Discover the Magic and Majesty of Alaska Aboard the Disney Wonder

With the tagline “Where Magic Meets the Sea,” Disney Cruise Line was my first choice for an inaugural cruise, and where better to experience the majesty of the sea than the rugged coast of Alaska? We flew into Vancouver to embark on this adventure along the Inside Passage, which extends for nearly 500 miles along the Pacific coast and features fjords, glaciers, marine life and stunning Pacific Northwest scenery.

From “Sail-A-Wave” to “Til We Meet Again,” every aspect of a Disney cruise is infused with the fun and magic of unforgettable destinations. Family-friendly entertainment allows the whole crew to connect, laugh and share time together. Gourmet dining, quick-service meals, buffet options and snack stations offer culinary choices for all. Enjoy enchanting Broadway-style shows, informative nature talks and iconic movies. Specially designed spaces allow kids, teens and adults to forge their own adventures.

Disney connects modern technology (and Mickey magic) with bright red smokestacks, a sweeping bow and the elegant lines of a classic ocean liner, evoking the golden age of seafaring vessels. Walt Disney was reportedly a fan of classic ocean liners, such as the RMS Queen Mary (1936) and the SS Normandie (1935), which served as a design influence for the Wonder’s bow and funnel (the smokestacks). You can also see design elements in the SS United States (1952). Disney’s streamlined ships can be easily spotted at ports across the country, from Port Canaveral and Everglades to the Port of San Diego and Vancouver, which is where we sailed out of.

Glacier Day

We spent a good portion of day three sailing along the Alaskan coast and the Tracy Arm Fjord to the South Sawyer Glacier. The crew kept the hot cocoa flowing as we enjoyed the brisk air and the stunning scenery of icy blue glacier chunks, jagged mountain peaks and the occasional whale tale.

Speaking of ice, I recommend packing layers for this trip, including a windbreaker-type jacket and light gloves (I like the gloves that have open fingers so that I can still use my camera). That breeze can get more than a little brisk while standing out on the deck all day. We had actually stopped last-minute on the way to the cruise ship and purchased a durable Helly Hansen jacket (this brand is trusted by sailor, boaters and other outdoor types) for my husband. It ended up being a lifesaver.

My go-to layering style includes a long-sleeve shirt from brands like Land’s End, Eddie Bauer or Cuddl Duds and a lightweight puffer vest. Columbia’s Lillian Ridge II rain jacket has become a travel favorite. It has a mesh lining, pockets with a snap closure and an adjustable hood. These convertible pants from Bass Pro Shop’s World Wide Sportsman brand are the best. Designed for fishing, they’re lightweight and can be buttoned up into capris or zipped off into shorts.

Skagway

Founded in the 1800s as a gold rush town, Skagway is the Gateway to the Yukon and became Alaska’s first city in 1900. It was the first stop on our Alaskan adventure. The town’s historic district (about six blocks) is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, along with the Chilkoot Trail and the White Pass Trail.

The town is just a short walk from the cruise docks. We didn’t do an excursion in this port. We love to explore local areas and decided to just wander around town. The preserved gold rush history, saloons and buildings gave us the feeling that, save for the paved roads, this area looked just as it would during the actual Klondike Gold Rush of 1898.

Built in 1897 during the Gold Rush, the Red Onion Saloon is a former brothel. It has also been used as an Army barracks, a dance hall, a bakery and a TV station. There’s a brothel museum upstairs that guests can visit for a “quickie” tour. Nostalgia runs rampant with the historic costumes, interesting décor and cozy ambiance.

Don’t Miss: Your to-do list should be topped by snacking on fry bread from Klondike Doughboy. It’s the spot with the long line, and it’s worth that wait.

Nice-to-See: Make sure to check out the giant snowblower and vintage locomotives of the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, a historic and scenic journey that delivers a window to the past.

Time Permits: If you have extra time, consider exploring Corrigan’s Alaskan Ivory Museum and Gift Shop or visiting the Princess Sophia shipwreck memorial. Finally, catch “The Days of ’98 (1898) Show with Soapy Smith,” a vaudeville-style show that’s been in operation since 1928.   

