NEWS: First Look at the New Disney Island Destination and Next Disney Cruise Ship

We have fallen in love with Disney Cruise Line. So much so that you may have noticed that we added an entire channel to the site this year dedicated to making the most of these magical voyages. From the mind-blowing ships, absolutely perfect private island, fantastic cast members, and of course non-stop Disney magic from stem to stern, Disney Cruise line delivers an entirely different Disney vacation experience that will completely redefine “WOW” for you. So, we were thrilled to hear the details on the newest ship coming to the Disney fleet along with a big surprise, a second private island! Check out the details below.

Disney Wish

At the D23 Expo 2019, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek revealed the highly anticipated name of the fifth Disney Cruise Line ship, as well as a first look at the ship’s elegant, three-story atrium and the iconic Disney character that will adorn the ship’s stern. Chapek and Imagineer Joe Rohde also shared new details about plans for a second island destination for Disney Cruise Line in The Bahamas.

With a little help from Tinker Bell, Disney fans were the first to hear that Disney Wish will be the name of the fifth Disney Cruise Line ship. The Disney Wish is scheduled for delivery in late 2021 and is expected to set sail beginning in January 2022.

“There couldn’t be a better name for our incredible new ship because making wishes come true is part of the Disney DNA and is at the heart of so many of our cherished stories,” Chapek said.

A new rendering provided D23 attendees with a first look at the ship’s bright and airy three-story atrium, inspired by the beauty of an enchanted fairytale.

Stern characters – a beloved hallmark of Disney Cruise Line vessels – have been a tradition of the Disney fleet since the beginning and reflect the theme of each ship. For the Disney Wish, the ship’s stern will feature Rapunzel. Spirited, smart, curious and above all, adventurous, Rapunzel embodies the wish and desire to see and experience the world.

“Each Disney Cruise Line ship is unique, with a name that embodies the excitement of sailing with Disney and the power of our stories. The new ships will have the experiences our guests love, as well as all-new magic,” Chapek added.

All three new ships will be powered by liquefied natural gas and, at approximately 144,000 gross tons and 1,250 guest staterooms, be slightly larger than the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

Disney’s Second Bahamas Destination – Lighthouse Point

Also at the D23 Expo today, Disney revealed new information and two early conceptual artist renderings for its second island destination in The Bahamas, which is located on the breathtaking island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point.

“With three new ships joining our fleet, we thought this would be an incredible opportunity to add another unique destination to our ports of call. We looked all over The Bahamas and Caribbean for an ideal location that would enable us to create new experiences, while celebrating the culture of this amazing region,” Chapek said.

Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde, whose work includes the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park in Orlando and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii, has embarked on an in-depth cultural tour of the Bahamas to meet with local artists and cultural experts. Together, they have explored arts and cultural sites across New Providence and Eleuthera, from Junkanoo shacks to noted art galleries.

“The Lighthouse Point site is so beautiful and so full of nature that we want to preserve this and use our designs to call attention to the extraordinary quality of the place itself – a place of natural beauty with a rich and fascinating cultural tradition,” Rohde said. “We will be directly involved in conservation efforts to preserve and protect the environment that creates this beauty, and we will be working with artists of every kind, much like we did with Aulani in Hawaii, to create a unique destination that is rooted in Bahamian culture and imbued with Disney magic.”

Disney Cruise Line completed its purchase of privately owned Lighthouse Point earlier this year and signed an agreement with the Government of The Bahamas that guides the responsible and sustainable way the site will be developed.

Disney has committed to develop less than 20 percent of the property; employ sustainable building practices, including an open-trestle pier that eliminates the need to dredge a ship channel; establish environmental monitoring programs during construction and operation; and donate more than 190 acres of privately owned land to Government, among other commitments.

Through the Disney Conservation Fund, Disney has provided more than $13 million to marine conservation programs around the globe, including several in The Bahamas. Since 2007, Disney has been directly involved in leading a multiyear initiative to protect and rehabilitate coral reefs in The Bahamas and will continue to work with leading conservation organizations and communities to protect special places there.

Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.

RELATED ARTICLE: Top 10 Q & A About a Disney Cruise Line Vacation

By Mike and Jamie Sylvester

Thinking about a Disney Cruise Line vacation? You’re thinking right! Chances are you’ve got a few questions before committing. No worries! We’ve got you covered. Check out these top 10 questions and answered about taking that dream cruise with a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

1 – Which ship is best?

The Disney Cruise Line (DCL) currently consists of four ships, with more ships planned for the near future! Selecting just one ship as the BEST is rather tricky as they all have unique qualities that put them above and beyond most other cruise lines. The Disney Magic first set sail in 1998 with the Disney Wonder beginning its voyage shortly after in 1999. Both ships have a passenger capacity of 2,400 and are very similar in layout. The Disney Magic keeps to the east coast while the Disney Wonder travels in the west coast area. Several years later in 2011, the DCL introduced the Disney Dream followed by the Disney Fantasy in 2012.  Dream and Fantasy are much larger than the Magic and Wonder, as each of their passenger capacities, is 4,000. Both Dream and Fantasy are on the east coast with Port Canaveral as their homeport. All four ships are superb in cleanliness and maintenance as they are cared for non-stop. The service and activities are paramount leaving it difficult to select just one as the best. We will say, however, most polls of DCL travelers say the Disney Fantasy is their top pick!

