Insider’s Guide to the Universal Orlando Mobile App
Using the Universal Orlando Mobile App
The official Universal Orlando Resort mobile app includes a variety of tools and resources to help you before and during your Universal Orlando vacation.
The Universal Orlando app allows you to
Link park tickets
Place mobile food and drink orders
Join a virtual line
Create your own "must-do" list
Explore park maps and so much more
Insider Tip: The map has helpful features like Express Pass-enabled locations, height restrictions, show times, dietary options, and more.
Download the official mobile app (it’s free)
Once you download the app, create or sign in to your Universal account.
Set up your wallet
The wallet feature is known as Universal Pay. Using Universal Pay makes your day easier.
It’s most helpful when ordering food because Universal Orlando encourages mobile orders at quick-service restaurants.
You can place an order and pay for it right in the app (more on this below).
Using Universal Pay at Volcano Bay Water Park
Going to Volcano Bay water park? (It’s only the best water park in Orlando!) Leave your phone in your locker or in your beach bag and your bag of rice at home, you’re phone won’t be getting wet here.
You can purchase food, beverages, and merchandise using Tapu Tapu, a waterproof wristband that is provided upon entry to the park.
Use Tapu Tapu anywhere Universal Pay is accepted in the park. No need to carry your phone, cash, or cards in your bathing suit.
You can also set up and manage sub-accounts for others in your party and set spending limits so they can make purchases with Tapu Tapu as well. See my Tips for Volcano Bay here.
Tapu Tapu at Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay Water Park
Use the App to Plan Your Trip
Scroll through the rides and shows that are available at each park.
Tap the heart on your favorite attractions to add them to your favorites list, making it easy to reference wait times and attraction details once you are in the park.
Doing this helps ensure that you won’t miss any must-dos while touring the parks.
Linking tickets to the Universal Orlando mobile app
If you booked a vacation package with me, you’ll pick up your tickets when you arrive at your Universal Orlando hotel.
To add a ticket to the mobile app, select “Scan Tickets & Add Ons” to scan the back of your ticket or enter your ticket number (located under the barcode).
If you need help, just ask a Team Member at the ticket desk, located inside the hotel lobby.
Placing Mobile Food and Drink Orders
Order ahead from select restaurants when you’re in the theme parks and at CityWalk.
How to place your mobile order
Open the side navigation and select "Mobile Food & Drink Ordering"
Select an available restaurant
Browse menu options and make customizations
Tap “Prepare My Order”
Wait at the pickup window to receive your order
Join Virtual Lines at Universal Orlando
During busier times of the year, some of Universal Orlando’s most popular attractions allow you to join a Virtual Line. Rather than stand in a physical line, you can reserve a time to ride and go off to enjoy other areas of the park. This feature is free.
Here’s how Virtual Lines work:
Pick your ride in the app
Join the queue for a time window that works for you
Show the Team Member your phone to scan and enter the attraction
The app will display the attractions that are offering a Virtual Line, if any. You can almost always find Race Through New York starring Jimmy Fallon as an option.
Depending on how crowded the park is, Universal may also offer Virtual Line on the following:
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Fast & Furious: Supercharged
Revenge of the Mummy
Universal Orlando adjusts Virtual Line throughout the day. The day may start off without any Virtual Lines being offered but as the park gets busier, some Virtual Lines may begin to come online. Universal may also remove the option during the day if it’s no longer needed - but they will still honor existing reservations.
Insider Tip! I recommend you check for Virtual Lines starting 20 minutes prior to the park opening time.
Insider Tip! Use the “Wait Time Alert” feature on the app to get notified if the wait for a favorite attraction is under a certain time. For example, you can set up an alert to be notified if the wait for Hagrid’s Motorbike Adventure drops below 60 minutes.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Discover the Magic of Disney Parks on a Disney Treasure Cruise
Here's a first look at some of the secrets inspired by the Disney Theme Parks that Disney Imagineers are incorporating into the Disney Treasure.
Disney Cruise Line recently announced secrets about its latest ship, Disney Treasure. We learned that, for the first time ever, there will be several Disney Parks-inspired venues onboard the ship.
