a wall pull-down bed, a “dining salon,” (ooh, la la!), a pantry, and a wet bar. The Royal Suites even boast walk-in closets!

(P.S. We recently took a look at the Royal Suites on the upcoming Disney Treasure cruise ship , which are themed to two beloved Disney felines. If you’d like, you can check them out here !)

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah (Category OOT)

  • Size: 614 sq. ft. including verandah

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suites with Verandah offer guests one bedroom with a Queen bed in the bedroom, along with an additional double sofa bed and a Murphy bed in the living room. Each of the two bathrooms have a rain shower, while the Master Bath has a whirlpool bath. The 1-Bedroom Suites also feature a walk-in closet.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

There are six Concierge One Bedroom Suites with Verandah on Deck 11, and thirteen on Deck 12 of the Disney Fantasy.

Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category OOV)

  • Size: 304 sq. ft. including verandah

Concierge Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah feature a Queen-size bed, a double convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed, a full bath (complete with a vanity, sink, round tub and handheld shower), and a half bath (with a vanity, sink and toilet).

disney cruise best deck to stay on

This option can comfortably accommodate a family of five. (And a bonus is that the kiddos will very likely LOVE the upper berth pull-down bed!) Additional room features include a couch, a TV, and a desk (with upgraded furnishings). Another appreciated feature is the heavy privacy curtain that separates the seating area from the sleeping area.

All of these particular staterooms are located on Decks 11 and 12 (with 14 staterooms on Deck 12 and 6 on Deck 11).

Guests sailing concierge in all room categories, of course, have access to exclusive services and dedicated areas on the ship, as well as a sun deck available only via a private entrance. We discuss much more about sailing Concierge in this post .

Is Concierge Level Worth It on Disney Cruise Line?

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Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah

Deluxe family oceanview stateroom with oversized verandah (category 4e).

  • Sleeps: 3-4
  • Size: 299 sq. ft. including verandah

Offering a Queen-size bed, single convertible sofa, and a split bath* with tub and shower, the Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Oversized Verandah boast larger balconies, and are only located on Deck 5. They are the same size and configuration as all of the Deluxe Oceanview Family Staterooms on the Disney Fantasy, BUT be aware that this particular room category only sleep 3 to 4 guests.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

*Disney Cruise Line’s innovative “split bath” concept features a bathroom with a vanity, sink, shower and round tub, and a half bathroom with a vanity, sink and toilet. This offers travel groups the opportunity for two people to have their own space to get ready at one time.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 4A-D)

With a Queen-size bed (which can be converted into 2 twin beds, if preferred), a single convertible sofa, a wall pull-down bed, and an upper berth pull-down bed, Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah can sleep up to 5 people. Because they are so spacious, this is possibly one of the best options for a family that likes to spend some downtime in their room as well as exploring the ship.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

This category also features the popular split bath (as discussed above), and the breakdown of Deck locations is as follows:

  • Category 4A are located on Decks 9 and 10
  • Category 4B are located on Deck 8
  • Category 4C are located on Deck 7
  • Category 4D are located on Deck 6

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Oversized Verandah (Category 5E)

  • Size: 246 sq. ft.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Oversized Verandah offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, a wall pull-down bed and upper berth pull-down bed, as well as the split bath feature with a tub and shower (where the shower and toilet area are conveniently separate). Up to 5 passengers can share this space, and this is another great choice for families that plan to enjoy some time in their room.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

These staterooms, by the way, are identical to the other Category 5 staterooms, but they offer a larger balcony. (Be aware, however, that some of the balconies have a white wall, as opposed to clear plexiglass.) Staterooms in this category are located on Decks 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 5A-D)

  • Size: 268 sq. ft. including verandah

Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, a wall pull-down bed and an upper berth pull-down bed.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

The split bath with tub and shower is also a feature here, and these staterooms will also sleep up to 5 people. Note that these staterooms are identical to the Category 6 Staterooms, except they have a clear Perspex Verandah wall.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (Category 6)

  • Sleeps: 3 or 4

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandah offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), and a split bath with tub and shower.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

The only difference from the higher (and typically more expensive) Category 5 is that these staterooms have a white wall balcony, while the others have a clear Perspex balcony wall. So, the practical difference is that you cannot see the ocean when you are sitting down on a white wall verandah, but you can on a verandah with a clear wall.

Now, does this make a difference? Well, from an enjoyment perspective, only you can make that call. But from a budget perspective, you may pay hundreds of dollars less for a white wall verandah as opposed to a clear one.

  • Category 6A are located on Decks 8 and 9;
  • Category 6B are located on Decks 5, 6 and 7.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom With Navigators Verandah (Category 7)

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms With a Navigators Verandah offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, and a split bath with tub and shower. While there is little noticeable difference between Category 7 and Categories 5 and 6, it’s important to note the difference in the verandah. Though the verandah itself is the same size, it is enclosed with a very large, open air porthole to look through.

These staterooms are located on Decks 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Ocean View Staterooms with Porthole Windows

Deluxe family oceanview stateroom (category 8a-d).

  • Sleeps: 3 or 5
  • Size: 241 sq. ft.
  • View: One large porthole window

Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms offer a Queen-size bed (or two twin beds), a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), and the split bath with tub and shower. Here is a look at a stateroom with a large Porthole Window.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

The Category 8 Staterooms are located either aft (in the back) or forward (at the front) of the ship. Locations are as follows:

  • Category 8A are located on Decks 5 and 6;
  • Category 8B are located on Deck 9;
  • Category 8C are located on Deck 7 and 8;
  • Category 8D are located on Deck 5 and 6

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (Category 9A-D)

  • Sleeps: 4 or 5
  • Size: 204 sq. ft.
  • View: One large porthole window OR 2 small porthole windows

Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms offer a Queen-size bed (or two twin beds), a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), and the split bath feature with tub and shower.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

The Category 8 and 9 rooms are considered deluxe outside staterooms (which means that they have a large porthole window.) However, the Category 9 staterooms that are located on Deck 1 have two smaller porthole windows. At 204 square feet, these staterooms sleep 3 passengers (with some sleeping 4). And it’s especially helpful to know that these are among the first categories to book on the ship!

So, the Category 9 Staterooms all have a window, but there are differences to be aware of:

  • Category 9A Staterooms have One Porthole Window and are located on Decks 5, 6, 7 and 8;
  • Category 9B Staterooms have One Porthole Window and are located on Deck 2. These are noteworthy for their terrific location close to the inside amenities of the ship. (If you’d prefer to be closer to the pool decks, though, you’ll want to choose a higher deck.)
  • Category 9C Staterooms have One Porthole Window with an Obstructed View and are located on 6, 7 and 8. The extent of the obstruction will vary, but be aware that you will have a view of at least part of a lifeboat out of your window.

Inside Staterooms

Deluxe inside stateroom (category 10a).

  • View: No exterior view (but does feature a Virtual Porthole)

Deluxe Inside Staterooms on the Disney Fantasy offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), a single convertible sofa, an upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4), and split bath with tub and shower.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Though Inside Staterooms do not offer any exterior view, these cozy staterooms on both the Disney Fantasy and the Disney Dream have Virtual Portholes! Disney Cruise Line’s Virtual Portholes were a cruise industry first, offering real-time virtual views for the ship’s exterior reflecting your staterooms actual location on the ship! This unique (and frankly brilliant) feature serves a practical function in helping to alleviate potential claustrophobia. But wait… there’s more…

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Virtual Portholes also enhanced as “Magical Portholes.” This means that, at any given moment, an “enchanting surprise” featuring a beloved Disney animated character or two may suddenly appear in the Porthole! (It’s SO! FUN!) And no worries about catching a little shut-eye with this feature, as this option can turned on or off with a switch.

Deluxe Inside Staterooms are located on Decks 5, 6 ,7, 8, and 9. Generally speaking, the higher up in the ship that your stateroom is positioned, the higher the price.

Standard Inside Stateroom (Category 11A-C)

  • Sleeps: 3 or 4;
  • Size: 169 sq. ft.

