Disney Wonder: reflections on the 2024/2025 Australia/New Zealand season
As the Disney Wonder makes its way back towards the US for its West Coast and Alaska season, we already miss its charms.
We were privileged to travel on the ship twice this season. We returned for the same New Years Eve cruise (28 December - 3 January) that we took in 2023/2024 and hopped on the final local cruise (7-10 February) out of Sydney to say goodbye – for now.
The NYE cruise was not what we originally planned. It was originally due to make a return to Nouméa, New Caledonia. However, citing “ongoing unrest,” Disney made the decision in early November to reroute us to Eden in New South Wales and Hobart, Tasmania.
The latter turned out to be fortuitous. While Disney was unable to offer their regular NYE fireworks due to the proximity to port, thanks to the City of Hobart the ship remained in port until 1am, allowing everyone on board to watch the city’s fireworks from the upper decks or even their starboard balconies. It was, dare I say, magical.
Wishes granted
After last year’s trip, we shared our wishlist for the 2024/25 season, and we’re thrilled to see many of those suggestions now fully implemented on the ship! While it wasn’t quite Very Merrytime, Christmas was in full swing throughout December and early January, creating a wonderfully festive atmosphere onboard.
One standout moment for us was hearing the Acknowledgement of Country broadcast over the speakers as we sailed into Australian ports—an incredibly meaningful touch.
Technology also got an upgrade. DisneyBand+ compatibility was added to the Wonder in March 2024. While they don’t ship to Australia by post, our table companions convinced us they were worth it. So, we bought them on board and could start using them straight away. They lit up during special events, on fireworks nights, and in shops. When we returned in February, they were even reactivated during check-in, making for a smooth boarding process.
Mickey Churro Waffles made their delightful debut in Cabanas, and let’s just say we took full advantage. On the flip side, local quarantine laws around imported foods meant Dole Whips and Mickey Bars remained absent. Surely there’s a local supplier who could whip these up (pardon the pun) for the 2025/26 season? Pretty please?
Localising Down Under
While Disney is a household name, the historic lack of parks and ships in our part of the world has meant that deep Disney culture hasn’t been as ingrained here. After all, we don’t have a park, let alone an annual passholder community.
After their first season here, Disney has been quick to recognise this and adapt to Australian and New Zealand sensibilities. From our observations, it’s not just the Acknowledgement of Country either. There was Australia-specific general trivia, local chart hits featured in music trivia, and we got the impression the hosts picked up a few things along the way too.
Then there were the big guns: Bluey and Bingo were on board, ready for photo opportunities and plenty of hugs. The meet-and-greet took place in the D Lounge, and while some guests were unsure whether it was a show or just a photo op, it scarcely mattered. Our favourite canine sisters were there. For real life.
Generosity of the fan community
Just walk along any corridor of staterooms and you can see how much of a community Disney Cruises develop. The doors are covered in proud displays of past trips. From the decorative ‘fish extenders’, bags are filled with treasures untold from other cruisers ‘pixie dusting’ their neighbours.
One young fan we met during a muster drill found us again on the last day of the New Year’s cruise. They handed us one of their pins so we’d have something to offer during pin trading. It melted our little hearts and ensured that we paid it forward on the next cruise.
Indeed, when we got to our February weekend away, we ran into so many people who had stories to share and had got to know the cast members and crew. We started to see the same people at trivia and along corridors. Phone numbers and gossip was exchanged.
Sometimes it’s nice to know that if you’re slightly addicted to Disney cruising, at least you’re not alone.
The future
Missed out this year? While rumours swirled that Disney might not return—fueled by rising living costs and the launch of the Disney Adventure in Singapore—fret not! The Disney Wonder is set to make its third season in the Antipodes, returning to Australia and New Zealand in October 2025. And yes, Bluey and Bingo are planning to be there too.
As for us, we’re gearing up for trips on both the Wonder and the Adventure. In a perfect world, we’d love to make the NYE cruise an annual tradition—but let’s face it, that dream doesn’t come cheap. Still, thanks to the ongoing Australian/NZ seasons, we’ve officially joined the ranks of the Castaway Club—a milestone we never imagined reaching!
See you out there real soon!
Want more Disney Cruises outside the US? Check out our full guide to cruising with Disney around the world.