For example, The Periscope Pub, inspired by Walt Disney’s 1954 film and the legacy Disney Parks attraction, “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,”
And the Skipper Society will draw on Jungle Cruise attractions from around the world.
Here's a first look at some of the secrets inspired by the Disney Theme Parks that Disney Imagineers are incorporating into the Disney Treasure.
#10 The Epcot Suite | Disney Treasure Secrets
Imagineers will place a special sculpture at the base of the Tomorrow Tower Suite’s spiral staircase that honors the iconic Epcot landmark, Spaceship Earth. The sculpture will bring the spirit of Epcot to life when guests enter the suite through music and lighting effects.
I wonder if it will have the burning wood smell from the Rome scene in the ride. I can only hope.
Disney Treasure Epcot-themed suite.
#9 Figment References | Disney Treasure Secrets
Epcot's Figment is the adorable purple dragon who first debuted at the Journey Into Imagination of course. In the Tomorrow Tower Suite, guests will encounter Figment posing in various hiding places.
Disney Treasure Secret #8 (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea Reference)
The Periscope Pub will offer a delicious menu of light bites, undersea-inspired drinks, and craft brews, including three exclusive tap beers that will be uniquely themed to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea film.
Periscope Pub on the Disney Treasure
#7 Disney GPS Coordinate Easter Eggs | Disney Treasure Secrets
Take a look at the image above, specifically the submarine pressure gauge behind the bar. Disney Imagineers will include numbers on it that will honor the geographical coordinates of the Meyer Werft shipyard where the Disney Treasure was built and the official hull numbers of each ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet.
The Disney Wish has something similar. When Funnel Vision isn’t being used, a screensaver comes on that displays several round nautical compasses and gauges. You’ll see a series of coordinates on the gauges for the Meyer Werft Shipyard, the Dinsey Cruise Line headquarters in Celebration, FL, and more.
The screensaver on Funnel Vision has hidden references to Disney Cruise Line.
#6 Even More 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea References | Disney Treasure Secrets
Throughout the Periscope Pub, you’ll discover various artifacts, drawings, and books used by Captain Nemo and his brave crew during undersea explorations on the Nautilus.
“Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We had a great first cruise. Your advice was spot on especially with the dining package. ”
#5 Jungle Cruise References | Disney Treasure Secrets
Skipper Society will have a jungle boat name of its own! Imagineers will dub the vessel housing the bar “Ems Empress” after the Ems River where the Disney Treasure will make her first voyage to sea.
After a Disney ship is completed, it sails down the Ems River to open waters. The Ems River is located in Northwestern Germany.
The conveyance to open waters takes about 10 hours.
An “Ems Empress” sign will hang proudly inside the venue when the Disney Treasure sets sail in December 2024.
Disney Wish on the Ems River in Germany (Meyer Werft photo).
#4 Jungle Cruise Audio Easter Eggs | Disney Treasure Secrets
While sipping cocktails the Skipper Society, you’ll hear familiar music playing in the venue, including spiels from the Jungle Cruise attractions around the world!
That means you’ll hear Skipper voices from across the globe and in various languages such as English, Dutch, French, Cantonese, and more.
I hope we get to see the backside of water.
#3 Jungle Cruise Color Palette Carries Over to Treasure | Disney Treasure Secrets
The walls inside the Skipper Society will be painted using the same red and green tones as the Jungle Cruise sign at Walt Disney World.
#2 Jungle Cruise Easter Eggs and Backside of Water | Disney Treasure Secrets
You may notice the vintage-style luggage stacked neatly behind the bar at Skipper Society featured in the artist's rendering of the venue.
Each suitcase will be plastered with travel stickers that represent locations depicted inside the Jungle Cruise attraction.
There will even be a travel sticker for the backside of water!
Skipper Society on the Disney Treasure
#1 Orginal Plants Used from Jungle Cruise | Disney Treasure Secrets
We can’t forget about the Disneyland version of Jungle Cruise, it’s OG after all.
The variety of plants growing around Jungle Cruise in California gives guests the sense that they are sailing in waterways around the globe.
In honor of the original attraction, the plants throughout the Skipper Society on the Disney Treasure will be the same foliage species thriving in Disneyland.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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New Year's Deal - the Royal Caribbean January Offer is Here!