Standard Inside Staterooms offer a Queen-size bed (or 2 twin beds), and a single convertible sofa. Some offer an upper berth pull-down bed. These are the lowest priced staterooms on the ship… and are likewise the smallest. The other major difference between this category and the other available categories is that these staterooms do not have the split-bathroom design of the others. (Though each bathroom does have a tub).

disney cruise best deck to stay on

The fabulous Virtual Portholes (I’m a little biased, because I LOVE THESE!) are included with Standard Inside Staterooms, as well.

  • Category 11A are located on Decks 8, 9 and 10;
  • Category 11B are located on Decks 5, 6 and 7;
  • Category 11C are located on Deck 2

Before we sail away, it’s worth noting that Accessible Rooms are also available in the various categories. And while we’ve discussed the main room differences, ALL staterooms aboard the Disney Fantasy offer amenities including — but by no means limited to — an in-room safe, full-length mirrors, a refrigerator, a hair dryer, premium bedding, bath products, a flat-screen TV on swivel arm, and MUCH more.

And with that, I’m sure ready to SAIL AWAY on the Disney Fantasy! How about you?

Click HERE to Get Our Free Downloadable Cruise Packing List

Learn more about disney cruise line’s entire fleet here, what you need to know about disney cruise line, learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe, trending now.

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Essential Guide to the Disney Wish Staterooms

Posted on Published: 05/02/2023

Dinsey introduced its fifth ship in the fleet, the Disney Wish, in 2022. This ship is in a brand new class, the Triton class, with some major design differences from the Dream class and the Magic class of cruise ships. While the stateroom categories and general layouts will seem familiar to some guests, there are some distinct differences. Here’s our essential guide to the Disney Wish staterooms, which should help you make a decision on what to book.

Disclosure: I’ve been on one complimentary media preview cruise as well as two cruises at a discount as part of Disney Social Media Moms. The rest of my cruises were at my own cost. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.

Considering a cruise on one of the Disney Cruise Line ships? Our affiliate Get Away Today offers great service and can help you with booking any Disney Cruise. Visit them at this link to see options and book. Or you can call them at 877-510-2929.

Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay with small beach in the foreground (Disney Wish staterooms post)

I’ve had the opportunity to sail on the Disney Wish twice now, and have enjoyed it. The first sailing was a four-day cruise that was extended to six due to Hurricane Ian in the Caribbean, so I had plenty of time to thoroughly explore the ship.

The Disney Wish offers 1,254 staterooms (including 53 concierge staterooms and 23 concierge suites) and can accommodate up to 4,000 passengers (depending on stateroom occupancy) and 1,555 crew members. The number of concierge rooms on this ship surpasses the past ships, which can make booking some experiences a little more challenging if you don’t have this type of room.

While the Disney Wish is slightly larger in gross tonnage (GT) than the Dream class ships, the number of passengers is about the same. The restaurants, activities, and amenities on the Wish are different from the other ships, making it really fun to explore even if you are very familiar with the cruise line.

Convertible sofa and queen bed with privacy curtain in a Disney Wish stateroom

Types of Staterooms Rooms on the Disney Wish

The general types of staterooms on the Disney Wish are similar to the other ships. The most popular type of room is a verandah stateroom, which is how Disney refers to those rooms with balconies.

There are 1,254 staterooms, which include 53 concierge staterooms and 23 concierge suites. In this number, there are 1,133 outside staterooms (with 948 verandah staterooms and 185 oceanview staterooms), and 121 inside staterooms.

When booking your stateroom, you may find an option for GTY (or a guaranteed stateroom to be assigned). With this type of room, you’ll save some money, but won’t be able to choose your stateroom location. You will, however, be at least guaranteed a specific category of room.

Otherwise, you can choose your specific stateroom right when you book. It’s a good idea to take a look at the layout of the ship before you book so you’ll have a good idea of where to stay.

On this particular ship, there are only two elevator banks – with one in the aft and one in the forward. There are no midship elevators on the Disney Wish. Prices generally vary a bit based on location.

Accessible rooms are also available. You’ll want to choose a specific accessible stateroom when booking

Here are the various Disney Wish stateroom options:

Standard Inside Stateroom – these rooms can either sleep three or four. There’s a queen bed and a single convertible sofa. Those rooms that accommodate four also have an upper berth pull-down bed (making bunk beds over the sofa). As the name implies, these are interior rooms with no exterior views.

Oceanview Staterooms – these rooms do have a view, but not a verandah. Instead, you’ll have a porthole that you can look out of to see the ocean.

Within this category, there are regular staterooms as well as deluxe family staterooms. The deluxe family staterooms can sleep 4 to 5 – some of them have a pulldown Murphy bed in addition to the convertible sofa, upper berth pull-down, and queen bed. Be sure to confirm the configuration before you book.

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – this is the most popular room type on the Disney Wish. It includes a queen bed, a convertible sofa, and an upper berth pull-down bed. These rooms have a verandah, which is a nice balcony where you can enjoy some time watching the ocean. Verandahs also add some extra space because you’ll be able to go outside right from your room.

If you need more room or have a family of five, there’s also a Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. There are fewer of these but they are great because they also have the pull-down Murphy bed in addition to the other bedding options. I like these rooms for families with older kids because they may not want to sleep in the top bunk.

The Disney Wish also offers concierge staterooms. These rooms offer concierge benefits which include the following. These are great amenities but do come with an extra cost:

  • Ability to book activities and premium dining in advance – 130 days before your set sail date
  • A dedicated concierge to assist with booking activities
  • Priority boarding at the port to save time with shorter lines
  • Dedicated concierge sun deck (can be great on a hot day when lounge chairs are hard to come by)
  • Access to the concierge lounge which offers food throughout the day as well as an open bar in the evening

Here are the types of concierge rooms: Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah – these rooms have 1 king bed, a convertible sofa (single), an upper-berth single pull-down bed, and a single pull-down Murphy bed. Note that while these rooms have upgraded touches, they are still staterooms and not a suite.

Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom – Some of these sleep four, while others sleep five. The rooms that sleep five have the same bed configuration as the Concierge Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah, and the ones that sleep four just don’t have the pull-down Murphy bed.

These rooms don’t have verandahs and instead have floor-to-ceiling windows that look out into the ocean.

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah – these rooms sleep five with one bedroom with a king bed and a separate living room area with a double convertible sofa and single wall pull-down bed. There are two full bathrooms in these rooms including one bathroom with double sinks. There’s also a wet bar with sodas and water as well as a walk-in closet.

Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Extended Verandah – these rooms are the same as the one above, but have a larger, extended verandah.

Concierge 1-Story Royal Suite with Verandah – there is one of these concierge suites, located on Deck 10. It offers two bedrooms, three bathrooms, a walk-in closet in each bedroom, a verandah with a hot tub, a wet bar with soda and water, a living area, and a dining area.

Concierge Wish Tower Suite – the most exciting stateroom on the Disney Wish is the one-of-a-kind Concierge Wish Tower Suite. This two-story, Moana-themed suite is located on decks 14 and 15 in the funnel. It has private elevator access.

The Tower Suite offers a two-story living area, a spiral staircase, two main bedrooms, a children’s room, a combo library/bedroom, four and a half bathrooms, two walk-in closets, a wet bar stocked with soda and water, and a dining area. It’s an extremely luxurious suite, and there is only one of them on board the Disney Wish.

Closet in a Disney Wish stateroom showing open shelves

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

Most families will find that the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah is the perfect combination of amenities and cost for their vacation. While it isn’t nearly as luxurious as the suites, this stateroom category is great for a family of three or four.

These rooms include the popular split bathroom that other Disney ships offer. While each of these bathrooms has a sink, one has a toilet and one has a shower. This is perfect for families because two people can be getting ready at the same time.

This room also includes a cooler (similar to a refrigerator), a television, lots of USB outlets and standard outlets, a hair dryer, a safe, a desk, and a closet. While I’d prefer standard drawers for clothes, the Disney Wish has more open shelves. You may want to bring packing cubes which can be a great way to keep your clothes organized.

FAQ about the Disney Wish Staterooms

Yes, unless you book a GTY stateroom, you’ll be able to choose the deck and location of your room. Some locations and decks may be a little more expensive than others.

