Are you thinking about signing up for the Royal Gathering on the Disney Wish? Have you already signed up and want a preview of what to expect? We have all the details! And pictures, can’t forget about pictures.
What is the Royal Gathering?
The Royal Gathering on the Disney Wish is, in it’s basic form, a big character meet. It takes place in the Grand Hall on deck 3, but only for a specific time. While there is no additional cost, reservations are necessary for this!
Reservations for the Royal Gathering can be made on the same day you are able to check in for your cruise: 30 days in advance. Pro tip: while everyone else is scrambling to do their online check in for the cruise, hop over to “My Plans” > “Book Onboard Activities” on the DCL app (or on the DCL website, it’s “Already Booked” > “Book/Manage Cruise Activities”) and reserve your spot for the Royal Gathering.
The Royal Gathering is so popular, it even has a queue line! When it’s your designated time to arrive, approach the queue entrance, where a cast member will scan your Key to the World card (or MagicBand+) to confirm you have a reservation. Once confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the queue. Then the excitement begins!
What’s the Royal Gathering experience like?
The character meets are arranged in stations, so you’ll start at the first character on the far right, and then move from station to station meeting each character, having a chance to interact, and take photos. At each station, you will have to scan your Key to the World card (or MagicBand+) with the photographer at that station. It’s tedious, but oh well.
From my experience doing the Royal Gathering, it felt like a whirlwind of excitement and joy. There’s anticipation of meeting the characters. Then the actual experience of meeting the characters and taking photos. And then very little time to build anticipation before you’re meeting the next character. Repeat that several times until suddenly you’re finished and wondering what just happened.
Who do we meet at the Royal Gathering?
I thought you’d never ask!
Moana
Tiana
Cinderella
Rapunzel
Belle
Is the Royal Gathering worth it?
Considering it’s free and you are able to meet five Disney princesses: of course it’s worth it! My personal gripe was I didn’t get to spend as much time with each character as I would have liked, but I get it. I’m a person in a line, and they need to keep the line moving to get everyone through. I got what I wanted out of the experience, though. I was able to take photos with my phone, I had photos taken of me with each character, and I was able to spend a little bit of time interacting with each character. It’s a fun experience!
If each of these characters were meeting individually on the ship, the line would probably stretch around the grand hall. So, really, this is a great way to meet five really popular Disney princesses without having to wait hours in line to do so.
Does the Royal Gathering ever ‘sell out’?
Yes. Even though it’s free, reservations are limited.
Is the Royal Gathering the only time to see these characters?
While I don’t recall if the princesses had individual character meets during the cruise, several of the Disney princesses are waving to guests in the Grand Hall during embarkation day. The Royal Gathering, in my opinion, is the best opportunity to actually meet these characters one-on-one.
Reminder!
You can only book a reservation for the Royal Gathering 30 days prior to your cruise. That also happens to be the same day you can begin on-line check-in for your cruise. While everyone is trying to complete their on-line check in, go to the Book Onboard Activities section and book your Royal Gathering reservation first, then do your online check-in. Most people do the check-in first, and then try to book this activity.
Hopefully this gives you all the information and excitement you need to book your reservation for the Royal Gathering when your reservation window opens. If you or someone in your party are fans of any of these characters, this is an absolute must-do! I really enjoyed my experience, and I’m sure you will too.
Disney Rover 