As I highlighted in my review last year, Disney Cruise Line is the perfect holiday for adults as much as it is for children. And Disney Wish honestly does take this to the next level, with so much thought and detail put into the adult experience as much as for kids – and that shows everywhere.
The Adult Experience
Of course, because it’s Disney, guests can all enjoy and indulge in everything that the ship has to offer – from the character meet and greets, to the entertainment, the AquaMouse, the food of course and everything else on top – it’s truly fabulous.
In the day, why not lounge away the day at the Quiet Cove Adults-only area, enjoying island-themed cocktails, taking in the view and getting to know fellow passengers. Then in the evening, enjoy a drink or two in one of the many lounges before heading to dinner and then wander the ship looking at the various shops on board. Why not finish your day with one of the shows in the Walt Disney Theatre, a movie or one of the activities in Luna? Sounds like the perfect day, right?
And of course, at the heart of this is truly some incredible service. While we only spent a few days on board, staff were so quick to learn your requirements, wants and wishes – and eager to please. We had a number of Vegans in our party and waiters and servers were so keen to proactively ensure they have exactly the same experience as everyone else – as it should be.
That’s not all, Disney Wish offers a number of signature areas and experiences, primarily focussed on adults. Let’s take a look.
The Rose, Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté
Specialities on board are focussed primarily around the adult offering. There are two specialities on board, Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté. These are both located within The Rose adults space on board affording some of the best views from the ship – a truly breathtaking space to take in the World going by.
The Rose
The Rose space is all themed around Beauty and the Beast and has been designed to be a visual narrative that evokes elements of the story. The Rose is the entrance and bar that fronts both restaurants with rose decals adorning the ceiling, windows and all around the bar.
This is an upscale space, with fresh roses laid out on the bar and lavish seating focussed primarily on the incredible view out of the ship. Disney have also spent as much time curating the drinks menu, with experiential cocktails, wines and some of the most unique and exclusive drinks on the planet. For instance, there are only 300 bottles in the World of one of the cognacs they serve, and Disney has purchased 25 just for Disney Wish.
The signature cocktail is The Rose ($50). Like so much on the ship, this isn’t just a drink but an experience and something to create memories. The drink features Komos Repsado, Rosa Grand Marnies, and Cuvee Louis Alexandre Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Rose but is served in a bell jar that has elderberry steam in. As the bartender reveals the drink you’ll see rose petals emerge at the base of the jar and slowly your drink is revealed. You are then presented a rose with the drink.
Palo Steakhouse
The story continues as you move from this space into Palo Steakhouse and Enchanté. You may be familiar with Palo from other Disney Ships, and I have rated it as one of the best specialities at sea in the past, but with the rest of the ship, Palo Steakhouse is an evolved and elevated experience. Themed around Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast, you’ll notice that while the rose theming continues subtly, it is overtaken as you move through the restaurant by more of a clock / cog motif creating synergy but also distinguishing the space. The highlight for me is an incredible piece of artwork hung in the private dining area of a clock that has been dissasembled.
Palo Steakhouse features a selection of stunning Italian dishes, together with the World’s finest steaks from the most elite American prime cuts and melt-in-your-mouth Australian wagyu to succulent Japanese Kobe and Miyazaki beef. To match this menu, Palo Steakhouse also features a selection of Italian wines and craft beers to accompany your meal. Brunch is still offered on board as well – and for me is always a must on a Disney Cruise! We had the opportunity to try some of the food, including the Wagyu beef, and it was really mouthwateringly good.
It is also the first cruise ship, and one of the few places in the world, to offer an exclusive water menu.
There are three main sections to the restaurant which will be use slightly differently, for example when the infamous Palo brunch takes place, or if you want a quick bite to eat instead of a full meal. And that’s what’s interesting with all these spaces. Disney have realised the way people dine has changed so it is not fussy in the slightest, they recognise people may not want a full-on meal that takes hours – so you can choose to do both. The menu and experience has been crafted around this.
Enchanté
Then we have Enchanté, and where we do honestly begin. This restaurant has been crafted by three Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Lallement and quite possibly could be one of the most impressive and lavish restaurants at sea. Not only is the space absolutely stunning, and inspired by of course Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast, but employs some of the finest and freshest ingredients from around the world and in-season produce at the peak of ripeness. Disney have also partnered with Tattinger for a superb wine selection on board, including a special vintage just for Disney. Enchanté will also feature a signature champagne brunch and special dessert tasting menu – sounds divine!
I cannot think of many ships of this size offering this scale experience, let alone the symbiosis of narrative themed around Beauty and the Beast. It’s truly a game changer.
So, would you sail on Disney Wish as an adult? Let me know in the comments and on social media.
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