It really depends. Most people like central locations, but there are no midship elevators on the Wish. Top decks are also popular, but you may want to be closer to the kids’ clubs.

There are connecting rooms available. You can see them on the deck plan when you book to make sure you are choosing connecting options. You can also ask your stateroom host to open the verandah, if you have one.

Yes, there are suites available within the concierge category, and some of these have a separate room.

If you aren’t going to spend too much time in the room, you can save money by getting one of the cheaper room types. However, I love having the ocean view, and enjoy spending time outside.

The Disney Wish docked at Castaway Cay with rocks in the foreground.

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disney cruise best deck to stay on

Not all Disney Cruise Line cabins are created equal.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

With the Disney Treasure setting sail on its maiden voyage this December, many travelers are planning trips on the newest ship of the Disney fleet in 2025 . Amongst them, some cruising newbies and even veteran travelers are likely wondering what kind of cabin — and on which deck — they should book for their adventure.

Choosing a cabin to cruise can be a bit more complicated than one might think, so we’re here to help. Taking into account everything we know about the Disney Treasure, plus experience on other Disney Cruise Line ships including the Treasure’s sister ship the Disney Wish, we’ve narrowed it down to what we think are the best and worst standard stateroom (no concierge or massive suites here) options.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Our pick for the bestselling would be a Deluxe Verandah Stateroom in the midship section of deck 8. There are several reasons to go with this room type in this area of the ship.

For starters, the verandah is a must-do if possible. Yes, it’s a bit of an upcharge, but the extra space makes the cabin feel considerably larger, and offers wonderful ocean views and a beautiful sitting space when sailing or docked, plus — as we’ll get into below — it’s very helpful for seasickness.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

As for the cabin’s overall location, the midship of deck 8 is right in the “middle of the action” as it were. It’s located in the middle of the ship, about equal distance from the Great Hall and all its venues including cafes and retail that span decks 3-4-5 below, as well as the above-deck amenities including the pools and etc. upon decks 11-14. The midship location also includes easy access to both elevator banks and the staircases. In addition, deck 8 is home to Fairytale Fresh Laundry, meaning that you won’t need to lug clothes too far to get some done.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Finally, this location provides some of the best possible relief to seasickness. The verandah allows an influx of fresh air into the room, as well as actual views of the water which help dissipate seasick feelings for many. In addition, the location in the middle of the ship cuts down on the amount of rocking and movement you’ll be able to feel, which should cut down on queasiness.

While this does get our pick for best, there is one potential drawback: There will likely be a decent amount of foot traffic outside your room given the aforementioned proximity to so many of the ship’s amenities.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have our pick for the worst cabin option on the Disney Treasure: An Inside Stateroom toward the aft of deck 2.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

This style of room, located in the lowest deck of the ship to feature state rooms, not only doesn’t feature a verandah, it doesn’t even have a porthole or window. This can make room feel quite claustrophobic. In addition, the lack of an outside view can increase feelings of queasiness and seasickness.

Furthermore, being located all the way down in the bowels of the ship, the area is comparatively far from from all the ship’s internal and external amenities, making it a slog to reach almost any of them, even with the elevator. There’s also a noise issue, as the hum of the engines is more audible lower on the ship, especially toward the aft portion.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

However, in compassion to our best choice, Deck 2 does offer the “perk” of not much foot traffic at all, since it’s so far from the popular common areas, which definitely matters to some passengers.

disney cruise best deck to stay on

While these are our opinions on “best” and “worst” options, they’re obviously open to conjecture. The “perks” that are worth extra money to some may not be so to others, and the same can be said for negatives that may be deal breakers for some and not matter to others. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the Disney Treasure.

Disney Cruise Line Ships: Disney Treasure – Everything You Need to Know

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Which cabin would be your pick for a Disney Treasure cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

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Disney Wish, deck by deck, a guide to getting around the newest Disney Cruise Line ship

The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. A lot of the ship is similar to the four other Disney ships, but the layout of the ship is not. Here are deck by deck maps of the ship’s layout, taken directly from the directory signage posted on each deck near the elevators, to help you know your way around before you set sail.

Disney Wish Senses Spa sun deck and hidden mickey.

Disney Wish Deck 1

Disney Wish Deck 1 map

You’ll visit Deck 1 to get off the ship at Castaway Cay, and other stops. Hopefully you won’t need to visit the Health Center, but it’s there if you need it.

Disney Wish Deck 2

Disney Wish Deck 2 map

There are a few staterooms on this level, but this is mostly where you’ll visit the Oceaneer Club, which includes Marvel, Star Wars Cargo Bay , and the Imagineering Lab rooms. It’s a Small World Nursery is here, too. There are a slide and stairs from the Grand Hall down to Deck Two. Part of the Walt Disney Theater is on this level, but it’s only for guests in wheelchairs to access the show floor.

Disney Wish Deck 3

Disney Wish Deck 3 map

Deck Three is the bottom floor of the Grand Hall, and where you’ll first enter the ship. Towards the back of the ship, or to your direct left as you first enter the ship, is the 1923 restaurant. It has two sides, the Walt and Roy. On the other side of the stage is the “Princess and the Frog”-themed The Bayou lounge. Next to is is the entrance to the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge . You’ll also find a lot of high-end stores on this level, and the piano bar called Nightingales. This floor is also the main entrance to the Walt Disney Theater.

Disney Wish Deck 4

Disney Wish Deck 4 map

Starting from the back of the ship, Deck Four is where you’ll find the Worlds of Marvel restaurant , Hooks Barbery, the Untangled Salon, and the Bibbidi Bobbed Boutique. The Wishing Star Cafe is also near here. On either side of the Grand Hall are a Disney Vacation Club area, as well as guest services and Port Adventures excursion desk. The Luna multi-space theater is near the forward elevators, along with the Never Land and Wonderland Cinemas. The balcony of the Walt Disney Theater can be accessed on this deck as well. You can also go outside on either side of the ship on this deck.

Disney Wish Deck 5

Disney Wish Deck 5 map

Deck five is the top of the Grand Hall. Starting from the aft, this is where you’ll find the Arendell restaurant, the Edge kids area for those ages 11 to 14, a Disney Vacation Club lounge area, Shutters Portrait Studio and kiosks, Mickey’s Mainsail store. Enchanted Sword Cafe and a future cruise planning area are off the Grand Hall. Further towards the front of the ship is Triton Lounge, the balcony of the Luna theater, and Senses Spa and Fitness rooms. You can also go outside on this level and access the very front of the ship.

Disney Wish Deck 6

Disney Wish Deck 6 map

Deck Six is all staterooms, except for the very front of the ship, which has an outside deck, but you access it from Deck Five.

Disney Wish Deck 7

Disney Wish Deck 7 map

Deck Seven is all staterooms .

Disney Wish Deck 8

Disney Wish Deck 8 map

Deck Eight is all staterooms, except for the Fairytale Fresh Laundry room.

Disney Wish Deck 9

Disney Wish Deck 9 map

Deck Nine is all staterooms.

Disney Wish Deck 10

Disney Wish Deck 10 map

Deck Ten is all staterooms.

Disney Wish Deck 11

Disney Wish Deck 11 map

Deck Eleven is where you come for outdoor fun and food. The very front of the ship is where you’ll find some staterooms. On the back of the ship is the indoor Marceline Market buffet area. Just outside of it is Inside Out: Joyful Sweets and Dory’s Forget-Me-Knots store. From there, you’re outside on the main deck , where you’ll find all the pools. On the other side of the stage is Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods.

Disney Wish Deck 12

Disney Wish Deck 12 map

Deck Twelve has concierge level staterooms and the Concierge Lounge at the front. On deck you’ll find Wheezy’s Freezies, Trixie’s Falls, The Toy Story Splash Zone, Slide-a-Saurus Rex, and a couple more pools. Inside in the aft you’ll find the Vide teens area, The Hideaway, and Hero Zone. This level is also where the extra-charge specialty restaurants are located. You’ll pass through The Rose lounge to get to Palo Steakhouse and Enchante.

