Disney Wish Feb 13 - 16, 2026

Trip Report

  • 3-Night Bahamian Cruise from Port Canaveral

  • Stateroom 8000 8/9C/FOR Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Slanted Porthole 218 sq. ft. sleeps 3 - 4

Highlights

  • Booking window

  • New room category 9C

  • Some new firsts we experienced:

  • Cindy’s photo with Sara and Brooklyn

    • Between Deck 3 and 4 AFT by Nikkolas Smith is a Los Angeles-based "artivist" (artist-activist), #1 New York Times bestselling children's book author/illustrator, and former Walt Disney Imagineer

    • It depicts many versions of princess-type figures helping one another climb out of darkness — visually echoing Cinderella’s “rise up” story

  • 3-night sailing with a weekend and holiday is perfect get away to scratch the DCL itch and maximize days off and make sure to set priorities for the sailing and maximize time like with the Royal Gathering instead of individual character meet and greets

  • 3N can be relaxing if prioritize each day but spa treatment or Palo brunch can take up a big chunk of the vacation

Pre-Cruise Stay: Hyatt MCO and Disney Ground Transfer 2/13/26

  • Landed at MCO and headed up to check in and get a room key while Sara and Brooklyn headed to luggage pick up (really liked this idea because then straight to room), I meet them there and then straight up to the room

  • Pro Tip: Remember you can call MCO Hyatt and request assistance at luggage pick up if needed just remember to tip the helper please

  • Up at 5 am to grab Dunkin Donuts and start to get ready

  • Rest of family up at 6 am

  • Pro Tip: I use a packing cube for everyone’s embarkation day clothes to make it easier than going through all the luggage

  • Completed the mandatory health questionnaire one per stateroom before checking in

  • Updated check in times in email from DCL night before

    • Bell Services will begin luggage pick-up at 8:00 AM (EST) on the morning of your sailing.

    • Please place the luggage you wish to transfer to the ship inside your room near the door with Disney Cruise Line luggage tags attached.

    • Concierge Guests at 8:30 AM (EST)

    • Pearl Castaway Club Guests at 8:35 AM (EST)

    • Platinum Castaway Club Guests at 8:35 AM (EST)

    • Gold Castaway Club Guests at 8:40 AM (EST)

    • Silver Castaway Club Guests at 8:40 AM (EST)

    • All other Guests from 8:55 AM (EST) – 9:10 AM (EST)

  • Headed down at 8:15 am to check in with passports, port arrival form and Disney Band +

  • You will need to have your hotel room #, # of bags they are getting from room, stateroom #

  • Received wrist bands: blue is standard and purple needs check-in assistance at the port

  • Checking in took 10 minutes and received a complimentary DCL bus magnet

  • Bags picked up at 9:05 am and we headed back down 9:45 am for 10:15 am departure Mickey which was the first bus

  • You will receive an assigned character and time to come back to meet and are taken to the character bus

  • When they call character groups to line up, they will take anyone first that requires extra assistance

  • 45 to 1 hour bus ride with Disney videos and bathroom on chartered bus

  • Once at the port they walk you to security and check your wristband and port arrival form then off to the waiting area

  • Pro Tip: Compare prices of the hotel both through Disney Cruise Line and direct booking because no matter who you book through you can still use Disney Ground Transfer

Embarkation

  • Got to port terminal 10 around 11:20 am and on the ship a little before noon

  • Headed up to pool deck to grab shaded lounge chairs and start to relax

  • No AquaMouse until 4 pm therefore Brooklyn did Slide-A-Saurus Rex multiple times

  • Marceline Market for lunch and Goofy’s Grill

  • Stateroom ready 1:30 pm

  • Attempted to start Uncharted Adventure but walkways just too crowded

  • Muster Drill outside 3:30 pm

  • Set Sail on a Wish sail away party 4:20 pm (this never gets old) Deck 12 starboard side

  • Luggage arrived while at the show, therefore unpacked and got ready for dinner

  • Ordered our Platinum Castaway Club gift which is a bottle of Prosecco (Truffle Chocolate Box, Fruit Bowl/Nature’s Delight)

  • Pro Tip: Bring a reusable cork or topper and store the bottle in the fridge standing up and enjoy it each night at dinner. When placing the order ask for enough glasses.

