
This self-proclaimed Disney fanatic (Mickey Mouse watch? CHECK. Disney pin collection? CHECK. Every Disney movie released on VHS, DVD and Blu-ray? CHECK.) found one more reason to celebrate ‘The House That Walt Built’ when it was announced today that the Disney Cruise Line has added Hawaii as its newest vacation destination. Set to embark in May of 2012, the Disney “Wonder,” a 2,500+ passenger cruise ship will alter its current Florida-based voyage to the much more magical (in this kama’aina’s opinion) shores of the Hawaiian islands. Originating in Los Angeles, the Wonder will make its way through Hilo, Kahului, Honolulu and Nawiliwili, before journeying back to California by way of Ensenada, Mexico. The entire voyage is slated for 15 nights — more than enough time to experience a truly magical vacation.So, what does this mean for our island community as a whole? Well, besides bringing in thousands of fresh faces into our state (not to mention the obvious boost to our tourism industry), the real value of the Wonder can’t be measured by simple numbers. To me, the true worth lies in the fact that for many of us here in Hawaii, the magic that only Disney can offer is now one step closer to home. The Wonder will add to the growing Disney influence here in our islands, first brought to reality by the construction of the Aulani Resort in Ko’olina, Oahu (see what Beyond Honolulu had to say about that).I for one am stoked on the idea of being able to be a part of the Disney experience without having to board a plane. Spending a weekend at the Aulani, then jumping aboard the Wonder on our way to California sounds like a great start to a summer vacation. Or (this is a blatant hint to my wonderful wife, by the way), imagine purchasing some one-way plane tickets to Disneyland, spending a few days in the Magic Kingdom, then boarding the Wonder for a long, leisurely voyage back to Hawaii’s shores. How cool would that be? I’m stoked just thinking of all the new ways that our local families can take in the Disney experience right here at home.So, just how awesome is the Wonder? At over 960 feet long and 106 feet wide, the Wonder packs in more than 10 decks full of amenities done the Disney way. Add to that the more than 900 employees (or ‘cast members’ as Disney calls them) on hand to serve you, and you’ll truly get a vacation experience worth remembering. Let’s face it, I’ve heard that cruises are THE best vacations you can have, and to have Disney behind it all sounds like an incredible way to go. So, what else can you expect on the Wonder? Let’s go through it, shall we?[slideshow]Youth Clubs – it wouldn’t be Disney if there weren’t things for the keiki to enjoy. These children activity centers offer immersive, fun and supervised experiences for the kids to take part in — all while providing parents with more than enough reasons to spend some time alone.Entertainment – whether you’re in the mood for a Broadway- caliber stage show, Disney character meet-and-greet opportunities, or catching a flick at a state-of-the-art theater, the Wonder has dozens of choices for you to make.Nightlife – there’s plenty to do once the sun sets, with bars, clubs and lounges for the 21-and-older set. I for one can’t imagine anything better than sipping on a martini while the lyrics to “Part of Your World” escape my lips. Yeah, yeah….tease me all you want…I know you know the words too. “But who cares?? No big deal….I want moooooorrrrreeeee…..” Well, the Wonder has a couple more tricks up its sleeves.Pools – spending some time in the water may seem like overkill (I mean, you are floating on the OCEAN for 2 weeks straight), but the Wonder has your water needs more than met with 3 pools — one for the kids, one for families, and even one for adults only!Dining — eating is synonymous with cruise lines, and frankly, that sounds perfect to me! The Wonder offers world-class dining choices — from casual meals, buffets, to fine dining and more! Perhaps the best part about it all is that the food is available 24 hours a day!And, underlying everything that I just mentioned, you have the service and heart of the Disney staff behind it all.Although the long-term plans of the Disney Cruise Line in Hawaii are not yet known, I imagine that this is only the beginning of a truly magical relationship. Disney has a way of putting their own unique touches on everything they embark on, and if the Wonder is any indication, I truly feel that we’ve got some great things on the horizon for our islands.Related Articles
- Disney Cruise Line 2012 Itinieraries – New Ports, New Adventure (disneymemoriestravel.wordpress.com)
- Disney Announces New Itineraries and Ports for 2012 (newadventurestravelgroup.wordpress.com)
I’m with you Chrystal. What a wonderful addition that would make to my upcoming Hawaii vacation.
The Disney Wonder is also able to provide a fireworks show at sea! The show was pretty cool!
Thanks Chrystal for the comment/question! As the writer of the article, I let my imagination run wild on this one! We’re really not 100% sure about the specific details, but I was imagining how awesome it would be to jump on in Hawaii…..or jump on in California en route to Hawaii…..either way, it was something exciting to think about!
The cruise originates in California. Not sure if you can board in Hawaii or not. We will look into it. This will be the first time that the cruise is coming through Hawaii though, so hopefully one will originate out of the islands soon!
Are you saying we can BOARD the Disney cruise from Oahu? I live in Honolulu and just took a disney cruise out of Florida and it was phenomenal. Everywhere I’ve read just states that the Disney cruise is only making stops in Hawaii, but boards in LA. Is it possible to just board in Hawaii?