Disney Wish Deck 13

Disney Wish Deck 13 map

The front of Deck 13 includes concierge staterooms and the Concierge Sun Deck. The back is where you’ll ride the Aquamouse, tan on the 18-and-over Sun Deck, relax in the Quite Cove Whirlpool, visit the balcony of the Hero Zone, and find the Cove Bar, Cove Cafe coffee shop, and the infinity Quite Cove Pool.

Disney Wish Deck 14

Disney Wish Deck 14 map

Deck Fourteen is where the lucky person staying in the funnel suite will be, but they enter from a lower deck. At the very front you’ll find the Chip ‘n Dale Pool and Currents outdoor bar.

Now that you have familiarized yourself, here’s a video walk-through of most of the main decks.

Disney Wish Walkthrough - Deck-By-Deck on the Newest Disney Cruise Line Ship

Be sure to visit our YouTube Channel playlist for all out videos of the Disney Wish.

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The 7 best 3-day cruise itineraries for 2024.

Plan a long weekend getaway aboard a cruise for fun, scenery and entertainment.

The Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries

The Carnival Radiance at sea.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Hop aboard the Carnival Radiance for a short but fun-filled cruise weekend.

Whether you're short on vacation days or you only have a long weekend to spare, three-night cruises offer a fun and affordable way to get a change of scenery. These shorter sailings from the U.S. often amount to a weekend cruise and only depart from Florida and California for now. However, short cruises still let you dine and dance on board, enjoy world-class entertainment, and visit nearby destinations like Nassau in the Bahamas; Key West, Florida; or Ensenada, Mexico.

If you're looking for short cruises that pack a lot of good times into a weekend vacation, you should know that many cruise lines offer these trips, including Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises. Read on to find out which short cruises we recommend, where they depart from, and everything you can see and do over the span of three incredible nights.

3-Day Cruises From Florida

Norwegian sky from miami.

The Norwegian Sky in Miami at sunset.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Dates: Aug. 2 to 5, 2024

Departure port: Miami

Stops: Key West, Florida; Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $399 per person

This three-night cruise on Norwegian Sky departs from Miami in August 2024 with stops at two iconic tropical destinations. The vessel's first stop is Key West , where cruise passengers will have the day to visit the southernmost tip of the United States, book a snorkeling or kayaking tour, or bar hop along the world-famous Duval Street. From there, the cruise stops at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, which is a private island paradise that's only for cruise passengers. Here, visitors can enjoy some beach time, plan a WaveRunner adventure or snorkel the clear waters to watch out for wildlife.

When not at port, passengers on Norwegian Sky can enjoy the ship's 10 dining options, onboard spa, casino at sea, and variety of pools and hot tubs. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel even has a sushi bar and a Starbucks onboard, and it was completely renovated from top to bottom in 2019.

Book a Norwegian cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

MSC Seashore from Port Canaveral

The MSC Seashore at Ocean Cay.

Conrad Schutt | Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Dates: Multiple dates in November and December 2024

Departure port: Port Canaveral, Florida (Orlando)

Stops: Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas

Starting price: $169 per person

This three-night cruise on MSC Seashore departs from Port Canaveral near Orlando and takes passengers to two tropical destinations in the nearby Bahamas . The first is the island of Nassau, which is known for its luxury resorts (including the exclusive Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas), huge casinos and powder white sands. After that, guests can spend a second day at port at MSC Cruises ' private island, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. This island offers a perfect beach retreat for people who just want to relax, including several expansive white sand beaches with ample seating, an interior ocean lagoon for swimming, and beach bars and eateries dotted throughout.

MSC Seashore features huge pools, an onboard water park for kids, the expansive MSC Aurea Spa and 11 distinct dining venues for passengers to choose from. The ship also boasts the exclusive "ship within a ship" Yacht Club area, which offers the best of everything for discerning guests.

Find an MSC Cruises deal on GoToSea.

Celebrity Reflection from Fort Lauderdale

The Celebrity Reflection at night.

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Dates: Ongoing in 2024

Departure port: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Stops: Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas

Starting price: $273 per person

This three-night cruise on Celebrity Cruises ' Celebrity Reflection departs from Fort Lauderdale and leaves for two days in the sunny Bahamas. The first stop gives guests a full day to enjoy at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a cruise line private island that's typically reserved for Royal Caribbean guests. This island paradise features an exclusive beach club, idyllic white sand beaches for swimming and floating, a water park, a zip line, and plenty of places to eat and drink all day. The next stop is Nassau: Visitors can dine and shop their way through the port area or book a fun day pass to the Baha Bay water park, which is located at resort Baha Mar and features waterslides, an expansive lazy river and incredible cuisine options right at the park.

Celebrity Reflection was recently refurbished in 2022. It features an incredible array of included dining options, eight specialty and exclusive dining establishments, and bars and lounges throughout the ship. The Retreat, a VIP ship-within-a-ship concept, is also offered on board for those who want an elevated cruising experience.

Explore Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

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Disney Dream from Fort Lauderdale

Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream at Castaway Cay in the Bahamas.

Courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Dates: Nov. 6 to 9, 2024

Stops: Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point and Disney Castaway Cay, Bahamas

Starting price: $1,973 per stateroom

This three-night Bahamian cruise on Disney Dream stops at two exclusive destinations in the Bahamas – Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, then Disney Castaway Cay. The first stop offers incredible beaches with play areas and crystal-clear water for swimming, as well as the Bahamian Arts and Culture Pavilion for families who want to learn something about the local culture on vacation. At Disney Castaway Cay, families can relax the day away on white sand beaches, go biking or kayaking, ride two waterslides, and more. Both destinations even have adults-only beach areas for cruisers who are traveling kid-free.

Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and pools, and two large theaters. The ship also has several supervised kids clubs as well as dedicated clubs for teenagers and tweens .

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Liberty of the Seas from Fort Lauderdale

Guests on Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas Sport Court.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Stops: Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas

Starting price: $263 per person

Royal Caribbean International also boasts a Bahamas cruise from Fort Lauderdale that stops in Nassau and at the line's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. In Nassau, cruisers get the chance to explore one of the most popular cruise ports throughout the Caribbean, where you can book an excursion to a local beach, plan a snorkeling adventure or play in one of the two biggest casinos throughout the region at Atlantis or Baha Mar. At Perfect Day at CocoCay, families can stay active with waterslides, book a kayaking tour or ride a hot air balloon up to 450 feet in the air.

Liberty of the Seas is also an ideal ship for families thanks to fun features like a huge onboard water park with slides, an ice skating rink with shows and the Broadway at Sea theater. The Royal Caribbean vessel also has nearly a dozen different dining venues, including Cupcake Cupboard, Johnny Rockets, a pizza kitchen and an old-world Italian eatery called Giovanni's Table.

Compare Royal Caribbean International cruises on GoToSea.

3-Day Cruises From California

Navigator of the seas from los angeles.

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas pool deck.

Dates: Throughout 2024

Departure port: Los Angeles

Stops: Ensenada, Mexico

Starting price: $282 per person

Royal Caribbean offers a three-night West Coast adventure on Navigator of the Seas that includes a fun day at sea and a full-day stop in Ensenada, Mexico. This Mexican destination is known for the many activities that can be enjoyed along its rugged shores, which can include leisurely days at nearby Estero and Mona Lisa beaches, hiking experiences, exploration of Baja California's wine region, whale watching and more.

Dates for this sailing are offered throughout 2024, and the ship itself has plenty to keep passengers enthralled while at sea. For example, Navigator of the Seas features the longest waterslide at sea, enlarged pool deck areas for relaxation, ice skating shows and shopping – not to mention Broadway-style shows with dancers, acrobats and singers. There are also 12 unique dining options onboard, including Starbucks, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and Johnny Rockets.

Carnival Radiance from Los Angeles

disney cruise best deck to stay on

Dates: Jan. 26 to 29 and Sept. 24 to 27, 2024

Departure port: Long Beach (Los Angeles)

Starting price: $244 per person

Carnival Radiance also embarks on three-night journeys to Mexico from Los Angeles throughout the year, including in January and September 2024. This Carnival Cruise Line itinerary includes a fun day at sea and a stop in Ensenada, Mexico, where passengers can plan a sightseeing trip, nosh on the unique Baja cuisine the area is known for, shop for silver jewelry and other keepsakes, or spend the day relaxing on the beach.

