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Donning brightly coloured Encanto-themed ears, loud Hawaiian shirts and matching wedding bands, newlyweds Samuel and Forest Moore beam from (Mickey) ear-to-ear with excitement. Onboard the Disney Wonder for anniversary celebrations, the Queensland couple proudly announce their excitement to meet characters, hurtle down the waterslide and indulge in unlimited soft serve on the pool deck. Much to my surprise, they’re not sailing with young children. In fact, they’re not sailing with children at all.
Avid cruisers and Disney superfans, the duo aren’t the only adults swept up in all the fun. For the first time in forever, Disney Cruise Line has ventured into Australian waters and as we board, all around us come oohs and aahs.
From the time my Mum was reading me the stories of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Tinker Bell’s treasures, my childhood consisted of sharing the magic of Disney with her. That’s why it only felt right to invite her along on this four-night roundtrip sailing from Brisbane to Sydney. I wondered if we might be a little too old for Mickey’s ship, but from the moment we laid eyes on Disney Wonder’s smart black hull – with nautical twists and hints of Captain Mickey throughout – we were swept up in an enchanting world of childlike adventure.
We’re far from the biggest Disney fans onboard, but the magic does not surpass us. Mum spots Captain Mickey first. Waving enthusiastically, he approaches us and leans in for a hug, before posing for a photo. The nostalgia washes over us like a wave, and for just a moment I’m that little girl again.
During our sailings first Broadway-style production, we enjoyed a reimagining of beloved films – under the sea with Ariel, scaling towers with Rapunzel, even into Andy’s room with Woody – and we’re reminded nobody is ever too old for Disney. The adults around me grinning as they sing along to Can You Feel the Love Tonight, were no less spellbound than the starstruck children waving to Princess Belle as she waltzed across the stage.
Each day we find ourselves with a full schedule of activities designed for childless travellers, like ourselves. Perth-based mother-daughter duo Rochelle and Isabelle tell me they are on their third Disney holiday of the year. The Disney Vacation Club members – who own a US timeshare – adore Mickey and friends so much that 18-year-old Isabelle is relocating to Orlando to work at Walt Disney World Resort upon our return.
At the morning trivia, we bump into Brisbane grandparents Judy and Richard who left the kids (and grandkids) at home. Having visited the parks with their own children, the couple were ecstatic to once again immerse themselves in the world of Disney – this time without having to travel overseas.
Our day’s adventures include character meet-and-greets, rejuvenating on hot stone lounges at the tranquil Senses Spa & Salon and dancing the night away in one of the exclusive adults-only venues. Even with so much to do, Mum and I manage to find moments to delight in some downtime. The entirety of the ship’s bow is dedicated to adult-exclusive venues. We uncover a whole new world of relaxation, refuelling with barista-poured coffees in the Quiet Cove Cafe, watch the world glide by in the adults-only pool and stir up trouble with an exclusive mixology class at the sophisticated Cadillac Lounge.
The gentle melody of Be Our Guest welcomes us into Animator’s Palate – setting the stage for our inaugural dinner. Infused with a sprinkle of pixie dust, the restaurant immerses us in an animated world. French flair is on show at fine dining Triton’s, a restaurant worthy of fearsome food critic Anton Ego’s praise. At The Princess and the Frog-inspired Tiana’s Place, the lively Crawfish Crooners provide a toe-tapping soundtrack to our evening, as the restaurant is transformed into a Mardi Gras-style parade.
Brunch at Palo, Disney Wonder’s adult-exclusive Italian restaurant, is a highlight. Starting with a delightfully crisp parmesan-crusted chicken breast served on a bed of creamy arborio risotto. It’s not until my dessert of Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles, swimming in the most delicious apple and cinnamon reduction, that I remember I’m onboard a Disney cruise, and not dining along the grand canals of Venice.
Convinced a Disney Cruise Line holiday is just as much (if not more) fun for adults, as it is for children I proudly wear my Mickey ears as we gaze up at the shimmering fireworks. It’s the final night, and with ice-cream in hand we are back with Hawaiian shirt-wearing friends Samuel and Forest. Friendship and sugar; two things that sweeten the bitterness of leaving what can only be described as Where Magic Meets the Sea.
Featured Image: The Golden Mickeys onboard the Disney Wonder. Source: ©DISNEY.
This article was originally featured in the sixth issue of Dream by Luxury Escapes magazine. Get your copy here.
