After 15 Disney cruises, here’s why I’d always book connecting staterooms for family trips
After more than fifteen Disney cruises, I know what to expect from Disney Cruise Line. What I didn’t expect was how differently the Disney Wish would feel when shared with family experiencing their first vacation together.
Disney Cruise Line invited Attractions Magazine aboard the Disney Wish for a four-night hosted sailing to highlight how the ship caters to multigenerational vacations. While our trip looked a little different than the traditional grandparents-and-grandkids getaway, it proved just as meaningful. Our family from Illinois—parents of almost-three-year-old twins and a little boy who was nearly two—joined our eight-year-old son and us for their very first family vacation.
Over four days, we discovered that the Disney Wish isn’t simply designed to entertain guests of every age. From connecting staterooms and toddler-friendly amenities to spaces where young children and older cousins could play side by side, the ship made it remarkably easy to make memories together.
It started with two connected staterooms
While we waited to board the Disney Wish, we video called the grandparents in Illinois to show our two family units already enjoying their time together. Soon we boarded the ship, and I beamed with pride seeing the awe and excitement on everyone’s faces. My husband showed the rest of the family around while I set up my laptop to work for a bit from The Bayou while we waited for our staterooms to be ready.
All photos by Dani Meyering
As we entered our rooms, the kids noticed the character artwork and the verandah, but I noticed something else. Our stateroom host opened the connecting door between our rooms, and thanks to its magnetic backing, it stayed securely open whenever we wanted. At night, or whenever the younger kids needed quiet time, either family could simply close and lock the door for privacy. It gave us the flexibility to spend the cruise together while still having our own space.
One of my favorite touches came outside. Our stateroom host asked if we would like them to remove the divider between our verandas, and we agreed. This created one long outdoor space where we could all gather to watch the ocean, wave goodbye in port, or have some fresh air and space for the kids to move around.
The extra room enhanced our daily routine in ways I never expected. As each toddler woke up in the morning, they would wander into our stateroom one by one while breakfast was on its way. The kids had more room to play, the adults had more room to move around, and sharing bathrooms meant no one had to wait very long to get ready for the day.
In-room amenities
Disney Cruise Line also helped simplify traveling with little ones. Because the youngest child was registered in our stateroom, Disney had already placed a Pack ‘n Play and a Diaper Genie in our room before we arrived. Our relatives had the same setup waiting next door, so both rooms were ready for naps, diaper changes, and bedtime without anyone needing to pack bulky baby gear from home.
It was one of those features I had always considered a nice convenience. After experiencing it firsthand with toddlers, cousins, and two families sharing the same vacation, I experienced the magic of connecting staterooms firsthand.
Breakfast time and planning ahead
Each evening, we filled out Disney Cruise Line’s complimentary room service breakfast card and hung it outside our stateroom door before bed. The next morning, a continental breakfast of pastries, cereal, fruit, coffee, and juice arrived right on time. We often ordered extra fruit and juices, keeping them chilled in the in-room beverage cooler so there was always something ready for hungry little ones.
While everyone enjoyed the room service spread, one adult would usually head up to Marceline Market to pick up hot breakfast favorites and a few more cups of milk before returning to the room.
As we noshed and got ready for the day. We’d look over the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app, review which activities we’d experience together and identify times to split into our own family groups. Some afternoons were perfect for our son to head to Disney’s Oceaneer Club while his younger cousins spent time in “it’s a small world nursery.” Other moments were best shared together, whether that meant pool time or activities, like the multiple ways to experience Bluey on the Disney Wish.
Pro-tip: For some of the best photos of the sailing, book the Royal Gathering character experience.
One evening, while browsing the schedule, we also stumbled across Toddler Time in Disney’s Oceaneer Club. During these designated sessions, the club opens its doors to families, allowing kids to explore the imaginative play spaces alongside their parents.
One thing I appreciated throughout the cruise was how often the Disney Wish kept our family together, even when everyone wanted something different.
Making a splash together
During our four-night cruise, we spent hours around the Toy Story Splash Zone. The twins and their little brother could safely explore the splash area while my son, who had officially outgrown it, happily joined them for a while. When he was ready for something more adventurous, he simply walked a few steps over to the Slide-a-saurus Rex family slide before coming back to splash with his cousins again.
Next to both attractions is Chip ‘n’ Dale’s Pool, a shallow pool with a waterfall where everyone can cool off together. The youngest children had a safe place to play, older kids still had something exciting nearby, and the adults could stay in one central location without constantly dividing responsibilities.
On the Disney Wish, there were multiple moments when we could stay together as a group without sacrificing any one particular family member’s enjoyment.
Watching my eight-year-old choose to spend time splashing with cousins nearly six years younger than him is one of the memories I’ll take home from this cruise. Disney designed spaces for different ages, but what I remember most is how often those spaces brought everyone together.
Everything families could Wish for
These touches made the difference for our extended family. Especially when traveling with toddlers and first-timers.
- Connecting staterooms with a shared veranda
- Complimentary Pack ‘n Play and Diaper Genie available
- Continental breakfast delivered to the room each morning
- Oceaneer Club and “it’s a small world” nursery for different age groups
- Common areas like the splash zone where toddlers, older kids and adults could stay together
- Plenty of opportunities for family time without following a rigid schedule
WATCH: Our video below shows what the connecting staterooms are like and some of the fun activities on board.
During a media discussion on our last day of the experience, Disney Cruise Line leaders explained that many of the ship’s smallest details—from blackout curtains and bathtubs to nursery care and family programming—were intentionally designed to help parents maintain familiar ties and routines while on vacation. After spending four days aboard with three toddlers and an eight-year-old, I understood exactly what they meant.
People sometimes ask me why I choose to splurge on a Disney Cruise. It does take me a full year or more to save up for one, even with Florida resident discounts, but it’s the one vacation I’ve experienced that truly feels like a real vacation, especially for parents. Disney Cruise Line removes so many of the little obstacles that often get in the way of enjoying time with the people you love. And that quality time is priceless.
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