Carnival Radiance itself serves as the perfect floating vessel for this fun weekend vacation, with onboard amenities that span the Cloud 9 Spa and WaterWorks water park with slides to a comedy club and special clubs for kids and teens. The ship also boasts an adults-only solarium and 10 different bars to choose from.

Book a Carnival cruise on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer and cruise expert who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 40 times across most of the major cruise lines in destinations throughout the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate the itineraries for this article.

You might also be interested in:

  • Cruise Packing List
  • Beach Packing List
  • Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line
  • First-Time Cruise Tips
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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The 15 Best Family Resorts In Florida

All products and services featured are independently selected by forbes vetted contributors and editors. when you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. learn more, beth luberecki , contributor, forbes vetted.

F amily vacations and Florida go together like peanut butter and jelly. Miles of coastline appeals to families who want to spend time by the ocean, cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale lure families looking for lots of activity and Orlando serves up plenty of thrills and nostalgic, character-driven fun for both kids and adults. It’s no surprise, then, that Florida is home to a wide range of family-friendly accommodations. The best family resorts in Florida offer everything from oceanfront escapes to amenity-rich experiences.

For families looking to touch down in the Sunshine State this year, our top recommendation is The Breakers , a high-end Palm Beach getaway that’s been welcoming guests for more than 100 years. From Miami escapes to properties along the panhandle , we’ve also hand-picked the best from across the state, from the stylish Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa to the tropical island getaway Cheeca Lodge & Spa and TradeWinds Beach Resort’s Island Grand , which offers nonstop family fun. Below, the best family resorts in Florida in 2024.

Editor’s Picks:

Best family resort in florida overall: the breakers, best family resort in orlando: wyndham grand orlando resort bonnet creek, best family resort in fort lauderdale: pelican grand beach resort, best family resort in palm beach: eau palm beach resort & spa, best family resort in miami: loews miami beach hotel, best family resort in the florida keys: cheeca lodge & spa, best family resort on the gulf coast: hyatt regency coconut point resort & spa, best family resort on the panhandle: hilton sandestin beach golf resort & spa, best beachfront family resort in florida: omni amelia island resort, best affordable family resort in florida: kimpton vero beach hotel & spa.

The resort’s stretch of private beachfront is a big draw, and four pools sit oceanfront, including a zero-entry family pool.

The Breakers

Who Will Love It: Families who appreciate both history and an amenity-packed, modern hotel stay
All-Star Amenities: Family Entertainment Center; a private beach and oceanfront family pool; “Spa Petite” hair and nail treatments for children ages 6 to 17; childproofing services and baby equipment for guest use
What Not To Miss: A family dinner at The Italian Restaurant located within the Family Entertainment Center, where parents can linger at the table while the kids play nearby
Location: Palm Beach

In operation for more than 100 years, The Breakers is a beloved Florida resort for a reason, and though it skews high-end, it’s also decidedly family friendly. The resort’s comfortably elegant guest rooms and suites can be childproofed ahead of a stay and must-have equipment like cribs, bottle warmers, strollers and mini-fridges are available for guest use. All 10 on-site restaurants welcome families, with all but one offering kids’ menus, coloring books and crayons for young diners. The resort’s stretch of private beachfront is a big draw, and four pools sit oceanfront, including a zero-entry family pool. Boredom should never be a problem here, with activities for the whole family that range from bike riding and kayaking to junior golf and tennis programs. Head to the indoor-outdoor Family Entertainment Center for arcade games, a nine-hole mini-golf course and outdoor basketball court, a shaded outdoor playground and activities for the whole crew like arts and crafts, family trivia and movie nights.

Book a family bunk room and the kids will have an area for themselves with their own TV.

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek

Who Will Love It: Families who want to stay close to Orlando’s many attractions but also have a place to escape from it all
All-Star Amenities: Access to five pools, two lazy rivers and waterslides; playground; 18-hole putt-putt course; fitness center and spa; multiple restaurants
What Not To Miss: A stroll around the centerpiece 10-acre lake and sitting by a fire pit while theme park fireworks light up the sky
Location: Orlando

Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek is just a few miles from the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks, but staying at this 62-acre resort will make you feel like you’re in your own little world. The hotel sits at one end of 10-acre Bonnet Bay and shares a range of amenities with the multi-building Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek, which include five pools, two lazy rivers, eight hot tubs and a pirate ship-themed waterslide. There’s also a playground and 18-hole putt-putt course for even more family fun, as well as a fitness center and spa if parents want to trade off childcare duties and slip away for a little alone time. Book a family bunk room and the kids will have an area for themselves with their own TV, and end your day with a stroll around the lake, finding a fire pit or a bench swing by the water to catch the nightly fireworks shows at the nearby theme parks. If the family’s heading to Walt Disney World, the hotel offers a shuttle to the parks and a ticket desk in the lobby.

A private beach offers opportunities for sandcastle building and other family fun; beach games are included in the resort fee.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort

Who Will Love It: Families who want a quiet spot on the beach that’s still close to area sights and attractions
All-Star Amenities: Private beach with lounge chairs, umbrellas and beach games; zero-entry pool; paddleboard rentals; spa and fitness center; kids’ camp; daily activities calendar
What Not To Miss: Floating in Fort Lauderdale’s only lazy river and ordering an ice cream cone from The Emporium
Location: Fort Lauderdale

The coastal chic guest rooms and suites at Pelican Grand Beach Resort offer views of the Atlantic Ocean or Fort Lauderdale skyline, providing it an air of old school elegance. Alongside access to the hotel’s private beach, lounge chairs, umbrellas and beach games are included as part of the resort fee, and paddleboard rentals are available. A beachside zero-entry pool and the only lazy river in Fort Lauderdale provide other ways to cool off, and if those don’t do the trick, try The Emporium, the resort’s old-fashioned ice cream parlor. Grownups can sign the kids up for Funky Fish Ocean Camp, where activities include snorkeling lessons, boogie boarding, tie-dying and crafts. A calendar of daily events offers other family-friendly fun, like scavenger hunts, bingo, sandcastle contests and coconut races in the lazy river. The resort’s location makes it easy to explore the area’s many attractions but also provides a quiet spot removed from all the action.

At the Loggers kids’ club, young guests can imagine their own undersea worlds on the larger-than-life-sized Sketch Aquarium.

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa

Who Will Love It: Families looking for a stylish getaway befitting Palm Beach’s glamorous vibe
All-Star Amenities: Private beach; two pools; kids’ and teen clubs; complimentary dog amenities; kid under five eat for free with the purchase of an adult entrée
What Not To Miss: Exploring the Atlantic Ocean on a kayak or paddleboard available to guests free of charge and a day by the pool or beach in a private cabana

Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Palm Beach sets the stage for a particularly dreamy family getaway. Bright and cheery guest rooms designed by Jonathan Adler include a private balcony with a hanging chair for taking in the views, and suites offer more space to spread out. You can even bring the family pooch along with you, and kids five and under eat free throughout the resort with the purchase of an adult entrée. Take a dip in the Family Pool and adjoining turtle-themed splash pad, or head out onto the resort’s private beach, where beach chairs, umbrellas and the use of non-motorized water sports are complimentary for guests. At the recently reimagined Loggers kids’ club, young guests ages three to 12 can create their own glowing masterpieces on the four-foot-tall Lite-Zilla or imagine their own undersea world on the larger-than-life-sized Sketch Aquarium. Complimentary bike rentals make it easy to explore the area, and an ice cream cone from Melt serves as the perfect post-pedaling treat.

