Disney Cruise Line Disney Wonder

Promenade Deck

This was the big walkway that wrapped around the entire ship, on Deck 4.

Wide World of Sports Deck

Sitting at the forward end of Deck 10, this netted area of the ship had equipment for basketball, soccer, table tennis and Foosball. For most of the day and into the evening it was fairly packed with kids, with various tournaments announced in the daily Personal Navigator newsletter.

Deck 10

The Wide World of Sports area occupied the forward section of Deck 10, but the further we got away from that frenetic area, the quieter things got. There were lots of deck chairs at mid-ship, but towards the rear of the deck, a sign instructed us not to bring sun beds to that area (perhaps for fear Palo diners might see us!).

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One night of the cruise is designated at Pirates IN the Caribbean night, and pirate outfits are encouraged. A themed menu takes over the dining rooms (other than Palo) and eye patches and ; a 45-minute party on decks 9 and 10 culminates in fireworks and a flyover by Mickey Mouse (we were told that, for environmental considerations, the fireworks are curtailed on Alaska cruises). For dancing amid the crowd, stick to Deck 9; for the best view of the fireworks and Mickey, aim for Deck 10.

Goofy’s Family Pool

At mid-ship on Deck 9, this was one of the busiest areas of the ship, the one pool that could be enjoyed by parents and kids together. Considering the number of water-lovers on the ship, the four-foot-deep pool was a bit small, and deck chairs were in high demand. A pair of small whirlpools were at one end of the pool, also usually full.

Overhead, a 24 × 14-foot jumbo LED screen nicknamed Funnel Vision offered movies and entertainment through the day and evening. Throughout our cruise the movies shown were Disney (and Pixar) classics: Sleeping Beauty, Ratatouille, Swiss Family Robinson, etc. Below the screen was an outdoor stage where some entertainment was offered. The stage was the focus of attention during the “Pirates IN the Caribbean” deck party, when the pool was covered and converted to a dance floor.

Mickey’s Childrens’ Pool

Located on Deck 9 aft, this pool was dedicated to youngest cruisers, a Mickey-shaped pool just one foot deep, with a bright yellow slide snaking into the pool. To use the slide, kids had to be between age 4 and 14, and between 38 and 64 inches in height. A crewmember staffed the slide when it was open. The area was packed throughout the day—though the kids didn’t seem to mind.

An additional Splash Zone to one side was designed specifically for children under 3 wearing swim diapers; water depth here was just a couple inches, with playful fountains for endless entertainment.

There are no sun loungers here, just deck chairs and tables, many of which were in use by passengers dining at Pluto’s Dog House.

Quiet Cove

One of Disney Wonder’s designated adult hideouts, the Quiet Cove was not exactly hidden—it was perched right behind the spa on Deck 9 forward—but kids tended to stay clear, making this pool the best outdoor area for grownups seeking sun and quiet. The pool was the same size as Goofy’s Family Pool (4 feet deep), and there were two small whirlpool spas flanking one end and Signals bar at the other. The sun loungers here are upgraded, with cushions and towels at the ready, and there were usually empty ones available.

Aft Overlook

Tucked away on Deck 7, this deck has sun loungers and little else, not even a soundtrack. Its hideaway location—not shown on any ship maps—means it can be a good spot to escape the crowds. The deck is closed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.