Juneau

On day five, we sailed into the capital city of Alaska, Juneau. If you’re interested in visiting Juneau, a cruise is one of the best ways to get there, as the city is surrounded by ice fields (one of the largest in the U.S.) and is only accessible by boat or seaplane.

The cruise docks are a short shuttle ride from downtown. Once there, you can walk around and check out the area. We decided to take the tram to the top of Mount Roberts, which is about 1,800 feet above the cruise ship docks. You’ll encounter hiking trails, 400-year-old mountain hemlock trees and stunning views of the Gastineau Channel.

If you’re in the mood for food, don’t think twice. Head straight to Tracy’s King Crab Shack for the best crab legs you’ll ever eat. You’ll be spoiled on crab legs (and salmon) after visiting Alaska.

Our excursion (booked through Disney Cruise Line) in this port was to the A.J. Mine and Gastineau Mill Tour. Once the world’s largest gold-producing mill. It hasn’t been in operation since WWII. Take a tour of the mine to see vintage equipment and the inner workings of a mine. We donned ear plugs to witness a demonstration of the drilling process. Afterward, we dipped our hands and pans into chilly water to pan for gold (and actually found some!).

Don’t Miss: The tram to the top of Mount Roberts offers amazing views of the channel and is an excellent way to get a selfie or family photo with the ship in the background. Indulge in Alaskan king crab legs for lunch at Tracy’s King Crab Shack.

Nice-to-See: We loved the gold mine tour and panning experience. If you’re looking for hiking and a nature fix, visit the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. You’ll also want to take a family photo at the Welcome to Juneau sign.

Time Permits: Check out native history and culture at the Alaska State Museum or browse the shops around town.

Notes on Cruise Excursions

When you’re participating in a tour arranged with the cruise line, you meet in a designated spot on the ship. This means that if you’re off the ship before the tour starts, you must get back to the ship in time to meet your tour group. You’ll then be transported to a meeting area where you’ll head off on your adventure.

Ketchikan

Day six was a stop in Ketchikan, the Salmon Capital of the World. We chose to do an excursion on a sightseeing bus around town. The highlight was a stop at Saxman Totem Park, which features 25 authentic replicas of totem poles found in abandoned villages. We visited the totem pole carving room where master carver Nathan Jackson, Tlingit totem carver, creates and preserves authentic works of art. His work has been displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.

Creek Street, Ketchikan’s red-light district during the Gold Rush, is a series of cute shops and attractions along a scenic creek. You can see salmon swimming by in season.

The Alaska Fish House was a dining choice in Ketchikan. It was quite busy, a sign to us that it’s good. We enjoyed glazed salmon and salmon tacos while watching boats on the harbor.

Don’t Miss: Stroll along the waterfront Creek Street and pick up a souvenir or two.

Nice-to-See: If you’re interested in cruise excursions, the Saxman Totem Park is a wonderful place to discover the artistic and cultural side of this village. Our bus driver/guide was friendly and informative.

Time Permits: Explore history atTongass Historical Museum or watch logs roll at the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show.

Ship Life Aboard the Disney Wonder

Staterooms

The Disney Wonder offers 875 staterooms in categories such as Inside Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms, Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms with Verandahs and Concierge Suites. We opted for an inside stateroom, which is about 184 square feet, to stay as budget-friendly as possible. This choice reflects our travel values, where we prioritize the experience over space and budget over luxury (though, you can certainly go as luxury-forward as you want on a Disney cruise ship).

This cabin has a queen/double bed, a single sleeper sofa and a pull-down single bed (which resembles a bunk bed over the sleeper sofa and is used if there are four guests). We found the cabin to be spacious enough for three people who weren’t in the room much anyway.

Dining

Rotational dining allows cruisers to experience all the ship’s restaurants. You’re assigned to a restaurant and time (no worrying about reservations), which is your time slot for the duration of the cruise. Waitstaff even rotate with guests throughout the week. We loved getting to know Ivan and Hilde as they rotated with us. Their friendly faces and attentive service turned mealtimes into a highlight of the day.

You can also partake in in-room dining and quick service if you so choose. An extensive buffet is available for breakfast and lunch. Additionally, there’s a coffee shop that serves delicious pastries and a latte with a cute pic of Pua, Moana’s pig, in latte art.