At the SoBe Kids Club, kids can take part in arts and crafts, STEM activities and other experiences curated by the Miami Children’s Museum.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel

Who Will Love It: Families who want to be in the middle of the action in Miami Beach’s Art Deco District
All-Star Amenities: Beach with private play area for kids; zero-entry pool; kids’ club
What Not To Miss: A meal at the new Miami Beach location of Rao’s and the regular schedule of family activities that includes weekend poolside games, kids’ cooking classes, pop-up poolside treats and movies under the stars
Location: Miami Beach

Loews Miami Beach Hotel rolls out the red carpet for families with all kinds of amenities and programming offered year-round. That includes the SoBe Kids Club, where four- to 10-year-olds can take part in arts and crafts, STEM activities, cooking classes and other experiences curated in partnership with the Miami Children’s Museum and Frost Museum of Science. When it’s time to go for a swim, the hotel’s beachfront and zero-entry pool make it easy to cool off, and complimentary swim diapers, baby floaties and sunscreen are at the ready. On-site restaurants serve up plenty of options for pint-sized palettes, like the kid-sized buffet at Preston’s and the locally made ice cream at Miami Joe Coffee Co. There are options for adventurous eaters, too: a new Miami Beach outpost of legendary New York Italian restaurant Rao’s serves up penne vodka, linguine carbonara and other favorites. Sea Spa offers manis, pedis and haircuts for the 12 and under set (plus soothing treatments for the grownups), and guest rooms in the St. Moritz Tower provide easy access to many of the family-friendly amenities.

Accommodations include private villas ideal for family travel, with one or two bedrooms, full kitchens and plenty of room to spread out.

Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Who Will Love It: Outdoorsy families looking for a tropical island escape
All-Star Amenities: Two family pools; adults-only pool; 1,200-foot private beach; watersports facility for rentals and tours; Camp Cheeca kids’ activities and programming
What Not To Miss: A family dinner of pizza and other Italian favorites in view of the water at Mia Cucina; a stroll on the resort’s fishing pier
Location: Islamorada

Set on a 27-acre private estate on Islamorada, Cheeca Lodge & Spa has been welcoming guests since 1946 and recently underwent some major enhancements. Accommodations include guest rooms, oceanfront suites and bungalows, and 11 new private villas called The Casitas are ideal for family travel, with one or two bedrooms, full kitchens, furnished porches, a washer and dryer and plenty of room to spread out. Guests who opt for The Casitas also enjoy personalized butler service and access to an exclusive area with a private beach, pool and tennis courts. With its location in the “Sportfishing Capital of the World,” the resort helps guests get out on the water with a full-service watersports facility on property for arranging fishing and snorkeling tours, equipment rentals and lessons. Send the kids to Camp Cheeca for some arts and crafts, games and other activities. Grownups can book a spa treatment or grab a cocktail at one of the open-air Tiki Bars overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

Kids will probably be big fans of the resort’s three-acre waterpark, with five waterslides, multiple pools and a palm tree–lined lazy river.

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa

Who Will Love It: Families who like to be in and on the water in a variety of ways
All-Star Amenities: Three-acre water park with pools, waterslides and a lazy river; kids’ activity programming; spa with meditation pool; multiple restaurants; watersports rentals
What Not To Miss: Racing down the dueling waterslides; the private island experience available to guests at Big Hickory Island in Estero Bay Ecological Preserve
Location: Bonita Springs

Recently renovated guest rooms at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa set a coastal mood for a Florida family vacation, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that let the sunshine in and make it easy to admire views of Estero Bay and the Southwest Florida coastline. Kids, however, will probably be bigger fans of the resort’s three-acre waterpark, which offers five waterslides (including a pair of dueling waterslides for a little family competition), multiple pools (including a walk-in lagoon-style pool ideal for little ones) and a palm tree–lined lazy river. The pet-friendly resort also offers multiple restaurants, kids’ camp programming, a video arcade, a spa and a 24-hour fitness center. A must-do is the resort’s private island experience at Big Hickory Island in Estero Bay Ecological Preserve; guests take a 15-minute boat ride to the island, during which they might spot dolphins and manatees. On the island, chairs and umbrellas are set up on the white sand beach for prime relaxation, and light food and beverage options are also available.

At the beach, families can rent standup paddleboards and kayaks for exploring the emerald-green waters.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Who Will Love It: Families looking for spacious rooms with water views in close proximity to the beach and other attractions
All-Star Amenities: Access to watersports rentals; three pools, including an indoor pool; spa and fitness center; multiple dining options; tram service throughout the Sandestin resort area
What Not To Miss: A special family dinner at Northwest Florida’s first AAA Four Diamond steakhouse Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood; spending time on the white sand beach
Location: Miramar Beach

The largest full-service beachfront resort on Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa has been a go-to family vacation spot for 40 years. A recent $35-million, property-wide refresh has made the resort even more appealing, with everything from the three pools and beachfront deck space to the multiple dining outlets getting an updated look. Rooms have modern, beachy decor and private balconies with partial or full Gulf of Mexico views, and the junior deluxe suites are perfect for families, with a bunk bed area with its own TV, one king or two double beds and a queen sleeper sofa. Down on the white sand beach, families can rent beach umbrellas and chairs as well as stand-up paddleboard and kayaks for exploring the emerald-green waters. Kids can enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a toddler pool and a new pizza oven at Sandcastles Restaurant. The resort offers tram service throughout the Sandestin resort area, including to The Village of Baytowne Wharf, where families can find restaurants, shopping, a zipline and ropes course and other attractions.

There’s a family-friendly pool, nautical-themed splash pad and adults-only pool all surrounded by the largest pool deck in northeast Florida.

Omni Amelia Island Resort

Who Will Love It: Families who want to spend lots of time on the sand
All-Star Amenities: Expansive beach area with complimentary beach games; family-friendly pool and nautical-themed splash pad; “Gamer’s Lounge” with foosball and video games; 18-hole mini-golf course; bike rentals
What Not To Miss: The resort’s family-friendly, 10-hole Little Sandy golf course situated amid a scenic lowland oak marsh habitat; the Amelia Island Nature Center, where families can visit with rescued animals and book nature tours
Location: Fernandina Beach

Located on a barrier island off the northeast coast of Florida, Omni Amelia Island Resort makes it easy to get out on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Chairs and umbrellas are available to rent; you can also spend your time strolling, shelling, building sandcastles or hunting for sharks’ teeth. There’s a family-friendly pool, nautical-themed splash pad and adults-only pool all surrounded by the largest pool deck in northeast Florida and overlooking the beach. Beyond the beach, families can play a round at the resort’s mini golf course, rent bikes for pedaling around the island or tee off at the family-friendly 10-hole Little Sandy golf course designed with beginning golfers in mind. Naturalists at the Amelia Island Nature Center share insight about the area’s flora and fauna, and families can book kayaking or biking tours or one of the Family Discovery programs offered by the resort. When it’s time to refuel after a day of fun, grab burgers and other pub food at Falcon’s Nest or order a pizza at Natural Slice. If parents need a little time alone, they can book a session for the kids at the resort’s Camp Amelia.

Best Family Resort In Florida For Activities: The Boca Raton

The Harborside Pool Club features three pools, two waterslides, a 450-foot lazy river and a new simulator for boogie boarding and surfing.

The Boca Raton

Who Will Love It: Families who like a lot of choices and a variety of ways to stay busy during a Florida vacation
All-Star Amenities: Harborside Pool Club with three pools, two waterslides, kids’ splash area and 450-foot lazy river; a half-mile stretch of private beach with watersports rentals and oceanfront pools; kids’ and teen clubs; junior tennis program
What Not To Miss: Riding the waves on the new FlowRider simulator; a snack delivery from The Tower’s two robot butlers, Johnnie and Ethel (named after the pet monkeys belonging to The Boca Raton’s original owner, architect Addison Mizner)
Location: Boca Raton

Families can choose their own adventure at The Boca Raton, where five different hotel options include the resort’s original, circa-1926 Cloister hotel and the recently renovated Tower with customizable suite layouts to best match your family’s needs. The Tower offers easy proximity to the Harborside Pool Club, which features three pools, two waterslides, a 450-foot lazy river, and a new FlowRider simulator for boogie boarding and surfing for hours of water fun. Kids ages four to 12 can head to the Banyan Bunch kids’ club for crafts, story time, yoga and other activities, while tweens and teens can hang at The Break, a new spot at the resort with a candy wall, virtual reality gaming system, podcast recording booth and 360-degree platform for recording TikTok videos. Complimentary water taxis travel around the resort, making it easy to take advantage of amenities like watersports rentals, tennis and pickleball courts, an 18-hole golf course, spa and fitness center (with complimentary classes) as well as bicycle rentals. An array of dining options includes the Burger Bar and a macaron and chocolate shop.