  • Worlds of Marvel Avenger Quantum Encounter for dinner

    • Service was extremely slow today but later we found out our assistant server was out sick and a replacement stepped in

    • Dill and Meyer Lemon Marinated Shrimp, Steamed Bao Buns, Hearts of Palm with Cilantro and Lime, Sautéed Cremini and Oyster Mushrooms, Heirloom Tomato Salad, Iceberg Wedge, “Kartoffelsuppe”, White Cheddar and Broccolini Soup, Chicken Schnitzel, Golden Mystic Pasta, Rosemary Roasted Beef Tenderloin, Ricotta Gnocchi, Subatomic Sticky Date Pudding, Nano Dobos Torta, Cheesecake Byte

  • Pro Tip: The chicken schnitzel is dry therefore I use the sauce from the ricotta gnocchi to dip the chicken schnitzel in

  • Decorated stateroom door with our magnet collection

  • Off to Disney Seas the Adventure

  • Pro Tip: This is one of the shortest Broadway style shows therefore if you do not think anyone in your party will last this show is less than 45 minutes and great way to experience it

  • Pro Tip: You can watch any Broadway style show in your stateroom during the show times; the only difference is it will be a taped version

  • Staff: Daniel, Marcelo and Mavis in dining room, Sukrisna stateroom host

  • Monkey is the towel animal

  • Placed continental breakfast door hanger tag for 8 am deliver

Day 1 Nassau 9:30 am to 5:30 pm Pirate Night 2/14/26 Valentine’s Day

  • Breakfast in the room and up to Marceline Market to bring some items back to the room

  • Marceline Market was very crowded during this time as the ship gets ready to open to Nassau Port

  • Headed down to learn to draw Goofy in The Bayou

    • My daughter is getting increasingly interested in drawing therefore going into this sailing we wanted her to experience this

    • It was in The Bayou and there was a large step by step drawing of Goofy for us to follow

    • The step by step was done by watching a video of a Disney Imagineer which was at a good pace

    • It was lot of fun, but I do wish that the cast member would maybe provide some assistance or guidance rather than just playing the video

    • Paper and tiny pencils are provided which did make drawing more difficult

  • Pixie dusted stateroom with some Valentine’s Day treats

  • Palo Steakhouse Brunch at 11:30 am

    • Tried new items: Balsamic Grande, Tomato and Onion Omelet

    • Other items included: Cipriani Bellini, Palo Bloody Mary, Palo Iced Tea, Seafood Antipasti, Meats Antipasti, Grape and Gorgonzola Flatbread, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Breast, Wild Mushroom Ravioli, Coffee

    • Delicious as always (but not the best we have had) and it took about 1 hour 45 minutes because no dessert

  • On the way back stopped at Goofy’s Grill to grab lunch for Brooklyn

  • Valentine’s Day crafts at 2:30 pm in Triton’s lounge

  • Disney music live trivia at 3 pm in Luna

    • This was a lot of fun and quite hard

  • Explored the ship before getting ready for dinner

  • Arendelle A Frozen Dining Adventure Dinner

    • In the past this menu has been a little hit or miss but tonight the kitchen was on its A game

    • Appetizers, salads and entrees just outstanding

      • Anna’s Koldtbord, Blushing Oaken’s Chilled White and Green Asparagus, Elsa’s Royal Baked Scallops, Jarlsberg Cheese & Rosemary Ham Tart, Nordic Cucumber, Potato & Carrot Salad, Troll Valley Baby Field Greens, Sven’s Favorite Carrot Soup, Split Yellow Pea Soup, Crisp Panko-crusted Icelandic Cod Filet, Arendelle Kjottkake, Garlic & Thyme Roasted Beef Rib-Eye, Eplekake, Apple Cake, Kvafjordkake, Citrus-Almond Cake

      • Our table was quite far from the stage but honestly the show was not the best we have seen or heard. The 3 musicians/singers were the leading roles instead of the Frozen characters and it was great to see Olaf.

