Well, today is a BIG day when it comes to Disney Cruise Line news!
Earlier today Disney showcased some of the new dining locations, character experiences, and other things coming to Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship — the Disney Wish! But wait, there’s MORE! Today Disney also shared a look at some of the new entertainment offerings that will be available on the ship including movie theaters, new shows, and unique entertainment spaces. Let’s dive into it all now!
Walt Disney Theatre — Design
First, we’ll tackle the Walt Disney Theatre. If you’ve been on a Disney Cruise Line ship before, you know this is the large theatre space you go to nightly for those spectacular Broadway-style shows and other entertainment offerings.
Today we got a look at the design of the theatre for the Disney Wish. The space is actually inspired by the “fantastic floral worlds of the animated classic Fantasia.”
You’ll want to look all around the theatre for special details…
…and features inspired by a magical forest.
The 1,274-seat theater spans three decks with orchestra and balcony seating. Disney shares that the theatre will also “be equipped with state-of the-art technology, including the most robust projection mapping capabilities of any Disney ship and a Dolby Atmos 3D audio system — a first for the cruise industry — to create a transformative theatrical experience rivaling anything on land or at sea.”
Walt Disney Theatre — Shows
Wondering what shows you’ll be able to watch in the Walt Disney Theatre during your cruise? Today Disney revealed that guests will get to enjoy a reimagined adaptation of Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular on the Disney Wish. This is a show that guests have been able to enjoy on other Disney Cruise Line ships in the past, but it sounds like the version of this show on the Wish will feature some reimagined elements.
On the Disney Wish, guests will also get to experience 2 all-NEW, original productions! Disney has said that more details about these shows will be released in the future.
Movie Theaters
Another fan-favorite activity aboard the Disney Cruise Line ships is the ability to watch new and old movies in the movie theater on board. On the Disney Wish there will be 2 intimate screening rooms to watch your favorite films.
These movie theaters “will be the first in the cruise industry to offer Dolby Atmos 3D audio technology for the most immersive movie-going experience on the high seas.”
These two cinemas are known as the Wonderland Cinema (84 seats) and the Never Land Cinema (86 seats). Based on the deck plans, it looks like these will be located on Deck 4 of the ship, near the Walt Disney Theater.
As always, guests will be able to watch classic films in these theaters as well as first-run films. A Disney Cruise Line official noted that they will still be able to premiere new movies on the ship when they premiere on land.
As you might expect, the Wonderland Cinema is inspired by Alice in Wonderland. It will feature “nods to the otherworldly creatures and distinctive characters who inhabit the ever-curiouser Tulgey Wood.” That woodland motif will continue onto the ceiling of the space to “create the feeling that guests are peering up through the enchanted tree canopy above.”
Never Land Cinema, on the other hand, is inspired by Peter Pan’s flight from London to Never Land. According to Disney, “As guests revisit iconic scenes such as Skull Rock and Mermaid Lagoon, the venue’s night-sky color palette will light up with the flutter of Tinker Bell’s wings.”
New Entertainment Spaces
Looking for more entertainment spaces aboard the Disney Wish? There’s plenty! Let’s go through three of the ones discussed during this prevention.
The Grand Hall
The Grand Hall of the Disney Wish will actually be able to transform into an environmental theater with the “help of a hidden layer of special effects and the first-ever atrium stage on board a Disney ship.” The stage will transform throughout the cruise, and one Disney representative said that special effects and the integration of technology will transform the space from day to night.
There will also be a special balcony in the Grand Hall where Disney characters will appear, just as we saw the Fairy Godmother “appear” there during today’s presentation.
According to Disney, in the Grand Hall “dedicated shows and interactive entertainment will come to life all around guests.”
Luna
On the Disney Wish, there will also be an event space called “Luna.” According to Disney, “This brand-new entertainment hub will transition from a daytime setting for family fun into an elegant evening venue for adult-exclusive entertainment, offering a variety of live shows and interactive programming throughout the day and night.”
Luna is inspired by the Disney and Pixar short La Luna. It will feature a “celestial design” and will have a “two-story LED screen wall, stylish stage, full-service bar and spacious seating.”
There will also be a balcony that will be “offer a more intimate setting for enjoying the festivities in small groups, with secluded seating in semi-private booths.”
One of the Disney representatives that spoke during today’s question and answer section said that Luna will be a great place for families to interact during the day. But at night it will be an adult-exclusive space that really makes you feel like you’re on a luxurious vacation. They also shared that there are lots of details inside from the Pixar short and you’ll get the chance to see some different characters. Sounds like there are lots of things to look for!
According to the deck plans online, it looks like Luna will be located on Deck 5.
Hero Zone
If you’re looking for some active family time, Hero Zone is where you’ll want to go! Disney shares that this is a “futuristic sports arena where physical activity will blend with imagination, alternating between an elaborate family obstacle course and a free-play sports hub.”
It’s set to be a space where imagination will meet active play. During the question and answer portion, a Disney representative said that families will be able to interact together there in an active and engaging way. They said there will be exciting things that will take part of the space.
Families will be able to take on some physical challenges here themed to Disney’s heroes during game show-style competitions. Just want to watch and not participate? You can head to the balcony viewing area to cheer on the participants!
More Entertainment
On the upper decks of the Disney Wish, there will be more entertainment spaces. According to Disney, the family pool district will double as an entertainment venue. There will be a “poolside stage and a jumbo LED screen.” In this space, guests will get to enjoy “brand-new deck parties and nighttime fireworks spectaculars developed exclusively for this ship.” More experiences coming to this space will be revealed later.
According to Disney, the upper decks of the Disney Wish will also be home to “10 pools and water play areas—inspired by Mickey and his pals.” In this area, there will also be a “fresh take on quick and casual fare with a festive character twist.”
And there will be a new Toy Story Splash Zone “featuring larger-than-life rubber bath toys and the Slide-a-saurus Rex family slide.” This area is “designed especially for families with toddlers and young children,” and will include a “splash zone, wading pool, family waterslide and smoothie bar.”
There are also kids clubs, teens/tweens clubs, and a nursery for the youngest guests.
The Disney Wish will also include Quiet Cove — an adults-only area with an infinity pool, bar and poolside lounge. Cove Cafe, the poolside lounge for Quiet Cove, will have ” a fresh new look that reflects the Oceania-inspired artistry of Disney’s ‘Moana.'”
And if you’re looking for some time at the spa or time to exercise, that’s available too. Senses Spa will offer a variety of spa and beauty treatments. And the reimagined Senses Fitness area “will offer state-of-the-art exercise and wellness facilities”
The spa on the Disney Wish will offer some NEW spa and salon experiences that will be announced at a later date.
On board there will also be a series of adults-only spaces (or family spaces that will be transformed into adults-only spaces at night) including the new Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge, some specialty dining inspired by Beauty and the Beast (including Palo Steakhouse), and more. Disney has said “adults will enjoy a variety of relaxed bars and upscale lounges aboard the Disney Wish. More information will be released at a later date.”
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more details about the Disney Wish and let you know what we find!
Click here to see all of the characters you can meet on the Disney Wish!
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What part of this new entertainment are you most excited for? Tell us in the comments!
Ken says
Is there still a “Beat Street” adults only zone on board? No mention of it on the preview. These areas were always great fun and lots of laughs for later evenings…