Best High-End Family Resort In Florida: Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort

This AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property also offers a spa, golf course and multiple restaurants to keep grownups busy.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort

Who Will Love It: Families who want to vacation in high style—even if they’re going to Florida’s theme parks
All-Star Amenities: The five-acre Explorer Island amenity with a family pool, lazy river, waterslides, and splash pad; complimentary kids club; The Hideout game room
What Not To Miss: The Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & Pals character breakfast at the resort’s Ravello restaurant every Thursday and Saturday

You don’t have to visit the Disney theme parks to enjoy the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort. The expansive property is a vacation unto itself, with a five-acre playground for the whole family that includes pools, a lazy river, waterslides, a game room and a complimentary kids club with all kinds of activities for younger guests. If a theme park visit is on the itinerary, the resort provides complimentary motorcoach transportation to the Walt Disney World theme parks located just a few minutes away and offers a Disney Planning Center in the lobby to help guests with arrangements and questions. You can also get in the Disney spirit without even leaving the resort by booking a table for the Good Morning Breakfast with Goofy & Pals held at the resort’s Ravello restaurant every Thursday and Saturday. After a long day of playing in the sun or riding rollercoasters, sophisticated but still comfortable guest rooms and suites make getting a good night’s sleep easy.

There’s also an oceanfront pool ideal for cooling down after a family bike ride or workout at the fitness center.

Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa

Who Will Love It: Families who want to watch their budget but still have a great beach vacation
All-Star Amenities: Private beach with complimentary chairs and umbrellas; oceanfront heated pool; complimentary baby gear
What Not To Miss: Watching the kids zoom around on Micro Kickboard scooters available in two children’s sizes for complimentary use during a stay
Location: Vero Beach

With off-peak nightly rates around $200, Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa makes family travel a breeze. The resort’s 113 spacious guest suites range from studios to three bedrooms, some with full kitchens, ocean views and/or lanais. Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are available, as well as access to watersports rentals, tours and private beach cabanas. There’s also an oceanfront pool ideal for cooling down after a family bike ride or workout at the fitness center, and you can start the day with complimentary morning coffee and tea in the lobby and wind down with a complimentary evening wine hour each day. Opt for the resort’s Stargazing on the Sea package on select dates, and the whole family can take a private river cruise featuring a star talk led by a local astronomer. Through a new partnership with the nearby Environmental Learning Center in the Indian River Lagoon, interactive pop-up events will take place at the hotel every Friday afternoon where kids can learn about topics like butterflies, gopher tortoises and beach shells.

Best Family Resort In Florida For Pools: Orlando World Center Marriott

At the Falls Pool Oasis, the swimming pool and splash zone are ideal for younger kids, while two waterslides offer thrills for older kids.

Orlando World Center Marriott

Who Will Love It: Families who plan to spend a lot of time making a splash during their Florida vacation
All-Star Amenities: Zero-entry, lagoon-style swimming pool; seven waterslides; lazy river; two kids’ splash zones; arcade; mini-golf; scheduled shuttle service to the Disney theme parks
What Not To Miss: Plummeting down the speed slide and catching the high-energy nightly laser light show at the Falls Pool area

As the world’s largest Marriott property, Orlando World Center Marriott doesn’t skimp on amenities. That includes its pool scene, which offers gallons of fun for the whole family. At the Falls Pool Oasis, the zero-entry, lagoon-style swimming pool and splash zone are ideal for younger kids, while two twisting waterslides and a 90-foot speed slide offer bigger thrills for older kids (and grownups). The new River Falls Water Park (included in the daily resort fee) amps up the aquatic action with three high-octane inner-tube waterslides, including the aptly named Boomerango that sends riders up a seemingly gravity-defying chute. An “aqua playground” and 575-foot-long lazy river calm things down a bit. The fun continues after dark, when a nightly laser light show set to music illuminates the Falls Pool area and mermaids join the fun for glow parties on select nights throughout the year. Outside of the water, kids can head to the arcade, play mini-golf, or take part in regularly scheduled activities like arts and crafts and animal encounters. The resort also offers complimentary scheduled shuttle service to the Disney theme parks—if you can get the kids to leave, that is.

Best Family Resort In Florida For Adventurous Families: Tradewinds Beach Resort’s Island Grand

You’ll need a vacation from your vacation after enjoying everything that’s included with a stay.

Tradewinds Beach Resort’s Island Grand

Who Will Love It: Thrillseekers of all ages who want a Florida beach vacation with plenty of action and excitement
All-Star Amenities: Access to one beach cabana per room; five pools; inflatable surf simulator; touch tank experience; mini-golf; paddleboats; nightly s’mores
What Not To Miss: Ziplining by the beach and splashing down a three-story inflatable waterslide on the sand
Location: St. Pete Beach

Five pools, a three-story, 200-foot-long waterslide, an inflatable surf simulator and a three-story zipline over the beach are just some of the amenities included in the resort fee at TradeWinds Beach Resort’s Island Grand. The property shares acres of Gulf of Mexico beachfront with sister hotel RumFish Beach Resort , and a stay at either gives families access to lots of thrills and activities in the sand and surf. You’ll need a vacation from your vacation after enjoying everything that’s included with a stay, like volleyball and other beach games, a touch tank experience, mini-golf, paddleboats, family pirate shows, ping-pong, shuffleboard, nightly s’mores, morning beach yoga classes and use of one beach cabana per room. If you want to add even more to the experience, fee-based options include standup paddleboard and kayak rentals, jet ski tours and fishing charters, banana boat rides, parasailing and a floating water park with slides and trampolines. When everyone’s tuckered out, head back to your guest room or villa done up in tropical style with marine-inspired artwork, mini-fridges and microwaves.

Best Family Resort In Florida For Outdoorsy Families: Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Guests can choose their way to stay here, with options that include glamping tents, wagon–inspired cabins and lodge-style guest rooms.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Who Will Love It: Families looking for a dude ranch experience that doesn’t require roughing it
All-Star Amenities: Glamping and other unique lodging options; petting farm; seasonal outdoor pool; tennis and basketball courts; multiple dining options
What Not To Miss: Experiencing the resort’s Saturday Night Rodeo, featuring barrel racing and bull riding and admiring the scenic setting on horseback or by airboat
Location: River Ranch

Set on 1,700 acres overlooking the Kissimmee River in Central Florida’s Polk County, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo gives families a dude ranch-meets-glamping experience with an Old Florida feel. Guests can choose their way to stay here, with options that include glamping tents, Conestoga wagon–inspired cabins and lodge-style guest rooms. A seasonal outdoor pool, tennis courts, basketball courts and petting farm are available to guests free of charge during a stay at the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi. Families can pick from a range of add-on activities to create their perfect trip, with options like horseback rides, archery, airboat rides, a Saturday night rodeo and the new Cowboy Adventure Park with activities like a mechanical bull, bounce pad and rock-climbing wall. On-site dining options serve up everything from steaks and barbecue to pizza and ice cream, and the S'mores 'N Pours experience gives both the kids and grownups a treat with two deluxe s’mores kits and a bottle of Buffalo Trace Bourbon hand-delivered during a stay.

About Beth Luberecki, Your Florida Family Resorts Guide

I have been a professional writer for more than 25 years covering a range of topics including travel, business, real estate and home decorating. My travel stories have appeared in publications and on websites such as USA Today , FamilyVacationist , Smarter Travel , TripAdvisor , Times of the Islands and Gulf + Main . My work has also appeared in the Washington Post’s Express and Florida Trend . I have lived in the Sunshine State for almost two decades and have written about it extensively, from tips and advice on visiting Walt Disney World to where to stay for a romantic getaway or fun family trip. The Orlando area is a region I know well. I’m always looking for new places to discover in Florida with my husband and teenage daughter.