This is not a vacation. It's a variety pack of adventure.
This is not a vacation. It's a variety pack of adventure. I'm talking bigger thrills. Better chills. Bolder discoveries. And more of everything you ever wanted in a vacation — including bragworthy savings.
When you book a Florida cruise with me starting January 1, you’ll save 30% off every cruise. And why not bring the whole family — because for a limited time, kids sail free!
This is not a vacation. This is all the vacations.
NEW YEAR'S DEAL
BRING THE ENTIRE CREW
Book with me and save 30% off every guest
LITTLE CRUISERS, BIG SAVINGS
Children get to experience the highlights of the high seas FREE of charge
on all sailings 3 nights or longer.
REDUCED AIR RATES
Save up to $500 off with reduced airfare rates to Alaska, Barbados and Europe when booked through FlightFinder.
Offer valid January 1 — 31, 2023!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Cinderella’s Return to Cinderella’s Royal Table Announced + Update for Chef Mickey’s
Disney World Dining Updates - Princesses and Buffets
The Walt Disney World Resort has announced exciting updates for two of its most popular restaurants; Cinderella’s Royal Table located inside the castle at Magic Kingdom Park, and the buffet will reopen at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Character dining returns to Cinderella’s Royal Table Feb. 28
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28, the Disney princesses will once again visit guests dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle.
Remember, to dine at Cinderella’s Royal Table, you will need a confirmed dining reservation for all members of your party who are dining, regardless of age.
You will also be required to have valid park admission and park reservations on the same day of your dining reservation for each Guest age three (3) and up.
Reservations and additional details are available at DisneyWorld.com.
Chef Mickey’s Character Restaurant at Walt Disney World
Beginning March 1, Chef Mickey’s will transition back to buffet-style dining, allowing you to enjoy all-you-care-to-eat breakfast and dinner experiences once again.
I highly recommend making reservations in advance for this restaurant, as availability is not guaranteed day of.
For additional dining details and reservation availability, visit DisneyWorld.com.
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Walt Disney World Railroad About to Reopen
Walt Disney World Railroad Reopening
After being closed for 4 years, the Walt Disney World Resort shared today that the Walt Disney World Railroad is about to reopen, though a specific date has not been provided. The post said that the Walt Disney World Railroad will reopen “this holiday season” so that could even mean today!
The Walt Disney World Railroad
Not only did the Walt Disney World Railroad undergo track updates and maintenance, but Walt Disney Imagineering also created an all-new voice narration to bring guests into the beloved stories they encounter as they travel from one magical land to the next.
“A new conductor has assumed the role, carrying on the long tradition of warm welcomes and amusing anecdotes while adding fresh commentary and story to the journey.”
OrlandoParksGuy: Travel agent for Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Orlando area cruises
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Which Disney Cruise Line Ships Sail From Orlando?
Disney Cruise Line operates 2 ships from Orlando (Port Canaveral) Florida
Disney Cruise Line operates 2 ships from Orlando (Port Canaveral) Florida: The Disney Fantasy and the Disney Wish. The Wish is Disney’s newest ship, which arrived in June of 2022. She is also the largest ship in Disney’s fleet.
The Disney Fantasy, the second newest of Disney’s ships does 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises while the Disney Wish cruises to the Bahamas on alternating 3 and 4 night sailings.
The Disney Wish immerses guests in Disney, Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar themed entertainment in brand-new ways. She is filled with one-of-a-kind entertainment including AquaMouse, the first-ever Disney attraction at sea, all-new family dining experiences themed to “Frozen” and Marvel, and so much more.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Save Now, Sail Later with Disney Cruise Line in Early 2024
Disney Cruise Line Returns to Picture-Perfect Tropical Destinations in Early 2024.
Disney Cruise Line is about to release early 2024 itineraries to the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.
Voyages will be from Florida (Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale), Galveston, and New Orleans, and San Diego.
Why book a 2024 cruise now?
I always say that the best way to save on a cruise is to book as far in advance as possible. As stateroom inventory goes down, fares go up and it happens quickly.
Experienced cruisers wait for these announcements and it’s why Disney Cruise Line loyalty club members have early booking perks, ahead of the general public.
Bookings open to the general public on Dec. 15, 2022.
Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members may take advantage of the following extended early booking windows:
Platinum Castaway Club Members: Monday, Dec. 12, 2022
Gold Castaway Club Members: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022
Silver Castaway Club Members, Disney Vacation Club Members: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2022
Early 2024 Disney Cruise Line Itineraries
The Disney Dream will begin early 2024 with an assortment of three- and four-night getaways to the Bahamas and five-night vacations to the western Caribbean.
All sailings from Florida will include a stop at Castaway Cay.
Caribbean Adventures from Texas and Louisiana
The Disney Magic will embark on Caribbean adventures ranging in length from four to six nights through the end of January.
Upon returning for another month-long stint between March and April, the ship will sail cruises ranging from four to seven nights to the western Caribbean during the popular spring break period.
New Orleans will welcome the Disney Magic back for a second consecutive year in February 2024 with four-, five- and seven-night cruises to the Caribbean.
Mexican Escapes from California
After returning from its inaugural season in Australia and New Zealand, the Disney Wonder will arrive in San Diego, California in March 2024 for three- to seven-night voyages to Mexico, including the Baja peninsula.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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What Happens if you Test Positive for COVID-19 Prior to your Disney Cruise?
Changes to Disney Cruise Line Flexible Refund Policy
Disney Cruise Line has made a change to its COVID-19 cancellation policy.
For sailings booked on or after Dec. 9, 2022, those who test positive for COVID-19 within 10 days of their sail date can receive a refund in their original form of payment without Disney-imposed cancellation fees or apply their cruise fare toward a future cruise credit.
This replaces the current cancellation policy of 14-days prior to the sailing date.
Travel insurance and cancellation fees imposed by third-party suppliers, including airlines, are not refundable.
As a reminder, Disney Cruise Line no longer requires a COVID-19 test, regardless of vaccination status prior to sailing.
Guests who booked their reservation before Dec. 9, 2022 can view information about the Flexible Refund Policy here.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando Resort
Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. New for 2023! Select Dates Feb. 4–Apr. 16.
Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando
Select Dates Feb. 4–Apr. 16.
Reserve a spot for your family on one of Universal Orlando’s spectacular parade floats.
You can also enjoy a 3-course meal from the full menu at one of four participating restaurants at Universal Orlando Resort.
Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando
The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience at Universal Orlando includes:
Access to one (1) Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation on the same day as prix fixe meal**. Guests will receive Mardi Gras Float Rider credentials at the restaurant after their meal. The credential will specify the parade check-in information, including location and time.
One (1) prix fixe meal at a select full-service restaurant located at Universal Studios Florida or Universal CityWalk. Prix fixe meal includes one (1) appetizer, one (1) entrée, one (1) dessert, and one (1) non-alcoholic beverage per person.
The price is $69.21 per person.
*Prices, dates, times, experience details, and benefits subject to availability, change and/or cancellation without notice.
**Mardi Gras Parade Float Riders must be 18+ or accompanied by their legal guardian age 18 or older. All riders must be at least 48” in height and able to board the floats and must be able to stand for the duration of the parade.
^Price does not include admission to the Universal Studios Florida theme park. Separate theme park admission required and for the same date as the parade and prix fixe meal. Purchase must be made 24 hours prior to event date.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Tickets on sale now for Universal Orlando's Great Movie Escape
Universal’s Great Movie Escape invites guests of all ages to solve their way through a pair of first-of-its-kind escape rooms based on two of the biggest film franchises in history.
I am so excited to share this news today because I am a huge Back to the Future fan! Today, you can now book escape room adventures inspired by Jurassic World and Back to the Future opening on December 9, 2022, at Universal Orlando Resort.
Universal’s Great Movie Escape, located at Universal’s CityWalk, gives guests a variety of challenges that your group must complete – each one specifically crafted so that the experience is enjoyable for novices and escape room aficionados alike.
Each adventure has eight incredibly detailed environments that are
randomized – so the solution can vary with each visit
customizable depending on party size – ensuring everyone gets to participate
designed to adjust based on skill level and complexity – so there’s always something to solve
Jurassic World: Escape
You are the new geneticists at a secret lab on Isla Nublar, where you are undergoing training that includes the completion of various day-to-day tasks that range from feeding ferocious dinosaurs to splicing dinosaur DNA to create new genetic codes…until you learn an apex predator has broken free and now you must work together to avoid becoming its prey.
