Ahoy, there, Gary! It's my pleasure to welcome you to planDisney. I'm so happy you dropped by with your planning question.
Gary, my family, and I are currently in the process of looking at different itineraries, ships, and travel dates to book our next Disney Cruise Line sailing, so I appreciate this question. Since your stateroom will be your home away from home (or at least your home while you're on the ship), deciding on location can be an arduous task. This question reminds me of the famous phrase,
"beauty is in the eye of the beholder," because one family's perfect location might be another's least favorite.
Now, when you are ready to book your trip, you'll first want to
visit the Disney Cruise Line website and sign in. As you continue through the prompts toward booking, you will be able to see all of the open staterooms and suites on the
Disney Wish when you get to the
stateroom selection prompt.
(This will give you the most up-to-date and real-time inventory.) Rooms that have already been booked will appear in a different color and you won't be able to add them to your cart. If multiple options are open on both decks 8 and 9, it will be decision time!
Gary, while some guests want to be close to an elevator, other guests like the quiet respite away from the hustle and bustle. While some guests want the starboard side, others prefer the port. I'm a believer that there is no wrong location or best option, but only the best for your family or traveling party. As a guest who loves having a balcony when we sail on Disney Cruise Line, as long as I can feel the wind and see the ocean when my morning coffee arrives, I'm a happy cruiser. If you have any guests who feel the motion of the ship or are prone to seasickness, I have been told that midship is preferable, in case that factors into your decision.
Gary, no matter if you decide on deck 8 or deck 9, I'll be wishing on a star that you have a Magical voyage next summer. If you have any additional questions, just point your compass in the direction of planDisney and come on back!
Bon Voyage!
Lauren