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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Look up: The Aurora Australis might be visible tonight

    Rachael ThompsonBy Rachael Thompson
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    The most severe solar storm of the year is underway.

    A powerful solar storm is happening right now, and if you’re in southern Australia, tonight might be your chance to see the colourful display.

    According to the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) at the Bureau of Meteorology , a severe geomagnetic storm is underway. They have issued an Aurora Alert, meaning space weather activity is favourable for viewing the spectacle: “Severe geomagnetic storm in progress. Aurora may be observed during local nighttime hours in good observing conditions at regions as far equatorward as middle latitudes.”

    According to the ASWFC’s website, Aurora Alerts are issued “when space weather activity favourable for viewing aurora is in progress. When an alert is current, the alert information indicates the latitudinal range in terms of high, middle, low and equatorial regions where aurora may be visible under good observing conditions.”

    What is the Aurora Australis?

    A man with a head torch looking at the Aurora Australis
    Tasmania is the best place in Australia to see the spectacle. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

    The Aurora Australis – also known as the Southern Lights – is one of the most dazzling natural displays visible to the human eye. Put simply, the phenomenon occurs when the sun releases a massive burst of charged particles and magnetic fields into space.  These particles are captured and funnelled toward the southern poles by Earth’s magnetic field, colliding with gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The collisions result in light being emitted and a spectacular natural dancing rainbow ensuing. 

    The past two years have been particularly good years for viewing the phenomenon. 

    How to see the Aurora Australis

    An Aurora Australis display at night along the coastline
    A Southern Lights display can last minutes to hours. (Image: Unsplash/Graham Holtshausen)

    Tasmania has historically been the best spot to see the Aurora Australis due to low light pollution and its position closer to the South Pole than mainland Australia. South Arm Peninsula, Bruny Island and Cockle Creek are popular viewing locations on the island.

    But the good news is the ASWFC has shared that it’s possible the Aurora Australis could be seen further north, in mid to southern parts of Australia.  

    In Victoria, Wilsons Promontory National Park, Point Lonsdale and Phillip Island are favourable locations; in New South Wales, Jervis Bay, Kiama or the Blue Mountains might offer you the glowing display; and in South Australia, the Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and Eyre Peninsula offer excellent southern exposure. 

    A Southern Lights display can last minutes to hours, with the best active window typically being between 10pm and 2am.

    You can read more about the natural light display in our Southern Lights guide and stay up to date via the Bureau of Meteorology website