We get this question a lot. A LOT. Once people find out we’ve been on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, and Wish, inevitably someone will ask, “So which Disney ship is your favorite?”
Our answer won’t be complete, because we haven’t sailed on the Disney Magic or Wonder yet…yet. That’s coming up later this year, at least being on the Magic. However, we have pros and cons when comparing the Disney Dream/Fantasy to the Disney Wish.
Enjoy our completely unorganized and peculiar comparison between the Dream/Fantasy and the Wish!
Elevators. Winner: Disney Dream/Fantasy!
The lack of midship elevators on the Disney Wish is a huge disappointment, especially when there’s so many things located midship. Having 3 banks of elevators on the Dream/Fantasy is incredibly convenient! Even more convenient is having a short walk between areas located between the forward and midship elevators.
If the midship elevators are crowded (as usual), it’s not a long walk to the forward elevators. If you’re in the adult area and it’s close to dinner time, it’s a short walk to the midship elevators, which are near two of the three main dining rooms. Conversely, if you’re at two of the three main dining rooms and need to get up to the pool deck to catch the show and fireworks on Pirate Night, the midship elevators are right there and will bring you right behind the main pool area where the festivities take place.
Bars/Lounges. Winner: Disney Wish!
On the Dream/Fantasy, having all the adult bars and lounges in one area is a great idea in theory. However, it’s not great when they’re all located at the very back of the ship. From the forward areas of the ship, it’s a bit of a trek back there for a drink. Might as well just grab a drink at Currents and call it a night.
On the Wish, the bars and lounges are peppered throughout the ship. Some are in the forward area, a few are midship, and a few are in the aft section. Luckily, Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge is located midship and is definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan!
Adult Area. Winner: Disney Wish!
While we are not a fan of trekking to the very very back of the ship to access the adult-only area of the Wish, we did love the infinity pool waiting for us! On Disney island port days, these areas were pretty much a ghost town. When docked at Castaway Cay, the aft area of the ship looks out over the island, so you can lounge in the infinity pool while taking in an overall great view of Castaway Cay.
On the Dream/Fantasy, the adult area is located between the forward and midship elevators, and also directly in front of the quick service food areas. Despite the dividers seperating the family area from the adult-only area, it wasn’t as quiet as the adult area on the Wish which is far away from everything.
Both adult areas have a Cove Cafe easily accessible for that coffee shop experience, and both areas also have hot tubs. While the view from the adult-only pool on the Dream/Fantasy is non-existent, the hot tubs are located at the sides of the area, and do offer a great view if you can find a spot to sit.
Counter Service Food. Winner: Disney Wish!
We are huge fans of the counter service food options on the Disney Wish. Mickey’s Smokestack BBQ is one of our personal favorites. Donald’s Cantina is clearly an overall guest favorite! On both ships, neither one knew how to properly cook a bratwurst, so that’s a wash.
Dining Room Food. Winner: Disney Wish!
As you probably guessed from our last three articles, we’re not exactly fans of the food in the main dining rooms on the Dream/Fantasy thus far. Granted, we’re not compltely done reviewing them as we have two more days left to discuss, but so far it’s not looking good.
On the contrary, the dinners we had on the Wish were much better. We have our favorites at Worlds of Marvel and rave about their gnocchi. Arendelle has a great steak and Swedish meatballs. 1923 also has a good steak and good desserts, although their churros are not Disneyland quality.
It’s probably unfair to also mention that Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle have entertaining shows during dinner, while the only show on the Dream/Fantasy was a visit from Crush at Animator’s Palate.
Salon. Winner: It’s a tie!
We had difficulty picking a winner for this category, because both have pros AND cons! We loved the juice bar area of the spa/salon on the Dream/Fantasy overlooked the ocean. The nail and hair salon overlooks the ocean as well! Nothing like a relaxing pedicure while watching the ocean waves.
HOWEVER, the Disney Wish has a barbership with a hidden bourbon bar that only comes out in the evening. That’s pretty darn cool! The Tangled salon is nice, but with only a view of the midship thoroughfare, do you really want strangers looking at you while you’re having your hair washed and styled?
BUT THEN there’s Hook’s Barbery on the Wish. An unofficial guys area, and we’re all for giving the fellas their own space to do guy stuff. Did we mention the hidden bourbon bar? They even offer a straight razor shave. Try not to think about Sweeney Todd while that’s going on. I believe the Barbery is even located directly above one of the kitchens. I’m sure that’s coincidence.
Final verdict: Disney Wish! (reluctantly)
Alright, alright, the scores speak for themselves. The Disney Wish is obviously the clear winner in our limited set of categories. We just wish they had midship elevators! They do have AN elevator midship, but it’s for those rich people who are staying in the tower suite. Lucky ducks.
Join us next time where we continue our dining room reviews on the Disney Fantasy. Pirate Night is approaching, and we have one final dinner at Enchanted Garden with a different menu from the first night!
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next time!
Disney Rover 