Beth Luberecki

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COMMENTS

  1. [UPDATED] How to Choose the Best Disney Cruise Stateroom

    How to Choose Your Stateroom. Here are our recommended steps for picking the best stateroom for your voyage: Decide which of the four categories of stateroom fits your budget and tastes: Inside. Oceanview. Verandah. Concierge. Review the options of the staterooms in that category for the ship of your choice.

  2. The Best Staterooms in Each of the 10 Categories on a Disney Cruise in

    Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah on the Disney Fantasy. 3. Category 4 - Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah - Category 4 staterooms are the biggest non-concierge staterooms on the ships. The word "Family" in the title means the stateroom is slightly longer and sleeps up to five.

  3. Best Staterooms on a Disney Cruise

    The Disney Cruise Line offers four main types of staterooms: Concierge (the most expensive ), Veranda, Oceanview, and Inside (the least expensive). In each category and within each ship, there are different options (subcategories). Category 1 is typically the most costly, followed by Category 2, etc. Category 11 is the least expensive.

  4. The Best Disney Cruise Rooms

    Sleeps: 8 Guests. Price: $30,000+. Important to Know: This first-of-its-kind accommodation, perched high in the funnel above the upper decks makes it top of the list for best rooms on Disney Wish.Featuring décor inspired by the movie Moana, the sprawling room takes up decks 14 and 15 and is accessed via a private elevator on decks 10 and 12.Guests staying in one of the best staterooms on ...

  5. What is the best deck for a verandah room on ...

    I highly recommend doing this at least once during your cruise! Personally, when we sail I like to be on either Deck 9 or Deck 10. We enjoy the quick access to the outdoor spaces and elevated views in each port of call. I have sailed with other guests who prefer to sail on the lower decks for more convenient access to the youth clubs and ...

  6. The Best Staterooms in Each of the 10 Categories on the Disney Wish

    2. Category 2 - The category 2's look more like the 1-Bedrooms we are used to. They are broken down into two types - Category 2A Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Extended Verandah, and Category 2B Concierge 1-Bedroom Suite with Verandah. There are only two 2A's, stateroom 12000, and stateroom 12500.

  7. The Best Staterooms in Each of the 10 Categories on the Disney Wish

    We just aren't sure of the impacts of pool deck noise from above when you're on deck 10, or the entertainment noise from below when you are on deck 6. Category 5 - Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. 5. Category 5 - Category 5's are what most of us picture when we picture a normal stateroom.

  8. How to Choose a Cabin on a Disney Cruise Ship

    11. Very Limited Inside Cabins. Inside cabins are very limited. On the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy, less than 15% of the rooms are inside staterooms. Only 30% of the cabins on the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic are inside ones. Take this into consideration as these rooms are the first to go during high season.

  9. Which Deck on Disney Cruise Is the Best?

    The best deck on a Disney Cruise largely depends on personal preferences and needs. Families might prefer lower decks closer to kid-friendly amenities, while couples or solo travelers might opt for decks with no public spaces directly above or below for peace and quiet. Higher decks often provide more panoramic views but can be pricier and busier.

  10. Finding the Best Location for You on a Disney Cruise Ship

    One of the most common questions we receive from cruise clients is the best location when selecting a stateroom. If you are sensitive to motion, having a stateroom center ship and on a lower deck may provide less movement of the ship. Selecting a stateroom with a verandah or an oceanview will also help if you begin to feel queazy so you have ...

  11. What's the Best Disney Dream Stateroom for Me?

    Watching the Disney Dream dock, or seeing the moon on the water from the privacy of your room, is a cruising experience everyone should have at least once. Our pick: Even if you don't have kids, the Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom has one neat upgrade that makes it worthwhile - the portholes have built-in seats, so you can sit and watch ...

  12. Disney Wonder Cabins & Staterooms on Cruise Critic

    Interior rooms start at 184 square feet and sleep up to four. A porthole mirror gives the illusion of additional space. These rooms are located on Decks 2, 5, 6 and 7. Deluxe inside cabins offer ...

  13. Best Deck on a Cruise Ship

    If you compare it to a building, then the decks on a ship would be the storeys. Cruise ships tend to have 12 - 16 decks. Their numbering is based on its primary deck. Decks above the ship's ...

  14. best cabin rooms and deck on fantasy

    Jan 27, 2006. Jan 26, 2015. #2. It depends on what type of room you want. If possible, it's best to have other staterooms above and below you. If you want a verandah, then Decks 7, 8, and 9 are good choices, since they have staterooms both above and below. The same is true of much of Deck 6.

  15. Expert Review of Disney Dream Cruise Ship

    4.0. Very Good. Overall. Erica Silverstein. Contributor. Disney Dream was Disney's first new ship in 12 years when it debuted in 2011, and it represented the company's step into bigger, bolder and ...

  16. Pros and Cons of Deck 2 On the Disney Magic

    Cons of Deck 2 on the Disney Magic: For some people, the location is less desirable simply because it is lower on the ship. Or this deck does not accommodate the room type you are looking to book. For example, if you are looking for a different stateroom category like a verandah or concierge room, you would need to book a room on a higher deck.

  17. Disney Fantasy Cabins & Staterooms on Cruise Critic

    These cabins start at 246 square feet. Suite: For those requiring more space, Concierge Suites, as well as roomy Concierge Family Cabins, are on decks 11 and 12. Both offer access to Fantasy's ...

  18. Disney Wish Staterooms & Suites Guide

    Category 5A, 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, 7A. The most popular stateroom type on the Disney Wish is the Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. This is akin to what would be called a standard balcony stateroom on most other cruise ships. Sleeping three or four people, each room has a queen bed and a single sofa bed.

  19. Disney Fantasy Cruise Staterooms

    The bed is very comfortable. Disney Cruise Line beds use a Sealy Posturepedic Premium Plush Euro-top mattress. The Disney Cruise line bedding is high-quality Frette 100% Egyptian Cotton linen. The bathrooms also have premium bath towels. Every stateroom on the Disney Fantasy has a Beverage Cooler. It's the size that you would expect of a ...

  20. Disney Wonder Staterooms

    The Deck 5 secret porthole cabins are 5020, 5520, 5022, 5024,5522, and 5524. If you are looking for connecting staterooms then 5022 and 5024 connect, as do 5522 and 5524. There are just two secret porthole cabins on Deck 6 of the Disney Wonder. They are 6006 and 6506.

  21. A Complete Guide to Disney Fantasy Cruise Rooms

    Here's a quick glance from a numbers perspective: The Disney Fantasy is 1,115 feet long, and 216 feet tall; The Disney Fantasy can carry 4,000 passengers; There are 1,250 Staterooms aboard the Fantasy, in the following percentages: 150 — or 12% — are inside staterooms; 1,100 — or a whopping 88% — are outside staterooms:

  22. Essential Guide to the Disney Wish Staterooms

    The general types of staterooms on the Disney Wish are similar to the other ships. The most popular type of room is a verandah stateroom, which is how Disney refers to those rooms with balconies. There are 1,254 staterooms, which include 53 concierge staterooms and 23 concierge suites. In this number, there are 1,133 outside staterooms (with ...

  23. The BEST and WORST Decks to Book for the Disney Treasure

    Not all Disney Cruise Line cabins are created equal. ©Disney. With the Disney Treasure setting sail on its maiden voyage this December, many travelers are planning trips on the newest ship of the Disney fleet in 2025.Amongst them, some cruising newbies and even veteran travelers are likely wondering what kind of cabin — and on which deck — they should book for their adventure.

  24. Disney Wish: Deck guide for the newest Disney ship

    Disney Wish, deck by deck, a guide to getting around the newest Disney Cruise Line ship By Matt Roseboom July 6, 2022 November 23, 2022 The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line's newest ship.

  25. The 7 Best 3-Day Cruise Itineraries for 2024

    Disney Dream holds a maximum of 4,000 passengers and has everything you would expect on an exclusive Disney Cruise Line vessel, including kids and family areas, adults-only dining options and ...

  26. The 15 Best Family Resorts In Florida 2024

    Best High-End Family Resort In Florida: Four Seasons Resort Orlando At Walt Disney World Resort This AAA Five Diamond Award-winning property also offers a spa, golf course and multiple restaurants ...