Ahoy, Sophia!
Welcome aboard planDisney! I’m so excited you’ll be
setting sail on the Wonder to Alaska this June—what an Incredible way to kick off your summer! With glaciers ahead and magic on deck, you’re in for a journey that’s cooler than Olaf’s dream vacation (and a lot less melty).
With a Port Arrival Time of noon and first dining, you’re perfectly timed to step aboard and start your adventure without missing a single “whozits and whatzits galore.” So let’s map out what your first day might look like, keeping in mind that onboard activities and times are subject to change faster than a spin on the Mad Tea Party. Your trusty Disney Cruise Line Navigator app will be your magic wand here—once you’re in the terminal and connected to ship Wi-Fi, hop on and start "favoriting" all the must-do events for embarkation day!
Now, once you board—and snap that practically perfect embarkation photo—you’ll probably be ready to refuel. Many Guests head to Cabanas for the buffet, but you can also check to see which one of the main dining rooms (often Tiana’s Place) is open for lunch. And if your crew is in the mood for something quick and casual, the pool deck quick-service spots are great for a bite without missing a beat.
Once everyone is fed and you’re ready to explore, you’ll have some time to enjoy those first “I’m really here!” moments before the mandatory Guest Assembly Drill, which usually happens around 3:45 PM. It’s quick and easy—like pressing the “skip to the good part” button on your favorite Disney montage—and once that’s done, the magic really sets sail.
Mickey’s Sail-A-Wave Party typically kicks off around 4:30 PM on the pool deck, and it’s a toe-tapping, flag-waving, confetti-flying celebration that sets the tone for the whole voyage. If your dancing shoes got packed in the wrong bag, no worries—enthusiastic waving and clapping are fully accepted here!
Character Meet and Greets start to ramp up closer to dinner time, so keep an eye on the app to spot when your favorite friends will be out and about. On embarkation day, it’s not unusual to catch Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, or Pluto making their rounds after the party or near the atrium in the early evening.
Shops onboard usually open around 6:00 PM, once the ship officially leaves port, so if you’re eyeing that Alaska-exclusive merch or the perfect pair of Minnie ears to match your sea day outfit, that’s the time to browse. I always recommend popping in early in the cruise—some items do sell out faster than you can say “Bibbidi Bobbidi Buy It!”
And last but not least—don’t miss the Broadway-style show in the
Walt Disney Theatre! For Guests with early dining, the evening show is generally scheduled for 8:30 PM. Arriving early is always a good idea, especially if you have a favorite seat or want to make sure you’re front and center for that curtain call magic.
Sophia, you are in for a whole new world of wonder. Alaska is unlike any other itinerary, and the Wonder is the perfect ship to experience it all. From towering glaciers to heartwarming shows and evenings filled with music, memories, and Mickey bars—it’s going to be a trip you’ll be talking about long after your sea legs fade.
Sea ya real soon as May brings sunshine, magical ports, and maybe a Mickey bar or two,
Dustin