Back to the Future: OUTATIME
You’ll be transported to a museum in 1993, where you learn Back to the Future’s antagonist, Biff, is up to his antics and has stolen Doc Brown’s newest time travel device to sabotage the space-time continuum.
You must work together to uncover Doc Brown’s clues as you travel through time to track down Biff and save the past and future before you run “outatime.”
Tickets for Universal’s Great Movie Escape are on sale now for access to either Jurassic World: Escape or Back to the Future: OUTATIME.
This experience includes up to six guests per group and may include multiple parties. Pricing varies depending on the date and time of the visit.
You may also book a private experience exclusive to their party (up to eight people).
Which escape room are you most interested in doing? Use the comments below to start a conversation.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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My Top 10 Tips for the Disney Wish
Planning on a Disney Wish vacation? Here are 1o tips that will help you get more out of your cruise.
The Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, sailing from Orlando (Port Canaveral), Florida. On my last trip, I created a list of helpful tips that will enhance your experience onboard the ship.
Disney Wish
#10 Arrive before the scheduled arrival time.
If you’re driving, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled port arrival time. There are a lot of cars waiting to drop off their luggage and park in the garage.
It’s important to point out that you shouldn’t arrive too early, you will not be able to check in until your confirmed arrival time.
#9 Learn the elevator system
The Disney Wish is wonderful, but something went askew when they were designing the elevators on this ship.
Only some of the elevators go beyond Deck 11, they’re marked with a sign over the door so you know how high the elevator goes, so watch for those.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to specifically call the elevators that go beyond Deck 11.
More than likely one of the elevators that don’t go above Deck 11 will come simply because there are more of them.
You’ll have to wait for the elevator doors to close, press the call button again and keep repeating this process until the right elevator arrives.
The elevators are narrow, and there are no windows. It reminds me of The Haunted Mansion, “This chamber has no windows and no doors…”
#8 No dinner buffet
Buffets on cruises go together like tacos and Tuesday but you may be surprised to learn that the Disney Wish Doesn’t offer a dinner buffet.
I actually like this because it changes the perception that cruises are all about conga lines and buffet meals.
Marceline Marketplace is open for breakfast and lunch but for dinner service, you’ll need to visit one of the excellent rotational restaurants such as Arendelle: a Frozen Dining Adventure, Worlds of Marvel, 1923, room service, or visit Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods.
Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods is the quick-service restaurant on the Disney Wish, conveniently located near the pool.
It’s similar to a buffet because there are so many options ranging from authentic barbecue, burgers, hotdogs, chicken tenders (of course), macaroni and cheese (of course), surprisingly good thin-crust pizza, and a comprehensive taco/burrito station.
“Mickey and Friends Festival of Foods” is included with your cruise fare, as is most dining on the Disney Wish.
I do recommend the rotational dining rooms, but if you’re not in the mood for a sit-down dinner, this is a great alternative.
On our cruise, we were having so much watching the movie Lilo and Stich on the pool deck that we decided to skip the formal dinner and just sample foods from the quick service options in our swimsuits.
We had the entire deck to ourselves that night and it ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the whole cruise. Those unexpected moments you have on vacation end up being the most fun.
#7 Buy your souvenirs on Day 1 or 2
On the first night, I stopped at the logo store to look for a Disney Wish t-shirt.
I saw a lot of great options but wasn’t ready to commit to any one item at that moment.
Disney Wish chocolate bars!
On Day 3 of the cruise, I returned to the store but most of the things I wanted were sold out, or not my size. Shops onboard have limited quantities of merchandise for each sailing so they regulate how much they put out for sale.
You can own a piece of the steel used to build the Disney Wish.
On Royal Caribbean, it’s best to wait until the last night of your cruise to buy merchandise because the logo store will likely have a big sale, especially on t-shirts. Not so with Disney Cruise Line!
Disney Wish and Disney Cruise Line logo t-shirts
#6 Visit Hyperspace Lounge on Day 1
Hyperspace Lounge is the coveted Star Wars-themed bar onboard the Disney Wish.
Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish
It’s the one thing that everyone wants to see, so naturally, Disney Imagineers made it very small and with limited seating. Although I will give them credit for making it an intimate space rather, it does work better this way from that perspective.
If you want to get inside, go on Day 1 right as you board the ship. Most guests will be trying to find their room and the buffet.
You should also ask if there are reservations needed for Hyperspace Lounge and how you can obtain one for later in your cruise.
When I was there they were passing out reservation cards to guests.
I’m told they might not always be available, it depends on the cruise and how many people are onboard.
Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge on the Disney Wish
#5 Kids are allowed in the Star Wars Hyperspace Lounge
If you have a Star Wars fan who isn’t quite old enough to bend their elbow at the bar, that’s ok!
Young Jedis are allowed inside until around 8 pm.
Visit Hook’s Barbery on Day 1 to make your appointment
Hooks Barbery is part upscale barber shop and part lounge.
Hooks Barbery | Disney Wish
This is a manly-man way to get a shave, beard trip, and/or a haircut.
The barber wanted me to spread the word that you should make your appointment on Day 1 because he does book up fast. He can seldom accommodate walk-ins.
I did notice that he had someone in the chair every time I walked by the shop.
The lounge at Hook’s Barbery opens at 5 pm and you do not need a reservation. Old Fashioneds are their specialty.
Lounge at Hook’s Barbery | Disney Wish
You’re welcome to visit the lounge whether you're having a haircut or not.
Be on the lookout for some Captain Hook references and gags on the bookshelf. You might spot a spare hook and several timepieces. There’s even a small crocodile figure.
#4 Know where to watch the fireworks
Fireworks are usually offered on Pirate Night, weather permitting. They will be off the starboard side of the Disney Wish.
However, if you’re not standing in the right spot, the AquaMouse water coaster will block most of your view.
Pirate Night on the Disney Wish
It may be tempting to party like a pirate in the middle of the top deck because that’s where all the action is.
However, you’ll have a lousy view of the fireworks from there.
Pirate Night and fireworks on the Disney Wish
I recommend standing alongside the outer railing on the starboard side or on the outer railing of the port side for a more panoramic view.
#3 Visit the bow of the ship
This is the only Disney ship that allows guests to visit the bow.
It’s a terrific experience and great for a few pictures. Don’t forget to do your best, “I’m the king of the world” impression.
Visit the bow of the Disney Wish
I recommend going at sunset. Also, be sure to turn around and wave to the crew on the bridge. They might wave back!
Views from the bow of the Disney Wish
The bow is closed at night and during windy conditions.
#2 Check out Hero Zone
This is a multipurpose activity room on Deck 12 with a basketball hoop, air hockey tables, foosball, and ping pong tables.
Hero Zone is indoors and air-conditioned.
It’s often open for free play but there are a number of planned youth activities in this space as well.
I’m grateful that Imagineers moved this indoors and provided air conditioning.
On the other Disney ships, this space is outside on the top deck - in the blazing hot sun.
My son loved Hero Zone more than the kid’s clubs and would spend hours in here shooting hoops with other kids. We had a few air hockey tournaments too.
#1 Book a Land and Sea Packages: Disney World and Disney Wish
You should never fly into Orlando the same day your cruise departs.
If you experience a flight delay or cancellation, you could miss out on the cruise. Why not arrive a few days early and visit Walt Disney World? Can you really visit Orlando and not go to Disney?
Magical Vacations Travel - Darren W
Disney even provides bus transportation from Disney World to Port Canaveral and to Orlando International Airport.
Disney Cruise Line bus service in Orlando, Florida
The Disney Wish sails on alternating 3 and 4-night cruises, so it’s easy to add on a Walt Disney World stay and make it a week-long vacay.
I help people plan Land and Sea vacations with Disney every day. I also offer my clients a generous onboard credit that can be used on upgraded experiences. Contact me now to get started.
Have questions about planning your cruise vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Darren is a Disney-focused travel agent with Magical Vacations Travel and has over 13 years of experience. Readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World rate him as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren is also an Orlando-based travel writer with topics ranging from theme parks to cruise lines.
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Disney has started piloting an airport luggage assistance program at select Disney World hotels!