Explore the Disney Wonder Cruise Ship! A Grand Family Vacation

Ever wonder what it was like to experience a ride on the elegant ocean liners of the 1920's? What if you could, but you could do it while surrounded by your favorite Disney characters? Not only is that possible, but it happens daily aboard the Disney Wonder. Done entirely in Mickey Mouse's colors, with yellow lifeboats, black hulls, and red funnels, this 30,000 ton work of imagination holds 1,754 Disney lovers of all ages.

Featuring attractions for both children and adults, there is something for everyone aboard this ship. There are even adults only lounges, Cove Cafe and Diversions to name a couple, and they are great places to find a little rest and relaxation. The adult areas of the ship are completely different sections than the family areas. Located on Deck 9, the Cove Cafe features gourmet drinks, and has television and internet for those looking to connect with the mainland world. Diversions, part of the Route 66 adult section, on Deck 3, is a sports pub, with numerous flat-screen plasma TV's, and the occasional round of karaoke or even trivia. Also in the Route 66 section is WaveBands, featuring live music and plenty of room for dancing, and the Cadillac Lounge, decorated, as one might guess, with the parts of a vintage Caddy. The Cadillac Lounge is a piano bar, and a great place for couples to spend a nice evening.

On Deck 4, which circles around the entire ship, lies the Quiet Cove pool, an adults only pool featuring not one, but two whirlpools. If you are looking for more family oriented entertainment, you should know Disney has plenty in store for you. Characters abound at every corner, ready to take pictures or sign an autograph for the eager fan in your group. After your little fan has gotten some souvenirs to take home, why not take a dip in the Mickey Mouse shaped pool? Want something the kids can do alone? How about training to be a Mousketeer or a Jolly Roger, with their training personally inspected by Mickey Mouse or Captain Hook? Older kids will enjoy the science of the Oceaneer Lab, where they can make volcanoes and create their very own batch of "Flubber". There's even a state of the art teen area featuring oversized and overstuffed chairs, MP3 stations, a variety of video games, and a smoothie and drink bar. There is something for the kid in everyone!

Think that you are too old for the activities? Think again! Just for adults, they have programs that teach you everything from cooking with real chefs to working with flowers. There are stage shows for everyone, with guests from Broadway to television and more. The theatre aboard the ship is second to none, and the chairs are amazing and comfortable, made of real cherry wood and being rockers. The entrance to the theatre is lined with a red carpet, giving the entire showing a Hollywood feel, and the backdrops and effects of the shows are breathtaking. To top this all off, the ship also has nightly fireworks after a themed dinner, and there is even a pirate themed line dance to "Yo-Ho, Yo-Ho, A Pirate's Life For Me".

There are 3 main restaurants aboard the Disney Wonder. Triton's, based upon "The Little Mermaid", and featuring decorations based on the classic animated film, Animator's Palate, themed on animation, and constantly transforming from black and white to color and back again, and finally, Parrot Cay, themed after the Bahamas. For alternative eateries, there are a few options. Palo is an adult only restaurant, with its main fares being seafood and italian foods. They do also offer brunch and high tea on a reservation only basis. There are Pluto's Dog House and Pinocchio's Pizzeria for traditional fare like hot dogs, burgers, and pizza. There is also the Beach Blanket Buffet when you just can't decide what you want or you want a wide variety. On top of all this, if you have room for any more food, you also have the option of 24 hour room service.

The main destination of the Disney Wonder is Castaway Cay, a Disney owned private Bahamian island. With a mile of adults only beach featuring massage and other luxuries, there is still something for everyone. The Cay also offers a number of activities from paddle boats to fishing and snorkeling. Whether on or off the ship, this trip will never disappoint, and it will be hard to believe that you aren't in your own private Neverland. The trip will leave you with a lifetime of memories, but of one thing I am certain. If you go once, you will certainly make time to go again.