The Disney Cruise Line fleet is ever expanding!

They are currently at five ships, but by 2031, the Disney Cruise Line will have 13 ships. And if you’re looking to book a sailing on the Disney Cruise Line, well, you’ve got your work cut out for you with trying to figure out which ship you’ll want to sail on. So, to try and make things a bit easier for you, let’s go over the 3 types of Disney Cruise Line Ships and the big advantages of each!

As we were saying, the Disney Cruise Line currently has 5 ships that are sailing, but we can make things even simpler for you by putting them into three “classes” of ships.

• Magic Class (Disney Magic, Disney Wonder)
• Dream Class (Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy)
• Wish Class (Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and Disney Destiny)

Each class of ship was designed with a specific purpose, layout, and style to cater to different Disney cruising experiences. So, whether you want to make the most of your time onboard with activities, focus on unique destinations, or go all-out with the latest attractions, there’s a Disney cruise for you.

The Wish Class

The ships in this class: Disney Wish (2022), Disney Treasure (coming in 2024), and Disney Destiny (coming in 2025)

Size: 144,000 tons

Passenger Capacity: Up to 4,000 at maximum capacity (with all pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas in cabins filled)

The Big Advantages:

• Themed Magic in Every Corner: The Wish Class ships are the newest and flashiest in Disney’s lineup. Disney Wish debuted in 2022, and its sister ships, the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny, coming soon. These ships bring the latest in Disney-themed experiences, from Star Wars and Marvel lounges to “Frozen”-themed dining and other immersive attractions.
• Cutting-Edge Cabins for Families: Disney has pulled out all the stops in cabin design for the Wish Class. Not only are these cabins spacious and thoughtfully designed for families, but a few even have floor-to-ceiling ocean views from seven unique ocean-view rooms over the bridge. This is a Disney Cruise Line first, adding a level of luxury while keeping the fun kid-focused.
• AquaMouse Ride: For water lovers, AquaMouse is Disney Cruise Line’s first-ever attraction at sea, and it’s a high-tech, family-friendly water ride that blends a classic water slide with special effects and storytelling in true Disney style.
• Expanded Kids’ Areas: The Oceaneer Club for kids ages 3 to 12 has been reimagined, with kids’ favorites like the Marvel Super Hero Academy and Star Wars Command Post offering interactive experiences where kids can immerse themselves in Disney storytelling.

Itineraries: The Wish Class focuses on shorter itineraries to the Bahamas and Caribbean from Port Canaveral, Florida, which is near Disney World in Orlando. This makes it easy for families to pair a Disney cruise with a visit to the parks.

The Dream Class

The ships in this class: Disney Fantasy (2012), Disney Dream (2011)

Size: 129,690 tons

Passenger Capacity: Up to 4,000 at maximum capacity (with all pull-down bunks and pull-out sofas in cabins filled)

The Big Advantages:

• AquaDuck: One of the most popular features of the Dream Class ships is the AquaDuck, a thrilling water coaster that wraps around the main deck, offering stunning views of the ocean below. Kids and adults alike love the AquaDuck, as it’s an adventurous experience, but not too intense.
• Virtual Portholes: In a world-first, Disney introduced “virtual portholes” in the inside cabins of the Dream Class ships, allowing guests in windowless cabins to experience a “view.” These portholes are screens that display a live feed of the outside, giving the illusion of an actual porthole. Plus, you might see animated Disney characters “swim” by, adding a little magic to your stay.
• Kids’ Clubs with Disney Character Themes: Both ships in the Dream Class offer big, themed areas that cover an entire deck. The Oceaneer Club offers favorites like Marvel and Star Wars-themed sections, allowing children to explore their favorite characters and stories while making new friends. Plus, teens and tweens have their own cool hangouts like Vibe and Edge.
• Dual-Bathroom Cabins for Families: Just like with the Wish Class, the Dream Class offers split-bathroom cabins, with one bathroom equipped with a sink and shower or tub, and the other with a sink and toilet. This design makes getting ready easy, especially with young children.

Itineraries: Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy were long based in Port Canaveral, but now Disney Dream has moved to Miami to offer short trips to the Bahamas, while Disney Fantasy handles the longer Caribbean itineraries. Both ships are great for families who want a mix of days at sea to enjoy the ship’s features and days spent exploring tropical destinations.

The Magic Class

The ships in this class: Disney Wonder (1999), Disney Magic (1998)

Size: 84,000 tons

Passenger Capacity: Up to 2,713 at maximum capacity

The Big Advantages:

• Cozy, Intimate Feel: The Magic Class ships are the smallest in the fleet, and while this means fewer attractions, it also makes these ships feel more intimate and easy to navigate. For cruisers who prefer a more personal experience or don’t want to deal with large crowds, these ships are a great fit.
• Specialized, Destination-Intensive Itineraries: Due to their smaller size, Disney Wonder and Disney Magic are often used for more unique routes. Disney Magic spends summers in Europe, giving guests the chance to explore cities like Barcelona and Rome, while Disney Wonder heads to Alaska, with its jaw-dropping landscapes and wildlife.
• AquaDunk: These ships also have their own signature experiences. The AquaDunk slide, for example, takes you down a 37-foot drop that actually swings out over the side of the ship! Disney Wonder also boasts the French Quarter Lounge, a New Orleans-inspired venue with themed entertainment.
• Character Dining and Rotational Dining Experiences: Disney’s rotational dining system is also aboard the Magic Class and lets you experience multiple themed restaurants on your cruise, with your waitstaff following you from place to place. This feature is a fun way to enjoy unique dining without missing a chance to bond with familiar faces who get to know your dining preferences.

Itineraries: Disney uses the Magic Class ships for some of its most interesting and diverse routes. Disney Wonder sails from San Diego to Mexico and then heads north to Alaska during the summer. Disney Magic, meanwhile, spends time in Europe, visiting Mediterranean hotspots like Italy, Greece, and Spain.

Which Disney Ship Class Is Right for You?

All of the Disney cruise ships are designed with families in mind, but each has its own distinct character.

• If you want the latest in Disney’s innovation and themed attractions: Choose the Wish Class. It has everything from a Star Wars-themed lounge to the AquaMouse water attraction, making it perfect for Disney fans who want the newest bells and whistles.
• If you prefer a big ship with tons of family features but don’t mind skipping the latest gadgets: The Dream Class offers almost as many activities as the Wish Class, with awesome water attractions, themed kids’ areas, and even virtual portholes that are a hit with younger guests.
• If you like a more intimate experience and unique destinations: The Magic Class is perfect for those who enjoy a cozier ship and want to explore places like Europe and Alaska. These smaller ships provide a classic cruising experience with a Disney twist, perfect for those who want a balance of onboard fun and off-board adventure.

So, if you’re looking to book with the Disney Cruise Line, just remember that each class offers something unique, whether it’s the latest attractions, spacious family staterooms, or the chance to explore exciting global destinations.

Until then, make sure to stay tuned to Disney Food Blog to never miss out on the latest Disney news!

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Will you be booking a cruise aboard the Disney Cruise Line? Let us know in the comments!