Ahoy there, Francine!
Welcome back to planDisney! A
Very Merrytime Cruise aboard the Disney Wish? That’s what I call the jolliest way to kick off the holiday season! From shimmering garlands and oversized gingerbread houses to the magical snowfall in the Grand Hall (yes, it really “snows” at sea!), this cruise is sure to have your entire crew rockin’ around the Christmas tree from the moment you board.
Now let’s talk about that most royal of questions—the Royal Gathering! This regal meet-and-greet is a fan-favorite character experience and, just like Olaf with warm hugs, it tends to show up on nearly every sailing—including those 3-night itineraries on the Wish. While I
can’t guarantee exactly which members of the royal court will be in attendance (because, you know, even royalty needs a little flexibility in their travel schedules), it’s very likely that your itinerary will feature this special event. You might spot Cinderella gliding through the Grand Hall, Ariel flipping her fins, or even Tiana ready to share a little bayou charm.
Here’s where a little planning makes all the difference: the
Royal Gathering is a reservation event, and it fills faster than Elsa’s ice castle on coronation day. The good news? All Guests—regardless of
Castaway Club status—can book this one starting 30 days before your sail date, so no need to wait for tiered access. Set a reminder for midnight Eastern Time and hop into the Disney Cruise Line Navigator app or website to snag your spot. Trust me, you’ll feel like Fairy Godmother just granted you a front-row seat to royal magic!
You may notice the Royal Gathering listed as an activity even before your 30-day mark, but with a note saying it’s not yet bookable. That’s totally normal and can be a helpful hint for which day to expect the event onboard. Keep checking, and when the clock strikes midnight—bibbidi-bobbidi-book it!
I also recommend dressing up any little ones in their favorite royal attire for the occasion. The Grand Hall on the Wish is a fairytale backdrop worthy of a portrait with your favorite princesses—our crew never misses the chance to capture those magical memories!
I hope this helps you feel a little more prepared for your very merry adventure at sea! With a little bit of pixie planning and a whole lot of Disney sparkle, your holiday sailing is sure to be merry, bright, and royally unforgettable.
Sea ya real soon with a July full of fireworks at sea and memories that sparkle like pixie dust,
Dustin