Some wonderful changes have happened aboard the Disney Wonder. If you’ve been waiting to book a cruise, now is the time to look at seeing the world. Let me know how I can help you plan a magical vacation traveling on your favorite ship or on land at Disney World or Disneyland.

By Disney Destinations: Thank you for the beautiful pictures and information.

This week, the Disney Wonder set sail and delighted everyone with a collection of brand-new enhancements! The centerpiece of the beautiful and exciting changes throughout the ship was unveiled — French Quarter Lounge. Here, the wonderful world of Princess Tiana comes to life in new ways with the addition of this New Orleans-themed lounge that transports guests deeper into the heart of the city’s iconic French Quarter. 

Inspired by the Disney animated feature “The Princess and the Frog,” the French Quarter Lounge is the perfect complement to Tiana’s Place Restaurant, which is just steps away on the Disney Wonder. The jazzy lounge invites you deeper into the story. 

Each evening at the French Quarter Lounge, you can enjoy live music on the lounge’s gazebo stage, sip a New Orleans-themed specialty drink and dance the night away.

The French Quarter Lounge is designed as a whimsical outdoor space in New Orleans featuring decorative details like a storefront window with a wrought-iron balcony above. If you are fans of “The Princess and the Frog,” you’ll notice that the hats in the display are inspired by hats worn by your favorite characters in the film.

Throughout the lounge, other inspired details include a full-sized streetcar on the St. Charles line – the same trolley that Tiana rides in the film. Authentic wooden bench seating creates a cozy place to sit, listen to music and experience the ambiance. You can step aboard the handsome streetcar which is the picture-perfect spot for family memories.

The bar is a focal part of the lounge with New Orleans-style wrought-iron adornments and shutters. In addition to offering specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages and coffees, the bar also displays elements inspired by the popular character, Dr. Facilier. A mural on the wall is painted with Dr. Facilier’s shadow and his business card from the film – another cool photo spot! A door in the area is based on the entrance to Dr. Facilier’s shop, with signage and three flickering “candles” overhead.

The story continues all day long in the French Quarter Lounge with New Orleans-themed family activities, trivia, character meet-and-greets and music that bring the bayou spirit of family gatherings and fun to life.

Elsewhere on the Disney Wonder, adults have a reimagined space all their own in Cove Café, an exclusive retreat redesigned as a coffee shop for world travelers, complete with warm, comfortable and trendy décor. 

With ample, seating and ocean views, Cove Café is the perfect place to sip a specialty coffee or tea throughout the day, and indulge in wine or a cocktail and light bites during the evening hours. Just steps away, the adjacent Signals Bar has also received an update with a similar look.

Vibe, the space on the ship reserved for teens ages 14-17, has transformed into a contemporary place to hang out with friends while at sea. The club has a timeless feel with an open, bright redesign that includes framed quotes on the walls, a light color palette and metal work. A new coffee bar and updated virtual reality technology add to the list of activities just for teens. 

Aboard the Disney Wonder, you can experience a variety of itineraries and ports of call throughout the year including Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, Caribbean and Bahamas. For the first time, the Disney Wonder will also call New Orleans home in 2020 with Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from this new home port beginning Feb. 7. And just announced, the Disney Wonder will be returning to New Orleans in early 2021. 

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover” – Mark Twain