Disney Wonder has arrived in Australia for its debut season

Emily MurphyBy Emily Murphy
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Disney Cruise Line is ready to bring some magic to the Australian cruise scene.

Arriving in Sydney on Friday, Disney Wonder is the first Disney Cruise Line ship to reach Aussie shores , bringing with it ‘Disney Magic at Sea’ – the term coined by Disney to describe Disney holidays and experiences at sea.

Exterior of Disney Wonder cruise ship at sea
Disney Wonder has started its Australia and New Zealand sailings. (Image: Todd Anderson)

Having visited Disneyland in California earlier this year, I was excited to jump onboard and experience a taste of Disney on home soil. I wasn’t disappointed.

I’m not a die-hard Disney fan, but there is an undeniable energy when you’re immersed in the world of Disney. The cruise ship was no different. As soon as I stepped into the atrium, I was instantly transported to the odd perfection that encompassed the ship – every detail so intricate and well thought out.

Captains Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at funnel of Disney Wonder cruise ship
The Disney Wonder allows families to set sail on one-of-a-kind itineraries in Australia and New Zealand. (Image: Steven Diaz)

What can kids do onboard?

For families, Disney Wonder is a dream holiday. From ages three to 12 (although I’d probably only suggest up to 11) kids can immerse themselves in the Oceaneer Club, a kids club that includes Andy’s Room from Toy Story where children will experience being ‘toy-sized’ as they play with the larger-than-life characters from the animated film.

Kids playing with Toy Story characters in Andy's Room in Disney’s Oceaneer Club on Disney Wonder
In the vibrantly coloured Andy’s Room, the world of the Disney and Pixar “Toy Story" films comes to life. (Image: Amy Smith)

If your kids are under three, the It’s a Small World Nursery will welcome them into its patchwork of pastel colours. If they’re aged 11 to 14, they can enjoy the Edge club with both free-form and structured activities, from video games and dancing on the dance floor to themed nights.

If you’re bringing teens aged 13 to 17 onboard, the Vibe club will be their ultimate spot to hang out. With an open-plan loft-inspired lounge, there will be plenty of room for activities. From music, gaming and virtual reality sessions to smoothie workshops and spa treatments at the ‘Chill Spa’, a designated spot in the Senses Spa and Salon, they’ll be more than happy to do their own thing.

Families playing in the pool at AquaLab onboard Disney Wonder
In the AquaLab, guests can soak in the sun and get soaked at this interactive water playground open to kids aged three and older.

Entertainment

The entertainment onboard Disney Wonder is world-class. There are three Broadway-style stage shows that will entertain all ages. We watched Disney Dreams – An Enchanted Classic, and it was so cute – I loved it. The other shows available are Frozen, A Musical Spectacular and The Golden Mickeys.

There are also movies shown in the Walt Disney Theatre, as well as on deck by the family pool and in the Buena Vista Theatre, a cinema that screens Disney films as they are released on land.

The Golden Mickey’s stage show on Disney Wonder
“The Golden Mickeys" celebrates the musical heritage of Disney animated films, immersing guests in all the glamour and excitement of a Hollywood awards gala. (Image: Steven Diaz)

What can adults do onboard?

Now, whether your kids are busy in their age-appropriate clubs, or you’re onboard child-free, the fun is only just beginning. There are a number of adults-only locations that will let you fully relax in peace.

The Quiet Cove Pool allows guests over 18 to enjoy a peaceful swim, to relax in the deck chairs or indulge in a cocktail at the connected Cove Cafe.

Cove Cafe interior on Disney Wonder
Cove Cafe is the perfect place to sip a coffee in the day and a wine or a cocktail in the evening. (Image: Kent Phillips)

At the luxurious Senses Spa and Salon, adults can indulge in spa treatments, massages, manicures, pedicures, and a rainforest-themed aromatherapy steam room and sauna.

There is also a fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment, personal training sessions, yoga, Pilates, aerobics and more.

If you want to immerse in the nightlife, Disney Wonder has the charming English-style Crown and Fin Pub to watch some sports and have a pint. If you’re observant, you might be able to pick up on subtle nods to classic Disney films set in London through artwork and props.

There is also the Cadillac Lounge, an intimate piano bar that pays homage to the Rat Pack at their peak in Hollywood in the late 1950s, and Azure, a trendy nightclub designed to look like the ocean.