  • Headed to Mickey’s Mainsail to shop

  • Explored the ship in particular enjoying stateroom decors

  • Towel animal swan with special chocolates and card from DCL

  • We received an envelope with our name and cabana number and yellow wrist bands

Day 2 Castaway Cay 8 am to 4:30 pm 2/15/26

  • 7 am up for Micky Churro waffle in Marceline Market

  • Off the ship between 8 and 8:30 am (Full Mickey and Minnie Cove Cabana#23 Review)

  • We walked all the way to the Pelican Plunge tram stop to grab the Serenity Bay Tram

    • Of note did not grab towels because they are in the cabana and these are much nicer and softer

  • Took the tram to Serenity Bay Tram stop where we are greeted by the cabana check-in cast member.

  • Concierge service team staffs the cabanas

  • The area was very quiet, and we were one of the first to check in.

  • They checked you in and a private golf cart takes you to your cabana.

  • There is a cast member waiting to take your photo by your family sign and explain everything including the iPad with music (both volume and music selection) and ordering ability within the Ipad, to the fridge of drinks including soda, water, fresh fruit, and hand towels. There is complimentary sunscreen and a safe to lock items. Within the iPad can order refills of anything in the fridge, chips, snacks, drinks from the bar, golf cart pick up or tray pick up.

  • The bike rentals are back at the cabana check in area to ride on the landing strip and floats are located next to the cabana and sand toys on the deck. I saw other people bringing the bikes with them to the cabana and stored them in the front.

  • Each cabana has an indoor couch, small coffee table, and two chairs. Outside covered area there are two large soft loungers (these are amazing) and another chair. Out front is hammock and beach chairs and loungers with an umbrella. Showers are attached to the front of the cabana.

  • Bathrooms are very close and attached to the new bar Oh Buoy Bar. Which opens are 10 am therefore if you order drinks before they will need to be reordered once it is open or head to the bar if it is an alcoholic drink, if not we received the non-alcoholic once we ordered and did not have to wait.

  • The joy and excitement of Brooklyn and Sara once we walked in was priceless.

  • There are so few first times for us with DCL that this was special.

  • Bathroom and Oh Buoy Bar located by #16

    • Oh Buoy Bar is located pasted the cabana check-in area therefore I do not know if regular guests can use it and of note is was very quiet the entire day

    • Bathrooms where brand new and super clean, check out the photos

  • You can call the golf cart to pick you up from the cabana to Hangar 98 or Serenity Bay Tram pick up.

  • All doors and windows can be closed.

  • With the addition of 30 family cabanas (1 – 31, no #13) each one is themed by having a character on the outside of the cabana and a welcome mat with their footprints: examples include Mickey, Pluto, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, Minnie, Chip and Dale

  • Serenity Bay beach has it owns beach area and they do or will not really interact with the family cabanas, but they do share the water but a decent distance apart

  • This area used to be the crew beach area that has now been moved down to the far end of Serenity Bay beach which causes the crew to take a little longer to get there

  • Review:

    • This is perfect for the family that has already experienced the rest of the island/destination or just wants privacy or quietness. It reminds me of the family cabanas on Lookout Cay.

    • It takes quite some time to get to the other part of the destination/island away from the cabanas.

    • Mini fridge was a blessing with drinks and cool wet towels

    • Location is not an issue but make sure you prioritize your day and what you or your family want to experience.

    • With an all-aboard time 4:30 pm you must leave the cabana by 3:45 pm

    • Around 3:30 pm they will come around and tell you and collect towels

    • Different way to experience Castaway Cay

  • Lunch was at 11:30 am to 2 pm

  • Hangar 98 has two entrances, one for serenity bay guests and one for cabana guests. Places to sit outside for both areas and same food. There are tables and umbrellas or bring the foot/trays back to the cabana and then use the Ipad to tell them the number of tray pick-ups.  The entrance for cabana guests is past the cabana entrance area therefore you need to show them your wrist band.

    • New food options included a seafood gumbo, steak, spicy chicken sandwich and French fries, the typical BBQ food such as cold salads, burger, hot dogs and more. Food reminded me of a combination of Castaway and Lookout.

  • Note the water area is quite shallow even walking out far and there are lifeguards all along the beach. As the tide changes you will even see some sand bars pop up. Life jackets are available on the beach. There is not access from the Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas (1-31) to the other Sandcastle “Family Cabanas” (1 – 21), Serenity Bay Cabanas (22-27). The lower the Mickey & Minnie Cove Cabanas the less beach area from the Cabana to the ocean.

