To hop aboard a Disney Cruise Line is a very special experience indeed, and Mamma took little Miss 6 to soak in the magic before the ship leaves Australia (at least for the next couple of years).

The Disney Wonder is one of the fleets older ships (launching in 1999) but the ol’ broad certainly lives up to her name. From the moment you walk onboard the ship’s atrium, you are instantly struck by the interior’s grandeur and charmed by that quintessential Disney flair.

With character meet and greets, multiple pools/water slide/splash zones, an onboard cinema, theatre, kids club, gift shop and activities galore, the days can be as busy or as laid back as you choose.

For the most part, everything onboard is included in the cost of the cruise including breakfast, lunch, dinner and every meal you wish to have in-between. There are 3 onboard a la carte restaurants (Animator’s Pallet, Tiana’s and Triton’s), the buffet (aka Cabanas) and multiple quick service kiosks that surround the pools (including pizzas, hot dogs, kebabs, salad and soft serve).

Mamma will note that although the restaurants are a la carte, you are welcome to order as many entrees, mains and desserts as you please - want to try one of everything? Go for it!

There is also an adults only restaurant, cafe and bar onboard which are available to dine in at an additional charge (there is also an adults only pool which is much calmer than the rest of the ship… or so Mamma heard). Other additional charges include alcohol, barista coffee and popcorn.

Also included in the cost of the cruise are the INCREDIBLE nightly theatre shows (Frozen, The Golden Mickeys and Disney Dreams), cinema admission, most scheduled activities and kids club.

Mamma suggests making the most of the onboard experience by taking part in some Disney cruise traditions such as…

Door decorating - as most of the cabin doors are made of metal it is very common to see staterooms decorated with Disney or family themed magnets (tape, adhesive are prohibited and may result in extra fees if damage occurs).

Pixie Dusting - the act of random gift giving and receiving which Mamma’s 6 year old and her friend absolutely adored. By placing a bag or multi pocket organiser on the fish hook outside your room, passengers walk the halls depositing little gifts in a tradition that creates such a beautiful sense of giving and community. These are not big gifts - think stickers or temporary tattoos, lollies, pens, slap bands etc. Mamma found this a wonderful opportunity to show little miss that the act of giving can be as rewarding and fun (if not more) than receiving.

Fish Extenders - this is planned gift giving for specific assigned cabins with detailed interests and budgets in place. This is organised through Facebook groups specific to the cruise dates you have booked. Mamma did not participate this time around but a lot of passengers did.

This is an adventure Mamma’s daughter (and Mamma!) will never forget. Mamma acknowledges that it is a very special (and not entirely budget friendly) family escape… but if you are able to, the magic of a Disney cruise is an experience that will stick with you for a long time to come.