A "Dream" is a "Wish"

One of the most memorable things I've ever done was taking a Disney Cruise.  They have all left a lasting impression on me.  Before when I was having a bad day, I used to close my eyes and picture myself at the Magic Kingdom.  However, ever since my first cruise back in 2016, if I'm ever needing a mental break, it's the white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters of Castaway Cay that seems to conjure itself in my mind.  Right now, if I could have any wish, I'd hop abroad the Disney Cruise Line and sail away.

Photo Source

I've missed cruising so much even though we haven't had trips planned.  It's been hard just knowing that the ships aren't currently taking passengers on adventures.  I often think about going on our back-to-back Christmas cruises right before the world turned upside down.  I'm so grateful we were able to take them.  Since then, I've found myself counting down to taking another cruise even though we don't have any booked.

Photo Source

Thus far, the only Disney Cruise Line ship that I have sailed on has been the Disney Dream.  I've always wanted to go on all of the ships and as soon as I heard that Disney was expanding their fleet (from 4 to 7) I knew that I had to go on those someday too.

Photo Source

I've been looking forward to the Disney Wish joining the fleet.  There isn't much news so far, but we do know that it will be powered by liquefied natural gas which is more environmentally friendly.  The Wish will be the first of three new ships built for Disney, and will be it's first in the "Triton Class" of their fleet.  The Wish will accommodate 4,000 passengers in 1,250 staterooms and it will be a little bit larger than the Dream and Fantasy.  It was originally supposed to take it's maiden voyage in January of 2022 but after delays from coronavirus shut downs, it will be taking it sometime during the summer of 2022 instead.  Honestly, all I needed to hear was that my girl Rapzunel was the character "painting" the name on the stern (back of the ship) and I was sold.

Since the initial news, more has slowly been released the past few months.  During the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Celebration, Disney released a video of Fairy Godmother Bibbibi-Bobbidi-Boo-ing a statue of Cinderella for the atrium or "Grand Hall".  Before then, no one knew which character would be the bronze statue sitting at the base of the grand staircase.  (All Disney ships have this feature.)  Cinderella is the perfect fit as the theme of the atrium is an enchanted fairytale.  I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the Grand Hall as well... isn't it gorgeous?!? 

Earlier this month, the Disney Wish reached a construction milestone with the keel laying ceremony.  During the ceremony, the art on the bow of the ship was revealed with Captain Minnie at it's center!  (Each of the Disney Cruise Line ships feature a character in the elegant filigree design.)

Photo Source

Captain Minnie was also the guest of honor at the keel laying ceremony.  During the construction of a "ship's construction, when the first block, or section of a ship, is lowered into the building dock, a newly minted coin is placed under the keel for good fortune." (source) The coin created for the Disney Wish was Captain Minnie!

Another thing that I love about the Disney Wish is the amount of Girl Power.  Between having Rapunzel on the stern and Captain Minnie on the bow, this ship is packed with it!  I was excited when Disney had Minnie Mouse become a captain so she could inspire the next generation of female leaders in the cruise industry.  (I absolutely love Captain Minnie and was thrilled when I got to take a photo with her on our cruises in December of 2020!)  They also practice what they preach as Disney has women in some of the leadership roles on the ship's design team.

Photo Source

More design details of the Grand Hall of the Disney Wish were revealed in a short video last week.  It is absolutely stunning.  I mean look at that chandelier... the shape, the concept, the design and the "wish" crystal... it's perfection.  The columns look like they'll have lights shimmering in them that flow right into the ceiling.  And if you look closely, there were design boards that look like a Tangled mosaic!

I am so excited!  It's more than I could have ever hoped for!  It's so beautiful.  One thing is for sure, boarding the Wish for the first time is going to put me in tears.

Photo Source

Something else that will probably put me in tears is the sneak peek Disney is doing tomorrow, April 29th at 11AM Eastern.  If you'd like to be one of the first to hear more information about Disney's newest ship, you can sign up here to be a part of the virtual event!  This 30 minute virtual presentation will reveal more details about the ship, new spaces and new guest experiences!  It will also include character appearances and surprise performances!!!  I suspect that they'll also use renderings to make us feel like we're walking through the ship... and I personally can't wait to tune in tomorrow!

A Dream is a Wish my heart makes... and that Wish will soon come true!!!  °o°