2 – What’s included in the price of a DCL?

When people see the price of the DCL, they tend to have sticker shock. It is one of the most expensive cruise options, but you most definitely get what you pay for! The basic price includes your stateroom, meals plus snacks and ice cream, soft drinks and other beverage station drinks, character meet and greets, award-winning entertainment, current in-theater Disney films, and top of the line service. Some things not included are alcohol, signature dining, spa services, and port excursions. The truth is, yes – it’s expensive, but with Disney, you know the kind of experience you are going to get.

3 – What documents do I need to bring?

The real question is where are you headed? The DCL fleet travels to several different ports depending on which ship you are on and when you are sailing. Canada, Spain, Caribbean, Italy, Hawaii, New York, England, Texas… are more – there is no shortage of dream destination cruises with the DCL. The safest bet is always to have a Passport and ID with you when exiting the ship at a port. Whether you are planning to experience one of the many port excursions or just staying close to the ship, once you exit, you’ll need the appropriate documentation to get back on. Follow your cruise guidelines as Disney will provide you with the information you need as to what documentation is necessary.

4 – What is Castaway Cay?

Simply put… it’s AMAZING! But if that’s not enough – Castaway Cay is Disney’s privately-owned island in the Bahamas. DCL ships are the only ships allowed to port here, making it an island oasis away from the hustle and bustle of life. Pristine beaches and lush landscape, it’s a tropical stop worth exploring for the day at port. Castaway Cay has a family beach and an adult beach, slides, water splash/play area, natural paths, shopping, dining, character meet and greets, and even its own Post Office! If we could live there, we would.

5 – Is there anything for adults on the DCL?

A common misconception is that the DCL is for kids only. This is false in so many ways! With or without kids, the DCL has you covered. There are multiple adult only areas including dining, lounges, and pools for guests 18 and older. There are also several adult only activities and meetups that include anything from dancing to trivia.

6 – Are the Kids Clubs free?

Speaking of adult-only time, did you know each DCL ship has Kids Clubs available on board? The kids will have a blast playing games, making crafts, and hanging out with characters. Highly trained Cast Members are readily available to care for your child while you take some adult time as mentioned above. Kids Clubs are in fact FREE including Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Lab (ages 3-12), Disney’s Edge (ages 11-14) and Disney’s Vibe (ages 14-17). Your kids will be asking to go! This is all free, except for the “It’s a Small World” Nursery for ages 6 months – 3 years. There are charges here as this form of childcare is more hands-on with the little ones.

7 – What is Rotational Dining?

The DCL offers what they call “Rotational Dining” and it has become a favorite for many DCL guests. Each night, you’ll have a scheduled restaurant to dine at that is included in your cruise price. You’ll rotate to a different restaurant each night, doubling up on a few restaurants depending on how long you are cruising. This is a great way to experience all the restaurants and their beautiful dining themes. The great part is that your server team moves from restaurant to restaurant with you, so you can expect to see the same sweet faces night after night. They get to know your favorite drinks, what you like and don’t like, and even your kids’ names. It’s an excellent way to dine!

8 – Can I bring alcohol with me?

We’re glad you asked! Alcohol may not be included in your cruise price, but you are welcome to bring some on board with you. Each guest 21 years or older can bring a maximum of 2 unopened bottles of wine or champagne no larger than 750ml. If you’re not a wine or champagne fan, you can bring 6 beers that are no larger than 12 ounces instead of the wine or champagne. You can bring these items on board at the beginning of each port of call. Just be sure the alcohol is with your carry-on bags, as it is not allowed to be checked.

9 – Will I see any characters?

Yes! And lots of them! Character meet and greets are what adds that Pixie Dust on the Disney Cruise Line. Don’t be surprised if you see Mickey Mouse in his Captain suit, Captain Hook stirring up trouble, and even a plethora of Princesses. The DCL App is a perfect guide for the many meet and greet schedules so you’ll know when and where you can find Stitch, Goofy, Minnie, Donald, and so many other Disney pals on board. Plus, the characters change outfits regularly so be prepared to visit characters a second time if you desire.

10 – What type of entertainment is on the DCL?

Maybe it would be easier to ask, what type of entertainment does the DCL NOToffer?! Let’s just say you won’t be bored even on your Day(s) at Sea. While at the port, you’ll have incredible Port Adventures (aka excursions). On the ship, you can count on Broadway-style musicals to be available daily in the Theatre. There are current Disney films you’ll find in the theaters back home being played in the theater on board. Get ready for multiple deck shows, dance parties, and even fireworks. There are live musicians available in the adult lounges and in the grand lobby many of the nights. You can shop till you drop in the numerous gift shops. Play anything from basketball to mini-golf on deck. Relax with top-of-the-line Spa and Salon treatments. Go on a ship scavenger hunt as a detective. Or take a dip in one of the many pools or water coaster. No shortage of entertainment here! You can count on the DCL keeping you as busy or as relaxed as you want.