Disney Wonder Australia: our wishes for the 2024/25 season
After much antici….pation, the Disney Cruise Lines arrived in Australia/New Zealand for the 2023/24 season, bringing the Disney Wonder to our shores. It only took 25 years since their first sailing. While many of the iconic DCL experiences were first enjoyed by guests down under, there were a few noticeable exclusions in this first season.
Magical Disney Cruise Line things Australians experienced in the first cruise season included, Jack Jack Diaper Dash, Mickey Waffles, the adults only brunch at Palo (yes, it does live up to the hype), fireworks at sea, Animator’s Palate, West End quality shows and of course SO many character meet and greets if you are willing to queue up.
What are we hoping to see in 2024/25?
There were some food and experiences that we are hoping that DCL brings in the 2024/25 season:
Seasonal cruises - Namely Halloween on the High Seas and Very Merrytime Cruises. Yes, they did have a Christmas tree on the Wonder when we were there in December, but there weren’t any of the shows or themed events. As Australia has embraced Halloween in the last decade, I feel a Halloween on the High Seas would go down a treat! (I would book it immediately)
Dole Whips - What is more iconic-ly Disney Park than cooling of with a Dole Whip? Did any of the other sailing have them? The Disney Food Blog reports that Sulley’s Sips (on Deck 9) offers them.
Mickey Churro Waffles - A waffle covered in cinnamon and sugar? What’s not to love? Maybe they just didn’t have them on our sailing, but we checked. Every. Single. Morning.
An expanded merchandise range - While there was some Aussie themed t-shirts and hats, it did feel like we got a very abbreviated range this season. The pins in particular were quite limited compared to the offerings on other sailings in other parts of the world.
A more inclusive experience - When we attended the ‘Till We Meet Again show in the atrium on the final night, I spied the characters signing M-I-C-K-E-Y in American Sign Language as part of the choreography, which is becoming more common at Disney Theme parks in the US, as is characters chatting with guests in ASL. I would love to see this translated to Auslan in future cruises so guests who communicate with Auslan can be included in the fun. I would expect that cast members communicate in French at Disneyland Paris, so why not Auslan or NZSL in Australia/New Zealand? (yes, I did share this feedback with DCL)
An Acknowledgement of Country - According to Reconciliation Australia, “an Acknowledgement of Country is an opportunity for anyone to show respect for Traditional Owners and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country”. To see a global company of this size recognise the traditional owners of these lands would go far to respect the local culture and ensure any First Nations people feel more welcomed.