Dinner seating times are designed to allow everyone a chance to see the nightly shows. Our time slot was the later one, around 8:15, which we enjoyed because it gave us plenty of time to return to the ship while in port or relax after boarding. The early seating is at 5:45, which probably works well for guests with young kids.

Restaurants

We’re well familiar with Disney’s level of culinary standards, so dinner was one of our favorite times of day. Each restaurant is well-themed and features gourmet options. With extensive menu choices, the meal includes an appetizer, entrée, dessert and a beverage (alcoholic beverages are available at an additional charge). Of course, if you want to order two appetizers and three desserts, so be it. No judgment here.

Tiana’s Place

With a Princess and the Frog theme, this fun and lively dining experience features jazzy music, a Mardi Gras party and performances by Tiana herself. Expect to find New Orleans-inspired Creole and Cajun selections.

Triton’s

Triton’s is a tribute to The Little Mermaid and features American and French cuisine. Featuring golden hues, sapphire ceiling accents, seaglass-inspired accents and colorful mosaics, the ambiance matches the under-the-sea theme.

Animator’s Palate

Step into a drawing at Animator’s Palate. Featuring a menu of Pacific Rim cuisine – think: a blend of Asian and Pacific specialties with a nod to the California coast. The highlight of this dining experience was an animated show using drawings by the guests.

Palo

Each Disney ship offers an upscale, fine-dining and adults-only option, and Palo is the Wonder’s version. It’s not included in the cruise price, and reservations are required. Our seat neighbors (with rotational dining, you’ll quickly get to know/recognize fellow diners) tried it one night and gave it rave reviews. Located on the top aft deck, Palo features Northern Italian cuisine with stunning water views.

Lounges

• Cadillac Lounge – This became our favorite for relaxing, listening to singing and piano playing and enjoying a beverage before or after dinner.
• The Crown and Fin
• Azure
• The French Quarter Lounge

Entertainment

Magic and comedy shows, nature talks and Broadway-style musicals provided daily and nightly entertainment during the Wonder’s Alaska voyage. The cruise kicks off with the Sail-A-Wave party and ends with Till-We-Meet-Again. Along the way, there’s a Freezin’ the Night Away party and several others. We enjoyed listening to a nature expert talk about kayaking, camping and photographing bears and other Alaskan wildlife. There are two theaters: The Walt Disney Theatre (977 seats) and the Buena Vista Theatre (278 seats and used for movies).

If you’re into Disney character interactions, a cruise is a wonderful way to meet and greet your favorites without the super long lines at the parks.

Recreation

• The Disney Wonder has two pools. Goofy’s Family Pool has a 24-foot-wide Funnel Vision movie/TV screen. Quiet Cove is an adults-only pool.
• A basketball/volleyball/soccer court and ping-pong are in a mesh enclosure on Deck 10.
• Deck 4 is the muster station deck, which is where the lifeboats are located. This deck goes all the way around the ship, so it’s popular with walkers and runners. It’s 1/3 of a mile in length. Go around three times and you’ve gotten in a mile.

Disney Wonder Stats

The Disney Wonder shares dimensions and capacity with its sister ship, the Disney Magic. Here are a few more interesting facts about the Disney Wonder.

• Launched in 1999 and the second ship in the Disney fleet (the Magic is the first)
• Holds 2,700 passengers
• 875 rooms
• Length: 984 feet
• Art nouveau in design and decor
• Godmother: Tinkerbell
• Design inspired by classic 1930s ocean liners, like the Queen Mary and the SS Normandie
• The ship’s horn plays “When You Wish Upon a Star” when arriving in port, leaving port and when passing other ships.

Benefits of Cruise Travel

• Unpack once and you’re done. A cruise ship is your floating hotel, restaurant, transportation and entertainment venue in one.
• Visit multiple ports and cities in a shorter amount of time than driving to each.
• Cost-effective travel option as most cruises are all-inclusive. Many cruise lines offer a drastically reduced rate for the third passenger in a cabin.
• Meals are included and planned out, eliminating the need to make reservations.
• Most cruise lines provide excellent accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges.
• Multiple activities, entertainment, shows and pools for every age, from infants and toddlers to tweens, teens and adults.