Exterior of Crown and Fin pub on Disney Wonder
Crown and Fin invites guests to take a jaunt to an authentic English tavern. (Image: Amy Smith)

Dining on Disney Wonder

There are three themed dining experiences on Disney Wonder and guests rotate between the three while onboard, with the same serving team each night offering personalised service.

We dined at Animator’s Palate, where guests become a part of the ‘Drawn to Magic’ animation show that happens throughout the meal. It was so fun and the food was tasty.

Family having dinner at Animator’s Palate on Disney Wonder
At Animator’s Palate, the room comes to life as guests are immersed in Disney animation. (Image: Matt Stroshane)

The other restaurants are Tiana’s Place, a New Orleans-inspired restaurant that offers southern-style food and live jazz entertainment, and Tritons, a more sophisticated restaurant with The Little Mermaid touches throughout the venue.

The French Quarter Lounge on Disney Wonder
Just before you enter Tiana’s Place, you’ll be met with the French Quarter Lounge, a New Orleans-inspired watering hole exclusive to the Disney Wonder. (Image: Ken Phillips)
Book now for your Australia and New Zealand Disney Magic at Sea sailings from October 2024 to February 2025.
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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How a $1 deal saved Bendigo’s historic tramways

    Megan ArkinstallBy Megan Arkinstall
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    The passionate community that saved Bendigo Tramways has kept the story of this city alive for generations.

    It was an absolute steal: a fleet of 23 trams for just $1. But such a fortunate purchase didn’t happen easily. It was 1972 when the Bendigo Trust handed over a single buck for the city’s historic collection of battery, steam and electric trams, which had transported locals since 1890.

    inside the historic Bendigo Tram
    Bendigo Tramways is a historic transport line turned tourist service. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    The city’s tram network had been declared defunct since 1970 due to post-war shortages in materials to upkeep the trams and declining passenger numbers as motor vehicles were increasing. However, determined locals would not hear of their beloved trams being sold off around the world.

    The Bendigo Trust was enlisted to preserve this heritage, by converting the trams into a tourist service. The Victorian government approved a trial, however news spread that the Australian Electric Tramways Museum in Adelaide had acquired one of the streetcars for its collection.

    a tram heading to Quarry Hill in 1957
    A tram on its way to Quarry Hill in 1957. (Image: Bendigo Heritage)

    An impassioned group rallied together to make this physically impossible. Breaking into the tram sheds, they welded iron pipes to the rails, removed carbon brushes from the motors, and formed a blockade at the depot. The community response was extraordinary, and a $1 deal was sealed.

    A new chapter for the city’s fleet

    the old Tramways Depot and Workshop
    The old Tramways Depot and Workshop is one of the stops on the hop-on, hop-off service. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    Today, Bendigo Tramways welcomes some 40,000 passengers annually, operating as a hop-on, hop-off touring service aboard the restored trams. Fifteen of the now 45-strong fleet are dubbed ‘Talking Trams’ because of the taped commentary that is played along the route. The trams loop between Central Deborah Gold Mine and the Bendigo Joss House Temple, which has been a place of Chinese worship since 1871, via other sites including the old Tramways Depot and Workshop.

    a Gold Mine Bendigo Tram
    The fleet comprises 45 trams that have been restored. (Image: Visit Victoria/Robert Blackburn)

    Keeping things interesting, throughout the year visitors can step aboard different themed trams. Tram No. 302 becomes the Yarn Bomb Tram, decorated both inside and out with colourful crochet by an anonymous group of locals.

    During the festive season, Tram No. 15 operates as a tinsel-festooned Santa Tram, and the big man himself hides out somewhere along the route for excited children to find. And on selected dates, the adults-only Groove Tram runs nighttime tours of the city, accompanied by local musicians playing live tunes and a pop-up bar.

    the historic post office turned visitor centre in Bendigo
    Visitors can hop on and off to see the city’s sites such as the historic post office turned visitor centre. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    As well as preserving the city’s history, however, the continuation of the tram service has kept the skills of tram building and craftsmanship alive in a practical sense. Bendigo’s Heritage Rail Workshop is world-renowned for restoring heritage trams and repurposing vehicles in creative ways.

    Locally, for example, Tram No. 918 was transformed into the Dja Dja Wurrung Tram with original Aboriginal artworks by emerging artist Natasha Carter, with special commentary and music that shares the stories and traditions of Bendigo’s first people. You can’t put a price on preserving history. Nonetheless, it was a dollar very well spent.