  • Can request a pack and play for naps in the cabana and baby/kids sunscreen.

  • Sadly, our day has ended, and we needed to head back to the ship

  • To Do Next Time: we plan to head to Cookies BBQ to enjoy lunch and explore the shops and then head back to the cabana for more time. We also plan to change to late/second dining to really maximize the time on the island/destination.

  • Sharing a cabana

    • Link reservations after cabana has been booked and have DCL or travel agent add them to it

    • If you don’t want to link reservations once on the ship go to guest services and then add them and they can split the cost how you require and they will receive their own wrist bands and can come and go as they please

  • Explored Deck 4 Prominade for shuffleboard and loungers

    • Showed Pluto’s Corner and saw some final views of Castaway

    • We also looked for our stateroom window and looked down to the Senses Spa outdoor area

  • Grabbed some BBQ and coffee while we got ready for last night’s dinner

  • Began to start packing and took down the stateroom door magnets

  • 1923

    • Alameda Porcini Spiced Ahi Tuna, Hyperion Four-Cheese Tri-Color Tortelloni, Burrata Mozzarella Cheese & Prosciutto di Parma, Kingswell Duck Confit Pastilla, Fennel, Bartlett Pear and Tatsoi Salad, Split Napa Baby Romaine Lettuce, Pulled Guinea Hen Corn Chowder, Roasted Roma Tomato Soup, Tortiglioni Pasta, 1923 Peppered Filet Mignon, Churros Calientes, Atwater Fuji Apple Cheesecake, Burbank Blueberry-Lemon Bavarian Cream

    • New drink of the day: Coco Bali (coconut cream, pineapple juice, mango, orange, banana)

    • We said our goodbyes to the staff as we knew we would not make next morning sit down breakfast

  • Headed to shutters to get a refund for the unlimited photo package

  • Pro Tip: We always pre-book the unlimited photo package as it is discounted before the sailing and if for any reason if you have not downloaded any photos, you can downgrade or ask for a full refund. Sadly, we only had a few photos because of lack of them at dinner.

  • Deck 4 Prominade for shuffleboard

  • Luna for Silent DJ Dance Party in Luna

    • This was a lot of fun but sadly they do not remove the chairs and tables in Luna therefore there is not a lot of room to dance

  • Neverland Cinema for Zootopia 2 with popcorn

  • Off to bed

Disembarkation

  • Up at 6 am to run up to grab pool deck coffee

  • Pro Tip: Order coffee-carafe the night before and close it tightly and place cream in the fridge and the coffee will be warm still in the morning

  • Family up 6:30 to 7 am to get ready and finish packing

  • Out the door and downstairs 7:45 am (Express Walk off head out room 7:15 am and starts at 7:45 am or once ship cleared)

  • Did express walk off carrying own luggage but the rest of the luggage was ready at 8 am therefore this time getting off the ship would not have mattered but that is a risk if the luggage was not ready

  • Cast and Crew Transportation $205 versus $45 x 3 (ground transfer cost)

    • Came highly recommend

    • We booked them because 11 am flight SW

    • Outside by 8 am and the driver showed up at 8:15 am for the scheduled 8:30 am pickup

    • He knew accidents on the road and took backroads, car was clean, comfortable temperature and smelled great. He also had great communication the day before and pick up day.

    • Arrived at MCO 9:15 am with curbside SW bag check-in off to home

    • Overall, I am very pleased and would use them again and recommend them

Stateroom 8000 8/9C/FOR Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Slanted Porthole

  • What a fun room to book!

  • No berth from the ceiling, the sofa turns into a bed

  • Facing out the front of the ship smaller window perfect to see what the captain sees and great opportunities for time lapses to record

  • Room lacks drawer storage

  • A 3-section closet, which 2 are full length for hanging items and the middle one are shelves only

    • I really wished one of the full lengths was half shelves also since no draws

  • Split bathroom with shower and faucet in one and toilet and faucet in the other

  • Can not watch the television from the sofa

  • Princess and the Frog themed room

  • Motion was felt in the room but only when we were docking at a port versus nothing was felt any other time during the sailing

Personal Navigators Day 1

Personal Navigators Day 2

Personal Navigators Day 3